Easter Weekend

We've been spoiled this week because Clark has been home earlier than usual and he even had a day off! I'm nervous today not to have him around because the babies will be looking at me to do something fantastically funny to make them laugh. But alas, he must return to work which means the trio's main source of entertainment will be gone.

We had a couple nice days to enjoy while Clark was around and the wind wasn't blowing 100+ mph. Of course Clark wanted to be out in the sun so he filled up the kiddy pool, got the babes in their swimsuits, and took them out with him. I thought it was too chilly to put them in a pool but they didn't seem to mind and actually liked sitting out there! I'm always wrong about those sorts of things. I guess I should just get used to it as this will probably be a daily occurrence once the summer weather arrives.




Aside from the swimming, we BBQ'd and loved just spending time outside. The day before Easter ended up being a really busy day. Not sure how that happened. We ended up going out three separate times. This is monumental for us since one outing is usually pretty tiring. But with Clark's endless energy and his willingness to do all the hard work of loading/unloading babies, we made it happen.

We started with a 6am Walmart run as the first outing then after nap #1 we headed to our church's Easter egg hunt which, unfortunately, had ended by the time we arrived. That was frustrating because we woke the babies up, force fed them, and ran out the door just to be there. The hunt started an hour early I guess because all the kids couldn't wait. Bummer. So since we had babies who were happily fed and very awake, we went to the park and let them swing for the first time! They sat in those swings for almost 30 minutes and loved every second! I was so surprised. Especially with Zachary because he's usually really sensitive to anything out of his element.





Then after nap #2 we headed to the mall to pick up some items for the babies. But this time we did it in style!!


If this doesn't get heads turning in public, then I don't know what does! My friend who is currently 34 weeks pregnant with triplets, let us borrow her triplet stroller! The one we have requires the babies to be able to sit on their own so I can never take them all out together. I've been wanting to go on some afternoon walks and she was gracious enough to let me borrow it since her babies haven't arrived yet! Our babes loved it and Clark loved wheeling them around.

Our Easter was uneventful. Same ol' day with the same ol' stuff. We attended church and spent most of the time out in the halls because all the babies were really cranky. Luckily, by the third hour they were all asleep in their car seats. So when we got home, we snapped some Easter pics and called it a day. Three busy days in a row with three babies can apparently drain Clark's endless energy! Who would've thought!? It was a great weekend though. We were glad to have some family time and also to remember our Savior's infinite atonement, incredible sacrifice for us, and wonderful resurrection.



Our two future missionaries in their white button ups. Just needed some ties and nametags!

Hope everyone had a GREAT Easter weekend!

And We're Marching...

Before I talk about our march, I HAD to post this video first because it is hilarious! My older sister came to visit a couple weekends ago and got Leah laughing so hard. She had never done that before and hasn't done it since! Just one of those days I guess!



So funny. Makes my eyes water every time I watch it.

Ok...now onto the march! We participated in the March of Dimes last weekend. The mission of March of Dimes is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth, and infant mortality. Our area did a five-mile walk to support research and programs that help moms have full-term pregnancies and babies begin healthy lives! Obviously this is a popular walk among the mom's of multiples group that I'm a part of because, with the exception of a few, all our babies were born prematurely.

Leah was so excited before we left to see all the other babies there!


Before the walk...


We joined Clark's work team and drove downtown to participate. We were excited and hoped that everything would go just as we had planned.

Then we realized we have triplets....and things usually don't go as planned. :)

After about 1/2 mile, the babies had woken up from a short nap and were wondering where they were and why they weren't being fed. So the meltdowns started. We pulled over and started our production of mixing bottles, feeding, and burping babies. After finishing, we started on the route again and got another 1/2 mile before the babies had just about had it with being in their car seats. They had been in them about three hours at this point with the driving, waiting, and walking. Soooo, at mile marker one we pulled over on the grass and put out a blanket to let the babies stretch. They were definitely happier. It was a beautiful day too!

Once the babies started getting tired for another nap, we stuck them back in the strollers and started off again. They all fell asleep but we knew it would be short lived. So we turned around and started back. We didn't even walk the one mile before they were all up again. By this time it was hot and both of us were hungry so we made the long walk back to the car and headed home. In the end, we only walked two of the five miles and honestly, the event was SO MUCH BIGGER than I had anticipated. As a result, the walk was very slow going because of all the people. However, we're glad we 'attempted' it and figure that next year might be more successful when the babes are able to enjoy looking around and facing forward in their strollers. We were exhausted when we finally arrived home five hours later and took a nice nap in the backyard while the babies slept. :) It was good to get out and walk though and seriously, it was such a nice day. I know I was wearing a sweatshirt but that's because it had been in the 60's when we arrived.









Don't you love how Leah shows off her nice, big belly?? She's sure proud of it considering she was a little tiny three-pounder when she arrived!

Anyone else ever done the March of Dimes??

Must Haves...

Well the trio turned 7 months this past week!! Just even looking back at this feeding chart...


makes me SOOOO grateful we are done with those first few months. We knew they would be hard and they definitely had many challenges. But moving into month eight feels so encouraging and exciting. Lots of milestones are being reached and the babies get more interactive each day which, of course, Clark loves. He was never too thrilled about the newborns-that-just-sleep-all-the-time phase. And no, we no longer keep track of each bottle and how much the babies drink. We did that for a long time though and as tedious as it was, we referred back to it many times, compared different days and weeks, tracked progress (or lack of), and helped keep things straight between 2 or 3 caregivers. Plus, I'm totally neurotic so I would analyze and study those pages over and over. We also had a diaper changing chart which was REALLY important because like I've said before, when we were changing 24+ diapers a day, we could hardly keep track of who did what and when. And no, I no longer keep that chart either. Sometimes I wish I did because although we change half the amount of diapers, I still can't remember any better.

You can tell that currently the triplets are just sponges to their environment and absorb every color, sound, and shape that they can. More rolling is happening and sitting is on it's way. I try to work with each of them everyday with sitting but sometimes...it just doesn't happen. They are great on their bellies but haven't grasped the concept of scooting or rocking. I put stuff out in front of them and say the first one to go for it wins! No one moves though...maybe they feel bad competing with each other and I shouldn't encourage it. :) Also, Leah no long wears clothes because she is a constant case of spit up. Leg warmers it is!


Leah has had some signs of her two upper teeth coming through but they never erupted. I've read that the uppers can come first although it's not common. She spits out her pacifier now so I know she is hurting and her gums are red and swollen. Teething with three babies? Can't wait!

Zachary has somehow managed to figure out how to roll over while still in a swaddle. I come in his room after a nap or in the morning and he is on his stomach. So he can get to his stomach but can't get back which totally worries me because his arms are tied down. Soooo.....operation "unswaddle" has started with him. He now has to learn to deal with his arms being loose. So far, the operation is not going well. A few more days should do the trick right?

Caleb has lost all privileges to sit in the Bumbo. He has gotten in trouble several times for doing this...


I seriously don't know why he does that. He arches so far that he can't get back because he doesn't have the strength. So then he screams and screams. Crazy crazy guy. No more Bumbo for him. This past week he sat up unassisted for almost 10 minutes! He's getting there! Then he got excited about the book we were reading and launched himself backwards.

Here's video of the trio playing in their triplet table to the sound of Caleb whining:





So to celebrate the babies psuedo Golden Birthday (7 months old born on September 7th), I've decided to make a Triplet's Must-Have List for the first six months at home. Remember, they came home from the NICU after 4-5 weeks so they've really been home just six months.

#1 BOPPYS

We used these EVERYDAY for sleeping the babies, feeding the babies, tummy time, elevation after eating, etc... We still use them for when we feed the babies.

#2 BURP CLOTHES

Like the old school diaper clothes...these have been GREAT for us since the babies are spitting up/throwing up/projectile vomiting pretty much around the clock. We are smart to have 5-6 within an arm's reach at any given time. If you haven't been slimed by one of the babies, consider yourself lucky.

#3 40x40 SWADDLE BLANKETS

Now the ones that are usually given/received as baby gifts are the 30 x 30 blankets. These are useful for about three weeks until the babies have outgrown them. We are big swaddlers over here so the larger blankets have been a lifesaver!! They still wrap around each baby comfortably.

#4 THICK, HOODED TOWELS

We bath everyday so good towels are a must. We used to use some thin, breathable cutsie towels but then I got practical and started using thicker ones that weren't sopping wet right when the baby was wrapped. I'm sad that these towels are becoming a bit too small. Do they make LARGE hooded towels or would I have to make those myself?

#5 BABY POWDER, BABY POWDER, BABY POWDER

I heart baby powder. I got over ten big things of baby powder and thought there was no way I would use it all. We're moving through it at a quick pace though because with the amount of diapers changed each day, a little baby powder here and there makes the babes smell extra yummy!

#6 SOUND MACHINES

Don't worry, we have FOUR sound machines at our house going all day and all night. Each baby has one set to rain in their own bedroom and there is one in the hall set to waterfall. The most annoying thing ever is when one baby cries and wakes up another. So the one in the hall helps to drown out the noise and protects everyone's sleep. Problem is, the sound of the waterfall starts to sound like babies crying so I'm always going back there thinking someone is awake.

#7 RAINFOREST ACTIVITY MAT

We have TOTALLY loved our acitivity mat. Always a good go-to for the babes when they are looking for some lights, music, and something to grab. We try to hang pretty much anything possible in there so they have a good time. Overstimulation anyone?

#8 PEANUT BUTTER and JELLY/CHOCOLATE CHIPS

No I don't eat those together but I have a PB&J everyday for lunch (hmmm....what's quick and requires no cooking is the question I ask myself) and chocolate chips are what I pop into my mouth when I need a little sugar. Plus I feel less guilty because it's not like I'm eating a King Size Snickers; however, after a whole day of popping chocolate chips, I have probably eaten the equivalent! Oh well!

#9 SENSE OF HUMOR

Is it funny when I've just spent 45 minutes feeding a baby and I end up covered in throw up? Or when I am pouring all the bottles for the day and accidentally knock one over which knocks all the others over? Or maybe when we see that the amount we spend on baby formula exceeds the amount of our own groceries for the month? No, not really. However, pretty much anything can be turned into something humorous when we think about the fact that we're raising triplets! Like the fact that I'm trying to pour 12 bottles of formula at the same time! :)

#10 GRANDPARENTS

Last but not least, we of course needed grandparents to come visit and help cuddle, hold, feed, entertain, manage, and love on three new grandbabies! I mean, we kicked up the posterity number quite a bit for them this past year...:) We're so glad they were able to take the time to come out and play with us!





The #11 must-have for triplets should be a third arm!! Never going to happen unfortunately. The most common comment I get while out with the trio is, "wow, you've got your hands full!"

well yes.....yes I do :)

Long Weekend With Dad...

Clark was able to take a long weekend and spend some time at home with us. It was so fun to have him all to ourselves ALL day long. He's always so full of energy, just like the kids, so it's always interesting to see what he will come up with next.

First off, after Clark had gone on a bike ride himself, he pumped up the boys up for their own workout. You have to have a sweatband and muscle shirt right?


Caleb started with some free weights and was taunting Dad saying it was too easy.


Zachary trying to be stealth and slip away before his turn...


He was caught though and Dad got him going on the push up bars. Proper body positioning is important!


Now down......


Unfortunately he didn't make it back up. So we'll count it as 1/2 push up and try to improve next time! :)

Leah just laughed at the boys saying how grateful she was to be a girl. No need to worry about being rough and tough....just cuddly and sweet. She's already got that down!


So last weekend we bought a large canopy for our backyard cement patio and it is so nice! Not only does it block the terribly hot afternoon sun from our family room, but it allows us to get outside without having to drive somewhere. The weather was great all weekend so we spent lots of time out there and the kids loved it ....for a time at least. What kid likes anything for more than 30 minutes really? Clark loves it too because he can ride his bike on the trainer out there or just bum around in the yard while we are close by. Sorry, no picture from the outside. Just from the view of Clark's lawn chair where he was sitting.


I was rubbing Caleb's arms after his hard workout.


Not only do we do lots of playing when Dad is around, but we do lots of organizing, cleaning, or whatever project needs to be finished. We decided, since both of us were home, that we'd finally do a large batch of homemade baby food. Now, I don't claim to be a Suzy Homemaker or anything. I don't spend lots of time in the kitchen and the meals I make are very simple. However, Clark and I both know that there are some savings in making homemade baby food. Obviously we won't be able to do it as much when the trio starts eating more finger foods but for now, when they are eating foods of a smooth consistency, we're all for it.

So we busted out the food processor I received for Valentine's Day and headed to Sprouts Farmers Market. We went there because green beans were on sale plus their produce is just better in general. We bought green beans, sweet potatoes, yellow squash, carrots, mangos, and bananas.


So here is where the savings are and I'll just do it with the veggies since we haven't made the fruit yet. Try to follow along. With an accountant as a husband, that can be hard sometimes.

1 jar of baby food (4 oz)= ~$0.99

3 Sweet Potatoes=$3.63 yielded 60 oz
3 lbs Green Beans=$3.00 yielded 40 oz
2 Yellow Squash=$1.16 yielded 16 oz
2 lbs carrots=$2.00 yielded 28 oz

Grand total=144 oz of food for $9.79

144 oz/4 oz (each jar of food from store)=36 jars

36 jars at $0.99 each=$36

$36-$9.79=$26.21 in total savings

When we calculated it out for an entire month of food assuming the babies were each eating three jars (9 jars a day for everyone), the savings was even more significant. Putting out money for the processor was hard, but with what we'll be saving each time we use it, we'll only have to use it 2 1/2 times and it will be paid for!

Ok, enough math for the day? I just wanted to note all the numbers so I could remember. Especially when produce goes on sale I'll be able to know what's going to get me the most for my money.

All in all, the whole process took about two hours from getting the processor out to putting it away. Really, all the time is spent in the prep (Clark did all the prep :). We're excited though and the kids could care less if the food if from the store or made at home. We're just happy to be saving a few bucks!