Royer Triplets

The triplets are officially 1 year old and it is nothing short of a miracle that Mark and I made it through. My mom and Grandma and Mark's parents all came down for the big event. Their actual birthday was on Thursday, April 7th. They all had their one year check up and they are a far cry from where they were one year ago. When born they were all right around 3lbs. Today, Jillian is 19 lbs 3 oz and 27" long, Payton is 19lbs 2oz and 28" long, and Chloe is 21lbs 10oz and 28" long. They have really caught up with their weight and are close to or just below the average one year old. As far as height, they are still a little short for their age, but the doctor said to give it at least 2 years, before their height will be a good indicator of their genetic potential. Developmentally, they are doing really well. They are all pulling up and walking along the couch. They can walk with walking toys and walk when someone is helping. Payton is really trying to stand and walk on her own. They are saying Mama and Dada and mimicking everything we do. After the doctor's appointment, we took them to get their one year pictures taken. Our big mistake was that we scheduled their picture appointment for 1:00 which is right around nap time. Needless to say the picture taking was a nightmare, but surprisingly they turned out well. We had planned to do a picnic that night, but all the adults were exhausted so we just ate dinner in and spent time with them. Saturday was their birthday party. We did a Mickey Mouse Clubhouse theme. They love the music from that show so we thought it was appropriate. The party was fun and the girls got so much stuff! (toys, clothes, a picnic table, swimsuits, beach toys, a water/sand table that they love, just to name a few). We got them a triplet wagon that works out really well when we go places and they love taking walks in their wagon. We did let them dig into their own cakes. Jillian couldn't get enough. Payton was reluctant at first, but did start digging in and Chloe wanted no part of it. It is really neat to see their different personalities emerge. Sunday we went to the beach with Mark's parents and the Byrnes. I don't have any pictures from the beach up here yet. I actually don't even know if anyone took any, but they wore their new swimsuits and played with their knew toys. Grandma and Grandpa watched the girls a large part of the time at the beach and Mark and I actually got in the water and had some relaxation time. Overall it was a great weekend. This weekend we are planning on taking Mark's parents to St. Augustine so stay tuned for more pictures.

Chloe diggin into her cake at the portrait studio

everyone going everywhere...it was impossible

Chloe crawled through the cake

Payton had enough

Sweet Jillian really liked the cake!

Dippin in for the first time

Our family :)

Jillian picking her nose

Then she ate it

Everyone is blowing raspberries

Notice Payton and Chloe fighting over the balloon. You would like triplets would know how to share by now.

Sweet Chloe

Payton Doesn't like her bow

Jillian refusing to smile

Chloe, Payton and Jillian in thier mouse ears

Another family picture

Jillian

Jillian doesn't like her bow either

Sweet little laugh

Chloe showing how she can stand up

Chloe refusing to smile as well

Pretty Payton

Payton standing up

Triplet wagon birthday gift

Payton showing how she can walk and help out Mommy and Daddy at the same time.

*I want to put a disclaimer on here that we did not coax her into doing with, Payton did this on her own. *

Jillian eating one of the girls' favortie breakfast food...Cinnamon French Toast Sticks

Payton eating hers

Chloe eating French Toast

Payton digging into birthday cake at her party

Proof that Chloe did try it...she just didn't like it

Jillian, Chloe and Payton

Yummy Cake

Finger lickin good

So good!

Chloe wasn't too sure about the cake

Jillian digging in with both hands

Their knew ride on toys that they love!

Chloe

Jillian reading her card

Chloe with her mouse ears

Sandwiches that Daddy made with Mickey Mouse toothpicks

Grandma Michele made Mickey Mouse cupcakes with oreos for the ears

Jillian's "smash" cake

Chloe's "smash" cake

Payton's "smash" cake

The Mickey Mouse cake we all ate...delicious

The cake table

Jillian trying to take off her mouse ears

One of thier tables from Aunt Sammie and Uncle Richie...Payton: "where are we going to put Jillian"

This week was my spring break and we had a lot of time to do extra things with the girls. We took them to the beach, the pool, and Sea World. This wasn't the first time for the beach, but each time we go I think they have more fun than the time before. We again found some warm water and they played in that water for a while. Then on Monday we tried the pool. I was worried that the water would be too cold for them. The lifeguard told us the water was 67 degrees. That doesn't seem too bad, but it was freezing. Surprisingly, the girls didn't seem to mind it. They had a good time. Payton liked it the least and spent most of her time with Mommy on the side, but she did get in. Then Friday we took them to Sea World. We know they are still a little young for this, but we thought we would try it. Florida teachers get in for free and we didn't have to pay for the girls either so it was not too expensive for us to go. They had a special going on if you pay for a one day ticket you can come back all year for free so we thought it was a good investment and we could return this summer. Orlando is 2 hours away and traveling with 3 babies is never easy so we got there later than anticipated. We had limited time, but we were able to see the Shamu show and a sea lion show in which the sea lion was not doing what he was supposed to which made it pretty funny. We also saw sea turtles, sharks, penguins, lots of fish. The adults also had some fun while the babies were sleeping we traded off and went on rides. The babies enjoyed the Shamu show the best. They loved when the whales jumped out of the water, they even clapped when it was time to clap :) it was just the waiting for the whale to jump that was a bit challenging. We also redid their room this week and pretty much rearranged the entire upstairs. The only room we did change was our room. Their new room is so much better. We have room to separate the cribs and they so far are sleeping much better. We are very happy with how it came out. Those of you that have been to our house, the Purdue room is now our guest room and the babies old room is now the Play room and the old guest room is now the babies new room. See the pictures below of all the new rooms.

No one is walking yet, but they are all walking along the couch and trying more and more to be independent. Payton is walking with a walker toy that we have and trying very hard to stand up on her own. She lasts a few seconds before she loses her balance. She is also getting very good at climbing and getting herself into trouble. (see video) Chloe and Jillian aren't as interested in walking, but they are very very fast at crawling. Can't take your eyes off of them. They are growing every day and looking less and less like babies and more like little girls. It is bitter sweet for us. We have been waiting for them to be more independent so it will be a little easier for us, but it is sad that they are growing so fast. It is hard to believe it has been a year since they were born.

We are gearing up for their big first birthday party! Mark's parents and my mom and grandma will be here. My dad would love to be here too, but he is finishing up his school at Ball State and will be graduating soon. We will miss him, but we are very proud of him! Enjoy the pictures and stayed tuned for birthday pictures...

Penguins at Sea World

Swimming Penguins

Driving into Sea World

Purdue room and new guest room

new girls room: Jillian is on the other side of the room becuase she tends to wake up first and likes to wake others up.

More of the new room

Payton and Chloe crib...still close but there is a small gap there...not a lot of options when you have to put 3 cribs in one room

Old bedroom and new play room with a day bed for guests

Play room

Payton pulled Chloe's car seat off the couch and positioned it so she could use it to climb up on the couch herself. I didn't know whether to save her or grab the camera. It is not the best video because I was trying to hold on to her so she wouldn't fall.