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.

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

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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?)

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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.

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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. 🙁

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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.

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Ponytail!

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

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The view in the van.

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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.

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

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Cousin Nancy entertaining the crowd.

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

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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!

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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.

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When we got back, Papa was pooped. 🙂

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

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Super Sammy!

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Loooooooove.

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A mommy pile-on!

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

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Steven and Uncle Todd got some special time together.

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

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

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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.

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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.

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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!

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He put the babies in the stroller himself.

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This is how I find Steven most mornings.

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Sammy, this week!

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

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I love how Sammy mimics faces with Megan.

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And Amaya, this week! Sporting her new hairdo!

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Ready to roll!

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

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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.

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And the most amazing Daddy with his equally amazing kids.

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

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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.

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We have toddlers. With minds of their own.

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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!

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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.

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Hanging with Daddy.

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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.

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

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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.

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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.

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

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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!

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

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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.

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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!

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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.

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See? All better!

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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!

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Checking out the backyard.

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Early morning, on Thursday.

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Nesting bowls! We love nesting and stacking.

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

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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!

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Amaya, this week!

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Sammy, this week!

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Steven, this week!

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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.

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

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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!

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

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Happy, happy!

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Mr. Selfie, and Megan.

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Meanwhile, in Vegas, I got my triplet fix!

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And my baby fix!

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

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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!

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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!!

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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

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

The whole gang.

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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!

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

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Here’s Steven this week.

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Signing “more”.

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Sammy, this week.

Peek-a-boo!

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And Amaya, this week.

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Sitting in a pile of clothing from cousin Charlie.

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We love books! Have a great week!

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*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.

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Look at that face!

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

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Amaya had other ideas.

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So did Sammy.

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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!

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Here we are!!

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Steven, this week!

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Someone’s getting ready to walk.

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Sweetest kid ever.

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

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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.

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

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

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What???

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Someone wishes he’d been able to sleep in.

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Big stretch!

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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.

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Hard at work.

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Such a happy girl!

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Finally… everyone is on the go!