Triple Date Night

This past Saturday Jesse and I were able to go out to eat, see a movie, and go to a concert. Jesse's brother and sister-in-law came over to hang out and put the kids to bed for us. The theme of the evening was a classy night with perfect timing. Truth be told, it was anything but classy.

We ate overpriced chicken salad and pork tacos for dinner.  It was the kind of restaurant where the waitress brings you a roll of paper towels with your food. (For the record, we did not follow the Wheat Belly diet.) We rushed through dinner only to get stuck in bumper to bumper traffic on the way to the movie theater. Jesse was worried we were going to be late to the movies. We walked into the theater during the last preview. The movie itself was the raunchy kind of humor I love. It wasn't as funny as The Hangover or Bridesmaids, but I was definitely crying from laughing at several outlandish scenes.

Even though we missed half of the concert, I wanted to go see a movie because:

1. I wanted to wait out the rain since we had lawn seats.
2. Jesse had no desire to see Def Leppard, which was the first band playing.
3. We could park at the movie theater and walk down the hill to the concert, eliminating traffic headaches when we left.
4. The movie was supposed to be really funny and it had been months since Jesse and I went to the movies.
5. I had the Fandango gift card from my triplet secret sister so we didn't have to spend money. 

We enjoyed a movie and were able to avoid the rain, Def Leppard, and traffic. Once again, it was perfect timing. We attended the concert with Jesse's mom, uncle, and their friends. I'm not a huge KISS lover, but it was definitely a show worth seeing. Personally, I can't understand why a 62 year old man still enjoys spitting blood and fire. Everything about their performance was so over the top. 

Photo taken from Charlotte Observer website

We had a fun evening. While there wasn't much opportunity to talk, we had plenty of laughs and enjoyed high-energy shows. We managed to take one blurry picture of us.

One-on-One Dates

Jesse and I managed to squeeze in three "dates" this week to give the kids and one another some individual attention.

Tuesday: Movie and Park

Jesse took Jackson to the $1 movie to see Free Birds. Jackson proudly paid for his movie and popcorn from his very full piggy bank. Jackson lost interest in the movie after he took a restroom break midway through. He then "played" games at the arcade before stopping by the park for a few minutes of outdoor play.

Thursday: Mexican Fiesta

Jesse's mom came over so the boys (Jackson and his cousin) could play together. While the babies napped, Jesse and I escaped to our favorite Mexican restaurant. (In case you're wondering, we dismissed the chips and salsa but consumed a lot of carbs through beans, rice, and corn shell.) It's been nearly two months since our last date, so it was nice to get out of the house sans kids. After some serious job related stress, we are back to a more relaxed, playful relationship.

Friday aka "Dress Like a Cow and Eat Free at Chick-Fil-A" day

Maddie and I had an impromptu lunch date. I saw a few pictures of Facebook friends dressed like cows, and immediately recalled an adorable cow print cloth diaper passed down from my sister. Maddie was the only one small enough to wear it, so she accompanied me for our free lunch. For once, I didn't overthink anything or spend too much time on a craft. I spent less than 5 minutes cutting amoeba shapes out of black construction paper and safety pinning them onto a white apron. Voila!

They gave Maddie a 12 piece chicken nugget kids meal with a huge side of fries and apple juice! It was an absurd amount of food. Her three siblings helped eat the remains that we brought home. It was the first time any of the babies ate a french fry. They were a huge hit. I had my bunless chicken sandwich and a couple of fries. Free food always tastes better.

We also managed to have some family fun at the pool, the museum, and around the house this week. I wouldn't say that summer is any slower-paced than the school year, but it definitely helps having Jesse here to share the responsibility and attention.

Sleepover and Movies

Jackson had two firsts today: a sleepover with his cousin and going to a movie theater. Jack has been asking to have his cousin, Levi, over for weeks now.  While brainstorming things we wanted to do this summer, Levi spending the night was on the top of his list. Levi's parents dropped him off at our house after dinner last night. The boys were completely wound up. We let them make cookies after we put the babies down for bed. 

Jesse tried to maintain Jack's regular bedtime routine as close as possible. He read stories to them and sang. Jackson was out pretty quickly. Levi eventually fell asleep on the twin mattress. The boys awoke to cinnamon roll waffles and strawberries.

Another thing on our summer to do list was to take Jackson to the movie theater. Our local theater offers $1 movies on Tuesday mornings. Arthur Christmas was playing today. We had never even heard of the movie before but Jackson loves all Christmas related things so we figured that was a good sign. Jesse took the boys to the movies while I stayed with the babies. They split a popcorn and fruit snacks. According to Jesse: "Jackson concentrated on the movie until the fruit snacks ran out. Levi was engrossed the whole time."

I had lunch ready when the boys came home. Jesse ran errands while I tried my best to keep the afternoon low key for the kids. They ate and played outside. Levi is expecting a baby brother in the fall. Throughout the day there were times when Levi was more interested in playing with the babies than Jackson. That changed quickly when James knocked over his plate and started eating his pretzels. An aggravated Levi exclaimed, "I can't hear!" when the babies were louder than the TV.  It made me laugh since I frequently wish the babies had volume control. Jackson was unfazed, which goes to show how much he has adapted to the chaos of living with the triplets.

Once Jesse returned home I took Jack and Levi to the museum. We would have gone together as a family but the seven of us couldn't fit in the van and the babies needed an afternoon nap anyway. The museum is always one of Jack's favorite places. And Levi is one of Jack's favorite people. The combination of the two was almost too much for Jack to handle. The boys were so animated and curious in each area.

I was very intentional about making sure the boys had down time and I didn't over plan. Still, the excitement of it all proved to be too much for Jack. I endured over 30 minutes of wailing from one very over-tired Jackson on the way to Levi's house. Thankfully, Levi fell asleep. I guess he'll adapt to the craziness of having a baby in the house after all. ;)

I'm already making a list of things we can do next time.

A Day to Recharge

Saturday combined everything I needed and love.  The day began with the whole family sleeping in until 8:30.  Jesse cooked breakfast burritos while I fed the babies. 

While the babies napped, I got my haircut and eyebrows waxed.  I'd been growing my hair out for several months now (mostly out of neglect).  I couldn't take it anymore.  Amelia is always pulling it.  It didn't look good at all and it would get tangled.  The hairdresser cut off a good four inches and I feel amazing.  I even paid the extra $4 for a shampoo, which included a scalp massage.

Jesse asked me if I turned into a 15 year old girl when he walked in on me taking this selfie.

I came home to a clean house, which meant I didn't have to do anything to get ready for the play date we were hosting.  A few friends and their babies came over to "play".  I was able to enjoy chicken quesadillas, adult conversation, and cute babies.

After the play date I met up with a local mother who is expecting twin girls next month.  I had been looking for a mom with twin girls so I could donate our numerous matching and coordinating newborn outfits.  She was very kind and appreciative.  While out, I snuck in a quick shopping trip to purchase some cheap finds for a fellow triplet mom.

Jesse had arranged for his family to come watch the kids while we had a date night.  His mom was already on the way when I got home.  We enjoyed our third date since the arrival of the trio.  We indulged in Mexican food and my favorite molten chocolate cake at Chili's. 

chocolate bliss



After dinner we went to see 12 Years a Slave.  While this movie was not pleasant to watch, it was very powerful.  I certainly did not think of the babies at any point during the movie.

It truly was a perfect day as I was able to have blocks of time with friends, my kids, my husband, and myself.