3rd Year Check Up!!!

It's that time of year again where not only do we celebrate Christmas and birthdays, but we also find out how well the kiddos are doing developmentally both physically and intellectually.

The morning started off with a bang! I'm very surprised at myself that I'm actually going to admit this (especially on here)...but we almost missed the triplets' appointment! For some reason, I kept telling myself that I scheduled it on Friday when all the while, it was scheduled today. It was on my phone calendar. It even chimed at me yesterday and this morning!! Go figure. We got there in the nick of time and was able to keep the appointment (thank God!).

Bronson has off this week so he was there to experience this neat little milestone we have every year. It was so nice to have him with me.
As always, Mollie was first. If you haven't noticed yet, I do EVERYTHING in birth order. It's easier that way (for me). Mollie did very well. Although, once we weighed everyone and recorded their height, she knew what was coming. Once we put her on the cot, she was frowning and not happy at all. But she took the shots like a champ and barely even cried. She did surprise us both on her height. She's in the 70th percentile (taller than Elise). Her weight is in the 51th percentile.

Next was Elise. We decided to keep all three of them in the same room while the others were being examined and given shots. Probably not a great idea for most people; however, it worked for us. It was originally Bronson's idea. And when the other two witnessed the one getting shots, they didn't scream or get upset. All that was said was, "They got a shot....now it's my turn". Elise did wiggle before hand. She tried to loose her way out of my arms. But after a little "talk" I had with her (basically letting her know that she's going to get it...it's going to hurt...but it will be quick), she was okay. And just like Mollie, took both her shots like a champ. Elise is in the 51th percentile in her height and 75th percentile in her weight. Interesting since she's the pickiest eater.

And last, but certainly not least, there's Preston. Such a sweet boy. By this time, he had already seen both his sisters cry out in pain (but mostly fear) of the shots, so he was prepared. He barely cried out. And ended up laughing nervously.....just like his Momma. I always laugh in awkward or painful moments. I guess it's my release. Apparently, it's Preston's as well. I was shocked that he was only in the 27th percentile for his height. That does not make sense to me as I think of him of being tall. But then again, I am comparing him to the two children he's with all the time....his sisters. His weight did not surprise me at all. He's very skinny (and eats like a horse!). His weight is in the 50th percentile.

As for intellectually, the doctor seemed very pleased with all they were able to do. In fact, he said, "You're just the little 1st grade teacher, huh?" I took it as a compliment.

Daddy thought it would be a great idea to take the little champs to eat donuts afterward. They were such good little troopers that they deserved a small treat. We then took them home and had them ride on their tricycles for over an hour! We needed something for them to exhaust all that energy!! Needless to say, they slept soundly during the nap and Mommy and Daddy got the rest they needed as well. We made it another year!!!

And the three turned three!!!

What a fun-filled, special day we had on our 3rd Birthday!!!! Anyone that knows me knows that I LOVE birthdays!! I love celebrating them, I love decorating for them, and most of all, I love planning them!!! So, of course, for the triplets' 3rd birthday I was going to go all out. But not too much. Their actual birthday party is not until January, so I didn't want to overload them. That morning, when the kids came downstairs, they got to see that I had put balloons on their chairs and cooked them their favorite breakfast....pancakes, eggs, and bacon.

Instead of the usual syrup, we put whipped cream on their pancakes. Very nice surprise for them. They never had whipped cream, so it was something new that they thoroughly enjoyed!

Here's Elise enjoying her Birthday breakfast.

Preston wanted more (of course).

Another surprise was that my Aunt Becky came in from San Angelo, along with my Mommy, to visit them on their special day!!! I call her BB (since I could talk) and they call her Konka (her grandchildren's special name for her....but we couldn't let it stop there!). The kids were extremely excited.....especially Mollie. She was overcome with Konka. And for anyone that knows Mollie, that is rare. She couldn't get enough of her Great Aunt.

And the surprises just kept coming. Mom, or GaGa (what the trips call her), took all of us out to Pappasito's!! Yay! The kids were sung to and were given a HUGE chocolate sundae (I almost had a heart attack at the sight of all the SUGAR!!!).

But they enjoyed it immensely (duh!).

So I did let this one time slip....it was their special day. And to top it off, my nephew and niece, along with her husband and baby joined us! My niece now lives in El Paso, so this was a huge treat for me!! And my little great nephew is so adorable!! The kids knew him right away from all the videos they watched of him. (Gotta love technology!)

All in all it was a great time spent with family. I'm so thankful we got to see my Aunt BB and my niece, Paige, her husband, Joe and son, Ayden. I always love seeing my nephew, Tyler. He's such a joy to be around.

There's nothing like family!! And I know the kiddos had an awesome time! All day long they were singing Happy Birthday to one another (and to Jesus!!!).

Once we got home and settled down, friends of ours came over and brought them gifts for their birthday. The trips adore Taylor, Colby and Haley! And from not being able to see each other for quite some time due to conflicting schedules, you can imagine how happy they were when they came through the door. It was a perfect ending to a perfect day! Thank you to everyone who made it special for them.

Christmas Tree

Bronson and I continued my family tradition on Thanksgiving weekend by taking the kids to pick out a Christmas tree. In all of my 36 years of existence, I have yet to have an artificial tree. When Bronson and I got married, I informed him that this was a family tradition that was not negotiable. And after the first Christmas we spent together, he understood why. The aroma alone was enough to fill the whole house and your spirits with the season.

This year was extra special. It was the first time the triplets were out of their stroller to walk around and pick one out. We allowed them to fully participate on which tree that would go home with us (of course we narrowed it down to two for them). While there, we looked around at all the Christmas decor they had. One of them were giant pine cones. All three of them were enthralled with the size of the pine cones. It was quite humorous!

And just like my brothers and I did during our annual Christmas tree hunting trips, the babies ran around and hid from each other behind all the trees. They got a kick out of being in a "Christmas Tree Forest". Above is Elise and Preston hugging (apparently very happy to be there).

Once we got home, Bronson set the tree up and I put lights on it. Decorating was set for the next night.

Another tradition that began the year Bronson and I got married was the ornament and pajama tradition. This was Jimmie's (my Stepmom) tradition for her family that she continued with my dad and us. I absolutely LOVE this tradition!!! Every year, all of us kids and grandkids receives an ornament that resembles our personality, as well as pajamas (all the girls' pjs matched and all the boys' pjs matched). It was always so exciting to find out what ornament was chosen for you that year. And every year when it's time to decorate the tree, you get to pull out the previous years' ornaments and reminisce that moment when you opened it. It's just the coolest thing. I always received angel ornaments and very elegant, beautiful ornaments. Bronson always received the weirdest, strangest, and sometimes the most ugliest looking things you have ever seen! In fact, it became an inside joke with all of us....eager to see what was chosen for him that year. We will definitely continue this tradition with our kids (and have already started). This year's ornament for the kids was.....you guessed it, Toy Story!

Bronson jumped in on the decorating this year. I usually do all the decorating while our favorite Christmas movies are playing and Bronson is "directing" on where all the ornaments should go. But now that the kids are old enough to "help" decorate, he had no other choice but to help them hang their own ornaments.

It was a delight watching him as he guided each one of them where to hang their treasure.

He was so patient as he explained what the ornament was, when they received it, and who gave it to them. He also made sure they understood why you have to select sturdy branches for the heavier ornaments, no so sturdy branches for the lighter ornaments. So cute!

Believe it or not, we had to tell them only a few times not to touch the tree the first night. After that, they have given no attention that the tree is even there. Well, except for the occasional tricycle running into it by Elise. She tells me every time, "Oops, sorry Momma. I not do that again!" And yet every other day, she does it. I'm thankful that no ornaments have been broken yet!!!

I'm so thankful that my parents and Bronson's parents instilled the true meaning of Christmas in us at an early age. While it's fun to decorate, watch Christmas movies/shows, and look at all the wonderful, magical lights and ornaments that's on display practically everywhere, it's not what truly makes us happy, or even more importantly....joyous. All the traditions may give us a sense of a family bond that seem to be disintegrating every where we look; but it doesn't makes us whole. It can't fill our hearts completely. It is Christ alone that makes us whole. As Christmas Day approaches, I challenge you to reflect on the One that is the reason for this wonderful season.

Thanksgiving

This year was the first year that we spent Thanksgiving at GaGa and PawPaw's house since they've moved. We had such a nice, relaxing time (well, most of us did....Mom and I worked!).

While the women worked in the kitchen getting dinner ready, the men and kiddos watched the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade. This was the very first time the trips have seen this parade. They were fascinated with all the floats. Daddy sat with them and pointed out all the characters. And when one broadcast went to commercial, Daddy flipped the channel to go to another one that was showing the parade. This kept them entertained for well over an hour!! (Way to go, Dad!)

Thanksgiving turkey and all the fixins' were a hit with all three babies! They thoroughly enjoyed the meal and had seconds....and thirds, and fourths (which is rare for Elise).

While they sat at the big kids' table (the huge island in the center of the kitchen), the adults sat at a nice, well dressed "adult" table. The kids felt very special with the Thanksgiving plates GaGa put out for them.

I think Preston was getting a little tired of Momma taking so many pictures. This is his, "Mom, really? I'm eating!" look. Oh sweet boy.....Momma hasn't even started!

It was so nice to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. I love going to Mom's house. Even though there were three running, screaming, squealing toddlers carrying on, I had such a serene time. Oh how I can't wait for the Christmas party!!!

Halloween!!!

This year we went to Bouncin Bears for "Halloween". Our church rented out this incredible fun place with nothing but bouncies for all the members, their kids and any invitees the members brought along. I thought it was a GREAT alternative than the traditional Fall Festival or trick or treating.

Given that you only wear a costume maybe once or twice, Bronson and I opted for dressing the kids up in pajamas this year. For their 2nd birthday, Bronson's cousins, Rachel and Kevin, bought the kids cute little pajamas (princess, princess angel, and batman). They were perfect for the occasion (and everyone thought they were costumes!).

After the kids ate and Daddy got home, we headed to Bouncin Bears for nothing but bouncing fun! To enter, it only "cost" a bag of candy. And when we left, every child got a bag of candy and other goodies (so much that we're still eating it!). Over all, I thought it was a great success....no scary monsters or ghosts (or explanations of anything we don't care to explain right now), great fellowship with other church members, and a ton of fun for the kids!!

Pumpkin Patch!!!

Our annual trip to the Pumpkin Patch was a hit! We did things a little differently this time, but I believe the kids had so much more fun!!!

This year, Brooke, the trips' cousin, joined us! Aunt Ginger, Uncle Richard, Gamma and PawPaw tagged along too!! We made an evening out of it with riding on a train around the Patch and having the kids jump in the bouncies that were on site. We ended it by going back to our house for chili hot dogs! What fun!!

Mollie was a little camera shy this year. Either she's getting tired of Momma saying, "Cheese!" all the time, or she just doesn't want to have anything to do with being center of attention. We're finding out that she's doing this toward people as well. Nevertheless, she still enjoyed her time picking out a pumpkin and playing with Brooke (they are like two peas in a pod!).

Elise was having a great time, too! Her big deal this year was not only taking the stickers off the pumpkins (she's fascinated with stickers), but sitting on them as well. Every time I looked around, there she was...sitting on a pumpkin. Well, at least she wasn't jumping off of them like her brother!

And then there's Preston. Oh, he did have a good time (despite all the estrogen). He may have had a better time than the girls since his Daddy was by his side. And to add to that excitement, PawPaw was giving "his boy" some attention too! He felt right at home....with the men! (And jumping off of every single pumpkin he could climb on).

Carving the pumpkin was definitely interesting this year. Mollie enjoyed the idea of pulling all the seeds and gunk out of the pumpkin; but after about 10 minutes, she was done.

Elise was enthralled to say the least! She kept digging her hands in and pulling out all the pulp and saying, "Look at all the stuff, Momma!". She had such a good time.

I don't know if Preston was liking it or just fascinated that Elise was having such a fun time! Every time she would pull out more "stuff", he would reach in and say, "Momma, I can't get any". Bless his little heart! But he stuck with it until we had it all cleaned out.

As most of you know, the kids are head over heels for Woody on Toy Story. So, to go along with our Toy Story themed year, I carved Woody. I was curious to see if they would be able to tell it was him. Satisfaction came within seconds of them seeing the pumpkin, when they exclaimed in unison, "WOODY!!!!" A sigh of relief.....another Mommy success!!!

FRAGILE

I've been meaning to write about this for over two weeks now. But as always, time has eluded me.

October has been somewhat busier than expected. And this time, it started off with a bang (literally). Two Saturdays ago, October 1st, Bronson and I took the babies to Richmond to celebrate Poppy's 91st birthday. For those of you who are not aware of who Poppy is, he's Bronson's grandfather on his mom's side. We were pretty excited!!

Just to give you a little foresight as what was to happen that day, that morning, I was dealing with the thought of losing one of our children. It's not something that I take pleasure in doing; however, Mollie had contracted yet another staph infection and I was having difficulty in understanding why we keep having these recurrences. And I thought to myself what if I lost a child due to an infection (they can be fatal). And literally the Lord spoke to my heart and said, "These children are only on loan to you while you're here on earth. They are ultimately Mine. And if I choose to take one of them, understand it's all part of a bigger picture." I then felt a peace wash over me and finished getting ready.

We were all meeting at a restaurant (the same one every year) to celebrate. And as always, we reserved the party room in the back for all of our clan. Beyond the room, french doors opened to another room that looks like it has been vacant for quite some time. And as every year, we allow the kids to run around in the room(there isn't a sign that tells us otherwise, nor are the doors locked). This year, another toddler was added (Bronson's cousin's little girl...20 months old). So instead of leaving one adult back there to man all the children (usually Uncle Reed), I decided to join in. After about 10 minutes of running around and playing games, Elise (with Preston following close behind her) tripped over a folded piece of carpet. Preston then tripped over Elise knocking the wind out of him. When I saw Elise, I knew she was fine. She was more scared than anything. But looking at Preston, he let one yell out and then looked as if he fainted. I rushed over to him and began to pick him up. It was at that time that I realized he wasn't breathing. His face was already turning white and his lips blue. His pupils had dilated the size of his iris's (absolutely NO blue was showing) and they were rolling to the back of his head.

Panic took hold and I started screaming, "He's not breathing! He's not breathing! Call 911!" I then laid him on the table while everyone started to gather around. Kim, Bronson's cousin, tried to pry his fists open as they were clamped shut. His body was lifeless. Bronson's mom swiftly came behind me and took a position on my left side and put her hands on his chest. She let me know that she couldn't feel his heart beat and she would start compressions. As she counted them, I waited, watching his little face slowly go far away from us. I exhaled into his mouth and nose. We did this for four sets until he began to breathe again. All the while, I could hear everyone praying silently. I was also calling out to my Rock and Salvation. His life didn't flash before my eyes, but instead, a life without my son. How would I continue to be a mother to my two living girls? Could I find the strength to be everything I needed to be for them?

The EMT showed up and checked his vitals. As a precaution, we went ahead and took him to the hospital for an exam. Chest x-rays and a CAT scan proved he was fine. Thank you Jesus!

Once everything settled and Bronson and I were back home with all three of our babies safe and sound in their bed, it amazed me how the Lord kept us calm and at peace. While Bronson was talking to the 911 dispatcher, he was able to say everything that was required of him clearly and thoroughly. We stared into each other's eyes several times in between me breathing into Preston. Although I knew there was some fear there, I also knew who our Healer is. Not many people know or have that peace. Even if the outcome was much more tragic, I know beyond a shadow of a doubt who my Comforter is. All things work together for good for those who love the Lord and are called according to His purpose.

It begs me to wonder, how about you? Do you have the Almighty to call on when your life is in turmoil? Are you on a direct line to the One that can give you the peace that passes all understanding? It was never about religion or the law. It's always been about a relationship with Jesus. He is the only way, the truth and the life. NO ONE can come to the Father except through Him. It is my wish that you know this kind of peace. It is my desire that you know the One that can fulfill the void in your heart. For when you are faced with trials here on earth, it's comforting to know you're not alone. Matthew 18:11.

Our First Movie!!!

Yes, you read the headline right.....the triplets' first movie! I thought they were too young for movies (until they were 4 or 5)...but it came a surprise to me they were ready for one particular movie.

It all started with a plush Woody doll that was bought for Preston on their 2nd birthday (thank you Kisha!). After a few months of Preston playing with it, the girls took notice. Interestingly, all three of them became intrigued with this doll. So I wondered how they would respond to the movie, Toy Story.

All I can say is, "WOW!!!!" Absolutely unbelievable! It's a whole new phenomenon to them. Not only did we pick up the first Toy Story, but we had to go back and get #2 and GaGa picked up #3 for us. The second and third one is the one they watch the most. And they can just about say every work verbatim!

After hearing this and how crazy they were over Woody....GaGa (also know as Grandma, my mom) had to buy them their first original Woody dolls. They went wild over them! They sleep with them, carry them everywhere they go, and even set him on the dining room table so he can eat too!
I thought they might try another movie so they're not watching one of the Toy Story movies all the time. Nope....not interested. All they want to watch is Woody, Buzz, and Jesse.

The one who is most enthralled with Woody is Preston. He's so amazingly cute showing me all the things that his Woody doll can do (ride the scooter, jump on the couch, walk around the house, etc.) Thank goodness this doll has an off switch as Preston wants him in bed every night.

Needless to say, their 3rd birthday party theme just may be Toy Story. Now we just need to incorporate all the other characters into their imaginative play.