The Happy Dance

Potty Training 101

The kids must be potty trained by September or they can't go to preschool, so I decided we needed to really give this potty training thing a go. I have dreaded it and put it off as long as I can.

SO, I read the book on potty training triplets....



Everyone gets their own potty and we have books for everyone to read while sitting. Notice we have a book about every Wiggle. Grace's loves them in this order...Greg, Murray, Dorothy, The Dog (she refuses to call him Wags) and Jeff. She doesn't care a bit about Anthony. I don't understand this at all...Anthony is HOT!

Oh, and also notice they get to potty in the hallway. Our tiny bathroom doesn't allow room for the whole family to potty together.

Mack and Sophie have also decided that the inserts in the potties can also be used as hats. Lovely!!!
We also have educational books and videos. Mack has 3 books...he needs all the help he can get.We even have boy and girl pull-ups and cute underwear and panties for when we get really good. So far the underwear and panties have only been worn as hats (what is up with that!)
Bribes!!! When all else fails, give them candy! Sophie like the gummy fish (I call them potty fish) and Grace prefers the mini M&M's (although she really doesn't require a bribe...watch for more on that later). We have not found the bribe for Mack yet. He really wants the gummy fish but not enough to sit on the potty even WITH his diaper on. He will ask ever so sweetly..."Please?" and I reply "if you sit on the potty you can have one". "NO POTTY" is his only response before he tries again, even sweeter..."Please".

Well, we have all we need. Now if someone could come to my house and do all the work. Please.

Sisters

The kids looked so cute as we were leaving the house for church yesterday morning so I just had to get a picture. Of course, Mack would not slow down long enough for a photo. He just said "No Picture" and ran off. We are being very negative lately...I hear it's a 2 year old thing. I hope he gets over it soon.

Guess Who LOVES Pizza

SOPHIE!!!

My Journey

When you give birth to triplets you are automatically part of a unique group. Support groups are there to help you deal with this atypical situation. You join mothers of multiples groups, both local and virtual. You have no clue how you are going to raise triplets and it's nice to have people to talk to.

When your child is diagnosed with a condition, such as cerebral palsy, and categorized as having special needs you belong to another unique group. There are also support groups. My support groups in this area are all virtual but obviously no less important or helpful. I believe we not only join these groups for support but to also feel as if we are not the only ones in the world dealing with our issues...to help us feel a little more normal.

Although I belong to these two groups, I can't help but find myself connecting more with the groups that included children with cp. The triplet groups focus more on potty training, preschools, discipline, gymnastics or ballet, etc..."normal things". Their concerns are more about teaching your children to share and how to decorate for triplets. Sometimes I just feel as if I can't relate. Sure I have these things to think about but they are way at the bottom of the list. My major concerns are not something most triplet moms can relate to and I don't feel like being pitied by them...they don't really understand. Sometimes being a part of this group only makes me yearn to be a normal mom.

I do have one friend who has triplets not much older than mine. One of her three has "special needs". She does not have cp but I know that there are, and will be, a few challenges along the way. I sincerely believe that God has put this amazing woman, mother and friend in my life for a reason. I'm so glad He did. We were emailing each other the other day discussing my guilt in enjoying a little time alone with Mack and Sophie...being a semi-normal mom for a morning and this is her reply to me...

I was just thinking of you earlier today. Our lives are similar but also very different. I try to imagine what it must be like for you and can't. Mom and I were talking yesterday and I was telling her of a mother with one little girl and how amazing that must be. Let's face it. If you and I had one baby, our lives would be 180 degrees different. If you and I had 3 perfectly normal, healthy children, our lives would be 180 degrees different. Having triplets, but more, having one that doesn't "fit the mold" is the hardest thing I've ever had to deal with in my previously "perfect" life. I struggle with it a lot. I just take it one day at a time and try to be a good mom and just hope that everything will be ok, that my child will be ok. I think, given time, I will be grateful for this journey somehow. I understand it's hard to talk about some things, but I'm always here.

She is so right...our lives would be so different but I have to believe we would miss out on so many blessings as well... and as my friend said, I have to believe we will be grateful for the journey.
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I've mentioned another mom several times in my blog. She has twins, both with cp. Please read what Billie has to say about the journey we're on. I love the way she writes and the things she has to say...it almost as if she's reading my heart sometimes. You're right Billie, we aren't in Holland, we are in the wilderness.

Your Pilot For This Flight Will Be...

Did you know we have a flight museum in Dallas...and that it's actually pretty cool? Since we didn't have Kindermusik today, Dana suggested we check out the Frontiers of Flight Museum at Dallas Love Field. I'm always up for trying something that might keep the kids entertained. Mack loves airplanes so I though he would have fun. From the moment we entered the building he was amazed. Every now and then you would hear a gasp from him and he would point and yell "airplane" over and over and over (there were a lot of airplanes in this place:). Sharla and her trio, Charlotte and Shelby, and Dana and her twins all joined us. We will definitely be going there again. Everyone had such a great time.

The only one missing from our great group this morning was Grace. She was in Conductive Education. She goes every morning for 3 hours (more on this later). I felt kind of guilty about scheduling a play date without her. I want to experience everything that Mack and Sophie do. I don't want her to be left behind. But I feel even more guilty that I was able to really enjoy time with Mack and Sophie. Did I just admit that? Am I an awful mom?

I love flying!!!

Wheeeee!!!

Sophie and Shelby look out the window as Andrew makes his way in.

Sophie takes a ride on Jay Jay the Jet Plane.

Andrew and Caroline dive into the tree house.

Sophie bailing out the back of the plane.

Ava says "everybody out!" Actually she didn't say that. She is way too sweet for that.

Charlotte and Shelby in the air traffic control tower. They were the only ones brave enough to climb it.

Mack taking control.

Sophie and George in the cockpit. I think they should get married one day...whatcha think Sharla?

2 Movies Down...

In my effort to see as many Oscar nominations as possible, tonight I went to see Juno. I saw it at the Magnolia Theater so I was able to split a bottle of wine with Kathryn and Marcy as we watched the movie. We then had dinner afterwards...it was a good GNO. When I first saw the previews for Juno, I decided it was not on my "must see" list. I was totally not interested in seeing a movie about a pregnant teenager. So after the Oscar nominations, I had to. I LOVED the movie!! So, I say SEE IT!! I laughed, I cried...it's worth it!!

So many more movies to see!!!

Oh No!!!! The Oscar Nominations!

I LOVE movies and this is one of my favorite times of the year because the Oscar nominations come out. Usually (pre-kids) I would have seen most of these movies (yes, even the foreign films) and would only have a few to go to be ready to watch the Oscars fully prepared. To date I have seen only one movie (Eastern Promises). Help!!! I need a plan!! Do you think the kids will sit through There Will Be Blood? Just kidding, don't call CPS.

Kathryn listed the nominations beautifully here so in the interest of time, I'm just borrowing her blog. Thanks Kat!!

Jack Jack

Sometimes I think "How in the world have we gotten through the past 3 years?"

With a lot of help and a lot of love. We have been so blessed with some very special people in our lives. From the moment I went into the hospital at 20 weeks pregnant with the triplets to the present, we have been flooded with prayers, love and lots of hands on help. I've already talked about Kathryn and how she came into our lives. She was introduced to us by her wonderful mother, Jackie. They have both been a huge part of our lives over the past 3 years and we wouldn't have survived without them...and I mean that!

Jackie and I had met through our church. We weren't close friends, I was actually kind of scared of her ;) We saw each other occasionally at church events. However, when I was admitted to the hospital it was Jackie who brought a DVD player to the hospital and when I came home from the hospital, it was Jackie that brought those yummy meals and when the babies came home, it was Jackie that helped save my sanity. I'll never forget when I broke down on the phone crying about being too overwhelmed and that I needed a break and there was a MDO program at someplace that I couldn't remember (I could only remember part of the name, I was a bit hysterical). Well, Jackie found the place, picked up an application and got the process started. She was also the one who found our PT. When I'm feeling overwhelmed it's always Jackie who shows up at my door and orders me to leave the house and go to Starbucks.

My kids love and adore their Jack Jack. She manages with her busy schedule to come see them at least three times a week. She will take Grace for a walk in her walker, she will wrestle with Mack and well...handle Sophie like only she can. She helps me feed and bathe the kids on the evenings.

Jackie is the kind of person who can keep you laughing with her wicked humor and bring you to tears with her love for God and his people. Even though she won't admit it...she really cares. She loves us well. Thank you so much!!

We love you Jack Jack!!

Beloved let us love one another, for love is from God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. 1 John 4:7

Scary Man

Huh?

She's On The Move!

Yes, we have yet another piece of equipment. We discovered that the Purple Pacer was too heavy and too much support for Grace so we decided to try a different kind of walker. This very cool green walker is called the Nurmi Neo by Otto Bock. I have no idea why it's call Nurmi Neo (Otto Bock is a German Co) but maybe it's named after this guy. Do you know?

One of the frustrations we face is finding the right kinds of equipment for Grace. Not only is the equipment expensive but we have found that is sometimes difficult to "try before you buy". I have relied a lot of other cp moms who provide valuable experience and input on so many things that I am trying to figure out as I travel this journey with Grace. Thank you so much ladies...I love you!

So far the Nurmi has been great!! I hope to figure out how to put video on the blog so you can see her. (Help anyone?) She is so proud and so am I!

Learning Our Body Parts

Yesterday morning as I'm changing Mack's diaper he grabs his privates and asks "What's that?"

"That's your penis." I reply.

"Penis" he echos.

As I close up his diaper he waves and says "Bye bye penis."

He is way too cute!

Follow-up to Preschool Registration

The kids don't start preschool until September. I wanted to make sure we got 3 spots so I signed them up the first day registration began. I was first in line. You gotta do these things when you have a house full of kids.

Boo Hoo

Sorry, not photo. It would only be of me sobbing in my cool red minivan.

I just registered the kids for PRESCHOOL!!!! That's right I said preschool. How has this happened? How are they old enough for PRESCHOOL?! I can't believe it.

Okay, I'm fine now.

It's A Biker Gang!!!

Mack and Sophie got tricycles from NiNi (my mother) for Christmas. Grace had already received one adapted for her from Ambucs (more on this later). They also got helmets, baskets and bells from their cousins Aubrey and Beck. They have had so much fun on them even though they haven't quite gotten down the whole pedaling concept.
Thank NiNi and Aubrey and Beck! We love you!

Get Real

One Saturday morning a few months ago, Abe and I were walking with the kids to the park. On the route we were taking that particular morning there was beautiful, newly built home for sale. Although I knew it would be out of our price range, I still wanted to look around. So while Abe and the kids made their way to the park, I began peering in the windows. When I got to the back of the house there was another woman peering in the house. We started talking and walked to the park together. I liked J instantly...she was so upfront and open about herself. During our conversation we discovered that we both had young daughters with special needs. Her daughter is about 6 months younger than Grace and although they have been to numerous doctors and specialists she still does not have a diagnosis. She was looking for a MDO program to put C in but didn't want her to be put in a younger class just because she wasn't walking. I told her about our MDO program, which as you know, I LOVE, and she was able to get C enrolled. So, now I see J at least once a week at MDO. We talk about our frustrations with different therapies and all the appointments we have. We vent about about our lives. We are real with each other. Oh, we're not all doom and gloom. We also brag about our kids and about our accomplishes as well. I really like her. I trust her.

Okay, I'm getting to the point of my story. Do you have friends who never have any problems...everything is always great...never a cloud in the sky? Although they are always smiling and turning on the charm, you know that everything is not as it seems...that they do have problems and issues. Their disappointments may not be the same as ours, but they're there. Well, I have some of those friends. I love them, but sometimes I just want the real story. I want to know how they REALLY are. Please don't get me wrong I'm not about whining all the time. I just want the real you. I can handle it and it might make you feel better.

Check Out These Wheels!!

Grandpa and Grandma Lieck gave Grace this really cool PlasmaCar for Christmas. (check out more about it here) It only requires moving the arms slightly to make it go and although Grace has a difficult time independently sitting sometimes, she supports herself by hanging on to the steering wheel. It's awesome! She's starting to get the hang of it. Mack and Sophie also like to place with it, although Sophie still uses her feet and Mack just likes to terrorize the girls when they are riding it. Oh, and I also like to ride it sometimes :) Thanks Grandpa and Grandma!



Mack won't get on the PlasmaCar but he really likes his remote control car...also from Grandma and Grandpa.

Ohhh Baby!

Grace loves hugs and babies. She especially loves hugging babies. No matter who she's hugging there is always an "ohhh baby" from her along with the hug. It is the cutest thing ever!! Here she is hugging sweet Sydney.

Look at Grace...She's Sitting By Herself!

Although it's not perfect yet, Grace is getting so much better with independent sitting. She does great until she realizes she it doing it on her own and then she loses all confidence. She's getting stronger everyday!

Princess Grace and Princess Sophia

Among MANY other things, the girls got a few dress up clothes for Christmas. Aren't they pretty? Is it weird that Mack likes to wear a little bling too? Hmmm....if only he had his long hair, then he'd be...GROOVY!

CV Part II or Who's Your Guitar Hero?

So, we get home from Boerne on Wednesday after Christmas, unload the car, wash clothes, repack car and drive Thursday to Edmond, Oklahoma to see my mother, my sister Shelly and her family (from Tulsa), and my brother Brad and his family (from Austin). We also go to see my Aunt Neva and John, Cousin Shirley and Jerry and Neville. It was so good to see everyone! We pretty much just hung out at the house, watched kids and played Guitar Hero. I had never seen it before but let's just say...I ROCKED!!! See photos below.

This was an attempt to get a photo of all the kids in the pajamas in front of the Christmas tree. Yeah right...it was pretty bad. Mack and Sophie refused to cooperate. Hey kids, look at your cousin Aubrey and how good she is behaving. The children behaving are Macey and Darcey (yes, my sister also has identical twins...neat huh) and Beck and Aubrey...and of course, sweet Grace.
This is my mother and our great friend Neville with my trio. Again a difficult photo to get. I think we finally put Bob the Builder on the TV to keep Mack in place. (Neville didn't get the memo about the black turtlenecks :) btw...Grace didn't want to have anything to do with anyone but NiNi and Nevi (I think they were sneaking her candy)
NiNi (my mother) and ALL her grandchildren.
The WHOLE GANG!
The night before we left, NiNi and Neville watched the kids (except Beck) so we could go out to dinner. We decided to go to Cattlemen's Steakhouse in Oklahoma City. This was one of my parent's favorite steak places. No frills just good meat! I'm such a country girl at heart.
(Look Rachael, I'm wearing my pretty new sweater :)
Who's your Guitar Hero? Well, there was a lot of good competition that weekend. Shelly and her husband, who are not competitive at all (har har) fought it out.
Here's Shelly trying to get some Starpower!
Look at the intensity on Brad's face. My mother just keeps saying..."If Brad would only practice this much on his real guitar, he would be so good."
I look like such a natural.
Now there's my Guitar Hero. Rock out Abe!
(Okay, Okay, I know that this is actually a video game and requires more hand/eye coordination than actual musical talent but let me have my dream...Abe you are my rockstar!)
Way to go Abe....beat the two year old!! Aubrey had seen her daddy (my brother Brad) play this so much that she's a natural.