Triplets Everywhere!

Why is it that I never noticed things that happen in threes before I had the triplets. It's kinda like when you get a new car, you suddenly see that everyone is driving the same kind. Now I notice little things EVERYWHERE!

I was only about 2 months along when I first had one of these experiences. As a Kindergarten teacher in our district, I participate in screening our incoming kindergarten students for the following year. There was a set of triplets that were being screened that year. How ironic, right? I was lucky enough to talk with their mom and she gave me contact information for the Mothers of Multiple group that is nearest our town.

Then there were the triplet goats and pigs at the fair over the summer. I'm sure I was the only one walking around taking pictures of them simply because they were triplets!

At our recent trip to Children's Wonderland, I had a couple more of these 'triplet moments'. I have been to Children's Wonderland for many years, as it was something that my parents took me to when I was young, but I've never noticed the triplet connection.

This is one of my favorite displays at Children's Wonderland. I can remember this display from when I was a child, but I don't remember the triplet bunk beds. Isn't it funny how that would stand out now! Do you think our house is big enough for triplet bunk beds? I have a suspicion that Malachi would be the one on top kissing the ceiling! :)

Triplet mice sleeping in a match box. I can remember when ours were first born and we used to put them in the bouncy seats together. It looked very similiar to this.

And finally you have my triplets. This was at Children's Wonderland as well.

Family Day at Preschool and Illness

Wednesday was family day at Malach's preschool. Josh and I took all three kids there for the day and we had a great time. We got to see how the Malachi goes throughout his schedule and how he interacts (or doesn't) with his classmates. He's doing really well and we're so proud of him, but it seems that he is still playing along side of the other kids. It's only been three weeks and we expect it to get better. We're pretty positive about his improvements!

Aiden and Madelynn had fun too and they (for the most part) blended right in and followed along. We did find that 3 hours was TOO LONG for us though. Aiden and Madelynn became over stimulated and Aiden began to cry and whine. So much so that I had to force him into his coat and carry him to the car. :(

Over all it was a great time and we look forward to next month's family day. Except I think we might send Malachi for the full day and the rest of us will just stop in for an hour or so. :)

Unfortunately, at about 6pm that night, Madelynn and Malachi started vomitting...alternating about every half hour. Josh and I kept rushing them to the bathroom, while the other one cleanedd up the mess. Aiden didn't vomit, but had it coming out the other end. Poor kids! :( Luckily it only lasted until about 2am. Malachi had to miss school for the first time on Thursday because we were concerned to send him after vomiting and sadly he missed his Christmas party. At least he doesn't realize he missed it. :(

Lights Set To Music

The Toledo Zoo has one display that the lights flash to the music that plays. The kids loved this part. I got a short video of Aiden and Malachi dancing to it. Sorry it's dark, but it was dark outside so it's the best I could do on my camera.

The Lights Before Christmas

In addition to Children's Wonderland, we visited the Toledo Zoo for the Lights Before Christmas as well. They kids were much more into it than last year and they loved the musical lights. Madelynn in the bee hive. We warmed up in the children's area.
Also in the children's area, the kids got to be birds in a nest.

Malachi and Madelynn with mommy.

Don't they look excited to be bundled up and out in the cold?!?!?

Children's Wonderland

We went to Children's Wonderland in Toledo on Saturday. It was smaller than usual since they moved it to a different location at the last minute, but I'm excited that they got it up and going and we were able to go. Grandma Ham with the trio. And yes, that's what the kids call her.
The trio in front of a pretty tree. Group shots are difficult so the fact that they are all looking the same way is a great accomplishment.

Looking at the elves.

Malachi and Madelynn rode the train. Aiden wanted nothing to do with it.

Here are some recent conversation from our, now very talkative, children...



We were driving by Kohl's when this conversation happened.



Aiden: "That Kmart mommy"

Sharon: "No, that's Kohls, baby"

Aiden: "Kohl's"

Madelynn: "Kohl's Baby....Kohl's Baby!"



I think from now on it will always be Kohl's Baby! :)

*****

Josh and I were sitting at the table when Madelynn approached me whining. She says, "I burped on my cup." Josh and I just looked at each other. Then she yells at us and says, "NOT FUNNY!"

*****

Malachi (rubbing his head), "My butt hurts."

Sharon, "Thats not your butt."

Madelynn (patting Malachi's butt), "This is your butt."

*****

I was getting clothing set out for the kids last night and Madelynn was helping.

Sharon, "will you get me a pair of socks for Aiden?"

Madelynn, "okay." She hands me socks for her.

Sharon, "okay, you can wear these with your outfit, but I need a pair for Aiden."

Madelynn (looking at me like I'm stupid), "no mommy, Aiden's fine."

*****

"I FUN"

Malachi seems to be enjoying preschool and his teacher says he is adjusting great...better than they expected. Today when he got off the bus, he told Diann (our nanny) "I FUN"! That's something that he's never said before. He's been in such a great mood the past two nights and keeps repeating, "I fun...I fun....I fun..." I love that my boy is having a great time going to school. It makes me feel a ton better about the choice we made.

**I hope to get some video of Malachi saying this, but ran out of time tonight. I'll try to get it tomorrow and add it in.**

Malachi's First Day of Preschool

Today was Malachi's first day of preschool and he did great! There were no tears at all (from him). He went with the flow of things and seemed to adjust very well. We're excited that it went well for him and I'm hoping he'll be excited about going back. He'll go 4 days a week from now until the end of June. Only a few tears from me, mainly because transportation screwed up and Malachi didn't have a carseat. They wanted him to sit on a regular bus seat for the ride since they 'forgot' the seat. Seriously....anyone who knows Malachi knows he won't SIT on the seat without being strapped in! Anyways, I think we've got it taken care of so tomorrow should go better. Malachi in his new 'first day of preschool' outfit. Cars....his favorite! He was playing with a candy cane (part of our Christmas decor).
Malachi on the bus for the first time. He was a little hesitant about getting on, but did well. This was a first for him. He'll ride the bus to and from school everyday, unless mommy has a day that I have to report later and then I'll drop him off. :)

Aiden and Madelynn saying bye to Malachi. They were great about it and very excited for him. I'm hoping they'll adjust to him being gone just as well as Malachi did today.

I am thankful for...

In honor of Thanksgiving, I thought I'd share a few of the many things I am thankful for.

I am thankful for...

• my husband. I couldn't imagine a better person to be with. He's a great person, loving husband, awesome dad, and my best friend.
• my children. The struggles that we endured seem so small now. We're blessed to have three beautiful babies (well...not so much) who truly light up our world. I can't imagine life without them.
• my family. I'm so fortunate to have parents (in-laws too) and siblings who love me and support me unconditionally.
• the house we live in, although small, it's more than some have. Also, for the clothing, food, and all the 'extras' we are lucky enough to have. Sometimes we take these things for granted, but know how blessed we really are.
• my job. I'm fortunate that I have a great job that allows me to help support my family and even spoil the kids once in awhile.

I'm so fortunate...

Happy Thanksgiving to all.

Family Pictures

This past Saturday we had family pictures taken. We took some at Island Park and then some at home. They turned out amazing! I responded to an add on Craigslist (because I'm a Craigslist-aholic) and met a really great photographer, Jamie. She was patient with the kids, two of which refused to take naps that day, and also with Josh and I as we tried to keep the kids still and where she wanted us. She spent way more time with us than was scheduled and was great about it. While I don't yet have the picture disk to load them on here, you can view a small portion of them on her blog at http://www.jamiewardphotography.com/. Enjoy!

Toddler Group Graduation

This past Wednesday was our last toddler group day. I'm sad that it's over because these women have been amazing! They've changed our family is a great way. Words cannot express how we feel... Madelynn getting her certificate with Lisa.
Aiden with Lisa.
Malachi with Lisa.

A group shot of all the amazing women who have changed our children's lives. From left to right...Michelle, Madelynn, Stacey (in the back), Ritz holding Malachi, Lisa, and Aiden.

Malachi will be starting preschool on November 30th. We are very fotunate that Michelle and Ritz will continue to work with him in his new preschool class. That was one of the reasons we chose that classroom. Aiden and Madelynn will continue to stay home with our nanny and do preschool with her.

So, for now...we have the next week to enjoy being a family who doesn't need to run anywhere right after work. It gives me 10 days for me to prepare to give my little boy away to someone else 12 hours a week....sniff...sniff...

Malachi's going to preschool

Well, it's official....We had Malachi's IEP yesterday and he will be starting preschool on November 30th. We are lucky enough that he will have a great teacher, who I know from her kids being in elementary school, and the same speech therapist and occupational therapist that he's been seeing in toddler group. It will be a huge adjustment for all of us, but I'm sure he'll do great!

60 Teeth = No Cavities

We went to the dentist today and the kids did GREAT!

Madelynn was first with no problems. She got her teeth cleaned and counted with no problem.

Malachi was next, and although slightly hesitant at first, got everything done with no major issues.

Aiden was last and started off really apprehensive, but after I gave him his trusty blanket, we were on our way. Then.....he experienced a little gagging fit (because he inherited that from his mommy) and after that it was screaming and crying for the remainder. We did manage to get his top teeth cleaned and she scraped at his bottom ones a tiny bit. At least this time he sat in the chair which is WAY more than he did the first time we were there.

So, each of the trio has 20 teeth and shouldn't get any until they are about 6 years old. The 6 year molars will come in then and the rest of their teeth will begin to loosen up.

No cavities for any of them. I guess it pays to limit their sugar intake! :) They each got their picture on the 'no cavity' wall, as well as a new toothbrush, pencil, and sticker. Overall, it was a great experience and I couldn't have asked for more cooperative children.

Why???

Why is it that everytime I ask Malachi for a hug and kiss, he does this????? Then he gives his daddy a normal kiss. Malachi then laughs at me and refuses to give me a kiss.

Hurray for Madelynn!

As of October 28th, Madelynn has officially graduated from speech therapy. We're super proud of her and love that she is talking so much. She's progressed even more since she stopped going to her weekly therapy. We'll miss Miss Chris. She opened a new world for Maddie. A world where she is able to express herself with words and sentences.

3 Year Well Baby Visit

The kids had their well baby visit right after their birthday and are doing really well. It was nice to not have shots that day...the first well baby visit without them. They were such big kids that day. They stood on the scale, got measured, and even had their blood pressure taken with a regular (kid sized) bp cup. Here are their stats...

Malachi:
Weight: 34.9 pounds (85th percentile)
Height: 36 3/4 inches (25th percentile)
B.P.: 80/60

Madelynn:
Weight: 33.2 pounds (75th percentile)
Height: 36 3/4 inches (25th percentile)
B.P.: 84/60

Aiden:
Weight: 35.3 pounds (90th percentile)
Height: 36 3/4 inches (25th percentile)
B.P.: 99/62

Everyone was given a clean bill of health. No worries of illness at this point! Yahoo!!!

Making Pear Sauce

My dad has several pear trees in his yard and his yard becomes overwhelmed with pears. My mom has canned soem for us the past couple of years, but we still had to many that Josh decided to get creative. He decided to make pear sauce. You know...like applesauce, only with pears. The kids and I chipped in and we ended up with several bags to put in the freezer for this winter. Aiden helping.
Malachi helping.

Madelynn helping.

Part of the finished result. Yummy!

Halloween Festivities

The Halloween festivities can be summed up rather quickly.....We attempted to carve pumpkins this year. The kids thought it was cool for about 3 minutes.

Then they were done and this is what the rest of the pumpkin carving time looked like.
We did get the kids to draw faces on them after we cleaned them out.

Then we carved out the faces they drew.

Madelynn loves her finished product. Can't you see the similiarities?

Aiden and his finished product. Malachi doesn't have a picture with his because the kids began to melt down and went to bed. Josh finished his later on.

Trick or Treating. The kids went up to the doors most without us this year. They said, "Trick or Treat" and "Thank You" at almost every house.

We spent the majority of the day at Janet's house and so the kids didn't get naps. This is what happens when you put a sleepy Malachi in the wagon. He misses out on everything. The kids all took turns sleeping...each missing a part of the trick or treating experience.

A group shot of our costumes. Giraffe pajamas from Baby Gap. Hats made by my friend, Liz. You are wonderful, Liz. Everyone loved the hats.

Hope you all had a great Halloween. We did!

3rd Birthday...last one

Okay, I promise this is the last birthday post. :) I just want to remember everything and since my scrap booking and their baby books aren't staying up to date, this is the best way for me to remember it.

The kids were really in to opening their own presents this year. I only had to help Malachi with a couple of them. They have LOVED all of their presents and our living room is still a mess with all the new toys.



Madelynn really loves her new puppy from Grandma Ham (thats how they say Callahan)...so cute. She carries the dog everywhere and sleeps with him too. I think the puppy has replaced the blanket.

Thank you so much to everyone who came and also who sent gifts. We have wonderful family and friends. The support and love you've given us since before the trio was born is amazing. We love you all.

3rd Birthday - Pin the Nose on Bob the Tomato

I found this game online and Josh was able to make it bigger for us.

Madelynn taking her turn.

Samantha finishing the game up. Brenda had a lot of fun turning the kids in circles and trying to get them dizzy...especially Samantha.

Malachi was so happy to play.
I laminated the game so that we'd be able to continue playing it until they got completely bored with it. The kids have really been enjoying it.

3rd Birthday - The pinata

This year was the first year that we did a pinata. Of course, we couldn't just buy one, so Janet and I made one...the first time ever. We followed the directions, but it ended up being way to difficult for the young kids to break. It's a good thing that Madelynn D, and Samantha was around to 'loosen it up' for the little kids. Aiden loved the pinata and hitting it. Maybe he'll be a baseball player??? Malachi giggled every time he hit it. So cute to watch. Miss Madelynn...well...she tried to hit it and made contact once, but on the second time she missed. She dropped the bat and hid in the castle the remainder of the pinata time. I

can only image what her attitude will be like at 16!