New Video's

After the Neighborhood Halloween Party we came home and turned on a little Thriller so the kids could dance while we handed out candy.

Kade and the kids having fun outside climbing up and down the slide and playing in the mulch. I think they have the "sky" thing down.

OMG!

I admit it. I've been a slacker when it comes to updating the blog. Point the finger no where else but in my direction. I know I need to do better. I know I need to block off more time and that this is a very important time in the kids lives. I know... I know... I know... I also realize that the usual times that I update the blog are on Sat and Sunday's and that Football season has been consuming most of my precious little available time. The good news is that both my teams, for lack of a better word, suck this year and i really don't care what happens to them from here on out. So, that will give me back some time to update everything that has happened and is happening the foreseeable future. As far as what has happened the past couple months it is astonishing how different our lives our now versus this summer. Not only are the kids walking but they are now talking, climbing, pushing, dancing, singing, screaming, falling, destroying, exploring, eating, drinking, rolling, playing and wondering on a whole new level. The fact is that they are sooooo freakin busy that there is literally no down time except when they nap. And when they nap we spend that time picking up after the little tornado's and getting ready for when they are awake again. For example, it is now 12:15pm. We got up with the kids around 5:30 (Katie did actually. i got up at 6) From 5:30 till 11am they kids were all over the place. They have learned how to open doors so even if we try to confine them downstairs it does not work. Why just this morning after breakfast I went to the sink to clean up some dishes and took my eyes of them for about 2 minutes. By the time I turned around Larkin had locked himself in the laundry room with no lights on and was screaming, Kade had opened a dresser drawer and pulled each and every bib out of the drawer and thrown them all over the place and Maggie had opened the bathroom door and literally had her head in the toilet by the time I got to her. No only can they open doors but they can now climb. And by climb I'm not just talking about the stairs. They can pull themselves up on the couch, coffee table and the racks in the pantry. Larkin pulled himself up on the pantry shelf the other day and grabbed an open bag of reeces pieces candy. All I heard was a splatter of hundreds of bite sized candies on the floor followed by a familiar "Uh Oh" uttered by the culprit and then the tiny feet of his brother and sister running to see what the fuss was about. By the time I got to the kitchen all three kids were shoveling the tiny orange and black candies into their mouths as fast as humanly possible. I honestly think Larkin had 15 of them in his mouth at one time. Needless to say I began scooping up the spill as fast as possible all the while watching the bliss on the kids faces as they realized that these little bite size goodies were in fact super delicious. We don't give the kids candy yet so you can imagine the joy they must have been experiencing as they gobbled them down. The downside to this is that this little serendipitous event lead to an idea. One could watch their faces and see the realization that Katie and I keep the candy or "good stuff" on the third shelf of the pantry. About an hour after the spill I truly think I saw the three of them huddle together and began to strategize on how to get to that third or even the fourth shelf again without us knowing. Seriously, I think they were planning a way to cause a distraction elsewhere in the house while the best climber, Kade, made a run for the pantry, scurried up to the third shelf and grabbed everything in site. I know this because about 10 mins after that meeting Larkin and Maggie made a run at the bedroom downstairs and were able to get the door open and get into the bedroom and adjacent bathroom. By the time I got in there, rounded the two of them up and got them out of the restricted area Kade had pulled down about half of the third shelf. So, of course I went over to the pantry, pulled Kade down and began putting all items that had been pulled down (syrup, popcorn butter, pasta roni ect...) back in there rightful place only to be blindsided by Maggie carrying over the IPAD and uttering "EwEwEw"(which is what she says when she wants to hear her favorite song Sugarland's "All I Want to Do") in an attempt to distract me from my set plan of cleaning up and putting back the mess Kade had created and instead take her and the IPad over to the coffee table, setting it up on the stand and playing said song while the boys get a few more precious seconds to explore the bounty pulled down from the third shelf. I'm no fool so I easily knew what they were up to and instead of giving in to the power of a sweet baby girl uttering "EwEwEw" I was able to finish the task at hand and usher the kiddos up stairs where their temptations are far fewer.
The point is that the kids are into EVERYTHING and it NEVER Stops!!! Ever! By the time the day is done and the kids are put down for bed Katie and I look at each other and sigh. We usually don't say a word because both of us are on the same page. Having 3 15month old children at the same time ain't easy. Is it fun. You bet. Is it funny. Absolutely. Any parent will tell you that at this age you can literally watch them learn. It an amazing thing to behold. They will also tell you that at this age they can learn new words or actions on a daily basis. This is what makes this time in your children's life so precious. It is these wonderful moments that make all the work worthwhile. We often ask ourselves "what if we just had one?" More often than not the answer is that life would be pretty easy. We could go out more. We could have travel more. There are so many thinks that would be easier but it also wouldn't be as rewarding. The truth is that we are limited in what we can do. Thats just a fact. Its also a fact that because of this we will spend more time together in our house as a family. We will reep the rewards of this down the road and I can't wait. I love my Fordham 5 so much that its almost unbelievable. From Larkin saying "UhOh" everytime he drops something to Maggie sitting on my lap when she watches the Wiggles to Kade's high pitched "Hi" or "DaDa" in the morning when we get him out of his crib. All of it is just wonderful and I am so so blessed.

Here are some pics from the past few months.

Harley and the Boys

Maggie and Harley enjoying a bottle together

Bubbles bubbles everywhere!

Dad and his big boy!

DADA!

Thanks for our bear Ms. Ella! We love him

Really Maggie. In the tub with your clothes on?

She couldn't wait her turn so she jumped in with the boys

Good Morning Dada

Boo

Larkin! That doesn't go in there

Ghouls at Grassmere Zoo

Boo

The Flamingo's were about the only animal we could get a pic with

Lady Bug Maggie

Bubble Bee Kade

Yellow Jacket Larkin 

Happy Halloween!

That's the Spirit!

Four Generations of Ladies

Deda driving the bug train

Headed to the neighborhood Halloween party

Peace Man!

Shipwrecked is FUN!

Get out of the toy box Maggie!

Mama, I dont think adults are allowed in the slide

Mommy's Home

Sorry about the delay. Its been very busy lately and we have worked very hard chasing the kids around. I promise to update the past two months more thouroughly in the coming days but at least wanted to post a video i took the other day of the kids when mom gets home from work. It is very sweet.

Minivan, picnic, pizza and grocery store

Well, its official. I can no longer consider myself cool. I, well actually Katie is, am the oh not so proud new owner of a Minivan. Yep, you did just witness a pig fly by your window. And I'm pretty sure the Devil now needs a space heater in his office because every ounce of macho that I had has been sucked out of me faster than Larkin can slurp down a sippycup full of apple juice. I knew it was coming. Heck, it was inevitable. I was fully aware that my days being known as "Beast" and "Hams" were going to be coming to an end. Only to have such machismo spouted by friends and teammates be replaced by tiny children's voices referring to me as "Da Da" and "Daddy". I have to admit, I'd gladly accept the later any day of the week but its still tough. Giving up a macho mans view of the world for a fathers view isn't always the easiest thing for men to do. Especially for me. Growing up a lot of boys are told phrases like, "Take no prisoners" and "Kick A-- and take names later". It is impressed upon so many of us to never give up and do whatever it takes to outlast the other guy in whatever sport or competition you are in. We dedicate ourselves to practice and spend hours upon hours perfecting our craft. Whether its hitting a baseball or strumming a guitar there is always an inner drive to be the best. And if you can't be the absolute best than at least be better than most. Its how men define their lives. Its how we develop so much of our self worth. I will always remember myself as the two sport athlete. I was pretty good in both. As time goes by however, I've come to realize that those past accolades or beliefs do not actually determine the kind of person that one is. Yes they are a piece of that person. They may help someone decide upon a certain path in life or help them reach a dream but they do not define who the person is inside. Our actions towards the people we love determine that. Are we willing to make sacrifices for those people. Are we willing to put your wants and needs aside and put theirs up front and center. That is what truly defines who a person is. Which leads me to the minivan purchase. I'll admit,  I've given Katie a lot of good natured ribbing about buying it and I swore up and down that I would never be caught dead in one. I told her that even if we did buy one she could bet her pretty little self that this dad would never drive it. And yes, I'll admit that there was a part of me that did feel a little bit that way. But  no matter how macho or tough I may want to believe I am I am no match for the three rosy cheeked semi-toothless grins standing in their cribs smiling at me each morning. Those boys and that sweet little girl deserve the safest and most comfortable mode of transportation available to them and if that's a Minivan then so be it. Not to mention there is a super mom that loves all the mommy features the car provides. So, if you are out there reading this and thinking to yourself that "I don't care what he says, I'd still never drive a minivan"then you and I did have a lot in common. After all, I said it for years and years. Heck, I fought it for the past year or so but in the end I think its going to be the best decision I ever made.

Take a look for yourselves

Fordham Family Truckster

Mamma's new cockpit

Maggie, what do you think about your new transport?

I get the back row all to myself now Daddy!

A few weeks ago Katie and I took the kids on their first picnic. We packed them into the care and went to the Cottonwood clubhouse playground. We had grilled cheese's and bananas for lunch. Maggie walked around the playground nonstop, Kade had his first ride on a slide and Larkin hung out in the swing. Take a look

Grilled Cheese! Yummy

We like picnics

This ground feels weird

Daddy, will you take me down the slide?

ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ

So, the Doctor gave us the OK to give the kids pizza so we made a cheese pizza the other night and the kids LOVED it. Check out the aftermath below

PIZZA PIZZA PIZZA

Yummy to my tummy

More Please!

Why you been holding out on us man?

If you show this picture to anyone I'll throw my bottle at you

That was GOOOOOD Clark

OOOOOOOO  

Mommy, where did you go with our pizza?

Lastly, since we officially own a Minivan now we decide the other morning that we should load up the family truckster and take the family to the grocery store for the first time. We love the shopping carts for the kids! 

Kade, this is my favorite place in the whole world :)

Baby Nascar team here we come

5 Mins

I've attached a video that shows 5 mins of our life with the Trio. They never stop moving and are always into something. On an average day they are awake from 5:30 am till 9am, 11am-1pm and 3pm-7pm. That's about 10.5 hours of nonstop action. Try to imagine that after watching this video. Oh, and add in feeding breakfast, lunch and dinner as well as daily baths :)

Its CHAOS

Choo Choo!

So, we are off and running into our second year. The first week in has been one of the tougher ones for us. You see, this is the second time we have had everyone sick at the same time. At some period or another everyone has run a fever. Larkin topped out at 103, Kade 102 and Maggie at 101. We aren't really sure what they have but Katie is pretty sure it is some type of virus. And, of course, if the kids get it then Katie and I get it. Her on Thursday and Friday and Me Friday and Sat. Everyone still has some lingering effects even now and sleep patterns must be relearned but we'll all survive :)

As we enter into this new year of their life we are excited to face new challenges. One of those being able to handle three new people in the world and their thirst for knowledge. We love to let the kids explore the house and explore they do. They are constantly in drawers, playing with toys or digging through the pantry. It seems that every night when we come down after putting them to sleep we spend about 20 mins picking up all the objects of their curiosity. While they all really like to get into everything we have found a couple things that each child seems to revolve around. In other word, objects that they always seem to be looking for.

For Kade its the remote control. It is the first thing that he looks for whenever you put him down. He will look high and low for the remote. That's fine that he likes it but its not good for our guests when he actually gets his hands on it. Why just the other day I received a urgent (J/K - I was just a regular call but as Katie says I have a flare for the dramatic) call from Katie while I was at work asking me where the remote was. While I didn't at the time remember Kade walking off with it, that actually was the case. I thought it was on the couch where I usually leave it and he can't reach it. However, he somehow was able to get to it and now it was MIA. Katie's dad and Jean were over helping out with the kids and trying to watch the Olympics but were unable to change the channel without the remote. So, after several mins of searching they were able to find it under some obscure piece of furniture. We even have two dummy remotes for him that don't go to anything but he always seems to end up with the real thing.

For Maggie its a few things. Her hairbrush, mom's watch, her stuffed dog or her bunny blanket. She isn't as much into the playing with toys as she is into power walking. As long as she has one of the aforementioned items all is good in her world. She will literally walk for two straight hours if you let her. If you are sitting on the ground when she walks by its almost like you aren't even there. She just blows by you whilst on some internal course around the playroom/den/kitchen that only she is aware of. You will ofter hear her just laugh out loud for no reason as she walks around. No one has done anything funny or anything its just like she has remembered something amusing from the past and it made her giggle. :)

Larkin loves anything and everything. He does have a great love for the radio in his room but since he is in his crib the majority of his time in there (When awake he is in the playroom or downstairs with us) he doesn't get to play with it very often. He seems to be the most interested in electronics. He is always trying to get to the sound machine or fan. We have a toy basketball goal the lights up if they make a basket and he will just sit there and try to figure out how they work. It appears that he has a little more natural curiosity as to how things work. He has figured out how to turn on toys before the other two on numerous occasions. Not only that but he also seems have a knack for pushing objects around. Whether its one of the walking toys, his little pop walker, a box or even his sister in her radioflyer. I guess he just likes to see what will happen if he pushes this toy over here and that toy over there.

We received a great gift (All gifts are great btw) from Katie's friend Laurie for their bday. It is a wagon that you can hook up like train cars and pull the kids around it it. The kids love it. I was for sure as soon as we sat them down and started pulling them around it was going to be a mayday call for multiple man overboards. However, quite the opposite has been true. Every time we put them in they just sit there on their best behavior and enjoy the ride. In fact, we decided to take them out this afternoon for their first wagon ride around the block. I've attached a video below. Enjoy!

Oh yeah, and we are selling our car. Please let us know if you or anyone you know would be interested :)

1st Birthday Party

The first Birthday was a smashing success. The kids literally smashed into the first cake of their lives, lots of friends and family came by and a good time was had by all. Katie did a great job organizing the party. She settled on a Frog theme and tailored her invitations so that they invited guests to "hop" on over and enjoy the day with us. We had lots and lots of help and are so thankful. From DeDa and Mimi who came over on party day to watch the kids, hang pictures and party favors too Aunt Becky and Ray who hung balloons. Too cousin Candace who painted our little Frogs caricatures. The food was wonderful as well. Bitzy made deviled eggs and a wonderful pimento dip. Mimi hand made a southwestern corn and bean dip that was just perfect on a hot day. JP whipped up a creamy Delicious spinach dip. Aunt Becky baked up terrific ham and Swiss sliders on Hawaiian bread and McDougal's Chicken catered with 100 of their mouth watering Fried and Grilled chicken tender complete with Texas Toast. However, the big winner for the day was the personalized Frog cake that was baked with love from family friend Adele. It looked almost to good to eat. She even made personalized little smash cakes for the kids to tear into and enjoy. We had a great group to enjoy the day with and lots of little people "hopped" over to see what all the fuss was about. Our guests included:

Dale and Jean
Peggy
Babs and Wills
Ben and Beverly
Kristen and Mackenzie
Lyz and Preston
MaryBeth
Abby and Alex
Rusty and Leslie
Becky and Ray
Candace and Don
Brandi with Cooper, Campbell and Tucker
Stephanie and Ansleigh
Caroline and Wes with Wilder
Lauren, Jackson, Hudson and Locke
Will, Bill and Sue
Andy and Dana
Ryan, Lindsey and Harley
Jon, Lori, Nicholas and Robert

Enjoy the photos and video

We made it to year 2!

Seriously! We can't all fit in this pool Daddy

First ever Family Dinner (We went to Logan's so they could throw food on the floor and we wouldn't care)

This is FUN!

Larkeypoo!

KadeMan

Tiny Tot

Dinner our with just our Family. Check!

Mmmmhhh Icing

I want some of that too Lady

Smile - Or not Larkin

Yeah, we are ONE!

Angels

Beautiful Maggie

Hunk Larkin

Handsome Kade

Thanks Candace for the pictures of the Frog Kiddos

Front Door

"Thanks For Hopping Over"

Ribbit

Lookin Good

Lots of Presents

Adele's Wonderful Cake

Let the Fun Begin

Hey guys. I'm One. I can climb the stairs!

Hey Larkin? You think its O.K. for us to have a beer?

Sure Sis. I think I'm gonna have a Yuengling

Cool. I'm gonna have a peach beer like mommy

Hey Guys!

ChooChoo! 

WE WANT CAKE!!!

CAKE!CAKE!CAKE

We waited a whole year for this moment! Give me the dang cake NOW!

3...2...1... Smash away!

Man this stuff is good!

I want cake everyday

Larkin, whats wrong with you?? This stuff is da bomb. Dig in already!

I loved watching this! 

MMMMHHHH!!

Oh, Now I see what you were talkin about. This stuff makes my belly HAPPY!

Really! How blessed are we?? Look at all these presents

Captain Kade Man

Super Woman

I'm otta here. I gotta puppy to save!

Abra Kadabra! Allakadoodle! Turn this toy into a poodle ( Really??? A poodle??   I don't know... Its all I could come up with in the 5 mins I have to write this :)

Super Larkin

Watch this! I'm gonna climb these stairs then fly off the banister onto the couch

Pool Time!

This sprinkler is Cool!