The Conch

Often the first question people ask when they know we have triplets is: "Do they play together?"

It's a great question. It makes sense, right? I mean, lots of parents of multiples have told me that is the BEST thing as they get older, that they have built in playmates. They will always have someone there to play hide-and-seek, imagination games, and of course to get into trouble with. And, let's face it, this is without a doubt a big bonus for me. When they do get to that point it will mean less entertaining that Mommy has to do.

They are most definitely NOT at that point now.

A most curious phenomenon has occurred in recent days. Brian and I have termed this phenomenon...."The Conch". (Ya Ya, remember "Lord of The Flies"?????)

Each day it's a different toy. Sometimes it's a toy that has been around for months and months, like a rubber duck. And, even though we have multiple ducks available to them, it is JUST the PINK duck. Sometimes it's a commonly used and very available item, like their cups that have their names on them. Again...three cups...only the one that has Lily's name on it is the most sought after item of that day. Often, it's not even a toy. It can be some one's shoe, the remote, or even some small piece of trash. Their is simply no logic to it.

It can be a puzzle piece, a wooden shape, a piece of plastic food, the magna-doodle, a solo cup, a zip lock bag, the nose sucker, or my shoe. All it really has to be is something that somebody else wants. And what makes any item on any certain day THE CONCH, simply escapes me.

But, the most amazing thing, is the shear amount of frustration and anger that this one small and seemingly insignificant item can bring. Screaming, crying, hitting, hair-pulling, and biting are all apparently good ways to deal with this anger. Or not.

I mean, really, what kind of show would I be running if that was the lesson I was trying to teach?

They each have their own methods of winning, all of which work at one time or another.

Bennie, aka the Bendozer, uses brute force to steal. For reals. He just runs over and sits on someone and takes the toy. He then musters up as much lightning quick speed as his short little fat legs can handle. Let's face it, those things are meant for power not speed. But, for now it works for him. Until the other two get faster.

Jack, being my toe-walker, tippy toes over quietly, gives whatever the item is a quick yank, and runs off. He often loses his balance and either falls over or runs into a wall at this point. I mean, how many thieves do so in high heels???

Lily takes one of two routes. She never loses a tug of war. Never. I credit this to her being the last mobile baby. That was her only defense when her brothers would steal stuff from her and run off. Hang on for dear life and NEVER let go. That girl has some tremendous hand strength. She also somehow also knows to go low to the ground. She's like a pit bull that clamps down on something with it's jaws. It ain't lettin' go and neither is she. Her other method is a bit trickier. She sits on it. That's right, she hides it with her rear end. Genius.

Then there is the pain and anguish of losing something that is so dear to the heart.

Bennie handles it with a high and lonesome cry. He would make a great bluegrass singer. Or a girl.

Jack hits. Great. Or, he begins a long, low, deep growl that sounds part human and part beast. He is ANGRY and he lets you know it. And the neighbors. In China.

Lily, rarely cries. She's more about inflicting as much pain as quickly as possible. Usually with hair pulling but biting is a sure second. All with a set jaw and a face devoid of emotion. Scary stuff.

Man, oh man...what am I in for???

Isn't it funny, though? Each child so unique in their tactics. Makes a serious argument for nature doesn't it? (Nature vs. Nurture)

So, this is our latest challenge. The unhappiness brought on by love lost...or toy stolen. I would say this one thing is what creates the most unhappiness in our household these days. I have always said that we have been so lucky that we were blessed with such happy children. They just are. They all have such sweet natures. Their natural disposition is happiness. What an amazing gift. We have often had days where nobody cries all day long, unless they get hurt or they don't want to go down for a nap. I swear I'm not lying.

I'm beginning to fear those days are nearing an end, however. At least until they are old enough to grasp the concept of sharing or taking turns. Dang, that's a long way off.

We are muddling through this as best as possible. We praise turn-taking and sharing when it happens (usually by accident). We attempt to be fair and honest in the assessment of any situation. We try to teach right and wrong when given the opportunity. And, when it all gets too much, we ignore. Just like the government.

Then, we go out and buy a 5-ft tall castle-like monstrosity to put in the downstairs playroom. Notice it's nifty rock-climbing wall, slide, and steering wheel at the top? Now, what exactly is the steering wheel supposed to steer is what I would like to know.




We got it off of Craig's List after months of searching for the "perfect" one...aka not in McKinney and not $300 dollars. It is AMAZING what a hot item these are. There were several that I tried to get only to find that they were already sold. So crazy.

Yeah, I'd like to see them steal THAT from each other...