Relax...It's Just a Phase!

At the Roger Williams Zoo

So my in laws have this saying, and they repeat it every time one of the babies does something, or refuses to do something that causes Dave and I to worry. And they're not the only ones. I also see it on my triplet connection forum, read it in the parenting books, and I even find myself repeating it to myself at least a hundred times a day. "Don't Worry...it's just a phase". A phase is defined as: "a stage in a process of change or development". Is there any other aspect of life this applies to then parenthood? Every so often I look back at my earlier blog posts, and laugh, cry, or a little of both. One time a thought occurred to me...if I were a character in a movie based on my life, would people watching want to hug me, laugh at me, or reach through the screen and slap me silly? I'm guessing all three. I've noticed that Dave and I get so caught up in the act of parenting that we forget to enjoy it. Everyone is so on edge about making some huge mistake that will scar your kids for life, that you have to stop and remind yourself-wait a minute...this is supposed to be FUN?!! And it IS fun...it's a freakin' blast! Really, does it matter if they cry a little at night, if in the end they sleep better, and still manage to greet you with a smile in the morning? Do you really care if they don't eat all their vegetables, as long as they are healthy? Who really gives a hoot if they're not walking yet, because to be honest it's easier to chase them when they're crawling, and they look cute as heck when they do it? Will they self-destruct if their bedtime is a little bit later one night? NO!!! So, I have come to the conclusion that I am going through a phase. And, just like with the babies, another one is probably right around the corner.

So Evan is going through (what I hope) is a trouble making phase. His latest is making a mad dash for the TV, turning it on, and trying to tip it over. FUN!!!
Step one: crawl at super-lightning-speed to the TV stand, pausing only to make sure Mommy is chasing me frantically, and giggle

Step 2: crawl up to the TV stand which Mommy has foolishly tried to block in vain

Step 3: reach out and touch the power button that the company was nice enough to put right in the front

Step 4: give Mommy this face when she tries to sternly say "NO"

Well, we survived our first bleeder. Cameron fell and bit his tongue. My initial wave of panic was followed by a desperate attempt to remember the first aid I learned as a girl scout twenty years ago.

Sophia decided to help me with the laundry.

Mommy... is this how you do it?

Cameron loves to put his food in his hair. The upside is, it gives me a reason to give him a baby faux-hawk!

Our Trip to the Roger Williams Park and Zoo in Providence, RI

Ahhhh...this is the life! Grammy is my real life Segway!

Can we check out the monkeys again?

Hey...don't they know little people need to see the animals too?

Evan gets a joy ride from Grammy.

Our little zoo...

Daddy shows Cameron the giraffes.

Lunch break! I couldn't believe it, they had one...yes, one high chair. At a zoo. Huh?!

This a little game we call "Our parents are a jungle gym"

Grammy takes us for a ride in her little red wagon.

Enjoying a day at Grammy's lake.

We all love the water!

My friend Margaret got them these pails for their birthday...aren't they adorable!

Everyone thinks Sophia looks like Missy...she disagrees. You be the judge.

Cameron and Evan hang out with Grandpa.