Who they are at 12

Author: Donna  |  Category: birthday, Ethan, Marley, Payton

Marley, Payton, and Ethan…my preemie triplets who each weighed in around 3 1/2lbs…are now 12 years old.  Officially pre-teens – 1 year till teenagers – 4 years from driving.  (yikes)

Their birthday was actually fairly laid back…as pretty much all of our summer days have been.  They slept in, and then requested cinnamon rolls for breakfast.  Well, I had none in the fridge and didn’t have all the ingredients for homemade.  I did have a roll of biscuit dough, so after some imagination on my part, I presented them with cinnamon rolls.  They were good, if I do say so.

That night, they opened Abbey’s presents to them.

purple and pink camo sleeping bag

always suspicious of his sister, he’s listening for ticking.  Or, breathing.  Turns out it was an Xbox game.

Earlier in the week, Marley found just the comforter she’d been looking for, so that became her birthday present from us.  The boys were wishy-washy about what they wanted until it was too late.  We think we’ve hit on a couple of things, so we’ll do some internet surfing.

Then, we headed out to dinner…

Yummy dinner, followed by the usual birthday ice cream.  This time, there were no birthday singers – we were fine with that!

Now that they are 12, I decided to do a “who they are now” kind of post.  Listing things that really define them.  Afterall, I’m seeing glimpses of them as young adults these days (gulp), and I want to remember this season in their lives.

Marley –

Loves all things horses – dreams of owning her own horse farm with lots of other animals scattered about.

Hates all things related to thunder storms.  And splinters.  And peanut butter.

Loves to read – chapter books about animals are favorites.  Currently reading The Percy Jackson series.

Prefers to wear double-layered tank tops and jeans.  Isn’t fond of anything remotely “cute”.

She’s creative – loves to draw, color, cook, and write stories.

Loves to make other people happy, but can still flash a mean temper.

Payton –

Loves his brother intensely…can be just as intensely mad at him, too.

Hates injustice, soda, and wearing anything other than his favorite black shorts.

Orders lemonade at every restaurant.  Everytime.

Has a gift in drawing, especially cartooning.  Which fits his personality perfectly.

Little kids are drawn to him, and he loves that.

Prefers friends to call him “Tater”, and has a knack of making us laugh.

Ethan –

Hates reading, talking on the phone, and hearing his baby sister cry.

Loves soda, sugary cereal, and junk food.  Too much.

Has decided that baseball is not his thing.

Has decided that guitar is his thing, and he does it very well.   That and video games.

Always has arms full of silly bands and a rope anklet on his ankle.

Is a bit of a daredevil and loves a thrill.  Skateboarding, wakeboarding, skiing, roller-coasters…you name it.

I couldn’t be prouder of my triplets…who they are now, and who they are becoming.  Happy 12th M, P, and E!

5 Responses to “Who they are at 12”

  1. GramStegall Says:

    First, I can’t believe that they are 12 years old now. This was to have been their last year at “finding” eggs at my huge Easter hunt, but since I couldn’t do it this year, I feel like I have really missed out on something wonderful.

    Marley: creative (very), crafty and caring. I can see her having a horse farm and/or being a veterinarian since she loves all animals so much. May take her dislike of peanut butter from me.

    Payton: So much like his dad in so many ways. Payton will be the “Peter Pan” for his generation just as his Dad is. (neither want to ‘grow up’) and that is why smaller kids gravitate toward them. If Payton can make someone laugh, then his day is perfect. I can’t see him working in a confined office anywhere… anytime. I can see him designing games and characters for them.

    Ethan: Competitive like his Dad and Uncle Tony, too. Not sure where the “musical” inclination comes from, but he has it. Hating to read is just like Randy was (is?). Loving junk food (Mom & Dad and maybe a grandparent or two). Willing to try anything for the thrill of it definitely brings back some scarey memories of both Randy and Tony. (the joys of having boys !)

    The Triplets: They still share the bonds that they started while still waiting to be born. They may get mad at each other, but are very protective of each other too and that love will only strengthen as they grow older.

    Do you remember the horrible storm we were having on the day you all found out you were having triplets?? I think my screams of joy were louder than the storms thunder.

  2. fourgrands Says:

    First of all, Ann, I really enjoyed what you wrote…you got them “down pat”!!

    I remember slipping and sliding (with those hospital slippers on) and being taken into the crowded room where our prescious triplets were to be born…I saw Donna with her stomach exposed, Randy behind her with a camcorder, and 3 tiny infant cribs ready to be filled. I had a bit of trouble seeing, as my eyes were filled with happy tears and my glasses were foggy. Randy gave me this smile (it was definitely a “Randy Smile” and I knew then that everything would be fine. I turned around as I was leaving and saw the Dr. put some iodine on Donna’s belly and I got chills…”This is it!!!” I thought to myself…they’re really coming into the world now, and WE ARE READY FOR THEM…with open arms!!

    Minutes later, here come the nurses pushing the cribs down the hall with our prescious babies in them…I cried and took pictures!!! Then, all of us grandparents stood in a circle and Ron said a prayer…there weren’t any dry eyes…it was very emotional and one of the best moments of my life.

    So, Happy Birthday…Marley, Payton & Ethan…you are sooooo special to us and always will be…we love you bunches!!!! Granma & Granpa

  3. kpfarf@nc.rr.com Says:

    12! Yikes!! I remember when you brought me a meal as a PREGGO MOM of triplets!!! What a woman you are!!!

    Tell M,P and E we said Happy Birthday and are waiting for your first trip to Raleigh to visit small group people!

    Kristin

  4. bethh Says:

    Donna!
    Got your note on our blog. Great to hear from you! Sorry about the video. You can find it on YouTube at the link below:
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9QS2_nsb0AU

    Exciting to hear you are so close to adding #6–what a sweet boy he is! All your kids are so precious…and look like they are a lot of FUN! No surprise there! :)

    I do not keep in contact with anyone from the old Parker days besides you and Kimberly. I don’t have a facebook account but have seen a few posts from Traci Bingham when I have been on Mike’s account. Her married name is Traci Bingham Wyke. You might try to catch up with her on facebook if you are on there.

    Life is full. God is good. What a journey!

    Let us know if you ever head east into TN! Would love to see you!

    Love,
    Beth

  5. kristin Says:

    Happy birthday to your trio! What a lovely post!

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