Best friends

No words necessary.

Jack turns 2

Jack's 2nd birthday was on Feb 17th; we had a family party at home which included Grampy and Tu Tu, Aunt Sarah, and Uncle Luke, Aunt Stacie and Bianca. Jack told me he wanted a frog cake and although he said he wanted it to be pink, I went with the more traditional green. We bought Jack his own micro scooter since he loved Violet's so much. I think technically the age range is 3-6, but he is a much more skilled rider then Violet is. So now instead of fighting over one scooter we have indoor scooter chases! I can not wait until we get some more spring weather.
Jack is quite the chatterbox and has a fairly sophisticated vocabulary. He is a very reasonable kid and generally easy going. Although he can pronounce Violet's name, he prefers to call her "sister" - too cute. Violet likes to call Jack "Jackie" - less cute! Not sure where she picked that one up from. Jack can now climb out of the crib by himself and loves to turn the light on and wait for us to come get him. This morning, Ron was in the shower, and I heard Jack's door opening (I of course was still in bed), thinking Violet had opened it I got up to check. Well, Jack can now open his own door. Let the mayhem begin!
At his 2 yr check up, Jack had gained 4 pounds from his last checkup at 18 months. No longer is he in the bottom 10th percentile; now he is squarely in the 40th. I thought he had been looking a little chubbier. No more plain butter for him!
Jack and Violet continue to be in Violet's words "best friends". They play well together and their favorite stuff to do are projects. Usually this consists of painting - I use that term very loosely- and just gluing stuff. Maybe one day soon their "art" will start to resemble something.

February 4... a day that will live in infamy (at least in the Payne household)

So as I am sure everyone who reads this by now already knows, we received startling news today. Going in for a diagnostic test, which included an ultrasound, we discovered to the shock of all (including the MD performing the scan) that I am prego with triplets!!! All seems to be well with the the three, can't say the same for the mom (not sure when I will recover from the shock). We have a set of identical twin boys and a fraternal twin; sex to be determined. As I was by myself, or as by myself as a mom of two can be - Violet and Jack where with me - I called Ron from the car and asked him if I could pick him up immediately. Since he knew I was having this test and I was evasive on the phone he thought something might be wrong. When he got in the car, I handed the ultrasound photo with the three placenta's labeled A, B and C. He got it right away and in his typical optimistic self was/is thrilled.
I have, meanwhile, come around from the shock, and look forward to becoming a mom to 5!

Superbowl Sunday

Jack, wearing an outfit of his choosing, celebrating a (it has been so long since the Superbowl, and my general lack of interest I don't recall who scored) TD. Just thought I would throw up a video and it seems we have been derelict in taking them so this is what we had.

Christmas in February? Well, better than Christmas in July. As I am woefully behind on posts, I thought I would just put up a picture collage of the festivities. We had a beautiful Christmas, three actually, and the kids enjoyed their bounty. Violet really got into the whole mythology of Christmas and loved the tree, stockings and of course Christmas cookies. We spent Christmas morning at home then travelled out to Luke and Stacie's house to meet up with the new baby Bianca. She seems to be a very mellow baby and of course super cute. While there we played with their new Wii games. Some easy enough for Violet to give it a whirl. Maybe Santa should keep that in mind for next year...hmmm

Weekend madness

Violet and Jack love to play camp out with Dad. Every weekend our floor is cluttered with pillows and blankets, the couch is turned into an airplane (so Violet can visit Aunt Sarah in California), and her suitcase is packed full of the essentials. If some article of clothing turns up missing I always know were to look first. Jack loves to follow along in any game Violet comes up with, it is really adorable to watch their growing bond. I am however waiting for the day when Jack comes up with games and wonder how well Violet will do in the follower role. Another favorite game is school although that mainly consists of pushing chairs around the house for "desks". Since she has not had any experience with school she does not quite know what to do with her assembled "class".

Bianca Nicole Rodts

On December 4th, we welcomed Violet and Jack's first cousin Bianca Nicole! After a long night in the hospital waiting room Luke emerged around 8:30am to tell all of us anxious waiting family members the exciting news...a girl. Stacie and baby were doing well and resting comfortably. We took a quick peek, then went home to let everyone recuperate; including us. Congratulations guys, the fun is just beginning.