If you have triplets, you know what I mean when I say ‘paparazzi’, and I’m not talking Lady Gaga! You know what it’s like to take them out in public, even for small errands such as grocery shopping. It takes THREE times as long to do anything, and not because the children are difficult (when that happens you might as well just abort the mission.). It’s the onlookers! Yes, even at 2 1/2 we are still in the ‘freak show’ category. I don’t typically mind the nice comments, but we do still get some zingers. It just amazes me at what comes out of peoples mouths sometimes. I do have to say that I’m a bit self-conscious so I’m not a big fan of being stared at. I laugh when I talk with other triplet moms, because it never fails…. one of the first things people do when they find out you’ve given birth to triplets is look you up and down, then back to front. Stop looking at my butt people!!! Just because you have had multiple children does not mean you still need to look pregnant and frumpy. Do not act surprised that I don’t weigh a gazillion pounds… I chase after 3 toddlers, 2 young boys, and 2 dogs everyday!!!
I have come to expect it every time we go out, so it’s really become a norm. I absolutely HATE to hear the phrase ‘you’ve got your hands full’, and I swear that I will NEVER say that to anyone, regardless of the circumstances. We enjoy seeing all the smiles that the boys bring to people, and that far outweighs the negative comments we get. Most people are nice and mean well. However, one time Matt was pushing the boys and someone shouted “where’s Kate??!” (before the big break up…). We also get a lot of ‘you poor thing’, and ‘better you than me’. I’ve even had the “Oh, I’m so sorry!”. Seriously??? Some comments I just have to laugh at, like “Are they all YOURS?”. What??? No… I thought it would be fun to take all the neighborhood toddlers to Target with me!!! I usually keep looking forward and trudge along, but trust me… I am listening to the comments, whether I respond or not.
We’ve been to Disneyland 3 times this summer, as well as the San Diego Zoo. Yes, those places attract even more attention since there are so many people there. Here are a couple of pictures of people taking pictures of our trio. (I was having to stand and wait for them, so why not return the favor?)
Why people find it necessary to take pictures of MY children just blows my mind, but it happens all the time! All the time… sometimes they ask, but most of the time you just see the flash. Crazy!
Like I said, the paparazzi doesn’t usually bother me like it does other triplet moms… unless I’m frantically stressing to find baby wipes from under the over-packed stroller while waiting in line to take a picture with Handy Manny… who is about to leave…. In that case it would probably be better to stop asking me about my fertility. True story.
We are truly blessed to have all five of our boys. If that makes us a ‘freak show’, then I embrace it!
ha, yeah, i HATE the "you've got your hands full" comment. HOW am i supposed to respond to that? ugh, just irritates me!
I agree. "You've got your hands full" drives me insane. Most people are well meaning, but the negative comments I could do without. We haven't used the triplet stroller all summer since my husband was home and we would just take out a double and a single stroller. Soooo many less comments and looks. It was nice.
Oh my gosh, I hope I didn't say that to you! If I did, I am SOOO sorry. I hate that I might be lumped in with a negative stereotype. Please give me a chance to redeem myself – I am much more creative and intelligent! :-)I can't believe that people actually take photos of your kids – that's just weird, but complimentary I suppose. All of the boys are so darn cute! I am enjoying checking out your blog. Cort will like to see the pictures of Eli. We are thinking about you guys! xoxo Anne (Cort's Mommy)