Thomas Time

The kids really love Blue's Clues, but Blue takes a back seat nowadays to Thomas, Thomas the Train that is. Jeremy picked up a Thomas video and the kids almost watch it daily...well I should say they watch some of it...we have yet to make it thru the whole thing. Many times is a a few minutes in that they move on to something else. But when Thomas first comes on it is total craziness in the living room. Today I turned around and could not help but take pictures of what I saw. They all hurried to the couch to sit. And then as if they could not contain themselves at different times one would get up and jump around, except Lexi she was waiting patiently for Thomas. LOL!

Me and my boys

With being the photo-taking person I am, I usually am behind the camera and rarely in the photo. I took advantage of the boys cuddling with me today to get some self portraits. They may not be the best pictures but they are fun to take as you never know exactly where the camera is pointing. Love you boys!

Me and Alex
Zach and me

Monkeying around

The monkeys that we got at the zoo have been a huge hit. Tonight the kids were "monkeying" around before bedtime. First the monkeys were keeping the kids' back warm. They were all hammin' it up for the camera too.Of course we have to try to get a group picture...and tonight was click them as fast as you can cause they were not holding still for long.

There were storms that moved thru the area so the sky was looking very colorful. The kids were very interested in it and I was able to get this cute shot...

Well after their backs were warm the monkeys were put in the hugging position. More hammin' it up...

Daddy was nice enough to let the kids use him as a jungle gym for their monkeys. And yes that is Zach sitting on his head!

Lions, Tigers and Bears, Oh my!

We have had this past Saturday planned since April and we were very excited for it finally to get here. Our first trip to a zoo!!! We went to the zoo in Madison that is free with Grover and Sarah. Grover is Alex's godfather as well as one of Jeremy's best friends, fraternity brother and Jeremy's bestman in our wedding. Sarah also went to Platteville. Anyways, we were very excited to hangout with them for the day as well as share the kids' first zoo visit. The kids all needed haircuts so before we got dresses I buzzed the boys' hair and trimmed Liz's bangs. Then after they were all dressed I could not help myself but to take pictures...tell me they are not cute!!!

Prior to leaving we had to deal with the potty training issue. The boys do not mind being in their diapers but Ms. Elizabeth wanted nothing to do with a diaper, so the training pants went on. We finally got on the road...late. After getting lost just a wee bit in Madison we finally got out of the truck and headed into the zoo.

We had small potty break where Liz changed her mind about the diapers. She tried to go on the big potties but talk about distractions...all the noises-other people talking, loud toilets flushing, hand dryers blowing, etc. etc. So after we switched it was time for lunch. Here Zach is trying to keep Alex from stealing his food.

Liz enjoying her hot dog, fries and milk.

Sarah giving Alex better viewing to see the lions.

Grover helping Zach see the lions. (I know it is blurry but I had to post it...too sweet not to)

Daddy showing the boys the sea lions.

Grover teaching the kids about the Rhinos.

Zach preferred to hold Grover's hand rather than daddy's.

Grover telling the kids about giraffes.

Alex and Liz checking out the camels.

Sarah and Grover trying to explain to the kids that we can't feed the goats as they had reached their ration quota for the day.

Alex asking Grover about flamingos.

All the boys discussing the rhea.

How about a ride on the carousel? Not a favorite of the boys but Liz had a blast!

Grover and Alex guessing the tortoise's age.

How about a family picture? Not too many of these around they are a rare find...lol!

The bear's posed nicely for me.

Polar bears are tall!!! What about my baby polar bears?

Alex is thinking you are not expecting me to put my head thru this, really???

Zach says...head thru sure...do you think I can climb all the way thru?

Liz says how can you not love a polar bear with this grin?

Coincidentally there were three Macaws that were talking really loud...hmmm...that is something we are familiar with.

Can't go to the zoo and not have an ice cream break...once we were done seeing the animals we took a rest.

Zach already eyeing up Alex's and he has not even started his own....lol.

Three very tired orangutans...they did great for having a very short nap on the way to the zoo and being pushed thru their naptime.

We had the most wonderful day...and what better way to end it than with a present from the gift shop...monkeys...the very thing we talked about before we got to the zoo...I thought it to be quite circular.

We could not leave without a picture with Grover and Sarah. We, as a family, are so incredible lucky to have them in our lives. The kids were soooo comfortable with them, which always makes it easier on mommy and daddy. We will be making the trip to the Madison zoo as annual event for our two families. I am also happy that we waited to take the kids to the zoo until now...they were able to walk around or ride in the wagons. It just seemed to be the perfect time. Thank you Grover and Sarah for sharing this first with us. We could not have asked for a better day!

After the kids said their goodbye they hopped into the truck and watched us say goodbye...they are hard to see but Liz has her nose pressed up against the back window.

The state capitol...not sure if the kids were awake enough to see it, but mommy enjoyed seeing it as I have only been that close to it a couple times.

It was a quiet ride home!

Update and candids

I have updated the blog so you will want to read going back to the "Carwash" post. Things have been very busy here. It seems like we have something planned each weekend, but it is summer time! It is nice to be getting out and doing things as a family. We are working hard on potty training. Liz and Zach are both working at it. Liz does a very good job. Unfortunately Zach has things a little backwards so we are working hard on getting them switched around. Alex is not interested at this time for potty training, which I will not push at this point and don't mind only working with two. It is exhausting to say the least, but I know the payoff is going to be great so it keeps me motivated. Big beds are working out great...I would say the kids are sleeping better. A few mornings ago the kids told me 'don't want momma, don't want' referring to their bedrails, so I took them down. Liz's were put back up after the first night with them off as she fell out twice and has hardwood floors, Alex's was put back on last night as he fell out once and had two close calls but will be taken off again soon and Zach's is still down. We also started hanging out with my co-worker's twin daughters. They will be our babysitters. So far it has gone well and we will be doing the first them alone with the kids after they return from vacation. Even though it is scary, it also feels good to know we will have someone besides family to watch them and maybe, just maybe get out for some alone couple time. We have an exciting weekend coming up, which we have been looking forward to for a long time. Well I think that should be all that has happened recently. I have attached some candid pictures taken in the last 2 weeks.
Love, Jen
Zach getting in trouble for playing with the reclining part of the recliner...cn you tell he has tuned me out? Just so you know the shirt says monster in training...ayup!
Liz sporting her piggy tails...

Liz playing dress up...

Zach climbing into the cabinet where the dress up clothes go...

Alex going to try it out too.

Liz and Zach sitting at new picnic table (Goodwill special..o...only $5) sorting sticks...Alex coming to check on things.

Liz doing her nails while driving??? Nope just checking out a piece of wood.

Handsome #1...

and handsome #2.

Relaxing watching a little Blue Clue's

This ain't our 1st county fair...

...really it isn't...it's our 2nd! This year was so much better than last year. Last year we went on Saturday...one of the busiest days. The kids did not get out of the strollers often. This year we had the wagons and we went on opening night, which is cheaper and less crowded. The weather was not the best but we figure we would try it since we would not be able to go any other day. The rain had let up by the time we left and we were hoping for it to stay away so we could see the fireworks. We also had Grandma join us as Grandpa was playing horseshoes.
The first stop was the tractors...so many colors and sizes.
On our way to the first animal barn we met this young lady and her 2 sheep. She was nice to stop and let the kids pet them.

In the first barn were the chickens, bunnies and ducks...here the kids are checking out the chicken with daddy...

and the duckies too.

We checked out the geese that were outside too...

Alex was trying to talk duck/goose...not sure if they understood him.

After visiting the sheep and pigs it was off to the goats and potbelly pigs. There was a mommy goat with twin babies less than a month old. Here the kids are checking out a potty belly ig...we will see if they follow in their Auntie Jackie's footsteps and ask to get one.

Checking out the goats...we then toured the horse barn as well as the cow barns.

After that we stopped for some supper...they ate great. They got their first chocolate milks...they LOVED them! After our meal we headed toward the pet zoo and pony rides. Here the kids are waiting for daddy to get a beer. It was starting to get chilly as niht set in and the rain started up again.

We decided to let them try the pony rides. After all three agreed...we paid our money and went in...unfortunately Alex changed his mind after meeting his pony...maybe next year...

Grandma helped Liz ride her friendly pony...

as I helped Zach.

Then it was off to feed the hungry goats, sheep and llamas in the petting zoo.

After that we checked out the camels as the rain picked up. We decided to walk the kids thru the carnival part. Unfortunately we started to melt as it was past bedtime and it was raining harder. Figuring the fireworks would not go off, we headed for the truck. We did find out the fireworks did go off about 15 minutes after we left...there is always next year! I think we may have a new tradition for our family...going opening night. We had a blast!

Love, Jen

Party, party

Today we headed toward Green Bay. Normally the 3rd weekend in July is an annual camping trip with friends. For the last couple years it as not happened as families started arriving. This year the couple that usually does the organizing of it had a party at their house. We were not sure how the day would go with the kids' nap or how long we'd be able to stay. Luckily on the way there the boys slept for about an hour but Liz only got 15 minutes. After arriving and eating some lunch it was off to playing. This was the first time that our friends got to meet our kids as well as us meeting their kids. It was a lot of fun to watch them all interact. A lot of them are very close in age. It was great to see our friends too...it has been some time...in fact some we have not seen seen the November 2006 when I was pregnant. The kids did great and we actually stayed until 7. The kids got tired but would sit for a bit and then go back to playing. The way home was quiet for a little bit but not the whole ride. We did have some melting once we got closer to home and as we got our jammies on, but they did settled down and fell asleep like normal. Here are some pictures from the fun day...
Love, Jen
Alex and Owen taking a ride in the gator...
Liz trying out Noah's Big Wheel...

and Alex too...

Alex ready to attac with a blow-up sword...

The boys playing at the sand table...

Liz checking out the slide from the inside...

Alex taking a leaning break on the blow-up chair...

Daddy being a kid himself...Liz get a sword!

Zach taking Liz and Robbie and Hayden Just for a ride...look where you are going! This was actually pretty cute as Zach would steer and Liz would press the pedal.

I think the boys really, really like the gator! It was the first thing they went to when we arrived and the last thing they played with before leaving!

Big Beds & Potty Training

We have switched the kids to big beds! I finally remembered to get pictures on here to show you them. We already had twin bedding for the boys so the search for Liz's began. I found a great Tinkerbell comforter. She LOVES it! Here are the new beds...
Liz posing so sweet...
and the goofy pose!

Zach showing off the boys beds...

The other thing we started again was potty training. The last go around lasted a week or so and lost steam. After watching something on the Dr. Phil regarding potty training I decided to give it a try. Here they are in the morning...ready for training.

and here is what it looks like potty training four 2 year olds. Liz does have big girl undies on under those pants.

Liz had a great first day...no accidents. Zach is trying but it is hit or miss. Alex is not interested. It is an exhausting task to say the least and I am fine with doing one at a time and definitely when they are ready. I am so happy to be changing less diapers...there is a light at the end of the tunnel.

Love, Jen

New Pool

The little pool we had last summer has become a little small for us, so I started looking for a different, bigger one for us. Since I plan on teaching the boys what Liz learns in swim class I need to have a little more depth to the water. Thanks to Craigslist (love that site) I was able to find a bigger pool very reasonably priced. It took us a little bit to get it up and running but we did AND we got a nice warm day to try it. It is a little nerve wrecking to have al four kids in a bigger pool but it is managable. Here are the pictures from the afternoon swim.
Love, Jen
The chaos to prep for swimming...
Could not get them to look at me cuz of the darn airplane flying by...

I think they approve of the new swimming area...

Supper at Grandma & Grandpa's

Yesterday afternoon Jeremy headed out of town to go hang out with some friends. A little adult time. So I flew solo for the night but we were invited over to my parent's for supper. So after nap we headed over to play before eating. Grandma loves rummages as much as I do, so there are plenty of toys to play with. Here are some pictures from our night.
Love, Jen
Grandpa teaching the kids more useful information...
Grace wondering when she will get some attention...waiting patiently...

Kids helping grandpa...

Alex pulling the go kart out of the grass...

Zach giving Liz a ride...

Liz looking great on the scooter...just needs to look up...

Alex leaning in for the turn...

Zach not watching where he is drive...

Helping grandma get the mail...

Goofing around before supper...

Carwash

I worked today so that left daddy in charge. I cannot tell you how much fun it is to come home and look at what pictures were taken or hear the stories of the morning. The kids just love their time with daddy. Not to mention a break from mommy and a break for mommy. :) So this morning when the kids headed outside they had some toys that were wet from the rain. Good time to teach them about cleaning them, right?!?! The following pictures are of the three of them giving their car a wipe down. Too cute!
Love, Jen

Sometimes...

Sometimes people should think before they speak. We have heard many comments while we are out, some nice and some not so nice. So instead of getting totally upset about the comment made, I am using it as a way to educate. Here is where I get on my soapbox. I will first admit that had I not become a MOM (mother of multiples) I may have been guilty of some of the following things as well.
I realize that having triplets is a very unique thing and we have never taken it for granted, in fact I would do it again. But I don't think something unique gives people the right to be rude. For example, no one would ask someone that had a singleton how they conceived the baby. Yet it seems to be okay for people to ask MOM about how they conceived. Now this question sometimes goes far beyond this, which thankfully we have not experienced.
The other statement that singletons get as well but a very different tone is used. It is the famous question of are you having more kids. For singletons it is asked excitedly like when are you having more, for MOMs it is asked more like a statement like you are not having anymore, are you?
There are many things said that we as MOMs can take the wrong way or have heard it a gazillion times and may just be fed up with it. For those comments it is easier to understand that people just don't know enough about multiples and us MOMs should take it with a gain of salt.
What I cannot stand is the rude comments. The guy that stood next to us at the 4th of July parade started out by staring and then proceeded to ask us if they were all ours, to which we replied yes (politely)...then he said twins...no, triplets (still being polite even though he is clearly an idiot)...to which he replies "you poor people". I think what bothers me most (and many other MOMs) is that comments are normally made to us when we have our children with us. Our kiddos may still be a little too young to understand but one day they will. Some MOMs have some great comebacks (some short and sweet, others are not so nice), but we are aware that our children are there and try to act appropriately for the situation. Quite honestly I was caught off guard with the comment and could only comeback with, not poor at all. Poor??? Far from it...we may not be rich financially but we are very rich with the children we have. We get three times the hugs, kisses, smiles, milestone achievements, etc, etc. Yes we also get three times the diapers, three times the tantrums, three times the talking back, etc., but that does not make us regret or love our children any less.
I still believe that not every person can be or are meant to be a parent of multiples. I also believe that what you go through in life makes you the person you are today. As most of you know I have no trouble discussing what we went thru, but this does not mean I should have to discuss it with the lady at the deli counter or the teen cashier at Walmart. I can let a lot of comments roll esp if made just to me. So as I step down from my soapbox, I ask these two things of all my readers...if you know a MOM or see one...instead of asking personal questions....tell her how lucky she is...or tell her how beautiful her kids are. Just think really...think of how you'd feel if someone said it to you...how would you feel. And PLEASE watch what you say in front of the kids...they have ears and feelings. For Alex, Liz and Zach...when you are old enough to be reading this...please know we have loved you since the moment we found out we were having all of you and nothing anyone can say will change that!
I step down now...thanks for reading this.
Here is a rare picture of me and the kids...right before bedtime and after a long day...
This post was in no way to offend anyone, just personal feelings for something I went thru. I also want to point out that I have no problem talking to people about the kids (names, age, etc)...a lot of people stare for a while and may finally ask us about them. Who isn't proud of their kids, right?

Bringing in July with a Bang

I am once again behind, so let's bring you up to speed...
Liz had swim classes the last 4 weeks. After a rough start to them, things improved and she really enjoyed them as well as learned a little something. While Jean and I took the girls swimming grandma watched the boys. I have a little bit of an attachment issue going on with the boys, so most mornings were a little rough leaving. Grandma got these pictures one morning.
In this picture Alex is crying over the gate for me...please take note of Roxy...grandma said she was howling with Alex...

Zach is wondering what the big deal is...at least in this picture.

My cousin, Hollie became a homeowner recently. So my Aunt Deb and Uncle Jim came down from Minocqua to help her move into her new place. We got the chance to dog sit for them while they were gone. His name is Waldo and he is a bassett hound. He has quite the personality! Here are some pictures from his stay with us. I think he may miss his parents...what do you think?

Zach and Lexi felt it was necessary to cover Waldo with the dolls burp rags.

Alex thought Wally was very dirty so he "washed" him...with a ribbon/bow off one of the stuff animals...

and he washed and washed.

I think Waldo is ready to go home.
When children cannot play with their toys nicely or follow rules or disrespect their toys...toys should be taken away. What toy am I talking about? How about the playhouse! Yup that is right. We moved it away from furniture so they would stop climbing on the roof, but that was not good enough for our sweet little Liz...oh no...with her long legs and determination she continued to climb on it. After some discussions we decided to take it down. It will change things up a bit plus with it being summer we are outside a lot, so it is not getting much positive attention. As I made dinner Jeremy took it apart...and even better had the kids help him take out the piece...lol! I quickly grabbed the camera and took some shots of them helping.

With removing the playhouse I was able to re-arrange the toys. And wouldn't you know it...old toys became like new. I was able to put the kitchen and table & chairs next to one another. It did not take the four of them too long to dig the new setup. Dinner anyone???

I have been told that my house does not "look" like triplets live here...even though I beg to differ, I like the compliment. To prove that my house DOES look like three children do reside here I took this picture. After putting the kids to bed...this is what the living room looked like...and this was them in this area for a short time! These kids can tear up a room in no time!

Happy 4th to everyone. This year we decided to go see the Campbellsport (a small town north of West Bend) parade as we were very disappointed with West Bend's parade last year. We borrowed a wagon from Jean and finally got one for ourselves off of Craigslist and headed out. The kids enjoyed the parade even after it started to rain. Unfortunately the rain picked up a little too much so we were unable to finish watching the parade. It is definitely the parade to watch! The kids were not the greatest volunteers for taking pictures, so here is the best of what I took.
Zach being too quiet...we expected to find the worst, but walked in to him getting comfy to read...to sweet!

Lucky also likes the placement of the table...it's the kids naptime...that is the only way he get away with this...lol. Jeremy spent his birthday in York, PA for work. It was only a day trip so we did get spend time with him after dinner. After giving him his presents, he handed out some things he picked up while in PA....big kid underwear. Again getting tem to cooperate for a group photo is becomign more and more difficult. Here they are sport their new undies...they are very proud!
This last picture was taken this morning as the kids play with their playdoh. Zach thought it would be fun to rub his head in the playdoh across the table. His color is green. LOL!

A wonderful weekend

Last weekend we had a wonderful weekend. Saturday was a busy day. It started with a visit from one of my good friends, Heather and her two kids, Hunter and Jacy. Heather and I were roommates in college. Even though we don't live close to one another, it is like picking up where we left off when we do see each other. Unfortunately it has been WAY too long since our last visit. The kids got to play together in the playyard while Heather and I got to catch up. We then had lunch together. While I put lunch together Hunter introduced the kids to Star Wars. Zach also decided that Heather's bag needed sunscreen, so after that mess was cleaned up we were able to eat. With it being naptime after lunch we said our good byes. Heather, thank you for coming to visit as well as the yummy cookies and all those clothes. Here are a couple pictures I got after lunch.
Here is Jacy enjoying a cookie...not sure if it the first one that she ended up losing to Roxy or the second one...
Liz enjoying her cookie as well as acting goofy...

Here are the boys enjoying their cookies. Zach also lost his first cookie to Roxy too. Roxy had a great lunch...lol!

Saturday night we attended our first party involving Jeremy's new employer. Thanks to grandma and grandpa we had NO curfew...woo hoo! We had a great time! Although Sunday morning was a little rough, it was well worth it! We have not had curfewless night since last October.

Sunday we had another party to attend. This one was for my cousin, Jamie. She is getting deployed in August and this was the last time she'd be home before deployment. So we went to help send her off. The kids had a great time esp running back and forth between garages. We were all exhausted by bedtime Sunday night.

One last thing...it is a funny...so I was showering yesterday and the kids run around while I do so. Normally they are in the bathroom with me, but not yesterday. Zach and Alex were watching out the window, Lexi was in and out of the bathroom and Liz was trying to brush her teeth. Zach came in and out real quick but I did not think anything of it. After getting out and drying off I went to check on everyone. I couldn't find Zach....hmmmm. I did finally find him under the table (the place he normally goes if he is being naughty or has something he shouldn't). He says 'mommy lotion, lotion mommy see'...he had put 'lotion' on his cheeks and all over his hands. The 'lotion' he used....neosporin! The tube was a mess as was he. LOL! Never dull, never!

Love, Jen

A Need to be Naked

We have been enjoying the warm & sunny weather here. We have spent time in the pool every day last week. Kids are constantly asking to 'go swimmin'. Early last week Alex spent two days enjoying the pool from the outside. The first day this happened after we got everyone undressed and dried off Alex decided to jump into the pool...naked. That started a chain reaction...soon all four kids were back in the pool all naked. So they have offically gone skinny dipping...lol!

Prior to hopping into the pool I had the kids playing in the playyard. This was the first time they got to play in the new sandbox with the sand in it! Lexi started to get undressed...which again started a chain reaction. I guess playing in the sand in diapers only is better. Alex did not join in with the others.

Last week I was also able to find a larger pool on Craigslist. Now I will be able to teach the boys what Liz has learn in swim class as well as have more room for everyone. We hope to have it up and running soon!

Love, Jen

Da Boys

One afternoon last week Jeremy got home in time to join us for a swim. By the time he got home Liz and I were already out and dried off. This gave the 'da boys' the pool. They had a great time!
Enjoy, Jen
Here Alex is just hanging out catching some rays...
Zach trying to balance on the edge...

Watch out daddy...

and under he goes...

nope, no enjoyment in that at all...are the three of them cute or what?!?! I am so lucky!

Zach splashing daddy...

daddy's revenge...a bear hug!

Alex, they are coming to get you!

What better thing to do then hitch a ride.

Uh oh, they are coming to get Liz!

You go girl!

Since the boys have a post so should our little girl. I received another bow the other day and put it in her hair to get some pictures to send to the triplet mommy that made it. In a span of about 5 minutes Liz brought out all her personalities.
Enjoy, Jen
Here she is her sweet, cute as a button, innocent pose...
and her she is doing her I am a goofy ball...tee hee hee...

and finally shoing of the devilish side...and yes she does have one.The goofiness does not stop with her. Here I caught her playing dress up...

just a giggling away. She is too cute for her own good.