First Christmas Gifts to Mommy & Daddy

Merry Christmas! It's been wonderful...a tad busy, but wonderful.

Today I vowed not to do a stitch of cleaning outside of the first two hours of my day. I cheated a bit with some dishwasher loading and unloading, but generally, it was a lazy day-after-Christmas day. I earned it after entertaining two nights in a row. For some reason I thought that asking family to visit us would be easier. I may need to rethink that next year.

Well, more pictures of the babies to come shortly, but I wanted to post our first "mommy & daddy Christmas gifts".

Daddy's Gift = Kreg got a framed picture of the babies on Santa's lap from "Santa's Little Helpers". Spontaneously, my mom and I dressed everyone in fun Christmas outfits and headed to the mall for a photo. "Let's just do it!" I proclaimed as the babies woke up from their first nap. I got very teary-eyed as I watched the babies sit on Santa's lap for their first time while my mom put her arm around my shoulder. I looked up and saw many hanging over the second floor railing enjoying our triplets' Santa visit. It was special for everyone!

Mommy's Gift = I received a plate with tiny hand prints in the form of a wreath. Kreg figured out a way to lug all three kiddies to a pottery painting studio to get the job done. Today he shared with me that he alternated baby carriers up a flight of cement stairs to get them into the studio (and I think on the street ...). Yikes and wow! Needless to say, tears were flowing on this one too!!

Oh Tannenbaum!

After the babies went to bed tonight, Kreg poured himself a glass of beer and some wine for me. Lights were strung and we began to walk down memory lane together while unpacking ornaments. Our Christmas tree celebrates the Christmases past shared together as a couple. As always, it was magic.

My dearest friend Vanessa gave the babies' a Christmas this year - their first ornaments which were hung with pride.

(third verse translation)
O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
Thy candles shine so brightly!
O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
Thy candles shine so brightly!
From base to summit, gay and bright,
There's only splendor for the sight.
O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
Thy candles shine so brightly

Wait a second...

just saw this previous post...they must be related.

Still Time for Chocolate

Yes, things are nuts here at the Jones household, but somehow I still managed to find some time to make "Christmas Bark" with old friends. Kreg was visibly saddened to see that the chocolate goodies were all wrapped up with holiday bows and labels when he made his appearance in the kitchen. Whoops! No leftovers for my sweet-toothed sweetheart.

Well, later that night I went back to the melting pot and whipped up a batch special for him. I think it was appreciated...

Getting Into Things - A Noisy Ordeal

Wow, these babies really know how to have fun! Thankfully I baby-proofed the lower kitchen cabinets with Grammie Lita recently, because those tiny hands can certainly get into things! Here are some pics from the other day when I finally stopped moving Baxter away from the the tempting doors and said "whatever, it's a right of passage, right?"

Here's how it went down:
1 - Baxter opens doors and starts to make some of his AAAhhhs, clicks, and grunts.
2 - Alton AAAAhhs, grunts and screams back (yes, they have some weird language)
3 - Charlotte continues on with her playing until she realizes that something very very interesting is happening and then she begins to squeal
4 - Baxter proceeds to take objects out of the cabinets (bangs, crashes and all), tossing them to the other Musketeers and it's an all out field day.

It seems that Baxter just wants to get all items out and find a new door to open. Alton wants to toss them around and bang on the pots and pans with the fascinating wooden spoon. Charlotte also loves to bang, but is mostly squealing with glee while kicking the new toys with her feet.

This is now a new daily activity for all...including mom's clean up of the toys (slash) her baking equipment.

A Tiny Angel

Today I took Charlotte to a doctor's appointment simply to check on her ear infection. All was well and I got to spend some time alone with our youngest...just the two of us, mother and daughter, a special and rare occasion.

Our babies' first Christmas is approaching along with their first birthday and I've been thinking a lot about how lucky we are to have three healthy babies. With that, I am hesitantly writing this post...in memory of a tiny little girl.

This past Spring, I returned to work feeling overwhelmed by having triplets and was just getting past the days of worrying in the NICU. A young man had joined the team at Lutron and a meeting with me was part of his orientation. After we spoke about business, I noticed pictures of two little babies on his wall, fresh off the printer. We connected on a personal level and shared the joys of our preemies. His niece and nephew twins were born that week, the little girl only 2 pounds, just like our Charlotte. I gave words of hope and positive stories of our daughter's improvements, yet understood his fears. He was so proud of his sister's new angels.

About a week later I noticed my new young friend leaving abruptly early and knew something was wrong. After cautiously asking questions to his supervisor, I soon understood that the baby girl was rushed to CHOP. It was unfathomable to hear the words that his niece had passed away from complications not uncommon for such a delicate and vulnerable body. I cried at my desk throughout the day, feeling deeply for a young mother who I had never met.

This little girl has brought me many moments of reflection and gratitude for my own children. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family of this tiny angel during the holiday season.

Getting Ready for Christmas!

My mini collection of reindeer are out...which means that Christmas is on the way. Though it will indeed be a hectic one, I can't wait for the babies' first Christmas. Bring on the wrapping paper!!