March already?!

Since our last post, there's been some sickness.
Sofia had some stomach bug with a fever that is pretty much gone....sadly, she lost a pound.
Everyone avoided it except for me.  Everyone knows things are rough when mom is sick...luckily, it got me on a weekend and dad took over.

We also had ANOTHER eval for Marcos by another speech pathologist who also watched him eat.  The not so great speech eval in February raised some concerns with the way he ate. Luckily, this mom was right.  He eats just fine. This time, we got, what I feel, a more accurate evaluation.  He isn't THAT behind after all, but he still qualifies for speech therapy.  Carlos was also evaluated the same day.  Thankfully it was an in home evaluation.   He is right on track for his adjusted age.

The kiddos are into Elmo and Woody.  The boys are repeating 2 word phrases more and more, and Sofia's first 3 word phrase:  "Move on back", from Wheels on the Bus.  She also tries to push the boys out of her way and says "Go, go go" as in get out of my way!

There's been lots and lots of playing...

Lots of unzipping of the pj's...

Lots and lots of reading...

More and more TV, we are up to 20 minutes at a time, just enough time to watch Elmo's World.
 Woooo Hoooo!!!!

Big sis had wacky hair day at school....our first science fair and parent teacher conferences, which truly deserve their own post.

Lots and lots and lots of nose wiping!  Still cute even with mocos on his face.  

And finally today... their noses are much better, and coughing last night was better than the previous night.  The kiddos had their Synagis shot, there might be one more.  The rest of preemieland is telling me no but we'll wait and see what our doc says.  Next week, spring break for Big Sis and Marcos is getting his 2nd set of tubes (ears) and will go under general anesthesia again.  I should be a pro at this but still scary.  We hope we can get him out of the house without eating or drinking anything without too many tears.  'Til next time....

Phone calls galore!!

This morning has been a bit crazier than usual, that included lots of important phone calls. 

We first had a call from the director of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Program (DHH).  

Very informative. Marcos qualifies for the program.  I just need to get one of our doctors or audiologist to make the referral.  

Then we got a call from scheduling....Marcos's tube surgery is tentatively set for March 19.  

This is requiring lots of coordination because since he is going under general anesthesia, we are requesting that his clogged tear duct be repaired.  Again something that we've been dealing with for awhile, that he has not outgrown.  Our pediatric opthamologist explained it like this:

"Basically once asleep I use a thin silver polished wire called a probe and pass it down thru the tear duct drain system to open up any partial clogs"

This will help Marcos not get teary every time he goes outdoors.  No matter what the weather is like outside, he often looks like he has been crying, when he hasn't been.  I've kind of been avoiding this because it's not causing any harm but if we can get it done at the same time, we will be very happy so we can enjoy the outdoors more.  Our doctors have advised to have the procedure done if it had not resolved itself at 18 months. The time has come.

We've also had to reschedule his speech evaluation a couple of times due to lack of childcare for the other 2 but its now back on our calendar again for February.  Another advantage of the DHH program is that they provide a home visit vs. the clinic appointment through our insurance.  So we will wait and see what happens with that referral. 

Though hearing tubes, speech delay, and clogged tear ducts can also be common in full term babies, its really hard for me not to think that this is a result of being born at 25 weeks.

But in reality, there are way more serious things we could be dealing with so I move on and continue to advocate and get things done.  

In between all this important business I was able to capture some sweet moments....Sofia and Carlos kissing.

 With both her brothers!

Somehow all these calls are helping ease the frustration I feel when I can't get anything done....besides taking care of all the kids. 

Yay for nap time...wait...did I just hear Sofia say "hiiiii" through the monitor?!

Hiiiii, Bye-Bye, Clap and Arms Up!

Yesterday we went to story time! Our 3rd time! Huge accomplishment.  Not too long ago I would have never thought this to be possible with the three.

Now that we are out and about a bit more, we often get asked how old they are.

I think this month, we have gotten...

Are they 6 months? 9 months?  Last week, someone asked if they were 4 months!!

We've gotten quite a few looks of confusion when people are surprised by my answer.

The trio is 16 months.  And no they are not walking yet.

During introductions at the library, I went back and forth a bit...

Do I say their actual age? their adjusted age?

I went with the actual age but it's still a struggle within me.  I'm surrounded by babies who are half their age and sometimes bigger than them.  Kiddos who are their age and are twice as big as them.  It's hard not to wonder what people think.  Strangers don't know our story or what they have been through.  It's natural to wonder.  I am sure if I had not walked this micro-preemie journey, I would do the same.

I don't mind sharing their history but one big disadvantage of being out with three is that there is no down time, no breathing time and little room for conversation with others.  They are left wondering.  Instead of allowing myself to worry about what others think, we'll focus on the positive...

We've had huge development and growth these past few weeks.

 I really do wish I could write down every little thing!

The kids are playing, I mean really playing with toys, with each other, it's wonderful.  

They are curious about everything around them.  They are figuring out how toys work and playing with them correctly.  They are taking in the world.  What I am enjoying the most is their level of understanding, language development is slowly picking up.

All three are waving at the right times, when we (or strangers) say hi and hello, and of course bye-bye.

Marcos is the most social while we are out.  I think he waves at everyone in sight.  Then Carlos does not let his brother show off, he often follows.  Sofie is her own person and glares at strangers with her serious look. If she really likes you and finds you good enough to smile at, then her smile is huge.
She may even say a quick "Hiiii"!  

They are all clapping when we say "clap", kissing mama (or doll) often when we say "kiss" and lifting their arms up when we say "arms up!".  This week my heart melted when Sofia kissed her brothers after I said "kiss your brother", then she proudly smiled and giggled.

Sofia is (as always) showing off her verbal skills these days.  She repeats many sounds.  I am not sure if I am making it up or my ears are playing tricks on me but I believe I have heard her attempt and say a few words such as "hi, bye, book, hat, cup, sleep, ball, up, peas, cake, duck, and car" in a very cute way.  Of course she often yells our "ELLA" for Bella.  The boys are repeating A LOT especially up, cup, ball, car and bye, and a lot more sounds that my brain can't remember at the moment.  Sofie pants has mastered pointing to her nose when asked and all three are working on touching their head when mama asks.  All of my singing is also paying off.  They are bouncing and dancing and recognizing songs.  They are starting to mimic some motions of Itsy Bitsy Spider and Open Shut Them and they all clap for me when the song is over as if asking for more.  

Every parent celebrates milestones.  We know we celebrated plenty with Isabella but with these three, all of this is big! Big can't even describe it.  It's a bit different this time around and times three.  Things are happening, they are slowly catching up and we are so thankful and blessed. 

The day they all raised their little hands up in the air, I almost shed some tears!

Now since we are talking about development and growth...I must share that we are quite proud that Isabella has found herself in the highest reading level of first grade.  I guess all those hours of reading for six years has really paid off!  She is enjoying the popular Junie B. Jones series and scoring 100% on math and spelling tests! She is also enjoying her siblings a lot more and celebrating their milestones with us.

What milestones are your celebrating this week?  

Picture time!

Let's eat!

I sometimes feel like the triplets live in their table.  They are getting the hang of table foods and their menu today included ricotta pancakes, blueberries, yogurt, aidell's chicken hot dogs, peas, bananas, pasta wheels, carrots, watermelon and lots and lots of cherrios and puffs. We are still dealing with some texture issues but overall they have made a lot of progress.

 Less baby food (purees), more food, more mess!!!

Marcos after dinner making his new funny face!

Marcos loves food!  I think he will try anything and is quite fast at feeding himself when he is hungry.

And now pictures of Carlitos...notice the clip, he won't keep his bib on!!  

Carlos is still working on his pincer grasp, but it does not slow him down.  The advantage...he lets mama feed him more than the other two.

 Sofia was already in the tub. So far she has been the pickiest with foods, textures and new tastes.  

Maybe a little bit of big sis in her.  She likes to be in control and is very observant as to what goes in her mouth.  They all eat very differently which is fun to watch.
Most of the time its fun feeding three and a lot easier than feeding Isabella at this age and even now!

The trio is also eating:

ground turkey and beef, some chicken, carrots, peas, corn, beans, tofu, potatoes, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, edemame, egg yolk, toast, 

pears, peaches, grapes, cherries, 

mum mums, crackers

Suggestions on what else to try?

Homecoming Anniversary

Marcos and Sofia...

Your homecoming anniversary is here.  

You have been home one year today (August 23, 2012).

That was one happy and emotional day. 

I remember thinking Marcos and Sofia are free!

Marcos, weighing a little over 5 pounds, while tiny but mighty Sofia had not even reached the big 5.  I'll never forget your discharge day.  It somehow took a long time to get out of the hospital.  Maybe I was procrastinating, only because your big brother, Carlos, could not join us yet. 

That first evening was chaotic.  

Your big sister had Back to School night and not long after unloading the van and getting you out of the car seats, Daddy had to go to her school.  

I attempted to feed you both at the same time.  

A few loud screams, nursing, pumping, and bottle feeding, it's now a big blur.  

Marcos, you are mama's boy and love to be cuddled and tickled.  Most of the time you are mellow unless you are lacking sleep. Here is our picture on your discharge day.  I love how you love food.  You are so willing to try everything mama gives you.  Today you ate puree peaches and cherries, buttery toast and Cheerios for breakfast. Today you took your first bite out of a peach, and LOVED it.  You kind of scream at me when I don't feed you fast enough.  You are so tolerant and let big sis cuddle you and squeeze your cheeks.  

Sofia, you were feisty from day one.  We are so thankful for all your strength.  We all know you are in charge.  I love how you always sit back and observe.  You take the world in.  You have come so far, and as your pediatrician said this week..."You have exceeded everyone's expectations."

It's Back to School Night again.

 This year mommy went, while daddy did the night routine.

We feel so blessed to have been chosen to be your mom and dad.  It hasn't been easy, its been quite the journey (and still is) but we are so happy God allowed us to bring you home. 

Your first few weeks of life were hard. I'll never be able to explain why.  

We no longer question your premature birth but know you truly are one of God's little miracles.

Happy Homecoming Day!

 Carlitos's Homecoming Day is coming soon along with the first adjusted birthday!!

August 17, 2011~Flashback Friday

Here is Marcos last year. 

August 17, 2011

The trio is 15 months actual age today.

 He was the first one to be tubeless, no nasal canula, no feeding tube.  I remember I couldn't wait until everything came off.  All of this meant we were getting so close to bringing them home.  And so I took a few pics of what my view was for months. 

Marcos's monitor satting at 96 with no assistance.  A glorious day.

After 24 hours the tape comes off.  And the 5 day countdown was on!

Daddy holding Marcos.

Not sure why I don't have any pics of Carlos on this day.  I will need to look back at my notes to see if he was already co-bedding with brother and sister.  I'm pretty sure he was.

Sofia was also getting close.  It became a race.  Here is a note I found one morning on Sofia's crib.  Nurse Nuna trying it out and challenging my girl. She did it! Her countdown began as well.