Trains, space rockets and all sorts

Our blog posts are getting further and further apart. That isn't because there is nothing to say but more because we are so busy! Since I last posted we've had the summer, which was mostly very hot. We visited both grandmas and saw lots of cousins,  mummy and daddy got our second ever night off. We are now gearing up to an autumn of changes. 

I was lucky enough to get funding for my MA in Sociological Research so I'm starting that this week. Our nanny, Izzy, is going to work 4 1/2 days a week to cover my working and studying (and Matt working too of course). Next April the kids will start nursery 2 days a week once our free hours come in. I'm sure they will love it. 

The kids are shifting from toddlers to little children. Their vocabulary is expanding day by day. They are slightly more aware of danger and are a bit better at stopping when we tell them to. That's a great relief! It's still tricky to get out and about, particularly alone but we're getting there. 

So here's where they all are. 

Charlie

Charlie is still the world happiest boy. He loves being tickled, trains, singing and drawing. He is talking so much more than he was and we are granted glimpses inside his mind. It's powered by an extreme enthusiasm for life. He gets excited by so many things - bubbles, birds, bridges - to name a few recent things. 

Recently he has taken to singing full songs, including any actions. His version of incey wincey spider has to be seen to be believed. I'm not sure one word is the traditional one but you know exactly what he is saying. 

Lex

Lex is also talking loads now. He came over to me earlier snuggled in for a second then announced 'nice hug' and ran off. He is obsessed with rockets and is often heard counting down from ten to one then shouting 'space rocket to the moon!'

We have started reward charts to try to encourage the kids to eat less flamboyantly (i.e. stop throwing stuff!) and Lex is far ahead of the other two. He can carefully scrape out a yoghurt pot without spilling a drop. 

He loves making little jokes and often comes over to me asking for calpol with a little twinkle in his eye. He knows I'll say no but he likes me laughing at his cheek. 

He is obsessed with our friend Chris (who Beth calls Uncle Crispy) and even has a song about him.  

Both boys are learning to walk in a direction we choose, making it much easier for us to let them all out of the buggy. They love this. They do still fight each other, shouting a weird ninja 'argjjkk!' as they wrestle. I'm sure that's not going to change any time soon - if ever! 

Beth

Beth is, as always, a mixture of gorgeous and er.... spirited. When we started the reward charts everyone thought she'd take to it easily but instead she's struggling most. She has this little monkey on her shoulder constantly urging her to chuck her spoon or pour yoghurt on the table and she finds it hard to resist! 

Her vocabulary is amazing. We're in full sentences now. In the morning when I go into their room she might say 'hello mummy, have you been sleeping?' Another example is below...

I asked her what her favourite things are and she said 'trains, walking, carries (being carried) and all sorts.' I'd also add planes, helicopters, people, animals and sweet things. 

The three of them play together more often. They often wrestle just before bed time, all 3 giggling. Charlie keeps tickling Beth's feet and, at the table, feeds her his food. They are practising holding hands and walking together, which may be the cutest thing ever. 

We have been trying to teach them hide and seek which they haven't entirely got. They love the game mind you! I close my eyes and count, listening to them scurrying away to hide. However when I open my eyes and shout 'coming! Ready or not!' All three are stood in front of me grinning. Matt says they just run back from their hiding place at the end! 

Many things are getting easier - bedtimes, going out and about, communication. Other things are harder - discipline and mealtimes come to mind! 

They are all such fun little people though, each in their own way. I love their individual personalities and their close bond. We're very lucky. 

Ball pits, trees and buggys

Somewhere, back in the mists of time, Matt and I used to have holidays that we returned from refreshed. This was before children! 

We are just back from 4 days in Sherwood Forest, Centreparcs and we are both knackered! Here at home we have a safe, fenced in home and a gated garden. We can let the kids run about and occasionally relax. When we go elsewhere they are free to do whatever they like - I read a book recently that described two year olds as being at a stage of 'maximum movement and minimum sense' this is very familiar. 

We did have a lovely time mind you - just not a restful one! It was lovely to spend time with Grandma Cunnington and her friend Frankie. The kids are smitten with both. 

Tuesday we went on a mini steam train. The response from the kids was mixed. Beth was quietly impressed, Charlie shouted (arms outstretched Titanic like) 'I did it! train!', and Lex had a complete spasm and could only be calmed by basically licking his mother. 

Afterwards, however we found a great play area and all 3 loved that! 

Wednesday we met Rupert Bear and went swimming. The pool was fantastic with a toddler pool and a larger pool. All 3 loved this but again Charlie threw himself into it - literally! 

Thursday we went to a toddler dance class. We thought it'd go well but it didn't really. They love music but it was more talking than music so they were more interested in going wherever we didn't want them to go. 

We did visit a good ball pit a couple of times (all outdoor toddler parks didn't seem to have gates!) which the kids loved although Charlie did manage to get past our door guard (Frankie) and run around a restaurant - apparently he scavved a chip off someone but did say 'thank you.'

Beth walked MILES. Grandma bought her a toy buggy and so everywhere we went she insisted on pushing her 'baby' doll in it. She would not be carried. 

Lex made sure he greeted everyone 'helloooo' was his frequent refrain. All 3 discovered a love for cake which I'm sure will last them a life time. 

We met lots of animals - rabbits, geese, ducks, squirrels and other birdies. Beth can now say 'squirrel' which is super cute. 

All in all we did lots and had great weather and company but are utterly shattered! That seems to be what holidays mean nowadays. Another upside though is that no- one went to hospital so yay! 

Hospitals, trains and patios

You may remember, if you are a long time reader of this blog, that we were advised that having triplets was a roller coaster. This week is, a little more that the usual week, been proving the point.

Over the weekend all the kids got snotty and we thought it might be hay fever. Luckily it was 'just' a virus but by 2am Sunday night we were off to A&E with both Charlie (wheezing) and Beth (panting). They both thought it was the most exciting thing ever. Beth was quickly released but Charlie was admitted - again! 

Cue lack of sleep for all of us. Charlie was basically fine and spent his time bouncing (literally) off the sides of the cot. Meanwhile the other two were home with Daddy and Granny. I had to work on the Tuesday because I couldn't afford to use annual leave. By Tuesday night we were both basically crawling but Game of Thrones got us through.

I have also been turned down for MA funding and a job in the last week so....boo!

Anyway this week we have also been watching football, which Lex claims to love, and mummy loves because she can sort the garden out. We received some free Brio trains and track which went down super well.  We've been playing loads in the garden (we removed a shed and discovered a patio) and also have played hats. There has been fun. 

We took the kids to the hospital for their 2 year check. All 3 have had their tests now. Lex's was reported in the last post (did well, voting UKIP). Beth did really well and Charlie did a lot more things than we thought he could! Thursday we saw a consultant at Jessops (where they were born) - she was happy with their progress, impressed that Beth pick pocketed her bleeper without her noticing, and they have all been discharged. So hurrah! 

Oh and Beth is becoming Jamiroquai.

Ready, Steady....

It took 3 days to get them to stay in the same place

It's been rather a while. Turns out having toddler triplets keeps you quite busy and, when you are not busy, tired! Probably best I just catch you up on where the small people are now rather than try to remember what had happened since March.

Charlie

Charlie or, as Beth calls him, Char Char is often found standing to the side of the sofa and shouting 'ready, steady, GO!' before running across the room. This doesn't take long (it's a very small room) so he's quickly back in place again.  Every now and then he deviates into 'Ready, steady, DADDY!' Not sure why but it's cute. 

Since March he has very much improved in staying upright and, as of today, is the first of the three to create their own 3 word sentence 'I sit down.'

He is still such a happy boy and has decided cuddles are, after all, pretty worthwhile so he comes and nuzzles you until you comply. 

He loves dancing, spinning and cuddles from Beth. His favourite (and only) joke is '3, 2, 1...trumpies!' which is our word for farts. He is obviously destined to be a comedian or a dancer...

Lex

Lex is the king of smiles and bulldozers. He has the most beautiful smile which he uses to good effect. He also has no idea that other people feel pain so he regularly just kinda runs through you, which is not so high on the fun scale! 

When the kids were born we agreed to be part of some research where they gave the kids iodine. It's supposed to help them with being so premature. Anyway now they are two the researchers are doing hour long tests with each kid. We've only done Lex so far. 

He is apparently very good verbally (he said 'bye! See you soon!' to the nurse and she was super impressed) and excellent numerically - both boys can count to ten forwards and backwards. 

The nurse did lots of tests with him - building towers and such. One test she got out a brown skinned doll and a spoon and said 'feed the baby?' Lex said 'Dirty!' in a matter of fact way but fed the baby. I said 'Oh my we didn't teach him that!' The nurse laughed. Presumably our teaching him muddy hands are dirty backfired there! Or he's going to vote UKIP. 

Lex is still keen on spoons but it's waned a little. These days I think he's most keen on playing with Beth, unfortunately this is at nap time where they practise screaming (yay!) and take each other toys to post down the back of the cot. It's lovely to see them bond but it would be nice if they slept. 

Beth

Beth is usually found playing with baby, her doll. She feeds her, changes her nappy, puts her to bed, checks she is ok 'you ok?' and throws her across the room. 

She is 70% less slappy than she was but occasionally gets a good one in when you aren't expecting it. She is an intriguing mix of lovely (kissing her brothers, kissing my poorly hand better) and tantrumy. 

Her vocab is scary. She knows many many words. A few weeks ago we were looking at a picture of a duck and I said 'what noise does a duck make?' 'splash splash.' She replies. Fair enough. 

She does loves animals...

Despite rarely eating a full meal that isn't breakfast she has discovered a taste for chocolate. I am asked quite a few times a day either 'choc choc?' or 'shoes?' She loves playing outside. 

One of the loveliest things is coming home from work because, as you get out of the car, all 3 climb on the sofa and grin and wave. I challenge anyone not to get an emotional lift from that greeting. 

So far the toddler years are exhausting and also very funny, I laugh often. I am also covered in many small bruises (thanks lex!). I am firmly of the belief that they are the most beautiful,clever, gorgeous creatures I ever had the good fortune to meet. Even at 3am! Honest. 

Second birthday

Yesterday was the kids birthday. I wrote an entire post last night but I've lost it! Never mind. I'll try again.

So this weekend we've taken the kids to the park, soft play centre and Heeley City Farm. The kids had a great time and we were exhausted! Luckily we had lots of help outdoors from both grandma's, Aunty Amanda, Aunty Chrissie and we were also visited by Aunties Andrea and Ted with their families, Uncle Gareth and David. It's been a busy weekend. Ooh and they got birthday wishes on cbeebies thanks to my mum sending in a card. 

The kids have lots of new presents, new clothes and, it looks like, another cold! We are blessed. 

It seems a good time to review their progress. 

Charlie

Charlie is now 22 pounds. He loves trains, cars, saying 'ready, steady, go!' and singing. He hasn't quite mastered walking in one direction as he gets distracted by..well....everything. He's a lot more affectionate than he used to be and is very often smiling. He is often found on the sofa checking that the view remains unaltered.

Lex

Lex is now 24 pounds. He loves counting, his cow, cars and singing. He almost walks in one direction now. His emotions are very close to the surface and he smiles and tantrums often. He is cuddley too and is rarely found not holding a spoon.

Beth

Beth is 19 pounds. She loves fuss, role playing (putting toys to bed, tea parties etc), jigsaws and doing whatever you tell her not to do. She gets quite frustrated (and hitty) at times but is also capable of really sweet affection. She is the only one who kisses and hugs others. A few days ago she kissed my sore hand (from washing them so much!) better spontaneously. She loves her cuddles too and is often found wherever there is fuss to be had. 

We went back to Jessops a few days ago for their two year old check up. We were hoping they would all be discharged but it was not to be. Both boys are growing and developing well so they are discharged. Beth is developing well but isn't putting weight on quick enough. So we have to take her back in four months. 

So their second year of life is over. In some ways it has got easier as we do get sleep more often, but not as much as we'd like. It's not as lonely as the first year as I get to leave the house alone if only to work. We're working on getting more adult only time - Matt's started going gaming again and I'm hoping to sort a regular night out too. 

Days are a mix of great joy, laughs, singing, telling off, separating fights and exhausted tv watching. We still see ourselves as extremely lucky, just knackered as well! Happy birthday my beautiful children. We love you more than all the monkeys in the world. 

Freedom and Wheezing

So this post was supposed to be a 'look at us acting like normal people' post and if I had written it last weekend it would have been. 

Last weekend Matt and I had a night off. My mum and sister Julie came to look after the kids - and furnished with a detailed written routine they let us free into the wild.

I know I'm supposed to say that I worried the whole time and kept checking my phone but I totally trusted them so I just relaxed. Besides Julie sent helpful 'they are all ok' updates that set my mind to rest. 

We stayed at the East Lodge Hotel, which is lovely, in a very posh room. The food was lovely and it was a bit like the old days for us. Which was also lovely. 

It was a bit touch and go at one point whether we would get the chance to go as Charlie was quite wheezy but he rallied thankfully. 

Unfortunately this didn't last and Thursday we had to take him into A and E. Now it's Saturday night and instead of a glamorous meal like last week I'm typing this in the dark on the ward next to his cot. It's 8.52 and, by complete coincidence, International women's day. Happy women's day to you all. 

We're hoping he can come home tomorrow. The other two have been missing him badly. Beth keeps pointing to his cot and high chair and saying 'Char Char?' Lex just looks extremely sad and when I showed him a picture of Charlie he just said 'buh bye.'

We skyped today so they could see each other and I think that helped but this separation isn't good for anyone. 

Sorry not a chirpy update but it's been a hard few weeks. 

Valentines day

Two years ago today I hit 24 weeks pregnant and the triplets were viable. That was the day we really knew for sure we were having triplets! 

And here they are today. 

Happy valentines days gorgeous kiddies and their lovely daddy. Xxx

Wrestling with creativity

Charlie has taken up dancing. Last week I heard the patter of tiny feet in the living room, as I was cleaning up the kitchen, and when I looked in he was dancing across the floor, swirling around and grinning. He's also even more into music in general - his new favourite thing is to take two maracas and drum anything he can find. He still sings scales to me, hitting the same notes every time. He is very resourceful - he hasn't quite got the pointing thing himself yet but one song I sing to him says 'point to the ceiling, point to the floor' - he comes over and moves my hand to point at the right place. Lateral thinker! I'm taking them all to music class on Friday and I hope he's going to love it.

Beth has taken up singing so she should love the class too. You can recognise some of the songs - the hand movements do help. It's super cute but impossible to film as she stops as soon as you turn the lens towards her. All three are enjoying drawing but Beth has a little game she only plays with mummy. If I draw a picture on the magnetic drawing board she will take the stylus, scribble all over my picture then look at me very solemnly and say 'Oh no!' She's been doing great with the whole walking and listening to mummy thing - she walks through the park right next to the buggy with no reins and stops whenever I say. The boys are a lot more random but we are working on that.

Lex loves drawing. He takes it very seriously and is very deliberate with his stylus. He's also the first to be speaking in sentences - his favourites being 'it's a ball!' And 'it's a cow!' Occasionally we get 'where's it gone?' generally because he has thrown either the ball or the toy cow! He's always the first to run at me, arms up when I get home, and loves being tickled. I know when he particularly loves a song I'm singing or a book I've read as he claps at the end. It's just like being famous but without the media intrusion. 

I read somewhere that about 18 months kids start realising they are an individual and start asserting their independence. Ours have been to a certain extent but lately especially the boys have changed. They have started fighting for attention, toys, food, whatever - wrestling each other. They have also started playing peepo all over the house. This evening Lex popped up over the side of the bath causing huge giggles in Charlie and Beth, who were in the bath. So I think they have all realised they are individual people so the sharing quotient might go down a bit but the playing should go up.

They are very much toddlers now and have left babyhood behind. It's lovely to hear them speak, to understand more easily what they want and to have jokes with them. When I get home from work I get out of the car and they all jump on the sofa to watch me through the window. I see their three smiling faces lit up in our warm house, and Matt behind them and think 'wow, I'm so lucky.'

A Christmas tale of bugs and spoons

Unusually for us it's been a busy month for visiting but that's Christmas for you. We went down to Borehamwood in early December to see Matts mum and lots of friends. 

It's our first weekend away where I think no one went to hospital so that's a big plus. We had a really lovely time. 

Then, of course, it was Christmas. I had been trying to prepare the kids by telling them the true meaning of a Christmas - presents - but they didn't really get it. 

They did understand that if we reached for the advent calendar they got chocolate so that went down well. Beth particularly has discovered a taste for it.

The weekend before Christmas matts mum came up and we ended up in A&E again with Charlie. Luckily he wasn't admitted this time. 

My mum came up for Christmas and it was a very busy present opening time. We had to do it in 3 shifts! Thanks so much to everyone who was so generous. The kids were giddy as kippers. 

Boxing Day my sister Julie came up with her clan. It was great to see them and watch the kids with their cousins. A few days later pretty much all of us came down with a sickness bug however which wasn't really the plan. 

Still it did mean I haven't put on as much on over Christmas as I'd expected to so every cloud...

New Years Eve, after a visit from my cousin Alison, we were still feeling a bit broken so we stayed in, watched 'Alpha Papa' and were in bed before 12. Rock 'n' roll! 

What else? Well I have applied for an MA and PhD and I am really pleased by my new spoons. Life is good (i.e. No-one is ill at this precise moment).