Today’s featured item is something I love because it makes meal time a little less messy, and a little easier to clean up…. which I can appreciate with 3 little ones learning to feed themselves!!!  I learned about this product from my mom who saw it on The Meredith Vieira Show.  She called me and asked if I had heard of The Less Mess Happy Mat by Ez Pz Fun and also let me know that the mother and inventor is from Colorado!  I love supporting mompreneurs whenever I can and especially locals ones when I have the opportunity…. plus this sounded like a product I could really use and benefit from since we were just getting ready to start solids and a bit of baby led weaning in letting the babies feed themselves.  As good as I had heard BLW can be, I was a bit terrified of the clean up aspect of it.  I was imagining food on the floors, walls, and ceilings as well in hair and all over their clothes.  So… I got my hands on 3 Less Mess Happy Mats in Coral.  They’re really meant for flat table tops since they suction to a flat surface but I’ve found that they work pretty well on our high chair trays too.  They’re 100% silicone, dishwasher safe, BPA free, phthalate free, hypo-allergenic, and do not harbor bacteria.  GENIUS RIGHT?!!  You can find the Happy Mats at www.ezpzfun.com, on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, and YouTube. 

Handmade bibs from Honymfin

I consider, Cara, the owner and creator of today’s featured shop a genius!!!  No, really.  She is BRILLIANT when it comes to accessories for little girls.  So, what exactly has she come up with…. interchangeable accessories that work on a snap system!  Not only that, but a super cute and practical way of organizing hair accessories.  As a mama to 3 little girls, let me just say that our hair accessories collection is growing FAST and I’m constantly reorganizing and trying to find the best way to go about it.  Up until now, all of our barrettes and clips and skinny elastic headbands were thrown in a basket and each time I needed something, I would dig through trying to find all 3 in the color I needed.  Not any more!!  In addition to seriously adorable bows and flowers and vintage button snap accessories, Lulu & ChaCha makes custom bow organizers.  They are hoops with the sweetest of fabrics stretched across them and lace and ribbon hanging from them.  It makes it so easy to organize all of your hair accessories and in a cute way that can be part of your girls’ room decor!  Here’s a peek at mine.  Cara made me 3 small 5 inch hoops and they’re perfect!!!  You can find LuLu & ChaCha on Etsy, Instagram, and Facebook.  Be sure to follow her so you can find out about sales and coupon codes.  If you order now, you can still get some goodies in time for Christmas  

P.S. the bows and buttons snapped on the ribbon of the middle hoop are made by LuLu & ChaCha. 

And here’s an iphone photo of my girls in their LuLu & ChaCha snap bows:

In light of Thanksgiving this past week, I have to acknowledge how thankful I am for this “Mommy Hearts It Monday” blog series.  My friend Madison of Madison Vining Photography gave me the idea a short time after my girls had come home from the hospital.  They were about 4 months old.  I didn’t know if anyone would follow my posts or even care what I was doing but I started it anyway.  I can see now how much God had a hand in it.  It’s been such a blessing and has really turned into somewhat of a ministry.  I am so blessed by all of the wonderful shops and brands I’ve found and all of the wonderful mommies who have started following me and supporting the companies I feature.  I love that I can help support other mompreneurs who are such strong mommies and wives and business owners.  I love that I can help support other mommies who put Jesus at the center of their business and family.  Kayla of Fawn & Clover is one of those mommies I’m so glad I can help support.  Her shop is so cute and I love her little organic sweat suits on my girls!!  There’s just something about the cute little fawn on the tag on each piece too… 

Fawn & Clover can be found at www.fawnandclover.com, on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest.

Every Monday I feature a brand or product that I love as a Mommy to 3 beautiful little girls.  This week I’m featuring two business that have come together for an oh so wonderful collaboration of their offerings.  Petite Soul is a brand of modern vintage and awesome baby bonnets that were born from two stylish mama’s who wanted modern day bonnets for their little boy and girl (yes these are bonnets for both boys and girls!).  They hand-pick unique and high quality fabrics from NYC’s garment district and the end product is to die for cute!!!   Hazel Village was created by Jane Van Cleef and was inspired by the stories, toys and crafts of her childhood.  Hazel Village is made up of creatures great and small who do industrious projects together and make each other presents.  Each animal is hand made from organic cotton, ready to become a lifelong friend.  Because the animals’ features are hand stitched, they are soft and safe for babies.  With all the  beautiful dress-up outfits to share, they’re fun for big kits too!  So…. these two companies have somehow come together and come up with matching bonnets for baby/child and HV animal and it’s oh so adorable… as you can see!!

Petite Soul can be found at www.petitesoul.com, on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest.  Hazel Village can be found at www.hazelvillage.com, Instagram, and Facebook.

I still remember the day we found out we were having triplets like it was yesterday.  What a journey we’ve been on since that day.  We moved 3 times, not even including in and out of the hospital for 4 months.  We spent 5 weeks in antepartum.  Alvin didn’t leave me alone a single night.  He would leave to work and train, and always came back to me in the hospital.  We started referring to the hospital as home and that was before we knew how long that building would really be our home.  I was admitted at 26 weeks and at 31 weeks 4 days, we met our little angels.  Our family spent 77 LONG days in the NICU (neonatal intensive care unit).  We were two hours from home (my in-law’s which is where we called home at the time) and were not comfortable leaving 3 tiny babies alone so one of us was there at all times.  We each tried to let the other get 4 hours of sleep a day and we did shifts to make that happen.  Alvin would stay up all night while I slept in a nearby empty hospital room (if one was available) or in a recliner in the NICU.  I would sleep a few hours between pumping, wake to pump, get my milk over to the girls, and then try to get another round of sleep if possible while Alvin did all of the night time feedings and care times.  In the morning he would drive up the street to The Ronald McDonald House and try to sleep for a few hours before work, training, and running all of our errands.  He did our laundry, picked up food, and whatever else I needed him to do.  We literally did not go home for 110 days total.  Those were the longest and hardest days of our lives.  Each day seemed to last an eternity as we anxiously waited to hear that the girls would be going home but that never happened.  Day after day, week after week, and hurdle after hurdle, it felt like we were were never going to see home again.  Then one weekend, God sent us the right doctor who agreed that the girls were not progressing and would do better at home…. even if it meant discharging them all with NG feeding tubes.  Nobody else was comfortable with that scenario so it took some convincing.  We learned how to place the feeding tubes in case a baby pulled theirs out at home.  We learned how to work the pumps and how to administer a feeding using the tubes and pumps.  We were instructed to never leave a baby unattended while tube feeding (even for the middle of the night feeds).  It was very important not to fall asleep either.  If they reached up and pulled their tube out while a feed was being pumped into the tube, the feeding could go into their lungs causing aspiration… and it could be deadly.  Within a month of being home, we got all 3 girls eating on their own enough to gain weight and remove the feeding tubes!!  What a relief that was!  

This year has been full of so many ups and downs but what a blessing these girls are.  Yes it’s hard work raising 3 babies the same age, at the same time, and not just 3 babies but 3 preemies who had sever feeding issues.  Yes, sometimes I wonder what it would be like to have just one baby to care for and cuddle and what it would have been like to have a normal pregnancy and take my baby home with me when discharged.  Sometimes I yearn to be able to take my babies out and show them off like normal first time parents do but we can’t because we have to be so careful about germs and them getting sick.  If they were to get a common cold it would likely land them back in the hospital on ventilators and could even be deadly.  

Through all of this, I remain so very thankful that things weren’t worse.  I have known multiple triplet families who lost one, two, or even all three of their angels along the way.  We have remained together as a family and have 3 beautiful healthy girls that are now one year old.  We have lived in hospitals, with my in-laws, and in two houses this year, but we’re back in our house and getting settled in.  I can start to imagine all of the wonderful memories we’ll make here.  I’m very thankful that I learned photography before having babies so I can capture and document all of the craziness.  This has not been an easy road but what road worth traveling is?  God has given us strength and wisdom through it all and has provided for us in ways we never could have imagined or asked for.  

It’s amazing that through it all we’ve had the internet and social media to be able share our story and our babies.  I get messages almost daily telling me what blessings the girls are to us and to others… how they make people smile every time I post a picture or how our story is encouraging someone else through their struggles.  Starting with my first pregnancy and miscarriage, I prayed that God could somehow use that to reach and bless others, and he has in mighty ways.  

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28

On November 11th the girls turned one.  We didn’t throw a big party.  We stayed in as a family and just appreciated where we are, how far we’ve come, and all of the things we have to look forward to.  

Happiness Lives Here: peach, gold, and mint bow headbands

Little Miss Tutu Shop: peach tutus

Glambanners: “We Are One” burlap and glitter letter high chair banners

‘lette macarons: pastel birthday macarons (they ship!)

Gracious May: Liberty of London victorian silk bow mary janes

Lola & Darla: white and gold “Birthday Babe” tees

Ruby Blue Inc: white lace messy bow head wraps

Little Princess Rosebud: black and white striped scallop skirts

As we reach the girls’ first birthdays this week, I can’t help but think of how far we’ve come.  This day last year was a Sunday and I remember it so very clearly.  I had been in the hospital for 5 weeks and we were hopeful I’d still make it a few more.  A sweet mother of identical triplet boys who spent time at the same hospital a year before was in town from Cheyenne Wyoming and her, her husband, and her sister stopped by to lend me some encouragement.  I was not feeling too bad considering the circumstances.  The doctor who was covering the weekend shifts stopped by.  He was very optimistic, said I looked great, and unless something drastic happened, I’d likely make it a couple more weeks.  The next day (Monday) was a different story, a different team of doctors, and they were not letting me keep my babies in any longer.  My blood pressure was too high and it was too risky.  At around 10:30am we were told my c-section would take place around 2pm.  It would have been earlier had I not just eaten breakfast.  It happened very fast and was such a blur but we had an incredible birth photographer (thanks to some amazing photog friends who all pitched in and surprised me) who was able to capture everything but the actual birth as she was not allowed in the Operating Room.  She also came back to the NICU when we were able to hold all three girls together 3 weeks later.  Here is the amazing story she told.  We went on to spend Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s in that NICU.  The girls were discharged almost a month after their due date and all three came home with NG feeding tubes.  They were eating about 0-10 mL on their own.  It’s very rare that they let parents take a baby home with a NG tube so to take 3 home that way was unheard of and most of the staff was very uncomfortable with it.  We’re so very thankful they allowed us to do that.  It was HARD but thanks be to God, we got them eating and managed to avoid more permanent G tubes.  

This holiday season means so much to us to be back in our house (after a year of living at the hospital and with my in-laws)…. and with 3 healthy babies.  This was Christmas 2013

I’m so excited to put up a Christmas tree,  sip hot cocoa by the fireplace, and fill our house with laughter while we snuggle 3 darling little girls.  In light of how Christmasy my house is becoming, I thought I’d share some of my favorite Christmas finds for 2014.  First are Christmas Day outfits from Sugarplum Lane Baby.  They have some of the cutest holiday pieces for little ladies including these red plaid flannel high waist bloomers and white Santa Baby shirts. 

So far the stockings are hung, wreath is up, and the fireplace is complete!  I found these darling customizable stockings on Etsy from TwentyEight12.  They have lots of sequined goodness for your home this holiday season from stockings, to table runners, throw pillows, and more!!!  These burlap, velvet, and sequin stockings are perfect for our first Christmas at home as a family of 5.  You can customize the stockings with hanging name tags, initials, snowflakes, buck heads…. I chose to go with gold initials for our family.  On Etsy I also found the perfect snowflake stocking hangers from RusticEye and a gorgeous fresh greens wreath from TheBlaithinBlairShop.  I have a beautiful faux boxwood wreath for the front door and monogrammed burlap tree skirt of the way from TheSeptemberTree too.  FYI If you love these stockings and have to have them, December 10th is the deadline to order.

Okay, let me just start by saying that I think this is my all time favorite picture I’ve taken of the girls since starting these blog posts.  I know, I know…. I’ve said that before, but this one really is!!!  It might help that I love this brand so much so my girls in Bloom Theory = hearts in my eyes and my heart.  I loved Bloom Theory and they’re beautifully designed and crafted camera straps since before I was ever even pregnant with my little girls so naturally, when I saw that they now make plush toy cameras with adorable scarf style straps, I had to have them for my babies!  Just look at those little pretend photographers!!  I see lots and lots of fun in our futures as they get older and want to be just like Mommy.  Follow Bloom Theory on Instagram and Facebook. Hats from The Baby Turban, skirts from Twindollicious, and our favorite Freshly Picked moccs. 

Here’s my scarf strap from Bloom Theory.  Meet Willow…. isn’t she gorgeous?!

Something I learned as a new mom is that before you have a baby (or babies in my case), you really don’t know what you need in a diaper bag.  When I was pregnant I added one to my registry based on how stylish it was and I thought it looked big enough online.  Well…. it really wasn’t big enough.  3 babies means three times the diapers, wipes, bottles, outfit changes, toys, burp rags, etc..  Oh and then there’s the stuff for me like an extra shirt/outfit in case I get spit up on, pooped on, peed on, etc..  My lip gloss, gum, Young Living Essential Oils, water bottle, snacks…. and anything else I throw in.  I came across @missmoneybags and this bag on Instagram and followed the link in their profile over to Etsy.   It was love at first sight really!  I loved the color, style, design, that it was handmade, the amount of pockets, the size…. I could go on and on.  This bag has 5 outer pockets, and 7 interior.  The top zips to close.   The waxed canvas is waterproof, easy to maintain, and has a beautiful patina that gets better with time and love. The brown leather straps and detachable shoulder strap are the perfect touches.  Not only does Sarah make these amazing bags but her husband makes beautiful furniture!!!  Their brand together is Kith & Kin (www.kithandkinshop.com).  Enjoy!

This little print from Lines of Grace is getting framed and hanging by the mirror in my master bathroom as a daily reminder that I’m doing my best for my kids everyday and that’s all they need.  Mommy guilt is a real thing and so much more intense than I ever imagined.

I feel guilty for not getting enough time with each baby each day.  I feel guilty for pumping all the time, but feel so guilty when I think about stopping.  I feel guilty for for keeping my babies isolated but couldn’t live with the guilt if one of them ended up back in the hospital or worse, dead.  I feel guilty for not cooking and cleaning enough.  I feel guilty for not bringing in more money to support our family.  I feel guilty hanging on to baby clothes the girls outgrown, but I feel guilty thinking about selling them.  I feel guilty not putting enough time into my business, but I feel guilty taking any more time away from the girls.  I feel guilty for decisions I made when they were in the NICU that probably ended up keeping them there longer and making it harder on all of us.  I feel guilty for not eating healthier.  I feel guilty about the way my body looks and feels because I feel like I should be doing something about it but I just don’t have the time or energy yet. I feel guilty for all the moving we’ve done in this first year of their lives.  I feel guilty for not being able to give my dog the attention he needs.  I feel guilty for not being able to help Alvin more with everything he has on his plate.  I feel guilty when one baby is crying and I can’t do anything because I’m dealing with one of her sisters.  Even worse is when 2 or all 3 are crying and I feel like I can’t do anything.  It just seems like no matter what I do, I feel guilty somehow and constantly feel like I’m failing everybody.  I hear people refer to me as “SuperMom” for taking care of three babies without outside help but I don’t feel like a super mom most days.  I’ll tell you want though, I could not do this without the amazing husband I have.  He’s a huge help and so very wonderful and sweet with the girls.  I hate to even ask him for help because he’s doing so much for our family but when I do ask, he doesn’t hesitate to jump right in.  Even when I don’t ask, he often jumps right in haha.  

Melissa Lyon West has such an amazing story for creating Lines of Grace to give her the strength and motivation she needs to fight every day as a  Christian and mother battling Lymes Disease.  Talk about a STRONG mama!!!  I just love her heart and what she’s doing with the little business of hers.  As if her motivation is not enough reason to start and run this business, she also donates a portion of the proceeds to a friend who adopted a baby with large adoption and medical expenses.  She sell different hand drawn prints, digital downloads, and she has a runs The Happy Mail Society where you can sign up for a monthly subscription of either a print in the mail or digital downloads.   Here’s a little bit about The Happy Mail Society from Melissa herself:

What an amazing gift to give yourself or someone special in your life (hint, hint, hubbies out there!).  Melissa has been so kind as to give us a free month to try it out too!  You can sign up here.  And did I mention Melissa and her family live in a remodeled RV and travel around…. how cool is that!!  You can get a tour of their RV home on her blog ;)

And just because I can’t leave you without some photos of my girls!  Polka dot head wraps from Guguberry.  “Nice Girls Sparkle” tees from Lola and Darla.  Gold headbands with Black & White stripe bows from Arrow and Lace Designs. Moccasins are Freshly Picked in Merci from their new fall line.

The votes are in and the Halloween costume theme that won for my girls is…. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles!!!  The winner of the TMNT or Minion costume from PDS113 is Britney! 

Britney I’ll be emailing you ;o) and by the way my vote was for Minions too!