"Spring" Cleaning

So as soon as the presents are unwrapped and the ball has dropped,
I start itching to de-clutter, purge, and reorganize. There is just something about the New Year that makes me want to start fresh. Well, that and the fact that it usually looks like Santa dumped out his sleigh and ran out of our house. (And just maybe my OCD has a little something to do with it.)

This week began my mission to regain some organization...a necessary evil with 4 kids. My biggest project is our bonus/playroom. Unfortunately, this room has to serve too many purposes (office, sewing/craft room, fitness room...just in case I ever find time for that elliptical again, playroom for a 3 year old, and a playroom for soon-to-be mobile triplets). So making it functional for all involved is a huge challenge. I find that the bonus room is evolutional...it's always being "upgraded" or revamped. I imagine that will continue as long as my children live here and I'm OCD. So it's not going to stop anytime soon.

I'm thinking that if I start now, I'll actually be done with my Spring cleaning by Spring. There just aren't enough hours in the day...or weekend for that matter! So far the girls have been pretty tolerant of my craziness...and lucky for me Madilin loves a Swiffer duster (I imagine that in 10 years it won't be near as much fun)!

Sometimes I'm not sure how Matt puts up with me. Stay tuned for pics of how it all comes together...for a few months anyway!

One thing is for sure...I will never be featured on TLC's Hoarding: Buried Alive.

Welcome 2012!

Happy New Year!

My New Year's resolution this year is to keep up with my blog. It's actually more for selfish reasons than anything! I just figured that if I kept up with posts and info on here, that in a few (or ten) years when I actually have time to do the girls' baby books, this will help me remember everything I've forgotten.

2011 was a year filled with so many blessings that I can't even imagine what 2012 will have in store for us! What I do know, is that Matt and I are looking forward to the adventures ahead!

Happy New Year!

Caroline, Kait, and Lilli

Ok, ok...so I'm super slow at updating the blog.  But, I have newborn triplets and a 3 year old...and that's my excuse and I'm sticking to it!

I do promise to post all the info about when the girls were born really soon.  Everyone is doing great!  My mom and I are both sick.  One week in school and poor little Madilin came home with a nasty cold which has now taken us down!  I was handling the sleep deprivation pretty well considering the circumstances until this hit.  So I do promise more about the girls when I catch back up.

But I did want to share a link to some amazing pictures of the girls by Amanda McNeal.  Amanda is a sorority sister of mine and a phenomenal photographer.  She and Carrie Reger (another sweet sorority sister and photographer) came and did a newborn session with our triple sweetness when the girls were just 9 days old!  I have to say...I don't think I could have done that had it not been with Amanda and Carrie!  They did a wonderful a job!  Here is a link to a sneak peek Amanda posted on her blog:

http://www.amandamcnealphotography.com/blog/newborn-goodness-x-3/

Amanda has more patience than I think I have even seen!  Thank you so much for being patient not only with the girls but with their mommy too!

Happy 4th of July!!!!

 

We hope everyone had a wonderful 4th of July!  We certainly enjoyed the long weekend and the festivities.  Madilin really liked the fireworks this year...as long as they were at a safe distance!  She's certainly not a fan of loud noises.  

Saturday we took care of a few necessary evils around the house and then Madilin enjoyed some sprinkler time in her new ladybug sprinkler she got for her birthday.  She had a blast (and Matt was excited his grass got a little watering time in too)!  And it certainly wore her out!

On Sunday we enjoyed an evening with good friends.  Kevin, Megan, Parker, and sweet baby Kaylin joined us for a Fourth of July celebration at our house.  I think the highlight of the night for the kiddos was the sparklers!

Madilin has been dying to hold Kaylin.  Megan was brave enough and Madilin loved it!  Madilin is always very interested in making sure Megan feeds her and takes care of her.  It's too funny!  I know Madilin will be a great big sister!  (I just hope that when she realizes she is getting 3 of them, and they aren't leaving, that we won't have any trouble!)

Parker and Madilin

We had a wonderful weekend.  We topped it all off by watching our community fireworks from our driveway with our neighbors.  How awesome is that?  I think Madilin had a great time and it makes me so excited to think about what next year will be like!

26 Week Update

26 weeks!!!!  Half of me can't believe it, yet the other half knows the most uncomfortable part is still ahead and will probably drag on!  However, the longer the better for these girls!

The babies got a great report!  The last big measurement ultrasound was at 22 weeks, and they repeated the measurements today.  Everyone had gained about a pound!  Baby A was 2 pounds, Baby B was 1 pound 15 ounces, and Baby C was 2 pounds 2 ounces.  This was phenomenal news!  The babies are in the 50th percentile for growth...on a chart that is made for 1 baby at the same gestation!  So for all three to be hanging around the 50th percentile line on the chart is just wonderful.  They have told us that they will eventually drop down and even probably end up in the 10th percentile before this is all over.  That's ok as long as they all three stay close together...whether its 50th or 10th.  If one of the babies were to stop growing or differ too much from the others, it could lead to delivery of all three.  So way to go girls!

Baby Girl A

Baby Girl B

Baby Girl C

The pictures are getting harder to snap.  There's not a lot of room in there and they are getting bigger.  Not to mention, these girls definitely like to show their personality and give Steve the Ultrasound Guy a hard time!  

And as for Mommy...I got a semi-good report.  My blood pressure is staying nice and low and I'm gaining weight steadily.  The doctor measured my belly just for fun (they do this when you are pregnant with just one baby to make sure your growth is on track...at 26 weeks your belly should measure around 26 cm).  I measured 39...and I'm only 26 weeks!  I'm not too sure who this was supposed to be fun for exactly!

So, here is what triplets look like at 26 weeks...

The not-so-stellar part of the visit was the news that my cervix had made some changes.  The changes were enough to concern my doctor and he brought me back the next day for a Fetal Fibronectin Test.  This test checks for the presence of fetal fibronectin.  Luckily, the test came back negative (best case scenario)!  Had it come back positive, it would've meant that I was at an increased risk of going into labor within the next 2-3 weeks.  Not good.  They would've given me a steroid shot and monitored me for contractions.  If I was having contractions, they likely would've checked me in for a nice long stay on hospital bed rest.  Thankfully, the test was negative.  However, it was a bit of a reality check and it landed me on "modified bed rest."  Everything has been going so well (and we are so thankful for that), but this definitely made us realize just how much further I truly need to make it.  And for Mommy, it definitely made me realize how much I left to do to get ready for their arrival.  

"Modified bed rest" can mean lots of different things.  For me, I'm pretty much a couch potato from here on out.  My driving is limited mostly to just driving myself to doctors visits.  I'm no longer allowed to pick up Madilin (which I really hadn't been doing too much of anyway) or heavy laundry baskets (darn!).  No housework and no cooking sounds like a dream, except it still has to be done.  I know Matt has a lot on his plate so it's been really hard for me to see this add to his chore list.  I'm so thankful that he truly doesn't mind (and frequently reminds me to sit back down), but I still feel like I'm just being a slacker.  I guess he'll cash in on quite a few golf rounds when this is all over!  

Please keep us in your prayers.  The first big milestone to hit is 28 weeks.  At that point, things look really good for the girls.  Of course, the longer the better!  My doctor has told me they won't let me go past 36 weeks...so I'm praying to get as close to that as possible and bring all 3 little girls home with me at the same time!

Happy 3rd Birthday Madilin!!!

We can't believe our "baby" is 3!!!  It's amazing how fast she is growing up.  Everyday she says or does something that just makes me do a double-take, wondering who's big girl is this (or where did she learn that!)?  For instance, this year at the pediatrician they have them "read" an eye chart that has shapes on it.  They first hand them a card with all the shapes on it and ask them what they are.  Then the nurse points to shapes on the eye chart on the wall and they can either say the shape or point to it on the card.  Well when Madilin was handed the card, she quickly identified all the shapes for the nurse.  A square, a circle, a heart, and...a PENTAGON!  The picture was just the outline of a house, but Madilin told her it was a pentagon.  Really?  I couldn't do anything but laugh.  Classic Madilin moment!

Madilin requested 2 parties this year.  We didn't have 2 parties per se, but we did celebrate for almost a week!  On her actual birthday, Madilin and Mommy attempted to go to the movie but it was sold out by the time we got there.  We had movie popcorn anyway and then hit Target for two new DVDs (Mommy felt a little guilty for being late and not being able to go to the movie...fat ladies are slow too apparently).  Afterwards, we met Daddy for lunch.  For Madilin's special birthday dinner, she requested Japanese.  Mommy had absolutely no problem with this...and Daddy's only problem was with the emptiness of his wallet when we left!  It was a really nice, special treat...for all of us!  Seated at our table was another family who was celebrating the birthday of their 12 year old twins!  Too funny!  They were super nice and snapped this family pic for us.

After dinner, we celebrated at home with some birthday cake and presents.  It was definitely the highlight of the day.  I think we sang the Happy Birthday song and blew out the candles at least 3 times!

 

The following Saturday, we had a party at The Little Gym for Madilin.  Madilin and I used to attend there for Mommy and Me classes, but we withdrew her when she started preschool.  She was super excited to get to go back...and have the gym to herself and her friends to do just what they wanted to do.  Madilin had tons of fun!

Bubble time!

On the beam.

                                  

Shootin' some hoops!

Being a monkey.

Parachute time!

Time for birthday cake!

Making a wish!

After the birthday bash, we had to dive into all the fun things that friends and family gave us to top of the celebration.

Turning 3 was a blast!  Mommy and Daddy did their best to make sure it was extra special.  We know it won't be long before Madilin's whole world changes.  What better reason to celebrate Madilin and show her just how special she is!?!  

Has it been 5 years already?!?!

Matt and I celebrated five years of marriage this June!  I can't believe how the first five years have absolutely flown by!  Of course, I imagine with all the girls that the next few years will fly by equally as fast!

Our actual anniversary was pretty low key.  We did make our annual venture to the Melting Pot later on...and let me tell you just how delicious it was!  The babies sure did enjoy it and I tried my best to convince Matt that if he continues to take me back, I will have no problem gaining the remaining 25-35 pounds I still have to go!  (He told me he loved me, and the babies, but his wallet couldn't help me reach that goal on Melting Pot alone!  Oh well...I tried!  Surely there is a loophole somewhere that could require my insurance to cover that...right?!?)  Trying to squeeze into the booth was pretty funny.  Two out of our five anniversaries have now been spent with me (big) pregnant.  I remember having trouble squeezing into the booth at the Melting Pot on our second anniversary...Madilin was born 11 days later.

I am so thankful for five wonderful years and I know we have many more years and memories ahead of us.  Matt has been wonderful during this pregnancy!  I'm sure he'll remind me of just how wonderful he has been after the girls are born and he needs a day at the golf course!

The beautiful roses and calla lilies Matt gave me for our anniversary!

Kiawah Island 2011

A vacation!!!!  Well...sort of.  Matt was planning to attend a tax conference through the NC Bar Association, so Madilin and I thought we should tag along.  After all, it was at Kiawah Island!  After getting special approval for me, we were super excited to have one last vacation as a family of three.  I use the term "vacation" loosely though.  It's a lot of work for this large-and-in-charge preggo lady to pack all the "necessities" for only a long weekend.  I guess I was just dreaming of having a full week down there!  Oh that would have been so nice!  Plus, Matt was there for a conference...so unfortunately he did have that to go to.  Thankfully they are nice enough to only schedule that for mornings!

We had a great and relaxing time.  We enjoyed the pool and the beach, and concerts at the town square after dinner at night.  Kiawah is such a neat place.  Charleston is very close, and although we didn't spend as much time there this trip, we did make a quick stop at the SC Aquarium for Madilin.  Madilin had a blast, and so did Mommy and Daddy.  I'm already looking forward to next Summer...even if it does mean packing up 4 little girls!  (Nana...clear your calendar!)

Swimming with Daddy!

Kisses for Mommy at the concert at the town square.

Checking out the snakes!  Yuck!

Cheesing with Mommy

And Daddy!

(I think we took a potty break right after these pictures!)

Madilin's Last Day of Preschool

We went to visit a couple of preschools for next Fall back in February and March.  It was really quite fun, as Madilin would just make herself at home wherever we went.  After explaining that we were somewhat concerned about what kind of a mess she may be in the Fall when she starts due to all the (multiple) changes at home, we found out that our number one choice had an open spot in the 2 year old program.  We took advantage of starting her early (after many tears from Mommy) because we thought it would be best for her to start now.  Even though she has Summer break, we thought it would help her associate "school" as her thing, and not something she had to go to because of the babies.  Here are some pics of her first day:

As you can see, she hardly looked back.  Madilin loved school and I'm so glad she did, as it would've made it that much harder for me to let her go!  We are lucky enough that Matt is able to take her and I will only be picking her up (this will be super nice with 3 babies to load up this Fall!).  Madilin loves getting to ride with Daddy.  She puts her backpack on and out the door she goes saying, "Bye Mommy...have a good day!"  Too funny!

However, good things come to end...well, at least they have Summer break.  As hard as it was to send her, it was just as bittersweet for it to all come to an end for the Summer.  Madilin asks to go to school everyday, and while I'm not ready for that, I know how important school is for her.  It's "her" thing, the program is really great, the teachers are WONDERFUL, and I know I'm not able to play and do with her like I normally do.  I really enjoyed the break it gave me and I was able to squeeze in a few doctor's visits where I didn't have to drag her.  So it was hard for the year to end, especially now that it is getting harder and harder for me to keep up with Madilin!  Madilin's favorite activity at school...playing on the playground.  Love it!  Here are some pics from her last day...

Madilin and her friends from school enjoying their cupcakes after playing outside.

Ms. Jewel, Ms. Lauri, and Madilin.

Madilin doesn't quite understand Summer break.  At first I think she asked me everyday if she could go to school.  I think we've made progress...now she only asks about once a week!  We are definitely still eager for September!  The best part is that Madilin will have the same teachers she had this year.  We are so thankful for that!  What a sweet, big girl!

22 Week Update

Twenty-two weeks!  How exciting!  Everyone got a great report for this visit.  This visit was a little bit longer as they measure each of the babies.  They measure each little girl's arm bone, leg bone, head, belly, and...I think that's it!  That's a lot of measuring when it's done three times and you're trying to get everyone to cooperate!  Baby B and Baby C tend to be a little harder to work with, while Baby A keeps popping into everyone else's pictures.  Too funny!

Unfortunately, I can't really help anyone out on deciphering much out of this picture.

But, Steve (the Ultrasound Guy) promises there is a little bit of everyone in there somewhere!

Sweet Baby A.

Sweet Baby B.

Sweet Baby C playing peek-a-boo!

And I know everyone is eager to see just how much I'm growing too!