2nd Birthday Party

We had the boys second birthday on Sunday May 31st, the day before their actual birthday. We decided to do it later in the day (post nap).
We thought we would keep the party smaller this year (last year we had about 70 people over (first birthdays are a big deal).... but as we started making the guest list, it kept growing.... such a great problem to have (cant really even call it a problem)... to have so many people that love and support our boys and our such a great part of their lives!
The theme was Sesame street themed... because of their love for Elmo... but as their party grew closer, they fell more in love with the Movie Cars, BUT invites were sent out, and lets face it, they are 2, so no real adjustments were made, and they still loved all the Sesame street stuff!

FOOD:
Dave's parents came over and smoked hotdogs, brats, and pulled pork
I made fruit platters of Sesame Street character faces

 My dad brought his amazing chicken pasta salad

My sister and I decorated cupcakes of Elmo and Cookie Monster

Our dear friend Pam made a chocolate cake shaped like Elmo

HIghlights:
We had great weather for the day
At one point there were 3 sets of triplets in the backyard playing
The boys loved being sung to and blowing out their candles
We didnt run out of food!
No one was injured!
It was so fun to have great family and friends all together!

The boys got some great gifts! To name just a few:
balance bikes
bubble lawn mowers- a big hit and needing three of them
Minnesota Zoo membership

we have three 2 year olds!

How old?  Two, Dos, 24 Months

Our weights?

 H: 25lb 7oz N: 22 lbs 2oz 

G:23 lb 11oz

Heights - H: 32 1/4in N: 32in 

G:31 1/2 in
They are wearing 24 months and 2t.  Nolan and Graham can wear a few 18 month stuff, but we are quickly outgrowing it all.

Our sleeping patterns?  Napping still at 1:30/2:00 PM for about 2 hours. Nolan is first to wake up typically... and Henry is last.

Sleeping at night is still going strong... every now and again they will wake up in the middle of the night, and very rarely does one wake up the other two, but those 3am moments where everyone is crying... but everyone usually puts themselves back to sleep. 

 Our eating schedule?  The boys have breakfast at 9 AM, Lunch at 12:30, snack when they wake up from their nap (between 3-4), and dinner at 6.  Milk at every meal, and water/juice combo throughout the day.

 Our favorite foods?  H: fruit, ham, pizza, anything off his brothers plates
N: nutri-grain bars (breakfast cookies), noodles (nunus), chicken nuggets
G: noodles, toast, bacon, pizza

Our likes?The movies- Cars ("Mader & keen" (McQueen) and Finding Nemo "fishes, sharks, Dori", playing with match box cars, playing outside "shoes on-outside", going on walks, swinging, reading books (llama llama red pajama), going "bye bye in the car-car",

 Our dislikes?  When brother steals a toy, when they are hungry and want to eat NOW,  coming in from outside, getting out of the car to come home.

Our favorite games/toys?Mocking words or noises from mom and dad, dancing, singing songs (twinkle twinkle, happy birthday, abc's,) their cozy coupe cars, puzzles, building towers with blocks.

 

Our milestones? Lots of talking!
H: Counting, Starting to sing ABCs, dancing, jumping, coloring
N: counting to 10 in Spanish and English, 3-4 word sentences, expressing opinions
G: counting, jumping, colors, awesome fine motor skills, coloring


Things we do to make Mom and Dad smile?  Play well together, amazing new developments each day, cheese for the camera, giving lots of lovies (kisses and hugs)

Memorial Day

We were bummed that Memorial Day had some rough rainy weather but Dave and I were determined to do some fun family adventures.....and boy did we!

We thought it would be really fun to take the boys to Sea Life aquariam at Mall of America! This seemed to be everyone else's idea too. 

We got the boys up and out the door and made it there by 9:50...(doors opened at 10)

It should be said too that our van needed new break pads so we were able to get all three car seats In the back of the Nissan Sentra as well as get our choo choo wagon in the trunk (props to daddy for his packing skills)

Anyway, because we bought our tickets online we got to pick them up and not wait in line to buy tickets... Then they showed us the elevator since we had the wagon..... We got to by pass almost everyone.... Pretty cool.

The first exhibit was to pet the sting rays.... They boys are still a little young for this so we by passed all those people..... We then were at the front with no people before us and no line behind us yet... Place to ourselves for the most part!

We walked through the jellyfish room.... Pretty cool, the boys were a little overwhelmed at the dark and light up tanks...but still were in awe.

Next were the tunnels of aquariums.... Tons of sharks, fish, turtles, OH MY! 

The boys loved looking all around. Lots to see.... 

We kept a good pace but slowing down some to take it all in not anticipating the possible length of this tour. We then walked through the rain forest and saw crocodiles, piranhas, and frogs. Little tough for the boys to see but they loved the atmosphere. 

Before we new it we turned a corner and it was over.... Bam we were in the gift shop.... We were a little shocked how fast we must have gone through it.... So we got stamped so we could re enter... But on our way out we noticed the crazy long line so we decided maybe we would come back later. 

We headed toward Nickelodeon universe and took in all the sights... We debated getting tickets to go on a ride but decided against it due to lines and potential terror.... And they seemed to be happy as clams to just watch it all too.

We wanted to be able to take them to a place to get out and run around but there is no spot for that.... We did some Lego playing at Lego land, but it was short lived. 

We headed back to Sea Life in hopes lines would have died down... But no.... They were longer then ever..... So we decided to take the boys to Southdale play place in Edina.

We were not there long before we had a couple mini melt downs so we thought maybe lunch at BWW could be fun.... 

Once we loaded them in the car we thought going to BWW closer to home would be better..... 

As we were driving we changed our minds again and ended up getting the boys a happy meal in the car so they could eat sooner rather than later. I ran into the near by subway to get OUR lunch while Dave fed the boys. 

We got home and let the boys burn off some final energy before naps. 

We were exhausted at this point.... But we forgot we decided to host a couple friends and their kiddos for dinner. 

Within a few hours from getting home, our friends Carley and J came over with their new baby girl Elise! We finally got to meet her and get some baby snuggles in before the boys woke up. 

Our other friends, the Edlunds (with the triplet girls) came over too. 

We just ordered some pizza for dinner and watched the kids play.

The sun came out for a little while so we ended the evening playing outside (the boys favorite) 

All in all it was busy but successful day! I am grateful for these memories as a family, along with great times spent with dear friends! 

Mother's Day 2015

Another Mother's Day in the books. 

I started the day by going to work (church)

Well actually the day started at 3am... (Just like last years Mothers day.... The boys had a rough night sleep-2 years in a row now)

Nolan woke up screaming, Dave went in there to check in on him and discovered Nolan had taken his pants AND diaper off- Lord only knows when. Dave snuck him out to get him dressed again and sadly the other two woke up.... Dave put Nolan back to bed - making sure the bed was not soaked of course- and N and G continued to chit chat till 5am when they finally fell back asleep.

I was up and put the door by 8:15- with everyone still sleeping.

I had a great morning at church wishing Moms a happy Mother's Day, and receiving the same great greeting!

I made it home in time to have lunch the the family and open the gifts the boys got me (Mom necklace and beautiful picture frame)

I then had to leave at 1:30 to go see some of my church youth in the Andover spring musical, adventures of frog And toad- very cute! 

I texted Dave on my way home so he could start the process of waking the boys up and getting the, ready to go to my parents for dinner. 

We made it to my parents about 5:15 and had fun seeing close family and friends. 

Then boys grazed on food (too much going on) and enjoyed seeing their nana, papa, aunties, and cousins Ally and Tyler. 

My sister Steph, husband Aaron, and ally and Tyler 

I got a plate of food in me (thanks Dave) before heading upstairs to do bath time (we usually always do baths at nana and papas) 

Nolan I don't think napped for long enough today because he screamed the entire bath (beyond exhausted much?) but finally was happy in papa Tim's arms.

 

We got them all in their Jammie's and downstairs to do one more round of social time before backing up and heading home.

Sisters!! 

Some of my favorite moments of the day:

Hearing Graham say on repeat " it's rainin - wet- cold-brrrr"

Snuggling with Nolan- oh so tired 

Hearing my boys say "happy mamas day"

Time with family

Seeing my moms reaction to her gift of a charm bracelet with all her grandkids faces on it

Sitting here in the quiet, reflecting back on the day and Despite all the chaos, I have a heart full of gratitude because of three little monkeys I love more than anything.... It's because of them I get the honor and privilege to be called mom! 

Boys will be boys....

We are full blown in toddler mode at our house these days... Lots of bumps and bruises have accumulated over the last few weeks.... Especially now that we are playing outside more.  

As a mom you don't want anything bad to happen to your child, but you also know little bumps, scrapes, and owies help them to learn too, and with triplets, you can't be everywhere all the time to protect them. 

This last Wednesday was one of those moments that could not have been prevented. 

I was at church, for final final church night for the year, and Dave and my dad were doing dudes night, Like they always do on Wednesdays with the boys. 

I got a text from Dave around 7:15

"Hey baby, can you call me when you get this? Henry fell behind the couch. He is fine, just a bit of a cut under his lip, might need to go to urgent care. And he bit his lip pretty good."

Of course I start to panic and leave the youth room and FaceTime Dave to see what's going on at home (thank goodness for technology)

H was not crying but from what I could see it definitely needed to be looked at.

Since it was on the face and he is under 4 we had to go to children's.... Which was fine with me because they are wonderful!

I said bye to my youth and put the great adults in charge and I headed home to get Henry. (I had the van which has the car seats). I picked up H and we were off to children's. (The other two were really sad they couldn't go I'm the car car too)

We arrived at children's and they assessed him as best they could (he is my stranger danger kid-mamas boy) and assumed stitches were in our future. 

My mom joined us and hung out which brought some comic relief. Once we got into a room they were innovative to get the numbing gel on his chin for 45 minutes(clever sticky tape thing)... We watched some cartoons and right before they came in to clean it they gave him some phentynol up his nose to make him more calm for the cleaning. 

Although he was not "calm",  he didn't fight as hard or cry as long.... 

They got a better look at his chin and bite marks on the inside of his lower lip, and said since the cut was so straight and not as deep as expected, stitches were not needed!!!! Great news! 

So we got the clear to go home and just monitor and keep it clean for the next few days! 

It is currently healing perfectly and all is well again at our house.

I know this is just the beginning of moments like this.... But no matter how much it happens, seeing your babies hurt never gets easier.... But I am grateful for Children's amazing staff!!

22 months

My apologies on the lack of posts! I have no excuse but that of living a life with 3 toddlers. They are becoming so fascinating so I want to get back to documenting through this blog. I don't want to forget these great memories!! 

The boys turned 22 months on April 1st! 

Weights- H- 26 lbs, N-22.5 lbs, G-23 lbs

Henry is pretty much wearing 24month/2T, the other two are in 18 month clothes 

Schedule-

Wake up- between 7:15-8:00

Breakfast- 8/8:15

Play time

Lunch-12:15

Nap-1/1:30-3:30/4

Playtime/snack

Dinner- 5:30

Play/bath

Jammie's/teeth-7:15

Books/prayers-7:45

Usually asleep by 8/8:15

Favorite foods- macaroni and cheese, "nunu's", avocado-"cado", toast with butter, bananas-"nanas", cookies, puff corn for snack, and if they find out there are chips in the house they would eat their weight in them. 

Favorite activities- if they could play outside all day everyday, they would. We have had some gorgeous days and they just love to be outside running around and playing with their cozy coupe cars, and swinging! They still love walks in their choo choo..... We have had some cold days this past week so it's been a bummer to say no to outside.... They just love putting their shoes on and getting ready. 

 -They love building towers with their duplos but more so dumping the bin over! 

-They love dancing, especially to "uptown funk" which they call the doo doo song! 

-They love playing with their match box cars, lining them up on the arms of the couch. 

-They have starting playing with their play kitchen- and saying "cook" over and over. 

-They love face timing with their aunties and cousins... Always wanting to say cheese and blow kisses. 

I can't believe how much they at talking. Nolan seems to have his own babbling language... But all three of them are repeating a lot of words.. But at this moment Graham is our most verbal. They love counting to 10 and singing the ABC's! 

We love to see them interact... Getting each other a toy or blankie if one is sad.... Apologizing and patting their back if they hurt them or take a toy. They are starting to wrestle more with each other so more bumps and bruises are forming... (The life of 3 toddler boys right?)

They currently love Elmo, the wiggles, and more recently the movie Cars! 

Personalities:

Nolan- still our leader... Sweet, but stubborn. He wants it all done his way on his time. He loves to cuddle, especially if he has his paci and blankie with him. He is the most outgoing in new places with new people. 

Henry- still mr. Sensitive. Cautious and gentle. He still loves his mama and had some stranger danger.  He has the sweetest laugh and loves to do whatever his brothers do! 

Graham- our funny man! Loves to dance or imitate whatever the adults in the room are doing. He is most shy in new environments and observes before he really opens up... But when he does... He puts on a show! 

New experiences: children's museum, microwave popcorn, Easter egg hunts, turning their car seats forward, picnics in the living room, eating at a picnic table, eating bacon, art class

I can't believe we are already planning their 2nd birthday! 

More to come soon! 

Play date at the park with our cousins, Ally and Tyler 

Cousin Tyler's baptism

Art class with 3 other sets of triplets! 

Easter 2015

Easter with cousins

Celebrating my birthday on Easter 

Bumps and bruises 😕

Outside play!!!

A big weekend

So a couple weekends back needs to be posted so I don't forget it. 

So far this season we have been doing really well with being healthy. The boys and us as parents. I was pretty proud of us... Getting out, having some play dates with other sets of triplets... Seeing family. 

Well that all changed last Tuesday, January 20th. Henry woke up to a fever of 102. Now lately they have been teething so I was assuming it was because of molars. But by Thursday his fever was still present so I took him to the  dr. 

Sure enough he had a red throat and red ear. We put him on an antibiotic and we were on our way.

I got home from the dr. And the other two boys both woke up with 102 fevers. ( are you kidding me?) 

By Friday morning Nolan was very congested and snotty.... So I decided to not waste time and bring him in... Strange enough, his ears were fine, but had goopy eyes so we got him eyed drops to be safe. By Friday night Graham started showing signs of congestion and goopy eye and by Saturday he was full on right there with Nolan. No fun. 

Henry never really got cold symptoms but did eventually show goopy eyes. 

By Sunday I started showing signs of this same cold but no fever. ( I thought since I was up all night at a lock in for work on Friday- I was just tired) 

Sunday night Dave started getting a scratchy throat. 

At 1 in the morning things got a but scary. 

I woke up to a loud thud... I sat straight up, and turned to find Dave was not in bed. I went out into the hall to find Dave passed out on the floor( he had fallen straight backward and hit his head on the closet door) 

He was passed out and non responsive( one if the scariest sights I have seen). 

I tried to wake him up and after a minute he did open his eyes but was very confused. 

We called 911, and thank goodness no major neck/back injuries so he could walk to the ambulance.

Dave's dad came over to be with the boys ( who surprisingly never woke up to all the commotion) so I could go be with Dave. 

His white blood cell count was elevated and he was extremely dehydrated. (3 bags of fluid pumped into him) 

CT scan was normal, and after more tests, they let us go home at 6:30am. He had instructions to stay home from work for atleast two days. He returned to work on Wednesday- tired but doing ok. 

I got an hour of sleep before the boys woke up for the day. I tried to nap when they did, but I am still so surprised how well I could function sick and on so little sleep. ( lots of practice when they were newborns I guess) 

The next few days we got a lot of help fr grandparents,. On top of that, Graham was getting worse with his symptoms so we brought him in to the dr ok Tuesday, to find out he has an ear infection. 

I finally went to the dr on Thursday Jan. 29 since my cold/sinus symptoms were terrible and not allowing me to sleep (which I needed to do so badly). 

With some better meds I am feeling better. 

I am currently on a plane To Detroit for a youth leaders conference called The Extravaganza! I felt bad leaving (on our 5 year anniversary), but my amazing husband assured me all is well. Now that the boys are all fever free, I feel a little more at ease. The Grandparents will be around most of the weekend to help. 

I look forward to returning home to all my boys on Monday. 

Here is hoping this was our rough patch of winter illness and we will be spared for a while now. 

I promise the next post will be a fun update on all the things the boys are saying and doing!