Being a mom is over-the-top wonderful on so many levels. The smiles, the laughing and the nose scrunching (from Nola Grace) that I get to see first thing in the morning when I open the door to their room.
The high-fives from Emerson. The big, huge – my face is covered in Velveeta cheese and I love life – smiles from Attie. The giggles from Nola Grace when I tickle her – and the snuggle-time she needs after getting up from her nap. And the way they dance to Motown during dinner is too much. They love Al Green. I mean, who doesn’t.
Oh, and there’s nothing better than seeing their little minds at work. I am blown away by how smart they are. Of course I am biased. But it makes my heart sing every time they learn a new word, point to a new object, say a new color (Yellow is Em’s favorite. For a little while he thought EVERTHING was yellow!)
It amazes me how far they have come in the seven months since we’ve been home. They all went from not being able to sit up (little wet noodles, especially Attie) --- to walking and half running around the house and yard. THEY ARE WALKING EVERYWHERE AND ARE INTO EVERYTHING. All I have to say is gates people. Gates, gates and more gates.
Yes, they have made real strides – but we haven’t done it without some help along the way. A month after we got home (they had just turned 12-months), we had them evaluated by Early Intervention, which is a state-funded program (although we all pay our fair share of NY state tax) … that helps kiddos 3 and under with a variety developmental delays.
The initial evaluation can be a little daunting. It sent my mind spinning with worry. “Why can’t they scribble with a crayon yet?” “Why doesn’t Nola know how to ‘fake’ brush her hair yet?” “Why can’t they fit that triangle in the shape-sorter?” “Why can’t they walk yet like other 1-year-olds?” … And those questions go on and on. I made it even worse by comparing my three little cherubs to kids of the same age who were born here and have been thriving in a stable home environment since they were born. DON’T DO THIS. It will drive you nuts.
And don’t feel stigmatized if your kid/kids need these services. (I know my husband did a little bit in the beginning). If you have a fantastic instructor, like we do, it’s only going to help your child get to where they need to be and beyond. It’s a good thing. Trust me. My kiddos have learned so much and so have I.
We also go to the library once a week (it’s free!) for story time and a Mommy-and-Me class, which is as good for the kids as it is for me. We moms need time to bond with other women going through the same stuff. It definitely helps you stay sane. Plus it’s so good to bounce ideas off each other. I know I could always use advice as a first-time mom. Especially a first-time mom of triplets!
Speaking of advice. Ken and I are having an ongoing debate about more traditional Pre-K schools and Montessori. Thoughts? I would love to hear some.
As much fun as it’s been to watch them make huge strides both in their ability to walk, talk and learn everyday – it’s been even more entertaining watching their personalities unfold. I’ve written about my Big Em and my sweet pea Nola Grace -- and how unique and beautiful they both are. But I still have one to go. My sassy Attie is not to be missed. There’s a lot going on there. But I’ll save that for my next blog along with the “not so always” amazing moments of motherhood, including living in a world of poop.
That’s right. Three toddlers whose diapers need to be changed all the time and one very active puppy who’s still being house broken. Needless to say... I sometimes live in what I like to call, "Crazytown."
Case in point, Attie trying to drink out of the dog bowl...
