bigger and bigger and bigger

Braddock














Julia

Griffin

We had our nine-month shot and examine yesterday and would you believe that my littlest baby (2 lbs 4 oz) is now 19 lbs 3 oz? I certainly don't believe it. It just doesn't seem possible. But it's true: Griffin was the biggest of the three. He looked proud all day! Braddock isn't much smaller at 19 lbs. Julia is the petite lady at 16 lbs 8 oz. All three are healthy and happy and doing great.

We've been busy, busy, busy. Headed out of New Jersey for the first time and went to visit Uncle Brian, Aunt Colleen and Sean and Sammy and many members of their extended family who've been so good to us. It was a big day for them, definitely the most news faces they've seen in one day since being in the NICU. And they did great. Sometimes they get a little stranger anxiety and cry when there are new people around. That seems to be getting better. They are starting to enjoy their food more. I need to do a better job of varying what I'm making for them. I tend to find a favorite (often sweet potatoes) and make that over and over again. Griffin isn't as interested in the food as Braddock and Julia but he'll get there. The doctor did mention they should be eating more so we're going to work on that. They all gnawed on a frozen mini bagel yesterday for teething. It was funny to watch them try to get it in their little mouths. The boys top gums are swollen and looking ready for more teeth. Julia's aren't yet.

Julia is just about to crawl. She's pretty mobile even without mastering that skill. She sees something and rolls and rolls until she gets to it, grabs it and rolls back to where she was. It is hysterical to watch. Braddock rolls back to front, not all the time but when he feels like it, and Griffin is just about there. He rolls front to back with ease and is so pleased when he does it. Julia wants to get out there and get moving -- I think I heard her say, "Let's get this party started" -- and the boys are happy to lay there and wait for the world to come to them. Watching the differences between them explains a lot about the differences between men and women. Maybe I can write a "baby boys are from mars, baby girls are from venus" type of book! I'll put that on my to-do in my free time list.

On a sad note, our beloved Finn was surrendered back to the shelter where we adopted him from nearly three years ago on Sunday. (here come the waterworks) It was incredibly difficult for both Bill and me. Finn was our first baby, we loved him with all our hearts, and this house just isn't the same without him. The poor guy had had a rough year and he was nipping (kind of air biting) at people. It happened at least nine times and we made at least nine excuses but after talking with a trainer, there wasn't any real choice for us. She said we were an accident waiting to happen and although he didn't want to hurt anybody, he was telling us he was not happy with the new family dynamics. I don't blame him. It's loud and chaotic here and wholly different from the peaceful days we used to spend together before I was pregnant. The good news is he never hurt anyone, so he will be able to get a new home. We're hoping it is on a farm or a huge yard.... As sad as we are, we know it was the right thing. It was right for Finn, too, because he deserves more attention and more exercise and some peace and quiet. But, oh my God do we miss him. I can't write any more about it because it's still to raw for me.

I guess that's all from here. We're watching spring turn into summer, wondering how it's possible that it could be summer. I guess it's nearly time to start planning a birthday party for three. I think three months should give us enough time to get all the details ironed out.

I've attached some pictures of my Mother's Day banner that Gram, Poppy and the kids made me. According to Gram the kids got together as asked her to plant the flowers and herbs for me and make the banner. They actually held the marker and wrote on it. Granny was here on Mother's Day, too, so the kids got to be with all the women that love them most. And there was lobster and filet mignon -- a fete for queens -- and we had a lovely weekend.

and I almost forgot... I went to my first triplet mothers meeting last night. There's a small group of women in the area with triplets and one with quads!! They were all so impressive and helpful. I learned a lot and had a great time. I asked the mother of quads if she thinks triplet mothers have it easy the way triplet moms think twins are easy. She said no because we almost have what she has. I think she's incredible. All the women there were incredible and I hope I raise my kids as well as they have. From some of the stories, I'm terrified to do it, but I forage ahead wishing to make them proud. And, yes, today I'm forcing the nap issue in their beds, lights out, sound machine on, crying doesn't stop me. I'm the boss of them!!! (I can still hear them strongly suggesting to me how it's done) Thanks, ladies. I'll see you at the picnic.

Happy almost Memorial Day!