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THE MCTRIPLETS
McTriplet Mommy |
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DA BOYZ
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Oct 24, 2007 06:20pm (EST)
While Share Union was first and foremost on my mind when I blogged yesterday - a lot of other things have been going on around here, too. Here is the latest on the boys...
Lorne
Really only good news to report here. This child has (KNOCK ON WOOD) stayed amazingly healthy. We're working on almost 18 months hospital free! It amazes me that I never thought we'd get two months in a row - soon we'll have two YEARS in a row! His eating is still not "getting there" as fast as I would like - but I have to keep reminding myself that he IS making progress. Yesterday he ate two goldfish at school and a bite of quesadilla at dinner. ATE! Not chewed and spit out, not drooled on, not licked - ATE! Ingested! Consumed! Devoured! SWALLOWED!!! Very exciting stuff. He is SO interested and motivated lately - I am really trying to encourage it. He has *finally* "gotten over" Elmo and Sesame Street... while he does still enjoy them - Cars is his new favorite! We let him watch a movie at night whiel he's going to sleep (how's THAT for playing favorites?????) and he has chosen Elmo for the past almost year - the past week or so it's been Cars.
That's about it on the Lorne front.
Isaac
The week before I left for D.C. was Isaac and Sullivan's three year check up. Poor kid... barely gained a pound and an inch in a year. Still *well* below the growth curve even taking into account his "adjusted" age. We decided to go ahead and see endocrinology in December. No plan of action except a consult with endo - so that's fine.
He and Lorne also have EUAs (exam under anesthesia) November 1st with the retina specialist. Have I mentioned lately how much I *hate* visits with the retina specialist??? Through no fault of his own... this man is SO sweet and nice and very professional and understanding - but we've received way more bad than good news from the retina doctor. I will be holding my breath until then.
Isaac has already received a note from his teacher that he is "loved by all" and has "many friends" in class. This kid is SO sweet.
Sullivan
Sweet Sullivan. Or often - not-so-sweet Sullivan. He is such an "easy" kid - his preschool teachers have told me on more than one occasion that he is the "easiest" kid in their class... I believe it! He is SO well behaved, follows all the rules, is quiet and wants to impress... strangers. He does NOT act like this for Mommy and Daddy!  Don't get me wrong - I can absolutely count on Sullivan to do things "right" - but he is tough kid.
His speech is coming along but he is still very, very hard to understand. I know how frustrating this is for us - I can't even imagine how much more so it must be for him! He still is SO excited that the school bus is coming to his house - and doesn't seem to mind that HE is not getting on it.
Sullivan had a little "complication" at his 3 year check up that his doctor couldn't find his left testicle in his scrotum. Yes - in twenty years, he'll *hate* that I posted this on the internet.... but I am really struggling with it. It is absolutely rediculous and I know it seems silly - but Sullivan is my *healthy* child. Sullivan - my 1 lb 11 oz 26 weeker who wasn't breathing at birth - has NEVER been rehospitalized. He has NEVER had surgery. He has really never had anything all too concerning. We watched his heart defect - and it closed. Now - an undecended testicle is like a surgery for an appendix or tonsils or even mono in my mind. It's a totally "normal" complication of childhood. Some kids have this problem - some don't. It typically doesn't matter what the birth circumstances were. But to ME - Sullivan needing surgery - no matter how "routine" or "common" the problem really makes me angry! I need to call the surgeon to make an appointment tomorrow. He may or may not even need surgery. We'll have to see. The good news is there is no doubt that his testicles are there and healthy - just not where they should be. He was SO brave during his exam!
So - that's the update on the boys! They are ornery as ever - and I usually love it. Although I am thinking of finding a retail job this holiday season - just to get out of the house! We'll see.
Take care,
Kara
10-22-07 boys busses
10-19-07 Carissa, Sherri, Kara, Ed
10-21-07 Jessica Carissa Kara
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Posted by McTriplet Mommy | Comments: (10) | Permalink
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SHARE UNION ET. ALL
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Oct 23, 2007 11:54am (EST)
Okay - first things last because I know you're all dying to know - Share Union.
I was privelaged to attend last year - would have kicked myself for not going since I live half an hour from the hotel! So it was really cool to get *back* together with some friends I made last year - like Jaclyn, Karri, Donna, Michele, Darcy, Stacey, Shonda, Denise, James and - my partner in crime - Carissa. Thank goodness the two of us don't live closer - we'd probably be the first MOD volunteers in history who would be asked to NOT participate in things together!  As I was checking in early Thursday morning for the VLC I said my name - and the *adorable* girl (whose cute hair I was already checking out!) behind me said, "Hi, Kara! I'm Jessica Bracy!" I was also able to meet Todd, Melissa, Karen, Brandi, Colleen (and Ken and Grady!), Melissa Middleton and Kate St. Clair before the festivities even began! It was awesome to hang out Thursday night and just get to know each other - and drink some white zinfandael.
Saturday, as everyone started checking in, it was cool to get to put names to faces. Or in the case of some - hugs to faces as I would have recognized them anywhere! It was great to meet a lot of friends I was dying to meet - and to meet some new people who thought Share was something they'd like to start to get involved in! We learned a lot about the March of Dimes - how we can get involved and some history that I found very interesting. Saturday night was, of course, the Remembrance Ceremony. Poor Aimee - she really wasn't kidding, I bet she *did* cry for two weeks when she first logged on to Share. She and Kelly, Sharlene and Elizabeth were hilarious together. Shonda read a poem and Kate lighted a candle for prematurity, Sharlene read a poem and started crying because I coudln't light MY candle for birth defects , and Collen read a poem and Jessica just skipped the candle (smart girl!) to honor those families touched by infant mortality. Then we watched the beautiful video Carissa put together to honor and remember our children. It was amazing.
Saturday night was an early night for me - considering Friday was such a late one! Sunday "we" (they) scrapbooked. I honestly wasn't *trying* to get out of it, the scrapbooking session was one of my favorites last year - it was neat to get some ideas, and it was awesome to see everyone else's pictures and talk to everyone. But I just forgot my pictures! I took some supplies to work on later. Really - I'm *really* going to do it. I'll show you my awesome book *next* year!! Melissa Middleton, Share member extraordinare turned fabulous MOD NICU family support specialist, gave us some insight about how we can help in our communities with other NICU families. That is something I'm very interested in! Then - the best session of the weekend - March for Babies Family Teams! Okay - maybe I just *thought* it was the best.
Darcy then taught us some fancy codes and things to trick out our posts. Check The Cafe for some of us showing off! The weekend came to a close with hugs and tears (and presents!!). It was hard to say good-bye!
It was so great to meet *everyone*. I was thrilled to be able to hug Sharlene in person and I think I found my long lost twin in Kate St. Clair. Jessica Bracy totally rules and Melissa - I'm sneaking in french fries next year! Robin - it was awesome to meet you and I'm thrilled we turned Jody "to the dark side" and that we'll see him around here soon! Stacey thanks for being such a quiet roommate - even if you got in trouble with security. Carissa - Denise and I decided on the way home that we are already ready for another trip - so we're bringing our stuff to YOU instead - we'll sleep on the floor! Amanda - I'm glad you "crashed" us - you are so sweet! Amy - I'm glad you decided to come back and tell us more about your kids - keep it coming!! The entire planning committee did a fantastic job - it amazes me every time I go to something like this that, while James and Darcy most certainly put a lot in to this - the event you attended was organized largely by volunteers!! EVERYONE was great - I'm sure I forgot to mention some wonderful person I met - but I'm winging it here. All of the California girls who we met - so glad you were there!! Next year as you have probably seen is in Tex-as - we'll see many more of you there, I hope!
I'll blog tomorrow about the boys - lots to say there, too.
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Posted by McTriplet Mommy | Comments: (14) | Permalink
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WHEW!! WE HAVE HAD A BIG PAST FEW DAYS AROUND HERE!
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Oct 10, 2007 11:17am (EST)
I went to Chicago last weekend for a "girls weekend". It was a group of moms who have triplets the "same age", or close to, as mine. It was awesome. I have been communicating with these women on-line for the past three years - it was cool to meet them in person! And I got a much needed break.
Upon my return, Sunday, we went out for pizza for the boys' birthday. The place we went to had those grocery store type rides - a carousel, race cars, etc. - to ride on. It wasn't Chuck E Cheese - but it was fun for a three year old!
Monday when they woke up, I walked in and said, "Good morning boys!" and Isaac (who NEVER gets out of bed until he has received five or six reminders) popped up and said, "Mommy, sing happy to you, Isaac! My THREE today!!!" Sullivan was excited but not as verbal about it.
Monday was also Lorne and Isaac's first day at their *new* school! Since their school starts at exactly the same time as Sullivan's and Scott and I both wanted to go (they are in different classes so we both wanted to be able to be with them at drop-off as needed), Grandpa Mike came to take Sullivan to school. Sullivan was also VERY excited to bring treats to his friends!
The first day was SO easy. They seriously acted like they had been going there for years. We had a quick "birthday party" when everyone got home from school and then Sullivan went to Grandma and Grandpa's for the night. I was thinking the bus Tuesday morning would be much easier withOUT a third one in the mix!
The bus Tuesday was a total breeze. The boys were SO excited to get on - they loved it! The only hitch was that they told me they would drop them back off at 12:49 - but it was really supposed to be 12:29 - so luckily I was home, but inside watching TV when the bus came! I was so embarrassed. So today, I was sure to be there on time. And Sullivan was SO not a problem - he was SO excited to see the bus at his house - he really didn't seem to care that he wasn't getting *on* it!
Last night we went to Applebee's with my dad and step-mom for the boys' birthday. Oh man - they were SO excited about being sung to - probably even more so than the ice cream they got!
So - that's our past five days in a nutshell! Sullivan starts speech therapy tomorrow then we're through with our "firsts" for a while. I am VERY excited that the logistics have become so much easier. Instead of driving two downtown, then hurrying all around to get back here and then pick everyone up three hours later - it will just be the bus (UGH!!) picking the boys up and dropping them off and me leisurely taking Sullivan down the street to school. Wonderful.
Oh man, less than two weeks 'til Share Union! Can't WAIT to see you guys!!
Kara
Here is a picture of the boys waiting outside for the bus and a little flashback... one taken today and the other on the first day of preschool in October last year!
boys waiting for bus
boys_preschool1
boys on step
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Posted by McTriplet Mommy | Comments: (13) | Permalink
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ISAAC'S LAST DAY
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Oct 04, 2007 12:35pm (EST)
Well - yesterday was our *last* last day at the boys' old preschool. Sullivan "graduated" in July since he was going to a different school anyway, Lorne had to stop when he turned three and yesterday was Isaac's last day.
We are so sad to say good-bye to everyone there. The boys' current near genius status (okay - the developmental improvements they've made....) is from a combination of their stubborn personalities and genetic pre-disposition, the parenting and other care and love they've received, and the incredible instruction they have received at this school and previously through other early intervention services and therapies. Obviously a three year old would have more skills than a newborn - regardless of birth experience. But the fact that the boys were for years well below the charts for the skills they should possess - and are now in the normal range for nearly ALL areas - is absolutely incredible.
The things that come out of their little mouths are adorable! Lorne comments on *everything*... you or I would look at a little boy who is on TV coloring - Lorne looks, then says, "That boy is drawing a cow on white paper. Wow - that's amazing!" Everything is *amazing*. Hilarious. And it really loses something to see it on paper - you have to hear Lorne's gruff, overly-articulated, soft little voice saying it. They are so stinkin' cute!!
Monday is Isaac and Sullivan's birthday - and Lorne and Isaac's first day at their new school. Yesterday Lorne and I swung by there to get some papers for his doctor to sign for the school nurse about his g-tube and we peeked in his class.... this kid is SO hard to figure out sometimes, he clings to me and doesn't want down or screams and cries in new situations... or, like yesterday, is totally comfortable and shows off. The kids were all sitting in a circle singing their "hello" songs and Lorne walked right over, plopped down in the teacher's lap, and started clapping and "singing" with them. It was adorable. I am truly not worried about how Monday will go and am SO excited that my daily trips to the preschool downtown are now over. This will be great.
Last night we went to a shin-dig at Royals stadium. It was really neat! The boys were running around on the field and "playing catch" - it was really cool.
Off to Chicago for the weekend - see you when I get back!
Kara
10-3-07 Isaac's last day
boys on field
kara and bike with boys and sluggr
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Posted by McTriplet Mommy | Comments: (11) | Permalink
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BLENDED FAMILIES
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Sep 26, 2007 05:36pm (EST)
Oprah (one of my daily vices!) today was about divorce. About how you should tell your children about divorce. About how you should treat each other. About how you should handle a divorce - when children are involved.
A little background... I have a mom and a dad. I guess most children have this though their relationships with either may be a bit different. I also have a brother. We all lived together with our dog in a house with 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, and a white picket fence (okay - it was chain-link) in the subburbs of Kansas City.
When I was in high school, my parents seperated. They eventually got divorced. Now - I think unless the relationship is abusive (which I am privilaged to say I can't think of anyone I know personally who fits into this category) - most children hope their parents stay together. No one *wants* their parents to get divorced and their family get divided. But that is what happened while I was growing up.
We mostly lived with my mom but spent every Wednesday and every other weekend with my dad. I loved them both. They both had a bedroom for us, our clothes, our things - everything to make us feel at home - were at their houses.
When I was in college - my daddy remarried. He married a woman I have known for a long time (a friend of mine in high school babysit her kids). She was so incredibly sweet - and I got two step-brothers out of the deal. So then I had a mom, a dad, a step-mom, a brother, and two step-brothers.
My mom also got met someone. He came in to my life and brought his two daughters with him. So now I have a mom, a step-dad, a dad, a step-mom, a brother, two step-brothers, and two step-sisters. Not only did *I* get these extra people to love - my parents are SO much happier. They do things and go places and have fun now.
Every year, at Thanksgiving and Christmas time, I think how much easier it would be to be our "original" family again. No splitting the time up, no discussions about where we will be when - just me with my family. My mom, my dad and my "baby" brother.
The other 363 days of the year - I am SO incredibly thankful for the family with which I have been blessed. Most children "only" get two (some only get one or some don't have any) people who loves them wholly and unconditionally. I have four people like this. I have three brothers and (finally!!!) two sisters. Most children have two sets of grandparents - their paternal and materal grandparents. My kids are lucky enough to have three sets.
No real point to this blog - just that I am so thankful for my family. It would be very, very hard for me to answer the question, "Do you wish your parents would have just stayed together?" because while my first instinct may be, "Yes," then I clearly wouldn't have my step-families in my life and I can't (and don't want to!) imagine that. Again - no point... but if my family is reading this - I love you!!
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Posted by McTriplet Mommy | Comments: (11) | Permalink
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SO MUCH TO SAY!
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Sep 24, 2007 11:36am (EST)
Wow - seems like I have so much to catch up on from my last blog - and it has only been five days!
The Weekend
We spent the night with my grandma on Thursday on our way to Cincinnati. Then we drove to Ohio - it was great. The wedding was gorgeous - it was SO much fun! We all went out Friday night after the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner. We just couldn't wait until the reception I guess. The wedding Saturday was beautiful. I was matron of honor and I think I did okay! I got the appropriate amount of mushy when giving my reception speech. Not super sappy sentimental sobbing - but mushy enough. Yesterday we made the long, ten hour drive home... after a wedding reception... feelin' good...
The boys had a good weekend - I don't think they even missed us! I did get a HUGE smile out of Lorne when I opened the car door yesterday though. And I think my mom has a whole new appreciation for the day-to-day with three three year olds!
Today
Our first day to have three boys in three different places - glad this is only for a few weeks! We all went to drop off Isaac at school, then Lorne and I took Sullivan to drop him off then Lorne and I ran some errands. This morning was also Lorne's 3-year appointment. He was exactly 29 pounds and 36 inches. I was really, really hoping he would break 30! He has "only" gained one pound and grown one inch in a year. He is still in the 25th/45th percentiles for weight and height, respectively, he is just my BIG kid so I was hoping that would show up more in the numbers!!
His doctor was *amazed* (she really used that word!) at his development. She said he is really on-track for a three-year-old. And he was so freaked about being at the doctor that he didn't "show off" even all of the skills he has! The doctor then informed us that he needed one shot today - he just looked at me.
Lorne: "No owies today, Mommy."
Me: "Well... I know they hurt but we have to get one quick owie then we'll go ride the horse." (carosel outside the grocery store)
Lorne: "NO!!!! My no want just one owie, please, Mommy! My want to go NOW!" (putting aside the heartwrenching tone in his voice - check out that complex thought!!!)
Me: "Sorry, Buddy...." 
He recovered quickly and was very happy to show Sullivan his "Bamb-aid" when we picked him up!
The boys' birthday party is this Saturday - I'm so excited! And this Friday we get to go to the "new school" and meet the boys' teachers, fill out the paper work, etc. They start THREE WEEKS from today!!! Amazing.
Off to catch up - I haven't had computer access in more than four days - eek!
Kara
scott kara wedding
isaac silly pool
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Posted by McTriplet Mommy | Comments: (5) | Permalink
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WHERE HAS THE TIME GONE...
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Sep 19, 2007 05:09pm (EST)
Well - today was Lorne's last day at his preschool. A very bittersweet day. I am very excited about his starting at his new school - logistically it is going to be a HUGE load off when Isaac and Lorne are both at the new school... and I'm excited for the "big boy" school! - but this has been their school since "birth" - well, since they started getting EI services. Their O&M teacher who they've had the past year was our infant teacher for 1 1/2 years before that. She cried today when we left! We were reminissing...
When Lorne first started with her (when he was about eight months old) he hadn't even smiled for the first time. He was this... "lump". He sat (well -laid - he couldn't sit yet!) and stared at the light all day. That was it. No interaction with us, no cooing, no smiling, nothing. And he was eight months old (four adjusted). So - she's seen him from that - to THIS! To this smiling, giggling, cuddly, sweet little boy who climbs on everything. He is just a little three year old (well - three tomorrow....) now. Amazing.
So - today he brought cupcakes to school. For a kid who doesn't eat - he was SO freakin' excited about those cupcakes! They made him a birthday crown and everyone sang to him. He was in heaven.
We're leaving town tomorrow - yep, the *third* time we've left town or gone to a wedding on one of the boys' birthdays! Ah, well. I don't think he'll notice we're gone - Grandma has QUITE a day planned! Then he gets to go to the lake this weekend - heck, he's probably *glad* we're leaving, he's going to have a GREAT next few days!
So - there it is. In five hours I'll be the mother of a three year old. One three year old and two two year olds.
See you Monday - off to finish packing!
Take care,
Kara
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Posted by McTriplet Mommy | Comments: (12) | Permalink
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BIKERS FOR BABIES
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Sep 17, 2007 01:43pm (EST)
Oh man - it was SO awesome! I'll be honest - I didn't say exactly what I wanted to (or even close!) but it was still very cool. The boys were VERY distracting... they had a big, blue bucket right in front of us on the stage - full of dollar bills. So, yeah, the boys were in to that!
They were expecting 5,000 to 6,000 bikers. They were *hoping* to raise $500,000... we had over 8,500 riders and raised over $600,000!!!! It was incredible - it was SO cool to see all of those people out there to support the March of Dimes! The boys were SO in love with it - I think had *I* not gotten hungry - we could have stayed all day and just watched the bikes! They told our server at lunch and their teachers today, "Go FAST! Motorcycles were LOUD! We saw BIKES!" Oh, those boys get me!
I'm attempting to post a slide show... I just couldn't choose which pics to post! Click on "View Show" at the bottom right.
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Posted by McTriplet Mommy | Comments: (18) | Permalink
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