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.

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.

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

Steven is hunting for treasure.

Where’s Amaya’s belly?

There it is!!

Playing peek-a-boo!

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

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!

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.

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

Amaya got her first piggies!

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!

Just chilling!

Playing with Nate Lewis!

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

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.

 

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

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

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.

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

He’s very unsure about the sand!

Pretty much the best way to nap.

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.

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!

Bath time for Bobo and Amaya!

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!

Amaya and Steven can hold their own, too!

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.

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

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!

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. 🙂

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

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.

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.

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

Finally, a few individual photos from the past week.

Steven!

Sammy!

Amaya!

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

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.

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!

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

Steven also charmed everyone at the gate!

And on the plane!

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!

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

Mommy and Bobo.

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.

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

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

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.

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

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. 🙂

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

A few more of Steven this week!

Steven and “uh oh”

Sammy Whammy!

Slo-mo Sammy

Miss Amaya!

In an awesome tank top from her daddy.

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.

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!

Heading out

Settling in and getting to the fun times!

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

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

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.

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.

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

Together again!

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.

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!

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!

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

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.

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.

Such a great week!!

Here are Steven’s highlights.

Fussy Bobo

Banker Bobo, pushing his baby and carrying his briefcase.

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!!

Sad Sammy had a boo boo.

Whammy and his whammy puppy.

And Amaya’s highlights.

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

We had more HUGS this week!

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.

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.

Checking out their little bird friend.

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

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.

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

Amaya loves being Captain.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

 

My handsome boys!

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!

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.

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.

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

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!

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!

Look at these two!

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.

Anna also gave Amaya her first piggies!

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.)

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.

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!!

Brothers!

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

 

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

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

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

Sally, this week!

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