Never worry about the size of your Christmas tree. In the eyes of children, they are all 30 feet tall. -Larry Wilde

We are officially on the look out for a piano. We were so close to getting one but someone bought it before we could get to the lady's house. I want to start piano lessons for the kids as soon as they turn 3. With Brody's vision and Neurological issues, sports will be limited and this would help his brain recovery a lot. If you are in the Houston area and come across a good deal, please let us know.

It seems we've hit a road block with therapies. We are trying to figure out why some areas aren't progressing for all three and what the best route is moving forward. It's really hard to understand that a year later certain task aren't mastered when the kids go through extensive therapies two times a week. Should we up therapy to 3X per week, put them in a more full time preschool... not sure what to do but have to do something. They are each really smart and know so much... it's a hard call.

The girls had their annual Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) evaluations today. It took 3 hours! They both still qualify which is a good thing sort of but again goes back to we wish they were a little more caught up. We kept them in the program that they will age out of when they turn 3. Brody has his evaluation in January but he will qualify due to vision so they don't really have to do an assessment.

When doctors say that premature kids should be caught up by age 2 no later than 2.5, I start panicking because here we are at just shy of 2.5 and a year behind in certain areas. I'm not sure what else we should be doing.

Ricky's off on his hunting weekend. The kids and I are going to meet Santa tomorrow and Aunt 'Chelle is coming over on Sunday. I had plans to demo the hall closet but two major things happened with my car that Ricky had to fix and that kind of messed up our budget.

The kids are 29 months tomorrow!

KP

Choose your friends and family with caution; plan your future with purpose and frame your life with faith.

Christmas season is so magical. I find much peace, calmness, and joy this time of year. I think back on all the Christmases as a child and I really miss having a mom and a dad but what I really miss is how great my parents were as grandparents to my nephews. I wish my kids could have that. No matter how old I get and how many years have past, I miss that but more now than ever since having the triplets. My favorite Christmas was my dad's last Christmas. It was finally not about things, money, and who got what. Nope, that Christmas it was about family and everything we were so very thankful for. Since 2010 every Christmas has been my favorite. That first year we were so thankful to have Brody finally home from the hospital. He was literally home 10 days before Christmas after his long fight in the NICU. I remember thinking that this was what life was all about. Last year was just as great because it had been a year of so many first and so many achievements. This year will be just as wonderful but maybe a little more magical because the kids are so smitten over the little things. Everything is a big deal no matter how small it might be. We purchased a inflatable Mickey Mouse that arrived today. It's small, around 3.5 feet tall so I went ahead and plugged it in. The kids' reaction was so sweet. They were giving Mickey hugs and telling him hi and talked to him throughout the night. It's the smallest things. We've been going on walks right at dark to see the lights. They love it and look forward to the stroll. Tonight we went in the car and I literally had a backseat driver. When I'd stop at a stop sign Madi would tell me to "GO Mommy" they couldn't get enough of the lights and love the Christmas music. I'm not sure what I'm going to do with the backseat driver but for now I'll take it. 

We received a phone call on Monday about Brody's results from the blood work he did last week. The doctor is concerned about a couple things so he had to repeat labs today. We hope it's nothing and just a glitch and really hope we can get the results quick. I don't do well with waiting for the unknown. 

Ricky is going on a weekend long hunt this weekend. He is super excited and I'm happy for him to get away. He really likes to go hunting once a year and hasn't since the kids were born. The kids' god mother is coming to catch up and I may be meeting up with another friend... hey, he isn't the only one to have fun, the kids and I are too! 

Put your Christmas tree up and lights outside. It's the most wonderful time of the year! 

KP

Tis the season

It's Christmas time here at the Patton's!

Thanksgiving was so awesome! We didn't make it to the parade because the kids were still running high fevers but we did watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade on TV. That is for sure on the must take vacation list when the kids are old enough. How amazing would it be to spend Thanksgiving in NYC watching the parade and then ice skating at Rockefeller? Anyway, we had a feast and the kids loved it all. I made homemade everything except the gravy. We had: turkey, mashed potatoes, mashed sweet potatoes, green beans, stuffing, cranberry sauce, pumpkin pie, chocolate pecan pie, and yeast rolls. Actually, Mrs. Lupe made the cranberry sauce and we bought the chocolate pecan pie from Cracker Barrel but everything else I made :)
Friday we went and cut down our Christmas tree. It was the first year we did that but will for sure continue that little tradition. The people were so nice that own the farm and we got what we thought was a 9 foot tree for $40.00. You can't beat that. They took us on a hay ride and dropped us off at the trees. Ricky picked the one and started sawing it down. It didn't take long at all. Brody and Gracie loved being at the farm but I think Madi is a true city girl. We got home and before we could unload the tree Mrs. Lupe came out and asked if the tree was meant for the White House. And once we got it out of the truck we realized it was way bigger than 9 feet. The thing was so big it wouldn't fit through the front door but we yanked it through. Our living room has a cathedral ceiling... the tree was so big our ceiling wasn't tall enough. Now this is a side note but this is a total score for me that Ricky picked this tree out because he always gives me crap about picking out a tree that is too big... I was loving the moment! So Ricky ends up having to cut off 3 to 4 feet off the tree. We literally sent Mrs. Lupe home with a nice size log for her fireplace. Craziness! After we finally got the massive tree in the stand, up, and stable, the decorating started. Oh my pitter patter heart when the lights were plugged in and the gasp from the kids. It was priceless! Between decorating the tree and setting up their train that goes around the tree, they were in heaven and we were just so happy to share their joy. Before we put them to bed which was at 10pm! we had to introduce them to our elf that was assigned to our family from Santa. We read his book that came with him, The Elf on the Shelf, and had to give him a name and everything. We named him Elf. They were so excited this morning as they search the house looking for his new spot for the day.
Today Ricky had to fix another thing on my car. Now we should be all good to go. After he finished putting the Christmas lights on the house that I started. We ended the day by going a couple towns away to see a huge display of Christmas lights. This family has been doing the display for 28 years and they don't charge people or anything. It was awesome and we left a donation because we can only imagine their light bill with over 220,000 lights!
That has been our holiday week and my goodness at how happy we all are. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this time of year!!

Krista

Flash back Tuesday...

Let's take a moment to look back at the babies' past Thanksgivings... Oh my goodness at how much they've grown and how far they've come! This will be Brody's second Thanksgiving home and the girls' third. Since they've been born we haven't had great Thanksgivings. Ricky was gone out of state working the first year, Brody was in the hospital, and the girls and I were all alone and ended up having dinner with our neighbors. The second year we went to my brother's but the food wasn't really our style and the kids couldn't eat anything so we ended up with take out from Cracker Barrel. This year we are going to be home doing what we want to do and how we want to do it and we couldn't be more excited. We are planning to attend the big parade downtown, eat our traditional foods, and enjoy each other. Sounds amazing to me!
Now onto the pictures...

2011

2011

2011

2011

2010

2010

2010

We have so many things to be thankful for.

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

The Patton Family

Do you want me to tell you something really subversive? Love is everything it's cracked up to be. That's why people are so cynical about it. It really is worth fighting for, being brave for, risking everything for. And the trouble is... if you don't risk everything, you risk even more. -Erica Jong

We've been married 7 years!! I can't believe it's already been 7 years and even more, I can't believe the things we've gone through in those years. Marriage is not easy. In fact, it's probably one of the hardest things you can do in your life but it's so worth it! We are complete opposites and sometimes it drives me mad but it's really the only way this marriage works. We might purposely annoy one another, I might yell and drop a few cuss words, and he might block me out at times but it works for us. It works because we don't stay mad at one another, we have fun, and we really love one another and are the best of friends. There is no one in this world I trust the way I trust Ricky. We are not perfect but we are real.

Happy Anniversary Ricky!!

KP

all is right again...

Okay, it's a new day and I'm calm again..
So, Brody's appointment, we went to see an Allergist because there are major gut issues going on and GI never had answers after the exploratory surgery, test, etc. and the GI's conclusion was he was just fine and not worried about his growth. A YEAR later Brody is the same weight. Actually a little less. So I decided not to waste my time going back to the donkey and that is how we ended up seeing the Allergist. I could have almost danced when he told me that he is concerned with Brody's size. And we had just ate lunch so he was able to see how Brody's stomach gets really distended. He said he couldn't believe the GI wasn't concerned and said even though the scopes and biopsies that were done came back normal it still could mean the gut isn't working correctly which it isn't and is obvious. Brody has to have a lot of test done: blood, urine, stool, etc. He said the small bowel is probably releasing too much "liquid" (don't remember the name) and it's causing him to have skin burns on his bottom when he uses the restroom. He does not think it's acidic liquids doing it. Brody's bottom will get burns on it and it bleeds when you clean him, several days later it heals like a bruise. It's very painful too.
Anyway, I have to follow up with him in one month and in the mean time keep a food journal of everything Brody puts in his mouth and the reaction his stomach has. That is a lot of work and I hope I can stay on top of it. It might sound easy but keep in mind I have 3 almost 2.5 year olds.
And my car started making a really weird noise while on our way from Gracie's appointment to Brody's yesterday. Turns out Ricky had to do a break job on it. Just what I wanted to spend money on. It could be worse but it is always something.
KP

I relived the situation and got all fired up again...

Today was a very busy day and we are all exhausted. The kids had therapy this morning that started at 8:30 because Gracie had her appointment for her leg brace at 11am. She is not happy about her new set up. She is so sensitive about so many things you wouldn't think a 2 year old would even notice let alone care about. So when I took off her Abby Cadabby shoe which is her favorite and got out her special shoes that fit her braces, she immediately started crying. She knew right away she wouldn't be able to wear Abby anymore. Breaks my heart and I know it's best to go through this now when she'll forget about it but it's still hard. It's hard for her to have to be different. The new set up SUCKS. She has her big foot brace (AFO) on her left foot and on top of that is this thing called a Pedi Wrap. She was so sad and just down about the whole thing. She is so very reserved and very modest. She never wants to stand out with her appearance. And she hates the shoes. They aren't bad... plain white with a few pink details but they aren't Abby or sparkle shoes... they aren't her style. Now for the even worse news, the measurements that were taken is for her all day brace which has to be made. It's basically going to be like the brace Forest Gump wore in the movie :(  And I'm not being vain here. I just don't want some snot nosed kid making comments about why she has that "thing" or why she walks like "that" and having to try to ignore the ignorant parent who knows everything her bratty kid just said and does nothing about it. See these type of situations are fighting words in my book. Let it be known I will whip some ass over that! Those are my biggest fears. Unfortunately, it happened on Monday. Anyway, lets hope we can get through the next several months with her brace.
I have more updates about Brody's appointment but I'm pretty fired up about the whole ignorant comments made about Gracie so I should probably calm down and come back again tomorrow.
Don't mess with my babies and watch your words directed towards them!

Krista

That's a fact, Jack

I got called into the "Principal's" office on Monday before I picked the kids up from school. And before any of you think I have bad kids (tisk, tisk)... The director told me she started watching the tapes after I spoke to her about kids being dropped off in their class sick. She looked over the tapes to make sure I wasn't crazy (unofficially) because no one was being sent home sick so basically what was I talking about. Well, she found those sick little heathens but she also found something else. I tell you guys all the time our trio are rock stars and everyone is in love with them. Problem is both their teachers are a little too in love with them and apparently they spend 5 hours a day twice a week focused on just my kids. Playing with them, loving on them, etc. The director said the focus was really on Brody and Gracie and she even caught the teachers pushing Gracie's walker for her and holding Brody's hand to walk.. neither one of those are needed. So our beloved teachers are in trouble. I understand their intent but at the same time, they can't handicap my Littles. The director told the teachers that if they don't shape up then she will have to take the kiddos out of their class. I don't want that so I hope that everyone can find some balance. See, I told yall, our kids are irresistible!
It seems like every year I take up some type of fix the wrong. This year it's seems to be ECI and the school district. ECI is Early Childhood Intervention and basically kids that are preemie or have needs are referred to the program. Our kids have been in it since they were home from the hospital. Anyway, the program had a ton of layoffs about a year ago and the program has never been the same since. We use to receive Nutrition services but they've done away with that however, since Brody has vision teachers but is under the age of 3, it has to go through ECI. Anyway, for the past year we've had a horrible case worker. She literally had contact with us 4 times in a year and they are suppose to have contact every month at least. Mix that with we had one of Brody's vision teachers never show up so we had to cancel her. Anyway, I called the ECI office to let someone know what was going on and ended up in a very heated conversation with a "manager" which resulted in me calling the State of Texas and filling a complaint. To my surprise, the state actually cares! I spoke to someone in Austin for about 45 minutes today and she was even able to pull up proof to back my claims... love when that happens! Anyway, ends up that Brody's old vision teacher that would never show up was billing the state for the visits she was never coming to. Which is wrong and stealing! I hate people like that. That my friends is what is wrong with healthcare and why the cost are so high. You've got people trying to and successfully committing insurance fraud! So now it's my little mission to make sure our insurance companies were not billed for services that were not received and for those parties to be reimbursed. Some could ask why I would bother since it doesn't come out of my pocket but  I do care because wrong is wrong no matter what!
 Anyway, that is our midweek happenings! Oh... wait... hold the phone... We have a new solid fixture in our lives, Mrs. Lupe, our neighbor. Anyway, the kids have to see her every single day. They start pointing to her house which is across the street and make it known they are wanting to see her. Anyway, her and Mr. Ronnie are so great to the kids and just good people. Well, Mrs. Lupe came over tonight for her visit and out of the blue she said she would like to watch the kids one night so Ricky and I could go out to eat and to a movie or something. Isn't that so nice? We never have a sitter! Anyway, I think we are going to go out to eat Saturday night. Exciting!!
Watch Duck Dynasty on A&E and thank me later. It's hysterical and my all time favorite show... you'll understand the title after you watch it... just some good ol' boys. LOL 

KP

If you are still in the process of raising children, be aware that the piles and piles of laundry will disappear all too soon and that you will, to your surprise, miss them profoundly. -Thomas S. Monson

I LOVE Mondays and Thursdays!

We had a great weekend here at the Patton home. We didn't do anything "fun" but Ricky was off the entire weekend and I did some major purging of junk around the house.
We go back and forth about rather we will stay in this house, build, buy new, etc. The problem we are facing is that the kids are getting older by the second and coming more rooted where we live. I do not want to move them schools when they start school and that might be next August. Anyway, right now and for the past little while, we are on a stay here kick. The other problem with that is our little house is just that, little. Our attic has pretty much been a nightmare since we moved in and moved a bunch of junk up there. Ricky gripes at me every holiday because it's unorganized at it's finest. And he won't bring it all down because he hates dealing with it so I forget what I have which equals not happy. After organizing and cleaning the pantry, behind the fridge, and the return air thingy, I don't know how I ended up in the attic but I did. I got one side organized and was happy to see the kids will have clothes until 4T size. Next step was the attic above our garage. That is the scary one aka really unorganized. I got all of the stuff down. It's crazy how much stuff our attic actually holds. I've even got a huge trunk up there! The only thing that went back up there so far is four totes. Now if Ricky complains about getting those down in a couple weeks then it's him and not the attic. Speaking of attics, those things are freaky. For one I always think I'm going to see something living up there in all that fluffy insulation. I know if I ever did I would probably kill myself getting out of there so I hope we never do have any house guest. The other is moving stuff up an down that ladder and the feeling  you are going to fall with every heavy box or tote. Fun times!
I started posting a ton of stuff on a yard sale website and while I was doing that, Madi kept bringing me her Abby and Elmo to take pictures of them. When I did, she would giggle and smile so big. I kind of wish I had one more gift to buy them because I would have totally bought one of those digital cameras for little ones.
Last night I was going over our menu for Thanksgiving with Ricky and making my list of things I still needed to buy when... I couldn't find my recipe book. Actually I couldn't find both of them. They are no where to be found. Ricky searched high and low and was beyond mad. There is one dish that is a must have on his Thanksgiving menu and it's some stuffing his great grandmother use to make. He reminded me about 10 times that I was the only one that had the recipe besides the great grandmother. We didn't find my recipe books but I did have some recipes on my old computer. Ricky dug that out of the garage and luckily it was there. Thanksgiving can go on!
Quick update on the kiddos... they are counting to TEN now!! I can't believe it. Madi will point to everyone, say their names, point to herself and say "Mani". It's the cutest thing ever. Gracie is talking up a storm these days. We are so proud of her. Every morning Ricky whistles and tells the girls how pretty they are. This morning Gracie saw Madi after she was dressed and told her she looked pretty. Melts my heart. Brody says things like "let's go" and "I want to go". His vision is amazing and what is even more amazing is his vision without his glasses... I am very interested to see what he can tell us he sees when he is older. Madi will get a rag I use to wash the off with after dinner and go around cleaning the house... Awesome for mommy! Gracie's leg is looking so good and she will go to have her brace fitted this week. Both girls want special lotion that smells really good after each bath. Gracie and I went on a little date last night for frozen yogurt. She is so reserved.
We have a pretty busy appointment this week with specialist. Gracie is getting her measurements done for her brace, has an appointment with the Pulmonologist, Brody has an appointment with the Allergist, and they all have their PT evaluations today. Thursday is their Thanksgiving day party at school.
We are winding down  the end of the year. Ricky said last night before we know it, they'll be three. That is no joke. They might still be small but they are so smart and are coming along in ways we would have never imagined possible when we were given grim news almost daily. People still ask me how early they were and when I tell them, some almost tear up but I don't have those emotions anymore. Their early beginning was just that, the beginning. Where they are now is a miracle. They hold their own in their class and honestly, how many two year old kids do you know can count to 10, know their abc, and nursery songs? My friends with "normal" two and even three year old kids don't. Their lives have such a big purpose and I'm excited to watch.

Krista

To my children who like to argue with me: Where do you think you got your attitude and stubbornness from? GIVE UP! I have decades more experience than you! :)

Don't hate me but.... we are totally done Christmas shopping for the kids including helping Santa with his gifts to the trio!!! Oh, and it's all wrapped up and ready to put under the tree we don't have yet :) And I've purchased Ricky's anniversary gifts. Have a mentioned how I do not like to shop with a million crazy shoppers during the holidays? Yall can all have that madness...
Last night the kids and I ran out for the second shopping trip in one day for their school Christmas pictures. I knew it was going to be a nightmare but had no idea it could really be as bad as it was. It started with going to The Children's Place which is a small store that has no buggies and too small for any type of stroller. I was trying to carry Gracie, keep up with Brody, and not sound like a crazy mother yelling for Madi to "stop it" and "get back here NOW". I left there in a full blown sweat but they didn't have any shoes for Brody so I had to go to Target. And this is when things went from bad to  horrible. Madi decided to act like one of "those kids" and scream on the top of her lungs from the parking lot throughout the store. OMG! No look, stern talk, or bribe was stoping her. To top it off, they had not one single pair of shoes in Brody's size. When I finally got all three kids in the car I flipped my lid. Yep, sure did. I was finally able to get louder than Madi and my goodness at how fast she shut that tantrum up. And I think or at least I hope that this has stopped these "trying twos" we've been dealing with. She has been so good today and when she starts with that bratty crap, we tell her to stop and she does!! Bingo!
The kids looked beyond adorable this morning. We let Gracie take her pictures without her brace. The school was nice enough to let us go before everyone else so Ricky and I could stay and put her brace on after the pictures. Of course as soon as it was her turn she decided to start crying and wouldn't smile a single time. Another reason we have no professional pictures since they were 1. It's ANNOYING! The teachers said Brody and Madi did great. I can only imagine what they are going to look like.... Guess we'll see.
The time change has really messed up the kids schedule. By 5:30 they are yawning and ready for bed but I make them stay up until 6:30. Hey, I'm not really complaining :)

KP

If nothing else, I hope you know that I love you with every ounce of my being. I hope you realize your importance not only to me but to everyone who has been lucky enough to know you. I hope you know that when your feeling down, I only ever strive for your happiness. I hope you remember that no matter what, I'm here for you and I fully intend on staying in your life forever. I hope you recognize the fact that I appreciate and adore you without restraints, and that this will never change.

Love is a condition in which the happiness of another person is essential to your own.

Where to begin???? 

The kids have been sick. I've finally talked with the director of their preschool because parents are knowingly dropping their sick kids off at school getting my Littles sick. The kids laid around all day Saturday. Madi woke up about midnight screaming and when I got her, she was working really hard to breathe so off to the ER we went. They couldn't figure out why she was having to work so hard to breathe, only that she was. They checked her oxygen levels and it was only about 87% which is very scary. She had an XRAY done to make sure she didn't have pneumonia and screened to make sure she didn't have RSV. That was negative and the XRAY showed she had bronchitis. I had not been able to get her fever down and when we arrived it was nearly 103 degrees. The doctor gave her some medications and after 3 hours, he heart rate came back down to normal and her oxygen levels got back into the low 90's so we were released. 

Sunday Gracie came down with a fever... never ending, right? So this morning we loaded up all the kids and off to the Pedi we went. Gracie's oxygen levels were 84-85% which is very, very scary so he order an XRAY but the problem was we had to also be in Sugarland for Gracie's Orthopedic appointment. We left there, went to Sugarland, did XRAYS of her leg and lungs, met with Orthopedic, and went back to Pedi for him to follow up on film and see what the plan was. Her oxygen levels had went up to 90% and he gave her a shot with strict instructions if she runs a high fever tonight, don't even call him, go to the ER. Told you, never ending.

The Orthopedic appointment went well and the film shows her leg is healing wonderfully and new bone is already growing around the plate and screws. She now has to be fitted for a new leg brace that she will wear for several months. She also has to start therapy to get her walking unassisted and to work on range of motion. I can't wait to report the day she is running around and I know it won't be too long. 

Brody is good and has overcome the cold he had last week. He is such a sweet boy. 

All I can say is thank goodness for flu shots and I hope the kids can build up their immune systems so they aren't sick all winter. 

On a great note, we are totally done with our Christmas shopping for the kids and have only one more gift to pick up for Santa. I'm looking forward to the last weeks of the year with my Loves. We've got some really fun things planned. 

And my last thought for you all, PLEASE go VOTE tomorrow! Here is another reason I'm for Obama, from January 1, 2012- January 5, 2012 our health insurance company, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas has paid $149,566.05 in my family's medical expenses. Medical insurance is important and people should have to have it. Could you imagine if we didn't? We would be bankrupt and homeless because the kids need everything medically that they've received. 

Gracie Ann is WALKING unassisted!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm one very happy and very proud momma :)

Krista 

"Well that's what we do, we fight... You tell me I am being an arrogant son of a bitch and I tell you when you are a pain in the ass. Which you are, 99% of the time. I'm not afraid to hurt your feelings. You have like a two second rebound rate, then you're back doing the next pain in the ass thing. So it's not gonna be easy. It's going to be really hard. We're gonna have to work at this every day, but I want to do that for you because I want you. I want all of you, forever, you and me, everyday." - The Notebook

This time 7 years ago I was in full wedding mode. I cannot believe that we are coming up on seven years in a few short weeks. He is my favorite person to drive crazy, to push every button, and then push him over the edge. It's never a dull moment but most of the time it's always fun.

Our poor Littles are sick. They slept until 11am and have already been napping for an hour. To the doctor tomorrow.
Monday, Gracie has her follow up with the Orthopedic.

I'll update soon.

KP

Go VOTE!

Trick or Treat 2012- Meet Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouses

first trick or treat house to Mrs. Lupe and Mr. Ronnie's house!

Ricky and I went as ourselves... an oil field guy and a witch :)