And Baby Makes Three…Times Three

By Nancy K. Crevier

Thomas and Sally Lyddy of Smoke Rise Ridge were very excited last year when their daughter, Kara, and her husband, Robert DeFilippo, announced that the Lyddys were going to be grandparents for the first time. They were excited when Ryan, their son, and his wife, Amy, told them shortly thereafter that another grandchild was on the way. When their daughter, Katie, and her husband, Christopher Barry, announced the advent of yet another grandchild, “I was shocked!” exclaims Mrs Lyddy.

From zero to three grandchildren in less than three months was a surprise the Lyddys would never have expected just a year ago. Sophia, the first child for Kara and Robert, made her entrance in February, followed by Molly, Ryan and Amy’s firstborn, in early March. Then came Thomas, (named for both his paternal and maternal grandfathers,) Christopher and Katie’s first child, at the end of that month.

Says Mrs Lyddy, “I guess you could call Sophia our ‘teenager.’”

Three babies in quick succession has changed the face of family gatherings.

When the Lyddy’s son, Chris, graduated May 14 from Salve Regina University in Newport, the whole family gathered there. It was quite an undertaking, says the new grandmother, who anticipates another such event when their youngest, Kyle, graduates from Newtown High School next month.

“When they come [to visit],” says Mrs Lyddy, “we need a room to store all of their baby equipment. The car seats, the strollers, the diaper bags….”

Thomas and Sally Lyddy have been more than happy to lend a hand babysitting their new grandchildren. Katie Barry works with her father from the Smoke Rise residence in Newtown, so little Thomas sees grandma and grandpa nearly every day. The other babies make frequent visits, which the Lyddys welcome. Two at a time is the most they have ventured to sit for, so far, though.

“When one starts crying, they all do,” says Mrs Lyddy.

Has life calmed down for the triplet cousins and their families yet? Not really, according to the Lyddy grandparents.

The christenings are scheduled, starting in June. They had talked about baptizing all of the babies at one time, but all of the children want to use the special christening gown sewn by their aunt.

“I just hope it’s all over by the end of summer,” adds Mrs Lyddy, with a laugh.