It’s here! Our first Halloween!

I would be lying if I said I haven’t been thinking about their first Halloween since I found out I was carrying triplets. Three babies to dress up in coordinating costumes!

Please meet R2D2, Princess Leia and Chewbacca!

R2D2 – formerly known as Steven

Chewy – formerly known as Sammy

Princess Leia – formerly known as Amaya

Peeking behind the curtains of those standing babies… It’s Nana magic!!

Happy Halloween everyone!!

We turned 9 months on 10/20 but had our well visit today. It went great! Our super eater, Amaya, officially outweighs both of her brothers. Here are their stats on the full term charts.

Steven – 3lbs 9oz at birth
Weight: 17lbs 7oz (12th percentile, up from 4th percentile at 6 months)
Height: 27 3/4″ long (21st percentile, down from 22nd percentile at 6 months but I’ll call it a wash)

Sammy – 3lbs 14oz at birth
Weight: 18lbs 4oz (23rd percentile, up from 14th percentile at 6 months)
Height: 29 1/2″ (87th percentile, same as 6 months)

Amaya – 3lbs 14oz at birth
Weight: 18lbs 12oz (58th percentile, up from 34th percentile at 6 months)
Height: 28 1/2″ (78th percentile, up from 65th percentile at 6 months)

They only had the Hep B vaccine this visit. I am eagerly awaiting their MMR at 12 months. Developmentally, they’re still a bit behind average for 9 months but we knew that and it’s nothing to worry about. We can start weaning the boys off Neosure and onto regular infant formula. Whoo hoo! In celebration, today we’re trying chicken. Yay babies!

Also of note, Sammy is only a 1/2 inch from the height max on our infant carrier/car seat so it’s officially time to change over to the convertibles. Yikes! I’m excited but not looking forward to installing SIX car seats!

Here we are arriving at the dr in our pjs.

We had to adjust our schedule a bit so morning bottles were at the pediatrician’s office with Megan doing more than her share while my back is still not at 100%.

And back at home after a busy, busy morning!

We had a lazy “stay in PJs” day today!

Steven came to visit me while I worked and got a bonus visit with Big Sister Cat Sally.

And then we tried chicken! Yay! Meat! Everyone did really well with it. I just cooked up some chicken strips in the nu-wave oven without any seasoning. Steven wasn’t sure at first but Amaya and Sammy dove right in. Sammy ate so much, in fact, that he had a big ol’ spit up in his bib and on his tray and on the floor. And, eventually, Steven got it, too. It’s so exciting to think about everything they’ll be able to eat now that they’re eating meat and eggs. It’s time to fire up Chef Daddy’s omelette station!

9 months old and we couldn’t ask for more!

As always, it was a busy week! I worked from home on Tuesday so Megan could take Steven for a helmet adjustment without having to drag Sammy and Amaya along.

Steven was excited about his solo adventure.

In the afternoon, Amaya decided that she (and Sophie) wanted to help me work. She’s a fantastic helper! Very motivational.

We bought a baby jail for our living room and decided to test it out. It’s a reasonable size and will work in a number of situations. It’s going to be particularly helpful as we get babies in and out of the car once we transition to our convertible car seats.

On Tuesday night I filmed this time lapse video, inspired by another triplet mom. These 26 seconds took place over the course of ~20 minutes. I need to do more of these!

We had a big milestone this week! Our first photos of all 3 babies sitting up! Sammy can sit for quite a while now. Steven isn’t as adept but he’s sitting better and better every day.

Steven, Sammy and Amaya love to watch their Big Sister Sally Cat. This was a big anniversary for us. Sally and I celebrated our TEN year Sallyversary. As I said elsewhere, she’s the best. We met shortly before I moved from NY to FL and she has been right by my side ever since. She’s moved from NY to FL and then up to MI and we’ve lived in 7 homes together. Sally embraced Jason and now she’s a protector of Steven, Sammy and Amaya, sitting outside their nursery when they cry and letting them gently pet her. I was worried that I’d feel differently about Sally after I had human babies but I love her as much as I ever did. Maybe more.

And daddy had this playtime, too!

This weekend, Papa Gene and Uncle Austin came to visit from NY and Pittsburgh, respectively. What fun!! And what good timing. I did something to my back yesterday morning and they were so helpful getting us through the weekend. Steven, Sammy and Amaya love their Papa and uncle!

We set up some baby gates this weekend. We need to be one step ahead of these babies. Literally!

So, we don’t watch TV with the babies (and they don’t watch it without us) but the Lions were playing in London this morning at 9am. Ordinarily, I’d have just fed them in the playroom but I’m out of commission because of my back so Jason made this set up. Worked like a charm. 🙂

Today we tried eggs! Our pediatrician told us to go for it at 9 months actual so we went for it. I was super nervous because it’s the first food we served that could be an allergen but they did great! No rashes or other symptoms of any kind. I know these things can develop but I’ll breathe a little more easily the next time they get a tasty morning scramble.

Steven and Amaya seemed to like the eggs. Jury may still be out for Sammy. We also gave them broccoli with this meal which is the start of serving multiple foods at one time.

Here are just a few more pictures from the week.

Amaya, making her happy monster sound.

A Megan and Sammy selfie.

Sammy enjoying a foot appetizer before his evening bottle.

A chaotic photo with all 3 of my wonderful babies. Have a great week!

This blog post is packed full of jam! 9 month photos and lots of videos and all the usual who’s who and what’s what and how’s how!

But, first, we’re NINE MONTHS OLD. Holy cow, batman! It was a little too cold outside for a pumpkin patch shoot so we improvised.

My little pumpkins!

Amaya Papaya

Amaya is sassy and determined. When she sets her sights on something she’s going to conquer it. She plays independently exceptionally well but, when she wants your attention, you’ll know it! Amaya doesn’t baby babble, she screams – loud, happy, infectious screams. She’s so close to crawling and has been sitting independently for a while now. In fact, Amaya can transition from sitting to her tummy. She’s also the first to get a tooth! We have a tooth, folks! If Jason had to describe Amaya in one word it would be “leader.”

Steven / Bobo/ Monkey Boy Bobo

Steven is sweet and tender. His cries sound like a wounded animal and he’s the one I rush to pick up when I hear his cry. Steven is focused. He can sit and play with a tag or a string for the longest time. He notices the details. When Steven eats, he picks up a piece of food and just works at it until it’s gone. He’s got the sweetest little smile and he just melts in your arms. My mom calls him a mush ball. Right now, Steven is starting to sit independently and, just once, got up on his hands and knees. If Jason had to describe Steven in one word it would be “loving.”

Sammy / Whammy/ Samscicle / Whamscicle

Our Sammy is the first to laugh and the first to cry. Sammy’s the one who’s most likely to sob when Megan leaves him alone in the play room but he’s also got an incredible, infectious laugh. He’s always moving. We can put him in the jumparoo and he will just jump, jump, jump, jump for the longest time. He’s got huge eyes and a great sense of humor. Sammy is easily distracted (or bored). So much so that we often put a toy in his hands while he’s drinking his bottle so he has something to divert his attention from the boring task of eating. Sammy is starting to sit independently and shows no interest in crawling yet. He’s the first to clap! If Jason had to describe Sammy in one word it would be “charming.”

They are pure joy.

Here we have some collages of Steven, Sammy and Amaya eating, which they’re all doing really well. We have avocado, sweet potato and broccoli.

Jason had some fun time with his boys.

And then some one on one time with Sammy.

Me, too. 🙂

The kids are completely enamoured with their Big Sister Cat Sally. (Which is a good time to mention that Friday is our TEN YEAR Sallyversary. She’s the best feline companion a girl could have.)

With a ton of supervision, we let them pet Sally’s back. We have to be careful though or they’ll go for her tail.

They’ll just sit and stare at her for ages.

See?

Here, Amaya’s working on crawling and Steve is working on sitting.

First time for Steven in any sort of crawling prep position!

Nana and Savta are here this weekend. They were tremendously helpful as I took 1,000 pictures of Steven, Sammy and Amaya for their 9 month photo shoot. And they play well, too.

Is this darn near the best picture you’ve ever seen?

Lots of loving from Megan!

We took our new kinderhop duo stroller for a spin! It’s awesome. Lightweight and inconspicuous and a perfect complement to the single stroller my mom got me. Bonus of our walk was we got to try out some wintery clothing.

Favorite picture of Amaya.

This week, I got some photos of sleeping babies. Check out Amaya sleeping in child’s pose.

Finally, some individual photos that I love.

Sammy.

Steven.

Amaya

Doing Sammy face!

And in a basket. 🙂

Have a great week! Happy 9 months, babies!!

This weekend Amaya and I had our first ever girls’ weekend!! On Friday afternoon we jetted off to NY, just the two of us, while Steven and Sammy held down the fort in the Land of Cheltenham with their daddy and grandma. This is the first of the semi-regular trips I’ll take to NY with one baby at a time and it was the perfect start.

Here we are setting off on our journey!

Amaya was very excited.

The security line didn’t impress Amaya but she did great.

And off we went!

We boarded the plane and I took a LOT of selfies with Amaya. Because it was our girls’ getaway!!

And, the next thing we knew, we were in NY! Amaya did great on the flight. She polished off a bottle when we first got on the plane, dozed a bit, but mostly sat quietly and played with Lamby and a bag of pretzels. I had strategically placed my AmEx in my pocket so I could get myself a glass of wine.

It was about 6:30pm by the time we got to my mom’s house so we delayed our bedtime bottle just a bit so Amaya could have time to visit with everyone.

And play a bit. Charlie was very helpful bringing this toy to Amaya and it was a hit.

We said our goodnights and were up bright and early on Saturday for play time and food time and love time.

Trying butternut squash for the first time.

Meanwhile, back in the Land of Cheltenham, Grandma Sunshine made sure I was up to speed on boys’ activities.

And here’s that “love time” I referenced. First with Papa Gene and then with Aunt Sara and big cousin Charlie. (Not pictured over the weekend is Auntie Anita who spent Saturday morning with us, too!)

We had more play time. This series is 100% Amaya. She’s so curious, adventurous & sassy.

After Amaya’s 12:30 – 2:30pm nap, we headed off to see the Goldbergs’ new house!!!

Amaya was excited to see the new digs but first she wanted to chow down on some avocado.

And play some more. 🙂

We were so lucky! Aunt Dale came to visit, too!

Before we left for the night, Nana took some pictures with her daughters and 3 of her 5 grandchildren. I love these. A lot.

Especially this one.

While Amaya was eating her dinner, so were her brothers.

Sunday morning started with more mommy/Amaya selfies.

Sara, Chase and Charlie were at my mom’s house by 7am so they could get in some quality time with Amaya before her 9:15am nap. Lucky Aunt Jo got a fun photo with Chase.

And more photos with Miss Amaya.

Amaya got in some play time.

And, back home, so did her brothers!

Then it was time for some squash and more photo ops!

And then it was time to go home. The only thing that made this okay was knowing my boys were on the flip side of the flight.

Check out my mom’s creative idea for carting around Amaya’s car seat! (We swapped strollers on this trip. I left behind the snap & go stroller and took this new one my mom had for me. Much better for a growing infant!)

Amaya had her first visit to the Delta Sky Club. I hoped she’d nap here but she was too taken by the sights and sounds.

Then we got ready to board the flight home – Amaya’s 1st first class upgrade!

It was a busy flight. There were bananas and naps and bottles!

And then, finally, I was home to my boys!!! (Only 2 pictured. 🙂 )

YAY! A perfect, wonderful trip. Next up, Thanksgiving!

Here are more photos from the week.

Brothers!

Megan had fun spiking the boys’ hair. <3 <3

She also has fun putting books on babies’ heads. 🙂

Some photos of Steven. First, with cauliflower.

Bobo in a Basket.

Sammy!

And more of Amaya. Here she is, enjoying a touch & feel book.

The fashion shoot. “Kitty in Lace”

Amaya has a new place she likes to hang out. She’s very proud of her mobility.

Fashion shoot #2. “Sparkly Polka Dots” The 2nd photo is a new top 5 favorite of Megan’s!

“Bunny with Bows”

Amaya’s final fashion shot of the week!

Finally, Megan hard at work and Jason at the pediatrician’s office for Steven, Sammy and Amaya’s first flu shots.

It was a wonderful, wonderful week.

This weekend we did our first art project! I saw another triplet mom do this project with her trio and loved the idea so I hopped on Amazon to find canvases and some non-toxic paint. It would be doable with one adult there but it was definitely easier with two, particularly because I wanted to take pictures. Jason was on standby with a towel to wipe their hands while I positioned them with the paint.

If we’re assigning colors, Amaya is pink, Sammy is green and Steven is blue so we kept with that theme. We stripped them down, placed their hands in some paint and gave them the canvas to go to town. It definitely helped that our new playmats arrived. I had to do some deep cleaning but it was easier than trying to get the paint out of a quilt or carpet.

Here’s the art in action!

And the finished product! We’ll frame it, along with photos of Steven, Sammy and Amaya in action.

I had a workplace visit on Thursday! It was the first visit to my new office building. On Wednesday, I took my stroller to work to be sure it would fit through the doors and in the elevator. Fortunately, with some help from a freight elevator, we can make it work!

Here Amaya is hanging with her buddy Ginny. (There’s a TV on that’s transfixing her. We don’t watch TV with the kids yet so it’s an immediate attention grabber when they see a TV on.)

The dream team. 🙂 Amaya and her buddy, Ginny. Megan with Sammy (who’s smitten with Ginny) and I’ve got Steven who’s hanging on to the stroller handle bars.

Steven, looking like SUCH a big boy.

And the ride back to the parking garage in the freight elevator. You gotta do what you gotta do!

A sort of segue from the trip in the freight elevator with our triple jogger…

The thing triplets makes me think about more than anything else is STROLLERS. You wouldn’t believe how much time I spend thinking about strollers.

We started with 3 for the infant carriers: a single, a double and a triple (all in a row front to back). A few months ago I added our triple jogger which doesn’t use infant carriers and is awesome outside but doesn’t fit through standard doors. It’s also 63 pounds. Now that we’re graduating from infant carriers, I need to bite the bullet on the next round. I got the Kinderwagon hop double umbrella stroller and my mom picked me up a single stroller (which I need to bring back from NY somehow). Those options are important & helpful for any time we’re not out with all 3 babies.

I also need a triple stroller to use indoors and options are limited. We’re going with the Valco double with Joey seat but somewhat reluctantly because the Joey seat doesn’t recline. But it’s really light, easy to maneuver, and folds easily so I think it’s better than the Foundations triple. Plus, our babies will nap in their strollers less and less frequently and the Valco comes highly, highly recommended from other triplet moms. I don’t hear moms with the Foundations triple raving about it. So, yes, STROLLERS. I think about them. A lot.

Did you make it through all that?

For your trouble, here’s a little evening mayhem.

Steven, Sammy and Amaya are starting to interact more and more. Today, they were grabbing at each other and rolling on each other. I’m not sure what kind of real intention or awareness is there but it’s still fun to watch.

And Amaya, I give you permission to payback your brother for using you as a footrest!

The photo is a little dark but our playroom is pretty much set! Thanks to a recommendation from another triplet mom, we added these playmats to replace the quilt we’d been using. They cover more ground, they’re interesting to look at, double sided and you can wipe up messes. Love them!

See? Who needs toys when you have a farm land play mat? 😉

I wake up every weekday at 6:15am and get ready by 7am to head into the nursery. Without fail, 1, 2 or 3 babies are up well before 7am, fussing in their cribs. On Friday morning, Sammy was full on crying so I decided to grab him and let him play in front of my mirror. Steven and Amaya are no fools, though. The minute they saw me leave with Sammy their cries started. So we had a little party in my bedroom while I finished getting ready for work and, still, they were changed and eating on their normal schedule. Nice to know this is an option (for a hot minute until they’re all crawling everywhere).

Time for some pictures of each of my wonderful babies!

Steven is a BOSS at meal time. He could be a poster child for baby led weaning. He has the perfect combination of focus and fine motor skills. It’s not unusual for Steven to be eating long after Amaya and Sammy have finished. It’s amazing to watch in action.

Sometimes he wants to eat without my camera in his face.

Sometimes it gets messy.

Happy, silly Steven in the playroom.

Sammy is a mixed bag at mealtime. As I mentioned last week, we started offering him food on a spoon but he’s also getting better about feeding himself. The plan is to let him start on his own and offer him some food if he seems like he’s either not eating on his own or not eating as much as he might like. So far, so good!

The Sammy face continues.

Sammy is fastest to laugh but also fastest to cry. In fact, sometimes when he’s laughing I’m watching for him to burst into tears. Emotions are tricky, especially when you have a lot of them. They just come with his wonderful, big, bold personality.

Sammy on the verge of tears.

And resting in Megan’s arms after a fit of hysterics. (I was not home for this but I can truly rest easier knowing Megan is there.)

But don’t worry. Sammy comes back in full form!

Amaya’s turn!

Here’s Amays is wearing one of big cousin Charlie’s hand me downs. I’m glad we tried it on because it’s almost too small. Sooooo cute!

Amaya at 8 months and Charlie at 7 months!

Amaya is a bit more “blunt force” with the eating than Steven but she’s also got the hang of it.

Except for when she’s a little unsure of her broccoli. Eventually she dove in!

Some of Amaya’s fun outfits and FUN faces! She’s got so much personality!

And, finally for photos, a mommy and her boys! <3

I’ll leave you with 2 videos. One of meal time and another of playtime.