Then and Now

I wanted to post some pictures and stats to show what a difference a year makes.

Kelen Thomas (AKA The K-man) at 11 days old

2 lbs 1 oz 14 inches

At home 3 months later
8 lbs 19.5 inches

12 months old
18.5 lbs 27.3 inches

Currently cruising, saying dada, and has 2 teeth

Ella Marie (AKA The Ella Monster) at 9 days old
2 lbs 4 oz 14.3 inches

At home 3 months later
6 lbs 4oz 18.3 inches

12 months old
16.3 lbs 27.5 inches

Currently army crawling, saying dada, and has 1 tooth!

Cory James (AKA The Cor-Man) at 3 days old
2 lbs 5 oz 14 inches

Finally home 3 months later
7 lbs 11 oz 19.8 inches

12 months old
18 lbs 28.8 inches

Currently cruising, trying to climb out of crib, saying dada, and has 5 teeth.

Together for the first time!

Together at the birthday party.

Party Pics Finally

I am finally posting about the birthday party! Sorry it took so long. Kevin and I both got the stomach virus going around and were stuck in the bathroom for about 24 hours each. Thankfully, we didn't have it at the same time. Then Ella started projectile vomiting every night after her bedtime bottle. Totally gross and messy! It didn't seem to bother her much though. I took her to the doctor and she had a small ear infection which was causing her reflux to flare up. As soon as we started the antibiotics the vomiting stopped and she hardly spits up at all now, which is great! And the boys are still teething pretty bad and have had fevers off and on. But enough excuses, here are some pics from the birthday party (thanks to Jim). Also, here is a youtube link with a slideshow of all the great pics Jim took that weekend.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ivWjsFbCyjg

Some of the decorations.

The birthday cupcakes.

Why is everyone staring at us?

New family photo.


This looks like fun! Afterwards....
Quick bath in the sink.
Ella was not impressed with her cupcake.
This stuff is good!

Posters I made for each kiddo with pics from each month.

Boo-Hoo

We went in for our 12 month check up yesterday, which meant shots for everyone - 4 each to be exact. Alot of tears and pouty lips! They were super cranky yesterday and still today. I hope this passes soon. Otherwise everyone looks good and we were given the all clear to switch to whole milk! YEAH! No more mixing formula! Kevin said he was going to smash the formula mixing pitchers! I promise to get pictures up from the party this weekend when the kiddies are feeling better.

Happy 1st Birthday Kelen, Ella, and Cory!!!!

I can't believe my babies aren't babies anymore! As of 3:56pm today they are a year old. They are the most healthy, happy, beautiful babies we could have ever hoped for. A year ago today was the most stressful, emotional, scary, yet happy day of our lives. I remember the doctor telling us that she was going to have to deliver me because labor was continuing to progress despite their best efforts to stop it. I was so scared for my babies and totally unprepared to deliver 3 months early. We didn't even have names for them yet! I remember hearing their tiny weak cries and seeing each of them briefly before they wisked them away to the NICU at Children's Hospital. The whole experience was so surreal. I went from no children to 3 in a matter of minutes. The following three months that they spent in the hospital was the hardest time of our lives. There were times that we were not sure we would bring home 3 babies. It seemed like it was one problem after another, but they made it through all of them (thanks to the outstanding care at St Louis Children's Hospital). And now you would never know they were preemies! We are so blessed!

The birthday party turned out great! Thanks to both grandparents for all of their help and for all of our great friends who came to celebrate with us! This week I will post pictures from the party and more on how the triplets are doing now a year later....weights, then and now pics, and other fun details. Stay tuned........

Gearing up for the BIG Birthday Bash!

Well it's almost here! And I can't wait to celebrate my little miracle munchkins turning one! And amazingly I am all prepared - only a little cooking, cleaning, and setup to do. No last minute scrambling, which is amazing for me - the ultimate procrastinator!

The triplets are doing sooo well, I couldn't ask for more. Kelen started pulling up to standing this week. It's amazing how fast they can start doing things. He just started pulling up on his knees less than 2 weeks ago! Also, they are all holding their own bottles now! YEAH! I thought that would never come.

Here are some great pics that Kevin's dad took when he and Fran visited about a week ago. Thanks Jim! Wonderful pics!

Ella Monster

Who do you think is running the show in the McDonald house?

5 Runny Noses

Well, I haven't posted for a while because we have all been sick with head colds. I got it first, then Kelen, then Cory and Ella, and lastly Kevin had to get in on the fun! Sucking out 3 baby noses all day isn't my idea of a good time. Oh, well, I can't complain too much, this was pretty mild for sick kids. We survived and are all almost back to 100%. Just in time for their 1st birthday! It is rapidly approaching and I think we are all ready to celebrate. Fran helped me get the birthday outfits together and the menu and decor. My mom is coming next week to help me clean the house and get set up.

Ella finally has teeth poking in on the bottom, so she will not be toothless on her birthday. Kelen is close to pulling up, he plays on his knees alot and his crawl is getting better. Cory is Cory. Someone forgot to tell him he is a preemie! He is starting to cruise along furniture. He will be walking soon. He is also saying something close to dada.

Here are some pics over the last few weeks:

Flowers Kevin sent me for our anniversary.

Under the end table.

Under the exersaucer. It's an obstacle course!

Pulling up soon.

Ella's favorite sleeping position. Caught with no clothes on!
I'm ready for aerobics class!
Sitting up.
What are you looking at? Mom dresses me. Playing together nicely.