Wednesday, December 20, 2006

LAST DAY OF SCHOOL

Well the kids birthday ended up also being their last day of school. I can't believe it, but I actually made it through without crying. Although I did get a little choked up at the goodbye song at closing circle. Malena did have a bit of senioritis and decided to throw herself on the ground and throw a fit halfway through the day, so maybe dealing with that helped me keep my emotions under control.

At the end of the day, right before closing circle, the boys were brought from the sibling room, and all three were sung happy birthday. Towards the end of the song, Malena decided she had heard enough singing (in her honor) and walked around her teacher to get the gift behind her. Then she pushed it to the front, where she decided to open it. I guess she had seen the end to this song and wanted to rush things up a bit. All three received their "graduation" backpacks and were all soooo happy. Each had a tag that said "I am a proud graduate of ICEC."

Thank you ICEC family. You have helped to bring my babies sooooo far in the past year and a half and have benefited not only them, but me as well. We will never have such a wonderful group of people who believe in my kids and me as much as you have! We are going to miss all of you!


BIG BIRTHDAY BASH!

Well, today was the big birthday bash. As usual, I was hoping it wouldn't rain, but this year, we weren't as lucky. It started raining, pretty hard about an hour or two into it. Good thing was, the kids were able to play on the slide/bouncer we had rented, and when the rain stopped for a little bit, they played on it again after we wiped it down. They loved it.

The rain also caused some problems with the pinata, so we ended up doing it under our patio. Well, this caused a dent or two in our posts, by some misdirected pinata hitters, but all was well, and there was plenty of excitement and candy and toys for everyone!

We also did some crafts (I usually don't do games due to the size of the party), that I think everyone really liked. Joshua's favorite color is green, so he decided he would steal all the green stickers and stick them all over his shirt and not let Lindsey (who was helping him, thank you Lindsey) take them off and put them on his pinata bag. Oh well, it's his party and he'll cry if he wants to.

When it was time for cake, Malena had this one down! Everytime Daddy lit the candles, she'd blow them out instantly. Seriously. She blew her candle out about four or five times. And every time, Daddy would light it again. I think she wanted to skip the singing and get right to the eating :), right Baby Girl? Well, she finally had it with Daddy lighting it over and over, and she reached over and extinguished the candle with her fingers! Ahhhh. Everyone screamed, but she seemed very pleased with herself. Rascal.

As usual, gift opening was fun, but chaotic. The kids finally were into it this year, and knew the wrapped boxes were for them. They were soooo excited, and it was soooo much fun watching them. THANK YOU EVERYONE!

Recovery usually takes a week, well really a year. Just in time for next year!


THREE
A few words from Mommy as I look back on three years of life with triplets.



When we were told we were having triplets, in June of '03, the first word out of my mouth was, "No." Not an oh no, but a disbelieving, the doctor has to be out of his mind, "No." Leaving the doctor's office, I was literally unable to sign some papers, as my hands were shaking so badly. They continued to shake for an hour, then everything turned into a "dream mode". Leaving the doctor's office, Alex and I started discussing how this was going to be possible. Our whole lives had already changed, instantly. Our discussion was full of smiles and giggles, as if we were pretending what would happen if we were really to have three babies. Haha. Then we arrived at the car, a small Honda Civic, and I stopped and said, "We need a new car!" Suddenly, it was all so real, and we couldn't be happier.

They say most life changes happen gradually. And, although we still needed to go through pregnancy, delivery, NICU stays, etc. our lives changed the instant we knew there were three.

I am in awe that God has given me such blessings and has trusted me with such precious gifts. I love you all more than you'll ever know. Happy Birthday my beautiful babies!

Malena

You have always been and will always be my PRINCESS! My little Munchkin! I cannot believe how much you have accomplished and how much you have just wowed me in the last year. You've come a long way, Baby! Just a little over a year ago you began walking, and now you're almost running. You're so smart, and so beautiful. I don't know what I'd do without seeing those big brown eyes look up at me every day. Every new word you begin to speak is like angels singing in my ears. I know you're going to continue to amaze, astonish, and inspire me, and, though I'm sad to see my little baby girl grow so soon, I can't wait to see the big girl you are becoming. You make me proud. I love you Malena my Love.

Joshua

This year has been so difficult for you. I still think of that day in March when they took you from my arms for surgery. That moment was the scariest moment of my life. It the hardest thing I've done as a mother to let you go. But when you came out, you showed everyone how strong and brave you truly are, and in turn, you have taught me to be strong and brave as well. You touch everyone's heart who meets you. You're a little flirt, and you're a little troublemaker, but even through that, no one can resist your sweet little face. And when I put you to bed at night or just any time during the day, when you come to me and hug me, and say, "I lub you, Mommy," I hold back the tears of joy, and hold onto you a little longer, because I don't ever want to let you go again. Though you've had some difficulties this year, Joshua, you have made me proud. You're sweet, kind, and intelligent. I think you're actually too smart for your own good, sometimes. :) I see my little "sweetpea" is growing so fast, and becoming such a little boy. I know you will thrive in pre-school next year, and I can't wait to see your continued accomplishments. I love you my little "tiny but mighty."

Jacob

You were the one who always kicked me in my tummy when I was pregnant to let me know you were there. And though you were the last one born, you were the first one in my arms, and the first one home. You were the one who "broke us in" on your first night home, when you cried every three hours and exhausted me and Daddy. In fact, we've said that one night with just you was harder than the first night with all three home! You are such my silly little chatter box. I love the long conversations we have and dream of having them our whole lives. You are the kindest and most considerate little boy I have ever known and are always thinking of others. This year has been your year to flourish and just, generally show off! Whether it being knowing you ABC's, 123's, or colors, you generally have a thirst for knowledge that I can only admire. Even if I've heard you sing ABC's for the (literally) 20th time in a row, I smile with every ending of, "next time won't you let me sing with you." :) And with all this I see you growing and becoming more independent. So bittersweet. I love to see you happy, making new friends on your own, but breaks my heart that I may not always be there to see everything. But, boy, do I know you'll be telling me ALL about it. :) You may be the leader the three, but you are also my little baby, who still comes running to me when you are hurt. And for a while longer, I will also take comfort when I kiss the booboo and give a big hug to make it better. For a while longer, I'll hold onto my little baby. I know the next year will bring you more success, as you are like a shooting star, lighting up the sky. I feel just lucky to witness it. But I'll quickly make a wish that your next year should be as wonderful as this one has been for you. Happy Birthday, handsome. I love you, my little "peanut".


3 years ago, three angels came into our lives


Monday, December 18, 2006

TAMALE TIME!

When my sisters and I were little, my Grandma Rose would make the BEST tamales every Christmas. She would make hundreds of them. Well, my sister Julie, being the sentimental and motherly type that she is, and I decided that it's about time to keep the tradition alive in the Garcia family. Last year, we had our cousin Lisa, who seems to be the only one with the secret recipe, to come show us how it's done. This year, we were on our own! I think we did pretty good (Julie does most of the work, hehe). Together with the batch we did together, and Julie (always having to out-do me) did by herself, we made over 15 dozen tamales! Yum.




Here is Julie and Emily making the masa.








I'm glad I didn't get my hands in there. Haha. JK







And here are Joshua and Malena getting in on the act. Jacob tried, but couldn't stand getting his hands that messy and decided he would watch with Mommy.

Friday, December 15, 2006

Hanukkah
Today was the kids introduction to dreydl game (well, we tried last year, but they were too little). They loved it! Then when it was time to eat the gelt, boy they really loved it. Then Daddy gave an introduction to the menorah and explained the eight days. After that, we were told every night by the boys that we had to light the candles. They sure kept us on our toes. :)



Monday, November 27, 2006

NAUGHTY OR NICE?
We actually had our annual visit to Santa early this year. It's a good thing, too, because December is looking to be pretty busy. Before their visit, the kids were so excited to meet the big guy.







Jacob couldn't stop talking about meeting Santa and tell him that he was a good boy. Well, we got there, and I guess he was "star struck", because he wouldn't speak a word (very unlike him) and had just a smidgen of a smile.







Joshua ran up to Santa and gave him a big hug and wouldn't stop smiling. :)








Malena wasn't in the best of moods and was very tired, so she pretty much had no expression, but she nicely waved bye when it was all over.

I had a word with Santa afterwards and he assured me, he knows they are all very Good and should look under the tree come Christmas morning!

Sunday, November 05, 2006


MALENA'S MUNCHKINS
BUDDY WALK 2006






Today was the annual Orange County Buddy Walk for the DSAOC. Though it was a very hot day, it was a BIG success, and our team, Malena's Munchkins, raised over $675! Thank you TEAM!

It was a very hot day. Record temp's at almost 100 degrees, in NOVEMBER! Malena was not happy. So after lunch, we all headed back to the house and had a GREAT time with all the kids and had a big THANK YOU BBQ! I can't express the gratitude I have for all of our team members who come out every year to show their support for our precious Malena. And it is such a wonderful time to visit and just have fun! Hope everyone enjoyed it as much as we did. Keep your calendar's clear for next year! November 4th, 2007!

Thank you Team Malena's Munchkins! Those who walked, and those who donated, we love you!


Tuesday, October 31, 2006

HALLOWEEN 2006

Halloween was exhausting, but the kids had soooo much fun. We went to our usual Halloween party/costume contest at the Ontario City community center, then back home for lots of trick-or-treating fun. We thought we'd have the kids walk this year, and we didn't take a stroller or wagon. Big mistake. Malena was tired and wanted me to hold her from the second house. But she did great. Every time people gave her a candy, she'd reach back into their bowl to grab a handful. I must've said, "I'm sorry" to every neighbor on the block, but of course, with that sweet face, she always got more. Smart cookie. The boys loved knocking on the doors and especially loved getting candy, but believe it or not, they actually got sick of all that candy and were ready to call it quits about half way down the block.


They each had two costumes because the first ones didnt last the four events we had. First, was the costume day at school, then our cousin's party.












then they were Pirates for the costume parade at the city and for trick-or-treating.

Sunday, October 22, 2006

WHEN I GROW UP

The other day, just for fun, I asked the boys, "What do you want to be when you grow up?" I was sure they wouldn't know what this meant. Joshua said, "I want to be a doctor." I was so proud. I told him that's very nice, and he would be a good doctor like the ones who fixed his heart. He was so happy and all smiles. Then I looked at Jacob. "What do you want to be when you grow up, Jacob?" He answered, "A clown."

Tuesday, October 17, 2006

"What the Heck"

This is what Jacob exclaimed leaving pre-school today. In shock, I asked him what he said and he repeated it. I stopped right there on the sidewalk and told him those were bad words and not to use them again. I was not disciplining him, just correcting him, but he gave me the shy look and turned away like he does when I'm disciplining him. Hours later, at home, he said it again. Both were used in the correct context, so I know he knows what it means. Again I corrected him, and asked him to use nice words like, "excuse me". About half an hour later, he used it AGAIN and he had a time out. When I retrieved him from time out, I reminded him he was not to use bad words and he said, "excuse me." Not thinking, I said, "I said not to use bad words." Then realized he was telling me the words I told him to use. So I gave him a big hug, and told him yes and he was happy. Anybody have any suggestions to replace these "bad" words that have somehow become part of my son's vocabulary?

Monday, October 09, 2006

Little Mommy



Malena has just grown so much in the past few months. Both physically and cognitively. The other day I was washing dishes while the kids were playing in various parts of the house. Out of the corner of my eye, I catch Malena throwing away something in the trash (a big cognitive accomplishment in itself for her). When I went to see what it was, it was a diaper. It was clean, but it was all bundled up like I do when I clean their dirty diapers. Then I followed her back to the ottomon (our changing table since they were born) to find her with her doll all layed out on a blanket. then she grabbed some wipes and began "cleaning" the doll, then grabbed a diaper and tried to put it on by pulling the legs up. No, she didn't accomplish the entire task, but this entire step by step task is an incredibly big milestone for her. Just a few months ago, she didn't seem to even understand what a diaper was for.

Tonight, she took her little bear upstairs with her for bed. Before bed is time for brushing teeth. she set her little bed next to the sink and began to put the brush up to his mouth. Just soooo sweet. This from the little girl who would throw her head back and throw her arms around at me just trying to attempt to put the toothbrush in her mouth a few months ago. She loves her little babies, and oh, do I love mine!

Friday, October 06, 2006

NEW LINKS

Just wanted to mention the new September pictures are in the Picture links, and I've also added a kind of portfolio section. One link to my portraits, another to my cards. Hope you enjoy it all!

Tuesday, October 03, 2006

Thirst Quencher?

Well the boys have "discovered" a new drink. Usually, I give them a choice of apple juice or milk. Joshua usually says milk and Jacob usually opts for apple juice. Well, one day Joshua said he wanted milk. Not to miss out on what Joshua was having, Jacob said, "Milk and apple juice." Not understanding, I asked, "Which one?" "Milk and apple juice." I poured him the juice, thinking he didn't know what he was talking about, and sure enough he yelled as I was closing the cup, "No Mommy, milk with apple juice. Put milk in!" Thinking he would be as grossed out by it as I was when he drank it, I gave it to him, thinking I was going to have to spill it all out and start over. Nope, he got the biggest smile on his face, gulped it down and said, "thank you, Mommy." Yuck. Apparently, I'm not the only one confused by this, as our wonderful babysitter ("cousin Rachael") called me from home on date night to make sure they knew what they were talking about. They told her Mommy makes it for them and she just couldn't believe it, so she told them she had to call Mommy for the recipe. :) I guess I shouldn't be surprised with Alex as their father. He has the weirdest taste buds I've ever seen!

Monday, September 25, 2006

Fullerton Arboretum 7 years later!
A walk down memory lane...

Today was our 7 year wedding anniversary, so, after school, we took them to the Fullerton Arboretum where we were married. Everything was just like the day we got married, hot, but beautiful, oh yeah, except with triplets! LOL! Here are some pics from our special day. Both of them...








Here we are seven years ago. If we had known then what we know now......

Here was today, same spot. Notice we're not in picture? That's because I feel just like that tree to the right. 7 years ago, I felt full of color and alive, and blooming. Today I felt just like that tree, old and bare.... LOL. JK, it seems like just yesterday, yet I feel like I've aged SEVENTY years. And just so my DH knows, I'll still be here in seventy years. :) May our next seventy be as wild and crazy and beautiful as the last seven!








Wednesday, September 20, 2006

"There's Three of Me"

Apparently, this is what Jacob told his teacher yesterday. How funny, I didn't think he really noticed, but apparently he does, because the teacher also said that he told her there are three of him, and that he is last. "Malena is first, and Joshy is second." Yes, this is their birth order. I've never told him that, but I guess he's picking up on more and more as he's getting older.

Tuesday, September 19, 2006

Triplets Triplets Everywhere

Here's our second triplet party for the year. This group is from an online group of triplets the same age! Yes, all 2 year olds! AHHHH! Everyone had such a great time, and we are so blessed to be surrounded by such wonderful friends.



Saturday, September 16, 2006

Tuesday, September 05, 2006

POTTY DISASTER!

I hate potty training triplets. Well, actually just the boys, but Malena gets in the way. Since we are beginning the fall schedule for school next Monday, I thought I'd potty train the boys this week, so we'd be all set for school. Initially, they refused. So I brought out the pottys again and put on their big boy underwear and had them sit on the pottys. I could not believe how great it went. Once Jacob went pee in the potty and got so much praise, he wanted to do more. So he went poopoo. Then Josh saw how much applause Jake was getting, so he went pee, too. Then they would both dump it into the toilet and flush. This was their favorite part. I literally couldn't get them off their potty's for an hour, with something flushable every time! It was amazing. Not one accident. So Daddy went off to work, with Mommy and kids happy in their potty training beginning. This is where the disaster part comes in. Soon the boys tired of the potty and refused to sit in it. But they didn't tire of the toilet. So I herded them out of the bathroom and caught Malena putting full books and magazines in the toilet! I got them all out, cleaned up the water (which was all over them and the floor, clean thank goodness!) and closed the door. As it was naptime, everyone got pull ups and it was off to bed. Believe it or not, we didn't use that bathroom the rest of the day. Then DH and I called it a night at about 11pm and DH went to turn off his office equipment. Then I heard him shout, "Why is my office floor soaking wet!" I ran over and as I was about to enter his office, I stepped into a huge puddle in the carpet just outside the bathroom! NOOOOOOO! I knew what was going on before I even opened the bathroom door. But when I did, all I saw was two inches of water covering all the bathroom. The next two hours were spent soaking up the water in the bathroom, hallway, office, and adjoining guest room. Uggghhhhh. Apparently, something is clogging the toilet wayyyy down deep. A plumber has been called, and we will see what it is. I don't think it's a book or magazine, as I got those out, and they wouldn't fit down the pipe anyway. I will let you know what it is. I can only imagine. In the meantime.... I GIVE UP POTTY TRAINING!!!
Triple Trouble at the Dentist

Here's a look at the boys' first dentist visit. Malena had hers, too, but was with Daddy at the time and Mommy had the camera. No cavities! Yeah! The wait was long with the kids just not wanting to sit still and wanting to get into everything. Mommy let the boys listen to her iPod, and that settled them down for a little until the dentist came in. Once they were in the chair being examined, they did great!






Here's Jake getting examined. The dentist told us this was the first time she's ever had two in the chair at a time.














Josh was next and did equally as well. Daddy said Malena did great as well. Good, because I was really worried she was going to bite the dentist, as she is on a biting spree these days. Just ask Jake who has her mark on his shoulder bone. :(


Friday, September 01, 2006

Multiple Multiples

We decided we didn't have enough kids, so we offered to have a triplet party to end the summer right. Hosted by our good friend, Catherine, everyone had a WONDERFUL time! Eleven 2 year olds, three 7 month olds, one 10 month old, one 7 year old, and one 5 year old. What a blast!

Monday, August 28, 2006

The Kwiat's Vegas Vacation

We have had quite the summer, and we've decided to go out with a BANG... in VEGAS! Definitely not the average Vegas vacation with 3 two year olds along. Four days of non-stop fun.


here we are on our first night with our Knight from the Excalibur's TOURNAMENT OF KINGS. The boys really loved it, and surpisingly, so did Malena. I thought she would wonder off, as usual, but she really loved it and through up her arms saying "Hazaaah!" with everyone else. She even got a wink or two from our Knight in shining, ummm, clothes.


The next day was Circus Circus's ADVENTURE DOME. It was very loud inside the dome with all those screaming people and rides, but all the better. Nobody could hear misbehaving little triplets. I do have to say, though they were unbelievably well behaved. Maybe it was due to all the fun they were having. Here are the boys on their very first plane ride. (Malena was not tall enough). They loved it so much, they went on it at the end of the day again.


And here are Joshua and Malena on their very first roller coaster. Actually, this was Joshua's second go round and Malena's first. Joshua LOVED it. He was actually smiling all the way through it with his hands in the air. Malena, on the other hand, thought it was a bit bumpy, but she went all the way through it without crying... until Mommy got her afterwards. Video of these rides will be added to my video collection on the right as soon as I have time. It is hilarious!


The next day was the Leids Museum. Here is Malena in the climbing play gym. I was worried she wasn't going to come out, she loved it so much.



And Daddy with the boys in the Science area.



That night was the kids first full size bowling (with bumpers). They had a blast! The next day when they woke up and I told them it was time to go home, they refused and said "More games, more games". Nope, Mommy and Daddy need to get home for some R and R from our "vacation"! :)










vegas vacation
View Photo Slideshow