I bought a picture frame with this quote on it a while back. It got me thinking about our family. Our family is just normal to me. I have never questioned what it would be like if our family was different. People have said to me "if you just waited you would have gotten pregnant." My answer is always the same "So, which boys should I be living without?" I did try and get pregnant for a long time. There was nothing medically wrong with either me or Frank to prevent us from getting pregnant. But after a long time of trying it just wasn't working. I did not do IVF. I took medication. This medication was supposed to be taken for multiple days. I took 2 doses. The doctor called and said "don't take any more. We don't want you to have triplets". (Yep, she said it.) That month I got pregnant with the triplets. Would I change it? NEVER
Cormac was my third born. He was not born deaf because he was a triplet (a common assumption). He was born deaf due to a recessive gene Frank and I carry. We did not know this when we tried to have children. Why would we? What surprised me even more was how many people asked us if we would have other children. We didn't find out the reason Cormac was deaf until I was already pregnant with Calleigh. It didn't really matter much. It would not change the outcome of our pregnancy. It never really crossed our minds. We were more than prepared if Calleigh had been born deaf or with hearing loss. Heck, we were already living it. We already understood it. We already knew how successful Cormac was with his implants. It wouldn't be a hard decision to implant her. Of course, we were thrilled Calleigh was hearing. But as most of you know, she was born with lots of other issues.
Our daily lives are hectic. It is loud in our house. There are days when it is down right chaotic. Running into a store to get milk is not simple. Unstrapping 4 car seats and restrapping them alone is a pain in the ass. It usually does not deter me from making any stops.
What I sitll don't understand is how many people feel the need to comment on my reproductive history. I have so many people ask such private questions. I try and weed out the nosey people from perhaps a woman who is struggling with fertility issues. I would never want to dismiss someone who is tying to conveive. Honestly, 99% of people are just nosey. Just like the other day when the father of the bullies saw me leaving with my four kids. He says "are they triplets?" I say, "yes" and kept walking because I really had no use for this man who has no interest in making sure his twin sons have respect for others. He says "man, I had twins and that was enough for me. You had another you are just crazy." I never even stopped walking but said as I passed him. "No, I am not crazy. I have great kids who I enjoy being with and who are being raised to be respectful, nice children". We won't be friends anytime soon.
I have had people say horrible things to me. "I would have left two at the hospital", "I would shoot myself", "better you than me" . They say all of this in front of my children. Do they think my kids can't hear them? (no pun intended) Do they think me kids don't understand what they are saying? I always say something nice about my kids when someone says something like this. When they say "better you than me" I follow it up with "If you feel that way I am really glad it's me and not you". For those who have said they "would shoot themselves" I usually say "well, that's too bad. I love my family and am sorry you feel that way but I would never do that nor would I say something like that to another family".
When people approach me and ask about Cormac's implants I couldn't be happier. I love sharing his story. I love showing people what is possible for deaf children today. I like letting him talk to people and watch in amazement as they try to process the information I gave them. "He can't be deaf, how is he hearing and talking so well?". The best question I can be asked. I have never really had a negative reaction to Cormac's implants. You get the occasional person who says "what if he doesn't want them when he is older?" I say, well he can make that choice but at least I gave him the tools to develop speech and listening skills when he was at the age where it really made a huge difference.
Not sure why I am writing all this today but some days people just annoy me.
Our "normal" is not the same as someone else's normal. But really everyone's "normal" is different. It's what you do with your "normal" that makes all the difference. I enjoy every bit of our madness and would not want it any other way. <3
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Self Advocacy
Today we went to a giant indoor play place. It was our first time there. The boys were having a great time. At one point some older boys arrived. I found out later it was a set of twins and their friend. They were probably 7 years old. And they were not such nice kids. There was alot of gymnastic mats and tumbling stuff. All the kids were playing together. Ciaran was building a house with stuff and had all kids helping him.
So the bigger kids decide the little kids can't play "with their stuff". They were being bullies. I am not a fan of bullies. Especially when it involves my children. I decided to just watch it unfold and see what my boys would do. Ciaran wasn't really trying to play with them so he wasn't so involved. Colin got upset and came to tell me. But not before he came to me I heard him say "If you are not going to be nice to me I am not going to be nice to you".
Cormac, well, that is a whole other story. He stood his ground. He had his hands firmly planted on his hips. These boys were trying to "convince" him he couldn't play with these toys. Cormac would not hear of it. He used ONLY words. When the one boy got close to him (trying to intimidate him because he was much taller) Cormac leaned right in this big boys face and said "You can't tell us we cant play here. It is not your stuff". To which the boy said "Go, play over there" and pointed to the big jungle gym. Cormac said "No, you go play over there." and pointed to the jungle gym. As parents we worry so much. As a parent of a child with any sort of disability we worry a little bit more. Since Cormac was born I have heard from every specialist, teacher, you name it about "self advocacy". Well, after witnessing today, I am pretty sure it is working :). Cormac held his ground. He was using only his words. He was never outmatched in the conversation and he most certainly was NEVER at a loss for what to say to defend himself and all the other little kids who were trying to play nicely. I could see his green lights on his implants flickering away.
I was watching very closely because I didn't want these boys to lay a hand on Cormac. You would think their father would have been the one to intervene. He just sat there and did nothing. And my kids we NOT the only kids these kids were trying to bully. I did go over and talk to all the kids about sharing and playing together. Let me tell you, these other boys were telling me how "all these kids have to get out of here". At this point lots of other moms were coming over to their own kids. One mother said to me she couldn't stop watching Cormac because she was so proud of him for how well he handled himself.
My kids were not the only kids trying to play with the same stuff as these kids but my kids were the only kids who did not back down. They never did anything wrong. They used their words and their will power. I was surprised at Cormac. I never saw this side of him before. But it makes me happy to know he can advocate for himself.
They also had a rock climbing wall and the boys loved it.
So the bigger kids decide the little kids can't play "with their stuff". They were being bullies. I am not a fan of bullies. Especially when it involves my children. I decided to just watch it unfold and see what my boys would do. Ciaran wasn't really trying to play with them so he wasn't so involved. Colin got upset and came to tell me. But not before he came to me I heard him say "If you are not going to be nice to me I am not going to be nice to you".
Cormac, well, that is a whole other story. He stood his ground. He had his hands firmly planted on his hips. These boys were trying to "convince" him he couldn't play with these toys. Cormac would not hear of it. He used ONLY words. When the one boy got close to him (trying to intimidate him because he was much taller) Cormac leaned right in this big boys face and said "You can't tell us we cant play here. It is not your stuff". To which the boy said "Go, play over there" and pointed to the big jungle gym. Cormac said "No, you go play over there." and pointed to the jungle gym. As parents we worry so much. As a parent of a child with any sort of disability we worry a little bit more. Since Cormac was born I have heard from every specialist, teacher, you name it about "self advocacy". Well, after witnessing today, I am pretty sure it is working :). Cormac held his ground. He was using only his words. He was never outmatched in the conversation and he most certainly was NEVER at a loss for what to say to defend himself and all the other little kids who were trying to play nicely. I could see his green lights on his implants flickering away.
I was watching very closely because I didn't want these boys to lay a hand on Cormac. You would think their father would have been the one to intervene. He just sat there and did nothing. And my kids we NOT the only kids these kids were trying to bully. I did go over and talk to all the kids about sharing and playing together. Let me tell you, these other boys were telling me how "all these kids have to get out of here". At this point lots of other moms were coming over to their own kids. One mother said to me she couldn't stop watching Cormac because she was so proud of him for how well he handled himself.
My kids were not the only kids trying to play with the same stuff as these kids but my kids were the only kids who did not back down. They never did anything wrong. They used their words and their will power. I was surprised at Cormac. I never saw this side of him before. But it makes me happy to know he can advocate for himself.
They also had a rock climbing wall and the boys loved it.
Friday, February 18, 2011
Ten on Tuesday
Ten random fact about my Colin....
1. Colin loves Knights, swords and shields. Our house is full of them. As I type this he is wearing a his fake metal Knight shirt and hood, a Knight cape, carrying an axe and shield and pretending to ride a horse.
2. Colin LOVES Superheros. He is usually dressed as one for most of the day. He is always in some costume.
3. Colin's favorite color is red.
4. Colin's feeling get hurt the easiest. He is by far the most sensitive.
5. Colin's smile changes his entire face. His eyes sparkle.
6. Colin is my only brown eyed child and he has the most beautiful eyelashes I have every seen.
7. Colin loves vegetables. Really loves them.
8. Colin gets frustrated easily.
9. Not a day goes by that Colin doesn't say something so sweet it could bring a tear to your eyes.
10. Colin's laugh is awesome. He laughs from somewhere deep inside and it makes me laugh just to hear it.
11. (again, it's hard to stop at 10) Colin is funny.
1. Colin loves Knights, swords and shields. Our house is full of them. As I type this he is wearing a his fake metal Knight shirt and hood, a Knight cape, carrying an axe and shield and pretending to ride a horse.
2. Colin LOVES Superheros. He is usually dressed as one for most of the day. He is always in some costume.
3. Colin's favorite color is red.
4. Colin's feeling get hurt the easiest. He is by far the most sensitive.
5. Colin's smile changes his entire face. His eyes sparkle.
6. Colin is my only brown eyed child and he has the most beautiful eyelashes I have every seen.
7. Colin loves vegetables. Really loves them.
8. Colin gets frustrated easily.
9. Not a day goes by that Colin doesn't say something so sweet it could bring a tear to your eyes.
10. Colin's laugh is awesome. He laughs from somewhere deep inside and it makes me laugh just to hear it.
11. (again, it's hard to stop at 10) Colin is funny.
Ham and Cheese Sandwich
The boys were getting dressed the other day. I could hear them playing in their room. They were "making a sandwich". Colin was "ham and cheese", Cormac and Ciaran were the bread. They were switching back and forth from what I could hear. At one point Cormac was Salami. This is what I found when I walked into their room.
Like I said, they were getting dressed to they didn't have their shirts or pants on yet. Seriously, this is usually how they are most of the day. They just play and love each other. They have the best imaginations of any children I know. They can play for hours with nothing but themselves and their minds. That makes me so happy.
Check out this picture of Cormac. After his bath I combed his hair to see how he would look with shorter hair. But his eyes are what caught me in the picture. And I have no plans to cut his hair.
Like I said, they were getting dressed to they didn't have their shirts or pants on yet. Seriously, this is usually how they are most of the day. They just play and love each other. They have the best imaginations of any children I know. They can play for hours with nothing but themselves and their minds. That makes me so happy.
Check out this picture of Cormac. After his bath I combed his hair to see how he would look with shorter hair. But his eyes are what caught me in the picture. And I have no plans to cut his hair.
Monday, February 14, 2011
Ten on Tuesday
Ten random facts about Ciaran: (I will Cormac and Colin in the days to come)
1. Ciaran has the highest pitched voice ever....
2. Ciaran is a wiseass. He was born that way.
3. Ciaran is a true Wallace.(my maiden name) He looks so much like my Dad. Love that. The eye color, the dimples, his little face. Everything about him.
4. Ciaran is as smart as a whip but isn't one to show it.
5. Ciaran is a natural born athlete. He just has it. You could tell since his first steps.
6. Ciaran is a lefty. (hmmm. future lefty picther to the New York Yankees??)
7. Ciaran's favorite color is green.
8. Ciaran hates to eat. He is a grazer. His variety is very limited.
9. Ciaran likes to put things in zip lock bags. I know, weird. No matter what the snack he wants it "in his own little bag". He does this with collections of toys too. He likes to have all things of one collection in a bag and carries it around.
10. Ciaran is the best helper and cleaner. He will follow any direction you give him during clean up. He also LOVES to clean.
11. Ciaran loves books. Really loves books. (I couldn't stop at 10 and could keep going but I will stop.)
1. Ciaran has the highest pitched voice ever....
2. Ciaran is a wiseass. He was born that way.
3. Ciaran is a true Wallace.(my maiden name) He looks so much like my Dad. Love that. The eye color, the dimples, his little face. Everything about him.
4. Ciaran is as smart as a whip but isn't one to show it.
5. Ciaran is a natural born athlete. He just has it. You could tell since his first steps.
6. Ciaran is a lefty. (hmmm. future lefty picther to the New York Yankees??)
7. Ciaran's favorite color is green.
8. Ciaran hates to eat. He is a grazer. His variety is very limited.
9. Ciaran likes to put things in zip lock bags. I know, weird. No matter what the snack he wants it "in his own little bag". He does this with collections of toys too. He likes to have all things of one collection in a bag and carries it around.
10. Ciaran is the best helper and cleaner. He will follow any direction you give him during clean up. He also LOVES to clean.
11. Ciaran loves books. Really loves books. (I couldn't stop at 10 and could keep going but I will stop.)
Sunday, February 13, 2011
HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!!
Hope your day is filled with lots of LOVE!!
Keep scrolling down. Lots of pictures. Too many to choose!!
Keep scrolling down. Lots of pictures. Too many to choose!!
Saturday, February 12, 2011
A fun filled day.
We spent the day at the Newark Museum for Circus Science Day. It was lots of fun. Cormac has always been afraid of clowns so we weren't too sure how he would do. Apparently, Colin has developed a huge fear of clowns as well. The first thing we tried to do was the clown show but that got us no where! Cormac ran screaming and Colin was almost as upset. So instead we found tightrope walking, plate spinning, spin art, juggling and much more.
Face painting is always a big hit. Here is what the boys chose:
Colin chose the spiderweb.
Ciaran chose the snake.
Cormac the rainbow.
Calleigh was with us of course but she stuck to making silly faces while eating her pretzel.
We skipped the clown show but stayed for the magician. It was a huge hit. The boys really got a kick out of the optical illusions. They still can't figure out how on earth he stuck 10 swords into a box witha lady and she didn't get hurt! On a total side note but this totally annoyed me. A mother and her two sons were sitting in front of us. She asked the boys if they want a lollipop. The boys say yes and she hand them each a lollipop. One of the boys takes the wrapper off the lollipop and tries to hand it to his mother. She says "just throw it on the floor". Really?? Are you just too lazy to take the wrapper from his hand and put it in your pocket? Is this what you want to teach your children? I was so aggravated and it took all my strength to NOT say something to the mother.
Face painting is always a big hit. Here is what the boys chose:
Colin chose the spiderweb.
Ciaran chose the snake.
Cormac the rainbow.
Calleigh was with us of course but she stuck to making silly faces while eating her pretzel.
We skipped the clown show but stayed for the magician. It was a huge hit. The boys really got a kick out of the optical illusions. They still can't figure out how on earth he stuck 10 swords into a box witha lady and she didn't get hurt! On a total side note but this totally annoyed me. A mother and her two sons were sitting in front of us. She asked the boys if they want a lollipop. The boys say yes and she hand them each a lollipop. One of the boys takes the wrapper off the lollipop and tries to hand it to his mother. She says "just throw it on the floor". Really?? Are you just too lazy to take the wrapper from his hand and put it in your pocket? Is this what you want to teach your children? I was so aggravated and it took all my strength to NOT say something to the mother.
Monday, February 7, 2011
Ten on Tuesday
Ten things that make me smile EVERY day:
1. Before Colin says ANYTHING to me he says "Mom, I have to tell you something."
2. How much Ciaran truly understands the LOVE of sugar. For those that know me well...they know he is me reincarnated.
3. The reaction Calleigh has when you ask her if she wants a bottle. She gets so excited she doesn't know if she should laugh or cry. (yes, she is still drinking a bottle twice a day)
4. My DVR
5. Listening to coversations between the three boys. They say the funniest things and there was a time I wasn't sure all three would be capable of having conversations.
6. Diet Coke. Lots of it.
7. Bedtime. And not for the reasons you think. I love to hear Frank in their room telling bedtime stories. The giggles and fun they have is priceless.
8. Going into Calleigh's room each morning and watching her reaction to us. The boys greet her every morning with the sweetest good morning I have ever heard.
9. Cormac's true love for life. How wide his eyes open when he sees something he loves.
10. Currently, because it's winter I really love my seat warmers!
1. Before Colin says ANYTHING to me he says "Mom, I have to tell you something."
2. How much Ciaran truly understands the LOVE of sugar. For those that know me well...they know he is me reincarnated.
3. The reaction Calleigh has when you ask her if she wants a bottle. She gets so excited she doesn't know if she should laugh or cry. (yes, she is still drinking a bottle twice a day)
4. My DVR
5. Listening to coversations between the three boys. They say the funniest things and there was a time I wasn't sure all three would be capable of having conversations.
6. Diet Coke. Lots of it.
7. Bedtime. And not for the reasons you think. I love to hear Frank in their room telling bedtime stories. The giggles and fun they have is priceless.
8. Going into Calleigh's room each morning and watching her reaction to us. The boys greet her every morning with the sweetest good morning I have ever heard.
9. Cormac's true love for life. How wide his eyes open when he sees something he loves.
10. Currently, because it's winter I really love my seat warmers!
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Daisy
Ciaran was given Daisy, the giant stuffed green frog, to take home for a few days. To his bad luck we had horrible weather so Daisy didn't really get too far. That said, part of the reason they bring it home is to allow them to use their imaginations. A paper comes along with it to complete with some statements to complete.
Here are Ciaran's answers:
I slept...."in Ciaran's bed"
I went..."to Target, to the zoo an to the farm"
I had fun..."wearing underwear"
I ate..."Peanutbutter and jelly and pizza pie"
Something else that happened...."She went to the barn and pretended to be a cowgirl"
None of this actually happened. He made it all up. But he does crack me up. Not sure where he comes up with this stuff.
We were also assigned "The detective bag". Each child brings this home and picks an item to put in. They have to come up with three clues and bring it to school and the other kids in class have to try and guess what is in the bag. Colin brought it home. He chose a Knight to put in the bag. Here are the clues he plans on saying tomorrow:
1. He rides a horse
2. He has a shield and sword.
3. He saves Princess'.
I think he did a great job. Let's see how it goes tomorrow. I didn't let Ciaran or Cormac see what was in the bag so they can guess tomorrow.
Last week Ciaran had the Detective Bag. He chose a Koala Bear. Here were his clues:
1. He climbs trees.
2. He lives in Austraila
3. He eats eucalyptus leaves
Cormac hasn't done his yet but it will be here. We will also get Daisy two more times!
Cormac has started reading. It seems to just be clicking all of a sudden. It's pretty cool to watch. I have been told children with hearing loss will sometimes struggle with reading. I am happy he does not seem to slowed down. He asked if he could write the Princess' names and wanted me to spell them. I asked him to do it instead. Here's how he spelt them: Ariel he spelt "Arel" Rapunzel he spelt "Tiana" he spelt "Tianu" which makes sense.
He was also playing a game on Pbskids.org and it was a game from Super Why. I thought the game would be too difficult for him. First, he had to listen to a word and then find the matching word that rhymed out of 12 choices. Do you know he did everyone?? I was even amazed at how well he HEARD the voice saying the first word. I also made him do it with no volume and he sounded out both words! LOVE LOVE LOVE
Some exciting news on my girl. Today, she was doing her normal "downward dog" yoga position. She leaned back into a squat and balanced with no hands. She proceeded to stand up without holding onto anything. She stood for maybe 3 seconds and then squatted back down (still no hands) and stood back up again for a few seconds before falling onto her behind. She was so excited and proud of herself. She started clapping like crazy. It could have also been one Mommy and 3 little boys all yelling with excitement. Tonight I stood her in her room and she was able to hold it for about 3 or 4 seconds. She is well on her way! If she starts walking soon she is going to look so cute. She is still so small and will look like a baby walking! Keep your fingers crossed for her.
Here are Ciaran's answers:
I slept...."in Ciaran's bed"
I went..."to Target, to the zoo an to the farm"
I had fun..."wearing underwear"
I ate..."Peanutbutter and jelly and pizza pie"
Something else that happened...."She went to the barn and pretended to be a cowgirl"
None of this actually happened. He made it all up. But he does crack me up. Not sure where he comes up with this stuff.
We were also assigned "The detective bag". Each child brings this home and picks an item to put in. They have to come up with three clues and bring it to school and the other kids in class have to try and guess what is in the bag. Colin brought it home. He chose a Knight to put in the bag. Here are the clues he plans on saying tomorrow:
1. He rides a horse
2. He has a shield and sword.
3. He saves Princess'.
I think he did a great job. Let's see how it goes tomorrow. I didn't let Ciaran or Cormac see what was in the bag so they can guess tomorrow.
Last week Ciaran had the Detective Bag. He chose a Koala Bear. Here were his clues:
1. He climbs trees.
2. He lives in Austraila
3. He eats eucalyptus leaves
Cormac hasn't done his yet but it will be here. We will also get Daisy two more times!
Cormac has started reading. It seems to just be clicking all of a sudden. It's pretty cool to watch. I have been told children with hearing loss will sometimes struggle with reading. I am happy he does not seem to slowed down. He asked if he could write the Princess' names and wanted me to spell them. I asked him to do it instead. Here's how he spelt them: Ariel he spelt "Arel" Rapunzel he spelt "Tiana" he spelt "Tianu" which makes sense.
He was also playing a game on Pbskids.org and it was a game from Super Why. I thought the game would be too difficult for him. First, he had to listen to a word and then find the matching word that rhymed out of 12 choices. Do you know he did everyone?? I was even amazed at how well he HEARD the voice saying the first word. I also made him do it with no volume and he sounded out both words! LOVE LOVE LOVE
Some exciting news on my girl. Today, she was doing her normal "downward dog" yoga position. She leaned back into a squat and balanced with no hands. She proceeded to stand up without holding onto anything. She stood for maybe 3 seconds and then squatted back down (still no hands) and stood back up again for a few seconds before falling onto her behind. She was so excited and proud of herself. She started clapping like crazy. It could have also been one Mommy and 3 little boys all yelling with excitement. Tonight I stood her in her room and she was able to hold it for about 3 or 4 seconds. She is well on her way! If she starts walking soon she is going to look so cute. She is still so small and will look like a baby walking! Keep your fingers crossed for her.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Ten On Tuesday
I thought I would give the "Ten on Tuesday" thing a shot. I saw it on Melanie's Blog and it seemed interesting. I googled it and it seems it's a trend. Maybe I will try and make it topic specific in the future. (10 things I like, 10 things that annoy me LOL) So, here it is:
1. I have made my decision on where the boys will be going to Kindergarten. I feel relieved and happy with my choice. That in no way means I am relieved or happy they are starting Kindergarten. I am very upset they are going to be in Kindergarten. Kindergarten is FULL day in our town and at the private school.
2. I despise winter. Really. I have no love for it at all. I used to tolerate it but since having children I really hate it. I DO love how much the boys love snow but it does not carry over to me at all!
3. I have returned to the gym for really the first time since having Calleigh. I have only run in nicer weather since giving birth to her. I have always loved working out and am thrilled to be doing it again.
4. I no longer work overnight....LOVE
5. I have never had a cup of coffee in my entire life. Not hot, not iced. Nothing.
6. Calleigh is going to be spoiled. No two ways about it. Her smile melts my heart like no other and she can pretty much get anything after that. I am pretty sure she will catch on to this very soon.
7. I still can't believe I have 4 kids and at one point they were all three and under. I always wanted kids. But it still surprises me. I would have a fifth. Yes, you read that correctly. I would....but we are not!
8. I hate to be late to anything. It drives me nuts. I am usually early.
9. I will never drive anything but a large truck again. I love my Suburban. I will try my hardest to make up for my abuse to the environment in other ways.
10. The first time I met Frank was at a St. Patrick's Day Parade. I have no recollection of EVER meeting him that day. He on the other hand decided that day he would find me again and go out with me! (I was ummmm.. a little tipsy???)
1. I have made my decision on where the boys will be going to Kindergarten. I feel relieved and happy with my choice. That in no way means I am relieved or happy they are starting Kindergarten. I am very upset they are going to be in Kindergarten. Kindergarten is FULL day in our town and at the private school.
2. I despise winter. Really. I have no love for it at all. I used to tolerate it but since having children I really hate it. I DO love how much the boys love snow but it does not carry over to me at all!
3. I have returned to the gym for really the first time since having Calleigh. I have only run in nicer weather since giving birth to her. I have always loved working out and am thrilled to be doing it again.
4. I no longer work overnight....LOVE
5. I have never had a cup of coffee in my entire life. Not hot, not iced. Nothing.
6. Calleigh is going to be spoiled. No two ways about it. Her smile melts my heart like no other and she can pretty much get anything after that. I am pretty sure she will catch on to this very soon.
7. I still can't believe I have 4 kids and at one point they were all three and under. I always wanted kids. But it still surprises me. I would have a fifth. Yes, you read that correctly. I would....but we are not!
8. I hate to be late to anything. It drives me nuts. I am usually early.
9. I will never drive anything but a large truck again. I love my Suburban. I will try my hardest to make up for my abuse to the environment in other ways.
10. The first time I met Frank was at a St. Patrick's Day Parade. I have no recollection of EVER meeting him that day. He on the other hand decided that day he would find me again and go out with me! (I was ummmm.. a little tipsy???)
Friday, January 28, 2011
Flashback Friday
Thought I would post some pics of the kids but found this pic and figure this is REALLY a flashback. Yep, that is me when the traveling zoo came to town. The rabbit was really cute. I do, however, have a recollection of being made to hold a gigantic snake on the same day and have yet to recover from the experience. I seriously am still terrified of snakes. Cannot even look at them through glass without freaking out. I
My mom thinks I look just like Colin in this picture.
This was Calleigh. Not like I how to remember her but it was our reality. I never had the picture taken of me and a baby with the little pink and blue hats with Mom and Dad all cuddled around. All four kids were shown to me for a VERY brief time and wisked away to the NICU. GOtta say when I see others pics I get a little bit jealous
A long 31 days later on her first day home. I cannot rotate this picture for some reason.
But only a few months later.....
This is the first picture of the triplets together. Cormac was home for a week by himself before Ciaran and Colin came home together. I took this that day. I also used it as our birth announcement. Can anyone guess who is who? (Mom--you are not allowed to guess) One is pretty obvious...and he still is! LOL
My mom thinks I look just like Colin in this picture.
This was Calleigh. Not like I how to remember her but it was our reality. I never had the picture taken of me and a baby with the little pink and blue hats with Mom and Dad all cuddled around. All four kids were shown to me for a VERY brief time and wisked away to the NICU. GOtta say when I see others pics I get a little bit jealous
A long 31 days later on her first day home. I cannot rotate this picture for some reason.
But only a few months later.....
This is the first picture of the triplets together. Cormac was home for a week by himself before Ciaran and Colin came home together. I took this that day. I also used it as our birth announcement. Can anyone guess who is who? (Mom--you are not allowed to guess) One is pretty obvious...and he still is! LOL
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Kids say the darndest things....
Ciaran went food shopping with me all by himself. I don't really get much alone time with any of the boys but I really do enjoy it now and then. We are driving in the truck and he says to me. "Mom, when we grow up, there will be 4 daddies and 2 mommys Me and my brothers and Dad will be four dads and you and Calleigh will be 2 moms". He then tells me he wants to have six babies. He said " I love our big family and want to have a big family" "Is it good to love a big family?" "Cause I really think it's great to have a big family. I want to name my kids Susie, Sam, Tree Tree, Duke and I have to think of 2 more names." He then asked me if birds, dogs, fish and all animals have families.
Colin asked me to come downstairs and sit on the couch with him. I go and sit with him and he says "Mom, if we were to go on a date I would take you on a picnic in the park. I would bring apples, lollipops, meat, chicken and more lollipops for dessert. When we were done eating we could go and sit and just look at the lake together. Or if it was night we could look up at the stars" I think he might make a good boyfriend/husband! I decided to ask Cormac what he would do on a date..."I would get married" Told him he might want to wait at least until the second date to get married! Ciaran says he would go to a restaurant to eat and then come home and snuggle on the couch.
Where they get all these ideas is really a mystery. The things they come up with on a daily basis continues to make me laugh and smile. Sure they can drive you totally nuts. All this snow has not been fun with school closings but then they come out with one of these stories and you tend to forget the craziness.
Tonight they are all sound asleep in a fort snuggled together. It's priceless. Calleigh so wanted to sleep in the fort but she isn't quite big enough! She was climbing in with them and cracking up. Her personality is adorable. She is really coming out of her shell. She loves to be wild (hmmmm wonder where she got that from!). She loves to be silly and laugh and she has three built in jokers in front of her face at all times. Calliegh wants to walk sooooo bad. I have said I would be thrilled if she walked by her second birthday. I think she will be ahead of schedule. She is constantly doing squats. Up and down, up and down. SHe is getting stronger every day. Just like her arms got stronger and stronger and she started crawling like a champ. She is progessing the same with her legs. I love walking into her room and finding her standing in her crib. Today, Cormac asked if he could check to see if she was awake from her nap. He opens her door and yells, "hey, guys, guess who's awake? And I mean REALLY awake...she is standing!" They all love to see her standing and trying to walk.
Sorry about the horrible dresser in the pics below
. I am in the process of refinishing both dressers but all the snow has slowed me down! I probably should have cleaned Calleigh face...but if you know her she is always messy!
That's Cormac cuddling under "fuzzy" his favorite blanket. He never sleeps without it.
Ciaran
Colin
They can't sleep without their ladybug light either. So it's in the fort with them.
Colin asked me to come downstairs and sit on the couch with him. I go and sit with him and he says "Mom, if we were to go on a date I would take you on a picnic in the park. I would bring apples, lollipops, meat, chicken and more lollipops for dessert. When we were done eating we could go and sit and just look at the lake together. Or if it was night we could look up at the stars" I think he might make a good boyfriend/husband! I decided to ask Cormac what he would do on a date..."I would get married" Told him he might want to wait at least until the second date to get married! Ciaran says he would go to a restaurant to eat and then come home and snuggle on the couch.
Where they get all these ideas is really a mystery. The things they come up with on a daily basis continues to make me laugh and smile. Sure they can drive you totally nuts. All this snow has not been fun with school closings but then they come out with one of these stories and you tend to forget the craziness.
Tonight they are all sound asleep in a fort snuggled together. It's priceless. Calleigh so wanted to sleep in the fort but she isn't quite big enough! She was climbing in with them and cracking up. Her personality is adorable. She is really coming out of her shell. She loves to be wild (hmmmm wonder where she got that from!). She loves to be silly and laugh and she has three built in jokers in front of her face at all times. Calliegh wants to walk sooooo bad. I have said I would be thrilled if she walked by her second birthday. I think she will be ahead of schedule. She is constantly doing squats. Up and down, up and down. SHe is getting stronger every day. Just like her arms got stronger and stronger and she started crawling like a champ. She is progessing the same with her legs. I love walking into her room and finding her standing in her crib. Today, Cormac asked if he could check to see if she was awake from her nap. He opens her door and yells, "hey, guys, guess who's awake? And I mean REALLY awake...she is standing!" They all love to see her standing and trying to walk.
Sorry about the horrible dresser in the pics below
. I am in the process of refinishing both dressers but all the snow has slowed me down! I probably should have cleaned Calleigh face...but if you know her she is always messy!
That's Cormac cuddling under "fuzzy" his favorite blanket. He never sleeps without it.
Ciaran
Colin
They can't sleep without their ladybug light either. So it's in the fort with them.
Little Broken Heart....
We went for our usual four month check up with the cardiologist yesterday. Calleigh was born with two holes in her heart. A VSD (Ventricular Septal Defect) and an ASD a(Arterial Septal Defect). The VSD closed on it's own. The ASD is another story. It has not even started to close. It is considered a moderate size hole.
When I first was told all this information when she was born it was really not much to worry about. Seems, things are a changing. The ASD will more than likely require surgery to repair it. Seriously, can't this poor girl catch a break? Well, I guess if I want to look on the positive, the VSD closed and that is harder to repair than an ASD. Not much but I really do try to look for the good.
It is not anytime soon. It probably won't be for another year. Just gives me a year to worry about upcoming surgery. The surgeon wants her bigger. It is not affecting her right now so it's not an emergency. He likes them to be 30-40 pounds. I joked she might not be that big until Kindergarten. She is barely 20 pounds.
Then he told me WE, as in me and Frank, can decide which type of surgery we want her to have. Really? Let me consult me medical degree hanging on the wall. Right....I DON"T HAVE A MEDICAL DEGREE. The choices are open heart surgery. The big shabang. Cutting her chest, stopping her heart while they sew it up. Weeks of recovery. BUT that's it. We know it's fixed forever. Or we can do non invasive where they go through her groin and put a umbrella like device inside her and open it up to seal off the hole. It's much easier on her and she could come home the same day or next day. Not much recovery. I guess the downside to this second option is there is no real long term information on how long this procedure will last. There is no reason to think it WONT last but all the same they haven't been doing it long enough to know all the details.
So that is where we stand. Calleigh's little heart is still broken. My heart well, it breaks a little more each time she has to endure something else. I honestly, thought we were DONE. That said, we are so lucky she is progressing and has really gotten over all the issues she had. It can always be worse.
When I first was told all this information when she was born it was really not much to worry about. Seems, things are a changing. The ASD will more than likely require surgery to repair it. Seriously, can't this poor girl catch a break? Well, I guess if I want to look on the positive, the VSD closed and that is harder to repair than an ASD. Not much but I really do try to look for the good.
It is not anytime soon. It probably won't be for another year. Just gives me a year to worry about upcoming surgery. The surgeon wants her bigger. It is not affecting her right now so it's not an emergency. He likes them to be 30-40 pounds. I joked she might not be that big until Kindergarten. She is barely 20 pounds.
Then he told me WE, as in me and Frank, can decide which type of surgery we want her to have. Really? Let me consult me medical degree hanging on the wall. Right....I DON"T HAVE A MEDICAL DEGREE. The choices are open heart surgery. The big shabang. Cutting her chest, stopping her heart while they sew it up. Weeks of recovery. BUT that's it. We know it's fixed forever. Or we can do non invasive where they go through her groin and put a umbrella like device inside her and open it up to seal off the hole. It's much easier on her and she could come home the same day or next day. Not much recovery. I guess the downside to this second option is there is no real long term information on how long this procedure will last. There is no reason to think it WONT last but all the same they haven't been doing it long enough to know all the details.
So that is where we stand. Calleigh's little heart is still broken. My heart well, it breaks a little more each time she has to endure something else. I honestly, thought we were DONE. That said, we are so lucky she is progressing and has really gotten over all the issues she had. It can always be worse.
Monday, January 17, 2011
Friends
I was looking at my friend list on facebook today. Lots of them are old friends from school. It's awesome to be able to stay connected or be reconnected with long lost friends. But what I was really amazed by was the amount of people on my friend list I would NEVER have known had I not had triplets and had Cormac not been deaf.
My fellow triplet moms have been an amazing support system. They can truly understand what a day in my life is like. We have known each other since all our babies are small and I cannot believe in 2011 all of the kids are turning five. It is such a joy to watch all of these amazing kids grow up. It is so fun to share in all of their accomplishments. So, a BIG thank you to all of you. You know who you are....
The people I have met because of Cormac, well, it's hard to put into words how nice it is to know them. My life is richer for knowing them. Some of them are moms to other CI kids and it's awesome to be able to talk to others who get it. Some are adult users of CI's and what a great way to get to see what Cormac can do. I feel so blessed to have become part of this wonderful family. I have Cormac to thank for making my life that much better. I often think I can't imagine not knowing these friends and know we were given an amazing opportunity in life. I learn from the evey day. I hope I have been able to give some support or help to them at some point.
Life doens't seem to follow a plan. It turns out differently than one might expect (for some people anyway) but all the things that "don't go as planned" have somehow turned out to be great blessings.
My fellow triplet moms have been an amazing support system. They can truly understand what a day in my life is like. We have known each other since all our babies are small and I cannot believe in 2011 all of the kids are turning five. It is such a joy to watch all of these amazing kids grow up. It is so fun to share in all of their accomplishments. So, a BIG thank you to all of you. You know who you are....
The people I have met because of Cormac, well, it's hard to put into words how nice it is to know them. My life is richer for knowing them. Some of them are moms to other CI kids and it's awesome to be able to talk to others who get it. Some are adult users of CI's and what a great way to get to see what Cormac can do. I feel so blessed to have become part of this wonderful family. I have Cormac to thank for making my life that much better. I often think I can't imagine not knowing these friends and know we were given an amazing opportunity in life. I learn from the evey day. I hope I have been able to give some support or help to them at some point.
Life doens't seem to follow a plan. It turns out differently than one might expect (for some people anyway) but all the things that "don't go as planned" have somehow turned out to be great blessings.
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Hug your kids tighter.
I know a family who had triplet girls who are almost 2 years old. All was well with them until one of their daughters starting regressing. She was diagnosed with rare disease called Leigh's Syndrome one year ago. It is a terrible, horrible disease. Piper lost her battle today just a little less than a month from her 2nd birthday. My heart breaks for this family. Please pray for tmhis family. I cannot even begin to imagine the pain they are experiencing.
God Bless you, Piper.
God Bless you, Piper.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Games
Cormac found this game on Nickjr.com called Ladybug Festival. It is cute and is a listening game. It describes objects and the player has to find what they are looking for in the game. I wanted to pass it along to practice their listening skills.
Other things keeping us busy this winter are a few toys we got from Santa who shops at Discovery Toys. You can only buy them online or through a consultant. All the toys are educational but fun at the same time. Our favorites right now are Motorworks, Busy Bugs, Playful Patterns and Whiz Kids. Whiz kids says it's for children 7 and older but I can't imagine 7 year olds being challenged by the game.
This game can be played anywhere and is great in the car. It gives categories and the child has to name things you ask. It really makes them use their brains and it's great for vocabulary. There were a few words the boys didn't know but that what it's all about. For example, one of the cards said "Name a beverage". The boys didn't know that word. "Name something electronic" was another we didn't know. But every time we do the cards they come up with different ideas. One of the cards said "Name something adults do" and Cormac said "Adults go to work". Thought that was a great answer. Ciaran said "Adults drink soda".
Play Doh has been an amazing indoor activity. When I tell you they play with it for hours at a time I am not exaggerating. As I type this the three of them are at the table playing Play Doh and making up the most amazing games. I am in awe of the active imaginations these children possess. The detail of the games the come up with and the amount of energy the use playing them is amazing. So many people comment on how well the boys play together. Sure, they fight, but for the most part they just entertain each other.
I brought them to the gym to babysitting three times since the new year (Calleigh can finally go to babysitting so i am back at the gym!) and two different babysitters said they can't believe how well they play, share and how their little minds are always working.
It gets me thinking about the relationship they share. I know their "tripletness" play a part in their bond. But on the other hand they don't HAVE to play together all day long. They choose to be together. They can be apart and do great with other kids but they enjoy their time together. I hope it remains this way for their entire lives. I will say, Colin is the most attached to the other two. Once in a while if they are having a day when they are all not playing nice I will tell them to all go to different rooms to play alone for a while. Colin hates this. He says "No, I want to play with my brothers and starts to cry if I say I am going to split them up. That said, at school he is fine. They don't always sit next to each other. They have their own friends. They have their own likes and dislikes. They are each their own person but are happy to be part of Team Lawrence!
Other things keeping us busy this winter are a few toys we got from Santa who shops at Discovery Toys. You can only buy them online or through a consultant. All the toys are educational but fun at the same time. Our favorites right now are Motorworks, Busy Bugs, Playful Patterns and Whiz Kids. Whiz kids says it's for children 7 and older but I can't imagine 7 year olds being challenged by the game.
This game can be played anywhere and is great in the car. It gives categories and the child has to name things you ask. It really makes them use their brains and it's great for vocabulary. There were a few words the boys didn't know but that what it's all about. For example, one of the cards said "Name a beverage". The boys didn't know that word. "Name something electronic" was another we didn't know. But every time we do the cards they come up with different ideas. One of the cards said "Name something adults do" and Cormac said "Adults go to work". Thought that was a great answer. Ciaran said "Adults drink soda".
Play Doh has been an amazing indoor activity. When I tell you they play with it for hours at a time I am not exaggerating. As I type this the three of them are at the table playing Play Doh and making up the most amazing games. I am in awe of the active imaginations these children possess. The detail of the games the come up with and the amount of energy the use playing them is amazing. So many people comment on how well the boys play together. Sure, they fight, but for the most part they just entertain each other.
I brought them to the gym to babysitting three times since the new year (Calleigh can finally go to babysitting so i am back at the gym!) and two different babysitters said they can't believe how well they play, share and how their little minds are always working.
It gets me thinking about the relationship they share. I know their "tripletness" play a part in their bond. But on the other hand they don't HAVE to play together all day long. They choose to be together. They can be apart and do great with other kids but they enjoy their time together. I hope it remains this way for their entire lives. I will say, Colin is the most attached to the other two. Once in a while if they are having a day when they are all not playing nice I will tell them to all go to different rooms to play alone for a while. Colin hates this. He says "No, I want to play with my brothers and starts to cry if I say I am going to split them up. That said, at school he is fine. They don't always sit next to each other. They have their own friends. They have their own likes and dislikes. They are each their own person but are happy to be part of Team Lawrence!
Monday, December 27, 2010
Most wonderful time of the year..
I love Christmas. Always have and always will. I love the decorations. I love the holiday spirit. I love putting up a Christmas tree and sitting in the living room with just the Christmas lights and relaxing. I got married on December 13th because I wanted to have a Christmas wedding. Now, being a parent, it puts a whole new spin on Christmas. It makes me enjoy the holiday even more. To see the wonder and amazement in their eyes. To see how excited they were to celebrate Jesus' birthday. Well, it's just awesome.
Our holidays went wonderful. I hosted Christmas Eve at my house. We had no oven but we made it through just fine. The food was wonderful. The company was great. The kids loved being with lots of cousins. The only fly in the ointment was sickness. Calleigh and Ciaran were both sick. Ciaran had his first fever ever in his life! Four years and eight months old and his first fever. It knocked him out. He wanted to do a lot of cuddling. Calleigh went to bed Christmas Eve before 7pm. She missed most of the night. Lord knows how she slept through 20 adults and 11 kids in the house. But she never made a peep.
Santa came over on CHristmas Eve and handed out one gift to each child. The boys found Santa sleeping in Ciaran's bed. Cormac with a look of pure shock and joy said "Hey, Santa, what are you doing sleeping in my brother Ciaran's bed?" Santa said he was tired after climbing in through the window.
Christmas morning was a dream. The boys all came into our room to cuddle as usual. It took over an hour before Ciaran said "wait, didn't you say Santa was coming last night?" Once he said that it was all over. Down to the living room we all went. Their faces were priceless. They didn't even receive tons of presents but were thilled. They had all been asking for the same gifts since October and never changed their minds. Ciaran wanted "hulk toys", Colin want "Ironman that says "I am Ironman and walks" Cormac wanted "the whole box of toy story friends from Target and a Cinderella doll". Santa also brought them each a Buzz Lightyear tent, sleeping bag and backpack along with lots of other fun stuff.
New Year's Eve we spent with the boys' BFF Kennedy. It was her birthday so we went to a birthday/New Year little celebration at her house. The boys'LOVE Kennedy's house. I think they would move in if given the option! I beleive Kennedy wouldn't mind them living there either! We had a great time. We were home by 8:30pm and neither me or Frank saw the New Year! We are both sick too.
On New Year's Day we were invited to a party at Frank's cousin's house. My Mom watched the kids overnight at her house. This was the first time since I had children my kids would NOT be in the house when I woke up in the morning! Frank has been alone in the house because I go away with the kids in the summer to his mom's house but this was a first for me. I was excited and freaked out all at the same time. I knew they would be fine with my Mom.
When I told the boys they were going to sleep at my Mom's house Ciaran said "Where are you going to sleep? I said "home in our house" Colin says "All by yourself?" I say "no, Daddy will be with me". He says in a very silly cute voice "That sounds a little bit like a date to me." Then he says "Hey, wait, that sounds like a SLEEPOVER date" I was cracking up. He is really a funny kid.
The kids did great at my Mom's house except for the sickies coming back. As of today, Januay 3rd, Ciaran has a double ear infection and sinus infection (his first ear infection in his life_, Colin has one ear infected and a sinus infection (his first ear infection too) and Cormac has an ear infection and a sinus infection. This is Cormac's second ear infection. Needless to say they are not so happy. We started antibiotics and am hoping they get well quickly.
For some reason none of the boys can say "happy new year" They all say "happy new hear". They all can say the word year but when it comes out together they say "hear". They have been up to their usual funny selves with the commentst they make. As my friend, Evelyn, said "keep adding them to the book". This blog is my book. I plan to print it for the kids when they are older. So, here are a couple of the latest.
Ciaran was only in his underwear and goes running up to Colin rubbing his back against his Colin and says "Colin you are so hot from your fever come here and keep me warm"
Ciaran kept saying the word "ritado". I had no clue what he was talking about. I finally figured out he meant "taco". I have no idea why he thought it was "ritado" but who knows what goes on in their little heads.
Ciaran says to me "Mom, what is diarrhea?" I say "why do you want to know?" Ciaran says "Because I think I have it" He was right!
Christmas morning after Cormac opened all his gifts he said "Mom, Santa is the best man EVER!"
Calleigh is a full time crawler. She will pull up to standing but is not cruising or walking yet. I REALLY want her to walk. She is getting stronger every day. SHe is very funny and loves to laugh. She also has a BAD temper. I mean bad! She slams her little hands down on her tray to her high chair if we don't fee her fast enough. SHe isn't talking much except for about 3 or 4 words. She UNDERSTANDS everything. She signs "more" and "all done" She eats more than the boys at this point. No joke. For breakfast she ate a full size yogurt, cottage cheese with fruit (not a kid size) a cereal bar and then two pancakes!
We are hoping for some big changes for her in the next few weeks. We have to follow up with cardiology, neurology, endocrinology this month.
Here are some photos from the holidays.
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
A Christmas Story...
The boys were chosen to be The Three Wisemen at the school play. Keep in mind it is Pre K 4 so the kids are little. Everyone had a part to play. It was so adorable. Too cute for words. My Wisemen were perfect.
Ciaran was Balthasar. Colin was Melchior and Cormac was Gaspar. They each had a line.
Ciaran: I am Balthasar. I bring Frankincense.
Colin: I am Melchior. I bring Myrrh.
Cormac: I am Gaspar. I bring Gold.
All three said their lines. All three sang all their songs in the show.
To say I was proud is an understatement. My heart swelled with pride. I cried. But they were tears of joy. Tears of pure love. I know they worked so hard to learn all the songs and their lines. Not to mention the amount of people who were in the audience. All the parents, lots of grandparents, aunts, uncles.
I was very worried about the performance. The Thanksgiving Show was very overwhelming for Cormac. Ciaran and Colin did great at Thanksgiving but Cormac never looked up once. He held his head down. After the show he wouldn't even be part of the feast. It was so out of character for him. I was so surprised. His teacher even called me the following day on Thanksgiving to make sure he was OK. She is the sweetest teacher and I was touched she called to check on him.
So, I was concerned we would have a repeat performance but he was back to his usual charming self. Singing and dancing. Saying his lines. Looking straight out into audience and giving it his all with a giant smile on his face.
Their teacher said to me today "First I want to thank you for having triplets and second I want to thank you letting me be their teacher". Sure made me feel good.
She was so excited to have tripets be the Wisemen. We are the first triplets she has ever had in her class.
I've said it before but when I look up at my three miracles all together it overwhlems me. It makes me happier than I ever thought I could be in life. To see Cormac, my deaf son, up there like any other kid in class is my dream realized. It's the reward for all HIS hard work. I remember sitting in a rocking chair with Cormac when his "profound hearing loss" was confirmed. I kept thinking "what do we do?" "How can this happen to us?" "Will he be ok?".
I know the answers now. He will be just fine. He IS just fine. He's just one of the boys. Ciaran, Colin and Cormac can be anything they want to be. Nothing can hold them back.
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