The boys are 18 months now on September 6th.

They are all walking and evening almost running.  They are doing well at communicating and have caught up on most areas to kids their age despite being born 3 months premature. Way to go Hodgson Triplets!  We have a great team with of course me and Guy who love, love, love having triplets.   Then there are the wonderful grandparents on both sides of our families.  Uncle Kevin (My brother) has been such a big help from day one of bringing them home and Guy's brothers have been able to come over and spend time with the boys.  We also have Bekah, who is the boy's nanny during the day while we are at work.  She is a wonderful young woman who is like part of our family now.  We also have had huge help from the ECI program that provides in therapy to help the boys catch up with other kids their age and it has worked incredibly as you can see from the pictures!  We are also so thankful for all the love and support of our friends and even our coworkers that have been so helpful and understanding through out this roller coaster of premature babies.

One year ago today Matthew had his open heart surgery that lasted about 6 or 7 hours. He was 6 months old then and still only weighed about 8 or 9 pounds.  It's hard to believe.... He did great after surgery but he was very confined for about two months not able to learn to roll over and move too much.  Now.... just look at him.  He's walking and doing everything his brothers are doing.  We are so blessed and fortunate.  All three boys are doing just fantastic and have such amazing personalities.  One funny thing about them... they love watching American Idol the Finale from May 2009... they will drop all toys and watch it and dance to Jason Mraz and Queen's "We are the Champions"  

• Hunter: Often the leader of the pack but he is very cautious in new surroundings and with new people.  He likes to roar like a lion.  He's been the first to say words... he loves to say 'Baby'.  Hunter is cuddly.  He also hates walking in the grass.  He loves getting a piggy back ride.  Hunter doing great at eating solids but he also is great at wearing solids especially in his hair.  He has the best laugh... one of those deep belly laughs.  When it's time for bed and he's tired.. he comes to you and puts his head on your shoulder.. just so sweet and lovable.   Hunter loves to eat spinach nuggets. 
• Matthew:  The comeback kid. After being quite far behind developmentally due to his heart surgery and lung damage... he's caught up and doing fantastic.  Matthew is similar to Hunter in that they are a little shy around new people. Some people Matthew just doesn't like but when he likes you... he rewards you with a smile that just warms your heart.  He's eyes sparkle when he smiles.  He loves both his grandmothers...he's a grandmother's boy no doubt.  Matthew loves books and will go off and read and just flip pages looking at pictures.  He loves pictures of ducks and even makes a sound like a duck.  Matthew is a very good eater... but hasn't put on weight very quickly due to his lungs still healing.  He is the neatest eater, he sits nicely and then opens his mouth like a patient baby bird taking his food.  Matthew like his brothers loves music.
  
• Dylan:  Dylan is the bold one... not shy... just plows through the grass, first to take control of the water hose and spray everyone down.  He also is a climber.  You must keep your eye on this one. He has already learned to push his red car next to the Pack n Play and he climbs on top of the car and then into the Pack N Play.  He also will climb on to the chair and then on to the table.  He plays peek a boo himself and covers his head with a blanket and walks around and then yanks it off laughing.  Lately he has been the dominant one ... especially when it comes to toys.  He definitely has a temper if someone takes his toys away. Dylan loves to take his clothes off and run away from you laughing.  Dylan is improving at his eating... he has been the first to eat solids but he's a picky eater.  He loves yogurt and frozen pees.