tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57039287307231022392024-02-08T00:56:50.299-05:00The DiMasi Trifectandimasihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05668347012098443278noreply@blogger.comBlogger106125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5703928730723102239.post-28573289266962774042010-10-31T19:35:00.009-04:002010-10-31T20:07:18.728-04:00Twick or Tweet<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie_l0uDjM-ELaap0VRSbPHQ95WLhyphenhyphenSTPZbZbG4DWcx4TcfbVc_RVTHwdkynJgpT3Ob0RlYKO6I9r7pk8UnqGkZeQ445_nvqrMn16zqV0_Zajq_hKEwTlY3sHM7m6EygoAiH-k2WpzD23vK/s1600/halloweenduncans.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534365126351125442" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie_l0uDjM-ELaap0VRSbPHQ95WLhyphenhyphenSTPZbZbG4DWcx4TcfbVc_RVTHwdkynJgpT3Ob0RlYKO6I9r7pk8UnqGkZeQ445_nvqrMn16zqV0_Zajq_hKEwTlY3sHM7m6EygoAiH-k2WpzD23vK/s400/halloweenduncans.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvYFPlK7d9VIJdhyphenhyphenBAcK1Fi2jN8S_upLaqMIcpXwrjuV93o2su6IBfjhwsj5YhhHk2L8sVBOICAnu8rek35S-rk3Vw43upklWJfDXXnmRhIFpMi5Hla0epGhegFuApBMPbZZPN84IvkAE2/s1600/halloweensiena2.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534363317469407714" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvYFPlK7d9VIJdhyphenhyphenBAcK1Fi2jN8S_upLaqMIcpXwrjuV93o2su6IBfjhwsj5YhhHk2L8sVBOICAnu8rek35S-rk3Vw43upklWJfDXXnmRhIFpMi5Hla0epGhegFuApBMPbZZPN84IvkAE2/s400/halloweensiena2.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8vY5SlsT21tOEljXgigGmpRJPME7VvQM0KkMCC2_cFenOMQxV_Wll5Z33voSiBv0rFKf3rF98qLklgID8sluePGZg8ZSH9bq4xzekZv2AfNmU0cUkLY961X-y38IsiJKH-cR7lyL6olok/s1600/halloweenGriffin.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534362614485544578" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8vY5SlsT21tOEljXgigGmpRJPME7VvQM0KkMCC2_cFenOMQxV_Wll5Z33voSiBv0rFKf3rF98qLklgID8sluePGZg8ZSH9bq4xzekZv2AfNmU0cUkLY961X-y38IsiJKH-cR7lyL6olok/s400/halloweenGriffin.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbj9Ng7ZPW7c-ND-YSpxrr5Doqv5heU_kLyBKV_x9Yg89NJHlzq8S5rcPwXHZ7mH_fKLRc_v5u9SKsKmoS9n9c5wIxgjPygnO2HbRAVLloeB4LamGaEM-kGTPBRx8hjxUfBSBg6zVYwtSX/s1600/halloweenbraddock.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534362326931671938" style="WIDTH: 267px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbj9Ng7ZPW7c-ND-YSpxrr5Doqv5heU_kLyBKV_x9Yg89NJHlzq8S5rcPwXHZ7mH_fKLRc_v5u9SKsKmoS9n9c5wIxgjPygnO2HbRAVLloeB4LamGaEM-kGTPBRx8hjxUfBSBg6zVYwtSX/s400/halloweenbraddock.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGVfhyphenhyphennx-56uFZRF67NOXPT1sFN_4FjyuXQFkWZF-XQ-dcsQ3en2zFfJRkZs2sm3B7caMorM-uxGhiPOMHdQRYw_Dg18yVuWaCropUus8upWUYeHKLq6D-blQ-EcixLdmqtU7o8DL0VmAe/s1600/halloweenjulia.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534361950429058994" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGVfhyphenhyphennx-56uFZRF67NOXPT1sFN_4FjyuXQFkWZF-XQ-dcsQ3en2zFfJRkZs2sm3B7caMorM-uxGhiPOMHdQRYw_Dg18yVuWaCropUus8upWUYeHKLq6D-blQ-EcixLdmqtU7o8DL0VmAe/s400/halloweenjulia.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>It was a great day for the cutest garden gnomes you've ever seen. Honestly, I didn't think we'd trick-or-treat for more than 15 minutes. I didn't think they'd wear their costumes and I certainly didn't think that they'd be running up to strangers' doors saying things like "<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">twick</span> or tweet" and "happy <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Halloween</span>" and even an occasional "thank you." </div><br /><div>I'm amazed and exhausted. The kids went to bed at 7:00 and it's 7:37 now and as soon as I post these pics, I'm done. We started the day at the Griffin's house about noon. We went there and to their parents' house down the street. They played in the leaves and ate pretzels and lollipops and then we went to the Duncan's house. There we went from house to house to house to house... At each house I waited for them to lose interest, but it didn't happen. It was cool and windy and they didn't care at all. Each new piece of candy ended up in their mouths with the wrapper on it. When that didn't work, it ended up in their pumpkin carrier. Sometimes one of them actually got through the wrapper, and I had to quickly fish it out of their mouth, unwrap it and give it back. Julia tried one piece, the wrapper wouldn't open, and she threw it onto the ground in disgust. We picked it up before the gracious homeowner saw. At another house they were giving out Skittles, and Julia let them know she didn't like them. Griffin tried to go into every house we stopped at. He was successful at one right before we finished. Braddock had our only casualty of the day. He slipped on a step and cut his chin and bit his lip. We asked for ice and a magic band-aid appeared, and on we went no worse for the wear. And on they went. At a couple houses, they found the watering cans and attempted to water their flowers. I said they were in character. Garden gnomes taking care of their designated area.</div><br /><br /><div>Our last stop was Gram and Poppy's house and they had pizza and more candy. They usually knock over lamps and tables but on this night, they were pretty tame. Gram showed them all a Halloween video individually and we heard squeals and cheers and "again, again." From there, Halloween was finished for 2010. We were home in time to wash everybody down, brush their teeth, and let them come down from the sugar high in time for bed. Nobody fought sleep tonight. They had such a great Halloween. I can only imagine how they'll feel about Christmas.<br /></div><div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>Hope every ghost and goblin had as much fun as our gnomes. Happy Halloween!</div></div></div></div></div>ndimasihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05668347012098443278noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5703928730723102239.post-5386419261434663682010-08-12T22:53:00.007-04:002010-10-11T16:12:47.668-04:00Happy 2nd Birthday<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiwVeKdgy66YP9Uo-y_fu6jeVpZrq3kq2WRJfixHr9s_cxsGuOnBYVqzuFHhkhfsWuTcAGmbGTr0btWPqNA7Q9EDuio0Yv-h7WpkfZoHpX2kqgXEMW1otX1Pto1DIUubHlPw081LNirdzB/s1600/DPP_0074.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526876435674368770" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiwVeKdgy66YP9Uo-y_fu6jeVpZrq3kq2WRJfixHr9s_cxsGuOnBYVqzuFHhkhfsWuTcAGmbGTr0btWPqNA7Q9EDuio0Yv-h7WpkfZoHpX2kqgXEMW1otX1Pto1DIUubHlPw081LNirdzB/s400/DPP_0074.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtabSmy6MhbMxQ6I_J9ef4ngBD9KY-OOHEQkdP9yNmhvFBGWZve31qrLpUjO9xVzgPtcVxu5By2TusNesc-25RvGRBaTMnr6UZJ_QlnSFLahPHhOaC77nfYVhyphenhyphenyGI0G_7dB0yGZZiox6Yg/s1600/DPP_0013.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526876426271295874" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtabSmy6MhbMxQ6I_J9ef4ngBD9KY-OOHEQkdP9yNmhvFBGWZve31qrLpUjO9xVzgPtcVxu5By2TusNesc-25RvGRBaTMnr6UZJ_QlnSFLahPHhOaC77nfYVhyphenhyphenyGI0G_7dB0yGZZiox6Yg/s400/DPP_0013.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxHu4uT0AbZ43HwyK1PUSk_XWJrwnSqzCrnuHuExm4tLnGLoSjnH8aUhuZVaPMPKUYtVQ9LYTApXZAqSuwIYRb9WaPfJE3wSZxvqdnRRMtUyK2G_f9dpujumIBCkdNJXo1NhR4npg-qdyT/s1600/DPP_0052.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526871508424984882" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxHu4uT0AbZ43HwyK1PUSk_XWJrwnSqzCrnuHuExm4tLnGLoSjnH8aUhuZVaPMPKUYtVQ9LYTApXZAqSuwIYRb9WaPfJE3wSZxvqdnRRMtUyK2G_f9dpujumIBCkdNJXo1NhR4npg-qdyT/s400/DPP_0052.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwkwvDW2oeqoD6sEWTV2SKKz0XvkA_smxMWShAiQ-Qd4MbGrAos_2BJpEXlR_rJ6Ld7LadYS1PVc3Je8arvNRXm0g-UC29BP3cBjD9FtidUuQjZ1PmO4g3oK3anPWgz0ea46DcMxJDUTCT/s1600/DPP_0150.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526871504584183970" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwkwvDW2oeqoD6sEWTV2SKKz0XvkA_smxMWShAiQ-Qd4MbGrAos_2BJpEXlR_rJ6Ld7LadYS1PVc3Je8arvNRXm0g-UC29BP3cBjD9FtidUuQjZ1PmO4g3oK3anPWgz0ea46DcMxJDUTCT/s400/DPP_0150.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>My dear children,</div><br /><br /><div>It feels like I just recently wished you a happy 1st birthday, and that was almost too much to bear, but now this?!?! You're <em>TWO... </em>Happy Birthday to you. </div><br /><div>You've all grown so beautifully, hitting your milestones in ways we couldn't have anticipated and certainly didn't expect. Last year at this time, you weren't even walking-- barely crawling. But six little legs figured it out and off you went. Now you run, racing around the house, the yard, the beach, like you haven't got a care in the world. I can't tell you how many times in the last two years I've wished I could freeze time just to enjoy the moment a little longer.<br /><br /></div><div>The pride that I feel when I look at you three overwhelms me-- honestly takes my breath away at times. Every day at our house is an adventure. They aren't always the best adventures, but most of the time ours is one of the happiest houses I've ever been in. It's hard not to smile watching three little explorers walking through the world, experiencing it, and delighting in all that it has to offer. You love the animals at the zoo or the farm, jumping off the couch on to the pillows, swimming any time you can, slides, bubbles, music, signing the alphabet, counting to four...you name it, you love it.<br /><br /></div><div>I took a few moments on your birthday to remember what it was like the day you were born. It wasn't your typical birth, Mommy and Daddy didn't get to hold you and welcome you to the world like most babies. We saw you for mere seconds and we were scared to death for each of you. As long as I live, I'll wish that you would not have known the obstacles that faced you right out of the gate. However, I watched you play on the beach, singing Happy Birthday, blowing out your candles twice, devouring your cupcakes, and I knew-- as I know every single day-- that you are doing just fine! </div><div></div><div>Mommy and Daddy love you so much both individually and collectively. Having three two-year-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">olds</span> isn't without it's challenges but we wouldn't change a thing. Thank you so much for picking us as your parents. It's an honor and a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">privilege</span>. Happy Birthday, my sweet babies. Don't grow up too fast on us.</div><div></div><div>Love,</div><div>Mom</div><br /><div> </div></div></div></div>ndimasihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05668347012098443278noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5703928730723102239.post-15901556319164070932010-07-16T04:53:00.004-04:002010-07-16T07:09:48.959-04:00Life moves pretty fast<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDY1NnwD93abJxv4OsbBZX7Nn9Gh3vZ23Fd995JGfLg5GX3YCCtOtPbJNKeiGwlvoHIfDdIAI1AJkkrHPFHBEVIU0iJzS3D6hd0b6_3lLWVjeqEczqdoxxCzIYOEFt9l4PyBlkiwMcn9BH/s1600/010.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5494429589898054482" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDY1NnwD93abJxv4OsbBZX7Nn9Gh3vZ23Fd995JGfLg5GX3YCCtOtPbJNKeiGwlvoHIfDdIAI1AJkkrHPFHBEVIU0iJzS3D6hd0b6_3lLWVjeqEczqdoxxCzIYOEFt9l4PyBlkiwMcn9BH/s400/010.JPG" border="0" /></a> Griffin cleaning up the mess<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4E57LxY_HWSqz7gUBknier2VhlmRSvnMdyGp0uYhJktMC2yyVdzvlNVKZHsxb1MwKVpZVgO7iUoXKdGJovI53SCddQ9KAeTzvlSKOO-Ki_SeUAtxV-6QZe7qeTGzUpw3JxqPXwQyj0GeD/s1600/028.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5494429584105936738" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4E57LxY_HWSqz7gUBknier2VhlmRSvnMdyGp0uYhJktMC2yyVdzvlNVKZHsxb1MwKVpZVgO7iUoXKdGJovI53SCddQ9KAeTzvlSKOO-Ki_SeUAtxV-6QZe7qeTGzUpw3JxqPXwQyj0GeD/s400/028.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Julia taking a break from dancing. Look how long her hair is!<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnjmXpANx0_GxYxckavT9XIUxlNhfs9bOavyqh78MoM2DvHEBnM8iFHtl2IRcrqS-GKiRuMJQraKcBpI2BhQNXb6XQEViVhjvFktbj_olgvEEhXItscNPVRzLd2Y4DD4ATKN5dkzJtel51/s1600/025.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5494425933359283762" style="WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnjmXpANx0_GxYxckavT9XIUxlNhfs9bOavyqh78MoM2DvHEBnM8iFHtl2IRcrqS-GKiRuMJQraKcBpI2BhQNXb6XQEViVhjvFktbj_olgvEEhXItscNPVRzLd2Y4DD4ATKN5dkzJtel51/s400/025.JPG" border="0" /></a> Braddock driving his car!<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcZAydn0dF3rLRh0jL6zL_VhYdz-uMxJD5pcV3THm5FiMuu7swktjQ7vKet3xSB8WAHYchT2B8guwXylnhYY4rVf08lJTvYBMs01NvfiTaIS7ZVqSp3INWMDRcycJUohb0rrvZidAXPdxS/s1600/034.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5494425930688081730" style="WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcZAydn0dF3rLRh0jL6zL_VhYdz-uMxJD5pcV3THm5FiMuu7swktjQ7vKet3xSB8WAHYchT2B8guwXylnhYY4rVf08lJTvYBMs01NvfiTaIS7ZVqSp3INWMDRcycJUohb0rrvZidAXPdxS/s400/034.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq2gWw3K8FQL1KGoAVmOMmVheUxee_eCbqjyzFF9rT8EatUjtMYjnXIrGmdV4TTDdKXXWZb5Di8VeQ7NOvHaUppstqUnlGrftH_fOeVEZ3ccK2HxblGOOffxNChlG-AmqgvBbt6vu5DUrn/s1600/033.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5494425918232515714" style="WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq2gWw3K8FQL1KGoAVmOMmVheUxee_eCbqjyzFF9rT8EatUjtMYjnXIrGmdV4TTDdKXXWZb5Di8VeQ7NOvHaUppstqUnlGrftH_fOeVEZ3ccK2HxblGOOffxNChlG-AmqgvBbt6vu5DUrn/s400/033.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-AtV5zn4-q_lREo11pKo1fFUUVxYnifrH2CF1yMWaknQOXZyTdRajoZ187CE17_NxIcnXYI8EShwEgiTssTQo_d_aABMWKLsCtscbtkVWX4eZeQ6ue1YvPh3QenV8IP9bbmy85IkDv6-n/s1600/032.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5494425912421295410" style="WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-AtV5zn4-q_lREo11pKo1fFUUVxYnifrH2CF1yMWaknQOXZyTdRajoZ187CE17_NxIcnXYI8EShwEgiTssTQo_d_aABMWKLsCtscbtkVWX4eZeQ6ue1YvPh3QenV8IP9bbmy85IkDv6-n/s400/032.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>Here we are less than a month away from turning two, and it's more and more evident every day that we don't have anything even close to babies anymore. Some of these pictures are of them eating with their forks-- one of their very favorite words. <em><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Forkie</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">forkie</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">forkie</span></em> is what we commonly hear during mealtime-- by themselves. I hesitated way too long to start this because the thought of the mess three toddlers can make in seconds with food overwhelmed me. But it was time. I won't show up at high school with the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">forkies</span> and feed them. I suppose that would <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">embarrass</span> them. This week, I gave them their food, their forks, held my breath, and let the eggs and spinach fall where they may. Amazingly, they did beautifully. I suppose they'd been begging me to do it themselves for awhile now. So sue me... I drag my feet because I don't want my kids to grow up quiet so fast. I may use this strategy for potty training, too. They'll be six and I'll just take their diapers off and it will be done in a day because I waited. I think this is a perfect solution to what will otherwise be a tough time in our house. </div><div> </div><div>Words are flying out of their mouths fast and furious. Every single day, there's a couple new words they add to their vocabulary, and they use little sentences now which is a constant source of laughter. I took them shopping on Tuesday morning, and as we left the store it was pouring. Luckily it <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">wasn't</span> cold because it wasn't as if I could leave them and pull the car up. I just said, "Oh no, it's raining. Sorry guys, we're going to get a little wet." Well, as I'm pushing Julia in the shopping cart and pulling the boys in their stroller, all three are <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">screeching</span>, <em>Oh no, raining. oh no, raining. Oh no, wet!</em> By the time we got to the car, they were so excited they just couldn't stop telling me what they knew. They told me the entire way home and for a good portion of the day. I was laughing so hard my sides hurt.</div><div> </div><div>Yesterday, Griffin unsnapped his diaper-- <span style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ffff00">unbeknownst </span>to me-- as I was getting Braddock dressed. I heard a sound of rushing water and as I turned to see what I was hearing, there he was peeing on the floor. Hands up in the air, just peeing and smiling. He'd asked me to take his diaper off earlier. I explained that I couldn't do that for him, he needed it and I was sorry. He showed me!</div><div> </div><div>We send a lot of time at the beach which is a place they love. At the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Wyckoff</span> Y there's a spring-fed, chlorinated lake and it's really a great place for kids. It's exhausting for the adults who bring them. They have absolutely no fear of the water so we do a lot of cringing as they take off towards the bouncer/float in the middle of the lake. This is a really cool float with a climbing wall and it's for kids much older, but they don't seem to get it. They all wear life jackets and Julia enjoys floating on her back, letting the life jacket do its work. She just floats with a giant smile on her face. She also thinks she can swim which is somewhat alarming as she sticks her face in the water and wildly kicks her feet and moves her hands as if she has no control of them. She stops, screams-- and I mean really uses her lungs-- to tell us she's <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Sweeemming</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">sweeemming</span>. She delights in this. And other than the fact that my heart jumps in my throat because it appears she's drowning herself, as I grab the strap on her life jacket, I can't help but smile. She also does this in the tub and that's funnier because she has less fear and becomes more wild. </div><div> </div><div>Griffin is a complete rocker. He loves music-- loves it-- and can't help but dance when he hears a good song. We went to a first birthday party last weekend and he spotted the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">iPod</span> in its dock, so he made his way to it, stood with his ear as close as I'd let him get to it and showed off his moves. You just can't hide that kind of rhythm, folks! I say all the time that it's just in his bones. He also loves words and letters. Any word I ask him to say, he's on it, repeating it, enjoying its sound. I hear him often throughout the day calling out the alphabet the best way he knows how: A, O, D, D, D, O, I, E....</div><div>Braddock loves climbing up on <em>everything</em> and if he can knocking it over. They all climb but he's the leader. He climbed up on the bench in the basement yesterday and jumped off before I could stop him. He had that sparkle in his eye that tells me that won't be the last time he jumps that way. He's very physical, likes kicking ball, opening and closing things, building the castle of blocks and smashing it! </div><div>Julia calls Braddock Brackie still but she's changed Kiki for Feeky for Griffin, not sure why but that's his name to her. Braddock says Griffin and Griffin does too. Julia just likes Feeky. She can say her own name now, that was the last one she learn. Braddock calls her Juda and Griff says Ju-ya. They do a lot of hugging and kissing. For a mother, there's no happier sight.</div><div> </div><div>All in all, our house is a place of controlled chaos -- most of the time controlled, sometimes just outright chaos. A day in the life of triplet toddlers flies by and is exhausting, but they are growing beautifully, learning rapidly, and keeping a smile on our faces. We'll talk about the tantrums another time.... </div></div></div></div></div></div>ndimasihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05668347012098443278noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5703928730723102239.post-18142025987685274532010-05-31T05:41:00.007-04:002010-06-04T06:08:47.237-04:00Happy Memorial Day 2010<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaJFfFhrt3NkcTiu0IYSWDLtPkMdu7YEqg87v0QibEf36s2Q3kygsnzEaWkzmgrsOXH6_VFMM3qWWVJXJQ0So3fqT8gSM0VhFbsggdK69XwYYXCWVoOFaUnKgLaAPTziAEBTUXs1gTRLnV/s1600/DPP_0040.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478124014853855282" style="WIDTH: 267px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaJFfFhrt3NkcTiu0IYSWDLtPkMdu7YEqg87v0QibEf36s2Q3kygsnzEaWkzmgrsOXH6_VFMM3qWWVJXJQ0So3fqT8gSM0VhFbsggdK69XwYYXCWVoOFaUnKgLaAPTziAEBTUXs1gTRLnV/s400/DPP_0040.JPG" border="0" /></a> If I wait to finish writing this post, I'll never get it out there. So forgive any spelling or grammatical errors. My little swimmers have been frolicking in the warmth of June! They've enjoyed their new outdoor space (four play yards put together to keep them safe while they play)! There's a little whale pool/sprinkler that is providing hours of entertainment for them. We are just biding our time until the lake we joined opens for the season (June 13) They love the WAH-DUR!<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7pa0Z0OyM_8t2OftxFEmbIX4MmzZwYNtDZ9jB5fS41CdsZgyZf3SjUHdtinO8liXBywr5wEX90gwHrjUHofixbGI1QrlHD73pIOvxHBRNY7vTlvX9vlLGSlRbzfUBfV_Kz17fxmjVEl2S/s1600/DPP_0001.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478124004745482946" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7pa0Z0OyM_8t2OftxFEmbIX4MmzZwYNtDZ9jB5fS41CdsZgyZf3SjUHdtinO8liXBywr5wEX90gwHrjUHofixbGI1QrlHD73pIOvxHBRNY7vTlvX9vlLGSlRbzfUBfV_Kz17fxmjVEl2S/s400/DPP_0001.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLUp8Q-h9vXhi7SwkcVrpnB1fZ8G-0ZwpD1yzZat8orl25CQuiIx4UNmLjjfJJ_uMWJV-3sjf6NpdNIu2hFJ9jl57A97WX-PwvD0Q-HpkwXKh-6bw8NfkQHKegEhLdMjnOPqDLw6pM2ZxN/s1600/DPP_0051.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478121228199128354" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLUp8Q-h9vXhi7SwkcVrpnB1fZ8G-0ZwpD1yzZat8orl25CQuiIx4UNmLjjfJJ_uMWJV-3sjf6NpdNIu2hFJ9jl57A97WX-PwvD0Q-HpkwXKh-6bw8NfkQHKegEhLdMjnOPqDLw6pM2ZxN/s400/DPP_0051.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPIHCfVD_XYnN3VK683inRoz7ZJT9qYgi3ZywAimMxVPpa0DNODGwyOi5bzpehmh3zwtPr0SKzJ24YyRmdv55cD-7esAHP3i5JftnTI1pgdaQMQA5yB9i4wEmsSXotZRUQIJnnJWMaA0CK/s1600/DPP_0055.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478121220845082338" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPIHCfVD_XYnN3VK683inRoz7ZJT9qYgi3ZywAimMxVPpa0DNODGwyOi5bzpehmh3zwtPr0SKzJ24YyRmdv55cD-7esAHP3i5JftnTI1pgdaQMQA5yB9i4wEmsSXotZRUQIJnnJWMaA0CK/s400/DPP_0055.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoapKt6q2Xa7QYGd2vImOexJVxlK4lldrNrqPYYc1txacAa2Fw7r9KJis9ofWpoVpnh_cJ8zWGzRmx3SJEyK6z9xVENFdP2MW3ed4Jg2jgPMiBuRgA89PawvVCjMQgO9QFJNgSYaackNkn/s1600/DPP_0009.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478115846388803506" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoapKt6q2Xa7QYGd2vImOexJVxlK4lldrNrqPYYc1txacAa2Fw7r9KJis9ofWpoVpnh_cJ8zWGzRmx3SJEyK6z9xVENFdP2MW3ed4Jg2jgPMiBuRgA89PawvVCjMQgO9QFJNgSYaackNkn/s400/DPP_0009.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZBym44NxmH_n313TWo52E3sZv9SjVpxn0hodIr8-4nSgj59K7QK9wGOBhNh6PDElnlPL4hkz7nowOqyXGppXYM3hy8BsHz1e3ewZP3hKPBBylb4_eqsZEJ309hMBqalj-YBEN784AZfDl/s1600/DPP_0049.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478115832297920434" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZBym44NxmH_n313TWo52E3sZv9SjVpxn0hodIr8-4nSgj59K7QK9wGOBhNh6PDElnlPL4hkz7nowOqyXGppXYM3hy8BsHz1e3ewZP3hKPBBylb4_eqsZEJ309hMBqalj-YBEN784AZfDl/s400/DPP_0049.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx6qCt7WL7RTjXgGrY6oW9a0gz8u3wfvPLrwHy_89W7G67_n3uPrNxlVSz8loBpwpXotgiw8a5XMiQ86QVO0YI65tOVeGy_5RukpBJijn0ioZaycc8OKDc7Vsa4l3VU67rXa-g89nc2W5P/s1600/DSCN2035%5B1%5D.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477367143922758242" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx6qCt7WL7RTjXgGrY6oW9a0gz8u3wfvPLrwHy_89W7G67_n3uPrNxlVSz8loBpwpXotgiw8a5XMiQ86QVO0YI65tOVeGy_5RukpBJijn0ioZaycc8OKDc7Vsa4l3VU67rXa-g89nc2W5P/s400/DSCN2035%5B1%5D.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /></div><div>From this picture, you would think that Griffin (on the left) was sitting well and posing and that Braddock and Julia weren't that happy. As always, pictures are deceiving. Griff got up every time I turned around, trying to run in the yard to play. It was Sammy's 3rd birthday and we went to their house in New York to visit. The kids had a ball in the fenced-in yard filled with a bouncy castle, awesome <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">swing set</span>, water table, play kitchen and so much more. Julia learned to saying <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Seanie</span> and she was in awe of her big cousin. This was the 25<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">th</span> and still daily she's asking about <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Seanie</span> at least ten times a day!<br /></div><div>I'm completely blown away by everything they are learning, all the words they say, the skills they acquire. It's incredible. Julia started calling Griffin <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Kiki</span> -- not sure why-- and Braddock <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Bracky</span>. She can say Griffin now and it's usually Griffy. Griffin said Julia recently which much be the most difficult to say because we've been waiting on that one. The three of them played catch with the ball Friday. It couldn't have been cuter to watch. We had to reign them back in as the whole concept of sharing isn't innate at this age. One would catch the ball and before they'd throw it to the next, they'd be on their way to the corner to hide the treasure. </div><br /><br /><div>Every day we see moments of the chaos that is rapidly becoming the norm. There are pushing incidents and tug-o-war matches for coveted item <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">du</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">jour</span>. We could 25 of the same toy and they'd still want the one that the other is playing with. There are tantrums (which can be very funny) daily. With three toddlers, our lives are flying by and we're just trying to hold on for the ride. They are once-a-day nappers now. I'm crying inside as I state that fact. Coloring is the favorite activity right now. They all say <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">CUDER</span> and if they see a crayon or paper it's as if the world stops and they start yelling, "<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">CUDER</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">CUDER</span>" and there's a mad scramble to get the paper taped to the table, the crayons out and the kids in their chairs to start the creative process! And another big thing now is flowers or as they call them <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">FLOWDER</span>. They like to smell them even if its just a picture of one. We were playing with chalk on the driveway and I drew a flower. Had I know that all three would smash their noses right into the concrete to smell it, I'd have thought twice! The best was after the sniff Braddock looks up at me and says, "<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">MMM</span> Good." Amazing.<br /><br /></div><div>I'm happy to report that the biting is getting much less frequent. It still happens but nothing like it was. Other than Griffin's short stay at the hospital for mono and then the cold we all got -- probably picked that up at the hospital thank you very much germs-- things have been going just fine for us. Exhausting all the time but just fine. I didn't really understand why when I was carrying triplets or when they were babies why people always said, "God Bless You" immediately. Now I get it. Babies are so easy compared to curious toddlers.<br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div>ndimasihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05668347012098443278noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5703928730723102239.post-76095630265190050222010-04-04T20:12:00.007-04:002010-04-04T21:02:22.054-04:00Happy Easter<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxyMEKsD6YBA2o9jZWE7OVSZ-ewuM0zGbxW5By29oP2H7R5EiAlykbC7E5Jz7n04Sm-3bK14KxR4bX9Udna53NOs2Bn_NRqkO548XJLj3daI4OA5h-gQn6uXUAITB-TMr778HUaz3bQaV8/s1600/088.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456443672790154562" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxyMEKsD6YBA2o9jZWE7OVSZ-ewuM0zGbxW5By29oP2H7R5EiAlykbC7E5Jz7n04Sm-3bK14KxR4bX9Udna53NOs2Bn_NRqkO548XJLj3daI4OA5h-gQn6uXUAITB-TMr778HUaz3bQaV8/s400/088.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9DSMCTJp_vH8kFrp2f4Il5YltSPcCrBGxWgSmJ-A8XZ05iVmMppclwxQ9r5D3Bkk8OiorERzk4TnluzqxYeT5O5pcICSKB-WYevCJglKcoV9Gy18eKwEWAmpyXxSMqYqnM-N35zj4_FNQ/s1600/013.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456442878723285250" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9DSMCTJp_vH8kFrp2f4Il5YltSPcCrBGxWgSmJ-A8XZ05iVmMppclwxQ9r5D3Bkk8OiorERzk4TnluzqxYeT5O5pcICSKB-WYevCJglKcoV9Gy18eKwEWAmpyXxSMqYqnM-N35zj4_FNQ/s400/013.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2NE7GYMVPVrpJYHoMsjWXHyYbMexEEi9Extd4I1Y4GyRVouRPvVTURfdDT99rrpj9-hy0v2rQG9nVomMbtWqnj4UE5fl7jAa5VjrEG2PA7PUU44Sc-Swz2dj9rzTl3pR2ta1HpYd3IkkC/s1600/004.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456442677865652162" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2NE7GYMVPVrpJYHoMsjWXHyYbMexEEi9Extd4I1Y4GyRVouRPvVTURfdDT99rrpj9-hy0v2rQG9nVomMbtWqnj4UE5fl7jAa5VjrEG2PA7PUU44Sc-Swz2dj9rzTl3pR2ta1HpYd3IkkC/s400/004.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Please don't ask me why she's playing with the tire pump for the mountain buggy!?!<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibs20_fFgTLR6hJL4PjkhQU5SOX3PnmVPTEfkaFARnz_Yv9DwNRwN1qZOhKshSX52tlxDcz8KevodC_-wyId93-cv6SmC02DZ_AdVSTY7VxwfzGNMlPbqmtIzrne0nIX0f0Ix5qJFw6NSc/s1600/007.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456442473263137970" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibs20_fFgTLR6hJL4PjkhQU5SOX3PnmVPTEfkaFARnz_Yv9DwNRwN1qZOhKshSX52tlxDcz8KevodC_-wyId93-cv6SmC02DZ_AdVSTY7VxwfzGNMlPbqmtIzrne0nIX0f0Ix5qJFw6NSc/s400/007.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Do you know who's who?</div><div> </div><div><br /><br /><br /> </div><div>So I had the idea it was time to take the kids to church for Easter. Let me just acknowledge that wasn't so brilliant. I think we were lucky we didn't get asked to leave; we left voluntarily. But not until the kids had to leave the church and go the room that is good for kids -- so good there was a lamp in a cabinet that wasn't childproofed. I apologize to the church because that lamp won't be working when it's next needed. I paid for it in the offering so I should be forgiven-- at least that's what I'm telling myself. Otherwise, I'd say Easter was a success. The bunny came, the food was quite good. (thank you Market Basket of Franklin Lakes -- you are our new best friend) That's not a joke. Bill and I and Gram and Poppy really haven't cooked at all since we've moved. Market Basket -- which is nothing like the grocery store in Mass -- is this lovely little gourmet market with great prepared food. we've had no reason to make a meal since we moved. it rules. okay, enough about that.</div><div> </div><div>The kids are talking up a storm. Julia loves saying "applesauce" and "monkey." Griffin loves all words. If I say it, he tries to repeat it. Braddock has used a couple two-word phrases. His favorite is "I stuck." He thinks he's stuck every time I pick him up. I have to explain he isn't stuck, that he's just being held. He also said, "Hi, Mommy" tonight. I told Griffin I loved him when they were going to sleep and he quickly fired off "Love you." Now I said it to all three, he just repeated me. I don't want any confusion over playing favorites. That's a common question I get asked: "Do you have a favorite?" Seriously, people think that's a normal question. What kind of mother would I be if I quickly said yes and named a child? and just for the record I do not have a favorite.</div><div> </div><div>We joined the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Wyckoff</span> Y last week so we're exited about that for the kids. It's the most incredible Y I've ever been to as far as programs they offer. Swimming lessons are a must-do for this spring/summer because these kids LOVE the water. Julia loves going under water to give us all a scare. She's goes under and we yank her out and it's the strangest thing because instead of being afraid, she's laughing. The minute she goes back in the water, she goes back under. It's a great game, really. We are also going to the library for little kids reading hour on Thursdays and/or Fridays. I can't wait to see how that goes. The children's room assures me it's a success. They haven't met these hurricanes yet.</div><div> </div><div>Okay, this is a decent update. Good for me. I'd love to promise another very soon. That's always the goal. Life with triplet toddlers gets in the way and as the saying goes, "The best-laid plans of mice and men go oft awry." The point is: I'll keep working on it.</div><div> </div><div>Happy Easter to you all. </div></div></div>ndimasihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05668347012098443278noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5703928730723102239.post-88788954766502976172010-03-17T22:50:00.003-04:002010-03-17T22:55:12.560-04:00Happy St. Patrick's Day!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwK829LKFP5hH4SIHpERWaBbEr0Ii1hr2D5LmOPVaLuZ_0dhq8xzVAVdZCSrEuotau29QS6Rl3MIQQ81olswS3Ic3YdGr5ftB484dT_YxAY1A4dq93PnXpangQk2u-3Y9yfQ5SNDgUux5H/s1600-h/stpatricksday2010.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5449801090929635458" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwK829LKFP5hH4SIHpERWaBbEr0Ii1hr2D5LmOPVaLuZ_0dhq8xzVAVdZCSrEuotau29QS6Rl3MIQQ81olswS3Ic3YdGr5ftB484dT_YxAY1A4dq93PnXpangQk2u-3Y9yfQ5SNDgUux5H/s400/stpatricksday2010.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Photo now, detailed post to follow. Hope everyone enjoyed a pint of green beer to celebrate. These kids LOVED it.ndimasihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05668347012098443278noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5703928730723102239.post-90461178250545795052010-02-13T06:22:00.003-05:002010-02-13T19:58:53.617-05:00Happy Valentine's Day!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9qHX_C86kbyZ9-ht4RRCQX_4GKw8NwnMRf9j9dM9EWskokM6Xfj33aE0Y6qXb6svyA7AzjGgWUrjDbM-CumOkG6Kh4qkbNSoTq0eUtQGRuxkXP4fK_YK-7eY4aTILfFaAni26BV_CRNlf/s1600-h/valentine10.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437687344198070450" style="WIDTH: 375px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 212px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9qHX_C86kbyZ9-ht4RRCQX_4GKw8NwnMRf9j9dM9EWskokM6Xfj33aE0Y6qXb6svyA7AzjGgWUrjDbM-CumOkG6Kh4qkbNSoTq0eUtQGRuxkXP4fK_YK-7eY4aTILfFaAni26BV_CRNlf/s400/valentine10.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Wishing everyone a Happy Valentine's Day!<br /><br />We are very busy packing for our big move closer to Bill's work. It's exciting that he'll be able to be with us two extra hours a day now. Packing, not so exciting. Those who know me know how much I LOVE to move. And having moved many times, I was getting pretty good at it. Add three toddlers into the mix....not so much fun this time around. Bill's been boxing and boxing and boxing and the garage is filled so we're getting somewhere. We're really excited that the kids will have a big yard to play in come spring, and we'll have a lot more space which is going to be awesome! I am sure I'll be much more organized with more space. (stop laughing-- if i tell myself this enough, it will be true)<br /><br />The kids are playing together a lot now. They have inside jokes and games they play over and over again. I see the bond of multiples now as they are growing, and it's truly amazing to watch. I'm jealous that I am not a multiple. I'm sure they'll be jealous they weren't singletons -- the grass is always greener. But it's such a joy to hear them laughing together.<br /><br />On a negative note, they are still biting each other and biting us. It really hurts and I have the bruises to show for it. I'm hoping this stage ends soon. We try not to react but when one of them sneaks in a bite, man oh man is it hard to control my tone of voice. I have yelled and then they cry and I feel terrible. Or worse then crying, they see the reaction and try to bite again and again.<br /><br />Bath time is by far the greatest part of the day. These kids LOVE the water, especially Julia. She's like a seal laying down and twisting all around. I think she thinks she can swim. One of their games is to take turns putting their face in the water and blowing bubbles . After they take their turn, the other two howl with laughter. Then the next one dunks and blows bubbles, more howling. The smile this brings me....it's too cute.<br /><br />Okay, I am wasting valuable packing time.<br /><br />Enjoy your Valentine's Day,ndimasihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05668347012098443278noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5703928730723102239.post-8140218449973298272010-01-29T04:37:00.003-05:002010-01-29T05:24:13.467-05:00New toys are so much fun<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwn86hGnMKPAVM6EQ0pMZc28Xpjl0wxav3WE-pTyzLOIbTZS2enUZzM453kIzjLUpxm33IWJ2jqx1bBS_MOTw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>They've been sick. It's winter so we can't go outside. What to do? Get a Monster Tent! They were so, so happy. Why didn't we think of this sooner?ndimasihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05668347012098443278noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5703928730723102239.post-84123446629886580852010-01-14T06:07:00.007-05:002010-01-15T08:37:08.399-05:00New Shoes<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtIC5Gspz7fVz3vfzJ6ezGxL3OakbjAGNeEzCDF5a8Sa_SNtqicwV6RHAip9gKiWRTAqrPIKUbBMtJsKkJkmAE-_ktZPQ5yu5yeNByLhFvY__qum9tutYt6Sf_6yIA5nwDkZORjpUqsOHM/s1600-h/braddockshoes.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426931520617328210" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtIC5Gspz7fVz3vfzJ6ezGxL3OakbjAGNeEzCDF5a8Sa_SNtqicwV6RHAip9gKiWRTAqrPIKUbBMtJsKkJkmAE-_ktZPQ5yu5yeNByLhFvY__qum9tutYt6Sf_6yIA5nwDkZORjpUqsOHM/s400/braddockshoes.JPG" border="0" /></a> Braddock's new <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Skidders</span> from Uncle Jack & Aunt Pat!<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnMTZ-j4m9zezrDLG3NN4BzYFFePaqCw17xCBUfpd-1kwpvfvDZH_o_kqHiTsDMOGhLK1-UtInjjm7sfhFJgaQv-F7lGi_RxovUGfMetLes31hbGkWdBMh_cuqqSKWwAhWO1CukcN4ehR8/s1600-h/griffshoes.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426930484572172690" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnMTZ-j4m9zezrDLG3NN4BzYFFePaqCw17xCBUfpd-1kwpvfvDZH_o_kqHiTsDMOGhLK1-UtInjjm7sfhFJgaQv-F7lGi_RxovUGfMetLes31hbGkWdBMh_cuqqSKWwAhWO1CukcN4ehR8/s400/griffshoes.JPG" border="0" /></a> Griffin's new <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Skidders</span><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSzxE1xrfStK-JBVfuOJTTuhi199DBh7XK2YgwB-LVmLuE0QeMkcDCh_A5SE_UQnCfMx_d5yfflyBTh5U2pekldZCDSkgdhgcToVLQ8-tgcRgtHazhluzSwy5RAlgDLubpcEQS6B3ayeFs/s1600-h/juliashoes.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426927517092061810" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSzxE1xrfStK-JBVfuOJTTuhi199DBh7XK2YgwB-LVmLuE0QeMkcDCh_A5SE_UQnCfMx_d5yfflyBTh5U2pekldZCDSkgdhgcToVLQ8-tgcRgtHazhluzSwy5RAlgDLubpcEQS6B3ayeFs/s400/juliashoes.JPG" border="0" /></a> Julia's new <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Skidders</span> -- Mary <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Janes</span> no less. So cute. <br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTnYcnFUDwtD2Orn3uRawtDMkq6lxX3Shd6ym7OCWAkSXIA1Q23r_uGvK9MQAcs5CfFWlc7iXb2VqFeJmAxfix_YtyDAyTeLsDB2qpHxYr96Eu5_BkjvrvJ128q3tgMiwio4NoWomfsRt3/s1600-h/kidstub2.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426922784092994194" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTnYcnFUDwtD2Orn3uRawtDMkq6lxX3Shd6ym7OCWAkSXIA1Q23r_uGvK9MQAcs5CfFWlc7iXb2VqFeJmAxfix_YtyDAyTeLsDB2qpHxYr96Eu5_BkjvrvJ128q3tgMiwio4NoWomfsRt3/s400/kidstub2.JPG" border="0" /></a> Bath time = the happiest kids in America!<br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div>I hit a new low. I admit it. I'll even tell you what happened. It's lunch time -- or breakfast -- or dinner for that matter-- who could know which meal? They all run together after awhile. Point is: The kids are eating and as I put the spoon into Julia's mouth, she instantly spit it out as fast as it went in. Not sure the reason for the rejection. But that's when it happened. Without even thinking about it, I grabbed the morsel as it was being spit out, and I ate it. A second later, I realized what I had done. Like a ton of bricks it hit me: I've sunk and there's no going back. You can't undo that kind of thing. I looked around to make sure the kids weren't staring at me in horror because you just never know how the sight of their mother behaving like an animal could scar a child. Nobody seemed to notice. So we'll just move forward and pretend that didn't happen.</div><div><br /><br /> </div><div>Anyway, we have to get the kids' one year blood work done. It should already be done but I've avoided it out of compassion. In fact, I avoided it so long, I lost the lab paperwork. So I schlepped into the pediatrician's office to ask them to fill it all out again, admitting what a disaster I am. They are really kind at the office and willingly gave me new slips assuring me I wasn't the only one. So that's first on my list for next week. I hope they'll forgive me by next Friday. I hate doing it myself, so I can't imagine how three little ones will react to a needle being stuck in their arm that has to remain steady long enough to draw a vial for testing. They wiggle in protest when I try to change their diaper. I'll let you know how it turns out.</div></div><div> </div><div><div>These are the most recent pictures. I swear to you they grow overnight and they look a little more big kid-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">ish</span> every minute. They got the cutest new shoes in the mail this week and they LOVE wearing them. We have all hardwood and tile so the grips on the soles are so awesome. Thanks so much to Aunt Pat and Uncle Jack. I'll be whipping up some of the fancy cupcakes from the book they sent soon, too. It looks complicated but the book says it's so easy even a monkey can do it. Gram's birthday is rapidly approaching so I'll post pictures of my first attempt.</div><div> </div><div>Off and running on this Friday morning. Hot Yoga starts tonight for me and I'm looking forward to it like I'm heading to the Caribbean for a week. Oh how life changes.... </div><div> </div><div>Enjoy the winter weekend!<br /><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /><br /><br /></div><div></div></div></div>ndimasihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05668347012098443278noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5703928730723102239.post-73763472797357981682010-01-06T05:31:00.005-05:002010-01-06T10:02:10.807-05:00Christmas pictures<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKcqCMMVLFmT_eKF3ZjAo-yzv2rhezdRxr8W54KdWYBQlkpntUhEIs5zrOSaWGr384KLcxxA39ogUdQOXDvHxxE1-aXp4gMCkQVQPN_ctDRL2JSpZ9fimjy8v-bdQQsIkEWzFwTJoZZ4WQ/s1600-h/pony.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423580113663022658" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKcqCMMVLFmT_eKF3ZjAo-yzv2rhezdRxr8W54KdWYBQlkpntUhEIs5zrOSaWGr384KLcxxA39ogUdQOXDvHxxE1-aXp4gMCkQVQPN_ctDRL2JSpZ9fimjy8v-bdQQsIkEWzFwTJoZZ4WQ/s400/pony.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBPr4IaDznQ3hbuTdiISPvA0PPRHQZKU6Y1YqfYY9S-n6S2nvUNmeKGqRr6ifJvaEGWzANyL8ghEcmvXYkeCykx3LfE9sHk8V-zVznyCRHCtMZfJo5axdR2ehw2ox9Lg3T0-H245o3YWry/s1600-h/santaandboys.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423580102079805938" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBPr4IaDznQ3hbuTdiISPvA0PPRHQZKU6Y1YqfYY9S-n6S2nvUNmeKGqRr6ifJvaEGWzANyL8ghEcmvXYkeCykx3LfE9sHk8V-zVznyCRHCtMZfJo5axdR2ehw2ox9Lg3T0-H245o3YWry/s400/santaandboys.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRCSWRx0_7fbnNvZLSlgs6qFJdWwzlCIJ9GQqWEsJlaSYv3xgKvd2J9belF-mhp6Z-3ak_q-f1cBNtNNcQQIoKOp5oThvj3DTWJKO0o27MzqIbGMVOV45_UEiFU1o_k3HTJKWuHvK0tN7j/s1600-h/santaandtriplets.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423575416187237874" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRCSWRx0_7fbnNvZLSlgs6qFJdWwzlCIJ9GQqWEsJlaSYv3xgKvd2J9belF-mhp6Z-3ak_q-f1cBNtNNcQQIoKOp5oThvj3DTWJKO0o27MzqIbGMVOV45_UEiFU1o_k3HTJKWuHvK0tN7j/s400/santaandtriplets.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div>ndimasihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05668347012098443278noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5703928730723102239.post-7485850194779269332010-01-05T05:38:00.002-05:002010-01-05T08:36:02.631-05:00Merry Christmas, Happy New Year and everything else we've missed!<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">OK,</span> I'm back! I know it's been awhile,but I can explain. If you could watch our three moving around-- nearly running everywhere, telling us baby-talk story after story, singing, dancing, sometimes <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">rockin</span>' out, you'd see why I haven't updated. It's like the funny farm here and although it is enjoyable, it's tiring, too, and there isn't much free time. Not that that's a great excuse. There's <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Octomom</span> out there and I've seen her in photos out shopping, so okay, I admit it, I'm just really lazy.<br /><br />Christmas was really nice and the kids seemed to enjoy it. Granny was here and Gram and Poppy, too, and then the day after we celebrated again with Uncle Brian, Aunt Colleen, and Sean and Sammy! Santa even arrived before we went out to dinner on Christmas Eve. (I hear the gasp when I said went out to dinner, and we learned we won't be doing that again) The kids tried really hard but restaurants just aren't for triplets age 1 1/2. As an aside, an anonymous patron at the restaurant paid $120 of the total tab because they were admiring our family. On second thought, triplets do belong in restaurants, and shopping malls and other places that cost money!<br /><br />I asked Griffin what Santa said and he looked at me and quietly said, "Ho, Ho, Ho." Sounded a bit like, "Who, Who, Who." I guess all the Christmas books we'd been reading got the point across. They LOVE their books right now. They bring us the books over and over again and we read them over and over again. Most I can recite now -- which is really helpful if I'm holding them because I don't have to turn the pages. Board books are the only kind we can read because they eat or rip regular books. I'm looking forward to the day when everything doesn't go into the mouth! What I'm learning about toddlers: They are DESTRUCTIVE! If we just let them loose in the house -- which is NOT advisable (or often) at all -- within minutes they find the one cabinet that was left unlock; they open any doors they can; they are attempting to swim in the toilet, dumping laundry soap, throwing chairs on the ground, trying to get into the fireplace. I can only describe it as complete insanity. Needless to say, we don't let them out of their playroom or play yard unless we've lost our minds. They are like three crazy people, mumbling to themselves, drooling and stumbling into walls all while smiling. <br /><br />Now, I'm not complaining. I find the whole scene comical but it boggles the mind how quickly three little people can scatter and the things they can get into. Braddock has figured out the child-proof locks in the playroom. He just opens the doors and drawers at will and looks over his shoulder, smirking as he does it. They are all so smart. I'm stunned by how much they understand and defeated when I realized how much they chose to ignore my repeated pleas of, "Stop that," "Don't touch that," etc.<br /><br />Julia is the TV police. If it's on, she shuts it off. I guess she's read the studies that TV isn't exactly great for baby development. She also has joined the boys in their dancing. They all love music, and dancing to "All the Single Ladies" is a new favorite thing to do. I don't think I've ever laughed so hard watching the three of them stop in their tracks as the song starts and just start breaking it down. It's as cute as anything in the world. Among his many skills, Griffin is really into pretend cooking. For Christmas, they got a little cooking set from Santa and he is whisking up things like you cannot believe. And if the whisk is hidden in a toy basket, he'll us a big comb instead. They also got a stove and kitchen set, but Santa never put it together so that will be a surprise gift to help the mid-winter fly by!<br /><br />We've been relatively healthy, too. Griffin got another cold in early December and was still coughing a little bit at Christmas. He ended up with his <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">nebulizer</span> and steroids but that worked well and he's back to normal. It was the first illness that didn't run its course through all three kids so it made nursing him back to health much easier.<br /><br />Overall, we're so blessed, and especially at the holidays, we looked at each other and just smiled at how lucky we've been. Three healthy, truly happy babies is more than we could have ever imagined. As a new decade starts, we are looking forward to what 2010 has in store for us. I'm still perplexed about how it's possible that in 2010, Griffin, Braddock and Julia will be two years old. Seriously, time, please, <em>please </em>slow down. Let us keep them little as long as we can.<br /><br />I'll have holiday pictures as soon as I can. I'm having trouble uploading them this morning and if I wait to post, it may not happen for a while!<br />Happy New Year,ndimasihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05668347012098443278noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5703928730723102239.post-58415055596899876712009-11-26T19:29:00.003-05:002009-11-26T20:14:24.044-05:00Happy Thanksgiving<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_FIAlhC8SFhxCO8w-MI30EbzlGbNQsN5exfeKCAjCQ-5W9pjQqwJmS6bKAR_3jsUjbsPfOP6o-4DiDeOX7AR76Qp66i9nz-1gBsOyYwX2QCwXV6RqVJlk5SnKQxmnOew-3CTQAcBcGPNQ/s1600/020.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5408579579446245970" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_FIAlhC8SFhxCO8w-MI30EbzlGbNQsN5exfeKCAjCQ-5W9pjQqwJmS6bKAR_3jsUjbsPfOP6o-4DiDeOX7AR76Qp66i9nz-1gBsOyYwX2QCwXV6RqVJlk5SnKQxmnOew-3CTQAcBcGPNQ/s400/020.JPG" border="0" /></a> Griff giving me either a wink or the evil eye. I prefer to think it was a wink.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzoc5LwK72eEjn_fQbBNLMDfPC9s768Flhxve3oaC6u_p1NUEqMI9dHmenpPo_BWqAFgD3Dl1gsmBKO79_a8ELvw3PRlonXrXKU0aDq3VaBAB3MVCeS2jOZpaBh09f1Qt-yOlLk-VNUr8b/s1600/019.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5408579574991102290" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzoc5LwK72eEjn_fQbBNLMDfPC9s768Flhxve3oaC6u_p1NUEqMI9dHmenpPo_BWqAFgD3Dl1gsmBKO79_a8ELvw3PRlonXrXKU0aDq3VaBAB3MVCeS2jOZpaBh09f1Qt-yOlLk-VNUr8b/s400/019.JPG" border="0" /></a> Griffin laughing at my attempts to get him to smile at me.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWl7UjBdLeO3oG_8qQLQshFciVN-BnRrSQbSGTqBcYJMJ_HmqIRIp8CIVLWveHz0CA-o_WwISUnbGLhmljpHlWlqwYdSKxQBWrAMeVKogYX5tcP3q-IPPk_7-08P-cF4xLUouhnGINifgl/s1600/016.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5408579564563957650" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWl7UjBdLeO3oG_8qQLQshFciVN-BnRrSQbSGTqBcYJMJ_HmqIRIp8CIVLWveHz0CA-o_WwISUnbGLhmljpHlWlqwYdSKxQBWrAMeVKogYX5tcP3q-IPPk_7-08P-cF4xLUouhnGINifgl/s400/016.JPG" border="0" /></a> Julia's beautiful silk bloomers. I can't tell you how cute she looked. Her dress was corduroy with the most delicate embroidery. Dressing her is like playing paper dolls all over again. I am never upset if she spits up because there's another outfit ready! Dressing boys is so cute, too, but little girl clothes are just <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">soooo</span> fun.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5rW8ron9MVD0wVhsNeZE0nyYXNZ24GyzMcTMozqqZlgFzpxPjxO1quIlyidRmGT-CXejuX9yD7GuNhxGDjrtwDSmnn7ooItjIQGSfXPUjAEtSg6o0P_hp3AdlvVXRGf3MCFLjotzm3-HZ/s1600/018.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5408579560982665826" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5rW8ron9MVD0wVhsNeZE0nyYXNZ24GyzMcTMozqqZlgFzpxPjxO1quIlyidRmGT-CXejuX9yD7GuNhxGDjrtwDSmnn7ooItjIQGSfXPUjAEtSg6o0P_hp3AdlvVXRGf3MCFLjotzm3-HZ/s400/018.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI98bb7UFfDhI4BN7kPdhEsSU5PbaCJLxZ14z4_DojUwY_Ne31ptBqyUgErNqLUcmDSRrYp7XNLBVknSETpejvuuQvMdX1_k5Sf1-MPjy7lcguqzdfTEWllBH-6LTdcCcdTYG_a5Uu7fGg/s1600/010.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5408579554603942034" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI98bb7UFfDhI4BN7kPdhEsSU5PbaCJLxZ14z4_DojUwY_Ne31ptBqyUgErNqLUcmDSRrYp7XNLBVknSETpejvuuQvMdX1_k5Sf1-MPjy7lcguqzdfTEWllBH-6LTdcCcdTYG_a5Uu7fGg/s400/010.JPG" border="0" /></a> Braddock being very serious<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='321' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyuinoXFBLtR45hQRtuRJie4e_eM7P4J2wHiXlw-hhkDxuZf6Py72-_0i3WyfdDQP6HXnwHYMimVCvclNXcmA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyqJ7HXC3R5d19aBZ9tmhwswgMiq_Kv-brh_m9NczYL_fTFee5j9QW2pG2x_Irj6CjK1eLG-ishiBDRllzcgQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>Thanksgiving greetings to all our friends and family! It's been one of the busier months we've to date. Between chasing three toddlers all over the place and feeding them three healthy meals a day, the days go by so fast! I swear the eating and preparing of meals is most of every day. It's amazing without the formula how much these three eat! The amount of learning and growing boggles my mind, and I'd give anything to slow this time down. Bill and I are thankful for our children, probably three of the happiest little ones around, who bring us more joy in one day than we ever could have imagined. Griffin joined the land of the walking officially this week and is so proud to be there! The first walk half way across the carpet had him clapping for himself completely thrilled. I put video -- not very clear since I just used the camera and not our video camera but it's video! -- of Braddock and Julia walking and then one of Griffin walking, too. I couldn't get them to all walk at once to keep it to one video. We've been trying to take a Christmas picture which has been completely laughable. I don't know why I thought I could just sit them down and ask them to say cheese. I'll post the failed attempts some time soon. </div><div> </div><div>Our Thanksgiving was really nice. It was quiet but most of the food was made yesterday so today was really easy. We are stuffed to the gills now and the kids are fast asleep. Bill already has the tree up, and we're ready to start with the Christmas tunes and treats! No Black Friday shopping for us unless it's online. In fact, a good portion of our shopping is already done. There's no longer time to spend hours at the mall trying to find the perfect gifts. Thank God for the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Internet</span>. I just don't know how busy parents survived without it.</div><div> </div><div>Hoping everyone had a great day feasting and enjoying family. I know we did. More one of these days ( I will no longer lie and say soon that way if it is, you're shocked)</div></div></div></div>ndimasihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05668347012098443278noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5703928730723102239.post-40653572989915012402009-10-31T19:02:00.004-04:002009-10-31T19:11:47.284-04:00Happy Halloween from our three little pigs!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghYmSxr1fJ2ElVttBK1ukASCqcDSTBc78OkQFzkhjRCVy387MiAKYNJIDycG6sn8nY4rDXyfVM2IG4B7nPSX2DoYFu7OuCm8XXA9Q2s7Fh0Bqm_xz5QHcaDJ0Ta0KRfwx8LjwQ8DlunCCR/s1600-h/054.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398905618995368914" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghYmSxr1fJ2ElVttBK1ukASCqcDSTBc78OkQFzkhjRCVy387MiAKYNJIDycG6sn8nY4rDXyfVM2IG4B7nPSX2DoYFu7OuCm8XXA9Q2s7Fh0Bqm_xz5QHcaDJ0Ta0KRfwx8LjwQ8DlunCCR/s400/054.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSA9_K-MBQtkqz_ZGLDZE_g9Olp9Ro4dzfi90wk-9uoVyFQ83S8XIpM0Xrm2nLqWna3N6o9_CS2MrgPPm_-GRDilyuHo0eJs7MT1NJJf-F1s7_l73R2b1HsWxCFDFq4vCgF2i1E6ipdwiP/s1600-h/042.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398905615151850354" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSA9_K-MBQtkqz_ZGLDZE_g9Olp9Ro4dzfi90wk-9uoVyFQ83S8XIpM0Xrm2nLqWna3N6o9_CS2MrgPPm_-GRDilyuHo0eJs7MT1NJJf-F1s7_l73R2b1HsWxCFDFq4vCgF2i1E6ipdwiP/s400/042.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEaResoBltrAAKRMOtbPImetyDm2XG8mZg4-kTd8aZ0uADSGlNcbTR2wNhs_vCC1lDqdr5mz61PZCeg8CTVwHOtiErRmPZChyW-uz8OdVr25Mo-swPWKhgpa-xALM9p_Lpv18YWUdp9U8E/s1600-h/037.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398905609708613106" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEaResoBltrAAKRMOtbPImetyDm2XG8mZg4-kTd8aZ0uADSGlNcbTR2wNhs_vCC1lDqdr5mz61PZCeg8CTVwHOtiErRmPZChyW-uz8OdVr25Mo-swPWKhgpa-xALM9p_Lpv18YWUdp9U8E/s400/037.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiJyZbxBAFUubN5AWdTCKT4OOW3fC27U309NUGSLuckTWybrHzlRsaf40HgjNUwkDIlc-YEE00vzZfipgy8wXs3gfRRTgPgN2ej9Y8C0_tkdzl0OabJC4oPIkEfXzgIgXLW8L4_cRflsw0/s1600-h/028.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398905606956683618" style="WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiJyZbxBAFUubN5AWdTCKT4OOW3fC27U309NUGSLuckTWybrHzlRsaf40HgjNUwkDIlc-YEE00vzZfipgy8wXs3gfRRTgPgN2ej9Y8C0_tkdzl0OabJC4oPIkEfXzgIgXLW8L4_cRflsw0/s400/028.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Sejt4sEMOlD4OySYhAKWYJ12eQ7GW91FUxqDtb0VYkUYsQX498BZWTE7ZKhP5lfnx8N31t7GWq7PBid2O1IuGfdWWyGGvpUNKXSVZk0uXkgx3blLLUZh-vFNFcb-LP2BSeFdEpjjSNU9/s1600-h/CIMG0174%5B1%5D.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398905598821463570" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 299px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Sejt4sEMOlD4OySYhAKWYJ12eQ7GW91FUxqDtb0VYkUYsQX498BZWTE7ZKhP5lfnx8N31t7GWq7PBid2O1IuGfdWWyGGvpUNKXSVZk0uXkgx3blLLUZh-vFNFcb-LP2BSeFdEpjjSNU9/s400/CIMG0174%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>Happy Halloween to all our friends! We really only trick or treated at one house but they loved standing at the door waiting for the trick-or-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">treaters</span> to come to us! We also had a cupcake with a candle and sang "Happy Birthday" for the second time in their lives. Today was their actual due date and so they are one year adjusted today. We are weaning off the formula and moving to the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">sippy</span> cups with milk. We have toddlers now officially, three mini walkers who are into EVERYTHING! Now off to eat their candy....</div></div></div></div></div>ndimasihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05668347012098443278noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5703928730723102239.post-43366674357380115712009-10-27T10:36:00.003-04:002009-10-27T10:52:58.495-04:00Photo of the Day<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTyVWl7_4hChEG2OH4r0RNOY_OZo9aJU6EyE57UstvqlnomBaA08-hzc436zI9IKJGff8SOtg0ZdMYY29hyphenhyphen2sGLOdGswZICsZsHvGuITYmw2_aEIHSKqZoK6OUoGzfX6KVZO4bAHat2CnL/s1600-h/photo%5B1%5D.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397292147357623730" style="WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTyVWl7_4hChEG2OH4r0RNOY_OZo9aJU6EyE57UstvqlnomBaA08-hzc436zI9IKJGff8SOtg0ZdMYY29hyphenhyphen2sGLOdGswZICsZsHvGuITYmw2_aEIHSKqZoK6OUoGzfX6KVZO4bAHat2CnL/s400/photo%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Here is Poppy's head. It it covered in Griffin's spit up. The poor guy was playing with the boys on the floor and Griffin, in his excitement, lost his supper. And, yes, I did make my father-- who selflessly helps me and Bill every single day without ever complaining-- wait until I took a picture before I gave him a towel to clean it up. I'm sorry for that but I had to keep the evidence on film.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>As breaking news, all three are taking steps. I won't call them walkers yet but they're very close. Braddock seems the most ready to walk but it's still just a few steps and a fall. That he's ready is such a triumph since he wore casts for seven weeks and had his Achilles' tendons cut on both feet. Julia likes to take one step and then dive at whoever is in front of her. She's just fearless. Griffin's steps are more cautious. It's so cute to watch how thrilled they are as they figure it out.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div>ndimasihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05668347012098443278noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5703928730723102239.post-71060403456737537592009-10-21T08:35:00.002-04:002009-10-21T08:43:28.496-04:00Baby StepsI have no picture of this, but it's important to note that Julia has taken a few steps. This leads to a quick fall, but they are baby steps nonetheless! Both Griffin and Braddock find themselves standing unassisted, and once they do, there's a drop to the floor. But every time they stand, it's for a longer period of time. So really we're not far from three walkers in this house. Oh, <em>Dear God</em>, that is going to be something.<br /><br />Photos to come!ndimasihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05668347012098443278noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5703928730723102239.post-54065337503180070802009-10-13T07:52:00.003-04:002009-10-13T08:38:25.508-04:00Pumpkin Picking<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-09b7VGbgSIcC4V0dmm6zaBJJBKk9qLMtmVgvEAE6gqRATh3KaH3DPI4mXPmNOu27Oe7ZJNr-NDPIC6P4p1qOk9gCwyEnJJ_yGrEooeC8QojesXh1jSEbZNyS53aBhrZAjT8k-tgXVSF9/s1600-h/043.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392053163710748834" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-09b7VGbgSIcC4V0dmm6zaBJJBKk9qLMtmVgvEAE6gqRATh3KaH3DPI4mXPmNOu27Oe7ZJNr-NDPIC6P4p1qOk9gCwyEnJJ_yGrEooeC8QojesXh1jSEbZNyS53aBhrZAjT8k-tgXVSF9/s400/043.JPG" border="0" /></a> Sean, Sammy and (L to R Braddock, Julia and Griffin)<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQTZKFmO8jiGCsrq0EtdBoJJAL4alE50Xj71JF0MKP_Jo2_lhVm5wlQflF6DPPS5YHNyattjT7-6lksARUnbvRkA50-i1vOH5oGsSmxQ95onZCvj2u9fhWf5QlCz77lJv_pWPubpi7AgQp/s1600-h/024.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392053154417980066" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQTZKFmO8jiGCsrq0EtdBoJJAL4alE50Xj71JF0MKP_Jo2_lhVm5wlQflF6DPPS5YHNyattjT7-6lksARUnbvRkA50-i1vOH5oGsSmxQ95onZCvj2u9fhWf5QlCz77lJv_pWPubpi7AgQp/s400/024.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3L8KivpJEY1T2CjnflGUCvjixcMzbOadfGQD78OCnJS2gxQxlI6tlYQHcYbUczXYnvQIbpx5fxBhmvNSk1ujivy7LwsVIu4rB074U466SX_pAcoyGBI5RotTJIjP0Zu3L23Cp-IYVipxF/s1600-h/009.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392053144216329938" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3L8KivpJEY1T2CjnflGUCvjixcMzbOadfGQD78OCnJS2gxQxlI6tlYQHcYbUczXYnvQIbpx5fxBhmvNSk1ujivy7LwsVIu4rB074U466SX_pAcoyGBI5RotTJIjP0Zu3L23Cp-IYVipxF/s400/009.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Sean and Sammy on the spinning strawberry ride with Poppy<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ_srzAM5zZa082ZQjwngbMaRoL1lnrrjxizmGIDT_XmV1GoN-Dgv5scfK_KOwBgKp3MySLCi8MIXwx4IE573d6aQTx8YkEAbFUz3qwxPmrBtWrFg-xtewa3QrLLfFurvNyOq6CvUR7jMD/s1600-h/053.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392053139092729666" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ_srzAM5zZa082ZQjwngbMaRoL1lnrrjxizmGIDT_XmV1GoN-Dgv5scfK_KOwBgKp3MySLCi8MIXwx4IE573d6aQTx8YkEAbFUz3qwxPmrBtWrFg-xtewa3QrLLfFurvNyOq6CvUR7jMD/s400/053.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><div>Latest family picture!</div><div><br />We had a visit from Uncle Brian, Aunt Colleen and cousins Sean and Samantha. Everyone had a great day at the pumpkin patch. Our kids aren't big enough for the rides but they loved watching their cousins! The weather was really nice and they loved the hay ride to the patch. The only problem we encountered was that we couldn't bring the strollers on the hay ride and after a few minutes in the patch, they became very heavy! Sean and Sam were here all weekend and so they got to play with their cousins. My favorite line was from Sean. He said, "Look, Aunt <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Nic</span>, the triplet is eating the chair. That is NOT good." Braddock was chewing on the edge of the rocking chair and Sean was right, not good. Sam and Sean were entertaining my three with songs and toys. They love watching the big kids, completely amazed by all the things they can do.</div><div> </div><div>They still chew on every little thing they can, including leaves on the grass, lint on the floor, a four-day-old cheerio stuck to the high chair... Not only do I need more arms, I need more eyes, too. The play yard we have to contain them is working out nicely for their safety. This way I don't find one headed into the bathroom, one to the fireplace and the third towards the door. They really have outgrown their <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">exersaucers</span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">jumperoo</span>. I knew the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">jumperoo</span> needed to become part of the baby things of the past taking residence (and slowly taking over) in our garage when I saw Julia almost tip it over. The exersaucers are still out in case I need to stash one quickly to get to another. Soon they be garage residents, too.<br /></div><div>We're in full birthday mode today. It started Sunday night with our first ice cream cake so the kids could sing Happy Birthday to Uncle Bill. They even helped blow out the candles. Today is Bill's actual birthday -- and a big one at that. (Hint: His age rhymes with Morty) So Julia got up a little early this morning to come in and give her Daddy some snuggles and giggles. All three helped me sign their special cards for their Dad. They will help me today get everything ready for the big celebratory birthday dinner, too. And by helping I mean hopefully they take a nap long enough to let me get to work. I'll let you know how that works out. Happy Birthday, Husband/Daddy. You are very loved.</div></div></div>ndimasihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05668347012098443278noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5703928730723102239.post-16459001824276213512009-10-06T07:05:00.006-04:002009-10-07T09:07:39.822-04:00long time comin'<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIR7Kc2DmX_3fQ7ubXdMVjjYqYc_VAhSLoO1puqiwRlhsV1kKT1LoYIdtNSoILnnT0Xmz7jsu-c0fp6EPSiutkmBoT4Dkr9_nMKnhNesTC-lQy9gu0zCRjRlaWbNru3rv2mbVjRbmWS0b6/s1600-h/011.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389842532408478242" style="WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIR7Kc2DmX_3fQ7ubXdMVjjYqYc_VAhSLoO1puqiwRlhsV1kKT1LoYIdtNSoILnnT0Xmz7jsu-c0fp6EPSiutkmBoT4Dkr9_nMKnhNesTC-lQy9gu0zCRjRlaWbNru3rv2mbVjRbmWS0b6/s400/011.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhobnhyNtJBThhVIlnLQOnESQv9TVrzYM6mn00UNFMw2C6oYZQ7yJH203SBn0QE7eFQCbTXk-y7RrJzzNVhyjXSPudu7KL_9-ZDEHZbrm0HSD3HjOJzPF6MRK-rBkJF33fERkFnFECfFwzv/s1600-h/013.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389842529534583794" style="WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhobnhyNtJBThhVIlnLQOnESQv9TVrzYM6mn00UNFMw2C6oYZQ7yJH203SBn0QE7eFQCbTXk-y7RrJzzNVhyjXSPudu7KL_9-ZDEHZbrm0HSD3HjOJzPF6MRK-rBkJF33fERkFnFECfFwzv/s400/013.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnARemtejfCxQgk1Qn6uqgYDWPWR9DY11bdcYDBUumgX3Lfm6Zf9Ra2y-VyN5sFMAyl7dfpCYkWD1NXY-WRTO-KL2kyTXqIWyPkFv1CZC8VbkuB-v2eY7PtGevVRR9Ls0qwhb8lk0VgevM/s1600-h/015.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389842525758002546" style="WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnARemtejfCxQgk1Qn6uqgYDWPWR9DY11bdcYDBUumgX3Lfm6Zf9Ra2y-VyN5sFMAyl7dfpCYkWD1NXY-WRTO-KL2kyTXqIWyPkFv1CZC8VbkuB-v2eY7PtGevVRR9Ls0qwhb8lk0VgevM/s400/015.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwdmoBo2mnl032OiM6G13YXOi3pOQFFnHvZR1h0im-D_uMSRZNgqxeVk0e92tbPCUB_tVKFHFUIEHgxLDNsW4D7n8QFlzvuqwna-QDUAyLPEv9jBbuwoRbcAYsY85i5MO0C5Ctg5Rggnjc/s1600-h/013.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389841881056733954" style="WIDTH: 333px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwdmoBo2mnl032OiM6G13YXOi3pOQFFnHvZR1h0im-D_uMSRZNgqxeVk0e92tbPCUB_tVKFHFUIEHgxLDNsW4D7n8QFlzvuqwna-QDUAyLPEv9jBbuwoRbcAYsY85i5MO0C5Ctg5Rggnjc/s400/013.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><br /><br /><br /><div>So this is my update. Long overdue, admittedly, but here nonetheless. There are many things I'm missing but the pics are new. Julia and I went to our neighbor Audrey's first birthday party and this is her in her brand new shoes. She loves shoes -- like her mother -- so we better start saving. Braddock is in blue and Griffin in green in the above photos . And the one of all three in the new play yard. We waited before getting one but it's really the safest way to keep them playing without climbing under the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">tv</span> or the couch or opening the stove, etc. With three crawlers and standers and wall walkers, it's controlled chaos. And if I'm being honest, it's not always that controlled.<br /></div><br /><br /><br /><div>I promise not to only post when the kids are sick, it just seems to be happening this way. Well, they've got the second cold of their lives. And this one was a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">doozy</span>! Poor Griffin ended up in the E.R. on Sunday morning. His breathing was quite labored at about 4:00 a.m. even after his <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">nebulizer</span> so we took him back to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Morristown</span>. The saddest part of the story is that Sunday was the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">NICU</span> alumni picnic and we couldn't wait to go. It's a big event for the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">NICU</span> and we are so proud to be alumni... I swear we waited all year for it and .... we missed it. Amazing that we ended up back at the hospital for the first time on the day of the picnic. I'm happy to report that all three are doing remarkably better. It's a scary, scary thing when your children can't breathe. </div><div><br /><br /> </div><div>Now for a brief update of what our life is like. Things since their first birthday have changed so dramatically, I swear I'm amazed every day. All three are speed demons with the crawling but they prefer to pull themselves up and walk using whatever they are holding onto. We call Braddock <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Spiderman</span> because he scales the walls. They are playing with each other quite a bit. Chase is their favorite game. Julia is usually the leader (and let's face it, we're not talking just about this game...she's in charge of pretty much everything) and she starts crawling as fast as she can, squealing all the way and looking back until one or both of the boys notices. So when she gets their attention, she motors until she thinks they are playing along. Then she stops, sits up, and looks back waiting for them to catch up. As they get closer, she speeds away. They are laughing, she's laughing and on and on they go. Watching this brings this incredible joy, the likes of which I'm not sure I'd ever known before.<br /></div><div>I do have a confession to make: My kids are biters. All three. And it really hurts. I'm sure this indicates some failures on my part but I can't worry about that just yet. I need to stop the problem. Julia will come over and act like she's going hug me and then I feel these little choppers sinking into my shoulder. She's got a lot of teeth and she's like a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">pitbull</span> as far as jaw strength goes. Braddock enjoys biting when they are in the bathtub. Julia or Griff will crawl by trying to reach a tub toy and he sees the flesh and plots his attack on one of their backs or bums. I assume this is part of teething and I've read that we're not to react so as to not encourage it. So I simply say, "No biting. Biting no." Every once in a while, I can't help but raise my voice due to the pain the fangs they've got. There hasn't really been any broken skin so perhaps I'm exaggerating the pain some.<br /><br /></div><div>Griffin and Braddock and recently Julia are really into dancing. They hear music and immediately dance no matter what they are doing. This is something the boys seem more into. In the hospital on Sunday, the beeping of monitor was enough for Griffin to move to the beat. It's hysterical to watch!<br /></div><div>I have to say what pleases me the most is their little personalities are all really funny. They are so full of joy. They are constantly learning and it's hysterical to see them master a new trick. Julia loves to say, "<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Yay</span>," and start clapping. If one of even says the word clap, she'll use her skills and clap those hands. Braddock is just catching on and kind of just shakes his hands. Griffin has really taken a liking to blowing raspberries and he thinks this is a riot. It's not so funny when there's food in his mouth but it's hard not to laugh as he does it.</div><div><br /> </div><div>(I started this a couple days ago so I'm just going to post it now even though it's unfinished. If I wait to catch up on everything, I'll never get anywhere)<br /></div><div><br /> </div><div>We're gearing up for Halloween. This year we're going to be the three little pigs and I can't even tell you how cute the costumes are!<br /><br /></div><div>Everybody is starting to feel better today, but now the runny noses are out of control and we literally have snot everywhere! The clean up is a constant thing and the laundry is always running. Keeping up with making sure the germs are excised from this house is really a full-time job on top of the full-time job of caring for three sick kids. All I can say is thank God for my Mom and Dad! I don't think I say that enough.</div><div> </div><div>I'll have more one day soon.</div><br /><br /><br /><div><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div> </div></div></div>ndimasihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05668347012098443278noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5703928730723102239.post-47695460439752002832009-09-08T08:42:00.004-04:002009-09-08T08:56:36.000-04:00Sickness be goneWe've all been sick. I had no idea how hard it would be to have three sick babies at once. I mean NO IDEA. These poor kids just had colds, but it was the first time and <em>my God were we worn out</em>. Grandpa also broke his ankle so we're really a complete mess!! He's getting his cast put on today hopefully and has been a real trooper. What's next, right?<br /><br />If someone told me that you had to hold babies while sitting up all night to get them to sleep when they are sick, I might have at least been prepared for what was to come. It started with me, then Braddock, then Julia, then Griffin, then Gram, then Daddy. Grandpa was spared but he got the ankle so we'll call him affected, too. Oh, it was so sad to watch them unable to breathe from their noses but unaware that it was easy to breathe from their mouths. And the tears seemed endless. And let's face it, it was just a cold. I do NOT look forward to our next ailment. Griffin has had a more difficult time getting better, and he now has a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">nebulizer</span> that he uses every four hours to help his lungs out. They aren't calling it asthma just yet but we were told it is pretty common for preemies who had oxygen for the time he did, so we're ready for it. Poor little dude was wheezing. Awful... the whole sick thing is awful and I'm glad it took a year to find out how awful.<br /><br />But we all seem to be recovering now. My cough is finally gone away for the most part. Summer seems just about over here. We missed the last week at the pool and had to cancel two <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">play dates</span> with the same friend. So we're ready for a new season. I LOVE the fall and I am really excited for the leaves to change and the crisp air to come in. We'll have to decide what cute things they can be for Halloween very soon. If only I could sew!ndimasihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05668347012098443278noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5703928730723102239.post-13023881859095843102009-08-28T08:11:00.003-04:002009-08-28T08:30:11.219-04:00Our First Photographs<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdtZHt5YI27C_nMmL8d79EdE1RBPAk66uio08rVnxPY_P3x1b5PjXxFp1-GxrWWX42oifI6lfEvW6-4-WQrozJD4NLtF3ZoVZPLHgOYl70VkAuVlK2EBRbf3OsQprDHCrYDkw9pVl_4s14/s1600-h/35.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374987338711733154" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdtZHt5YI27C_nMmL8d79EdE1RBPAk66uio08rVnxPY_P3x1b5PjXxFp1-GxrWWX42oifI6lfEvW6-4-WQrozJD4NLtF3ZoVZPLHgOYl70VkAuVlK2EBRbf3OsQprDHCrYDkw9pVl_4s14/s400/35.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM26pKItWpsup5oLgp3kPQp5aBMiiAeHnmj2ilCRANoig67NIsFxKjS-QngOPFUwv9l22ijx37VZzWJO9Kj83STFb_j19Q3MtiIbXowG5pQuLxMblzSex9tysrYIK6752epLkuFIpvbPmR/s1600-h/21.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374987331819565698" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM26pKItWpsup5oLgp3kPQp5aBMiiAeHnmj2ilCRANoig67NIsFxKjS-QngOPFUwv9l22ijx37VZzWJO9Kj83STFb_j19Q3MtiIbXowG5pQuLxMblzSex9tysrYIK6752epLkuFIpvbPmR/s400/21.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheQf-Vbfax3UeCwz6qMAwgTACho-B-oV0SXZqqM28jndsAeI51uV9tVirXKYDn-PQ6zyo4sW62mCv0WdB68F1juR2pg4YxwydqZHD1FMmrbEMSZBijjYkPp71lw1uumjhiSibH-J8rh7ym/s1600-h/11.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374987325125628626" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheQf-Vbfax3UeCwz6qMAwgTACho-B-oV0SXZqqM28jndsAeI51uV9tVirXKYDn-PQ6zyo4sW62mCv0WdB68F1juR2pg4YxwydqZHD1FMmrbEMSZBijjYkPp71lw1uumjhiSibH-J8rh7ym/s400/11.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div>Since they were turning one, we decided it was time to have the kids photographed. We did a search and found <a href="http://www.heathermosher.com/">http://www.heathermosher.com/</a>. After just a quick look, we knew we had to have her shoot them! She does such beautiful work and we couldn't be more thrilled with the results. The experience was wonderful and really easy -- not a word we use too often with three babies doing anything together. It was very hot that day and it had just rained so you don't see all the mud they were sitting in! We'd pick them up to change them and they were covered so between changes, we were using all the wipes to remove mud. They'd never even seen candy before and here they were holding lollipops -- I was cringing worrying about all those artificial dyes and flavors touching their lips! And I kept thinking what if they are allergic -- what a Mom I am, when push comes to shove, I was willing for look the other way just for the perfect shot. The biggest danger wasn't the high fructose corn syrup but the fact that they kept trying to chew on the sticks -- well, not really chew, shove them down their throats. All turned out fine in the end and besides needing a good bath, they seemed to really enjoyed it. I thought for sure they would be fussy but that wasn't the case at all. There are too many beautiful pics to post right now but here are some of my favorites. Notice how Griffin is holding up three fingers in the last one. It was too perfect!</div></div></div>ndimasihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05668347012098443278noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5703928730723102239.post-84861309392352704282009-08-17T10:16:00.007-04:002009-08-17T20:55:32.667-04:00Birthday Pictures<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBWPlGwdtKDMFAmSRDaNrqaA4Ms4TcYVLafYiQZMPyvGLAqxGcZ8gclTSpYH8LyMom337RL9XiBi3vWKwqUsbAi2_ZJVKNcDiONn3BVmdbX8zkz7WpQ8VCdw8zrvjuY3tarBKTeZRVfvcq/s1600-h/julescupcake.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371101038140717698" style="WIDTH: 72px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 96px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBWPlGwdtKDMFAmSRDaNrqaA4Ms4TcYVLafYiQZMPyvGLAqxGcZ8gclTSpYH8LyMom337RL9XiBi3vWKwqUsbAi2_ZJVKNcDiONn3BVmdbX8zkz7WpQ8VCdw8zrvjuY3tarBKTeZRVfvcq/s400/julescupcake.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWgSVNHSJAcHyTsyT6jXAln85LY7vN9Cb4xbzmWihtJNPkD8QXNTzVghpb9e_kPwoNZnJwoAcO948XS8L3GRY4Z8vB4mzWW7wkZIiLLzcoH8dkTExyyNVOUThiFoX_XHiggxx5Pg6OuOpl/s1600-h/julescake.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371101028393003490" style="WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWgSVNHSJAcHyTsyT6jXAln85LY7vN9Cb4xbzmWihtJNPkD8QXNTzVghpb9e_kPwoNZnJwoAcO948XS8L3GRY4Z8vB4mzWW7wkZIiLLzcoH8dkTExyyNVOUThiFoX_XHiggxx5Pg6OuOpl/s400/julescake.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP-3B5WthmBxzUlON_ZUI1x2ONrWffyFUG7Gw3SYgibMOu_Lcw45XRjx1LhPrS7Ue91ajV4qJVOoYXLK83hBLJyp-8eJIyzOqJcsojTZ2yR7aCDnnquAwy-CBpej0p3slNIvY0EJvFtd_W/s1600-h/jackclown.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371101025542175458" style="WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP-3B5WthmBxzUlON_ZUI1x2ONrWffyFUG7Gw3SYgibMOu_Lcw45XRjx1LhPrS7Ue91ajV4qJVOoYXLK83hBLJyp-8eJIyzOqJcsojTZ2yR7aCDnnquAwy-CBpej0p3slNIvY0EJvFtd_W/s400/jackclown.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc4LZ3x5bwj5PJ_pMh0aMoeSGm8Xky4wjZVCbg_T4Uj4sJeEPqBqrhzqdRX5E32jgQKRRdDinV7VDOOWvdKUmx4Mq7Kzq-hHsifzfhEyDxKp2B1b85gCbfEa0lqm6fOg5HA71Xq7fMbWac/s1600-h/bmancake.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371101016331048978" style="WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc4LZ3x5bwj5PJ_pMh0aMoeSGm8Xky4wjZVCbg_T4Uj4sJeEPqBqrhzqdRX5E32jgQKRRdDinV7VDOOWvdKUmx4Mq7Kzq-hHsifzfhEyDxKp2B1b85gCbfEa0lqm6fOg5HA71Xq7fMbWac/s400/bmancake.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgseFaHGauUpKp3Yh9WiMaRchdQYMT1M9nJU1aOwwqzRwSVH-s3IpJH1qW-v2J6i_iNw6D4X1mv1GPrR-T-dUncpnn4X-naJkM9ZanUvbKSxmCiHqMLECK7o2Yn6jLxv_ePT567B6c0_p7q/s1600-h/gmancake.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371101011114941266" style="WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgseFaHGauUpKp3Yh9WiMaRchdQYMT1M9nJU1aOwwqzRwSVH-s3IpJH1qW-v2J6i_iNw6D4X1mv1GPrR-T-dUncpnn4X-naJkM9ZanUvbKSxmCiHqMLECK7o2Yn6jLxv_ePT567B6c0_p7q/s400/gmancake.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU2fqGL4WNwMjRxT7j_ej0_wn-ijLQoqMJltHOqyHhuzvofD_0BX74LeYVpj95beys1dbApbP3jENzaHzzL242kFsm8zJAh9ZnAEPjL40q3NcT-vDhEhcumD5FW_g6n3R15vC2cRKnpCPO/s1600-h/054.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371037316980647634" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU2fqGL4WNwMjRxT7j_ej0_wn-ijLQoqMJltHOqyHhuzvofD_0BX74LeYVpj95beys1dbApbP3jENzaHzzL242kFsm8zJAh9ZnAEPjL40q3NcT-vDhEhcumD5FW_g6n3R15vC2cRKnpCPO/s400/054.JPG" border="0" /></a> This is our friend Angela blowing out the candles for her favorite triplets! It was her birthday, too, and she chose to spend the day with us celebrating the kids. Admittedly the pictures here are out of order but I'm just throwing them on to share. It's dinner time so I really need to run downstairs. Our one-year-olds are enjoying as the celebration continues. We've been to the pool four times in the last week. They can't get enough of the water and it is so hot, so it's perfect for us! Okay, more later. We had a nice time celebrating, and it was a Royal Celebration just as we'd hoped!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCH0cXZqhyphenhyphenXqY-iR_139opBq_WqSuwPsPGWez3Dodx6c56x9tUggmA-eDcSRxECMqGxQw9JH_cgFWnMhPOgSGyuq04kFxSDNCmO3R3teLCIvrVHSLvjXVQDAyQNaiqpuc8kxhjVkxr2IKk/s1600-h/053.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371009067513905282" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCH0cXZqhyphenhyphenXqY-iR_139opBq_WqSuwPsPGWez3Dodx6c56x9tUggmA-eDcSRxECMqGxQw9JH_cgFWnMhPOgSGyuq04kFxSDNCmO3R3teLCIvrVHSLvjXVQDAyQNaiqpuc8kxhjVkxr2IKk/s400/053.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuqJgdFOGEKI5nV5M5cHZzUxcSomPlbL4e_ZUriIJKW0jmxZQ81Voy71hzOm7anUmMSekelKYJrVybyoTJEy93WzyvQTrH8BTmret8Yhrqj8ipB25uACUGLli8tgL7zHfMvbAsooMEjOwZ/s1600-h/052.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371009058944520034" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuqJgdFOGEKI5nV5M5cHZzUxcSomPlbL4e_ZUriIJKW0jmxZQ81Voy71hzOm7anUmMSekelKYJrVybyoTJEy93WzyvQTrH8BTmret8Yhrqj8ipB25uACUGLli8tgL7zHfMvbAsooMEjOwZ/s400/052.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2QmpZ5FS3fsGglZSamTJjhznZbG9P5wKgUdM31vM6T5g5U_2f8_xNg1iD3pXFf_xa-4fVKNfvohisEUgZNfYzJsbtP1jeUYzoBSkHg8P1dxJO8D_prrQtlq3lFE9lQdwEzWXR4ZK6I7MJ/s1600-h/047.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371009053456112258" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2QmpZ5FS3fsGglZSamTJjhznZbG9P5wKgUdM31vM6T5g5U_2f8_xNg1iD3pXFf_xa-4fVKNfvohisEUgZNfYzJsbtP1jeUYzoBSkHg8P1dxJO8D_prrQtlq3lFE9lQdwEzWXR4ZK6I7MJ/s400/047.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPOOOTUvEtBv1_RAIFR9hnebRiL-xG7hcFbk9h-gKvS0HCk-OdLJ8lxZnN8aptsqRYuLyo7b3nNvliaqFwRDtlsV7HwJyGuwe1vrV4wZvXCyqV2S9gx-z3XYeISQu1WeCaV2SAwb2zC9fq/s1600-h/024.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371009040012561346" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPOOOTUvEtBv1_RAIFR9hnebRiL-xG7hcFbk9h-gKvS0HCk-OdLJ8lxZnN8aptsqRYuLyo7b3nNvliaqFwRDtlsV7HwJyGuwe1vrV4wZvXCyqV2S9gx-z3XYeISQu1WeCaV2SAwb2zC9fq/s400/024.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUBRRArB2z2_xitKM7Jotju_ThTDRuJL3hGSSeA2QYeEP-1utOJv6rD1wCxP0fyyRnIKU76cAOclg-9ojTgeQD8fINEO9npRBv1Ocj56VhyphenhyphenU-dS2cEWHQoGN4Wv4qsZyf63xriFP3ZPUy0/s1600-h/043.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370938050268763250" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUBRRArB2z2_xitKM7Jotju_ThTDRuJL3hGSSeA2QYeEP-1utOJv6rD1wCxP0fyyRnIKU76cAOclg-9ojTgeQD8fINEO9npRBv1Ocj56VhyphenhyphenU-dS2cEWHQoGN4Wv4qsZyf63xriFP3ZPUy0/s400/043.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFx6L6Ab1Uw7TWK3QBZR5Tz8ZJqB39YbC_Ge0Oi73LGxK82uDZy61LCqSXLH0LCrmc4ETlpKNHXO-MKSXsRyGoGMzgc5Mb2HDusAlo0vKz8hGMvKAZkIUgL1vzjn-4OVwvySYfedqSVSei/s1600-h/042.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370938044352917362" style="WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFx6L6Ab1Uw7TWK3QBZR5Tz8ZJqB39YbC_Ge0Oi73LGxK82uDZy61LCqSXLH0LCrmc4ETlpKNHXO-MKSXsRyGoGMzgc5Mb2HDusAlo0vKz8hGMvKAZkIUgL1vzjn-4OVwvySYfedqSVSei/s400/042.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLdykMN69BGdvjwJr8FqBbBOlsCQFyP3F9mRBJweAkCe-zh1PKjUC24u0B1wS_eZ7qQXI5bFskrQX13BbdqtdXByfJ11JmmheoSL65xB8Nmk8-XUmst_45AeLUpXMuJiF6VfFm40gs1Rsj/s1600-h/040.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370938035733841666" style="WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLdykMN69BGdvjwJr8FqBbBOlsCQFyP3F9mRBJweAkCe-zh1PKjUC24u0B1wS_eZ7qQXI5bFskrQX13BbdqtdXByfJ11JmmheoSL65xB8Nmk8-XUmst_45AeLUpXMuJiF6VfFm40gs1Rsj/s400/040.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6TX3k4J4G9NFLMn4uTXH7c47yt5xrEacNQb9dGc79l70aF1rIFhvt5cPQU59S-nWFgQzX_O6wreZLZTxt1wzlCh92r0YtGBN93neLjQmg2T5E5XjGL86tZu5K7PuAxPQOqNlZdjQLJSUI/s1600-h/037.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370938030797495826" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6TX3k4J4G9NFLMn4uTXH7c47yt5xrEacNQb9dGc79l70aF1rIFhvt5cPQU59S-nWFgQzX_O6wreZLZTxt1wzlCh92r0YtGBN93neLjQmg2T5E5XjGL86tZu5K7PuAxPQOqNlZdjQLJSUI/s400/037.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT_zNAWSdpnHu_6RjTa6oXy42nE3JFOfRJA2SMeqlyhEzDigl9-TiAKgsUF7NMgo8D1rSvjh1t-BBsF0SEwZpoDc5p-KqSEUeZkzY4f26Npa5Oy3mlhNMtMp3D83lyn6CqJkaqXFBv-zk6/s1600-h/030.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370938021266268994" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT_zNAWSdpnHu_6RjTa6oXy42nE3JFOfRJA2SMeqlyhEzDigl9-TiAKgsUF7NMgo8D1rSvjh1t-BBsF0SEwZpoDc5p-KqSEUeZkzY4f26Npa5Oy3mlhNMtMp3D83lyn6CqJkaqXFBv-zk6/s400/030.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>ndimasihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05668347012098443278noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5703928730723102239.post-62250376953066597952009-08-12T20:41:00.004-04:002009-08-12T22:06:26.802-04:00A Letter to my Babies as They Turn OneMy little dears, all three, no one first, no one last:<br /><br />Today you turned one. I've avoided writing this letter to you all day because as I type it, I can barely see through the tears pouring out of my eyes, and I can't swallow past the lump in my throat. Interestingly, your Mommy isn't sad at all. I'm so filled with love and gratitude to all three of you. If babies can be <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">heroes</span> -- and I truly believe they can-- you three are mine. At this time last year, your father and I watched you struggle, your tiny chests fighting for every single breath. It scared us in ways we could never have imagined until we laid our eyes on you. From those early, frightening moments, you have done nothing but fill us with pride every minute since. And let me tell you, there is no gift in this world more precious than being your parents.<br /><br />This year has passed faster than any year I've ever had. I feel like it was only moments ago that you were less than three pounds, your faces half the size of the palm of my hand. We had to learn to care for preemies so small, but little by little you grew, got stronger. Those days in the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">NICU</span> are burned into my memory as if they just happened. In the blink of an eye, we were taking you home. First Julia, then Braddock two days after Julia, and finally Griffin two weeks later (just exactly the order in which you were born). We were up every three hours day and night to feed you, change you, soothe you -- tired beyond anything I had ever experienced before. In another blink, you slept through the night. However tired I was, there was a peacefulness in those moments in the middle of the night that I will cherish the memory of for the rest of my life. You were so little I could hold you all at once. The almost inaudible sighs you made as you were falling back asleep, I still hear sometimes and I smile. Yet another blink and you were rolling over, eating cereal, sitting up, crawling, standing. Bit by bit you have turned into these big, healthy babies who aren't really babies any more. That fills me with pride and breaks my heart all at the same time.<br /><br />This year with you, I can say unequivocally, has been the very best year of my whole life. It was not nearly as overwhelming or as difficult as I'd imagined while I waited for you to be born. (that's not to say I didn't have difficult moments where I was overwhelmed -- every Mommy has felt that way. Luckily, those moments pass.) You have filled my days with wonder and excitement. For a woman who is always ready to move on to the next thing, you've made it very easy to stay right here with you all day every day, and I know how lucky I am to be able to do that. Not only did I get to spend this year caring for you, I also got to spend it with my Mom and Dad, and that has been the main reason I haven't felt overwhelmed. It had been a long time since I got to see them on a daily basis, and I've truly loved having them here helping us. (I think they've loved being with you, too.)<br /><br />My children, thank you simply for being you. As you continue to grow, learn and explore this great big world, my only wish for you is a simple one: Buddha says, (and I'm not quoting exactly here)Love the whole world as a Mother loves her child. If you can do that -- knowing what I've learned this year, the love I feel for you three children -- I promise you can never lose!<br /><br />Happy 1st Birthday.<br />I love you,<br /><br />Mommyndimasihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05668347012098443278noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5703928730723102239.post-87120230792789413172009-07-28T08:55:00.002-04:002009-07-28T10:08:47.519-04:00A Birthday Gift to Unwrap<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHD9Q2Z7cq3vtGWjTruqsukQg4QhPcv8wJxPsL57D49aKOtw0VZACf3rZ7OsQtTLCG8bZ65Swj1rfHndbz-6rV4X06IJjI9zH44dPbT4G4vr4ut4xG3YL140Ts3EM9RoNKx1g5bLmq9FDG/s1600-h/002.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363494397173580418" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHD9Q2Z7cq3vtGWjTruqsukQg4QhPcv8wJxPsL57D49aKOtw0VZACf3rZ7OsQtTLCG8bZ65Swj1rfHndbz-6rV4X06IJjI9zH44dPbT4G4vr4ut4xG3YL140Ts3EM9RoNKx1g5bLmq9FDG/s400/002.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Here are the pictures of the kids opening their first birthday gift that arrived last week from Bob and Linda. Their first gift was really received early last week, fantastic Tripp <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Trapp</span> highchairs from their very generous Granny, but those couldn't be unwrapped so we photographed this first unwrapping session. I wasn't sure what would happen but they just went after it ripping and trying to eat the paper. It's the coolest truck with farm animals and the farm sings "old <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">McDonald</span>." Is it Mc or Mac? I don't know. They LOVE it. Julia, the fastest crawler in New Jersey, just runs it down and tips it over. The boys prefer to push on all the animals to hear their sounds. Braddock squeals with delight when we gets ahold of it. So far they seem to share. They haven't quite figured out they should be upset when one of them takes the toy from another. That will come.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQX-98-cb8OAvBRuDHGRu5Jn7SkO_CPF4xZBA1ArvyFeQ7C7LNUaJFPDqXMrNLFdoBqATEi6Cvki1aDwhj7CnyXP9j7cmmG86aDmzY4jNZzgvKl8FzAgOEhMald2kGLf8IWMWoE9DqV8DH/s1600-h/001.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363494392419777410" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQX-98-cb8OAvBRuDHGRu5Jn7SkO_CPF4xZBA1ArvyFeQ7C7LNUaJFPDqXMrNLFdoBqATEi6Cvki1aDwhj7CnyXP9j7cmmG86aDmzY4jNZzgvKl8FzAgOEhMald2kGLf8IWMWoE9DqV8DH/s400/001.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div>They seem to learn so much every day now. Julia pulled herself up to standing for the first time this morning. The boys just keep progressing and it's so nice to see. We're eating a few more solids. The biscuits are a favorite but I worry so much about choking!</div><div> </div><div>We also had our first bout of an illness. Julia had a fever for about four days but it wasn't ever too high and other than seeming a little lethargic, she was fine. So the doctor didn't want to see her. I was hoping to get to one year without fevers. I guess since nothing came of it, maybe we're still in the running. </div><div> </div><div> We're having a photographer shoot them for the first time next Monday at a park. I CANNOT wait to see how it turns out. I wish we had done it when they were tiny but I know we needed to keep the germs out of the house so now it seems like the perfect time. We're hoping the weather holds out.</div><div> </div><div>It's been a rough week for me because I have some kind of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">tendonitis</span>/bursitis and I haven't been able to lift my left arm for eight days. The pain that comes along with that is <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">indescribable</span> unless you've had bursitis before. As it is, with three infants, I'm short an arm so to only have one was really difficult. I seem to be on the mend now -- and not a moment too soon. It was a very <em>LONG</em> week but we're over the worst of it.</div></div>ndimasihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05668347012098443278noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5703928730723102239.post-18743830239792028462009-07-22T20:25:00.003-04:002009-07-22T20:54:03.490-04:00Griffin rocking out to the beat<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dy1ckuFuuucqmSS6IIQY1saKbp4Rd1yGi_bzubUm8O4hZx1wdoSimOLaOUL91Wl095NgBOy2kaS4eTX0gJHRw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>So this video isn't very good but it is so cute. Griffin is our dancing man. Whatever he is doing, if music comes on, he just starts dancing. It may look to you like he is trying to balance himself, but really he's just feeling the music. He gets a bit camera shy when he notices I'm capturing this adorable-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">ness</span>, but then he gives in and dances some more. You may notice he's sitting up all by himself. That started last week. He knew that the follow-up clinic -- that I've mentioned before where they follow the development of these preemies -- said if he wasn't sitting up by July 27, we'd need to get some help. So as if he knew the deadline was approaching, he figured he'd show us what he's probably been able to do for a while and chose not to. Griffin is really laid back. We know not to rush him because he'll get there when he's ready. Braddock is starting to move around now, mostly rolling with some commando crawling mixed in, so I assume Griffin will follow suit pretty quick. And then all bets are off. We will need eyes in the back of our head.... What I know for sure is that it's time to baby proof the life out of this house!ndimasihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05668347012098443278noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5703928730723102239.post-75605292492543784112009-07-14T21:19:00.005-04:002009-07-14T21:52:32.863-04:00Julia on the move<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqitQb2SmuH0d7TWolSGg0MTTYZQaxrA2mALd0f0alyd5a95meWFyMX2LdGcj429cy_42hDPuTqMKOHy5GlGTfPQq1pFmjImyG94jyGTNL3_bMB7nMhBujCJb9pJp-5CJasPiRpaz7YJFV/s1600-h/035.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358497962139424994" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqitQb2SmuH0d7TWolSGg0MTTYZQaxrA2mALd0f0alyd5a95meWFyMX2LdGcj429cy_42hDPuTqMKOHy5GlGTfPQq1pFmjImyG94jyGTNL3_bMB7nMhBujCJb9pJp-5CJasPiRpaz7YJFV/s400/035.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS23Qe31CA03Du6KJy3YgvpVVpof08-N0q-b4wF-GrE0TkfLgi1LlFrNXHKst8ZIru9udWwCiwgusuliMljkMXcRL141A0W1HxAmj9_69A1SuKbB7-6apg9yi5_EzSR6njKaJ3ALPvcwul/s1600-h/029.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358497953184873842" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS23Qe31CA03Du6KJy3YgvpVVpof08-N0q-b4wF-GrE0TkfLgi1LlFrNXHKst8ZIru9udWwCiwgusuliMljkMXcRL141A0W1HxAmj9_69A1SuKbB7-6apg9yi5_EzSR6njKaJ3ALPvcwul/s400/029.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>This is our little lady dragging herself wherever she wants to go. She is so determined all the time. She sees the toy. She crawls to the boys, takes their toys, tries to eat the toys, moves on. They're left dumbfounded. Soon they'll start to protest and probably decide they better start crawling just to get their stuff back. And that, friends, is when the games will really begin. </div><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzxNuo1shujMjxl3DFvtG9BP7tHPRl8a4gZJTcQifpBFbEyHmzhVPR8ospYOddN6lCStlsgCPTYkBpZXGtshQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div></div>ndimasihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05668347012098443278noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5703928730723102239.post-88703067219695099962009-07-13T08:52:00.003-04:002009-07-13T10:15:51.688-04:00Braddock speaks<p><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dw6WdWrpkljQdAxjX6M4O0jpn_qitDHPW-ggq4pPCagFN18FrDEYQBMroSqO3pB8TMQgSf_8skZDtO1Gme-pg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>Here he is saying "da da" in his very high pitched voice. He has many variations of this but the one is so cute. I will post Julia in her army crawl later today. Griffin just started to make his sounds this weekend and interestingly -- and I have several witnesses -- while trying to get my attention, he said, "Mom." It may have been an accident but he has said it more than once, so I'm saying he said it. Braddock only likes Da Da. He is making that very clear. See for yourself.</p><p>Our trip to the beach was great fun and relatively easy. As we packed everything up, it became very clear that a minivan isn't really big enough. I guess we'll start looking at busses or a limo would be nice.</p><p align="center">More soon,</p>ndimasihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05668347012098443278noreply@blogger.com2