The week stayed busy after our 6 month dr appointments on Tuesday.

On Thursday, Steven, Samuel, Amaya and Megan made their weekly trip to see me for lunch, all decked out in cool new onesies from Megan. They’ve got their minds on their mommy and their mommy on their mind! Thank you, Megan!

Here they are relaxing on the deck on Thursday afternoon. These babies love being outdoors!

A frequent site when I get home from work. Two babies in Megan arms and a third who is hopefully at play and not fussing. Amaya really likes playing on her tummy these days. She has enough balance to actually play with toys while she’s on her tummy. The boys are just a small step behind but, watching them, it’s difficult to remember the time a few short months ago when 1 minute on their bellies was like torture.

The weekend started off disappointing when my friend Ames got sick and had to cancel a weekend visit. (We missed you, Ames!! See you in a month!) It’s the first weekend Jason and I didn’t have visitors in months and I really wanted to get out and about as a family.

Saturday morning, Jason was sleeping in and the weather was great outside with potential for rain later that day so, spur of the moment, I decided to pack the babies up and go to the weekly farmer’s market in Plymouth. I’m trying to let myself be impulsive with the babies even though “impulsive” isn’t the easiest word to use when it comes to managing life with three 6 month olds. My friend Meghan let me know that she goes most Saturday mornings so we made plans to meet up and off I went.

I arrived before Meghan and, walking around by myself, was an immediate spectacle. SPECTACLE. You can’t tell at all from the photo below but people were following me, walking with me, stopping me, pointing. I thought I learned to ignore the attention but, honestly, I was near tears by the time Meghan arrived. At one point, I was trying to give Amaya her pacifier and there were probably 8 people standing around me. A woman asked how I’m holding up and I said, “Usually very well but I’m kind of overwhelmed right now.” Fortunately, people got the hint.

It got much easier once Meghan arrived because people were less likely to interrupt me while I was talking to someone but Meghan can tell you that it’s still quite the to do. I’m sure I’ll get used to it by the time my kids are old enough to stop drawing attention. 😉 (And, honestly, my reaction surprised me. I’m not usually one to shy away from crowds or talking to strangers but the barrage of attention can get overwhelming.)

And that was all before the 11am bottles!

Here we are in the early afternoon. Jason is entertaining Samuel, Steven and Amaya. Look at how captivated they are by their daddy!

We’re trying not to spend too much time in exersaucers and the like (bad for hip development and walking) but a short bit of time each day won’t hurt so I decided to see if this hand me down from Sara would calm a fussy Sammy. He looooooved it! Can you tell? Hahaha. This kid cracks us up constantly.

And then, on a roll, he decided to hold his own bottle! It’s only happened once but I see our future in this picture!

Our Saturday afternoon out and about plan took us to downtown Northville where there was a car show. I love car shows. There’s something about old cars that makes me feel content and peaceful. Steven, Samuel and Amaya really liked the red ’65 Mustang!

Here’s Jason pushing the triplet jogger.

Impulsively (YAY!), we decided to grab a beer before heading home. Amaya was a little fussy so her daddy entertained her.

Cuddling.

Explaining stuff.

And dancing!

It was an unexpected, wonderful Saturday! Everyone wore themselves out and slept soundly. (Babies are getting much more mobile in their cribs at night. Here’s Steven sideways and on his side. So stinking cute.)

Last week, Sammy rolled back to tummy for the first time. This morning was Amaya’s turn! I snapped the “before” photo and, next thing I knew, she delivered the “after”!

While daddy was sleeping, we decided to have a tummy time mirror party! So much fun! Sammy was a little fussy by the time I took their picture here but it’s definitely a repeat activity! (And, for the record, Jason would get up and let me sleep in but I like mornings with Steven, Samuel and Amaya.)

We’re starting solids soon (avocado!) so it’s time to get the high chairs ready. When these first arrived back in the late fall, I remember thinking it would be ages before they were needed. I can’t believe the time is here. Thank you Uncle Bob and Aunt Denise! They are perfect in our home! Sammy was very happy to be the guinea pig.

He looks huuuuuuge here!

Then it was Amaya’s turn to try out the little activity center. Another big fan! (I’m not sure Steven’s ready yet. He’s great on his tummy and does have solid head control but he’s still a bip floppier than his brother and sister. He’ll catch up!)

There was a lot of baby wearing today. I didn’t get a photo of Jason but he had all 3 babies in his carrier over the course of the day and I tried wearing Amaya facing out for the first time. It’s not a perfect system but it’s a lifesaver when you have one baby who isn’t napping well and things to get done in the house.

This afternoon, we all went to the mall together. Another first for us as a family! With the double and single strollers it was easy as pie and we drew very little attention. Hooray!

The weekend started off with disappointment but we had a lovely, lovely two days. This was really our first taste of what our family feels like when it’s just the five of us (and Sally cat). In the past, our solo weekends were more difficult because the babies were less predictable and we were less adventurous. Now we’re in a groove and, while it’s not easy, it’s totally doable and absolutely worth the effort it takes to get out and about. I feel so very, very lucky. <3 <3 <3

Steven, Samuel and Amaya had their 6 month checkups today and they’re doing AMAZING! Our tiny little preemies are growing into big strong infants! All of the percentiles I’m referencing are for the full term baby charts. It’s not adjusted at all for preemies!

Steven – 3lbs 9oz at birth
Weight: 14lbs 8oz (4th percentile)
Height: 26 inches (22nd percentile)
Head Circumference: 16.5 inches (12th percentile)

Samuel – 3lbs 14oz at birth
Weight: 15lbs 9oz (14th percentile)
Height: 27.6 inches (87th percentile!)
Head Circumference: 16.5 inches (12th percentile; yes, the same as Steven)

Amaya – 3lbs 14oz at birth
Weight: 15lbs 5oz (34th percentile!!)
Height: 26.25 inches (65th percentile)
Head Circumference: don’t have the measurement but it was the 40th percentile

Amaya is now big enough that she doesn’t have to use the extra calorie formula. Whoo hoo!! Formula cost savings for mommy & daddy! Steven and Samuel will have to stay on the neosure until they’re 9 months or hit the 25th percentile. Since their next doctor appointment isn’t until they turn 9 months, they’ve got 3 more months to go on the hi-cal formula.

From a developmental standpoint, they’re all doing really well. Milestones aren’t black and white but they all have things they’re great at. Steven has awesome fine motor control. Sammy is the first to roll from back to belly. Amaya has become super smiley and chatty and was the first to sleep through the night.

It’s also time for us to start solids! (Whaaaaaat? How can my little babies eat real food?) Current plan is to start with avocado this weekend. Maybe move to sweet potatoes from there. REAL FOOD FOR OUR BABIES!

And, of course, we got our 6 month vaccines. They’ve done well with them in the past so hopefully that holds.

Here are a few photos from the day.

Samuel, Steven, Amaya – getting ready to head out.

At the office – Steven, Amaya, Samuel

Captain Amaya reporting in from the Starship Cheltenham! Mommy said I could write today’s blog post because I’m wearing my Starfleet captain’s uniform.

We’re six months old today! Where does time go? It seems like just yesterday that we were kicking up a storm in mommy’s belly and wreaking all sorts of havoc. We hear it’s been the best 6 months ever for our mom and dad. For us, too!

Here are some 6 month pictures and then some other photos of what we’ve been up to.

As always, Chief Science Officer Steven on the left & Security Chief Samuel on the right. My mommy got me a very silly headband to go with my uniform. I’m not sure it’s regulation so don’t tell anyone about it, okay?

Steven

Sammy

Here I am again!

Mommy also took some pictures of us this morning. Isn’t Steven’s new helmet adorable? Plus, if we wrestle, he has an advantage!

Sammy

I love wearing new dresses!

And even moooooore from today. Mommy went a little nutso with the camera but she says we only turn 6 months once!

Here’s Steven during his daily one hour helmet break.

Sammy, about 2 minutes after a huuuuuuge spit up. I think he was very pleased with himself. Not so sure mommy felt the same way!

Sammy is definitely proud of himself in his photo. He just rolled over from his back to his belly. Steven and I are still working on it.

I love smiling these days! Music makes me smile and family makes me smile and I especially love being outside.

We all met up with a local triplet family! Kenneth, Sarah and William are 4 months old and, if no one moves, we’ll be in school together someday!

Going back in time, Uncle Austin, Aunt Dena and cousin Lavinia (Team Verona!) came to visit this weekend. We had so much fun! They played with us and fed us and we even had an adventure in Plymouth on Saturday afternoon. We can’t wait to see them again!

Steven loved lying in the Lavinia basket.

Doesn’t Steven look cool? Daddy would say he’s chillaxing.

My brothers are captivated by daddy. He’s a fun and fuuuuuunny daddy.

Our deck is the best. And Steven and Samuel always make room for me to sprawl out.

Further back in time! Mommy was away for 5 days. It was a long time but everyone took great care of us, especially daddy. He took Steven to get his new helmet. This is his first ever picture wearing his awesome new gear.

Settling in at home.

Nana was here visiting us while mommy was away.

And so was Savta, our GREAT grandmother!

But mommy wants you to know that she was busy, too, filming a commercial for Fathead with Richard Sherman and Clay Matthews.

She even got us a present from her trip!

Last but not least, here’s a look at our pantry. We drink a LOT of formula.

Thanks for reading my blog post! Maybe I’ll write more someday soon! Signing off — Captain Amaya Jean.

Hello from California! I am on my first overnight business trip (5 nights) since Steven, Samuel and Amaya were born. Too long; do not like. But it’s for a commercial shoot and I need to be here so I put on my big girl pants and boarded the plane.

Fortunately, Jason is a super star daddy and had a wonderful weekend with the babies, helped by my mother and grandmother (who planned a trip to visit before my work was scheduled).  For my part, I’m trying to appreciate the weekend downtime that I never get at home.

It was a great week! Megan brought Steven, Samuel and Amaya for lunch on Thursday and it was nice enough to feed them outside and test out their new, cool shades. We also started construction on our basement. We’re finishing it, which includes adding a full bath and bedroom. So far, just the egress window is in. Construction should start in earnest this week. Fingers crossed that it’s an easy, fast project.

Steven, Amaya, Samuel visiting for lunch

(Don’t worry, Daddy! We were only in the sun for this photo with Mommy.)

Steven loves being on his belly. He still sleeps on his back in his crib but he loves cat naps on his belly!

Steven smiles!

Happy Sammy!

Sassy Amaya!

Amaya does not like being constrained. She likes freedom to move. The girl is a champion back scooter.

And she’s having a wonderful time this weekend with her daddy, nana and Savta.

Big news for the week, other than my continued absence, is that Steven gets his helmet tomorrow. Fingers crossed for a smooth, easy transition!

I had the luxury of being home with Steven, Samuel and Amaya for 8 1/2 of the last 10 days. It makes going back to work tomorrow very difficult, especially knowing that after this work week I go to LA for 5 days. Balance is a work in progress.

We’re starting to reach new milestones. Amaya is soooooooo close to rolling from back to belly. She can’t quite figure out how to get over her arm but she’s right there. And we’re starting to see some stranger danger! When I’m out alone with all 3 it can be troublesome but there’s also something amazing about witnessing a baby stop crying just because you picked him up. There was even one time that Steven was perfectly content until I walked into the room and then he cried until I held him. I hope I can always appreciate my babies needing me, even when it’s inconvenient. It’s just so special to be the one to make things all better.

I will admit that one of the best parts of having 3 babies is taking pictures of them together, especially now that they’re actually starting to notice each other. And being home afforded me tons of dress up and photo opportunities. (Though I’ll admit there are days when I get the kids dressed and leave Megan with a request for photos. Moms who work outside of the home need to delegate sometimes!)

This was formal wear in honor of Uncle Austin & Aunt Dena’s 3rd anniversary. The boys look like they’re going to the office and Amaya looks like she’s going out to have some FUN!

Steven, Amaya and Samuel.

Amaya trying on her FIRST PAIR OF SHOES! May there be many more to follow. 🙂

If you have the pleasure of waking up with the babies in the morning, this is an example of what greets you. Makes the early morning hours sooooooo worth it.

On Tuesday, Megan needed to run out to a dentist appointment so I came home from work and had the opportunity to witness a super secret triplet meeting formerly known as tummy time. In all seriousness, I cannot wait for the day I really do interrupt a super secret triplet meeting.

Initially, Steven really lagged behind Samuel and Amaya with tummy time. Now he’s totally holding his own which is a good reminder that I can’t compare milestones. Or, if I do compare, it shouldn’t be for anything more than mere observation. They’ll all get where they’re going in their own time.

Our first 4th of July!! I did not plan accordingly and get any sort of officially coordinating red, white and blue but I think this gets the job done. Happy babies celebrating America’s independence.

We had the very special treat of a visit from Aunt Ouize, Nancy and Abe for the 4th, all the way from DC! A perfect way to spend the day.

See all these babies being cared for? At one point, everyone was inside and I was out on the deck with my eyes closed. I think it’s the most relaxed I’ve been in months.

Amaya is developing a love of books early.

Grandma Sunshine with her kids and grandkids!!

The time at home gave me an opportunity to snap some photos of Megan with Steven, Samuel and Amaya.

Loooooooooove this one.

It seems Steven gets his share of sleeping on us!

New outfit for Amaya courtesy of cousin Charlie’s hand me downs! Thank you, Charlie!

Amaya is on the move! She has decided she does not like the confines of her boppy. She’s a girl on the move (possibly on the way to Albuquerque, her daddy says). We get her on the floor as often as possible but sometimes situations, like eating, dictate the boppy and she makes a break for it as soon as as she can.

This is much better.

And eeeeeeeven better!

It gets cold in the house sometimes, but we’re prepared!

Totally random but I want to mention that we’re still logging what Steven, Samuel and Amaya eat each day. We’ll probably keep it up until they’re all sleeping through the night. So far, only Amaya has earned that distinction. Thank you, Amaya!

And finally, Amaya making a break for it. Again.