THREE TUTUS

Jack's Park

2012-02-19T19:59:00.004-06:00

It was a gorgeous day and after much needed naps for ALL of us, we got ice cream and headed to Jack's park to play. A fun time was had by all!

It's just like the Kardashian Sisters.

2012-02-19T19:56:00.001-06:00

Our favorite Valentine of 2012

2012-02-19T19:55:00.001-06:00

I love to sleep

2012-02-18T09:27:00.001-06:00

We have been lucky that Elle eats and falls back asleep. I am looking forward to her eating only once during the night.

Plies

2012-02-18T09:16:00.004-06:00

Kate learned how to do the "plies" in ballet class this week. She has been showing it to me so this morning we turned the stairs into a "stage" and Quinn and I were her audience. I love how she asks "What does that mean?" when every time she has done it since Thursday she knew.

Good Nite Lite

2012-02-18T08:54:00.002-06:00

Kate has falling into a terrible habit of waking up between 5:45 and 6:00 in the morning. This is especially exhausting when I have just finished feeding Elle moments before. My co-worker told me about the "Good Nite Lite" and I immediately ordered it. This light can be programmed for when the moon comes on (time to go to sleep) and when the sun comes on (when you can wake up). The idea being that if the child wakes up and the moon is still lit, they need to stay in their bed and/or room. We talked this up and after it arrived yesterday, put it in Kate's room. After putting her to bed, she came to our room a short time later saying she was scared of it and didn't want it anymore. Dan talked her back into it or so we thought. This morning was the usual "Mommy! Mommy!" I escorted Kate back to her room and the light was gone. She told me it was in Elle's room (she had hidden it in a corner, if only the lost library books were there too...) and retrieved it for me. I plugged it back in and we spent lots of time talking about how the face isn't scary, that Mr. Moon is our friend, and that the letter "Z's" are nice. I knew I had her sold on it when she leaned over and kissed "Mr. Moon." When the light switched to the sun, Kate squealed saying "It is so magical! It is amazing!" Hopefully tomorrow morning I will be saying the same thing as I sleep past 5:45!

Getting Ready!

2012-02-18T08:52:00.001-06:00

This morning I found Quinn in the bathroom with a strand of pearls hanging off her while she was brushing her hair. I am not sure where she is getting ready to go but she sure looks good!

Will you be my Valentine?

2012-02-18T08:46:00.003-06:00

As is tradition, Dan and the girls get to indulge in a box of chocolates on Valentines Day. I think it was gone in record time this year and I will thank Quinn for speeding up the process. She sure loves her chocolate! Dan loved his valentine and I thought Kate would have a great time telling Dan all about it. However, she was much more interested in eating candy. Kate informed me that Daddy was her valentine and mine was "Finn." If I can't have Dan, 'll take Finn for sure.

All good things must come to an end.

2012-02-18T08:42:00.002-06:00

"Uhhh, WHERE are you taking me?" Elle (a.k.a. Cheeks) started daycare this week and did a great job! We managed to remember everything, we got there in time for Kate and Quinn to have breakfast and Mom was only late to work once. Not bad for the first week! As our daycare provider said, "Welcome to the show Elle!"

Hello?!?

2012-02-18T08:33:00.002-06:00

If I only knew who she was talking to and what she was saying!!!! She talks with such authority and conviction.

Balloons and the park, Quinn

2012-02-18T08:22:00.003-06:00

A park and balloons!

2012-02-18T07:58:00.003-06:00

Kate's Valentine

2012-02-14T21:03:00.001-06:00

Kate's Valentine's Day card for Dan was just too cute to not scan to preserve forever. She told me yesterday, "Daddy needs to make me a ring because he loves me." as she looked at my ring. Awww...I wonder what wonderful person will end up buying her a ring...

Where's your tutu Daddy?

2012-02-12T08:52:00.003-06:00

I decided to host my own "Daddy Daughter Dance" for Dan and the girls which honestly ended up being a complete failure. I had high hopes of doing it at a nearby park; had great decorations, made corsages, chocolates, candy hearts...but after trying to set up at the park, it was so cold and windy that my balloons were blowing away and my nose was running! So, we relocated back to our house where upon arriving home, the dogs had eaten all the Valentine treats I had cutely packaged for friends. Not only did they eat the plastic bags but there were Hershey Kisses in the bags so lord only knows when the dogs will start vomiting too. Plus, I hear chocolate is REALLY good for dogs to eat...just kidding. Besides onions, I believe it is the most toxic for them. Did I mention too that our kids aren't feeling that great? So, we were fighting health, the weather, a lack of sleep, a crying baby, et cetera. You may ask, "Why did you try to do this at this time then?" Due to scheduling, it was now or never so I thought it was worth giving it a try...I may think different next time. As my mom stated the other day, "Why don't they make Mother's Day cards with pictures of crazy stuff going on?" We would have made the cut yesterday! Despite all our challenges, the girls enjoyed sparkling cider and Quinn L-O-V-E-D the free-for-all chocolate. And, the title of my blog was a question asked to Dan when everyone was all dressed for the event. That almost made it all worth it.

Faking it?!

2012-02-09T17:22:00.005-06:00

Do these look like two kiddos that had thrown up just minutes before IN MY CAR? On the way to ballet, both of them threw up. I don't know what is in the air! Anyway, we turned the car around and headed straight for a nice bubble bath. They were laughing, splashing and all smiles. Let's hope it stays that way and that Dan will be a doll and clean all the carseats! Ewww...

Elle, 7 weeks

2012-02-08T18:38:00.001-06:00

More gymnastics!

2012-02-08T18:29:00.001-06:00

What form! :)

Quinn loves her Daddy!

2012-02-08T18:22:00.002-06:00

Hook 'Em Horns!

2012-02-08T17:47:00.002-06:00

Martha, the Hippo

2012-02-08T17:43:00.002-06:00

Apparently Kate knows what the recipe is for making Elle feel better when she is having a bout of crying...Martha, the beloved Hippo from the "George and Martha" series of books by James Marshall. I have referenced these books before in my blog. They are the greatest books and I have vivid memories of picking them out at the library when little. I even remember exactly where they were on the bookshelf. Go to your local library and pick one up!

Family Drawing

2012-02-06T14:45:00.002-06:00

Kate made this a few days ago...my scanner cut off "Aunt Jen and Auntie D" but they were represented! I am not sure where Elle is but I was happy to be represented. Apparently my body is so skinny you can only see my legs!

Elle, 7 weeks ago...

2012-02-04T16:53:00.002-06:00

A chilly morning at the park

2012-02-04T14:03:00.001-06:00

Are they coming for me?

2012-02-04T13:50:00.001-06:00

Thank you Elle!

2012-01-31T09:16:00.001-06:00

I know this was probably just a fluke and too early to get SUPER EXCITED yet but Ms. Elle slept for SEVEN hours last night! Woo Hoo Girl! Let's keep it up!!

Goodbye Grandma!

2012-01-31T09:12:00.003-06:00

How can we ever thank Grandma enough for taking a week of her vacation time at work to spend with the Grizwolds, I mean the Turpins?! Our house is a bit louder, a bit crazier than life at home for her with Poppa but she embraced it like a champ! A million thanks for going with the flow, doing the splits at gymnastics, entertaining, bathing, feeding, laughing, playing, loving and hugging on our kiddos, for getting breakfast ready, dealing with temper tantrums, craft projects, special treats and dinner. For being thrown up on six or was it seven times(?!) and not complaining, for caring for a sick child and spending most of your vacation either in the hospital or the doctors office. Not quite what we envisioned but we created some more great memories nonetheless. We love you!

Spaghetti and a Meatball

2012-01-31T09:10:00.002-06:00

After Quinn's doctor appointment (yes, another!), we went to lunch at one of Grandma's favorite Austin restaurants, "Mandola's." Such a great Italian restaurant, setting, shop and gelato hot-spot. We enjoyed a great lunch as the hours before Grandma's departure quickly dwindled despite our resistance. Sometimes the clock moves way too fast.

Goodbye Dell!

2012-01-31T09:07:00.003-06:00

We were so happy to say goodbye to "Hotel Dell Children's Hospital!" Kate was extra loving to Quinn when we were leaving and was happy to have her buddy back. We found out a few days later that in Quinn's medical paperwork she was described as "super cute." We're not sure where that fits in with medical terminology and a description of her ailment but got a good laugh out of it and won't contest the description.

Sweet Girl

2012-01-31T09:06:00.000-06:00

Wedding Bells

2012-01-31T09:04:00.002-06:00

While in the hospital, boredom set in. Grandma got creative and Quinn began designing her wedding dress.

Home Slice PIZZA!

2012-01-29T21:14:00.002-06:00

Grandma treated us to dinner at our favorite pizza place. One reason we love "Home Slice" is because they give dough to the kiddos to play with while waiting. Tonight our table kept busy making moustaches, noses, and beards with it. Our pizza did not disappoint and Elle won the award for "best behaved," sleeping right through the whole dinner.

All the ladies

2012-01-29T21:09:00.002-06:00

Hey Cupcake!

2012-01-29T20:58:00.003-06:00

Another brilliant idea; going for cupcakes! By the looks of it, I think it is safe to say that Quinn enjoyed it the most. Thanks for the treat Grandma!

Love you so much...

2012-01-29T20:53:00.002-06:00

Jo's Coffee Shop on South Congress was brilliant when they spray painted "I love you so much" on the side of their building. I am yet to drive by and not see someone taking their picture by it. So sweet...

Kate's 3 year-old pics

2012-01-29T14:44:00.001-06:00

2 months old!

2012-01-29T13:36:00.002-06:00

Elle has been with us for 60 days and nights! And, the craziness hasn't made her want to leave yet, or at least she hasn't told us. We enjoy her more and more everyday and as she gets used to the world and we get used to her, it seems that it keeps getting easier. We laughed at her check-up when the doctor said when examining her, "Oh look, it's another under-fed Turpin baby." Apparently Elle and I are doing a great job of plumping her up!

"Tummy Time"

2012-01-29T13:35:00.001-06:00

Instead of Elle having "tummy time," ALL of Kate's babies did. Then, Kate announced to me that she was going to take a picture. She found her "camera" and shot away!

"Pop Its!"

2012-01-29T13:30:00.003-06:00

After Quinn got bored of painting, she discovered the Edamame, which we call "Pop Its" in this house. She had a blast getting them all covered with paint, as well as herself, the table and the bowl.

The activity of the evening...

2012-01-29T13:25:00.002-06:00

Birdhouses! Grandma came with a plethora of activities to keep these two busy. They painted, glued and stuck stamps on the birdhouses...not shortly after taking these pictures did Quinn's dress come off, it was on the road to becoming VERY dirty. What a great thing to keep them occupied while I made dinner. Thanks Mom for the great idea, I never would have thought of the stickers!

Grandma is so smart!

2012-01-28T13:59:00.002-06:00

After noticing over Christmas that Kate didn't have flowers in her playhouse, she brought a project for them to do while visiting this week. How smart to bring plastic flowers! It was reported that the activity was a success; Kate having a great time pushing the flowers into the green spongy-thing and something to keep their minds off of Quinn while she was at the hospital. Pretty!

Bedtime with Daddy-Do!

2012-01-28T13:55:00.002-06:00

Gymnastics Class

2012-01-28T13:52:00.001-06:00

Kate's teachers weren't the only ones teaching this week at gymnastics! Grandma taught Kate how to do the splits (or, how Kate can attempt to do the splits!) Not bad for someone who isn't a spring chicken anymore!

Quinn is back!

2012-01-28T13:41:00.003-06:00

Quinn came home and we made a trip to Mount Bonnell with friends to catch some fresh air! Yay for Quinn! It turns out Q had bronchiolitis, not RSV, which is great news as we were worried about Elle too. Quinn is doing well and I think that Kate is very glad to have her sister back as evidenced by all the hugging. Thanks to all for your support, offers to help and thinking about us.

Here we go again...

2012-01-27T11:08:00.002-06:00

RSV time is back again and although we aren't sure if that is what Quinn has, we are in the hospital again with her. She developed severe breathing difficulties yesterday and into the ER we were sent. This time we were smart and brought food, although, next time I need to bring pajamas, a pillow and a toothbrush. It looks as if now it is a waiting game, Quinn is on oxygen and her breathing is getting better although she still has quite a bit of retraction. I stayed with her last night and Elle (since I am nursing and didn't bring my pump, Dan had to work today). Talk about one of the worst nights of sleep EVER! If it wasn't Quinn crying, it was Elle needing to be fed, we would finally get settled down and in would come a nurse/doctor/tech et cetera to talk/poke and or prod. My favorite moment was when the tech started doing vitals on Elle. Wrong patient! I can understand how he got confused...he hadn't seen the note on the door saying that the patient was in the pull-out "bed" with me and the baby was in the crib. They didn't have anywhere I could put Elle so that was the best we could do. Whewwww...what a night. I'll be glad when this is over and we have a healthy Quinn-a-do back! Poor little love...

Ahoy Matey!

2012-01-22T14:37:00.002-06:00

Our friend James celebrated his birthday this weekend and we were part of the party! The kids all went on a "Treasure Hunt" to find goodies hidden throughout their yard and both Kate and Quinn enjoyed quite a bit of cake (I couldn't say no, it was a party!). Happy Birthday James!

T-H-R-E-E

2012-01-22T14:29:00.002-06:00

I was not nearly this cute (or fashionable) at three, and one could argue that I still am not, which I will admit! I love that she HAD to wear my bracelet.

Quinn's not the only one who loves Elle!

2012-01-22T14:10:00.002-06:00

Pizza Night

2012-01-20T20:57:00.003-06:00

Tonight we made pizza...not just throw one in the oven, but make the dough, toppings, et cetera. We all had fun, especially Quinn who noshed the whole way through. Kate would put cheese on top, Quinn would take it off and put in her mouth and so it went. We know it turned out great because when Dan got home, he ate the whole thing, minus Kate and Quinn's slices!

Rub-A-Dub! 3 girls in a tub!

2012-01-20T20:53:00.001-06:00

No more monkeys jumping on the bed!

2012-01-20T20:39:00.001-06:00

We have a lot of babies...

2012-01-20T20:36:00.001-06:00

Thanks Auntie D!

2012-01-20T20:31:00.003-06:00

Thanks Auntie D for coming over for a crazy night at our house! Your help is much appreciated and you were pretty accurate with your statement, "You sure have a full house!" So true...glad that you love to be a part of it.

More Dancing...

2012-01-20T20:27:00.003-06:00

We made it through Kate's 2nd ballet class without having to run to the bathroom during it. Woo Hoo! Apparently, going to the bathroom is "contagious" in the class; when one girl has to go, they ALL end up having to go. The highlight today was watching Quinn stand by the window to watch Kate. The class was running circles and every time she would run by, she would wave at Quinn. What a good Big Sister!

Sweet Little Twinkle Toes

2012-01-19T12:17:00.003-06:00

Our first "Family" drawing

2012-01-18T20:42:00.002-06:00

I CANNOT wait for Kate to come home with a picture she draws of our family; in crayon, stick figures, arms coming out of our ears, et cetera...I know it is still a bit of time before that comes but for now, I am LOVING this one! Apparently it is the whole family, in a helicopter!

Don't mess with DT!

2012-01-18T19:14:00.003-06:00

We may live in the Lone Star State where the motto is "Don't Mess with Texas" but today it is "Don't Mess with DT!" Today, while at Chick-Fil-A, Dan took Kate into the play area so she could play. Apparently, she started crying and told Dan that a girl was kicking her in the playscape, was not letting her get through to go down the slide, and that she was scared. (That makes me sad!) Dan confronted the girl and admitted that he wasn't sure what to do because it wasn't his child and the mom was nowhere to be found (C'mon people! If your child is going to be a bully, maybe you shouldn't leave them alone in a play area so you can eat chicken). The girl was not at all impressed by Dan! Kate and Dan left, got some ice cream and came back to the table where Kate gave me a full account of what happened. It made for a teachable moment about how we always have to be nice, be friendly, play well with others, make good choices, and so on. Dan couldn't sit with the fact that someone messed with Kate and when we were able to figure out who her mother was, Dan marched right over to her to report what had happened. With a sweet satisfaction as he walked back to our table (No! The girl was not going to get away with it!), the mom apologized and went to talk to her daughter in the play area, who was able to keep playing. (As a side note, if it had been my child, they would have immediately gone to "thinking time," apologized to Kate and we would have headed home, no more play fun for them!) I realized that these girls (Kate, Quinn and Elle) are yet to learn how lucky they are to have a great man standing behind them, beside them, and if needed in front of them! He has their back and I know that as their father, he will do anything to make sure they are safe, loved, and protected. Awwww, DT, just another reason why I chose you to marry!

Don't talk and drive!

2012-01-18T19:12:00.001-06:00

Sweet Baby

2012-01-18T19:05:00.002-06:00

6 weeks!

Quinn is in love...

2012-01-18T18:34:00.004-06:00

Quinn is in love with her little sister! She is so affectionate, wants to hold her whenever she can, smother her with kisses and loves to help burp her. Although Quinn is still a little short on words, she is plentiful with love and saying proudly "Baby! Baby! when seeing Elle.

Get your flu shot!

2012-01-18T18:23:00.004-06:00

According to Dr. Kate, it was "Flu Shot" (so funny that she knows about Flu Shots...I can't get over what kids know at such a young age!) time at the Turpin household. As you can see, she had her assistant, Quinn helping. Kate still needs to teach Quinn that shots are giving in the arm, not the face. Elle was not too happy! We sure have gotten some mileage out of the Doctor Kit. Who would have thought?!

Little Miss Chatterbox

2012-01-16T16:00:00.004-06:00

There is no denying that Kate Turpin is my daughter. There are so many things that are similar between us; the biggest similarity being our love of talking. Kate ALWAYS has something to say and I happily report that it is often interesting, kind, or informative. (Yesterday, my favorite thing she said was "Dad, give me a man's hug!" We aren't sure what that is but he gave her a REALLY big hug!) I will admit though, at times, like when you're on the phone trying to take care of business, or you're paying for something, or telling someone something really important, a tad bit of silence would be appreciated, even if she does say "Excuse me." But, this weekend, my sister and I discovered that her constant talking allows for you to not always have to have your eye on her. For example, a perk...While shopping at Target, we could shop the clearance racks with great focus as we knew she was right by us, even if not in sight because we could hear her constant chatter. There is always a silver lining! Don't get me wrong, I absolutely LOVE all the things she has to say but like all good things, moderation is key! Perhaps I should remember that for myself!

A guest blogger...

2012-01-15T08:13:00.002-06:00

Hey Everybody! Aunt Jen, here. I'm beyond proud to be (I believe) this blog's first Guest Blogger, and I can't imagine a better topic on which to G.B.: "Making the Moose Out Of Life". Kristen introduced me to this book last night, and from the first image of a beaver giddily jumping off a cliff into a lake straight through to the final image of a moose hang gliding in a kicky red helmet this Aunt was HOOKED. Now, it would be a disservice to the readers of this blog to divulge too many details (no one likes a spoiler!), but I will tell you this is an inspiring tale of finding your joie de vivre via a moose and a tortoise named Tuesday. Who hold hands with each other. And play volleyball with a coconut. And just when you think you know where this story is going, suddenly there is a cruise ship buffet, which is a bit of a life-changer for our titular Moose (as anybody who has been in front of a cruise ship buffet can understand). Please make the moose out of YOUR life and make your way to your local public library TODAY to check out this gem of a book. You will not be disappointed.

Guest Blogger Aunt Jen

Date Night!!!!!

2012-01-14T10:18:00.002-06:00

My friend turned 30 this week and had a "Black, White and Pearl" party to celebrate! We were so lucky to have a friend who offered to babysit, so off we went! It was quite different getting ready to go out than when Dan and I first met...I was nursing Elle, Dan was giving Kate and Quinn a bath, Quinn was super needy and pulling on Dan's leg wherever he tried to walk, there was crying, stories to be read but we did get out the door, 30 minutes after we planned but that's ok. We enjoyed dinner, drinks, dancing and hanging out with friends and not changing a diaper for 3 hours! Thanks Meghan for giving up your Friday night for us! We appreciate you!

Ballet!

2012-01-13T08:36:00.001-06:00

Kate started ballet class! It was the cutest thing to see a handful of 3-4 year olds in their little tutu's, tap/ballet shoes, leg warmers, cute hair accessories, et cetera. I would be lying if I said it didn't bring a tear to my eye! I asked Kate if she liked ballet or gymnastics class better, she told me "Ballet!" I CANNOT WAIT for the recital!

Quinn and the Dogs

2012-01-13T08:28:00.004-06:00

While I took Kate to the gym with me and Elle was sleeping, Quinn enjoyed some quality time with all the men in her life!

Little Book Worm

2012-01-13T08:28:00.001-06:00

Not so sure about this...

2012-01-13T08:24:00.002-06:00

And even more Elle

2012-01-13T08:10:00.000-06:00

More Elle

2012-01-13T08:03:00.001-06:00

Elle

2012-01-13T07:10:00.001-06:00

Welcome Dan and Kristen to the world of...

2012-01-11T13:49:00.006-06:00

Extra-Curricular Activities! It has officially started, Kate taking a class by herself! Kate is enrolled in an 8-week gymnastics class and today was the first one. I think she was pretty excited to have Dan and me to herself, (I am still on leave and Dan wasn't working today). We both got to watch her and loved seeing her make new friends, introduce herself, listen to the teacher, get side-tracked by new equipment and need gentle reminders to join the group, her saying "Ta-Da!" after doing everything...so cute! We'll see if we end up having a little Mary Lou Retton on our hands!

OMG! She IS growing up!

2012-01-09T20:19:00.001-06:00

Elle, Week Five

2012-01-09T20:14:00.003-06:00

Oh those sweet eyes, they'll figure themselves out soon. It's tough to be a new baby! And, when I look at those sweet feet, I can't help but wonder what great places they will take you to...the Eiffel Tower with someone you love, scoring a winning goal in a soccer game, walking across the stage to get a diploma, feeling sand caught between your toys at the beach, running home from the school bus, walking around the mall with your friends, pressing the gas pedal for the first time after you get your license...so many things to look forward to.

Happy Birthday Kate!

2012-01-09T11:47:00.003-06:00

Happy Birthday Kate!

It is hard to believe that three years have gone by since Kate was born! And, when I interact with Kate, it is hard to believe that she is only three. The things that come out of her mouth, the way she shows compassion to others, helps others, is interested in the world around her...how is this possible from someone that has been on the earth for 1000 days?! Amazing...

Happy Birthday to you Miss Kate! You make our world so much brighter, you keep us laughing and we enjoy almost every minute we spend with you. You make the most of each day and our wish for you on this day is that you continue to embrace and love life the way you do!

We love you!

Incentive!

2012-01-09T11:34:00.003-06:00

Napping at daycare has been a bit of a problem so as incentive, I promised Kate that she could put together the "Gingerbread House Kit" we bought at Target on mega clearance for $1.00 if she napped. She did! Later that night, we brought it out and decided to not read the directions and to pile the stuff as we pleased; it may not be the prettiest but we had a great time and enjoyed the freedom of creative expression.

In the Kitchen with Dan Turpin

2012-01-09T11:31:00.003-06:00

Dan gave the girls their first lesson in cooking salmon the other night! I hope they learn quickly and can make salmon as delicious as he can. We are spoiled when he gets busy in the kitchen with a big fillet! After Kate poured the olive oil, she was talking to herself and said something about "The fish will turn into the olive whale."

Elle Bell

2012-01-09T08:37:00.002-06:00

5 weeks old...

Our favorite parties are at...

2012-01-09T00:36:00.001-06:00

Pump It Up! We celebrated with another friend at "Pump It Up" and enjoyed our time bouncing. It worked out great for us that the party was on a Sunday so Dan could join us!

Santa Elle

2012-01-06T20:41:00.002-06:00

I think Elle in this onesie is one of the few things that brings a smile to my face when I am waking up multiple times in the night to feed her. I mean really, how can I be frustrated with a lack of sleep when she is wearing this? Apparently, I get more of a kick out of it than her!

Top Ten Observations about Today

2012-01-02T16:15:00.004-06:00

With vacation coming to an end and daycare opening tomorrow, I spent one last day with all three of my children before taking them back to daycare. I love the time with them, of course, but it is a juggling act that can be pretty exhausting after not getting much sleep at night with Miss Elle. We spent all day at home and I couldn't help but have a couple observations.

1. An almost 3 year old is often very helpful. Today Kate grabbed the fly swatter and successfully killed a fly with one swoop.

2. My kids, even my 16 month old, can almost work the IPAD better than me.

3. Love is blind. I haven't showered, have spit up milk dried all over my shirt and Kate told me "You are beautiful Mom."

4. I am so lucky to be able to teach my kids. Kate was playing with her kitchen and said "You're the Mommy and I am the Daddy." We talked about how it isn't always a "Mommy and a Daddy." There can be two daddies, two mommies, et cetera.

5. I must be doing a good job setting boundaries. Today Quinn misbehaved and without my telling her, she went to "thinking time" all be herself.

6. A day at home without going anywhere can be difficult for all of us.

7. I do believe in miracles. All girls were sleeping at the same time for 30 minutes today.

8. I will feel like I win the lottery when I figure out WHERE the dogs are finding the dirty diapers and eating them...I promise we always put them in the trash. I cannot figure it out.

9. Even daytime tv has turned to trash. It seemed like one second we were watching "Dora" and the next minute, we looked up and saw girls hitting each other on a Dr. Drew talk show. Kate and I both agreed that isn't how you treat people and quickly turned the channel.

10. I am lucky to have a great husband who walks through the door with a smile on his face and ready to help out in anyway, fully acknowledging that my day was harder than his (even if it wasn't!)

And, a bonus...11. I have resigned myself to the fact that despite our (what feels like) constant cleaning, our house is ALWAYS going to be full of handprints, sticky fingerprints, dog hair, et cetera. And, like a work in progress, I am slowly learning to accept that and embrace it. As I read on "Pinterest"...Excuse the mess, our kids are making memories. Not sure if I can fully buy that but I am trying.

Sisters

2012-01-02T11:03:00.002-06:00

I caught Kate and Quinn in a moment of sisterly love while watching "Diego" on tv. Please note that it is blackberry on Kate's face, not some weird bruising! I plan to be doing the same thing with MY sister tonight for the premiere of my guiltiest pleasure, "The Bachelor."

Ringing in 2012

2012-01-01T18:58:00.003-06:00

The "Turpin Transformation of 2012" is underway! We headed to the park for exercise and play this morning before going to "Sprouts" to load up on healthy fruits and vegetables. Dan made a delicious (and healthy!) dinner of salmon tonight, his speciality. We were licking our lips! Hopefully our new habits will withstand many temptations!

Goodbye 2011!

2012-01-01T18:22:00.007-06:00

What does a family do on New Years when they have 3 under 3? You go to the park and out for an early dinner of pizza with great friends! We toasted the new year with sparkling cider and ate a glutenous meal of pizza, beer, and cheese bread with our good friends, the Flores'. I must admit I was happy to be in bed by 10:00 and thank Miss Elle for not crying too much during the night! She certainly wanted to party and drink all night!!!

Little Love...

2012-01-01T18:16:00.004-06:00

Oh Miss Elle...such a little thing! Don't you just love when newborns can't quite focus their eyes all the time? So cute!

Farewell...

2012-01-01T17:53:00.004-06:00

Goodbye Grandma and Poppa! We love and miss you already! Why does the time always go SO FAST?!

Zilker Park

2012-01-01T17:48:00.000-06:00

We ventured out to Ziler Park with good friends before ringing in the new year. Dan had fun playing with our new camera! We have a lot to learn, the camera is amazing!

Grandma and Poppa Visit!

2011-12-31T10:50:00.003-06:00

If we haven't been lucky enough over the past month with the addition of a new baby, Dan having a lot of time off work, tons of family time and the holidays...we were spoiled again by having my parents visit. It was wonderful to have them here over the holiday and we are so grateful for all your help. It certainly is a tad bit crazy around here with three little ones and all the help was so appreciated! Thank you for waking up with the kids, getting them breakfast, feeding the dogs, cleaning our dirty house, working on projects that had long been neglected (fixing the playscape, cleaning the garage, fixing our laundry room, staining our front door...), cleaning, more cleaning and even more cleaning, babysitting so we could go on a date and get massages, loving on our babies, bringing projects for them to do and treating us to meals out. Whew! How do you do it? Please come back soon!!!

ONE month!

2011-12-30T13:34:00.003-06:00

Where does the time go??? Oh my goodness...my LAST little baby is 10 lbs. already! Elle had a fantastic check-up at the doctor (Big Sister Quinn...not so much. She came along and we found out she had an ear infection!) and is 75th percentile for head, height and weight! Perfectly proportionate! We are having a wonderful time with our littlest addition but are longing for some sleep-filled nights. Last night was another rough one but luckily we are spoiled with grandparents who are visiting and get up with the other kiddos and make us all breakfast! It sure takes a village.

Dr. Kate

2011-12-26T13:21:00.003-06:00

The Grandparents arrived from Wisconsin for a Christmas Part 2 in the evening. Wow...did Grandma hit it out of the park with a "Doctor Kit" for kit and a Dr. Lab Coat with Kate's name embroidered on it. Kate played with her kit for a good 45 minutes, saying little to nothing which is extremely rare for Kate. She was so focused and serious with being a "doctor," it was hilarious to watch. Grandma was showing her how to take her blood pressure in which she told Grandma "I am the doctor" and later told Quinn that she was her "assistant." We laughed that this Doctor Kit included a cell phone that actually works...a bit different from the Fisher-Price Doctor Kit I had when I was little. How things have changed...

Turpin Christmas Morning

2011-12-25T17:07:00.005-06:00

What a great Christmas morning! Santa was very good to us as we have all been very good! We enjoyed an hour or so of chaos opening presents, eating cinnamon rolls, drinking egg nog, listening to Michael Buble Christmas and watching Christmas unfold through the eyes of little kiddos. We are truly lucky to be able to enjoy Christmas with kiddos as they add a whole new dimension to the day. Kate and Quinn received a "vintage" bubblegum colored kitchen among many other things, including a monkey that Kate is in love with! (Thanks Cousin Bennett and Bryn, good pick!) We are grateful for having Aunt Jen spend time with us and appreciate all your help!

On a separate note, I learned a few things this morning that I will implement next year to make things a little less chaotic. I am going to have three empty laundry baskets, one for each kiddo, that they will put their presents in after they open and have played with, I will not have any presents that aren't being opened at that time under the tree to reduce confusion for the kiddos and Dan and I will enjoy opening our presents to each other the night before! Feel free to adopt my suggestions if your living room looked like a tornado after the opening of gifts too!

Elle's Christmas Morning

2011-12-25T17:02:00.001-06:00

Quinn's Christmas Morning

2011-12-25T16:56:00.002-06:00

Kate's Christmas Morning

2011-12-25T16:48:00.002-06:00

Christmas Eve

2011-12-24T20:57:00.002-06:00

Where is Santa?! Is he almost to Manor?! Kate and Quinn were tracking him before bed, they're hoping he makes a stop here!

3 peas in a pod

2011-12-24T09:57:00.000-06:00

Speaking of embracing photos that are a hot mess, here is another series! My hopes of a great picture of all three of them was probably a bit pre-mature but I still get credit for trying! The photographer was actually trying to get them to smile which I couldn't believe. I'll give him credit for his efforts but clearly, they were past that, especially Quinn! I hope that these photos resurface at their wedding and we all get a good laugh. I mean really, look at Elle's jeans...I promise they are newborn size!

BIG SISTER Kate!

2011-12-24T09:54:00.000-06:00

Let's just say that being a Big Sister and Picture Taking equals a work in progress! But, I still embrace these photos as much as crying Santa ones!

Pobby!

2011-12-24T09:50:00.000-06:00

When I was 3, I carried this bear everywhere. Apparently, if I remember the story correctly,

my mom and I were at a department store and an employee asked me what his name was. Having never named him before, I replied "Pobby" and the name has stuck ever since. Thanks Mom for holding onto Pobby for all these years, it is really something to see him back in action with my own kids!

Miss Kate Elizabeth...

2011-12-24T09:45:00.000-06:00

Elle's dreaming of a white christmas...

2011-12-23T21:00:00.001-06:00

Our Blog "Christmas Card!"

2011-12-23T20:34:00.002-06:00

Happy Holidays from the Turpins!

As usual, our holiday card comes in the form of a blog entry...so easy, no addressing envelopes and no trip to the post office to buy stamps! 2011 has been a great year full of good fortune. We have no complaints and continue to be amazed at how even though somedays can be hectic and chaotic; we have it really good!
Adjusting to life with 3 under 3 (for two more weeks before Kate's birthday!) has not been as bad as everyone made it out to seem, although I am well aware we are just getting started and Elle is still in her "I sleep almost all the time except between 11 pm and 4 am phase). Elle is 3 weeks and we are yet to have all 3 crying at once which I am grateful for!
Kate continues to make us laugh ALL THE TIME, she is Chatty Cathy and into doing everything "by myself." She is a great help, loves to be read to, is in the "pretend play" phase which is so fun to watch and is going to begin a ballet and gymnastics class in January. I can't wait for her recital!
Quinn is our cautious, "let me access the situation" child. She is starting to talk and express herself more and is often seen walking around the house holding a baby doll and a purse. She has lots to say but unfortunately we can't quite understand it all yet. She is enjoying being a big sister and often helps burp Elle. We are teaching her about "gentle" touching...
Elle has been doing great and it is amazing how some mornings you can tell that she grew overnight! I am throughly enjoying how she loves to be held and this phase where babies sleep so much and almost seem to make your blood pressure drop when they fall asleep while you are holding them. This phase goes so fast and as this is the LAST but not least Turpin baby, I am trying to savor every moment even in my sleep deprived state!
Murph and Finn continue to be the protectors of the house, barking at anything and everything that walks by...a trait that I love when I am home alone but not so much when the kiddos are napping. They continue to give so much and take so little. We love these boys and appreciate how patient they are with the girls.
Dan is still at PetSmart, doing great and I am teaching Special Education again this year. I recently started a Master's program for School Counseling which I am really enjoying and will be glad to have that credential in my back pocket to use when I am ready for another career change.
Enough about us...Elle is asleep, which means I should be too!
We wish you all a happy and 2012 full of good fortune, love and happiness!