1.16.13: Boys vs. Girls

I love the threes, such curiosity and discovery.  At preschool they have open bathrooms as toddlers don't know or need modesty.  This became even more apparent today after school when my child said to me, "Mama, today I saw someone pee from their finger".  My totally unprepared response, "well sweetie, remember we talked about how boys and girls go potty differently" trying not to hysterically laugh.  After I quit giggling, I called Brant to let him know he'd be taking this conversation on boys vs. girls.  Lord knows I'll have enough female questions/issues to deal with come puberty, this topic is all his  :)

1.9.13: Face painting

I arrived at preschool to pickup my kids but ended up taking home three little animals instead...a dog (Fiona), dinosaur (Stella), and a cat (Daphne).  They were very excited about being animals, acting them out the remainder of the day and got a little bummed when they learned it was bath night. Mental note: face painting = guaranteed bath night.

1.7.13: New school

Today was the first day of full time (everyday) preschool.  The girls (daphne/blue, fiona/stripes, stella/pink) are very familiar with their new school since we have visited there at least once a month since last spring.  They knew their teachers, their room, and definitely the outside play area. If the school wasn't amazing, exactly like the place I'd want to be if I was a kid, it would have been much harder.  A play-based school complete with garden, chicken coop, tree house and giant dirt pile - is there anything better?

We had visited just before winter break where we played inside with their classmates and learned the morning routine, but didn't tackle the biggest challenge...napping at school.  Napping at home is a challenge so I had warned the teachers this would be the main hurdle. 

Unfortunately, Brant was on a trip scheduled months ago (before we knew about 'graduation'), so I was going it alone. We had talked a lot about how the day would go, what they wanted for lunch, what to bring and when I'd pick them up.  This made the transition much easier for them, although I'm not sure if it was any easier for me.  Equipped with the necessities for taking triplets to preschool (3 lunches, 3 water bottles, 3 nap mats, 3 pillows, 3 snacks, 3 stuffed animals, 3 sun hats, 3 blankets, and 3 sets of extra clothes), I loaded the over sized Ikea bag into the trunk. 

Upon arrival the girls rushed into their class excited as can be.  We learned where to put the snacks, water bottles, lunches, shoes, coats, etc.  The girls said hi to their teachers and began to play immediately.  I was standing there in shock. They were at school, such big girls, and wondering why I was still there.  I tried to make myself available to read, play or do puzzles but eventually it was clear they weren't going to freak out and it was my time to go.  I have been telling the girls for months that I wish I could go to their preschool but I was too old, so they reminded me of this and I was on my way.  The expressions on their faces in this picture say it all, 'mama, we are fine, why are you still here and taking pictures?'

It is these times, when I see the girls play, protect and show such compassion for each other that makes the challenges of having triplets all worthwhile.  I'm not saying it has been easy, but I would absolutely do it all over again knowing what an amazing family I have - wouldn't change a thing.

For the record, no crying by anyone (including me).

1.1.13: New ride

Up until now, my car was the family car and only one with car seats.  However with full time preschool beginning in just a couple days we needed both cars equipped for triplets as Brant will be doing drop-off and I'll do pick up.  Needless to say, the girls (daphne/purple, stella/pink, fiona/blue) were ecstatic to finally get to ride in daddy's car.