Robbie Nicole

This will be my third Christmas without my daughter. I still think of Robbie daily and wish I had her here. I see the boys talk to eachother, kiss and hug and it makes me wonder what a beautiful little girl in the middle would have been like. Having Charlie has lifted my heart and given me peace. This may be the first time in almost three years I am truly happy again. I miss you and love you Robbie. Thank you for saving my boys and bringing your sister to me.

Fruits and rice

Charlie tried bananas last night for the first time. She's been eating a little rice every night for about a month so we thought we would give her something yummy. She didn't like them! I will keep trying and Praying she takes to them. I can't imagine the reaction I will get when I try the greens.

Big day for Reese and Charlie!

 Today was an exciting day in our house! Reese got his new glasses and Charlie used a jumperoo and had rice cereal for the first time.
 Reese was very excited about his glasses but that was short lived. After about 10 minutes he started fighting us to keep them on. I'm hoping that's only temporary.
 Charlie tried out the jumperoo and her feet actually touched the floor. Such a big girl! She enjoyed it quite a bit. It was her first time really sitting in a toy. Later tonight we decided to try rice cereal. She actually opened her mouth to take bites and smiled while she ate. Charlie still wanted milk afterwards but seemed a little more happy. We will see how she feels tonight.

Changing into bigger diapers..again!

Charlie moved up to size 3 diapers at 8 weeks. We were amazed. Now at 11 weeks size 4's are fitting pretty good! Ricky and Reese wear 4's and I accidentally put her in one. Go figure it actually fit! We are going to switch so they are all in same size to make it easy!

The boys first movie

Today we decided to brave the movies for the first time with the boys. Charlie is only 2 months old so we were expecting a little chaos. We chose Madagascar 3 at a discount theater down the street.

Initially Ricky was acting up so Patrick kept him on his lap and gave him some Reese's pieces. Reese sat between us on a booster with popcorn on his lap. He was so good! Towards the middle of the movie they both got out of their seats and started shouting at the movie. It was so cute.

We made it very close to the end before Ricky got bored so we packed up and left. The whole movie Charlie breast fed and stated quiet.

We took the boys out to the lobby and let them play games. That part was fun but getting them to leave the games was horrible! They threw themselves around and fought us hard! I ended up with Charlie in one arm and Reese kicking and screaming in the other walking across the parking lot. What a stinker. I would call it a great first try!

Put a fork in me... I'm DONE!

Today we had a few appointments. I planned well and actually had help. Cecilia got here at 7 with tacos in hand. I woke up 20 minutes late and that feeling of panic seemed to stay with me all day.

First appointment was to pediatrician for Charlie's two month shots and checkup. She is 13.6 lbs!! 90th percentile for weight and 70th for height. She had to get three shots...a scream and very little crying. She hated taking tylenol but that was worst of it.

We went home to change and feed the beasts. Boys only got a 30 minute nap before we had to leave again since they were playing in their room for so long. This was the beginning of the end. Fits the whole way there and the whole time we were in the waiting room. Once in a room with the assistant ..Reese went potty and it leaked. The wait ended ilup stretching so long that Cecilia had to take my car to pickup Zoe just as we got called into eye Dr office. I had three crying babies, two needed to be held down while eyes were dialated. Another 30 minute wait for their eyes to dialate in the waiting room. We were surrounded by cast of cocoon ..all not really appreciative of my screaming boys.

Once we got to talk to Dr he tells me that Reese needs glasses. He was shocked his old Dr had not given them. He is 4.0 farsighted. Ricky is 5.5. He also explained why surgery isn't a good option for Ricky at this age. Basically kids eyes can become less farsighted as they grow older. Usually around 6 years old. His eyes cross because he is straining to see. The surgery only corrects the crossing, not the vision, so he would need glasses reguardless. 

Now we need to go to Eye Deal Vision to turn in the script. GREAT SERVICE! Grand total with including insurance is around $400 for Reese and Ricky. Not bad for two sets of lenses and frames. I decided to get different colors but both blue. Reese is so excited!

I'm totally worn out. Whoever thought three little ones with no naps and two major appointments on the same day would be a good idea...is a dumbass.

2 months old!

I had this perfect little person 2 months ago today. She is already showing so many signs of personality! Charlie smiles when you talk to her and is also very demanding. We are still exclusively breast feeding, all attempts at a supplement bottle were totally refused. A girl that already know what she wants.

Bath time!!

I'm trying to find the easiest way to give baths for all three without spending a few hours. Tonight we tried all of them in the kitchen for the first time. Worked great! Everyone is clean and it only took 30 minutes.

Week 7 and toddler beds

<p>What a crazy week! Ricky decided on Tuesday at nap that he would start climbing out of his crib. I was sitting at the table on the computer when I heard a knocking sound. It wasn't coming from the front door. I walk down the hall, open the door to discover a butt naked baby. That night Patrick drilled lower homes into the beds to drop the mattress hoping that would stop him for a while. Nope. He got out every time we put him in. We could her a loud THUD of him hitting the ground and then a knock on their door. 10 pm we are taking the fronts off their cribs to convert to toddler beds. </p>
<p>They have partied all week when its nap time. My blinds are broken and everything, EVERYTHING has been pulled out.

Miss Charlie simultaneously decided she wants to stay up all night..every night. I am getting 2-3 hrs of sleep praying this is a short phase. She is starting to really smile which makes this all worth it. ;)

Three day weekend for daddy so mommy has help! Yay!

First day back to church!

Today we decided to take the crew back to church. Patrick needed to mow granny Dunks yard so I got everyone dressed while he was gone.

Fast forward two hours...everyone is dressed and daddy is running late. I decided to take them all alone. Sounded good at the time. Haha. Elizabeth met us at the car and got the boys out. The boys stayed in the nursery and even got to go outside to play.

Charlie and I made it through half of church before she was hungry. Of course she wouldn't take her bottle...too easy. We went into the nursery and played with the boys until church was over.

The church we started attending is a perfect fit for the family. Its small and very focused on family and those relationships. Something we need. Very excited to try again next week WITH DADDY!

The four letter word

Ricky is a talker but he is still doesn't pronounce hid words very clearly. Daddy was sitting on the couch, Reese spilled a drink it, daddy spilled the big f-bomb. You get the idea. My beautiful little boy then repeated it...perfectly. I've never heard him pronounce something that clear. Parenting fail...and it was daddy this time. Lets hope he forgets the word before we return to church next week. ;)

My priness is one month old today!

Charlie made her appearance in this world a month ago today! Its been a month of very little sleep for mommy but so much love! She is a very cuddly baby. Yesterday she started smiling with purpose and it can melt your heart. I still can't believe she's mine!

First walk with the family!

Yesterday was exactly 4 weeks since we had Charlie. I've been dying to go walking and get out of this house..plus I have 100 lbs to lose so when Patrick got home we went. I was really slow but it felt nice! The kids got to play in the park for a little bit before we headed back. Hoping we can walk at.least three times a week as a family. ;)

4 weeks today!

Four weeks ago today I had my precious baby girl. Its gone by incredibly fast!

The boys are really great with her. Reese offers her his milk, toys and food. Ricky talks about her often but is a little more jealous than Reese. I'm sure he will come around when she can move a little.

Cameron and Zoe love her. They are amazing older siblings to all the babies. I'm very proud of that.

Mommy is getting very little sleep at this point. Last night was really great though. Slept from 12-2 then I woke daddy up at 5..slept from 5 to 6:30 then 7 to 8:30! I'll take it! I'm still exclusively breastfeeding which is kicking my booty! I love being Charlie's favorite but not loving that I can't move from the couch. I heard it should all get easier within the next month or so.

Patrick and I have decided to work on losing weight together which I'm very excited about. I have a goal of 80 and he wants to lose 40. We ate starting with myfitnesspal.com and if I don't like it I will switch to weight watchers. The breastfeeding is helping already!

Its been an amazing 4 weeks. I'm so in love with this little princess. ;)

Ricky tells daddy what he thinks of him...

My little sweet Ricky that is a man of few words was getting a little crazy with us.... then he said this

 

"GO AWAY DADA, GO AWAY"

 

 

I haven't laughed that hard in awhile! Ricky doesn't use sentences yet but he somehow perfectly pieced this one together. Ahhh, the joys of motherhood! He later decided to tell Zoe the same ;-)

 



Zoe's Bday Party!

Zoe turned 9 on August 30th!! I can't believe we have had her for two years! Her grandparents and Aunt Erica, Uncle Aaron and cousins all came over to share cake, ice cream and play! She had a really fun time! She even got to sneak away with Aunt Erica and I to target for a mini shopping trip! ;-)


Zoe holding her little sister!

Charlie's first pictures with Courtney Kerry Photography

Charlie was 5 days old when we went to Courtney's house to get these done. Daddy didn't want me driving on medication so we loaded up the WHOLE family in the suburban. They all waited for 2.5 hours in the car while Charlie and I went inside. They turned out amazing!

 

My favorite!!!

 

I did want to use one more prop of a mini bed but Charlie was not in the mood! I think we got some amazing pictures anyways! We will be seeing Mrs. Kerry again at 3 months old!

Big Brothers and sister come to visit in the hospital!

Daddy brought Ricky and Reese with Grandma Dunk and Zoe to the hospital to see Charlie. It was a total disaster! haha. Reese was throwing fits because he wanted to run wild and free! The visit only lasted about 15 minutes but I was so happy I got to see them. Cameron came later with his Grandpa Lister. Poor Zoe didn't even get to hold Charlie with all of the chaos! 

 

 

Reese wanted out of his stroller desperately



and Ricky was such a good boy!

Such a stinker ------>

Cameron came with his grandpa Lister. He loved her right away!

Charlie is HERE!!



 

 

August 13, 2012 at 7:49am weighing 9.7 lbs and 20 1/2 " long

 

 

   The c-section was scheduled months in advance and the day is finally here!!! We had to be at the hospital at 5 am so grandma and grandpa Dunk came over to watch Ricky, Reese, Cameron and Zoe for us! I chose to stay up all night because my nerves were going crazy! So excited to finally see my daughter! 

Mommy waiting... and waiting...

We waited until around 7:15 or 7:30 until they finally came to get me! It was such a different experience than I have had with my previous c-sections. I started to get really nervous and the nicest guy that was assisting the dr started talking about his one month old daughter and kept me calm...its the little things.

She's here!!!

My favorite picture of daddy and Charlie!

I had a lot of nausea during the procedure but the awesome anesthesiologist helped me so much! The whole surgery was so surreal!

BIG GIRL!!!

Patrick was with me until about 2:30 until his parents needed him back. I spent the rest of the day and night with visitors and Charlie. I had planned to have a friend stay the night but she backed out at the last minute. I was on my own! We made it through pretty good. I just couldn't stop looking at her! She was just like I had dreamed! Full head of dark hair ;-)

My Rainbow

"Rainbow Babies" is the understanding that the beauty of a rainbow does not negate the ravages of the storm. When a rainbow appears, it doesn't mean the storm never happened or that the family is not still dealing with its aftermath. What it means is that something beautiful and full of light has appeared in the midst of the darkness and clouds. Storm clouds may still hover but the rainbow provides a counterbalance of color, energy and hope.

Such a beautiful definition of how I feel. This pregnancy has brought me so much love, healing, light and hope. There was a time that I thought the hole left by Robbie could never heal, that I would be broken forever. I will always miss her, want her, love her. I believe with all of my heart that she has sent me her sister to help me go on.

I cry out of pure joy and happiness... the hole has been filled. I don't ache the way I once did. It is such a blessing to love like this after loss. My Robbie girl will always be my first daughter and my hero and forever in her mommy's heart and mind. Thank you baby girl for all that you have done for me.

Dr. Fierro today!

Today we had an appointment with the developmental neurologist. We played and played and played. My concerns going into the appointment were their small size and Ricky's speech.  The Dr said they are right where they need to be on the growth curve and they are not concerned at all. 50th% adjusted on growth chart. I asked her if they were going to be small men and she said more than likely not, they are just working on catching up. ;-)

As far as Ricky and speech. He is testing at a 14 month level. He is currently 21 months...22 in a few days. They have recommended we go from speech 1x a week to 2x a week for just him. Reese was right on track and she wasn't concerned with his learning. We are also going to take Ricky for a hearing test. She said that there are cases of fluid in the ear that doesn't stop hearing but muffles what he hears.

They are keeping us on a little longer until the boys can close the gap on their progress. I am so proud of my little munchkins. I know that this is Gods plan and that Ricky will not go to Kinder without speaking. Its on his time. <3

Fun day in the backyard!

Gorgeous weather and a breeze...we dont get many days like this! Daddy put together a playhouse I bought a year ago for the boys. They LOVED IT!! Ricky is very particular about keeping the door closed. I love watching him.

Reese and the hose! He wouldnt put it down!

Sand and water table. Reese put 25% of the sand on the grass. ;-)

I love watching them explore! They are so curious and love being outside. <3

Sears picture day...from hell

I decided to get the boys pictures. We have never gone before because of my germ fears. I thought it would be easy. Thank goodness I had a friend off of work to come and help!! The day started off with wrinkled clothes and no iron in sight... just got better from there! I am actually very impressed with how the pictures came out!

Story of their little lives.

Thank you Sears for running over an hour late and having no A/C in the picture room!

My little Reese. He is so beautiful!!

Love this!

We got this picture of Ricky right after the tears stopped. I love this kid so much!

Mommy learned so many lessons today. Thank you again Sears. ;-)

ITS A GIRL!!!

I couldn't wait until 19 weeks to see the Dr. With a little begging my wonderful husband let me make an appointment at a sonogram place to find out the sex early. At 15 weeks we found out ITS A GIRL!!! We have decided to name her Charlie...middle name still unknown. We brought Elizabeth, Zeke and all of our kids with us to find out. I started crying as soon as I saw those beautiful 3 lines I was Praying to find. I can't help but feel that Robbie has a hand in all of this. :-) Let the shopping begin!!

First sonogram for our rainbow baby!

The wait for this appointment has been excruciating! 9 weeks of hoping and praying. To be honest, I was convinced there was two babies. Elizabeth watched the babies for Patrick and I to go to the appointment. It is JUST ONE BABY! One healthy, beautiful and loved baby. The sonogram pictures were bad quality..it was so hard to see the little nugget. I did see and hear the strong heartbeat. What a beautiful gift to be given. :-)

First date for mommy and daddy since the triplets were born!

It only took me 18 months to leave them. I could have gone much longer. We had grandma Sylvia and Grandpa Rick come over for two hours while we went to go eat. I convinced Patrick to take me to staples and lowe's on the way home. Its amazing how enjoyable strolling through Lowe's can be without a baby timer. ;-) It was great to have some alone time with my hunny.