Arizona Triplet Tales: Phoenix

Wednesday, March 7, 2012

Life in Phoenix....

Life is in full swing here in Phoenix with the Triplets, Daddy, and Papa. It seems like we blink and another month has gone by, and several milestones are marked with the kids. Here are some of our highlights and life events that have happened recently.

Harry watching over the kids

In early February, we had to say goodbye to our second 4-legged child, Harry. In retrospect, there were lots of signs that he was not doing well. As a testament to Harry, he worked hard until the very end to continue to be an active member of the household. Right up until the very end, he was by our side, and warming up to the kids. We think he knew that he wouldn't be with us much longer, and "talked" to the kids to make sure they would take care of us in person, when he wasn't able to. On his last day, Sid and I were able to spend several hours with him laying in the sun on our front lawn watching the world go by. After a little over a month, we still miss him like crazy, and his passing has left a hole in our hearts and our household that will not be healed very soon. Sid and I still think we see him laying in the corner overnight watching us get up to take care of the kids - and I'm sure he is still doing that. Harry, thank you for your unconditional love and support, and for getting us ready for the kids arrival. You were the most lovable Dog we have ever known, and have set the bar very high for any pet that might follow you. You are definitely missed every hour of every day!

February 26, 2012 - Six Month Birthday for the Triplets

Six months... WOW! Where has the time gone.   So much has happened, we have gone from feeding by milliliters in the NICU, to almost "pints"... OK, maybe not quite, but it seems like it.   From eating once every two hours, to almost 5 hours during they day, and 8+ hours over night, and anywhere between 6-8 ounces.   On the clothing front, it seems almost impossible to keep them in clothes that fit them just right.   We have new outfits just bought that one "Chunky Monkey" (Caitlin) has grown out of even before she wore it - luckily Kelsie is behind her enought that we still get use out of it.   Riley is getting so long, he needs bigger clothes just for the length.   All of the kids are so happy most of the time, laughing, giggling, and enjoying each other, and Daddy and Papa.   We have settled into a routine - several times - each time we get used to one, it changes! These little Monkees are keeping us on our toes for sure.

Our Neighbors, Family, and Friends continue to be a blessing. While I'm sure no one is under the impression that Sid and I are in any danger of starving, lots of people have brought food recently, which is just a god-send, as the kids usually demand play-time in the evening, and dinner is usually anytime after 8pm. When we have something to dig into in between play-time, it makes it much easier.   Sid's Nephew Mario and his wife Sabrina have been over helping out overnight on some weekends, and our wonderful friends Carrie and Barry have stepped in several times to babysit and help out.

Time to blog is in short supply, so I apologize for the infrequent updates. Hopefully as we go forward, some time will open up, and we can continue sharing our Arizona Triplet Tales.   There are lots of things on the horizon, so more exciting news to come in the near future !   Thanks again for stopping by !

Caitlin Marie - February 2012

Kelsie Jeanne - February 2012

Riley Connor - February 2012

Saturday, December 17, 2011

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year to All !

Our First Christmas Picture - An Arizona Snow Globe

Well, it looks like I'm a few days late for my "regular monthly post". I really do mean to post more often, but time seems to be going amazingly fast. In just over a week, the Arizona Triplets will be 4 MONTHS OLD... amazing! It's been a whirlwind of activity; most good, but some VERY challenging times as well. Over all, we continue to be so blessed with happy, healthy children that are growing right on target. As of this week, Caitlin is in the lead at 13# 14oz, Riley is just behind at 12# 13oz, and Kelsie is bring up the rear at just about 11# 10oz. Ms. Caitlin Marie has graduated to diaper size #2. We've come quite a way from Preemie diapers, trying to get them to eat 30ml through the bottle versus a feeding tube, and waiting for the umbelical cord stump to fall off and heal up.

We are spending the holidays at home, of course. Our great family are all coming to visit us. We can't wait to see everyone, but I have to confess, I'm a little nervous about having this many people in our house at the same time, and getting the kids to sleep on a somewhat normal schedule. Sid keeps telling me that it will all work out, and I'm sure he's right.

The pictures on this post were taken a few weeks ago. It was actually the first "public" outing in AZ for the kids. That is, the first time we ventured out in public, without going to the doctor office. Everything went fairly well - we are getting a "little" better at getting the Triplets dressed, in car seats, and out the door... but it still takes about 45 minutes to an hour. So, we finally get out the door, down the driveway, and on our way. We went over to a shopping center not far from the house. On the drive over, the sky got darker, darker and darker still.... yup... we made it to the parking lot just in time for the rain! We made it out of the parking lot... and then people noticed us ... two men with three babies... and the "wow, are those triplets..." comments began. Everyone was nice, but I was really wanting to get out of the cold. At the end of the short visit, all I wanted to do was get back into the heated car. We were there long enough to take the picture above, buy some stuff and Bath & Body. The next stop was our friends house, Jane & Cookie, and their puppy, Kirin.

We are still having good moments and not-so-happy moments, but thats life, right?? Over the past few weeks, all three kids have been smiling from ear-to-ear at the sight of us, and really, thats what it's all about !