HaPpY BiRtHdAy BaBiEs!

Happy Birthday Jax, Austin & Rio!

We can't believe you are one!!! Seriously, I cannot believe how quickly this year has gone. I can completely understand why so many people have said to me, "don't blink because time goes on and before you know it, they will be all grown up." And that is definitely true. These 3 little babies have brought us more happiness, tears, joys, frustrations and love than we've ever known this year!

We went to see their doctor today as well and they are doing so great! Dr. C said that they are right up with "regular" one year olds - not even their adjusted age which is way good for triplets!

Here's a quick update on them:

*1 year-old weights -

Jax: 18.2

Austin: 22

Rio: 18.13
Austin has even started walking! I'll put a video up soon :) Hopefully the other two will be quick to follow.

*Now onto birthday fun!!! We celebrated with our families coming over that evening and watching the babies eat their yummy "cupcake" cake and enjoy their very generous gifts from their grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins. Their cake was so super cute! The 3 little circles you can see below had all their cupcakes with their names on them. We sang to each of them and had them try to blow out their candles (not quite). We went from oldest to youngest and let them do what they wanted. Here is what followed :)

*Here's JAX with his cupcake - he put it up to his mouth and started sucking and then figured there was more to it and ended up eating the entire thing!*

*Next was AUSTIN and he started out pretty tentative... he just let his stay on the tray and he put his head down on it to start licking the frosting and once he got a yummy sugar taste.... well, let's just say he didn't stop eating until it was gone!!*

*And last but definitely not least was our little Miss RIO. She was so cute! She picked it up right away (being the best eater, we weren't surprised she picked it up) - she started sucking on it like it was a drink out of her sippy or bottle and then sucked on it until she reached the cake and she too...ate the whole thing! And yes, that is frosting in her eyelashes :)*

Here's a pic with all 3 of them after they had gotten started. What a mess they ended up being but what a joy to watch them eat every last speck of their little cupcake. We had to wash them off in the kitchen sink and hose them down but good thing the frosting was a butter cream and it came right off! Our nephews and nieces got such a kick out of them eating like they did - it was so fun! They LoVeD their birthday cake.

I can't believe they are one year already! I'm so excited for the coming year to see what they will be like then and to enjoy every moment of their lives. They have been so much fun this year. I treat this blog like a journal so I won't feel bad if you stop reading now but these next thoughts are mostly for them and me...so I never forget :)

Jax... our little Atlas - the night before you were born, I seriously thought you were in my leg little man. You were SO low and ready to come out. Even though the dr's never found where my leak was, I think wherever it was, you were plugging it up for everyone and holding everyone in until all of you could get bigger. You've overcome everything that scared us at the beginning of your life with your single cord and you are so healthy! Even though you were the smallest and still are, you are such a little fighter and so tough - you hardly cry when you're hurt. You love being read to so much - it's probably your favorite thing to do. My favorite thing you do is jump across the floor with your walkers and watching you push your "bigger" little brother and sister across the floor too! They love it and you do too! How sweet are you? You have the saddest cry ever though when you do cry, I think it's probably to make sure you are heard since usually it's your bro and sis that get the immediate attention (they're a little more demanding than you). I love that you love your blanket so much - you love to be covered up in it and wake up when you're not so we try and keep you nice and tight! I love your little smile and laugh - you are so sweet and loving and give the best tight squeezes around my neck. I love you so much Jax! I can't wait to see who you become this next year - you've already amazed me more than I can imagine. Happy birthday my little man!


Austin... what a big boy you are! I remember looking at you when you were about 2 days old and seeing your IV in your little, tiny head and thinking, "wow, what a strong little baby you are to be so patient with all these tubes you have in you." And watching you pull out your feeding tube over and over in the coming weeks. You weren't going to stay in the NICU any longer than you thought you needed to be. You set the bar sweetie and came home first but stayed there long enough with Jax and Rio until they were only 2 days behind you. I think you didn't want to leave them for very long. You are so strong and healthy and always have been. On my first "real" usound when I could see you as more than just a blob, you looked like a little gummy bear with your little arms and legs sprouting out from your body and I couldn't help but laugh and I haven't stopped laughing since. You are so funny and LOVE to LAUGH! When you were about 8 and 1/2 months old, you started saying, "HEY" to anyone who walked into the room (daddy taught you that) and you are so friendly to everyone. You always have a smile on your face unless you're very tired and even then, you are a pretty content little guy. You are so sweet to your brother & sister. When they cry, you put your hand on either their arm or face trying to console them which they don't love so much but you try :) However... you are a total bulldozer and when you want to go somewhere, there is nothing that can stop you - not even a sibling who you've just run over. We hope that spirit stays with you forever but we hope you'll start to notice people and go around them instead of running right through them :) You love to move and since you realized your body would take you other places, you haven't stopped. You'll go anywhere and never doubt that you can do it! What perseverance you have sweetie! You love your daddy so much and beam when he walks in the room. Your laugh is infectious and your smile is too - everyone loves to have you greet them! I love you Austin! You are such a sweet and loving boy and I know you're going to amaze us with what you can do! Happy Birthday Bigs!


Rio... oh Rio... my little, tiny girl! At the end of my pregnancy, you were so far up into my ribs that I seriously thought you would break through! You almost couldn't get any higher - you fought Austin for space for so long and never gave up the fight - trust me... I felt it :) You constantly had the hiccups and it always made it a little more challenging during our NST's. When you came out, you aspirated some fluid and almost drowned in the process - you scared us so much! Especially daddy...he was with you the whole time and made sure the nurses were taking good care of you in those first few hours of your life. You have made me laugh since day one of your life. I've never been able to explain why but you just do. You do so many fun and funny things! From your little "monster" sounds to you clearing your throat trying to copy mommy to you becoming so bothered when anyone touches/climbs/pushes you! You hate being climbed around or on the most and boy do you let us know when that happens. Your little cry is so, so sad and I hate it when you cry. What a little girl you are! You cross your little feet when you're eating in your chair and you love your little stuffed toys so much. You can be somewhat dramatic at times but I can't blame you - you've got to be different than the boys right? Plus... you're a girl! You are so friendly and love to smile and laugh but can be shy sometimes too. Sometimes, I'll hear you laugh and look what you're doing and you'll be looking at a book - what a silly girl you are. You can find happiness in anything! You love your brothers and constantly try to get them to play with you or look at you. You'll explore anywhere and everywhere - and you're quick! One minute I see you and the next, you're in a totally different room! That's good training for daddy and I to always know we'll have to keep our eyes tight on you! I love you so much Rio - I can't wait to do so many girly things with you and enjoy your lovely, sweet personality! Happy Birthday mimmy!

*Daddy and I love you all so much! Happy 1st Birthday!*

No Fear Here! Seeing Santa '10

I looked into going to the mall and getting the kids pics with Santa there but after I looked at the cost, I couldn't rationally say that it would be okay to spend that much money for a picture.

So... we happened to be driving by a yummy breakfast place one day and saw that Santa would be coming in a few days and so we made the trip out one morning to go see him. When I was little we got pictures with Santa every year and I now have these cute pics as an adult and I love them so hopefully we can carry on the tradition with our little 3.

A few people in the line with us kept saying, "oh you wait, when you hand them over, they'll start crying for sure." And of course, our trio had absolutely no fear going to someone new even with a long, white beard :)

Here they all are with Santa!

Jax just taking it all in as per usual :)

The ever smiling AUSTIN loving the bearded Santa

Little miss RioMERRY CHRISTMAS! (a few days too late)

Christmas fun '10

WOW! What a difference a year makes - last year I was in the hospital over Christmas hoping that the babies would stay in longer and this year was an entirely different scene to say the least.

They have no idea about Christmas or Santa or anything like that of course and honestly preferred to play with their "old" toys over their new ones. I'm sure the coming years will be much more crazy and exciting for them but needless to say,we had a great holiday with our families.

First we started celebrating a few days earlier since Grandpa or "Guk" (as Austin calls his grandpa's) had to work on both Christmas Eve & Christmas this year. We had our traditional yummy dinner with my fam and then exchanged gifts. My sister's kids are so adorable and so sweet with one another. They are super kind and so excited for their siblings - I love that about them. I took so many pics that I figured I would just post one with the grandparents on each side instead of making this a 3 page post :)

Grandma & Grandpa with the "Fank" kids

Grandma & Grandpa with our trio and loving their "Little People Farm" by the way

It was a great time with my fam and it was really fun to celebrate when everyone could be there. Love you all!

Christmas Day, out little family opened gifts at our house and then went to the Morris' for the traditional Christmas breakfast. We then attempted to open and exchange gifts in an orderly fashion but it just wasn't happening very well. Too many people (although that is a great thing!) makes it a little tricky to have order. However, we had a great time being all together and exchanging gifts. We love you guys!

Grandpa Ranger with Austin

Grandma & Jax - she was singing to him which he LoVeS!

I also had to share our yearly Christmas tradition of going and seeing the lights with Spence's fam on Christmas Eve. Not everyone could go but it is always fun to go with whoever can that year. It was so crowded this year because of the warm weather but not less pretty. I know this pic doesn't have any of the pretty lights but it's the only one we got with the entire fam :) And yes, those are my kids bundled up tight to where they can't move :) You can never be warm enough right?

2010 Christmas Card

So we tried going and getting a whole family Christmas card this year and well... it just didn't quite work out so we attempted to just take a few cute pics of the kids (and of course, Lennox) and putting them on a card this year. And of course, we had to add the candid shots of Austin crying and trying to get out of the picture all together and Jax trying to climb up on Rio so he could stand up and her wonderfully dramatic self reacting to that. (We love it!!)

Perhaps, next year we will be able to get them all at least facing one direction and not wanting to crawl out of every shot taken or pull of their shoes or look at the snow or start crying for one reason or another.....

You get what I'm saying.... - little cuties!!!

Here is our 2010 card - it's cute enough I think :)

I don't think that's how it works sweetie!

So our sweet grandma Bonnie (Spence's mom) brought over a new toy for the babies now that they are mobile - they are all crawling and walking around things but not walking on their own yet. So... she thought that this toy would get them moving even more in the upright position :)

Austin of course just took off and walks all over the place (even over the other babies if he has to) and pushes his way through - so cute! He is one strong little guy!

Rio doesn't want anything to do with it at the moment. She sits down the second we put her next to it - such a silly girl - she'll get it soon I'm sure.

And Jax... oh Jax! He is so dang cute! The first time we put his little hands on the handles... well...you'll see!

Reminiscing...

So these last few days has been very thought provoking and humbling to think of...

Exactly one year ago yesterday (the 5th), my water broke suddenly after 30 "no issue, great weeks" of pregnancy and I was unexpectedly admitted to the hospital. Spence and I were scared half to death about an early emergency delivery as the terrifying stories of the NICU and preemie babies was given to us.

I can't believe an entire year has passed and today we have these amazing little people in our lives! We are so lucky and blessed! I absolutely love them with all my heart and soul and cannot express in words my gratitude to my Heavenly Father for their lives and their safe and delayed delivery into this world last year. I know that without His help and the help of His priesthood, that wouldn't have happened and I couldn't be more humbled by His love and watchful care in our lives. What a great time of year to reflect on Him and His Son as we celebrate Christmas in a few weeks.

We love you Jax, Austin and Rio - our lives couldn't be any better than with you 3 in it :)

Happy(iest) Thanksgiving

HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE!

*All the babies on grandma & grandpa Morris' floor* - (have I mentioned that Austin is crazy crawler these days - seriously! all over the place - we love it!) not the best lighted pic but it was the only one we got of all 3 of them

*Uncle Marc, Aunt Kisty & Uncle Funky (Andrew) with Jax*

*Cousin Gabe feeding Austin - seriously - how cute is that?*
*Cousins Luke, Anna with Rio and Ella at grandma & grandpa Anderson's*

*Family Photo - will they ever all be looking?* ha-ha

I absolutely love Thanksgiving - it is one of the favorite holidays of mine. I think because it is much less crazy and busy than Christmas feels like. Plus, it is a great day to verbally express how grateful I am for everything to everyone. I didn't get a chance to thank everyone yesterday so I will send a weak thank you here to all my friends, neighbors and family who have helped us this year with the babies and while I was pregnant. We seriously could not have survived without you - from the late(early) night feedings, to the spontaneous visits in the middle of the day to help feed the babies, the many meals (especially the ones for Spence while I was gone last Dec), the clothes for the babies, the diapers and formula, the prayers (most of all), the words of advice and love, the concern and phone calls, the constant and always help at church and everything else that I know you all did for us. I love you and am so, so grateful to have you in my life - there are no better people to have be in all of our lives. We are truly blessed and we know it! Thank you so much!

We have the best family ever! Spence's fam is so great! I don't think there has been one week pass by when at least half of his family has been over here helping with the babies at least once a week. And they are still willing and offering to come - how amazing is that? My family is fabulous as well - my parents are here at least once or twice a week as well and whenever we see my sister and her fam, her kids are so excited to help and play with the babies as you can see from above. They are THE sweetest kids! Lastly, I have to thank my sweet Spencer for being ThE bEsT dAd EvEr! He is so fun, loving and sweet with them. I love you!

*We hope you all had a great holiday*

LATE...but here is other October fun

Here are some other October fun things we did with the kids. We made it to Gardner Village quite a few times this year - I love that place, especially around the holidays... they always make it look so cute and fun! Plus, we had our wedding reception there so it holds a special place for me as well. Here are a few pics with some of our favorite and cutest friends.

*Crew, Jax, Rio, Austin Cash & Easton and Bronson*

*Our great buddy: toppling McKay (SO CUTE!) & the trips*

*This is so typical of them and I love it! - Jax so serious trying to figure out why I put him on a bale of hay, Rio with her tongue out trying to lick anything she can (notice the hay in her hand)and Austin just smiling away being as relaxed as possible*

*Mommy & the babes next to hula hoop witch*

We also had Halloween of course last month and I couldn't resist doing a "3" type of costume for them while I can and won't have any verbal objections. And so thanks to Melissa, I found these great and adorable costumes for my little 3.

My mom and I took them to trunk or treat one night and we had two family gatherings as well. One for Kristin's bday and the other with my fam on Halloween night. So here are a few more pics of them in their costumes. And yes, I have the greatest husband in the world who doesn't object to my ideas of a family theme. And as you'll see, my costume didn't go the way I had hoped...until about two days before Halloween I was going to be the grandma or little red riding hood. That is, until I realized those aren't the same nursery rhymes as what you'll see below. Silly mommy :)

*Who's afraid of the big, bad wolf?*

*Grandma & Grandpa with the 3 little pigs*

*Rio had to make sure she represented the "female pigs" so she has a little bow in her ear, then Jax and Austin* - some of us didn't want to keep our pig feet on very well :)

What a great holiday! This is probably the only year, I can get away with putting the boys in pink costumes without complaint. I can't wait for many more... my heads already turning with more 3-type ideas!

First 10K - for mommy that is!

At the beginning of October I did something I've never done before....Thanks to Melissa and her summer of 10K's example, I signed up to do my first 10K. I felt like I needed the motivation to get moving on exercise again and the best way for me is to have a set goal in mind. I do love to run and so I was so excited to get started but I totally lack motivation at times so thanks to my friend Chelle and her motivation, I did it! Chelle doesn't even look winded in the pic - thanks again Chelle! You're the best running partner!

It was so much fun and I am planning on doing many, many more this next spring, summer and fall. 10K's are great for me because like I said, I love to run but I don't love to run long distances - there won't be any marathon's in my future :) (at least I don't think so right now)

Anyway, thanks again you two!

Our first WF trip

The first of many...

*Me & Austin with the horses*

*Me & Jax - the pigs are HUGE*

*Spence & Rio with the goats - daddy's fav*

I love this place - especially in the fall when it is cooler and the leaves are falling. I have been there a number of times with my "other 3 kids-BNC" (as I like to call them) over the years and will continue to go there often I'm sure with these guys.

Anyway, we had such a beautiful October and the weather was SO nice most days that we took advantage of it one day and went with daddy too. What a great day! I know and understand that they are too young still to enjoy it really but I figure it is at least a change of scenery and fun things to look at even if they don't enjoy the full fun of it yet. This was just one fun outing we did this last month so I'll keep posting the pics and info.

They are all doing so great and are just getting so big! They LOVE to stand up and walk along the couch - I can't believe it! In a few months, they are going to be MOBILE!!! Yikes! (but I can't wait)

Spread too thin!!!

We have done some really fun things this October with the babies and can't believe they are coming up on 10 months! They are doing great and I'll share in the next post or two about their fun October but I just wanted to share a little today since I need to get it out and hopefully support other moms out there :)

Today was one of those days that I know every parent feels at some point and on multiple occasions but I feel spread so thin lately mostly because developmentally they are moving along and want to do more "gross motor stuff." The babies all want to stand up now and walk along the couch and so obviously they need a little help doing that although Austin can pull himself up as of this week. Anyway, Spence calls them little venus fly traps because the second we walk by they pull us in with their cute, eager faces and outstretched arms and they pull up on our legs trying to stand. During the day when I'm usually on my own, it is even harder since I know what they want to do and I can't help all 3 of them and I feel like they are getting neglected, especially Rio because she is SO patient! I know every parent feels this way, this isn't a triplet mom thing so I just had to share.

Don't worry parents - your kids are okay and they know they're loved by you :) (we hope right?)
*Summer

FINALLY - 6/9mo. check-up

Yes, we got behind on their WCC, we had insurance issues as well as scheduling issues with our doc since he is so fabulous! Needless to say, we finally got in to him though and got both their 6 and 9 month check-ups done.

They did so great considering they got a heel prick and four shots including the first flu shot of the season. That afternoon, they just crashed and were so tired and then came the worst night we've had so far: they all had fevers and Rio threw up (keep in mind that Austin is also having 5 new teeth come in too at once - poor kid). Someone was up from 12pm to 6am! They traded off every 20 min or so just crying and so sad. IT WAS HORRIBLE! I felt so sad for them - I ended up crying with them too! Only one was upset at a time until about 5am and then both boys were awake and so sad. So between Spence and I we tried to console and just keep them from waking up Rio until 7am - it almost worked :) O-well! It's over and done with - we don't' have to go back for 3 more months! Plus, if it is only one night every once in awhile, I'm good with that - they are the best sleepers every other night so I won't complain too much :)

They are officially 9 months old now and their adjusted age is 7 and a half months. Here is their info and percentiles (for their regular age, not adjusted - I have to add that because I'm quite impressed with their growth - woo-hoo!) too and I'll add a "happy eating" pic just for fun since they are so dang cute!

AUSTIN:

Height: 29.4" (90%)

Weight: 19.12 (40%)

JAX:

Height: 28.2" (50%)

Weight: 16.15 (5%)

RIO: (she's finally decided that she can hold her bottle- what a sweet little girl - she usually holds the bottle with one hand and a foot with the other)

Height: 28.1" (75%)

Weight: 17.5 (25%)

*They're all doing great! Austin is almost crawling - he wants to stand all day and walk around the furniture. Jax and Rio join him but aren't quite as sturdy as he is yet. They are so much fun and we can't wait for them to be mobile. That might sound crazy but they have so much energy (as anyone who holds them knows well) and are so bored sitting down and rolling so we are excited that they will be able to use some of that energy to move around more. What a great blessing to have them so strong and healthy! We just hope that lasts through the yucky winter season that is fast approaching. Wish us luck!

We've started....

Wow - I can't believe how quickly things change. The babies are already 8 and a half months old (adjusted age is 6 and a half) and in the last month or two things are quickly changes.

They've started....

EATING SOLIDS:

After we got back from our Tahoe trip, we started solids with the babies and they LOVE them! Jax especially. He is the best little eater and Austin and Rio are doing well too. It took Rio a little longer to get the hang of it though - she kept trying to either chew it or just couldn't keep it in her mouth. She's so cute! But now, we've finally got it and they are loving it. We feed them about 5 times/day still with a bottle first thing in the morning at 7am and then solid food "breakfast" around 10am, either solids or a bottle in the early afternoon around 1:30 or 2pm and then "dinner" around 5pm and then a bottle before bed at 8pm. They are getting ready for 3 solid meals and two bottles soon - probably in the next few weeks.

FEEDING THEMSELVES:

Well, some of them anyway. It's funny how different they all are. Rio and Jax mostly want nothing to do with holding their bottles and other times, they will attempt to - it's hit and miss with them. But Austin is a pro!

SITTING UP:

Rio and Austin both sat up on their own within a few days of eachother about a month ago and they love it. It is like a whole new world for them sitting up - they can see so many other things and it is great for them. They even stand up when placed against the couch - they actually prefer that but it freaks me out so I have to sit right by them. They'll straighten out their legs when I try to sit them down so they can stand. Jaxon sits up now too - started to more this last week but he totally prefers to lay down still - maybe his bum is too round :)

No one is crawling yet. They flip over onto their backs the second I lay them on their tummies - sillies! :) We'll get there - no rush!

And last but not least... they've all started

TEETHING:

If anyone has any good ideas of how to get a tooth picture in your moving child's mouth with a tongue that covers their tooth the minute you try and look, let me know because I seriously can't get one. Plus, on our camera - I don't think it knows what to focus on and so they all turn out completely blurry. Any ideas, let me know. But Austin was the first to get his tooth about 3 weeks ago and then Rio followed 3 days after that and a second one popped through for her 2 days after that and that same day, Jax's first tooth popped through. No one was really fussy at all - sometimes I can tell they are bothering them so a little baby Anbesol and it seems to go away. My friend Natalie was telling me that if adults had to teeth, we'd all be on pain pills! Poor little things - kids are so resilient aren't they? Amazing, sweet kids.

It's here again! FOOTBALL SEASON!

YEAH! It's one of our favorite times of the year! Football season has officially begun. Spence is coaching again but this year, he's at a different high school. My parents are so great and seriously have gone to just about every game with me over the last 5 years and this year is no different. Thanks mom and dad - I wouldn't be able to go to the games without you!
I was a little hesitant to take the babies because that would get us off our schedule at night but once a week isn't bad so I figured it would be okay for them.

Let's just say, some do better than others. Rio and Austin were in complete heaven and loved every minute of it! They were so cute - Rio wanted to smile at everyone and just constantly jumps up and down the whole time. Our sweet little Jax wasn't as big of a fan let's say. He pretty much cried the whole time - the noise, the sounds, the colors, lights and tons of people were just too much for him - poor thing. He did not like it at all. I figured the first game was just a trial run and it would get better for him but after last night, I don't think Jax will be attending games for awhile. We'll try again in a few weeks or so. I think he just gets so overstimulated by it all and it is too much! It just isn't fair to him to bring him - it's too sad so I won't do it again. He'll get there but for now, we'll wait. It's so funny how kids just come a certain way - the other two loved it and he just didn't - not yet anyway. Sweet little boy - he is so cute and tried to hold it together :) Love you Jax!

Anyway, we did manage to get a pic or two of them before the game when Jax was okay and they are so cute! Enjoy the football season everyone! We definitely will :)

24th of July Fun!

I have the greatest family ever! We are so lucky to have such great people in our family! I know this is late but I wanted to share these so cute pics of my family. I have the greatest nieces and nephews and the best cousins and their family along with my aunts and uncles. I'm so grateful for all of them.

One of our traditions is that we go up in the canyon every 24th of July and have a yummy breakfast. I love traditions and this is definitely a favorite of mine. My sweet uncle goes up early every year to save our "special family spot" - we have gone to the same spot every year since my dad was little. It's so fun! Anyway, we had a great time and I absolutely love seeing my family. My sister's kids are so great and I just love them so much! They are so fun and so helpful. One of her daughter's and one of my cousin's daughters look SO MUCH ALIKE. You'll see the pic of them together. They look a lot alike and they act so much alike too - it's so cute. The babies had a great time too and did pretty well considering they were so tired and missed their AM nap.

Thanks to all my family for another great day and fun 24th! We love you!