Mom Report Card

So my second mother's day is almost over and it was lovely.  I hosted  a Mother's Day Brunch again this year since I simply love doing it.  Needless to say, I'm a little tired after preparing and entertaining...now to put my feet up and try to raise my low Mom score in ”Relaxing”.  (Mother's Day card pictured)

Happy Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day to all you hard-working mommas out there. Here is an older pic of my mom with Scott, Laura, & I. Thanks for all you've done and continue to do for us Mom. We love you!

My mother is a poem I'll never be able to write, though everything I write is a poem to my mother. ~Sharon Doubiago

Toddler Mayhem

I haven't posted in a while for a variety of reasons, but mostly because I'm trying to manage the "toddler mayhem" that strikes my house every day. All three babies are walking with two out of three also running. The boys are very big on climbing and Baxter's reach amazingly increases daily which complicates everything. Nothing compares to the exhaustion from the sleepless nights from the "infant days", but the grandmoms & I break a sweat many days while chasing after, diapering, clothing, lifting, feeding, (etc)these insatiably energetic toddlers. We are also seeing much more interaction between Alton, Baxter, & Charlotte. They are visibly and audibly excited when one comes downstairs after sleeping in a bit later than the other two (awwwwee cute!), they hold hands sometimes while eating in their highchairs, they are talking to each other (in their own cave baby language) and even trying to say each others names. Oh, but most often, they are seriously territorial and possessive with their toys. Charlotte is mostly the toy snatcher, leaving her brothers behind in a crying puddle as she runs away, but Alton & Baxter are beginning to snatch too. I'm so sorry to share this, but I've even seen Alton fight back a few times with some bites. YES...you heard me correctly. Traumatizing. With fear that I'm going to be "that mom" with "those kids", I continuously say and try to show "gentle" after a firm "no" when needed (aka biting). We are also playing catch as a group (the best that we can) to help establish "taking turns". Oh my.... Here are some pics of our trio running/rolling around before getting their pjs on. More to come!

An Early "Happy Easter!"

Things have been very busy here at the Jones household, but I recently reserved some time to take the babies in for a super quick photo shoot at...wait for it...JC Penney's Photo Studio. I'm not big on this kind of thing, but there's something to say for this quick, easy, and inexpensive way to capture all three babies together at once. My camera phone is simply not cutting it and an orchestrated event with our super camera is too much stress for me at this point. So here you have it! I dressed everyone in their adorable matching Straussburg outfits, a gift from Lutron owners Ruth and Joel Spira, and Kreg & I collectively lugged them out to our local mall. I can't help but be pleased...they're just so stinking cute.

3 for 3!

As as yesterday afternoon, we are officially 3 for 3 in the walking department. Alton decided to wow us with continuous 5-10 step stretches across the room. His face was beaming with a proud smile as we cheered him along. Yay Alton!

Changing Things Up

You've just got to do it...you simply have to change things up a bit. Our babies have a good routine down when it comes to the big things like eating and sleeping, but when it comes to exploration and play, variety is the name of the game. I talked to my good friend who specializes in early childhood development and she enjoys "setting up an environment" for the next morning the night before for her twins. I got off the phone with my progressive San Fran mom and thought "Catherine, you're creative, get into it!" Not that I'm not "into it", but sometimes mornings can be tough for a tired mom and my creative juices just aren't flowing yet, no matter how many cups of coffee I've had.

So, for a tired mommy on a Monday morning, I either take a deep breath and come up with something new or I pull from the activities currently in the rotation. These could last 10 minutes or 10 seconds, so I just keep 'em coming.

Here are a few that we like to do:

"Cheerio Shake": put Cheerios in the snack cups and let them go wild. They love the sounds and eating/playing all at the same time. Mantra= sweep later
"Pillow Pile": I take cushions & pillows out of the tv room, relocate them to our big room and pile them up into a tower. They love pushing them around.
"Orchestra Conductor": Simple, I turn on Mozart and act like a conductor. Two out of three wave their arms along with me/the music
"Babies on a Blanket": weeeeeee! I lay a blanket on the floor which all the babies immediately sit on. Then the fun begins as I pull them around.
"Couch Climbers": (shown above) Reposition the pillows & cushions of the couch all over the floor and as mini towers on the couch. This makes our tv room into an obstacle course.
"Dance Party": Duh - turn on mommy's favorite music and let loose. Each baby gets their turn to dance in my arms while the others groove on the floor.
"Coin Shake": (shown above) Put coins into metal water bottles, make sure the lids tight and let them enjoy the loud clanging.
"What's in the Toybox": this is a another obvious one, but I have to remind myself to do it. I sit on the couch next to the toybox and take a toy out one at a time...placing it at a different location on the couch. They just stare in disbelief and rediscover old toys.
"Closet Explorers": Open the closet door. It's the easy. Of course, inspect the space and make sure it's safe, etc.
"Winter Gear": (pic shown w/ hat) I have a bag in the closet filled with winter hats, scarves, gloves, etc. Unzip that baby and put it in the middle of the floor for some "unpacking" fun

We Survived RSV

It's been a while since I've posted a blog entry. Well, much has happened since my trip to Pittsburgh with Charlotte, but this post is about surviving a bad long respiratory cold in our house.

First, Baxter got sick. He reintroduced me to long nights rocking my babies to sleep in the nursery. This cold brought on A LOT of mucus (gross) and we had tons of saline on hand and our aspirator by our sides at all times. I will say though, it was nice to have my baby fall asleep in my arms again... some sweet moments for me as I sang to Baxter and rocked him into his slumber. We've worked very hard at establishing their abilities to go to sleep on their own, but when a baby needs you when they're sick, that innate maternal instinct comes through.

Well, then Alton soon got sick too. This was difficult because, not only was it two sick babies, but Alton had an ear infection and he is also a bit needier than the others. This made things much harder. I started to hear a wheeze and called the doc's. They did not have an appointment open until much later that night, so they sent me to the ER. Enough said. Alton tends to hold a grudge with Mommy, and he would not make eye contact with me the next day. At our follow-up doc appointment the next day, I was sent home with a nebulizer for him. The pic is Daddy giving him his night treatment.

The ER tested for "RSV" which is a bad respiratory cold for adults, but pretty serious for babies. If they were under 4 months old, they would have been admitted. I remember the doctors talking very seriously about RSV since our babies were preemies and they all got two doses of the synegis vaccine (somewhat uncommon).

Finally, Charlotte was sick too...of course. She hit us with a bang after her first nap with the amazing high notes that she hits when she's really upset. My mom and I agreed that she won the prize for "most pathetic" since she would crawl into our laps and just rest her head. She too had an ear infection.

SOOOOOO - We survived! Not without Daddy, Mommy, and Grandmom getting sick though....but we did survive. Lesson = sick happens and you just deal with it. I actually walked away with some nuggets of loving memories of long nights snuggling my little schoompies.

A Roadtrip to Pittsburgh

It was time to visit my college girlfriends from Pittsburgh for some catching up and to meet their new family additions. My friend Amy, a mom of 8 month old twins, was back on the east coast from San Francisco and Jenn lives in the 'Burgh with her four children, including her littlest Juliet. It was so nice to see my old gal pals and spend lots of time chatting and sharing tons. So much has changed in our lives since first meeting in Andrews Hall our freshman year, and knowing that we have each other as support is priceless.

So yes, once again, I packed up three babies and that goes with them for another road trip last week. Only this time everyone was separated and each of the boys stayed with the grandparents (Alton with Grammie Lita & Pop Pop Bill and Baxter with Grandmom Judy & Grandpop Al); Charlotte came with me for some real "girl time".

It was a logistics miracle, but we got it done. Kreg dropped off Alton in New Jersey on his way into work on Tuesday and Grandmom took Baxter home Tuesday evening after a full day of helping me get ready for the trip. Charlotte and I headed to Philadelphia first thing Wednesday morning to pick up my dear friend Jen and her 4 month old daughter, Sydney. Are you exhausted yet, because I am just typing this. Well, it turns out that the car ride went very well with Jen & I and our little girls. I think Charlotte & Sydney chatted about clothes, binkies, toy preferences and the likes in the back of the mini. Jen was such a good sport since they were so far away compared to her normal traveling routine... but perhaps the "gotta do it" outlook from a triplet mom was beneficial? I know that being with an amazing singleton mom rubbed off on me since I'm wiping her face a little more often these days. ;)

I could go on and on since this experience was a growing one for all involved, but I'll spare you. I do want to say that it was so wonderful having everyone back in one house together again. I'll be honest, it was a nice break taking care of one little laid back Charlotte for a few days, but our crazy day-to-day family of 3 one year olds, 2 parents, 2 Grandmoms, and one little dog is the most awesome reality one could ask for. I am so thankful.

Snapshots with Mommy

After we dressed the babies in cute little sweater outfits yesterday, my mom said "now sit down with them, Catherine, and let's take some pictures!" I think they turned out great! We rushed out the door for our walk after they started to melt-down ... next time we need to get Grandmom in there!

Winter Walk in Doylestown

We simply had to head outside today because the weather was wonderful. Grandmom & I enjoyed a stroll with the babies in Doylestown; stopping for a bite and chatting with folks walking by. What a beautiful day!

Step Aerobics!

These days we "climb up the wooden hill" before each nap and bedtime. We've decided that the work out helps with a good nap... now if only mommy would attend a step aerobics class or two. ;)

Here's a shot from this morning's stair climb. I was a tad nervous taking it since I'm tackling this morning solo and the babies were turning to look at me while climbing. YIKES!

Peek a Boo!

Man, who doesn't love a good game of "Peek a boo" every now and again. Well, the Jones triplets get at least 2 good rounds of this favorite game a day with an adult; but also love playing it with each other. What better place to play than behind the super-exciting curtains? They make me laugh.

Is this Really January?

This time last year my father was driving me to and from the Abington NICU as I delivered milk. My dad was driving me since there was snow, ice, and the expected wintry mix.
Needless to say, this year is VERY different. Here's a shot of the babies out yesterday enjoying a walk at Lake Galena (a favorite of ours). Grammie Lita also enjoyed some time outside in the January sun (ha) with the babies.

We've Got a Toddler!!

Ladies and gentlemen, we officially have a toddler in the Jones house. Baxter has been working on his steps for the past few weeks now. He was linking 3 and 4 steps together for a bit, but at his cousin Scotty's birthday party Baxter decided to continue walking straight across the room (Feb. 29th). GOOD JOB BAXTER!!! We're so proud of you!

Bang, Bang, Bang!

Oh man, do these babie's love the "bang, bang, bang" game. They bang on the couch, bang pots and tupperware, the tables, and (when really hungry) their highchair trays. Here is a shot of an awesome "bang, bang, bang" discovery, the metal washer & dryer! WOW! The loud bang echoed through the laundry room and they were totally excited. Photograph = complements of Vanessa Zeoli ;)

Top Ten Passerby Comments

It's wintertime and we're simply not out and about as much as we were a few months ago. I'm not sure, but it's possible that we may not get as many comments in the future as we did when they were so little. That said, I wanted to note the "Top Ten Passerby Comments" that we typically get when all three babies are in tow. I must say, as much as I try to keep to myself, it's always a joy to watch the faces of people light up when they see our giant stroller roll by.

In order of occurrence. Some of these are after engaged in a quick conversation.

10) "That's quite a carriage!" (almost always from a man who is into gear)
9) "oh, HELL no..." (after we walk by usually by from a man or woman slightly younger)
8) "Does it run in your family? (the masked fertility question)
7) "did you see that? ...triplets" (in a whisper after we walk by)
6) "Were you surprised when you found out?" (another masked fertility question?)
5) "Oh my god, are they Triplets?!" (slightly confused and in disbelief)
4) "Look mommy, THREE babies!" (with a little kid pointing and tugging at pant leg)
3) "TRIPLETS!!!" (super excited, approaching us while nudging their counterpart)
2) "Well, YOU'VE got your hands full!"
1) "God bless you."

Happy 1st Birthday!!!

Well, it's hard to believe that a year has gone by already. We had a little party on Saturday to celebrate the triplet's first year. Here are some pics of Alton, Baxter, & Charlotte eating their very first birthday cake. Mommy & Daddy love you guys and thanks for bringing us so much joy.

First Birthday Countdown

It's hard to believe that almost one year ago our babies were born. What a whirlwind adventure! I've planned many parties in the past, but this one is so very special to Kreg and I. We won't be hosting an epicurean extravaganza (those days are over for now), but I'm finding some bits of time to prepare a small party for our family and close friends. Here are some pics of the invitation and some small craft projects in the works. I'm no Martha, but I'll give it my best "triplet mom try".

Christmas Morning

I finally took some time to post one of the few holiday moments we were able to snap a shot of...and what moment could be more special than bright and shiny on Christmas morning? It was magic. We brought the babies downstairs and carried each one to appreciate the lights on the tree one by one. As the sun began to rise, I said "why don't we open a gift?" So here it is, sleepy eyes and all, Alton, Baxter, and Charlotte opening their very first gift from Santa Claus. Merry Christmas!