Helmet Buddies

As you know, Charlotte and Alton have been wearing helmets for quite some time now. So far, the process has been painless and both babies have adjusted very well to their new accessory. The helmets are to be worn 23 of the 24 hour day and so far we've been rather diligent about that. It's often difficult for me to see the difference in their head shapes since I see them every day, but I've been told that we are seeing progress for sure.

Here are a few shots of Charlotte's pink cammo and Alton's carbon head pieces.

Curls

It's official...we've got curls. At this point, Baxter is the only one to take after his momma in the hair department. Alton and Charlotte seem to have Kreg's beautiful straight hair (which I've always admired), but I must admit that I'm pleased to see a curl or two!!!

Autumn Feast

We took the babies to a favorite stompy grounds of ours - Tabora Farm and Orchards. Well, typically the cookies and other amazing baked goods inside are what people come for, BUT our trips found the hay outside to be simply delish. It was such a nice day for the whole family to get out and about together and enjoy (my favorite season) the FALL. Aaaah, the cool air paired with the crisp straw was a delight.

Speech Therapy = Mommy Therapy

At our 9 month check-up, it was suggested that Charlotte take some speech therapy. Our doctor is very proactive and tries to stay ahead of potential concerns, especially since Charlotte was growth restricted and 2 months premature. Though speech therapy may not be needed, Charlotte is not really expressing herself with her vowels or consonants just yet since she loves to "squeal". Most of our session today was focused on understanding the building blocks of communication and the therapist reassured us of how VERY interested and active Charlotte is (loves those toys, toys, toys).

There was a special moment when the therapist was focusing on Charlotte and the "give and take" of communication when I realized that this was more for ME than for our baby girl. Charlotte was fully engaged and totally enjoying going back and forth with her "ahhhhs" with Sue. I suddenly started to cry....tried to pull myself together but could not hold back some tears. I explained, "I'm sorry, I just get so worried about the babies". I was facing the struggle of a mother of multiples. On one hand, I'm a new mom who does not know what to do and wants the ability to focus on one baby...while on the other hand, I have three babies who need me and all the other "stuff" that comes along with living. I know I'm doing really well, but I also recognize that there's always room for improvement.

It's not like I don't talk with the babies...but sometimes it's hard to determine who needs me when. There's a learning curve for everyone...including mommy.

Whoa, Cosmic!

Baxter is in serious "explorer mode"...I suppose that happens with mobility. Here's a shot of him discovering Twilight Turtle for the first time. WHOOOAA, so much to explore out there!!

Shhhhh - Cherub Sleeping

For some reason I always call Alton our "cherub" or "putti". Maybe it's his round tummy or his full cheeks with pouty lips. Whatever it is, it's cutie pa-tootie.

Me and My Babes

My friend Sarah sent some super cool outfits for Alton, Baxter, and Charlotte and I promised to take a pic to send along. Well, I thought I'd post it since it's a keeper. I usually take Charlotte's helmet off for "posed shots", but Sarah wanted to see the whole get-up.

Our Sensitive Son

Alton is so sensitive. This picture shows how sensitive his skin is; he had a reaction to his helmet on his forehead and is having a mini eczema break-out on his cheek. My first born is also very sensitive in emotions and often wants "mommy" to hold him and comfort him when he's fussing. Don't get me wrong, Alton cracks up at almost anything and is a very happy baby...but he often remains our "resident screamer". Maybe it's the reflux or itchy skin, or maybe he just wants to be sung to like he used to love as a tiny newborn. We love you our little sensitive boy.

New Horizons

Who knew that introducing a kitchen floor would be so exciting? Mostly, the babies spend time in their playroom, pack-n-play, or family room....BUT, the kitchen floor proved to be an exciting new horizon for everyone. Since Baxter is very mobile (more to come on that), we need to be very careful, but everyone LOVES the new cool flat surface of the kitchen and dining room. So easy to scootch on for Alton and Charlotte and SO many dangerous things to try to climb up on for Baxter. UGGGHHH ... baby-proofing experts needed in the Jones home for sure.

Grandmom's House

So, I'm sure it's no surprise to anyone that I need to get out and about many days. Well, yesterday we stopped by and hung out at Grandmom's house after a doctor's visit. Boy, did we have fun!!! Cousins Sarah and Scotty were there to play with the babies and everyone was happy. Baxter took to Scotty's train set-up and Charlotte sure took to her big cousin Sarah. Who better to show the babies the ropes of life than their own blood??? Someday Scotty will tell Alton and Baxter all about trains and collapsing bridges and Charlotte will learn about all the fun things that come with being a girl from her 3 awesome cousins, Sarah, Elise, and Shannon. Here are some pics...thank heavens Grandmom had all the equipment at hand to deal with 9 month old triplets (giant play yard, excer-saucer, swing, etc).

6 Extra Hands

Tonight we visited my friend Kate and her 2 little girls, Brigid and Maggie, for some fun playtime and catching up. All of the Johnston girls were so helpful and got to each feed a baby while I had some hands-free time to take a quick pic. Thanks guys! We had a great time and I was so happy to see my good pal.

The Melodies are Back!

Thank you Residence Inn for returning the babies' lullaby CD to us! On our drive back to PA from Boston, I realized that our beloved CD for bedtime was left behind in the hotel room. Even though Kreg's last words before leaving the room to pack-up the babies were "don't forget the CD and CD player", I managed to rush out the door with "everything but".

NO WORRIES...we got it back! I told the hotel to keep the player, but please mail the CD. I've been playing those tunes for the babies since they were in the NICU ... maybe I missed them more than anyone else.

Small Goals

Today I decided that it's okay to have small goals for the day. For example, I have a to-do list that I often add easy tasks that always get done, just so I am SURE something will get checked-off (ie, wash bottles, relax, get dressed)

Here are a few small goals I have for myself:

- Take at least 10 minutes after babies go down for a nap to work around the house, but don't race the clock in a flurry for the full 1.5 - 2 hours ... remember to relax
- You're no June Cleaver, but try to have something Kreg wants to eat ready if he's worked a long day
- Mind your mouth, it's time to stop swearing
- Get on the floor and play with the babies! Sounds like an easy one, but sometimes I need to remind myself when always thinking about the next step (bottles, diapers, food, etc.)
- Get better at one on one time. When the typical needy baby is grooving along, spend time with the one who doesn't always need your help.
- Continue to read to them. Don't get discouraged when they're not interested and remember the times that they loved it.
- Figure out "me time". This does not include the grocery store or checking facebook (duh). I need to find time to do something alone that loved pre-babies.
- When I want to overload on coffee, boil water for herbal tea. No need to be hyper-active.

Today's Featured Baby = Charlotte!

I thought I'd take the time to feature one baby today. She may be the smallest of our crew, but she most certainly will not go unnoticed. Charlotte is a spunky one. If we look away for a moment, we notice that our red-headed wonder is slinking off to snake a toy from a brother or explore new horizons. She pants away in true determination to reach her mini goals, all with a smile and some squeals. We often call her "Squeakles" since she squeaks away if she's trying to get our attention or just chatting with herself.

Charlotte is doing so well with her helmet and LOVES her physical therapist, Anne, who comes every other week. When she's not playing, playing, playing, our little peanut loves to cuddle and reaches up to the face of whoever is giving her a bottle in an amazingly endearing way. Daddy's beard is a favorite to touch and his glasses are so very interesting.

She's generous with her little crooked smiles and likes to stick her cute little tongue out 75% of the time. Though a big fan of cheerios, fruits, and veggies, she'll pass on the meats...yuck. Charlotte throws her tired triplet parents a bone with her even temper and great sleeping abilities. Thank you sweetie.

Good job growing up strong little girl! I wish I could have shown myself a pic of you today when I worried all those hours in the NICU. You are one little determined schmoopie. We love you.

Resemblance

hmmmm... little Charlotte comes from somewhere! Great grandmom Hazel as a baby...

There's that Triplet Stroller Again...

Here are a few more shots from our trip to Boston. Kreg and I took a morning and headed up to a favorite Jones family spot, Rockport on Cape Ann. This mini trip was very special for Kreg as it holds a lot of memories with his father...what a special thing to share with our babies.

pic 1 = Motif #1 in Rockport
pic 2 = Ice cream parlor (cousin Carey used to dish it out here)
pic 3 = On the docks
pic 4 = The trips and the Gorton Fisherman in Gloucester... "The Perfect Storm"
pic 5 = Babes at MIT (soak in those brainwaves!)...not Rockport, but in Cambridge

To Boston and Back!

Well, we did it again. This past weekend we packed up the triplet entourage and all things that go with them to head up the east cost to Boston. Great grandparents, Hazel and Alton, were waiting with bells on and everyone had a wonderful visit. Though we did not get by unscathed, I must say that 9 months old is much easier than 5 months ?? (I can't really remember when we did it the first time).

Once again, we had such a memorable trip and I really think that Hazel and Alton enjoyed witnessing the progress that the babies made. There were smiles all around...especially since Hazel had a brand new musical toy waiting for the babies to play with. We miss them already ... but here are a few pics to remember the trip by.

Feel Better Grammie!!!

Alton, Baxter, and Charlotte are sending out healing baby hugs to their Grammie! Lita just had an operation on her eye, but all went well and now it's simply time to heal. This is a favorite pic of Grammie with the babies during their first few months at home. Grammie, you sure know how to make everyone feel loved, relaxed, and happy during your visits (that includes Mommy & Daddy)! We love you and feel better so the babies can giggle and snuggle with you again soon.

Mothers of Multiples Playdate

I recently promised myself to become a little more active in the "Mothers of Multiples" group that I'm a member of. Well, I organized a mini playdate through the group and we went on a nice walk at Lake Galena today. I had a nice time chatting with three other moms who live close-by and face similar challenges that I do. So proud of the babies for being well-behaved on the walk, and proud of myself for going outside of my comfort zone and meeting new people.

Like Daddy Like Sons

When the boys get fussy and it's time for a roadtrip, I've learned to strap them into the car seats and set them out front. Both Alton & Baxter LOVE to watch the cars go by and listen to their engines. I mean, what would you expect, considering who they come from???

Welcome Harper!

Alton, Baxter, and Charlotte have another new friend! Baby boy Harper Tilden Arnold was born this past week and I got to visit the new baby and mommy & daddy a few nights ago. Our dear friends, Steph and Jason are pros these days and Harper is so lucky to have them as parents. Big brothers, Jack & Wes, are excited to show him the ropes and teach him all about super heros and Thomas. Our babies can't wait for a play-date down the road! Congratulations Arnold Family!

A Fall Walk

It's Fall! I love this time of year and especially am enjoying bundling up the babies for a walk. Charlotte & Alton don't need hats since they are now wearing helmets (more to come on that topic), but Baxter still needs a little cap. Here's a pic of everyone snuggled in their new triplet stroller that we test-drove for the first time this week. CUTE!

Quick Update

I promise to post more pictures soon, but thought I should give a quick update.

We're finally getting past our second cold (sniffles for all three)! Thank heavens. It turns out that poor Alton had a double ear infection and Charlotte had one too. That means 3 out of our 6 baby ears were hurting. :( Not fun for anyone here! Baxter got away without any ear issues but managed to find his way into the ER for the first time. Many firsts for us this past week! No worries, he just had a bruised eye and we were told to take him in just to be cautious since he's just a baby.

Developments:

Alton = Alton is practicing his balancing while in seated position and is just beginning to really scootch along on his belly. He LOVES to make noises (grunts, squeals, mmm, bbb, ddd) especially when he's eating. We can't shovel food in fast enough for him and his belly shows it. Alton loves to lounge in the swing after a meal...which he'll probably do in a recliner years to come. Alton also still loves to be sung to while being held closely.

Baxter = Baxter is leading the pack in the physical world. He is crawling like a champ and pulls himself up to his knees and feet (this is where the injury came from). He seems much happier now that he can go-go-go and explore. It's like a whole new world opened up to him and his smiles show it for sure. He chatters to himself quietly when he's relaxing in the nursery (oh, and we lowered his crib). Baxter also bursts into an awesome belly giggle when being tickled.

Charlotte = Charlotte is still creeping along in her typical fashion, but much quicker these days. She is extremely interested in toys and whenever one of her brothers is playing with something she's off to steal it from them. We get lots of giggles and laughs when Charlotte's tossed in the air or kissed (especially from Daddy). Our baby girl still remains the best sleeper and is typically out once the snuggly hits the side of her face and the thumb reaches the mouth.

All babies LOVE music (sleeping lullabies, meal-time music, play-time music, car-time music, etc.) and want to DANCE. Kreg plays a Michael Jackson video for them sometimes for a dance session and they get so excited. It's funny.

Pics to come...