Dresses, Frog Jumps, and Mommy to Time-Out

Easter Weekend was great fun! The kids really got into hunting Easter Eggs! We weren't sure how they would react---one thing I've learned about kids is that you can't predict them. They really enjoyed hunting eggs in the backyard, but the real excitement began when our neighbor's daughter and friend covered our front yard with eggs. The kids were in heaven! It was too cute!

Avery has decided that she IS a girl and that she must wear dresses. Not only dresses, but apparently ONLY two of her favorites. I tried to get her to put on other dresses that I bought for her, but she just cried and cried. So, I took her to her closet and asked her what she wanted to wear. No surprise that it was the same dress she had worn two days prior. Toddlers...

While walking through the aisles at Wal-Mart, Avery discovered a Barbie Doll. I asked her if she liked it, to which she replied, "Mommy, I want to hold." So, I let her hold it. OK...I figured....John and I would have to get her a Barbie Doll for Easter. Now, what you may not know is that I despise Barbie Dolls. I never liked them as a kid...I never played with them...nor did I play with them at friends' houses. I think they are stupid. But like a good mom should, I put aside my personal feelings toward Barbie and we got her one anyway. As of last night, she hadn't touched it. Ha!

One day recently Aaron just started hopping around like a frog! And he's good at it! John and I had no idea where he had gotten this from, so we asked Taylor. She didn't know either. I'm thinking it was from Barney or Sesame Street----regardless, he looks so dang cute doing it! I wouldn't realize that he is very coordinated in doing his frog moves, except for the fact that Adam tries, but not with the same final result.

Aaron has become a sports nut. He loves anything that has to do with bowling, golf, tennis, basketball, soccer, football...the list goes on and on. We got him a soccer goal and ball for Easter. Again...this killed us. We are football people and I don't know the first thing about soccer! But, he loves it! He will kick the ball into the net and yell "Gold!!" (Instead of "Goal!") Also, when we are out in the car, he searches for basketball goals and yells "Basketball!" every time he sees one. I didn't realize there were so many people with basketball goals outside of their houses.

Adam is quite the opinionated little character. I don't have the slightest idea where he gets it from! (Me----definitely me!) He will argue about anything. He and I got into a heated discussion over the difference between a T-Rex and a Velociraptor about 2 weeks ago. He had a little velociraptor that he was playing with. When I asked him what it was he told me a t-rex. Being the teacher that I am, I pointed out that the dinosaur's front two legs were too long to be a t-rex. He argued, "No Mom. Not a raptor, a t-rex." To which I replied, "No, it is a velociraptor." And so it goes. Finally, I dropped it and changed the subject. Later that same day John asked Adam what the dinosaur was. He told John "It's a velociraptor." Adam will argue with me if I say the sky is blue. John says that I'm getting exactly what I deserve because I'm always so willing to disagree with whatever John says. HHmmm.....

Adam also likes to TRY to put me in time out if I don't do exactly what he wants. "Mommy, you took Adam's plate. I put in dishwasher, not you. Mommy to time-out." Sure, son...whatever you say! I would LOVE to go to timeout! If I sit for one minute per year of my age, that means that I get to sit for 39 minutes without doing anything! I'm in!!!

Life is so amazing right now and words cannot begin to express what a fun and exciting time this is in our lives. The kids are so fun, so silly, and so sweet. I could cry out of gratitude every day! Sometimes, the sweetest part of the day is bedtime. We tuck the kids in bed, give kisses, and say our "Goodnights." Adam, in his sweet little Adam voice will say, "I love you, Mommy." And my heart melts. Thank God I get to know what being a mommy feels like.

Aaron checking out his loot....

Adam and his egg-dyed shirt!

Avery getting her hair curled for the day!

I know....it's been too long!

There are so many days that the kids do something hilarious, and I think "I've got to write this down." And then....well....life happens and now it's been over a month since I posted again.

We are now in the complete throws of potty training. Thanks to TT's knowledge of potty training, however, it has been a rather easy process. We tried potty training with Pull-Ups on, but the kids weren't getting the hang of it, so we moved to underwear/panties. It's been very good ever since! TT would set a timer for every 15-20 minutes during the day and they would all go when they heard the timer go off. We've been trying to wean them off the timer and just have them pay attention to their body clues. Well, Aaron's got it down. He can tell you when he needs to pee-pee or poop. He is the leader and when he needs to go, everyone needs to go. Avery and Adam also pee-pee in the potty, but aren't as sure about the poop aspect. In fact, on a few days Adam has asked me to put a diaper back on him, and then he would go! It is quite a sight to see the three of them on their frog potties all at once! Ha!


Adam is now speaking in sentences---and he just has SO much to say! That kid talks from the moment he gets up to the moment he is asleep. Last week I told him "No" to a question he asked. He responded by saying "No, Mommy. (Wagging his finger at me.) Mommy no tell Adman no! Mommy to time out!" Do you think he's heard that before?? Two nights this week Adam read to Avery, Aaron, and I before bedtime. He has several books memorized and he can recite most of the words, and according to the page. His best "reading" is The Very Hungry Caterpillar. He will even name that huge list of foods the caterpillar ate before getting "a stomach ache." It amazes me!


Aaron has the most amazing memory! When TT or I play the Memory matching game with them individually (we usually use about 12 cards), Aaron dominates. He can remember where things are and can easily find matches. Aaron likes to count, name things, and is still an amazing helper. We all think he is so dang funny! He makes faces, cuts his eyes, laughs at his own farting...typical boy behavior! Aaron is also very determined. One day he shot a nerf basketball at the goal hanging on the door until he made it several times. He will also bowl for 30 straight minutes. He will set up pins and bowl...set up pins and bowl....over and over. Sometimes he and Adam will take turns setting up pins and bowling. Aaron doesn't leave his bed without his infamous monkey!


Avery is a mess! That child can be SO sweet and SO naughty! Avery is very headstrong and I'm certain she does things just to frustrate us. She is all about the playing. She wants to run when you try to give her medicine, hide in the closet when it's time to potty, kick her feet when you try to dress her---and she is laughing the whole time! Reminds me of John--just can't be serious! She is very much a girl---as can be seen when she puts on her play high heels, sunglasses, and grabs her purse. Avery absolutely loves "The Polar Express!" She always pretends that she has lost her ticket, or she wants me to punch it for her. She also loves Nickelodeon's Fresh Beat Band! She will sing and dance to the music. It's so cute! I'm convinced Avery will be left handed. She eats left handed, colors left handed, and even plays her guitar left handed. She will strum that guitar and sing "Twinkle, Twinkle." She can also sing the ABCs, Rock-a-Bye Baby...and much more!


They are very busy and some days are insane. Not bad...just non-stop. We are all completely exhausted by the time they go to bed each night. And I mean COMPLETELY exhausted! But, of course, it is all worth it!


Here are some recent pics.

Going to the Rodeo: Adam, Avery, and Aaron

Avery in her heels, glasses, and purse!

Valentine's Pics with Puppies. Aaron, Avery, Adam

Standing with their snowmen! Aaron, Adam, Avery



Ready to play in the snow!

Cracking us up!

Adam, Avery, and Aaron in their Camo!

Aaron

Adam

They look so identical in this picture!

Aaron and Adam

The kids are so dang funny!

Last week we were putting them to bed. Here was the conversation between Taylor and Avery:

TT: I love you.

Avery: I LOVE you

TT: I love you more

Avery: I lOVE YOU!

TT: I love you most!

Avery: Merry Christmas!!

I thought John, TT, and I were going to fall over from laughing so hard! Avery couldn't think of anything that was bigger!

Adam has officially reached the "No!" stage. And I mean, NO, about everything! He is very stubborn about what he wants to do, and always has been. Even when he was too small to feed himself well, he would get mad if you tried to feed him. Sometimes he would just sit in his high chair and cry out of frustration. It was so funny the other night when John and I were talking about what to do. John said, "Jill, he's alot like me. What would you to do control my behavior?" Are you kidding me? I've been married to John for 15 years and he still won't mind me! Ha!!

Aaron has been so helpful lately! He can (unfortunately) unlock and open the front door for me when I need to take out diry diapers. When I get home from work I always go change clothes first. (Trying to help avoid passing along 5th grade germs.) Aaron says "Let me get the door, Mommy," and he opens our bedroom door for me. He is great at helping up clean up at night too!

The kids are really doing well. They are just changing so quickly...it's starting to freak me out a little. Sometimes I put on a TV show or movie just so they will sit still in my lap. They are climbing all over things at the park, playing for up to an hour with each other only (and ignoring us!), helping put up the dishes out of the dishwasher, working on potty training, saying their "ABCs" and all counting to 20. They love books! Their current favorites are "Brown Bear, Brown Bear," it's cousin "Polar Bear, Polar Bear," "The Very Quiet Cricket," and "How do Dinosaurs say Goodnight?" Of course they say all the words with me! They will even sit and "read" Polar Bear, Polar Bear to each other. (It's a board book).

My favorite recent quotes:

Aaron: "Mommy, you are so silly!"

Avery: "Shoo-wee! Avery poopy stinky!"

Adam: "Mommy, no!" --while pointing his finger at me...just like I do him!

Me: Aaron, did you know your name is Aaron Edward?

Aaron: No, mommy.

Me: Yes it is! You are Aaron Edward.

---Now to understand this story you have to know that the kids love Thomas the Train. One of the train's name is Edward. Others are James, Gordon, Percy...---

Aaron: Aaron Edward

Me: That's right son! What do you think Mommy's middle name is?

Aaron: Mommy Gordon!

And he has stuck to that ever since....

They dance and sing to Fresh Beat Band, still love country music videos, and will watch "The Chipmunk Movie" as many times as you will play it.

We are so lucky, and so blessed. On Feb. 6th it will be 3 years ago that we learned we were having triplets! God is Amazing!

Christmas, New Year's, and Our First Movie....

It has been an exciting week!

Our families were all here for Christmas Eve, and the kids enjoyed getting to open their presents. Although we just knew the kids would tear into their presents Christmas morning, we found that they were still overwhelmed by the process! They played with their "Santa" presents, but were reluctant to open other gifts. Leave it up to Aaron--he gladly opened everyone's presents, and the other two were more than willing to let him do so!

The absolute best part of the day was when John and I took them outside to play in what was left of the snow. The kids were not really sure what to do with the snow, when John made a snowball and pelted me with it! They all started laughing and saying "Hit Mommy with snow!" All four of them were running over the yard trying to find enough snow to make a snowball to throw at Mommy. We went over to our neighbors yard to find more snow. They have a pretty steep little slope in their front yard, so Aaron and I barrel rolled down it! We both laughed and laughed! (Of course Adam didn't want to do this...neither did Avery!) It was just so fun being a family and playing outside together....it will forever be one of my sweetest memories.

Brandy and I took the kids to the movie theater today for their first official movie! We watched the Chimpmunks, and the kids loved it! There was about 15 mintues during the middle of the movie where it was just human actors, and the kids got bored with that. But as soon as the chipmunks (and chipettes) came back on, they began clapping and dancing in their seats! They also ate a TON of popcorn!

Tonight John is gone on an annual hunting trip with some friends, so the kids and I celebrated New Year's. Actually, Julie brought over some fake champagne glasses, and the kids said "Cheers!" and toasted! It was so funny! It was bed time as usual for them. As for me...it is quiet in the house and I may just turn in early myself.

Happy New Year's!!

Pictures with Santa!

Look how our little ones have changed!

Christmas 2007

Christmas 2008

Christmas 2009

Adam


Aaron

Laughing, Playing, and Learning Every Day!

Seems like it should be our new motto!

I must be honest, I'm having a hard time posting! (Duh, huh?) Well, it's because Blogspot is SO slow in uploading pictures! I love to post pictures, and it just takes an act of Congress! I've ended up just posting all of their pictures on Facebook--which I like--but then I don't write about what's been going on with the kids. On more than one occasion, I've considered stopping the blog. But, then I go back and re-read it, and realize I need to keep it going. I may just eventually transfer everything to a journal to keep for us, but until then, here is another post!

The kids are changing, changing, changing. Every day there are new vocabulary words, new sayings, new games to play. It is exciting, but sad at the same time. They officially AREN'T babies anymore!

They are very fired up about Christmas, and they don't even get the concept of presents yet! They love the tree (which has been pulled over twice), Santa Claus, and Reindeer. We've been watching lots of Christmas specials, looking at Christmas lights, and listening to Christmas music when we are in the car. They LOVE Trans Siberian Orchestra. "Again! Again!" They yell when the song is over! Here are some pictures of them in their Christmas PJs.

Taylor and I love "The Polar Express" book and movie. The kids have watched the movie a couple of times, and seeing how much they love trains, are completely fascinated! Sunday, John, Taylor and I are taking the kids to Grapevine to ride the Polar Express! Of course they are wearing PJs, and will drink hot chocolate! I can't wait to see their faces!

Aaron:

N-A-U-G-H-T-Y! Ha! Aaron is actually very funny and very sweet. But, if there is something to get into, Aaron is going to do it! He is the first one to pull the Christmas tree down. (Now, to appreciate this story, you must understand that Aaron refers to himself in the third person. "Aaron cold", "Aaron hungry..") The kids were around the tree when it came down with a crash! Oranaments broke....I was in the kitchen and he came running to the gate. "Mommy, tree broke!" he said! Upon a small interrogation later Aaron admitted.."Aaron broke tree." Really--I never would have guessed!

Aaron does NOT like the Abominable Snowman on Rudolph! We've had to tell him over and over that that snowman is a silly monster that just likes to play. He says "Aaron pank pank monster." (Translation: spank, spank--or in other words, I'm going to kick that monster's butt if I ever see him!)

Aaron dances like there is no tomorrow, runs around the room chasing his brother and sister, and can actually hit a ball with a bat when you toss it to him--not every time, but he can do it! He and Adam love to set up bowling pins and take turns bowling in the entry way. He is especially fond of his stuffed monkey, and has blamed the monkey for his own shortcomings.

Aaron still likes to snuggle the most and is the most sensitive. His appetite is huge and he LOVES my gravy! Good boy!! He is very social, but every so often, he will sneak off to a quiet part of their play area just to look at a book. Aaron cracks me up when you ask him where something is. For example: "Aaron, where is your milk cup." He will turn and point "Right there." (like I'm an idiot for asking!) He says "Right there" all the time!

Adam:

Adam can easily count to 15 and then will skip to "20!" The child loves numbers! He spots them in the checkout lines at Walmart, on TV, and anywhere else he can. He can identify all numbers 0-9, and two digit numbers he will just say "2-3" for 23. He too dances like crazy and has taken a serious interest, along with his brother, in drums and the guitar. In fact, TT already gave them their Christmas presents---a drum set and real guitar (along with microphones). The boys play with them all the time.

Adam is very headstrong. While he is the most obedient of the three, if he doesn't want to do something, he will tell you....emphatically. He has really been expressing his independence and tells us "No" very often. Of course it usually lands him in time-out, but he still wants us to know his opinion. He has the most shrill scream when he is mad. We are really working with all of them to use their words! Speaking of words, Adam definitely has the most. That kid never stops talking! Of course we love it---he will even talk to himself in bed right up to the moment he falls asleep.

About a week ago Avery and Aaron had already fallen asleep at night. I was in the living room enjoying some quiet time (John was hunting) when Adam starts calling "Mom! Momma! Momma! Mom!" So, I walk back to their room and take out his pacifier. "What do you need, Son?" I asked. He replied, "Mom, what are you doing?" It was so funny and so cute...I just hugged him and laughed. I told him that I was reading a book and that he needed to go to sleep. "OK" he said...and that was it.

He is a great fan of football, bowling, tennis, golf--real life and on Wii. He always tries to ride Cletus--which is not appreciated by Cletus!

Avery:

Oh goodness...Avery cracks me up. One minute she is all girl and the next she is tackling her brothers. Avery's favorite thing right now is dinosaurs. All three love dinosaurs, and can name 5 of them in pictures. But Avery has a special love for them. Her dinosaur books are her favorite! Friday I had to take her to the dr for a little infection. She was sitting in a chair by me in the waiting room. I had given her a pen and some paper to draw on--which, we truly believe she is going to be left-handed. Anyway, she drew a line down the middle of the paper and some squiggles/circles about 2/3 of the way down the page. The dr came in and said, "Hi Avery. What are you drawing." Avery replies, "Brachiosaurus." You should have seen the look on the dr's face!

She is a daddy's girl, but wants to snuggle with mom. She likes to stand behind me when I'm sitting on the couch and fix my hair. She has recently really started taking care of her baby doll. TT got her a play pen for Christmas, and most days Avery will put her baby in, cover her up, give her kisses, and put her pacifier in her mouth. She likes to mother the boys as well. Let's be honest...she likes to tell them what to do.

I am truly amazed at how different girls are from boys. Drama already....She is so much like me, though! All she can think about is "Breakfast" and "Night night." She is usually asleep within 5 minutes of laying down at night. Just like me--if I'm horizontal, then I'm out! She loves to draw on their Magna Doodle, she likes to clean, and she can do back flips off the couch (While laying on her back).

I know that I'm going on and on...but there is just so much they can do! So many things have gotten easier. I can actually let them in the kitchen with me for a while. They will help me unload the dishwasher, and they like helping me with laundry. They go easily to the car to load-up and can even climb in their carseats. They help pick up toys each night and will take their drink cups back to the kitchen.

They love sidewalk chalk, looking at the moon, making arts/crafts with TT, playing with each other, and going for rides in the car. Taylor is absolutely amazing with them, and we have been so blessed to have her. She is loving and patient--to them and to John and I!

Our lives have changed so much in the last 2 1/2 years....and I wouldn't change a thing!

Life in the Home of Three Toddlers...

I know, the post sounds terrifying, but really it isn't! Did you know that the average toddler has a melt-down about every 20 minutes? Thank God our kids aren't "average!"


The kids are talking so much...we are constantly amazed at how many new words they are using each week. All three are talking, but Adam is still the most verbal. He just likes to talk! You will hear him in bed at night talking to his stuffed animals about helicopters, airplanes, and Elmo. And singing...man, do these kids like to sing! Their current favorite is "Joey" by Sugarland. We finally just bought the whole concert on DVD so that the kids could watch it over and over again. It almost brings tears to my eyes every time to hear their sweet little voices as they sing that song. They can also sing the theme songs to Blues Clues and Elmo. They love Twinkle, Twinkle, 5 Little Monkeys, Itsy Bitsy Spider...any kind of song. They also love musical instruments. Adam is very fascinated by guitars.


In the past few weeks, we have noticed that the boys are starting to act like boys. By that I mean they prefer to play with balls, wrestle, throw things, etc. Avery will be cooking in her kitchen and the boys will have their bowling set up and will be taking turns bowling....to which they will yell "Strike!" or "Spare!" Yesterday afternoon we were playing outside. Avery was sitting on the driveway coloring with chalk and Aaron and Adam were seeing how far they could throw berries down the driveway. Also, Avery has become very "girlie." She has this little girl giggle that cracks me up! She throws like a girl (poor thing), and she prefers to clean, cook, draw, or climb. We have never encouraged the kids to play with "girl" or "boy" things (in fact, we didn't even laugh when Aaron put on my shoes, grabbed a purse and bracelet, and went to the front door "Bye!", he said)---all toys are equal. So, it's been interesting to see how this has developed naturally.

The transition to toddler beds has been interesting. Aaron still has a hard time going to sleep at night. Avery is asleep within 10 minutes, Adam about 20, and sometimes Aaron is awake an hour after they go to bed! Last night he kept getting out of bed. He would go into the kitchen, come into the living room, anything to keep from going to sleep. John and I were taking turns checking on them, when John came back into the living room and said, "Come here--you have to see this. Aaron is sitting in the bathroom reading a magazine." So, we turned the corner, and sure enough, he was sitting on a small stool reading a magazine. "What are you doing, Aaron?" John asked. "Monkey potty," he replied. Sure enough, Aaron had sat his stuffed monkey on the little potty and Aaron was sitting by him on the stool. John and I tried not to, but we just busted out laughing! It was hilarious!

Enjoy some new pics!

There is a picture just like this taken in October of last year--go back and check it out!




Adam at Fossil Rim Wildlife Park:

Aaron looking at himself in the mirror at Fossil Rim: