It was another busy, busy week in the Land of Cheltenham.

Typical week to start with Amaya giving me the stink eye because there was something I wouldn’t let her do. Her stink eye and pout-faces are spectacular. She has magic eyebrows.

You can kind of get a glimpse of it here. I snapped this picture as I was leaving the drop-off room. Amaya and Steven took out this box to play with and some other kids wanted to play, too. Amaya had 95% of the contents but was sulking because the other kids “won’t share”.

Megan sent me the photo from 4 years ago and it was impossible to resist a re-shoot. Megan hatched a plan and got it done lol. What a difference four years make!

Amaya and Sammy 🙂

A serious conversation between Amaya and her Daddy. She looks like such a big kid, I can’t believe it.

Unfortunately, on Tuesday evening, poor Strawberry bit the dust. It was a confusing time for the kids. Well, the boys. Amaya seemed totally unfazed, though she was excited about the Fish Funeral.

Sammy thinks about death a lot and took it the hardest. “I wanted Strawberry to live longer.” Steven asked if we should give Strawberry more food to make her alive again. I asked Sammy why we couldn’t do that and he said, “Because she died and she doesn’t have muscles anymore.”

Everyone took a moment to say goodbye to Strawberry. “Goodbye Strawberry. You were a good fish.”

Then we gathered together for the big goodbye.

Poor Bubba.

I promised the kids we’d get another fish on Thursday. They agreed they wanted another red fish named Strawberry. So it shall be.

Later on, Sammy asked Amaya if she could use magic to make Strawberry come up from the potty. Apparently Amaya did something related to coins that Sammy thinks is magic. Amaya told him she can only do it with coins but I think it’s interesting that he asked her. Death has got to be very confusing to four year olds.

Far less somber…randomly, Amaya has been telling us she’s ten years old. She thinks it’s hysterical.

“I’m this many!”

“Stevie! Let me pick you up!”

“Sammy! Let me pick you up!”

Fourth of July!!

Steven and i took an early, and rare, trip to the grocery store together. “Daddy pushes me and lets go! Can you do that, too?”

The kids and I spent some time outside and got to witness an amazing ant in action. This tiny, tiny ant was pulling a bug 5x it’s size by the bug’s wing. And the bug was still alive! It was incredible. Steven watched for ages and we talked about how strong ants are. Very strong. Eventually the ant ran out of steam and the bigger bug escaped. the big bug was struggling – it couldn’t fly and couldn’t make it off the driveway so Steven got a leaf and we moved it to safety on the grass.

Morning story books with Daddy – Last Stop of Market Street.

It was a hot, hot day but the kids had seen a “festibal” down the road at Suburban Showplace and were talking nonstop about going, and about riding the ferris wheel, so we decided to brave the weather.

Waiting to go in, standing in each others’ shadows to cool down.

First stop, WATER.

I gave it a 99.5% chance that all three kids would back out of the ferris wheel but Sammy wanted to go for it! He and I were the only riders and up we went! He was nervous at first but relaxed pretty quickly and was excited to see I-96 and Grand River from up high.

So high!

Amaya was crying when we got down and immediately went to hug Sammy, saying she missed him. <3 Either Steven or Amaya mentioned that the ferris wheel seemed a lot smaller from far away. 🙂

It was hot out, and an original forecast called for afternoon rain, so the fair was practically empty. We were there from noon to 1:30pm and there was hardly anyone else around the entire time. Awesome for us but probably not so great for the people running the fair.

We found the area with the kid rides and everyone made their choices.

Steven was the most reticent and needed to watch for a while before deciding if he wanted to go on the ride. Checking out the helicopters with Daddy…

In the end, Steven went on the Groovy Bus and sports cars.

Amaya and I went on the carousel and then she went on the spinning dogs and dumbo.

Sammy went on the Groovy Bus, the boats, the helicopters the spinning dogs and dumbo. I’m guessing he’d have gone on every ride if he could have. And Amaya definitely pushed past her comfort zone and had a blast. She told me that, next time, she can go on the carousel by herself.

Steven

Sammy

Sammy

Sammy

Steven

The kids had a blast and are already excited for the State Fair over Labor Day Weekend.

The rest of our 4th of July was wonderfully quiet at home.

I took Thursday and Friday off to use up some vacation days before they expire. I binge watched 6 1/2 episodes of Agents of SHIELD from 7:30am to 12:30pm when the kids got home from school and then we had a wonderful afternoon together.

My boys wanted to sit next to their mommy while they ate.

Chutes & Ladders! It’s nice that we can actually play board games together. SSA need some help with the counting and movement but they’re totally into it – and all of them really want to win.

We wrapped up our day with a trip to Meijer where we brought home Strawberry the 2nd! We’re taking it slow, following instructions and hoping this little guy makes it longer.

Sammy: If Strawberry the 2nd dies we’ll have to get Strawberry the Last
Steven: No, Strawberry the 3rd!

Remember when Amaya didn’t have hair? Look at the now!

“My hair is as long as Charlie’s!”

The kids have sandals with three straps. Always marching to her own fashion beat, Amaya loves to find the most convoluted ways to secure the straps.

Today we got to visit with my friend Mike, his wife Kerith and their 12 year old daughter Annabel who are visiting from Atlanta. It was so nice to see them and Amaya took to Annabel immediately. She loves hanging with “big girls”. Maybe because she’s 10 years old. 😉

The heat finally broke a bit so we went to the splash pad at Kensington Park in the afternoon. I had no idea there was this little beach right on the lake. I definitely want to go back with everyone when we’re prepared for a beach afternoon.

Watching the water slide. It’s huge and curvy and looks like SO much fun. Technically Amaya and Sammy are tall enough (just) to go down but we’ll give it another year.

Steven at the water cannon.

This weekend was one of our favorites of the year – our visit to Cleveland to spend the night with my friend Hannah and her kids, including identical triplet girls born in April 2014. It’s our third year and a row and I hope we can continue this for years to come.

It was only a 2.5 hr drive but it ended up taking us almost 5 hrs. We stopped at Meijer an hour in for some quick pick-ups and ended up there for an hour. SSA found a new way to ride the cart with me, though!

We stopped at a Service Plaza for lunch and there was one person working – taking orders and making food. It took a half hour to get our meals and, when you throw in a bathroom stop for three 4 year olds, it was another 45 minute delay.

Sammy’s face sums up how we felt on that BK line.

But we made it! This year the kids dove right into to playing with their friends. It was awesome.

Water blasters!

Sammy and Amaya were both excited that they got up the nerve to go down the slide into the pool. I didn’t actually realize how impactful it was for Sammy until he told Jason almost immediately upon getting home.

Hannah generously let Steven and Sammy play with the hose. For a looooooong time.

Steven

Sammy

There is a picnic table where we planned to eat but Amaya saw the fancier table in the distance and asked if she could eat there instead. One by one, other kids started to make their way over there, as well. She’s with Betsy (who she keeps calling “Abby”).

TV time before bed.

The theme of the weekend was BIKES. Oh boy, were Steven, Sammy and Amaya excited to ride bikes with pedals. They’re actually working toward pedal bikes of their own by earning stars for staying in bed for 6 days and I think this was the icing on their motivation cake. Bikes, bikes, bikes, bikes. It was how they spent a good party of yesterday and almost all of this morning.

This is the bike Amaya wants.

This is what Steven is hoping for. “Is this a training bike, Mommy?” He’s thrilled that he learned how to pedal. “Daddy, my friends taught me how to pedal.” (Amaya then insisted she was the one who taught him.)

Hi Sammy! Sammy really wants a “bike with two wheels and pedals and a break.” I think, with training wheels, we can make that happen for him. And, if it doesn’t work, we can always backtrack to a trike since he’d grow into the bigger bike eventually anyway.

These kids are going to spend a lot of time on their bikes over the next few months!

Sammy: “Mommy! Look at the rainbow I’m making!!”

The whole gang – the 6 Birchman girls and 3 Cline kids.

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

We wrapped up our weekend in Cleveland with a lunch date with my friend Ginny and her newborn son, Wes!

Now we’re home, and ready for a new week! Have a great one.

Once again Monday seems like a loooooong time ago but it was Steven, Sammy and Amaya’s first day of camp! They go Monday- Friday form 8am- 12pm – the same as their school schedule. They have swim or splash pad on Tues, Wed and Thurs and are with new “teachers” and some new kids, too. After their first day they said, “We like our teachers and made new friends.” What more can I we ask for!?!

I came home Monday night and Steven was drawing rainbows and trying so hard to add hearts. They kept looking like M’s and the poor guy was super frustrated (and pissed). Thankfully Megan was there to help because, when I offered, he said, “You can’t help me! It’s for YOU!”

For months, Amaya’s dresses have been sitting in a laundry basket in her closet. Megan had the great idea to get a bar that was accessible for her height. Genius! She was thrilled and she and Steven spent a solid half hour working together to hang all of the dresses.

The finished product!

Sammy and I had plans to go to NY on Wednesday night. He was bouncing with energy about the trip and had been asking to start packing for a solid week before we left. The weather for Wednesday looked terrible so, rather than risk a delay or cancellation, on the way home from work on Tuesday I called an audible and made plans to fly out that night. I wish I had Sammy on video when I told him. “We’re going tonight!?!?”

We finished packing quickly and by 7:45pm were off to the airport.

“Mommy, can I hold your hand the whole time because this is Mommy-Sammy time?”

First time standing on the airport train.

We didn’t leave until 10pm and within 5 minutes of take off this boy was OUT.

I was even able to carry him off the plane and transfer him to his stroller. 100%, Sammy is our best sleeper. In fact, he sleeps so well on these trips because he’s alone in a room with no one to wake him before he’s ready to get up.

Since I came in a day early, I worked from Nana & Papa’s house on Wednesday. My colleagues got a kick out of the idea of me working from my sister’s childhood bedroom.

Early in the day, Sammy got some quality time with Papa.

Then he spent the rest of the day hanging with Chase, Charlie and Nana and Aunt Sara & Uncle Dave’s house.

Post-surgery Chase needs to wear a face mask to play games like soccer and Sammy wanted to be like his big cousin.

Making each other laugh at bath time. I love this cousins picture. 🙂

Wednesday night, around 8:30pm, we lost power back in MI. Jason took Steven and Amaya into his bed in case it was took dark to navigate if they needed him later. Steven was fast asleep so Amaya told Jason to carry him and she’d get Morminer. In this picture she’s rubbing his back as he sleeps. <3 I love how these kids care for each other.

Thursday was a vacation day for me so we hit up one of Sammy’s favorite restaurants for lunch – Benihana!

With Savta!

Of course Nana was prepared for a wait at the table. Who wouldn’t want a story from their great grandmother?

He was so excited to see cooking start at a neighboring table.

Watching the chef – completely enthralled.

Sammy likes a lap for the part with the fire.

It’s hard to tell but the chef set it up to make it look like godzilla was blowing the fire. He was great!

If you take Sammy to Benihana, be prepared to add a lobster tail to his order lol. He did awesome with the chopsticks, too.

Sammy had mentioned that he wanted to go on the carousel so, after lunch, we headed over to the Nunley’s Carousel. First, he wanted to look for “beautiful things” with Savta. (And again, after our rides.)

Sammy prefers the bench to the horses. On our second ride he did watch me on a horse while he sat on the bench on his own.

We rounded out the day at the Goldberg’s house. Chase saw the shirt Sammy was wearing and immediately went to change into his matching shirt – both gifts from Aunt Dale and Uncle Arnie.

And we finally got to see Uncle Dave!!!

By the time we got home a downpour hit and Sammy was thrilled to get to stand out in the rain with an umbrella. I love the simple joys for 4 year olds.

Meanwhile, back in MI, Megan met up with Mikey and Taco and took Steven and Amaya to a big party at the JCC complete with a petting zoo and inner.

“I pet a sheep like Morminer!”

Amaya still has no interest in petting animals but she was ready to chow down.

Friday was a planned work day for me, visiting schools. I headed out early while Sammy, Nana and Papa prepared for a beach day. First order of business – cleaning a school bus to get it beach ready.

When we first woke up, Sammy asked if Nana had a big shovel with plastic at the end. He knew/remembered exactly what he wanted and fortunately the shovel is still at the beach – ready to dig holes for umbrellas with Papa.

He had a great day and I ended my meetings at 4pm just 15 min from the beach so I was able to meet up with my Sam Man.

We rounded out the day with dinner on the bay. Fried shrimp for mommy & Sammy. He really got a kick sitting on the edge of the dock, watching the fish.

Sammy went to bed and, shortly after, sat up asking what day it was & crying. He realized it was Friday and he hadn’t lit the Shabbat candles with Nana. We couldn’t have that so out of bed it was to light candles and enjoy two big pieces of challa with butter.

The big adventure back in MI is that Amaya was going to a wedding with Daddy as his +1! She has been soooooo excited for weeks. She even got to wear fancy new shoes with “heels”. Since Amaya was going to a wedding and Sammy was in NY, we wanted Steven to get to have something special of his own so we arranged for our sitter, Penni, to take him out to dinner. Steven wanted to get dressed up for that, too. These kids fill me up.

Amaya and Daddy – ready to go!

Making friends

Saving a seat for Daddy lol.

Amaya made a friend and stuck by her side all night!

Our girl. <3

Jason said, “It’s time to cut her off.” 🙂

She had a blast!!

Meanwhile, Megan decided to make it a special afternoon for Steven, too, and took him to glow-in-the-dark putt putt! His first time!! He told Megan it was “awesome”.

With his mile of tickets Steven redeemed prizes for all three Cline kids.

Then it was off to dinner at Garage with Penni! He knew exactly what he wanted to eat (noodles with butter). There was a bit of drama when the shape of the noodle was different than it had been but Penni was able to get him through it and they had a great time out together!

Saturday was another beach day that I got to enjoy from the start. This time we headed down to the ocean! It’s a looooooong walk from the cabana but Sammy was ready.

This kid was SO much more comfortable in the ocean that he was 10 months ago in August ’17. Last year he didn’t want the water touching him at all. This year he had a blast in the waves, with tight hands holding his. It was so much fun!

Digging and exploring with Nana.

Our last night in NY was a big adventure to a Yankees game with Aunt Sara, Uncle Dave and Chase. Off we go!

It was a long, long walk from the car to the stadium and up to our seats – mostly because we missed a perfectly positioned elevator. Sammy was taking it all in, though, and loves drinking water like a big kid. He was so funny all night. “The Yankees are terrible!” “The Detroit Tigers are my favorite team.” “The Red Sox smell like poop.” Can you hear Jason’s influence anywhere there? (That last one might have been me telling Sammy that Yankees fans think the Red Sox stink.) 🙂

Uncle Dave was so much fun with Sammy!

Right by our seats is a new Kids’ Club with space to play and family bathrooms.

THIS FACE.

We stopped off to get his “First Yankees Game” certificate and Sammy convinced me to get him cotton candy.

I think he liked it!

It was a great time at the game and a GREAT 4 days in New York. Next thing we knew, off we were to Michigan to reunite with Daddy, Steven and Amaya.

I’ll leave off this week with a video of Steven celebrating Morminer’s birthday.

Have a great one!!

I’m in the middle of a 30 day ab challenge and Amaya has been a great partner, sitting on my feet and doing leg lifts with me.

This little sass face was after I told her she couldn’t do something. “But you just told me my shirt says girls can do anything and I’m a girl!”

It was a break week between school and camp so Megan worked all day and Baby Taco was with us most mornings. She got in on the “science” fun with SSA.

When Sammy tumbles…

On Wednesday the whole gang went to Tiny Town and had pizza delivery lunch. Even Taco is old enough to sit at the table with the big kids.

Couch cuddles during tv time.

Early in the week Amaya’s new mattress came which got us one step closer to reunification. The kids loved it because they could jump, jump, jump, jump.

Mommy & Steven (in my new glasses)

Steven’s picture of Steven, Mommy, Morminer and Baby Taco. (Those big things in our abdomen are our belly buttons.)

Space right at the counter for Taco!

On Thursday, everyone went on a nature walk at a park in Farmington Hills. What a cool place!!

Last day – Friday – morning books while Taco entertained herself with stuffed animals.

Again, Amaya was my helper sitting on my feet. “This is hard work for me, Mommy!,” says the girl watching me do a million sit ups.

This week I learned that Megan has magic. She has “nanny magic” and “food magic’. Her nanny magic lets her do things like make envelopes out of paper. Her food magic makes any food taste good. I wish I knew about this magic earlier and I wish I shared her powers! Here’s one of the “Magic” envelops with my very first “mommy” from Steven.

Lazy Saturday morning with three kids who didn’t like the sound of my smoothie blending.

Amaya is Jason’s +1 at a wedding on Friday so she tested out her new sparkly shoes (with heels) all day Saturday to be sure they fit her well. It’s the tiniest of rubber heel but they’re her first shoes (not sneakers or sandals) and she’s absolutely thrilled.

Life is definitely getting easier. I feel like I’m reaching a stage where having triplets is almost like having 3 kids of varying ages. The unique challenges are more and more in the rear view mirror as they get older. There’s more spontaneity and much more independence.

On Saturday morning SSA asked for journals to write in like they had at school so we made a quick trip to CVS to pick some up. It’s practically around the corner but, once upon a time, anything that involved going to a store with the kids was a project. Saturday we just decided to go and hopped in the car. (I’m sure it also helps that it’s summer and we don’t need 90 layers to get out.)

Mr. Sock Hands – ready for adventure.

New notebooks and colored pencils!

Their first visit to a dry cleaner. The employees were so nice and let the clothing carousel go around and around and around even after they grabbed my dry cleaning.

I had a noon haircut and realized that I’d promised Sammy we could spend the whole day together on Saturday so I offered to bring him with me. He was so excited to see how they make my hair “flat.” 🙂 Steven wanted to come, too, and my stylist Ashley was really thoughtful with the set up she made for them so they could see me while they at their snacks. (Ashley was one of the very first people who knew I was pregnant with triplets. I had to tell someone!)

Ashley even invited Steven and Sammy to help comb my hair! “We helped make your hair beautiful, Mommy.”

It was really sweet. Sammy really took to Ashley. At lunch he asked me, “Do you like Ashley’s sweet voice, too?”

We made a full afternoon of it with lunch out. I love eating outside and was so happy the boys were game.

On the way to the hair salon we passed a fire station. Sammy mentioned that regular people can go to the fire station if they bring presents. So we got presents! Each boy picked out four cupcakes for us to bring as a present for the fire fighters who help keep us safe.

We even got an impromptu tour!

Back at home the fun continued and continued with “science in the pool”. I love this pool. It’s a great size for three 4 year olds

Reunited with Amaya! She spent the day with her Daddy! First they put together her new bed. Then they went out shopping for a box spring and sheets. Then they went to the grocery store. A full Daddy-Daughter day. <3

Here is the new bed that Jason worked so hard on for Amaya. The band is back together! It was definitely the right move for Amaya and the boys seem totally unfazed to have, as Steven would say, “Sis” in their room. #wombmates and #roommates

Before yoga, Steven and Sammy wanted a power snack and had the chance to make their first PJB sandwiches. Independence. Messy independence. (Oh! And if I loosen the straps on their car seat enough the kids can even fully buckle themselves in. All I have to do is tighten the straps afterward. Whoo hoo! It takes a little longer but that will change with more practice so I’m letting them go for it as often as possible.)

Yoga time! It was the last class of the year so I promised SSA I’d see if there’s anywhere else we can take yoga together on weekends.

Steven, Sammy and Amaya did landscaping with Jason for a bit today and we also got in more time in the pool.

In passing conversation, Steven mentioned wanted to see puppies so we made spur of the moment decision to visit a pet store that lets you play with puppies. Amaya is still very afraid of animals so she stayed home and I took the boys.

Steven was in heaven. He was absolutely enthralled.

You can buy dog treats for a quarter but I only had a dollar so so Steven and Sammy took my dollar bill to the counter to ask for change. It was so sweet!

Steven couldn’t wait to feed this little pup.

Sammy was a little nervous at first. He liked being around the puppy but wasn’t comfortable touching it while it was hyperactive.

Once I held the puppy, Sammy was all for it. He told me he likes puppies best when they’re calm. 🙂

The boys were so sad to leave the puppy behind. So sad. We can’t get them a dog right now but we can get them a fish! After the puppy place we hit up Pet Supplies Plus and got a red betta that Steven named Strawberry. Sammy picked the rocks for the bowl. Steven picked the plant. The boys agreed to get Elsa, too, since Amaya wasn’t there to help. I committed to Jason that I’d take full responsibility so hopefully I don’t regret this!

Finally, for the week, Steven comfy with his Daddy.

Tomorrow is the first day of camp and hopefully the start of a great summer for Steven, Sammy and Amaya. Sammy and I are also looking forward to our trip to New York at the end of the week!

Monday morning Amaya had to stay home from school because of her fever on Sunday. She was feeling fine and fever free but rule are rules and they’re there for a reason so home she stayed.

SSA were excited to get outside and “do science” in the afternoon.

Tuesday was Sammy’s turn to stay home. I had a series of conference calls so I was able to stay home with him until Megan came at 11:30am. We were cool in our shades before I left for school and Sammy went to collect his brother and sister.

I packed a pb&j lunch for the kids because Steven (finally) had an appointment to get his new orthotics.

He picked out orange straps with construction vehicles. Three times, he told Josh the orthotist that he picked orange straps because they’re his mommy’s favorite color. <3

Amaya is very into rainbows. Steven, too, but not quite as obsessively as Amaya is. She draws them and cuts them out all the time. This was on Wednesday morning before school.

Sammy: You’re a really good cutter-outer.
Steven: Yeah, my sister is.

Wednesday was dress rehearsal day! My heart. My heart, my hear, my heart.

Megan got the kids all ready and I met her at Northville but High School a little after 5pm. Amaya was too cool for school and couldn’t be bothered with me but Steven was particularly clingy. As soon as it was time for their class to line up I rushed away so Megan could coordinate and they wouldn’t be afraid to leave me. Steven was specifically nervous about the curtains but Miss Christina reassured him that there was nothing scary in the curtains. (He didn’t realize they were open and you could see from the wings to the stage.

I was SO proud of Steven, Sammy and Amaya. I’d been worried that they’d be nervous and refuse to go on stage but there they were – (mostly, kind of, sort of) doing their dance!

The kids were offered lollipops by another mom and Steven turned them down only to immediately regret his choice. Daddy came to the rescue and bought lollipops which meant Steven got a special treat of a lollipop on the way to school on Thursday.

Friday was the last day of school! What a wonderful year the kids had. They’re in an amazing program and all loved their teachers, Ms. Faith and Ms. Eugenia.

A shocking amount of growth this school year!

Ms. Faith wore her Captain America t-shirt for Steven on the last day of school.

He had a fever and couldn’t go to school for the last day so, when he returned to pick up Sammy and Amaya, he was wearing his Cap shirt, too!

The whole gang.

Last day of school pool time!

Nana and Savta are visiting this weekend! As always, that means celebrating Shabbat together on Friday night.

Saturday morning Amaya was ready for a pretend play date on the beach.

Amaya had an empty vitamin container and Steven really wanted it. In a nice show of generosity, Amaya let Steven have it. It was a sweet little moment between them.

While Sammy was at the grocery store, Savta held down the fort with Amaya and Steven.

Lunch at Bricks! Checking out the bar with Savta.

“I’m drinking milk like a grown-up!”

The kids wanted lemons and got up the nerve to go to the bar and ask the bartender. I remember being nervous about stuff like that when I was a little kid.

Strong hand dryers!!

Our evening event was the big dance recital!! A little chaos ensued late afternoon when Steven tripped and hurt his toe. He was refusing to bear weight which is, obviously, problematic for a dance recital. We iced it and gave him tylenol which was enough for the tough guy to push through. (Editing to add some more context from Jason: “The ice was on the wrong food (for crying out loud) and Daddy performed the medically advised orthotic treatment, without the benefit of a medical consult and with chaos swirling around him!!!!” All true. Daddy wrapped Steven’s toes like a champ!)

And off we went!

Jason took the kids because it seemed more likely they’d stay in the dressing room if I wasn’t the one leaving them there. Each class needed two chaperones and our new sitter, Madison, was on board to do it for our kids’ class so they’d have someone they (kind of) knew staying in the back with them. It was certainly more comfortable for me to leave them with someone I trusted to look out for them.

By all accounts, they had a blast back stage. Madison sent me these awesome pictures from before and after their performance.

The whole class, proud of the awesome job they did onstage.

The gang watching included Nana, Savta, Grandma, Aunt Annette, Megan and my friend Beyonca. An huge cheering section for the Cline Kids.

Megan and I think this might be our first ever selfie!

We picked up the kids after intermission and headed home. It was a 7pm show which is normally bedtime and it was after 8:30 but the time we headed outside to celebrate. The kids were so excited to get flowers – three bouquets each!

This girl holds bouquets of flowers like she was made for it.

Grandma & Nana!

Savta & Nana!

Aunt Annette & Grandma!

May May!

Enjoying M&Ms from May May. 🙂

Watching a video of Beyonca’s daughter’s dance recital.

Here are some videos! The first is from the dress rehearsal and the 2nd is from the recital.

SSA’s first dance recital ticket.

First program

The whole experience was the BEST.

The kids went to be laaaaaaate and were out faaaaaaast. (Steven took a turn on the floor so Amaya could take a turn in the bed. Not long until Amaya’s new bed arrives!)

This morning it looked like Steven’s toe was a lot worse and Sammy was up in the middle of the night with an ear ache so we made plans to spend the morning at Urgent Care. Whoo hoo!

But first, celebrating Daddy on Father’s Day!!

Amaya’s first time writing “Daddy”. <3 <3 <3

The kids, Nana, Savta and I spent 3 hours out between Urgent Care and a trip to the ER for an X-ray. Sammy has an ear infection (as does Amaya) and the doctor thought Steven’s toe looked bad enough that the x-ray was worth while to be sure it was immobilized correctly if it was broken. Steven was a rock star. The tech was amazing and explained everything to him very clearly. After the x-ray, she even let him come back and see on of the images of his “bones”. We heard back a few hours later and got confirmation that it’s just badly bruised, thank goodness! So we’re just left with two kids on amoxicillin. Better than broken bones!

Three more random Steven stories to wrap up.

First, this picture came home this week with a packet of artwork that was still at school. I asked Steven about it and he said, “It’s you and me, mommy.” Be still my heart.

Here’s another picture he drew during the week of “a crane that can knock down buildings”. Damn accurate!

And, finally, here’s an exchange Savta had with Steven on Thursday afternoon:
Steven to Savta: I love you
Savta to Steven: What does that mean?
Steven, after some thought: It means I want to keep you.

These kids of ours. We are lucky parents. <3

Happy Father’s Day to all the dads in our lives! We love you!

I spent a good portion of this week in Chicago while Jason, Grandma Sunshine, Megan and Penni helped hold down the fort. While I was gone, Steven had a BIG, BIG accomplishment. He pooped on the potty!! GO BOBES!!!

We’re all SO proud. Here, Amaya is giving him congratulatory hugs. <3 When I called to congratulate him, in the background she was saying, “I’m so proud of my brother.” And Steven told me, “Even Sally cat is proud of me.” I love his joy and sense of pride. It’s well earned.

With this accomplishment, Steven finally earned the box of 20 matchbox cars that’s been sitting in the bathroom for the past five months. Jason also promised him a cool track for his cars which Jason went out to buy that very night so it would be there for Steven the next day.

On Thursday the kids got out too a playground by May May’s parent’s house so Baby Taco and Steffie were able to meet them there.

I made it back from Chicago in time to take Steven, Sammy and Amaya to their end-of-year picnic at school. When we were pulling up, Sammy saw Miss Shannon (the school director) and literally started vibrating. “I see Miss Shannon! Let me out of the car!”

The very first thing he did was run up to Miss Shannon and give her a huge hug. It’s so sweet.

Here he is in yellow, booking it over.

Both boys were also excited to see one of their teachers, Miss Eugenia, at the picnic. Such a sweet Steven hug.

They’ve really had a great year at school with thoughtful, attentive teachers. In fact, one day at drop off I noticed that Miss Faith was wearing a Captain America shirt. I mentioned that Steven loves Captain America and she said something along the lines of, “I know. My son was getting rid of clothing that he outgrew and, when I saw this shirt, I told him I had to take it to wear to school for a boy who loves Captain America.” It’s just so thoughtful and representative of the way they’ve treated Steven, Sammy and Amaya all year.

On the playground at the picnic SSA managed to ride the seesaw in all possible combos lol.

“Bouce me higher!”

A first for the kids were these ices.

You can see Steven’s look of concentration as he figures it out.

On Friday I got a message from my friend Julie reminding us that our triplet mom friend, Ursula, was in town that day and coming to her house in the afternoon. We made quick plans to head there when I was done with work. 8 boys plus Amaya. 🙂

“Look at all of the branches on this beautiful tree!”

I was really proud of Steven, Sammy and Amaya for trying the trampoline, especially Steven. At first he’d only go in alone but warmed up pretty quickly.

All the boys!

With my friends, photo courtesy of Amaya. 🙂 She was so focused on getting a good photo and so proud when she did.

Saturday morning rolled around and Amaya was not well. Poor girl had a fever that really knocked her out. She spent most of the day in bed watching shows on my iPad.

Steven hammed it up at the grocery store with Daddy. For some reason, this picture makes me think of Chase.

The boys in yellow got quality time with Daddy while I tended to Amaya.

By dinner time, Jason was able to coax Amaya downstairs but her fever spiked to 105 and she was just not feeling up to eating much. Who can blame her!?!

Fortunately, meds did the trick and her fever seemed to break around 10pm. Jason did temp checks through the night but she woke up without any fever through the night.

Magic of Presto, I will make my magic wand float.

Amaya was home recuperating today but Steven, Sammy and I went to yoga together. Namaste.

Partner poses – tree!

It was cold but I’d promised the boys they could play at the playground after yoga. Steven and Sammy were running around and staying warm I was freezing and lasted about 15 minutes. Of course, in that 15 min, the boys made their way to the sand. Always the sand.

Afterward we headed to Applebees where Steven and Sammy practiced (successfully) with steak knives. They’re getting so big.

It was a quiet afternoon and, by dinner time, Amaya’s fever was back up to 104. Big bummer! She was in a much better mood through it, though, which is good. But no school for Amaya tomorrow.

Here are a few photos from school this week.

Building with Wedgits in the drop-off room.

Steven’s creation

Amaya specifically asked Ms. Faith to send this photo. 🙂

Learning about the life cycle of the butterfly.

Releasing butterflies!

Finally, a new necklace from my Secret Sister! <3 <3 <3

Have a great week!

Monday was a lazy day for the kids at home with Daddy and Grandma Sunshine while I traveled home from Colorado.

Sammy is storing Puppy under his hat so Steven’s dragon doesn’t eat it.

And this picture…well, it’s Pilot-Chef-Fashion Star, I think.

On Tuesday morning we finally had the kids’ 4 year well check. I rescheduled from January to get us past flu season. Megan was on vacation so Grandma Sunshine was visiting to hold down the fort and also to help me with the appointment. This one included three shots for each kid which wasn’t something I was prepared to handle on my own.

It’s crazy to see these big kids getting their blood pressure taken when I can so clearly remembering the days when they had to be weighed lying down in the portable scale.

Here, Sammy was following the nurse’s direction not to talk while she took his blood pressure.

We had our first eye and hearing tests since the nicu and they did great. Amaya struggled a bit with the instructions for the eye test but I don’t have any concerns about her vision.

The “pokes” were pretty traumatic for Amaya. She was absolutely hysterical and we had to hold her arms tight against her body to get it done. Thank goodness Grandma Sunshine was out in the hall with Sammy and Steven. Steven was up next and only cried for the briefest moment when he got a bandaid (because he didn’t want one). Just like with flu shots, Sammy didn’t make a peep. Afterward, we talked about bravery and how it’s not about whether or not you cry, it’s about doing things even though you’re scared. And now SSA are all up to date on their vaccinations!

Here are the stats from their visit:

Friday night, Steven slept with me and Amaya camped out on her own floor next to Sammy who’s been sleeping in her bed.

And I don’t know if you can tell but Amaya is wearing three bracelets, a ring and a necklace.

The kids love Chobani flip yogurts. Amaya and Sammy are somewhat willy nilly about it but Steven carefully places each chocolate chip before he eats anything.

Making a robot from a milk carton.

Saturday morning I drew some outlines of clowns for Steven and Amaya and they spent a good amount of time coloring them in. They also worked hard to write the word “clown” on their artwork.

Amaya

Steven

As a family, we all headed to Maybury Farm for Farm Fest. Megan and Mike were there with Taco along with three other local triplet families. All of the kids had fun but Steven was really in his element. He was pretty fearless with the animals and called it “his farm” the entire time. We even saw a brown sheep that he insisted was Morminer.

“Pig Pen” with Taco.

Everyone had a turn driving the fire truck.

The kids picked seeds to plant with some help from the Northville Gardening Club.

Sammy was most excited about fishing. He remembered doing this last year and was so determined to catch a fish by himself. (Which he did!)

A year ago today! (Steven was at Grandma Sunshine’s house.)

Before bed, Jason helped the kids find a place for their vegetables and water them.

Saturday afternoon, the boys got some much needed summer haircuts from Daddy. Sammy really wanted gel in his hair.

It was a quiet rainy day at home, and Steven took the chance to dress for it. 🙂

Watermelon! Who needs slices when you can just dig in!?!

Last but not least, a daddy hair do!

Have a great week!

I have to start this week’s blog with Steven, Sammy and Amaya’s dance portraits. They’re too much for me to take. These kids!

I know it’s likely they’ll just stand on stage and cry during their recital but I had three very happy kids in their costumes and three kids who’ve loved dance class all year long.

On Monday evening, Steven put on his construction vest and decided that it’s now a crossing guard vest. To compliment his uniform, he wanted to make a stop sign. The kids were pretty excited to learn that they could make an octagon by cutting the corners of a square.

It was a frustrating process for Steven because he wanted a perfect octagon but, eventually, he was satisfied.

Have to write “stop”, of course. Amaya let me write it out first for her to copy.

Steven wanted to do it all by himself but periodically, and with attempted stealth, checked his cheat sheet.

Sammy wanted Mommy’s help with his letters. 🙂

In the morning, Steven decided the back side needs to say “Go”. He told me he could write it without help and wrote an “H” asking, is that a “G”? I wrote out “Go” for him which he added to his sign on his own and (amazingly) wasn’t thrown by the extra “H” at the end. I never know when a “mistake” might set him off but he rolled with this one very well and was excited to have a “stop & go” sign.

This week we officially dropped naps for SSA. The end of an era. On Wednesday, there was some quiet time with books after lunch. <3

We got some pictures of the kids at play at school.

Checking out the seeds the class planted this week.

Friday afternoon, Steven, Sammy and Amaya got to try out their new pool. It looks perfect for their age.

Saturday was another pool day but this time the pool was moved to the deck so the water doesn’t kill our grass and to make it easier to leave out to dry. Glad it fits!!

This morning, Amaya and Steven spent time cutting while Sammy got to join Daddy on a trip to the grocery store.

There were pony rides, thanks to Horsey Sammy.

And tv time with Daddy!

Love. <3

This long weekend I’ve been lucky to be in Colorado for Bitcherie Weekend 11. Eleven years running! We’re staying in an amazing house up on a mountain and have been able to just talk and laugh and talk and laugh and laugh.

Look kids! Mommy jumps on trampolines!

It’s been a great week! Have a good one!

Monday morning, Steven, Sammy and Amaya were excited to have just a little more time with Aunt Ouize and Nancy. Then it was off to school for the kids, off to work for me and off to DC for Aunt Ouize and Nancy.

Sammy and Steven earned new books for staying in bed in the mornings and were excited to read the right away.

Another recent nighttime favorite are horsey rides from Daddy.

Tuesday was warm but rainy which, for Amaya, meant shorts and rain boots. Good call, kid.

On Wednesday morning the kids were on fire and we got to school in record time. When we were going downstairs to drop off our stuff Amaya grabbed the door, “I can hold it. Don’t worry about it.” They sound more and more like miniature adults.

Thursday was a car picnic after school so the crew could go to the airport to pick up Nana! Hooray!!

No nap meant lots of time to play outside when they got back to the house.

One perk of Nana’s visits is that she takes the kids to school for us on Fridays and Mondays. This Friday, we got the usual business of a special Monday braid while Amaya worked on her computer.

Once the kids were ready, they had a special Starbucks breakfast with Nana! My mom even told me that two different people complimented them on their behavior. <3

As always, Nana joined the kids at school fro Shabbat. It’s also Shavuot so they had a Torah party in class. Sammy can tell you all about the Torah and Mt. Sinai.

Friday afternoon was spent at the playground with Nana and Megan, where the kids had the big swing all to themselves. Heaven!!

I love these pictures.

Friday night, at Sammy’s request, we lit the Shabbat candles at home and ate challah. “Nana will be here on Friday!?! Does that mean she’ll come to Shabbat at school!?!? And we can light the candles at home, too!?!?”

Saturday was raining and gross which made for a perfect day to go to the aquarium.

Touch tank! Steven didn’t want to touch the sea stars (we learned they’re not actually called star fish anymore) but was willing to touch the seaweed.

Coloring a digital fish!

Coloring with crayons!

On the way to the aquarium there was a bit of drama because SSA remember that this is the same place as The Rainforest Cafe. Sammy and Amaya really wanted to eat there but Steven was scared of the thunder, which comes every 30 minutes and is, admittedly, quite loud. I offered to leave with Steven in advance of each round of thunder but he wasn’t having it. Amaya wanted to take a vote, which is something they do at school (and then graph the results). In this case a vote wasn’t going to work because I could tell Steven was really distressed at the thought of going to the restaurant. Fortunately, we had two adults and were willing to split up. So Sammy, Amaya and I went to The Rainforest Cafe while Nana and Steven went to Bar Louie. Except for the splitting up part, it worked out perfectly!

Steven was a selfie blocker, cracking himself up!

Amaya wanted a picture alone with me. 🙂

All semi-interested in a photo with their mom.

Happier to be in one that included Nana. 🙂

We had a wonderfully lazy Sunday at home. Lots of active play time inside and outside all day long.

With time for hugs, too.

Steven made a game around an intricately developed obstacle course. Amaya, Sammy, Nana and I all participated. As we finished he’d say, “And the winner is…Mommy!!” “And the winner is…Sammy!” So cute.

Steven could not focus on lunch until he made a new Torah out of toiler paper rolls and rectangle piece of paper. He was also very specific about what to write on it – Steven, Sammy, Amaya, Daddy, Nana, Mac n Cheese, Sausage lol.

It rained a bit on and off but we still managed to get outside. Not too hot and a low uv index. Perfect!

Sammy looks so old. And you can’t beat the tank top and rain boots. <3

Little face.

The kids wrapped up an active weekend with some good ol’ fashioned daddy wrestling.

And that’s it for this week! Have a great one!

Hello! And Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms. <3

My day started off sleeping in and eventually “woken” by some excited kids. Amaya was very proud to have written “Mommy” on the envelope. I’m proud, too. And so happy to be mom to Steven, Sammy and Amaya.

There were also crafts that the kids made at school that had been “hiding” in a cabinet for me since Thursday. Hand prints and homemade magnets!

Before we went to brunch I wanted to get a picture with the kids which turned into full on photo shoot because no one would take a picture with me until they took a picture of me with their own cameras.

Steven’s photo

Sammy’s photo

Amaya’s photo

Daddy’s photo… with a sour Sammy who refused to sit up, even for me on Mother’s Day.

We’re very lucky that Aunt Ouize and cousin Nancy are driving through town tonight and are staying with us until tomorrow. It meant that Jason and his sister could both spend mother’s day with their mom so we drove toward Grandma Sunshine’s house for lunch with Aunt Ouize, Nancy, Grandma Sunshine and Aunt Annette. A perfect mother’s day morning!

He’s four and he’s bored?

Grandma Sunshine and her gang.

We got back to the house and had a little bit of downtime before it was time to head out for Second Meal. (First Meal was at 10:30am. Second meal at 3:15pm. Brunch and Linner?)

It was off to Deadwood with Grandpa Homey, Aunt Ouize and Nancy.

With “dinner” at 3:15pm it leaves lots of time to play outside with Aunt Ouize before bed…while Mommy & Daddy get to relax inside! We even made time for pre-bed bike rides. Sammy is actually getting the hang of his balance bike and starting to do really well with it!! He’s actually starting to balance and glide!

Such a wonderful day and so lucky for Steven, Sammy and Amaya to get to be able to spend Mother’s Day with so many of the amazing women in their lives.

Now to the rest of the week…

This isn’t a great photo but I can’t pass up sharing this latest Amaya fashion. She loves wearing high socks, especially ones with capes. 🙂

“Hiding” at school drop off. Sammy is so funny. He’s always so thrilled when I find him.

Monday was gorgeous out so Megan planned a deck picnic dinner for the kids. As you can see, Amaya has a loose definition of pajamas. Lately it’s meant bathing suits.

After two years, Steven, Sammy and Amaya are all finally climbing on their outdoor climber! This will be the third summer we have it and I think they’ll finally get some real use out of it. It’s awesome to see them getting more comfortable climbing.

Steven and Grandpa Homey had a blast playing “monster”.

Tuesday was another Amaya Original. Sparkly dress over warm-up pants. Why not?

Tuesday afternoon was another visit to the park behind Novi High School. This time it was super quiet which meant no one to fight with over the twirly thing.

Tuesday night I brought home dinner which included sushi for Amaya and Sammy. Amaya loves California rolls. Sammy is partial to sashimi salmon. I will keep promoting this as long as I can. I want kids who’ll eat sushi with me!

Wednesday braid day! Amaya says she wants her hair to grow as long as Rapunzel’s hair. It took her a long time to get here but she’s on her way! Plus, this is a hairstyle mommy can do easily. 🙂

Steven was class leader on Wednesday. Here, you can see him leading a graphic activity.

The kids have been learning lots and lots from Grandpa Homey. I wish I could remember what he was explaining here. The kids were rapt.

Even Sally loves having Grandpa Homey visit!

Sweet, sassy Amaya.

Explaining something to Daddy.

Thursday evening we eventful. First a new sitter, Penny, came to meet the kids. More importantly to SSA, they got some great gifts from Grandpa Homey! In talking about upcoming Mother’s Day Steven said, “Today is kids’ day!”

The weather was nasty on Friday but the kids still had Field Day, just indoors.

You can spy Amaya in her potato sack if you look closely.

Sammy loooooves jumping!

After school, Megan took Steven, Sammy and Amaya for a special lunch at Costco. 🙂

And they picked up a special Mother’s Day treat for me!! <3 Thank you, Megan!!

Friday night and Saturday were spent quietly at home, punctuated with more stories from Grandpa Homey. It’s been a great visit!!

Happy Mother’s Day to all our moms!

Happy Sunday! I’m in the middle of reentry after an awesome triplet mom getaway in Savannah which started with a visit to Charleston and my friend Ames. So good for the soul!!

It was a pretty quiet week for the rest of the Clines. It’s finally WARM so Sammy got to start his week in a t-shirt. He’s been waiting for this for months!

Of course Steven was jealous of the hood so, first warm school day of the year, he’s decked out in this hoodie.

After school Steven and Amaya made necklaces in the driveway while Sammy rode his bike.

He looks so old!

Steven and I got in some cuddles. This little face…

My hair was straight until Tuesday morning which devastated Amaya. She wanted us to be the same. My sweet girl.

I explained that there are things that are the same between us and things that are different just like with Steven and Sammy, too. Steven chimed in, “We’re the same because I have curly hair and mommy has curly hair and you and mommy are the same because you have vaginas.” lol

Another fun story… we were talking about different types of married people and different types of parents in the car on the way to work. Amaya said, “We’re lesbians mommy.” Oh yeah? “Yes, because we’re ladies and we love each other.” 🙂

Look! Kids don’t always cry at breakfast!

Tuesday was a perfect day for the farm! Hello Maybury! The kids were excited to visit their friend Reggie the Pig.

Amaya, in The Brothers’ clothing. I almost don’t recognize her without any pink! 😉

Don’t worry… the boys returned the favor by wearing her nightgowns to bed. They love this Ariel nightgown. (Sammy’s sleeping in it as I type this.)

Amaya, of course, can’t be outdone. She’s sleeping in this too small spring dress. Make her legs look so long, though!

I love this picture of Megan and Amaya. They were deep in conversation. <3

Mommy trip!!! Yay!! Our getaway was in Savannah which is perfect place for 27 triplet moms to meet up and I was lucky to get to travel to Savannah by way of Ames in Charleston. That’s me – on a Thursday afternoon – with no responsibilities.

Friday, while I was running around Savannah, the kids stuck to routine but with a visit from Taco! Steven’s mid-blink and Amaya is focused on TV but you can see Taco curling up into Amaya for a hug. I love how comfortable these kids are with each other.

Friday was also Jason’s birthday! Since I was away I tried to make it special and full of surprises, and so did Steven, Sammy and Amaya. <3 <3 <3

Saturday was another gorgeous MI day which meant some outdoor play time with Rosie. I’m so happy it’s warm!!

And we had a few visits from Ashley this week!!

The kids had another Saturday night sleepover. I think this may become routine.

And, in the meantime, I was living it up in Savannah! See kids! Moms have fun, too!

I got home eeeeeearly today, while the kids were at the playground with Rosie. It gave me enough time to take a long nap before diving head first into reentry. Even as excited as I was to see everyone, reentry is TOUGH.

And, finally, look who’s here! It’s Big Homey! He arrived on Friday night and is with us until Monday, 5/14. Everyone is thrilled!!

Have a great week!