Monday afternoon I headed to Dallas for work for 3 nights. I think Steven, Sammy and Amaya are at a stage where they’re pretty attached and definitely notice I’m gone. I have a bunch of work travel coming up so I’m hoping they get a little more accustomed to it because it definitely triggers the mom guilt.

They definitely still know how to have fun when I’m gone, though. This area of our house, leading to the garage, is everywhere. It’s a restaurant. It’s a grocery store. It’s the work place. They all seem to have adopted this idea. If they ask me to go to a restaurant with them, or the grocery store, we camp out in this little hallway. It’s pretty funny.

Daddy’s shoes.

Daniel Tiger makes everything better.

On Tuesday morning, Jason and Megan took Steven for a neuro consult. It was a routine evaluation that our pedi requested due to Steven’s low muscle tone. Of course our little chatterbox didn’t want to comply with any of the doctor’s requests.

“Lift up your arm.”
“I don’t want to right now.”
“Stick out your tongue.”
“I don’t want to right now.”

Sounds about right.

The neurologist noticed his low tone but it’s terribly concerned that it’s due to an underlying neurological issue. His blood work came back normal and he’ll have an ekg just to be sure his heart muscle works properly. I’d be shocked if anything was abnormal there.

Here he is, being a brave guy at the appointment. He even got his blood draw without flinching. My big kid.

Tuesday night I had my first real phone call with SSA! I called to check in and they all legitimately spoke to me on the phone. Amaya was doing such a good job answering questions that, at first, I thought Megan was playing a trick on me. I’m so glad Megan captured our pictures of these cuties talking to their traveling mama.

Wednesday morning we also had time to FaceTime before I left the hotel for the day.

It was a calm Wednesday for everyone on the home front.

Amaya is still working on her smiles.

A highlight of my trip to Dallas was the chance to see my triplet mom buddy, Carrie, and her kids: Grace, Thomas and Elizabeth. Anyone who reads the blog regularly knows about Grace and her fight against leukemia. She is one tough cookie, and so are her parents and siblings.

The kids are interacting with each other more and more. They fight like crazy but they are also, finally, starting to play together. There are more hugs and lots of games. The other night before bed Steven asked Sammy what he wanted to eat and Sammy placed his order. Steven returned with pretend food that Sammy was very happy to eat.

Earlier today, Amaya was in the playroom crying. Steven said he was going to check on Amaya and went to her and said, “Amaya, are you crying?” Then Sammy went to check on her and asked, “Amaya, are you sad?” They also love singing together in their room when they should be sleeping.

Here are some Thursday hugs.

By Thursday evening I was home! There’s nothing like coming home to my kiddos.

Megan snapped these photos of the kids at school on Friday. No faces, but you can get a small sense of their play space.

Steven and Amaya practicing their smiles.

Amaya was pushing me down. So much fun to push mommy!

Do you see how Steven sits? It seems so uncomfortable but he sits like this often. Daniel Tiger works many wonders, one of which is helping us with teeth brushing.

Amaya, on the verge of a meltdown because I wouldn’t let her have milk after she brushed her teeth. I joked and asked if she wanted wine and then Sammy lost it because he wanted wine.

Saturday morning was my Moms of Multiples club’s Mom 2 Mom sale. I planned to take Sammy because I thought he particularly missed me while I was gone but Jason said that Steven also had a tough time. I figured I’d take the boys and leave Amaya home for some Daddy time but she wanted to come, too. So off we went!

But first, story time with Daddy Kitten and some play time at home.

Steven was giving Baby Jenna a bath. He said, “her fell down because she wasn’t listening to me.”

Steven and Sammy feeding their babies.

At the M2M sale, everyone got their own bag to help with the shopping. Last fall I went to a sale with Sammy and it was so tough because he was everywhere and still so little. It’s getting easier!

I have to admit this particular instance was easier because we ran into Megan! Yay! Megan on a Saturday! Megan needs to shop for Baby Taco. 🙂

After the sale we spent about an hour at the adjacent playground. Much love to Megan for hanging with Steven, Sammy and Amaya on her day off.

Check this out! It’s perfect for triplets! I was very surprised that SSA figured out how to make it turn on their own. I was sure I’d have to push them around and around and around.

Steven climbed up this ladder on his own. That’s a big deal for our non-climbers.

We ended the day with snuggles with daddy.

It was a lazy morning before a Sunday play date. Sammy picked out his outfit today. He insisted on the brown football and leggings. The boy can rock it. And have you ever seen a toddler so chill?

Amaya wanted to lie down with Baby Jenna, Monkey Baby and Cow. She made me cover her with Baby Jenna’s blanket and then Steven brought her Baby Jenna’s pillow.

Steven is parking his bus in the garage.

That block tower behind Amaya is a mailbox that she built.

The look on Sammy’s face when he heard we were calling Savta.

Trouble in paradise: Sammy enters the garage.

We wrapped up weekend fun with a play date with Cooper, Tucker, and Walker. Steven was happy as a clam but Amaya was fussy, fussy, fussy and Sammy gets very attached to me during play dates. Not my easiest play date!

Steven starts physical therapy tomorrow and I’m off to Nashville on Thursday night while Grandma Sunshine holds down the fort with Daddy. No blog until Monday. Have a great week!

Hello! We did a LOT this week. We may have even learned the limits of programming these kiddos. But we had FUN!

Monday was Nana and Savta’s last day visiting so they went to the farm at Kensington Metropark. I think the kids had more fun running around the grounds than actually visiting with animals.

Sammy also had one last chance to help Nana cook.

That’s Sammy’s “smelling” face.

Tuesday was crazy hair day at school for spirit week!

On Wednesday morning you can still see the remnants of Amaya’s crazy hair. I still needed to shower after the kids got up which is rare, so they entertained themselves in my bathroom while I got ready. (Also rare.) They tried hard to be very helpful.

This was Sammy’s turn to wear mommy’s funny legging.

Megan took Steven, Sammy and Amaya to the mall play place to meet up with Steffie.

Sammy was watching the “mans” on the escalator.

SSA were in rare form at the mall, just totally loving on each other. I’m noticing that they’re starting to actually play together instead of just parallel play. They’re more aware of each other than ever and, when they’re not fighting, they show genuine concern for one another. I love it.

Sammy & Steffie

Wednesday, after the mall, Grandma Sunshine came to visit! You can see how happy Sammy was to see her. Big hugs!

Thursday was off to a great start with a music morning. We’ve got the makings of a great family music trio.

On Thursday morning I met Megan and Steven at the orthotist. Steven has been wearing his SMOs for 16 months to help with ankle pronation and it doesn’t seem like he’s made much progress. He technically didn’t need to be seen for another 3 months but I didn’t want to wait that long if there’s something else we can be doing. Steven is great about visits to “Mr. Robert” and, as always, was a champ. Robert said that he has a lot of laxity in all of his joints so it’s not just an ankle issue and, as we’ve known since he was itty bitty, he’s a low tone kid. Robert recommended we get him some PT to help with the overall issue so we’re working on that now.

Showing Mr. Robert how he walks.

Getting checked out.

Friday night the kids’ pre-school had a back to school picnic/pizza party. It was at 6pm which is a late night out for the kids but we decided to check it out. There was a small shabbat service to kick it off and then pizza! Jason arrived after I did and I had made the mistake of asking SSA if they wanted to eat in the grass or at the table. Of course it wasn’t unanimous. Steven wanted to eat at the table. He waited patiently for 20 minutes until Jason arrived and then made a beeline for a table. These kids don’t forget anything.

Playing before dinner.

I absolutely love this picture of Steven. You’d never know that, 10 minutes prior, he was absolutely hysterical because Megan wasn’t coming to the pizza party with us.

Amaya always has model posture.

Sammy, on the other hand, has mastered the slouch.

Daddy’s here!

After we ate we made time to play on the playground. It was a late night for the kids but nice to break routine for once.

Saturday morning, these cook cats grabbed their instruments and shade for Playroom Pancakes. (No seated breakfast on Saturdays. Just pancakes in the playroom.)

Playing with Daddy.

We had a morning play date with Liam, Kayla and Mackenzie. It’s so much fun to see how these play dates evolve as our kids get older.

Saturday afternoon we kept up the pace and went to an Oktoberfest party hosted by a former Borders colleague. On the way there Sammy was talking about the playground that was going to be at the party so I was very relieved to see a swing set. 🙂

The hit of the party was the sand box. Or dirt box. Maybe sandy dirt. Steven and Amaya hopped right in and started playing with the trucks.

Sammy had a lot more trepidation. I think it was a combination of the dirt/sand and the other kids playing. Fortunately, everyone but our trio abandoned the sand box for the big pinata event which left Steven, Sammy and Amaya alone to rule the roost. Once he got comfortable he loved it.

Amaya saying hi to a baby.

Before it was time to leave the Cline Five played a wild game of “capture”. Lots of running and capturing and lots of laughing.

Here I am at the same event back in September 2014 with Ames.

After so much programming, we had a much needed lazy day at home. Of course no one slept today so bedtime was still a hot mess but SSA were all asleep in 10 minutes which never happens at bedtime.

Checking out a grasshopper.

We love chalk on the deck!

Amaya, making herself comfortable.

Steven this week!

He’s showing you the bicycle in the book.

Someone needed a nap. These kids have not been napping well lately and it means a lot of late evening melt downs.

Steven is still anxious about going to school. He’s fine on the drive there and ok when Megan leaves but the anticipation is tough.

Smiling for the camera!

Sammy this week!

Pleased with himself because Nana is holding his milk cup for him.

Look at this kid.

Sammy rocked Amaya’s purple carousel horse shirt.

Amaya this week!

Here’s a story as relayed by Megan:
Steven: (crying and yelling)
Amaya: “I didn’t mean too” (as she runs to the other side of the house)
Me: “Amaya, what did you not mean to do?”
Amaya: “Hit Steven”, “I did say sorry already”
Me: “No, you didn’t. Go tell him again”
Amaya: “I can pretend”
Me: “No, you should apologize even if you didn’t mean too. Hitting hurts.”
Amaya: ” Sorry, Steven”

These kids!

The crossed arms, lol.

My sassy girl.

Have a great week!

Our fun adventure this week is a visit from Nana and Savta! Here they are, ready to leave NY and fly to visit us in Michigan. Love, love, love!

They arrived at our house before SSA woke from naps, but the kids knew they were coming. When they went into the room, Sammy said, “Hello Savta!” I wish I had a video of how cute he is saying it. (This morning she went downstairs to get dressed. Sammy heard a noise in the basement and went to the door and said, “Are you okay, Savta?” It was so cute.)

Saturday morning there was time for some cuddles before we headed out. It was rainy and gross so the plan was to go to the Ann Arbor Hands on Museum. We were about 30 minutes into a normally 30 minute drive when we realized that U of M football traffic was going to make it nearly impossible to get parked downtown in a reasonable amount of time. Instead, we turned around and drove another 30 minutes to the mall.

Amaya loves this bike. She would play around on it but the minute another kid came by she firmly planted her butt in the seat to stake her claim.

All 3 kids spent a long, long riding up and down the escalator with Nana. They took turns over and over and over again.

Chinese food in the food court. Our favorite!

Sammy kept putting duck sauce on his egg roll and licking it off.

Twirling noodles.

Licking duck sauce off a carrot. Over and over again. The same carrot.

In the afternoon, there were lots of cuddles after naps.

We got busy playing with sand.

I made cheeseburgers for everyone before Jason and I went out for a date night.

Mommy & Daddy getting their drinks on!

I have some “funny” LuLaRoe leggings (as the kids call them) and my friend Carrie found one of the designs in a kid’s size. I bought them for Amaya but, this morning, Steven really wanted to wear them. As my other friend Karie said, it’s Bobo in RoeRoe!

We spent about an hour outside this morning on a long walk. Walks with Savta always include lots of nature exploration.

Checking out a spider web. (Yes, they’re in winter hats. They’re two and a half. This is how we roll.)

Another spider web, and the spider was home!

Mommy & Bobes in matching leggings. <3

Checking out a bug. Savta always finds a bug poking stick if she’s not sure whether or not the bug is alive. Verdict on this one: alive!

Nana got a picture of me taking the photo above.

Amaya decided she didn’t want to walk anymore.

I gave in.

Here’s a video of Sammy running to Savta. Megan always comments about how she loves the way Sammy runs.

And, for anyone who can’t get enough, here’s the same thing from Nana’s point of view.

After our walk, we took all of the leaves we collected and did a fall craft. I remember ironing leaves between sheets of wax paper back when I was a kid!

The final product!

 

Kicking it back to Labor Day, we had one last day with Grandma Betsy and Grandpa Homey. Such a nice day! It was beautiful out so we filled up the water table and spent about 3 1/2 hours playing outside.

Catching bubbles.

Checking out our neighbor washing his car.

One final photo to wrap up a great week and a half together! We love you Grandma Betsy and Grandpa Homey! Come back and see us soon!!

I have so much more time at home with the kids after work now that I’m working so close to home. It’s amazing. We can do things like hang out behind the couch. I guess, when you’re two, that’s a fun adventure!

A Daniel Tiger selfie.

I asked Amaya if she wanted to hold my hand and she said, no, she wanted to hold Sammy’s hand. How sweet it that??

I hope they always hold each other’s hands.

I’ve been trying to make sandwiches for lunch on workdays and the kids like to help me out. These photos were a surprise on my phone when I was looking at pictures from the week. Thanks Megan!

Sammy and Amaya were also excellent potato washers.

We had a play date with Ben & Sam this week. Can you find all 5 kids?

Here’s Steven this week!

Building, building, building!

Oh, my!

Sometimes he just lies on the floor.

Sammy this week!

Sammy pooped in his sleep one night and the upside of being woken up for a diaper change is snuggles with mommy. Thanks to daddy for catching this moment.

He asked for gel in his hair.

Big kid cup.

Sammy is always, always first to want to help cook. I’ve started letting him help me crack the eggs.

Amaya this week!

Don’t mess with Amaya!

Mall mirror selfie.

Sleeping in the funny pants.

Wackadoodle.

Wearing gold for Grace!

Getting a braid, compliments of Daddy.

And, finally, here’s a sample of their weekly school schedule. We get these every week so we can see what the kids are working on.

Have a great week!

This week we’ve been lucky to have Grandpa Homey and Grandma Betsy visiting us! It’s a nice long visit so everyone has been able to settle into a routine together.

Grandpa Homey arrived first on Friday, 8/26. Everyone was so excited to see him and to get busy playing (and reading) together.

On Saturday morning we decided to go to Maybury Farm to show Grandpa Homey our animal friends.

Daddy got to work on Steven’s sunblock. He was definitely well protected.

Steven was trying to push Amaya on the little tractor.

Sunday was a lazy day at home. Lots of time for rides on Fudgie and reading with Daddy.

These are really cool shirts we got from a former Borders colleague who works part time at a local Ann Arbor bookstore. It’s Mike Mulligan and the Steam Shovel, Caps for Sale and Charlotte’s Web!

After the kids went to bed on Sunday night, Grandma Betsy joined us along with Jason’s stepbrother David and his kids, Sullivan and Cecily. On Monday morning, Steven, Sammy and Amaya woke up to their cousins in the house and everyone was ready to play together. We were lucky to have David, Sullivan and Cecily with us until Tuesday morning.

The kids were thrilled to see Grandma Betsy!

Playtime on the deck!

Steven is working on his letters.

September 1st starts Childhood Cancer Awareness month and we wore our shirts to support Grace. Did you know that only 4% of all federal funding for cancer research goes to all childhood cancers combined? Very, very few new drugs are developed for kids with cancer and so many lives are lost. It’s not fun and it’s not easy and it needs more attention. Team Cline stands with Grace and all of the other childhood cancer warriors. <3

Spreading the word at the zoo. #MoreThan4

Sammy has really taken to Grandma Betsy. This morning he stood at the bottom of the stairs and said over and over again, “I’m waiting for you to come downstairs, Betsy. I’m waiting for you to come downstairs, Betsy. I’m waiting for you to come downstairs, Betsy.”

Here they are cooking together.

Watching family videos on the iPad.

The whole gang getting in on the action.

I got home from work early on Friday so we took the opportunity to go for a walk in the  neighborhood. It’s always nicer when we have a 1:1 ratio.

Grandpa Homey and Steven were buds.

Steven brought Amaya a rock.

Steven and Grandpa Homey, chilling with diggers.

Oh, and a school update! Sammy and Amaya have really taken well to going to school. Amaya hasn’t cried at all and seems very comfortable. Sammy cried a bit again at drop off but was fine before Megan even left the room. Steven is having a tougher time. After pick-up he’s happy and says he had a good time but he’s still crying at home before we leave and for a little while after Megan drops him off. We’re letting him take a stuff animal with him to help with the transition.

Here’s some artwork they did on Tuesday.

Saturday we went to Royal Oak to Arts, Beats & Eats. Sammy spent most of the time walking by Betsy’s side.

My attempt at a selfie with the kids while they ate lunch.

The highlight was a puppet show in the kids area. SSA are definitely at an age where they were able to engage. Steven and Amaya were even laughing along at some points.

It was a long morning for the kids. We didn’t get home until 3pm which is only 30 minutes before we’re usually done napping. We let them sleep until 4:15pm but only Amaya actually slept. Sammy had napped on the car ride home but Steven hadn’t and he was a hot mess when it was time to get up. These kids definitely still need their naps.

In the evening, the boys got some much needed haircuts. Daddy did a great job!

No haircut for Amaya yet!

Today we went to the Michigan State Fair which is held at Suburban Showcase, only 10 minutes from our house.

At the Boy Scouts booth we got smores! Amaya ate the whole thing. Sammy at the graham crackers and chocolate. Steven only ate the graham crackers. He did not like how messy the chocolate was. Kind of like the frosting on Megan’s baby reveal cupcakes.

Outside watching one of the kiddie rides. SSA are holding stuffed animals they got from a state trooper in the Michigan State Police booth.

So much to see!

There was a little kid ride around a train track and Steven really wanted to go on the “train” so we bought 3 sets of tickets and decided to give it a shot.

Steven picked the blue car and Amaya picked the pink car. Sammy got a little bit nervous and ended up sitting out this ride but Steven and Amaya jumped right in and had a great time!

After Sammy saw Steven and Amaya on their ride, he decided he wanted to give it a shot, too! I was so proud of him for trying (and also proud of him for sitting out rather than feeling pressured to do it). My sweet Sam Man.

It’s been a wonderful, wonderful visit! We can’t wait to see Grandpa Homey and Grandma Betsy again soon!

Steven, Sammy and Amaya are loooooving Magnatiles right now. Here are some photos of their creations.

An airplane.

Nana’s house.

Steven this week!

Sammy this week!

Amaya this week!

We’re so lucky to have the grandparent fun continue for the next two weeks! Nana and Savta visit on the 9th and Steven has a sleepover with Grandma Sunshine the week of the 12th. Have a great one!