Our Three Blessings

We have successfully transitioned to a new bedtime routine. We used to line them all up in their rocking chairs and read/sing to them till they fell asleep. Once they were asleep it was easy to just take them up to bed and it was very manageable for one person. Then they got wiggly... We still do story time but don't attempt to keep them still. We sit on the floor and read stories while they climb on us, play with the huge stack of books, and snuggle with their blankets. When they are at the right level of sleepy we take them up one at a time, say a few prayers, and tuck them into bed. The whole process of pajamas, story time, and getting them all tucked in takes about an hour. I really like our new routine. It gives us a chance to give them all a little more one on one attention at night.

Tonight I mixed the last pitcher of formula. We received the ok at the one year check up to start whole milk. I've been slowly changing the ratio of formula to milk since then. Tomorrow will be their last little bit of formula then it's straight whole milk. They have all been doing great with the milk. It seems like they actually prefer the milk to the formula. Logan is spitting up less with the milk and we are all happy. They are also doing great with their sippy cups. We are down to 2 bottles a day. First thing in the morning and a snack at 4pm. I think it's going to be harder for us to drop the morning bottle than it will be for them. It's just so convenient to lay them down in the morning with a bottle and get their diapers changed without them trying to get away. Ethan Leah Logan

Leah is working on a few molars and was having a hard time relaxing for her nap. Daddy laid down with her which worked well, a little too well, they both fell asleep. I couldn't help but find a camera.

Black beans and butternut squash can be messy, but it makes for fun hair.

I saved the outfits the babies wore home from the hospital (a year ago today). For fun I matched up their newborn pajamas, which were too big, to their current pajamas (size 18 months) along with the preemie diapers and their current size 3 (boys) and size 4 (Leah) diapers. I remember when they were still in their newborn size pajamas seeing a 9 month size hanging in the closet. I couldn't imagine my little babies fitting into them and now they are way too small. Ethan Leah Logan

We took the babies for their 1 yr checkup today. They weren't too happy with the shots or the stethoscope or having their ears looked at, but they are all looking great and healthy. Current stats: Ethan Weight: 25lb 4 oz, 50% Height: 30", 75% to 90% Head:19.5", above 97% Teeth: 8 Leah Weight:25lb 15oz, 95-97% Height: 31", 97% Head: 18.5, 90% Teeth: 9 Logan Weight: 25 lb 6oz, 50% Height: 30", 75 -90% Head: 18.5, 75% Teeth: 6

Just before the babies first nap today Logan took his first steps. Ethan and Leah were already down. So Eric and I sat on the floor and had Logan walk between us. Logan took three steps to me the first time we tried. He got tired after going between us a few times and would just fall forward when we stood him up. He really likes the falling game so the walking was over at that point. Yaa Logan!!

We had a house full of family and a few friends yesterday to celebrate the babies first birthday. The morning nap didn't go as smoothly as we would have hoped, but the party was great. The babies still get a bit overwhelmed by a lot of people, but once they warmed up to the crowd they had no problems. After singing and blowing out the candles we put the babies into their high chairs and gave them each their own little cake. (Thanks Holly for making the cakes). Leah doesn't like to dig into food so I wasn't surprised that she didn't get too messy with the cake. I thought the boys would dig in and was surprised that Logan was the only one who really got into the cake. Ethan Leah Logan Yummy cakes Ethan before Ethan after Leah before Leah after Logan before Logan after posing for the paparazzi yummy cake Birthday cards are fun

I can't believe it was one year ago today we met our wonderful babies. Happy 1st Birthday

The babies are starting to pick up on things so fast. I've started teaching them a few signs like milk, more, drink, and all done. Instead of using the actual all done sign I just have them put their hands up in the air. Ethan has caught onto all done. When you say "all done" he puts his hands up and gets a huge grin on his face. I'm not sure if he actually associates it with being finished, but it's really cute.

I was surprised to walk onto a Birthday party for me at my parents house on Sunday. I guess that's why they call it a surprise party. It was a lot of fun and some how Eric even managed to have me set it up. He decided that the date I owed him from Ethan walking was going to be on my birthday. So I set it up for my parents to watch the kids. My mom asked to watch them at their house, so we were going to drop them off and then head to the movies and shopping. As we pulled down my parent's street I saw a car that looked like Eric's Mom's and I didn't think anything of it. I think I was already focused on the popcorn. The party was great we had lasagna and chocolate cake. I received a lot of nice gifts...I guess getting older really isn't that bad. Thanks for a great party!!! I didn't have a camera since I didn't know I was going to a party, so no pictures. Edit: Here is a picture my mom sent me from the party. Look at all those candles.

10 lbs... My goal was to loose the 72 lbs I gained with the babies by their first birthday. I have one week left and I don't think I'm going to make it. I'm still up 10 pounds from where I started. So if anyone is interested I have 10 lbs I'm willing to part with.

La-la- lala , la-la- lala it's Elmo's Birthday. I'm not quite sure what it is about Elmo, but the babies love the furry little guy. They will be playing and as soon as they hear Elmo will stop and stair at the TV. I love my little TV junkies.

Poor Missy is having a rough time with all the walk and doggy talk. We have always called her puppy and Missy. To her a doggy is another dog that is outside. So she gets all excited when we talk to the babies about the doggy (her). It’s even worse when we talk to them about walking. Missy loves to go for walks and with the cold weather and 3 babies we aren’t able to take her out as often. She definitely misses her daily walks around the block. She’s gained a bit of weight, but that might be due to helping clean up after the babies eat. She loves Cheerios and Graham crackers.