First Words

Back in early January the babies said their first words: "book" for Hayden and "ball" for Payson and Madison. Though they are all starting to repeat some words here and there, Hayden makes the most complex sounds and has even repeated words such as "football" (on Super Bowl Sunday) and "blueberry." Overachiever! This all makes sense to me as the development specialist we saw in January for our routine check-up said that babies typically start talking a few months after they start walking. This weekend Keith and I were so tickled when Hayden surprised us with saying "hi" when I walked into the room as if she'd been saying it all her life.

Old news now, but the development appointment went great, by the way (despite Hayden having to be stripped down to her diaper outside the car in cold weather with a wind chill of 15 degrees due to her random throw up in the car), and all babies are developing right on schedule. The other big development is that the babies are signing a lot more words these days such as milk, more, eat, book, bath, play, etc. and can point out various parts on their bodies, and ours, such as nose, ear, hair, belly, head, etc. They "help" put on clothes and socks, point at things, help clean up, stack toys, try to help buckle themselves into their high chairs and car seats and do a plethora of things simply to make us laugh, including naughty things that which we are "supposed" to respond with a serious expression and tone.

Payson is in this adorable sorting and grouping stage. If he finds more than two things that are alike he will move them, one by one, from one place to another. For example, small blocks go from on top of the big block to the window sill, down to the floor and back up to the window sill. Plastic rocks go from the dump truck to on top of the piano keys and back down to the piano bench. And, of course, (as pictured) socks go from the window seat to inside the high chair and back to the window seat, well why wouldn't they? All one by one, and the last one never actually gets set down, just tapped and then he redirects it to his new location to start the process all over again. So methodical and so adorably cute.

Payson is going to be really unhappy with me one day for this one but it's just too cute!

More proof that Keith and I do get out every once in a while, this time to our neighborhood Mardi Gras party at the golf club.

The Way We Roll

The babies outgrew their infant carriers, and therefore also our Triple Decker snap and go stroller, months ago so we were in need of another stroller. We love our massive red jogging stroller but it is too wide for single doors ruling it out as our primary stroller. Once again, being a part of the local multiples group proved to be helpful as I found a used Runabout in very good condition. When kept in good condition, these triplet strollers have good resale values, making it more reasonable to have multiple strollers at once. I scrubbed the new stroller down just in time for it to dry before our doctors appointment the following day.

Grandma also bought the babies a wonderful Choo Choo Wagon for their birthday! I will spare you the details but we finally received the wagon and assembled it in time for the babies to have their first stroll this morning. Not to our surprise, Hayden was a bit uncertain at first, Payson had the ride of his life and Madison chilled back and relaxed. As we continued around the block, Madison sunk lower and lower and lower and even dozed off a time or two.

Early this month I got sick with that awful stomach bug going around (which I call "nature's detox"), and 10 days later the babies were sick within 30 minutes of each other. The next 8 hours were long and tough but thankfully Keith got home early from work so we could tag team. Lots of consoling, sheet changing, sink baths and toasting bread would follow and keep us busy through the weekend. If you've never seen three one-year-olds dry heaving over and over, I can tell you that it is truly a sad sight.

The babies are always in each other's spaces and are constantly getting stuck, sat on, or crammed here and there (sounds like when they were in the womb!). Here you can see how two got trapped between the piano and changing table as a result.

We introduced a plate to Madison (I've decided to tackle the training one baby at a time) and she is doing great with it!

Payson proudly helping load the dishwasher.

Hayden with Kitty-cat showing off her six big teeth!

Hanging out on Valetine's Day

And last, but not least, here is Hayden picking up a sock with hands that are already full. And, no, this is not the first time we've seen her do this as she went though a period of about a month where she would hold a handful of snacks in both hands and pick up more off the table using only her mouth. Silly girl!

Payson Climbs ______

You fill in the blank because Payson is climbing just about everything these days. I feel like I should rename the blog "Payson's Climbing Adventures" but I am hoping that he starts to stay grounded a little more (yeah, right!).

Payson is now regularly climbing the activity table when we leave the room, even if only for only a minute. He also fearlessly tries to do it with us right there with him and apparently isn't yet scared of us firmly correcting him and taking the table out of the room for the rest of the day.





Madison is learning from Payson quickly. Although he is an inch+ taller than her, she is still managing to join him on the activity table for some team fun (hey, you only get scolded half as much if two are involved). He must be giving her a boost. She is also getting stuck on top of toys that she's now climbing and most recently fell, and got stuck, head first in the ball pit basket trying to climb on it.

Madison is also his partner in crime, whether she realizes it or not. She pushed their toy bike over toward the upstairs gate, and Payson happily climbed on top of it trying to figure out a way to get on the other side of the gate. We are watching this behavior very carefully because if it happens again then we need to remove these types of toys from the room if we are going to step away.

Speaking of pushing, this weekend Payson had a blast pushing Madison around on their toy bike. And I love it, not only because it's cute to watch them giggle together, but I know that it is a great way for him to burn some energy. Well, a few days later, Madison was kind enough to return the favor when Payson was sitting on his Tonka truck.

Hanging out in "Animal Alley" just before bathtime

Madison's new silly pose

Payson chillin' on the couch with daddy like a big boy

Hayden getting some love from daddy