3+3=6

Picture this if you will.......six hungry wailing babies, three dogs barking at each other, eight adults laughing and talking over the noise. If you can imagine, that's what happens when,

THE CHAPLEAU TRIPLETS PAY US A VISIT! If you can believe it, these pictures and video (1,2) are of two sets of triplets.

About 7 months ago, Kristen was introduced to two other mom's in Northern Ontario expecting triplets. The three moms and a pregnant mom of twins all went out for what is now a historical dinner here in Sudbury. At the time all 4 were pregnant with multiples and decided to meet and share stories of thier pregnancies before the chaos began.


Once it did, Leslie (from Espanola) gave birth first to two wonderful girls and a boy. Then Rene with her two, followed by Kristen who came considerably earlier than expected and while were still in the hospital in came Tracy. She also added two girls and a boy to our set and at one point all six of us were in the NICU together!

During the week we spent together in the hospital I like to think a bond was formed. Allies in the 20 year campaign that followed. We shared all of our experiences during the 4 weeks we had before their arrival and together we discussed strategies for the future.

Our six kids which had a due date only 10 days apart are very similar in size and manner. Kristen and Tracy still correspond via phone and internet comparing notes and sharing ideas. Phil and Tracy are wonderful parents and Evan, Amber, and Lauren are extremely lucky kids.

Today was a remarkable day when Phil and Tracy stopped by to share a feeding with us (we both feed on the same schedule). We chatted, laughed, swapped babies (we swapped back before they left) and posed them all for pictures. I hope you all enjoy our six babies as much as we do.

I think we are all convinced now 6 is out of the question. :)

The MEN hold the fort!

Some guys with one or two kids or many spread over time may have the luxury to opt out of poopy diapers or only 'babysit' on occasion letting Mom pick up the slack. Not with triplets. You either pitch in or get out of the way. Luckily we have some pretty secure and handy fellas around the Simpson house all willing to parent as needed. We all change the diapers, prepare the bottles, fold laundry, and of course feed when there is a hungry mouth. There is such a strong roster of Y chromosomes, that even the ladies can take a much needed shopping break from time to time. Mom still handles the lion's share and runs the home show, but she is not alone.

PLAYTIME!

One of the best parts of the day is after the 9am feeding when everyone's tummy is full and we spend some tummy time and play time with the kids. Typically I miss this time because I am at work and only get their fussy 5-9pm time. A bit of time off over the holiday season has given me the joyous ability to see their brighter, funner side. As you can see from the picture, Avery was memorized by her own beauty and here is a little video of how the morning usually looks.

Next Gen Kid......where's my PS3?

Growing up it was agonizing to my parents how little I read and how digital media played a larger and larger role in my life and literature a smaller and smaller one. I am embarrassed to say it is not looking much better for my kids. It amazes all of us how at less than 5 months of age the interest level in the television is phenomenal. At this point is is obviously shapes and sounds, but nevertheless it is going to be an uphill battle trying to encourage our kids to see the vital importance of reading and playing outside over the many digital distractions offered today. I would like to paraphrase some deep philosophical reference on this matter, but I have not read any. :(

If they can just make it to their first Christmas.....

Less than 5 months ago I wrote a section on this blog call Situation Critical. At that point I was asking doctors about percentages of survival, and despite seeing desperation in my eyes they could not over extend their prognosis.

While sitting at my wife's bedside and watching the doctors operate on my children, I was planning small milestones which in my mind would increase those percentages. One of those milestones I thought about in my darkest hours was 'if they can just make it to their first Christmas...'.

As children tend to do, all of my kids have surpassed my hopes and are cruising through their first Christmas without problem. Every day brings new challenges, but none of them health related and I'll take every bit of fussiness, malcontent, and mischief they can dish out as long as they stay well.

Baby Banz Band Rock The House!!!

Is that Gene Simmon's Jason is holding? No, although the resemblance is uncanny, that is Grace in her new Baby Ray Bans Aunt Michelle gave her. With new shades Mommy wanted to see if the similarity extended to musical talent so she formed the Baby Banz Band. But alas the group was constantly at odds over artistic differences and not happy with their new contract or manager so the group's hope of making it big-time in the music industry is unlikely.
- Mix Master D

HELLO TO THE BUMBO!

Grandpa Howatt gave the kids Bumbo chairs for Christmas. These were shown to us by Wendy in the PEDs unit at St Joe's. Although their head strength needs a bit more development soon we will be able to feed, bath and play with them in these innovative little creations.

We didn't forget you Grandpa!

Grace is posing with the sock mom and the kids prepared for Grandpa. Filled with all his favorite things; rubber gloves, a new bottle brush, and a 2L jug of Old Spice, Grandpa is fully geared for 2007.

Awaiting Santa's Arrival

Tracking him via NORAD, the kids were keenly awaiting the arrival of the chubby one (not Grace, the other chubby one). As you can see from this video they had visions of sugar plum fairies dancing in their heads. We managed to maintain our regimented feeding schedule despite the season's hysteria and for the most part nobody missed a meal.

Once the big guy managed to sneak in, the result was obscene. In addition to Santa Claus, these children are truly blessed with many people who care very much for them. Our living room floor was covered from one end to the other. Nanny Di alone outfitted them for the entire next year!

A special thanks to Granddad and Grandmum Simpson for thier gift of 'Three Little Pigs' which will be donated via World Vision to three needy families. As the accompanying card noted, every time the kids hear the story of The Three Little Pigs, they can be reminded of the food they donated to other hungry children.

-Dad

All dressed and everywhere to go!

Suited up in their Christmas outfits (kindly sponsored by Grandpa Industries Inc.*) the stylin' kids were ready to head out on Christmas Eve for some visiting. We got them suited up, did a photo shoot, and headed out on the town. As per tradition we spent Christmas Eve with Bob & Nancy eating, drinking and generally being merry (well except for Everett). Bob and Nancy have been stellar friends over the last year's ups and downs (see all the previous posts). It was nice to bookend the year at their house reflecting on what we have to be thankful for. One thing we are all thankful for is that Jenny, (Nancy & Bob's daughter) is expecting with her wonderful husband Rob. Like Kristen and I children for them was not a forgone conclusion, so we are all very happy for them. Rob, I know you are going to enjoy being a dad as much as I do.

- J

*Grandpa Industries Inc is a registered trademark of Richard Howatt a non-profit organization operating out of Dominion Parc Canada with a three client portfolio. To date the corporation is non-unionized but as demands increase (>90 hours/week) management may need to reconsider their current compensation structure of $0 dollars per hour and no dental plan.

Riley's Annual Christmas Ailment....

Twas the night before Christmas and all through the house, not a creature was stirring, except for Riley licking his a**.........tail. As is tradition in the Simpson house Kristen and I had to make our annual visit to the veterinarians on Christmas Eve. Most years it is some type of consumption related illness, but this year with all the other 'distractions' Riley decided to kick it up a notch by getting some sort of rash on his rump and tail.

The result; a $300 trip to the pissed off vet, tail spray, 2 medications, and 1 cone. Yes a cone. So now in his sickly demeanor he is bulling his way around the house, cone in lead, knocking off ornaments and sending drinks flying.

Did I mention how the spray gets applied? Let's save that story for another day.

- Dad

Ode to Everett

Ode to Avery

Ode to Grace

Simpson Family Tree

Well we have finally selected and managed to decorate this years' Simpson Family Tree. A little late in the game but its done. On Saturday, we loaded up the van with all the chilins' and made our way to Freskiw Farms for the selection of the family tree. Every year since Jason & I have been together we have been at odds with the tree selection. My selection criteria are midly different than his. He selects the magnificant full pine where as I select the less than perfect tree. More like the Charlie Brown tree as Jason refers to it. We made quite the impression as we drove our limosine-sized stroller through the tiny little tree lot. I am surprised none of them ended up with branches in the face. With hungry little mouthes to feed our tree selection this year was under 30 minutes. A record I think.
Of course Grace, Avery & Everett were in agreement with my tree selection and since majority rules, well lets say that Charlie Brown would be proud of the Simpson Family tree.

Burlington Howatt Visit

We recently had a Burlington Howatt visit with Jeff & Jamie. Jeff was on his way to North Bay to pick up Jamie who recently completed his fall semester at Nippissing University. On their return to Burlington, they decided to stop in for a visit. With dinner & snacks in tow (compliments of the lovely Diane) we had a few laughs along with a few feedings. Jeff was anxious to get his hands dirty (not literally though) but surprisingly enough so was Jamie. I didn't know Jamie even liked babies, but he managed a feeding without incident.
He got to hold all of them but it was Grace who was simply mezmerized by the sight of him. We are not sure if it was the beard or the hat but she could not take her eyes off him. Or maybe it was just his manly good looks, we'll have to ask her when she old enough to talk.

4 Month Mark

It's difficult to believe that only 4 months ago last Wednesday I went from 0 kids to 3 in about 45 minutes. The time has literally flown by, and the changes are phenomenal. They went from looking like small monkies to real small people. Their personalities still developing but defintely traits both Jason & I possess are starting to become apparent. Grace has the Howatt fire, Avery has the Simpson charm, and Everett has a smile that would melt any girls heart.