ba-nana-rama

Megan took a much deserved vacation the 2nd half of the week. Jason and Grandpa Homey were in Chicago for the national sports card collector’s show and I wasn’t in an easy position to take time off work so Nana came in from NY to hold down the fort! Everyone always has so much fun with Nana, with lots and lots of cuddles and snuggles.

101 087 089 090 095 099

Sammy loves his selfies!

086

This picture is so Bobo. Always finding something interesting. I imagine, right about now, he was saying “ooh! ooh! ooh!”

114

More pictures of fun times on the deck with Nana. On Thursday, they were able to get out twice! Once in the morning, and then in the afternoon with the water table. The boys are wearing cool Under Armour shirts from their daddy.

081 084 079 080

I should mention that Steven has really taken off walking! It just clicked, and only about 2 weeks after Sammy. I’d say he’s walking about 80% of the time. I’d been hoping he’d be walking by 20 months so this is awesome. We’ve been very consistent about it, but now it’s even more important that we’re diligent about his ankle braces.

077 076 107 138 143 128 127 132

On Friday, Nana loaded up the kids and went to the zoo! Hooray! The zoo pass was a gift from Nana and Papa for their 1st birthday so it’s nice that Nana can enjoy the zoo with Steven, Sammy and Amaya. It was her second time this year, but her first solo outing with all the kids. There were a ton of animals out, including the giraffes, and SSA had their traditional zoo snack of peanut butter toast. It means so much to me that my mom gets to share these experiences with my kids.

163 156 159 161

Friday afternoon, there was more play time outside.

Notice how the edge of Steven’s nose is red? That’s because his nose is his favorite spot for his finger and it’s getting irritated. I will absolutely tease him about this some day.

166 167 168

On Saturday, one of my dreams came true! We went to the SPLASH PAD!! I needed 3 walkers to do this and, with Steven walking and walking and walking, it was time! I made a play date with a colleague and his 2 1/2 year old son and we adjusted the morning schedule for an 11am meet up. So much fun and so much work! I told some triplet moms that it was harder than I thought it would be and, when one mom asked me to elaborate, I said “I think I was living in some triplet dreamland where they’d all love it all the time and all want to play in exactly the same spot and no one would want me to pick them up.”

But it was a great experience and I can’t wait to go with Jason. Steven was the most daring. He walked right over to the water. Amaya stood frozen for a long time and was never entirely comfortable but did spend some time playing. Sammy was asleep when we arrived and I don’t think he ever fully settled in but he was very happy playing in the water if I was holding him.

179 185 183 193

Nana holding Sammy, before he joined in the fun.

192 191 190 195 196 202 205 204

Before we went home, everyone shared some blueberries. Sammy actually fed some to Steven. It was so cute. You can kind of see the start of it in the 2nd picture.

208 217 212

Since Jason was away, I had to do the grocery shopping for the week. Not a fan. Not a fan! But we made it a team outing which helped a bit. Everyone had food to hold and everyone was very patient. Even me.

230 237 244 239

This, to me, is a classic Amaya face. She thinks she’s getting away with something and she’s proud of herself.

250

In the evening, we headed back out to the deck. The best part of being on the deck in the early morning or evening is that you don’t have to apply sunscreen. Big, big win.

251 252

And then, today, Nana went home! Sad, sad mommy. We had such a nice time together! I soothed myself by going outside before morning naps. No sunscreen!

268 272

Sammy, talking on the phone, which is really a boat.

273

Cousin Charlie hand picked some books for SSA. I had happy kids! Thank you, Charlie!

057 058 059

Here’s more of group play time during the week. Amaya loooooves this puzzle and she does it very well. It seems to have become a regular group activity.

050 051 048 046 052 043
045
042
040
041

Sammy loves Nana’s slippers. This is a perfect Sammy picture – Whammy Puppy in his mouth and Nana’s slipper on his foot.

053

Some sleeping babies toddlers. I can’t stop taking pictures of them while they sleep. They’re so cute. Any time they’re covered is not their own doing.

Sammy!

170 151 256

Steven!

035 150 172

Amaya!

171 149 148 255

A few more photos of Steven this week.

Steven is a baller. He is small but mighty and he loves sports balls.

063
064
065

He loves to play lying on his belly. That little face.

223 225 226

Reading his book, holding his sports ball.

305 306

Finally, Steven needed a quick, evening trip to the doctor so we got a little unexpected Mommy/Steven time. (Nothing serious.) He looks so grown up sitting in that chair!

310 314

Sammy is back on zantac for what we think might be a resurgence of his reflux or GERD (or maybe they’re the same thing). He has a medicine dispenser for the zantac which he has taken to using as a fork because I didn’t give him one for his french toast. It’s so funny, and absolutely adorable. Though the kid really does need a fork at his meals so he doesn’t have to resort to his medicine dropper.

259 260 261 262 263

This here is Sam-u-rai. He rocks it.

031 030 033

Wrapping up with two photos from last week’s trip to NY that I forgot to put in the blog but don’t want to miss.

001 021 018

I don’t have as many bonus photos of Amaya so I’ll tell a story. She loves to chipmunk food in her cheeks at the end of meals. At lunch today, she tried to tell me she was all done while she still had a mouth full of food in her cheeks. I called her out on it so she chewed up what she still had and, when she was done, she said “All done!” and then opened her mouth and stuck out her tongue so I could see she wasn’t hiding any food. All done!

068 118 116

You can really see Steven walking in this video.

Have a great week!

packed full of jam

So much happens in the lives of 18 month olds! Every week is an adventure!

Today was our 18 month well check and the stats are in, with comparisons to their 15 month appointments. We have a new pediatrician because ours was promoted to run pediatrics at St. Joe’s Ann Arbor, where Steven, Sammy and Amaya were born. I was anxious to meet someone new because we love Dr. Spangler but Dr. Heinlen was great. She’s very, very pleased with how everyone is growing and developing.

Steven:
21lbs 13oz (17th percentile) and up from 20lbs 5oz (15th percentile)
32″ (33rd percentile) and up from 30.5″ (25th percentile)

Sammy:
23lbs 5oz (36th percentile) and up from 21lbs 14oz (36th percentile)
33.25″ (76th percentile) and up from 31.5″ (62nd percentile), though I think he was measured short in April

Amaya:
23lbs 14oz (66th percentile) and up from 22lbs 13oz (72nd percentile)
33.5″ (92nd percentile) and up from 32.5″ (96th percentile)

A few photos from the visit. Some one (guess who!?!) puked all over herself on the way to the appointment so she got to go into the appointment without any clothes on. I think we may have to swap her car seat from the 3rd row to where Sammy sits in the 2nd row because the poor girl gets car sick way too often. This was a particularly bad one.

4885-MMS-1438110596300-attachment1-20150728_083200
248 249

I was in yoga gear so, on the way home, Amaya wore my t-shirt to help keep the car seat straps from rubbing her. It was a long appointment but we managed to get in a quick nap, thanks to some neighborhood driving.

250

Here’s a series of photos from 7/20, which was the big 18 MONTH day. I really don’t know where time goes.

005
009

Steven is hunting for treasure.

028
029
030
011
012
013
014

Where’s Amaya’s belly?

016
017

There it is!!

015

Playing peek-a-boo!

020 021 022

On Friday, Grandpa Homey came to visit before he and Daddy go to the ball card show! Everyone had so much fun with Grandpa!

126 135 134 133
132
130 129 131

I had to be in NY this weekend for work so I bought Sammy a ticket and took him along for the ride. We had an early start on Saturday morning but Sammy was a trooper! He had a snack before we boarded and then ate 1/2 of my eggs and hash browns on the plane. Fun mommy & Sammy time!

005 009 012 018 020 041 045

Mr. Sam Man didn’t nap the entire flight so, by the time we were curbside, he was pooped out! We let him rest a bit in a stroller while we installed his seat.

057 059

Back in the Land of Cheltenham, Amaya and Steven were ready for a fun day with Anna, Daddy and Grandpa.

004

Amaya got her first piggies!

055 053

054 061
060

In NY, while I was on location in the Bronx, Sammy enjoyed a POOL PARTY with the Bloom and Lewis families. Despite the somewhat confused look on his face, I think he had a great time. I was even able to join everyone in the early evening. So much fun!

069 071 073 075 076

Just chilling!

079

Playing with Nate Lewis!

081 088 090 102

While, back in the Land of Cheltenham, the end of Amaya’s piggies left her doing an awesome Ace Ventura impression.

097 092

Sunday morning, Sammy got in some playtime with Papa and I got to join in for about an hour until I had to head to the Bronx.

103 106  110 112

At home, Anna dressed Steven in the same shirt Sammy was wearing! Brothers!!

107

In MI and NY, everyone had lots of time to play on Sunday.

115 116 122 123 119 124

It’s Amaya and her baby triplets! I’m obsessed with this picture. She looks like such a BIG girl. I can’t believe it. I love you, baby girl.

121

Late morning, Sammy packed up and headed to the beach like his brother did the week prior.

126 132

He’s very unsure about the sand!

137 141

Pretty much the best way to nap.

143 147

Steven and Amaya held down the fort for daddy and I was busy at our commercial shoot. This year’s talent is Odell Beckham Jr. and he was amazing. I can’t wait to see the final spot.

148 131 139 146

Odell was so good that I was actually able to get back to my family earlier than I expected. We all met up at Aunt Sara and Uncle David’s house where Sammy got a post-beach bath and ate his dinner outside on the porch. Back home, Daddy and Grandpa Homey made sure Amaya and Steven got their baths, too. Such a great day!

150 153 156 162 166 191 188

Bath time for Bobo and Amaya!

180 182 181

On Monday morning it was time to head back to MI. We stopped for breakfast with more than enough time to make our flight. Sammy ate most of my omelette and potatoes, plus his blueberries. He’s an eating machine these days!

201 204

Amaya and Steven can hold their own, too!

203
202

We boarded our plane, sat there for about an hour, and then deplaned when it was determined the radio was broken, needed to be replaced, and the part we needed was in Boston. Our 9am flight was now scheduled for 12:45pm. I had colleagues flying home on a 10:45am flight and they generously tried to give us their seats but Delta wasn’t playing along so Sammy and I made the best of our time. He roamed around the terminal for a while, making friends, and then we headed to the Delta sky club where he met a 19 month old girl, Jade. (Photo shared with Jade’s mom’s permission.) Jade was so sweet. She shared her puffs with Sammy and then, reluctantly, her coloring book. It definitely helped pass the time.

207 219 224 227 230

Back in Michigan, Amaya and Steven were enjoying a day at the zoo with Megan and Grandpa Homey!

214 228

Sammy took a much too brief cat nap in the terminal and then we were back on the airplane! We finally left NY around 2pm and made it home around 5pm. It was a loooooong day. I changed two poopy diapers on the airplane and Sammy got a pants change, too, when he got his pants all wet. A big adventure, and we’re happy to be back home!

234 236 240

There was still more fun this week! Someone had mentioned that the kids might like a mirror in the playroom. I think it might have been Aunt Ouize. I found a company that sells shatter proof kids mirrors and our Brontosaurus is officially ready for prime time. It’s pretty cute to see my kids kiss themselves in the mirror. 🙂

251 257 259

Last week was yet another trip to the zoo! We’re making the most of it while the weather is beautiful.

040 045
043 041 042
044 050 037
038
046
048

The best part was that Amaya spent half the trip twisted around in the Joey seat so she could pet Bobo’s head. This picture makes me laugh every time I look at it.

039

After a sleep sack mishap, we made the decision to transition from sleep sacks to blankets. It was a tough transition for Sammy but I think we’re mostly on the other side. And they’re super cute when we can actually keep them covered.

096 097 093 242

Amaya got some new hair clips and everyone got to try them out!

083 089 084 087

Finally, a few individual photos from the past week.

Steven!

065
072
108
109 243 232
098

Sammy!

263 117
106
110
054
067
055

Amaya!

070
066
100
104
107
114

Last but not least, the view from upstairs. Have a great week!

102

18 months old!

Steven, Sammy and Amaya are 18 months old today! 18 months! It’s crazy. They were just born. And they’ve also been part of our family foreeeeeever.

Their 18 month well check is next week but here’s some of what they’re up to:

Steven: Steven is just about to take off walking! He’s taking steps around the house regularly and doing great. He still wears his ankle SMO braces for stability and they seem to have made a difference with his ankle pronation. Steven’s biggest opportunity is with core strength. He’s still using support to pull to stand. So we’ll work on that! Steven says “uh oh” (all the time!) and “hi” and also, sometimes “mama” and “bye.” He has 4 teeth.

Sammy: Sammy is walking pretty much everywhere. He says “neigh” and “quack.” Also, “hi”, “up,” “bye bye,” “car,” and “dada” and lots of “mamamamama.” Sammy is very good with anything mechanical. He can buckle the high chair straps and loves to figure out how to put stuff together. His focus is amazing.

Amaya: Amaya has been walking for a couple of months now so that’s old news. But she sure can move fast these days! She’s having a word explosion. Hi, bye, ball, car, cock-a-doodle-do, moo, mama, dada. Every day she seems to have new words. Amaya is also a great helper. If her brothers don’t have their stuffed animals in the nursery, she’ll bring them to the boys and it’s the cutest thing to see. Amaya is still the sassiest girl I know.

But back in time…

Nana was still here on Monday. In these photos, Steven, Sammy and Amaya were on the phone with Aunt Sara. See how they’re holding their ears? That’s because they were talking about hearing. Smart kids.

003 004

My mom & Megan took our van to the fire station for some adjustments on the car seats. There was time to kill while the tech was called away so everyone stopped to smell the flowers. I’m pretty sure these were their first flowers!

007
009
010
015
012

Fudgie, our whale, also arrived this past week. We’re still a little unsure about Fudgie but he seats THREE so I think he’ll be a favorite pretty soon.

066 067 065

Megan had her own adventure with Steven, Sammy and Amaya at the Detroit Zoo! I’m so glad for our season pass. What a great way to spend a cool summer morning.

085
089
082
090 091

Once again, the Sam Man is asleep before he even gets back to the car.

092

And an interlude: Here’s what the playroom looks like after my kids get some time to play. D-i-s-a-s-t-e-r.

116

The big fun for the week is that I’m back at my travels with the kids! This past weekend was Steven’s turn! We had a Friday afternoon flight to NY so we got to the airport in time to get some lunch. Steven said “hi” to everyone in the restaurant. Everyone. It was so cute. And he enjoyed mac & cheese and cheese burger but didn’t really enjoy pickles.

129 135 136 145

About 40 seconds in, Steven busts out his signature dance moves.

Steven also charmed everyone at the gate!

155 149

And on the plane!

156 158 160

In the vein of “anything to keep them happy on a plane,” Steven had my potato chips to eat and, it seems, play with on the flight. What a mess. Crunchy potato chips end up crumbled potato chips. But it did keep him happy so it worked for me!

162 178 181

I also busted out Mortimer and Monkey. Mortimer and Monkey are just for naps and bedtime but, since it was nap time on the plane, he got in some cuddles.

167 168 170

Meanwhile, back in Michigan, Sammy and Amaya were having a great time with Megan!

137 140 144

When we got to New York, Steven was so happy to see his Nana!

185

When we got home, we had enough time to play outside for a short while. More time to stop and smell some flowers.

189
192
194

And back at home, Amaya and Sammy buddied up for dinner. Cutest ever!

193

Saturday morning was breakfast & playtime at home in MI and in NY.

204 199
200

209

Thanks to Auntie for coming to hang out with us!

After naps, we headed out to get lunch with everyone, including cousin Joey and his kids, Eli and Dalia. It was such a nice treat to get to see them while we were in town! It seemed to take forever for our food to arrive. Near the end there, I was relying on butter and jelly packets to try to keep Steven focused on anything but his desire to eat, eat, eat.

220 225 228 229 230 232 223 237

In the afternoon, the weather cleared enough that we were able to go the beach. So much fun! Steven was able to play in the sand, go in the pool and eat dinner outside. It’s amazing to see the difference between last year and this year. Last August, the kids weren’t even crawling yet. This year, Steven is exploring the sand and playing in the pool. It’s so much fun to watch!

Watermelon with Savta

245

257

Pool time! Steven did ultimately have some pool toys to play with and seemed to have a great time.

258 262 272 280 283 289

Dinner outdoors! Steven grabbed hold of a red shovel and would not let go. Would. not. let. go. It was such a nice night for dinner at the beach.

293 297 298 300 295

Mommy and Bobo.

305

The bonus of my trip was a sleepover with Chase. While we watched tv, I got to cuddle with Chase, Big Teddy, Big Teddy’s teddy, and Big Teddy’s teddy’s stuffed snake.

307

On Sunday morning, Grandma Sunshine make sure I knew everyone was having a good morning in Michigan.

316
314
315

We all had more time to play before it was time to go to the airport.

323 321 327 329

The flight home was an easier flight in some ways because it was a bigger plane. On the way out to NY, we had a tiny plane with 2 seats in each row which meant I needed to take Steven out of his car seat to get him down the aisle. That leaves me with 2 bags, a car seat and a baby to carry. Not easy, not fun. This was a standard plane so I was able to wheel Steven right to our row and install his car seat.

Steven didn’t nap in the morning so I was prepped with snacks, Mortimer and Monkey and a hope that Steven would nap on the plane. Didn’t happen but he did great, once again, and charmed everyone around us.

336 340 339 344 349

And, soon enough, we were back home together again. Team Cline, complete!

360

While I was gone, Jason made the move to try out our travel high chairs on our kitchen table. It works great! Our regular high chairs have been perfect for us for the past year but I think we’re ready to transition to sitting at the big table together. Big kids, big table. 🙂

353

Here’s a look at one of the first big kid meals with Sammy and Amaya

A few more of Steven this week!

059
054
106
109
110
121

Steven and “uh oh”

Sammy Whammy!

055
064
063
105
113
112
120

Slo-mo Sammy

Miss Amaya!

207

In an awesome tank top from her daddy.

107
108
111
119
057

just when I think we can’t have more fun than last week

It amazes me how, every week, I think I won’t have anything to post in the blog and, every week, so much happens!

I worked from home on Monday which always seems like it’s a better idea than it is. I end up a bit disconnected from the office and also disconnected from Steven, Sammy and Amaya because I’m holed up in the bedroom working. But they did come to see me before nap time and did their best to help out.

012013016

There was a lot of travel this week! I went to San Diego for Comic Con from Wednesday morning until Friday morning and Sammy had his big adventure with Grandma!!

He was ready for the day!

051

Heading out

057

Settling in and getting to the fun times!

059 061 060 107

Meanwhile, Amaya and Steven were ready for a little more one on one attention back at home.

050
052

Apparently Amaya had big plans for how she and Steven could spend their time.

067
068 069 070

And while all this was happening, here I was living it up at Comic Con! Soooooo much fun. I wish I had more time to spend at the event and more time to spend with friends in San Diego but it was a fantastic time, and productive, too. I can’t wait until the kids are old enough for a big family trip to Comic Con.

103 134 168

Our breakfast view at our hotel restaurant. I’m glad I left San Diego when I did or I might never have gotten up the will power to move back to the east(ish) coast. That city is pure heaven.

104

On Thursday, Steven and Amaya managed to have some fun while they waited for Sammy to return home to them.

116 115 113

Together again!

174 175
145

I returned home on Friday about an hour after my mom arrived from New York, happy in her Triplet Nana t-shirt that the kids got her for Mother’s Day. It was gorgeous out so we spent the afternoon playing on the deck. In a very short time, everyone is so much more engaged with the details of the water table. It’s really cool to see that progress.

203 197 200 186 196 191 188

On Saturday, another triplet mom was celebrating her boys’ first birthday so we went out to Saline to celebrate with the Diebol boys and their families. It was so much fun. The weather was gorgeous and, believe it or not, this was the first time Steven, Sammy and Amaya EVER crawled around in grass. With our deck, it just hasn’t been something we’ve done. The set up was super friendly and there were even exersaucers that entertained SSA. Turns out you can still play with them from the outside!

025 026 032 041 039

The big question for me had been how we’d eat at the party because I wasn’t sure of the table set up. Some other triplet moms suggested feeding SSA in their wagon which I hadn’t considered but was a great idea. To help, I made a portable table top out of some cardboard, packing tape and disposable place mats. It was a perfect solution! Hot dogs for everyone!

043

The afternoon was gorgeous which meant more time outside on our deck.

052 060 057 055 056 061

Today was a FUN DAY! We went to the Ann Arbor Hands on Museum. I’ve wanted to go for a while but I wasn’t sure the kids were old enough and I was 100% sure we should have 3 adults on our first visit. It was great! The toddler area is perfect for Steven, Sammy and Amaya. There’s a lot of stuff they’ll still grow into but a ton that they can do now. We played grown-up on toddler defense and it worked perfectly. I can’t wait to get back there.

076 077 081 071 087 098 107 102 091 093 094 113 112 114 115 108 118 120 117

After the museum we made an impromptu decision to stop for dinner on the way home. By the time we actually ate (fish & chips, for the kids) it was late but everyone did really well. I told Jason that I felt like a normal person. It’s been so long since we just decided to eat out on the spur of the moment, and even longer since it was on a beautiful summer night. Getting travel high chairs to keep in our van was a great decision.

122 127 124 129 131

Such a great week!!

Here are Steven’s highlights.

004
005

Fussy Bobo

040 041 042
114

Banker Bobo, pushing his baby and carrying his briefcase.

081
082 130 180
181
129

Sammy’s highlights. This week the big news is that he’s really walking! He’ll still crawl if he wants to get somewhere fast but, at 17.5 months, I think he’s cracked the code!!

035
036
037
038
009
039
045

Sad Sammy had a boo boo.

043
022

Whammy and his whammy puppy.

176 177

And Amaya’s highlights.

Amaya’s had a word explosion. Shoes, hi, bye, nana, dada, car, ball. It’s amazing to see.

006
044
017
032
133
132
131
170
173
172
083

We had more HUGS this week!

026
025
024
023

And, finally, this weekend we celebrated sweet Grace who is a strong, fearless fighter as she tackles leukemia. Grace and her family are amazing, and we’re honored to be in their corner.

023

party time with mommy!

This weekend Daddy had some well deserved R&R in Las Vegas so I held down the fort. Somewhat ambitiously.

Friday was gorgeous out so I got up with Steven, Sammy and Amaya and we headed to the zoo. Actually, first I managed a very fussy and clingy Amaya who burst into tears any time I wasn’t holding her. It was a good thing we had plans to get out of the house! We skipped morning naps to get a start on the day and I hoped they’d fall asleep for a few minutes on the way to the zoo but I don’t think that happened, in part because Amaya and Sammy took turns crying the entire way there.

We got to the zoo shortly before their morning snack and I was able to find a nice shady picnic table. We brought peanut butter toast with us along with some new sticky mats to try. Snack was a huge success! It was beautiful out and birds kept landing on our table which Steven, Sammy and Amaya all loved.

137

Checking out their little bird friend.

145

It’s a good thing I have no shame asking people to take my picture.

140 143

The Valco stroller, with the Joey seat attached, isn’t ideal for the zoo because the kids in the back can’t see as easily. It’s the best option, though, because our only other three seater is the wagon which is tough to pull for a long period of time and isn’t ideal once kids get sleepy. So the Valco it was! And there’s always enough happening on both sides of the stroller for everyone. We can reevaluate when they’re old enough to really understand the animals.

The stroller works very well, however, when there are DINOSAURS to see. Everyone can see big dinosaurs over their siblings’ shoulders.

150

T Rex! It’s part of a big animatronic dinosaur exhibt. I hope it’s still around when they’re five!

152

Amaya loves being Captain.

166

And poor Bubba was pooped out! This is what happens when he skips his morning nap!

158

Lunch was it’s own adventure! I timed poorly and, by the time we got to the Arctic Cafe, the line was 30 minutes long. Yikes!! I set up our table with our high chairs and we got in line. Amazingly, there were zero meltdowns. Not even by me! We had a delicious pizza lunch and then headed home. Sammy was asleep by the time we reached the car.

172 181 176 180

Friday afternoon, after naps, the bug hit me and I loaded everyone up to get the boys haircuts. It was time.

First order of business was our wagon. It’s awesome, but it doesn’t have brakes. What the heck!?! That’s made it difficult to take out alone because I’m not comfortable loading the kids into the wagon without someone there to hold it. Fortunately, a bungee cord did the trick! This will come in very handy.

184 185

We went to a local kids’ place called Snip Its.

186 189

Steven was up first and he freaked out when I put him in the chair. My poor Bobo! Fortunately this place has all the tricks and, right next to the chair, is a toy drawer. They’re dirty, nasty picked over toys but sometimes a mom’s got to do what a mom’s got to do. And it worked! Once Steven got his hands on the toys it was smooth sailing.

190 191 204 202 200 211 208

Next up was Sammy who had a preview of the toys and was just fine. His haircut also took no more than a hot second. Just a bit off the top and a trim on his growing mullet.

215 219 220 222 226 227

My handsome boys!

229 231 232

On Saturday I brought in reinforcements. Anna came to spend the day from 10:15am – 6:15pm. (At work, someone immediately commented on the :15s in the timing. Their schedule is so second nature to me that I didn’t even realize how regimented we are.)

The next town over, Plymouth, has an annual 4th of July picnic that Jason and I stumbled on a few years ago when we were living in Plymouth. Anna and I headed there to check out the playground and eat some free hot dogs!

246

It was our first time on swings! Steven and Sammy were all about it. Amaya cried the minute we tried to put her in the swing. I’m sure she just needs more practice.

249 250 258 256 252 251 253

The line for hot dogs (our first!) was long but worth it. We were lucky enough to find a table under the tent. Everyone even got to try a few potato chips.

263 268 272 274 271

Sammy was flirting with the women at the table behind him.

276

Back at home, everyone loves Mommy. 🙂 Notice Sammy’s hair? He and Steven were both tapping their heads while I did Amaya’s pony tail so I decided to let the boys have some fun. Steven’s hair isn’t made for it, especially with his new cut, but Sammy’s pony tail looks even better than Amaya’s!

289 285 287

In the afternoon, we decided to hit up the grocery store since Jason wasn’t home for the weekly grocery run. We got to Kroger and started unloading the kids when we realized Kroger didn’t have a single double cart. So it was off to Target! For grocery shopping, which I hate, we sure did have fun!

292 295

Look at these two!

298 304

Anna came back this morning from 7am – 9:30am so I could sleep in a bit. Apparently, when Mommy sleeps, the hugging starts! It’s so cute to see Steven, Sammy and Amaya start to really notice each other. Amaya will bring water cups to her brothers and, in the wagon, she makes sure everyone has something to drink. This afternoon, she kept making nice on both the boys. Steven kept hugging her. I love, love, love it.

012
010
011

Anna also gave Amaya her first piggies!

016

The late morning was spent on the deck. No water in the water table but we still know how to have a good time. (After applying sunblock. That is never a good time x 3.)

018 019

And, finally, this afternoon we headed out for some frozen yogurt. It’s a nice, easy trip out and a good excuse to get out of the house on a nice day.

024

That was it! My mommy adventure weekend with Steven, Sammy and Amaya. So much fun and absolutely exhausting. The moms I know who stay home alone full time with their trios (and sometime older kids, too) are warriors.

Here are more photos from the week!

Everyone!!

083 084

Brothers!

081 079

Sleeping kiddos. In order, in both sets: Steven, Amaya, Sammy.

111 110 109 237 236 238

Steven this week! He’s so happy. His giggle is the best.

009
011
032
031
033 062 063 070
076 077 073 122 123 127

Sammy, this week! He’s obsessed with his Mamamama, these days. I love it.

012
026
027
071
074

Amaya, this week! Still the sassiest, spunkiest girl I know.

010 283 028
029 064 065 059 060 075
072

Sally, this week!

069

Finally, babies in diapers! Have a great week everyone!

116

l-o-v-e

Another week where we can say “what a week!” It started off full of fussy, fussy babies. Well, 2 fussy babies. Sammy was happy as a Sammy. Poor Amaya and Steven had some rough days, though.

053
054

Even a walk didn’t bring smiles to this crew.

055

But everyone eventually got through it! In a laundry basket! I’m really hoping that we’re amassing a whole host of photos that Steven, Sammy and Amaya will try to recreate when they’re 20. (Hear that kids?)

072
071
074
073
075
076

Those photos make me smile every time I look at them.

In the late spring, I bought a slide for the kids. It also has a side piece that I hadn’t attached yet. Originally, the plan was to put this out on the grass but for a number of reasons including logistics and my fear of deer ticks, we never put it together. I decided to see if we can make it work in the playroom. This was the test drive! I was really impressed with how quickly everyone learned to climb the slide and turn themselves feet first to go down the slide.

079
082

Steven didn’t quite get the hang of the idea of taking turns. He wanted to just sit on top of the slide platform. Sit and sit and sit. That face you see is a 17 month old tantrum. Poor kid has to share. 🙁

083

In the end we decided to wait a little longer for the slide. They can use it well with supervision but there are too many times that they’re alone in the playroom and even in a minute or two, we’re concerned they’ll get into trouble on this thing. I’ll try again in the fall!

This week was another lunchtime visit! I think we have a routine and it’s awesome. My colleague, Lindsay, joined us and it was easy and fun. The decision not to actually visit my office space helps and it’s always better when we’re somewhere we’ve been before. I’m hoping to make this work every other week.

118

Ponytail!

121
122

Sammy loved Lindsay. He was hesitant at first but, soon enough, he was feeding her his half chewed food to try.

124
116

The view in the van.

128

Now we can get to the really good stuff! This weekend we had a ton of visitors!! Papa Gene came from NY. The Scofields came from DC. Uncle Austin came from Pittsburgh! Such a great, great weekend!

Sammy loved Austin’s Fitbit.

160

Papa reading to Steven and Amaya. I can’t get over what a big kid Amaya looks like here!

162

Cousin Nancy entertaining the crowd.

164

Amaya was obsessed with Cousin Abe. Seriously, seriously obsessed. She was in his arms every chance she got. It was absolutely adorable.

167

Steven had a fair amount of time on Saturday where he was only happy in my arms. My Ergo carrier has seen more use in the past 2 weeks than in the past 6 months!

168

Saturday afternoon we we went out for Chinese food for lunch. It was a hit with everyone. There were egg rolls and wontons and lo mein and Steven devoured General Tso’s chicken. He couldn’t get enough – until he ate a bit of a chili pepper and then he howled. Poor kiddo. But he recovered fast! The restaurant has carpet flooring (WHY?) so I offered sincere apologies for the complete mess on their floor when we left.

178
180
184
191
194
198

When we got back, Papa was pooped. 🙂

201

After naps, Grandma Sunshine and Aunt Annette joined the party.

204
207
208
211
213
214
215

Super Sammy!

219
IMG_8690

Loooooooove.

IMG_8693

A mommy pile-on!

IMG_8691
IMG_8692

We had a lazy Saturday morning before brunch. Lots of time to play!

005

Steven and Uncle Todd got some special time together.

016 021

While Amaya wanted to be sure she had Abe’s attention.

018

Which continued on to our lunch out at the Deadwood Bar & Grill. It’s love.

026 028

The kids did great. We got a late start so lunch was later than they’re used to but SSA were all troopers and hung in there with us.

031 029 030 035 040 042 041

After lunch, the Scofields and Uncle Austin headed off so Papa and I had afternoon adventures on our own. We went out for some frozen yogurt and Papa did an awesome job pulling the wagon.

045 047 051

It’s been such a wonderful weekend with even more wonderful family. We’re a very lucky family, here in the Land of Cheltenham.

And now, Steven, this week!

051
049
055 054
065
066
155

He put the babies in the stroller himself.

157

This is how I find Steven most mornings.

093

Sammy, this week!

006
048
067
131
154

He’s so darn close to really walking. I say that every week but it’s true!

151

I love how Sammy mimics faces with Megan.

135
133
134

And Amaya, this week! Sporting her new hairdo!

108
112
111
069
064
005
052
001
175
152
143

Ready to roll!

025 011

And here we are! Another week, another blog! I’ll leave you with a morning photo of Steven, Amaya and Sammy.

060

happy father’s day!

For a long time, Jason has talked about the names he would have given our children if he’d been left to his own devices. So, for Father’s Day, Steven, Sammy and Amaya asked if they could wear shirts honoring those names.

I present to you: Major Dude, Summer Breeze and Deacon Blues.

026 028

And the most amazing Daddy with his equally amazing kids.

057

Amaya doesn’t like being told what to do. And we told her to sit here. She’s a strong willed girl!

055

Daddy and Sammy! And when Steven and Amaya someday ask where their amazing solo pictures are, I’ll have to tell them that Sammy was the only one who graced us with his cooperation.

072 074

We have toddlers. With minds of their own.

059 064

One of Jason’s desires for Father’s Day was to sit at the bar and eat lunch as a family. Wish granted! Our travel high chairs worked great!

051

We were able to spend time outside at the water table. They love being outside. I love being outside. I haaaaaate applying sunblock. Oh, I hate it. I thought I hated brushing teeth the most but it’s applying sunblock that I hate the most. So many little faces! But it’s worth it.

040 043

Hanging with Daddy.

046

Later in the afternoon, Anna came by to spend some time with us so Jason could go off and enjoy the latter part of the day on his own. Steven was super clingy. He whined and cried every time I put him down. So I didn’t! We made meatloaf together. I must have worn him for a good 30 minutes. My Bobo.

077

We wrapped up the day with a ride in our wagon!

080 081 082 083

By the way… an entire playroom and they always seem to find one corner with one toy to fight over. By the time I took this photo, Amaya wasn’t having it.

036

It was a great day! Happy Father’s Day to all the fathers in our lives, everywhere they are.

Team Cline had a few more adventures this weekend. On Saturday, we went to Ann Arbor to Zingerman’s Roadhouse for lunch. Yum, yum, yum. Our waitress told Jason that we inspire her. She has a 14 month old singleton at home. Steven, Sammy and Amaya really do fantastic when we go out to eat. We’re so fortunate with that.

102
106
108
109
113

Here’s Jason in his favorite position with his favorite little people.

093

Steven, Sammy and Amaya are watching Jason undo the work I did trying to put together the stroller push walker and get it done correctly. It was a job for a tall person!

096

Yet again, Tupperware and cooking utensils occupy SSA for the longest time.

118
121

Jason was at it again and found a way to open up more space for Steven, Sammy and Amaya. It’s hard to believe that they were so confined for so long. It worked then, but they need this space now.

123

Going back in the week, on Tuesday we had to say goodbye for now to Savta and Nana. We hate saying goodbye to Savta and Nana!

003

BUT! On Wednesday, Amaya had her first sleepover!! Grandma Sunshine collected Amaya and took her back to Mason, MI! An Amaya and Grandma adventure!!

Even though Amaya looks concerned here, she was just tired and probably a little confused to be in a new car without her brothers.

025
024

See? All better!

026

Playing with a bucket of toys and wearing her cool “I <3 My Grandma” shirt! So much fun when you don’t have to share!

027

Checking out the backyard.

036

Early morning, on Thursday.

046

Nesting bowls! We love nesting and stacking.

058

Meanwhile, the boys got a little extra attention at home.

047

This week we enjoyed beef & cheese quesadillas with tomatoes and some sour cream for dipping. Turns out we love sour cream and it’s not just for dipping!

132
142
139
143

Amaya, this week!

100
088
067
065
012
007

Sammy, this week!

006
011
057
064
054
053
087
069
031

Steven, this week!

068
056
004
005
052

Sally in the spotlight! I took this photo last night as I was getting ready for bed. Looks like, once we all go to bed, poor little Sally is finally able to lord over her domain in peace.

005

I’ll wrap up with this. Have a great week!

144

bloggity bloggity bloggity blog

Hello! It’s Monday, not Sunday, because I was fortunate enough to have a visit from my wonderful friend, Ames, last night. But we’ll get to that!

On Monday I spent the morning at home before a work trip to Vegas. It was perfect timing because our new single stroller arrived and Steven and I were able to give Sammy a ride around the house. It’s a hit! When we go out, we tend to take a double and single stroller so it was time to upgrade our single. As a trade, I sold our red behemoth three across jogging stroller. It was hard to part with because there might be one day where there’s one circumstance where I wish I had it but I hadn’t used it in months so I’m trying to accept that I can’t hoard every triple stroller in existence.

Here we are!

007

While I was away, Megan made sure that I had check ins from Steven, Sammy and Amaya.

043 042

Happy, happy!

034
029
032

Mr. Selfie, and Megan.

056

Meanwhile, in Vegas, I got my triplet fix!

059

And my baby fix!

093

Sammy and Amaya are competitors. Steven and Amaya are buds. I love seeing these dynamics develop.

108
109
110
111
116

When I returned home, we set up our new Guava Baby travel crib. We’re going to start sleepovers at Grandma Sunshine’s house and this new travel crib will be perfect! It almost fits me!

124
128 127 126

We also had our first FaceTime with triplet buddies! The FishTrips were born a week before Steven, Sammy and Amaya and their mom and I are good friends. Unfortunately, Steven and Sammy won’t be able to marry Abby, Zoe or Charlotte. They’re already matched with 3 adorable ginger triplets in Ireland. Sorry boys!!

123

And the busy Thursday continued! I decided to join Steven, Sammy and Amaya for bath time. Chaos and fun!

I love these photos that Megan took.

136 138 139 137

On Friday, Nana and Savta came to visit. Nana brought 3 baby dolls and they were a hit. A HIT! Amaya will barely let them out of her sight. She walks around with two at a time. Sammy likes to push the dolls around on the y-bike.

161
164
165 166 167 170 171
172
173
168
176

On Saturday we needed to get out of the house so we headed to the mall. The new single stroller is awesome. It’s so light and maneuverable. We did some shopping but the main goal was dinner. Pizza dinner! Can’t beat it.

010 011

Sunday was yucky out so we stayed indoors but that didn’t stop the fun. Everyone joined Nana in the kitchen. We have budding chefs! Sammy probably sat there for a good half hour.

005 006 009

Our dinner guest was Ames, straight in from South Carolina. Steven, Sammy and Amaya love Miss Ames!

019 025

Sammy had a lot of fun with Ames’ phone camera. Selfie Sammy!

The whole gang.

031 037

Since I didn’t complete the blog yesterday, we have a bonus Monday adventure. Steven, Sammy and Amaya came to see me at work with Nana, Savta and Megan. We visited my office and then had lunch together at a shawarma spot in our lobby. Amaya sat with her arm around me for a good portion of our meal and Steven had a ton of fun playing with the plates. I think they knew that there was something special about coming to see me during the day. When lunch was over, Sammy and Amaya didn’t want to let go. We’ll have to do this more often!

042 056 048 052 053 062 064

After the adventures in Detroit, Megan, Savta and Nana all got some GREAT photos with SSA.

068 066 067

Here’s Steven this week.

018
050
075
101
102
072 077
115
155

Signing “more”.

156
157
158

Sammy, this week.

Peek-a-boo!

147
148
146
113
104
099078
072
015

And Amaya, this week.

044
047
045
054
061
074
103
098
152

Sitting in a pile of clothing from cousin Charlie.

075
151 159

We love books! Have a great week!

141 062
064
063

*This week’s blog title is, again, courtesy of Daddy.

shenanigans

It’s the age for shenanigans!

Amaya decided she wanted some of Sammy’s blueberries.

181

Look at that face!

182

Steven thought he’d have a nice relaxing lie down in the bean bag chair.

169

Amaya had other ideas.

170
171

So did Sammy.

173
172

This weekend, I was away in Chicago for a triplet moms getaway! It was 37 triplet moms who all had their babies in 2014. Between us, we have 146 kids. While I was away, Steven, Sammy and Amaya were in good hands. And, it seems, quite happy!

196 240

Here we are!!

195 222 220

Steven, this week!

022

Someone’s getting ready to walk.

046
060

Sweetest kid ever.

075 076 072 092 108

Happy, happy, happy to have Mortimer by his side.

112

Sammy, this week!

On Thursday night, Sammy desperately wanted to wear my sweater. When I let him, he was so happy and proud! Look at his little face.

102 099

On Friday morning, we had more fun with one of Daddy’s shirts.

147 157

Sammy is rocking empathy. On Saturday, Anna stubbed her toe. Sammy came right over to give her a hug.

197

What???

062
065
023

Someone wishes he’d been able to sleep in.

082 083 084

Big stretch!

096

Today, Anna showed Sammy my picture and he started saying “mama”. <3

And look what Sammy did today! More than once! He’s figuring out the walking!

Amaya, this week!

A pre-trip selfie.

154 093
063

Hard at work.

061

Such a happy girl!

045
025

Finally… everyone is on the go!

the best village

It’s been another busy week! I headed to Dallas for business but, never fear, Grandma Sunshine was here!!

034
031
032

On my trip to Dallas, I was able to visit with fellow Jan ’14 triplet mom, Carrie and two of her trio, Thomas and Elizabeth. Carrie is also mom to sweet Grace who I mentioned last week. After all these months of watching Carrie’s kids grow up, it was a bit like meeting celebrities! Love you, Carrie!

029

Megan was away at the end of this week so our new backup sitter, Lauren, spent Friday with Steven, Sammy and Amaya. It was also Steven’s last physical therapy session before summer break. Honestly, I don’t understand “summer break” for early intervention services but Steven is doing great and I think he may not even need PT when it starts back up in the fall. If he’s not thinking about it, he can stand independently quite well and his physical therapist, Jeanette, showed me how to guide him walking holding onto one of my fingers instead of both hands. We have some tips and tricks for the summer and I think he’ll be walking in no time!

072

Steven and Jeannette

076

Yesterday, my dear friend, Mary Morrow, came to visit with her daughter. Mary and I met through the work on the Detroit rape kits. She was the assistant prosecuting attorney at the time and is one of the best people I know. Steven, Sammy and Amaya clearly think so, too. They kept climbing into her arms.

017 015

Today is cold and rainy so we went to the mall where we had our first food court experience. Whoo hoo!

045

Can’t beat bourbon chicken at the mall.

048 052

Steven liked it so much that we were all packed up and ready to go while he was still eating. That Bobo.

057

More from the week…

Daddy sorting ball cards with Sammy and Amaya. Chips off the old block.

008

Out for a walk before the weather got nasty.

002

Competing for time with a new toy. Cause & effect! So far, they have the yellow button down pat.

084

A favorite pastime for Amaya and Steven. Wrestling!

041

Steven, this week!

003
004 062

Sammy!

079 061 017
018

Someone finally has his own shoes. And they fit!

025
026
027

He’s such a happy fella.

Amaya!

007 063 047 078

Finally, watermelon!

We’re all excited to see Megan tomorrow!

Next week’s blog post will be late because I’ll be out of town next weekend for a Triplet Moms weekend in Chicago. Thirty five moms of triplets born in 2014, many with older kids too. That’s a group of women who plan to LET LOOSE. I can’t wait!