Fasten Your Seatbelts.

In just 2 short weeks, we will be attempting a feat that I had frankly not expected to have to deal with for at least another year. But, you all know how funny life can be, right? Twists and turns when you least expect it. Oh yeah, story of my life. (You know, like, thinking you're gonna have one baby and suddenly there are 3 flickers on that screen.) Yes, those kinds of twists and turns.

So here's the story. If you've followed our blog for any amount of time, you know that all 3 babies required Cranial Bands (helmets, as we affectionately call them) to correct some pretty serious plagiocephaly and torticollis. Learning that we were going to have to care for 3 infants in helmets scared the crap out of me. But, as with most things, when you go in with the right attitude, it turned out to be a piece of cake. And let me tell you, the differences in their skulls is nothing short of amazing. No really. A-MAZ-ING! But I digress.

While all three were still wearing their helmets, we were contacted by the PR people at Hanger Orthotics and asked if we would mind doing a story about the triplets and their helmets. We were totally excited and completely shocked when our story ended up on the front page of the Arizona Daily Star!

Fast forward 1 year and 5 months. I was contacted again by the same wonderful woman, and asked whether I'd be willing to allow the triplets to be included in book being written about Hanger Orthotics' 150th anniversary. It is to include interesting patients from over the years. Interesting huh? Yep. That sounds like us.

"Of course!" I say. "Just let me know what you need from me."

"Well," she says, "We'll need to do another interview and a photo shoot. We'd love it if you could all fly out to Kansas City to do your photo shoot."

[Insert my "pessimistic..."if only" chuckle here.]

As if she could read my mind and the tiny numbers in my checking account, she quickly interjects.

"We would of course cover all of your travel, food and hotel expenses."

DONE!

Folks, we're goin' to Kansas City!

In 2 weeks.

With 3 toddlers.

And 2 adults.

On an airplane.

Where kids can scream.

And people can't get away.

Where grownups are grumpy.

And mommies are stressed.

Where wine o'clock can't come fast enough.

I know these things.

I used to be a Flight Attendant.

(Shout out to all my American Airlines friends who are still flying and an early apology should we end up on any of your flights...) :)

The thing is, I LOVE TO FLY. I like turbulence. Fear does not exist within me.

Until now. :)

The moment I said yes, the questions started flooding my brain.

How many suitcases will we bring?

How will be carry them AND a 3 kids?

Will we need car seats once we land?

Can we rent them?

Should we bring them?

Should we put them on the plane or gate check them? (The car seats, that is. Not the kids.)

How will we get three carseats, 3 kids and 3 suitcases to the gate with only 2 adults?

How will we get all that on the plane?

How fast can Brian install 3 car seats on the plane?

How early should we get to the airport considering how much triplets can slow us down?

How long is the flight?

Can we drink on the flight? (KIDDING)

Can I pay the captain or the flight attendants to show Toy Story 3 inflight? Nemo?

How will we sit on the airplane?

Are we crazy?

Can we really do this?

My simple answer is this-

YES WE CAN.

"We are ninjas of organization and efficiency."

(to quote a magazine article about parents of multiples...)

We are (okay, I am) patient.

We are intelligent, realistic parents of triplets.

(Who will carry at least $100 in singles to pay off all the annoyed people who have to sit near us).

Wish us luck friends. If nothing else, a GREAT blog will surely come out of it!

More of my travel plans to come!

Thanks again for keeping us in the competition!

You can vote once a day until May 30th!