A Normal Life

Way back when Nick and I were trying to get pregnant I would drive past parks full of little kids and their moms, or women pushing strollers down a sidewalk and be so envious. I wanted that life! I wanted to load my little baby into her (yep, my fantasies always involved having a little girl. Ha!) stroller and go for a walk with another mom friend. Then a couple of years later I'd be spending beautiful spring and summer days and evenings at the park with our active toddler, having picnic lunches and suppers. They'd be independent enough that I could just sit and watch her go down the slides over and over. Ahhhh, that was the life.

Then I found out we were having triplets and I thought I'd never enjoy those picture perfect dreams I had. Sure, I got to go for walks when the boys were babies but it always looked like a big production to others. In my dreams I wasn't counting on people stopping their cars in the street just to gawk or yell questions to me. I'm not saying I minded it all the time, but every once in a while a mom of multiples would love to just go for a walk with her kids and not be noticed.

When the boys got old enough to take to parks and were walking, I definitely did not get to just sit on a bench and watch. I was constantly chasing after kids, keeping them away from the high parts of the play ground equipment, moving them back inside the fenced in area or telling them to take the mulch out of their mouth. Now that we're pushing 3 (gah! I don't like admitting that!), I feel like I'm constantly in head counting mode when we're out in public.

Last night though, I had that glimpse at the "normal" life I was longing for years ago. We picked up a pizza and some drinks and headed to a new-to-us park for a picnic dinner. The boys all walked independently from the car to the picnic area and didn't have to be told to stay away from the road. They all picked the same table (instead of each picking a different one and having to be coaxed to sit at the same one) and sat down and immediately said grace. We all ate and they were saying adorable things that were making Nick and me laugh.

After dinner they played for over an hour at the playground. At one point Nick and I were sitting side-by-side on a bench just watching our kids play. I think that was a first! It was a wonderful moment and I was definitely storing that memory in my heart for a later time. The boys also enjoyed playing together on a little merry-go-round and playing with some other kids.

(Taken with my cell phone, the only camera I had with me.)

As I sat there watching my boys play together I thought of all those dreams I had for my life as a mom. A year ago I would have questioned if I'd ever have "normal" moments with my kids when they were young. I'm here to tell you though (especially you moms of infant multiples or those expecting multiples) that you will get your normal life! It may not be normal all the time, but if you look for them you'll see the normal moments sprinkled throughout.

Brave or Stupid?

Yesterday afternoon I had to go to the Post Office to mail a couple of things. Problem number 1 - I also needed to swing by a store and buy packing tape to seal one box and a padded envelope for my other package. Problem number 2 - the post office closed at 5pm and it was now 4pm, and dealing with loading and unloading the Choo Choo multiple times isn't exactly quick.. Hmmmm... It was then that I made a decision that would either cause me to rejoice or haunt me in my dreams; I was going to venture out without the Choo Choo and without leashes and head to a store that doesn't have carts big enough for kids to ride in. Yikes.

I quickly had the boys all use the bathroom and put on their socks and shoes and we dashed out the door. The whole way to Walgreen's I told the boys what we were going to do and that I needed them to be good boys. They were told to hold hands in the store, they were not to touch anything in the store and I didn't want to hear anyone say "My do it!" (I do it).

We pulled in and I gave them one last pep talk before unloading. They all stood on the sidewalk like I told them to as I unloaded everyone from the car and then we all held hands and slowly (emphasis on "slowly") walked into the store. They were in awe at all the stuff and the fact that they weren't trapped in a cart or wagon! They stayed with me all the way to the mailing supplies section and did great not touching stuff. Then we walked to the Easter aisle so that Tyler could pick out his special treat for doing so well pooping on the toilet (did I mention lately we had a HUGE breakthrough with him last week?). I also let Jackson and Chase pick a treat for doing so well lately as well (can't be easy on a 2.5 year old with diarrhea to always make it to the bathroom on time).

We stood in line, paid and got back in the car where we then headed to the Post Office. At the PO we stood in a line 8 people deep and the boys again did fantastic. They stayed right with me, chatted with the people standing behind us and were just so good. When I was done paying for my shipments and I told the boys it was time to go, Chase turned around to face the counter and all the people still in line and yelled "Bye post office!", which cracked everyone up.

The verdict on my outing? BRAVE! I was thinking about it last night, and really how else would I know if the boys or myself are ready for something big (like ditching the Choo Choo or making solo trips to the Zoo) if I never try? I know there have been times in the past when I've tried something and it's gone terribly (i.e. taking them sans Choo Choo to story time at Pottery Barn Kids - the going in was fine, it was the coming out that was risky) but I guess that's just my way of finding out it's not time to make that move yet.

Hmmmm.... now what could my next brave/stupid move be?

(Chase being silly yesterday)

I Love Having Triplets

Let me be clear about my title - there is zero sarcasm in it! Last week it dawned on me that I absolutely love having triplets. Given the chance to go back in time and be told I could have just one baby or three, I totally would pick three.

My life is like a nonstop playdate. I don't have to worry about the boys getting bored or lonely. I get to sit back and watch my kids play with each other. Every so often I'm asked to join in, but usually they're content to play with each other.

Granted, the nap time and bedtime parties are getting a little old but at least they're being cute and chatting with each other.

Yesterday Tyler was on the toilet and Chase pulled the stool up right next to him, sat down on it and said "What you doing Tyler?" Stinking adorable!

I love looking into the living room and seeing the boys all snuggled up on the couch together, with their blankets, watching a movie. I love walking back to the playroom and finding them all lined up on the futon reading books together.

I love the hugs they've started giving each other. A couple of weeks ago Tyler (I think it was him) bumped his head when he tripped in the living room. Instead of coming to me for a hug, he went to Chase for one! I was delighted to see Chase give him the hug back and not try to push him to the ground in a tackle instead.

This past weekend I got to chat with a mom of 9 year old triplets (her kids were in the wedding). She agreed that having triplets is the best experience and she'd do it again in a heartbeat too. There's just something amazing about watching three little people go through the exact same stages at the exact same time.

Sure, life is challenging at times. But life sounds plenty challenging when you have just one kid too (obviously I'm not speaking from experience here). Honestly? I'd wish triplets on any of my friends :) It's an amazing experience not enough mom's get to enjoy! Life has been amazing the last 2 and a half years and I can't wait to watch the boys grow in their friendship.