3 Two Year Olds

It's taken me a REALLY long time to compose this post. It's hard for me to have enough alone time to really put together the personality of our 3 little girls into words. Sometimes I find myself overwhelmed with blogging about them because it's a lot to tackle haha! But I will do my best to share just a small part of what these little girls mean to our family.

It feels like just yesterday that they were teeny tiny 2 and 3 lb babies fighting to live and grow. Memories from those first 6 weeks in the NICU flood back and it almost seems like another lifetime. Life was so much more fragile then. Unfamiliar. Scary. A big blur most of the time.

 

I remember the first few times I changed the girls' diapers, I had to be really careful not to lift them up and hold them by their legs when wiping because their legs were so fragile that we were told it could hurt them or cut off their oxygen or blood supply or something ( I can't remember exactly-like I said, a blur). For the longest time I held them like glass, afraid I would break them.

 

I remember when holding Saydee, she had to be in JUST the right position or she would start "bradying" and the monitors would start beeping and we'd have to give her oxygen.

 

I remember being told I couldn't read to, sing to or even kiss Payten because she had a Grade B bleed in her brain and that too much stimulation could send her on a turn for the worst.

 

I remember Hallie being soooo tiny that I likened her size and noises she would make to a little mouse. She would curl up into a ball next to you and just zonk out. She LOVED to be held. To this day she is the most cuddly person I've ever known. And I adore it. Every mom's dream.

 

Today, it's hard to imagine these little girls that run around giggling, chasing eachother, bossing eachother around...singing to eachother in their beds and all clapping hands together in there...could ever have started out so fragile. It's hard to remember that they are miracle babies.

 

As much as I miss those tender days, life gets more exciting with them every day that they grow. They are forming friendships and closeness with eachother that I always knew would be my favorite thing about having triplets. And it is. Some of my favorite moments are the times I catch them alone with eachother and saying things like...

Hallie: "Saydee, book please..."

Saydee: (gives book)

Hallie: "dank yoooou."

Saydee: Uh Melcome (you're welcome)

These moments are amazing. Or the times I hear one of them calling around the house,

"Payten, where aaaaaare you???"

I love that when Saydee wants you to hold her she says "Wanna hold you"

Watching them grow together and look up to their brother and copy everything he does is just a beautiful thing to me as a mother. I can't imagine what it would be like to grow up without siblings. I'm so grateful that my children have been given such a neat experience.

 

They are all talking so much now and it's one of those bittersweet things because you start to lose your "baby" and realize they are turning into little children. It's a hard thing but thank goodness it's equally as enjoyable.

 

I could truly go on for pages about the sweet little personalities of our children but because I'm so behind on blogging, I think I will dedicate special posts to each of them separately soon. They share EVERYTHING else in life, I might as well give them that.

 

As usual, I planned a really fun birthday party for our little princesses. Some people snicker and say I overdo it. But consider this-I have 3 daughters but only get to celebrate ONE first birthday, ONE second birthday, ONE baptism day, ONE 16th birthday...you get the idea. Everything only gets to happen once for us in this family so I try to make it as memorable as I can because it's possible that it could be the first AND the last all at the same time. I try to make the best out of it while I have the opportunity.

 

Hallie, Payten and Saydee love Minnie Mouse. So it was only fitting to have a pink Minnie Mouse party...which I was thrilled about!!! I had the COOLEST outdoor toys and toddler friendly games planned but it was too cold so it all went out the window. Boo. But it was still a great time.

 

For breakfast I made "Birthday Cinnamon Rolls"

 Then came their big gift (and my personal favorite)...a used retired Little Tikes Mansion (big enough for them ALL to play with at the same time)

 They also got some learning DVDs and books...they loooove books.

 I made these super simple frames to match their party. I think they were only $3 at the craft store and then I just sponge painted on the dots.

 I made cute little gift bags (easy) and Minnie Mouse headbands for the little guests. I just used polka dot napkins and secured them with pipe cleaners to make a bow.

 

 Strawberry milk and Minnie Mouse cups for the little girls to take home as a party favor!

 My ever so talented friend Heidi made my sugar cookies (again) for the party. She's too talented. I give her a picture and it always turns out better than the pic!

 I made Oreo Minnie cupcakes

 And Marshmallow pops because the triplets are OBSESSED with marshmallows!

 And fruit snack "Thank You" bags for all the kids instead of candy (pretty cheap and simple if you ask me)

 We had a "Hot Diggity Dog Stand" and dined on these fun Minnie plates I made

 

 And of course the cake...

 I assigned Erik the task of making 2 of these Minnie Mouse centerpieces out of styrofoam balls. (again using napkins for the bows). He did such a great job...what a good sport my man is!

 Here are the little party girls. I must add that this was a REALLY hard day. Amidst the party prep and entertaining guests, I was REALLY sick. I had bronchitis, thrush (for the 1st time) AND a horrible case of pink eye. It was not my day so I didn't even bother to get ready. But the show must go on!

 The girls loved all of their fun gifts. Our friends and family were so thoughtful and generous to them!

 And last but not least...I made these dresses for the girls. I love that they can wear them for years to come!!

 

With 3 two year olds running the show, our hands might be full...but our hearts are most definitely fuller. These little miracles have changed our family and our hearts in ways I can't explain. I'm so grateful for all they have taught me the last 2 years and I hope the rest of the years start slowing down because I'm enjoying every minute.