We now have 4 under 4!

Last month Alexander turned 3 so we can no longer say we have "3 under 3." And I am OK with that! He had a fun Buzz Lightyear birthday party with lots of friends, cake, and candy (by way of a Buzz pinata). 



Cousin Oliver got to join Alexander's class celebration -A was so excited!!

Buzz Lightyear home-made chocolate cake, made by Grandma of course

I am embarassed to admit that although the party was super fun, it was way too chaotic for me to keep track of gifts given to Alexander. At one point I walked into the room and he was tearing into gift bags. Whoops. So, for that I apologize publicly to anyone reading this who gave Alexander a gift and didn't receive a "thank you" from us!! If it makes you feel any better, he fully enjoys all of his toys and clothes so I can honestly say whatever you got him, he loved it. :) And to those of you who followed my advice and didn't bring a gift, thanks for that too. Our house is wall-to-wall toys and one less new toy is one less toy we have to pick up every night.

Alexander has thankfully left the terrible 2's and I have yet to see the psychotic 3's that some people have worried me about. He is calmer, more helpful with the trips, and for the most part, knows when we mean business. It is more of a struggle to get him to eat dinner these days but man does he love his snacks (raisins, gold fish, yogurt, gummies, pretzels, etc.) The triplets are up and down with their appetite: some days they can sure put away the groceries and I have visions of one of us getting a 2nd job when they enter their teen years and are eating their weight in food; other days they are less interested.

One of the small joys of having triplets is that commonplace things that might be a struggle with one child are really exciting for the triplets. One such example is tooth brushing. They love doing it and get excited when we break them out at bedtime. I don't know if they think they are big boys or if it's because they each have their own personal toothbrush, but they love it.

The triplets are talking (more like babbling) up a storm. They all love books but Winston is clearly the book worm. He will carry around a book, not necessarily the same one, all day long. Winston is very conscientious about the order and place of things. He will bring shoes to their owner and insist on us putting them on, he will help me bring cups downstairs when it's time for breakfast, close doors when they are cracked, etc. He is an anal mini-me and I love it!

Theodore is playful and gives million $ smiles, but is mischevious too. He is the climber who has taught everyone else to move stools and chairs around to turn the light switches on and off, on and off, on and off...

Benjamin is very sweet and loving, he is a like a big teddy bear. He also is the bully that just walks up to someone and takes their toy away. Then he has a fit when the toy he has stolen has to be returned. They are all starting to play the games we play with Alexander, like playing chase and throwing balls. They are expert stair climbers and understand most of what we say. I can't wait until they can have conversations with all of us. Or maybe I can... :)

They all just had their 18 month well-visits at the doctor and all are doing great. Theo and Winston are 29 lbs and Benjamin is a whopping 32 lbs (+95th percentile!). They are all between 30-31.5", with Theodore being the tallest. Speaking of check-ups, Alexander's 3yr appointment was great as well- size wise, he was 41lbs, 41".

If you want to see the trips in action, here is a video of them in action.



Theodore in jammies

Benjamin and Winston in their jammies
 

See ya January

Winston in the hospital :(

So the boys decided to kick off the new year with RSV and then pink eye! Winston had so much trouble breathing we had to go to the ER and then ended up staying over night. Although it was exhausting to sleep in a twin bed with a 16 month old, I also realize how lucky we are to not have anyone chronically ill requiring us to be at the hospital on a long-term basis. The people at East TN Children's Hospital are wonderful but a hospital visit is never fun.

Meanwhile, we have had an ice storm and what felt like a blizzard in these parts. Of course in East Tennessee fashion, it was sunny and warm 24 hours later. Alexander got to play outside in the snow with daddy, and the boys loved watching from inside.

The babies are doing well. Winston still walks around like he owns the place. Theodore is either hanging on me or off doing something on his own. Benjamin has been very happy and content. All are understanding so much and starting to say words (in addition to momma & dada, banana, apple, "i want that!", and more) and animal sounds. They definitely have a love/hate relationship with each other. They know each other so well, it is so interesting to watch how they know and respond to each other.

Alexander finally has his colors down. I think his favorite is green. He has gotten so self-sufficient about a lot of things too- he goes to the bathroom when he needs to, helps feed the babies/fetch their cups when they drop, and go get a snack when he's hungry (this is not always a good thing...) He is excited about his birthday party in February: Buzz Lightyear!

A couple of highlights in early 2013:

• We finally decided to introduce teeth-brushing to the babies. They actually freaking love it and we have to tear the brushes away from them. Don't worry - their teeth weren't totally neglected until now. But we just did the ole swipe with the wet washcloth until now.

• All of a sudden I feel like I am living in a nudist camp. Alexander insists on sleeping in the nude and the babies feel the most comfortable in their birthday suit. I don't know how long this will last but I'm sure right around the time I start to get used to it, it will no longer be appropriate.

• Alexander has discovered donuts and he likey. I wish Krispy Kreme could secretly mix in a serving of veggies so I could feel better about it. But they are just so dang good.

A sigh of relief

When I look back over the past year, I breathe a sigh of relief that we made it. For me, 2012 was a constant test of adaptability. Whether it be physical, mental, financial, or professional, we found ourselves having to adapt to change on a weekly basis. Most significantly, our family of six adapted to a new home and being on our own, and from having 3 infants and a toddler to 3 toddlers and a little boy. We have settled in quite nicely with each other and our current daily routine.

I expect 2013 to be more about endurance and making time for each other, whether it's a much-needed family vacation or date night for Nate and I. The boys' routine will probably continue for the most part throughout the rest of this year. My goal for the triplets is to be done with diapers by 2014!! I hope Alexander will begin to see his brothers more as playmates and less as little babies that he has to tolerate. I see that happening more and more now that all 3 triplets are walking well, but I think when they start talking Alexander will find them more interactive.

Towards the end of 2012, Nate and I found a few quick getaways gave us some space to reconnect after a year of all of our energy being directed towards the kids. We realize that we need to make more time on a frequent basis to communicate and share ideas. That will be a challenge with our busy schedules but fortunately the kids are getting easier to handle (not lighter but more independent and able to follow directions) so childcare will hopefully be less of a problem towards the end of 2013.

One of the greatest things I learned in 2012 is to keep things in perspective. Even with all of the sweat, tears, and blood we had to overcome last year, we still have a pretty amazing life. We are fortunate to be able to more than provide for our family. We are fortunate our boys are all healthy and happy. And we are fortunate we are surrounded by family and friends that love us.

Whenever I am out and other mothers are shocked by how much energy I have to care for 4 boys under 3, I tell them "You do what you gotta do" and smile. It's true, you do what you gotta do. But the truth is I am the luckiest woman in the world. And I am grateful I get to wear that crown for another year.


The triplets all watch intently as Alexander dives into the air. Later, Winston tries to copy his big brother, unsuccessfully. Fortunately, no trips were made to the hospital on this day. :)



Christmas time at Grandma's house (L to R: Benjamin, Theodore, Alexander, Winston and my mom)

Aunt Becca was kind enough to make a video of the boys during her wonderful, long visit in December. Thank you auntie! http://youtu.be/c70YEP3QLbw

This is what it's all about

Yesterday was a day of great high's and low's, although I admit the low's could be much worse and we should count ourselves lucky. I took the triplets to their 15 month appointment. It was hectic and I was so glad to have my grandma and our nanny Jessica with us. We experienced temper tantrums that would knock your socks off during the 1 hour visit (which included a longer than usual wait) at the doctor's office. The boys were happy to be out and they proudly showed off their skills. But they also had some major fits when the wait (without snacks, for which I take full responsibility) became unbearable and they started to wonder what was behind closed cabinets and objects that were off limits in the patient waiting room. Then to top it all off, they got 4 shots which sent them all over the edge and we left with them all 3 wailing at the top of their lungs. When I finally got to work to start my work day, I was completely exhausted.

Theodore and Winston weighed in at 27 lbs, and big Benjamin was 31 lbs! They were all around 32" tall and between 70 and 95th+ percentile. Within the last week Theodore has shown real interest in walking and has started to make up for lost time. He is taking several steps now and even trying to walk to nearby destination points umprompted. Benjamin is getting better and better every day. It looks like they will also be true toddlers by Christmas!

My greatest high of the day was after dinner time when I was at the kitchen sink cleaning dishes. I paused when I heard giggles coming from the other room and realized all 4 boys were in there playing happily with each other. Alexander was talking and interacting with Benjamin, and the other two were chasing each other (playfully). My heart was heavy as I realized in that moment that we are finally getting to a place that I had always dreamed about: our children playing with each other and filling our house with laughter and joy. It was a wonderful feeling.

Fall fun

Weather has mostly been amazing this fall so we have had some great times outside. The boys love to explore, whether its in our backyard, at a park, or the zoo. They can't get enough. When we go out with the triplet wagon we get lots of stares and people ask, "wow, I've never seen a wagon like that. I need one of those!" It is pretty great. We only wish we had a small u-haul to connect to the back to haul all of our gear too!

 

We had a great time at TVUUC trunk-or-treating at Halloween. The boys were monkeys and Alexander was Spiderman. Alexander even helped mommy carve pumpkins!

 

 

Babies with GMA the good witch

Now for a progress report: Winston was a proficient walker by 14 mos. By 15 mos, Benjamin is able to walk from Point A to B but walking still isn't his primary mode of transportation like it is for Winston. He is very motivated though and is so proud of himself when he takes several steps in a row. Theodore on the other hand is not so motivated. He can definitely take steps and walk if he wanted, but he still isn't very interested. A few times we have praised him for when he does try but it's almost like he's too cool for school!

Winston

Benjamin
 

Theodore

Sweet Alexander in Daddy's cap

 

 Mommy with 3 of her boys :)

 Can't wait for more fun times at Grandma's house for Thanksgiving tomorrow!

Growing pains

It is incomprehensible to me how fast time is flying. The boys are growing leaps and bounds. Everyday someone discovers something new, learns a new skill, or reveals a new personality trait. Over the last two months the babies have sailed through some exciting milestones:

• Getting rid of all bottles!! You better believe I had those boxed up and donated immediately.
• Transitioning fully to whole milk
• Consolidating their naps so they are down to 1 in the middle of the day (which coincides with Alexander's nap)
• Adding reading and snack as part of the bedtime routine.

bedtime snack (L to R: Winston, Theodore, and Benjamin)

The babies continue to amaze us. They have so much energy and love their independence, but remind me constantly that they also need lots of cuddles and kisses. And, last but not least.... WE HAVE A WALKER! Winston is walking everywhere and doing such a great job with it. He has amazing balance and is so cute when he brings me shoes (doesn't matter if they are mine, Alexander's, his, daddy's) for me to put on him. Benjamin is starting to admire the praise we give Winston for walking and is starting to show interest in walking. I have caught him standing and trying to balance, but hasn't taken steps yet. He has a blast (huge grins and giggles) when I hold his hands and help him walk. I predict he will be walking within the next month. Theodore, on the other hand, is completely unfazed by Winston's walking and has zero interest. He is pushing carts and trains now, which is an improvement, but when I hold his hands to practice walking, he immediately locks his legs in a sitting position.

All of this growth is accompanied with increased stubborness and mischief. They are little rascals I tell you, throwing food defiantly from their high chairs, pushing and shoving, insisting on constantly climbing stairs, and vying for momma's lap. They sure like their freedom and really enjoy it when we just give them free reign of the house. This really only works when 2+ adults are present.

I honestly walked away for a minute and come back to these guys booking it up the stairs! There is now yet another gate propped up top block the stairwell entrance.

Our sweet Alexander is 2 and a 1/2 and acts like it. He is talking in complete sentences, singing the ABC's (sort of), and most impressively puts puzzles together like a champ. He really enjoys it but it is almost impossible to do with the triplets hovering around trying to run off with the pieces. Alexander is interacting more and more with the babies, giving them hugs and kisses, tickling them, bossing them around, comforting them when they're upset, and learning how to share. The babies look up to him so much and act like they have died and gone to heaven when he loves on them.

His growth is also not without struggles. I think he struggles in particular with being a big boy and doing things on his own, and then still wanting to be held and babied. He has days where he is all smiles and sunshine, and then there are days where he just wants to be held and doesn't want to go to school. We all have days like that, don't we? 
 

A in his Buzz Lightyear jammies!

   

Alexander happy to be at Disney on Ice

Halloween is around the corner and Alexander is so excited to be Spiderman. We got the costume a while back so he wears it almost daily. He is planning to go trick or treating with cousin next week. The babies are going to be monkeys, thanks to great-grandma finding cute matching costumes for them! Stay tuned for pics from Sat night when we go with GMA trunk or treating at her church.



Happy Birthday x 3!

Alexander making birthday muffins

We made it!! The babies turned 1 last week and boy did we celebrate. On their birthday morning, Alexander, daddy, and I woke them up with blueberry muffins singing "happy birthday to you!" Alexander helped each one of them blow their candle out. He was such a proud big brother.

We let them eat their muffins in their cribs and it was hilarious how each of them approached it. Benjamin stood up to receive his muffin and ate it immediately, he didn't even sit down to enjoy it! I barely had anything to clean up. He is my sweet little piglet. Winston was kind of perplexed about the whole thing, took a few bites then kind of rolled around in it. Theodore sat down with the muffin between his legs and quaintly picked at and ate his muffin. He is the epitome of cute.

Winston with muffin crumbs wondering what's going on

Theodore with his muffin in bed

Benjamin standing and eating on birthday morning

 

Alexander was so funny about eating the muffins upstairs. We have a rule that you can't eat upstairs (because it is carpeted) and he was very concerned about the babies eating in their cribs. I told him it was a special occasion but he still wouldn't eat his muffin until I sat him down, put a blanket over his lap and assured him multiples times that it was OK. He gobbled it up very fast in case I changed my mind. :)

At one year, we have a great routine and things are so much easier than they were in the beginning. Alexander is more forgiving (although he still wants to rip their heads off sometimes) and seems to find more humor in the everyday chaos. We find special time with him and he really appreciates it. He is potty trained but has an occasional poo-poo accident and sometimes it is a struggle to get him to go when we need to leave the house, etc. All in all, he is thriving and Nate and I comment everyday what a great boy he is.

Benjamin is our chunky, cuddly teddy bear. He is tough and sometimes a bully, but he definitely has a soft side and loves cuddles. My dad nick-named him "rodeo" because of his fearless and fun nature. His deep chesty laughs crack us up and his eyes are so expressive. He weighed in at 28 lbs and 31" at his 1 yr doc appt. Benjamin is cruising well but not standing or walking alone yet. He is the biggest guy by far so I don't expect him to walk first.

Happy Benjamin

Benjamin AKA "Rodeo" riding the pony at their birthday party

Theodore is pure sunshine and mellow as can be. He is a little on the sensitive side but he is definitely getting better. When I said he is the epitome of cute, he seriously is. I don't often look at the other boys and say, "awe, how cute!" But we are constantly looking at Theo and saying, "now that is freaking cute." He has this megawatt smile and is content with just playing by himself in a corner for a long period of time. He does this thing when you're holding him on your side and looking away from him (in our case, watching other kids), he will peek his head around to stare right into your face, as if to say, "Hi there, how are you?" I have never seen another kid do that. He loves eye contact. Theo weighed the least at 24 lbs (still in 73rd percentile) and also at 31". He doesn't seem too interested in walking although he cruises just as much as the other guys.

Winston Winston Winston. This guy is a handful and I would say the biggest "momma's boy." When Winston is happy his whole body shows it. His face is so expressive and he has these fierce eyes that show you he is either up to no good (and very happy) or very upset. He is probably the most advanced and really close to walking any day now. He just needs a little more confidence but physically I think he could do it. I wonder if when he takes off walking one day the others will follow soon after. All of the boys adore Alexander but Winston is probably the most in awe of his big brother. In fact, I could see him aligning with Alexander when they get older and the other two boys pairing up (with Benjamin being the protector of Theodore). Winston weighed in at 25 lbs and 30".

 

 

They are all saying "mama", "dada", and "uh oh", but they clearly understand much more. They are all on whole milk (good riddance formula!!) and we are down to one bottle at night. They are eating everything which is such a relief. Each of them have their favorites but it is nice to just make one meal for everyone now.

They had an amazing birthday party. Lots of friends and family came to celebrate three amazing boys and the journey we have all had this year. Here are some pictures from that fabulous day.


My mom outdid herself as usual and made the cutest (and extremely yummy) circus cakes for the boys.

Great-grandma got the boys their very own trains (shown here with Grandpa D) and they love them.

All the boys chowing down on cake (including the big guy who is addicted to icing like his mother.) It took them a little while to realize they had a big block of deliciousness in front of them but they finally got it.

Alexander posing on the pony.

 

 Theodore was not so crazy about the pony ride so he stuck with Papi.

 

Winston with GMA and the goats who did a great job of trimming our weeds (yes we had ponies AND goats.)

 

Now on to year #2 of life at the ranch...