Surviving Triplets

Boxes are the best!

noreply@blogger.com (Surviving Triplets) — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 16:45:00 +0000

Screw all the new toys! Boxes are so much fun. They can be anything. At one point, Tio was flying a plane & then we decided to make it a car. The kids LOVED being in the box w/ him.

A special thanks to Diapers.com b/c they always send their stuff in big boxes!

We are still in recovery mode from Christmas. I got the tree down yesterday & am working on getting everything back to where it belongs. Our house is slowly returning back to normal. The closer we get, the better the kids are getting as well.

The day after Christmas was the worst. They were tired, overstimulated & just plain whiny. We had an official "lazy day". I didn't even bother getting out of my pj's. We all hung out on the couch together, trying to deal w/ the kids obnoxious whiny squeals. We were most definitely not in good form.

Sunday was a day of no visitors & trying to get back on schedule. Seemed to help the kids realize things were going to get back to what they were prior to Christmas except w/ a whole new collection of toys to play with.

Todd had to go back to work yesterday & we miss him. I think the kids got use to his cute way of going in their room every morning. I think the kids realize we are back on schedule. They are still whiny though & I am fairly certain it is the teething issue. Sofi has been drooling like a newborn baby. Her shirt is constantly wet & she has a bit of a moist nose (don't want to say it is runny b/c it isn't). She has been super fussy & emotional. I know her bottom 2 year molars are coming in & everyone is feeling her pain!

Otherwise, we are on the road to recovery. It is great to see family & friends but I am beginning to appreciate the quiet side of life as well.

Merry Christmas!

noreply@blogger.com (Surviving Triplets) — Sat, 26 Dec 2009 14:54:00 +0000

Merry Christmas to all of you! I hope you enjoyed the day with family & friends, surrounded by love. We sure did!

This video is just a snippet of the excitement the kids exuded when they saw the presents under the tree. Todd & I are pretty sure that although they don't fully get Christmas, they definitely bought in to the excitement of having presents under the tree as well as opening them. This year was fantastic! I can't wait for them to really get it next year.

Needless to say, it has been busy around here for the past week, hence no posts. Between scarf orders, last minute Christmas present buying, & taking care of 3 kids plus a hubby...I haven't had time to do anything.

I promise I'll be back in full force this week. Back to cleaning up Christmas!

Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree...

noreply@blogger.com (Surviving Triplets) — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 17:11:00 +0000

As many parents of toddlers know, the predicament is WHERE to put the tree. With 3, it is even more of a challenge b/c you can forget a superyard gate. They'll tear it down. Leaving it wide open is also not an option. 3 sets of little hands equals T.R.O.U.B.L.E.

At the same time, you want the tree to be around, so they can see & enjoy it. The solution, put it in the dining room which is virtually completely connected to the living room & only divided by a baby gate. We can all enjoy it all day/night long & don't have to worry about little hands pulling down all the ornaments.

Oh, & let's not even try to discuss whether the tree is real 'cuz it ain't. Sorry, real trees are super prickly & although the kids don't have free reign when it comes to being around the tree, we do let them touch & explore it every day & will be opening our presents around the tree on Christmas so it is a "tree-in-a-box" for us!

Gabi was so happy to actually be able to touch the tree & ornaments!

All 3 around the tree!

Sofi getting a closer look.

Gabi checking out her own ornament from last year.

Daddy & the kids <3.

We made it 20 months...my goal!

noreply@blogger.com (Surviving Triplets) — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 15:25:00 +0000

I've been meaning to write about this. Somehow I forgot. How forgetting is possible, don't ask me. Something to do w/ raising triplets that are ALMOST TWO YEARS OLD. Ok, so let me get over that little shocker.

Ian finally weaned. Yeah, I'm one of those weird moms that went way, way past a year w/ breastfeeding but honestly, I don't feel the need to explain why. I had my reasons & am glad I stuck to my guns. He did it on his own terms. That is the way I wanted it to happen & sure, part of me was hoping it would be sooner than later but even then, the end was bittersweet.

I had seen it coming. He had chosen the slow road to weaning. Slowly but surely, until he wasn't interested anymore. He wanted to play w/ his sisters. He didn't want to sit still even though when I told him it was "booby time", he hustled on over, ready to latch on. The girls even helped by bring the 2 pillows to me when I said that. It was truly a family affair.

It is a little sad when I think about not ever nursing again. I know that is why I was ok w/ going for so long as well as knowing the benefits of the breast milk. My kids needed every advantage I could give them being that they were born at a disadvantage (being preemies).

It was a good run. I still haven't dried up completely & luckily I never felt engorged. I attribute that to Ian's slow process of weaning over 3-4 months. I will forever treasure every nursing session, every painful bout of mastitis & cracked nipples that I had to endure b/c I know I did what was best for my kids. It was THE BATTLE I chose to fight.

To all those mothers out there struggling, if I can do it...you can too!

Our Current Schedule

noreply@blogger.com (Surviving Triplets) — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 15:38:00 +0000

I haven't written our schedule in quite some time. It has been set like this since they were about 14 months old when we dropped their morning nap. I'm good w/ it. They are good w/ it.

6:25 ~ I wake up & shower, get coffee.
7:00 ~ Out of the cribs. Sometimes they are awake, sometimes they are asleep but either way, I wake them up. It works for us. For the next hour, we play upstairs in the playroom.
8:00 ~ Breakfast
8:30 ~ Storytime/books/coloring, depending on the day & the mess they make from breakfast.
9:00 ~ Quiet time in the cribs. This allows me to clean the floors, have a cup of coffee & prepare for the rest of the day.
9:30 ~ Play downstairs.
10:00 ~ Snacks & then play afterwards, still downstairs.
11:00 ~ On nice days we go outside in the backyard & then for a walk in the wagon.
12:00 ~ Lunch
12:30 ~ Naptime
2-3 ~ Wake up & back downstairs to play.
4:00 ~ Dinner & yes, it is early but w/ 3 kids, it is easier to feed them as Daddy is driving home. It also gives Todd time to play w/ the kids & have quality time w/ them. He does flashcards w/ them while they are at the table.
5:00 ~ On nice days, we take a family walk. The rest of the days, we play downstairs.
6:15 ~ Go upstairs, put jammies on & hang out in the playroom.
6:30 ~ Milk & video, normally a Baby Einstein.
7:00 ~ Bedtime, whew!

This means that Todd & I have adult time afterward & that is when we eat, talk, hang out, sew, or what ever else we need to do. This seems to be a very good schedule for us & I hope the kids continue to nap in the afternoon for a long time to come!

Sofi & Ian were cuddling w/ Checkers. We have 2 cats & she is definitely very tolerant of the kids.

While they were cuddling w/ Checkers, Gabi was having fun w/ Daddy watching something on the computer & giggling away!

Becoming Bilingual

noreply@blogger.com (Surviving Triplets) — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 02:45:00 +0000

I don't know how much I have gone in to my bilingual background but I am, Spanish & English. Now, our intention has always been to raise the kids bilingually BUT if you know anything about it, when everyone around you speaks only English it makes it difficult to speak Spanish. To myself? Nah. To the kids? Probably should do a better job. Eh, & this is where I falter.

Despite my lack of effort, Gabi has picked up on quite a bit of Spanish. Must be from my parents cus they do the Spanish speaking around these here parts. She can actually count better in Spanish than in English. Check out the video!

Another big thing. Ok, I have to tell you the story. Todd got home this afternoon & I needed to get some stuff from Hancock Fabric. Actually all I needed was some compressed gas & that was my excuse to go to Hancock Fabric (shhh, don't tell). Needless to say, I didn't walk out of there w/ just the compressed gas, I walked out w/ $30 of material. OOPS. Oh & did I mention it was bath night & already past 6pm when I left Hancock's? Um, yeah. Baths start at 6pm but I figured, "What the hell. What is 7 days w/o a bath?"

So, I'm kidding about the 7 days. Not so much about not bathing though. What is another day so long as it doesn't turn in to 7 days? Seriously. I never get out & was enjoying it.

I walk in, wash up & then walk upstairs...to see the kids in THEIR PJS WITH WET HAIR?!?!? Yeah, wet hair means only 1 thing. Bath. HUH? WHAT? MY HUSBAND? GET THE F OUT!

He did it all by himself. I'm so friggin' proud! I've never bathed them alone. YAY! What a wonderful surprise! I <3 my hubby!

So that's the story. He did it all by himself. What a good Daddy!

How to stay warm on a cold winter day!

noreply@blogger.com (Surviving Triplets) — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 15:22:00 +0000

Ok, so I'm not quite recovered from all the crap that has gone this week but I am determined to have a smile on my face today, no matter what is thrown at me by my beautiful kids. I do love them. I just don't love their lack of napping.

I think part of the issue is that the weather here is crappy. It rained for 4 days straight leaving our backyard a mud pit. Then the sun finally comes out but it is really cold outside. So, we have been stuck inside. Bored. I've tried all kinds of things to help us get through this.

A big hit this week has been the Sterilite containers. I put a bunch of comfy blankets in there, then the kids climb in. I give them a book & their computer. It keeps them entertained for a while. They especially like to sit in them & watch a show.

If you have any ideas for inside activities that aren't messy b/c I can't bathe them alone, I'm open to hear!

Naps...oh, naps!

noreply@blogger.com (Surviving Triplets) — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 23:15:00 +0000

Come out, come out where ever you are! We would like you to return b/c Mommy is going insane.

Yes. That's all folks. Maybe when I am in a better mood & have a more positive disposition regarding my children, will I post pics.

It'll happen tomorrow.

Sticker Fun

noreply@blogger.com (Surviving Triplets) — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 16:11:00 +0000

For the past 5 days, we have received some form of precipitation & thus outside activities are off limits. Needless to say, this isn't a good thing for Mommy. The kids are antsy & need new stimuli. Can we have Christmas early & get some new toys please? Ok, kidding. We will wait until Christmas.

Until then, I had to get creative. My neighbor brought some craft stuff over (yeah, stuff I actually didn't have) so we experimented w/ stamps, stickers & dicuts. The stamps, not so much. I was at least smart enough to not put the pad of ink in front of them. I stamped the ink & then gave it to them to decorate the paper. Yeah, didn't work exactly well.

So, we moved on to stickers. OH.BOY. Did we love stickers!

I even joined in on the "sticker-on-the-nose" fun!

Here is our beautiful creation. We made it for Daddy. I've got to tell you mommies that have more than 1, butcher paper across the whole table is KEY!

Family Pics

noreply@blogger.com (Surviving Triplets) — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 04:45:00 +0000

I've been busy...really, really busy. I think my sewing machine is asking to go on vacation. So, I don't have time to write. Sorry, not much going on w/ the whiny kids anyway. I think we are officially hitting that "independent" phase. Yeah, fun.

Anyway, to the pictures. Gotta tell you that when I got the disk full of pics (over 200), I was extremely disappointed. The whole session didn't go very well. Not so much b/c of the kids but more b/c the photographer didn't really know what to do w/ 3 19-month-olds. These were some of the edited shots.

Ian in all his sweetness w/ that famous smile of his!

Sofi in all her sweetness (ha. if you only knew.) Oh & the 1st 2 pics were from the regular set. The 2nd 2 are edited.

My Gabi girl & all her happiness & joy!

Some random shots of the kids that I love. These are the "real" kids' personalities shining through.

I'll post some of the family pics tomorrow as well as a couple of nice ones of Todd & I. I'm going to bed.

Skinny Scarf Give Away

noreply@blogger.com (Surviving Triplets) — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 19:10:00 +0000

Check it out on my other blog. It's a pretty skinny scarf!

SIGnature Creations Blog

Spanks Julz!

Fall Fun

noreply@blogger.com (Surviving Triplets) — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 17:19:00 +0000

The leaves are finally falling off the trees in our part of the world & wow! What fun it is! Brings me back to being a little kid. Never thought jumping in to a pile of leaves would be so fun. The kids got a kick out of putting on the "winter" gear & heading outside. Now, if you know anything about our winters, you know there isn't much of one so don't laugh too hard that we consider winter gear to be a fleece pullover, a hat & mits. Not even a winter coat, haha!

Miss Jane raked the leaves & let the kids run through them over & over. Then it was time to roll around in the leaves. We had leaves EVERYWHERE! Then we played Peek-a-Boo in the leaves. It was a fantabulous time!

Oh, & somehow we lost the soothie in the backyard. I'm sure it is in the pile of leaves. Not gonna search for it now. What a wonderful morning!

Napping...grrrrrrrrrr...

noreply@blogger.com (Surviving Triplets) — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 02:31:00 +0000

Yeah, so not sure what the deal is but the kids didn't nap on Friday (the day after a loaded day w/ family & friends) & then 2 of them (Gabi & Ian) didn't nap today. It wouldn't be an issue if they would just hang out & play but, NOOOOOO. They have to be w/ Mommy. Mommy had a lot to do today. Too much to do today. So, needless to say, not much got done.

But as it were, Gabi accepted Daddy as a substitute, only until Mommy got in her line of sight & then it was a no go.

Ok, that's a lie. Lots got done but it was accompanied by crying & Daddy coming to the rescue. It was a join effort. Thank God. Now, if I only knew the reason for the short naps. I know Ian woke up b/c of Gabi today. Most likely all 3 woke up b/c of Sofi on Friday. I think Sofi is getting a 2 year molar (yes, that would be 4 months early but she started w/ her 1 year molars at 10 months so I wouldn't be surprised).

Another suggestion is a growth spurt. I would believe that but they aren't eating any more than before. Hmmm...I'm stumped but either way, will love my babies & cherish this time. No matter how difficult.

Happy Turkey Day!

noreply@blogger.com (Surviving Triplets) — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 01:11:00 +0000

I hope everyone stuffed their bellies w/ good food today. If you don't celebrate Thanksgiving, then I hope you had a wonderful day all the same. The reason I say that is since I am from a different country, my family had NO IDEA what Thanksgiving was until they moved here. We have never really celebrated it. We did family stuff but never turkey & stuffing & all the fixins.

This was our 1st REAL Thanksgiving w/ the kids. Yeah, they were around last year & 8 months old but they didn't really sit at the table w/ us or eat w/ us. They just got a taste of turkey & then off to bed.

So, this year we had the shirts made, had family & friends visit throughout the day AND...

Drum roll please...

We went to Grandma & Papap's for dinner! Yeah. You read right. We left the house. Not only did we leave the house BUT we ate dinner. As a family. Somewhere besides our house. Yes, we did.

Gotta admit, I was a bit stressed about the whole thing. Ok, overwhelmed. Yes. Me. Edgy is a nice adjective rather than the other one I was thinking about & since this is a Thanksgiving blog, I will refrain from using profanity.

Now comes the sappy part. Yep, me...being sappy. I want to thank my inlaws for giving us a wonderful opportunity to have a delicious meal (none of which I had to cook) & being able to sit down as a "family". I want to thank God for my 3 beautiful, well behaved children (they were angels today, ok...minus Ian's 30 minute temper tantrum this morning). I am most thankful for my husband, Todd. He is the man of my dreams. My parents, Ian & Jessie, Jeff, & Julie for being part of our lives. I wake up every morning a very happy woman.

Now for some pics!

Hey Dad, I want what you're drinking (uh, no).

Sofi & Papap!

Turkey, turkey, turkey!

Turkey w/ some milk to wash it down.

Playing in a toy. Ok, reading in a toy! Doesn't get better than that when your at Grandma's house!

From our family to yours, thank you for your unconditional support whether it has been through following this blog, saying a prayer in our darkest of moments, leaving a comment or even purchasing something from my growing little business. You are all in our thoughts daily. Thank you!

Cute shirts & Scarf Along project!

noreply@blogger.com (Surviving Triplets) — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 15:36:00 +0000

Yep, this is the exception to the rule. I know. Not suppose to talk about my business on here but I HAVE to share these really cute turkey shirts that we made for Thanksgiving Day. Too bad it is too late to order one now BUT we are going to have some killer Christmas shirt designs instead so keep a lookout on my other blog SIGnature Creations. These are the 3 shirts together for the kids.

And the shirts seperately.

I've actually been doing quite a bit of sewing now that my machine is out of the closet. I've been keeping dibs on my progress on the other blog. I've got to share my favorite one though. It is called Scarf Along & was recommended to me by a friend, Adrienne. There are a handful of us doing it together (A, Amy, Angie, & Andrea). Ok, is it just me or do we all have A names? HA! Now that is friggin' hilarious!

Anyway, back to the project. The premise is that you can make 8 scarves for roughly $20. Now, I ended up spending a little more b/c I wanted to make more scarves. YAY! So far, I'm loving every minute of it, even the ironing.

Here are my fabric choices for the 1st set of scarves.

And these are the fabric choices for the 2nd set of scarves.

This has really gotten my creative juices flowing. I'm by no means an expert seamstress but this is fun & helps fill my time while making me feel like I am contributing to the family.

Ok, so 1 last plug for my business. I also have an Etsy store. We (Sheila & I) do custom orders as well so if you need something special for a birthday or for a baby shower, we can whip it up. I've got a couple of precious diaper cakes as well as diaper wreaths (perfect to hang on the hospital door & then at home). Too much to list here. Check out the store & my independent website. Remember, if we don't have it, we can make it!

SIGnature Creations Esty Store
SIGnature Creations Website

Thanks for letting me shamelessly plug my biz!

Tender Mommy Moments

noreply@blogger.com (Surviving Triplets) — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 01:59:00 +0000

You know, it is very rare that a mommy gets to be in the picture but last night proved to be the perfect moment for mommy to get included. Ian normally sits on the couch for his milk & the girls in their bouncy chairs (yes, the same ones we have had since they were born). Last night was special. All 3 wanted to sit on MY lap and, as mommies do, I accommodated all 3.

Don't hate. Yes, we still give the girls milk in a bottle. No, we aren't worried about their teeth. They get brushed every night. We also don't put them to bed w/ the bottle. They finish it at least 30 minutes before going to bed. Why am I even justifying it? Never mind.

Back to the point. This was definitely a moment to remember for this mommy. It is not common for all 3 to sit contently in my lap at one time w/o some shoving, pushing or arguing going on. So, yeah. This is mommy's tender moment <3.

T.R.O.U.B.L.E.

noreply@blogger.com (Surviving Triplets) — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 20:10:00 +0000

I don't think I really need to explain much w/ a picture like this. He may need braces to get him to walk better but hell if he can't climb!

Eating Utensils & Plates

noreply@blogger.com (Surviving Triplets) — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 21:37:00 +0000

What a big step to civilized eating! We are officially using eating utensils (or at least trying to) & plates. The plates are going better than the forks/spoons. They actually leave them on the table until they are empty. Once there is nothing left on the plate, it's fair game for throwing down on the ground.

Of the 3, Sofi has managed to eat a whole meal using her fork. She is also really good w/ her spoon. We use a spoon every morning to eat yogurt. I chose yogurt b/c the consistency is thick & tends to stay on the spoon.

Speaking of utensils, I had a difficult time trying to decide what to get. We got some Baby Einstein Eat & Discover Utensils b/c we had been given them as a present way back before the kids were born & these seem to be easy to handle & to pierce the food.

Gabi & Ian...hmmm. They can take it or leave it. Not too interested in the fork although if I help Ian, he will use it. Gabi, not so much. The girl just wants to get the food in her mouth the quickest way possible. I look forward to the day they are able to use them well b/c I'm tired of constantly wiping hands!

Here are the munchkins w/ their plates & forks!

Love/hate relationship...

noreply@blogger.com (Surviving Triplets) — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 19:13:00 +0000

I hate those damn braces. I'm not exactly sure why I have such a disdain for them but I do. I knew that Ian would have problems maneuvering in them as they are bulky. I don't care what all the therapists said, they are BULKY. They are big & put some significant weight on the bottom half of his legs making it difficult for him to move around.

I'm not saying he was agile & quick before but at least he could break his falls & didn't have huge bruises on the back of his legs from where the braces hit. I think the extra weight is making his feet slower than before & so when he tries to move, his upper body wants to go faster than his lower body. Hence, the falling. A lot of the time he trips over his own feet. Wonder why? Could it be the shoes that are THREE sizes too big?

His ECI coordinator seems to feel the same way about them after observing him today. The only problem is that he IS much more stable when walking than he was before. His left foot has also started to turn straight rather than to the side. I gotta love them for making a difference so quickly. Hence the love/hate relationship.

I knew he would have some physical setbacks b/c the braces are retraining him to walk w/ a new set of muscles. I just didn't expect so much falling. Poor guy. Sorry, no pics today. Momma hasn't had time to take or upload.

I think I needed to vent.

Outside Fun

noreply@blogger.com (Surviving Triplets) — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 21:18:00 +0000

Ok, seems like we always have intentions of going outside (besides on our daily walks) & we end up wondering why we didn't at the end of the day. Truth be told, I'm intimidated at the idea of taking them outside by myself. We have a BIG backyard & there are too many places for a kid to get in trouble. It scares me b/c every time we DO go out, they go crazy!

With that said, I think they go crazy b/c they don't go out so this weekend, we tackled the backyard. Todd & I took the kids out for about 30-45 minutes both yesterday & today. For part of the time today, I was out there by myself, the rest was w/ Grandma Donna & Todd BUT the little time I did have out there gave me a boost of confidence. I CAN go out there alone. Maybe not quite yet but I'm getting there.

We had a great time swinging on the swings & running around. The kids love the deck we have & played on it quite a bit. They climbed in the flowerbed (thank God nothing is in there that matters) & got to see the neighbor's new doggie, Cooper (labradoodle). We have GOT to get one! Not sure when we will be ready for the responsibility of a dog on top of 3 kids & 2 cats though. There are times I think Todd was having more fun than the kids although I gotta say nothing beats Gabi running outside & saying over & over again for about 5 minute straight, "Ou-si, ou-si, ou-si!" while running all over the yard!

Fun pics of Daddy & the kids.

Ok, seems like we always have intentions of going outside (besides on our daily walks) & we end up wondering why we didn't at the end

We have leg braces!

noreply@blogger.com (Surviving Triplets) — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 16:26:00 +0000

Can I just say how absolutely happy I am that insurance paid for the braces at 100% of the cost?!? With that said, we would have gotten them no matter the price b/c that is what you do as parents. You get what your kids NEED.

Honestly, I am still not very fond of these things but what ever. He's got them & now he's going to wear them. We have a schedule to "introduce" the braces to him. A couple of reasons for this, 1) so he can get use to his 2 new friends, and 2) to make sure that they fit appropriately & not hurt or rub his skin causing discomfort or blisters.

Day 1 ~ Wear for 1 hr twice a day.
Day 2 ~ Wear for 2 hrs twice a day.
Day 3 & 4 ~ Wear for 3 hrs twice a day.
Day 5 & 6 ~ Wear for 4 hrs twice a day.
Day 7 ~ Wear for 5 hrs twice a day.

It is my understanding he will be wearing them about 8 hrs a day which is about all we are going to be able to wear them since he won't have them on while he is sleeping. We'll be cutting it close but it is doable. I'm sure I will get more proficient in getting them on although it wasn't too much of a hassle this morning.

I have to say that I am glad he will be wearing them during the cooler months. He has to wear socks that go up past the braces & b/c of the girls, wear jeans/pants so that they don't mess w/ them. Not only that, we had to buy new shoes THREE sizes bigger to accommodate the braces!!!

For those that have never seen them, here is what they look like. We got to pick out the pattern, for which I promptly called Daddy & let him decide! Superman it is!

And for your viewing pleasure, a video of Mr. Ian walking w/ them the very 1st time. You can IMMEDIATELY see how the braces force him to walk heal-toe. They make him much steadier as well! As much as I don't like them, I like what I see.

And for kicks, this was him walking a month ago. Notice the difference in his balance!?!

Getting creative

noreply@blogger.com (Surviving Triplets) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 18:50:00 +0000

You don't have a choice BUT to get creative when you have 3 munchkins running around & able to destroy things. Thank God I have some creative skills such as sewing to help me out on my endeavors b/c otherwise, I would probably have to pay an arm & a leg for what I did or give up my 1st born in which case would be 1st THREE born, haha!

I haven't sewn in quite some time but the impending danger made me do it. Seriously, it has been over 3 years since the sewing machine has come out of the closet. Now it has a new home downstairs & will be used more often!

Back to the problem. We have a fireplace hearth that is brick. Up until about a month ago, we were able to use this firplace guard kit. Why they didn't start tugging at it sooner, I do not know but as of late, it seems to be their favorite toy. The only problem? It leaves the brick edges exposed which would invite a head to be banged against it probably requiring a trip to the ER & stitches. Um, no thanks.

Up until yesterday, we have been taking the pieces from the kids & putting it back on. When there is only 1 adult & 3 kids...well, you can see where I'm going with this. Fixing it became a priority but what the HELL was I going to do? The gears in my brain started turning & before I knew it, I had it all planned out in my head.

Um, except I hadn't sewn in years so that meant I had to find someone to do it. I talked to my friend, Andrea ( the one that made my cart cover & some other cute stuff) & she said she wouldn't mind doing it but we would have to plan it out. Well, it got to the point on Friday that I had enough. The kids were driving me CRAZY.

Off I went to Joann's on Sunday morning & found exactly what I was looking for, fabric & thread. Yep, I grew some juevos & busted out the sewing machine! The kids went down for their nap & I started pinning away. By 5pm, the cover was DONE. Finished & ready to put on. WAAHOO!

Now we just need a nice fire guard rather than the baby gate & we'll actually have a decent looking fireplace again! See what I mean about creative?

Getting ready for family pics!

noreply@blogger.com (Surviving Triplets) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 17:09:00 +0000

Besides the craft show I am getting read for (my first), we are also going to be taking pictures tomorrow morning at 8:30 am. Yeah, a little early BUT at least we will get it out of the way while the kids are still "fresh" rather than waiting later in the day. It is a fundraiser for our MoM group. We pay $75 & get a 30 minutes session. We will also get a CD full of pics, no copyright issues so we will be able to print freely!

Last year we coordinated sweaters & colors, winter white & red. Red is my favorite color. This year we are doing the "classic" family yuppy picture. We are all wearing white polos & jeans. The girls' polo shirt has a pink pony which I think is cute & Ian's is in blue. Todd's pony is blue & mine...well, this momma didn't buy a real polo for herself. I got a Target special. Isn't that how it always goes? It's the small sacrifices, right?

Seriously, Todd already had his shirt & I got the kids' on clearance at Lord & Taylor. WOOT! That is the ONLY reason I splurged on the name brand shirts. I think that w/ jeans is going to look super cute.

The weather is suppose to cooperate as well. Sunny & just the right temp, somewhere in the upper 60's, lower 70's at that time of the morning. Now, I wish my son would cooperate. I've been desperately trying to keep them bite & bruise free all week long but you know how it goes. It will happen when you need it not to. Ian has managed to get a big mosquito bite on his face, right next to his eye. I've been doctoring it & had hopes today when he woke up that it would fade out nicely by tomorrow.

THEN...he had to go hit himself in almost the exact spot the bite is at. So now I am going to have to contend w/ a BIG bruise. It's gonna look like we beat him. Never mind the split lip he gave himself on Wednesday OR the one he gave Sofi that same day. Looks like we are bound to have face markings. Maybe I should paint their faces? Better yet! Use makeup to cover up the marks & bruises. HA! We'll see how bad his face bruises.

This is what happens when we let the kids have free reign w/ the books.

And the cat toys...

Learning how to put puzzles back together, at least they are in the right spot. They can get them in to the place but this is how I found it this morning. Too cute!

R.I.P. "Bossman"

noreply@blogger.com (Surviving Triplets) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 18:52:00 +0000

He's gone. Boss was the heart of our family. He was given a 2nd chance when Ian got him 11 years ago. A skinny little puppy that was malnourished turned in to a beautiful dog & best friend as well as a "little brother". Our family will most definitely feel this loss for a very long time.

May God be w/ your doggy soul.

A trip to the dermatologist

noreply@blogger.com (Surviving Triplets) — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 21:43:00 +0000

Today has been quite a day. The morning started off beautifully. We were on time leaving to get the the dermatologist. Ian & Sofi were safely tucked away w/ Grandma & Papap. The weather was beautiful. Everything was GREAT!

Until...

We were 5 minutes away. Just 5 minutes AND...she pukes. Everything. I don't think anything was left from breakfast. We were doing so good. She was crying so I pulled over & did the best I could to clean her up. Thank God we have 3 car seats b/c I managed to get most of the puke off of her (she had a hoodie on so that was easy to take off) & put her in another seat. Off we went.

We literally got there w/ 1 minute to spare. Our appointment was at 9:45 & I signed us in at 9:44. She did fantastic while we were there. The dr came in & looked at her little spot. Turns out that she has something called a mastocytoma. It is a mass of cells at the surface of the skin. The good thing, it should fade out completely by the time she is 8-10 yrs old. YAY!

While she was there, she drank PLENTY of water & ate some goldfish. I got her in the car & off we went. She fell asleep almost immediately. She woke up as we approached the subdivision. Wish she would have just slept until we got home. 2 blocks away from the house, she pukes again. Yes, in a different car seat. If you know anything about having 3 car seats in a row in a CRV then you know this was shear hell.

I had to take all 3 seats out. I cleaned them up & had to manage to cook dinner all while the kids napped. I feared they would not nap well due to the days events but thankfully they slept long enough for me to get the seat covers in the washer & dryer. I got the seats back in the car (I've become a pro at this) in a matter of minutes as compared to my 1st few times which took like 90 minutes.

Everyone seemed happy & the reset of the day went well. Unfortunately, my brother's dog, Boss, is in really bad shape & is dying so after an already long day, I went to say my goodbyes. Boss is & has been such a good best friend to my brother. He has protected him on several occasions & accompanied him to several places that other dogs couldn't imagine going. Boss is a staple in our family. He is the dog that accepted Todd & put the other 2 dogs in place when they growled at him. Even more sad, our babies never got to meet him up close. He would have been good w/ them. I hope he goes quickly. God, please take care of Boss & my brother. Ian (my brother) is so, so sad. It is breaking my heart.

Boss, thank you for protecting Ian. For being by his side when none of us could be. Know that you have touched all of our lives. Go in peace & know your spirit will live on. We LOVE you!