The sad, triple stroller

So today I had an interesting experience. We have decided that we do in fact require a 3-kid stroller for going to the park etc...and so I've been starting to look around hoping to find one that will work. Of course the logical place to start looking is ebay...and after that there's Craigslist. Trust me...a good used triple stroller is not easy to find.

This morning though - I thought I had struck gold when a fairly decent one came up on CL...even better that it was within driving distance...Spanaway, WA - just S of Tacoma. Called the lady who informed me she had had triplets 3 years ago and didn't need the stroller anymore so she was trying to get rid of it.

As I get into Spanaway...I finally find this place - in a neighborhood that I wouldn't want to be in after dark...if you know what I mean...all sorts of "interesting" people hanging out - and of course you can imagine me pulling up in my dress shirt and pants - Mr Yuppie guy in a Volvo - not exactly fitting into my surroundings. But hey - I drove an hour to get here...no stopping me now.

Two guys meet me in front of the house...and I'm feeling a little out of my league - especially since I'm not packing heat - they both belong on Harley's with Ape Bars and I'm sure they were. I'm starting to get a little worried about the wad of cash in my pocket but soon the gate swings open and there we are...a very used and dilapidated triple stroller along with aforementioned "mother".

Now the scene is a little humorous, but it all stops there. No question I'm in the middle of a classic drug-house with people who have some serious alcohol/drug problems. Turns out the lady did in fact have triplets - identical girls and a fraternal boy. She says she lasted 2 years. What I mean by that is that she informed me that after 2 years she couldn't cope anymore and gave them up for adoption. I'm starting to feel sick to my stomach. Time to hit the road and I did.

But it got me thinking. First of all about those three little kids who didn't have a stable home. And where are they now. Precious little 3 year olds - the same age as Mark. Then about this whole triplet thing. Like - are we crazy? Is this really going to slowly kill us? I know that having multiples like we have is a life-changing event, and it takes a toll on many aspects of peoples lives. Hard on careers. Hard on marriages. Hard on finances. You name it, it probably will get tested. But seriously...some people don't survive. That lady didn't. Sobering.

Anyway, I love my little boys. And I was glad to come home and hold each of the 4. Glad to have a wife that I know loves them as much as I do. Glad to have a good home and a stocked fridge. Thankful for my parents who gave me all of that and more. And especially glad that I grew up in a faith that taught me right from wrong. That some things we should live without. Especially things that are addictive, destructive and filthy.

Dinner Out!

This last weekend we had the courage (or insanity) to venture out...and actually enjoyed a fun lunch out in North Bend, WA with the "boyz".




And today off to Costco for passport photos for the little dudes! Need to get them legal to travel...



...unintended consequence of having 2 carseats in your Costco cart...less room to fill it up! Nice!

The Charmer

As you can see, Bensen has learned how to charm the ladies...

3 Months! (We've survived!)

So...the triplets are 3 months old now...to celebrate they all came to Sunday meeting this morning!



And yes, its been an interesting 3 months! No question we've had the best time ever - these little guys charm you like you've never imagined. And looking back...I'm just wondering if I'll ever remember much of it. Probably not.

A few observations....in no particular order...

-most of the time only 2 out of 3 will be crying
-the squeaky wheel gets the grease (er...bottle)
-sleeping only 2 hrs at a time is actually ok...for a while
-my wife is unspeakably amazing
-just cause you started out the smallest doesn't mean you have to stay that way
-big brothers rock
-feed, burp, change...feed, burp, change...etc...
-filling up 15 bottles at a time is cool
-there is something beautiful about having 3 sets of eyes track you
-sometimes they'll cry just to get held


Other random pics from the last week or so...

The local crime crew...

Mr. Policemen...

In the getaway car...

Tummy time for Chase...

The important part of the newspaper...

Grampa's motorhome is uber cool...