If It Takes A Village...

to raise a child. What does it take to raise triplets?Sam and I are truly blessed to have BOTH of our families living near by us. We could NOT do it with out them. Before the triplets arrived, we had heard horror stories of families that slept for only four or five hours in forty-five minute increments. YIKES! In our case...we get more sleep than that...ONLY because of our families. I actually don't count my sleep hours...I don't want to know.Before Mimi-Lin, Sam's mom, started back to work...she would take 24 hours and then my mom, Mama H, would cover the next 24 hours. (So we had constant help!) Mimi-Lin did have to start back to work a few weeks ago...so now my mom stays over Sunday-Thursday nights. We allow Sam to sleep through the 3:00am feedings so he can go to work the next morning. (We don't need him to be fired for sleeping on the job...he has to fund this whole operation.) Then we have close friends come and help during the day. Mimi-Lin and G-Daddy, my dad, help with the 4pm feeding. (We eat at 7am, 10am, 1pm, 4pm, 7pm, 11pm, 3am...then start all over.) Pops, Sam's dad, is always a helping hand with the babies...and also mows our grass every week. Pops and Mimi-Lin volunteer to take the babies one night a week. They stay at our house, so Sam and I can sleep the entire night...I look forward to my one night of sleep!Uncle Chad, my brother, has been home for a month between living in Japan and moving to Australia. He leaves on Wednesday...and we will REALLY miss him. When he came by the first time...he was afraid to hold them. Now he is a really pro! He will help with just about anything. Uncle Cole, Sam's brother, and Aunt Tiffany, Cole's wife, come over often to help with bath time. They also help us feed them. Uncle Cole is starting his first season as a football coach, so we hope that Aunt Tiffany will have a little extra time, while Cole is working, to hang out with us. Uncle Heath, my brother, comes over to stay with Sam on Wednesday nights so I can go to church. He will help with feedings and other stuff too. Uncle Ty, Sam's brother, and Aunt Janelle, Ty's wife, live in East Texas, so we don't get to see them as often. They are also a big help with they are in town.Sam and I are VERY thankful for a big family that live close. (Well except for Chad who is moving to Australia.)Here is the family...Mama H & LillyG-Daddy & LillyMimi-Lin & BeauPops & MarleeUncle Cole & BeauAunt Tiffany & LillyAunt Janelle & Lilly with Uncle Ty & BeauUncle Chad & BeauUncle Heath & LillyThe babies great-grandparents (seven in total) have been in town the last couple of weeks to meet them for the first time. I'll post pictures soon.