Triplets, gurgling and playing with their feet in a triple-decker stroller, attract attention. When my trio were just babies a grocery store trip turned into a full family outing.
Shopping with Triplets
Pushing a triplet stroller, and a shopping cart with a two-year-old perched on the seat, was impossible for one. Dad usually steered the groceries and big brother, while Mom maneuvered the monstrous stroller.
Multiple babies are fascinating to people, who love to stop and ask questions. Twins are often seen in public places, but triplets are spotted far less frequently. Truth be told, I only realized I had never before seen triplets in a stroller, until after the birth of my own little brood.
Kentucky is a very friendly place. I think that is why I like living here so much. Kentuckians' chatty ways remind me of Ireland. As you can imagine, my three-tiered baby conveyance immediately caught the eye of moms and grandmas the moment we entered a store.
Attention from Other Shoppers
Strangers were full of questions, eager to learn about the trials and tribulations of raising triplets. One look at my tousled hair, and make-up-less face, told the story of my tribulations. In my lively chats with fellow moms, I shared the joy of raising multiples and their older brother.
One or two moms chatting over my little ones, inevitably attracted even more friendly moms. Before long we formed a little group of six or seven discussing our shared experiences, and the differences between raising single babies and multiples.
As you can imagine my husband and older son tried to stay away from the crowd. They browsed patiently waiting to proceed with the shopping. Before long a two year old's patience wears thin, especially when he feels a little left out.
On one occasion my older son waited in his shopping cart a little to the side.
He listened!
He yawned!
He groaned!
He whispered to his Dad!
Before long, he had enough. He took a deep breath. In his loudest possible voice he called out:
"Ladies! Ladies! They're only babies!"
Everyone broke out laughing and turned their attention to my little trooper.
The more I thought about my older son's declaration, his cry for some share of the endless attention, I came to the conclusion he was absolutely correct. What was all the fuss about anyway. They may be three babies who shared an extraordinary baby carriage, but truly, they were only babies, who happened to be born to the same parents on the same day.
Nothing too amazing! Just two brothers and a sister he loves with all his heart!
Slán agus beannacht,
(Goodbye and blessings)
Mairéad -Irish American Mom
Pronunciation - slawn ah-gus ban-ock-th
Mairéad - rhymes with parade
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Alexandra
So happy to meet you.
One of my closest friends, a few years ago, was Irish.
Only here about 4 years.
But she moved away, and she never responded back to emails.
So, I have missed her.
But I have you now!!
Thanks for popping over, so I could meet you!!
Irish American Mom
So sorry to hear you lost touch with your Irish friend. Stop by whenever you get a chance - I have plenty of Irish stories, laughs and sayings to share. I hope to explore Irish-American cultural fusion over the coming months and so look forward to insights from readers. Thanks so much for visiting.
cath c
wow! you have my empathy re: the triplets. it took me to have a third until 10 years after #2, becasue he was like having 3 rolled into one.
looks like you all are handling it well and with humor!
Irish American Mom
Triplet mothering gets so much easier after the first two years. I don't know if it is because it is actually easier or you just view everything relative to those first grueling six months.
Irish American Mom
One of my triplets is a handful, with a very determined personality. Yet, no matter how hard it was at first, it just gets easier as the months and years go by. Kids bring endless joy to our lives. We are so blessed.
Nezzy (Cow Patty Surprise)
Oh girl, this is one gal who takes her hat off to ya!!! You do have your hands full but that big brother just takes the cake. Heeehehehee, I'm rollin' here!!!
Sweetie, I just wanted to thank you for poppin' with your sweet comment. Please drop in often. The door of the Ponderosa is always open.
God bless and have a marvelous day!!! :o)
Irish American Mom
Thanks for stopping by and taking the time to leave a comment. I will check out the Ponderosa whenever I get a chance.
Cheryl Barker
Was so nice hearing from you my blog today -- thanks!
Loved your son's pronouncement 🙂 I can just see that moment 🙂 We have friends at church who have triplets, and I had the joy of having them as 1 and 2 year olds in Sunday School. So much fun!
Irish American Mom
Triplets can be a handful, but mostly they are great fun. I am sure your Sunday School triplets added a whole new dimension to your class. Glad you enjoyed teaching them.
The Barefoot Indian
I can't even imagine how hard it would be to grocery shop with triplets!! But I can see why you drew a crowd with them... they look SO adorable in that stroller!
~Piper
Irish American Mom
When they got older I loved the shopping carts at our local Kroger. They have a car in front and two seats in the cart. Four kids could be strapped in and pushed around the store. Unfortunately, my kiddos have eached an age where they object to being strapped in. Grocery shopping can be quite an adventure. Thanks for popping by.
Anyes - Far Away in the Sunshine
Having grown up in a family of 5 children within 5 1/2 years apart...I got to experience the joy of having so many playmates under one roof. I still am puzzled by how my parents did it at all. Reading you now give me an inspiring insight. You are brave 🙂
Irish American Mom
I watch my triplets play together and realize how lucky they are to have each other as playmates, just like you had your siblings. Thanks for visiting Irish American Mom and taking the time to leave a comment.
Kay G.
What a lovely blog you have! What an amazing woman you must be, to have one child and then, to have triplets. "Ladies, they're just babies", that is so funny!
Thank you for commenting on my blog!
My husband is from England, so we are always visiting his family when we are there, but I have always wanted to visit Ireland. My Grandmother was a Fitzgerald, what do you think, must have a bit of Irish in me ,eh? 🙂
Cheers! Kay
Irish American Mom
Hope you make it across to Ireland next time you visit family in England. You should have a great time tracing your Fitzgerald roots. Irish people love to help out in whatever way they can, when visitors are searching for their Irish connection.
Kelly
Hi! What type of stroller is that?
Irish American Mom
It was called a triple decker stroller, but I don't think they are made anymore.
All the best,
Mairead