We love the outdoors!  We spend as much time outside as we can.  But, I’m a wimp when it comes to the cold so I don’t spend long periods of time out with the kids unless I’m running them in the jogging stroller or it’s above 50 degrees. But on beautiful weekends like this past weekend, we spend the majority of our time outside, park hopping and playing in the backyard.  The kids seem so happy outdoors.  There is very little fighting, very little whining, and very few demands.  Since fighting, whining, and demanding are a new common theme around our house, spring couldn’t have come at a better time!

This weekend we had a first, we took the kids hiking at a nearby lake.  Uncle Nick came with us and threw his kayak in the lake while we hiked.  Everyone had a fabulous time.  Mostly, the kids  just wanted to explore by checking out the trees, playing in the pine needles, and sitting on all the logs.  It was darling watching their fascination with the new environment and freedom to roam.  I’m sure this is just the first of many family hikes.

Marcus was fascinated with Uncle Nick’s boat

Josie opted to ride in the backpack for part of the hike

Everyone stuck pretty close at the beginning of the hike

It didn’t take long for everyone to start exploring on their own

Marcus finds a feather!

Josie claims a stump

And of course, we couldn’t miss the opportunity for triplet photo ops!

Something happened.  My kids have been infected.  I don’t think there’s a cure.  If there is, I think it is a few years away.

About a month ago I was complaining to Max that my days were boring.  I know, that sounds crazy.  I have triplets and work part time.  But honestly, the kids were angels.  They would sit and play independently for almost 20 min. at a time.  There were no fights to break up, no boo-boos to sooth, no demands.  I wanted something to do besides check facebook during these calm times.

Never again will I utter the word “boring” in reference to my life.   Within a few weeks of making that bold statement, my kids got infected.  The disease is marked by high pitched squealing and constant whining.  It is a result of having 1 rather than 3 of every single toy in this house.  The kids have been infected with the “mine” virus and it stinks!  I am now a referee to 20-month old triplets.  And supposedly, it only gets worse…

I used to silently beam as other triplet moms complained about their biting, fighting 1 year olds.  Mine don’t bite and they get along really well I thought.  Things have changed.  Take these two scenarios:

Two months ago:  Josie brings her kitty downstairs, like she does every morning.   After eating, Mia gets down from her seat, grabs Josie’s kitty and says “Jo-Jo’s!”  Josie gets down from her seat and reaches for kitty saying “kitty”.  Mia smiles big and hands kitty to Josie who proceeds to give kitty a huge hug.  Mia laughs, everyone is happy, my kids are darling!

This morning:  Josie brings kitty downstairs, like she does every morning.  After eating, Mia gets down from her seat, grabs Josie’s kitty saying “kitty”.  Josie gets down from her seat and reaches for kitty saying “kitty.”  Mia smiles big and bolts with kitty.  Josie begins to scream at the top of her lungs and bursts into tears.  Marcus begins to fake cry for attention and grabs Josie’s panda as Mia continues to run through the house yelling “kitty, kitty”.  I frantically search the playroom for “dog” and “bear” to exchange for Josie’s “kitty” and “panda”.  I calmly explain to Mia and Marcus that “kitty” and “panda” are Jo-Jo’s and sharing does not apply in this particular scenario.  Everyone bursts into tears.  My kids are a wreck.

If it isn’t stuffed animals, it’s a gaba-gaba character, or a book, or a puzzle.  And when it comes to food, forget about it!  Josie wants everyone’s cheese and Marcus wants everyone’s carrots…every meal.  Snacking is a constant “cracker, cracker, cracker” or “more, more, more”.

This sudden change in behavior is not a big surprise.  Many multiple moms rave about months 12-18 and warn about ages 18 months-3 years.   They even debate about whether the newborn stage or the terrible two’s is harder. I agree, things are getting a little “interesting” again.  However, the difference is the rewards that come along with the good times.  Newborns were cute when all was calm (aka, when they were sleeping).  Toddlers are darling, silly, loving, unique and just plain awesome most of the time.  They love playing outside, crafts, trips to the science museum and being goofy.  I’ll take being a referee over rocking any day!

Josie and Mia sharing giggles after a ride down the slide

Josie and kitty (as usual)

Trucks!

Marcus loves to wrestle.  Luckily his sisters are game!

There is a very safe .25 mile section of the trail leading from the park that I let the kids run free on before loading them back in the stroller to complete our run.  They sometimes stay together, sometimes not.  But, they never wander off the trail and are always within my line of sight.  They love to run, especially Mia.   Here she is, that tiny pink spec way out in front.

And here are her brother and sister, pulling in the rear.

As long as the good times don’t go away completely, I’ll suck it up and embrace my new role as a referee.  Since i have a few years until my kids turn 4, I’ve got plenty of time to learn the ropes.  Bring it on Amelia, Marcus, and Jocelyn, I can take it!

I usually don’t read any of the traditional parenting magazines.  First, I think they are a little too obsessed with parenting and can make parents too obsessed about details that don’t need to be explored in depth.  Truly, do we need a review of 10 different bibs?  And who in God’s name has time to read those magazines?  I do occasionally flip through a “multiples” publication which are a little more practical for parents juggling multiple children and multiple activities.  Rather than running across an article on taking your toddler to an art museum to nurture their inherent “artfullness”; a multiples magazine is more likely to feature an article on “how to keep your cool after your toddlers tear a piece of artwork off your local museum’s wall.”  You see, they tend to be a little more realistic, at least in my world.

The kids and I “doing art” for V-Day

However, I picked up a clearance toy at Target the other day and it came with a free magazine subscription to Parents.  So, I went ahead and filled out the card and dropped it in the mail.   My first issue arrived the other day and after browsing through it, I decided I’m not reading future issues.   Here is why:

In one of the “ask the experts” section a parent asked the question “My friend recently changed her poopy baby on my couch with no changing pad…I was horrified! What do I do?”  Umm…wow.  I don’t think I’ve used a changing pad with my kids since they were 3 months old.  That’s right folks, I throw them down on the floor and do the diaper switch on my bare carpet!  How disgusting! I wish I could say I’m such an expert that no poop has EVER touched my floor but that would be lying.  In fact, after bathing my kids the other night, Marcus pooped on the bare tile floor!  Why he didn’t grab the changing pad first is beyond me!

Then, another article talked about how hard it is becoming a parent for the first time.  A mother complained that although her infant was sleeping through the night, she still had to get up at 7:30 AM EVERY morning.  ”No more sleeping in, it was a devastating reality”.  WHAT!!!  You get to sleep in till 7:30 AM every morning?  I know many moms who would LOVE their children to sleep till 7:30 every morning.  Now if she was complaining about a 5:30 AM wake-up time I may be a little more sympathetic.  7:30 AM is no travesty, it’s HEAVEN!

Josie and her love of hoarding and stuffed animals

So after those few nauseous moments, I saw a reminder that the APA recommends waiting till the age of 2 before letting your child watch any TV.  The magazine immediately went into my trashcan and I turned on Blue’s Clues for my 1.5 year olds (who have been watching TV since 6 months old).

Marcus and Josie

So, how are my little bugger’s doing?  Fantastic overall.  I am noticing some changes since we hit 19 months.  There seems to be a shift happening.  Marcus is becoming really laid back with life while my girls are becoming a little bipolar.  They will be giggling and smiling from ear to ear one minute and then in tears the next.   It is not surprising to watch Mia struggle to fit a complicated puzzle piece in its spot and then proceed to become so frustrated she runs around the house screaming and throws herself down on the floor kicking.  Where she got her short fuse from is beyond me….really…

Mia being a charmer, typical

On the developmental front, the kids are amazing me.  Mia went to put  the toothbrushes back in the drawer the other day but she could only find two.  She shrugged her shoulders and asked “Jo-Jo’s?”  Sure enough, Josie’s Dora’s toothbrush was the one missing.  The girl’s vocabulary is exploding.  Car rides and meal times are now chants of several words being repeated over and over and over and over and over again.  Marcus still doesn’t have quite so much to say but he is talking more and more every day.  I am amazed how much the kids have grown up these past few months.

We haven’t had a lot going on recently besides our regular activities.  We go to Gymboree play and learn classes on Mon mornings, library time Tues AM and music class Friday AM.  Despite the cold weather, I still get out and run the kids to the park a few times a week.  They don’t seem to mind the cold as much as I do.

We recently had our good friends from Richmond visit with their adorable newborn, Liam.   The kids were great.  They warmed right up to Shannon and Topher and had a blast.  They were so good, they almost made me a fool, making my facebook complaints about my rough days seem like bold lies.  I assure you, the kids were on their best behavior that particular day!  I don’t think Mia threw one temper-tantrum.

Mia and Marcus checking out baby Liam.  Yes, he’s adorable but NO, I do not want another one!

Mia and Liam

One of the really cool things about having triplets is seeing their individual “spirits” and “iniquity” develop.  At the same time, I notice similarities also developing.  Take a look at this video….

Disclaimer - I know the plastic packaging is “not a toy” and should be “kept away from small children” .  I was supervising.

Without a doubt, my girls seem to be a little more into “pretend” and “learning” play whereas my boy tends to be more into “rough” play and figuring out the mechanics of the world.  I know I touch on this boy versus girl topic often but it is compelling to me, perhaps because I didn’t believe there was a major difference prior to having kids (your kids are wild…sure, blame it on them being boys).   What does this mean?  Men are better at changing the lightbulbs and women are better at keeping the house tidy…maybe.   Honestly, it just makes me ponder on the impact of our evolutionary biology, our individual spirits, and our environment.

Alright, let’s be honest…I’m probably overthinking my son’s desire to repeatedly throw matchbox cars over the balcony.   Any other mixed gender multiples out there?  Do you notice any differences in play?

The most exciting news from the front, we are definitely headed to preschool in the fall!  Taking up 1/3 of the class, my kids will be attending preschool for 2 mornings a week beginning in September.  I’m thrilled.  Not just because I get some time away from them but also because I think they will LOVE and thrive in preschool.  I see their little minds spinning every day and I know I can’t provide the same level of organized stimulation as the “professionals”.  For a short period of time, I worked as an office manager in a daycare.  Although I wouldn’t have been comfortable sending my kids to daycare while they were infants (and I don’t find ANY fault if you are…I was just too much of a control freak with my infants), I love everything about daycare from toddler age up!  Although my kids won’t be going full-time, I know they will still benefit from the consistent “rules” and interaction with other adults.

I can’t help but share some of the pre-school open house experience.  Max and I knew we wanted our children in this particular preschool from the start.  It is an episcopal church preschool and we love the laid back faculty and environment.  So the open house for us was just reiterating our satisfaction with our choice.  For others who are obviously not the parents to triplets and not so laid back, it was a different story.  Here is an example:

After filing into one of the two-year-old classrooms, all the parents had the opportunity to meet the teachers and ask questions.  There were the obvious questions regarding potty training and packing lunches but I was more interested in asking something a little more practical,

“Can my kids come if they have runny noses?”  I asked. I was glad to hear the answer was yes.

A few moments later another hand shoots up “In your brochure you say your learning style is experiental, can you talk a little more about that and then tell me what your biggest challenge has been as a two-year old teacher this past year?”

WHAT?  I’m sorry but seriously!  This is not a interview for a private college.  It is preschool…for a 2-year-old.  No offense but I hope that child is not in my child’s class.  I can just see it now “I’m sorry Mrs. G but your little Amelia disrupted  my daughter’s experimental growth  yesterday by sticking a crayon up her nose, how are you going to solve this issue by next week?”

Hey, different strokes for different folks.

On another note; despite not caring what my kids “learning styles” are, they are doing fantastic.  Mia recently had her 18 month developmental review with her developmental team (she was being followed because she was a “small for gestational age” baby), and it turns out she’s brilliant  OK, so maybe that’s jumping the gun but she is developmentally more like 22-24 months, which explains the recent rise in temper-tantrums.   And, I have to brag on my Josie.   One of the tasks for the developmental test was for Mia to stack 3 blocks.  She succeeded of course but here is what I saw when I walked into the room later that day:

Oh Josie, your not a little competitive are you?

Other than that, we are all working on using spoons more often (me included, I’m working on not grinding my teeth and inhaling suddenly every time I watch them lift their spoon to their mouth).  We are really into dipping food into ketchup and salsa (Max and I actually had a 10- minute uninterrupted conversation while out at dinner last night as the kids dipped their waffle fries in ketchup).  We  also recently learned to jump with both feet leaving the floor at the same time.  We are NOT POTTY TRAINING ANYTIME SOON!  I can only take on so much

Overall, life seems more and more normal as the kids grow up. I am no longer “a triplet mom”.  I am Karla, who happens to have triplets, and that is an awesome thing!

Here are a few more pics of the kids and I enjoying the recent snowfall:

I cannot believe my children are 18 months old.  The past 6 months have flown by, much like life does.  I know I’m repeating myself but…I love this age!  Since my kids were about 6 months old, every new month becomes “my favorite” age.   18 months really does rock!  As wonderful as my children are, I was dreading their 18 month check-up. They are old enough to fear the doctor and the shots but not old enough to talk or reason with.  It can get messy with a singleton, with triplets…try to imagine. Here is what my pedi said when he walked into the room:

“There is nothing worse than an 18-month old check-up, except a twin 18 month old check-up.  Now, usually my joke ends there but today…”

The good news, I came prepared.  I went to Target and bought a bagful of their $1 toys.  Let’s not forget that grammy came along to lend a helping hand.  There may have been shiny smiley face stickers all over the exam room floor but at least my kids acted like angels.   Besides Mia waving and saying “hi” in the doctor’s face for the whole hour,  I was able to hold a conversation with the pedi the whole appointment.

The kiddos are doing fantastic.

Mia can’t really be called our peanut anymore.  She is about 22 pounds and about 25% for weight and height.  She has a great appetite when she slows down enough to eat.  Mia repeats about everything anyone says.  She is definitely excelling at speech, she can name every Gabba Gaba character with ease.  She is also VERY friendly, waving and saying “hi” to everyone wherever we go and even asking strangers to pick her up…gotta watch that one.  Without a doubt, Mia is a little defiant and extremely independent.  Ask her to do something and she will most likely laugh in your face.  Mia spends a lot of time doing puzzles or just being goofy.

Josie is her mother’s daughter through and through.  She is about 23 pounds and about 5% for height (she is now noticeably shorter than Marcus and Mia).   Josie is a sweetheart.  Her sensitivity is endearing.  She is constantly helping her mommy and does everything we ask..she even does things we ask her sister or brother to do (cause they rarely do them).  On the rare occasion she needs scolded, beware!  Her feelings will be so hurt she will cry about it for hours and probably hold a grudge for a few days.  Josie is also starting to talk more and more.  She loves “pretend play” and is often found in her kitchen cooking and singing to herself.  She also loves to copy mommy and “do her exercises”.

Marcus is also about 18-20% for weight and height.  As always, he remains extremely cuddly and flirtatious.  Although he rarely pauses after a major fall, he needs a lot of attention when he is sick or teething.  He loves to “figure things out”.  I often find him trying to take screws out of things or trying to take things apart.  He already seems to be following in his grandpa’s footsteps as our little engineer.  His speech is limited to a about 8-10 words but he does live with 3 other girls that love to talk….Marcus gets bored pretty quickly.  His favorite thing to do is play outside or watch TV.

It is exciting watching my babies become little people.  The best part is watching them interact.  They play together for hours, copying each other’s behavior and “words”.  After every meal they chase each other around the house.  They love hugging and kissing each other and they squeal with excitement when they see each other upon waking.  As the kids entertain themselves more and more, I am able to sit back, observe my miracles and marvel at their love of life.  They make my day!

Every year we sit down and think about how we want to better our lives.  Usually our goals have to do with health because really, what is more important?   Rightfully, my New Year’s resolution also has to do with health.

Prior to finding out I was pregnant with triplets, I was well on my way to establishing my career.  I had almost completed my master’s degree in Exercise and Sports Science and had set myself up to run a “forward-thinking” wellness business.  My triplets were an amazing blessing but they did come with some setbacks.  For two years, my career was put on hold so I could fully devote myself to my children’s health and well-being.  I am so glad I spent that time with my babies; they honestly grow up WAY too fast.

I have decided to start working again.  Fitness and Wellness education are my passion in life.  Mentally, I need this outlet.  I’m only planning part time work right now but even “thinking” about working and taking the steps to get back to it takes up free time I don’t have.  In order to re-establish my career, some things have to be sacrificed.  Unfortunately, I  will not be updating the mybabydrama.com blog as often as I have in the past.  I still plan to post regularly to let everyone know how the kids are doing, but the posts will probably be a little less frequent.  So, please bare with me as I make this transition and keep visiting us!

Of course, I’m going to plug my new website.  Also, be sure to bookmark my fitness and wellness blog!

Thanks and cheers to good living in 2010!

We welcomed 2010 at one of our favorite places, the beach.  This time we spent time with “GaGa”, “Pop-Pop” and Uncle Luke at their condo.  Despite the chilly temps, their was still plenty of fun to be had.  The joys of small toddlers is their shear pleasure in the simple things like a seashore, a massive sporting goods store, and a quirky pet shop.  My favorite thing about the beach…grandparents to entertain the kids while I sit back, read my Nook, watch hours of HGTV and enjoy some deserved peace and quiet!

Thanks “Ga-Ga” and “Pop-Pop” for a wonderful time!

We had a fabulous Christmas.  Last year the kids were too young to understand what was going on but this year their faces gleamed with excitement as they opened their presents.  Grammy, Grandpa and Uncle Nick came to celebrate the day.  Their big Christmas present from us was a play kitchen.

Josie and Mia seem a little more into the kitchen than Marcus.  They gather all the food in baskets and move the dishes from one cabinet to another.  Marcus has always preferred to be outside exploring or helping his dad with yard work (or watching TV) over playing with toys.  But Aunt Tracey got him a gift that seems to keep his attention.

Other favorites from grammy and grandpa include a picnic table, Mr. Potato Heads, a Little People and a tool bench from Uncle Nick.  Books and puzzles are also always popular.

Unfortunately Marcus had a little tummy bug this Christmas so he was pretty wiped out the whole day.  Here he is taking a rest with Grammy and Chloe.

As for Max and I.  Well, we have been blessed with the best Christmas present of all.  We have 18 month old triplets.  During the first year of their lives, life was a blur.  It was difficult on so many levels.  Now, life is much more manageable and rewarding.  Our children wake up every morning with their best friends.  Their squeals of delight echo through our house from morning till evening.  It truly is a party every day.  Watching them interact and grow together is the most unique and wonderful experience I could imagine.  Sure, life can still be crazy challenging at times but the work is now well worth the payout.  We truly have been given an amazing gift and we are so lucky to be the parents of triplets.

Oh, and for the past several days our kids have slept till nearly 8 AM. This is unheard of since they usually are up by 6:15 EVERY DAY.  Maybe that is why I’ve been  so chipper…

I love the stories about the embarrassing things kids say. Mine don’t talk in complete sentences yet but over the past 1.5 years, we’ve had our “instances”. Here are some of my favorites:

1. When Josie was around 13 months old she came walking into the living room playing peak-a-boo with my bra during a family get-together.

2. A few months back I introduced my kids to stickers. They love them! The especially love to stick them on each other’s backs (because this is where I put their nametags every week at Gymboree). Therefore, I shouldn’t have been too stunned when Marcus recently walked into the kitchen with a pantyliner stuck on his back.

3. I recently pulled out a winter pullover from the back of my closet for someone to borrow and didn’t realize till I handed it to them that it was COVERED in spit-up (I’m not talking a few spots)… I had three 6-month-old refluxers last winter and obviously didn’t get everything washed. Coincidently, the same thing happened a few days later when I pulled out my favorite pair of winter shoes.

4. A few months back, an embarrassing item from “that drawer” ended up sitting in the playroom for days before I remembered to pick it up. We have lots of visitors here so I’m sure someone was over during that time…”kids toys these days”.

5. Today not one but two people stopped me at Super Target to hand me bananas that “I think you dropped.” (umm….more like my kids were chucking them out of the cart)

6. Last week Marcus came walking out of my closet with a pair of my underwear on his head saying “hat”. Ironically, his father did something similar in college.

7. The lovely thing with multiples is both sides of your bathing suit top can be pulled down simultaneously while in the pool. Even better, your choices are bare it all or drop one of your babies into the water to free your hand to cover back up (and unless your baby has passed their survival swim class, this is probably not a great option). Taking multiple toddlers swimming really requires a Speedo, even if you’re not swimming laps.

8. Around the kids first birthday, I thought it would be fun for us all to take a bubble bath together. It was a blast until 5 minutes in, I noticed Mia scooping up a few terds with her stacking cup. Never Again!

C’mon, you know you’ve got some of your own moments to share! Spill the beans!