I did it all by myself---so proud of me!

Dan was out of town Monday thru Thursday in Calgary. This was the first time I was w/the kids in the evenings by myself. And this was also Alejandra's short week so I was w/the kids all Monday and Wednesday by myself. I'm glad I did this, I needed to know I can do this w/o going crazy and I did! The first two nights were rough b/c Skyler cried the whole time I was getting her brothers ready for bed. I think she's more intuned that her daddy's not around. She's always been like this from day one when it's just me by myself. I remembered when they were younger she did the same thing. By Wed. night, she was all good again, actually Wed. was the best day! They ate good, played good, hardly had any fights btw toys, or anything, everything about that day was perfect!

I even took everyone for our family walk. On Monday, a woman driving down the street saw me w/my crew and I could see her mouth say "OMG" as she passed us. It was pretty funny!

playgroup

We had a playgroup this morning with some new moms I met through StrollerFit. Fran and her son, Ashlan, Darlene w/her twins, Patten and Madeline, and Marie, a triplet mom w/Chloe, Ava and Trevor. Everyone played real well with one another.

Marie, just came from StrollerFit, was in the play area w/Trevor, Madeline, Hudson, and Skyler. Darlene overlooking everyone.

Patten and Madeline, Tobin finished sliding down.
Tobin and Ashlan playing w/the music table, Skyler by herself.


Ashlan, 15 month boy.

Skyler- so glad I was able to capture this look- priceless!

This is funny, you have to look at the picture from below first. Hudson and Patten were "fighting" over this toy and then their "backup" crew came to check things out. Patten and Madeline are 18 month twins.

Ashlan and Skyler looking at Dudley, beyond the gate in the hallway.

SCT zoo outing

A group of SCT moms, the high order multiple group I belong to, got together for a zoo outing on Wed. 1/27. There was a total of 6 moms: 4 set of triplets (including mine), quads, and quints. The quad mom, Kristi, brought her mom to help since they were in two wagons and Kelly, the quints mom, brought her 2 yr son w/them. All the kids did really well and it was so nice to finally meet other MOMs. They were A LOT of curiousity from people, some were nice about things...other not so nice. One lady kept following us and taking pictures, almost stalking us. We heard some comments if it was "daycare" day at the zoo. HA!!!

We actually saw a lot of animals, maybe b/c the weather was so nice, they all came out of hiding. A few of us w/the lion.

Flamingos- they are so beautiful!

Kids w/the monkey, Tobin's eating his snacks, Hudso's reaching his hand for more clementines. They ate a total of (4) clementines, mostly Hudson!

This cheetah kept pacing back and worth, got everyone a little nervous.

Our group picture: Lynn w/her 3, Amber w/her 3, Cote kids, Kelly w/her 6, and Kristi w/her 4. Celeste, mommy to 3, joined us later since she was stuck in traffic.

some words I finally recognize

The kids have been "talking" a lot. They've all said the basics "momma, dada". But this week, when they said a word I can tell what they're saying. They've said dog (daw), Dudley, bear, blueberries (boo berry) and birds. We were at SF class on Monday and we were leaving the park and I saw a bunch of birds on the ground so I pushed the stroller over to them and starting telling the kids "those are black and blue birds" and they all said "birds"...pretty cool, it was so clear too! Hudson really likes to talk during our walks, sometime he'll talk the entire walk and gets the other two talking too! Another stage they're getting into!

another night out for us! (Red party)

It's very rare that we go out more than once in a month, but it just so happened this month. I guess we're starting off the New Year right by enjoying each other's company sans kids. We went to Hotel Zaza for our friends joint bday party, Liz and Jacquie. Since both bdays are in January, they requested their guests to wear red (garnet birthstone). We even got a chance to dine at their restaurant Monarch. Everything about the place reaks trendiness from the decor to the people, but overall it was a very pretty place, good for people watching. We finally had our filthy dirty martinis, actually it's my first since being prego. Ohh, it was delish!!! We actually got kicked out, not just us, but the whole party got shut down. Three security guards came to the room b/c of the loud music...so the party got moved to a club, Etro. Dan and I have not been to a club in years. Thank goodness it was 80's music night. We had a blast, really nice to be out w/my man! And we can still hang! Of course, we paid for it next day, we both napped when kids napped. :-)

Thank you Julie again for baby sitting two weekends in a row!!!

new toy- kangaroo climber

In December we re-arranged their play area and switch out some toys to keep them interested and not be bored. This month, we also re-arranged our furniture layout in the living room to make it more kid friendly. It was already kid friendly, but I moved some furniture around so they would not be "stuck" anymore when they're playing with their push toys. There's plenty of room for them to maneuver around. I never thought our house would be filled w/kid toys everywhere, but what you gonna do when you have triplets?

This weekend I picked up our newest toy, the kangaroo climber. I bought it from another triplet family whose kids outgrew it. The kids were all over it! They couldn't get enough of it!

Skyler and Hudson discovered the landing.

everyone


Skyler

Hudson's turn

Tobin's silly smile!

Hudson likes to go head first, so does Tobin. Skyler likes to play peek a boo through the openings.

Here he goes!

Stroller fit class update

The kids are really enjoying getting out 3 times a week in the mornings to do StrollerFit w/me. They are getting used to being in the stroller for atleast an hour. After our class, we do some abs workout and depending on where the location is, I will let the kids out of the stroller and play with the other kids. Well, they don't really play w/other kids, they tend to hang out w/one another or go exploring on their own. Last Friday when it was at Terry Hershey park, we usually barricade the gazebo with our strollers to "gate" the kids in while we do our abs workout. While we're stretching, Tobin got down and started mimicking our stretching moves too...all the other moms thought it was really cute of him.

fruitty appetite

Their appetite is really different now that they're toddlers then when they were babies. As solid foods were introduced to them, they didn't like these fruits unless they were pureed and now they like them in cut up pieces: strawberries, raspberries, pears, blueberries, kiwis, and pears.

Hudson LOVES his fruit, most of the time, he's the last one still eating it.

Tobin and Hudson usually like the same fruit, not always, but most of the time. Skyler has been picky on her fruit, it's hit and miss with her. You could give her the same fruit everyday and she may or may not eat it, you just never know with her.

Story time

The kids really enjoy being read to. Usually I only have two babies on me, but this one day all three wanted to be on my lap so what's a mommy to do, but accomodate them. Dan was able to capture this memory. The books they really enjoy now are all of the Dr. Seuss ones that they received from Julie from Christmas plus some of their old ones like "Barnyard Dance" and "I love my Mommy Because".

Their favorite is Hand Hand Fingers Thumb (I think it's b/c I shake my hand & thumb while reading it)

Other Dr. Seuss books: Hop On Pop, Eye book, Foot Book, ABC's, Wocket in my Pocket, Oh the Thinks You Can Think

Hudson, Skyler and Tobin

Tanika & Crystal's visit (01.13.10)

Tanika brought Crystal over last Wed so we could exchange our Christmas gifts for the kids. Crystal enjoyed playing w/them and she even shared her Christmas toys w/the kiddos. She's so good w/them, she'll make a great sitter one day!

Crystal andTobin

pushing Skyler around.

Skyler, Hudson and Tobin playing w/their puzzle.

Crystal showing what she got for Christmas from the kiddos.

Hudson watching her.

how we play now

Kids love to play! They are so active, I can just imagine how they'll be when they're 2 or 3.

Matthew came by Friday to hang out w/them. One of Skyler's favorite game w/her uncle.

She also likes to be pushed around in these push toys. Alejandra is pushing her. The kids are pretty self sufficient now and it's just so much easier to take care of them. I'd like to reduce her hours, but then again it's kinda nice to have her here so I can run errands, take care of our RE, etc. and not have to do it at night time...I don't know we're still contemplating this thought.

They love to play peek a boo, almost anywhere really, but their favorite is behind these curtains. Tobin and Hudson getting ready to hid.

where are they?

they all climb on the stroller and fight for the first seat. Skyler's trying to get Hudson off.

oh how they love the tunnel! Tobin and Hudson hanging out!

this is pretty cute, the bros are chillin'

Tobin's 1st crayon masterpiece

A few weeks ago I let them try the crayons we bought them for Christmas. They have special crayons for toddlers, the shape is a triangle, so it's easier for them to hold. They all took a bite off the tip of them and just kinda waved them around. I showed them that it's to draw and guided their hands, but Tobin was the only one who got it. He took off and started scribbling. All these marks were made by him, pretty impressive! I see a Monet in the making! :-)

Julie's help---1st date night of 2010

Julie came by on Friday to play w/babies so Alejandra didn't have to be by herself while Dan and I took care of our RE (another empty unit). Dan left in the morning and I left after the kids went down for their nap and didn't come back til 5:15. Alejandra feed them their lunch by herself and Julie joined her afterwards. Julie stayed til their bedtime and offered us free babysitting. We took her offer IMMEDIATELY!!! After a long day of hard work, Dan and I went to Wings N Things and then saw "Avatar". OMG- that's the best movie we've EVER seen!!! I would have to say that's my favorite movie of all time now too! I highly recommend it, so worth the $27 price tag! Thanks Julie!!!

zoo outing w/Marie's kids (01.04.10)

I skipped my Strollerfit class Monday and made it up Tuesday morning so I could take the kids to the zoo w/Marie's kids. Anne and Andrew's school had teachers in-service that day, that's why they had the day off. Matthew came to my house to help me with the kids.

It was quite cold at first so we stayed indoors at the fish and bird exhibits. We let them out of the stroller in the bird exhibit and they really enjoyed watching them birds!

Amazingly - there were a lot of animals out. We got to see the bears here! We also saw elephants, giraffe, (3) new lioness, and a tiger. We were also able to see an elephant being showered! Pretty cool!

Anne and kids infront of the tiger.

Tobin, Hudson and Skyler

Andrew and Anne w/kiddos.
Hudson, Tobin, and Skyler.

Andrew was so insistent on putting his hat on Hudson's head.

The cous enjoyed hanging out w/each other! When we left, everyone got hugs and kisses. Too cute!

Happy New Year!- Dallas here we come!

(3) pack n plays

(3) full size high chairs

(3) push toys

big cooler w/fruits, veggies, milk, and prepared meals

(2) duffle bags of clothes, blankets, jackets

CD player w/music CD, sleep blankets, (3) sets of sleep animal loveys

bag of toys

bag of books

bag of dry food/snacks, feeding utensils

diaper bag

stroller and stroller accessories

(1) bag of clothes for parents

airbed (just incase)

yes that's right...it's what we packed for our first road trip. We went to Dallas on New Year's Day to visit Dan's Grandma and Aunt Charlotte/Uncle Mike. All of the stuff mentioned above were for the kids, we only had one bag and the airbed. Thanks Matthew for staying at our house and taking care of our furries!

Car ride there was not bad at all. We left at 11:45 and everyone was asleep by noon. We had put our runabout stroller on the hitch and covered it, but when we were on the highway, the wind kept flapping the cover and we (or Dan) didn't feel comfortable driving w/it on so he stopped on the highway and removed it. That stop woke Tobin up who had been sleeping for 15 minutes. Poor guy did not fall back asleep again until 1 1/2 hours later. Thank goodness he was somewhat quiet and just enjoyed the ride. The other two were sleeping soundly. Dan was hauling $ss there too, he was doing 80 mph, we made it there in 3 1/2 hours! Later on Skyler and Hudson woke up and I gave them their snacks and toys and they were fine til we got there. Good thing I remembered to bring a hand towel in the car, it made giving them water (through regular cups) spill proof. Tobin woke up a litle bit right before we arrived and he had his snacks.

Our car---all this for a weekend trip!

Charlotte and Mike had babies proofed their home the best way they could, but when our crew came in, there was a little more to do. The big open living room they have was great for toddlers! They could run around the furniture and hide behind the curtains. They loved opening up all of those built in cabinets, until Uncle Mike tied the door knobs w/twine. I didn't know how useful twine could be for baby proofing. Then both boys bumped their heads on the piano...Dan fixed that by covering it w/a throw and pillow. I can't believe that stayed there the whole time and not once did the kids mess w/it. They also loved to crawl on the fireplace hearth and I just sat there when they're around it b/c there's a big cheetah statue on the hearth and the kids loved touching it. If I wasn't there, it would have toppled over them. Mike also had to move a table to cover up the DVDs they have and Charlotte put a cardboard over an electrical outlet they have by the TV. And there were 2 baby gates on both entrances. Baby proofing done!

We were not sure of how their nap/bedtime would be affected by the different scenery. When we first arrived, Dan set up the pack n plays, CD player w/sleep music, each kids sleep sack and loveys in their room. We got them ready for bed and they were crying a bit (as expected prolly from the excitement of a new place, new people). We held them tight and just rocked them for about 10 minutes w/their music playing and put them down for bed. They went to bed fine. A hour later, they ALL woke up screaming! We went downstairs and the room was freezing. There's a thermostat but for some reason we couldn't program the temperature to stick. Through out the night Dan had to constanly monitor it b/c we felt the cold too. For their nap and bedtime Saturday, we put long sleeves and pants on them under their sleep sacks and there were no issues.

Charlotte and Mike were taking care of Cody, Sarah's dog. Poor Cody- he had never been around a baby and suddenly three babies bombarded his territory. Our kids were so used to our furries that lets them pet them that they thought Cody was the same. The kids all wanted to pet him, and Tobin got a little too close in the beginning so Cody snapped at him. We separated Cody and the babies after that, but by the next day, they were all playing again. Don't worry, Tobin's fine, the scars have healed really well and gone. Skyler was really frustrated w/Cody, she wanted to pet him when he's behind the gates, but once we put him in the living room, she wasn't sure...it was quite interesting watching her emotions.

Tobin's battle wounds.

Skyler was a little aprenhensive at first. She wasn't sure where we were or who these people were....just took a little warming up to. I love this expression!


Hudson loved these little steps. I think they all love the carpet and steps, both of which we don't have in our home. We all slept downstairs and in the morning we put them on the stairs and they just started climbing it. They even knew to turn around when the stairs change direction to go down into the kitchen. We were both surprised that they knew how to do that considering we don't have stairs.

What a great idea to bring the tunnel! My mom got them this tunnel for their bday (could attach to the ball pit) and we finally took it out. Mike entertaining the kids. He was really good playing w/them and making them laugh!

We brought the push toys that our neighbor Rick gave us, since they haven't had a chance to play w/it a lot at home. Skyler and Hudson on the Pooh toy while Tobin's w/me.

Mike w/Skyler.

Tobin in the tunnel!

This is really funny...sorry Skyler! With all those toys they have, these kids love to play w/objects. Mike gave them a bunch of plastic cups to play with. Skyler loves playing w/them and she gets frustrated when she can't put one cup inside of another or when she does and she can't get it out. Drama queen in the making here!

All happy again!

Another favorite thing to do was climbing on the coffee table as Tobin has demonstrated.

Tobin w/Cody. Cody just wants to fetch the balls and this boy keeps following him.

Mike joined the kids on the table and tried to get everyone to raise their hands. Dan has taught them "hands up", comes in handy for taking off layers of clothes when we bundled them up on our family walks.

Mike w/Skyler and Hudson.

Tobin sitting on Great Uncle Mike's lap.

Tobin felt so proud of himself for getting a hold of the tv remote.

Hudson and Tobin wrestling in the tunnel.

Hudson in the tunnel.

So serious Hudson!

Our last morning w/Charlotte and Mike. Dan figured out we have a timer on our camera- who knew! Charlotte's holding Hudson, Skyler's w/me, and Dan has Tobin.

Charlotte goes to visit Grandma twice a day: 11-3 and 5-8 (approx. times). We took the kids to visit Grandma Saturday and Sunday morning after their breakfasts. The staff and residents at the assisted living place really enjoyed the kids being there! Tobin's looking at her hand.

Charlotte's holding Skyler's hand. Tobin's in the middle, Hudson's in the back. Everyone always ask us if we keep them in the same spot on the stroller- NO we usually rotate them so someone gets the front seat.

Skyler learned how to blow a kiss (I don't know from who or where), she did it to Grandma. So sweet!

They really enjoyed watching the birds. They were all eating their snacks too so there were little trails of goldfish and stuff all over the place. :-)

OK this pix is supposed to be next to the other one...Skyler blew her kiss and she's giving it to Grandma.

Dan and I w/Grandma.

Dan and Charlotte w/Grandma.

Grandma touching Hudson's hand.

Skyler and Dan w/one of the residents. I think he told Dan he's 100 + years old.

Grandma and Charlotte w/a staff member.

Charlotte watching the boys. Tobin's on the left, Hudson's on the right.

The road trip back was a little different. We lost track of time visiting Grandma and we didn't leave til 12:30, past their naptime, but they were exhausted and were out in less than 5 minutes. However, they woke up and we still had an hour or so left. Food and toys couldn't keep them happy, so the last 30 minutes we were listening to some crankster. By that time we were in Houston and Dan couldn't really speed much. C'st la vie! First road trip was not bad at all, we didn't really know what to expect, but atleast there's hope for more road trips.

Thank you Charlotte and Mike for being such wonderful hosts, cooking us food, and baby proofing! Thank you for the memories we've created!