Bath Time Buds

When I give the trips their baths, I usually do Aiden and Mia first. Then Mia gets out, then Seth joins Aiden for a bit. They all love their time in the bath. Aiden almost always throws a fit when he has to get out.
Seth likes to lay out and roll in the water. I worry about him in the tub, because at times he shows no fear of it. I think is why I usually have just him in the end, so I can watch him better.



And look how spiffy they can get after a good bath!

Things that I love....

I love....
-to check in on Mia and Aiden and see them playing with each other.
-when Seth takes that brief moment to look back at me and smile in anticipation when I am supposed to be singing the Olivia show song.
-shopping with my mom, anywhere.
-walking into Lynn's house, my stress seems to melt away.
-being daddy's little girl forever.
-being spooned by my husband.
-the smell of pumpkin spice and sugar cookies.
-eating too much. I am very good at it.
-the mischievous look Aiden can smile.
-the endless memories of my brothers and me, always being there for each other.
-that Seth chose me and no other.
-my home, it changes with my family. Its small but God knows where it is.
-that moment in the morning before all are awake and coffee is hot.
-all cats. I would adopt fifty if I could.
-when Mia points her finger to her cheek and says, "I know!"
-being in New Orleans Square and hearing the train whistle. All aboard!
-oceans that are warm.
-big family dinners, when everyone is all together.
-love when my step kids play Sorry and someone always gets mad or cries.
-when you can see every star in the sky.
-singing in my car alone.
-taffy, toffee and vanilla malts.
-visiting Philly. One of the few places I can remember as a child and still see.
-my best childhood friend, Jen. She is always in my heart.
-how I always have a friend with my cousin, Amy.
-how God has blessed me with my family and friends.

Breath and Pray - New Years Resolutions

My resolutions are to enjoy life more and pray harder. Simple enough, right? On top of getting them to be binkie free, bottle free, not draw on walls, learn to share, go to bed on time, use the toilet, and learn to talk, I have one main goal this year. I want them to understand and love the lord. I can not think of one thing that is more important in my life and I want to instill in them that there is always someone there for them (besides me and dad.) So we started to go to church. Right now they just have a daycare they go to, but getting them comfortable there is important. Also, getting the church to learn about Seth's little challenges. My goal will be that next Christmas they will know more than just Santa and Frosty.

I also have been making it a priority to pray each night. I struggle with worrying about Seth and just the day to day challenges with raising triplets and three older step children. The only things that seems to build strength and peace in me, is putting my faith in the lord. Letting him handles my worries and pray for the strength and wisdom I need.

The last is learning to enjoy the small things and taking better care of myself. In a family of eight it has become easy to put my health in last place. This is not easy, just trying to do aerobics with one two year old underfoot today was a challenge today. I won't even try it with two around, let alone three. I really need to take advantage of this time, before I head back to work...someday. With Seth needing extra support, I am not sure when that will be (or what it will be.)

Morning routine...

I have my early bird, Seth. He gets up around 6:30am. He is also the one that stays up the latest, sometimes till 10pm. Sleep issues are common with children with autism or it could just be he is like me and wakes to any little noise. He looks forward to his morning cartoons getting started.


Then I usually have Mia up a little later. She usually sleeps though the night right now. She has all her teeth, unlike the boys. I believe the teething the boys are going through keeps them up at times, right now. She likes to be where I am in the mornings. She even helps empty the dishwasher.



Then there is my morning bear, Aiden. He is very slow to get up and prefers to hang out in his pack and play for half and hour. I can only imagine what it will be like to get this one up and ready for school.

These days I just have to get them somewhat ready for Seth's therapy session. Seth has the beginnings of ABA therapy through Bright Futures. Both him and Aiden are in the early intervention programs through our county. Aiden is in it for a speech delay but Seth, of course, is in it due to his ASD. Seth has session from 9 to 11 every weekday. Aiden has a session once a week for an hour, right now. I am hoping to get him into a mom and me class soon.

Wild Hair

And you think you have bad hair days!

Mac-N-Cheese

They must have my blood in them. I LOVE mac-n-cheese. I love it with hot dogs or tuna. I love it homemade, spicy or just from a plain ol' box. They love it too! Aiden will even ask for mac n cheeeeese. In the picture of Aiden above he is rubbing his belly saying yummy mac-n-cheese.

Christmas memories...

All we needed to get Aiden was a mack truck from cars and he would have been happy. Mia's inner artist is coming alive with her new markers and crayons. They both love the easel. Seth is dancing away to his blue's clue's dvd. The best was having all the family around and spending time with loved ones.

Two little Monkeys,,,

I know I shouldn't allow this but it helps to get them tired.

Mia inspecting dads hats...

Mia loves hats! She disappeared one day and I found her in our room checking out dads hats.

A winter bug visits

Aiden and Seth have been fighting a fever for a couple of days. This means I will not get much sleep. Last night was especially tough. I was up with Aiden until two and then Seth took over at four. He was especially tough. The only place he would not cry was lying on my chest. Although, I enjoy this time, Sethers, is getting quite heavy. I felt like a zombie this morning. I didn't ever hear Anthony leave for work and only woke up to the sound of Skyler leaving for school.