As our first year of parenthood concludes with our triplets’ first birthday party, I look back in amazement at how fast the days, weeks, and months have flown by! I also realize there is no way I could have made it through without my wonderful husband and best friend Clifton. Parenting is definitely a team effort in our home. We rely on each other for strength when the other is weak, and cheerful encouragement when the other is weary. I am very blessed to be married to a man who is such an involved father day in and day out, and I can’t imagine my life without my significant other. The daily …

We have all been there, the awkward pause after someone offers a pregnancy or parental suggestion. So how do you react when you're blindsided with unsolicited advice? Carrying triplets I was showing early on in my pregnancy and it brought about quite the comments every time I was out and about. “Oh you must be due any day now!” “You’re definitely carrying a boy,” “Oh may I?” As they are begin rubbing my belly. These were often followed by numerous questions upon them finding out I was carrying three girls. “Wow! Were you on fertility?” And my personal favorite “Are they twins?” (sigh and bite…

When we found out we were expecting triplets, there was much to do in a very short time. We had to move, find a larger vehicle and buy for three babies -- all within about three months time. I needed to be able to cut costs as much as possible while finding reliable items that would last. I took helpful advice from a few of my friends who are mothers and decided to give rummage sales and consignment stores a try.  I discovered that in many instances these places can be quite the gold mine. By keeping a few things in mind, you will start seeing savings immediately. There are a few major …

I'm very excited to be writing for Palos Patch and would like to use this first column to introduce myself and tell you a little bit about myself. Originally from Florida, I moved up to the Chicago area almost six years ago when I married my husband Clif. Our love story is pretty unique from the beginning. We first met after being paired up in a wedding. I met the love of my life only six months after I was in a life threatening boating accident. After the accident I had to undergo extensive brain surgery to remove a blood clot covering the entire right side of my brain. I was left with five …