We Made It A YEAR!!!!

I can't believe a year has come and gone. I find it hard to be upset because there were so many times I felt like it was going by REALLY slow. But knowing our sweet baby girls are closer to becoming kids and no longer fitting in my arms breaks my heart. That's part of parenthood I guess.

Today our 3 baby girls turn 1 year old

I will never forget that crazy day one year ago. Waking up and heading downstairs to my computer to work, and by the end of the day our family had grown by 3...3 beautiful babies requiring intensive care to stay alive.

This last year has been one of the hardest and happiest years of our lives. It was full of struggles and triumphs...times of fear and doubt...times of accomplishment and faith. We learned everything by trial and error. When I thought I couldn't do this, I found a way. When I doubted myself, I turned to the Lord and somehow things worked out. I discovered things about myself that I never knew existed. Our Father in Heaven knew that these babies would bring so much love to our home and transform me as a mother and as a person. They were put in our arms at the same time to teach me.

They have taught me strength, PATIENCE, sacrifice, gratitude, understanding, sympathy, humility, FAITH, PERSEVERENCE, selflessness, time management, COURAGE, organization, preparation, creativity, CHARITY and to know how to seek the true individuality and greatness in each human soul.

I have learned to juggle things in equality. I have learned to divide myself yet give each child 100% of my heart. I have learned to lean on people even when it's scary and embarrassing. I have learned that it's ok to not do my hair & makeup every day because I'm the most beautiful person in the world to my kids. I have learned that a messy house means happy children. I've learned that dishes in the sink mean mouths that have been fed. I've learned that 12 hours of sleep a night usually means wet pj's in the morning. I've learned that you CAN learn to tune out when 3 babies are crying at the same time. I've learned that what one baby learns, the other may not for a few months and that it's OKAY. I've learned that you can still fill your spiritual cup (thanks to technology) even if you aren't able to go to church every Sunday. I've learned that wipes and diapers are EXPENSIVE. I've learned that it takes 45 minutes to pack in/out kids for a 5 minute errand. I've learned that I can distinguish between 3 different cries and voices. I've learned that the human mind can figure out how to rig just about anything when you're in need of octupus arms. I've learned that letting an upset baby snuggle you on the couch at 11pm is ok every once in a while because it means one on one time. I've learned to appreciate the scripture "this too shall pass". I've learned that between 5pm-8pm is the hardest part of every day. I've learned that a bag of pretzels, my favorite drink & a good show late at night can relieve the stress. And I've learned that waking up to 3 babies bouncing in their cribs and giggling will make EVERY day completely possible with a smile on my face.

We were terrified when we found out that we were having 3 babies at once. I struggled to understand how our Heavenly Father thought I was actually capable of handling this. But now I look at these beautiful BEAUTIFUL girls and I can't imagine it any other way. They made me a better person. A better mother. I knew this was who I was meant to be and the family I was meant to mother. With the challenges come greater rewards than I could ever receive otherwise. I am stronger and better in every way because of them. And I've gained faith in my life and a dependance on the Savior that I am so grateful to have found. I've figured out that it REALLY is THREE times the blessing. THREE times the love. I will FOREVER miss this crazy year in our lives. And even though I'm proud of making it...I'm so sad that it's over.

Happy Birthday Baby Girls!
One Year Old pics by
Heidi Drake Photography

Hallie Bear

Payten Leigh

Saydee Bug

"Trash the Cake"
pics by
Megan Hauze Photography
(another triplet mama!)

I also wanted to add that we couldn't have made it  through this year without a WONDERFUL support system. Amazing family, great friends...and of course my Utah Triplet mom group that is always there to make me feel "normal".