Oink Oink

What do you get when 4 year old identical boys come across the world famous SWINE FLU?

In our case, just a mild fever for 5 days. One would have never known just by looking at them! LOL!

Summer came and went...

Summer came and went without a warning. Only once we looked and it was gone. Ok, so I was once a big Richard Marx fan. LOL. But there is truth in those lyrics. A couple of months of pure freedom and sunshine can pass quickly before our eyes and before we know it they've passed. What was truly special about this summer was the way we just "eased" into it. The transition was natural and effortless. We were able to enjoy more of it than previous years. Maybe the kids are getting older and wiser. Maybe I am. Regardless, there were a great many lessons learned and a whole lot of life lived in the last few months. It amazes me how much we've all grown. If I could sneak peek into my kids minds, I have a feeling this is what they'd have to say and that this is what they'll have to remember...

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This summer began with a Mother's Day family gathering at a park in Papa's hometown.

The boy cousins stopped running around the tree for just a second long enough to snap this picture.

The girl cousins stopped for a second as well. We learned that spending time with family is one of life's greatest treasures.

We also learned that being there to celebrate our friends' special moments bring us all just a little closer and that cake tastes great no matter what the occasion.

We learned that movies can be watched in screens bigger than the one in our living room and that true friends know how much a couple of hours of kidless shopping mean to a mom.

We learned that Mamas need a break too and we waved ours away with happiness.

We also learned that Dad isn't quite as incapable of taking care of us as Mom makes him out to be.

We learned that our beautiful world is also a place infested with disease and that a cute little animal like Wilbur can sure cause a whole lot of drama if he gets the flu.

We learned that in order to be accepted to preschool we have to look and act cute at the interview.

We learned that Mom comes from a family much bigger than ours. Only 3 of over 60 first cousins are pictured here. The rest are just their kids (like us)

We learned that some fish don't live in the ocean, but are kept in cool lit-up tanks so we could study them for a small fee.

We learned that some awesome person invented a FREE drumming session just for kids and that this gem is right in our very own town.

We learned that as much as we already loved Disneyland, that being there for the whole day on our 4th birthday made us love it even more!

We confirmed that our parents don't just say they love us. They mean it.

We learned that requesting a Costume Birthday Party in July was a HOT but FUN idea.

and that by the time we cut the cake, everyone forgave us for the 100° heat.

We learned that even though piñatas are fun in theory, that it can also make us cry to see them bludgeoned to death.

We learned that a whole lot of people love us a whole lot more than we realized.

We are very very very lucky triplets indeed.

We also figured out that its best to wear a helmet and knee pads when trying to learn a new ride-on device, especially when Mama bought them for cheap at Downtown L.A. and they aren't the sturdiest of things.

We learned that a pool party at Susan's means lots of hugs, lots of fun, a happy lunch, and delicious brownies...

and that we can spread our wings an fly...

so long as there is water underneath to catch us.

We learned there is such a thing as Miniature Golf....

That you don't really need to "pay" for a video game to have a great time on it...

And that spending time with friends is the coolest thing to do on a hot summer night.

We learned that getting a pool of our own (even if only a doughnut pool) makes for a great at-home playdate!

We learned that we can grow our own fruit with lots of patience, lots of water, and lots of love.

We learned that mom really does not mind that we think it's Halloween every....single...day!

We've always known we are not the only triplets in the world. What we still haven't figured out is why the rest of the world finds us so fascinating...especially when we hang out in packs.

We learned that in our culture dancing is a way of helping someone celebrate a blessing.

We learned that blessings come in all different shapes and sizes.

And that a new family begins with "I Do"

We learned that Mama taking us to the beach by herself, tent, coolers, towels and all, really does make her a SuperMom.

We learned that the beach is one big sand box with unlimited sharing possibilities.

And that waves can truly mute our screams.

And we learned that people sunning on the sand are blown away by sisters natural tan.

We found ourselves hosting even more pool parties and loving every single splash!

But of course, we still hold the title for Pool Vagabonds of the Valley. Whenever we are invited, we show up.

We learned that the Sandman is not only a character on Spiderman, but a cool game to play with our Dad.

We learned that doggies kiss a bit differently than we do.

and that playdates in 100°+ weather really are the norm for us.

We learned that as we get taller, so do the hoops. But that we can still conquer all.

We learned that Susan has a beach house and that it really didn't matter that the water was freezing and the sun never peeked out of the clouds. We had a blast!

We learned to appreciate the last few quiet mornings at home, with nowhere to go, and nothing to do but relax and enjoy the sunshine.

We found out that Disneyland is celebrating everyone's birthday this year and got to see our cousin Grace on her daddy's birthday.

We met a girl named Flat Stacey and decided that she is just a great excuse to get together with friends and PARTY!

And we learned that Super Moms come in sets of 3 as well.

We learned that one day you can all be happilly smiling in your backyard...

and the next, a giant cloud of smoke rolls in and takes those smiles away...

We learned that life without our brother at home is not only heartbreaking but truly impossible...

That even Mami's kisses can't heal every illness..

and that one must do whatever needs to be done to find their way back home where they belong.

We learned that our bond is one that will never be broken and that a few days apart only made our hearts grow stronger.
We learned that there is no place like home, no place better to dance in our costumes and celebrate our happiness and good health.

We learned that together, there is no mountain too high and no river too wide. We learned that God placed us on this earth at the exact same moment for a very special reason.

And that reason will continue to reveal itself to us with every new day.

We welcome our wonderful life with open arms.

Most importantly, we learned that together we stand strongest. Our birthright is our blessing and nothing and no one will ever take that away from us.

What do you do with your spare time?

Free Time at the Ragsdale House is very fore-telling. Clearly somebody is going to an Ivy League University, and some others best get off their butts and practice their sport scholarship snagging skills. LOL.

Emma's Quote of the Day

Mario and I have been discussing Stranger Danger with our kids. They are very friendly kids and love talking to everyone. And while we love their inner confidence and their ability to strike up conversations with complete strangers, we don't want them to think everyone that crosses their path is a nice person. So we've discussed how you can't judge a person by the way they look because they might look nice but be dangerous on the inside. Strangers can be overpowering and manipulative. Strangers can cause harm and pain. So Emma sat and pondered the information, taking it all in.

Then she asks Mario, "Papa, when we meet a stranger, aren't WE a stranger to THEM?"

I wonder if that made her feel powerful and dangerous....LOL!

Career Wishes

I was driving with the kids tonight. We looked out the window and saw a gigantic almost full MOON staring back at us.

Roman: WOW, look at that big'o'moon!
Me: Oh yea, that explains everything. (they are always out of sorts around full moons)
Roman: Well, how about when I grow up I want to be an astronaut and fly to the moon?
Me: Roman, that is a great idea. What a great career choice. (he can aim high...I'm proud)
Emma: Mama, when I grow up I want to be a doctor.
Me: That's wonderful Emma. (said very sincerely...it's quite attainable for her...lol)
Jacob: Mama, when I grow up I want to be a Football Teamer.

Well, you can't reach them all, can you?

The class of 2023

The picture on the top was taken on the first day I held all three of my babies in my arms for the very first time. The one on the bottom was taken today, when I held all three of my babies in my arms for the very last time...as babies.

Today was the first day of Pre-School for Emma, Roman, and Jacob. Today the steps they took away from me will lead them to a life of independence, knowledge, and self-sufficiency. Education will empower them. It will enable them to become anyone they choose to be. I truly hope that they value and respect the abilities that God has given them and use them to better their lives as well as the lives of those around them.

Today we led them by the hand and assured them with lots of hugs and positive words that this is the first day of the rest of their lives and that we would be behind them to support and comfort them every step of the way. Tomorrow, they will lead themselves.

Thank you Mrs. Sanders for inviting all three of them into your class. We believe our children will respect you, trust you, and learn many things from you this year. We promise to do our part as well. We hope they bring you even a fraction of the joy they've brought into our lives. And we wish for you all to have a wonderful school year together.

For the record, and for those who assured me that today I would walk away, break down, and cry in the car...I didn't walk, I skipped. I didn't break down, I broke free. And I didn't cry, I radiated happiness (for them AND me!)

Roman Quote of the Day

Roman and I get in the car to drive to his doctor appointment. I have many questions and concerns running through my mind and am preparing a mental list of what I need to ask the pediatrician. Roman asks me to put on his kid songs playlist on my iPod. I tell him that I forgot the iPod in the house and he'll have to listen to whatever is on the radio. We sit in silence for a few more miles as I continue to gather my thoughts on the events of the last 6 days when all of a sudden Roman asks me,

"Mom, do you think she's a nasty girl?"

"What?"

"The girl in the song...she wants to know...do you think she's a nasty girl?"

LOL...add to mental list: put iPod back in the car asap.

Jacob Quote of the Day

How do you know when you've crossed the line between being reasonably comfortable around your own children and being so comfortable you say too much?

Today Jacob and I were driving back home from his follow-up appointment when we encountered construction traffic at an intersection near our house. The line to turn left was endless so I decided to take a little detour. As I'm weaving through unfamiliar streets I finally come across a small street leading back to the main road where I'd have to make a left. Except the traffic was horrible here too. But I was out of choices so I had to wait it out. Finally there was a lull in traffic and I was about to make my left turn when a car came out of nowhere and blocked my path. I let our a big, "aaaaaaaaaarrrrrgh!!!!!!!" and wove around him furiously.

Jacob just sat in his carseat quietly. Patiently. Then he very sweetly said to me, "Mommy what's wrong? Was that man being an idiot?"

O....M....G....

Hello Big Boy

The beds are here. They look SOOOO big compared to what I'm used to. I just put them down for nap for the first time. I don't think they'll sleep. They are way too excited!

Bye Bye....sigh

Last night was the last time my babies slept in their toddler beds, on the mattresses that held their little preemie bodies in their cribs for the first time. Today we receive the new bunk beds we bought. Big Black Bunk Beds for Big Boys and Girl....

Whose daughter is she, anyway?

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"Mommy I have a surprise for you. Close your eyes."

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"Ok now open them."

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"Right now they are little but if they eat their grass they'll get more bigger. You'll see."
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My reply was of course, "AAAAAAAHHHHH! What the heck is that?????????????" and "Whose daughter are you anyway?"
She looked at me like I was a clown with no costume. "I'm your daughter mommy!" Oh yea, sometimes I forget.

The Foundation

If our current life was captured by, say, a single snapshot it might quickly be interpreted as a "nice little family." If I was asked to explain the roles of the two adults in the picture it would be easy to describe Mario as "the DH," the "Papa," the "man who brings home the bacon," to speak of myself as the "SAHM," the "friend who has triplets," the lady who "cooks said bacon," and to admit to the world that we see ourselves mostly as just "parents".
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But long long ago, in a land before children, there was a couple who really liked each other, who spent lots of time together, who actually made each other laugh. I remember those days, sometimes, mostly not. We're always too busy, always running, always planning. There is no time to reminesce. No time to explain the joke that no longer makes us laugh. No time to take a brake from being parents to three 4 year olds to connect as a couple. And not to say the love is lost, no. Actually I venture to say the love is GREATER because there is no way in the world that a marriage this hectic would ever survive if there weren't years and years of love established long before this chaos.

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This December it will be 5 years since I became pregnant. Five years of staying home from work. Five years of hauling around snacks, drinks, and baby supplies to every party, playdate and outing. Five years of counting our pennies and dividing them carefully amongst our monthly bills. Five years of putting the needs of our children far before our very own. Five years of at least one of us staying home every single day and night where nobody can say we weren't here to raise our own children.

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However ideal that situation may be for a child, to have such love and devotion from both parents, it really isn't the ideal way to live through a marriage. Most couples who expect their first baby have throngs of capable adults who freely offer to babysit the little bundle so the mommy and daddy can have some alone time. When you have triplets, NOBODY makes those offers. LOL. Though I can't say that I blame anyone for feeling that way. Heck, before these kids were born to me, I probably would never have offered to babysit either!

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One day early this summer my friend Mandy, who also has a nice little set of triplets the same age as my own, bragged about her romantic getaway with her hubby. She came back from her weekend happy, and rested, and in love, and did I mention happy? So I told Mario about it and he worked up the courage to ask his mom if she would mind watching our kids for a weekend so that we could get away for the first time in five years. And she agreed!

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We decided to take it back to another place in time, a place where we met and fell in love, a place full of wonderful memories of a young couple who loved to get away and spend time together and laugh. Our weekend in San Diego as a couple with NO kids reminded me of the man I loved far before he'd even given me any reason to love him. A man who actually held my hand in public, who opened doors for me, who looked into my eyes and really listened to what I had to say. I realize this shouldn't come as a surprise to me, but I rediscovered something I'd completely forgotten. I actually like this guy.

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I don't know how realistic it is to say that we will be having weekend getaways quite often from now on. I know our lives will only get more hectic with each growing year and our offers for babysitting perhaps even more slim, but if possible, whenever possible, I think we'd JUMP at the chance.

Summer in the city

Is it me or are summers getting more and more fun each year?

Basketball Boys

I always wanted a talent and I never got one. Or at least I haven't found it yet. Must be nice to be born with one this obvious...

Where are my babies?

I don't know where my babies went. I put them down next to me on my bed and closed my eyes for just a second to take a deep breath and soak it all in and when I opened my eyes they were gone.

And these enormous four year olds with big loud voices, colorful personalities, and busy happy lives were standing there in their place. I'm not sure how it is that my heart can feel so satisfied and yet so melancholy at the very same time.

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When Emma was born, she weighed 3 lbs, 10 oz

She was 16.5 inches long

Four years later, Emma now weighs 44 lbs

and is 41.5 inches tall

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When Roman was born, he weighed 3 lbs, 9 0z

He was 16.5 inches long

Four years later, Roman now weighs 44 lbs

and is 43.5 inches tall

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When Jacob was born, he weighed 3 lbs, 8 oz

and was 16.5 inches long

Four years later, Jacob now weighs 46 lbs

and is 43.5 inches tall


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All three of my preemies (born 10 weeks early) were tiny to look at and weighed not much more than a bag of feathers. Their bodies fell far below the percentile charts in height and weight for newborns. They began to drink my breast milk from tiny little tubes that ran from their noses down to their tummies. They barely moved. They were the most beautiful beings I'd ever laid eyes on. And I loved them so deeply that my heart ached when I was asked to step away from them.

Today my four year olds are big, strong, and healthy children. I can't lift them anymore because I'm afraid my back might go out. They measure on top of or above the percentile charts in height and weight for children of 48 months. They eat every meal with hearty apetites and unlike most other kids their age, love their veggies. They can't sit still. They are the most beautiful beings I've ever laid eyes on. And I love them so deeply that I will encourage them to step away from my nest and start school this fall. And maybe my heart will ache, but I won't tell a soul.

Just a quick update...

She did...

Jewlery, Tissues, and Pan

Last week I decided that maybe we should celebrate my mom's 82nd birthday, which is tomorrow. I asked the kids what they thought of it and they all said that having a party was an "excellent idea Mama, just excellent!"

So I pulled them aside one by one and asked them what they wanted to get for their Nana as a gift. Jacob said he wanted to get her "a chain to put around her neck. A shiny one."

"You mean a necklace?" I said.

"Yes, a necklace. Nana would like that."

Ok... so then I asked Emma over to find out what she wanted to get Nana for her birthday. She said, "A box of tissues."



"What? A box of tissues? Like Kleenex? Like the kind to blow your nose with?" I asked.



"Yes." Emma said very seriously. "Like the kind to wipe your tears."

Hmmm, okay....so finally I asked Roman what he wanted to buy for Nana.


He said, "Pan. (translation=bread) My Nana loooooves pan."


I'm sure you can picture the look on my face by now. "Pan? You want to get her pan, as a present?"


"Yes."



"And you want me to do what, put it in a box and wrap it up?"



"Yes, with pretty wrapping paper. I want to get my Nana her favorite pan...the really big kind from Gallo Giro." Specific. Gallo Giro is a local Mexican restaurant/bakery that does in fact have very good bread. But bread?

Oooookay. At first I wasn't sure if I should give in to their wishes, particularly because of the last two oddballs but after I mentioned it to Rosy, my mom's caregiver and friend, she said she thought it was a fantastic idea. That in fact, they really paid attention to the little things that made their Nana the happiest and so there you go...



I took them shopping so they could pick out exactly what they had in mind, even stopped at Gallo Giro tonight. Tomorrow after eating carne asada, cutting the cake, and having some yummy drinks my mother will open her gifts in front of her guests. Something tells me she'll smile from ear to ear.

Shake Shake Shake

Was that really an earthquake? LMAO! OK, well I had a HORRIBLE day with the kids today. They all, even Emma, got on my very last nerve. It doesn't help that I have a splitting headache, am sneezy, snotty, and I actually think its allergies, but I could be sick I suppose. Anyway, I had a crappy day. I hated it. So I had just finished one of the many times I screamed at the top of my lungs at the kids and said, "Ok I am so done with you guys! I swear I am leaving and never coming back!" and then I felt a HUGE jolt. Sounded like my house got pimp slapped. LOL!!!! And I thought God got pissed off at me for saying that so I said, "God, ok, I was just kidding, you know I would never leave forever, right?" And then I looked around and didn't notice anything fallen or moving (like the hanging light fixture) so I really assumed it was God talking to me. LMAO!

To cut or not to cut

I bought the kids scissors months ago, used them a couple of times, put them away and totally forgot about them.

Or at least I forgot about them. They didn't. Today they made me take the scissors out and spent about an HOUR just cutting, stamping, and hole punching.

They were so quiet and concentrated that I didn't know what to do with myself. Really, I was shocked because I don't think we've ever done any one simple single activity longer than 30 minutes. LOL!

Also, last time they were only able to cut around a piece of paper in short little snaps, leaving it looking like a rug.But today they cut lines, shapes, and really got creative.

Roman cut a high heel.

Jacob cut a boot.

And Emma just worked on perfecting her line. I think she cuts better than me. LOL!

Who knew this could would turn out to be such a great idea?

I guess maybe this is why they placed me in 5th grade and never asked me to teach preschool. I obviously have no idea what little kids enjoy!!!!

All worth it...

I try real hard not to constanty complain about her because for one, she's my mother and two, most people I know have never had to take care of their 81 year old widowed mother who suffers from (to name a few) dementia, anxiety, alzheimers, blood pressure, poor circulation, Lupus, and Osteoperosis (recently found out about the last two) while staying home and raising triplets at the same time. Yea, most of the time I end up feeling quite a bit misunderstood. I don't really want pity, not all the time anyway! And advice? There is none. Most people have no idea how I do it. Honestly, neither do it. There are some good days, but really most days can be pretty stressful as far as she is concerned. Still, I go on every day as if it were brand new and try to find ways to make things better even though I usually fall short.

When a new person finds out I have triplets they always start with, "Oh my God! How do you do it? Do you have help? Your mom must help out a lot!" Sometimes I just nod. Other times, I open up the can of worms on them. LOL!

"Are you kidding? She is more work than the three kids combined! No, she never helped carry a baby. Nope, she never changed a diaper or even fed one of them as an infant. No way was she ever able to "keep an eye" on them while I ran to the corner store...HECK NO...not even for me to go pee! No, she cannot help out with the housework. She also stopped cooking years ago and sadly left me no recipes. And with her high levels of anxiety and nervous thoughts, well her "advice" on how to raise them or keep them safe is completely manic. And no, I have no brothers or sisters with whom to share her with."

By now I've got them nominating me for sainthood! But here's the ironic part. As hard as this is, I don't get any heaven credits for it because I am not doing it out of the kindness of my heart. I simply have no choice but to just do it. So it doesn't really count, know what I mean?

The ONE blessing I have in all of this is being able to give my children their Nana. She may not be the kind who spoils them with gifts because she is not wealthy. She may not be the kind who takes them to the park because she doesn't walk very far. She may not be the kind that reads them stories because her eyes are no longer capable of focusing for too long. She may not be the kind that bakes cookies with them because she isn't allowed to touch the oven anymore. And she may not be the kind to even help them up if they fall because she isn't fast enough or strong enough. But she is most defnitely the kind of Nana who loves them beyond measure, beyond words or actions, beyond the depths of her limitations, because this Nana is alive today ONLY for them.

This afternoon I got up off my lawn chair to come inside the house and start dinner. I told the kids to start cleaning up the yard I got the usual, "No....Mama! Five more minutes, five more minutes! Pleeeeeze!" So I said, "Ok, fine. Stay out here. I'm going inside." But this time they didn't run behind me screaming and grasping at me like the little ticks that they are. This time they actually stayed outside playing! This is a big day for them....and me! I looked outside the patio doors and saw that my mother was outside covering up the cockatiel so I stuck my head out the door and told her the kids would be outside and asked if she could keep an eye on them. She can't do much, but she is a witness should one come tattling on another, although not a very reliable one, but still, I digress.

So at first I hear, "Ven, Nana, ven. Mira Nana. Apaga los ojos y ven." Ok translation: Come here Nana, come here. Look, Nana. Turn off your eyes and come. Turn off your eyes instead of close your eyes. Like a switch plate. LOL! Their Spanish isn't perfect, but hey, at least I can say they are bilingual, right? So I peek out and see them pulling her by the hand and cane toward their playhouse for what I assume is a surprise. I think nothing of it and go on about getting dinner ready. Then I hear the one sound EVERY single mother (of triplets or not) dreads to hear. The one sound that always means absolute chaos is about to occur or already has occured: COMPLETE SILENCE. Oh holy crap! Did they open up the gates and walk out into the street? Did Nana have a heart attack and shock the kids into silence? Did the boogie man come and snatch them all...even Nana? So I drop the spatula and run outside. Then I run back inside to get the camera and this is what I captured....

THEY SOMEHOW GOT NANA INSIDE THEIR TINY LITTLE PLAYHOUSE!!!!!!!!!!!

And all I could hear was their contageous laughter.

And all I could think of was how in the end,

this will all have been worth it.