One of the books that I read, had a statement in it that really stuck with me. It said, "Don't let triplets become your excuse for not leaving the house. Take the babies out with you, it is good for them and you to get out and experience the world. Besides, if you can take triplets out by yourself, then there is nothing that you can't handle."
I made this a goal of mine from very early on. The book was written by people who only had triplets so I figured that if she could take her triplets out then I could certainly manage to take out all 4 of my kids.
So around 3 months of age, I did it. I accomplished this goal. I think our first trip was to the mall. When the babies were about 6 months, I was able to take them to the grocery store all by myself. I only used the help of Bumbo. The bumbo seat is one of those things that I can not live with out. It goes with us everywhere.
So with all that said, I bet that some of you are wondering how I do this? Instead of telling you I am going to show you.
Here we are all in the van and ready to go.
Everyone strapped in and ready to go into the store. Hayden rides on the back or walks. Today he chose to ride. See the awesome bumbo seats.
Alright, we are done. It was a short list (I can't only do small lists for obvious reasons. If it it a long list, I go at night after the kids are in bed.)
Yes, we are in the toy isle. I had a little deal going with Hayden. If he listened and obeyed, then he could pick a toy (no, I am not above bribing my kids). He was good as gold. So he got a new toy, which he played with for 5 minute and then screamed at me, "I don't like this! I have nothing to do!"
Sometimes I don't know why I bother. Needless to say, he was quickly put to bed after that statement.
So there you have it. That is how we go to the store. We usually draw quite the attention, especially if one or all the babies decides that they are unhappy. But this trip was good. And I only had to hear the statement, "Oh my, you sure have your hands full" once. Now that is a good trip.
87 comments:
I admire your courage! I'm sure you get tired of all the comments from people you see, but don't you think that's better than being ignored? When my first was born, I went to the grocery with him in a Snugli on my chest. No one said ONE WORD about my adorable baby, not even the cashier at the checkout. And I was highly offended. So take it in stride (unless it's a negative comment, then just pull the Madagascar move, "If you have poo, fling it now!").
What I wanna know: did anyone comment about you taking photos in the grocery? 'Cause I so want to do that, just to make a scrapbook page about what we buy, and the cost of things, and where we shop. I just don't want to look like a total scrapbooking nut, which I'll admit that I am, but still...
I admire your courage too!!! Mine are 1,5, & 8 and I still haven't attempted the store with them all together!
Heather~
No one seemed to mind the picture taking. You go and snap away. No one will think that you are any nutter than me. :)
I see where you are coming from with the attention things and I agree with you that when I had Hayden, I wanted people to notice us.
But now things are a little different. Deep down, I don't mind the on lookers, its just that sometimes it happens at the worst times. And I wish that people would be a little more creative with their comments. Lets keep it interesting and keep me on my toes.
I bribe my Hayden tooo!
Hey there Jen! Thanks for stopping by...I love meeting new people! Having said that...Holy Sh@#! 4 babes under 3????????????????????? You are my hero, and when I'm having a hard day as a mom I will think of you and channel strength. I'll be back!
Thanks for the idea of using the Bumbo seat in the cart. I'll soon be watching a VERY active little one that is just 2 months older than my dtr, and was trying to figure out how to do it. Love that you documented the daily stuff, b/c that is what people are curious about. Hope you've recovered from mega-wedgie!
I think it's fantastic that you take them out with you... though I'm sure it takes some coordinating and patience!
I've never heard of a Bumbo - that looks really cool - and utterly priceless!
Great photos too!
I love the photo montage!!! Strong work with the bumbos!!! God has certainly well equipped you to be a mommy of multiples! There is nothing you can't do!!! :-)
Isn't it so empowering when you get out like a normal person with the kids in tow and get something accomplished...LOVE it! And I'm all for the bribery:)
Cool idea with the Bumbo's - didn't even think about that!
Great photos! Good for you - I think it's awesome you take the kids with you. It helps them learn about the world and it helps to build your confidence with taking them out!
Bumbos in the carriage... of course.
I bribe Graham ALL THE TIME. Just did it the other day to get through WalMart... whatever works.
I LOVE YOU!! This looks eerily similar to my trips to the store.
I had another twin mommy tell me that about leaving the house. That's why it makes me crazy when I'm out and people say, "I don't know how you do it!"
Well, I can't just stay home forever!!
Cool bumbo seats. I just like saying the name. Bumbo, bumbo, bumbo. hehe
I set a goal for myself also after my first was born, to see if I could survive the grocery store with an infant...because it was a little overwhelming, but I did it successfully...now it sounds silly next to your triplets story! lol
I still like saying the name. Bumbo, bumbo, bumbo. hehe
WOW...you are amazing! We have the Brady Bunch family and I HATED taking trips to the store, absolute nightmare! Not to mention EVERYONE staring at us!
You even take pictures while your children sit there like perfect little angels...what did I do wrong???
Ingenious with the bumbo seat. I think it's awesome that you get out and don't become a slave to the house.
A friend of mine had triplets a few months ago, I will have to send her this post.
I had two children that were late walkers because of disabilities so I put them in one cart and pushed it in front of me and pulled another cart behind me (you pull the front of the cart, not the back with the handle.)
WTG!! I wish they had the bumbo seat around with my boys were little!!
I love that picture of them in the trolley (with Bumbo). Brilliant. Now if they'd only make one for a 3-year-old that won't sit still in a trolley . . .
I'm speechless...I bow down to you!
Great job! I have a hard enough time getting out the door with a 3-year-old and 18-month-old, so you have my admiration!
You are my new hero! Enjoy your SITS day!
What an innovative why to take the children to the store! I am sure they enjoyed the ride and you were able get your chores accomplished! Great job and what a wonderful book to push you out the door.
Brave? Yes. A little crazy? Maybe. We have only taken all of ours out at once on 2 occasions. Both times were a nightmare! Ours are all different ages and therefore you can't stick them in a cart. I would love to have those cool "bumble seats" made to fit a couple of 11 year olds. Because trust me, they don't get any easier to keep in line! Cute kids!
My (only) child is 5, and I still put her in the seat in the cart when we go shopping. (It helps that she is on the skinny side so her behind and legs still fit comfortably in the seat.)
I'm going to suggest your Bumbo idea to my sister - she only has 2 kids but she can never put them side-by-side in the double seats because they fight and get all worked up. I bet if she put her youngest in their Bumbo in the cart, that would work a lot better for her!
Oh, and I once tried to take a picture in a local grocery store and was STOPPED by an employee. They then brought the manager out to explain to me that photography isn't allowed in their stores for "proprietary" reasons. I was more than a little "HUH?" because, I mean, it was a grocery store - what is so proprietary about the way they laid out their bananas? Humph!
Cheers!
God bless you woman. Bumbo seats are a true God-send!
More power to you not being cooped up in the house! Can't wait to hear how the first park trip goes!
*Congrats on your SITS day!
Oh, wow - those are the cutest little seats ever! What an amazing idea. :) Good for you getting up and out from the get-go. I decided early that I was not going to allow my having children interrupt my getting things done...if they were tired and/or cranky and I had one more thing to do, they'd just have to deal with it. They did and now, at 9 and 10, they're pretty good because they're so used to doing what needs to be done.
Good for you! Gotta love the bumbo.
I have three boys (5,3,1) and I am still trying to figure out how to go places. My youngest is in a wheelchair so I push a cart and pull him behind with the assistance of the not so great navigating skills of my toddler. The boys are well behaved, it is me with the problem. It takes so long to get in and out of the car. One of these days, I am going to be able to walk into a store alone, no one hanging on me, no diaper bag. Just me and a little purse.
If I had triplets, I think I would do too much on line shopping!
When you said you used the Bumbo, I couldn't for the life of me figure out why you'd bring it with you. NOW I get it. Brilliant!
And yay to you for figuring out how to get out (I don't know if I can quite say have a real life but I will!) with so many small ones. They're adorable btw!
Congrats on being the featured blogger! Can't think of anyone who deserves it more. Get ready for some mega-comment love and clean out your email in-box!
Yep, I commented on this the 1st go around. You. Are. Amazing. or maybe a little crazy. or both.
Congratulations. I can tell that this is no small feat.
I cannot imagine trying to coordinate 4 kids to get out of the house, but kudos on you figuring it out! You are brilliant! It is SO good for all of you to get out and about. :)
Brave woman. For taking four kids out and for being prepared for all the comments. From what I've heard parents of multiples don't quite appreciate the "hands full" comments :)
Where is that "bow down to the master, I'm not worthy" smilie when you need it? Because I'd insert about 10 of them right here.
I can't imagine being able to accomplish what you do.
That's a cool idea and your kids look so cute.
I've been reading you for a week or two...and glad that you're featured! Congrats, SITSta!
I don't have triplets but I have 4 kids, the oldest was 6 when the baby was born. It's tough I know but I was like you, I wasn't letting that make me stay at home all the time.
You go girl!!
It is so nice to be able to still go out and do things even with multiple children. No I don't have multiples but I run a homedaycare and I refuse to "stay home" with them only because I can't possibly take out 3 -2 yr olds or a 1,2,3 and 4 yr olds. I take them and go.
Congratulations on SITS feature. Love the site.
I used to work at a grocery store and a softball friend used to come in with her five children. Two were older, but she had twins and another just a year younger. I think the twins were 18 months and the youngest was 6 months.
She would use two carts, one for the three little ones and one for the food. The older two would help with the shopping.
She handled it well. They were well behaved most of the time.
I have 2 girls 3 years apart and the first time I took them to the store together I was nervous. So I can certainly understand how you would be a little timid about that. However, I agree, getting out would be nothing but a good thing for you. Your kids are really cuties! :D
Commenting again just to say Happy SITS day!!!
Good for you for bringing them out. I always did with my 4 girls, but I didn't have multiples. I think if it is something they are used to then when you have to take them somewhere there is not so much chaos.
What fun you're going to have when they all start walking! :)
You are my HERO! Oh my. I have one little daughter, who is 1 yr. OH my goodness. I better SUCK IT UP, the next time I go to the grocery store. You put us all to shame. You rock!
Wow, that's quite an undertaking. But there's really nothing to it but getting out there an doing it. Good for you, give the gawkers and eye-full. And I LOVE bumbos! Great use of them.
I give you major credit for getting out of the house with 4 little kids! I think that book was right... if you can handle that, you can handle anything. Your kids are all adorable btw. I love the pic in your banner.
I give you major credit for getting out of the house with 4 little kids! I think that book was right... if you can handle that, you can handle anything. Your kids are all adorable btw. I love the pic in your banner.
I give you major credit for getting out of the house with 4 little kids! I think that book was right... if you can handle that, you can handle anything. Your kids are all adorable btw. I love the pic in your banner.
Such cute pictures. I get those, "gee you have your hands full" comments all the time. Along with the jaw hitting the floor when I tell people, "Oh, there are two older ones at home" Aren't people aware that we, of ALL people, know our hands are full!?!? Instead of the obvious comments, I think they should just tell us how beautiful our children are!
Oh, and you'll love this one....I was in the grocery store yesterday and the cutest little old lady was falling in love with my little guy. When she heard that there were indeed 5 boys total, she told me that she understood, she had 4 kids AND she offered to come clean my house! Gotta love that!
I like the fact that even with "your hands full" you are snapping photos left and right! Gotta love a great sense of humor! I probably would have been in the fetal position in the shoe aisle or something. You go girl!
Not only are you buried with kids...your kids are buried with groceries! Now I'm feeling guilty for the times we've stayed at home because it seems like too much work to load up my ONE child. :)
Goodness. You are my new hero!
I.am.so.impressed. YOU should write a book. :)
Happy SITS day!
Wow, I'm impressed! That is quite the feat you accomplished! Way to go! I don't think I'd ever have the stones to do it!
Now all you need to learn to do is drag a second basket behind you with all the food in it :)! I am SERIOUSLY impressed! After my 4th was born, I ony went to the grocery store after bedtime! But your book was right--kids need to be out in the real world....even triplets :)!
Mine aren't triplets, are 9,7 and almost 5 and I really hate taking them to the store! Think this will work for me?! LOL! Great idea for moms of multiples!!
Good for you! You are obviously a woman who knows how to get things done...
OH my goodness...what cute kids (with an amazing mom!)
You are amazing...actually all you mommies out there with more than one kid are amazing. I just have Z and sometimes I really have to weigh the pros and cons of taking him out....is what I'm going to go get really worth it???
I love the 3rd picture where the baby in the front of the cart is looking back at the other 2 as if to say, "Hey, how you guys doin' back there." that or, "What the heck are you guys doin' back there and am I missing anything exciting?"
Awesome job Mom!
:-)
awesome Bumbos!!!!! I am referring my friend - new mama of multiples - to come over and read this. Good for you for getting out there!
That's AWESOME that you do that. I agree that it is important for all of you!
I for SURE would give you a big smile if I passed you in the grocery store.
Nicely done! I took my 7 and 8 year old today, and it made me ready for school to start. And they weren't even fighting! So hats off to you!
Ya do what ya gotta do, I always say!
Wow. Brave soul! Way to go.
Wow. Brave soul! Way to go.
Moms of multiples never cease to amaze me. I'm the one in the store grinning at you, but not commenting because I know you don't want to hear for the zillionth time about "how full those hands must be". ;-)
You are my new hero! That is amazing-- I really can't imagine!!! Congrats on your SITS day! :)
WOW!! I admire your courage. I would love to have twins but already have two boys but different ages. LOL Seeing those, hhmm... not so sure now, but you sure are an inspiration.
Jessica
MomDot Street Team
Wow, never again will I complain about shopping with two! :-)
The seats look like a great idea! Also, I need to remember not to say "you have your hands full" to moms of multiples--I'm sure you get tired of hearing that.
Wow - to think I have trouble getting out with one baby at a time! I have 6 kids, but we didn't do multiples; so my life has been easy compared to yours.
How awesome! When my guy was first born, I was scared to take just him out. But we learned early on with short trips & our week-long vacation when he was a month old. Quite the experience, but if nothing else, it's taught me to be patient & not plan down to the last second. Enjoy your SITS day!
Oh, snap! I got tired just lookin' at the pictures!
That is an ingenius use for the Bumbo! That was a great goal to set for yourself and congratulations for achieving it so quickly!!
We have the same car seat!
That is an ingenius use for the Bumbo! That was a great goal to set for yourself and congratulations for achieving it so quickly!!
We have the same car seat!
Man oh man. I get the "you have your hands full" nearly every time I go out with my two boys, ages five and three. It was worse when they were younger, but still. I can't imagine going out with three babies! You rock! :)
Okay, I will think twice before whining about taking my ONE kid to the store with me next time!
VERY impressive. Your kids are adorable and sweet. They look like model children in that cart (were they drugged? JK)
Good for you!! I take my three (not triplets but still) everywhere I go. I figure they won't learn how to behave unless we do and I get cabin fever if we don't! It's a lot of work but I think that Bumbo idea of yours is a smart one!
You are my hero!!! I have a hard enough time with the 2 I have just because they ask for so much. I can't imagine how you do it.
Happy SITS day !!!!!!
That's very impressive! And the advice sounds very very wise. I can see how triplets could be an excuse to just stay home. It sounds like very wise advice to get a jump on it from the get-go.
Ha ha. I remember reading this post not so long ago. Any little thing to make life a bit easier is invaluable!!
Congrats on being featured!!!!
You go girl. Those are some super cute kids. The need to offer bigger baskets for moms with multis!
I love the bumbo seat to but I quit using it when my boys could sit up.
You have a really good idea there I might have to dig mine out again.
I've always felt I needed to get out with the boys so they've been going out with me since they were about 2 months or so.
I get looks & comments to I'm sure not like you, I only have twins bit it's still hard sometimes.
I don't mind when people stop & ask me questions about them I think it's kinda fun.
But my boys look nothing alike so I think that really throws people.
I LOVE having twins though & I wouldn't trade the experience for anything in the world.
It looks like you filled your cart with the cutest produce possible! Congrats on your SITS feature!
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