Triplets multiply the happiness of Hyde Park's Harris family

By Lexie Kite

February 11, 2005 | HYDE PARK -- Raising two boys under the age of 5 is rightfully overwhelming, but for Elizabeth Harris of Hyde Park, the job was nothing to lose sleep over. However, the day she realized she was pregnant with triplets must have been somewhat more unsettling.

"At first I was so overwhelmed by the thought of having triplets, but it has just been the greatest thing," she said. "I can't imagine not having even one of them."

Now, with 17-month-old triplets and two boys ages 4 and 6, she said she can look back on how much help her family has been given.

"Between Matt's family who lives in North Logan and our church ward, we have had so much help," she said. "Everyone was just so incredible. From making us meals for months to helping feed the babies, we've really been given a lot."

While she was so overwhelmed with the thought of triplets, Elizabeth said the job has not been as difficult as she had previously imagined. She said when the babies were born she was worried, but things have been much less demanding than she thought.

"It's not three times the work of one baby, like I predicted," she said. "I feel like it's definitely not just the amount of work of one, but not three.

"I really don't feel like mealtime and bedtime are really that big of a deal," she said. "If you are bathing one, why not bathe them all?"

The babies are surprisingly good, she said. They are on an excellent sleep schedule, and she said that has been a lifesaver.

Elizabeth said it has been entertaining to watch the babies grow and interact. The babies have always been aware of the others, she said, but they have recently started interacting with each other.

"A week ago Megan was crying and Jack was trying to help her. He started patting her on the arm, and then came up behind her and tried to lift her up," she said. "I thought it was the cutest thing."

She said she thinks about what good friends the triplets will always be, and it is fun to see those friendships forming so early.

"I always check on the kids before I go to bed, and the girls, Megan and Brooke, have their cribs against each others," she said. "About a week ago when I went to check on them, I saw the most adorable thing. They were asleep, holding hands through the slats in the crib."

Situations like these help her realize what good friends the babies will always be. They will be able to have this close relationship their whole lives, she added.

While Jack began walking much sooner than Brooke and Megan, Elizabeth said that is one of the only visible differences. She said the girls are practically identical, talking and walking at the same time, and Jack began talking right along with the girls. They have all progressed in such a similar manner because they have been raised so closely, she said.

"The triplets have always been on exactly the same schedule," she said. "They eat, take naps and play at the same time. I can't imagine doing it any other way -- I don't think there is another way.

"My kids are really great," she said. "They are a lot of work, but so much fun."

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