17 Days!

This is what I have left until I finish my Master's Degree in Project Management! I cannot wait to be done with this Paper writing and studying business. Then I can get focused on more important things like my kids and hopefully get some relaxation time. I would love to just be able to read a good book! So I am taking a break from writing my paper to show you the piles of books and papers I have spread out on my dining room table (my desk)! Yikes, I can't wait to box all this stuff up! 17 Days or 408 hours to be exact but really who's counting?! :O)

Singing Snowmen!

I had to share this funny story. This past weekend we headed up to North for my Cousin Micheal's Funeral. On Saturday night we reserved the back room at one of the restaurants in town. We arrived first and there was a really cute snowman that was bigger than the kids. As you can see from these pictures they all LOVED the snowman. They were hugging him and kissing him.
Then I noticed a cord behind the snowman so I decided to plug it in to see what would happen. The snowman came to life singing and dancing to "Frosty the Snowman" and I had three 2 year olds screaming out of fear of this singing and moving Snowman. Luckily I had Jon and Grandma there with me to help settle the kids down. I also hid the plug so no one else would turn it on. The kids definitely kept their distance from Frosty after that.

Happy Thanksgiving!

WOW, it is hard to believe that Thanksgiving is already here. I swear it was just New Years 2006 a few weeks ago. I have so much to be thankful for this year. Three incredible healthy, smart, and witty children; a husband who loves me unconditionally no matter what; Parents that are so supportive of me and my family; A grandmother who is still healthy and recovered well from her surgery and breast cancer; In Laws who travel from afar to help us out when we are in need; a brother who loves the kids just as much as if they were his own; health and happiness for myself, the kids, and Jon; and many many friends who love an support all of the Erickson Five.
Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

Comments....

So I typically try to be an upbeat and positive person. However, sometimes things can get to me like stupid and rude comments about my three precious blessings. As you can imagine Triplets can attract a lot of attention when you are out in public. Especially if you have their stroller or cho cho wagon with you.
Yesterday, we were in the New Trader Joe's store that opened up in the twin cities area. It is a small store and for some reason it was very busy on a mid Monday Morning. Two older women stopped GG Del and myself to admire the kids. When this type of thing happens I usually have all the kids say hi just to distract them (kids) from noticing people starring at us. These women were complimenting me on what a great job I have done as a triplet mom and how busy I must be, blah blah blah. Then a husband to one of these ladies walked up and looked at me and said..."Triplets?" I said yes they are and I smiled and in turn he said to me "you should of had three girls"! WHAT? ARE YOU KIDDING ME? I looked him straight in the eyes and told him I am grateful for what I do have and that I am lucky to have three healthy babies that happen to be two girls and a boy!
People can be so rude.

Twinkle Twinkle Little Star....

Today we went in for our annual Family picture. It is always a lot work and sweat to get three 2 year olds to sit nice for a picture. E was a champ she not only sat where we told her to but she also smiled on command. A would sit where she was supposed to but would not smile. K would not sit where we was supposed too. However, 2.5 hours later we left and we did end up getting a great photo of the family and also wonderful pictures of all three together and separate.
On the way home I had GG Del and Grandma in the car with me. Grandma wanted to stop at the Grocery store so she ran in and we just waited in the van. Out of nowhere K started to sing in a very loud voice...Twinkle Twinkle Little Star! He knew all the words and he even sang the song the right way. It was pretty good and very surprising as he is usually the one who shows the least interest at music class. Just wanted to share. I guess they really do get a lot out of music class even if it does not appear that way.

November... the Drama Month!

We had more drama today in our family. We had an exciting but challenging morning trying to get ready to go to lunch with Grandma (my mom), GG Del (Great Grandma), and my brother. We finally made it out the door and we all had a wonderful lunch together.
Then an hour later we had put the kids down for a nap at Grandma's house and I headed home to get some laundry done and write the eulogy for my cousin Michael's funeral on Saturday. I was half way home and my mom called in a panic for me to turn around...my brother's work called and they told my mom to get to the hospital as my brother was short on breath and his chest was tight so they send him to the hospital in an ambulance. I turned the van around called Jon and told him to get to my mom's house to be with my grandma (GG DEL) so I could take my mom to the hospital. Once we got back to see T (brother) he was pretty upset and freaked out. They monitored him for about 4 hours so I sat with him to keep him company. To make a long story short, he had a reaction to some medication that he was taking and it caused him to have heart attack like symptoms. SCARY!
Situations like this really make you think twice about your life and the value of it. I feel like God has been giving me a lot of messages lately about living life to the fullest. So here is a picture of T...hopefully, he will never have to go through a situation like that again!

Company is Always Good!

We have been spoiled this past week with Grandma & Grandpa E here for a visit. It is always so nice to have two extra sets of hands in the house to help with the kids. Plus the laundry gets done by someone else but me! :O) I have to say too that we always eat better meals when we have Grandma and Grandpa here too!
So to two of my biggest "Blog" fans...thanks for a great week and being so good to all of us. Please come again soon!

Operation Remove Wubba Nub...FAILED!

I am sad to report that the attempt to get rid of the Binkers failed! They were doing great until a half hour into nap time when they all woke up screaming for it. When you have three 2 inconsolable 2 year olds it is not fun and very heart wrenching. So we gave the binkers back. We will have to try again another day!

Our Doggies & a Duck

When the kids were born the immediately got pacifiers as they hoped this would help them to learn how to "suck". Since they were born at 33 Weeks 5 Days they had not yet learned this simple task. These pacifiers were very big for them at the time and it was hard for them as premature babies to keep these in their mouths. So I did a little research and found these AWESOME wubba nub pacifiers. These worked great as they helped keep the pacifiers in their mouths and it was less crying for all of us. These little wubba nubs were a huge life saver in the beginning.
However, I quickly learned that we would need to have extra of these since they could get lost. There was the time that I had taken E to Target with me to pick up a prescription and she had dropped it somewhere in the store so I then spent an hour looking for it as I was afraid what would happen if we did not have it. It was at this point that I decided that these would stay in their beds and they could only have them at home. Then there was the time when they got a little older and they would chew on them and the plastic would start to wear so Grandma A got great at replacing the binker part of the dog and duck. At one point Jon and I had decided that we were going to take them away. The next time they "broke" (needed fixing) we were just going to cut the binker part off and they could have the dog/duck. This was a great idea until it happened and Aimee started to hyperventlate because she did not have her dog. Clearly she was not ready to part with it so we have continued to fix these things.
Until today....Grandma and Grandpa E arrived last night for a week long visit. When we were getting ready for bed last night Grandma had a talk with the Girls (K wanted no part of it) about giving the binkers to the babies who needed them. She told them that we would go pick out new doggies/ducky that we could snuggle with under our arms instead of ones we put in our mouth. This morning we had all three carry their binkers downstairs and put them in the box to send to the babies. Then we headed out to the mall and picked out new doggies. We talked it up big time.
Well when we got home we made a big production about taking our new doggies to bed with us. Things were going great until K started to cry and then the girls started to cry. Daddy and Grandma comforted them and I had to step out as I was crying too. It is hard to take something away from your child that they use to comfort themselves. However, these pacifiers are not healthy and they do need to go. Their teeth are affected by them and just the bacteria on these things alone is not healthy. So it is nap time and we all stayed strong and all the kids are asleep w/out their binkers!!!! Now we will see what bed time brings. Wish us all luck!

Off To The Races

We had a wonderful warm day here in Minnesota yesterday! It was in the 70's and that is really unusual for this time of year. The kids really enjoyed being outside with no hats, mittens, or even boots on. It really gets dark early now since the time change a few weeks ago.
Jon and I were out on our patio last night with the kids and we decided to give them some more space with their cars so we took them out into our cul de sac.

THEY LOVE IT!

They all raced down to the end of the block and then raced back. It was a lot of fun and it got a ton of energy out of them. This is always important!

Holiday Photo Shoot

So last night the idea popped into my head to put the Christmas Jammies on the kids and try and get some good photos. I was surprised how into it the kids got. I ended up getting three shots that I LOVED and now I am having trouble deciding which one to use for my Christmas photos. Jon can't decide either. I am thrilled that I was able to get some good pictures of all the kids sitting together. For three 2 year olds that is pretty good. Anyway, I kept pushing them to do more things and in the end they started to get a little crabby so I bribed them with suckers. I guess a mom has to do what a mom has to do.

What a week!

It has been a crazy and hectic week around here. All three kids had the stomach flu, A had a really bad case of pink eye, I had a paper due on Friday and a presentation for school this morning. Jon was out of town! Yikes...My motto this week as been what doesn't kill me only makes me stronger.
So for an update: All three kids seem to be on the mend. Jon stayed home with them yesterday as I had to go to work but he did a great job of nursing them back to health. Now we just need to break the middle of the night "I need you mommy & daddy" cries that have developed with the sickness we have had.
I am off to school this morning to give my presentation and then Jon is off to school this afternoon for the lab class he has to take. The good news is that tonight Jon and I get a date. Some much needed time together.
Here are some of my favorite pictures from this week:

Pumpkin Party

Last weekend we went to a pumpkin carving party. Jon was out of town so it was just me and the kids. I had a lot of help though as it was at one of my bestest friends Mothers house and she and her mom just adore my kids.

So as you can see from the pictures. I did most of the cleaning of the pumpkins as the girls did not like to touch the "yucky" stuff. K lost all interest and went and played with the cars instead.

Since I did not know how the kids would react to carving pumpkins I purchased three small pumpkins for .99 each. It worked out perfect.

Here are all the finished pumpkins from the party. We have the small ones on the right. E wanted a scary face, A wanted a happy face, and K wanted a sad face (we did surprised).

This year Halloween was a lot of fun. The kids really got into the Holiday and they loved to walk over to the neighbors house on a daily basis as they have two large blow up pumpkins and a large blow up ghost. This holiday has really made me feel so blessed to have triplets. It is three times the fun and excitement. I am really excited for the holidays and to get a Christmas tree and all the lights.

"WHY ME"

I am having a why me day...last night A started to throw up around 10:30 and proceeded to throw up 7 more times in the night. She first got sick in her crib and I thought it was from all the chocolate that she had eaten. Then Jon wanted to snuggle with her so he brought her back to bed with us and about midnight she threw up all over Jon and our bed. Then she continued to get sick about every hour. Basically Jon and I got about 3 hours last night. He was supposed to leave on a business trip at 6 am but I begged him to leave later so he could continue to help me out. A must have gotten the stomach flu and I am now just praying that no one else gets it.

So I am having a why me day...I need to get this paper and presentation written for school and I can hardly see straight. I am so tired and I have so much to do. On top of all of that I am so sad about my cousin Michael. This is just one of those days when God is really testing me.

I am trying to stay focused on all the good in my life. Three wonderful children and a husband who is so supportive to me. Also, a mother who takes on my three kids with the upmost bravery and all my wonderful friends who have been there for me through this past week of hardships. Back to homework...

Happy Halloween!

We had so much fun tonight. The kids really got into it this year and I had such a relaxing and fun night. We started out with some pizza for dinner with our friend Jane. Daddy had to go to school tonight so I called in some reinforcement so I did not have to do it all alone. We got the kids all dressed up and tried to take some good photos but they did not want any part of their picture being taken. I guess with three two year olds what do you expect.
We then headed out to some of the neighbor's houses. Everyone was really excited to see them. The first few houses the kids would not say anything but then once they got the hang of it they started to shout "Trick or treat"!
When we got back home "Auntie Jane" let them each have about 4 pieces of candy. They thought that was cool. Then Jane showed them how to throw the candy in the air and dance around so we all did that for awhile too.

Daddy surprised us and came home early from school so we got some time with him too.
As you can see in the pictures Aimee's eyes are really red and puffy. This is because she has pink eye right now and her eyes are sore. Poor thing. She still seemed to have a great time.
It was really fun and just what my heavy heart needed!

In Memory of Michael Larson 1965-2006

My blog has been quiet this past week. My cousin Michael unexpectectdly ended up having some significant problems with pnemonia and today he passed on.
This is very hard for me right now as Michael was one of my favorite people. I feel that we had a special bond and he always went out of his way to be so kind to me. When I was a child he lived with us for awhile and he would always take me to the movies and out to eat. He was so good to me all my life.
Michael was a wonderful musician and he played the piano and sang at my wedding. He did such an incredible job. He always took such pride in his music.


















I think I am most sad that I did not get a chance to say goodbye to him. He also never had a chance to meet my kids. I always just figured we would have time later for him to meet the kids. Life gets so busy that pretty soon all this time has gone by and you ask yourself where did it all go. This has been a good lesson to me to live in the moment and to keep in touch with your loved ones as much as possible.







I sent Michael an email a few months ago and attached some pictures of my kids to it. This was our last coorespondence to each other. This was his response to me:

Nicole- the pictures are totally adorable!!!!! Your children look like movie stars already and so intelligent and witty. Thank you so much for sending them to me. I'm so touched to have them. You are so blessed!!!!! I love you!!! Michael

I take comfort knowing that Michael is at peace and I pray that my heart gets a little lighter in days, weeks, months to come.

GATE FREE....

Gate Free...Well not totally as we still have one at the top of the stairs but it is mostly used to keep cats out at night when they decide they need attention at 3 am!
Yesterday when I got home from ECFE Jon came out of his office and asked me if we really need the big long gate up anymore? I thought about it and decided that no it really was just in the way so he (with help from the kids) took the gate down. One word to describe the feeling...HEAVEN. WOW! It feels great to have that small little piece of our house back. It really made a huge difference and it is nice to know that we do not need the gates anymore. The kids seem to enjoy the new freedom as well. It is easier for them to push their strollers and shopping cart around now. I guess we should have done this a few months ago but at least it is down now and we are all enjoying it!

Multi-tasking Queen!

Since I have become a mom to triplets I have really learned the art of multi-tasking! My mom took this picture this weekend when the girls wanted to play beauty shop (brush mommy's hair) and KJ wanted to read with me. This time it actually worked out well as I could read and let the girls play with my hair at the same time. However, one of the hardest parts about having triplets is when they all want me at the same time and they fight for my attention.

I feel that I do a good job to make sure I spend equal amounts of time with all of them. Jon and I try and take one with us on errands just so we can have some one on one time. I love when I get a chance to be out with just one of them. It is so much easier on me and I get to give that one child so much attention.

We have a lot of reading time on the couch were they all get to pick a book and we read all three books. They are pretty good about sharing my lap. I love those times of snuggling and reading.

I pray every day that these kids will grow up feeling that they are loved equally and that the treatment around here is fair. So far I feel Jon and I have done a pretty good job at this.

"Mickey House"

We have a new obsession in this house. His name is Mickey Mouse or as KJ likes to call him "Mickey House"! I bought KJ a large Mickey Mouse doll at the store on Saturday. Once I saw his reaction to the doll I knew we would not leave the store with out it. He was thrilled and it melted my heart. He just LOVES his new Mickey and it goes everywhere with him now..even to bed. The other night Mickey had to sit at the dinner table and have a bowl and a spoon too.

So we have been singing:

Who's the leader of the club that's made for you and me?
M-I-C, K-E-Y, M-O-U-S-E!
Hey there, hi there, ho there, you're as welcome as can be.
M-I-C, K-E-Y, M-O-U-S-E!
Mickey Mouse! (Donald Duck!) Mickey Mouse! (Donald Duck!)
Forever let us hold his banner high, high, HIGH, HIGH!!
Come along and sing the song and join the jamboree.
M-I-C, K-E-Y, M-O-U-S-E!
He's our favorite Mouseketeer, we know you will agree.
M-I-C, K-E-Y, M-O-U-S-E!
Take some fun and mix in love, our happy recipe.
M-I-C, K-E-Y, M-O-U-S-E!
M-I-C, K-E-Y, M-O-U-S-E!

When we get done singing this all we get is "more mommy, sing more mommy, do it again"

To funny!

Sisters

When I first found out I was expecting triplets I secretly hoped

(on top of having three healthy babies) that they would be two boys and a girl.

I really thought that I was having all boys. I am not sure why but I guess

I just always truly thought that I would never have any girls.

So when the ultra sound technician told us that baby A was a girl I was in shock. Then you can imagine my surprise when she then told us that baby b was a girl. I remember looking over at Jon at that point and he was shuffling in his chair and I just smiled as I knew we was a little nervous about being out numbered. I still remind him that he is outnumbered as there are 3 females and 2 males in this house! :O)The girls have bonded from the start. They shared an isollett as the NICU was full and they needed the bed space for sick babies. I just love the two pictures above. It was really precious to see the girls snuggle together and I remember it making me feel a lot better about them being in there. If they only would of had one big enough so all three of them could have been together.

I never had a sister growing up but a great big brother. However, I realize now what a bond sisters can share. I am really excited for my girls to grow up together and experience so much together in life. I think that I would have loved to have had a sister the same age that I could talk to and share clothes with. Now I know that the girls won't always get along or even like each other but in the end I think they will look back and be so grateful for each other.

I tend to be such a girly girl that I think I understand now why God gave me two girls and a boy. I remember when I was pregnant one of my girlfriends told me that I was going to have girls and when I asked her why she said that she just could not picture it any other way. Aside from that she claimed that since I wore pink all the time (I love pink!) that I was growing girls in my belly.

At this point the girls leave K out of things a lot but I hope that as they get a little older they will learn to include him more. Jon and I have also discussed the possibility of having more children and although we are leaning towards not having any more children I do feel like it would be nice to give K a brother.

For now I am just so grateful for what I do have. Three wonderful, beautiful, and amazing children that continue to amaze us everyday.

To my girls. My hope to you is that you realize how blessed you are to have each other and a fabulous brother too!