2 years ago today, at this very moment (1pm my time), we were settling in to an L&D room. They couldn't exactly figure out why were were there so early until I told them I was pregnant w/ triplets & since I had not had anything to eat or drink all day, it was best that I came early, per Dr. A's instructions, to get an IV to stay hydrated. If you know anything about triplet pregnancies, you know how important water & staying hydrated is. Without, I would end up having contractions & possibly go in to labor on my own.
Not a good idea since I had 2 cerclages (cervix is stitched shut) & we wouldn't want to tear through them. Needless to say, the wait was long. Very, very long. There ended up being an emergency c-section that took my 6pm slot. And then another. Hmft.
BUT, let me tell you, when Dr. A came in & said it was time to go, she wasn't playing. I actually got to walk down the hall, to the OR room. My last walk carrying my babies. Feeling them move inside me. For ever.
By the time the spinal/epi was in, they were ready to get cutting when everyone realized Todd wasn't there yet. Just as she was breaking Sofi out, Todd came in. PHEW! Then Gabi & Ian followed in the same minute. Yes, 7:20 pm on March 31 st will forever be etched in our minds. 3 beautiful cries followed their entrance in to the world.
And now look at them. They are all big. Seriously big. Not just big b/c they are 2 but big for their age. Next Friday we will know exactly how big but I have a feeling Miss Gabi will be put on a diet (ok, maybe not. what 2 yr old is put on a diet?).
I promise to post loads of pics tomorrow. Until then, I have to run to Target. My freshly made cupcakes need a tray to sit on.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Monday, March 29, 2010
More Camera Fun
These pics were all taken in the past few days. We have been spending much of the days outside as the weather is absolutely beautiful. Not too hot or sticky yet. Once that hits, we will have limited time outside, like only first thing in the morning! The kids love it out there & so do I.
Honestly, I'm amazed at how well they do out there. This time last year, I wouldn't have dreamed of going outside w/ the kids, let alone by myself! They are getting so manageable & that gives me confidence. For example, we took our 1st sidewalk walk yesterday. No harnesses, no strollers. Just the 3 kids, myself & Miss Jane (thank God we have such wonderful neighbors). It was unintentional as they had an opportunity to get out of the gate (another neighbor bringing a garden snake for us to check out) & I went w/ it. Miss Jane saw us out & came to help. They did wonderfully! There was only 1 incident of trying to go to the street. I guess all those walks taught the kids that they sidewalk is where they are 'suppose' to walk, huh?
**Notice the kids on the 'big kid' swings?!? Awesome!**
Miss Sofia & all her glory. She is quite the athletic, agile one. I'm thinking cheerleader & volleyball. Just a prediction.
Miss Gabriella, trying her hardest to be a bit more athletic. She is still our chub-chubs but has started becoming more active. She loves hanging out w/ Kay-Kay. Seriously, she is her 'bes-fren, bes-fren'. Translation, best friend.
Mr. Ian Giovanni, always the charmer. Always. He loves to swing on the 'big kid' swing & has really taken interest in learning how to hang on those rings.
Life is good. I can't complain, at all. Did I mention that I heart our backyard? Well, I do.
Honestly, I'm amazed at how well they do out there. This time last year, I wouldn't have dreamed of going outside w/ the kids, let alone by myself! They are getting so manageable & that gives me confidence. For example, we took our 1st sidewalk walk yesterday. No harnesses, no strollers. Just the 3 kids, myself & Miss Jane (thank God we have such wonderful neighbors). It was unintentional as they had an opportunity to get out of the gate (another neighbor bringing a garden snake for us to check out) & I went w/ it. Miss Jane saw us out & came to help. They did wonderfully! There was only 1 incident of trying to go to the street. I guess all those walks taught the kids that they sidewalk is where they are 'suppose' to walk, huh?
**Notice the kids on the 'big kid' swings?!? Awesome!**
Miss Sofia & all her glory. She is quite the athletic, agile one. I'm thinking cheerleader & volleyball. Just a prediction.
Miss Gabriella, trying her hardest to be a bit more athletic. She is still our chub-chubs but has started becoming more active. She loves hanging out w/ Kay-Kay. Seriously, she is her 'bes-fren, bes-fren'. Translation, best friend.
Mr. Ian Giovanni, always the charmer. Always. He loves to swing on the 'big kid' swing & has really taken interest in learning how to hang on those rings.
Life is good. I can't complain, at all. Did I mention that I heart our backyard? Well, I do.
Friday, March 26, 2010
Anonymous strikes again!
"I see Ian is the only one that does not use those stupid pacis. I guess he will not be laughed at in school." SIGNED...Anonymous (aka ~ Don't have anything better to do than pick on the cutest almost 2 year olds in the world b/c we have no life & still live at home in Ohio)
Yeah, b/c I'd let my kids go to school w/ a paci. Right? HA!
For your viewing pleasure, many pics of our pacis. We love our pacis!
Yeah, b/c I'd let my kids go to school w/ a paci. Right? HA!
For your viewing pleasure, many pics of our pacis. We love our pacis!
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Tender Moments
It is finally happening. The kids are being SUPER affectionate towards one another. It is beautiful. Brings tears to my eyes. Makes my heart flutter w/ joy. Because, I know it won't be this way forever.
Hugs are the "in" thing at the moment & I love trying to capture it.
The girls giving each other hugs. They do it all the time.
When Sofi got in trouble today & was pouting after a time out, Ian went to comfort her.
Then Gabi had to get in on the action.
I have to say that I get a kick out of every time they hug each other, or kiss each other. So cute! And, I know it won't last forever so I'm soaking in every moment I can.
Hugs are the "in" thing at the moment & I love trying to capture it.
The girls giving each other hugs. They do it all the time.
When Sofi got in trouble today & was pouting after a time out, Ian went to comfort her.
Then Gabi had to get in on the action.
I have to say that I get a kick out of every time they hug each other, or kiss each other. So cute! And, I know it won't last forever so I'm soaking in every moment I can.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Spring has sprung!
Over here in these parts, spring has officially arrived. The trees are blooming & growing new leaves. The pollen is in the air giving everything a nice, yellow coating (ok, it really isn't nice). The weather is beautiful & perfect for spending time outside.
And that is exactly what we have been doing. I take the kids out once or twice a day for about 1-2 hours. We are working on our supply of outdoor toys & are looking forward to some of their b-day presents as we know they will provide hours upon hours of fun. A mommy can hope for this, right?
Grandma Donna got a really good deal on this glider at Christmas time & I think the kids will enjoy sitting in it & making tents. Great place to cool off!
And then we have the really cool picnic table by Step 2 that Abu bought for the kids. Since Gabi LOVES to color while she is outside, this is going to be the perfect addition to the backyard. I also plan on picnic lunches as well as some fun, messy crafts.
We do need some recommendations though. I would love a glider for the swing set as well as a slide for it. We have an oldy but goody. It came w/ the house & as we were struggling to get pregnant, all we dreamed about was having kids climb all over that darn thing! The problem is we don't know where to get a slide for it. Anyone out there know where to get one, reasonably priced?
We are also looking for some water toys. Not sure we want a baby pool as it has to withstand 3 toddlers. Maybe some cool sprinkler or something. Not sure yet.
Here are some of the pretty blooms on a couple of our trees in front of the house. I love being able to play w/ my camera!
And the pretty walking irises.
And that is exactly what we have been doing. I take the kids out once or twice a day for about 1-2 hours. We are working on our supply of outdoor toys & are looking forward to some of their b-day presents as we know they will provide hours upon hours of fun. A mommy can hope for this, right?
Grandma Donna got a really good deal on this glider at Christmas time & I think the kids will enjoy sitting in it & making tents. Great place to cool off!
And then we have the really cool picnic table by Step 2 that Abu bought for the kids. Since Gabi LOVES to color while she is outside, this is going to be the perfect addition to the backyard. I also plan on picnic lunches as well as some fun, messy crafts.
We do need some recommendations though. I would love a glider for the swing set as well as a slide for it. We have an oldy but goody. It came w/ the house & as we were struggling to get pregnant, all we dreamed about was having kids climb all over that darn thing! The problem is we don't know where to get a slide for it. Anyone out there know where to get one, reasonably priced?
We are also looking for some water toys. Not sure we want a baby pool as it has to withstand 3 toddlers. Maybe some cool sprinkler or something. Not sure yet.
Here are some of the pretty blooms on a couple of our trees in front of the house. I love being able to play w/ my camera!
And the pretty walking irises.
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Sewing Projects
That's what I've been up to. Lots & lots of sewing! It all started last year. The plan, that is. I bought the kids Easter baskets from Pottery Barn (on sale & not full price). Glad I did b/c they are sold out again this year. The liners I wanted were out of stock as well so I figured I would wait until this year to get them. Turns out that I HATE the liners they have this time around. Last year's liners were bright. I love me some bright colors!
Here are the liners from last year. I can't find 1 of the boys. I wanted to get the girls the pink polka dot liner & the green polka dot one. I didn't really like any of the boys so I went w/ a blue polka dot.
I also have to admit that I wanted their names embroidered on their lining. As you know, having triplets gets expensive very fast. I couldn't have afforded to purchase them anyway. So, what did this crafty momma do? I made my own. From scratch. Yep, that means making my very own pattern.
THAT was not easy.
As a matter of fact, it was frustrating at times. I'm not a seamstress by any stretch of the imagination & I hate patterns so this proved to be a tough project. I had no idea how to sew the bottom of a basket liner that was in the shape of a circle, to start off. As a matter of fact, I had never sewn a liner for A-N-Y-T-H-I-N-G so I really didn't know where to start.
Ian's was first. I picked his b/c the dark blue is forgiving. Glad I did. It didn't turn out badly at all though. I at least had have the mind to 'look' at a liner in an Easter basket at Joann's last weekend otherwise I would have never figured out how to do the sides.
I embroidered Ian's name after I put it together, another mistake. Much easier to embroider BEFORE you sew the pieces together. Duh.
Then it was time to hone my skills w/ the girls' liners. I cut out all the pieces, embroidered their names on the appropriate piece & sewed my little heart out. The 2nd liner actually came out worse than Ian's but at least it was only on the bottom & will be covered. I once again figured out some 'tricks' of the trade as I went along.
By the time I got to the 3rd liner, I was a PRO. Not really but I felt like it.
All in all, I'm happy w/ the finished products & I think these liners are classy & will grow w/ the kids for the years to come. Trust me, I don't plan on sewing another round basket liner for quite some time!
Cost of a Pottery Barn liner w/ embroidery...
$34 for the large basket x 3 = $102
$18 for the large liner x 3 = $54
$9 for the embroidery x 3 = $27
The grand total had I bought it all, $183.
Cost of Mommy's version...
$18 for the large basket (on sale after Easter last year) x 3 = $54
$3.99/yd of fabric x 3 = $11.97
$0 for embroider (I already had all the thread & machine) x 3 = $0
The grand total for MY version, $65.97. HELLS YEAH. That is a savings of $117.03. That's what I'm talkin' about! And, they get something made from Mommy w/ love. Can't beat that!
Here are the liners from last year. I can't find 1 of the boys. I wanted to get the girls the pink polka dot liner & the green polka dot one. I didn't really like any of the boys so I went w/ a blue polka dot.
I also have to admit that I wanted their names embroidered on their lining. As you know, having triplets gets expensive very fast. I couldn't have afforded to purchase them anyway. So, what did this crafty momma do? I made my own. From scratch. Yep, that means making my very own pattern.
THAT was not easy.
As a matter of fact, it was frustrating at times. I'm not a seamstress by any stretch of the imagination & I hate patterns so this proved to be a tough project. I had no idea how to sew the bottom of a basket liner that was in the shape of a circle, to start off. As a matter of fact, I had never sewn a liner for A-N-Y-T-H-I-N-G so I really didn't know where to start.
Ian's was first. I picked his b/c the dark blue is forgiving. Glad I did. It didn't turn out badly at all though. I at least had have the mind to 'look' at a liner in an Easter basket at Joann's last weekend otherwise I would have never figured out how to do the sides.
I embroidered Ian's name after I put it together, another mistake. Much easier to embroider BEFORE you sew the pieces together. Duh.
Then it was time to hone my skills w/ the girls' liners. I cut out all the pieces, embroidered their names on the appropriate piece & sewed my little heart out. The 2nd liner actually came out worse than Ian's but at least it was only on the bottom & will be covered. I once again figured out some 'tricks' of the trade as I went along.
By the time I got to the 3rd liner, I was a PRO. Not really but I felt like it.
All in all, I'm happy w/ the finished products & I think these liners are classy & will grow w/ the kids for the years to come. Trust me, I don't plan on sewing another round basket liner for quite some time!
Cost of a Pottery Barn liner w/ embroidery...
$34 for the large basket x 3 = $102
$18 for the large liner x 3 = $54
$9 for the embroidery x 3 = $27
The grand total had I bought it all, $183.
Cost of Mommy's version...
$18 for the large basket (on sale after Easter last year) x 3 = $54
$3.99/yd of fabric x 3 = $11.97
$0 for embroider (I already had all the thread & machine) x 3 = $0
The grand total for MY version, $65.97. HELLS YEAH. That is a savings of $117.03. That's what I'm talkin' about! And, they get something made from Mommy w/ love. Can't beat that!
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Happy Saint Paddy's Day!
Some time this year, I found out that my great grandmother was Irish, 100%. How I didn't know about this earlier is devastating b/c I could have been really celebrating the day of the Irish all along. Legitimately. Eh, oh well. No skin of my back. I'll start celebrating today. Sans beer. Ok, maybe just 1 beer & I have food coloring so you better believe it will be green beer! No worries, this will happen after the kids go to bed.
Since the kids are like 1/32 Irish, I got them shirts. I normally wouldn't have but how can I deny them their heritage? Right? We even have a green tricycle to boot!
Precious, if I do say so myself. Oh, & Sofi won't go anywhere w/o those heels. HILARIOUS! I'll upload the video of them walking in heels. It is fantastic & loud!
To everyone, may you find the pot o' gold at the end of the rainbow!
Since the kids are like 1/32 Irish, I got them shirts. I normally wouldn't have but how can I deny them their heritage? Right? We even have a green tricycle to boot!
Precious, if I do say so myself. Oh, & Sofi won't go anywhere w/o those heels. HILARIOUS! I'll upload the video of them walking in heels. It is fantastic & loud!
To everyone, may you find the pot o' gold at the end of the rainbow!
Monday, March 15, 2010
Happy birthday to me!
Today I am 35. Yep, I'm sayin' it out loud & proud! Not only that, but I spent my 1st night away from the kids. That would be 2 years here at home w/ them & only missing a couple of night of putting them to bed until Saturday when I was not here to put them to bed or to wake up them up. Luckily, we all survived although Ian seems extremely clingy today, esp if I leave the room or walk outside for a split second.
Us hittin' the road!
We left Saturday around 1pm, checked in to our B&B room just to find out they don't serve breakfast. What is a B&B w/o breakfast? Silly, don't you think? The cool thing was we were in the middle of all the action, & only 1/2 a block away from good eats & a couple of bars, which is where we headed after we put our things in the room, to a bar.
Funny thing is we walked right in on some biker gang meeting. We almost walked back out but one of the guys told us to come in & that they were finishing up. Unfortunately, Todd had to walk across the whole gang to the ATM machine. I held my breath (ok, kidding, not really holding my breath). We hung out on the patio & soaked up some sun and just relaxed.
Jeff thought it would be fun to buy me a tank top from the bar so I changed in to it.
It was really a beautiful day so we hung out there until about 5:45 when I needed to get back to our room to get my hair lookin' all 80's. Then I had a mini-photo session. Todd was getting ready so our friend Jeff took these.
We got to the boat w/ some time to spare so we waited & watched for other
80 goers. There were only a handful. One was this chick & her hubby. He dressed like Don Johnson in his Miami Vice days. HILARIOUS!
The dinner cruise was a blast! I loved dancing to all the 80's music. Seems as though I knew every word to every song. The food was decent, nothing I would write home about but it put something in our tummies. A BIG thank you to Donna for setting up the cruise & the birthday package! We had a blast.
So, for our first overnight trip, things couldn't have gone better. Grandma Donna & Papap took great care of the kids & even did our laundry! Another thank you for that! I can see us sneaking away a couple of times a year for some alone time.
Oh, the best part, I woke up this morning & in place of my old, rickety laptop was a pretty, wide screen, HD, w/ a web cam spankin' new laptop! Did I say how much I love my hubby?!? Thank you honey! I heart my new laptop & you for a wonderful weekend!
Us hittin' the road!
We left Saturday around 1pm, checked in to our B&B room just to find out they don't serve breakfast. What is a B&B w/o breakfast? Silly, don't you think? The cool thing was we were in the middle of all the action, & only 1/2 a block away from good eats & a couple of bars, which is where we headed after we put our things in the room, to a bar.
Funny thing is we walked right in on some biker gang meeting. We almost walked back out but one of the guys told us to come in & that they were finishing up. Unfortunately, Todd had to walk across the whole gang to the ATM machine. I held my breath (ok, kidding, not really holding my breath). We hung out on the patio & soaked up some sun and just relaxed.
Jeff thought it would be fun to buy me a tank top from the bar so I changed in to it.
It was really a beautiful day so we hung out there until about 5:45 when I needed to get back to our room to get my hair lookin' all 80's. Then I had a mini-photo session. Todd was getting ready so our friend Jeff took these.
We got to the boat w/ some time to spare so we waited & watched for other
80 goers. There were only a handful. One was this chick & her hubby. He dressed like Don Johnson in his Miami Vice days. HILARIOUS!
The dinner cruise was a blast! I loved dancing to all the 80's music. Seems as though I knew every word to every song. The food was decent, nothing I would write home about but it put something in our tummies. A BIG thank you to Donna for setting up the cruise & the birthday package! We had a blast.
So, for our first overnight trip, things couldn't have gone better. Grandma Donna & Papap took great care of the kids & even did our laundry! Another thank you for that! I can see us sneaking away a couple of times a year for some alone time.
Oh, the best part, I woke up this morning & in place of my old, rickety laptop was a pretty, wide screen, HD, w/ a web cam spankin' new laptop! Did I say how much I love my hubby?!? Thank you honey! I heart my new laptop & you for a wonderful weekend!
Friday, March 12, 2010
Rockin' the 80's!
So, my b-day is Monday. I turn 35. I swear it was yesterday when I was turning 25. I could ask where the time went but I know where it went. Lots of good times, a wedding, a lost pregnancy, infertility, & then triplets. I wouldn't trade it for the world!
To celebrate, we are taking a dinner cruise. The theme? The 80's. I grew up in the 80's. I heart the 80's. I heart the music, the style, the movies, the actors (Poor Corey Haim. May he rest in peace, finally.), the rollerskating, everything.
The movies...Stand By Me, Pretty in Pink, The Breakfast Club, Sixteen Candles, Weird Science, The Goonies, The Lost Boys, Girls Just Want to have Fun, Adventures in Babysitting, Some Kind of Wonderful, Can't Buy Me Love, E.T., 2 Star Wars movies, Ferris Bueller's Day Off, Dirty Dancing, Ghostbusters, Top Gun, Indiana Jones series, The Karate Kid series, & the list goes on & on & on.
My life started w/ Like a Virgin (Madonna)& ended w/ Just Can't Get Enough (Depeche Mode). Never mind the 80's hair bands! Todd & I heart Motley Crue. As a matter of fact, our 1st dance was Without You. We are so cheesy!
What started as a quick trip to Target for a dress turned out to be a frenzied craze to figure out the perfect 80's outfit. The result...
Not too shabby for a mom w/ triplets turning 25...eh, I mean 35.
This is my 80's cover album. Wish there were some spray painted something or other back on that brick wall.
And some pics for the inside flap as well as the back cover.
I can't wait! The hair will be different (crimped) & I'll be rockin' the 80's makeup (oh yeah. blue eyeliner.) More pics to come, I promise!
To celebrate, we are taking a dinner cruise. The theme? The 80's. I grew up in the 80's. I heart the 80's. I heart the music, the style, the movies, the actors (Poor Corey Haim. May he rest in peace, finally.), the rollerskating, everything.
The movies...Stand By Me, Pretty in Pink, The Breakfast Club, Sixteen Candles, Weird Science, The Goonies, The Lost Boys, Girls Just Want to have Fun, Adventures in Babysitting, Some Kind of Wonderful, Can't Buy Me Love, E.T., 2 Star Wars movies, Ferris Bueller's Day Off, Dirty Dancing, Ghostbusters, Top Gun, Indiana Jones series, The Karate Kid series, & the list goes on & on & on.
My life started w/ Like a Virgin (Madonna)& ended w/ Just Can't Get Enough (Depeche Mode). Never mind the 80's hair bands! Todd & I heart Motley Crue. As a matter of fact, our 1st dance was Without You. We are so cheesy!
What started as a quick trip to Target for a dress turned out to be a frenzied craze to figure out the perfect 80's outfit. The result...
Not too shabby for a mom w/ triplets turning 25...eh, I mean 35.
This is my 80's cover album. Wish there were some spray painted something or other back on that brick wall.
And some pics for the inside flap as well as the back cover.
I can't wait! The hair will be different (crimped) & I'll be rockin' the 80's makeup (oh yeah. blue eyeliner.) More pics to come, I promise!
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Miss Layla Grace
I'm not one to blog about other people or other people's kids but today I am. My heart hurts today for the Marsh family. They lost their precious 2 year old little girl, Layla Grace, to Stage 4 Neuroblastoma.
I don't know that the parents can truly understand the extent in which Miss Layla Grace has touched people's lives. I went to bed last night crying, thinking about what the March family has endured in the past year but especially in the past 6 weeks & I start to cry again.
She leaves behind 2 sisters, Jenna (9) & Claire(3), just as beautiful as her. Both have a long road ahead of them & their parents need all the strength the world can give them.
Please pray.
Pray for healing & peace & understanding.
Pray that this family only becomes stronger through this challenge.
May Miss Layla Grace play with the angels in her beautifully restored & perfect body.
Amen.
I don't know that the parents can truly understand the extent in which Miss Layla Grace has touched people's lives. I went to bed last night crying, thinking about what the March family has endured in the past year but especially in the past 6 weeks & I start to cry again.
She leaves behind 2 sisters, Jenna (9) & Claire(3), just as beautiful as her. Both have a long road ahead of them & their parents need all the strength the world can give them.
Please pray.
Pray for healing & peace & understanding.
Pray that this family only becomes stronger through this challenge.
May Miss Layla Grace play with the angels in her beautifully restored & perfect body.
Amen.
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Ah...organization!
Everyone that knows me knows I love to be organized. I was that way in the classroom & most of the times at home. Needless to say, 3 wee ones tend to get in the way of that organization as well as some inside remodeling.
So, when I got back on Sunday from grocery shopping, I decided it was time to reorganize the pantry. What a great feeling it was to actually throw crap out that has been in there for ages & is now outdated!
Thankfully the kids were napping so I didn't have to deal w/ them bugging me. Organization is serious business in my eyes. I can't wait to tackle my workspace once the remodeling is done.
My newly organized pantry!
Yep, I like the labels to be facing in the same direction. It is a beautiful thing!
An artsy-fartsy attempt at photography.
So, when I got back on Sunday from grocery shopping, I decided it was time to reorganize the pantry. What a great feeling it was to actually throw crap out that has been in there for ages & is now outdated!
Thankfully the kids were napping so I didn't have to deal w/ them bugging me. Organization is serious business in my eyes. I can't wait to tackle my workspace once the remodeling is done.
My newly organized pantry!
Yep, I like the labels to be facing in the same direction. It is a beautiful thing!
An artsy-fartsy attempt at photography.
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