Lounsbury Triplets!

Farewell

2010-07-22T13:13:00.007-04:00

What started out as a way to keep everyone updated while our babies were in the NICU has turned into the chronicle of a year long journey through the joys and challenges of parenting triplets. We are so thankful to all of you who have faithfully followed our babies lives this past year. We now feel it is time to say goodbye to our blog, as we are not up to the task of maintaining it with three toddlers in the house! We will turn this year's entries into a photo book to keep for our family. If you would like to stay updated on the babies' lives, please request Rose as a friend on Facebook. She will post pictures and updates there often. Again, thank you so much to all of you! It has been wonderful sharing our lives this year with you. Stay in touch!

Our First Birthday!

2010-07-22T13:02:00.003-04:00

It was a sweet and simple birthday on Mackinac Island with homemade cupcakes and presents wrapped in newspaper. We celebrated with just both sets of grandparents. It was perfect.

Our Hats

2010-07-21T15:21:00.006-04:00

Daddy started a tradition with our cousins - every year on their birthdays, he takes a picture of them in the same hat. The tradition continues with us! Here are our hats.
Reesie's Texas hat is in honor of his Daddy's law school.

Orlando's Michigan State hat is in honor of Daddy's undergrad. (I know, Bronco fans, WMU is not represented, but oh well... I've got to let Josh get his way once in awhile!)

And of course, the Princess has a very cute pink hat. So adorable!

Some Favorite Island Activities

2010-07-21T15:05:00.007-04:00

Looking out the window at the Jack's Livery horses next door.
Mercedes loved snuggling with Grandpa Tom in the morning. So cute!
We went out to eat at the Icehouse. More sweet potato fries, please!
Strolling on the beach...
Playing in the grass (aka eating the grass) in front of the house.

On Our Way to Mackinac Island

2010-07-21T14:55:00.005-04:00

After eating an illegal snack on the lawn of a private campground (sorry, angry campground proprieter)...
... the babies boarded the Arnold Line ferry for their first trip to Mackinac Island!
We were met with hugs and kisses from Grandma and Grandpa Lounsbury, plus some early birthday presents! We loved the wrapping paper!

Grandma Judy and Grandpa Larry's House

2010-07-19T15:24:00.012-04:00

We stayed at Grandma Judy's and Grandpa Larry's for about a week. Mercedes loved sitting in her rightful place - on Grandpa's lap.
Orlando relaxed with Grandpa Larry in the hammock. Notice the jean-on-jean fashion sense. Grandpa is sporting jeans with jean shirt (aka the Canadian tuxedo) while Lando chills out in a very attractive jean diaper.
Reesie enjoyed playing on the kitchen floor with cake pans and duct tape. Who needs baby toys???
It must be Grandma's house! The treats are flowing like water!!!
Reesie learned a cool new trick while we were there - cruising along the couch. His motivation? A tiny glass of beer! He gets it honest, I guess. Much to his disappointment, he was not rewarded for his cruising with a sip.
Grandpa guards the corral, a makeshift baby gate fashioned from plywood and duct tape (of course!). We posted the guard after Orlando escaped the corral and bonked his head on the floor.

Aunt Johanna and the Lake!

2010-07-19T15:15:00.004-04:00

We took our longest vacation ever to Michigan during July. We started off by stopping for a night in Fenton to visit Aunt Johannie, Kevin, and Jake. We got to go out on the lake in a boat. We loved it!

Who Loves His Mama?

2010-06-25T16:00:00.001-04:00

Orlando loves his Mama!

No, Daddy, don't go!

2010-06-25T15:57:00.001-04:00

This is the scene every morning when Daddy leaves for work. How cute is that???

A Series of Crazy Mercedes Faces

2010-06-25T15:48:00.003-04:00

I almost feel like I should have a caption contest for these photos.

Father's Day 2010

2010-06-25T15:18:00.006-04:00

We loved hanging out with Dad on Father's Day!
We went to the pool. Reesie rocked the wet suit, Lando let it hang loose in trunks, and Cedes looked sweet as pie in a polka dot one-piece.

What Orlando Loves to Do

2010-06-15T10:42:00.004-04:00

Pull up to his knees. He's almost to his feet!
Climb onto the bouncy seat. And while he's there, lick a few of the seat parts just to see if they're tasty.
Unfortunately, O has a harder time getting himself OUT of the bouncy seat than he does getting in, as you can see in the background of this picture. Reese seems oblivious to O's distress. He is busy showing off his two-tooth grin.

Piano Prodigy

2010-06-15T10:38:00.003-04:00

Cooling Off at the Park

2010-06-15T10:28:00.003-04:00

We took the triplets to the splash park last weekend to relieve some of the heat and humidity. The park was met with mixed results, but everybody ended up cooling off a bit, even Mommy and Daddy!

11 Months Old!

2010-06-15T10:27:00.002-04:00

One more month of babyhood? Really??? It's impossible to believe.

Silly Reesie

2010-06-10T21:26:00.004-04:00

With this cottage cheese container on his head, Reese reminds me of that little monkey in Aladdin. (Reese is much cuter, though!)
He has also discovered how to crawl onto the bottom shelf of the changing table. It's like a whole new world... hey, isn't that a song from Aladdin? Hmm... maybe these two pictures are more connected than I thought.

Little M Goes Visitin'

2010-06-10T21:16:00.004-04:00

On her way to Michigan to surprise Grandma Judy, Mercedes stopped in Toledo to visit Uncle Eric and Aunt Gabby and her cool Hoelzle cousins.

She also dropped by Fenton to see Aunt Johanna. They played Wii dancing!

Standing Up!

2010-06-10T21:07:00.006-04:00

Look, Ma, I'm standin' up!
Orlando is a bit jealous of Reese's standing ability, so sometimes I stand him up myself. Check out those hot legs!

Daddy's Girl

2010-06-10T16:22:00.002-04:00

Daddy knows how to make his little girl giggle and smile!

Surprise, Grandma Judy!

2010-06-10T16:13:00.004-04:00

Grandma Judy retired from teaching art and Mercedes and I went to Michigan to surprise her at her retirement party. The surprise was a success, with many happy tears! And I learned that traveling with one baby is about the easiest thing in the world. M was a champ - I think she was born to be a singleton! She clearly loved being the center of attention for a few days. The boys stayed in Dayton with daddy and my friend Holly watched them for two long ten-hour days. Holly rocks!

Some Strange Things We Do...

2010-06-01T23:18:00.004-04:00

Reese: I got caught between the hearth gate and this toy. I cried and cried. When Dad finally arrived, he took my picture before rescuing me. Despite my pain, I tried to smile for this picture.

Mercedes: I have monkey feet. That's right. I can pick up objects, like this hide-inside box, with my feet and transfer them effortlessly to my hands. Now if only I had a tail...

Orlando: My mom had this luggage that she packed when we were going to grandma's house. It tasted good. Seriously good.

Nap 101

2010-06-01T22:53:00.008-04:00

When it comes to napping, each baby employs his/her own unique style. Reese nods off to dreamland by using an unusual, yet clearly effective, butt elevation technique.

Mercedes keeps it sweet with a classic stomach sleep,

which sometimes results in the telltale hand imprint of a good belly snooze.

Orlando sometimes gets his beauty rest while dangling his legs out of the cribs bars!

Memorial Day in Michigan

2010-06-01T22:29:00.005-04:00

The triplets ventured to the Thumb for Memorial Day weekend. Josh and I enjoyed sleeping in a bit while Granda Gin handled breakfast.

Orlando made a new best friend, Ebony.

Reese hung out with Great Grandma Betty and Orlando chatted up Great Grandpa Wilbur.

And Mercedes wrapped yet another Lounsbury man, Grandpa Tom, around her little finger!

Our First Time in the Pool!

2010-06-01T22:06:00.006-04:00

When we first got in the pool, we were less than pleased.

Then Mommy started to play with us...

... and we decided the water was okay after all.

Reesie even liked the pool so much, he tried to eat the hose.

Big Girl!

2010-05-17T12:36:00.003-04:00

It is rare that Mercedes looks big, seeing as she is always posing next to those hulking bros of hers. ;) But next to baby Emily, M finally looks like the biggest baby in the picture!

10 Months Old!!!

2010-05-17T12:26:00.002-04:00

Our 10-month birthday was a blast! We started the day by snuggling with daddy in the big bed; then we were in a parade! Finally, the day ended like it always does - with us in our pj's, ready for bed. We had so much fun!

Triplet Playdate

2010-05-17T11:42:00.002-04:00

The babies had a playdate with the Merritt triplets. Babies galore! I met Erinn Merritt through my twins club. Her husband Chris is in the military, so they are living in Dayton for just a short time before moving on. Boo hoo! I want them to stay!

Reesie's New Favorite Things

2010-05-17T11:36:00.002-04:00

Reese is showing off two of his new favorite things: the remote control and his ability to pull up to his knees. After I found him like this after a nap, I realized it was time to raise the crib rail!

Baby Burritos

2010-05-17T11:14:00.005-04:00

Orlando and Mercedes are demonstrating everyone's favorite delicacy around the Lounsbury house - the baby burrito.

Mama Time!

2010-05-09T15:47:00.001-04:00

Family Togetherness

2010-05-09T15:07:00.003-04:00

Orlando - One Happy Guy

2010-05-09T14:53:00.003-04:00

Those of us who were lucky enough to know the original Orlando, my grandfather, probably remember him for his cooking, gardening, and less-than-peachy attitude. In the Cimini family, when someone mentions the "O Mode," you better look out! Lucky for us, little O seems to have a pretty happy outlook on life!

Summertime for Cedes

2010-05-09T14:46:00.002-04:00

Mercedes loves summertime, because with it comes a girl's favorite outfit - the sundress. What a cutie pie!

I Can Sit!

2010-05-09T14:39:00.002-04:00

Reesie is demonstrating his new skill - sitting! Naked or clothed, he is a sitting machine!

Our Baptism Pics

2010-05-04T14:29:00.003-04:00

We were a little distracted during the babies' baptism weekend, so we didn't manage to take very many pictures. Although I do love the photo of Orlando and Grandma Ginny - fashion sense must be genetic! See the next post for Aunt Johanna's much better baptism photo coverage.

Aunt Johannie's Baptism Pics

2010-05-04T14:24:00.003-04:00

Thank goodness Aunt Johannie took pictures of the babies' baptism! Here are some of her best pics. We loved having our family and friends in town for the event!

Babies Love Mama, Mama Loves Babies

2010-04-29T11:04:00.003-04:00

Love those Baby Butts!

2010-04-29T11:00:00.002-04:00

Just Cute

2010-04-29T10:54:00.002-04:00

You just can't get enough adorable head shots. These are model babies!

The Cage

2010-04-29T10:51:00.003-04:00

Reese: "Why, God, why??? I want freedom!!!!!"

Happy Reesie

2010-04-29T10:46:00.003-04:00

Ahh... isn't it good to have one who is always smiling?

Ahhhh Ahhhh Ahhh!

2010-04-28T20:22:00.002-04:00

Orlando Babbling

2010-04-15T15:04:00.002-04:00

A Tussle

2010-04-15T15:00:00.005-04:00

The boys may be bigger, but Mercedes holds her own like a true girl - by going straight for the hair.

Such a Stud

2010-04-15T14:55:00.004-04:00

Reese has been practicing his best Baywatch poses after learning that Beefy Babes will feature him as Mr. July.

Swinging into Spring

2010-04-15T14:49:00.003-04:00

The babies are enjoying the swings at the park. Well, Orlando and Reese are. Mercedes looks very contemplative...

Hot Mess

2010-04-15T14:46:00.002-04:00

Reese makes up for being the easiest baby by being the messiest eater. But that's probably because he eats everything!

Nine Months Old!

2010-04-15T14:43:00.001-04:00

And our weights are as follows:
Orlando - 21 pounds
Reese - 20 pounds
Mercedes - 18 pounds

Triplet Table!

2010-04-11T12:03:00.002-04:00

Feedings just got that much easier! Yay for the triplet table!

There is an "I" in Sharing

2010-04-08T09:55:00.002-04:00

A Thousand Words

2010-04-08T09:29:00.003-04:00

Diaper rash reigns once again in our household, bringing with it Mercedes's favorite activity - naked time. What I love about this picture: Mercedes looking adorable playing with her feet, Orlando's cameo appearance in the upper right corner, and Reese in the background playing with his favorite new toy - Gladware.

Brotherly Love

2010-04-08T09:20:00.002-04:00

Maybe it's the matching outfits, maybe it's the shared genetics, but these boys really do gravitate toward each other!

You Decide

2010-04-08T09:15:00.005-04:00

Do you prefer your Orlando 'au natural' or stylishly outfitted? As you can see, he finds both looks quite appealing!

Daddy Time!

2010-04-08T09:05:00.003-04:00

The babies favorite time of day is the moment Daddy walks in the door. I mean, look at these pictures! He is a blast!

Shoe Fetish

2010-04-08T08:55:00.004-04:00

As Reese continues to push the boundaries of the living room floor with his new-found creeping abilities, he has discovered a love of shoes. Flip-flops, tennies, it doesn't matter. If it is worn on the foot, he wants to grab it and put it in his mouth. Kinda gross, but also kinda cute!

Large Heads, Small Bodies

2010-04-08T08:46:00.002-04:00

It's just that disproportionate time of life, folks. It happens.

All Dressed Up for Easter...

2010-04-08T08:42:00.003-04:00

... and we're not sure if we're happy about it.

More Laughing Babies

2010-03-29T15:34:00.002-04:00

I took this video the same day as the last one. They were just in a giggling mood that day!

Fun Times

2010-03-24T10:41:00.002-04:00

I swear, we have this much fun ALL DAY LONG. ;)

The Finger Food Adventure Continues...

2010-03-24T10:32:00.003-04:00

Now that the babies have mastered the art of gnawing a teething biscuit, we decided to try that age old staple of baby cuisine - the Cheerio. We added some steamed carrots to the tray to encourage munching. The babies were intrigued by this new culinary quest; however, their still-awkward little digits prevented much actual eating of the food. Reesie managed to pick up one Cheerio, though! Good job, buddy!

Almost to the Big Kid Tub

2010-03-24T10:27:00.004-04:00

The babies outgrew their little baby tub, but we didn't feel comfortable throwing them in the big tub just yet. So we modified our sink with a Bumbo seat, and shazam! An instant baby bathing success! (Another advantage to this bathing method - a conveniently placed leg divider on the Bumbo prevents embarrassing high school graduation photos!)

Teething Biscuits

2010-03-17T14:22:00.002-04:00

The teething biscuit trial run was a whopping success - sticky fingers, sticky faces, and three happy babies. That's what it's all about!

Mohawks, Mohawks Everywhere

2010-03-17T14:14:00.002-04:00

Daddy is the main hairstylist at our house. His specialty? The mohawk (actually faux hawk). Even Little M got one last bath day.

More Grandparents Than You Can Shake a Stick At

2010-03-17T14:09:00.002-04:00

The babies had fun with Grandma Judy, Grandpa Larry, and Great Grandma Cimini a couple weekends ago. Mommy went out of town and Daddy was busy, so the grandparents took over baby land!

Grandma Ginny

2010-03-17T10:56:00.002-04:00

The babies loved having Grandma Gin here for the past week. Although I think Mama loved it more! The laundry looks much more daunting without a helper!

Cool Kids

2010-03-17T10:51:00.001-04:00

Eight Months Old!

2010-03-17T10:49:00.001-04:00

Brothers

2010-03-02T14:27:00.004-05:00

Things brothers do together:
- Watch hockey
- Dress in matching pajamas
- Rock awesome hairstyles like the mohawk and the fuzz head!

A Mutiny

2010-03-02T14:23:00.002-05:00

Alright, Mom and Dad, time to move out. We get the big bed. You get the cribs.

Mercedes

2010-03-02T14:18:00.003-05:00

The only good thing about diaper rash? Naked time! My favorite!

I love sitting up in my Bumbo seat! Well, until I start to hate it, which is about three minutes after I am put in here. Then I need something else to entertain me... a girl gets bored!

Orlando

2010-03-02T14:09:00.005-05:00

Although this picture is a bit skewed, Orlando really does have some seriously large meathooks!

Mom, why did you give me the girl rattle???

What a cute fuzzy-headed boy!

Reesie

2010-03-02T13:51:00.006-05:00

Now that I have mastered the art of rolling in both directions, I love sleeping on my tummy!

With my mohawk hair and my tongue sticking out, I am one bad dude!

I couldn't smile bigger if I tried!

Outta the Bath

2010-03-02T13:47:00.002-05:00

There is something infinitely adorable about a baby in a hooded towel, as Mercedes knows.

Snuggle Time with Orlando

2010-03-02T13:44:00.004-05:00

Even Mommy sometimes breaks her rules and naps with a baby. It is just so nice!

Snake Attack!

2010-02-19T14:45:00.002-05:00

Floor Time, Floor Time, Floor Time

2010-02-19T14:32:00.003-05:00

Inspired by the realization that Mercedes spent the vast majority of her awake time bouncing her little heart out in the Jumperoo, we've resolved to have more floor time at the Lounsbury house. We had some resistance at first, but everyone seems to be more or less on board now. Reesie, our most mobile guy, rolls himself off the blanket to explore the outer regions of his living room domain. I found him underneath the rocking chair yesterday. Orlando and Cedes have yet to master the art of rolling both ways, but they are getting stronger. An added bonus - all this floor time wears them out and they nap like champs!

Hmm...

2010-02-19T14:24:00.004-05:00

Mercedes, why aren't you smiling in this picture? Oh yeah, Reesie has his foot on your neck. Sorry! That's better!

A Visit from the Smiths

2010-02-19T14:16:00.002-05:00

We enjoyed a visit from the Smith kids during this past snowy week. Orlando was the first baby up from his nap, so he got in all the pictures, lucky guy! "Big O" took the opportunity to show Owen, "Little O," his guns. He also played with Ella. Seems he has a thing for older women!

Seven Months Old!

2010-02-15T16:56:00.004-05:00

Triplets, by the numbers:
One = number of poopy diapers Orlando and Reese have each day
Two = number of long naps we take each day
Three = number of teeth among us (also number of "us" among us)
Four = number of poopy diapers Mercedes had yesterday
Five = number of chubby little fingers on each of our hands
Six = number of hands
Seven = number of months of life we've experienced, as of today!!!

Like Father, Like Daughter

2010-02-15T14:52:00.003-05:00

Ah, the lovely family resemblances - the eyes glued intently to sports on TV, the relaxed, Saturday afternoon couch posture. Mercedes is just wondering, "Where's my beer, Dad???"

A Fashion Faux Pas

2010-02-15T14:48:00.006-05:00

After watching one too many Pussycat Dolls music videos, Reesie decided to wear some thigh-high boots. Yet he neglected two important fashion rules:
1) Thigh-high boots should never be worn by men.
2) Unless one is a fly fisherman, such boots should not be of the wading variety.
Oh well, we still think he looks fabulous!

We Love Grandma Gin and Grandpa Tom!

2010-02-15T14:41:00.002-05:00

The babies enjoyed their visit from Grandma Gin and Grandpa Tom this past weekend. They miss their grandparents already!

Reesie

2010-02-08T13:30:00.002-05:00

Reesie looks even happier now that he has his messy new hairstyle.

Lando

2010-02-08T13:24:00.002-05:00

He's strong, he drools, and he looks darn cute in some footed jammies. Lando is quite the catch, ladies.

Triplet Hazard

2010-02-08T11:31:00.002-05:00

Being a triplet has its perks, but there are also downsides, like the very real possibility of someone puking in your hair. (Reesie says he's sorry, Lando.)

A Mercedes Parade

2010-02-08T11:16:00.002-05:00

The boys tend to monopolize the blog pics, so we thought we'd take some time out to pay photographic tribute to our little lady.

My Tooth!

2010-02-08T11:14:00.002-05:00

Mercedes is extremely proud of her new tooth. She is the first baby to achieve biting capability! Look out, boys!

All smiles!

2010-02-01T00:51:00.001-05:00

A TOOTH!

2010-02-01T00:25:00.002-05:00

We discovered Mercedes' first tooth today. The boys are jealous!

Triple the fun!

2010-01-28T23:44:00.003-05:00

The stars aligned. They all smiled and looked at the camera at the same time!

Brothers!

2010-01-28T23:37:00.002-05:00

Making faces with Reesie

2010-01-28T23:00:00.003-05:00

Laughing Lando

2010-01-28T22:26:00.002-05:00

Reese's laugh button

2010-01-28T22:10:00.002-05:00

Jumparoo Cedes Lu!

2010-01-28T21:16:00.002-05:00

Cedes needs a movie too...

2010-01-21T23:15:00.003-05:00

If she was just a little more cheerful in the evening when I come home from work, there might be more videos of her...

Gene Simmons eat your heart out!

2010-01-21T23:12:00.003-05:00

Reesie!!!

The squeaky wheel gets the Reese!

2010-01-21T22:45:00.002-05:00

Brothers

2010-01-21T21:48:00.002-05:00

Goodnight boys

2010-01-18T23:09:00.002-05:00