Monday started with an Amaya adventure. The kids all have Eos lip balms and Amaya has an extra one in her room for bedtime. There are times I leave it in her crib with her and, when she’s done, she caps it and tosses it out of her crib. We’ve done that routine a ton of times. Well Sunday night she had a different plan and, instead of using it quickly, she decided to use it all up by rubbing it in her hair. What a greasy, greasy mess! The pictures don’t do it justice.

Monday was a gorgeous day so Megan took the kids to a park to meet up with Anna, Ben & Sam and a 2nd set of twins. The gang was Sammy, Sam, Ben, Ben, Amaya, Maya and Steven. Wild!

Monday was Ashley’s first day with us for afternoons. She’s training with Megan to start and then will be on her own. Steven was the first one to warm up to her – our little extrovert.

By Tuesday, though, she had a fan in Sammy.

Wednesday was another nice afternoon and our first day of the summer outside in bathing suits! Yay!! We’re ready for hot summer fun!

Most of the time SSA send me off to the workplace with a hug and kiss but, sometimes, they need a little more from me before I go. When Sammy asked me to stay and play with him for a few minutes, saying “yes” was a no-brainer.

With warm weather here, we stepped up our water play game and got this cool inflatable splash center for SSA. Thursday wasn’t nice enough to use it outside but the kids were so excited that Megan and Ashley got it ready for them to check out indoors. I can’t wait until there’s a chance to hook up the hose!

Friday night is the best night because I know it means two days together as a family. <3

One again, we all went to Suburban Showplace for Motor City Comic Con! I can’t believe the event is right around the corner from us. So lucky!

Steven and Sammy wore their Star Wars shirts and I wore my Star Trek sweater. There was a long line to get inside and the kids got to see a ton of people in costumes. Sammy unzipped his sweatshirt and pulled it to the side so everyone could see his “wookie costume”. It was adorable.

Jason pulling, Steven, Sammy and Nana in the wagon.

This year’s Star Trek cast member was LeVar Burton! We were lucky to have Nana with us not only to child-wrangle but to take these photos for us. (Yes, I’m holding Steven and Amaya. It was the path of least resistance and I wanted somewhat compliant kids while we were getting our autograph.)

LeVar was awesome. He made a point to ask who was Steven and who was Sammy. When we mentioned taking pictures Amaya said that she didn’t want to look at anyone. LeVar looked her in the eye and said, “Amaya, you don’t have to look at anyone.” It was really, really cute.

By the time we were ready for our photo it was getting difficult for me to hold both kids. LeVar immediately went to take Steven for me. It was incredibly thoughtful but not at all part of Steven’s game plan and he immediately burst into tears. He cried the entire time we were taking our photos throughout which LeVar apologized over and over again. Definitely a memory maker!

One more autograph for Steven, Sammy and Amaya! Now the have LeVar Buron, Gates McFadden, Brent Spiner and Terry Farrell.

Amaya decided that she could pull her brothers in the wagon. Big kid. It turns out she could as long as she had a traffic coordinator to help her avoid backing into crowds of people.

After two hours the kids were D-O-N-E. Nana very generously agreed to take them home for lunch and naps so Jason and I could get in a little more time. She didn’t even back down when everyone burst into tears upon hearing Jason and I weren’t going with them. (Of course SSA were totally fine by the time they got to the car. But it’s still hard for me to send them off when they’re so upset to leave.)

Mommy & Daddy time!

Nana had quite time with Steven, Sammy and Amaya this morning.

And crazy time together!

Daddy and Sammy played piano together.

Then Nana, the kids and I went shopping for sandals. Anyone surprised to hear that Amaya wanted pink?

Steven has sandals that fit but, as a part of this trip, he inherited the sneakers that Sammy had been wearing. I think he likes wearing “Sammy’s sneakers”.

Brunch a Deadwood!

This wackadoodle dipped her strawberries in ketchup. Sammy followed suit by dipping his strawberries in mustard.

Beans dipped in a ketchup/mustard combo. Weirdos.

We had a quiet afternoon. The highlight was probably when Nana took Steven and Amaya next door to see our neighbor’s RV.

Steven this week!

Wrapped up in packing paper.

Steven has been struggling at bath time lately so it made me so, so happy to see him in the bath with this smile on his face.

He’s a magnatile machine!

Searching for socks.

Strummin’

Sammy this week!

Loves his Princess Cat.

Saying cheese with BOTH fingers up his nose.

This kid.

He can put away kiwi after kiwi.

Friday morning, Sammy woke up eaaaaaarly, crying for me. And he wasn’t going back to bed. We snuggled together for an hour before he helped me get read for work. Love, love, love this early morning smile on my Samsicle.

Sammy & Nana

Amaya this week!

Always doing crafts.

Amaya and May May.

Wearing a bathing suit over her pajamas. Of course.

This is everything Amaya was wearing on Saturday. All of this. All at once.

Mommy’s first french braid!! There’s hope yet!

And that’s it! Have a great week!

Happy Mother’s Day! I was able to sleep in this morning and then woke to wonderful surprises from my children, orchestrated by my fabulous husband. So, so special.

The kids all helped me get ready before we headed to the mall for lunch. I love this photo with my Amaya.

There was a 90 minute wait for The Cheesecake Factory so we all wandered the mall for a bit and hit up the play place before eating.

Steven and Sammy had so much fun playing together in the boat. Steven actually got pretty sad when Sammy decided he was done and left to color with Amaya.

Amaya is wearing his brother’s sweatpants with a pair of shorts over them.

Steven, on his way to the restaurant with daddy. <3

It was a lovely, special day.

I feel like I’d be lucky with any one of the kids. To have all three is a true embarrassment of riches.

Relevant to my motherhood, Megan sent me this video during the week. Steven and Amaya went back and forth pretending to call me to see if I was in a meeting. It took them a while to agree on the answer, lol. It really is incredible to see this – the pretend play, the cooperative play and just the acknowledgment that my work life is integrated into how they think of their mother. I’ve watched the video at least 20 times and I love it more each time.

Earlier in the week, the Steven, Sammy and Amaya started off with a play date with Ben & Sam. Other people’s toys are always so much fun.

‘Look at us, Mommy!”

SSA were very excited to receive presents from daddy – samples from work of these little toys that pop if you push them down correctly (great for fine motor) and new brooms and dustpans! We had brooms and dustpans a year or so ago but got rid of them after Steven beat up on Jason with his. We think they’re old enough now to know not to use the brooms as weapons. Fingers crossed! 😉

Child labor!

Before PT on Thursday, Megan took the kids to the mall to expend some energy. Much less crowded than a Sunday morning!

This girl. Yes, she’s wearing two pair of pants.

The highlight of going to PT with Steven is sitting in the “high” chair.

My Triplet Mom Secret Sister knew I needed socks so she sent me some. And they were immediately appropriated by my children.

That face.

Wackadoodle. “I’m not a doodle. I’m Amaya!”

Friday was field day at school and family was invited so Megan represented us all.

Amaya wanted to eat a restaurant so Megan took everyone out to Olgas. Hot dogs and fries for Sammy and Amaya. Hot dog and oranges for Steven. 🙂

On Friday I came home to a wonderful Mother’s Day surprise, orchestrated by Rosie.  Love, love, LOVE.

Holding my bounty, including an amazing hat the kids made at school. I think this hat is going to make an appearance every mother’s day from now on.

Rosie said that SSA each said what they wanted to write and she held their hands to write the words. I love these so much.

Friday was Rosie’s last day with us. It’s been seven months and she really made a place for herself in our family. She will be missed!

Saturday was gorgeous so we got outside by 8:30am. (Love UV index! No sunscreen!)

Daddy joined us and the gardening started. He’s got great helpers.

Leaf blowing!!

How to pass time? Let your three year olds wash the rocks they collected.

Steven this week!

He’s deciding where we should hang the canvas in his room.

Sammy this week!

Mr. Big Eyes

Amaya this week!

Finding the letters on the sign in her room.

Style by Amaya

“I’m a grown up! I am going to drive the car!”

“Take a picture of my tank top.” She is obsessed with this tank top. Right now she’s asleep with it on over her pajama top.

She wore it yesterday, too.

Two last things This is just for me because I want to make sure I capture the various, evolving stages of the kids’ playroom. We’ve come a long way from play mats and bouncers!

Finally, some post-nap cuddles with Mommy. <3

Have a great week!

One of the joys of multiples is seeing their friendship develop. Born together, best friends forever. At least I hope so.

They’re playing together more and more and, when they’re not fighting, really look out for one another. They’re also starting to conspire against me. After Steven, Sammy and Amaya climbed in bed together, they told me they were going to sleep and I needed to leave them alone. Stinkers. 😉

Turns out, turning on the baseball game is all it takes to let grown-ups in.

On Monday, Megan took the kids to Funtastic. It was cold so we told Amaya she needed to wear long sleeves and pants. She complied, with a tank top and shorts on top. My girl.

I love seeing Steven, Sammy and Amaya grow in these play spaces. They’ve never been bold when it comes to physical adventures so it’s great to see them start to explore and climb more. I’m seeing a real evolution take place.

Wednesday was a trip to Tiny Town. Steven woke up and said “I want to go to the place where we had our birthday party,” and everyone else was on board.

Just a few months ago they wouldn’t go near the trampoline.

Megan was on an activity roll for the week and make this obstacle course for the kids. Such a great idea!

From Megan: They scooter in between the 2 blue lines, then walk around the cones only on the blue tape. At the 3 arrows, jump 3 times. Walk sideways down the next blue line. Once on the X, stand on one foot and then only step on the blue dots to get to the end.

It was also a week for artwork! Apple painting!!

Thursday was Jason’s birthday. He had to leave early for work but we made sure he woke up to some birthday decor in the bathroom.

Amaya told me her “eyes looked tired” and wanted to see a picture. I have no idea where she got that from but it was true – she did have dark circles under her eyes on Thursday morning.

Jason’s birthday is also May the 4th and Team Cline celebrates Star Wars in style.

Steven is already making a ton of progress in physical therapy. I think he just needs the focus and the push. On Thursday, Steven JUMPED with both feet off the ground. He was so, so proud.

Jason’s birthday surprise was a visit from him mom.

Everyone loves a visit from Grandma Sunshine.

The kids rounded out the week with more afternoon painting with Rosie. I’m so glad we hung onto their smocks. They’re perfect for painting!

Sleeping kiddos.

Saturday morning Jason wasn’t feeling well so I packed up SSA for a trip to the mall. You’ve got Amaya in just her shirt and Steven in his winter jacket. I was actually ready to sell those coats and had to unpack a bag to grab it for him when he said it was too cold for just a sweatshirt.

See Sammy peeking out in the back with his feet up on the seat? I remember looking at photos of 3 year olds making themselves comfortable as their legs grew. It’s crazy to me that now I have the big kids.

Bubbalicious is so delicious. I showed this photo to some friends (the Bitcherie!) and Ames and Deena both immediately said that he’s totally Jason’s kid here. Which he is. Sammy has always known how to lounge, just like his daddy.

We’re starting to go more places without the wagon. Steven, Sammy and Amaya are great about holding hands in parking lots. We’re working on sticking together in places like the mall. Sammy is a wanderer. He gets lost in his own little world and I have to keep prodding him to keep up with us.

Amaya rode the helicoptor and Steven rode in the fire truck. This time, Sammy just wanted to watch and wave.

Besides wrangling the kids, trips to the bathroom are another big change. It took 20 minutes to get in and out. It’s all manageable but I’m not going to lie. It’s a lot of work.

I’m lucky that there are always nice strangers willing to help. Amaya wanted more duck sauce and I didn’t want to leave the kids alone at the table while they were eating so someone walking by grabbed some for us. When I’m out with the kids by myself, I’m kind of like Scarlett O’Hara. 😉

(Megan – I gave the kids their fortune cookies right away and they told me that you make them eat their food first. You’re definitely right to do it that way!)

When we were walking through Sears, we walked past an endcap of clearance kid watches. As they do, the kids somehow convinced me that they must have them. Dory for Steven. TMNT for Sammy. Monster High for Amaya. Sammy’s watch was broken (oops!) so we made quick trip to CVS to get some Krazy glue so I could fix it. I know I’m biased but he’s so cute. Such a little helper. (He also decided they needed vibrating toothbrushes like Jason and I have. Somehow I stifled the impulse to buy them right there an insisted that he try one at home to be sure he’d use it. Sure enough he did, as did Amaya, so now 24 hrs later SSA have new electric toothbrushes.)

This morning we went to California Pizza Kitchen for a “make your own pizza” event with my Moms of Multiples club. So much fun for SSA! They did great. They followed directions and were really well behaved. Amaya didn’t use the red sauce so they whipped up some alfredo for her. They kids also got a quick tour of the restaurant kitchen. It was a great little family outing!

Amaya didn’t want anyone looking at her, lol.

We had leftover and eggs for dinner. The kids wanted buttered toast and I decided to give them a shot at spreading their own butter on their bread. Success!!

Finally, for the group photos, here’s a look at what was going on tonight when I tried to carry Amaya up to bed. Two boys hanging on my feet. There are ups and downs but there really is something to be said for little human beings who love you enough to hang onto your feed. <3 (And, yes, Amaya is wearing a tank top over her pajama shirt.)

Steven this week!

Mr. Sock Hands

Ming Ming was sick.

Steven has such creative adventures in his crib. He’s always going somewhere or cooking something. Last week, Morminer was sick but so was his monkey, Ah ah. They needed to go to the doctor but he had to take them to two different doctor’s offices because one had pictures of Morminer everywhere.

Recently, he’s been reluctant to get out of his crib in the morning. On Saturday he played in his crib until 9am, more than 90 minutes after Amaya and Sammy were up. In fact, Sammy and Amaya had finished their breakfast before he came down. Usually, though, I can lure him out of his crib by telling him that I’m going to pick out his clothing. He likes to do it so that’s good motivation to get moving.

He wanted Amaya to rub his back. I had to bribe her.

Jason was showing Steven how to work something on his caterpillar. I think it was the button. Steven was so focused on what Jason was showing him.

Little face. I love how he covers his mouth like that when he laughs, like he’s conspiring with us.

Sammy this week!

Real life, my friends.

Amaya took this picture of Sammy!

A cereal pancake taco, inspired by his sister.

This boy does not like to wake up.

Amaya this week!

Amaya made this house that she wants to live in with May May and Baby Taco.

My girl dresses in layers. She’s obsessed with wearing tank tops under or over her shirts along with shorts under or over her pants. She’ll say, “I have so many clothes on!”

Baller.

Amaya’s “not smiling” face.

The original cereal-pancake taco.

Wearing her sweatshirt backwards. Sometimes that’s the only way she’ll wear it and I’m not fighting that battle. “I’m hiding!”

To school for school. (She loves her new princess shirt. She told me it says, “I love my Daddy.”)

Have a great week!