They're Walking!

My Max, smiling as usual!
Emerson, making a call...OK, so he hasn't figured it out quite yet!
Alex, just being his cutie self!

Austin was a little camera shy this week! Must be a phase! I'll catch him next week!!!!!

They're Walking!

Well, I am officially exhausted. I have this huge pregnant belly, that seems to be growing everyday! I have three toddlers that all seem to want me at the same time. And a five year old who has the intelligence of a grown man and the mouth to match! But I wouldn't change a thing.

Some things are just worth going through for the end result. I watched my 5 year old go off to Kindergarten and I got this overwhelming sense of pride. But at the same time I was scared for him. Afraid he wouldn't be all he could be, afraid he wouldn't make friends and afraid he would hate it all. He didn't! All my fears where false. There was absolutely no reason for me to be afraid. He has lots of friends, he's listening and participating and he loves school. Who would have thought!

The boys are doing fantastic. In fact both Alex and Emerson have finally begun to walk. Alexander started taking steps on Sunday. He had taken 1 or 2 steps previously, but on Sunday he started cruising. He still prefers to crawl or to high kneel walk. But basically he walks when he really wants something. Than on Tuesday, Emerson just let go of his toy and started to walk. He looks at me with this devious look and than off he goes! Their therapist told me to entice them to walk more. So I tried semi-sweet chocolate chips. well they loved them and they both started walking where ever I wanted them to go, just to get the chocolate chip! They are so funny, before too long they will be running everywhere just like Max! Other than the walking the boys are having a blast interacting! They crack me up! They are loving playing with their toys together and playing on the couch! This seems to be their favorite new game! Life is good! Soon baby #5 will join in the festivities and life will be complete!

On Monday we took the boys to The Robert Warner Center at Children's Hospital to be evaluated. Because they where 8 weeks premature we have them evaluated to make sure they are developing normally. Well we are happy to report that they are more than "normal" they are all above average for their age. Now, technically they should be testing at a 11 month level since they are only supposed to be 11 months. But they are testing well above their actual age of 12 months. In most areas they are testing between 12-15 months. In some areas as high as 17 months! We are so happy. We really couldn't ask for more from our three little preemies.

I want to thank all of you who sent well wishes for my Aunt. I very happy to let everyone know that she is doing really well. She is finally out of the ICU and is recovering amazingly. She will hopefully be going home soon. Thanks everyone for the prayers and keep it up! It seems to be working!

A New Day, A New School

They played in that tent for over an hour!
They even chased the cat together.
Aunt Shelley, Carter and my boys!

Ready for his 1st day! What a big boy!
My boys, playing so nice!
Off to the bus stop!
Off he goes! No fear! He never looked back!
I took this picture of Alexander while waiting for the bus. He's such a photogenic kid!

A New Day, A New School

This week was an incredible one. The boys are growing so fast. They are starting to communicate with us more and more. They understand "NO" which is really working out great since my 5 year old doesn't seem to understand it! They now understand when you say "go get your "baba" or "pick up Elmo". They also get excited when I say, "want to watch Baby Einstein or Monsters Inc.". It's just so amazing. Everyday is a new experience and a new achievement.

My very good friend Shelley and her son Carter came to see us this week. It's always nice to see old friends. I miss Shelley so much. It's hard when your friends and family move way for jobs or life experience. It was nice to spend time with her. She knew every baby by name when I brought them down from their naps. I knew right than that maintaining this blog is essential for those people who can not be with us and watch our children grow. I know Shelley is a faithful reader and I thank her for loving us enough to want to be a part of our lives. Thanks "Sheliza"! The boys can't wait to play with Carter again...oh yeah and your short strings! Love You!

On Tuesday Austin started Kindergarten. I was literally freaking out in the morning. I don't know why.I had terrible anxiety. I didn't want him to go. All of sudden I realized my first baby was on his way to becoming independent. I think for a fleeting moment, I just wanted him to be that sweet little baby again. He was so excited when he woke up. He got dressed right away and ran down stairs. He barely ate breakfast and waited impatiently for the school bus which was 25 minutes late. He was so excited to get on the bus that he just screamed "bye" and ran on the bus. I panicked a bit as I saw the bus drive off. The little monster that gave me such trouble this summer was off starting this new adventure without me ...and I was actually going to miss him...and I did. I couldn't wait for him to come home. When he did he was so excited. He jumped off the bus and ran to me. He was spewing out all these details to his day, I could barely understand him. After a quick snack he said... "When can I go back, Mommy?". That's it I guess! My baby is growing up! We also had some scary times this week.

My Aunt Terri, who most of you know is more like my sister than my Aunt fell ill. We rushed her to the hospital on Saturday where they admitted her to the ICU in critical condition. We where unsure of what the outcome would be because she was very, very sick. However, on Tuesday, Terri opened her eyes and began to talk. We are hoping for the best and appreciate all of you that have called with well wishes and concerns. Continue to pray for her quick recovery and for
her son Thomas.

A New Year

I couldn't resist!
Alex LOVES the bath!
Max taking a stroll!

Baby Boy#5
Definitely a BOY!!!

A New Year

I bet you thought that was it! No more blog. The boys turned 1 and now I would let down all our loyal fans by being done. Well, you where wrong. I still plan on updating the blog as often as I can. It will of course slow down when baby boy#5 shows up. But, until then, I will blog away!

This week was fairly uneventful. The boys enjoyed all their new toys. They are so cute now, they play with each other so sweetly. They actually had a rousing game of peek-a-boo the other day. I could hear Emerson and Alex screaming and laughing. They would chase each other around the couches, than peak out from behind them and scream and laugh. Max is too interested in running around with his little broom or playing in his tent to be bothered with the other two. But sometimes he'll join them. They all love to stand on the couch and look out the window. I think they like it when people stop and stare. They bang on the windows and scream "HIYA" at the top of their lungs.

On Friday we took Austin to meet his Kindergarten teacher and see his new class room. He was so excited to see who would be in his class. His best buddy Zack will be there along with 1 or 2 others from his pre-school. We are hoping that him and Zack don't cause too much of a disturbance. We think they will be fine just like in preschool. Austin also went to the School Bus Depot on Saturday to get lessons on what to do and not to do on the bus. From what I hear this was very informative for him. I am a little nervous about him going on the bus. But, I'm sure he'll be fine. He will be the last one on and the first one off. So he is on a total of 10 minutes total. I complain allot about Austin and this terrible 5 year old phase he is going through but I will miss him so much when he is gone every day. It's allot to get used to. Only 1 more week until school!!!

1 Year Later....Happy 1st Birthday Baby Boys!

August 17th 2008 Happy 1st Birthday Stinner Triplets!
Now this will really get attention!

Alex loved his breakfast!...mmmmm cake!
Mommy gave us breakfast birthday cake!
Max ate it all up!
The Nemo cake and the boys individual cakes, YUM!

Emerson had a blast with his cake !
Yum! I can't stress enough, how they LOVED their cakes!

Alex pounded his cake and screamed YAY!
Austin wanted to share Alex's cake...no way big bro!
Poor Max looked as if he would fall asleep!

The Nemo bounce house was tooo much fun! Austin, Titi, Tio and James enjoying the bounce house.Aunt Debbie and my Mom bouncing, they're CRAZY!Not as CRAZY as OPA!!!!!! He caught Air!
Emerson and Grandma...there where cheese doodles involved! Scoob, Grandma and Maxim
The boys opening their loot!

1 Year Later....Happy 1st Birthday Baby Boys!

Can you believe it's been a whole year? 1 year ago right this minute I was laying in my hospital room recovery from a c-section that removed three small baby boys from my womb! They where 8 weeks premature and so not ready to come into this world yet, but they did. Now, 1 year to the day later I sit here typing away on this computer and I can't help but think back on what an amazing year we all have had. 2007 started what I can only describe as a whirlwind of ciaos, pain, disappointment, fear and finally the most overwhelming sense of wholeness i have ever felt. It started with the death of my Grandmother, I was devastated, the passing of my Uncle and a close family friend followed. Than in August when I started having labor pains at 31 weeks I thought "this is it, I'm going to loose my babies too"! But I didn't! With a lot of love and an enormous amount of faith, our babies survived! They have become the most amazing little people I have ever known. They are walking and talking and growing every day. I look at them now in complete AWWW. Are these the little floppy things I brought home from the hospital? Not anymore. They are such a huge blessing to both of us, it is so hard to put into words. Austin has grown into such a great big brother. He plays with the boys and teaches them everything he shouldn't, but I suppose that's his job. I can't wait to see what the next year has in store for all of us!

So now...the Birthday Details! WOW! That's all I can say. We had the most incredible time at the boys birthday party. We had almost 80 people attend throughout the day. All our family and friends came. What a blast. We went with Finding Nemo as a theme! But of course...would you expect anything else? I collected decorations for a month and made sure I rented a "Nemo" bounce house and found the PERFECT person to do the cake! We also had three individual cakes made for them to eat themselves and what an amazing sight to watch these three amazing little boys tearing at these cakes, they loved it! Side note...Thank you so much Jenn S. for making the most incredible cake. The detail was unbelievable. It has been a little chilly at night so the pool wasn't as warm as we had hoped. But people where in there swimming away. We had a craft table where the kids made sun hats and decorated foam fish. I cooked for 2 days straight and made waaaay too much food, but it was worth it. Our sons had such a great time. They went from person to person. Every time I looked they where with someone else and had some sort of food product in their mouth. They never made a peep. They where so tired by the end of the night though. I was so pleased with the outcome of the party and I want to thank all of you that where here and thank you all for the wonderful presents. We'll just say there will be little need for me to go out and buy winter clothes for the boys and they absolutely loved the toys!

This last year was the best of my life. I realized allot about myself. I know I made mistakes, all mothers do. But the good mothers are the ones that take those mistakes and learn from them. I will never be mother of the year, and I'm OK with that. I don't need the recognition of others I just need my kids. I know that whatever mistakes I make with the 4...almost 5 of them, that I did my best. I taught them well, I loved them so much and I protected them the best I could. Happy Birthday Babies!!!!

Just so everyone knows, baby #5 is...you guessed it, another boy! We couldn't be happier. I thought my life was perfect before, but now I know it is truly complete. 5 Stinner Boys, what a troop we'll be. Now the adventure truly begins....TO BE CONTINUED!

Week 51

Austin at the Falls
What a sight...I mean the Falls!

Alex wants a drink too!
Fishies!
My Boys!

Week 51 -----UPDATED 8/20/08

This weeks blog will be short. I hope to update it slightly after each of our "family outings" or "daytrips" that we are taking this week. Today we went to the Niagara Aquarium. Not a huge deal, in fact it was rather sparse. There seemed to be nothing of interest for the kids except for the seals and the "Nemo" fish or Clown Fish. The boys where completely impressed by the clown fish and looked almost in shock that they where right in front of them. Emerson loved them! Than we went down to the Falls to walk around and have some lunch! BIG MISTAKE!!!! Never take your children to Niagara Falls with 10,000 tourists with cameras, all trying to take pictures of your children. I almost had to slap someone. I had to tell several people NOT to take pictures of my children. At one point I felt completely overwhelmed by the crowd and asked David to get the boys out of there ASAP! Well, we finally got out of there after several stupid comments and one of the best comments we have ever heard...one man drove past us and yelled, "you must be the luckiest man in the world!". I would just like to say to that person, "Thank You!". More to come as the week progresses and our adventures continue! We will post all the pictures by the end of the week!

OK, So Niagara Falls and The Aquarium where quite interesting! The following day we ventured out to the Erie County Fair. Wow, that was an event in itself. We started out early in the hopes that we could avoid the crowd. Well, that didn't necessarily work. The craziness started the second we got out of the van and continued on through out our 5 hour visit to the Fair. From the moment we stood in line we where the target of our classic statement..."oh look, triplets", lots of "Oh my G%D!", "Better you than me" and my absolute favorite(Grrrrr)"you have your hands full!". This was just a few. Pretty much every person we passed made a comment. I again had to request that people don't take pictures. Oh well, what can I do. Anyway, the boys loved parts and hated others. They loved the babies area. There was a make shift playpen with toys, and the boys got to get out of their wagon and stretch their legs. They also seemed to like the animals, until people began to crowd them and they got nervous. It started to rain shortly before we left and that was a major drama. But it eventually passed, we fed the babies and where on our way. Next year should be better with the boys being almost 2 and Austin will be able to help more. Maybe, if we can keep the Paparazzi at bay!

Week 50

"Look Mom, I did it!"

Austin kicking the soccer ball.
Get that goal kiddo!

Alex analyzing his surroundings at the soccer field "what's that?" is his new favorite phrase!
Max, flying with Daddy!
Emerson cheering on his big brother at Soccer!

Emerson is happy to be nakey!
Alex fell asleep on Max

Week 50

OK, so we are less than two weeks away from the boys big birthday extravaganza! It almost feels like the walls are closing in. I can't believe this year went so fast. On one hand I can't imagine them ever not being here and on the other I can't believe they are going to be a year old! When did that happen? It's crunch time for David and I. We are doing all the last minute preparations and getting the yard and house ready to accommodate 70-100 people, (that's if all show!) and finishing up the menu preparations on who is making what. Wheeeew, it's gonna be crazy but worth it! I just wish everyone that was coming would RSVP, so I can make final preparations. I just can't wait to sing to them!

Austin had two soccer games this week. He finished up the season yesterday so he is done with that and on to the next thing...Kindergarten. Wow, less than a month away now! We still haven't got Austins room assignment/teacher or his supplies list so we are panicking! We want to go get him all prepared but with no list, we are at a standstill, just waiting!

The boys are doing great. They are getting out with us and loving it. We traveled far and wide this week and they seem to love the new wagon. They love it allot more than I do! I absolutely hate the attention. I think it's the "mommy bear" syndrome. I just want to protect my baby cubs. I don't like it when people stop us and ask questions and sometimes I just want to go from point A to point B without being hassled but that is never in the plans! We are always bombarded with people and their curiosity. But, what can I do? Anyway, the boys enjoyed a weekend out. Saturday we went to our friend Abigail's 8th birthday. The boys had a blast. They loved eating their hot dogs and traveling around in their wagon. They where loved and held by all. Especially Miss Carolyn, Miss Mindy and Nani Star! They also had their first piece of birthday cake, they LOVED it! Just another reason I can't wait until their birthday! On Sunday we went to Uncle Michael and Aunt Kelly's for a BBQ with them , our friends Lisa, Rich and their kids and Grandma Linda! It was great. We bought a new play yard for the kids that sets up quickly and keeps them contained. They where a little unsure of it, and they seemed grumpy and uncomfortable but all in all they where better than I thought and we had a great day.

Next week is vacation time for the Stinners. We will be spending some time preparing for the party, but also trying to get out to the Zoo, the Museum and the Fair! We are hoping the weather holds out for our week of fun in the sun but also for the party. It would stink if it rained! But Buffalo weather is Buffalo weather! Unpredictable!

Week 49

Que the circus music!
Look Opa!
We love this thing!

Week 49
BUSY, BUSY, BUSY! That's how I like to describe our lives. Life has been so crazy. The boys are
getting so active it's hard for me to get anything done anymore. Now that Max is walking and the other two proficiently walk holding onto to things, there is no stopping them. I have to watch so they don't crawl behind the couches, pull the curtains down on their heads and crawl into the fireplace. (Don't worry about the fireplace, you have to manually turn on the gas to ignite it and we are getting an insert before winter.) They have broke the floor lamp and the table lamp needs to stay unplugged so come evening we are pretty much in the dark! Aside from Dr's appointments, daily outings, Soccer games and normal summer parties and activities, I guess you could say the backyard has become our sanctuary. The pool, water tables, kiddy slides, swing set and new wagon really seem to be keeping the kids occupied.

David is taking a weeks vacation finally! The week before the boys birthday party so that should be a huge help. We plan on taking a lot of day trips that week and hopefully getting ready for the big birthday bash.

A little pregnancy update. We are now over 4 months pregnant. The baby is beginning to really move around and is growing, growing, growing. My belly is definitely expanding like crazy now and although I feel huge I am not nearly as big as I was with the boys. One year ago this week I was SOOOOO Big that I thought I would explode!!!! That seems like a million years ago!