Being a mom has taken me on some pretty strange journeys. Being the mom of triplets has helped me take others on my journey. In this cold and miserable time of year I have to smile as I remember what I was doing seven years ago. I keep telling the kids stories about what their dad and I were doing while we waited for the babies to make their entrance. The kids giggle a little and ask what we did before they were born. I can’t remember.
Before kids. Was there a life before kids? I really wonder what we did with all our free time. Now, free time is so rare that if I am not doing something, I feel like I am forgetting something because there is always ‘something’ to do. Before kids I did not have to think about what would make them happy for dinner. I made what I wanted. Harlan got a vote. We would cook together and have fun.
After kids. My life is my kids. My life is my family. Now I am so busy that some days I look around and realize I am still in my pajamas. When was my last shower? I make dinner that the majority of the people will eat and complaints will be at a minimum. Hopefully these meals are also nutritious.
I remember that the end of December was a scary time for my pregnancy. I had pre-term labor off and on starting the week after Thanksgiving. My due date was actually March 15, but I had the feeling that the babies were going to make an early appearance. I just didn’t know how early. I prayed for healthy children.
New Year’s Eve going in to 2008 was one of great anticipation. I felt that if I made it to this night and got myself and the kids into 2008 things would be better. I stayed in my recliner and watched a Jon and Kate Plus 8 marathon, and Harlan brought me everything I could ever want. I watched the clock knowing that the closer I got to 2008 and the closer I made it to 40 weeks, the better off we would all be in the future.
I made it to 31 weeks.
The babies were already named while I waited. I loved them already. I loved them for always. I show Olivia, Benjamin and Rebecca pictures from when I was pregnant. I show them pictures from their time in the NICU at St. Peter’s Hospital. Harlan shows them how very small they were and how his wedding ring could make it to their shoulders or hips. Such tiny creatures!
I spend the triplet’s seventh birthday reminiscing about the day they were born. There are some moments that still take my breath away, like when I heard the last baby cry out this tiny sound like a kitten when she arrived. And looking at the kids while they were connected to tubes and wires and prayed that the beginning of their lives would be the hardest part and the rest of their days would be easy.
I love to think of the happy memories we have made in 2014. Our family got to see some relatives from Colorado. We saw the children dance in their first recital. We celebrated the birth of a new cousin. Olivia, Benjamin and Rebecca also have wonderful memories of spending time with their Bubbie in synagogue and at the water park.
Jan. 11, 2015, will be a very happy day for the Steuer family as our babies turn seven years old. I will remember how it felt when Rebecca would roll over while inside my body. I will remember how Benjamin has always been laid back. I will remember how Olivia was the first child to be born. We have been so blessed.
Jennifer Steuer is an Albany mom, whose busy household includes her husband, Harlan, and 7-year-old triplets Olivia, Benjamin and Rebecca.
