3 Curious Wonders

Joseph's Bedtime

2010-09-14T09:10:00.002-04:00

The other night we had put the kids to bed. I was getting ready to turn off the light, when Joseph said "I like horses!". I replied 'yes, Joseph, you most certainly do.' then he said " what does the rain say?" I thought about this, thinking rain does not really say anything, finally I said, 'what?'. Joseph: rain, rain, go away come back another day. I was amazed. He then asked what a hat said and I asked what? He said "YEEHAW!" At this point, I decided to ask the question, I asked Joseph what sleep said? He simply snored! At that it was lights out.

Our Boys are handsome

2010-09-01T08:56:00.002-04:00

We cut out all of Brian's curls! During the discussion to do so, I thought it would look horrible, but it does not, he looks wonderful. We also went back to cutting Joseph's hair really short as well. Now, I just have to continue working and waiting on Bralee's hair to grow out.

At this point in time all are doing well. The boys are in school and loving it.

Birthday Time

2010-07-31T13:13:00.005-04:00

We are on the Thomas the Train
Papaw and Joseph

Oh the excitement was something to be seen and HEARD from Joseph when he saw Thomas. I recorded. It was amazing. Many of the parents were shocked that he responded the way he did with such enthusiasm. I did take the video recorder, because me, being the mother, figured it was going to be over the top. Every time Thomas pulled into station it was just the same. Shockingly enough, none of the other kids were showed quiet as much outward excitement as he did!

Brian with birthday cake, caked on everywhere he could manage.

As all who know Brian, he loves to eat. He just kept on going back to eat more cake.

Oh, lets share some love on our birthday....Bralee and Joseph.

Brian and Joseph playing with there ambulance and firetruck.

We had a Dora and Diego cake. They love them both, so it worked out magically for now, probably not so much in a couple of years.

Bralee with her Birthday card from Aunt Karen.

Joseph with his card from Aunt Karen. I was unable to get on of Brian with his. Joseph 2nd favorite to Thomas is his cowboy hat and this stick horse. He runs through the house riding it and saying "giddy up...yee haw!"

Update on Bralee's potty training....going great. She is still having a couple of accidents with bowel movements, but that is it. Although all who know her history with that area, that is excellent. With the birthday party, they were more excited about it finally being their turn to be sung "Happy Birthday" to. It was great. Shane had to work, so it was just me, the kids, Nana, and Papaw.

Potty Time

2010-07-21T21:09:00.002-04:00

We are steadily potty training, for about a week now. Wheeew, it is exhausting. Bralee is doing great, we can leave the house on outings/appointments with no problem. Brian started out strong, but is now back tracking. Joseph, he has not been in the running from the beginning, so it is still a daily, minute by minute battle with him.

We got the results back from Bralee's sleep study that she had done. She has more than the average # of episodes of stopped/labored breathing during the night. She will be having her tonsils/adenoids removed on August 18th and staying in overnight for observation due to her apnea. Brian is have the same surgery + ears done the next day August 19th on an outpatient basis at a different location.

Summer thus Far

2010-06-20T21:01:00.002-04:00

It has been HOOOOTTTT! We actually have not been outside a lot, except for of the early mornings or evenings. We do however go over to our friend Jennifer's and take a swim ever so often.

I will be going back to college this Fall. Wow! Shane is going back to day shift, actually that starts tomorrow, June 21st. That is pretty much all of the exciting news for us grown folk.

Brian is having surgery July 1st. He is having his adenoids removed. I asked and questioned about his enlarged tonsils to be told "no".

Memorial Day

2010-05-31T20:37:00.005-04:00

We had a blast this Memorial Day weekend. I will be selfish and start with myself. I truly enjoyed not having to cook, clean or any domesticated duty. Although most of all I was at times thinking I should pinch myself to the fact that I was spending time with family that I have never had the chance to get to know, or more importantly even knew existed. I have cousins wonderful loving cousins, great aunts and uncles. This does not even put into words their extended family of wonderful close knit of friends. It was just absolutely wonderful....MARVELOUS.

Shane spent his time on and off the volleyball court, but nonetheless have a blast. He was overcome himself with the warmth of the family and friends.

Joseph, he enjoyed the other children, swing set, the stick horses, and most of all the real life horses.

Brian, he enjoyed all the food. He was constantly going on a hunt for food, showing his sad eyes and conquering some type of food. He also consumed a fair dose of sand and even some soap while on the trip. His favorite I have to say was water balloon area...naturally water and Brian are always a great combination.

Bralee, loved the art and sand area. She loved going and painting her own pictures, but she also loved playing for great span of time in the sand. It was a great chore trying to get the sand out of her hair of the evenings. She really enjoyed Taylor, her new friend/cousin. I will be glad to see this connection grow, as do all our other great wonderful family ties.

A lot of hours and Preparations

2010-05-22T22:16:00.002-04:00

Shane has been working a lot of overtime, about 84 hours a week. I am not complaining and neither is he. The overtime comes and goes, you take it when it is available. Luckily we have been blessed and it has been there for us non-stop just not to this magnitude.

The boys, not Bralee, got into the city's Pre-K program starting this coming school year. They will go daily from 7:30/7:45 to 1:15. That is wonderful for me, that way I can insure they get a proper nap, furthermore they truly do not need all day everyday (well, I don't).

This coming weekend, Memorial Day weekend, we are traveling to Canton,Ga. I am so excited. I am going to reconnect, meet my fathers side of the family. I have someone to take care of the dog and have found us a church for Sunday morning service. I am just super thrilled. The only downside to this, we will be missing our annual reunion taking place on the plateau.

The Zoo and The Horse

2010-05-10T18:58:00.004-04:00

We are putting to use a couple of Christmas presents, our zoo membership and we just recently used our Build-A-Bear gift cards.

We have been visiting the zoo about every other week, usually of the afternoons, just as the school trips are winding up and leaving. It is become our mission to watch the baby chimp grow and see what new chaos it is causing amongst the other chimps. Also, my kids love the fact that is has its own toys, much similar to their own and that the chimps as well as the gorillas have and love "blankies" too. As we make our way through the zoo the kids know what animal is coming up next, name it, and make the correct animal sound.

A couple of weekends ago we went to the mall, we rarely go to the mall, just too much of a hassle. Shane would take 2 of them and keep them occupied while I took the other through the Build-A-Bear. Bralee was 1st with this experience, she got a rainbow colored bunny, we named it Floppy. Brian was next, he was torn between a dog and a monkey, in the end we got a monkey, its name is Monkey (how original), but he named it. Finally, it was Joseph's turn, he got a horse, its name is Neigh Neigh. I asked what he wanted to name it and all he would say is Neigh Neigh.

Once we got home and we revealed every ones animal outside of the box, it was a battle. Everyone wanted the horse. The horse became the most important object of all affection that night. It even got a place setting at the table, by Brian. The horse is still a very important fixture to all of them. Monkey and Floppy are still important as well, but nothing holds up to Neigh Neigh!

3 Different Directions

2010-04-09T21:15:00.002-04:00

When we go outside to play, well actually, when we go anywhere; they go in 3 different directions.

Joseph is all boy in the aspect of cars, trains, and sports. He loves imitating cars, trains, planes, horses, all that sort of stuff. He surprised Shane and I with his sporting ability, having never played with baseball and bat, after a couple of attempts he hit it good with no help. He seems to be very sports minded. With the swing set, I have been trying to teach them how to do self-help in many areas of daily living, which I have incorporated swinging with that, he is slowly learning. No, I do not make him just sit there and never get to swing, I push him, but not the entire time.

Brian is all boy in the mechanical aspect. He loves his vacuum cleaner, but when it comes to being outside, his new love is....THE LAWNMOWER! He can hear a lawnmower and his ears perk up like a dogs would at the sound of the word "food." He is constantly working at something. His favorite thing is to climb up the ladder or rock wall of the play yard with a ball or cup in hand, making the task that much more difficult. He pushes and pulls the lawnmower, cars, or tug boat from one area of the yard to the other.

Bralee she is so un-girl like. She scopes out for a dirt pile, one that she can get dirty from head to toe in and get a taste of, YUCK! I am constantly having to watch her, she sneaks to find one, then comes back with a chocolate face. She loves to swing, but has no desire to try and learn it on her own. She and Brian are partners in crime on climbing the fence. One day I am going to look up and they are going to be throwing their legs over and climbing down the other side....running to freedom. She is like a climbing monkey though, she can climb anything, and will try to climb anything. Especially if chocolate, cake, or M&M's are involved.

Everyday we have been spending from the time they wake from nap, until 6:30 or 7 outside. Last year I never really let them get dirty. Well, this year, is a new year. God, let us have soap, water, washing machines, and wonderful sounds of laughter...so we are going to make the most of it all

Easter 2010 at OneTrueMedia.com

2010-04-05T20:59:00.001-04:00

Make an on-line slideshow at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Winter 2010 at OneTrueMedia.com

2010-03-29T14:47:00.001-04:00

Make video montages at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Winter 2010 at OneTrueMedia.com

2010-03-29T14:46:00.001-04:00

Make an on-line slideshow at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Emotional Week

2010-03-19T21:26:00.005-04:00

Chocolate Gravy mess

It has been an emotional week for me. I have assumed for a while now that Brian had issues with his eye sight. Primarily his colors. Wednesday that was put to the test when we were faced with the strong possibility that he is color blind.

I started my first call to the eye doctor. They cannot test him fully until he can recognize his numbers. My next call was with his school, his teacher said, ' my assistant and I have been concerned and watching this aspect for some time now, he does not know how to respond when we give instructions leading to color chairs, circles or anything with color, he mainly looks confused. He pretty much relates to everything being black or sometimes blue.' I spoke with his occupational therapist, which has been seeing him since he was 6 months old, she had the same fears. With her, he always shied away from or rebelled against anything dealing with colors.

Shane and I are still going to work with him on his colors, as we would Bralee and Joseph, which mind you know every color in the book, but practice makes perfect. This just answered a lot more of our lingering questions as to why Brian would/will pretty much never even look at a TV and until just recently look at a computer.

All this took place Wednesday before Shane left for work. I was pretty emotional before he left. Because with all this on my plate I knew when I woke up the next day it would be Thursday and I had to take Brian back to the Ear, Nose and Throat doctor over his ears/hearing.

So Thursday afternoon, we meet up with who else, but Nana. She takes Bralee and Joseph to Tyson Park to play. After I unlock them from the car. Yes, I got all the way up to the dr. office and had locked them in the car and Nana out of the car.

Their were no changes in his hearing. He has no activity in his right ear. He tested just a little below normal on the overall hearing test in the sound booth. Bottom line, he is right ear deaf.

Setting Examples

2010-03-11T19:14:00.002-05:00

Lately Shane and I have been exercising every day except for Sundays. It is funny the kids come in and out of the room during our 60 to 90 minute workouts and join in, or just sit and watch for a bit.

We have cut out all junk food, except for Cheetos of course (the messiest snack). Now Brian and Bralee eagerly reach for fruit and carrots. We no longer even have soda or caffeine in our household anymore. All we have to offer a stray guest is water, milk, or juice. Shane and I, each drink about a gallon of water daily. The kids primarily drink milk and very little water. I hope to increase their water or juice intake this summer, mainly their water.

We have also started implementing prayer at every meal, regardless of where we are. It is nice to hear them say to one another: "hand, hand, pray please!" They sit and bow their heads, close their eyes, and even repeat what pray is being spoken. We have not started the prayer at bedtime yet, as bedtime is me doing it solo and can get VERRRRY crazy. We are hoping and praying that Shane gets to 1st shift soon, then we can be NORMAL.

Spring in the air

2010-03-08T14:57:00.002-05:00

It is finally here...the sun and the warmth that goes with it.

The kids are doing great. We had a great time while Shane was away. Yes, we missed him, but it was a great way for me to realize I am a strong mother. I can handle and do more than what I put myself out for. I was able to keep up with all their stuff, house work and cooking. I would just wake every morning and tell myself, 'it is going to be a GREAT day!' In the midst of all this I have been doing 60 to 90 minute/day, 6 days a week workouts, whewwwww.

I am ready to take the kids outside. Get their parking garage out of my house and put it back in the yard...all their riding toys, balls, and other outside toys, well, they just need to be outside again.

Bye Daddy

2010-03-01T15:54:00.003-05:00

Brian always knows when something is different or changing. He managed to camp out with us on Sunday/Monday morning, keeping Shane and I both awake for the most part. Shane was scheduled to leave back out for Alabama Monday at 4am. Brian was sure to see his daddy off, then he went into a hard sleep. Once I woke him at 7:40, he made a mad dash for the front door asking for his daddy. I informed him that Daddy was gone to work and would not be back until Friday...I am sure I will be repeating this A LOT!

After dropping them off at school, grocery shopping, and running by the bank; I finally made it back home to the sound of running water in the bathroom. Uh oh! The toilet was running, not running over, thank goodness, but still running. I worked on in it the best "I" knew how with no avail. I decided to turn the water off and just think on it. After about an hour I went back to it and got it to working somehow. With me having gotten it back to working condition, I know it will have to be repaired once Shane gets back home, but at least we have a working toilet. Yes, we have 2 bathrooms, just 1 of them is STILL under construction, UUUGGHHH!

Minor Difficulties

2010-02-25T14:37:00.002-05:00

Sorry for the absence. Our computer got sick. It is better now. The kids are doing great, though.

Joseph went to a Speech Pathologist yesterday, we will be continuing speech. She graded him with a mild to moderate delay. He is still only making 2 word sentences, with a lot of jibber/jabbering (jargon).

Yesterday all 3 had a visit to the Physiatry....Brian will continue with Occupational Therapy. He has to work on his focusing, aggression with other children, and self aggression. Bralee will be continuing with Occupational and Physical Therapy. She is still right side leg weak, which will be requiring a special booty. She is also still having texture and tactile issues with her hands. Joseph will be continuing with Speech and Occupational Therapy.

Monday I decided to take away all "lovies" (pacifiers, blankets, and pillows), they (we) are all having to get used to sleeping without them. It is hard, but harder in the middle of the night. They seem totally lost in the middle of the night without their "lovies".

Nana 2 the Rescue

2010-02-09T21:50:00.002-05:00

I will start off by stating, I have no pics. Sorry. Shane and I have been ran ragged, I am not even completely sure as to the location of my camera.

Thankfully, Mom watched the kids Friday night. Shane and I were running on little sleep. You can guess it, we have been sick. Funny how a cough can disrupt a entire household. I ended up leaving Brian only, Saturday night as well. Shane and I were so tired, we could still hear Joseph jingling his blankie and sucking his fingers, feel Brian rustling in our bed, but they were not even at our house.

Today, I had a bad feeling about his breathing and decided to take him on in to the doctor. Good thing, he was retracting. They automatically gave him another breathing treatment. I had just given him one 2 hours prior. We are now on steroids, also. The kicker, they asked that we limit his activity....too funny. Brian goes at 99 mph, 99% of the time and even though he is sick it is no different. He was crackly and wheezing and still running full force.

The plus side to this. We are building up immunities!

Finally some SNOW

2010-02-03T20:28:00.004-05:00

Loved this photo of Bralee

Good shot....show how much taller Brian is than the other 2!

Yeah, they like their BOOTS!

Joseph

Brian

I bundled her up...snug as a bug!

We finally got some snow. I went out, not really wanting to, but I tackled the grocery store that dreadful day. I was coming in the doors of the grocery store, as people were angrily exiting "there is no milk!" My first stop was the milk, forget bread, I do not want to hear 'milk, Mommy, milk' and not have anything in return to that request. We go through about 1 gallon per day. Guess what...sitting there on the milk shelves, was milk, may not have been the kind the, for mentioned wanted, but it was milk and in my house milk is MILK!

As I am getting a couple of other items, I was asked by someone, if I needed both gallons of milk? I sadly replied, yes. I was not purposely being greedy, but here in the valley of East TN you never know what the weather will throw your way!

The weather started off with sleet that turned into an ice layer. Then we got some beautiful "hard" not soft and fluffy snow on top of that, about 3 to 4 inches. Although, we needed a little bit more sleet and ice on top of that, as it melted a little.

This all started late Friday evening. Early Saturday morning (3 to 4am early) we were debating which hospital to take Bralee to safely. We ALWAYS use our local children's hospital, but the weather, combined with the roads was not ideal for commute. We decided to use the closest hospital to us, noting that we would not allow them to take extreme measures. If need be we would just have them transport her by ambulance to the children's hospital.

Crazily and luckily everything worked out for the best. I suppose the weather kept everyone at home. Shane was in and out of the ER in record time 1.5 hours. They were great for that episode.

We have a follow up with Pediatrician tomorrow. Crazily, we were more exhausted than she was. She still has terror episodes, but doing great. We allowed them about 20 minutes in the snow.

My Boss's!

2010-01-28T18:07:00.005-05:00

I thought to myself the other day, 'my I am tired, wonder if my boss's would mind if I nap as well?' Naturally, I would just get good and asleep and they will wake up, so I just opt the idea of sleeping/napping.

I will make 1 statement about the stage we are going through at the time. I hate it. It is like having a lot of fussy co-workers. These tantrums are ridiculous. I have been having a really hard time with cabin fever/anti-socialism. Now, I truly do not know if I could carry on a conversation with anyone other than a 2 or 3 year old, unless of course it was in regards to my child. I go days, sometimes longer with only speaking with my Mother or Shane. That is the only "adult" conversation I have.

During this stage, I love my kids a lot more when they are asleep. They are not fighting, stomping, falling out in the floor...we are all at peace.

Hair, What to do?

2010-01-27T13:20:00.005-05:00

I know, it looks like Bralee has a full head of hair, but, no. Her hair is thin. I wish it would grow longer, but in time, I suppose. The thickness, I am guessing I should be glad it is not.

He has his horse all tucked away for the ride!

Brian, after a great haircut! He has only had maybe 2 complete haircuts. With his Sensory Input issues haircuts are always horrible. You can go in expecting and really needing to get it cut, to come out with maybe one snip around the ear or at the crown cut. I love this photo of Brian with his hair and REALLY regretted ever getting his hair cut in the first place. We are now just going to let it grow.

Between the 2 photos you can really see how much a haircut can change a person. I love his look both ways, but I really like his hair longer.

Pulmonary

2010-01-20T14:20:00.002-05:00

Our Pulmonary appointment went uneventful to say the least. To start off, we were given mask for Bralee and Brian, asked to go outside the office and sit in hall to await our turn. Bralee and Brian were both running high temperatures.

Luckily Bralee’s oxygen levels were good 100%. While on the other hand Brian’s were 95%. They brought us in complimentary doses of Motrin for the fevers. Brian took his like a champ. Bralee reclaimed her’s about 5 minutes later. This resulting in a suppository. I was pondering the chances of Brian and Bralee being admitted yesterday. Thankfully, my mother was with me at the appointment.

We will not be graduating to bi-annual appointments just yet. We will be returning and continuing our every 3 month check up.

You may be wondering where Joseph was during all this. He was having a solo blast and a little mischief.
Final report…all 3 have the flu!

I must say, this seems all to normal and I know it should not. My kids look and act like normal healthy kids, but raise Bralee's shirt and you will see the battle wounds. The wounds that cause the onset of a minor cold to turn major quick. Then we have Joseph, pull down his pants and see his battle wounds. They cause him discomfort in ways he is yet able to express fully. Brian, he just rolls with the punches. My kids cannot peel back their skin and show you their fragile insides. They are tough and healthy on the outside. It is the frail and under-developed insides they cannot show you.

Joseph where are you?

2010-01-18T20:25:00.002-05:00

At about 4 this morning, Joseph started crying. I, half awake go to comfort him. I did find it odd. Usually they waste no time and just make the journey to our bed and climb in. Thinking this, I did try and wake myself a little more.

I turned on the light and he was not in his bed, nor on the floor beside his bed. I could barely see his head peeping out from under Bralee's bed. He started screaming at this point. I could not get him out and honestly not sure how he got under their. I yell for Shane. I had not waken my muscles up enough to lift the bed for his escape.

On the health front: Brian has pink eye and this morning was doing great aside from that. School called at lunch for us to come and pick up Bralee. She is now running a temp of 103 and sporadic coughing. Brian now this evening is running a fever of 101. Joseph, he is fine, running WILD. He is still on antibiotics. We have our 3 month check up at Pulmonary tomorrow. All I can say, is what great timing for Bralee's sake (or not). I will try to post any updates good, bad, or improvements as soon as possible.

On the remodeling: we still have about 2 days of work left on it. I did not say which 2 days. That is the key phrase.

Bumps in the Night/New Book

2010-01-15T22:27:00.003-05:00

Joseph and Brian in our bed!
Bralee

Shane works 2nd shift. This most of the time entails that he does not get home until 2:45 in the morning, because 9 times out of 10 he works over. Which is great, but I, like my kids, am scared of the dark.

I guess you can say that I have instilled this little trait into them. I have always been a little scared, well more than a little scared of the dark. Although, this fear has increased since the recent thief broke into my car, in my driveway.

All 3 kids (toddlers) are in toddler beds. They are only 2 ½ years, therefore they are still toddling along in life. They have their fair share of bumps, falls, and mostly falls out of bed. I just hate those out of no where sudden bumps in the middle of night, where 1 of them has fallen out of bed. The dog has been perked up and alerted to a noise. Yet she is not a guard dog, so you can forget about getting a bark, only a lick and slobber bath if you are lucky.

I have thought about not picking up their toys of the nighttime and letting that be a trap, sure to wake any one. Then again, my hubby may break his neck in the process as well!

I am also trying to decided on a new book to read. I finished Dear John this week. It was good. I am not completely sure if I will rush out and see the movie when it comes out or not. I honestly do not know what I expected out of the ending of the book, dignity or dishonesty, but I am torn up about it. Do not get me wrong, it was a good book, just wish all parties could of had a "fairy tale ending."

Gastro Appt and Sippy Cups

2010-01-14T19:35:00.004-05:00

All went really well with the appointment today! Joseph came in at 27 lbs. and 10th % on growth chart. Bralee at 23 lbs and 3rd % on growth chart. At this rate they may completely fill out the 2T clothing by their 3rd birthday! All I have to say is progress is progress. Regardless at what speed it happens, at least we have progress to build upon! Even better news, we do not have to go back until July!

We did have Brian in tow on this appointment. No, he did not get on the scales, but he never has been below the 95% on the growth chart since he was 6 months old. He mostly stays around 98%. Resulting in many questions: Do you have twins and 1 really close in age?

In comparison, it does look like Brian has never missed a meal and perhaps even stolen a few from Bralee and Joseph. I will rest assure, they all hold their own when it comes to food.

After the appointment, Shane went to pass out sippy cups. We are currently using (have been for about the past 3 months) 1 pink, 1 purple, and 1 orange. They automatically look to make sure they are getting the correct color. It is frustrating. We have another set that we use for juice only, 1 pink, 1 green and 1 blue. It was odd, they pulled dominance over color on those as well.
Bralee =Pink (naturally)
Brian = Purple/blue
Joseph= Orange/green
For Christmas we got some water cups/sports bottle that will not leak. Two are exactly alike. It will be funny watching it play itself out on whom will get which bottle.

Update on Joseph

2010-01-12T20:14:00.003-05:00

No this is not Brian tonight, but pretty darn close to what he was up to!

I took Joseph into the doctor today. He woke up after a very unrestful night of sleep. Same goes for Shane and I.

I took Bralee and Brian to there normal therapy session this morning. Leaving Joseph and Shane at home to get some much needed peaceful rest.

Joseph's fever spiked again late last night. Continued spiking throughout the night and into the morning. I had spoken with Joseph's teacher and she assured me that Joseph was fine at school.

I got him an appointment at 1:30. The doctor looked at his throat, stated yeah, it looks like strep, we will swab it and make sure. The 6 min test came back negative. Although, with the way it looked she put him on antibiotic and doing the overnight test, being certain that it is Strep. I smiled, thanked her, and stated 'if it is strep, I will be seeing you in a couple of days with another child!'

The downfall to triplets/multiples. When 1 is sick and you would enjoy to just love and cuddle that "1" child, you cannot. It never fails the other 2 are absolutely fine. They have either not gotten the sickness yet, or are next in line to get it! Therefore they are up and ready to rock n roll and possibly even bring the house down in the process!

I will not deny it. Brian was 1 step from being tied to my side again. Making every step that I made. That way he could not cause all the trouble/chaos that he seemed to bring down on us today. Speaking of which, when I get a couple of spare moments, I will have to write about my "quick" trip to Walgreen's with Brian.

Just Photos

2010-01-11T15:13:00.004-05:00

We are all doing great. Some minor sickness, fevers and coughing. Nothing major. We will be making our bi-annual trip to the Gastric doctor this week with Joseph and Bralee. I am excited/nervous to see what comes of it. Joseph's eating has gone from so/so, to bad, to just horrible. Bralee on the other hand LOVES to eat, but every time she eats, it still goes through her in about 30 minutes, at which point she is ready and asking for more. Brian is in 3T, Joseph 2T, and Bralee 18 months.

As far as developmentally all is going well. They are almost up to age. Brian is having issues with feeding himself. Go figure, the biggest eater. He gets frustrated with using utensils and just starts shoveling it in with his hands. Regardless of what it is, pudding, oatmeal, or noddles.

I will be posting more photos and less updates. I will only be doing updates, once or twice a month.

Christmas 2009 and Remodeling

2010-01-02T16:30:00.004-05:00

I still have to put up my crown molding and another coat of paint!

Joseph

Brian

Bralee

Brian ---- no intro needed

I am honestly considering boycotting holidays. Each and every holiday, that is worthy of mention. I got sick the Tuesday before Christmas with a quick stomach bug that was out the window and over with by Wednesday evening, which was just in time for Thursday mornings horrid head cold, that is still lingering.

Brian woke up Christmas morning with vomiting, but I refused to stay put. By New Year’s Eve, Bralee was coughing and Joseph was snotty.

Joseph got trains & dinosaurs. Brian got an assortment of items; watches, calculators, but his favorite was his real vacuum. Please forgive the child if he is ever at your house and goes through your closets, he is only looking for your vacuum, nothing more. Bralee got baby dolls, Elmo and a card game. They got their 1st glow worms, which was a hit. We got season passes to the zoo for the year and gift cards to Build –A-Bear. They all 3 got a guitar and it was/is a hit! They got unique piggy banks, to learn how to save their own money. I liked that idea as well.

I had also purchased them dual DVD players for the car, but someone else decided they may need them as well and stole them while the car was parked in the driveway at the house.

The kids have truly enjoyed looking at the Christmas light decorations on houses of the nights. I will load them and take them around looking for the lights, which most of the time they would find them before me! Last year they loved bells. I am curious to find out what the obsession will be next year!

In the midst of all this, we are doing/completing some remodeling. The master bathroom and den has been the main area of focus at this point. Although, do not forget Shane still has their play yard thing to complete in the backyard as well!

We have made multiple trips to our local Home Depot and Lowe's. I myself made 1 particular trip to pick out the tile. That was not so much fun. I got a buggy, not a wagon. Loaded 11 boxes of tiles into this buggy, then preceded to look at other stuff. I decided (well my back did) that the other stuff in the store, mainly the crown molding, is not important. As I was loading these boxes of tiles into the car, I started to worry. We have a Nissan Altima and it continued to makes its journey closer and closer down toward the pavement. I will never make that mistake again. I will make 2 trips!

Baby you are COLD

2009-12-21T21:57:00.000-05:00

I went to pick the kids up at school today. It is always a crazy mad house. Instead of 1 kid going happily crazy to see his parent/caretaker, I have 3. Well, today 2, with all the commotion, I did not realize that Bralee was not present. Yes, bad, bad mother. We greet each other happily, as Joseph gets mad for having to give up his time.

I notice Bralee (all 20 lbs of her) is a very cold, not hot, but COLD! I continuously state, ‘Bralee, your hands are frozen!’ Finally one of the ladies informs me, ‘yeah, she has been outside.’ Joseph and Brian are warm as snuggle bugs and show no signs of having been outside. This did not throw up flags to me as a parent, until on the way home…about 7 minutes after leaving the school. Cough,Cough,Cough,Cough.

Joseph and Bralee are in the same classroom. Brian has been moved up into another, but this morning, due to lack of students, he was back in with the other 2. Luckily, I dressed them in fleece lined pants and double layered their shirts. So, I ask myself, why was Bralee, the most fragile outside and the other 2 inside for play time. The high was 43 degrees today. I do pick up at 5pm. If you think about it that 43 degrees was probably not at, or close to 5pm!

Do I ask that they give special treatment to Bralee? Ask that they only allow her to be outside for a set amount of time? I do not want to be that parent, but I have to look out for the best of my child. Bralee has struggled enough in and through my eyes.

I have been keeping them secluded from stores and crowds. For fear of them getting sick and unable to go visiting for Christmas. Hopefully and more than likely it is just another flare up of Bronchitis!

Christmas Tree Up's & Down's

2009-12-16T21:06:00.000-05:00

This is the first year Shane and I have put up a Christmas tree. True, we have never put up a tree. We have never even owned a tree. The tree we have put up was given to us. Which is great. That way if the kids tackle it, I will not blow my top nor will Shane. My mother brought up a entire assorted box of lights. We are sure to have plenty. We are putting a limited number of ornaments on it.

We are putting 1 ornament per child/per year. These ornaments are to represent them at that stage in life; their likes, favorite characters, favorite animal, etc. We are going to keep this going and when they move out on their own, send their ornaments with them for their 1st tree.

The other night, I took each child individually out front to see the neighbors Christmas lights. Nothing major, just a couple around trees and such. They went crazy. I decided to load them up and go hunt down some “really light up houses.” I was amazed, they would spot them before I did. Now every evening in the car, they look for lights and have finally noticed that Red Lights exist. I wonder how they would react if they saw flashing lights in the rear window…lets say blue? I do not want to find out either!

When we plugged the tree in and the lights came on, it was magical. Brian said “wow,” very low tone. None of them could keep from touching the lights. As if making sure they truly did exist.

A week later: The tree only has the lights, 4 ornaments, and a topper remaining. Two branches have been broken off. I placed gifts underneath it today. Guess who sneaks a gift to unwrap? Joseph, no, not Bralee our candy thief. I have caught Joseph unwrapping 2 gifts, 1 his and 1 Bralee’s. After they went to bed, I just put all the gifts into a closet. Hopefully they, well Brian, does not open the closet door. If he does, he will be buried under gifts and pampers.

Milesone's
Joseph- has really taken to singing. What songs you may ask? It does not matter, he likes them all. Happy Birthday, particularly well for some reason, possibly because we attended 2 parties back to back recently. He pronounces his name 'Oseph', spots and pronounces 'istmas ree'! For him this is a major milestone. He still says 'iemu' for 'I love you'!
Brian- is really play mother duck to her ducklings. He will undress Bralee and Joseph for bath time. He has been able to put his shoes on since August and put them on correct footing with simple directions. Now he is able to put shirt and busily working at pants, as well. He is showing more eagerness toward the potty.
Bralee- is able to make more compound phrases. We were sitting together and all the sudden, I said 'boo,' she grinned and said "mommy you care me!" She is able to put on her shoes and with little directions get them on the correct footing. She is showing a lot of interest in the potty as well.

As with last winter, we stick with habits, they all 3 know that NO ONE goes out the door without their hat. Brian is the only one that knows how to put his hat on, but strangely enough, they all know how to take it off!

Tonsils Vs. Ears

2009-12-10T19:56:00.000-05:00

Cookies and they will do anything!
Dead giveaway...the chair and poor piggy

Shane's current project. The kids Swing set.

Yeah, I know it is on backwards, but all he knows it that he accomplished getting it on! He can get his shoes on, now his shirt. I'm fine with it!

Gotta love the mocking!

Thanks to seeing another mother’s blog, I decided to ‘interview’ the kids at this stage of development. I do not know what will be more interesting. The way they express themselves, or the fact that while I was talking with Joseph, Bralee came running in a mad dash in nothing but a shirt and socks for her sippy cup of milk. Yeah, she was minus the diaper! I just followed her back to the potty and did my interview of her there! I just really need someone anyone to come, sit with me, and walk me through it once.

I took Brian to the doctor this morning to check out his tonsils. Naturally, we go in for one thing, come out with something else. His tonsils are okay, just a little enlarged. No reason for removal. Although, his left ear did have fluid behind it. The doctor asked, “has he had a lot of ear infections?” I proudly reply, ‘only a couple, maybe 3, the last being this summer.’ He decides to put him on some nose drops and do a hearing test.

Okay, Brian’s appointment was at 9:30, it is almost 12. We go do the hearing test and Brian does not do so well. Nothing that the drops or possibly tubes will not help. In the waiting area, every child was so antsy and tired of waiting that us parents decided to just let them rule the roost! When the doctor did come in to see us, Brian was asking for his milk, that I had him ask the doctor when could he have some milk.

2009-12-07T19:05:00.000-05:00

Joseph and Brian on a nightly visit in the NICU...holding hands. They never co-bedded, but Brian would go visiting!
Bralee...our fighter. Beating the odds stacked against her. She kept a lot of people on their knees praying. The angels (which come in so many forms) watched over her.

Now they hate to be touched by one another. (Joseph {L} and Brian{R})

Brian...he was as jealous with his attention then as he is now

Joseph...I call this my superhero pose. Needless to say he was not feeling like no superhero.

This morning was another bad morning with Brian and separating. He stood, face plastered to the glass of the door, screaming ,kicking and banging his head when I dropped him off.

I stood outside the door, out of sight, ready to cry myself. I know what it feels like to be that child crying. Scared of change and being separated. Also when any of my kids cry, I cringe.

Each one of my kids have a certain cry, you know the one that says, ‘something is not right.’ I hate that cry. I HATE doctor appointments where they have to get shots of any kind. Yes, I know it is for their own well being, but it hurts me.

Their are 2 places that I have spent time at with loved ones that made me look at life differently: 1. a chemotherapy center –the people are full of hope, survival and fight.

2. a NICU- the littlest of fighters I have ever seen. The only voices they have are that of medical professionals and loved ones. Because most of their cries are so faint, they are not able to be heard. It is an experience that will break you down to your knees.

Both of these environments changed me. Helped me to grow. They have a common bond, they both fight to survive.

Sleep Study

2009-12-06T13:18:00.000-05:00

This is what Bralee is doing to her pacifier's

Okay, I have discussed Brian and his odd sleeping, or lack their of, issues. He is the only one that is not in a toddler bed. I guess he thought he would make himself one. He has turned the bottom of the closet into a bed. His bed.

A couple of days ago, Shane and I decided to de-clutter closets. We moved all the diapers from their closet to the hall closet. Their shoe tub out from underneath the bed and put it in the closet. The shoe tub is now Brian’s bed.

On the other hand when you open up the hall closet, you now have to worry about being buried in diapers, pull ups and wipes. Instead of the usual blankets, sheets and pillow cases.

Brian had his sleep study. It went fine. The most pain free and stress free (if you do not have sensory input/texture issues) test you could ever have preformed. I warned them to bring help to put all those sticky things on him. Luckily they listened. Brian did not eve let me put on his admission bracelet. Therefore the Doritos bag wore it.

The technician came in and said ‘we will start with the ankles first, that way it will be easier.’ I thought to myself, yeah right, the kid will not even let me touch his feet, he hates his feet to be touched unless he initiates it. That did it, Brian started screaming, grabbing at the technician, and pinching. We decided to keep moving with placing the probes. I knew, no matter what, it would not be any better or easier.

Bottom line, all went well…he slept, as he was intended to. They woke us at 5am. They de-corded him. He told them bye.

Joseph is starting to “think” he is ruler of the bedroom. Now that he is in a toddler bed, he controls the TV, lights, and radio. He would also rather be in his room more than any where else.
Bralee is attached to the chairs. She has come to realize that if something is out of reach it is ok.

She goes gets a chair. Carries it back to the destination (no matter how far that may be) and she will climb to get into anything her heart desires…anything. Great for problem solving. Not so great for the childproofing aspect. I am considering contacting the local fast food restaurants and asking about bolting all chairs into the floor.

On the other hand, I have been getting together some photos for a family member for a Christmas gift. My oh my, I cannot believe how much the kiddies have changed.

Bralee has went through some great and some really bad hair phases.

Brian’s biggest changes have been in his face.

Joseph, it is really odd, he has not changed very much.

All my photos are “semi” organized on cd’s. When I say “semi” I do mean semi. If anyone has some ideas on how I can organize these photos and get them stored please tell me. I would rather start now and not wait and play catch up at 4 and 5 years old.

I am on the verge of throwing the keyboard out the window. My rrrrrrrrrrrrrrr button is stuck. That is fine, but not when you never realized how many words contain the letter “R” and you are stuck hitting delete more than actually typing. I will be purchasing a new keyboard on my trip to Wal-Mart.

2009-12-01T21:09:00.000-05:00

My bed last night from 4am til 8am. Yes I was kicked out of my bed. Then rudely kicked over by Brian at 5:30am sleep walking or some craziness. Once he realized it was Momma that he had tripped over, well he thought it would be fun to join me. Luckily the floor never runs out of space!The bed got to be a outrageously crazy place this morning at about 4am. I honestly do not even know which one came into our room first. I just know they kept coming and the space kept getting more limited. I decided I would sleep more peaceful knowing I was not covering one with a pillow, if I just slept on the floor. At least on the floor, I would have plenty of space.

Joseph is now in a toddler bed. My mom (Nanna) lucked up on it for the bargain price of $2.00. As for Joseph, it is the grandest thing. He will come and get his milk or snack, go back to his bed and turn on the TV and just veg out. No, this is not a behavior I will accept, but I will let him get familiar with the new bed. What he does not know, is that the TV is coming out of the room all together in a couple of weeks. Also, as you can see, Bralee is still in the middle of things.

Oh yeah and for those who do not know...do not let Joseph touch your hat. He gets attached really quick.

Shane letting the kids help make deer jerky...yummy!

I take Brian tomorrow evening to stay overnight at Children's Hospital for a sleep study.

The Split of My Angels....Not Yours

2009-11-30T20:22:00.000-05:00

I did it. I split my kids up in daycare. They go to school/childcare/daycare 1 day a week. The director of the center called last week asking if we could move Brian up into a more advanced class. I must say it took me my surprise.

I decided I would not dwell on this transition. I knew it would be rocky, more for Brian than the others. Brian and Bralee are extremely attached. I suppose it is good that they are being separated at this point than later.

I stood outside the door of Brian's classroom and listened to him cry. Yes, I was out of sight. The teacher would try and distract him. He would kick,start crying harder and run back to the door. I held strong and he finally calmed himself after about 20 minutes.

I went to pick the kids up and was surprised with the report. They did not allow Brian to sleep next to Bralee either. When the kids did meet up in the “gross motor” room the teachers said, “it was like a joyous reunion.” I can imagine. When we separate them on overnight stays, it is as well.

Here is the GREAT punch line. They also stated that Joseph preformed better in Brian’s absence! Although on the other hand was a bully toward Bralee!?!
Let me just state this up front. They only have 2 classrooms. My 3rd child will not be sitting in the hallway! 

This evening, since being at home, Brian and Bralee have been inseparable! Loving, kissing and hugging on one another. Joseph on the other hand, has bitten Brian and kicked Bralee!

I am thankful for the separation. They can learn to perform amongst their peers as individuals and not as "The Triplets."

My Angels….Not Yours
Even though that child may not be an angel in your eyes and for the most part far from an “angel.” You, yourself will never truly know what that parent has watched that child fight through, for, or against to be where they are today. Therefore in their eyes and in many others they are a “angel.”

Shoes and Curls

2009-11-24T21:19:00.000-05:00

We finally got back Bralee's shoes. Yeppers, we dropped her off at school and there they were. Surprisingly, I looked at the other little girls feet and she had on shiny new black shoes. She needed them!

Okay, I loved Brian's new haircut after he got it cut. Mind you, he got it cut in October. I started really missing his curls about a week later. That was how long it took me to remember why I desperately needed him to get it cut in the first place. He HATED for me to brush/comb/touch his hair.

I took Brian with me to get his haircut today. He has not had one since October. I was/am going to let it grow back out. Although, with the holidays, I was going to get it trimmed. No such luck. He refused. The hairdresser was able to make one cut and that was it. With me holding him down. So she could even it out on the opposite side. She got in 2 cuts. One above each ear.

Bottom line. Brian's hair will grow until he can tell us he wants a haircut. Can climb into the chair by himself without crying. Sit fairly still. And we just may possibly throw into play, when he can pay for it himself. Because no matter how much I liked his haircut, I loved his curls.

Thinking Back

2009-11-23T20:26:00.000-05:00

Bralee had just had surgery and not doing very well. Joseph was getting ready to have surgery in a couple of days at this point. Although, he was located in a bassinet right across from Brian. Brian was healthy, just feeding and growing.

It is odd. Mine never co-bedded. They were never healthy enough at the same time. But the greatest thing was taking place late at night. They would take Brian off his monitors and let him go visit Bralee and Joseph. Once I found out about this I just had to take part in it. Be witness to the joy of visitations/bonding.

I could not believe it. I was going to be holding Brian, while checking in and visiting with Bralee. It was an amazing and brief experience.

The first time I held 2 of them at a time was 8/26/07. They were born on 07/25/07. I never got to hold all 3 of them at once until November. That is when Bralee made her arrival home.

I have a multitude of things to be happy for this holiday season, but the things that are to be most “Thankful” for are my family. Not just the ones you see photos of on here, but the ones that are in the background. The ones that helped me and these angels get to where we are today. The grandparents, aunts, uncles, brothers and sisters.

Odd Night Time Behaviors

2009-11-17T20:31:00.000-05:00

Over the weekend my mother was gracious enough to watch the kids, which she does often actually. Although, my brother and sister-in-law ended up with one of my boys. That was more than fine, as well. They have kept him before and he enjoys them.

I did call and speak with my brother to alert him of some of Brian’s new and awkward behaviors. He will lay and stare into outer space for hours. Sometimes he will acknowledge you and sometimes not. He likes his hand to be held. Most importantly, do not be alarmed, if in the middle of the night you wake up to him standing beside you just staring.

Oh yeah, it is freaky. He comes into our bedroom, stands beside us and just stares at us like he has never seen us before. We never know exactly how long he has been standing their sometimes. The pillow and blanket is always with him. Once we acknowledge him, he either climbs into bed with us or goes back to his bed.

Well, now Joseph is starting this thing where he comes in the middle of the night and just stands on my side of the bed. Yeah, the blanket is always with him as well. He wakes us up with his sucking noises. He waits for his invitation into bed. With his stubbornness, I can honestly say, he would wait hours.

I can feel and see that Bralee will be next. She already sleeps halfway standing up. We are constantly laying her back in her bed. Or being extra careful opening the door to the room, for fear she is sleeping behind it again.

I suppose my side is a pretty happening place. Maybe a traffic light will be needed if Bralee starts any bad habits.

Remember my post a while back about Brian, all his pillows, his blanket and now his book. Here is a look into his bed. Joseph, he just has all blankets. Bralee, her bed stays for the most part nice and neat. All she needs is her pacifier.

Rib Rub and "Not" Bralee's shoes

2009-11-16T20:31:00.001-05:00

I suppose Bralee’s shoes were a hit in the other household! They have not been returned to her school yet. I did my civil duty and returned the other childs. Honestly, I just felt bad for the other little girl whom had to suffer the hours with her feet stuffed in Bralee’s shoes. I still laugh at the situation.
Afterall, we all have a crazy day every now and then. I have been dropping my triplets off to them for a couple of months now every “Monday” morning. Yeah, I only let them go on Monday’s.

Sunday we had a great “Family Day.” The kids have been battling sickness so we stayed home from church, but made a fun day of it. Shane fired up the grill and let the kids get active with seasoning and fixing some ribs.

While they were cooking they ran and played in the backyard, truly enjoying the beautiful day. We all sat down and enjoyed our supper. Then filled the house with wonderful smells of a Vapor Bath. Luckily the only coughing lullaby we fell asleep to last night was Joseph’s.

Here we go Again!

2009-11-13T15:01:00.000-05:00

Oh,yeah, Hello Pediatrician office! We all went this morning.

At first, I was not going to take Joseph, he was acting pretty ok, just a little coughing here and there. Although, Nana is keeping the kids this weekend and I do not want any worries while their, I got him in as well. He is fine. He did get tested for Strep, but it was negative!

Bralee, well she has Bronchitis again. Here we go on another antibiotic ride. Hopefully this time my kitchen floor does not get to eat the yogurt as well! She is coughing so much and sleeping so little. Actually the only one getting the most sleep is Joseph. Brian worries about Bralee, therefore he follows wherever she goes!

Brian, he has an ear infection. I knew he had it, I was just putting off antibiotics. He is also having problems with his tonsils and going to an Ear,Nose, and Throat specialist in December. I am certain his tonsil problem goes back to when he was on the bottle.

Rounding up Summer 09 at OneTrueMedia.com

2009-11-12T20:39:00.001-05:00

Make an on-line slideshow at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Role Swithcing

2009-11-11T20:12:00.000-05:00

Joseph used to be very passive. Whiny, yet passive. Not anymore. He is now notorious for being very dominant. Most likely coming into his firstborn role. He shoves and pushes his way into situations. Pushes others and bullies over toys and food. The other day he daringly ran up behind Brian and pushed him down while he was walking. Poor Brian fell and his sippy cup went flying. Needless to say Joseph, whom never used to get sent to Time-Out has pretty much been their non-stop lately!

Bralee, oh dear. We let them go into the back yard and play today. Yes, she would be the one, she came in with some kind of worm and so much dirt caked under her nails it was nasty. It will be her pockets that I will have to be checking instead of the boys! She is sneaky, so sneaky even at this tender age. Their is one thing that has stayed with her from way back in the NICU. She used to play with her hands, others hands, just always something with her hands; well that is the same to this day. You can tell Bralee to stop doing something, but if it has to do with her hands, it is like the signal from brain to hands is lost. I tell her 'do the hands and I need to have a talk?'

Brian, well out of all he is more of the mothering type. He is more of a caretaker. He will pull Bralee's pants up if they are falling down, try and help dress Joseph, and make sure everyone gets their milk. Speaking of milk. We all know how expensive it is getting, sometimes it would be cheaper to buy a cow and milk it, but in my case if you could not make it laugh and the milk come out her nose, then we would still have no milk. We were not even up and moving around 10 minutes this morning and Brian was trying to help get sippy cups and breakfast ready...yeah you guessed it, he dropped a whole (full) gallon of milk. It busted went all over the kitchen floor. Over the past 2 weeks my kitchen floor should be pretty healthy, it has now had a entire container of yogurt, thanks to Bralee and now the milk. I should have known something disastrous was brewing. Brian and I just mopped yesterday.

Attachment

2009-11-09T19:58:00.000-05:00

As I was putting Brian to bed tonight, I realized a book in his bed. He automatically noticed that I noticed and slid it under his pillow, well one of his many pillows. This kid has some serious attachment issues to his one particular pillow. The other night/morning 4am I was running around the house trying to find it "The Pillow". I even ran out to the car trying to find where he had last placed it.

So this evening, I was picking them up from childcare and noticed that Bralee had on someone else's shoes. No biggie. Actually, I thought it was funny and felt sorry for the poor little girl with Bralee's narrow footed shoes. But the biggie was when they had no idea where Brian's infamous "Pillow" was. Now that was something I was not leaving without. The girl with Bralee's shoes and her mother could figure that out on another day. I will return the other girls shoes Monday and hopefully the other girls mother realizes the shoe error as well.

We found Brian's pillow. I bring it home and let him help me with the washing process. Bad mistake. Really bad mistake. He broke down crying. Proceeded to go and get one of his chairs pull it up to the machine and tried to dig out his pillow. I finally took care of the situation, but let him help me place all the laundry, pillow included into the dryer. Well, he lasted about 7 minutes. Therefore he is enjoying his "pillow" even though it is damp.

Brian is not happy with just 1 pillow in his bed, he has about 8, but only 1 is special. He also has 2 blankets, 1 is a special blanket. And now a BOOK!

Bralee, well she has a pacifier.

Joseph has about 6 or 7 blankets in his bed and whichever 1 he chooses that night is the special 1. Usually you can narrow it down between 3, which is what you better take on the road with you. But his most important favorite can never be left behind....his fingers, he loves to suck on his fingers.

Sick of being Sick

2009-11-05T21:13:00.001-05:00

I suppose this all started shortly before Halloween. I did not get all hyped about Halloween; did not buy costumes or make major plans.

Bralee started showing signs of a cold around Thursday, but just a runny nose, more like allergies. Joseph was in the same boat and I just passed it off as allergies and treated it in that manner. Especially due to the fact that I ended up at the doctor office with Joseph and it was not even noticed. All concern was given to his passing blood in his stools. And the cycle begins.

The next day we are all sitting at the doctor office at Children's Hospital (which is where 99.99% of all their appointments are) and come out with a date of return for a test to be done. Here is the kicker, the blood is okay. The doctor gave the signs to watch for, but now we are going to be running test on the other end checking his reflux. That is fine as well, maybe, hopefully it will be the answer to his eating issues/phobias.

Now, we are into Friday, looking forward to a relaxing weekend. Which we do until Saturday/Sunday morning at 1am, coughing strikes. Bralee is struck with a cough, we pass it off as an asthma attack, treat her and go back to sleep. Sunday it rears its ugly head again and again. None us, except Joseph, got any sleep Sunday night. Brian even climbed into bed with us to pat Bralee on the back and make sure she was okay.

Monday morning, EARLY Monday morning, I take the boys to school and Shane takes Bralee to the doctor. I have to give my doctor office KUDDOS, when I call, they get us right in. Our Miss Bralee is teeter tottering between Bronchitis and Pneumonia. After the 1st initial dose of antibiotic and a couple of breathing treatments, she was as good and mean as ever. The downfall,she does not have enough intestines to fully absorb and the breathing medicine does some awful stuff to her urine so we fight one AWFUL diaper rash. I think she is smart enough now that she would run away if we did not lock it down like Fort Knox instead of getting a diaper change, or better yet, just not wear one at all.

Well, Joseph went for his testing. Shane had to take him. I have been hit like a sledge hammer with some awful sinus infection, fever and body aches to tag along with it. What I, nor Brian and Bralee, expect to see was Joseph walk back in the door hooked up to a little black box and a tube coming out of his nose. Brian and Bralee took off running and screaming. I took off running and hugging. Let me rephrase, Joseph did not walk back in, he was carried, he still was unable to walk from the anesthesia. Bottom line to all this Joseph is okay and needs to continue to eat more Fiber.

Somewhere in the last 2 weeks we have managed to spend way to much time at the doctor offices. Bralee is to be getting fit for shoe inserts for walking on her tip toes. I will be making that appointment once all the other chaos stops.

Rainy Monday

2009-10-12T22:33:00.001-04:00

Today was so horrible, I have no pictures to post, only words. It was rainy, all day. The kids have school on Monday's, but not all day, just 3 1/2 hours. Well on the way, busy Monday morning traffic, Brian decides I was not paying enough attention to him and hit me up side the head with a half full/half empty sippy cup. Needless to say, it hurt and I was in total shock. If traffic and road conditions would not have been in bad shape, he may have been in more trouble than he was.

Well, during there whopping 3 1/2 hours, I relaxed. Which was a good thing. I walked them out of school, still pouring the rain. Good thing I parked under the awning. I placed Bralee in her seat, unfastened. I placed Joseph in his seat and buckled him in. In the midst of doing both of these 2 things, I put my keys in the front drivers seat and Brian went around to the front drivers side as well. After securing Joseph, I closed the door, told Brian to close the door and get in the back, only he could not, nor could I get in the car... he locked us both out of the car and the other 2 in the car. But remember, Bralee was not fastened in her seat. I had to coach Bralee to unlock the door, which she did.

My Birthday

2009-10-10T22:12:00.001-04:00

See how big Brian's eyes are, they stayed that way the entire time. Pure enthusiasm

Okay, my birthday was Wednesday. I had an appointment at 9am, Shane had an appointment at 11:45, and the kids had an appointment at 2. Guess what, we made it to all of them, all of us, to all 3. They handle it like troopers.

After their appointment, we decided to do a road trip to Gatlinburg and go to the aquarium. Late afternoon, no kids, few germs, few people, let them run free. They slept in the car. Oh my, that was a delight. They usually NEVER sleep in the car. They truly enjoyed themselves at the aquarium, Joseph had no clue what he wanted to spend his time looking at, he ran from display to display. Bralee, she enjoyed it, but she is truly just a GIRLY girl. Brian, well, he was like a deer in headlights with excitement, but VERY calm and minded very well.

I truly enjoyed watching them be amazed with a new adventure. My gift from Shane was a night within the house alone! He is hunting and his parents are watching the kids! I must say, I enjoy it, but no matter how old I get I am still scared of the dark and the things that go bump in the night!

Indoor Parking

2009-10-05T13:02:00.000-04:00

We have decided to bring the outdoors in, so all toys have came inside! The kids have more wheels than we do. That is not a problem, because it keeps them busy. Let me rephrase that, it keeps myself, husband and dog busy; busy watching our toes, feet and anything else in the path of crazy triplet drivers. For the most part the dog finds a comfortable chair and hibernates or BEGS to go outside and escape, some days I wish I could do the same!

Family Fun at the Park

2009-10-04T21:16:00.001-04:00

Uncle Terry and Bralee
Aunt Lindsey and Bralee

Oh yeah, nothing gets attention better than water that is to be untouchable (Joseph was actually the most daring on this escapade)!

Brian

Bralee

I love, love this photo of Joseph and Shane

Brian, Bralee and Nana. At the park Brian still felt he had to keep tabs on the location of Nana and now Pop Pop (no longer PaPa) at all times. The entire trip he wanted to know if not only Pop Pop was going to be there, but if Pop Pop Gene!

Brian and his Pop Pop

Poor Brian and Joseph, watch out girls, they have very sweaty palms already at this early of an age. When I walk and hold their hands, I am always worried they are going to slip away because they get so wet and sweaty. Yeah, I know, one day they are going to slip away and walk on their own and no longer want to hold my hand, but for now, they have no choice and that is what I love. I get to hold them close, love, kiss and cuddle them without them pulling away and saying shewww momma. Bralee as we walk, she always gets to hold onto one of her brothers hands, which I think makes her very happy, because she just bounces right along. She prefers to hold their hand over mine. As we walk, we sing, march, and talk. I always express the importance of family, how we love and stay together as a unit. Oh, but I must mention, on these walks, every walk, we have to go and make sure there is no horses at the horse ring at the end of the street. Otherwise, Joseph's walk and routine is shattered.

No More Curls

2009-10-03T19:47:00.001-04:00

Joseph in the Firehouse
Bralee Climbing in a window

Joseph with no more curls

Brian with no more curls...he really looks like a toddler now!

I have decided we to bring a lot of their outside toys in, therefore all riding toys are now inside. We have moved the kitchen table out of the way, taken down the gate (they roam freely now) and they ride their toys through out the entire house. I do mean the entire house. Joseph rode one into the bathroom the other day.

They are truly amazing and amazing us everyday. The other day we were going down the road and realized that Bralee was singing a song, she was having a hard time keeping up with it, but she sure was giving it all she had. Also, on their cd, she will start a song before it is does, one day we are going to skip a song or 2 and see how she does.

Bralee says- I’m gonna kissu = I’m gonna get you, her speech is more clear than the other 2.
Joseph – Iemlmo= l love you, orse = horse- you are lucky to understand much of anything he speaks at this stage!
Brian- on our way to Nana’s – we go through the chain of who all will be their Papa, Gene, Girl, Boy, Bossie, and now Horsey, everytime he wakes up = wheres dad? I say dad’s at work, he says at work for money?

What a Hat

2009-09-22T14:34:00.001-04:00

With Brian, whatever occupies him that is safe, the motto is let him do it! Well this day at Nana's it turned out to be a flashlight. As you can see the kitten would have liked to have been in on the action as well, but Brian does not share his good times very well, he would rather have them solo.Yes, the timer is back out! We are starting the potty training yet again. Brian is always first at everything and this will be no exception.
I thought this was cute, they raided Shane's phone and wallet. Their favorite hangout spot is the kitchen counter. Although, Brian has started hiding in a hall closet here lately. Mainly in part due to the vacuum is kept in their, being that is his favorite toy.

Had to put this one here, very rarely do we get a photo of Brian smiling!

Joseph is always so full of charm and charisma (he is actually putting it up there and saying "cheese") with my hairband on his wrist. By the way, I think we have inherited 3 mockingbirds. Everything we say and even our actions are being mocked, which is actually really cute. Afterall, it is the only way they are going to learn the adult world.

Ok, yes this is part of a potty. No it has never been used, at least not until now. Joseph loves hats, anything that resembles a hat. Once he gets a hat he quickly becomes attached to it.

This is the fall out face : the hat apparently fell off of the head...it can be fixed

Needless to say, when he came through the house like this, I busted out laughing. My loving Joseph can always bring a smile to my face.

I just had to put this one on here of Brian and Nana from a little while back....love it, priceless.

Fun with Nana

2009-08-29T21:32:00.001-04:00

Joe Cool- Joseph
Bralee

Blackberry

Nana

Okay, Nana has a new member in her household, Blackberry, but to my kids it is known as kity kity, or should I say ity ity. I have come to realize none of the 3 prononce anything the same at this point, not even Mama and Daddy, little alone their favorite character Elmo (melmo). The favorite movie in the house right now is Racing Stripes, they are all about horses, especially Joseph. Bralee on the other hand, as long as they are on the screen or out of reach of her personal space (any animal for that matter) she loves them. She is not a big fan of Blackberry. Brian on the other hand, he gets involved in everything that is shown interest by anyone else, only is the interest is shown for 20 seconds! Joseph is going through a hat, sunglasses and everything else that is worn phase. We were in Wal-Mart and I just wanted to see if a certain hat looked good on him, well apparently he thought it felt good, because at the top of the screen, he decided it was a keeper or he was going to be a screamer!

Car washing

2009-08-27T19:09:00.000-04:00

Joseph

Brian

Bralee--I got my smile--say "cheese"

They all had a blast helping Shane wash the cars, who cares if they are truly clean or not and never mind the fact that it rained an hour later!

Keeping Busy

2009-08-26T21:36:00.000-04:00

Brian mopping
Brian fell, but continued to mop for 20 minutes!

Joseph has a true love for HATS

I know some of you are wondering where Bralee's photos are, well, everytime I get the camera out, Bralee manages to disappear! I will catch her and get some photos of her on here. Also, we are working on getting some 2 year photos made, keep a look out, I will post them on here, it will be photo over load! We have had a crazy life this past month, Shane has went from 2nd to 1st and now back to 2nd shift all within a month. I am not complaining, because at least he has a job, but dear Brian, he hates it, he does not do well with changes to his scheduled life!

2009-08-15T19:35:00.000-04:00

I love this smile of Joseph's and you never know where that blanket will be found!

Yes, Joseph is eating Chicken...can you believe it.

Our messy night of spaghetti

I apologize for my laziness yet agian with the blogging. Shane is now on 1st shift and wow, I thought life was busy before. I now do all appointments alone now...let's just say it is rough! Love to all my family and friends that read this, I will start to do better, now that we are getting our schedules down.

We Are 2

2009-07-27T10:02:00.000-04:00

The County Fair was here a couple of weeks ago and we took the kids. They loved all the new things they were seeing in the great big world of conquering. I will post their birthday pictures up later. They are talking more and more....Brian and Bralee are best. We are doing great.

Super Nana

2009-06-30T15:15:00.000-04:00

Can anyone say pain and soreness....but after all is said and done their will be no more discomfort of any kind!

Last time I was here, my babies were across the street fighting their fight for life...here they are fighting their much needed nap!

This time Daddy did not have to go across the street to enjoy his bundles of joy!

Bralee locked Brian and Leslie in the dog cage...sometimes that is where he belongs...ha ha!

We have survived the surgery, Nana has had the kids 7 out of 14 days. She has been wonderful, taking them to their therapy sessions and keeping up with all their madness at this crazy stage they are going through. I cannot leave out the dear hubby, he has been wonderful as well, taking them to school once a week and church. They both have had their hands full. My wonderful bother pulled hospital sitting session, while my husband came home to do some final cleaning. It is harder for the kids to be around than gone...when they are here I can only sit beside them and love on them and I soooo much want them to lay on me with their arms around me, that will come hopefully next week. All in all we are doing great...just keeping up with their pace.

Here

2009-06-17T15:06:00.000-04:00

Yes, we are still here. We have been very busy lately and I apologize for the slack.
Here are some great photos to get everyone caught up on. The kids are doing GREAT! Brian is going through a security stage, he was to be right up under me all the time, very different for him.

Preparation

2009-05-29T20:34:00.001-04:00

Brian and Bralee: this is our TIME OUT chair and yes they spent the better part of the day here. Lately, whatever mischief Brian gets into, Bralee is only a half step behind.

Yes, it seems that we are training Brian to do my job as housekeeper while I will be down after the surgery. Truth be known, he loves vacuum, sweep, and do laundry. It is nothing unusual for him to search out a broom when we are out visiting.

Yeah, I think he would love a bunk bed, but be daring enough to jump out!

When it is Quiet

2009-05-26T19:30:00.000-04:00

For the most part we stayed at home this holiday weekend! We did visit Shane's family church for homecoming, the kids were WORN OUT! We also started seriously potty training with Brian. He enjoys using the big potty and his reward is easy enough, FLUSHING the TOILET. All was going great, every 30 minutes the timer would go off and he knew it was time to do business, until they went to bed for the night. Shane went in to check on them because they were being TOOOO quiet and their it began, Brian was completely naked. We took care of the situation with no loving so he knew we meant BUSINESS. The next night, on a whelm, I went in to check on them, Brian was just sitting their loving on his pillows, when Bralee popped up holding a diaper... it was Brian's he had taken the diaper off and redressed himself. One the other end of the spectrum, Bralee is a complete COPY CAT, we should nickname her MOCKINGBIRD, she imitates every facial and body gesture, she can carry on a real candid conversation with her hands.

By all means it takes patients to go through the daily life with multiples, but Brian takes a special kind of patience that is hard to come by.

Confirmation

2009-05-21T15:04:00.000-04:00

Today, I had a doctor appointment at 10:30 the kids had one at 11:00.... Guess what - WE MADE THEM BOTH.

Today I got the confirmation of my date for surgery June 23rd. I having a complete hysterectomy. Shane asked how I felt about it, I said "I'm not really sure." It is funny, it is going to be at the same hospital that I had the babies at, I will be recovering on the same floor and all. Most of all as before, I will walk out without a baby. I often beat myself up for not carrying them longer than what I did, for numerous reasons. I wish I could remember more vividly about the movements inside me. I wish I could have experienced more Laboring, and most of all left the hospital with baby in possession. Although, all things work out for the best, I was able to recuperate and get more prepared for them.

My mom, luckily works for the school system and will be off this summer and able to assist us with the kids. I now have to prepare myself and them for a temporary change.

Chaos

2009-05-20T19:28:00.000-04:00

We have had a rough couple of days. Brian started all this with his matted eyes over a week ago. His nose has never really quit running, actually none of their noses have stopped in about 5 days.

Well after several nights of my husband and I being up and down all night, I made a bold move; we all went to the doctor. I got them ready, put on their harnesses, and hit the road. I try to refrain from taking them by myself, because if anything important is expressed I am usually to pre occupied to hear nor comprehend. Turns out Joseph has his first ear infection since last year, Brian has it in both ears, he also had one last month, and Bralee has her second one this year.

We also had our visit with a local childcare facility today, I did it alone as well. I am mighty proud of myself. It does not bother me to do stuff by myself, actually I am a pro at shopping with them alone, but since Brian has become such an escape artist, it is scary.

Outside

2009-05-12T14:14:00.000-04:00

We have started our journey of outdoor play daily. I am not very good at letting the kids be kids and get dirty, but Shane is great at doing clean up before it comes in the house. Unfortunately, Brian is battling severe allergies and Bralee has started vomting again. Hopefully they will all be in best of health for the weekend wedding! CLICK on the PHOTO of JOSEPH to the LEFT and watch our eventful day!

Photo

2009-05-11T13:37:00.000-04:00

This was taken yesterday of Bralee and I!

Happy Mother's Day

2009-05-10T16:34:00.001-04:00

To all the mothers out their, bless you and Happy Mother's Day.

Yesterday the kids and I went to Nana's. It was great, we went with her to the airport to pick up her sister, Aunt Karen. Aunt Karen was wonderful when the boys were home from the NICU, she devoted 2 full weeks of her time to us (Joseph). Bralee was not home at the time, so she took care of Joseph and I took care of Brian. This time frame was a very hard time for all of us, due to our family was still separated with one still in the hospital. Joseph was no picnic to care for (really bad reflux; greatest enemy FOOD), so when Aunt Karen came to help with patience and love of an angel we were truly blessed. Yesterday was the first time she had seen them since that visit. I would not have missed it for the world. She will be visiting later this week and we will meet back up for my brother's wedding this coming weekend.

I have come to realize that no matter if you are a mother of 1 or 10, singleton or multiples, every mother goes through trials and tribulations. I know myself and entire family are truly blessed and thankful for our blessed reward. The children, as well as my husband and I have been through very rocky patches, but with the grace of God we have paved them over. While out in public and observing other mothers, I have realized that each child brings forth a hurdle for that mother to overcome in its caring. I uplift every mother for your love and dedication to the greatest gift in life.

Kissing Game

2009-05-07T18:31:00.001-04:00

Here are a couple photos I got of the kids loving on one another. Joseph was in a very loving playful mood all day today. At evening snack time they went around the table giving kisses to each other.

My brother graduates UT Law School tomorrow: WOOOHOOO Go Uncle Terry

Weekend in Review

2009-05-04T15:06:00.000-04:00

Joseph and Uncle Sheldon
Brian and Joseph with Granny

Bralee with Granny

OHHH, Friday, Shane gave me a long needed morning break. He got the kids fed, dressed, and out the door for a day of visiting. He and the kids went to visit his mother and numerous other family members and friends that are shut in. I on the other hand went shopping for the kids some shoes to wear to my brothers wedding and got my hair cut.

Friday evening, I took the kids to my brother and sister's house for a couple of hours. The kids had a BLAST. They got to play with 3 of their cousins. The BEST part is, they took them to Ci Ci's Pizza and they all ate a great supper. Joseph has NEVER ate pizza before and has not since (he is toooo weird).

Saturday, Joseph starting spiking a fever, but we still went and visited Nana. While their, Bralee started spiking a fever. Brian, well, Brian will be Brian, he is fine, just had a minor run in with the front porch.

Sunday, for the safety of our kids and fellow nursery kids, we stayed home. I did venture out for the evening service, but that was it.

Monday morning, we are all fine, no more fevers or anything. A true BLESSING at how fast littles ones bounce back.

Running here and there

2009-04-29T21:43:00.001-04:00

Roxie (my brother's dog) under the Christmas tree: too precious

Joseph

Brian and Bralee (with a sore eye)

My brother Terry Lynn

My brother and fiance Lindsey

Wow, we have been busy. Monday, Brian went to the doctor over an ear infection (with all three we have only had 5). Then on Tuesday, Brian scratched his eye ball, how we have no clue. He was in his car seat, after therapy, when he let out a scream of pain. I suppose this is just not his week. Today, I took Brian to make sure the eye was okay, while, bless Maria's heart watched Joseph and Bralee. Maria is the mother to 2 year old quads.

Yes, my brother graduated from UT 3 years ago and in the next 2 weeks he will be graduating from UT Law School and getting married to one of the most wonderful people I could ever wish for. Even though it makes me feel old (he is 9, yes 9 years, younger than me), I am so excited for all the accomplishments he has had and will continue to have.

Bad, Bad Ball

2009-04-26T22:10:00.001-04:00

Bralee and Brian very mad at the ball
Joseph is so mad he does not even move, just screams bloody murder.

All three, of course Bralee is looking down and checking herself out.

Brian reaching for the ball before the water starts and total chaos that is heard throughout our neighborhood.

The Villan, they are sure to hate all beach balls now.

Bralee posing in her swimsuit.

Get a close up of those curls (Brian's) this is why they will not be getting cut anytime soon.

Brian decided to help and pick up all bowls after breakfast.

2009-04-25T21:33:00.000-04:00

Brian on the trampoline
Bralee with cousin Cameron and Zachary on the trampoline

Great photo of Bralee on the swing

Joseph on the trampoline

Brain on trampoline

All three enjoying pony at Earth Day

K-9 dog at Earth Day

This morning Shane and I took them to the local Earth Day, they loved everything, until the pony started sneezing. This afternoon, since Shane worked, I took them to my cousins house for a fun filled day. Oh, it was great their were so much for them to do. The trampoline was the greatest hit, they could not get enough, especially Joseph and Brian. I also have never been one for letting them get to dirty, well today, I did a no holds bar and let them do as they pleased and we all survived!

True Blessing

2009-04-24T15:40:00.000-04:00

Girl clothing
Girls clothing

Girls clothing

While we were at Mom's, I picked up some clothing that Amanda and Avary sent to us, Avary was in the NICU with my babies. I cannot say how truly full my heart was yesterday from all the blessings that have been shown upon us.

Joseph and Bralee fighting over a pen at Nana's. Okay let's face it folks, how many stray pens do you have lying around your house, at least 10. Well, even with 2 stray pens lying around mine will non the less fight over the same one. Can we not get along!

Yes, this is a dogs bed, but it has that certain special type of tag that Brian loves. Luckily, my brothers' dog was not their, or Brian would have picked a fight with the dog over a TAG!

Joseph and Bralee

Brian

Bralee

We went for an afternoon with Nana, luckily she works at an elementary school. We took them to the kindergartner's playground. It was just the perfect size to give the kids a perfect challenge.

Girl clothing

Boys clothing

The tub of toys

Carol and Georgie

My cousin Carol and her mother came to visit yesterday and their way back home to Michigan from their trip to North Carolina. They have visited us often since the babies were a month old in the NICU. They have never visited them here at our house, so it was a great change for them to see the babies in their atmosphere. The babies love to see visitors, but hate to see anyone leave. Joseph got to work on his great vocabulary word of BYE, we do not have to hand our Joseph dictionaries for anyone to understand that word. With them came the best gift ever clothes and toys.

Sleeping

2009-04-22T19:22:00.000-04:00

This is how I found Brian last night before I went to bed. It is weird how they still find infant positions still comfortable for sleeping. Bralee usually wraps herself up completely in a blanket. Joseph you have to hunt for which corner he has huddled himself into.

Stuck in Time Out!

2009-04-21T19:17:00.000-04:00

All three with Leslie, they look like stair steps
Bralee will find any kind of flower possible, at least this one is pretty and not a dandelion!

What toys are you talking about, he would rather play with adult chore toys!

What an ugly face, this is Joseph in a TERRIBLE TANTRUM!

Brian loves to carry this chair from room to room and it is actually a Time Out chair that we do not use. It only holds one rear at a time and we have at least 2 in Time Out most of the time. Shane let them play with it and buckled them in and told Brian to stand, well you see the result.

Sleeping Malfunction

2009-04-19T13:19:00.000-04:00

Bralee and BrianShane says "she rides like her daddy!"

Bralee likes to see how far her bottom lip will stick out during her pout sessions!

All three with their Uncle Terry up at my Grandmothers

Joseph

Last night Shane and I had a flash back of what it was like a year ago. We were up every 2 hours til about 6am with Joseph, when we finally just left him in bed with us. He is startling awake and screaming a scream of terror. I am convinced this is just a stage and unfortunately we will be going through x 3, but one at a time. Due to this series of outburst, we woke up at 9:15 and truly did a hurry scurry dance to get to church by 10am. The worse part is that no one got breakfast until we got to church, the Lord blessed us on that and the nursery workers!

Visit

2009-04-17T22:31:00.000-04:00

Their Uncle Harold came by today for a short visit. He said he was shown so much love from the babies and actually they had him wrapped. The babies love to see visitors come and know just how to hit the tender spot when it is time for them to leave. One of them would fall down and automatically Uncle Harold would jump to make sure everything was alright. It was sort of a game of I will fall and you will ask how high to jump!
I spent the evening making sure I have everything ready for our day of out visiting. I also had to go ahead and get church clothes laid out, due to our late arrival back tomorrow night. We also took a visit to the local Wal-Mart today, that sort of thing is always a mystery on how it will turn out, it went smooth. We went down the toy isle, big mistake, Joseph started yelling and reaching for everything. I was asked once how much age difference their was between Brian and the twins, my comment was, "they are all a minute apart in age." Brian is so much bigger than the other 2, but still, it becomes annoying! Sorry no photos today, I will have plenty tomorrow!

Fun Day

2009-04-16T18:36:00.001-04:00

Here a typical way of sleeping when they were little (Joseph and Brian); now Joseph goes bonkers if one of the other 2 even touch him. Also, to this day, when we go in and check on Joseph late at night, we find him in this exact sleeping position (he is on the left).

Bralee and Leslie

They are climbing to new heights and putting their cups everywhere but the table!

Bralee loves the rocking chairs, every time we go outside, she is the first up in them.

Brian and Joseph showing each other love by kissing! They are not happy kissing anyone except for dead on the mouth.

Roseola

2009-04-14T19:05:00.000-04:00

I noticed last night that Joseph was a little warm and kept checking on him. This morning we got up and went straight to therapy and he seemed fine. After our early intervention teacher left today, I noticed he was really hot feeling, we took his temp and sure enough he was hot. I decided to get him into the doctor, but felt a little silly due to he acted fine. Our dear doctor did her test and came to the conclusion Joseph has roseola. I am now keeping my fingers crossed that the other 2 do not get this. He has no mucous output at all, so hopefully this will pass soon! Mom came up to stay with the other 2 while I took Joseph to the doctor. She brought with her a surprise of clothing for Bralee from a friend, they were the cutest outfits, cannot wait to put them on her. Thank you Amanda!

Making Joseph's Night

2009-04-13T18:57:00.001-04:00

Step 1: Aiming for attack

Step 2: Touching the mark

Step 3: Landing the kiss

Yes, Shane is in bed with Joseph. It took Joseph by surprise, but as you can see he got over it!

Brian is just being curious, he already got his kiss!

Easter 2009

2009-04-12T20:53:00.000-04:00

All 3 monkeys with their monkeys. Brian has to have tags off of pillows, Joseph tags off of snuggle blankets, and Bralee a pacifier. One day I went through the house and gathered all these things and put my sewing skills to work. Each limb (including the tail) had their favorite thing sewed onto it. The only exception was Bralee's pacifiers, she loves to cuddle dolls and bears, so she was set with just as is.

We did not go all out on dressing for the occasion, but we were all comfortable! We did not go visiting family this holiday. We all relaxed and went to the local park.

Egg Hunt 2009

2009-04-12T20:43:00.001-04:00

Bralee

Brian

Looking at all their collection of eggs, candy, and toys!

Brian, Joseph, and Caylie gang up on the quads Grandfather!

Bralee and Caylie requesting the assistance of the quads grandfather with their eggs!

Cutie pie Bralee

Okay here are our 3 plus the quads. As you can see they are all pretty much the same size, except Brian is about a head taller!

Brian kept on finding mud puddles. He would get an egg, eat the candy, and take off running to the nears mud puddle.

Joseph just ate wrapper and all.

Brian

Another Haircut

2009-04-10T19:20:00.001-04:00

After his haircut! Yes almost to the scalp, but hey, it will grow back. After all I must say it looks nice!

Before the haircut! It was spur of the moment!

Today, I gave Brian a ear of corn, Joseph and Bralee wanted nothing to do with it, he gave it back to me about 10 minutes later, with nothing left, not even any juice. Their is one downfall to Brian eating everything in sight; if you ask him what is in his mouth, he will take everything out of it for you to see and put it back in. Shane was laying on the floor with Brian playing and asked Brian what was in his mouth; needless to say Brian put everything in his hand and pretty much dumped it in Shane's face.

Lazy Day

2009-04-08T22:14:00.000-04:00

We had a great day a lounging. We had no appointments or house visits today. We are on our second day to tracking what Bralee is eating, which can be a great task in itself. Shane is looking forward to his 3 day weekend. I had to keep telling myself today, that Brian is not a rebellious child, just one that wants to help do and explore everything. He has now taken upon himself that he is the only one that can flush the toilet. Every time we go to the bathroom for any reason, that is his first and main task.

2009-04-07T18:15:00.001-04:00

We almost over slept this morning for our weekly Tuesday 8am appointment for Occupational and Speech Therapy. It seems to be getting harder and harder to make this appointment for us and the kids. They normally sleep until 8:30 or 9:00. Our Early Intervention teacher came today for her weekly visit and brought the kids Easter basket and eggs. We filled each egg with a animal cookie and hid them. The one that I thought would have a hard time with this exercise did the best, BRALEE beat the boys hands down. We did not even tell them what to do before she had found almost every egg. The boys had no interest in it at all. Brian has deemed himself controller of all things including taking care of the others, he gets their diapers, milk, and brushes their hair.

Flashback

2009-04-06T18:40:00.000-04:00

A couple of weekends ago, we loaded up the kids for a very short trip across town to the Braden quads 2 year birthday. I was unable to only get this one photo of them, because I was realllly busy trying to keep my kids out of their presents! It was a wonderful day. I got to meet members of their wonderful family that she has spoken about (face with a name). We did have to leave early due to Joseph got ate up by some insect. That made us realize it is time yet again for bug repellent. This past Sunday at the church nursery her smallest little girl (Caylie) made a bee line for Bralee, while her other two girls bombarded Joseph. Bryce and Brian were to busy demanding the nursery teachers love and attention.

Today I took Bralee to her routine GI appointment, while yes, to Nana's help with the boys it went very smooth. We are going to have to do another 3 days of tracking everything she eats and drinks. She is registering at 1% on the growth chart, Brian is at 97%, and Joseph is at 57%. I wish the doctors would realize that Bralee is just SMALL and always will be. As long as her blood work is fine, they should just let her be.

Sunday Shuffle

2009-04-05T19:50:00.001-04:00

Okay so we had a meltdown from Brian right after we got home from church, but Bralee being cute as a button in her dress makes up for it. Also, as you can see I posted a photo of my to be sister-in-law (May 16th) at her wedding shower hosted by family today. She is one of the most wonderful people I could ever imagine for my brother. She is absolutely wonderful with the kids (Brian is her pick), she shows much love and compassion for them all. She is dying to get Bralee to be more of a girly girl, which I will let happen, but am dreading. I know Bralee is truly destined to everything pink and ruffles, but my oh my does it have to start sooo early! Nana came to visit today after the shower and stayed to go to evening service with us. The church had a salute to the children's choir, it was wonderful.

No, Stop, and Quit

2009-04-04T18:51:00.000-04:00

As a mother we all say these things very often: No, Stop, and Quit. As a mother of multiples, I sometimes feel that my vocabulary one day is only going to consist of these three words before we make it out of the terrible 2's and we are not even 2 yet. I am sad to say that most of the time the only one that is having these 3 words addressed to them is BRIAN!! He finds it so difficult to not do the same things daily (for the past 10 months) that is resulting in this madness. The other obstacle is, even though we tell Brian no, Joseph and Bralee seem to think it does not apply to them. We are doomed for a 3 way ring around the roses in this madness. No matter how exhausting it becomes, at the end of the day you look back and laugh at some of this nonsense!

Favorites of the Moment

2009-04-03T18:33:00.001-04:00

This past week has been busy, appointments daily except for today. Naturally, we stayed in our jammies today. This past week has also brought with it a new excitement for Leslie (our dog), Brian has realized how much she loves small balls. He throws them and giggles so hard he forgets to watch her run and fetch it. In the meantime this is great exercise for the little barrel waddling on four legs due to too many left over finger foods. Brian is doing great with his new shoe insoles, actually he is horrible without them.

No More RSV Shots

2009-04-01T18:37:00.001-04:00

This was our second year of getting the RSV shots. I will never complain about them (the kids may), but they are a true lifesaver. Here are our weights Bralee 18lbs, Joseph 22lbs, and Brian 28. We are so grateful to this season finally coming to an end. Last year on this day, yes April Fool's, everyone thought we were playing a good one on them when we called and alerted them we were on our way to the hospital by ambulance with all three babies. Bralee spent the whole month of April in the hospital battling RSV. This year our life is a lot more peaceful.

Nap Mission Conquered

2009-03-30T18:59:00.000-04:00

We are all finally feeling quiet a bit better, still some lingering issues. During all the process of this really mean bug that swept through our house, we have truly conquered 1 nap a day to a science. All the babies went for their follow up eye appointment today... we are cleared until age 3, all eyes looked great. We have been so fortunate in the eye department, we have never had any set backs and I am truly thankful for that.

Sick, Sick

2009-03-25T19:39:00.000-04:00

Bralee started getting sick last night, vomiting and other things. We thought maybe it was something she ate, because this morning she woke up playing and eating. Before we knew it she was sick all over again, but this time her eyes were not rolling in her head. She has no weight to lose so we got her in to the doctor, which advised us she needed to be at the hospital, because of no urine output. She came through like a trooper with hydration and medicine. Now, Joseph is sick as well. I guess this thing will run its course throughout the house. Brian and Joseph are at their Nana's, which is where Joseph started his sickness spell this evening. Sickness of any kind is horrible for parents of multiples, because the house gets torn in many different directions.

Sunday Shuffle

2009-03-22T20:36:00.000-04:00

We made it to church on time for morning and evening service. Between services we made it to a our nephews basketball game, ate lunch with family, played in the backyard, and all managed to get dirty. While playing in the backyard, Joseph decided it was okay to get dirty and found a pile of leaves and rolled around in them. That was wonderful, due to last summer when he would not even touch grass. Tomorrow, starts yet another week semi-full of appointments, but we will be incorporating some family visits in it. We may even let them go and spend a night at Nana's!

Visiting, Making our Rounds

2009-03-21T19:16:00.000-04:00

We started our Saturday off with everyone in good humor and ended it that way as well. Our first stop was Granny's (Shane's mother) for a very quick visit, we were running behind schedule. Then we drove for another hour and half to visit Papaw (my grandfather) where they played on the piano and he gave them great rides in their wagon. It was a great joy. Within our visit we got to see great aunts, great uncles, cousins and more cousins. It was a true blessing. Then we stopped by another Granny's (my grandmother's), which was not home, we will catch up with her later next week. To make the circle complete, we stopped by Papa's and Nana's (my mother and father's). It was great because Uncle Terry and Aunt Lindsey were their as well. When we got home all were practically jumping out of the car seats.

Oh, What a DAY

2009-03-20T19:49:00.001-04:00

We let them relax in their jammies, due to the busy week and upcoming weekend. Bralee pulled another one of her fits about eating today, everytime we would ask her to come and eat she would start screaming and crying. This is becoming more and more frequent. It is quiet frustrating, due to all the doctors are wanting and suggesting that she gain weight, dispite the shortened small intestine issue. This will just be a battle of prayer with her, having her realize food is not the enemy. Brian, looked at her during one of her crying episodes on said "Sissy" and "Shhh", he was trying to calm her. Joseph he just looks at her like she is crazy and goes back to playing or watching tv.

Our Playmates

2009-03-19T20:42:00.000-04:00

Here is a photo of our playmates that we go to Sunday School with. They are 4 months older than our babies: Bryce,Maddie,Cailey,Megan. It is odd that their smallest is the size of my smallest, but Brian beats them all out with his big self. The other 3 are between Joseph and Brian, which makes for a great combination. We will be wishing them a Happy Birthday next weekend!

Total Embarrassment

2009-03-19T19:51:00.000-04:00

Brian had physical therapy this afternoon, so Nana came to help with the appointment. After therapy we decided to go out to eat. First off they did not give us high chairs, but instead booster seats, to top that off, they gave us a booth! That will set the stage of our supper fiasco. Brian decided he needed to be under the table, Bralee wanted to sit on top of the table, and Joseph tried to hang from the light over the table. Not to mention the screaming and loudness the kids created. At one point Bralee looked at Nana and point blank told her NO! I know this is a trying point in their growth, but it was very embarrassing.

Running and more running

2009-03-17T20:48:00.000-04:00

We had a great day, as you can see our niece is in town and visiting for a couple of days. We went to Knoxville and Kingston to visit family. The babies enjoyed their journey, but was glad to get back home. It is funny, they get tired of being couped up in the house, but when we leave for a long period of time they are very glad to be back home. We are also gearing ourselves up for another busy weekend of visiting family.

2009-03-15T18:12:00.000-04:00

Well, we made it off to church and they were all cranky. We did not go to evening service because Shane is working all weekend. At some point this week while playing with the diapers one of them found its way to the dirty clothes basket. I found it when I was transferring the clothes form the washer to dryer, oh it left a mess, thank goodness it was a clean one. We have yet another full week of appointments lined up for the week (go,go,go).

Saturday Running

2009-03-14T14:43:00.000-04:00

This morning I went to the local Multiple Club sale, I got Bralee all kinds of clothes for 50.00 (which she automatically admired intensely). No, I did not forget about the boys, but the boy clothing selection was slim. My mom met up with me to go to the sale and felt it necessary to get them all a toy: Joseph a dump truck, Bralee some miniature dolls, but when it came to Brian (he is odd about toys, does not want anything to do with them until one of the others has it) we were stuck, finally I spotted a car pillow, bingo right up Brian's alley.

We are still trying to transition to 1 nap/day, by the time I got back home from shopping the kids were on wits end. We decided keeping them up until 12:30 was good enough, they slept until 3:00. Now, if we can continue this little pattern, all our daily lives will be simpler!

This evening the babies and I went to support my nephew at his basketball game, the babies first. Bralee cheered, Joseph watched intensely (I guess he thought it was like tv), and Brian did not pay one bit of attention. I am glad the babies got to enjoy this event of my nephews' and his little brother was a great help with the babies. We have a multitude of niece's and nephews and hope to become more active with them once again. Needless to say, in the car, Brian insures his own air bag with his pillows!

Boycotting Naps

2009-03-13T18:47:00.000-04:00

Today was trying for all of us due to the babies only took an hour nap! Here is a picture for every one to see how much taller Brian is than the other two. During bath time Brian decides he was going to turn the tub into a swimming pool, flip flopping around and dunking his head under water. Oh, I so much want pretty and warm weather to hurry, then they can run outside and not be on top of one another.

Recap

2009-03-12T18:27:00.001-04:00

As you can see, Bralee's fish was about the same size as she was; Brian's lamb was pretty big for him; You can image what Joseph's frog looked like compared to him. Zoom time forward and you see what a blessing we are dealing with.

I sometimes wonder what my daily life would be like if I did not have children.... boring! I would not take into consideration the blessings we are blessed with on a minute to minute, never the less daily basis!

Today, I decided, Joseph has the loudest ever going scream of all three. He is loud and does not want to stop until he knows he has the last sound in. I am also convinced he is going to be a tattle tale! Brian's greatest joy today was looking at everyone's bellybutton; he checked out Shane's and mine as well as Joseph's and Bralee's. He will casually come and sit on your lap, lift up your shirt, and poke!

Something New

2009-03-11T19:15:00.000-04:00

Yes, we lounged in a jammies all day.We let them start practicing feeding skills with their spoons and bowls. The main problem with anything anymore, is that they (especially Joseph) are becoming more and more possive of their things. Brian and Joseph are starting to show favorites toward certain colors of sippy cups. With naps, I tried just laying them all in the living room floor for a different change of scenary. The time change has affected our dog more than the kids, she thinks she does not have to come in until dark. Also, here is a picture of her before she became the babies food vaccum cleaner, poor thing is now bigger than a barrel. Yes, our dear Leslie sometimes feels deserted. Although, with her and the kids, you mention Nana's name and all ears perk up!!