A day I will never forget....
When you are getting your first sonogram at Shady Grove Fertility, after a positive pregnancy test and you hear "Oh, that's interesting!" from your doctor - you look at the screen - you see 3 heartbeats - your husband turns sheet white - your eyes get as big as baseballs and you just try to breathe! In that moment you know your life, your husbands life and your 2 year old daughter's life is about to change forever!
So in a few weeks my Triplets will be 7! Seriously, 7 years old - are you kidding me!!!
It doesn't seem like that long ago that I was waddling my way down the hall of the maternity floor at AAMC to the ER to deliver my little miracles. My parents and "Big Sister Denise" in the waiting room, while Cindy and Jim were taking care of Helena until delivery was over and everyone was in recovery or the NICU.
It took 6 minutes for our family to double from 3 to 6 - how ironic right - 6 minutes! First came Parker, then Preston one minute later and then Peyton 5 minutes after that (he didn't want to join the party as fast as his brothers). The NICU nurses brought them over to me so I could see each of them were doing just fine, give them a quick kiss and off they went to the NICU.
36 pounds lighter I was taken to recovery to make sure everything was OK and then the coolest thing ever.....the PR person happened to be walking down the hall when my parade of boys was crossing from the ER to the NICU. She inquired about the delivery and asked if she could speak to me. I was warm under that blankets in recovery and not on my way anywhere fast so I said sure. She asked me if it would be OK to contact the news and local newspaper to announce the successful birth of the Trips. WHAT? SERIOUSLY? Of course I said yes! It was right around the time they were going to have a big fundraiser for the new NICU and we just happened to make our arrival to help promote it.
So after getting a quick visit to the NICU to visit my boys on the way to my room, I just took it all in!
I had just delivered 3 healthy, baby boys who were thriving. I could actually see my feet if I stood up for the first time in months, I could breathe easier because Peyton's head and bum were not in my ribs anymore, I did not have to constantly go to the "potty" because Parker and Preston were no longer wrestling on my bladder, I had lost 36 pounds and tomorrow we were going to be on TV and in the local paper.....WOW, how quickly my life (our lives) had just changed!
April 12, 2013
April 6, 2013
The Coolest Chick I Know! (and guess what?......She's Mine!)
Ok, so it was on Monday that I finished taking 586 shots of meds and blood thinner (in the arse) and delivered a 5lb 11oz baby girl (after a day of labor) named after my Polish Grandmother and Great-Grandmother....RIGHT!?!?!?!
Then I blinked and it was 3 years later on a Wednesday and my Little Doodlebug just became a big sister to Triplet Brothers (WOW, she had no idea what she was in for...hehehehe)! We skipped Tuesday, as a new mom it was a blurry time for a while!
So then I took a nap - thanks to Kristen and Angie for giving me some "free time" the summer after the Trips were born! But.....
I woke up and it was 1 years later on a Tuesday when my little Doodlebug was getting ready to get on the school bus for PreK! There I was at the top of the driveway, trying to wrangle 3 little boys wearing monkey backpacks (luckily the backpacks had tails) and take a picture of my "big girl"! Who by the way barely said Good Bye! So after a good cry.....
Nap time was pretty regular those days, so I got in an hour nap and BAM! My Doodlebug is getting ready to finish the 4th grade and move on to middle school - SERIOUSLY! My Baby Girl Is Growing UP and no one asked me if it was OK, it just happened in a blink of an eye!
Now let me tell you why she is the Coolest Chick I Know......
*She was born at 34 weeks with this awesome dimple that I like to think is a kiss on the cheek from the older sister she never go to meet! (for those of you who don't know, I lost a pregnancy at 16 weeks the year before)
*She takes her schoolwork very seriously - "Mom, can you believe I only got 8 A's on my report card. I got 4 B's...ugh!" My parents tell me she reminds them of someone they know, but WHO?
*She has always been spunky and fearless! She was very tolerant when Mommy was so tired before "the brothers" (as she used to call them) arrived, she could recite Nemo we watched it so much!
*She would visit "the brothers" in the NICU and asked me one day "How many of them do we get to bring home?"
*She is an awesome baker and loves to cook! (But, she hates to clean - anything)
*She has visited Alaska, The Smokey Mountains of Tennessee, Pennsylvania, Delaware and every state from Maryland to Florida. She loves Ocean City as much as Deep Creek Lake. She love to camp but will stay in a Hampton Inn or Disney resort with no problem!
*She raises chickens and has a bunny. She really enjoys 4H and has won several blue ribbons at the County Fair including one for her Bramaha Hen, homemade pineapple upside down cupcakes and homemade triple berry jam!
*She has received a blue ribbon in a county speech competition for the last 2 years and she is only 9...when I was 9, I would have never stood in front of a crowd like that unless it was on a stage dancing!
*She has had her first big argument with her BFF and worked it out on her own. I told her some friends are more like sisters, so you just work it out and move on!
*She asked to take hunter safety so she could learn how to be a safe hunter. She wrote an essay on "Why I would like to earn a free day of hunting" and won! Thanks to Uncle Will, she hunted on Jr. Hunt day for deer. She didn't get one, but she saw 25!
*She can go from Princess To Tom Boy in the blink of an eye, luckily Real Tree comes in Pink! Her favorite Princess is Mulan and Merida is just to coolest! (Imagine that a "real" Tom Boy Princess with triplet brothers)
*She chose to have a birthday party at Tuckahoe State Park last year, so she and her friends could climb a 40' rock wall, zipline down and go on a 30' rope swing!
*She can do long jump rope in the push up position, that's right I said jump rope in the push up position. I have seen her "jump" this way up to 9 repetitions.....WOW!!
And as the proud Mom of this Chicklet, I could go on and on, but I will keep you posted on the new adventures of my little angle as this year goes on so.....STAY TUNED!
Then I blinked and it was 3 years later on a Wednesday and my Little Doodlebug just became a big sister to Triplet Brothers (WOW, she had no idea what she was in for...hehehehe)! We skipped Tuesday, as a new mom it was a blurry time for a while!
So then I took a nap - thanks to Kristen and Angie for giving me some "free time" the summer after the Trips were born! But.....
I woke up and it was 1 years later on a Tuesday when my little Doodlebug was getting ready to get on the school bus for PreK! There I was at the top of the driveway, trying to wrangle 3 little boys wearing monkey backpacks (luckily the backpacks had tails) and take a picture of my "big girl"! Who by the way barely said Good Bye! So after a good cry.....
Nap time was pretty regular those days, so I got in an hour nap and BAM! My Doodlebug is getting ready to finish the 4th grade and move on to middle school - SERIOUSLY! My Baby Girl Is Growing UP and no one asked me if it was OK, it just happened in a blink of an eye!
Now let me tell you why she is the Coolest Chick I Know......
*She was born at 34 weeks with this awesome dimple that I like to think is a kiss on the cheek from the older sister she never go to meet! (for those of you who don't know, I lost a pregnancy at 16 weeks the year before)
*She takes her schoolwork very seriously - "Mom, can you believe I only got 8 A's on my report card. I got 4 B's...ugh!" My parents tell me she reminds them of someone they know, but WHO?
*She has always been spunky and fearless! She was very tolerant when Mommy was so tired before "the brothers" (as she used to call them) arrived, she could recite Nemo we watched it so much!
*She would visit "the brothers" in the NICU and asked me one day "How many of them do we get to bring home?"
*She is an awesome baker and loves to cook! (But, she hates to clean - anything)
*She has visited Alaska, The Smokey Mountains of Tennessee, Pennsylvania, Delaware and every state from Maryland to Florida. She loves Ocean City as much as Deep Creek Lake. She love to camp but will stay in a Hampton Inn or Disney resort with no problem!
*She raises chickens and has a bunny. She really enjoys 4H and has won several blue ribbons at the County Fair including one for her Bramaha Hen, homemade pineapple upside down cupcakes and homemade triple berry jam!
*She has received a blue ribbon in a county speech competition for the last 2 years and she is only 9...when I was 9, I would have never stood in front of a crowd like that unless it was on a stage dancing!
*She has had her first big argument with her BFF and worked it out on her own. I told her some friends are more like sisters, so you just work it out and move on!
*She asked to take hunter safety so she could learn how to be a safe hunter. She wrote an essay on "Why I would like to earn a free day of hunting" and won! Thanks to Uncle Will, she hunted on Jr. Hunt day for deer. She didn't get one, but she saw 25!
*She can go from Princess To Tom Boy in the blink of an eye, luckily Real Tree comes in Pink! Her favorite Princess is Mulan and Merida is just to coolest! (Imagine that a "real" Tom Boy Princess with triplet brothers)
*She chose to have a birthday party at Tuckahoe State Park last year, so she and her friends could climb a 40' rock wall, zipline down and go on a 30' rope swing!
*She can do long jump rope in the push up position, that's right I said jump rope in the push up position. I have seen her "jump" this way up to 9 repetitions.....WOW!!
And as the proud Mom of this Chicklet, I could go on and on, but I will keep you posted on the new adventures of my little angle as this year goes on so.....STAY TUNED!
April 4, 2013
A Moment in Time X 3
Last year at the Triplets Birthday Party, I was telling my Uncle Walt about the time the boys were chasing each other around with the broom and somehow - MAGICALLY - the broom handle ended up sticking out of the wall on a 45* angle. When questioned about how it happened the response was unanimous "Brittany did it Mom!".
For those of you who don't know, Brittany was our dog. At the time, she was a 15 year old cocker spaniel who could not see or hear very well! So the AMAZING Brittany, chased the boys down the steps with the broom and ended up putting it through the wall......I wish I had this for You Tube, I could be so rich by now - or at least have been invited to be on ELLEN!
Everyone was laughing and I have to admit even though I did not think it was funny at the time - it is pretty hilarious now - 2 years later!! But my uncle said to me, "You know Denise, when you look at that wall you will always remember that moment in time when the Trips put the broom through the wall, and laugh. Every "ding" in the wall or stain in the carpet was caused by an event in your life."
And he was 110% correct! Every time I walk down the steps, I laugh to myself because I think about that moment. When I see the scuffed corners of the walls and baseboards I remember that my little boys used to run their cars and trucks along them.
When I look at my kitchen table and see that one side of the table has been worn more than the other, I remember it is because 3 little boys sat there together for several years and made mess, after mess, after mess and had to be wiped 3x's as much as the other side.
And when I put their clothes away and see the broken drawer on their dresser, I remember the time I caught them "napping" - I mean sliding down the mattress they propped against the dresser (it is not a tall dresser, but one that was a changing table). The broken drawer happened when they used it as a ladder to reach the top of the "slide"! That was when naps ended - for all of us!
So tonight as I watched my sons put on batting helmets and hit baseballs for the first time with their team - the BLUE CLAWS - I realized that my boys are growing up fast! They are quickly on their way to 7 and there may not be "dings" on my walls anymore, but mud from the baseball field from the shoes they were supposed to take off before coming in or 3 baseball gloves laying in the middle of the floor (right inside the door).
As I start to straighten up, once again, before going to bed tonight, I will complain about the mud, the crumbs from the endless amount of food they can consume, load the dishwasher for the second time today and finish packing lunches. Then I will go upstairs one more time and check on all 4 of my Little Angels - to make sure the lights that got turned back on after I tucked them in the first time are off, all books are secure under their pillows and everyone is snuggled up tight - I will kiss them all once more because without them (and their Big Sister, of course) my life would be so "UNEVENTFUL!".
For those of you who don't know, Brittany was our dog. At the time, she was a 15 year old cocker spaniel who could not see or hear very well! So the AMAZING Brittany, chased the boys down the steps with the broom and ended up putting it through the wall......I wish I had this for You Tube, I could be so rich by now - or at least have been invited to be on ELLEN!
Everyone was laughing and I have to admit even though I did not think it was funny at the time - it is pretty hilarious now - 2 years later!! But my uncle said to me, "You know Denise, when you look at that wall you will always remember that moment in time when the Trips put the broom through the wall, and laugh. Every "ding" in the wall or stain in the carpet was caused by an event in your life."
And he was 110% correct! Every time I walk down the steps, I laugh to myself because I think about that moment. When I see the scuffed corners of the walls and baseboards I remember that my little boys used to run their cars and trucks along them.
When I look at my kitchen table and see that one side of the table has been worn more than the other, I remember it is because 3 little boys sat there together for several years and made mess, after mess, after mess and had to be wiped 3x's as much as the other side.
And when I put their clothes away and see the broken drawer on their dresser, I remember the time I caught them "napping" - I mean sliding down the mattress they propped against the dresser (it is not a tall dresser, but one that was a changing table). The broken drawer happened when they used it as a ladder to reach the top of the "slide"! That was when naps ended - for all of us!
So tonight as I watched my sons put on batting helmets and hit baseballs for the first time with their team - the BLUE CLAWS - I realized that my boys are growing up fast! They are quickly on their way to 7 and there may not be "dings" on my walls anymore, but mud from the baseball field from the shoes they were supposed to take off before coming in or 3 baseball gloves laying in the middle of the floor (right inside the door).
As I start to straighten up, once again, before going to bed tonight, I will complain about the mud, the crumbs from the endless amount of food they can consume, load the dishwasher for the second time today and finish packing lunches. Then I will go upstairs one more time and check on all 4 of my Little Angels - to make sure the lights that got turned back on after I tucked them in the first time are off, all books are secure under their pillows and everyone is snuggled up tight - I will kiss them all once more because without them (and their Big Sister, of course) my life would be so "UNEVENTFUL!".
July 26, 2012
"We're not Perfect, We're Parents"
I think it is Nickelodeon that says something along the lines of....."we're not perfect, we're parents"! No other quote could be more true. As I sit and look back on the antics of my crew this summer I realize how perfectly imperfect we are! TRUTH - I LOVE IT! In between the regularly scheduled family disagreements, scuffles, temper fits and meltdowns here are some of the MILESTONES of LIFE what we have been up to!
1). The start of the season.....The Triplets Campfire Cookout Birthday Party! Scales and Tales joined us for a one of a kind birthday celebration. We had a tent full of balls, a station to make your own trail mix, a station to make a pine cone bird feeder and some really cool Naturalists from Tuckahoe State Park brought some even cooler owls! (See, I really added an educational piece, but the kiddos don't realize that just yet..hehehe!)
The party was a blast and everyone had fun and learned a little something about our local wildlife as well! The best part.....my boys agreed to ask their friends (and with 3 kiddos in 2 classes with a big extended family as well that is a ton of friends) to bring a donation to the Queen Anne County Animal Shelter instead of gifts. They were able to take a 50 gallon crate full of pet supplies to the shelter, what a great way to give back!!
Our family is very generous, so they did not go without plenty of presents each and thanks to the generosity of everyone, all three got a new 20" bike and helmet with gift cards they received!!
2) The end of school brought with it some remarkable report cards.....Helena ROCKED straight A's for the first time!!! Parker is reading his sight words and doing his math just like the 1st grader he is going to be!! Preston worked really hard on his reading and math skills so he can show them off in 1st grade!! Peyton is reading like a champ and doing his "silent math" ready to move on!!!
We could not be more proud of them.....each one faced their own challenges and worked so hard this past year, who could ask for more!
3) Up next was Helena's Birthday Party at Tuckahoe State Park - The Challenge Course! I mean really, what little girls doesn't want to go rock wall climbing and zip lining for her birthday!! We (and I mean all of the adults and kids) at the party could not have been more proud of everyone that participated in the challenge! What a boost to your self esteem when you are 8 to 12 years old and meet the challenge of climbing a 40' rock wall or tube net and then zip lining down to meet up with your parents, family and friends....super cool! Oh and then going on to the 50' rope swing....amazing!
.........up next........4H Camp, camping on Assateague, boogie boarding on the beach and the Combine Crash Up Derby!
1). The start of the season.....The Triplets Campfire Cookout Birthday Party! Scales and Tales joined us for a one of a kind birthday celebration. We had a tent full of balls, a station to make your own trail mix, a station to make a pine cone bird feeder and some really cool Naturalists from Tuckahoe State Park brought some even cooler owls! (See, I really added an educational piece, but the kiddos don't realize that just yet..hehehe!)
The party was a blast and everyone had fun and learned a little something about our local wildlife as well! The best part.....my boys agreed to ask their friends (and with 3 kiddos in 2 classes with a big extended family as well that is a ton of friends) to bring a donation to the Queen Anne County Animal Shelter instead of gifts. They were able to take a 50 gallon crate full of pet supplies to the shelter, what a great way to give back!!
Our family is very generous, so they did not go without plenty of presents each and thanks to the generosity of everyone, all three got a new 20" bike and helmet with gift cards they received!!
2) The end of school brought with it some remarkable report cards.....Helena ROCKED straight A's for the first time!!! Parker is reading his sight words and doing his math just like the 1st grader he is going to be!! Preston worked really hard on his reading and math skills so he can show them off in 1st grade!! Peyton is reading like a champ and doing his "silent math" ready to move on!!!
We could not be more proud of them.....each one faced their own challenges and worked so hard this past year, who could ask for more!
3) Up next was Helena's Birthday Party at Tuckahoe State Park - The Challenge Course! I mean really, what little girls doesn't want to go rock wall climbing and zip lining for her birthday!! We (and I mean all of the adults and kids) at the party could not have been more proud of everyone that participated in the challenge! What a boost to your self esteem when you are 8 to 12 years old and meet the challenge of climbing a 40' rock wall or tube net and then zip lining down to meet up with your parents, family and friends....super cool! Oh and then going on to the 50' rope swing....amazing!
.........up next........4H Camp, camping on Assateague, boogie boarding on the beach and the Combine Crash Up Derby!
February 21, 2012
New Post.......over a year late!
I know, I am not the best blogger ever, but I have decided to try and keep everyone up to date on the antics of my circus! To become one of the best bloggers ever! I hear all of the time that I should write a book....so here are the current adventures of my life with 1 husband, 4 kids, 1 rabbit and 5 chickens!
Saturday was my 38th Birthday! 38....wow, only 2 more years to the BIG 40! Surprisingly enough I am not sad about that, I think I was more upset to creep up on 30. I had a plan as most of us do and by 30 I had not yet met all of the goals I had set.....I did not have kids yet and I wanted them badly!
Now, at 38, I have 4 great kids who make me crazy on a daily basis, but always manage to make me smile in the process......here are some of the reasons why...
H - she is a lot like me.... schoolwork must be perfect, she is a social butterfly, her dance steps must be on time or she gets mad, her room is a mess and she is very strong willed and independent (traits that will be great when she is in college or a board room, not so much at 8), she is a great big sister just like I still am (no comment Daniel) and she loves to be with me in the kitchen, she likes to play in the dirt but must wear her pink John Deere gloves to do so!
P1 - he likes to do things in his own time....we call it Parker time! From the day he was born this is what he lived by and it has not changed! He is very fast and plays soccer, but did not get on the field this past season until he was ready (with some coaxing from coach). He does great in school, but will tell you his letters and numbers when he wants to and not a moment sooner! He loves camo and his crossbow, trucks and fishing, give him the outdoors and he is happy. For dinner he will skip the veg, but give him a steak and he his happy!
P2 - he had the most heart.....he is the definition of a "middle child"....slow and stead wins the race with him! He works so hard in school and surprises me with his reading everyday! He chooses not to play sports but will sit at every game and cheer his brothers on without hesitation. He is a fan of his collections....one day I think you will see him on hoarders....each collection is different and you never know what you will find. Like P1 he loves some camo, his rifle and a fishing pole (they just found a new spot for spring). He will not eat meat unless it is in the form of a hot dog or chicken tender....vegetables and fruit all the way! Every night when he hugs me before bed....he tells me "I'm never gonna let you go!"
P3 - he is a "hot mess"! He has learned to read with vigor, so now any spelling during a conversation is useless or printed message you don't want anyone to know about....must write in cursive! He is super sweet in school, like honey...he gets off the bus and is honery!! Plays soccer like it is the world cup, but looks at the clouds while running down the field...not as serious as P1 about the game! He will eat anything you put in front of him....plus any ones leftovers! He is the "leader of the pack" at times, but does it in a sneaky way.....don't let the curls and baby blues fool you!
Saturday was my 38th Birthday! 38....wow, only 2 more years to the BIG 40! Surprisingly enough I am not sad about that, I think I was more upset to creep up on 30. I had a plan as most of us do and by 30 I had not yet met all of the goals I had set.....I did not have kids yet and I wanted them badly!
Now, at 38, I have 4 great kids who make me crazy on a daily basis, but always manage to make me smile in the process......here are some of the reasons why...
H - she is a lot like me.... schoolwork must be perfect, she is a social butterfly, her dance steps must be on time or she gets mad, her room is a mess and she is very strong willed and independent (traits that will be great when she is in college or a board room, not so much at 8), she is a great big sister just like I still am (no comment Daniel) and she loves to be with me in the kitchen, she likes to play in the dirt but must wear her pink John Deere gloves to do so!
P1 - he likes to do things in his own time....we call it Parker time! From the day he was born this is what he lived by and it has not changed! He is very fast and plays soccer, but did not get on the field this past season until he was ready (with some coaxing from coach). He does great in school, but will tell you his letters and numbers when he wants to and not a moment sooner! He loves camo and his crossbow, trucks and fishing, give him the outdoors and he is happy. For dinner he will skip the veg, but give him a steak and he his happy!
P2 - he had the most heart.....he is the definition of a "middle child"....slow and stead wins the race with him! He works so hard in school and surprises me with his reading everyday! He chooses not to play sports but will sit at every game and cheer his brothers on without hesitation. He is a fan of his collections....one day I think you will see him on hoarders....each collection is different and you never know what you will find. Like P1 he loves some camo, his rifle and a fishing pole (they just found a new spot for spring). He will not eat meat unless it is in the form of a hot dog or chicken tender....vegetables and fruit all the way! Every night when he hugs me before bed....he tells me "I'm never gonna let you go!"
P3 - he is a "hot mess"! He has learned to read with vigor, so now any spelling during a conversation is useless or printed message you don't want anyone to know about....must write in cursive! He is super sweet in school, like honey...he gets off the bus and is honery!! Plays soccer like it is the world cup, but looks at the clouds while running down the field...not as serious as P1 about the game! He will eat anything you put in front of him....plus any ones leftovers! He is the "leader of the pack" at times, but does it in a sneaky way.....don't let the curls and baby blues fool you!
September 15, 2010
Our First Book Fair, Fundraiser and School Pictures
(OK, so I know I am slacking here on the first day of school pics for the triplets, but I am going to do this post first because Jason has the camera in his truck with all of the pictures so.......)
All in the a 10 day span, really....I am glad I started my new job!!!
Last week the PreK went to the book fair to pick out 2 books each that they would "like to buy"....here was our picks
Parker - Sponge Bob Soccer Star, Heavy Metal Mater
Preston - Horse & Pony Sticker Book, Sponge Bob Soccer Star
Peyton - World's Cutest Puppies, Heavy Metal Mater
(Does anyone else see a trend??)
Fundraisers, not so bad - everyone could use a little cookie dough, right - but I got 4 packets sent home - really, I am hoping this was a mistake because if not the Grandmoms are going to be stocked in cookie dough for a long, long time. Grandmom Cindy - it is a good thing UJ is back to help with the cause! Plus, for those family members not in the immediate area you can now order online and have the product shipped directly to you!
And finally, the school pictures. Luckily for us they now offer the family plan! Pay full price for the first two and the others are 50% off. OK, not so bad, but the least expensive package is $28.00, but I have to get their first school pictures - it is the sentimental MOM in me!
In the end it is OK, I love the fact that they want books and the fundraiser helps the RIF program the PTA does (each student receives one book each month of the school year) and school pictures are really a right of passage in some ways. I mean don't we all look back at those first ones and say "What was my MOM thinking when she dressed me in that?"
All in the a 10 day span, really....I am glad I started my new job!!!
Last week the PreK went to the book fair to pick out 2 books each that they would "like to buy"....here was our picks
Parker - Sponge Bob Soccer Star, Heavy Metal Mater
Preston - Horse & Pony Sticker Book, Sponge Bob Soccer Star
Peyton - World's Cutest Puppies, Heavy Metal Mater
(Does anyone else see a trend??)
Fundraisers, not so bad - everyone could use a little cookie dough, right - but I got 4 packets sent home - really, I am hoping this was a mistake because if not the Grandmoms are going to be stocked in cookie dough for a long, long time. Grandmom Cindy - it is a good thing UJ is back to help with the cause! Plus, for those family members not in the immediate area you can now order online and have the product shipped directly to you!
And finally, the school pictures. Luckily for us they now offer the family plan! Pay full price for the first two and the others are 50% off. OK, not so bad, but the least expensive package is $28.00, but I have to get their first school pictures - it is the sentimental MOM in me!
In the end it is OK, I love the fact that they want books and the fundraiser helps the RIF program the PTA does (each student receives one book each month of the school year) and school pictures are really a right of passage in some ways. I mean don't we all look back at those first ones and say "What was my MOM thinking when she dressed me in that?"
September 9, 2010
Walking with the Grizzly's
Last night was a fairly easy night at work, so I was home earlier than usual (no sugar cookies to decorate.....sorry Jenny)...around 11:30 pm. When I came in Jason was not in bed, so I went on a hunt for my husband.
*not in front of the tv in the family room
*not in front of the tv downstairs
*not having a snack in the kitchen
so I headed upstairs
*not in the office on the computer
*not in Helena's room
****aha, he was sleeping on the floor beside Parker's bed.....someone must of had a bad dream.
So I gently shake his shoulder and this is what happened
D: "Hey what happened?"
J:"SHHH, I was walking with the grizzlies"
D:"What did you say?"
J: " I said I was walking with the grizzlys and I ended up here!"
D: "Ok then, I am going to go to bed and if you want to hear the alarm, you need to come to bed now."
J:" Is there bears?"
Then, before I woke the boys us from laughing I headed down and eventually my grizzly walker followed! This morning he had no recollection of the conversation!
*not in front of the tv in the family room
*not in front of the tv downstairs
*not having a snack in the kitchen
so I headed upstairs
*not in the office on the computer
*not in Helena's room
****aha, he was sleeping on the floor beside Parker's bed.....someone must of had a bad dream.
So I gently shake his shoulder and this is what happened
D: "Hey what happened?"
J:"SHHH, I was walking with the grizzlies"
D:"What did you say?"
J: " I said I was walking with the grizzlys and I ended up here!"
D: "Ok then, I am going to go to bed and if you want to hear the alarm, you need to come to bed now."
J:" Is there bears?"
Then, before I woke the boys us from laughing I headed down and eventually my grizzly walker followed! This morning he had no recollection of the conversation!
September 6, 2010
The First Fort
Today the first official hideout was built in my backyard. At the top of our slide is a small area covered by a roof, this was the basecamp. I was sitting on the deck. watching them take small chairs up the steps and then a seat cushion to cover the opening to the slide..... so Mommy could not peek in from her vantage point.
A few minutes later Parker comes around the side of the house from the garage carrying my crab pot.
Mommy - "Parker, what is in the pot buddy?"
Parker - "Crickets Mommy, we just caught them!"
Mommy (under her breath) - "Awesome!"
3 minutes later
Peyton (running up the deck steps and talking in a whisper) - "Mommy, there's not crickets in your pot.....Parker took the milk from the frigerator!"
Peyton heads to the fort and tries to lift the milk over the cushion to reveal the actual loot, but is stopped by Parker halfway above the cushion!
3 minutes later
Preston (leaving the house with a rectangular bulge resembling the cereal box under his shirt) - "Don't worry Mommy, its just some crickets in here!"
So now I really feel the need to investigate what exactly is going on in said hideout........and half way there Parker notices my pending arrival and quickly closes the lid and says "Hey, what's the big idea....No Girls Allowed!"
Further investigation proved a harmless snack of dry cereal because the milk (it was only half of a half gallon) had already been passed around .....milk mustaches were worn by everyone!
A few minutes later Parker comes around the side of the house from the garage carrying my crab pot.
Mommy - "Parker, what is in the pot buddy?"
Parker - "Crickets Mommy, we just caught them!"
Mommy (under her breath) - "Awesome!"
3 minutes later
Peyton (running up the deck steps and talking in a whisper) - "Mommy, there's not crickets in your pot.....Parker took the milk from the frigerator!"
Peyton heads to the fort and tries to lift the milk over the cushion to reveal the actual loot, but is stopped by Parker halfway above the cushion!
3 minutes later
Preston (leaving the house with a rectangular bulge resembling the cereal box under his shirt) - "Don't worry Mommy, its just some crickets in here!"
So now I really feel the need to investigate what exactly is going on in said hideout........and half way there Parker notices my pending arrival and quickly closes the lid and says "Hey, what's the big idea....No Girls Allowed!"
Further investigation proved a harmless snack of dry cereal because the milk (it was only half of a half gallon) had already been passed around .....milk mustaches were worn by everyone!
Class Review
While going through Helena's folder, I found some practice papers....
Write words that begin with I......internashinul....Iecrumba...ink...igluwe...ill...ice...into...if...in
Write words that begin with O.....outside...often...Oliver...ocktupuse...and...oringe
I have to say I was pretty impressed with the word choice (spelling included) :)
I cannot wait to see what the other vowels have to offer this week!
(side note - when I did a spell check on this post it said DONE SPELLCHECKING right away... hmmmmm)
Write words that begin with I......internashinul....Iecrumba...ink...igluwe...ill...ice...into...if...in
Write words that begin with O.....outside...often...Oliver...ocktupuse...and...oringe
I have to say I was pretty impressed with the word choice (spelling included) :)
I cannot wait to see what the other vowels have to offer this week!
(side note - when I did a spell check on this post it said DONE SPELLCHECKING right away... hmmmmm)
August 30, 2010
Random things you NEVER thought you would say as a MOM of Triplet Sons
*Why are you lowering a laundry basket from the balcony with your sisters jump rope?
Reply: Silence from the 2 sons lowering the basket, 1 son who was the spotter.."Not me!"
*Who put the broom handle through the wall?
Reply from all 3 sons who were sitting on the sofa: Brittany (the 12 year old cocker spaniel) did it!
*Who let Buttercup out of her hutch?
Reply from Preston: Parker?
Mommy: Parker was sleeping
Preston: It must have been a mouse
Peyton: I think the balloon did it!
*Where are your pants?
*Please do not collect frogs in my new Tupperware!
*Hello, Guardian Alarm service, I need someone to come out tomorrow and put alarms on my sons bedroom windows....they can open them. How do I know, this morning blankets and trucks were falling from the sky while I was getting ready in my bedroom which is on the first floor, under their room!
Peyton would climb up onto the sill, undo the child safety locks and proceed to help the others lift the window just enough to throw out a matchbox truck. Since the alarm went off the next day, we have never had an issue!
*Please put the hammer back in Daddy's tool box and please show me where in the house you "fixed" the wall.
*Great Adventures Little Men! (what I tell them at bedtime)
Response: Mommy I love you! x3
*Why did you just pour the bag of chocolate chips into your dump
truck?
Response: We cant have sand in the house!
Do Princesses Wear Camo?
My little Helena, who is not so little anymore chose this dress specifically for her first day of 2nd grade! She made sure she was accessorized with headband, shoes, earrings and bracelets to match.....my little fashionista in the making, ES style! She looked adorable and had a really good first day, no chair surfing this year!
Next Tuesday is the next big milestone in our school year, the trips are off to PreK 4.....God Bless Ms. Chance and Ms. Malicke....I see a lot of chocolate in their future. I have my box of tissues ready, who told my boys they could grow up so fast!
June 16, 2010
Baby A
Oh, my little Baby A......for those of you who know this little angel personally, or have heard the stories about him, the following comes as no surprise. For those of you who are meeting him for the first time....you will laugh in the end!
Typically A is the most dominant of the set, not in my house! My A likes to do things on his own terms....follow when it is convenient and lead when necessary to get what he wants, or make me crazy!!
For Example:
* He was the last to eat in the NICU, why do it on your own when there is that nifty tube that will put it right in my tummy?
* He was the last to crawl, why do it when you can roll?
* He was the last to walk, seriously....crawling is soooo much faster and easier, plus I can get to the toy before the other 2 stumble there!
* He was the last to start talking, look if Peyton wants to be the spokesperson, I'll just reap the benefit of the juice, snack, food thing....why talk when he will do it for me!
Do you see the pattern here?? The best part of this is that he could do all of he previous, but made the choice not to!
* After 18 months of speech therapy (which by the way has brought him leaps and bounds to communicating) his 2 answers during his PreK eval were, "NO" and "I don't think so"....are you serious?!?!?!?!
* When you ask him for a red crayon, he will hand it to you, but if you ask him what color it is.....strawberry! Brown....chocolate, blue....sky, green.....grass.......can you sense my frustration here??
Although he is "stubborn" and likes to do things his own way, to say the least.......he can be my littlest sweetheart! Every night before bed, he give me 2 hugs and a kiss. Spiderman is his favorite superhero, but he has never seen a cartoon or movie. He is fascinated by anything that has wheels, especially if it is painted John Deere Green! This is his favorite time of the year, because the combines are starting in the wheat fields and he will just watch them with fascination. He loves to eat, especially peanut butter sandwiches, but he is much small then his brothers ( I think that is because he is always running from me!). He likes to play soccer and can run pretty fast. He loves the beach, the sand and water. He likes to walk in the woods and find me treasures (mostly one that have legs and want to be kissed by a princess). My favorite....he will sneak down every morning and snuggle in my bed after Jason leaves for work, just for a cuddle and will go promptly go back to sleep!
So in the end, I do believe that this little man will be the one to send me on that mini vacation to the "spa" where they have white rooms (with padding), crisp white sheets (with a thread count of less than 200), meals served to you (on little trays with a spork) and lovely gardens (that are fenced in with alarms)......I do truly love him with all of my heart! This tenacity will be a trait that will serve him well later, just not when he is 4!
**As I am finishing this up, he just came looking for me. No one else is up, so we get to go have some Mommy-Parker time!
Typically A is the most dominant of the set, not in my house! My A likes to do things on his own terms....follow when it is convenient and lead when necessary to get what he wants, or make me crazy!!
For Example:
* He was the last to eat in the NICU, why do it on your own when there is that nifty tube that will put it right in my tummy?
* He was the last to crawl, why do it when you can roll?
* He was the last to walk, seriously....crawling is soooo much faster and easier, plus I can get to the toy before the other 2 stumble there!
* He was the last to start talking, look if Peyton wants to be the spokesperson, I'll just reap the benefit of the juice, snack, food thing....why talk when he will do it for me!
Do you see the pattern here?? The best part of this is that he could do all of he previous, but made the choice not to!
* After 18 months of speech therapy (which by the way has brought him leaps and bounds to communicating) his 2 answers during his PreK eval were, "NO" and "I don't think so"....are you serious?!?!?!?!
* When you ask him for a red crayon, he will hand it to you, but if you ask him what color it is.....strawberry! Brown....chocolate, blue....sky, green.....grass.......can you sense my frustration here??
Although he is "stubborn" and likes to do things his own way, to say the least.......he can be my littlest sweetheart! Every night before bed, he give me 2 hugs and a kiss. Spiderman is his favorite superhero, but he has never seen a cartoon or movie. He is fascinated by anything that has wheels, especially if it is painted John Deere Green! This is his favorite time of the year, because the combines are starting in the wheat fields and he will just watch them with fascination. He loves to eat, especially peanut butter sandwiches, but he is much small then his brothers ( I think that is because he is always running from me!). He likes to play soccer and can run pretty fast. He loves the beach, the sand and water. He likes to walk in the woods and find me treasures (mostly one that have legs and want to be kissed by a princess). My favorite....he will sneak down every morning and snuggle in my bed after Jason leaves for work, just for a cuddle and will go promptly go back to sleep!
So in the end, I do believe that this little man will be the one to send me on that mini vacation to the "spa" where they have white rooms (with padding), crisp white sheets (with a thread count of less than 200), meals served to you (on little trays with a spork) and lovely gardens (that are fenced in with alarms)......I do truly love him with all of my heart! This tenacity will be a trait that will serve him well later, just not when he is 4!
**As I am finishing this up, he just came looking for me. No one else is up, so we get to go have some Mommy-Parker time!
June 8, 2010
Do Princesses Wear Hiking Boots?
I found a book several summers back that was called "Do Princesses Wear Hiking Boots?" It was written by a mom in response to that very question asked by her daughter one summer day. This book is one of my favorites because it is about a little blond tomboy princess, who wears a daisy chain crown, flower skirts and hiking boots while looking for frogs.....sound familiar to anyone? This book is my Helena!
She will be 7 this month.....7! Where did the last 7 years go? She has grown up to be a sassy, smart, adorable little girl who I could not imagine life without. She is strong willed and definitely has her own opinions about how things should be done. She is a great big sister, bossy most of the time, but what big sister is not? (I think it is a privilege of status personally, right Uncle Dan!)
This year, on the first day of 1st grade, she was telling a story about the surfers we saw at the beach the previous weekend and when the kids at the table did not understand, she proceeded to give a demo and chair surf (during a lesson)! Needless to say, Ms. Sherwood, the student teacher. had a story about her first day like no one else in her class.....I think she may remember the little surfer girl for many years to come!
She was a cheerleader for the UQA Lions in the fall and did very well. It was fun to see her challenge herself and grow.
She has done so well in school that she is reading on a 3rd grade level at the end of 1st grade. So many nights I find her reading by the hall light or sneaking a book under her pillow. How do you argue with that? All of her report cards have been fantastic, better each quarter. However, she gets herself in trouble almost several times a week for talking....usually for giving directions to another student who has not done their work properly!
She still believes in Santa and the Tooth Fairy....I want to keep that as long as I can! She still has the innocence of childhood that I never want her to loose, although I know she will. She loves her brothers unconditionally, like only a sister can. She tells me she loves me whenever I leave the house, she is a Daddy's girl and although she makes me crazy at times.....I love her with all of my heart! She is my 586 shot baby after all!
She will be 7 this month.....7! Where did the last 7 years go? She has grown up to be a sassy, smart, adorable little girl who I could not imagine life without. She is strong willed and definitely has her own opinions about how things should be done. She is a great big sister, bossy most of the time, but what big sister is not? (I think it is a privilege of status personally, right Uncle Dan!)
This year, on the first day of 1st grade, she was telling a story about the surfers we saw at the beach the previous weekend and when the kids at the table did not understand, she proceeded to give a demo and chair surf (during a lesson)! Needless to say, Ms. Sherwood, the student teacher. had a story about her first day like no one else in her class.....I think she may remember the little surfer girl for many years to come!
She was a cheerleader for the UQA Lions in the fall and did very well. It was fun to see her challenge herself and grow.
She has done so well in school that she is reading on a 3rd grade level at the end of 1st grade. So many nights I find her reading by the hall light or sneaking a book under her pillow. How do you argue with that? All of her report cards have been fantastic, better each quarter. However, she gets herself in trouble almost several times a week for talking....usually for giving directions to another student who has not done their work properly!
She still believes in Santa and the Tooth Fairy....I want to keep that as long as I can! She still has the innocence of childhood that I never want her to loose, although I know she will. She loves her brothers unconditionally, like only a sister can. She tells me she loves me whenever I leave the house, she is a Daddy's girl and although she makes me crazy at times.....I love her with all of my heart! She is my 586 shot baby after all!
June 7, 2010
I'm Back!!!!
Wow, I cannot believe it has been almost 1 year since I have blogged! So much has happened in that time, I will not be able to catch up all at once. To catch everyone up, I will be taking the time to post about each one of my little angels because each one definitely deserves the time! I will start with my Little Helena who will be turning 7 this month, my baby is not a baby anymore, followed up by a post about each one of my little men, who turned 4 in May. Along the way I will tell some of the best stories I can about our circus and believe me we have some to tell!
Who knew life with a husband, a strong willed daughter, triplet sons, a dog, a bunny and 5 fish would be so interesting. Trust me, there is no book out there that prepares you for the position of "ring leader" aka MOM! I have learned over the last year that if I put my faith in GOD to help me along the way, all things will work out. One of my favorite quotes is "We're not perfect, we're parents" and it is sooooo true. So I am signing off for tonight, but I will be back soon to update you on my Little Helena, my toothless Princess who wears her new dress while searching for tadpoles in our pond!
Who knew life with a husband, a strong willed daughter, triplet sons, a dog, a bunny and 5 fish would be so interesting. Trust me, there is no book out there that prepares you for the position of "ring leader" aka MOM! I have learned over the last year that if I put my faith in GOD to help me along the way, all things will work out. One of my favorite quotes is "We're not perfect, we're parents" and it is sooooo true. So I am signing off for tonight, but I will be back soon to update you on my Little Helena, my toothless Princess who wears her new dress while searching for tadpoles in our pond!
June 13, 2009
Strawberry Picking
Yesterday we went strawberry picking at Godfrey's Farm. This is the second year in a row that AMOM has done this and followed it with a picnic at Church Hill Park. I frequent Lisa's farm stand at least 3 times a week for the freshest produce you can find, she is a great person and MOM of twin girls to boot!
Helena is still in school, so she did not get to go this time, but we got a special treat because our cousins Kristen (Parker and Preston's Godmother) and Angie came along with us. The boys loved it because they had one on one time with somebody for the tractor ride and picking! I think Peyton eats more than we actually carry out in the pint, but I have to say he is a very particular berry picker (now)....only the "bright red berries" for him! He was partnered with Angie and I think he was giving her lessons on his technique...hahaha Parker was picking with Kristen and was doing great talking to her as well, she is so great with my kids, we are lucky to have her as part of their lives! I had Preston, he likes to find the really small ones that he can just pop into his mouth without biting, but he soon left me for Angie, then Parker was done and wanted to walk, so Peyton went with Kristen......again, one on one, what is a Mom to do when she can actually look after one at a time !?!?!?!?!
A little back story....2 weeks ago while visiting Godfrey's I got my friends Robin and Jenny some berries and delivered them on the way home. I am not sure exactly when it started, but Peyton has a huge crush on Ms. Jenny and he was very excited about dropping off her berries. When we got to her farm, he was asleep and did not actually get to do the delivery and apparently did not realize that the delivery was made because ......the next morning when I got our berries out he told me "No Mommy, they for Jenny!" After some debate I was allowed to make smoothies!
So while Kristen was picking with Peyton, he picked an extra pint for his girl Jenny and made sure we delivered them on the way home! He specifically told all of us that those were "berries for Jenny"! You see he ate most of his pint on the way home.....
Thanks again Kristen and Angie for spending the day with us, we hope you had as much fun as we did!
Helena is still in school, so she did not get to go this time, but we got a special treat because our cousins Kristen (Parker and Preston's Godmother) and Angie came along with us. The boys loved it because they had one on one time with somebody for the tractor ride and picking! I think Peyton eats more than we actually carry out in the pint, but I have to say he is a very particular berry picker (now)....only the "bright red berries" for him! He was partnered with Angie and I think he was giving her lessons on his technique...hahaha Parker was picking with Kristen and was doing great talking to her as well, she is so great with my kids, we are lucky to have her as part of their lives! I had Preston, he likes to find the really small ones that he can just pop into his mouth without biting, but he soon left me for Angie, then Parker was done and wanted to walk, so Peyton went with Kristen......again, one on one, what is a Mom to do when she can actually look after one at a time !?!?!?!?!
A little back story....2 weeks ago while visiting Godfrey's I got my friends Robin and Jenny some berries and delivered them on the way home. I am not sure exactly when it started, but Peyton has a huge crush on Ms. Jenny and he was very excited about dropping off her berries. When we got to her farm, he was asleep and did not actually get to do the delivery and apparently did not realize that the delivery was made because ......the next morning when I got our berries out he told me "No Mommy, they for Jenny!" After some debate I was allowed to make smoothies!
So while Kristen was picking with Peyton, he picked an extra pint for his girl Jenny and made sure we delivered them on the way home! He specifically told all of us that those were "berries for Jenny"! You see he ate most of his pint on the way home.....
Thanks again Kristen and Angie for spending the day with us, we hope you had as much fun as we did!
June 12, 2009
Gymnastics Diva with a Capital D
When we enrolled Helena is gymnastics 3 years ago we did not do it with the intention of her becoming the next Mary Lou Retton, however she has actually showed some real potential over the last 3 years. Before we moved, she was on the "mini team" at Docksiders and was doing quite well considering she was the youngest of the group!
Now we go to Island Gymnastics on KI. It is much smaller, but it is only her and one other little girl (who is 8) in her class, so the one on one allows for little downtime in between instruction.
Wednesday night was her end of year show and I have to say she brought tears to my eyes....my baby did a routine on the full size balance beam, no help, no fall! She just got up there like she owned it and did her thing!!!!
She was really nervous about memorizing the routine because they handed it out written on a piece of paper. The teacher asked the girls if they could read and of course she said YES, because she can.....just not words like "hitch kick" and "dismount" into a tuck. So Daddy and I practiced with her on the railroad ties around the playground. She even did her forward roll out there (which she did with very, very little spotting at the show)!
I have it recorded along with her trampoline and vault jumps (as soon as I find my camera cable I will post pics too)...she is Fearless when it comes to this and gives it all she has.....except when she has to wait in line with 17 girls for her turn to do her floor routine...then she is laying on the mat, kicking her feet in the air, doing what looks like pilates and making faces at me because I am telepathically threatening her for acting like a nut!
I love her to death and would expect no less from a daughter of mine....attitude and all!
(Someone once told me I was the over achiever of the group growing up...mmmmmmmmmmm?)
Now we go to Island Gymnastics on KI. It is much smaller, but it is only her and one other little girl (who is 8) in her class, so the one on one allows for little downtime in between instruction.
Wednesday night was her end of year show and I have to say she brought tears to my eyes....my baby did a routine on the full size balance beam, no help, no fall! She just got up there like she owned it and did her thing!!!!
She was really nervous about memorizing the routine because they handed it out written on a piece of paper. The teacher asked the girls if they could read and of course she said YES, because she can.....just not words like "hitch kick" and "dismount" into a tuck. So Daddy and I practiced with her on the railroad ties around the playground. She even did her forward roll out there (which she did with very, very little spotting at the show)!
I have it recorded along with her trampoline and vault jumps (as soon as I find my camera cable I will post pics too)...she is Fearless when it comes to this and gives it all she has.....except when she has to wait in line with 17 girls for her turn to do her floor routine...then she is laying on the mat, kicking her feet in the air, doing what looks like pilates and making faces at me because I am telepathically threatening her for acting like a nut!
I love her to death and would expect no less from a daughter of mine....attitude and all!
(Someone once told me I was the over achiever of the group growing up...mmmmmmmmmmm?)
June 10, 2009
Potty Training.....and other stuff!
All I am going to say it that it is going gr@@t! If I actually say it, I know I will jinx myself and things will go downhill quickly! Yesterday we only had 1 accident all day long! YEAH Boys! I mean if they want to run around with underweres on (as Peyton would say), who am I to tell them that they should not wear an extra pair on their head! (Always best to be prepared)
Also, I was sooooo proud of Helena, she did her balance beam routine 5 times for practice without any help - totally memorized! We will she how she does in class!
Also, I was sooooo proud of Helena, she did her balance beam routine 5 times for practice without any help - totally memorized! We will she how she does in class!
June 8, 2009
One Thing
Here is one thing I love about everyone in my house this past week....
Jason - detailed my van....just because and brought me Panera for dinner one night...yum
Helena - did a good job on her "can do" at school and now has her balance beam routine memorized
Parker - is using so many words I cannot believe it is the same little man
Preston - this boy spends more time in "time out", but I love his tenacity while being honery and the sideways look he give you with a huge smile
Peyton - he is fascinated with the car wash and now calls the Playschool Barn his car wash because he can push the cars through the front and back door
Brittany - she is an old pup, but can snore louder than Jason at night
Let's see what this week brings!
Jason - detailed my van....just because and brought me Panera for dinner one night...yum
Helena - did a good job on her "can do" at school and now has her balance beam routine memorized
Parker - is using so many words I cannot believe it is the same little man
Preston - this boy spends more time in "time out", but I love his tenacity while being honery and the sideways look he give you with a huge smile
Peyton - he is fascinated with the car wash and now calls the Playschool Barn his car wash because he can push the cars through the front and back door
Brittany - she is an old pup, but can snore louder than Jason at night
Let's see what this week brings!
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