How can they be 3 already?

Monday the 27th my babies turned 3! I am not a sappy, sentimental person and I am not very sad or weepy necessarily but this just feels....Odd. I can't seem to describe the way I am feeling about the fact that they are 3. I am guessing that part of my emotions are because they seem to be growing up. I know that is part of this is normal and a part of time passing. There have been some major milestones in recent months and weeks and I think that may be part of the problem.

A, G, J - about 2 weeks old

Our birth announcement photo....In case you can't read it, Chase's shirt says "I was here 1st" and was made by Jason's step-sister as a special gift for him.

Jack and Anthony are potty trained which means no diapers during the day. Graham is just starting to get on board now that he is a 'big boy who is 3'. Jack gave up his pacifier just days ago and seems to be okay with it. They had their first school performance at Christmas. It was an odd feeling to be at a function and not have them 'with' me. I know, they were still there, but they weren't my responsibility and I could literally just sit and enjoy the program. Remember, with 3 babies at once, you don't ever get a break or time away in public, even when you have extra people around to help. Someone always, always, wants to be with Mommy or I am timing out how long since the last snack, drink, potty break....you get my drift? They can unbuckle the top of their car seat buckles and are trying to put on shoes and coats by themselves as well as being able to get dressed by themselves. This passing of time means more independence for all of us and while it is a fun thing and a nice change, it is taking some time for me to adjust and get used to it.

We had an intimate gathering of just family on Sunday with cake, ice cream and presents and then more cake after dinner on their actual birthday. On Sunday we sang Happy Birthday to them as a group but last night we let each boy have a piece of cake with a candle and sang to just him. I think that will be our new plan for the future. They loved having it sung just for them and they each sang to one another. When you asked them what today was, they would respond "Our birthday". I get that being a part of multiples means that you get lumped together most of the time, but this is one time when I really want them to feel special and loved for them, not just because they are part of something bigger! So I decided to have their cake be made so it could be cut into 3 distinct sections, one for each boy. Each one got his own "cake" with his train, name and a candle. Worked out very well and they were excited to have their own for the occasion. Now on to my special words for my guys....

Jackson,
In a few short months, you have grown so much into an amazing little boy. Your vocabulary has exploded and you have gone from a shy, quiet, pensive boy to an outgoing, bold personality. You still are my most loving and thoughtful and you always want to do whatever it takes to help Mommy. You still get teary at school because you miss me but it never lasts long. You are still my 'engineer' and love to figure out how to make things work. Still cautious until you know the plan but you go full-board once you understand. You can climb the wall and ride your bike and get so excited when you are praised for doing both things. I am proud of how much you have grown over the past year and can't wait to see what the next year holds in store. I love you!

Graham,
I look back over the last year and think that you may have made the most little changes but your overall tendencies remain the same. You have gotten taller and speak in full paragraphs now to the point that even strangers know what you are saying. Ironically, your tendency to hoard remains the same and you are adding new items to your daily snuggle collection. It used to be Tigger, blankie and Goofy and now we have added Snowman and T-Rex. Your limitless love is overwhelming and you seem to add a new friend to your list every day. You are the most independent in terms of being willing to stray from the pack but you still know what your brothers are doing and who they are doing it with. You love to be treated like the baby of the family and will smile and grin and coo when you are being silly. You race Chase on your bike and I simply hold my breath. You amaze me on a daily basis. I love you!


Anthony,
We lovingly call you Mayhem but it fits you to a 'T'. You get this devilish look in your eyes, a glint in your smile and off you go. I am always worried if it gets too quiet in the house but I worry most when you get too quiet. It means you are plotting your next move and I always try to stay one step ahead, for your sake and for mine! While what you do is never too bad, it is still just a little over the line. You simply wait, grin and hope that it doesn't get you in too much trouble. You still worship Chase and want to do WHATEVER he is doing (which is probably why I worry so much about you). You have no fear and are the first to try something. Once you test the waters, Graham will follow and ultimately so will Jack - but I don't think he completely trusts your judgement at this point! You are the most curious of the group and are always looking at what comes next. You move from thing to thing like you are on a timer. However, when you love, you love intense. You still like to snuggle with Mommy and turn to me for comfort. I love  you!


Boys,
Three years ago you entered my world in a flash and in 3 minutes my life changed for the good. You have blessed me in ways that I can't even imagine and challenged me from top to bottom, inside and out. You force me to question what I do and why I do it. While there are moments I would like to just skip past and not remember, there are so many more that I want to file away and never forget. Thank you for completing my life and reminding me about all the innocence of childhood. Looking at things from your perspective is an amazing gift and I am lucky to have the chance to do it with such amazing boys! Love, Mom