Tuesday, January 29, 2008

Week 23

Max posing for Mommy
Austin getting in on the fun
DAMN, that kid is cute....Alex baby
Emerson flying through the sky...don't you want to bite him? I do!
Max bounced his way to sleep
Eye see you!

Oma, Alex & Austin
Max trying to crawl (look at those beautiful eyes!)
Alex getting his bounce on





Week 23



Everything is great of the Stinner front. No major drama. The triplets have had a pretty easy week. They ate, slept and pooped...a lot! They are all big drooly messes because they are teething. In fact I can already see two bottom teeth coming in on Alex. My poor pumpkin. He is gnawing on everything. Don't put your hand near him or he's going to bite you. I think Max's reflux is getting worse and he might need medication. I was hoping he was growing out of it, but no such luck. I now refer to him as the puker! He pukes constantly. And if he's not puking he's drooling. Put it this way he is one soggy babe! They are growing so darn fast, they seem to be growing out of their clothes faster than they can wear them. They went from 0-3 month clothes to 6-9 months with only a two week stop at 3-6 months. Man these kids are costing us a fortune in clothes. Max and Alex seem to stay neck and neck they both weigh 13lbs 8oz & Emerson is 14lbs even. And yes, Emerson is still the shortest. My chubby champ! He rocks...I bite his rolls daily! They are totally loving the bouncer! They bounce all over the place. I am calling Max Tigger, he's a super baby bouncing all over. Emerson takes it slow and Alex gets excited at first and than peters out but they all seem to have fun going "Boing, Boing, Boing"! Thanks Renee and Baby James for letting us borrow it. Alex's head control is getting so much better. I thought he would never be able to hold it up as well as the other two, but he's a trooper and has almost completely caught up to his brothers.

So, I'm trying to loose this last pesky 15lbs of baby weight. Right before I got pregnant I was the thinnest I've been since I was 17. I personally think it was stress. But anyway, I am desperate to loose these 15lbs before summer! I refuse to buy new summer clothes! The problem is, I love food! I love to cook and come up with new recipes, I no longer smoke so I like sweets....I have no idea what that is about. It's pretty sad, it's like I found this sweet tooth I never knew I had. Everyday I exercise. I eat lean cuisine 2 meals a day and I have plateaued at a loss of 4lbs. People have said it could be worse, I did loose 50lbs in 3 months but this last 15 is killing me!!!!!!Nothing fits! I don't believe in diet pills or anything like that. I just need a sensible diet that lets me eat the food I love and drink coffee! Would that be too much to ask! Why doesn't the "pepperoni pizza and chocolate cake diet" exist? Wishful thinking. I've met those woman who 5 minutes after giving birth are a size 2....They Suck! I'd like to see how they look after carrying 3 monster boys for 32 weeks! My stomach is reminiscent of a Charpe dog! I know that will never go back to the way it was....sigh! It was worth it!

I am still getting used to the new camera. I am trying to take candid shots as well as posed shots. Some are good and some are bad. Either way...I will post them as I take them.

Wednesday, January 23, 2008

Christmas 2007

Emerson Chilllllllllllllin'
Baby Wrestling!

Keeping babies occupied!
Thank God for C-Sections...Those are some big heads!


Christmas Ciaos
Oma & Opa
This wasn't half of it!



Could this kid be any cuter?
Max and that tongue
Austins Christmas loot

EmerSANTA
Triple Threat

Max seems to be plotting a Christmas caper.What you can't see is Alex's outfit says "Major Giggler". How appropriate.
Max's first walker experience

Alex is a big boy in his walker


Emerson is off and running!

Week 22

Emerson and "BoBoSol" ....his special monkey friend
Max...."Stop with the pictures Mom!"
Alex..."Don't make me get off this couch MOM!"

I love these pissed off baby pics!


Week 22

OK, so not a ton to talk about. The week has been pretty uneventful. The babies are great. They do something new everyday. The verbal skills on these guys are amazing. They goo and gaa like crazy. But, unlike I've heard they seem to have little or no interest in each other. I mean they do communicate but there is no secret language or anything like that. They just coo like regular babies. They all seem to really like music. Not that it is a huge surprise to me since both David and myself are huge music fans. They are really into "Choo Choo Soul". It is this amazingly catchy music by Disney. As soon as I put it on they stop all they are doing and look at me...probably because I am singing and dancing like an idiot. Hey. I would do pretty much anything to occupy them when they cry. You all can not imagine the sound of three infants screaming their heads off....it's deafening!

I registered Austin for Kindergarten today. I'm hoping he does well. I know the kid is extremely intelligent and the work won't be hard but he is having some listening issues that his teacher is concerned about. No one seems to think it's an ADD thing, more of a lack of attention thing. Unfortunately, there is not much I can do about it right now. However, today I implemented a new reward system with Austin. I have a kids notebook and every time he listens or helps or does something positive he is given a sticker. He has the chance for 5 stickers in a day. If he gets all 5 he can trade them in for special Mommy or Daddy time. He can play a game or watch a movie or anything he wants. If at the end of the week he fills his page with stickers he can have a "Date" with one or both of us outside the house. We just started this so we'll see how it goes. I have the highest hopes. His birthday is coming up and he seems to be testing the 5 year old waters. He is talking back and getting seriously mouthy. I hope it's the age and he'll grow out of it. We'll see!

Tuesday, January 15, 2008

Week 21

Too Cute...Nakey, Gettin' ready for bed! Max "Giggles" Stinner


Alexander "Fabio" Stinner

Emerson "Smart Guy" Stinner

Week 21


5 months & counting! That's right my babies are 5 months old. I can't believe the time went so fast. My babies are now starting to think about crawling and sitting and Max is trying to walk...ok...he stands with help and bounces around. It's all very amusing to me. They all have these awful screaming fits from 6pm-9pm nightly. It's almost as if they are colicky. I don't get it. I think they may be teething too....Before I know it they'll be in college.

They have the most amazing little personalities. I can totally see their individuality now. They are all completely different too. Emerson is the strong silent type. He has this amazing silent laugh that you think his head will explode before noise comes out. But if you bite his neck just right this cool belly laugh comes out. He loves music and this strange Canadian kids show called the Doodlebops. If they are on, don't think about getting in his way. He doesn't want to be looked at if he is drinking his bottle or pooping. If you do he grunts and cries. He's a private child. Max is so serious sometime. You can dance around like an idiot in front of him and he'll never crack a smile but if you grab his sides or tickle him he lets out this laugh that is so deep you'd think it came from a grown man. He stands straight up and gives you the most serious scowls, like he knows what your thinking...and your wrong! He knows all at 5 months. I am so screwed when it comes to him. Alexander, my angel baby AKA Giggles! If you even look at that kid, he cracks up. Don't even think about touching his neck or his sides, he'll laugh for 20 minutes. He coos and goos. I've never heard such a little baby with such an extensive vocabulary. He has the most unbelievable personality. I think he'll be a politician, he can woo and poop at the same time....like I said...a life in politics would be perfect.

It's a very sad time in my life right now. I had to stop breast feeding. I am so depressed about it. I would have done it for at least a year but I felt it was time to stop. It seemed to be non-nutritive for the boys, I definately couldn't keep up with the demand. But, I can feel good knowing I nursed 3 babies for 5 months. So now maybe I'll start a new hobby like, I made baby food for the first time today...Martha Stewart watch out. I just wanted to see if I could do it. Honestly, It took more time to make the sweet potatoes than it took for me to drive to Tops and pick it up. I would love to make all their food but I don't know if I could do it time wise. It does feel amazing to know that I am feeding them food that I made with my own hands, that there are no preservatives or additives. Nothing yucky. Maybe every now and than.

Wednesday, January 9, 2008

A Love Letter

For the longest time I remeber people bragging about their children saying oh Billy did this and Bobby said this and little Suzy is sooooo smart. I thought to myself I would never be that kind of bragger and yet I find myself bragging daily about the accomplishments of my 4 amazing children. I have realized that when the parents are bragging they are just telling people how much THEY LOVE THEIR CHILDREN. Maybe they need to stop trying to convince other people and start telling their children how much they truly love them and how proud they are. Someday I plan to give this blog to my children. I want them to know step by step the first few years of their lives and someday soon I am going to chronicle the whole polish adoption process for Austin and when I do I want them to know how much I loved and love them. So these are love letters to my children:



Austin-

I know sometime I'm short with you. I don't spend as much time telling you I love you as I do yelling at you. The truth is I look at those beautiful hazel eyes and I melt. I see this incredible young man who is so smart and inquizative and I think what did I do to deserve such an amazing child. You see I know you where sent to us. You may have not come from my belly but you definately came from my heart. Your father and I prayed for a special child to love and care for and God sent us you. I want you to know I wouldn't change anything. If I had to go back to Poland and start all over again I would do it in a heart beat. Be patient with me, I am doing the best I can. I promise someday it will get better. Your brothers will be more independent and you and I can start our dates again. I love you so much I am so glad you are my son.

Your Mother



Emerson-

I look at you and think what will he be when he grows up, a doctor, a lawyer, a husband, a father, all the above or something completely different. All I know is you will be someone amazing. You have this quiet intensity that leads me to believe your contiplating taking over the world. My incredibly beautiful child know that your Mommy lives and breathes for you. I can't believe that someone so incredible came from my body. You look at me like I have all the answers, I don't. I will make mistakes and have all the wrong answers but I will try my best to be the best Mom I can be. I love you so much and I am so glad that you are also my son.

Your Mother



Maxim-

My perfect angel. When I'm feeling bad or sad I take one look at you and I feel the love. You make me smile like I never have before. You are so smart that I know you will be independent before your brothers. You won't need me like they do and that scares me. For now I will soak in every moment with you. Every croked smile I will cherish, every giggle every smerk. You are a piece of my heart that I can never put into words. I can't imagine you not in my life. You are what I created and I promise you all of me, always.I love you so much and I'm so glad you are also my son.

Your Mother

Alexander-

I am so in love with you. That amzing little giggle turns me back into a child. I want to eat you up. You are so innocent, so beautiful, so perfect. Everything anbout me and your father that is good. I know you are going to be so strong when you grow up. You have come such a long way already I see only amazing things in your future. You, your brothers and your father are the loves of my life. I love you so muchand I'm so glad that you are also my son.

Your Mother

I hope you all understand that your father and I are doing the best that we can. Our love is so strong yet we will make bad desions along the way. All we can do is our best to give you all you need. I will do my part by teaching you to love and respect everyone around you. I will protect you the best I can and my love will never change for you. You are now and will always be the best things that have ever happened to me.

Weeks 19 & 20

Coming Soon Christmas 2007 Pics....
Maxim 12lbs 15oz, Emerson 13lbs 15oz, Alexander 13lbs They're HUGE!!!!!
Austins Christmas Concert...He sang like an Angel
Mommy, Austin and Max....It was the babies first outing

Weeks 19 & 20


HAPPY NEW YEAR! This has been an interesting year already and we are only a little over a week in. The boys are all growing like weeds. My big boy is going to be 5 in just about a month and it got me reflecting on his first 5 years and how fast they went. I can't believe he is going to be 5 already. It seem like yesterday he was saying "mamadada" yes all jumbled like that. And now he says thing like "I can't help asking questions like that, I'm just inquisitive like that." Yes he said "inquisitive". Who says things like that, no 5 year old I ever met. We got his paperwork for Kindergarten and I almost cried. Is he really ready for Kindergarten already? Where did the time go? Was I here? Did I miss it? I feel a little lost when it comes to him. He has truly learned to press my buttons and test my patients. I know it's because he is jealous. I know I was when my sisters where born and I was 12 and 14 years old. It must be devastating for Austin to have 3 babies taking up all Mommy and Daddy's attention. My poor son. We are trying to spend more time with him but sometimes there aren't enough hours in the day. I look up and it's midnight and I still haven't done laundry and there are sweet potatoes on the carpet. My big baby is growing up and I feel like I am missing it.

We had a scary time this week. Alex ended up with an staph infection in his surgical wound. I was unaware that you could get an infection months after surgery. But you can. The Dr. said he would need surgery to explore where the infection came from. Well, we prayed and prayed and much to our surprise he didn't need surgery. The infection is healing and everything seems to be fine. We will still have to keep an eye on him for a while but he looks like he's on the road to recovery!

A little update on the boys progress as preemies. The most amazing things have been happening. They are all holding up their heads very well. Sometimes Alex's center of gravity gets the best of him but in general he is doing fine. Emerson is trying desperately to sit up. He loves to sit between your legs with his legs crossed. They all reach for their toys and are interacting with the toys that make noise. They all seem to have favorite toys. Emerson has a monkey that he has to have. Alex loves his turtle to chew on and recently Max got a giraffe that is also a flashlight. He chews on it and talks to it. Speaking of talking, all the babies coo and say AHHH GOO. Alex and Emerson started the KKKAAAA in the back of their throats(David says this will help them with the German language). Max has his own language he says OOOHHHH several times and just yesterday started saying UT OH! It's very funny to hear someone so little say Ut oh over and over. Max is also the one who is very strong. He already stands straight up. You can hold both hands and he will go from laying down to standing up. The physical therapist says they are all doing well considering they are only 12 weeks corrected, meaning they should technically only be 12 weeks old. Preemies don't usually do things at the same pace as full term babies. But they are catching up quickly.

As of this week we put the babies in their big boy cribs and man o man am I having separation anxiety. I thought I would sleep better without them in the room with me, but I'm not. In fact I wake up at least every hour or so and have to go check on them. I can hear them on the baby monitor and technically they are only about 15 feet away from me but those two doors and and hallway seem like a million miles away.

All the babies are sleeping through the night. I've been told it's because they eat cereal before they go to bed and they stay fuller longer. Very rarely does somebody wake up before 7 am and they all seem to just eat a baba and go back to sleep. So most of the time they wake up between 9am and 11am. The 11am would be Max he is definitely the best sleeper. They still take a couple of cat naps during the day but only in short periods. They will take a 10 minute nap here or an hour there. We had a 3 hour stretch one day and I had to keep checking if they where breathing. It was freaking me out. I got two weeks worth of laundry put away. They all seem to have the same fussy time. Everyday in between 6pm-9pm they moan and groan and whine terribly. ALL THREE OF THEM. This kind of sucks because it's when their dad comes home. I think he's starting to take it personal. During the day they are angels. No problem. They don't usually sleep or eat all at once which is kind of nice but it is more time consuming. I know they are fussy during the evening because I am trying to feed Austin and get him ready for school and David is taking my attention which they hate. They seem to want me all to their selves. They are going to have such bad separation anxiety when I go to Las Vegas in February. That's right people. I am going away....alone (with my two sisters) for 4 days in February for my Daddy's wedding. I have arranged for David to have people here around the clock to help. He will only be alone in small doses. Keep him in your prayers just in case he looses his mind! He'll be fine! I hope!

Week 16-18

Max and the Sweet Potato War...He Won!
Emerson wasn't so lucky!
The War exhausted Alexander

Weeks 16-18

Wow, so much has happened in the last 2 weeks I don't even know where to start. Well, how about from the beginning. The babies first Christmas was amazing. We had a blast. They of course where clueless about the whole thing. They just smiled and cooed while we opened gifts and as people arrived on Christmas day they just seemed to enjoy all the attention. They got tons of toys and clothes and it was all very surreal. At one point I walked into the living room and it looked like a toy store had taken over. There was not one square inch of carpet showing.

The couple of weeks leading up to Christmas where spent shopping( that was interesting). I had at least one kid with me at all times. It was usually Max since he is going through a I WANT MY MOMMY phase. I don't mind except when I am alone with the kids he shows serious signs of jealousy when I pick up or feed another baby. He will scream and cry and throw whatever toy he has in his hands on the floor. If this is any sign of what there is to come....I AM SCREWED! Oh well, everyday is a learning experience. All in all it was not bad taking out one baby at a time. Most people think he is a newborn which is rather frustrating. I than explain he is 4 months old and a preemie. Then it usually leads to ...well, he is actually a triplet. People automatically want to touch him. I have had to actually do Kung Foo Mama, where I have to physically block someone from touching the baby. I am always very nice and say"It is cold and flu season, please don't touch the baby.". Most people are very nice when they find out we have triplets. I get a lot of people saying "God Bless you" or "What a Miracle". Every once and a while I get...."Better you than me" or "Poor You" or "You have your hands full". Well, all this is true it is better me than you and poor me that I only have 4 beautiful boys and not more and yes I do have my hands full and I love every minute of it. God knew what he was doing, just remember that. If we couldn't handle it they would not be here. Some of the comments are rude but I have learned to just roll with the punches. They don't get what a true miracle our babies are...all 4 of them!

The boys are growing so quick. Max is 12lbs 15oz, Alex is 12lbs 14 oz and Emerson is 13lbs 7 oz. I know, I know they are growing at light speed. Well, not so light. My back is killing me! They are starting to scoot around on their backs. You know when you lay them on the floor and they push their legs so they drag their heads. Max is the best at it . He can go a good 4 feet before his head starts to hurt. We gotta watch them because they should be rolling over any second! God help us, they will be crawling and than all heck will break loose.

They have started to eat food which explains the rapid weight gain. Cereal mixed with either a vegetable or fruit...yum! They love their veggies but only if they are orange. Sweet potatoes and carrots seem to be their favorite. They do not like anything green. Green beans and peas seem to be their enemies. They gag and spit them out. There is no accounting for taste I guess. They are not huge fans of fruit. They seem to prefer apples and bananas to peaches and prunes. They must be to acidic. Anyway they seem to love most of t.They are already eating twice a day.

Emerson got put on Reflux medication finally. He was having a terrible time with acid reflux. I felt so bad for him, he would have acidic puke coming out of his nose. But with the medication these spells are few and far in between. I did however have to ween him off the breast. I think my breast milk affected him t much. This has been a very depressing time for both him and I. I am still nursing the other two but I am down to only once a day with each. All though I love the time with my babies and the bonding the nutritional value is diminishing. They are almost 5 months old and they will be getting teeth soon. I need to have them completely weened by then. I don't want to be a teething ring. I plan to be totally done by the time they are six months old which will be February 17th.