Week 35

Max discovers the Coffee Table!
YES, he did it all by himself!

Max....Happy Baby
Daddy & Emerson...waving
Alex, up to no good as usual!

Week 35
8 Months and Counting!

This week has been extremely HOT! We got up to around 85 degrees. Which for our area is common since we no longer have Spring and go right from Winter to Summer. The boys seem to enjoy all the traveling that we can now do. They are loving our long walks and trips to the stores but the heat gets to them fast. Max instantly got a heat rash when the temperature spiked and all the babies where red and flushed. We are spending a lot more time outside and we are getting more visitors. This mommy is also making more time for her self and is trying to venture out with friends every so often. I kept myself pretty cloistered this winter to take care of the boys and to bond. So now...I'm breaking free! I noticed they have problems with strangers. This can be a good thing but can also be bad since i would like to start leaving them bit by bit with sitters in order to spend more time with David. We'll see, it's like a test for my little angels.

Max and Alex have started crawling so we've begun baby proofing and putting up gates. It's pretty much like an obstacle course here. Hop over a crawling baby, trip over an Elmo toy, stub your toe on a walker and try to walk over a gate without falling down the stairs....wheeeee! Emerson is not crawling yet but is flipping himself over and spending time on his belly. It's so hard for him because of the acid reflux. We're hoping he grows out of it soon so he can join his brothers in exploring the house. We had to lower Max's crib finally since he has begun to pull himself up. I walked in his room the other morning to a standing Max, reaching over the side..."hiya mmmmm(mom)". He was so proud of himself. Than all of a sudden...flop! On his way down, he caught his chin on the bar and cried. My poor baby, but now is the time where bumps and bruises come into play. They are growing so fast! Before we know it they'll be walking and than I'll want a new baby!....Just kidding...I could almost here all of you gasp!

Austin has 2 months left of school. Than one loooooong summer and kindergarten. He is playing outside a lot more which tires him out quickly. Thank God! This kid is an unbelievable ball of energy. Everyday he is getting smarter and more rebellious. I know this is just him testing us because he is used to being the center of attention. He is really helping out with his brothers now. He likes that they can react to him. They laugh and coo at him, he's just so funny to them. When he's home he sometimes keeps an eye on them so I can make lunch or do the laundry. He really is a great big bro!

Random Blog

Austin swinging...soon a new set!

Playing in their Pack N Play
Emerson looking at the clouds
Max playing

Alex was telling me a story...dadabababubba
Daddy with ice cream...I knew I loved him for a reason

They started out like this.....

....and ended up like this!

This smile just about sums up our day!

Random Blog

It's been a long time since I just posted a random blog for no particular reason. So I thought, what the heck. We had an amazing Spring day today (even though I have the worst cold). We where going to go to the Zoo but than I woke up feeling terrible. I couldn't bare the thought of fighting off all the obnoxious on-lookers and answering all the stupid question. So, I cancelled the trip and decided to stay home and rest with my children who have all been a little under the weather. The day started out as usual, babas, breakfast than baths and a nap. I tried my best to clean up but for once I didn't feel like doing the thorough job I usually do. After the boys naps I went outside to take the garbage out and couldn't believe how nice it was. I gathered the boys, set up the pack n play and we headed outside. Daddy brought us ice cream...to make us feel better. We lasted about an hour or so before returning inside for lunch and our afternoon 20 minute snooze. My boys all looked so cute, happy and refreshed so I felt compelled to take pictures. Hope you enjoy them...and these beautiful Spring Days!

Week 34

My Boys watching Nemo...AGAIN!
Max really is starting to play with Austin...What a good Big Brother!

Going to Grandma Linda's

Max hates his hat!

Emerson getting ready to go
Alex diggs his new hat!

Emerson wasn't thrilled with the yard!
Max slept!

Alex loved it!
Alex waving bye bye!

Week 34

What a beautiful week in Western New York! We have had some incredible weather. Looks like Spring may finally be here, yeah but than in true Buffalo form, IT SNOWED! We have been doing some outings with the kids. On Tuesday I even took all 4 kids to Target and Babies R'US, alone! I was very lucky, the boys where in great spirits and did minimal fussing! Austin was a huge help and gave the boys their bottles and toys. The kid is almost too efficient, he gave them toys that I discovered at the checkout and had to pay for them. Oh well, it kept them busy! He's good at that. He does the same thing at home. I can always count on him to play with the boys while I'm making dinner or cleaning up. What a great big brother he is.

On Thursday we restarted are dinners at Linda's(Grandma Linda to my kids). That works out great since there are several other adults and I can actually eat. It was a little rough in the beginning, the boys weren't used to all the ciaos and noise but after a while they calmed down, watched Nemo and played with their toys. Uncle Michael, Aunt Kelly, Grandma Linda, Uncle Frankie & Sissy kept them all occupied. Playing on the floor and carrying them around. I'm sure after a few weeks they will be as comfortable there as here. It's wonderful to have the nice weather and to have a routine where we go certain places on certain days. I'm hoping the boys will pick up on their social skills since they have been sheltered for the last eight months.

We had some instances this week with what I like to call "The Stupid Triplet Questions". I was asked at the grocery store"what day care center are you from?" assuming the kids where on a walk from daycare. I got quite bitchy at the stupidity of that woman. I swore (I really am a good christian woman, but some people just test me!)at a woman at Babies r'us when she made the constant stupid comment..."oh, you have your hands full!" It wouldn't be so bad if people didn't say it in such a condescending manner as if in some way shape or form that my kids are some sort of burden. Quite the opposite my children are a gift from God. They are the biggest and best blessing I have ever received. Austin is the smartest, sweetest most amazing kid, and my babies are happy, healthy, growing and thriving! What more could a mother ask for. A burden they are not. I have never considered myself burdened. Who wouldn't want these amazingly beautiful sons that I have? When we are old and grey(OK, I'm already grey) we will have lots of sons, daughter-in-laws and grandchildren surrounding us. It's the ultimate blessing. The thought of it brings tears to my eyes. When someone makes a comment about having my hands full, they're right, I have my hands full of the most amazing children in the world and that is the most incredible gift I could have ever asked for.

Now that I have gone on yet another rant...the kids are a little under the weather. They must have a little bit of a cold. On top of that they are teething so bad, if these teeth don't break through, I'm going to go in there and pull them through myself. Austin is off from school this week and I'm hoping to take all 4 of my sons out on some day trips to the park, the Zoo and shopping. Hopefully, they will all feel up to it. And yes I will be doing it alone! Even though they are hand fulls, they are my hand fulls and I welcome the challenge! However, if I end up "smacking" some condescending idiot for stupid comments, I hope my loving family and friends would understand enough to bail me out of jail! HAPPY SPRING ALL!

Week 33

Oh my Goodness....Triplets!
Mom...can we get a Bear?
Spectacle....Who Us?

Emerson enjoying Cheese Doodles

Max loved the doodles
Alex...Yummmmmmmmy!

Week 33

Well, it seems Spring has sprung in Western New York. Today was a beautiful day. The temperature got up to around 65 degrees. We were so excited we decided to go to the zoo. Of course we where our normal selves and created a stir at almost every turn. Sometime it almost seems that we are the attraction and not the animals. At one point I was walking all 4 of my sons, two in the triple stroller, one in the Baby Bjorn(front sack) and Austin by my side. We where walking to see the baby Rhino. There where so many people gathering around us and pointing that I actually had to say..."the baby rhino seems way more interesting than my children"! I know I shouldn't get so pissed off but I kick into "mommy mode" and I will do anything to protect my children from the stares, points and stupid comments. I just hate the fact that people look at my children as some kind of freak show and not someones babies. I mean would they want people stopping and staring and trying to touch their children? Anyway, all the kids enjoyed the Zoo. Max was bright eyed through the whole thing. I think he likes to people watch. He would look at all the animals and smile and coo. I'm not sure exactly what he was thinking but he looked as if he liked all the new sights and sounds. Emerson and Alex seemed unfazed and Austin was so excited. He had a fun just showing us all around. I plan on spending tons of time at the Zoo since we live so close and we got our family pass so we are good to go!
We are really taking the kids out a lot now. This weekend alone we went to the Galleria Mall, for a long walk around the neighborhood, grocery shopping and to the Zoo. They seem to be getting used to their car seats now and are in better spirits when going into environments that are foreign.
We took the boys to two separate Dr's appointments this week. First we went to the Robert Warner Center at Children's Hospital. This was to evaluate them for delays. It's basically protocol because they where premature. The Dr. evaluated all three boys and was happy to report that all where age appropriate. I know age appropriate behavior is irrelevant because all children progress at different rates and age appropriate milestones really depend on the child themselves. But all the boys where evaluated according to the 5 1/2 month age group which is what age they should be but tested at 7 1/2 months which is what they are! This is wonderful. It means they are showing absolutely no delays from being premature. They also had their 6 month visit to their pediatrician...better late than never since we where all sick and had to postpone their original visit. The boys again are doing amazing and all their evaluations are amazingly showing that they are age appropriate. They are even starting to catch up in height and weight. Max is 15lbs 6oz, Emerson 15lbs 12oz and Alexander 16lbs 1oz. They are all on the curve as well for their height and head circumference! Phewwwww! I look at my babies and see 3 wonderful happy, healthy boys but it is so reassuring to have professionals tell you that they are normal and progressing.
Now that the boys are almost 8 months old we have been trying new foods. They love all the Gerber 2nd stage foods but now we are trying more finger foods. They have started eating bread, biter cookies and puffed cookies. But now, by suggestion of their Physical Therapist....Cheese Doodles. I know I am not the kind of mother that gives her kids that awful artificial color, taste and preservative stuff but these where amazing the boys loved them. I never saw them react like that. Just like any kid with "junk" food they ate them faster than I could put them on their trays. They are supposedly very good for teething. They dissolve but are hard enough to allow them to grate them along their gums. Anything that gives the boys relief from this awful teething pain is good enough for me! Chomp on babies!
On a personal note I would like to say Thank You to everyone who called, wrote and sent cards for my big birthday. It means so much to me to have such wonderful friends and family! Thanks All!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY OPA!

Surprise Opa...Tears of JOY!Pretty Cake
Opa & Henry...so Happy

Aunt Lisel, Aunt Kathy Stickel & Aunt Kathy Stinner Feeding Babies

Happy Birthday
He doesn't look 70!
Oma & Thomas

Aunt Kathy and Alex
Brothers! Heli & Opa!

Aunt Lisel reflecting!

Baby James...YUM!

Happy 70th Birthday Opa!

Today is Davids fathers 70th Birthday. Yesterday we (David, Ted, Rich & myself)threw him a surprise party here at our house. It was wonderful. We had Stinners as far as the eye could see. His children, brother and sister, his grandchildren, nieces, nephews and friends all came. We tried to keep it as much as a surprise as we could. He seemed to enjoy himself a lot. Walking in he seemed to be a little overwhelmed. He shed tears of joy. It was such a wonderful site to see. We just wanted him to know that he is truly loved by all that know him. He spent hours getting caught up with all. There is nothing like seeing the joy in someones face when surrounded by loved ones.

The kids all had a wonderful time playing with each other. They are all getting so big. Austin ran from upstairs to downstairs playing with his cousins. The babies where all very well taken care of by Oma and all the Aunts,Uncles and cousins. I very rarely had a baby in hand. We are so thankful that everyone came and shared the special day with Opa!

We love you Opa.....and we wish you many, many more Happy Birthdays!

Week 32

Emerson...My Gerber Baby
Austin...I got your nose big bro
Alex playing
Bumper Babies

Max Playing
{{{{{{{SMOOOOOOOCH}}}}}}} Alex & Em...Brotherly love

Week 32

This was a wonderful week. The boys are beginning to turn into little mobile terrors. Both Max and Alex have begun to crawl. They can scoot themselves all around to get where they need to go or to grab a toy they want. Of course they all want the same toy and have actually begun to fight over the one toy the other one has. Most things we have three of, but they still fight over one. I'm sure this is just a vision of what is to come. Emerson is not crawling yet but we are sure he will be soon. I'm happy they didn't all start at once...can you imagine all of them going in different directions? They are all pretty mobile in their walkers. We put them in the hallway between the living room and dining room. There are hardwood floors in there and we have a rousing game of "bumper babies". I think they like being upright. The world must look so different from a "stand-up" position. They seem to interact more that way. They talk, coo and wave at each other. The other day we had a "Hiya" war. All three where screaming "Hiya, hiya, hiya" at each other. It was quite the site. All their little arms waving at each other. They still don't seem to like each other much. I'm sure it will come in time. I hope it will come in time. They are really into their toys now. They can press buttons and are learning "cause & effect". I'm really proud because this is an age appropriate action.

Austin is doing well. He is going through at "test" faze now. He tests everything we say and is constantly being told "no". I know all 5 year olds go through this so we are trying not to be too hard on him. He is doing much better in school though with his listening. And we are very happy about that. I try to keep him as occupied as possible at home but it's been a loooooooong winter and we are all a little sick of being in the house. I can't wait until Spring. We are looking into getting one of the mondo-super swing sets. You know the ones I mean. Those big wood three tier super sets with forts and rock walls and 4 swings. Oh my goodness they are expensive.

However if it will occupy my boys it's worth every penny.

SPRING HERE WE COME!

Week 31 Happy 1st Easter Babies!

Happy Easter All!

Alex with the Easter animals
Emerson
Max
My Big boy got himself dressed...I'm so proud...and concerned!

Aunt Ella with Max

Week 31

Happy 1st Easter Babies!

It all happened so fast. It seems like yesterday that our babies where celebrating their first Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year, Valentines, St. Patricks and now Easter. Like I said, it all happened so fast. We've had a crazy week of ups and downs. Everyone seems to be feeling OK however, teething is now becoming an issue. The boys are chewing on everything and their gums are all swollen and red. They are crying a lot more and their sleep schedules are all screwed up. My poor husband has been up and down for several nights now with Max and Alex. Emerson is my trooper. He sleeps between 10 and 12 hours nightly.

We took the boys out again on Friday. We are trying to do 1 outing a week to get the boys used to their car seats and the public in general. This time was a little different. I first took the boys to US itek(Davids business). They loved it. They where carried around by their cousins Renee and Amanda. All the employees paid attention to them and Uncle Ted even came over to say hi! We than abducted Daddy and went to Sam's Club. All was fine until it was time to check out. The boys where tired and hungry and started to fuss. People didn't seem to pay much attention to us there. Probably because I had two babies in one cart and David had 1 and Austin. Only a few people noticed we had three of them. Mostly the employees noticed. I think because everyone was Easter shopping and preoccupied. It was kind of nice to be almost invisible again.

Saturday afternoon I took Alex shopping. That was a trip in itself. We went to Burlington Coat Factory(quite shocked at their kids selection). We needed another walker and they had the style we where looking for. I do not recommend taking a baby with a car seat in the store since they probably only have around 20 carts and all seemed to be taken and the isles are not wide enough for their carts anyway or a stroller. Than we went to Target. That was a crazy experience. Their were people everywhere. We ran into a woman who was struggling with twins. I of course stopped and talked to her since I myself have had the experience with the huge car seats trying to fit them in the cart. We talked about all our kids for over 30 minutes. It was nice. Very few people can relate to my situation. Only other mothers of multiples can truly understand. It was a nice time out for me and Alex. We ended the day with a trip to IHOP for diner, where he was an angel!

In other Alex news...He has begun to flip himself over and scoot around. We are very proud of are little one since he was the one that was delayed in his movements more so than the other two. Now he seems to be overcoming his issues and it looks like he'll be crawling any minute. Now if Emerson would just follow his brothers. He is definitely more of a sitter than a crawler. Which actually may be better for all of us since now 2 are mobile!

Easter morning started with Austin jumping into bed with us at 7:00am wanting to find his Easter basket and the eggs that the Easter bunny hid throughout the house. He was so excited. He ran from room to room gathering all the eggs (hopefully next year will be nice enough outside to hide them). He found all 27 eggs that where filled with Peeps, Jelly Beans and Reese's Peanut Butter Cups. He found his basket and the toys and books for the babies right away. We had planned to spend the day at my In-laws house and have dinner with them. We got all ready than Max fell asleep! Since he hadn't been sleeping I decided to stay back with the triplets until he was awake. Than Emerson fell asleep, than Alex. In the mean time Max wakes up and pukes all over himself. Than Emerson wakes up and finally Alex.....just in time...for Max to fall back to sleep. Needless to say, I never made it out of the house. Oh well, this is my life! I ate Easter dinner cold standing at my counter, holding a baby covered in puke. Happy Easter Everyone!