The big 3

And today, as she celebrates Mother’s Day with her triplets, Bishop has reflected on the journey so far.

Before her multiple delivery Bishop had suffered three miscarriages.

Her husband prayed that she would have twins but instead she got triplets. The babies were delivered via Caesarean section on October 2, 2015. First was Annadelle, the only girl, then Adiel and finally Adriel.

Sunday Newsday visited the family at their Cunupia home last week and asked Bishop about her experience raising triplets.

“It’s a challenge, a big challenge. From none to three,” she said.

She explained the three are so different and each have their own ways, likes and dislikes and have their moods.

She added that one minute she was quiet and they next they want to want attention. One minute they are watching television and the next they want to grab their parents.

Adiel is curious, likes to lie down and watch television, repeating what he hears.

Annadelle likes to talk in her baby speak and Adriel is the mummy’s boy. Bishop said they play with each other and do not fight, though Adriel liked to take things he sees his brother and sister playing with. During the interview, Adiel found a tambourine and was playing it with his hand and head, and Adriel took it from him. Adriel was also fascinated by a cellular phone.

Bishop said Adriel is also a “biter” and when his parents are lying down he would bite their toes. She also recalled Annadelle “singing” while her brother Adiel would accompany her on the tambourine.

She said they bathe and sleep together though she cannot get them to sleep any earlier than 12.30 am. They would then awake at 5 am for their bottles.

Before 12.30 am, if they fall asleep they would nap for five to 10 minutes and then get back up. During the day they would never all sleep at the same time and while one is asleep the other two would be awake.

She said when people see them some do not realise they are triplets because they are not identical. Some people assume that Annadelle is older, which she is but by minutes and not years. The two boys are usually dressed the same.

She said at times Annadelle would “quarrel” with her brothers. The triplets love water so they have to keep the bathroom doors closed.

They have also begun climbing and have a habit of picking up items, including their comforters, and throwing them out of the window.

She said when people find out she has triplets they all ask the same question “how allyuh does make out?” Her response is that she has a routine.

“You just thrown into it and you have to battle.

I had to learn. Had to make it somehow.” She said her relatives - she and her husband are from big families - are always willing to assist and her parents are “always around.” She added that the house never has a dull moment as one visitor to see the babies leave another shows up.

Bishop’s mother, Pastor Helena Sookram, said with triplets everything changes including when the parents have meals or can sleep.

“Everything is a joy, a blessing from the Lord.

It is a lot of work, commitment and responsibility but there is a lot of love for the entire family.

Thank God for that.” The family belongs to the church A Life for Christ Ministry in San Fernando and also host services at their home.

Bishop is secretary for church and coordinates events. Her church secretary duties, coupled with being a wife, taking care of the triplets and teaching extra lessons to Secondary Entrance Assessment examination students, takes up all her time.

She said with her husband working on a shift, sometimes they have to quickly pack a bag and run down to Maracas Bay or some other outing.

“We have to make family time,” she stressed. Her husband, a fire-fighter at the Chaguanas Fire Station, has to balance work with his family and also playing for the football club Cunupia FC. Asked how he balances his life he responded, “I take it one day at a time.” “It is not as difficult as I thought it would be. It is fun to be with them.

Always something new, something to make you laugh.” Bishop said that in the beginning her husband thought he would need three months training but in three days he had to “jump in.” Sometimes after the day’s end, she just wants to hit the bed and would tell her husband “your turn.” Bishop said she buys their clothes online during sales which helps to save a lot of money.

They purchase milk and diapers in bulk.

One task she dreads is washing their 24 baby bottles. She does not mind washing all their clothes but does not like folding them because with so many little pieces it feels like “a million”.

Bishop said people may think children do not know what is happening but they are very perceptive. She recalled one instance when Adriel was falling off a bed and Annadelle was able to grab him by his socks and hold on to him.

Asked about her faith, she said God plays an integral part in everything they do and “keeps you sane”.

She said the triplets are growing up in the house of the Lord and this will give them discipline.

She added that at a young age they are learning about worship and prayer.

Today Mother’s Day, Bishop said the family plans to go to church.

Asked her advice to mothers, Bishop said they should enjoy raising their children. She cautioned they should pay attention to their children, and for her she has to keep all three of them “in my eye.” She advised mothers to live by an example that their child could follow and said many parents want to tell their children what to do but are not doing the same in their own lives.

“You are their role model. They will follow you. Live by example and train them in the way of the Lord.

Even though they grow up it will still be in them to do what is right.” She said raising triplets is a challenge but “one we would not give up for anything