Thursday, April 30, 2009

Preschool & Illness

Oh boy, the last 2 weeks have been difficult. All 3 kids caught a cold in the first few days at preschool (2 developed ear infections). Noah has been to the Immediate Care Center and the pediatrician. The girls have fared pretty well but our son has truly suffered. His ears have been painful and this infection just doesn't want to leave his little body. We are on his 3rd antibiotic and just starting to see signs of improvement.

We've already missed 3 days out of 14. This new arrangement has been quite expensive when considering the tuition paid, dr co-pays and scripts. I hope this won't be a trend for the triplets.

The kids are starting to adjust to their new routine. What started with 1 child crying in the morning has resulted in all 3 crying now--yikes! They are settling pretty soon after John & I leave. That I am thankful for. Nap time is still touch and go. Their naps are fairly short when compared to naps in their cribs.

There are going to be great learning opportunities for the kids. The girls are starting to sing their ABC's! Noah's even chimed in. They enjoy particiating in circle time (stories, shapes, numbers, alphabet). Some days I'm not sure preschool is worth the trouble, other days I'm certain it's worth any sacrifice.

Please pray for Noah's full recovery and good health for all 3.

Amy

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Preschool-Day 3

Noah did great again and the girls did good also. Sydney got off to a rough start. She was so worked up about John & I leaving that she puked a bit. Other than that, she remained clingy but managed to have some fun also. Unlike yesterday, Emily napped 2 hours! In fact, Sydney did also. I know the teachers had to be relieved!

All 3 woke this am with some cold symptoms. How can this happen by Day 3? Anyway, the evening seemed to be going well. We ate spaghetti for dinner, John bathed all 3 and we had them in bed at 7:45p. Unfortunately, things took a turn for the worse. Sydney vomited 2 times in a 15 minute period which resulted in completely changing her bedding & pajamas 2 times. While trying to get her to sleep in the nursery, Noah woke up crying and wouldn't settle. John & I took turns with both babies to get them asleep. Noah just went back to bed around 10:20p.

This day is ending in pure frustration. I'm running on approximately 3 hrs sleep because the girls were both restless last night which resulted in my being awake much of the night.

Off to bed and I hope things remain quiet now. I've already called for a vacation day tomorrow since Sydney can't go to preschool with her symptoms.

Amy

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

Preschool-Day 2

Another stellar day for Noah. He hugged every person who entered the classroom, played happily and napped for 2 hours! He is quite the charmer!

The girls had some tearful moments, but overall, day two was noticeable better. Both really enjoyed singing time and circle time (stories, alphabet, numbers, etc). Emily didn't nap (wanted nothing to do with the cot) and Sydney only slept 20 minutes. One teacher, Miss Stephanie, was impressed when she discovered that Emily knows her colors! I mentioned that Sydney knows her colors as well, and Noah is working on them. In fact, Emily can count from 1-10 independently, and the others are pretty close. We are now focusing on our alphabet.

Amy

P.S. Emily is conserving water while brushing her teeth. She turns the water off between rinses. It's so cute.

Monday, April 13, 2009

Preschool-Day 1

I am left with mixed emotions after leaving our children for 10-1/2 hours with complete strangers. It was pouring rain when we dropped them off, and pouring rain when I picked them up.

Surprisingly, Emily seemed very comfortable with the early, unfamiliar faces. Not so surprising, Noah was right at home. Sydney was more reserved and expressed some emotion when we said our "goodbyes" and left. They were the 1st children to arrive in the 2-year-old room at 7a.

Sydney spent much of the day in the arms of the preschool teachers. She was very needy and somewhat whiny. We had a rough night sleeping last evening so I'm sure that played a big role in her mood today.

Emily started out strong but her mood went downhill around 10a. The teacher reported that the girls both appeared very tired by that time. At home, they would be taking their 1st nap. Preschool offers one afternoon nap.

Noah had a great time. He ate, played and even napped without a paci. We decided to take this opportunity to wean him from the pacifier during nap time.

The girls didn't eat well and they had some problems with drinking from open cups. Two out of three children came home in different clothes than they started out wearing. The soaking of stained clothing is just beginning! Their naps were very short, but heck, we weren't sure they would sleep outside the crib.

All in all, day 1 wasn't horrible. Sure, it would be easier to keep them home, but that is no longer an option. I hope they really become comfortable and settled within a couple of weeks.

Well, I'm exhausted and heading to bed. Please keep our family in your prayers while we continue to face my possible job loss.

Amy

Monday, April 6, 2009

2 Years Old Today!!!

Yes, the triplets are officially 2 years old. It's hard to believe we started with 3 hour feedings (24 bottles daily) and countless diapers just 2 years ago. Born at 35 weeks, all weighing slightly over 4 lbs, they have grown to 24+ lbs and full of energy. We are fortunate to have 3 healthy, beautiful and generally happy children. All 3 are learning sponges. They love being read to and can name most animals/objects in their books. Emily is easily counting from 1-10 unassisted while Noah is working on mastering the same skill. Sydney is also capable of reciting her numbers, she's just not always willing.

Emily is a bundle of fun. Her laugh is contagious and her smile so bright. Those sparkling blue eyes are captivating. She is full of spunk and loves to say phrases like "Oh my goodness" countless times. She is beautiful in every way!

Noah is the bouncing boy I never knew I wanted before the pregnancy. He has the biggest smile and full of affection. Of course like any boy, he's becoming somewhat of a bully to his sisters. Seriously, he's usually just playing with the girls but he tends to be more aggressive than they are. The girls don't always appreciate his hugs, but we do!

Sydney is our cutie pie who's tilt of the head will get her most anything her heart desires. She loves to hug and craves our full attention. Sydney really wants all eyes on her. She a bright girl and we love her so! She is also our most stubborn child.

Our friends, family and both sets of grandparents celebrated their birthday this past Saturday. The party theme was Elmo and the kids really had a fabulous time. We purchased a Little Tikes bounce house with a slide. All the party guests (children) enjoyed their time jumping. Their Aunt Jenny also brought some additional outdoor toys for their enjoyment.

On another note, I'm still uncertain about my future with AT&T. Our labor contract expired over the weekend and the union is still in negotiation with the company for a fair contract. Although my department officially closed 1 week ago today, I'm still reporting to work until another position is located for me. I'm still facing termination, but that remains to be seen.

A big "thank you" to our parents who continue to support us. I don't think our family would have fared this well without their help. I also want to send our love to Aunt Nancy as she undergoes chemo treatments this week. John and I love you and pray for a full recovery.

Amy