The Smyser Family: Triplets

I can't believe it's been 6 months - SIX MONTHS - since I last updated on the boys. I don't even know where to begin!

We go back to IA City for an 18 month evaluation at the end of August so I'll really have to try and remember to update on actual weights and how the appointment goes. That should be the last one we have in IA City.

I happened to have access to our good camera for pictures!

However, my baby models were not cooperating. These were the best shots of all three I could get.

And then Carter wanted the chalk board.

And once he got his hands on it, Cooper and Tucker were done.

Cooper

We call him Coopy - Super Cooper - Cooper Thomas - Angel Face
He's our sweet li'l angel face. He's the most persistent at getting to our TV - also in Time Out the most because of this. He LOVES watching TV and is usually happy to sit on your lap and watch a show. He seems to like to just 'chill.' He has 16 teeth. He likes to scrunch his nose at you occasionally if he disagrees with what you're saying. He gives me the biggest hugs and cuddles before bed. His voice has the sweetest tone and we cherish hearing him since he talks the least. He is always getting his legs stuck in his crib or the baby jail. P.S. The birthmark on his foot is almost gone!!!

Tucker
We call him Tuckey - Squishy - Tucker David
He is our drama king. Still. He's the happiest, silliest, kid with the biggest smile...until he's not. Then...he's mad, mad, mad. He usually has to be left alone until he decides to snap out of it and move on. He's the shyest of the bunch, and is a bit more cautious around new people and situations. But, he will eventually warm up to most things/people, too. He has more of a personal bubble than his brother's. He also likes to be an instigator, and can dish things out, but not always take it. He has 8 teeth. Once he discovers a new skill, he likes to practice it repetitively. He loves holding, bouncing, throwing, and kicking balls.

Carter
We call him Carty, Carter Louis, The Goat, and Hulk
He's always on the GO GO GO and full of energy. Lately he's become more of a "Mamas Boy" and loves for me to hold him though, too. He's got a bit of a temper, and will stomp his feet and run away from you and cry if he's mad at you. He has 16 teeth. He was the first to give big, sloppy, open mouth kisses and to blow kisses. He loves sitting in my lap and looking at books. He is fairly easy going most of the time and takes a lot from his brothers with a smile and a giggle - he's usually the one being sat on or stepped on, but doesn't seem to mind. He loves chasing Winky's tail.

They are all take one afternoon nap a day at 1pm. They go to bed around 7pm/7:30pm. They are up around 7:30am. If it's nice out, we usually take a walk around 10am, and they love it. They are growing out of size 4 diapers. They all wear 18 month sized clothes. In general, if colors are an option, Cooper is usually dressed in blue, and Tucker in green or red, and Carter in Orange. I like coordinating them, but also dress them the same a lot just because it's easy!

We are still using the triplet table for meals - but I know I need to start transitioning them to booster chairs, soon. I have started introducing forks, spoons, and bowls. They all love most food still and are good eaters. They seem to love fruit the most, but eat veggies as well. Their favorite treat are yogurt covered raisins. They also love bananas.

I could barely get them to sit all together for a picture. But the minute I wanted Cooper alone for his solo-shot, his brother's didn't want to be left out! Haha! This is so typical!!!

They love climbing and are very active. They sometimes wrestle. They are now getting more interested in building with legos or stacking blocks. They also love stacking cups. They love throwing balls and toys. They will also sit and look at books or let you read to them. Their most favorite activity though is being outside for sure! They are learning to pick up toys to help clean up, but LOVE dumping their bins out, too. The enjoy playing with their sister, as well. They will shake their head "no" when asked to do something they don't want to do. It's hilarious.

They don't say a lot of words right now. But they follow directions and understand SO much it amazes me. They love pointing and grunting to communicate. They all can say, Mama, Dada, Bubba (for bubble). I got Tucker to repeat, "Whoa! Whoa! Whoa!" when we were playing on the slide the other day. Carter can say his own version of "uh oh." They all babble a lot now, too, and try to sing occasionally, too.

They all give hugs and kisses. They clap and dance. They love turning in circles and making themselves dizzy. They can find their belly, head, feet, and hands. They can climb all over our furniture. They enjoy bath time. They love watching, "Super Why" and "Mickey Mouse Clubhouse." If the TV show ends or stops, they stop and point at the TV - they don't like the silence!

They love sitting on my lap and love attention from me. When I do play with them on my own, usually someone is fussing because they want my attention. They are learning to take turns. All day long I talk about who's turn it is, and about sharing!

Typically they do not like it when I hold two, and Tucker will push or kick his brother to try and get him off my lap or out of my arms. They are learning to share me better though. Haha. They definitely learn quick from each other. They also are aware of sizes and portions and pay attention and want the biggest piece of food. Haha.

To Cooper - You are our angel face baby. Daddy and I think you're SOOOO sweet and have the sweetest li'l face that melts us all the time. We love snuggling you! You're kinda sneaky, and like to be mischievous and playful. We love you, Mr. Cooper!

To Tucker - Oh, Tucker. You're our squishy and squirmy wormy with an attitude. We know you're the most emotional, and sometimes we laugh because of the things that make you cry...but we will always be there to wipe away your tears. You are so smart, Tucker, and we love you so much, baby!

To Carter - Your energy is addictive and your smile lights up our hearts. You're so playful and always up for fun. We call you our "mini-Daddy." You're our little tough-guy and we love watching you learn and grow, little man! Love you!