How's everyone's summer? Here in MN, it's really off and on. A couple weeks ago we had record heat and now we're 60's and drizzly. Don't even bring up Duluth! I brought the girls to Duluth while Dan went on a BWCA fishing trip. The whole time the weather was not summer-like. Cool, drizzly, foggy...just not nice. BUT, we did have a fun time up north. The girls and I got to spend a lot of time with my good friend Leah and her two girls, Anna and Elsa. One of the best parts was when Leah's parent's little dog ran around and played with the girls because they got in the biggest giggle fits! I could watch that all day. I didn't get any pictures with them but I know Leah did so maybe I'll get them from her at some point and put them on the blog.

Madeline and Sofia exploring all the nooks and cranies at their grandparent's house.

Wagon ride with cousin Peter!

Also when we were in Duluth, Dan's cousin, Tessa, had her high school grad party. Some of Dan's family that hadn't met the girls before finally got to at the party. The girls were a little clingy but warmed up after awhile.

The girls finally had their 18 month well check up. The doctor is pleased with almost every aspect of the girls' health. The one problem was Sofia's weight gain- or lack of. She kind of stalled out the last couple months. The pediatrician suggested PediaSure, but so far she has only had a couple sips. I know she'll be fine, but let's eat more, Sofia! Here are the newest stats on height/weight/etc.

Sofia- 17 lbs 6 oz, 29 1/2 inches tall... not on the growth curve except head at 30th percentile

Sofia is doing a lot better than a couple weeks ago. When I wrote the last update about Sofia, we weren't quite sure what was going on with her. I ended up taking her in after her temp got all the way up to 104.3. The pediatrician found an ear infection and nothing else so we had to do a week of antibiotics. Then, her fever broke but she developed a rash on her body. I had to take her in again to make sure it wasn't a reaction from the antibiotics. Turns out she had roseola... a common and mild illness. I was happy it wasn't serious but bummed it was a VIRUS so I had to wait to see if the other two got it. They share everything! How could they not get it? The day or two once the rash came were really hard because Sofia was pretty miserable. She only wanted me, not anyone else. Anyways,  I think the other two would have gotten it by now but haven't! What a relief!   Since then she feels better but isn't quite herself. She's been clingier to me lately and had a couple of nights where she woke up and was hard to soothe back to sleep. I don't think it's teething because she recently got a couple molars without even a hint of notice.

What are you thinking about, Sofia?

Miss Sofia looking sweet!

 Madeline- 20 lbs 4 oz, 29 inches tall...also not on the curve except head at 30th percentile
Madeline is doing well! The pediatrician said her weight gain was perfect! Recently, she has started making a funny laugh noise that reminds me of their cousin, Dane. Just a silly rough housing noise that you would think came from a toddler boy. She is so funny! I bet she did pick that up from him since
we saw them a lot last weekend.

Blurry, but cute pic of Madeline

Madeline's thinking "Mom! Let's go outside!!!"

 
Josephine- 19 lbs 3 oz, 29 inches tall... same with the other two except head at 25th percentile

Josie is Josie... One of the things I've  noticed about Josie is that overall she is the most even-keeled throughout the whole day and even close to bed time, unless something sets her off (and it is something that other times she would just brush off).  It could be that daddy put her down when she wanted him or someone stole her toy... but when she gets mad, she cannot cool herself down! The other two seem to cool off a little easier, but not Josie. Even if we try to give her the toy she fought over or daddy picks her back up, she still has a tantrum! We have to get creative to distract.

Josie babbling away...

Josie showing off her smile!

Oh yeah...we got a fence! My summer is complete!

Sorry, Odin, your running-away days are OVER!

If the girls weren't toddlers before, they certainly are now. Look out, world! Couple more pics... Have a great rest of the week. We are staying in town this weekend so it should be relaxing (and I hear we'll see the sun again??)

Sorry it's so blurry, but I had to put this up! (M, J, S)

Gotta represent! (M, J, S)

18 Months (TOMORROW!)

Wow, crazy! 18 months is typically a big milestone for development. I'm not expecting them to be quite equal to a full-term 18 month old, but we're getting there. Now that the girls are basically running, I need to hear more words!

This past weekend we had our two reunions- NICU and St. Olaf 5 year. The NICU one was really fun...there was a 3k walk in the morning, then the actual reunion, which was under the Grandstand at the MN State Fair fairgrounds. It included St. Paul and Minneapolis Children's NICUs, so it was packed. I couldn't believe how many people were there! We met a couple other families with higher order multiples, including quints! We also met a family I have known through our very similar stories (Mary and her quads. They were born at 27 weeks and lost one also) It was so great to finally meet her and her family!
   The St. Olaf reunion was fun also. I went for the day with the girls and Dan stayed over. We saw some good friends (I'm sure I missed a lot of friends because there were too many people there to know who all was there!) I didn't get good pics of either reunion because we were just too busy chasing our girls! They were running every which way! Exhausting!

Sofia's little run is super cute. She twists her body and it seems like she can't quite go as fast as she wants. Her legs are getting there!  Right now, Sofia is a little sick. Not sure if it's a virus or possibly heat illness from yesterday. It's really only a fever and lethargy. Her temp was 103 last night and 103.4 this morning. After ibuprofen her temp came down and her spirits were a little higher- actually playing a little. We'll see how she is after her morning nap. This really is the first fever of the girls- impressive we made it this far!

Sofia is feeling better after her nap!

Madeline is doing really well! I'm not sure if I blogged about this already, but Madeline is the best at communicating with me. Well, just along the lines of FOOD. She actually signs "more" to me! I've been half-working on it for a couple months (just in a relaxed way).  An impressive example is after they have eaten, sometimes Dan and I eat dinner while they are playing. They all usually beg by whining, but the other day Madeline actually signed "more", so I HAD to give her some of my dinner.

Madeline giving me a pretty smile!

Josie is great too. Depending on her mood, she'll walk on the sport court, but not always! I never would have thought that'd be something to get used to. She is still the least picky eater and the biggest daddy's girl.

Josie is always photogenic!

    A couple days ago I blew up a little kiddie pool since it was so hot (yesterday Minneapolis was the hottest city in the COUNTRY- what?!?!)  Josie surprised me and was open to trying it out right away. It was cold water from the hose, so she was surprised at first, but she was happy in the pool! She was the first one in! Sofia enjoyed it right away too, but Madeline was watching from a distance for a while. When I put Madeline in she freaked out, but it helped that I sat with her in my lap in the pool. By the end, Madeline liked the pool the most.

Did we hear there was a POOL outside? (Doesn't it even look hot from the picture? So bright out!)

Josie and Sofia are very interested, but Madeline wants to keep her distance!

Josie on left, Sofia on right enjoying the pool

Madeline: "Hmmmm I just don't know about this"

 
 The girls splashing in the pool! (Madeline is on the left kicking her legs, Josie on the right, and Sofia is the one who is standing up.)

The girls love all thing shoes. They love playing with their shoes, and they love taking adult shoes and carrying them around. I thought it'd be funny for them to try on one of my shoes. They thought it was hilarious and if it fell off, they would bring it back to me to put it back on. They couldn't be more TODDLER!! :)

The shoes fit really well, right Sofia?

Madeline loves mommy's shoes!

Josie with mommy's shoe!

The girls have their 18 month appointment in a couple of weeks. I will be interested what they will weigh. This weekend our plan is to go to a friend's cabin unless the girls are sick. Hope you all have a good rest of the week!

Life is good...

We are totally adjusted to our new house! :) Who wouldn't love a little extra space? We have a company set that will come build us a fence and then we're set. This Memorial weekend Dan has been getting our old house ready for the new tenants. They move in on Wednesday and we will be working until then. Dan's been such a good worker.

Our girls are fun like always. We are transitioning to one nap a day. It's hard for even me to get used to! The pictures under each girls' updates are from today after their nap. They were pretty photogenic!
Sofia's latest thing is to speak gibberish... a lot different than the baby babble- this actually sounds like a language only she understands (maybe her sisters get it too, who knows!) It is so funny and I need to catch it on film. I would still say Sofia is a bit of a bully to the others (sometimes she is really nice and gives her sisters their blankies) but when they're all playing nicely, Sofia can get impatient if she doesn't get what she wants right away. (And she hogs the sit and spin!)

Sofia so happy!

Sofia with HER doggy! (looks suspiciously like Odin!)

Josephine is doing well! She seems to have the biggest laugh-attacks, where she's just looking for something to be funny...she especially loves to be chased or tickled by mom or dad. She is no longer afraid of the sport court, thank goodness! Josie is also starting to become a little more adventurous outside. Normally, it would be Sofia or Madeline who wanders off and the others follow, but now Josie wanders all by herself. I have noticed that both Sofia and Josie are becoming empathetic like Madeline. Maddie was always the one to bring blankies to the others, but now they all do it! We are so lucky to have girls who look after each other!

Josie's pretty face!

Josie is pondering something...!

Madeline is great too. I still see her as the leader of the pack- usually the first to wander while the others follow. You can tell she's sensitive, though. If a sister steals something she gives it up quickly. Lately, I've noticed all three girls can get major temper tantrums. All three seem to be equally likely to get a tantrum. It's actually a little funny to watch, admittedly. An example would be if someone steals Maddie's blankie and instead of chasing to get it back, she'll throw herself on the ground...walk a little...then throw herself on the ground again. Another example would be if Josie is having a fun time with dad, but then he pays attention to another girl or he gets up, she will flip out! Then when he wants to play with her or hug her she'll be pouting and mad/ignore him!

Madeline's turn!

The most genuine smile you can get!

 The video below shows Madeline pushing Sofia in their Cozy Coupe. Look how Madeline knows how to turn the car to avoid going in the rocks! Nice job!  There's just a couple more pics too.

Group shot! I didn't get one where all three are looking at the camera...oh well!

You can see the thought process going through Sofia's brain. Hmm, this rock looks tasty...should I eat it?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Josie especially LOVES to take off her shoes!

This weekend is another busy one, but in a good way. First, Saturday morning is the NICU reunion for St. Paul Children's Hospital. We will see some familiar faces hopefully- nurses and docs. They won't believe these are the same girls! After that, we go straight to the St. Olaf FIVE year reunion! I'm signed up just for the picnic lunch, but Dan is staying the night in the dorms. Reliving college, eh? Also, we have some of Dan's family in town for Dan's cousin's high school grad party. Lara, Peter, and Dane will be here- FOR GOOD! Tomorrow, all of them except Charlie will drive to Minnesota- their forever home! That is just too exciting for everyone!!! So I know we'll be seeing them this weekend. Poor Charlie has another month 'till he joins his family.

Have a great, short work week! I'm so excited it's almost June!!

Josephine and the Roach (and some new pics!)

My brother, Jon Langager is in the middle of his thesis film, "Josephine and the Roach". He has much of it done but he needs more money to finish it up. Even if you donate a couple bucks, it could help! (If he doesn't reach his goal of 4,000 then your credit card won't be charged, that's how Kickstarter works.)   You're going to see him get nominated/win an Oscar someday! Seriously! :)

We are heading to Duluth for the first time in a LONG time! We are going to a wedding and seeing family. Hope everyone has a great weekend! Here are some fun pics from a couple days ago... enjoy!

Sofia, Josephine, Madeline

The girls and Odin

Sofia!

Josephine!

Madeline!

Sometimes the girls like to just hang out right there, looking at wood chips and pine cones.

On the sport court.  Many years ahead to enjoy playing here!

We're so lucky!

This is the BEST part about having triplets... they are pure entertainment to each other and to us! They just make me smile and laugh and think about how lucky we are! I love them so much!!

17 Months Already?

I've been so busy the last week and a half (and before that getting ready to move and the FL trip!) Like I said in the previous post, I had a lot of family in town too. Jon was the last to leave yesterday. The girls are adjusted to the new house. They have so much space inside and out.

House view from the back (photo by brother Andy)

The girls on move-in day, exploring the upstairs (Sofia, Maddie, Josie)

Odin and the girls enjoying the backyard

The move itself was very tiring, and I didn't even do much heavy lifting. We had lots of help from family and friends, so THANK YOU SO MUCH AGAIN! Our old house is almost ready for our tenant to move in (oh, we signed someone for rent-to-own- woohoo!!) June 1st.

We promised the old owners that the girls would become concert pianists someday (they left their grand piano in exchange for one month's rent- one sweet deal) (M, S, J)

Our favorite room in the house is the sunroom- a 4 season porch. We also love the sport court in our backyard. We  have some summer play toys outside already- the school bus slide, the cozy coupe car, and a swing that attaches to a tree branch. The girls like the toys but love exploring...which is why we need a fence ASAP! They are constantly either going to the neighbor's driveway or towards the street. They aren't good enough at listening so I'm always chasing after them and bringing them back to our safe yard area. What a workout! 

Grandpa showing the girls a book of themselves! (J, M, S)

Madeline and Sofia checking out the school bus slide

Our family! (Dan has Josie and Sofia, I have Maddie) (photo by Andy)

My whole family! (photo by Andy)

My mom, me, and the girls (S, M, J) on Mother's Day (photo by Andy)

Yesterday the girls went to the NICU follow-up clinic. It's an exhausting couple hours for mom/grandparents and toddlers alike. The assessment is hit or miss depending on the girls' moods. I was worried about the stranger-danger but all the girls eventually felt comfortable. There were three therapists and one guardian per toddler. I was with Madeline and she was off-and-on cooperative. At different points during the session, she would just have enough and would try to arch off my lap. She was just getting antsy and frustrated!  Anyways, this is how they did.

Sofia-
Cognitive: 15 month level
Motor (fine and gross): 14 and 13 month levels
Language (expressive and receptive): 8 and 14 month levels

I really don't think the language is an accurate portrayal because Sofia is making the most effort at home to talk. My mom said she was really quiet the whole session.
  Lately, Sofia has been such a ham and clown! She seems to devour attention and does things to attract. She just cracks us up! We also noticed that for the last month or so she has been the most adaptable and "easy"...going with the swing of things more so than the other two. We need at least one of them to be like that! When all three girls get a minor bump, a lot of times there are no tears but they will need a hug from me or Dan. It is so cute!

Pretty Sofia (photo by Andy)

Madeline-
Cognitive: 14 month level
Motor (fine and gross): 14 and 15 month levels
Language (expressive and receptive): 12 and 14 month levels

Madeline still has the most stranger-danger and is quite sensitive. With that, though, comes a very compassionate and empathetic girl! When her sisters get hurt and/or cry she is sad with them and brings them their blanky/dog. What a sweetie.
   The last two days, Madeline has a problem walking on the hard floor- carpet is fine, but the tile and kitchen floor aren't. I have no idea what's going on with her. I really hope this goes away... I don't know if she has a pain or if she developed a fear randomly.

Beautiful Madeline (photo by Andy)

Josephine-
Cognitive: 16 month level
Motor (fine and gross): 16 and 15 month levels
Language (expressive and receptive): 12 and 14 month levels

Josie is a daddy's girl currently and loves to cuddle in general. She takes a while to grow accustomed to things. It took 4 baths for her to be alright with the new house's tub. She also refuses to walk on the sport court! Maybe it feels funny to walk on? Who knows!
    Josie's smile still melts anyone's heart.

Gorgeous but messy Josie! (photo by brother Andy)

In my opinion, the girls are pretty even with their development compared to each other. One walks first, another talks more, and another can do fine motor better. Then they switch up on me! All in all, everyone is pleased with their development: Dan and I, and the therapists and the neonatologist that reviewed with us. They are still below their actual age growth curve (under 3rd percentile except their heads are on the curve). The girls go back to the follow-up when they are 2 years old, and they will no longer be compared to their adjusted age, but rather their real age. The follow-up clinic was also helpful to me to get new ideas on what we can do together!

A couple nights ago, Dan got tickets to the MN Twin's game from work. They were awesome seats in the Champions Club! I don't know if we'll ever have such good seats again but it was great. Free food and drinks and we got to sat behind home plate (6 rows up). Too bad they lost by 8.... oh well, it was worth it!

Morneau!

I think that is all I wanted to update you all on. It's been awhile so sorry it was a long post!