What a week...

Friday, May 27, 2011 9:08 AM by Serena-Mom of 4 boys 1 comments











So it's been a while since I posted and it's hard to know where to start. The boys are 17 months now. Many things have gotten easier, I mean we can pack and get out of the house probably quicker than most would think. The boys are more active. There are days when I wonder how we made it. I guess that's stating the obvious. Well this week has been stressful...




Samuel-

Anyways, we have had a big week. Most don't know unless you are close family and friends that Samuel had yet another surgery this past Tuesday. I didn't plan on talking about it but since I have made this blog, kind of my baby book to the boys, I have to mention it. This was his 4th surgery and we were hoping his last but it looks like he will have to at least have 1 more in about 6 months. He had a few things done on Tuesday and the medical terms are Hypospadias repair, correction of Chordee, and scrotoplasty. Yes it has to do with his personals and in all honesty I really don't want to get into the particulars, most can google it. It has been so painful for him and really more than a baby should go through. He has been such a trooper through it all and I just look at him and marvel at all that he has been through. Every time he goes under it is just so nerve racking and all you can do is pray. Well he goes back next Tuesday to remove the catheter. Now when they were going over his discharge paperwork, they said no horseplay for 4 weeks. LOL! Ok, you know he's a triplet, right?! Well we're trying to keep Samuel down but it's easier said then done. Other than that Samuel is doing great! He really is! He's a little guy but healthy. He still plays the baby roll too well but all that he's been through, he's earned it.



6 1/2 month stats:

weight-22.9 lbs

height-31 inches



Isaac-


Now Isaac is still my big boy and the biggest baby when it comes to fighting with his brothers. He loves to chatter and he is my chatter box. His thing right now is when you ask his a question like, did you hear what I said Isaac, he's say yes, and you'll say you did? He'll respond, I did. It really is so cute! He also love to throw the ball and although our family sport has been soccer I wouldn't be surprised if some baseball players emerge. He is also our Bam Bam! He is a big boy and doesn't always realize how heavy his hand is and usually ends up hurting someone with his playing around.


16 1/2 month stats:

weight-28.6 lbs

height-32 inches


Jeremiah James-

As he is often called because it's usually followed by Jeremiah James, no. He is still my non-stop active baby! Just this month he taught the other two how to climb up the high chair and climb out of the crib. He is always first to escape or find a way to escape. Now Jeremiah or Demiah as we call him, no idea why, is also very sensitive. He gets his feelings hurt very easily and certain things scare him when you least expect it. However if he falls and your expecting to hear him start cyring, most times he just shakes his head and walks away. Unlike Isaac if you take his toy, he wont whine and look to me for help, he'll go after who took his toy and just take it back.


16 1/2 month stats:

weight-26.6 lbs

height- 32 inches


Victor-

Well Lil Vic just finished 6th grade and elementary school and is heading off to Jr High in the fall. He ended the year with straight A's as well as receiving the Gold Presidential Award, this is for maintaining a 3.5 GPA or higher as well as scoring proficient or advanced on state testing from 4th grade to now. We are very proud of him. He is finishing up baseball and is now on a new soccer team, Manchester United, that he absolutely loves. He is a pretty happy camper right now. He is also on 2 other soccer teams, just for fun, one is a 6 a side and the other is on Friday nights with players from his team as well as a couple other teams from the area, Celtics and Barca. I know, it seems like alot but it really does get us all out of the house and the trips love going to parks on the weekend to cheer on their big brother.

We're 1 years old!

My Birthday Boys!




Isaac really enjoyed his cake!


Jeremiah was as cool as could be!


Samuel took it slow and easy.



Opening their gifts






So the boys turned 1 last Wednesday December 1st, 2010. I can't believe a whole year has gone by. Well it's been a little crazy lately, well more than usual. The boys had their 1st Birthday party, Vic's 34th birthday was a few days later and Lil Vic's soccer is in full swing. We are out on the soccer fields every weekend which is actually really nice for the boys. They have had so many 1st this year and although this isn't their 1st Christmas it feels like it, since they were still in the hospital last Christmas. So we are just enjoying it. Here are some updates on all our boys.




Victor- School President, straight A's so far this year, joined band and is learning to play the sax and has had a solid soccer season. Now although he has had some disappointments in soccer he hasn't let it get him down and has risen and continued to play with such heart. We are very proud of the young man he is growing up to be. Oh yea, he also likes a girl (crying as I type this out, wipe tear).



Isaac- He loves his milk and carbs. No baby food for him, he wants the good stuff. He is my cheese ball and makes funny faces. he also loves to move my furniture around, well anything he can move, like chairs. He is also my big boy and my big baby. He walks, says something that sounds like happy, claps, is starting to wave, and dances by bobbing his head.



Size- 12 to 18 months

Weight- 23.2 lbs

Height- 30 1/8 inches

Head Circumference- 18 inches

teeth- 7 ( 4 on top and 3 on the bottom)






Jeremiah- Now Jeremiah No, as we refer to him as, is non-stop. He is active. We always knew he would be. Although he is active he is actually a really good baby. He keeps himself pretty busy. He is also my charmer. When ever you call his name, Jeremiah No, he turns around and bats his eyes. He walks, claps, blows kisses, and dances by bobbing his head



Size- 12 month to 18 months

Weight- 21.14 lbs

Height- 29 3/4 inches

Head Circumference- 17 1/2 inches

teeth- 8 ( 4 on the bottom and 4 on the top)




Samuel- Samuel is my con artist. He loves to be carried around and plays being the youngest/baby to a tee. He really doesn't care to walk and if I could carry him around all day that would suit him just fine. He is also my shy guy or he at least acts shy in public by turn his face into his shoulder. At home he is my loud one and boy what he lacks in size he makes up for in attitude! He is cruising around the couch and has taken up to 3 steps, so walking is around the corner for him. He says mama, waves bye, sticks his tongue out and makes that pluuuu sound. I forget to mention all 3 have starting throwing their balls. Samuel also likes music and moves his head from side to side and makes monster sounds by growling.



Size- 9 months to 12 months

Weight- 19.06 lbs

Height-29 inches

Head Circumference- 17 1/2 inches

teeth- 4 ( 2 on top and 2 on the bottom)




Well all I can say is this past year is exactly what we expected and nothing like we expected. Meaning at times it is as hard as we thought it would be, yet since it becomes your norm it isn't as hard as you thought it would be. Then at times just as hard and crazy as you thought it would be it is 3 times as wonderful and fulfilling as you could ever imagine. We continue to struggle, soar, cry, laugh, love and be blessed with each passing day!

We're leaving the boys! Yikes!


My boys!


Vic, Andrew, Gio, and Kenny-6th grade camp
ISAAC:



JEREMIAH:



SAMUEL:



Well this week is more hectic than usual since I am trying to get ready to be away from the boys for the first time. Vic and I are going on a weekend cruise and although I am excited my heart hurts a little knowing I will be away from all my boys. I wouldn't say I have guilt about it because unless you have triplets and have the demands that all that entails then you really can't imagine our day. It will be nice to have really no responsibilities and to just relax. I also feel good about it because I know the boys will be in good hands and will be loved. Now all that being said, don't be surprised if you hear I was a big baby and cried.
This is also an exciting time because we are coming up on so many firsts. Their first halloween, first Thanksgiving, first birthday, and although it won"t be their first Christmas, it will be their first Christmas with their family and not in the NICU.

Funny facts:

Victor- Won his election for student body President and is the new President of Carnelian Elementary School.
Isaac-Loves to stick everything in his mouth (more than the usual) and loves to play with his wee wee.
Jeremiah- Has decided he wants everything in the bottle, including all his food. He's also my charmer.

Samuel-Believe it or not, he acts bashful when out and about but is actually the loudest and most demanding at home. He yells at me if I don't feed him fast enough. Yup he'll be just fine!

Victor-Just got back from 6th grade camp and his dad was a chaperon. He is also starting to like girls- :0(

Isaac- May be the biggest but will whine the moment his brothers touch him, he's my big baby.

Jeremiah- Will be walking soon. He is taking 4 steps at a time now.

Samuel- Is the player. He tricks people into picking him up all the time. He gives them sad eyes, whines, and puts his hands up.

We are almost 10 months!


As October 1st approaches I am so struck by how fast the last 10 months have gone by. I remember all the heartache that we went through during the boys stay in the NICU and how I use to say, I wish that I could just fast forward a year and see the boys when they were healthy. If I did fast forward then I would have obviously have missed a great 10 months. October is also the start of fall and of course all the best holidays. The holidays always seemed like they were the best when your kids were young and since we have little ones again, I am really looking forward to all the decorating and festivities. I am also looking forward to Lil Vic enjoying these times with the boys. There is also so much special meaning in this time of year and remembering to take this time to love your friends and family members and appreciating them. Two years ago this October we lost our nephew Christian at the age of 5. It was a heartache that no parent should have to go through and all we can do is stand by our family and never let his memory be forgotten. He was wonderful and the only regret I have is that my triplets never got to meet him. He would have been such a cool big cousin. They were born 1 year and 2 months after he was called home to heaven. So during this time I hold my boys that much tighter and just love them the way Christian was loved by his mommy and remember to try and appreciate every moment with my boys. Although at times our life really is crazy and over whelming we really do know how blessed we are. Not just for having our boys but for their health. They are thriving and we couldn't ask for anything more. Although our bank account may not be as deep our hearts have grown 3 times in size.


The boys went to the doctors last week and here are their weights.


Isaac Nathaniel- 21 lbs (Standing on my own)


Jeremiah James- 19 lbs 2 oz (I took my first steps already)


Samuel Anthony- 16 lbs 10 oz (Crawling now like my big brothers)

We're 9 months old now!


Victor

Isaac


Jeremiah



Samuel

Well it's September and we are getting into full swing with our new routine since both the Vic's went back to work and school. The boys are getting so big and time really is flying by. I'm not going to lie, sometimes it gets crazy and most of the time all you can do is laugh. The hardest time is at nights. The boys stopped sleeping through night around 6 months and I don't think we have gotten one night since where all 3 have slept through the night. Although I already have a son and went through this before, I was lucky the first time since Victor slept through the night since 3 weeks on and we never looked back. I've had various people tell what I should be doing or that they are not eating enough or they're not on a schedule (although they are), most of the time I just listen and nod because what I really want to say is really, how old are your triplets. I know they have the best intentions so there really isn't anything to say. Other than that life is pretty good. Would it be easier with one, absolutely, but it wouldn't be the same and we really couldn't imagine our lives without one of them. They are all unique and bring a piece of our family together. There are still times when I can't believe I have triplets. I mean really, who does that? I guess we do. Only God knew this plan he had for us and we are on this ride seeking his hand to guide us all the way. I know I pray to him often, usually in the form of oh God give me the patience to .... He knows my heart and will need to stay near by for those moments when it all seems to be too much. Believe me I have those moments. However the great moments far out weigh those and I guess that's what life is. Many unbelievable great moments and some hard ones that we look to him for guidance and support. At least that's my life.

Victor is now in 6th grade and doing so much. He is still in club soccer and also plays on a Sunday league. He has also decided to run for president at his school. I am so proud of him for having the guts to run. I remember always wanting to something like that when I was a kid but not having the guts to do it. So whether he wins or loses I am just so proud that he put himself out there. He also wants to be in band so he will be adding 30 minutes of practice a night of the saxophone on top of homework and soccer practice. He is also in GATE so his schedule is so jam packed. He really is such an amazing kid and we have been so blessed. He is such a great role model for his little brothers to look up to.

Isaac is my chunk and such a cutie. He loves to clap and has begun to stand now while holding on to something. When we took him to the doctors 2 weeks ago he was weighing 20 lbs 10 oz. Not bad for a preemie.

Jeremiah is the charmer and always has that innocent look on his face although most of the time its he who is pulling his brothers hair or using them as stepping stools to climb something. He has just started today to stand without holding on to anything. I know, we are in trouble now! I really don't think he realizes that he's a preemie and technically only 7 months old and to be trying to walk is ridiculous. He really is non-stop!

Samuel is our lil baby. What I mean is that he loves to be babied. He wants to be carried and sleep with mama and papa and is the first to wimper and put his arms in the air when someone walks in. He definitely has no problem getting a few suckers to pick him up. He has started to use his legs a little better to get himself in the crawling position so that's great and his therapy is going well.

July 28th-WOW it's been a while!

Saturday, July 3, 2010 11:33 PM by Serena-Mom of 4 boys 0 comments
Isaac






Jeremiah





















Samuel


Wow it has been a while since I have updated this blog. Between vacations and Samuel's final surgery it's been a whirl wind. I am so bad at this blogging thing. I am still trying though since I don't have time to get to the boys baby book I need to record their milestones somewhere. They are growing so super fast. So much has happened since my last post but I will try to just touch on the biggies. We also just got back from Utah and Yosemite for a getaway. The boys saw their first sunrise and it was over the Grand Canyon, not bad! They also went swimming in the pool for the 1st time in Utah. Went on their first bear run (not to be confused with beer run). The boys will be 8 months next week.

Lil Vic-Vic is now out of the 5th grade and enjoying summer. He is absolutely such a huge help with the boys and really is just wonderful with them. The boys recognize him now and love to hang out in his room. He makes bottles, changes diapers, and plays with them. I do try to make sure that he still gets his alone and away time since it wouldn't be fair to him to just have him watch babies all day. However he really does love and enjoy them. He also mowed the lawn for the first time. Now Vic is starting to act like a pre-teen with the attitude so we are just checking that before it gets out of control. Other than that he is a great kid! He has changed soccer teams and is back with Arsenal and it's nice to see some old faces. Oh no 6th grade here we come!

Isaac- My cuddly bear is still thriving. He is such a chunk and a sweetheart. He is always laughing. I mean always. He is such a happy baby. He is rolling all over the place and has began to crawl and sits up all by himself. He began to crawl on July 16th and sit up by himself on my birthday, July 23rd. He still continues to sleep through the night! Yea for that. Most parents probably are over joyed when their lil ones reach that milestone but the thought of having 3 babies mobile is terrifiying me. At his 6 month check-up he weighed 19 lbs 1 oz.
Jeremiah-My active tiger is just that. ACTIVE! He is rolling all over the place and is also crawling. He began crawling on July 16th and by the end of the day Isaac joined him. I guess he didn't want to be shone up by his little brother, by 1 minute. Jeremiah also sits up by himself as of July 25th. Oh no, now we're in for it. I was hoping he wouldn't be crawling by the time we left for Yosemite but he decided to do it the day before we left. Lucky us. Now he is our charmer but is also the most head strong. He fights his sleep and love to be the last one awake, every night. He also has a bad habit of wanting to wake up at night to eat. Yes it's only once but come on, you were sleeping through the night, Don't stop now. At Jeremiah's 6 month check-up he weighed 16 lbs 7 oz.

Samuel- So our lil fighter is doing well! He had his last surgery on June 8th which took away his colostomy bag. It is definitely easier to bathe the boys and he has just thrived once it came off. Son't get me wrong the 2 weeks after the surgery were very hard but it'a been uphill since them. Samuel is a very very good baby. He is still an ease to take care of except now he knows arms and loves them. He also knows how to get people to pick him up by giving them a sad face. At his 6 month check-up he weighed 14 lbs 1 oz. He had lost a full pound, down from 15 pounds from the last surgery but he is a great eater and will regain that in no time.




























Thought of the day: You just do it!

Wednesday, May 5, 2010 10:58 AM by Serena-Mom of 4 boys 1 comments
I love this pic, it is how I feel most days!


Ok so I had a thought of the day. I have many thoughts many days but none I can remember 10 minutes later or none significant enough that I feel compelled to right down. Although this post may take me all day it is something that I want to remember.


So we hear many comments when we are out and about with the triplets. One we hear all the time is, "How do you do it?" My simple response is, "You just do it!" Just like anything in life. Has anyone ever wondered how you work full time and attend school. How you have a family and go back to get your Masters, or how you deal with 3 or 4 kids on a daily basis. Well you just do it! We all have our mountains to climb, our marathons to run, this is ours. A year ago this week I was given 2 eggs in my womb and just prayed that one would survive to create a baby that we have prayed for, for 9 years. Now we never could have thought that both would take and one would split but that's what heappened. Tomorrow is National Prayer Day and it is on this day last year that I was given these 3 sweet babies. Was I shocked and scared, absolutely. Have I been over whelmed at times, oh yea! Have my prayers been answered, no doubt! Many of us pray for things all the time. Now I can't say that God gave me exactly what I prayed for because truth be told, I never prayed for triplets. I would say he gave me more, lots more. Every morning I get up and walk over to each one of them as they are waking up and as they look up, smile and giggle my heart melts. When I'm washing dishes and then realize it's quiet so I look over to the babies and notice that I have 6 eyes all staring at me, I just laugh. Now did I grow up telling myself all I ever wanted to be when I grew up was a mama. No, I actually wanted to be Murphy Brown. I wanted to travel around the world interviewing great leaders. A journalist. Of course I no longer want to be Murphy Brown I just want to be the best Serena that I can. A huge part of me is now I am a mama to 4 boys but I'm not just a mom, or a MOST (mom of supertwins), I like to think I'm much more. One of my own personal fears was the thought of losing myself and how I saw myself before the triplets were here. What I have come to realize is that it is actually the opposite. One position in life does not define you. Throughout life we all change and how we perceive ourselves changes as well. I do not want to be defined by one thing. So no matter how many hats I wear I just always tell myself that although it's crazy and hectic, and most days I'm sure I'll hear mom more than my actual name, it's always worth it. Like I said before and with anything challenging, you just do it!

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