Road Trippin'

The Family Vacay, Clark Griswold Style

My apologies for not blogging for a while, life has been busy in Diaper City.  We have a short summer to pack in all of the vacations and such, and it seems like we are on the road pretty much every weekend. 

The kids are not the road trip superstars they once were.  Usually the first ten minutes are a little loud before they get settled in and get comfortable, then you get approximately seven minutes of silence.  Right around that fifteen minute mark, one of the kids (usually Declan) loses his shit and lets you know what's what.  After about half an hour you find yourself just kind of despondently looking out the windshield, wondering what you were thinking when you loaded three babies into a car in the first place.  Two or three hours later, the kids recieve the telepathic road report that they are five minutes from wherever you are going, and drift off to peaceful sleep.  You look at that sweet little face and wonder how one minute they can sound like a tweaking meth head with his nuts on fire, and then look like someone sedated the Pampers baby the next.

We loaded up the Pooklings, Grandparents, Aunt Julie and the Godfather for a daytrip to Waterton a few weeks ago (kids went batshit in the car both ways), and came across this bear and her cubs.

The bears are a fair ways away, but if you closely you will see that it is a mama and three cubs.  That's right, triplets.  I wanted to run out there and tell her that she must have her hands full, but she probably would have mauled my ass to death for pointing out the blatantly obvious.  I think the next time a total stranger asks Pookie what fertility drugs she took she should go all grizzly on them and just tell the cops that they got between her and the cubs.  If O.J got off scot free, it should work for sure.

We also took our first family vacation this summer.  We took the scream machine down to Whitefish Montana for a week of non-rest and non-relaxation, and had a great time.  Rocky the Retriever even got to make the trip, bringing his love of crapping in other people's yards to an international level.  Way to go fella.

A few pics.

The family, minus Rocky who doesn't listen and won't sit still for a picture.  This was in the backyard at the house we rented.

Uncle Kevin saying hello to Stella Bella.  Notice the puke rag on the shoulder.

Stella rolling around on the deck.  Our little girl is very mobile, and is starting to get into things.  Already, a handful.

Rocky hanging out Stella in the shade.  Stella is trying to find a way to get close enough to yank on his tail.  Only one of them likes this game.

The back deck in Whitehish.  We brought the baby mats.

Declan after I described what the food is like at Arby's.

Declan and his Great Grandma Elva, having a whale of a time.

Chilling.

Teeth!  Pookie should be working at National Geographic, she snapped this picture of Declan's chompers a couple days ago.  Do you know how hard it is to take a picture of a kid's teeth?  Very hard, that's how hard.

Dad and Reid hanging out in the park on the way to Whitefish.  That puke stain on my shirt never did come out.



Reid in the jump jump.  He hasn't learned to read or write so well, but plays a jump jump like he's ringing a bell.  Notice how he leans back for leverage.  Child prodigy I says.

Pookie and Reid taking a self portrait.  She's probably whipping up a batch of baby food with her feet, this woman can multi-task.

If you happen to be at the Pincher Creek Rodeo, keep and eye out for Pookie and I, it's someone's ten year high school reunion!  If you happen to be in the rodeo, wear a helmet.


PJ

Quick Six Months

Things A Guy Learns

A full half year has passed since our little people came kicking and screaming into our world, and it's impossible to remember what life was like before they got here.  Things move that fast in Babytown.

Even the tough couple months of getting up at night to feed in shifts seems like a long time ago.    Pookie still does the vast bulk of the people rearin', but old Papa Jeff kicks in where he can and I thought I would post a recap of a few pearls of wisdom before I lose track. Maybe her follow-up blog can be a few pearls of her own.

I am no baby expert, but it's my blog, and that's the deal.


Papa Jeff's Gems of Wisdom

1.  Puke dries on a cotton shirt in about 20 minutes.    If you aren't going to bed right away, you may as well not bother putting on a clean shirt, it just invites more spray.  Just deal with the gross, it's only wet for 20 minutes, and shit, there's enough laundry already.  We don't have a lot of humidity here, but when a kid pukes on me a little closer to the ocean I might average the number up

2.  The first time your rather heavy son stands in your lap he will step on your nuts.  I think this is the same principle that the dog follows when he jumps up on the couch.  On the nuts.

3.  When you take the trips to the mall, the key is to maintain constant motion with the stroller.  People won't stop you to ask questions if you are on the move.   They must figure you're late, and nobody wants to screw with a dude with three babies that's trucking it somewhere.  If you hesitate though, they will be on you like stink on a carnival worker.  Circle around one of the old guys on the benches if you must, but don't stop moving until Pookie comes out of the store.

4.  Formula puke only seems gross at first.  The baby usually pukes right when they eat, so there isn't a lot of digestion happening.  It's really just re-heated formula.  But....feed a kid some mushed-up peas, and just let him sit for an hour or so.  Once that green slurry flies your way you will long for the good old days of twice heated similac hitting your jam jams.

5.  Grandmas are a must.

6.  The fact that you never used like people showing you pictures of their kids will not stop you from showing pictures of your kids to others.  "Here's one of Declan in a red hat!"

7.  Someday, some genius is going to open a discount "Wal-Martesque" store for baby gear (Wal-Baby?), and run those Babies R Us assholes out of town.  That's actually a good enough idea that I should look into it before I just give it away on the internet.  Meh, nobody reads this thing.

8.  As soon as a baby's back touches a change table, they will begin thrashing madly.  I call it the "When you finally get my tiny pants on, I am going to throw up on them." game.  Stella may be the best at this game, and it actually is kind of fun.

9.  Dads look forward to Christmas more than kids do.  Not because it's a great excuse to wear sweaters to work and drink at the office (although that is a nice bonus), but because Christmas is a lot more fun if the kids believe in the fairy tales.  Santa  Claus too. (Ba-zing)

10.  Having a large family does not mean you need a mini-van.  Fight the power and get that climate changing SUV, an eskimo will thank you.

11.  Disneyland actually sounds like more fun than Vegas.  Jeebuz.

12.  I thought the term "I slept like a baby" was misleading for the first couple months, but it's actually accurate.  Up until recently, I thought that unless the person was telling me that they woke up crying every two hours and eventually shit themselves, they hadn't really slept like a baby.  For the last few months, it has been the opposite.  You put the tired little person down, and eleven or twelve hours later you pick up the most well rested, smiley, happy, warm little baby you have ever seen.  Apparently the person that coined the phrase saw a baby that wasn't two months old with a belly ache and a chapped ass, because he was on to something.

Eh, that's all I've got for the moment.

A Word from Pookie

What a Difference a Year Makes!

Making good on my threat to Papa Jeff a couple months earlier, I thought I would step up to the plate and FINALLY make my mark on his beloved blog.  I find myself constantly re-reading some of Jeff's posts and admiring how much time he took to not only keep our friends and family in the loop during my pregnancy, but to put into words what he and I were feeling and going through 34 short weeks of pregnancy.  Please indulge me as I reflect on the past 52 weeks of our lives.

I sit here thinking about the past year and what Jeff and I have been through as a couple, and now as a family.  I would never have believe that this exact time last year, while vacationing in New York City that our lives were going to be turned upside down, and then posted across the internet for people around the world to read.

When a couple finds out they are expecting triplets, their first emotions aren't always what one would expect after 3 years of fertilty issues, and we were no different.  I remember asking myself how this happened and why we were being 'punished', after all, we only wanted one baby.  When you are Type A personality like myself, you thank the man upstairs that you have a husband that is your complete opposite.  Jeff immediately took the high road and let me know that everything was going to be ok, no matter how much I doubted it at the time, he made it his mission to put me at ease.

With each passing week of pregnancy and each milestone we hit, our reality was able to sink in more and more.  There really is nothing like hearing 3 babies hearts beating on a fetal doppler, finding out all 3 babies are completely healthy, and to top everything off, be given the perfect balance of 2 boys and 1 girl.  If I had to do the 3 years of fertility treatments all over again, I wouldn't change a thing. 

During my pregnancy Jeff and I became obsessed with reading blogs from people who were expecting triplets or who had just become parents to triplets (Rolling for Trips), maybe because we were still in denial about what was going to become of our lives, but probably more so because we knew we weren't alone during this process.  Unbeknownst to me. Jeff had been following a blog called Tip on Triplets.   Sadly, the lady went into labor at 21 weeks this past June and the 3 baby boys didn't survive.  What I didn't fully understand or appreciate until reading the Tip on Triplets blog is how special and exceptionally lucky we are that everything turned out ok for our three gorgeous babies.  Not once did the thought cross my mind that our babies wouldn't make it into this world or that they would be sick or plagued with lifelong issues.  For some reason I knew that everything was going to be alright, don't ask me how or why but I just knew it.  How ignorant was I?

The amount of complications that can arise from a triplet pregnancy are immeasurable.  I came across a few myself, but nothing a singleton pregnancy couldn't or wouldn't have brought on.  At about 15 weeks I found my arms and upper back covered in an unsightly red rash, it turned out that I had way too much estrogen in my body and this was the result.  I also contracted for lack of a better word, a syndrome, called Inter Colistasis of Pregnancy, ICP.  ICP is a very serious syndrome in pregnancy, more so in a singleton pregnancy than a mulitples pregnancy, odd I know.  Because there was no way I would be carrying three babies to 40 weeks the risks to myself and the babies were significantly reduced.  Had I been carrying a singleton, the risk of stillbirth increases significantly after 35 weeks.  This is why with no signs of natural labor in sight, Declan, Stella and Reid needed to be taken out at 34 weeks.  Thank the lord we had such a fantastic, well educated doctor on our side, I truly don't think we would have remained so calm without her.

I will never forget January 14th, 2011 EVER.  That day Jeff and I experienced what few people will ever experience.  We brought into the world 3 healthy and beautiful babies.  The last six months with Declan, Stella and Reid have changed us for the better.  We have fed babies at all hours of the night, laughed together, cried together, grown together and learned to appreciate each other more than before.  No one ever said this journey was going to be easy, and I would be lying if I tried to say otherwise. There is definitely a reason why more marriages fail with multiple births than with singletons. The work is constant, the 'me time' is non-existant and the lack of sleep is mind boggling.  There is no other way to describe it other than survival mode. 

We have watched our 3 babies grow from 3lb,14oz, and two from 4lb,2oz to approximately 15lb, 16lb and 17lbs.  Declan, Stella and Reid have begun to roll over, eat solid food, make conversation, talk and giggle like little jokesters.  Each baby's personality becomes more apparent with each passing day.  I'm sure I am going to kick myself six months from now when I look back and realize that I didn't do a good enough job at documenting the first year of our lives together.  We are never going to get this time back.

I find myself wishing away time, wishing they were able to walk and feed themselves so it would free up more time for unimportant stuff, have to take a step back because I love the age they are at right now.  Jeff and I are so lucky to have 3 babies that have been sleeping through the night since they were approximately 3.5 months old, are good car travellers, healthy eaters and simply the best babies anyone could ever ask for.

I know I have rambled on about bits and pieces of the last years in one post, please bear with me as I am not completely finished.  I could never put into words what it exactly felt like for Jeff and I to become parents to three babies or describe exactly how we felt at each appointment, seeing our babies on the big screen.  What I can put into words is how thankful we are to have the best friends and family anyone could ever ask for. 

There have been many helpers during the past six months, whether is be just holding a baby to snuggle, feeding babies, playing with babies, changing babies or even cooking breakfast, lunch or dinner for us.  Your help has never gone unnoticed and Jeff and I thank everyone immensely for all of your help, this especially means Grandma and Grandpa McCrimmon, Grandpa Aubin, Uncle Dusty, Uncle Ryan, Aunt Julie and Uncle Donny.

Someone who we haven't begun to thank enough is my mom in particular, she has been with us since day 2 with the babies, up at ungodly hours of the night feeding babies, changing babies, clothing babies, rocking babies and repeating all day EVERYDAY!  We will never be able to fully thank her for uprooting her life in Pincher Creek to come and help out in Calgary.  We knew early on we could never have done this alone.  Mom, you are the most giving, selfless person in the world and I know the past six months haven't been easy. Declan, Stella and Reid will know just how much you did for them and us in the first months of their lives.  We are forever grateful for every single diaper change, load of laundry, meal cooked, tear wiped and kiss given.  You are the best!

Even if I tried I couldn't sum up what the last six months have meant to Jeff and I, we were given the biggest blessing of 3 amazing babies and we are trying to soak up every minute possible.  We are doing the best we can and are going to make mistakes along the way but mark my words, we are never ever going to take one day for granted.  We look forward to the days, months and years ahead and are so happy so many of you are able to enjoy it with us.

Jeff, thank you for giving me the opportunity to write a little something on the blog, you have done a remarkable job detailing our journey as a family.  This blog is truly one of the greatest gifts you will be able to give our children.  I couldn't have picked a better partner to travel this bumpy road with, you have picked me up when I didn't think I could feed another baby, made me laugh when I was at my wits end and constantly remind me the hardest days are behind us.  I love you more now then I ever thought imagineable.

Thanks for letting me share in your blog Jeff!!

xo

Pookie

A Summer of Firsts

Nothing like that first taste of oatmeal slime...

Summer is officially in full swing, and we are rapidly approaching the most patriotic of Canadian holidays, NHL Free Agency Deadline Day.  In a few days, our Pooklings will find out which free agents were signed by the Flames, and which players will be moving on so they actually have a shot at the cup.  We also get to laugh when we find out which Atlanta players will go AWOL on their way to Winnepeg.  Go Jets.

I am not certain but Declan may have uttered his first words after Game 7 of the finals.  Right when the first cop car was overturned he looked up at me and said:

 "Look at these Vancouver assholes, that's what happens when a team full of chokers has the most idiot fans of any team in the league."

Come to think of it, it may have been Dusty that said that.  Or Johnny Walker.  Either way, stay classy Vancouver!

A few other firsts have come along.  The kids had their first hotel stay, attended their first wedding, ate their first solid(ish) food.  All three experiences were positive for the most part, but Declan is not a fan of bananas, and we'll leave it at that.

Unfortunately, us northern folk need to fit four months of summer into two months.  This makes the weekends a tad busy.  This weekend we are down in Pincher, Pookie and the kids are staying for the week, and then I am headed down again next weekend to meet up with the family.  Always a multi-tasker, I am also in the prestigious Pincher Creek 4 x 4 golf scramble that weekend, so it is a full one.  Tiger is out with a knee injury, so we don't expect him this year, which is sad because the course is in truly magnificent condition.

The following weekend is the third annual "Dickheads in the Woods Camping Adventure".  No wives, girlfriends, dogs, kids or pets allowed.  Just a few drunken jerks without proper supervision throwing whatever weapons Balfour bought on Ebay and drinking hard liquor out of plastic cups.  How does a guy fit it all in?

On the pictures!

The Pooklings ready for their first swim.  Funcle Dusty even took Reid down the water slide.  Fun times.

Reid did not like the waterslide.  At all.

Stella is really moving in her sleep.  One night at Grandma Betty's she woke up under a chair.  Been there Stella, been there.

Declan in his new highchair waiting for his lunch.  The service is terrible at this place.

Stella in her new hat.  Pretty cute.

Reid heard you have his money.  Reid wants his money.

Reid either got his money or is in the middle of a sweet game of bounce bounce.

Declan with the big smile.

Play time on the deck.  Rocky looking for a little something to lick off of the mat.  That little something is usually puke.

Stella Bella looking pretty as can be in her new highchair.  She is loving the solid foods.

That's it for today, more coming soon.

PJ

Summer in Capital City

"You sure have your hands full!"

-Insightful Stranger

Pookie has laid down the ultimatum, either I start keeping the blog more updated, or she is going to put on the cowboy boots and start bloggin' for me.  I thought it would be a good idea to write a little something down, not because I don't want her to record what goes on when I am at the quarry, I think there she would add great blog entries.  I jumped to record the ultimatum because I think it was an empty threat and she will try to deny it if I let it slip by un-called.  So there you are Pookie, get to it.

The McTrips continue to grow and grow.  Declan is now around 16 pounds, Reid is about 15, and Stella is around 14 or so.  Reid continues to look just like Papa Jimmy (his grandpa), and Declan is still looking like his dad.  Bad deal for Reid, but maybe Declan will get stuck with my dancing ability and balance everything out.  I still haven't put my finger on exactly who Stella looks like, but she has Pookie's beautiful eyes and less beautiful temper when cranky.  When she goes nuclear, the trick is to put her in a dark, quiet room, and use hushed tones until she falls asleep.  Same trick works with Stella.

Summer appears to finally be upon us, we have been getting out with a little more frequency.  Note to anyone trying to think up a witty remark when encountering a couple with triplets:  Come up with something better than:

"You must really have your hands full!"

We know we have our hands full.  We didn't find a triplet stroller full of infants forty yards back on the path and just decide to keep them ("C'mon Pookie!  It'll be a breeze!").  Who the hell do you think loaded the kids into the stroller?  Someone who was unaware that caring for three infants at once was a bit time consuming?  I know these people are just trying to be friendly, but something about seeing a triplet stroller makes people think it is their responsibility to suddenly become Rodney Dangerfield.

And now onto the pictures!

Stella and Declan debating the merits of further quantitative easing in order to stimulate the floundering US economy.  Or, possibly, just babbling.

Reid and the Old Man chilling.

The boys on their play mat.  Real estate is scarce on the mat, if you want some, be ready to get kicked.

Rockstar napping in my chair.  He is as tired as he looks, but is hanging in there.

The Trips loaded up for their walk.  Notice the funky socks.

Dad's boys are getting pretty big.

Dinner time.  Dinner time comes 6 times a day.

Reid getting fed by Grandma Tammy.  Keeping an eye on her too.

Stella.  Notice the color coded lid on the bottle.  Organization is key people.

That's it for today, keep fit and have fun.

4 Months!

The McTrips at 4 Months



Yeah, just going to get right to the pictures, who's kidding who?

Bunnies and babies.  The kids celebrated their first Easter in Pincher.  As far as they knew, we were celebrating a bunny that was nailed to a wooden cross and then returned a few days later made out of pure chocolate.  What a ridiculous story!  The bunny one too.

Bumbo time. 

Declan in the Jolly Jumper. He is a fan of this jumper and his new jumperoo.



Reid was not impressed when he found out that "self-propelled" meant "propel it yourself".  Does this thing not have a motor?

Having some relaxo.  Stella is ok with Reid grabbing her shirt and shoving his fist in her face.

Or not.

Showing off the abs.  He already has more talent than the idiots from Jersey Shore.

Papa Jimmy and Stella watching TV.

The boys.  Reid might be getting ready for someone to drop him a snack.

Daddy's Little Sweetie, cuter than a bug's ear I says.

Congratulations to Gary and Vicki, everyone is looking forward to seeing you again soon!

Three Months - Babies, Babies, Babies

Three months have quickly come and gone, and I am having a lot of trouble finding the time to keep up the blog.  Believe it or not, having three infants in the house, a full time job and a course on the go doesn't leave a lot of time for bloggin'.

The trips are all as healthy as they could be, Stella gets in a daily lung workout after her 7 pm feeding pretty much everyday.  She doesn't jog or anything, she kind of just screams in your face until she tires herself out.  Good times.

Declan and Reid are both doing great too, they are a little more mellow than their sister and prefer to alternate between napping and searching for clean shirts to puke on.  They prefer to puke on their own shirt, but will settle for yours.

Pictures!

Little Stella, looking pretty cute with her chubby little cheeks.

Stella feeling smiley.

Travel Time.

Reid.  Dad's little meatball smiling at his Aunt Julie (soft J).  No, those are not my legs.

Reid keeping an eye on something.  Most likely a bright light somewhere.

Tuckered.

Declan smiling.  He just heard that Iginla finished in the top ten in scoring in the NHL yet again.

Declan after hearing that the Flames paid Kotalik $3 mil to do nothing on the farm team all year.  Nice trade Darryl.

And now a quick nap before a stroll with the family.

Happy little people.

Nap time.




Until next time people.