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