A New Week, A New Attitude!

Griffin, my bright eyed baby!

Taking a bath, what a big boy!

Emerson

Maxim

Alexander

Playing in their new tent.
My Big Boy!

A New Week, A New Attitude!

This week was nothing if not interesting. It started out a crazy roller coaster of ciaos and drama. But we made a decision as a family to ignore the drama and put it behind us. Their is no reason to deal with awful people in your life. Just cut them out, ignore their lies and move on with our lives. That's our decision. We have no time in our busy lives to deal with negativity!

David had some minor surgery on Wednesday and all seemed to go well. He has been sore, but my husband is so resilient!!!! He still managed to run his business and go to a few meetings. He worked mostly from home for the rest of the week which was great because Emerson started to relapse with his cold! UGH! We started out with the snotty noses again, than the awful cough and by the end of the weekend had the full on coughing, sneezing, stuffy head, puking(the crap that's going down his throat), diarrhea and slight fever. I know it's just a recurrence of the cold he had two weeks ago so I'm not concerned about it being a flu. Unfortunately he just wasn't completely over it when he was obviously exposed again. We where so lucky last year. Austin got sick a few times but aside from a mild outbreak of the croup, the triplets remained healthy. So dealing with this now is actually better than if they where smaller. Griffin has been spared from all this, thank God! He gets a little congested than, it seems to go away quickly. I try to do my best to keep him separate from the little boys anyway. They are just way to rough with him still.

Austin had a great week. He is really into coloring and drawing pictures. He's so artistic(he gets that from me! Ha) He has been using all his new birthday craft sets to draw these cool Star Wars pictures. He's so proud of himself. He brings them up..."look mom, Luke Skywalker", "Look at this clone guy". I'm not sure all the characters but he sure does. David and I have discussed the whole ramifications of Star Wars and other more adult television that involves some violence. We decided it is best if he is exposed to his interests in a controlled environment like our home, rather than at a friends house or at school with his buddies. We can control and monitor him closely at home to make sure he knows this stuff is make believe and not reality. He knows, what's real and what is not and we believe this new fascination with Star Wars is just a faze like everything else that he he will eventually grow out of. It's no different than 50+ years ago when young boys played cowboys! Good vs. Evil. It's all the same, just different characters. He's really into the good guys beating the bad. I love that my big boy wants to be a good guy. He's turning into a really cool kid!

Aside from their minor colds, yes they all have it as of today. The triplets had a great week. I spent a lot of time playing and singing with them. They love "ring around the rosie", the "ABC song" and "Elmo's world" theme song. Alex tries so hard to sing. He thinks the words are coming out but they are just a series of babbles. David and I can easily understand him but in general I'm sure it's just babbles. Max hums along just like he did when he was a baby. Any day now those words are going to come flying out. I brought out the tents and ball pit they got for Christmas, what a blast that was. They played for hours before dismantling it and trying to put it back together. Emerson is my dare devil. Lately he's been climbing up on all the furniture, throwing the pillows off and jumping down on them. He's missed a few times, but he needs to fall and pick himself up to learn cause and effect. Max is playing so well now. He loves to play ball and is constantly handing me the ball to throw back at him. He will do this by the hour and makes me laugh so hard. He his like a little robot. He runs, grabs the ball, throws it at me, I through it at him and it starts all over again and again and again! My children are just such a blessing to me. They are the reason I was put here. They give us both such joy!

Griffin is great, he's growing like a weed. I have already put away the Newborn clothes and he is now in size 3 months. He's gonna be a moose. All he seems to do is eat and sleep. This is great for me. But the more he eats and sleeps the more he grows. He's gonna be huge! As long as the Doctors say he's healthy, I'm good with it. He's my little bonus in life! I just want to eat him up!!!!

On a somber note: There was a tragedy in our area late last week. Continental Flight 3407 crashed on Thursday evening into a home in Clarence, New York. 50 people lost their lives. It's the most devastating occurrence to hit our home town since 9/11. I want to extend our love, thoughts and prayers to the victims and their families. I suggest all of you take a few moments to call your loved ones and say a prayer for all those lost and their families.

Happy Birthday, Austin!

Happy Birthday Big Boy! Nice Cake!Max is such a bad ass!

Austin and his Papa

Ready for the Party!

Happy Birthday All!

Emerson, too cute!

Alex was so tired.

Austin opening his gifts with Ethan.

Mommy and Emerson!

Alex loves Pizza

Run Max!

Cool bounce houses

Baby bath time!

Happy Birthday, Austin!

Well, it's official! My 1st baby is now 6years old! It seems like yesterday we brought him home and he was this little teeny kid, running around and drooling all over the house. Now he's this big kid running around spelling everything and explaining to me the intricate details of Star Wars. He's such an amazingly smart kid with a vocabulary unlike anyone else his age. I am so proud to be his mother!

We started out the "Birthday Extravaganza Weekend" by having a party at Bounce Magic. This place has large bounce houses and games for the kids to play. It was great fun. This year Austin asked that it just be his "guy friends". I didn't realize that there is separation of the sexes so early. But apparently there is and girls have cooties. Anyway, he had a blast. It was a Star Wars themed party since Austin eats, sleeps and breathes Star Wars. I asked my friend Jenn (also Austins best friend Zack's Mom) to make the cake(She made the triplets Nemo cake). It was a huge R2D2 cake. The coolest cake I've seen. I can't believe all the work she put into it. She has a true gift, it was an amazing cake and tasted Delicious. We had around 14 kids including the triplets and my friends one year old. The triplets handled it well, they ran around and dodged in and out of all the people. Emerson was the only one that liked to bounce in the toddler area. The other two just wanted to people watch. It was a great time had by all.

On Saturday, we had a family party here at our house. Every year we have a "universal" party for all the February birthdays. My mom shares hers with Austin. Her husband is the last week in January. My brother-in-law Jose is on the 11th and my sister Gabrielle is on the 14th. Everyone came over and we had cake and ice cream. Austin spent most of his time in the basement playing with all his new birthday toys. He only came up on occasions to eat or show some Lego machine he built. He had so much fun. On Sunday his extended birthday was spent with a visit from Aunt Kathy and My dad and his fiance. He got way too much stuff and that was fine. He had a rough 5th year so we made a pact that 6 would be the best year!!!!!

The triplets are feeling so much better. The sickness everyone had is almost completely gone. We still have some snotty noses but in general everyone has returned to their normal toddler selves. They have recently discovered Elmo and Sesame Street. I find it so fascinating that a show I watched 35 years ago is still relevant and appealing to my children. They love watching Elmo's World and Alex sings along with the songs. It's too funny. Alex amazes me with his verbal skills. He now will pretty much say what ever you do. I now have to watch my language like crazy. Emerson is my player. He will sit and play with the cars by the hour or read his books. Max is Mr.Mommy's Boy lately. He just seems to want to be on me. He's been whining allot but in his defence he has been sick and he is still waiting on 4 teeth to break through while the other two have ALL their teeth.

Griffin is the best baby boy. Not that I'm comparing him to anyone. He is the most even tempered baby. No drama. He sleeps great, he eats great and when he's up he amazes me with how well he lifts his head and how strong he is. Because I have had such a bad infection(yes, it's still going on), I had some breast milk issues and had to supplement him with a little bit of formula. This is devastating to me. I didn't want to ever give him formula but what can I do...9 rounds of antibiotics and still having issues! But I am still giving him just 2 ounces of formula mixed with 2 ounces of breast milk. And he is nursing 3-4 times a day. I was just a little bit decreased in production. All is returning and I'm hoping we won't need the formula. He has begun to smile when he sees me or when I kiss his cheek. I love it. It's like no one exists but the mommy. Motherhood is the most gratifying thing I have ever done. It makes me crazy sometimes but so worth it!

On a personal note: I have a motherly rant! I know, big surprise! This is my Forum and therefore I have the right to rant if I want too! If you don't like it, don't read it!
I was recently faced with a situation in which I felt compelled to defend someone I shouldn't need to defend. Without giving specifics I would like to say the following:
I am a person who feels very strongly about defending those that can not defend themselves. This includes my children who have yet to find their voice and those adults that for what ever reason can not speak for themselves. Sometimes it makes me crazy when I'm faced with a situation in which a person or persons treats these who can not speak with such a lack of respect that I instantly go into defensive mode and begin to defend them. From the time I was very young I can remember having a compassion for those that where "different". I never judged, never stared or discussed and never developed fear. I felt everyone was put on this earth by God and everyone of God's creatures has a purpose. This purpose is not to be questioned or feared but to be tolerated and accepted. This means those that are different colors, religions, sexual orientations, mental and physically challenged as well as everyone else. For those of you who can't understand need to reflect on their own Christianity instead of judging others and respect for all God's creatures. Remember, he makes NO mistakes. Your going from person to person looking for validation of your allegations and questioning others Christian beliefs are just idiotic rants from a lunatic who uses Gods words as tools for their intolerance to a world they fear and know nothing about! So judge yourself before judging others and take some time in your prayers to ask Gods forgiveness for all the HATE and FEAR in your heart! Say what you want about me, I'm doing just fine. I know I am justified in my rant. I will continue to stick to my morals and beliefs and to love those you so strongly hate. I will even continue to love you.

I am going to make one request to the person on the receiving end of this rant, if you are going to continue to lie about the situation at least keep your lies consistent. You are just making yourself look bad!

Sick, Sick, Sick, Sick & Sick!

My sick boys!

Austin and his new baby brother!

Austin playing in the snow!

Me throwing Austin in the snow!

My handsome baby!

He looks like his daddy!

I couldn't resist the Emerson eyes!

Sick, Sick, Sick, Sick & Sick!

What a week we had. All the kids ended up with the most terrible cold. Just when I thought it couldn't get worse, it did. The puking, constant snot and diarrhea showed up. I thought the baby might have been spared. But Sunday early morning he puked up his feed, had terrible diarrhea and a stuffed nose. So far David and I have been lucky. We both ended up with the stuffy nose but that's about it. The brunt of it also seemed to miss Austin. He only was stuffy for a few days with a bad cough. I'm certain he was the one who brought it home! Damn Kindergarten germs! I am even a bigger stickler about letting people in the house during this cold and flu season. Especially anyone who works in high public areas. Nobody understand the severity the common cold has on premature children or Griffin for that matter who just 4 weeks ago(today) was born with a collapsed lung. Anyway, don't be offended if I say no to a visit when the kids are not 100%. David and I are the ones up all night not anyone else!

Austin proved to be a huge help to me this week with everyone else sick. He held Griffin and played calmly with his brothers. He also was my little gofer. I sent him all over the house for diapers, tissues and food products. He is finally maturing and growing out of this crazy boy phase he's been in for the last year. Either that or he knows his birthday is on Saturday and he's just being a brown noser. We'll see. We had a record snow fall last month and Austin was dying to play in the snow. But since he had been under the weather we where unable to take him out and let him go crazy. So when he got off the bus on Friday I couldn't help myself. He was all bundled up so I took him and threw him in the snow! He threw snow balls at me and I took the shovel and threw a ton at him. It was a blast. I only hope he gets to go sledding before the season is up. He would love that. He is my little snow bunny!

The triplets where rather lethargic this week. They where so sick, that they didn't eat or sleep much. It was just a series of whines coming from the living room at an alarming rate. It was the first time in forever that I felt helpless. I could do nothing to help them or ease their pain. They just wanted to be held and loved. This was difficult since Griffin is home. Sometimes I just had to remove myself and take a "mommy time out" in the kitchen. That helped, until the next drama.

Griffin has been growing like a weed. I'm not sure exactly how much he weighs but I'm sure he is already over 10lbs. He nurses every 3 hours and sleeps like no baby I've ever seen before. He is awake maybe 3 hours a day. So all he does is eat, sleep, poop and grow. He is already out of his newborn close and is 0-3 months. Some of them even seem a little small. He's gonna be a chunker! That's' fine by me. I had such teeny tiny babies before, that it is a true blessing to see this big, healthy, happy baby. I have been a little concerned about his eating habits. So over the weekend I went to a local lactation store where I picked up some herbal supplements and mothers milk tea to help facilitate my milk more and sure enough the supplements work. My production has increased and he is eating more and more every time. Thank God! I was dreading giving formula. Although I have tried 1 ounce here and there mixed with breast milk just to see if he would take it. Just in case I got sick and would be unable to feed him. He finally seemed interested in the last brand I tried but all the others he spit out and gaged on. It is true that nothing is like the all natural, real deal breast milk that is best for them in the beginning.

My Loves

David and Griffin

So tired

David putting the last of the Christmas toys together.

Grandma and Griffin

Max's new silly face

The silly face wrestling with Alex

"No more pictures, Mommy!"

Alexander and Emerson wrestling

They played with these Easter Eggs for hours.

Max is one cool dude!

Aunt Terri and Alex

Thomas and Emerson

My Loves

When Austin came into our lives I thought to myself "life can't get any better than this", than the triplets where born and I again thought "life can't get any better than this". Now that Griffin is here, I can honestly say..."life can't get any better than THIS!". I knew pretty early on that I wanted to be a mother. I resounded to the fact that I probably would never have children and almost turned my back on the thought completely. Than I met David and within a year of being married to him I knew I wanted to be the mother of his children. So when we adopted Austin I knew that motherhood would be a huge part of my life. He was such a joy. So smart, so sweet and amazing. Just the most perfect child anyone could want. Everyone immediately fell in love with him. I had given up on ever having more than just him. Than the triplets came to be and now Griffin. I now know I was meant to have all these children. God choose me or I should say...us. I know this sounds corny to some but I have to think that in God's infinite wisdom he knew we where meant to adopt Austin first and have more children later. I have to think it was a well thought out plan on his part and not some incredibly unfunny joke. It's unbelievable how your life takes twists and turns. Mine is like a roller coaster and I wouldn't have it any other way. They are the loves of my life and for the first time my family feels complete.

Poor Austin is not feeling well. He came home early in the week with a croupy cough. He has been in quarantine in the basement ever since. But now it seems the little boys are starting to get it too. Griffin has been lucky. So far he is showing no symptoms but that can change in an instant. So we just keep him as separate as possible and don't let anyone tough him. The triplets are getting used to the fact that Griffin is home now. Emerson still shows no interest but Alex points at him and says "baby, baby!" and Max wants to kiss him and poke him in the eyes. I think they've realized he is a part of our family and is going to stay. I am trying to spend equal time with all the kids to let them know I'm still here for everyone. That's been a little trying since Griffin is nursing. So I try and let the little ones run around the downstairs in the evening instead of being coopt up in the living room. They love it. They run in circles, laugh and dance. Hopefully Austin will feel better soon so he can help me a little more with the younger three.

Griffin and I both went to the doctors this week. The nursing is working because in 5 days time he went from 8.4lbs to 9.4lbs! Woooo! He might have had an undeveloped lung but his belly is working just fine. He's turning into a little porker! I love it. The boys where all so scrawny! A fat baby has always been my dream. All though he is far from fat. All in all Griffin has overcame is hardships and is doing fantastic. I on the other hand have had some issues with my surgical wound. It turns out I have a really bad staph infection and even after several rounds of antibiotics I still am unable to get rid of it. I'm hoping this is the final round and I can hurry up on my road to recovery!

He's Home!

Griffin on his way home from the hospital! Mommy and Baby! I very rarely post pictures of myself! I just couldn't resist!

My sleeping angel! Alex and Austin...brotherly love!

Alex and Emerson, wrestling!

Emerson was freaked out a bit by Opa's back massager.

Max thought it was cool!

Aunt Kathy and the little boys, watching Wall-E! Don't they look comfy!

He's Home!

I am so excited to finally announce that Griffin Henry Michael is finally home! I haven't been so happy since the triplets came home. I was so relieved when the Doctor said he would be releasing Griffin on Saturday. I called first thing in the morning and by 10 am he was released. Less than 2 weeks since he was born with life threatening health issues and he's home! The boys where completely freaked out. Alex tried to smack him. Emerson just stared and Maxim thought he was the best thing in the world. He just gentley tried to touch his ear and he stares so sweetly at him. I was both thrilled and worried. They all seem a little jealous but I'm sure that will pass in time. Austin is in love with his baby brother. He talks to him and sings. He touches his hands and does it with such love. He's getting so mature.

Griffin is an amazing baby. He's a great eater, he sleeps 3 1/2 hours at a time and very rarely cries. I couldn't be any luckier if I tried. I feel very blessed to have my 5 beautiful sons. I couldn't ask for more!

He's a Fighter!

I'm not sure what he was thinking but I'm sure it involved either eating or pooping!

How could you not be in love with this little man! He makes me want to have a sixth...ok, maybe not!

He's a Fighter!

My amazing little boy is such a fighter. He came through every little difficulty like it was nothing. Every day we have gone to the hospital he has overcome another obstacle. What an amazing baby! I know, I'm completely biased! I don't know if we shared the severity of Griffin's issues with people but, his ailments where life threatening. He could have died. He would have most certainly have had the amazing Dr's and nurses not detected his collapsed lung in time. It could have caused a chain reaction and caused more life threatening issues. But with a lot of prayers and Griffin's will to overcome, he is now doing so much better. In fact today he was circumcised! This is exciting to us! This means he was healthy enough to do that procedure and it is one of the final things they do before sending a baby home. Now, we are not rushing him home. But we are excited to get him home and get our life rolling! We have faith he'll be home this weekend but are prepared for any delays! God knows we had plenty with the triplets before they finally got home!

The little boys are doing so well. Max is teething so bad! He has had a fever for three days. He wakes up almost every night and is just cranky and miserable. Emerson and Alex have 99% of their teeth so they don't have these issues. Just poor Max. He still has 6 or so left to come in. My poor boy. Alex is cracking me up. His vocabulary is developing more and more everyday. He now is starting to sing. Talk about funny. He sings "in ME"...aka "You've got a friend in me" from Toy Story. He rocks back and forth and screams out..."IN ME". It's hysterical. Emerson is loving his new CD, Britney Spears. He loves the song "Womanizer". He dances and shakes his shoulders so sweetly. He bounces with such rhythm. I've never seen such a little kid with such good rhythmic timing. I think he'll be a musician. Austin in doing much better in school. We have had no reports of bad behavior or "class clown" issues. I'm hoping it stays like this. I know sometimes he gets bored and that's why he acts out. He's such a smart boy. Sometimes his brain goes faster than his actions and he gets himself over stimulated! He's doing much better.

I again want to Thank all of you for your thoughts and prayers. I do however wish that people had been a little more supportive while I was in the hospital. Most where great but I didn't hear from a lot of friends and family that where front and center for the triplets birth. They seemed to have disappeared when Griffin was born. I have still not heard from certain people(they know who they are) and that is so disappointing since I have gone out of my way more than once to take care of them when they where sick or in need of companionship. It almost seems phony for those who where so attentive to the triplets. I think maybe because they where unique and people like to brag about knowing them or being related to them in some way. I just want to say to those people that my children are ALL unique. They are ALL amazing and they should ALL be loved for who they are not what they are. I hope certain family and friends get the point that I now know how people truly feel. Next time I may not be so willing to do all I do for people.

Week 1

Griffin looking perfectly angelic!

Week 1

Well, I wish I could say, "we have begun our life as a family of seven", but I can't! I finally was released from the hospital on Saturday. But sadly Griffin is still in the NICU. I came home even though I have a terrible infection in my bladder, kidneys and my c-section wound. I was given antibiotics and sent home, again leaving behind my new baby boy. It's like reliving the hardest of my life over again. Normal woman come in the hospital, give birth and leave three days later...with their baby. Not me. The thought of leaving him behind while I go home is heartbreaking. Your natural instinct is to love and protect them with every fiber of your being. When you aren't by their side how can you do that? I know I had to leave the triplets for several weeks (5 and 6 weeks to be exact)but they at least had each other. Griffin is there all alone and that's really hard for me. I have all the faith in the world that the Dr's and nurses are taking excellent care of him, but I miss him terribly! I go up once a day and drop off milk and have begun breast feeding him, but it's not the same. Oh well, maybe their is another plan for me. Maybe I was meant to go home without out him to get the boys back in their routine before bringing him home.

Anyway, the boys all did great while I was in the hospital. My sisters, mom, mother in law, nanny and Aunt Debbie all helped out and did a tremendous job. They are all out of their routine but that just takes some time and they'll go back to normal. Austin was a little wild but he is already returning to his normal self. He's a little disappointed about not seeing his baby brother yet, but understands he's sick. Everyone was happy to see me. That made the transition home much easier. I can't wait to get all my boys together safe and sound, happy and healthy. Any time now!

She's Baaaaaack!

She's Baaaaaack!

I'm back! Well, not really. I am still in the hospital. I will probably be here a while. My c-section was quite complicated and am recovering nicely on the maternity floor. It's a little bitter sweet since I am without my new baby boy. As David let you all know, when Griffin was born he was having some respiratory distress or difficult breathing. At first they thought it was just do to underdeveloped lungs but after an Xray they discovered that my beautiful baby boy has a Pnuemothorax. In layman's terms he had a collapsed lung. It was discovered that he also had a small hole that was not allowing the lung tissue to inflate properly. The incredible Neonatologists reacted quickly and placed a breathing tube in Griffins lungs and put a chest tube, through his tiny chest wall into the hole in his lung to relieve the pressure and to start the reinflation process. I am very happy to say that early this afternoon we where told that Griffin's lung was reinflating and that the Pnuemothorax was resolved! AMEN!

As a mother the hardest thing to do is sit back and watch your baby suffer. You keep them inside of you for 9 months praying that you deliver them healthy. When you don't, you feel like you should have done something different. I know that I did nothing to cause Griffin's illness. It's just something that happens. I mean come on...he weighed 8lbs 5.2 ounces! There is no reason for under developed lungs! Now Griffin is on the road to recovery and we are just so grateful to everyone for their thoughts and prayers. I draw my strength to get through these tough times through all of you!

On a personal note I just want to make a statement about my wonderful husband! David has been so supportive during these last few days. He is here with me in the afternoon, talking to Dr's, supporting me while my hormones are raging and I am an emotional wreck all while running his business and taking care of our 4 big boys at home! He is the strongest man I have ever met. He just amazes me. David, thank you for being my rock! I would have curled under the bed and just died had I to do this alone! I love you! I also want to thank our incredible Nanny...Deb, my hero! My sisters, mom, mother-in-law and Aunt Debbie all for helping while I am recovering! Now that I feel like I just won an award, I guess I'll go see my beautiful baby boy! (who by the way does look so much like his Daddy, it's like I had no part of it at all!) Go figure!