I’m in the middle of a 30 day ab challenge and Amaya has been a great partner, sitting on my feet and doing leg lifts with me.

This little sass face was after I told her she couldn’t do something. “But you just told me my shirt says girls can do anything and I’m a girl!”

It was a break week between school and camp so Megan worked all day and Baby Taco was with us most mornings. She got in on the “science” fun with SSA.

When Sammy tumbles…

On Wednesday the whole gang went to Tiny Town and had pizza delivery lunch. Even Taco is old enough to sit at the table with the big kids.

Couch cuddles during tv time.

Early in the week Amaya’s new mattress came which got us one step closer to reunification. The kids loved it because they could jump, jump, jump, jump.

Mommy & Steven (in my new glasses)

Steven’s picture of Steven, Mommy, Morminer and Baby Taco. (Those big things in our abdomen are our belly buttons.)

Space right at the counter for Taco!

On Thursday, everyone went on a nature walk at a park in Farmington Hills. What a cool place!!

Last day – Friday – morning books while Taco entertained herself with stuffed animals.

Again, Amaya was my helper sitting on my feet. “This is hard work for me, Mommy!,” says the girl watching me do a million sit ups.

This week I learned that Megan has magic. She has “nanny magic” and “food magic’. Her nanny magic lets her do things like make envelopes out of paper. Her food magic makes any food taste good. I wish I knew about this magic earlier and I wish I shared her powers! Here’s one of the “Magic” envelops with my very first “mommy” from Steven.

Lazy Saturday morning with three kids who didn’t like the sound of my smoothie blending.

Amaya is Jason’s +1 at a wedding on Friday so she tested out her new sparkly shoes (with heels) all day Saturday to be sure they fit her well. It’s the tiniest of rubber heel but they’re her first shoes (not sneakers or sandals) and she’s absolutely thrilled.

Life is definitely getting easier. I feel like I’m reaching a stage where having triplets is almost like having 3 kids of varying ages. The unique challenges are more and more in the rear view mirror as they get older. There’s more spontaneity and much more independence.

On Saturday morning SSA asked for journals to write in like they had at school so we made a quick trip to CVS to pick some up. It’s practically around the corner but, once upon a time, anything that involved going to a store with the kids was a project. Saturday we just decided to go and hopped in the car. (I’m sure it also helps that it’s summer and we don’t need 90 layers to get out.)

Mr. Sock Hands – ready for adventure.

New notebooks and colored pencils!

Their first visit to a dry cleaner. The employees were so nice and let the clothing carousel go around and around and around even after they grabbed my dry cleaning.

I had a noon haircut and realized that I’d promised Sammy we could spend the whole day together on Saturday so I offered to bring him with me. He was so excited to see how they make my hair “flat.” 🙂 Steven wanted to come, too, and my stylist Ashley was really thoughtful with the set up she made for them so they could see me while they at their snacks. (Ashley was one of the very first people who knew I was pregnant with triplets. I had to tell someone!)

Ashley even invited Steven and Sammy to help comb my hair! “We helped make your hair beautiful, Mommy.”

It was really sweet. Sammy really took to Ashley. At lunch he asked me, “Do you like Ashley’s sweet voice, too?”

We made a full afternoon of it with lunch out. I love eating outside and was so happy the boys were game.

On the way to the hair salon we passed a fire station. Sammy mentioned that regular people can go to the fire station if they bring presents. So we got presents! Each boy picked out four cupcakes for us to bring as a present for the fire fighters who help keep us safe.

We even got an impromptu tour!

Back at home the fun continued and continued with “science in the pool”. I love this pool. It’s a great size for three 4 year olds

Reunited with Amaya! She spent the day with her Daddy! First they put together her new bed. Then they went out shopping for a box spring and sheets. Then they went to the grocery store. A full Daddy-Daughter day. <3

Here is the new bed that Jason worked so hard on for Amaya. The band is back together! It was definitely the right move for Amaya and the boys seem totally unfazed to have, as Steven would say, “Sis” in their room. #wombmates and #roommates

Before yoga, Steven and Sammy wanted a power snack and had the chance to make their first PJB sandwiches. Independence. Messy independence. (Oh! And if I loosen the straps on their car seat enough the kids can even fully buckle themselves in. All I have to do is tighten the straps afterward. Whoo hoo! It takes a little longer but that will change with more practice so I’m letting them go for it as often as possible.)

Yoga time! It was the last class of the year so I promised SSA I’d see if there’s anywhere else we can take yoga together on weekends.

Steven, Sammy and Amaya did landscaping with Jason for a bit today and we also got in more time in the pool.

In passing conversation, Steven mentioned wanted to see puppies so we made spur of the moment decision to visit a pet store that lets you play with puppies. Amaya is still very afraid of animals so she stayed home and I took the boys.

Steven was in heaven. He was absolutely enthralled.

You can buy dog treats for a quarter but I only had a dollar so so Steven and Sammy took my dollar bill to the counter to ask for change. It was so sweet!

Steven couldn’t wait to feed this little pup.

Sammy was a little nervous at first. He liked being around the puppy but wasn’t comfortable touching it while it was hyperactive.

Once I held the puppy, Sammy was all for it. He told me he likes puppies best when they’re calm. 🙂

The boys were so sad to leave the puppy behind. So sad. We can’t get them a dog right now but we can get them a fish! After the puppy place we hit up Pet Supplies Plus and got a red betta that Steven named Strawberry. Sammy picked the rocks for the bowl. Steven picked the plant. The boys agreed to get Elsa, too, since Amaya wasn’t there to help. I committed to Jason that I’d take full responsibility so hopefully I don’t regret this!

Finally, for the week, Steven comfy with his Daddy.

Tomorrow is the first day of camp and hopefully the start of a great summer for Steven, Sammy and Amaya. Sammy and I are also looking forward to our trip to New York at the end of the week!

Monday morning Amaya had to stay home from school because of her fever on Sunday. She was feeling fine and fever free but rule are rules and they’re there for a reason so home she stayed.

SSA were excited to get outside and “do science” in the afternoon.

Tuesday was Sammy’s turn to stay home. I had a series of conference calls so I was able to stay home with him until Megan came at 11:30am. We were cool in our shades before I left for school and Sammy went to collect his brother and sister.

I packed a pb&j lunch for the kids because Steven (finally) had an appointment to get his new orthotics.

He picked out orange straps with construction vehicles. Three times, he told Josh the orthotist that he picked orange straps because they’re his mommy’s favorite color. <3

Amaya is very into rainbows. Steven, too, but not quite as obsessively as Amaya is. She draws them and cuts them out all the time. This was on Wednesday morning before school.

Sammy: You’re a really good cutter-outer.
Steven: Yeah, my sister is.

Wednesday was dress rehearsal day! My heart. My heart, my hear, my heart.

Megan got the kids all ready and I met her at Northville but High School a little after 5pm. Amaya was too cool for school and couldn’t be bothered with me but Steven was particularly clingy. As soon as it was time for their class to line up I rushed away so Megan could coordinate and they wouldn’t be afraid to leave me. Steven was specifically nervous about the curtains but Miss Christina reassured him that there was nothing scary in the curtains. (He didn’t realize they were open and you could see from the wings to the stage.

I was SO proud of Steven, Sammy and Amaya. I’d been worried that they’d be nervous and refuse to go on stage but there they were – (mostly, kind of, sort of) doing their dance!

The kids were offered lollipops by another mom and Steven turned them down only to immediately regret his choice. Daddy came to the rescue and bought lollipops which meant Steven got a special treat of a lollipop on the way to school on Thursday.

Friday was the last day of school! What a wonderful year the kids had. They’re in an amazing program and all loved their teachers, Ms. Faith and Ms. Eugenia.

A shocking amount of growth this school year!

Ms. Faith wore her Captain America t-shirt for Steven on the last day of school.

He had a fever and couldn’t go to school for the last day so, when he returned to pick up Sammy and Amaya, he was wearing his Cap shirt, too!

The whole gang.

Last day of school pool time!

Nana and Savta are visiting this weekend! As always, that means celebrating Shabbat together on Friday night.

Saturday morning Amaya was ready for a pretend play date on the beach.

Amaya had an empty vitamin container and Steven really wanted it. In a nice show of generosity, Amaya let Steven have it. It was a sweet little moment between them.

While Sammy was at the grocery store, Savta held down the fort with Amaya and Steven.

Lunch at Bricks! Checking out the bar with Savta.

“I’m drinking milk like a grown-up!”

The kids wanted lemons and got up the nerve to go to the bar and ask the bartender. I remember being nervous about stuff like that when I was a little kid.

Strong hand dryers!!

Our evening event was the big dance recital!! A little chaos ensued late afternoon when Steven tripped and hurt his toe. He was refusing to bear weight which is, obviously, problematic for a dance recital. We iced it and gave him tylenol which was enough for the tough guy to push through. (Editing to add some more context from Jason: “The ice was on the wrong food (for crying out loud) and Daddy performed the medically advised orthotic treatment, without the benefit of a medical consult and with chaos swirling around him!!!!” All true. Daddy wrapped Steven’s toes like a champ!)

And off we went!

Jason took the kids because it seemed more likely they’d stay in the dressing room if I wasn’t the one leaving them there. Each class needed two chaperones and our new sitter, Madison, was on board to do it for our kids’ class so they’d have someone they (kind of) knew staying in the back with them. It was certainly more comfortable for me to leave them with someone I trusted to look out for them.

By all accounts, they had a blast back stage. Madison sent me these awesome pictures from before and after their performance.

The whole class, proud of the awesome job they did onstage.

The gang watching included Nana, Savta, Grandma, Aunt Annette, Megan and my friend Beyonca. An huge cheering section for the Cline Kids.

Megan and I think this might be our first ever selfie!

We picked up the kids after intermission and headed home. It was a 7pm show which is normally bedtime and it was after 8:30 but the time we headed outside to celebrate. The kids were so excited to get flowers – three bouquets each!

This girl holds bouquets of flowers like she was made for it.

Grandma & Nana!

Savta & Nana!

Aunt Annette & Grandma!

May May!

Enjoying M&Ms from May May. 🙂

Watching a video of Beyonca’s daughter’s dance recital.

Here are some videos! The first is from the dress rehearsal and the 2nd is from the recital.

SSA’s first dance recital ticket.

First program

The whole experience was the BEST.

The kids went to be laaaaaaate and were out faaaaaaast. (Steven took a turn on the floor so Amaya could take a turn in the bed. Not long until Amaya’s new bed arrives!)

This morning it looked like Steven’s toe was a lot worse and Sammy was up in the middle of the night with an ear ache so we made plans to spend the morning at Urgent Care. Whoo hoo!

But first, celebrating Daddy on Father’s Day!!

Amaya’s first time writing “Daddy”. <3 <3 <3

The kids, Nana, Savta and I spent 3 hours out between Urgent Care and a trip to the ER for an X-ray. Sammy has an ear infection (as does Amaya) and the doctor thought Steven’s toe looked bad enough that the x-ray was worth while to be sure it was immobilized correctly if it was broken. Steven was a rock star. The tech was amazing and explained everything to him very clearly. After the x-ray, she even let him come back and see on of the images of his “bones”. We heard back a few hours later and got confirmation that it’s just badly bruised, thank goodness! So we’re just left with two kids on amoxicillin. Better than broken bones!

Three more random Steven stories to wrap up.

First, this picture came home this week with a packet of artwork that was still at school. I asked Steven about it and he said, “It’s you and me, mommy.” Be still my heart.

Here’s another picture he drew during the week of “a crane that can knock down buildings”. Damn accurate!

And, finally, here’s an exchange Savta had with Steven on Thursday afternoon:
Steven to Savta: I love you
Savta to Steven: What does that mean?
Steven, after some thought: It means I want to keep you.

These kids of ours. We are lucky parents. <3

Happy Father’s Day to all the dads in our lives! We love you!

I spent a good portion of this week in Chicago while Jason, Grandma Sunshine, Megan and Penni helped hold down the fort. While I was gone, Steven had a BIG, BIG accomplishment. He pooped on the potty!! GO BOBES!!!

We’re all SO proud. Here, Amaya is giving him congratulatory hugs. <3 When I called to congratulate him, in the background she was saying, “I’m so proud of my brother.” And Steven told me, “Even Sally cat is proud of me.” I love his joy and sense of pride. It’s well earned.

With this accomplishment, Steven finally earned the box of 20 matchbox cars that’s been sitting in the bathroom for the past five months. Jason also promised him a cool track for his cars which Jason went out to buy that very night so it would be there for Steven the next day.

On Thursday the kids got out too a playground by May May’s parent’s house so Baby Taco and Steffie were able to meet them there.

I made it back from Chicago in time to take Steven, Sammy and Amaya to their end-of-year picnic at school. When we were pulling up, Sammy saw Miss Shannon (the school director) and literally started vibrating. “I see Miss Shannon! Let me out of the car!”

The very first thing he did was run up to Miss Shannon and give her a huge hug. It’s so sweet.

Here he is in yellow, booking it over.

Both boys were also excited to see one of their teachers, Miss Eugenia, at the picnic. Such a sweet Steven hug.

They’ve really had a great year at school with thoughtful, attentive teachers. In fact, one day at drop off I noticed that Miss Faith was wearing a Captain America shirt. I mentioned that Steven loves Captain America and she said something along the lines of, “I know. My son was getting rid of clothing that he outgrew and, when I saw this shirt, I told him I had to take it to wear to school for a boy who loves Captain America.” It’s just so thoughtful and representative of the way they’ve treated Steven, Sammy and Amaya all year.

On the playground at the picnic SSA managed to ride the seesaw in all possible combos lol.

“Bouce me higher!”

A first for the kids were these ices.

You can see Steven’s look of concentration as he figures it out.

On Friday I got a message from my friend Julie reminding us that our triplet mom friend, Ursula, was in town that day and coming to her house in the afternoon. We made quick plans to head there when I was done with work. 8 boys plus Amaya. 🙂

“Look at all of the branches on this beautiful tree!”

I was really proud of Steven, Sammy and Amaya for trying the trampoline, especially Steven. At first he’d only go in alone but warmed up pretty quickly.

All the boys!

With my friends, photo courtesy of Amaya. 🙂 She was so focused on getting a good photo and so proud when she did.

Saturday morning rolled around and Amaya was not well. Poor girl had a fever that really knocked her out. She spent most of the day in bed watching shows on my iPad.

Steven hammed it up at the grocery store with Daddy. For some reason, this picture makes me think of Chase.

The boys in yellow got quality time with Daddy while I tended to Amaya.

By dinner time, Jason was able to coax Amaya downstairs but her fever spiked to 105 and she was just not feeling up to eating much. Who can blame her!?!

Fortunately, meds did the trick and her fever seemed to break around 10pm. Jason did temp checks through the night but she woke up without any fever through the night.

Magic of Presto, I will make my magic wand float.

Amaya was home recuperating today but Steven, Sammy and I went to yoga together. Namaste.

Partner poses – tree!

It was cold but I’d promised the boys they could play at the playground after yoga. Steven and Sammy were running around and staying warm I was freezing and lasted about 15 minutes. Of course, in that 15 min, the boys made their way to the sand. Always the sand.

Afterward we headed to Applebees where Steven and Sammy practiced (successfully) with steak knives. They’re getting so big.

It was a quiet afternoon and, by dinner time, Amaya’s fever was back up to 104. Big bummer! She was in a much better mood through it, though, which is good. But no school for Amaya tomorrow.

Here are a few photos from school this week.

Building with Wedgits in the drop-off room.

Steven’s creation

Amaya specifically asked Ms. Faith to send this photo. 🙂

Learning about the life cycle of the butterfly.

Releasing butterflies!

Finally, a new necklace from my Secret Sister! <3 <3 <3

Have a great week!

Monday was a lazy day for the kids at home with Daddy and Grandma Sunshine while I traveled home from Colorado.

Sammy is storing Puppy under his hat so Steven’s dragon doesn’t eat it.

And this picture…well, it’s Pilot-Chef-Fashion Star, I think.

On Tuesday morning we finally had the kids’ 4 year well check. I rescheduled from January to get us past flu season. Megan was on vacation so Grandma Sunshine was visiting to hold down the fort and also to help me with the appointment. This one included three shots for each kid which wasn’t something I was prepared to handle on my own.

It’s crazy to see these big kids getting their blood pressure taken when I can so clearly remembering the days when they had to be weighed lying down in the portable scale.

Here, Sammy was following the nurse’s direction not to talk while she took his blood pressure.

We had our first eye and hearing tests since the nicu and they did great. Amaya struggled a bit with the instructions for the eye test but I don’t have any concerns about her vision.

The “pokes” were pretty traumatic for Amaya. She was absolutely hysterical and we had to hold her arms tight against her body to get it done. Thank goodness Grandma Sunshine was out in the hall with Sammy and Steven. Steven was up next and only cried for the briefest moment when he got a bandaid (because he didn’t want one). Just like with flu shots, Sammy didn’t make a peep. Afterward, we talked about bravery and how it’s not about whether or not you cry, it’s about doing things even though you’re scared. And now SSA are all up to date on their vaccinations!

Here are the stats from their visit:

Friday night, Steven slept with me and Amaya camped out on her own floor next to Sammy who’s been sleeping in her bed.

And I don’t know if you can tell but Amaya is wearing three bracelets, a ring and a necklace.

The kids love Chobani flip yogurts. Amaya and Sammy are somewhat willy nilly about it but Steven carefully places each chocolate chip before he eats anything.

Making a robot from a milk carton.

Saturday morning I drew some outlines of clowns for Steven and Amaya and they spent a good amount of time coloring them in. They also worked hard to write the word “clown” on their artwork.

Amaya

Steven

As a family, we all headed to Maybury Farm for Farm Fest. Megan and Mike were there with Taco along with three other local triplet families. All of the kids had fun but Steven was really in his element. He was pretty fearless with the animals and called it “his farm” the entire time. We even saw a brown sheep that he insisted was Morminer.

“Pig Pen” with Taco.

Everyone had a turn driving the fire truck.

The kids picked seeds to plant with some help from the Northville Gardening Club.

Sammy was most excited about fishing. He remembered doing this last year and was so determined to catch a fish by himself. (Which he did!)

A year ago today! (Steven was at Grandma Sunshine’s house.)

Before bed, Jason helped the kids find a place for their vegetables and water them.

Saturday afternoon, the boys got some much needed summer haircuts from Daddy. Sammy really wanted gel in his hair.

It was a quiet rainy day at home, and Steven took the chance to dress for it. 🙂

Watermelon! Who needs slices when you can just dig in!?!

Last but not least, a daddy hair do!

Have a great week!