Let it snow, Let it snow, Let it snow

Today we got hit with a snow storm. The last snow we got the kids woke up with the snow already on the ground, so today they woke from their naps and got to see it snowing. They were again very excited! Here they are all peering out the window...

While the kids and I were in the nice warm house, Jeremy took the time to put up our outdoor Christmas lights. They look absolutely beautiful. I just had to take some pictures...

After seeing how beautiful it was and the weather was not totally awful, I decided that we would take the kids outside to see the lights after supper. So we dressed them in their snow boots, winter jackets, hats and mittens and headed outside. They were a little taken back by how heavy the snow was but we made it over to the pine tree with the color lights. They were pretty amazed by the whole situation. We took some pictures of them in their awe.

They are just too precious!!!

Love, Jen

Miscellaneous Mayhem

This post has some various pictures taken within the last few days. I thought I would share them. This first one is Zach lounging on the back of the couch. While Jeremy was gone Zach pushed the boundaries, this is one of the many boundaries pushed, but caught on film.


This picture is of the three reading. Normally Alex and Liz sit together but this time Zach wanted to join. As you can see from Liz's face she is not to pleased with the situation.


On Wednesday I took some time to myself and left the kids with the big kid aka daddy. The kids decided to do a monkey pile and daddy got it on film. Those crazy kids!

I worked Friday afternoon, so we had time to spend as a family. As many of you know it is "Black Friday" and although we did not get out and hit the stores...Alex was prepared. I guess if you have a lot of purses it must mean you have more to spend...NOT! Yes that is 4 purses around his neck.

Later that morning the kids attacked daddy and did a monkey pile on him. I think they are pretty happy he is home!

Daddy was also brave enough to eat his bowl of cereal in the play area. That ended up with him having to share...lol!

Gobble, Gobble

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone! Thanksgiving is not just a time to "stuff" yourself full of delicious food and pies, but a time to reflect on the things you are thankful for. For me (and I am sure Jeremy would agree with this as well) I am thankful for MANY things, too many to list here without boring you. The things I am most thankful for are my husband and my children. What can I say about Jeremy. I love him more and more each day. He is my best friend and soulmate. He has been through all the ups and downs with me, standing by my side. We have a great relationship that we have built on great communication. He is an amazing father. I love watching him with the kids. My three miracles...where do I start...I do not know what I would do without them. Although the journey was a very rough one, I am thankful for it as it makes me very grateful to be given the chance to be their mother. Children as such a gift and should never be taken for granted. I am so grateful for the person they have made me and the things they have taught me. I love them so much. Their smiles, hugs, kisses and even some tantrums melt my heart. I have a hard time remembering what life was like prior to them and could not imagine life without them. Time flies so fast, but the memories still play in my head like a film. From being wheeled into the NICU for the very 1st time to eating Thanksgiving dinner with them. I could go on and on as they are my pride and joy. I am also very thankful for all the generous things that people have done for us. I am especially thankful for our families and friends, our support system. So I will end this on this note...as you think of the bad days you may have there is always someone with a worse day, so be thankful for the day you were given.

Our little monkeys all dressed up and stuffed full...

The loves of my life...

Ok so enough serious stuff...here are the fun pictures of our day at my parents' house for Thanksgiving...Liz wearing Grandpa's hunting hat (he very first one ever...it is like an antique...lol)

Alexis and Alex playing pretend at the kids table...

You can dress a tom boy up but you can't for them to play with girlie things...

Akexis and Zach using the toy container as a toy...why not, right...lol

Alex trying a pot on for a hat...looks good handsome...

Jeremy with all the kids....

Zach sitting nicely acting like is he not doing anything wrong...

Like father, like son...

Zach watching out the door as Auntie Jean goes out...

Liz goofing aroun on mommy's lap...

Zach trying on another of Grandpa's hunting hats...this being a newer version...

Daddy carrying Zach...Zach is having a blast...

Alexander, Elizabeth, Zachary and Alexis

The prized baby and stroller...it is first come first serve and if you leave it, it is free game...

Zach "helping" Uncle Momo find a job for after he graduates...

Zach "helping" auntie Jean with her shoppinglist for Black Friday...

A house inside a house...

Not only did daddy bring home meat to feed the family but also a new toy. Now this is not just any toy, but a house! Thansgiving morning was quite exciting for the kids. When they came downstairs after getting dressed they got to see the new addition to the play area. We would like to say a HUGE thank you to Aunt Jeanne, Uncle Brent, Mackenzie, Morgan and Maddie. The kids LOVE the new house. The kids are very entertaining while they play. They will go into the house using the side window and then come out of the house using the front window...and occassionally the door will be used...lol! Here are some pictures of them first meeting their new toy. Thanks again.
Love, Jen

Playing in our winter wonderland

As you know from the previous posts we received our first measureable snowfall. I invited grandma over to help take them out to play in the snow for the first time. With having three to put snow pants, jackets, snowboots, hats, and mittens on it is essential to move fast as meltdowns can come on quickly, so the extra hand was very nice to have. The boys looked great in their snowsuits but poor Liz looked like the Michelin Tires mascot. She is just so petite and her snowsuit is so puffy. Here they are headed to the door.

They were a little hesitant playing. I credit that to the different outerwear as well as a wind that was not pleasant. Something new can be scary for anyone. I had high expectations due to their reactions to it in the house, but never considered all the variables. All in all the outing went well. Liz tried to move around the best she could. Here she is debating getting on the teeter totter.

Zach seemed to adapt well to the snow. But he tends to adapt well to new situations great...it is easy when you fear nothing. He also showed me that he will soon be helping daddy clean up the snow...he LOVES to shovel. I need to find snow shovels for the kids as I only have a garden shovel for them. I found some the other day but they were for bigger kids. Anyways, he did a great job shoveling.

Both Liz and Alex tried the slippery slide. Both seemed to enjoy it. Once we have a bunch of snow that they can slide into it will be MUCH better. :)

Everyone tried a ride on toy. They needed assistance but had a good time. Grandma helped Alex with the tractor...

Liz hopped on her car but was too puffy. She did finally get off and pushed the car instead. :)

Grandma helped find the hidden toys and had put the lawn mowers into the wagon. Zach decided to take them for a ride.

And then after about 45 minuntes of playing we headed back in...

I am not "SuperMom"...

Ok, I have said it. I am not "supermom" although I try hard. I want to be able to do it all, but sometimes it is just not possible and asking for help is extremely hard.
So you may ask why am I bringing this up now. Well it is the wonderful time of year that the men (and women) dress in bright orange and arm themselves with guns and go hunting. I have been a hunting widow since Friday morning.
I did not anticipate this time alone to be terribly difficult but I was thrown a curve ball. I normally get cleaning done and various other things. This year was so much more challenging then last year. Last year the kids were 9 months old - just crawling, still drinking bottles and on a 3 naps a day schedule. Who knew I would look back and think that was easy...lol! The kids were more aware this year that daddy was missing and it threw them off. Naps and nighttimes became nightmares! Attitudes in general were just off. I did some things without planning them completely. My things I wanted to get done, did not get done.
We went to my parent's place Saturday for supper. It was nice not having to cook and to have another set of eyes to watch them. The only bad thing I did not take into consideration trying to get three exhausted kids who are already in PJs into the house and to bed without MAJOR meltdowns. Thankfully Jean followed me home to help...disaster averted!
Actually this post could be title "Thank heavens for sisters". Jean was my saving grace these past 4 days. Not only did she help out after my parent's on Saturday but her and Alexis joined me for supper on Friday and we had the kids all bathed together, so I had a helping hand with that task. They also joined us for supper Sunday, Monday and tonight AND she made the supper! Last night was bath night again and all 4 bathed together. I cannot thank her enough for helping me out with not only meals and baths but discipline for the kids. We both agree on how to discipline so it works out nicely. So Jean if you are reading this...THANK YOU!!! I cannot express how much I appreciate all you did!
So for all the single triplet moms and triplet mommies that have husband that travel a lot...I give you props! You rock!
Jeremy is now home. The kids were happy to see him. They will spend tomorrow together while I get out and relax a bit. Not only did his trip include some quality time with his parents but 2 deer which will help feed our growing kids.
Love, Jen
Alex reading to Zach...they are in LOVE with books right now!!!

Zach using the doll stroller as a chair.

Here are all 4 kids playing in daddy's (uncle Jeremy's) rocker...

Children are so innocent...

It snowed this morning. First measurable snow for the season. So most people in this area woke and looked out their windows and probably groaned. The snow fell during rush hour so traffic was a mess...not a great way to start the day much less the week.
I brought the kids down from upstairs, where they could not see that it had snowed. I had a blast listening to them and watching them run from window to window. They looked out each window they could reach. At every window Alex would say "wow, wow". The snowfall was one that stuck to all the trees...just beautiful. This is the first time the kids have seen snow. They were just too young last year to understand.
We as adults take too many things for granted. I am pretty positive most adults did not look out and say "wow" at the amazing snowfall. The innocence of children is just amazing to watch!
Love, Jen
Alex peering out the window...
Liz looking at the pine trees covered in snow...

Zach looking out the window...

The three of them checking out the new look of outside...

Another good check-up...

Today was the 21 month appointment with our pediatrician. Things went fine and the kids are doing great. We only had a few concerns today. One being Alex's front teeth. The other two have their 4 front teeth in and have had them for a while, so we were concerned about Alex only having in the two. She said that if they are not in by 2ish that we should have x-rays done to see if they are there and if no so the dentist can put in spacers. Not having baby teeth does not mean that adult teeth will not grow, so that is helpful to know. The other concern we had was with Zach. He seems to walk a little pigeoned-toed. After watching him walk the ped. said it was not his feet at all. It is his hips and his femurs. The femurs still have a curve to them, which is partly from how he was positioned in me. His hips tend to curve inward, which we will watch how he sits as to not make it worse. Both things should correct themselves by age 3. So nothing too serious. She also gave us some useful advice about potty training. So a very good visit with only one shot, the flu shot. They are so good, no one cried for the shot. I told Jeremy on the way home that they must get that from me and all the shots I endured to have them...lol! Anyways here are their stats:
*Alexander is 24.8# and 35 1/2" tall. He grew 1 1/2" in 3 months! He is 95th percentile for height and 25% for weight. Doctor is happy with both.
*Elizabeth is 22.8# and 35" tall. She grew 1 3/4" in 3 months! She is in the 96th percentile for height and 12% for weight. Doctor is a little concerned about weight but she eats like a horse and is VERY tall.
*Zachary is 24.4# and 34 3/4" tall. Shortest of the group but he grew 1" in 3 months, still not bad! We did not get his percentiles but he should be very similar to Alex.
I attached a picture I took the other day. I had them dressed in coordinating outfits (which does not happen often) and tried to get some pictures taken for our Christmas card. The kids all laid down while I rearranged our "set". They laid down like this on their own, all I had to do was pull them a little closer to each other so they would all fit in the frame. Can you tell they are thrilled about this whole process?!?!
Enjoy,
Jen

November Pictures!!!

Here are the many pictures I thought you'd like to see.
We had to cut down the big tree in our front yard due to it being rotten. A few days after it was cut down I had the kids outside and decided to take a picture with them on the stump. As you can see Liz was thrilled with my idea.
The kids enjoyed watching daddy work on the tree from the picture window in the living room. They would wave at him.

Self portrait of Alex and me...

Self portrait of Zach and me...

Daddy and Liz working on the LeapPad...

Daddy and Zach working on the LeapPad...

After we took the fence down from protecting the TV we let the kids use it as a "house" which they enjoyed going in ond out of the door, hiding in it and putting all their toys in it. Then one night the boys decided to disassemble it. We let them and they had a great time playing with all the pieces. We got it on film too.

These are pictures from the last time playing with the leaves before they were picked up and moved. They absolutely loved having the extra "toy", can't wait to see them in the snow!

Alexis was here the day that we played for the last time. The kids used the table for more than just juice, but leaves too.

Everyone jump into the giant leaf pile!!!

Trip to the NICU...picture of the family...very different from the last family picture we had at the NICU on the day that Liz and Zach were discharged.

Liz loves her little doll highchair (which is a stool and a chair as well). This day she decided to cover it with the Green Bay Packer blanket and sit down. She is just too funny!!!

Zach and Alexis wrestling...

Every so often Alex will grab a book and just start reading...

After dinner while Jeremy and I were cleaning up the kids began playing with their ice cream buckets. After getting the lids off Liz found a different way to play with them...

then Zach joined in...

and finally Alex tried too.

After rearranging the toys in the play area and making the wooden toy box that was not accessible before part of their play things, the kids had to try it out...first the boys...

then Liz and Alex...

and finally all 3!

Alex and Zach wrestling...

The loves of my life...daddy and the kiddos...

Future model??? As the other 2 were playing on the floor I turn to find Alex with his hand in his pocket like he was modeling the pants he had on...lol!

The boys playing in a basket too small for the both of them but nevermind that...Zach is trying some of the yummy pretend food and Alex is dialing up someone to talk to...

Alex must have reached someone...

and both of them trying to read the same book.

While the boys played in the basket Liz played on the couch cushion...trying her pretend food...

She is a goofy girl...

Group picture...think they are getting too big for the one chair...

Usually silence in the house is a bad thing...I would say 98% of the time...but a few times it has been a good thing...this time I found Liz and Alex sharing the chair reading their own books...

reading does not have to be serious stuff, right?!?!?

Not only were Alex and Liz reading but Zach found himself a good spot on the couch...

again not always serious stuff!

Another step closer to the BIG 2

A few days late but here it is...the kids are now 21 months old. Getting closer and closer to being 2 years old. Not sure if I am ready for them to be that old yet! ;) We go in for a 21 month check up this Friday so I will have all their stats to share then. What I can tell you is that they are non stop chatter most days. It is a must watch what you say as they will repeat what you say or do. They are always testing the boundaries. They continue to explore everything...they are so curious about everything. The interaction between them is getting more and more playful and imaginative. A new thing that they are doing is able to eat a sandwich not cut up into little squares (this makes PB&Js a lot cleaner...lol). They continue to do great with cereal. They are all in love with Elmo! They love to sit and read to each other or us or to themselves. We have stopped using the monitor during the night. I think it was just a matter of weaning myself off of it, of course the kids do not notice anything different. We still use it when they are napping, but that is because they are upstairs and I am downstairs. The only other thing I can think of that has happened since the last post is I gave the boys their second haircuts today. They did well again. I cut it shorter this time so I can actually put gel into it and spike it. Don't worry when I do that I will post the pics as they will be to cute not to share!
The pictures attached were taken on Sunday. It started with just Alex and Liz sharing the laundry basket and then Zach wanted to join. You can see how excited Liz is about that. But in the end they did not mind sharing the same space for a little bit.
Love, Jen
PS I will be putting a picture post on as it seems I have some great pictures but never posted them here.

Cereal and Soup

After hearing how well Alexis did with eating cereal I decided to try it for myself. So on Friday morning we did away with our "normal" breakfast for a bowl of cereal. Let me just preface the results with saying that we taught the kids to use a fork first and rarely give them spoons - just something we did, right or wrong who knows. Honestly I was anticipating a mess, but proceeded to try anyways. Well like everything else these kids have done well, they followed suit with this task. They were not that messy and used a utensil more at this breakfast than at most (breakfast us usually a finger friendly meal and when you are hungry, you are HUNGRY...forget the darn fork). I had to refill the bowls a couple times...I found it hard to judge how much to give to equal what they normally get (did not want anyone to go hungry). No bowls got tipped over, in fact Zach handed me his bowl as carefully as he hands me his plate when he is "all done". So a very successful attempt...and yet another thing to add to our menu.
So on our dinner menu Sundays are leftover night. With there being only a few leftovers and it being cold outside I thought soup and grill cheese sounded great but what to feed the kids. They have tried my soup with me feeding them it but not their own. After doing so well at the cereal I thought I would push them a little. Jeremy asked if I was sure I wanted to try this on a non-bath night. Why not I said...worst thing I have to give them a bath. I made their grill cheeses and heated up the soup (and it was not chicken in stars but Chunky Soup, why not...right). We gave them each a bowl AND a plate...talk about throwin' them a curve ball. They never cease to amaze me...not only did they leave the bowls and plates where we put them but they ate like champs...even dipping their sandwich piece in the soup. Results...no bath needed (what was he so worried about??? Ok he did not see the cereal event so he was worried, I'll give him that...lol).
Here are the pictures from the cereal challenge. I did not take pictures of the soup.
Enjoy,
Jen

A trip to the NICU & Stepping Stones

Today we had an appointment at the hospital where the kids were born. They are in a program called Stepping Stones. This program is to follow their development as well as help provide service if needed. All NICU graduates are able to participate in this program. The first time we went was when they were 6 months (corrected age). This visit was their 18 month (corrected age) check-up.
Since Jeremy is working close to the hospital it made sense for him to go to work as normal and meet us there for the appointment, so that means mommy had to be on top of things this morning to get us all dressed, fed, shoe and coats on, & packed in the truck. We actually got out of here only 10 minutes after my planned time. I did not think that was bad considering I had one child unrolling the toilet paper in the bathroom as the other two ran around the kitchen as I tried to clean up breakfast. Pratically a normal morning, just under a time crunch...lol.
It felt strange to be driving to the NICU. Almost felt like I may have forgotten the directions but they were in my head just filed away. Although the kids could have walked in, we did end up carrying them to get there faster. A very different scene compared to our first time coming in with 3 carseats and a diaper bag. Today the schedule is a LOT more flexible than it was the last trip. The kids were able to play with the toys in the waiting area.
The check-ups went well. They were seen by a physical therapist, occupational therapist and speech therapist. They evaluate them at their corrected age. They all were in 19 to 20 month range for thir results, which was good. The neonatologist was happy with their progress as well as the therapists. Alex weighted 25# 2oz, Liz weighed 23# 6oz, and Zach weighed 26#. We have their 21 month appointment with their pediatrician in a few weeks where we will get more accurate weights as these were done fully clothed.
After we were done with check-up we head to the NICU. We were lucky enough to see two of the primary nurses, Judy(Alex's only primary nurse) and Joanne(Liz's primary day nurse). They were very happy to see us as well as some other nurses that help in caring for the kids while we were there. We love seeing them as they were a huge part of the kids lives and ours. Lots of memories came back when I heard alarms going off as well as seeing a little one in an isolette with nothing but a diaper on; just like the kids were when they were born. Lot of memories there that will always be there. We took a few pictures and then headed out as the kids were quite tired. The ride home was uneventful as the kids were all asleep within a few blocks of the hospital.
Love, Jen

The "forgotten" child...

Ok so she is definitely not forgotten but sometimes leftout on the blog. So here is a post dedicated to her. Our wonderful doxie, Roxy! We have had the best of luck with Doxies, not a mean one in the bunch...and Roxy is still carrying on the tradition. Even though she had NO experience with kids much less toddler triplets, she has done an excellent job. She puts up with them tripping over her, sometimes petting too hard, kicking her off her bed and more. But she loves when they play with her...playing keep away with her toys or throwing them for her. She knows not to nip at their tiny fingers or get aggressive with them. She just knows...we did not have to tell her. She loves giving them kisses (sometimes too many but the kids know what to do to stop her). She is a great little cleaner upper at meal times and is very patient to be fed last (well at least in the mornings). She is just a wonderful dog for them (and us). Here are some pictures of her from October.
Love, Jen

PS The cats, Lucky and Charlie, are the really "forgotten" kids as they are almost never mentioned here. They are also great with the kids.