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THE MCTRIPLETS
McTriplet Mommy |
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I WAS WRONG...
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Dec 01, 2008 12:17pm (EST)
I know - it doesn't happen often! You may recall Saturday I wrote, "We have another eye doctor appointment Monday with the ophthalmologist. I am nervous about this one as I was with the retina specialist. I can almost guarantee their Rx has changed which will mean a new pair of glasses. "
Well, just got home from the eye dr - the appointment was great! The boys were very cooperative and Dr. O was impressed with the letters they knew while reading the eye chart. Their eyes look good. He didn't even have to dilate them b/c we had just seen the retina dr.
Lorne had a slight change in the Rx in his left eye though he said not enough to need new glasses. The doctor said the next step is to make his prescription so he can see further away with a bi-focal up close… but he doesn’t want to go that route at this point because of his age and most of his world is up close anyway – so he is going to “keep him” near-sighted. Lorne was VERY cooperative and the dr was impressed with all of the letters he knew when reading the eye chart! He estimated Lorne’s vision at “a little better than 20/200” with both eyes. (as an aside - if you aren't familiar with vision - "normal" people who don't need vision correction have vision of 20/20 meaning that they can see at 20 feet what "normal" people see at 20 feet. So Lorne's vision means that what he can see at 20 feet (first number in fraction), someone with perfect vision would be able to see from 200 feet (second number in fraction).... I've gotten questions about this recently so wanted to clarify! Also FYI - 20/200 is what is considered "legally blind.") He said he wanted me to know for just FYI future testing that testing his eyes individually won’t really indicate his true vision. I told the dr he is always turning his head to see things – he said that’s because of his nystagmus (“eye shaking”) and wasn’t worried about that either.
Isaac’s prescription was also pretty much the same (yeah!!!) and he also does not need new glasses. The doctor estimated his vision at 20/300 (see above - meaning he can see at 20 feet what "normal" people can see at 300 feet). Isaac was also very cooperative reading the letters and sitting in the chair as well. He said Isaac’s eyes are still crossing but it isn’t too bad, 5 degrees or so and he was not worried about it. The dr has mentioned previously that he may need surgery to correct this in the future but for now it's not bothering him of affecting his vision. I mentioned Isaac started his eye poking again in the left eye and he said it’s just a habit we need to break – that there is no physical reason for it so he wasn’t worried about it either.
Woohoo!
Then I took them to the grocery store and all h-e-double-hockey-sticks broke loose. Isaac ran face first in to a cart (he was turned around looking behind him and ran right in to it) and when I turned around to help Isaac, Lorne tripped over his own feet and put his front tooth through his top lip. Poor guys - I just needed to pick up some medicine! A good day though - I am SO relieved!!!
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Posted by McTriplet Mommy | Comments: (9) | Permalink
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I MEAN, SERIOUSLY...
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Nov 29, 2008 06:09pm (EST)
This is a conversation at dinner. (and this is a very Todd/Elliott conversation...  ) Keep in mind... this child was born at 23 weeks, we never thought we'd bring him home.... at that - we had no idea what he would be capable of mentally. He's constantly asking questions like this....
Lorne: What is a shape with 12 sides called?
Me: I don't know - we can look it up on the computer when we're done with dinner.
Lorne: Well, what shape has one side?
Me: (playing dumb - though I would have said "line") I don't know, I can't remember... what is it, Lorne?
L: A circle! And an oval, too.
M: (looking at Scott): Um, yeah. (testing him) What shape has five sides?
L: A pentagon!!!! It has five angles, too. Five sides and five angles.
M: Um, yeah.... that's right, too.
L: What is a shape called with four sides?
M: A rectangle...
L: Oh yeah, forgot about rectangle... I was going to say a square.
M: Yeah, and a square. How many sides does an octagon have?
L: EIGHT! Got it!!! I beat you!
M: Yes, Lorne, you beat me...
This four-year old child also counted to 100 (without any help at all) last weekend.
Seriously. That MRI he had in infancy which showed "thinning in the white matter" of his brain causing us to seriously doubt his future mental capacities no longer haunts me. This child even corrects our grammar - it's almost scary.
We had a great holiday! We went to the lake last weekend with my dad and step-mom. We had a great time though they put us to work raking leaves. On Thanksgiving, we went to my mom's and we are going to Scott's family Sunday. We are blessed to have so many people to celebrate with! The boys had a great time with their grandparents and their uncles.
Last Monday was also Grandparents day at school which the boys LOVED. They were SO excited to have their grandparents there and show them off. Luckily since we have three boys in three separate classrooms - we have three sets of grandparents. 
We have another eye doctor appointment Monday with the ophthalmologist. I am nervous about this one as I was with the retina specialist. I can almost guarantee their Rx has changed which will mean a new pair of glasses.
The boys ALL failed their hearing screenings at school (which they did twice to be sure) and we have an appointment with the ENT in December also. I'm hoping the "worst case" is that they need tubes or something - I told friends I swear I will lose it if I find out they have hearing loss which needs correction. I mean really - one more thing?? We'll cross that bridge when we come to it but I'll admit I'm stressing a bit....
Lorne sees the feeding specialist later this month. THIS is the only appointment I'm actually looking forward to because I could use some direction in this arena. I'm anxious to know how much they think we can push him. He drank EIGHT (EIGHT!!!!!!!) ounces of Pediasure today!! And is obviously smart as ever - they are all doing SO great. I just hope the appointments go well over the course of the next few weeks....
Hope everyone is doing well. Thinking of all my friends struggling right now especially those with sick kids - and glad Sammy is home!!!
XOXO,
Kara
boys_leaves
boys_thanksgiving
scott_isaac
sullivan_cheese
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Posted by McTriplet Mommy | Comments: (4) | Permalink
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THAT KID
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Oct 29, 2008 07:48pm (EST)
Remember that kid in school? The kid who was obnoxious and crazy and no one even wanted to be his friend because he was *such* a spaz? The one who was *always* in trouble - not for big things but just because he couldn't sit still or follow directions and was always in everyone's space? The one who you just rolled your eyes about because he was SO "extreme?" I won't name that kid from my school - but if I said his name around anyone I went to elementary school with - they'd remember him. My mom even remembered him when I used his name the other day.
I don't want Lorne to be *that* kid. Scott and I have said if we can get his behavior under control - this kid could be the next Einstein. I mean he is SMART, he is funny, witty, friendly, loving... but I don't think most people can get past his behavior to see *any* of this. Today at the library he went up to another boy dressed as Superman and started touching his costume - his "muscles", his belt, etc. He asked the kid his name and how old he was and who his mommy was - and ten thousand other questions. This other boy was SO uncomfortable and pushed Lorne away (Lorne's behavior *was* inappropriate but he just wanted to see the costume...) looking so annoyed.
Part of it is Lorne's vision - he NEEDS to be that close to see things. He needs to examine and touch and smell things to really "see" them because of his poor vision. But most of it is his Sensory Integration Disorder. This little boy is SO "sensory seeking" that he really, truly can't help himself sometimes. If he *knows* he's going to go to time-out or miss out on something big like trunk-or-treating (cough, cough, last Saturday...) - he still just can't help it and MUST touch whatever it is he is supposed to stay out of. Last Saturday it was the water dispenser on the fridge. Yesterday it was the coach's stop-watch at soccer, today it was a child's Halloween costume. I just feel so "sorry for" him. I don't want him to be *that* kid. I don't want kids in ten years going, "OMG - remember Lorne McB??" 
Here's another *kid* I rolled my eyes about... this adorable little seven-year old at our first NICU reunion. He was SEVEN - and had a feeding tube. We talked extensively with his mom who told us how he simply *won't* eat. She said he is now responsible for all parts of his feeding - cleaning and maintaining the pump, changing his tube, everything. I am not kidding that I all but laughed in this woman's face. Seven?? Seriously? Geez, my kid was barely one-year old and we were not going to have the tube for that long. I mean, really....
Now he's four. FOUR. Still has that tube and while we aren't in the exact same place - we've made ONE step of a hundred in the right direction. I could be that mom who has the seven-year old at the NICU reunion still refusing to eat who has a g-tube. I mean he is *going* to get there - I just really have started worrying that it is not going to be before it affects him socially. Eating with Lorne is horribly gross - and I'm his mom. Don't get me wrong - a year ago I would have given anything for a *gross* dinner with Lorne meaning he was actually putting things in his mouth and chewing it and we rejoice in his accomplishments and progress. But - four-year olds aren't as forgiving. Five-year olds will be even less and kindergardeners? Forget it. It's just that he has so much else he's fighting against (see above ) that if we can get rid of this one thing - maybe he'll be more "accepted"? He just started swimming lessons and for the first time EVER I think he kind-of realized he was a bit "different" than the other kids.... he wears a swimming shirt (because *I* don't like those looks from parents and comments from kids about his tube) and he made a comment that "I'll wear my shirt so no one can see my tube." I just hate that he sees himself as different - but doesn't really have all the cognitive abilities to truly understand how wonderful and inspiring and special and loved he is.
I've been kind-of stressed lately - sorry for my downer of a post. I just love this boy SO much and am SO proud of him and his progress and SO hopeful for his future - that if even *I* am frustrated, I can't imagine what kids who are fickle and give in to peer pressure will think and how they will act around my sweet boy. Oh my - I wish I could protect them forever! Isaac is SUCH a loving, wonderful kid. He has his many, many quirks and can be SO frustrating - but I have absolutely no worries about this child socially. Sullivan we've never really worried about much of anything after he really started developing and showing us how well he will do. Lorne is the one we never knew if we'd bring home and we are SO thrilled to have the chance to raise this little miracle - as a parent, I would love him no matter his abilities or challenges. But I am just a mom who wants the best for her child and wants them to fit in and have friends and be HAPPY.
lorne finished
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Posted by McTriplet Mommy | Comments: (14) | Permalink
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SCHOOL CONFERENCES AND ISAAC AND SULLIVAN'S FOUR-YEAR APPOINTMENTS
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Oct 25, 2008 08:09pm (EST)
I am so embarrassed that I blogged about Lorne's four-year appointment... the boys, in general, at four - but never about Isaac and Sullivan's doctor's appointments, their growth and development, etc.
I don't have the stats in front of me and I can't remember it all to the number - but the appointments sure went well!!
Sullivan was 35 pounds and 39 inches - 25% for height and weight (I think...). They both had to get flu shots at their appointment and Sullivan seriously didn't even flinch. No crying - but no whimpering, no cowering and no flinching. He made eye contact with me and got his shot - that was it.
Isaac was 29 pounds and 36 inches (I think...) on the chart for BOTH measurements!!! My "little" Isaac is finally on the chart - 3-5% but still, for a child who hasn't been on the growth chart in three years, 3rd percentile is HUGE!!! He did great with his shot as well - as expected. He is doing great with his GHT and a little flu shot was "nothing."
(That's what we call a "hard return" you all - that fancy line there that means I am now switching topics.... thanks, Carissa!)
The boys' conferences were freaking incredible. I know this is a family site and that isn't the nicest way to say it - but seriously, we were SO excited about the outcomes!
Scott and I LOVE all of the boys' teachers. We've discussed how we wonder how the boys were matched with their teachers because the matches are SO perfect. Lorne's teacher compliments his personality (and while Isaac's and Sullivan's teachers are great - there is no way they could handle Lorne!!), Isaac's teacher is sweet and LOVES him, Sullivan's teacher is awesome.
There was no unexpected "bad" news. There were some concerns - Lorne's sensory seeking behavior and lack of attention, Isaac's vision and Sullivan's speech - but nothing we didn't already know.
The positive reports were huge - especially Lorne's. I think I can speak for both Scott and myself that we really have no concerns for Sullivan. He is "behind" cognitively but only because he wasn't exposed to some of the things his brothers were, his speech articulation is pretty "bad" - but nothing I don't feel will "catch up." This is a smart kid. He doesn't know all of the shapes and numbers and letters - but can do puzzles and word searches and things. Isaac is SO well loved and I just feel his personality will outweigh any problems. His main concerns remain vision and orientation and mobility (related to vision and getting around safely). Lorne's teacher reported that he is SO off task sometimes, that he is SO disruptive at times - but boy is this kid SMART! She said he counted to 87 (my FOUR YEAR OLD!) before he said, "I'm tired, I'm going to stop now." I mean, seriously.
So - life is good here. I am still basking in the memories and experiences that is "Share Union." I can't express to you how much you all mean to me - just knowing that you "get it" means the world to me.
Take care,
Kara
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Posted by McTriplet Mommy | Comments: (8) | Permalink
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THE TEXAS TRIP
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Oct 21, 2008 06:55pm (EST)
So my trip to Texas actually started in Austin. Scott and I made the 12 hour drive to our friends' house and visited with them for three days. It was a great get away and some much needed "couple time." Our friends have lived in Austin for six or seven years and this was our first visit. They are both from KC so we see them several times a year when they come "home" but we were so excited to visit them on THEIR turf (and not have OUR responsibilities getting in the way! )
Friday Scott and Olivia dropped me off at the airport so I could fly to Houston. The flight was incredibly smooth and uneventful (I don't necessarily "hate" flying but I get verrrrrry motion sick) and I arrived right on time and to a voicemail from Angi. I connected with her (Phoenix's Mom) and Elizabeth (ehbeagle), we hopped a shuttle to the hotel and we even got that redneck Angi to drink wine with dinner!
When we walked back to the hotel, we walked to the bar. This gorgeous blonde was sitting there by herself and we assumed she may be with Share. Oh my - this was my long lost BFF Kelly (Katelyn'smom)!! LOVE me some Kelly P. Friday night we just hung out and talked and drank and talked and drank. Awesome.
Saturday I had the luxury of sleeping in and then I headed down to check in. It was so exciting to see this group of women standing there - and I didn't necessarily recognize all of them right off (would have recognized their kids in a heart-beat - but some are better than others of putting pictures of *themselves* in their blogs!!) but knew they were with Share.... and once names were exchanged, it was like we'd known each other for years. I was SO excited especially to meet Leigh (Tucker's Mom) as we'd talked on e-mail for the past two years!
I had a hard time explaining to my parents why I was going to Houston. Scott really got it I think - but my parents were like, "Okay, so this is for work?" "Um, no." "Okay, this is a volunteer conference?" "Um, no." (well, kind-of) I always say I have some of the absolute greatest friends and family. I have friends who have dropped everything to drive twelve hours when they heard about Scott's accident just to be with us. I have dozens of friends who brought food, mowed the lawn, sent cards and e-mails etc. when the boys were in the NICU and we were no where to be found. Scott and I both have incredibly close families who are super supportive... but none of them really "get it." To be in a room when forty people who "get it" - even *without* me explaining what "it" is - is an incredible thing.
Share Union itself was awesome. Jaclyn (LilyGrace'sMom) had THE best games and ice breaker games. Oh my - we were giggling for two days! Totally awesome. Dr. Lowenstein's presentation about the NICU from a dad's point of view was great. The PAD panels, the coding info, the scrapbooking, the NICU family support presentation, all of the info at SU was great and I walked away not only saying that I'd had fun and met some great women - but I really had a renewed sense of importance and urgency as a volunteer. (The family teams presentation was okay - the woman who facilitated it really *thought* she was funny.... I wasn't all that impressed. ).
The remembrance ceremony was, as usual, absolutely amazing and the highlight of the weekend. Seeing ALL of our children honored and remembered, for a few moments getting to mourn what it is we lost - whether that be a child, the vision of a perfect pregnancy, years of our lives spent in and out of the hospital, the dream of what our children would grow up to be - just knowing that it is okay to be upset and getting to decompress.... we all need to do that once in a while! Thanks to Grammy for sitting with me and HUGE kudos to Shonda, Carissa's video and everyone involved for an amazing ceremony.
Everyone who was able to come - it was awesome to meet you. Those who weren't - start saving your money for D.C., I guarantee you will not regret it. It is an amazing experience that I will treasure always. This was my third SU and the best one yet. I would also like to make a public apology for the Share-pardy game.... I get rather competitive. Love my new duffel bag though!
When it was time to leave Kate St. Clair, Megan Sheriff and her mom and I took the "shuttle of death" to the airport. I am really surprised we survived AND that no one got carsick. The boys were thrilled to see me at the airport when I returned (since we drove down my mom and the boys picked me up and Scott drove back himself Sunday). Sullivan ran up to me, crying, and said, "I just missed you SO MUCH!!" At least he didn't cry *before* I was home on the phone.
I am happy to be home - but would not leave the experience for anything. Now we're back to life - back to reality. Started swimming lessons yesterday and had a soccer game tonight. Tomorrow is parent teacher conferences - I'm sure I'll have an update after that. I am dropping the boys with another triplet mom for a few hours so Scott and I can both go (and, in turn, watching her 3 Friday morning....) so it should be interesting. Isaac is SO well loved, Sullivan is a rule follower by definition - Lorne I am a bit worried about.
Take care, XOXO - miss you all already!
Kara
10-17-08 kara angi elizabeth dinner
10-18-08 BFF Kelly Ponnnnnnnnslllllllller
10-19-08 boys waiting at airport
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Posted by McTriplet Mommy | Comments: (15) | Permalink
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THE MCTRIPLETS AT FOUR...
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Oct 11, 2008 06:24am (EST)
I can't believe these kids. It's so funny, we had a kind-of hard day around here.... yet it is SO relative. A "bad day" for my three-year old triplets was like, lock-myself-in-my-bedroom, scream-and-cry-for-hours, cannot-take-this-another-minute, gotta-have-a-cocktail kind-of day.. A bad day for my four-year old boys is more like, I-need-a-few-minutes-to-breathe... but then I'm okay kind of day. I hardly lock our child locks any more (keeping in mind all of our dangerous cleaning supplies, etc. are all way out of reach (even for me!)), they can buckle themselves in their carseats, we can go for a walk in the neighborhood without a stroller, I can send them upstairs at a friend's house to play in their child's bedroom and not be too worried, etc. Last year, we changed all of the locks on ALL of our interior doors so they could be locked from the inside (locking us all (cough, cough, the boys) OUT of the room but we put the key on the top of the door jamb so the adults could get in) because they just could not follow directions like "Stay out of the office." Now we never lock the doors. Four-year-olds are CAKE compared to two- and three-year olds. They are so much fun - they understand sarcasm. They have a sense of humor. They can verbalize what is upsetting - or exciting - to them. They can be "reasoned" with. They are like these little people, not babies... gasp!! All three boys are at the same school this year and LOVE it. They ride the bus and, while they are in different classes, are very excited to see each other in the halls and at recess. They love their teachers and their school - not one of them has EVER cried or said they didn't want to go so we are lucky in that regard. The past year has been entirely uneventful, medically, (never thought I'd EVER be able to say that!!!!) and the boys continue to do well.
As for the boys individually...
Lorne - this wonderful child continues to struggle with "Sensory Integration Disorder." This little boy is SOOOOOOOO "sensory seeking"... as in he *constantly* needs "input".... he needs to touch, feel, smell, mouth (and did I mention touch?) new things. He, at times, seems quite physically unable to sit still to save his life. I keep trying to remind myself that he truly can't help it but it can be VERY frustrating even to those of us who love him most. Besides this (which is HUGE and exhausting but we're hoping he learns how to cope with it more throughout the years) he is doing *amazingly* well. I mean really, really well. He is a SMART cookie - he knows numbers, letters, spelling, letter sounds - his memory is completely ridiculous. He continues to struggle with some of the fine and gross motor milestones but those are things we feel will come in time... the cognitive stuff was much more concerning and we really don't feel concerned about it much at all any more. Lorne continues to struggle with feeding ("eating") but is "getting there." He will now put things in his mouth, chew and even SWALLOW a little (all of which would have seemed like a DREAM a year ago!!!!) but still relies on his feeding tube for 99.99% of his nutrition. We also continue to thicken the liquids he drinks because he still has a paralyzed vocal chord due to his prolonged intubation at birth... this can lead to aspiration (fluid in the lungs that he basically "swallows" down there himself) so we're careful.
Lorne is SO excited about life in general. He is very, very affectionate (sometimes to a fault - we're working with him on "personal space") and loving. He has a very hard time sharing things and seeing others' point of view - but can be very sympathetic to those who are hurting and is the first to run to the freezer for an ice pack or offer his brothers a hug and say, "It's okay...." when they are hurt. If someone is in time-out in our house there is a 75% chance it's Lorne, but he is learning. Considering where this little miracle came from - born at 23 weeks gestation weighing 1 lb 5 oz and spending the first five months of his life in the hospital - he amazes us literally daily. He has a permanent visual impairment that he has learned to compensate for and will continue to learn how to adapt to. Lorne has a hard time relating to peers at times but for those of us who know and love him - his hugs and kisses are absolutely priceless.
Isaac continues to be our little sweetheart. I have NEVER met anyone who doesn't love and gush all over this child. Seriously. We can be at a playgroup for three hours and he just entertains himself and doesn't cry or fight - he is so go with the flow. That being said, if he *does* throw a fit... look out! Of the three boys, Isaac throws the least fits (by far!) but throws the worst fits (BY FAR!!!). He is very easy going and very sweet. His voice and personality is one of his greatest attributes when he meets new people I think. He has Lorne's outgoing personality - but with a sense of maintaining personal space and not invading others' areas. Seriously - we go out to dinner or to the grocery store and by the time half-an-hour has passed, he is best friends with *everyone* in the room. His smile is truly amazing! Maybe he'll be a politician. I hope I am always able to remember his adorable voice and his giggle and how his little arms pump so fast when he runs.
Isaac continues to struggle with his size though I can no longer say he struggles with growth (hooray!!!!!). Isaac is our smallest by far (I'm anxious for their doctor's appointment next week where we find out his and Sullivan's weight/height and how much they've grown since last year....) but is growing and, most importantly, healthy. He eats like a little piggie and is growing well. Isaac also has a permanent visual impairment he will have for life and, while he is doing very well, his vision loss is much more obvious than Lorne's on a day-to-day basis. He struggles when we enter new environments - especially outside in bright sunlight. His vision teacher has recently told us that he may be a Braille reader, at least in school, but he will have good enough "residual vision" to go out to dinner and read a menu, to go a store and read price tags, etc. Scott and I are still "dealing with" these realizations ourselves - but Isaac is doing GREAT and loves school. He has a "best friend," Arianna, who is in his class. These two are soooooo cute together!! She is all he talks about and I got to meet her and her mom at a PTA meeting last Tuesday and she seemed SO excited to see him as well. Very cute. We often tease that Isaac is in his own world ("Planet Isaac" as Scott says) but it's just that he's so easy going. He is content singing and playing by himself.
Sullivan... oh Sullivan. It's so funny that we labeled this little guy (quite accurately) "Trouble" in the NICU just weeks, er days, okay *hours* after birth. Sullivan has *definite* opinions on how things should go. He knows the RIGHT WAY - just ask him. He is VERY particular about his toys, his clothes, his things, almost anything. Not to the point of concern - just to the point of wanting to pick up his stuff and knowing where things go. He throws awesome fits almost daily but I think it's mostly b/c he's tired (he is the only one who usually falls asleep on the bus on the way home from school still). He has the strongest personality but usually I mean that in a good way. Sullivan is an *awesome* helper and can be trusted with most jobs. I would *never* dream of sending Isaac or Lorne to the basement to get supplies (paper towels, pull-ups, etc.) but don't think twice about asking Sullivan to do it - I know he will take his "job" very seriously and always follows directions. He is the only one we EVER allow "alone" in the basement, garage, etc. and send on jobs throughout the house - including helping his brothers. I often worry how Sullivan will accept his role in the family as the brother withOUT a permanent disability... the helper. If there is only one of our sons who drives, it will be Sullivan and I worry that he may feel "obligated" to "take care" of his brothers. As for NOW - he *LOVES* his role as "protector" to his brothers. When they get off the bus each day, Sullivan walks in the middle of I & L, holds both of their hands and walks them to class. He loves to help his brothers look for things or do things (his fine motor skills have always been exceptional so he helps button, zipper, put on shoes, etc. for his brothers) and just simply LOVES to help.
Sullivan (KNOCK ON WOOD) has never ever been admitted to the hospital and, while he has a significant speech delay, I think I can speak for most of the family to say that we have no long-lasting concerns for this little cutie. He is much more shy and "cautious" (I almost said "scared") than his brothers. He is SO stinkin' smart - but not necessarily "testable" smart when it comes to school at this point... he doesn't know all of the shapes, colors, numbers and letters that his brother does but he can do word searches and problem solve and do puzzles. He will learn the other things - this kid picks things up fast and will do well in school and in life. He loves to tattle on his brothers or "remind" them what to do but is really SO very good to both of his brothers. He really likes to take care of him which is adorable.
So - that's the update on my four-year olds. This birthday was honestly very hard for me... their first birthday was a HUGE celebration - I cannot believe that we all survived (literally) that first year. That second year brought so many great things like Lorne's development, discontinuation of oxygen/medical dependence and Sullivan's "all clear" from his cardiologist. Year three was just a "normal" year for us which was great and our first of the sort.... but four-year olds - I think since we *didn't* have many other kinds of concerns as far as their development or health the year just kind-of slipped away... and now I am the mom of these three little people. Not babies. Not toddlers.... this little beings with their own thoughts and feelings and inside jokes.
Loves it.
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Posted by McTriplet Mommy | Comments: (13) | Permalink
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LORNE'S FOUR-YEAR OLD APPOINTMENT
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Oct 01, 2008 12:10pm (EST)
This morning I took Chomps to his yearly well check. It went great! He was a little nervous when they called his name - the poor child has learned to FEAR doctors. But he did awesome! He was 39 BIG inches and 35 HUGE pounds! He is in the 25th and 50th percentiles, respecitively.
The appointment itself with the doctor went great. Lorne wanted *nothing* to do with the gown he was supposed to wear and I was sure as heck not pushing that. So he just sat in his new Thomas underpants. The doctor was SO impressed with his development. Cognitively and socially he is *ahead* (AHEAD!!) of his actual age. And she didn't even ask him the hard questions that he could have answered like his address, phone number, spelling his name (and everyone else's in the family!), etc. (as an aside I also ran in to his vision and O&M teachers Monday when I picked them up from school - they also commented on how GREAT Lorne was doing and how SMART he is!!) Physically he was hit or miss - some right on, some below - but we already knew that. That's why he gets PT and OT still. Nothing huge - just like buttoning buttons, hopping on one foot, etc.
I asked her, "Can you believe this is my little 23 week preemie?!" I love our doctor - we've seen her since the boys came home and she always acts just as proud of them as I am when we go in there. Lorne had to get a flu shot today and laughed - just like Isaac. A little whimpering but no big outburst like I expected. I told him I was so proud of him and he said, "I'm so proud of me, too, Mom." 
We also had our first soccer game last night - so adorable. All of those kids running around chasing the same ball with NO concept of the rules. Sullivan got to play "goalie" - his brothers wanted to join him! You can see Sullivan, along with Daddy and Grandpa John, trying to tell them to get OUT of the goal! It was so cute - two more games this "season" - I think it was a good intro to soccer for them.
Only THREE WEEKS until I'm headed to Texas (we're going a few days early to spend some time with friends in Austin). Can't wait to see all of you y'all!
9-30-08_team_huddle_first_game_1
Sullivan_goalie_1
get_out_of_the_goal
isaac_throw_in
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Posted by McTriplet Mommy | Comments: (11) | Permalink
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THE BIRTHDAY PARTY
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Sep 28, 2008 06:11pm (EST)
We had a great time Saturday at the boys' much anticipated "Thomas the Train" birthday party. Almost everyone came who was invited and the boys had a blast. There was no shortage of presents, for sure! I know many of you were in on my nation-wide search for three normal, male Cabbage Patch Dolls - we finally found them and the boys love their new BABIES! They got lots of neat stuff including some great cars, legos and movies. They also got a few clothes which they, in true four-year old boy fashion, not-so-gently tossed aside to get to something "better." They DID love their new Lightning MacQueen rain boots and new underpants though. Besides their "official" gift at the party from us (their "babies") we also got a new kitty, Toby, last week for their fourth birthday. They adore him.
They were so excited about their cakes and having their friends over - oh, to be four again.
I don't know why I cannot simply enjoy myself at these parties. I stress and stress and stress, I really don't even know what stresses me out so much. I just hate that I can't enjoy it - I guess the boys had a good time so that's the important part, right?!
boys front step
web 6
web 3
boys cakes
9-14-08 Toby
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Posted by McTriplet Mommy | Comments: (10) | Permalink
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