A Belated "Merry Christmas"

I took a few extra days off work to spend some time with Kurt and the kiddos over the holidays. The time just flew by so fast and suddenly I was back at work again. So this big "Merry Christmas" to all our friends and family comes a little belated. We had a fantastic "first" Christmas with the babies. Last Christmas I was just 12 days from delivering the trio and was still stuck in the hospital against my will. All our family did come to the hospital and bring food and gifts but it just wasn't the same. Kurt and I ate our cold dinner out of tupperware. But this year we had so much fun having the whole family over to our house. Of course Santa came and brought the trio an assortment of clothes, toys, and other goodies. He even brought us a new choo choo wagon to replace our old stroller that is too small for the trips to use anymore. Overall, the babies enjoyed tearing paper and bows off packages even if they didn't really know what they were doing. Enjoy some of our favorite pics from the weekend. The first is Lucas with Daddy. The second is of the gifts Santa left. The last one is a pic of cousin Keelie with Jake and Sarah.

Ready for Christmas!

This weekend we finally put the finishing touches on our Christmas setup. Usually, we run around last minute getting gifts and such. But this year we are all set...with just under a week to spare! All our gifts are purchased and even wrapped- wahoo! Although we can't really put them under the tree. In an effort to keep the kids from pulling down the tree, we decided to get a 3 foot tree and put it on a table instead of having a traditional 6 foot tree. Our tree is still beautiful even if we can't put presents under it.

We also finished putting the lights out on the front of the house.

Now we're ready for Christmas. And since we've no place to go...let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!

December 15, 2009

One year ago today...

my OBGYN abducted me and held me in Labor & Delivery against my will!

I had my regularly scheduled 30 week check-up planned and thought nothing of it. I was having some pain in my belly that morning, so after my appointment, my doc suggested I should go over to L&D to get checked out. So I did what he asked. While I was there, the pain did subside but I had a spike in my blood pressure. I had no idea it was the beginning of the end. The doctors asked me to stay overnight just to monitor my pressure. It did not behave. The doctor was afraid I'd have to deliver early so they wanted to administer steroids to help mature the babies' lungs. That bought me 2 more days in holding. Then my wacky blood pressure (still acting up) bought me "just through the weekend". And I never got to go home. 22 days after admission, my 3 beautiful babies were born. Sitting back now a year later, I kick myself for whining so much about having to stay in the hospital. As inconvenient as it was, it bought my babies precious time in the womb. They were born healthy and happy. And that is all that matters!

150 posts later... and Santa comes to town!

I just happened to look at the post counter the other day and realize I was approaching 150 blog posts. And now this one is it! We've come a long way from positive pregnancy tests to having 3 healthy, happy 11 month olds. I decided to read back through some of the older posts sort of like a trip down memory lane. It's neat to be reminded of all the fun we've had. Speaking of fun, today was a blast. We started the day by going to a MOMs (Mothers of Multiples) outing. The event was at a pottery painting place in downtown Newnan called Artrageous Potter. Since the trips are a little too young for painting pottery, we instead put their handprints on tiles. In addition to painting, the triplets also got to see Santa for the first time. They actually all 3 loved him! Sarah even tugged at his beard! Later in the day we took the kids to a few store to finish off the rest of our Christmas shopping. They liked being around all the lights and Christmas decor. Of course, as usual we attracted a lot of attention. That big long 6 foot stroller does it every time!

11 Months!

On Monday the trio turned 11 months old. Just one more month to go before their big 1 year birthday! Here are some of the latest stats:

Weight: Sarah is 21lbs 2ozs, Jake is 22lbs 13ozs, and Luke is 21lbs 2ozs

Teeth: Sarah & Jake both have their two front bottom row teeth, none for Luke yet

Standing: all 3

Pulling up: Only Luke

Crawling: Luke pretty well has it down, Jake is ok too, but Sarah doesn't have forward momentum. She can only crawl backwards!

Cruising on furniture: not regularly but Luke has made some attempts

Walking: not yet

Talking: all 3 babble "ma ma", "da da", "ba ba", and "hi" that we know of. Sometimes we swear we hear them say things like "love you", "Lady", & "thank you" but we shall see.

Waving: All 3

Clapping: Just Sarah for now

Likes: apple cinnamon baby food, puffs, blocks, "rowing" with Daddy, getting into cords (that they are not supposed to), & fleece PJs

Dislikes: The evil bulb syringe, getting ears cleaned, being last to eat, banging their head/falling down, having toys stolen by a sibling

Mostly the babies are happy, healthy, and sweet as can be. Kurt and I are so blessed to have these 3 little munchkins! And we are so glad to be past our first "family" cold. All 5 of us are back to normal. Well, sort of...

The Deal of the Day

As a mom of triplets (who are 11 months old today!!!) I am always on the lookout for a deal. So when I heard Shutterfly was giving away 50 FREE Christmas cards and all I had to do was tell all my fellow bloggers about how much I love them (and I do), I was happy and skeptical. But sure enough, my 50 cards are on their way to me today. I love you Shutterfly! Just as a teaser (until some of you get yours in the mail) here's a little preview. Enjoy!

Keep Believing Christmas Card

Make a statement with Shutterfly Christmas photo cards.

View the entire collection of cards.

Lucas Go Bonk!

Our little "mover and shaker" Lucas has been doing just that. One morning recently we came into the nursery to find him sitting up in his crib playing with his blankets. Then on Monday of this week we come in to find him standing in his crib. Of course we were so proud of him, but we knew now he'd start pulling up on everything. And that's exactly what he's been doing! Although with all this movement, has come some unwelcome "bonks" to his noggin'. Of course, he only cries for just a minute and I don't think he's doing any permanent damage, but it is still scary for a parent to see. And it happens in the blink of an eye. The other day in a matter of moments he had crawled over to a box by the back door and proceeded to try to eat a AA battery. I'm not quite sure I will make it through these "discovery" years.

Oh, and on another note, we are all finally putting this sickness crap behind us. Thankfully! Five sick people in one house is no fun! But we made it through the triplets first official cold with our sanity intact. We are so grateful!

Bath Warriors!

On a prior post I wrote about all the bath challenges we've been facing. We had a great system in place with the infant tub in the kitchen sink. But the babies have outgrown that small tub. So we tried to transition them to the big tub. But slippery babies & a hard tub just don't mix. 2 of the 3 bonked their heads so we decided that was enough. So we decided to try out an inflatable duck made for a big tub. Although that was a disaster because we didn't know if we left the water running there wouldn't be enough warm water for all 3 babies. So I'm pretty sure we traumatized poor Jake with a cold bath. Today we decided to give it another go learning from our past mistakes. And I'm happy to report all of us made it through with minimal trauma. We may just have this bath thing figured out after all.

On another note, I'm not sure if I posted this yet or not, but both Sarah & Jake have their two bottom teeth. We're still waiting on Luke to get his first tooth.

So many reasons to be thankful

I just don't think it's possible to be thankful enough for all of our blessings. But I will try. I am so thankful for my hubby. I am so thankful for wonderful family and friends. I am so thankful for a home, for food, & for a job I love. And of course, most of all, I'm thankful for the trio. Two years ago on turkey day, we were just 5 days past losing our daughter Leyna. Honestly, we were so heartbroken, I don't even remember much about the day. I was just trapped in a cloud of sadness.

Last year, I was in a much happier place, but the uncertainty about the triplets had me on edge. I was only 27 weeks and 2 days pregnant. If they had been born then, they would have been in the NICU for months. I had no idea how far the pregnancy could go. Luckily, they stayed put for another 5 weeks. By November I had gotten my appetite back and was really craving some turkey. In fact, I didn't get enough with the actual meal and leftovers. Kurt went out a got me a small turkey that I ate all by myself over the course of a week. Crazy!

This year was the triplets' first official Thanksgiving. We started the day with our traditional breakfast at Nanny's house. Unfortunately, we left the triplets' bottles at home so I had to rush back out to Kroger to get some formula. I was so happy they were open! Then we had all the family over to our house for Thanksgiving dinner. It was fun but busy! And to top it all off, both Kurt and I as well as the trio have colds. But we didn't let it ruin our day. Now, all I can think about is taking some NyQuil and crawling into my warm and cozy bed. It's calling my name!

My Ode to Shutterfly

Oh Shutterfly, how do I love thee? Let me count the ways! I must take a moment away from blogging about the triplets to tell you about my favorite site. I upload all my photos to Shutterfly and can easily order prints, cards, make photo books, and more. And right now they have a promotion that if I tell you just how much I love them, they will give me 50 free photo holiday cards. As a mom of 10 month old triplets, I need all the "free" I can get. So this year when you see my babies' smiling faces on our Christmas card, you will know exactly where it came from. You can link on over to some of their best selling stuff right from here. Check out their:

holiday cards

http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationary/christmas-cards

and selection of birthday cards. We'll be using them for the triplets' 1st birthday!

http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationary/birthday-cards-stationary

Don't forget about the photo books too! We used them to make hard cover books for the professional pics we had made of the trio. When the trips turn one, we plan to make a hardcover book for each of them of their first year. I can't wait! Much love, Shutterfly!

Sarah's first haircut

Sarah is such a big girl now! Today she got her first trim and got her ears pierced. She did so awesome! She got to sit in a Barbie Mustang at her hair appointment. I see us getting her one of these for the house one day. Then we got her ears pierced and she barely fussed for a minute.
.

Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree

Now that Thanksgiving is just a few days away, all the stores are getting geared up for some serious shopping. Even the radio stations are starting to play Christmas tunes. It's so exciting to think about Christmas. This year has been a year of many firsts for us as parents- first Valentine's Day, first Easter, first July 4th, first Halloween, etc. Next week will be our first Thanksgiving as new parents and next month will be our first Christmas. Now that the babies are mobile, it leaves us with a dilemma about what to do with our tree. We always get a live tree. Last year we got a tree, put all the lights on it, and then I was admitted to the hospital. Kurt commuted daily back and forth to the hospital and worked full-time so our poor tree sat undecorated all month. This year we want to decorate but we don't really have room for a tree. Plus we don't want our little mobile monkeys tearing down all the decorations. Oh well, I guess we will figure out something. Stay tuned........

10 Months- some busy babies!

The Koenig triplets have been very busy these days! First, on November 6th they turned 10 months old. There's now less than 2 months until their first birthday! Kurt and I have to put our heads together and plan a fun party for them. I can't believe how fast time is going by.

Speaking of birthdays, Kurt's Dad celebrated his 60th birthday with a party on Sunday. The triplets had fun meeting a whole bunch of new people. Although they were very tired so they conked out about halfway through the party.

Kurt's grandparents came into town from Cincinnati for the party and stayed at the house with us on Saturday night. The babies just loved spending time with them. In fact, I think the kids were trying to show off a little because Luke sat up from a laying position all by himself and full-on crawled for the first time too. Jake wanted to show off a little too because his first tooth finally cut through. Sarah showed off her dancing moves.

Kurt's brother and grandparents watched this kids for us Saturday night so we could celebrate our anniversary. 9 years ago we went on our first date, 7 years ago Kurt proposed, and 6 years ago we tied the knot. What a fun and crazy ride these last 9 years have been. To celebrate, we had dinner at our favorite place- The Melting Pot...mmmmmm.

We're all starting to get excited about the holidays coming up. Thanksgiving is a week from Thursday. I know we'll have lots of pics and stories.

When do you know?

Since the triplets have been born, I have asked myself a lot of "when does a parents know..." type questions. Like, when does a parent know they have a prodigy in their midst? I guess I could ask Mozart's, Doogie Howser's, or Bill Gates' moms...if only I had a way to get in touch with them. Did Picasso's mom know she had an artist in her home? Did Christie Brinkley's or Cindy Crawford's moms know they had a supermodel in the family? I guess the reason I ask this is because every so often one of the triplets will do something that I think is unique. And I wonder if we have a future artist, model, CEO, US President, professional athlete or more among us? When I look at Sarah's big blue eyes and sweet smile I wonder if she's going to be the next big supermodel.

When I pick up "big Jake" and marvel at his broad shoulders, back, and neck, I wonder is he genetically pre-destined to be a future hall of fame football player?

The most recent example of this is with Lucas. He is unbelievably smart for a 9 1/2 month old. If I hand him and one of his siblings both a toy, he will hide his toy behind his back or under his belly for protection and then go after the sibling's toy. He already understands he needs to first protect his belongings before he goes after someone else's. How does this kid know that already? Is he destined to be a corporate raider- obtaining and taking apart another's company? Or could he be on the path to be a leader in the military? The other day I saw Luke put his problem solving skills into action. He was sitting on the kitchen island in his bumbo seat (don't judge) while Kurt and I prepared food. There was a can of veggies next to him but just out of reach. I watched as he stretched and stretched to touch the can but couldn't quite do it. So he sat for a minute devising his plan. He picked up the toy from his lap and used it to slide the can over within his reach so he could touch it. I was so amazed that I immediately told Kurt what had just transpired. He couldn't believe it either. Is that the normal mind of a baby his age? He's not even pulling up or walking yet and he's already solving problems. So how do you know if you have a baby genius? Only time will tell. But mark my words...watch Lucas...he's got something special.

Our first Halloween!

Well, it's not my first Halloween. I was born on Halloween...30 years ago today! I was quite a little trick or treat surprise since I arrived over a month early. But a fun surprise none the less, just ask my folks...lol.

This time last year I was waddling around town with the triplets still tucked away safely in my belly. Now, our little trio is getting to experience their first "spooktacular" day (c'mon I had to use the pun). Kurt's folks came over today to celebrate my birthday and see the kids off to their first costume party. My neighbor and good friend Carolyn hosted a block party in her cul-de-sac. There were lots of kids there and everyone was excited to see the trips out and about.

We dressed them as "3 peas in a pod". We also tossed around themes like Star Wars, Family Guy, or Super Mario brothers. We have to get our theme ideas out of the way before the kiddos start getting an opinion about what they wear! We picked the peas because the costumes were inexpensive (only $15 each) and because we always thought of them as our 3 peas in a pod. My friend Meredith threw me a "3 peas in a pod" themed shower and while in the hospital I cross-stitched a "3 peas in a pod" bib.

The party was a lot of fun and gave us an excuse to get out of the house. And we got to use our new triple stroller- Bonus! The babies really enjoyed themselves but were totally exhausted!

9 Month Check-up

The nurses at the pediatrician's office were super excited to see the triplets on Thursday. They hadn't been there since their 6 month check-up. They have grown a lot since then. Their stats 6 months ago:

Sarah: weight 17lbs 2ozs (54th percentile) and height of 25.5 inches (21st percentile)

Jake: weight is 19lbs 9ozs (68th percentile) and height of 26.5 inches (30th percentile)

Luke: weight is 17lbs 11ozs (35th percentile) and height of 26.5 inches (30th percentile)

And now:

Sarah: weight is 20lbs 5ozs (60th percentile) and height of 27.5 inches (30th percentile)

Jake: weight is 22lbs 0ozs (60th percentile) and height of 29.0 inches (60th percentile)

Luke weight is 20lbs 9ozs (40th percentile) and height of 28 inches (30th percentile)

They weren't supposed to have any vaccines at 9 months but since it is fall they needed a flu shot. So Kurt and I made a deal and we got our flu shots that same day too. The doctor was very pleased with their growth and development. He said it's time to move up to a bigger car seat. We already knew that so we've been scoping them out and think we've made a selection. Some things he told us to work on for the next few months: working with sippy cups and introducing bite-sized food like gerber puffs, cheerios, lunch meat, cheese, etc. We have to go back for a flu booster shot next month and then to their 1 year check-up in January. I am praying with all my might that we can make it through cold and flu season without having to go back any extra times. We made it through last year so my fingers are crossed!

Here is a picture of Sarah's 1st tooth. She's the only baby to have a tooth coming in. I know the boys will soon follow. Sarah is the trailblazer. She just has to be first!

Saturday in the park

On Saturday afternoon, Kurt and I took the kids down to the park for the first time. Well they have been there before but never to play. We thought now they might be old enough to enjoy the swings now and they sure did! Here are a few pics from the park.

Baby, you should be in pictures!

On Sunday we took the kids to have their 9 month pictures made. Kurt and I both wondered if there would be that much of a difference from 6 to 9 months. We had no idea! My little munchkins look more like big kids now than babies. I can't believe how fast time is going by.

Pregnancy & Infant Loss Awareness Day (2)

2008...blissfully pregnant with my sweet baby Leyna- unaware of the bomb that was about to be dropped on our lives. I did not even know such a day existed.

2009...11 months past the loss of our little girl Leyna and blissfully (well, sort of) pregnant with triplets and celebrating my first P. & I.L.A.D.

2010...still sad over the loss of our little girl, but oh so thankful for the 3 sweet miracles I get to snuggle in my arms every day.

It was fitting that this morning was clear and crisp. A perfect fall day. It was a cold fall day when we lost Leyna too and that seemed to be the only thing I could wrap my mind around that day. I will forever feel the loss of the little angel I only got to hold in my arms for a few minutes. But she will forever be in my heart. Today we said a prayer and lit a candle to honor this day. We also released balloons- white to symbolize Leyna, and blue & pink to symbolize all the other boys and girls who are now with God in Heaven.

9 Month Olds

Oh, our babies are growing too fast! I finally finished packing up all the 6 month clothes and getting the 9 and 12 month thingsunpacked, hung/folded, and put away. What a chore! And just like with the newborn and 3 month outfits before this, I cried a little as I said goodbye to some of my favorite outfits my babies can no longer wear. It's sad to let go of those things that hold such fond memories. But time marches on. I did have one small victory though. I found several sets of PJs the triplets had as newborns in larger sizes- 9 and 12 months- on clearance at Babies R Us. So now I can hang on to some of those outfits just a little longer. Score one for mom!

Last week our babies turned 9 months old. I just can't believe how fast the time has gone! I wanted to take a moment to say a few things to each of my little munchkins before another big chunk of time passes...

My Sarah-bear, Sarah-belle, and Sarah-bug: my sweet precious girl. You are truly one of a kind! I love that thick, unruly mane of dark hair you have. I love your rosy cheeks. I love how you whisper things to me even though you don't even know what whispering is. I love how nosy you are and always have to turn and look to see what's going on. I love how you dance and bob your head when music is playing. I love how you splash in the bath and get Daddy soaked. I even love that full-out, no holds barred cry of yours. You are truly a miracle and I'm so lucky to have the chance to see the little girl, young woman, and adult you will someday become. I love you!

My Jakers, monkey man, and chunker munker: You were the only one who cried right away when you were born. But you are our most laid back child now. You are definitely my "go with the flow" baby. I love your big head and big shoulders that has earned you the nickname "big Jake". I love your toothless smile. I love your laugh. I love that you reach for me to pick you up and you let out a big wail if I pass you by when you wanted my attention. I love that you were content not to roll over or stand up when your brother and sister would. You were on your own timetable and when you were ready you did it too...but not a moment before. I love when you make a motorboat or bubbling noise with your mouth. Sometimes you even sound like an owl. Someday before I know it, I will turn around and you will be a man. You probably won't let me call you all the ridiculous names I do now, but I'll still be your biggest fan. I love you!

My Lucas man, Lukers, Lukeeeeese: My little guy who DID NOT want to leave the womb. You were happy and content with your mommy and you didn't want to change. Even now you are sensitive to change. You are the most sensitive to loud noises too. I love that you are 100% committed to your emotions- by far, the biggest grins and the saddest cries. Even at just a few months old you cried real tears. I love seeing your smile first thing in the morning. It lights up the whole room. I love how fearless you are. You practically want to dive out of your swing and off the changing table. I love how you want to touch all things electronic and love to push buttons. I love how you stare at things and try to figure them out. It's like I can see your mind at work. I know as soon as you figure out how to use those legs of yours you will be off and running and chasing your own dreams. I'm so blessed to have a front row seat to this journey you're on. I love you!

I hope some day the kids read these short letters and really understand just how much we love them. But for now they get it through our hugs, kisses, and silly nicknames! Happy 9 month birthday my loves!

Sports Weekend

Georgia: 41 Tennessee: 14

And what a game it was! Nana (my mom) came down to Newnan to watch the kiddos so Kurt and I could take off for Athens. Admittedly we were both a little apprehensive about going, given the disappointing season the Dawgs have been having. First our mascot passes away unexpectedly during the off-season. Then our Athletic Director gets caught in a DUI/sex scandal. Then right before the season started, roughly 10 players were arrested for various infractions. Tough year to be a bulldog fan. But they put on quite a show. Nana kept us updated on the kiddos during the game via text message so we knew they were having fun. I'm sure Nana misses them already!



On Sunday, Kurt took off with Dad and Uncle Bob for the Braves game. It was a heartbreaking loss for the Braves, but Kurt enjoyed seeing some post-season baseball. I was on solo Mommy duty for the day but everything went just fine. I'm so proud of my little monkeys. They have been a little delayed with sitting up fully on their own but they've been working hard on it, and now they've mastered it. Good job munchkins!

Adventures in bathing

This falls under the heading of "what were we thinking"??? Tonight the babies are 9 months old and Kurt and I thought it would be a good time to transition them from bathing in the baby tub to bathing in the big tub. WRONG! The kids (and their parents) are definitely not ready for this. It was a disaster! Do you know how hard it is to catch a soapy kid when they start to slide down? Both Sarah and Luke bonked their heads. They are just fine but of course mommy and daddy freaked out then started arguing about how best to bathe the children. We will wait a little while before trying this little adventure again. For now it's going to be bathing in the little tub of which they are rapidly outgrowing! Sorry kids...we're learning.

30th Birthday Party

Wow...11 days since my last post. I am majorly slackin'! My only defense is the extreme craziness that goes into juggling work, kids, family, etc. and adding in a big 30th birthday celebration. We decided to celebrate the big milestone early (October 2nd) because the scheduling conflicts with college football, Halloween, etc. were just going to be too much. I wanted to do a beach themed bash this year since most of my parties in previous years have been costume themed. Of course, what else would you expect from a Halloween baby?! So we set out to transfer the Summergrove clubhouse into a beach party. The decorations, food, music, drinks, and more could not have been more perfect. We used ocean blue tablecloths, real sand, seashells, and tealight candles to set the tables. We filled an inflatable pool with ice and drinks. My Mom brought this amazing tropical themed cake a friend of hers made. It was hand crafted and everything on it was edible (except the beach chair).We used tiki torches, beach chairs, and floats to create scenery. Kurt even downloaded an album of steel drum band music we played in the background. We had a total blast. What an awesome way to send out my 20's. Here are just a few pics from the bash. And the best part is I still get to enjoy my 20's for a few more weeks. lol

Big Slobbery Kisses!

The kids have a new thing they like to do & to be honest it's my favorite thing yet! They like to grab our faces and lean in to plant a big ole' slobbery kiss. Well there's no actual "smack" involved in the kiss just lips (and drool) right on your face. But you can tell they are doing it on purpose to show us their love. And it just melts my heart every time.

9 Months ago today...

I got the news I would have to check into the hospital for the remainder of my pregnancy. 9 months seems like a long time- it's the length of a full term pregnancy. But it has just flown by! I still remember everything about that day and how I felt. I was so mad that I couldn't go home. Looking back on it now, I am so thankful I checked into the hospital. It bought my babies 22 more days in the womb. I am so grateful to those doctors and nurses that listened to my endless complaints about being "stuck" in the hospital and helped keep me focused on the big picture.

9 months ago...miserable

Today...bliss

Fun at the Grandparent's house

This past weekend, the Trenary's watched the babies while Kurt and I had a date night on the town! Kurt and I enjoyed our evening away and I know the babies enjoyed time with their grandparents. Just see how much fun they had.

Sarah helped Grandpa cheer on the Dawgs!

Jake hung out with Uncle Bob

And Luke never made it past the 3rd quarter. He was "dawg" tired. Please excuse the pun!