tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-83757394546222112192024-03-13T23:28:26.299-07:00Three For the Price of One: My Triplet PregnancyAfter being diagnosed with PCOS with annovulation in the Spring of 2011, and several unsuccessful attempts at conceiving with clomid, femara, and follistim, we finally were blessed with 'three for the price of one' through a combination of follistim, menopur, ovidrel, and IUI conceived in July 2012 :)Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11234442484964091691noreply@blogger.comBlogger31125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8375739454622211219.post-11856885857399095922013-02-25T09:57:00.001-08:002013-02-25T10:07:06.252-08:00From Birth to 2 Weeks!A lot has happened in the past two weeks and I am sorry it has taken so long to update my blog! <br /><br /><b>The Birth</b><br />On February 11, 2013 at 32 weeks 4 days pregnant, I was having my normal contractions that had gone on throughout the night for months resulting in little sleep due to discomfort and bladder pressure. Around 4:30 am during one of these contractions I felt a little leaking, and then again a little more. I thought to myself "this is it" as I hit the button to call my nurse. I told her, "I think my water just broke" and as the flow increased substantially, I told her "it definitely just broke or I am wetting the bed." She checked it with a pH strip just to be sure but by that point it was obvious. Since I had just woken up and because of the intense bladder pressure, I also had to go to the bathroom badly but she would not allow me to do so without leaving the bed...I guess labor is one time in adulthood during which wetting the bed in a room full of people is not as socially awkward as you might think. <br />My nurse rushed out of the room to call my OB while I called Brent. When he picked up the phone I informed him that "my water just broke and the nurse is calling the doctor now." I don't know if it was because he had been sleeping, but he seemed confused as to what he was supposed to do. "So when do you want me to come?" "NOW, my WATER just BROKE, go wake up my parents and get here safely!" Brent decided not to startle my parents at 4:45 AM by barging into their room so he called their cellphone and let them know. My mother said they both woke up immediately when they heard the phone ring and knew immediately why. <br /><br />Brent left the house first and arrived as my contractions were increasing in severity and pain and my parents arrived shortly after. The room filled with nurses catheterizing me, hooking me up to IVs, and taking blood samples. My OB had informed them he intended to do the C-Section by 6:30 am. Unfortunately, since I had intended to have a planned C-section, or possibly an early one due to medical concerns for myself or the babies, I had not prepared myself for the concept of having active labor pains. The hour to hour and a half of constant strong contractions was torture and I didn't know how I could possibly make it from one to the next. That experience made me admire my mother and sister so much more who went through natural births! When the OB arrived and saw how much pain I was in he moved the C section up to 6 or 6:15 AM and instructed them to give me terbutaline which gave me almost immediate significant relief. I could not believe none of the nurses thought to request this for me earlier when I was begging for pain relief that they said they could not give me anything for. <br /><br />After what seemed like forever they wheeled my bed to the OR, slid me onto the operating table, and as I slouched forward with my legs hanging off the side, the anesthetist did the spinal tap which surprisingly did not hurt all that bad. I immediately felt a rush of warmth down my legs, they laid me back, and soon I was numb to all sharp sensations and could only feel pressure below my chest. Brent was then allowed in and took his place by my head and off we were. There were at least 15 medical staff in with me including 2 OBs, neonatologists, nurse teams for each baby, and a couple anesthesiologists. <br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/108886536261747058097/November29201202#5848950553936825522'><img src='https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-eYIUPbQ6SHc/USuliiw6jLI/AAAAAAAAAgM/RJzgIG2q9gM/s288/9.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a><br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/108886536261747058097/November29201202#5848950582479534786'><img src='https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-jHxFkhN3ibQ/USulkNGBusI/AAAAAAAAAgU/aX8wS6v1DgM/s288/40.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a><br />I finally started to feel some pressure when they began tugging around in my uterus and then at 6:26 am a cry (Hayley who was the one who called jail break at 4:30)! And then a second baby crying (Reagan)! And at 6:27 am Michaela came last, but I did not hear her crying. Brent explained that she was trying to cry but couldn't catch her breath and she ended up needing to be on CPAP. Brent said the OB showed him how my uterus shrunk back up to see how amazing it was that it had housed three babies. <br /><b>Hayley Hope 3 lbs 5 oz 15.25 in long </b><br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/108886536261747058097/November29201202#5848950600121232162'><img src='https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-3TJLXOHJqDE/USullO0IqyI/AAAAAAAAAgc/uTW709pd2Lk/s288/11.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a><br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/108886536261747058097/November29201202#5848950609835915442'><img src='https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-k5_E-kEQ_qY/USullzAS-LI/AAAAAAAAAgk/1v8j_ezl1qU/s288/10.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a><br /><b>Reagan Grace 3 lbs 16.5 in long</b><br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/108886536261747058097/November29201202#5848950634636706450'><img src='https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-EWmln6TE9MI/USulnPZRApI/AAAAAAAAAgs/tTN7H6PAzFM/s288/13.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='252' style='margin:5px'></a><br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/108886536261747058097/November29201202#5848950653726473298'><img src='https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-1W69565p_5Y/USuloWgnvFI/AAAAAAAAAg0/JslFfq9et7E/s288/14.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a><br /><b>Michaela Joy 3 lbs 13 oz 17.75 in long</b><br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/108886536261747058097/November29201202#5848950669283288738'><img src='https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-OVA1MnExFyk/USulpQdp5qI/AAAAAAAAAg8/XYG8JZEK9Zk/s288/15.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='191' style='margin:5px'></a><br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/108886536261747058097/November29201202#5848950693651731858'><img src='https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-h0hb3HQN6Fs/USulqrPi1ZI/AAAAAAAAAhE/0JtgRjcXc64/s288/16.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a><br />After the girls were out I began to feel very nauseous and the anesthesiologist kept giving me doses of zofran but it was not doing anything for me. When the nurses swung by my head to show me the babies, I didn't see much because I began throwing up. After I was closed up, I was wheeled out to wait a couple hours in a recovery area before they could take me to my new room. Brent was able to leave to see the girls in the NICU while I was left with my parents wondering if I would ever be able to move my leaden legs again. I continued to have waves of nausea and vomiting despite being pumped with zofran. I kept telling the nurses that whatever I was given months ago during my hysteroscopy was the only thing that helped my nausea after surgery, but no one ever looked into what it was. <br /><br />Finally when my wait was up, my bed was wheeled to the NICU so that I could meet the girls. Immediately when I was wheeled in I began to feel more nausea again and informed the nurse that I was going to throw up and needed something to throw up in ASAP. She said she didn't know what to get me and reacted incredibly slowly to my desperate urgent warnings with my hand firmly pressed to my mouth. It was not long after she stood looking absently around the room for a solution that the vomit exploded through my fingers all over me and my bed. That set her into action finally and she rushed to get me a pink bin to continue with, but it was too little too late. I am sure all of the other parents in the NICU were pleased to see a woman spewing vomit in the same room as their tiny sick babies. Somehow we managed to get sheets over the majority of the vomit and change my gown in front of everyone so that I could briefly see my girls. <br /><br />Once in my room, the vomiting continued for hours until one nurse gave me an anti nausea medication injected into my hip that started with an F that I immediately recognized as the one I was wanting all day and it stopped my nausea immediately. Once again, why couldn't they figure that out hours ago?? I stayed in the hospital until that Thursday, and I must say the pain from the surgery was excruciating whenever I attempted to change positions or get up. My legs also blew up like elephants. Between the pain, visits to the NICU, pumping milk, eating, and sleeping, the week was a blur. Our girls were each on separate rows of the NICU which was not ideal for a barely mobile mama. <br /><br />Here is a pic of my legs still swollen several days after the C section. They became the butt of jokes in the house. One night at the table we were laughing about something but it hurt to laugh. I told Brent to stop making me laugh. He said, "look at your legs." I said "that's not funny." Brent said "exactly." Thankfully they are pretty much back to normal by now.<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/108886536261747058097/November29201202#5848950708566401666'><img src='https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-pAd1Y41ugaI/USulrizeooI/AAAAAAAAAhM/yUawB-rGV1c/s288/41.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a><br />The girls did great from the start. Hayley and Reagan were on room air from the get go and Michaela was off CPAP and on room air the day after birth. They all lost their IVs within the first week and have only been hooked up to the usual vital sign monitors and nasal feeding tubes. Each of the girls have spent some time in and out of the lights for jaundice but have all been out for a few days now.<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/108886536261747058097/November29201202#5848950732318795426'><img src='https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-KtWOwAg0WQI/USuls7SfZqI/AAAAAAAAAhU/2UNU37JXOvU/s288/43.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='158' style='margin:5px'></a><br /><br />Once home, the pain and exhaustion from 20 weeks on bedrest have been huge obstacles. As of a few days ago, the pain has improved immensely but I was hit with a random high fever for two days and was not allowed to see the girls which was awful. I have recovered from that too and am feeling the best I have since surgery and my endurance is slowly returning. The girls have all been moved to the same row and we have gotten into a routine visiting them a couple times each day for at least a few hours each time. <br />I have been blessed with a large milk supply that has allowed us to exclusively feed all of the girls fresh breast milk and stock the NICU's freezer with the extra. The nurses can not believe how much I have been producing. Due to the feeding chaos that will ensue when they come home and I have to return to work, I'm not sure how long I will last pumping and am hoping to have lots of stores ready. The NICU ensures me they will give back everything they have frozen, but I still frantically question them about it on a regular basis to make sure nothing is discarded. <br /><br />The girls are growing steadily and taking feeds better but still inconsistently from the bottle. Brent is proving to be a wonderful daddy holding and sing to the girls and changing diapers, bathing, and swaddling like a champ. it fills my heart with love to watch him with the girls. Hayley and Michaela have small VSDs-a small hole between the ventricles that cause a murmur. It is an extremely common defect that normally closes on its own. Everyone I have talked to in my triplet boards and elsewhere whose children have had one say that it eventually closed on its own and was a nonissue. Poor little Hayley who was squished head first on my cervix for the majority of the pregnancy with her sisters on top of her has very tight neck muscles and prefers to keep her head to the right. She is working with the PT to tolerate other positioning and I try to gently massage and range her little neck when I hold her and she seems very content while I do so. Michaela was the first to reach 4 lbs yesterday and thus was the first one to put on clothes and test her temperature regulating abilities. We will see when we go back today if she had to switch back to warming in the isolette or not. Yesterday Hayley was up to 3 lbs 8 oz and Reagan was up to 3 lbs 3 oz! <br /><br />We are so very blessed at how well they are doing and appreciate the continued prayers! <br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/108886536261747058097/November29201202#5848950748367101794'><img src='https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-fDfDXj2VVhA/USult3EtH2I/AAAAAAAAAhc/MMUMgXfy8pU/s288/19.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a><br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/108886536261747058097/November29201202#5848950774083420946'><img src='https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-kTqEI1aOneo/USulvW39AxI/AAAAAAAAAhk/-oavYrJnnbQ/s288/36.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a><br /><b>Hayley</b><br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/108886536261747058097/November29201202#5848950793100967650'><img src='https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-3SRMpYPotB4/USulwduFvuI/AAAAAAAAAhs/sKNcnCUlO4o/s288/22.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a><br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/108886536261747058097/November29201202#5848950809653871106'><img src='https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-qZ8GW3PcGRg/USulxbYnAgI/AAAAAAAAAh0/FbH8CsXXFRQ/s288/26.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='122' style='margin:5px'></a><br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/108886536261747058097/November29201202#5848950827937732818'><img src='https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-RFWjHfmLQss/USulyff0mNI/AAAAAAAAAh8/4oy2UeVwlQw/s288/27.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a><br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/108886536261747058097/November29201202#5848950843739865906'><img src='https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WHfWQJXyYVs/USulzaXWAzI/AAAAAAAAAiE/3jAWzMqL-Pw/s288/39.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a><br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/108886536261747058097/November29201202#5848950871964944818'><img src='https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-BM77Ng0wA4s/USul1DguibI/AAAAAAAAAiM/Qe5phAlqnqA/s288/35.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a><br /><b>Michaela</b><br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/108886536261747058097/November29201202#5848950891746252082'><img src='https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-RcausBjo-Bs/USul2NM9VTI/AAAAAAAAAiU/FJEczuoAuEk/s288/23.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a><br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/108886536261747058097/November29201202#5848950910350450578'><img src='https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OBh6YZvWE2g/USul3Sgi35I/AAAAAAAAAic/0rbpTAB4Lcg/s288/24.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a><br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/108886536261747058097/November29201202#5848950934880331618'><img src='https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-h5cm3a1TKKY/USul4t47J2I/AAAAAAAAAik/W4yT4JRqn7g/s288/37.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a><br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/108886536261747058097/November29201202#5848950948349082594'><img src='https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-CBsaaaq3RLE/USul5gEH--I/AAAAAAAAAis/gkjFC_55YmM/s288/28.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a><br /><b>Reagan</b><br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/108886536261747058097/November29201202#5848950969683012738'><img src='https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8_TT5jJ7i0g/USul6vih7II/AAAAAAAAAi0/3ULOr4HY-mc/s288/31.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a><br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/108886536261747058097/November29201202#5848950989037250754'><img src='https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lrjxAbF-uF0/USul73o8KMI/AAAAAAAAAi8/jb-9dnoW-BE/s288/38.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a><br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/108886536261747058097/November29201202#5848951011222476354'><img src='https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OKDhBGol9tA/USul9KST1kI/AAAAAAAAAjE/RBNySoS94-k/s288/34.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a><br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/108886536261747058097/November29201202#5848951027200346978'><img src='https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-9MkHTZVeXys/USul-Fzuy2I/AAAAAAAAAjM/2Wv4NVVSSII/s288/33.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a><br /><br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11234442484964091691noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8375739454622211219.post-46075401281197078432013-02-08T16:51:00.001-08:002013-02-08T18:59:02.795-08:0032 Weeks: And They Said I'd Never Make It!!I am SO excited as I am writing this as my parents' arrival to Springfield, MO is imminent! I have not proofread, so I apologize for errors!<br /><br />This Week's Developments:<br />* According to Babycenter, a singleton would be weighing around 3 lb 12 oz by now (and Michaela is probably bigger than that!) the size of a jicama <i>huh? they are really stretching it with some of these produce references</i><br />* The girls now have toenails, fingernails, and real hair (unless they are anything like their bald mama!)<br />* Their skin is becoming soft as they plump up for birth<br /><br />Well ladies and gentleman, here we are at 32 weeks- a major milestone for any pregnancy! We have officially beat the odds and made it past the average delivery time for triplets despite all the obstacles we have faced and have done so with amazing support and prayer from all over the USA (and Sweden!!). <br /><br />I was lucky enough on my birthday-Groundhog's Day- to be visited by two great friends who brought me flowers:<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/108886536261747058097/November29201202#5842749159746141954'><img src='https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-gZuvyDZiURM/URWdZ5JhfwI/AAAAAAAAAfA/D5HlY4Kx_xk/s288/9.jpg' border='0' width='209' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a><br />My hubby who brought me more flowers:<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/108886536261747058097/November29201202#5842749173309607746'><img src='https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_FABge6lLT4/URWdarrTj0I/AAAAAAAAAfI/2qpN2S3Ixro/s288/10.jpg' border='0' width='226' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a><br />My OB who came in I think on his day off with a purple balloon weighted down with candy, which he said "you don't need to be eating that, though!", and my favorite nurse who came back after her shift with 4 pink and silver balloons, 2 types of cookies, pie, and cupcakes that I have been pawning off to staff and visitors.<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/108886536261747058097/November29201202#5842749179385226306'><img src='https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-DZL-FhfiErE/URWdbCT2JEI/AAAAAAAAAfQ/Cf8R9Uw0Fs4/s288/11.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a><br />This week I have just felt different than I have prior. Typically I need my thermostat set to frigid and anyone coming in either has to bundle deeper into their winter clothes (the sympathetic ones) or secretly alter my thermostat (my husband). When he would do this, I would end up sweating which would give him away and I would remind him that my specialist said he is not to touch a pregnant woman's thermostat and I only get to shower every other day, so when I sweat I am stuck with it for 2 days! <i>He would still adjust it anyway.</i> But this week, my previous frigid setting actually feels frigid to me too and I have been keeping the temperature higher. Also, my appetite is completely shot and my food aversions to virtually anything you put in front of my face- like during my first trimester- have returned. I don't know if it is from my smushed stomach or signs that the end is near.<br />I continue to sleep horribly due to contractions that get strong at night time as if they know that is when they can make me the most miserable. Usually I won't fall asleep until around 1-2 am, they will pick up, and I will be begging for terbutaline by 4:30 am as I did the past 2 nights. I hope this will not be a nightly occurrence until delivery!<br /><br />This week Brent went out of town Thursday morning and is not returning until Saturday night to a meet around 2.5 hours away that he drove separately to. Since my parents weren't arriving until Friday night, we were so blessed to have eager volunteers to take care of our precious crazy boxers! Here are some pictures from their dogsitters!<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/108886536261747058097/November29201202#5842749195734094050'><img src='https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FHfmM7LzWC4/URWdb_NuEOI/AAAAAAAAAfY/jx4ARgXt4LI/s288/15.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a><br />I'm not sure how Amanda got them to look so obedient here!<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/108886536261747058097/November29201202#5842749201767362578'><img src='https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-MKgmqnJ8Q_g/URWdcVsKcBI/AAAAAAAAAfg/0BbDFDa9Nd8/s288/14.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a><br />They loved playing with the boys!<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/108886536261747058097/November29201202#5842749216081156514'><img src='https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MRNtKeD1UMQ/URWddLA1maI/AAAAAAAAAfo/xl_gAXJzkhE/s288/13.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a><br />And even got to play Bosley's favorite game, Whiffle Ball!<br /><br />Thank you all so much for taking such good care of them!!<br /><br />The girls have again passed their Tuesday/Friday biophysical scans, and will have another biophysical Tuesday and Growth scan (my favorite kind) next Friday assuming I am still pregnant! No one has set a scheduled C-section date yet. My OB feels he can set one up quickly and wants to base it more on how we are all doing rather than specific gestation, which I agree with. Brent has to go to his Conference Championship meet Feb 21-25 9 hours away, which is right in the thick of average scheduled C section time, so we are really really hoping he will not have to miss the birth and that the girls will come just before he leaves or just after he gets back. <br />32 Week Big Belly<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/108886536261747058097/November29201202#5842749229580291650'><img src='https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-q3K_C5qFqVw/URWdd9TSDkI/AAAAAAAAAfw/DHSRlituT20/s288/16.jpg' border='0' width='139' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a><br />This face tells you how I really feel...<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/108886536261747058097/November29201202#5842749241000978946'><img src='https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Z6_5G-w9xMY/URWden2L6gI/AAAAAAAAAf4/ZtOUVA22UvA/s288/19.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a><br />Total Weight Gain: ~64 lbs (I was worried about pre-eclampsia due to gaining much more weight this week with eating much less due to appetite and aversion issues, but all testing came back normal, so I am hoping it is just because the girls are growing in spite of my poorly successful force feeding sessions!)<br /><br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11234442484964091691noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8375739454622211219.post-68903914617078527682013-02-01T14:21:00.001-08:002013-02-01T14:32:40.751-08:0031 Weeks: Hello February!This Week's Developments:<br />* This week a singleton would be over 16 in long and weigh about 3.3 lbs (the weight of 4 navel oranges!) and heading for a growth spurt<br />* Their bodies are starting to plump up as fat accumulates underneath the skin<br /><br />Like I knew I would the whole time (because I felt God had told me this the day I found out about the triplets), I have surprised many skeptics including my doctors and many other people, and made it into February! <br /><br />This past week has gotten a little crazy for me as strings of contractions have become more frequent and my body is protesting the huge changes it has undergone more and more. The little things like getting in/out of bed and on/off a toilet are so difficult not only causing pain in my back and abdomen but in my knees and shoulders as well. I have had to be injected with terbutaline almost once a day for the past week due to contractions coming on in excess of 6 an hour, but they have not increased my cervical dilation from the 2 cm it was at during the last check a couple weeks ago, which is great. The injection itself I find to be even more painful than the steroid injection but is short-lived, and while it still makes me very jittery and tachycardic for a couple hours after it kicks in, I think my body is getting used to it because it does not seem as bad as the first time I received it. I call it getting "terbed." In most cases, I would prefer getting terbed to the discomfort of the continuous contractions, however. <br /><br />As you know, last week we officially announced that B is Michaela since she is the largest and Michaela is the longest name. I have always had a feeling that A was Hayley and C was Reagan, but we had planned on waiting to see them in person to decide. Brent randomly texted me before he went to sleep the other night that Reagan is C and so A is Hayley and we threw out our 'wait and see' plan. And so we are pleased to announce A= Hayley Hope, B= Michaela Joy, and C= Reagan Grace. <br /><br />On Tuesday we had another biophysical scan and the girls all passed with 8/8 scores. They will continue these scans twice a week until they arrive. Today we had our two week growth scan. As usual, all girls' amniotic fluid levels were great. The ultrasound tech I prefer was out sick, and her replacement struggled a bit more and caused me quite a bit of pain with how hard she was pushing to get views that I am sure my usual tech could have gotten with much less force. I was even worried for the babies with how hard and painfully she was pushing! Ultimately I was just excited to find out how much they grew! I must say on a side note that the growth scans have a margin of error of +/- 8 oz in either direction and that the tech had a terribly difficult time getting a good shot of Hayley's head for the weight estimation because she is SO low. The tech believes that Hayley is likely still larger than Reagan, and that her measurement may just be off because of the poorer quality headshot.<br /><br />Hayley: 2 lb 14 oz (+ 8 oz in 2 weeks)<br /><br />Michaela: 3 lb 10 oz (+ 11 oz, our little chunky monkey!!)<br /><br />Reagan: 2 lb 15 oz (+ 11 oz)<br /><br />Personally, I have always wanted the girls to at least hit, if not exceed, the 3 lb mark before they are born, and we are so grateful that it looks like they will all accomplish that!<br /><br />This is a belly collage I made for weeks 9-30:<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/108886536261747058097/November29201202#5840112993322490722'><img src='https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-cFp__O3l0tA/UQw_0z8hW2I/AAAAAAAAAec/l_AiTxeQ84U/s288/9.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a><br />And here are my 31 week shots from yesterday!<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/108886536261747058097/November29201202#5840113006171729362'><img src='https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-pVpFuiLoCFI/UQw_1j0BLdI/AAAAAAAAAek/bOoYZU8n4lM/s288/10.jpg' border='0' width='175' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a><br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/108886536261747058097/November29201202#5840113015267737602'><img src='https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-EL5AeQyQAaY/UQw_2FsrQAI/AAAAAAAAAes/56lxAcWIa0c/s288/11.jpg' border='0' width='186' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a><br />Total Weight Gain: ~57 lbs<br /><br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11234442484964091691noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8375739454622211219.post-6061882368802524002013-01-25T17:26:00.001-08:002013-01-25T17:26:29.688-08:0030 Weeks: Finally into the 30's!!!This Week's Developments:<br />* The girls should be about 15.7 in long now and weigh in at almost 3 lbs each (like heads of cabbage) according to babycenter.<br />* Their eyesight is continuing to develop, but even at full term will start out with 20/400 vision and only make out objects a few inches from their faces.<br /><br />This week we felt incredibly blessed to hit another huge milestone- 30 weeks! I still believe we will make it at least into the beginning of February, so we shall see! The average delivery of triplets occurs at 31 weeks for various reasons, but they are considered term and would be scheduled for C-section if we make it to 34-35 weeks. Thankfully Brent was able to get out of his track meet in Kentucky this Thursday-Sunday since it would be impossible to get back from there if I go into labor. His athletes still jumped incredibly well today without him present which is a big relief. I woke up Thursday to a wonderful surprise from my favorite L & D nurse. To celebrate hitting the 30 week mark, she brought in 3 containers of mini cupcakes and 3 pink bags full of candy labeled "A" "B" and "C" for each of the girls. She gave "B" (Michaela) different candy than the other two that included gummy bears since she is the biggest and usually the most active of the three. The nurses get to know the girls' personalities by strapping me up for monitoring each shift learning their activity and kicking patterns as well as their sizes. Michaela "B" is the only baby we have assigned a name so far. We thought since she is the biggest, it suits her to have the longest name. We still feel the need to meet A and C to determine who is Hayley and who is Reagan.<br /><br />My Goodies<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/108886536261747058097/November29201202#5837563108279756242'><img src='https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lVvzcbcE1iU/UQMwt97wpdI/AAAAAAAAAZk/ppWOWeQPT6U/s288/9.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='181' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Today we had our first biophysical scan which scores the babies on various criteria including breathing patterns, movement, tone, cord flow, etc. Since it was done first thing in the morning when the babies and I are usually asleep, it took awhile to get them up and moving. As far as I could tell from the ultrasound tech, they all did very well, but A and B did better than C who was not quite awake to show us a lot of her movements. The tech was not concerned so I will not be either. She said that the specialist stated we would probably be starting biweekly ultrasounds at this point to monitor the girls since we are at 30 weeks now and they want to make sure they are not getting to squished or in distress. All three showed some breathing practice and still have good amniotic fluid measurements. I should be getting another growth scan next Friday as long as they have remembered to schedule everything, and would be delighted if all the girls are at/above 3 lbs by then. We got face shots of of A and B today. B is sucking her thumb in her picture! Of course C is still face down towards my back, so no peeks at her pretty little face!<br /><br />A with her little face squished<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/108886536261747058097/November29201202#5837563118930189586'><img src='https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zgJfmjLtNcI/UQMwulnBXRI/AAAAAAAAAZs/LT9edRKFSl4/s288/13.jpg' border='0' width='228' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />B with her thumb in her mouth.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/108886536261747058097/November29201202#5837563132331953922'><img src='https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-iPJlLGrqYr4/UQMwvXiQDwI/AAAAAAAAAZ0/DBv6HWOaBu4/s288/14.jpg' border='0' width='262' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />I started a list of things that triplet mamas are sick of hearing based on my own experiences, and since then it has expanded and Brent has added some things said to him that annoy him as well:<br />1. Three girls?!! Your poor husband!! <i>My poor husband is very happy about his three little daddy's girls thank you very much</i><br />2. Wow, triplets! Instant Family! You must be done after this! <i>Thank you for making a very difficult and personal decision for us on whether or not we will expand our family further in the future</i><br />3. Are they natural??? <i>No they were created by scientists and shoved into my uterus.... This question hadn't bothered me much since I have been so open with our struggles and fertility treatments, but hearing it daily from strangers is really getting old.</i><br />4. How will you do it?! <i>We don't have a choice, I think we will figure it out</i><br />5. Your life is over <i>Need I comment on this one?</i><br />6. I would really want to have twins but definitely not triplets! <i>You do realize you are saying this to a mama 30 weeks pregnant with triplets, right? Maybe that is something you should say to your friend AFTER exiting my room?</i><br />7. You will love them until they hit the teenage years, then they will completely turn on you <i>Thanks for judging the entire female population, but I will wait and see. I certainly didn't turn into a parent eating zombie when I became a teenager</i><br />8. I can't believe you have three babies in there, you aren't that big! <i>Hey now, I worked hard for this huge belly and 60 lbs of extra weight, don't take that away from me!</i><br /><br />I'm sure there are things I have forgotten. Any multiples mommas out there, please add the things people say to you that bug you to the comments section!!<br /><br />Brent just took my belly pic, to technically it is 30 weeks, 1 day<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/108886536261747058097/November29201202#5837563150059410098'><img src='https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-h9IPu2H0yNw/UQMwwZkzkrI/AAAAAAAAAZ8/6n2ynI223Ek/s288/10.jpg' border='0' width='184' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/108886536261747058097/November29201202#5837563163220063986'><img src='https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yEnTyzJNW4E/UQMwxKmjNvI/AAAAAAAAAaE/EvCNZLwhvVY/s288/11.jpg' border='0' width='191' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Total Weight Gain: ~55 lbs<br /><br />As always, we appreciate all of the prayers and the many gifts, cards, and visitors we have received! We would like to request continued prayers for the girls to grow and develop well and to be born when they are ready with no long term complications. Also, continued prayers for our housing (rental home going to foreclosure sale on 2-1), and my job situation (still awaiting approval for extension through January) are much appreciated so that we can spend the next several weeks focusing on our girls and not job or house searching!<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11234442484964091691noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8375739454622211219.post-8543857366707790402013-01-18T13:47:00.001-08:002013-01-18T14:03:47.555-08:0029 Weeks: Grow Babies Grow!This Week's Developments:<br />* The girls should be weighing in at about 2 1/2 lbs (like butternut squash) and be a little over 15 inches long (see below for actual weights!)<br />* Muscles and lungs continue to mature<br />* Their little heads are growing larger to accommodate their developing brains<br /><br />This week has been full of needle sticks! I had another round of rhogam since I am blood type O Negative as well as another 2 day round of steroid shots yesterday and today- ouch! My OB said we might as well do another round this week to be safe and that "it couldn't hurt anything." I said "yeah, except my butt!" (which is wear they stick it). He got a chuckle out of that.<br /><br />Last night I had a bit of a scare. I began feeling my contractions more frequently so I requested to be hooked up to the contraction monitor and it turned out that I was having around 10 in an hour. The on call OB and Specialist were called and decided to have my cervix checked manually and wanted me to have a terbutaline injection to calm the contractions. My cervix, as expected, was still very thin, and had dilated to probably around 2 cm based on the nurse's manual assessment. Thankfully none of the babies appeared to be effected by the contractions at all based on their heart rate monitoring. My heart on the other hand was pumping out of my chest giving me some palpitations and HR ~140 bpm with shaky hands for awhile which are normal side effects. I find it amazing that a drug that is so stimulating also acts to calm my uterus so effectively!<br /><br />My specialist is pleased with how far I have made it already and said that if I go into active labor again to where my contractions are frequent, painful, and causing increased dilation, they will not attempt to use drugs again to stop my contractions and will instead just take me in for the C section. She hopes that I will still make it another week or two before that happens (and would be especially pleased with getting to 32 weeks, but is doubtful I will make it that long). She is confident the babies will (most likely) be ultimately fine if they decide to make an earlier appearance, and my uterus, which is measuring 43+ weeks by now, is getting impatient! I still have a feeling that the girls will hang in there until the first few days of February. We can't believe how real this is getting!!<br /><br />This morning I had my much anticipated growth scan. The last one was two weeks ago and none of us were impressed with the growth at that point from the scan three weeks prior to it. Today was a whole different story. All of the girls-even little C- gained exponentially from the previous scan, gaining much more in the past 2 weeks than they did in the previous 3! We are so proud of them! All of their amniotic fluid measurements are still in the normal range as well. Here Are the measurements:<br /><br />Baby A: 2 lbs 6 oz (+9 oz from 2 weeks ago), AF: 3.77 cm<br /><br />Baby B: 2 lbs 15 oz (+14 oz), AF: 5.63 cm<br /><br />Baby C: 2 lbs 4 0z (+10 oz), AF: 3.9 cm<br /><br />We continue to appreciate all of the amazing encouragement and prayers! The weight gains these past 2 weeks were a big answer to prayer and we hope that they keep up that trend and stick in there a few more weeks to hit that 32 week milestone! If not, though, we pray they will do exceptionally well no matter when they decide to come :)<br /><br />Brent is off to a track meet, so I only have a picture from a few days ago that is not bare belly. You can compare this to my 25 week shot in which I am wearing the same shirt. Notice how much shorter it has gotten!<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/108886536261747058097/November29201202#5834909104542839522'><img src='https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UD5RjbFPK7A/UPnC6nj38uI/AAAAAAAAAY4/Hlv58eGvw_o/s288/9.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a><br />Total Weight Gain: ~51 lbs<br /><br />Forgot to post a pic of my pedicure that Brent gave me this week. What a good hubby!<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/108886536261747058097/November29201202#5834913327885700178'><img src='https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-WBDZ47T4bR4/UPnGwcvRzFI/AAAAAAAAAZM/-Tw7Ffg1lXc/s288/9.jpg' border='0' width='266' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11234442484964091691noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8375739454622211219.post-69194309296010003162013-01-11T14:53:00.001-08:002013-01-11T14:53:20.050-08:0028 Weeks: Into the 3rd TrimesterThis Week's Developments<br />* A singleton baby should weigh around 2.25 lbs and measure 14.8 in long by now<br />* The girls are blinking their eyes which sport eyelashes and may be able to see light that filters through my womb<br />* Neurons continue to develop in their brains at a fast rate<br /><br />So I spoke with my specialist about last week's ultrasound on Monday. My main questions were what were her thoughts on their sizes, at what point would they consider taking them out if one was too growth restricted, when would we start doing longer heart rate monitoring sessions, when my next ultrasound would be, and would we be doing more steroids. When her elderly partner came to see me the day after the ultrasound, he had not even reviewed my ultrasound or known about it, and after I told him he could find it in my chart, his answers to all of my very specific questions were "uh, we are just going to keep doing what we are doing...we are just going to keep them in there until 34 weeks." He also forgets who I am every time he sees me and reintroduces himself. Honestly, how many triplet moms do you have staying in the hospital? I know for a fact I am the only triplet mom in their practice right now. <br /><br />So when I called my specialist Monday with my questions, she answered them in much more depth after stating "So, I hear you don't like talking to Dr. X." I kind of brushed off her comment as I didn't want to talk negatively to her about her partner. She always puts things bluntly, and that might offend some people, but I can look past it and almost appreciate it since she is so amazing at her job. So when she looked at the babies' weights, especially C, she said "yeah they are puny." She said as long as they are growing some, we will leave them in there, and if they become too growth restricted, she would not consider taking them out until 30 weeks at the earliest. She said that my next growth scan would be 2 weeks after the last one (next Friday at 29 weeks, 1 day), and that we would be increasing the heart rate monitoring of the babies from a couple minutes twice a day to 20 minutes twice today. She also said around 29 weeks I will get another round of steroids. The longer heart monitoring will allow the doctors to see trends, establish a baseline heart rate for each baby, and check for the presence of heart rate accelerations concurrent with movement that are good. So far all three babies have shown some evidence of these accelerations, and they should demonstrate more as they get further along. I also got another rhogam shot this week. <br /><br />Here is a picture of my belly with three heart monitors and a contraction monitor hooked up to it. These girls don't make it easy to get 20 consecutive minutes of monitoring with all their kicking and moving around!!<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/108886536261747058097/November29201202#5832328465122203618'><img src='https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-P_HPbtNbSK8/UPCX1okCF-I/AAAAAAAAAYU/E0Bw6j7fu84/s288/9.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />The bane of my week has been my clogged left ear. Lying down to shower has caused my ears to fill up with water each time and get deep into my ear canals and there is not much I can do to get it out. After last Friday's shower when my left ear was still clogged, I had Brent bring me earplugs for future showers but my ear got worse every day following to where it felt like I had a permanent ear plug in my ear and was absolutely miserable. I was finally seen by an ENT today who was able to unclog it for the most part using twirled up tissues and the blunt in of a cotton swab with some tissue paper on it. <i>Hallelujah! </i><br /><br />I have had several visitors this week. My friend Lauren works on the 4th floor here so stops by before work sometimes and came over to watch the premiere of the Bachelor on Monday with some homemade cookies, delicious! My friend Brittany was also able to stop by on Saturday since she was home for the weekend from Texas and it is always a treat to see her! I also was visited by my head pastor who is so kind and wonderful to talk to and who reminds me of my father. I told him that and about my Dad and he hopes to meet him when my parents are in town! My friend from work, Lee, also came to visit with loads of chocolate candy bars, yum :) As I am writing this blog, I was just visited by a man with two large hand puppets who delivered a special heartfelt message to the girls from a best friend from home, Betina. It just made my day! Thanks everyone!<br /><br />A bit of a funny story...Brent and I had been squeezed onto my bed playing a game on the ipad and I had gotten up to go to the bathroom. At the time, the room phone was closer to the little couch and I needed to order dinner, so I laid down on the couch to make my order before going back to the bed. The OT walked in right about then and did a double take when she saw a man lying in the patient bed of the Perinatal ICU and the pregnant lady squeezed onto the small couch. "That's not something we see every day!" she exclaimed and we all started laughing. I assured her that my husband hadn't kicked me out of my own bed and that I was on my way back after I couldn't convince her that he was the pregnant one :)<br /><br />Here are some 28 weeks shots:<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/108886536261747058097/November29201202#5832328481954981842'><img src='https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ddUglzVPPZE/UPCX2nRR59I/AAAAAAAAAYc/TjnyUS6EXsk/s288/10.jpg' border='0' width='197' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/108886536261747058097/November29201202#5832328500184145922'><img src='https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9zjBZGzeCUo/UPCX3rLc4AI/AAAAAAAAAYk/8CbBE0NwPz4/s288/11.jpg' border='0' width='193' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Total Weight Gain: ~46 lbs<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11234442484964091691noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8375739454622211219.post-79760271895250148892013-01-04T17:10:00.001-08:002013-01-04T17:52:19.595-08:0027 Weeks: Grateful for Every Day!This weeks developments:<br />* The girls should weigh almost 2 lbs (the size of a head of cauliflower) and be around 14.5 in long (see below for actual weights)<br />* They are sleeping and waking at regular intervals<br />* They are opening and closing their eyes and sucking on their fingers<br />* Their brains are very active now as they continue to develop rapidly<br /><br />It has now been a little over a week in the hospital and so far so good. The cart showers turned out to be not so bad as I am able to lay on the cart and use a handheld shower head to bathe without any assistance (which was the part I was dreading!). The food is getting old already, but an OT taught me that there is a number I can call to hear the daily cafeteria menu and I can usually order from that as well which has helped a lot with getting a little variety! I can't complain about the room, and I could go on and on about the wonderful nursing staff! I found out today that my application for free 15 min massages (vs $1/min) was approved, so I should be able to get those twice a week which will hopefully help with a lot of my upper back/rib pain from being bed bound and growing. I am so thankful for my iPad, and almost had a nervous breakdown when the Internet went down for half a day yesterday, for what would I do without it?! In the past week, through my father's Amazon Prime video on demand, I have watched almost all of the first 3 seasons of Grey's Anatomy. That is 60 episodes. I think that must be some kind of record! Brent stops by when he can and squeezes onto the bed with me to play 2 player iPad games and eat meals together here and there. His parents (true Godsends) just left to drive back to New York, but his mom is so sweet to be flying right back next Thursday to stay through Feb 5th to allow Brent to spend more time with me by helping out at the house and with the dogs and to be there on weekends when he starts traveling to track meets every weekend starting next week.<br /><br />I have been so touched by our church, Wesley UMC. Throughout my home bedrest, some of the ladies made us some meals and donated some baby items. This week a lady from church dropped off a handmade blanket that is so soft and beautiful with a wonderful message/scripture attached and said they were working on some baby items too! Brent is modeling it below! I missed a visit yesterday while showering but a church visitor left an inspirational message and my pastor came by today and left a note while I was receiving my first free massage.<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/108886536261747058097/November29201202#5829766119423781890'><img src='https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-DTswOM7Ia5U/UOd9Ze_crAI/AAAAAAAAAXY/d0CM3Vf9f9Y/s288/9.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a><br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/108886536261747058097/November29201202#5829766136025501490'><img src='https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BVMhcPtKw7c/UOd9ac1mzzI/AAAAAAAAAXg/AU10Bx5jWpc/s288/10.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a><br /><br />I waited until today to do this blog so we would have the ultrasound results from the first growth scan we have had since 23 weeks 6 days. The good news is the girls have all grown. Personally, I was hoping all 3 would be at or above 2 lbs, so I was disappointed with the growth of A and C but I have no idea what the specialist thinks about their growth-good/bad- since the tech came to see me in my room. If I don't have a visit from the specialist over the weekend I will call her office on Monday to try to get her thoughts on the results and find out when we will recheck. <br /><br />Results are as follows (all Amniotic Fluid measurements and heart rates were within normal limits and the percentiles are a compared to twins):<br /><br />Baby A: HR 147, AF 4.7 cm, Weight estimate: 1 lb 13 oz (up 8 oz since 3 weeks ago)= 5-25th percentile<br />Baby B: HR 159, AF 7.2 cm, weight: 2 lb 1 oz (+10 oz)= < 25th percentile<br />Baby C: HR 136, AF 3.2 cm, weight 1 lb 10 oz (+5 oz)= < 5th percentile<br /><br />My wonderful Aunt Diane sent me a stand for my iPad today that makes it so much easier to use and watch shows on my iPad while on bedrest since I can put it in so many different positions! I think it may help with some of my pains by helping me position better too! I used it to write my blog and look forward to watching many many more episodes of Grey's with it too! :)<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/108886536261747058097/November29201202#5829766151203395058'><img src='https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-xVC228FmHKk/UOd9bVYTFfI/AAAAAAAAAXo/9G_7GLqq61M/s288/11.jpg' border='0' width='162' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a><br />Here are the 27 week belly shots from yesterday, and I had Brent bring in my scale! One triplet mama who was not familiar with the sequential compression devices on my legs was mortified that I was tethered to the bed and wondered if it was a requirement to keep me compliant with bedrest :) I assure you they are removable, yet very annoying. I am allowed to remove them at night, lest I would not get ANY sleep.<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/108886536261747058097/November29201202#5829766161046908114'><img src='https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-mieWzbQFgKE/UOd9b6DLLNI/AAAAAAAAAXw/FfS0T5zI2-I/s288/13.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a><br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/108886536261747058097/November29201202#5829766172494261602'><img src='https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-0mVuRquE09c/UOd9cksb7WI/AAAAAAAAAX4/ckUjnFIL05Q/s288/14.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a><br />Total weight gain: 44 lbs<br />We are really praying that these girls stay in there several more weeks and grow big and strong and grow fast! We appreciate your prayers, especially for C to not fall too far behind and pick up the pace with her weight gain :)<br /><br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11234442484964091691noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8375739454622211219.post-92048388601080526112012-12-28T11:50:00.001-08:002012-12-28T11:56:00.150-08:0026 week +1 Day Hospital UpdateJust wanted to briefly update:<br />Not great news today. While my cervix is still 1.2 cm long and closed externally, it was even more dynamic internally at around 1.7 cm dilated. I will be in the hospital until delivery. I have to continue with the bedside commode and start showering with assistance lying on a cart in the shower (these girls better appreciate this one day! :) ). So worried about these bubbas, but giving it to God and doing whatever I can control. B and C have already started showing signs of breathing activity which is very good, though, for this gestation (normally not detected on ultrasound until 28 weeks) and FFN came back negative (meaning high likelihood I will not go into labor within the next 7-10 days. Many prayers appreciated!<br /><br />Again, I would love visitors, just give me a heads up and/or knock first and wait for confirmation to enter please so I can be decent! Thanks!!<br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad<br /><br /><p class='blogpress_location'>Location:<a href='http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Cox%20PICU&z=10'>Cox PICU</a></p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11234442484964091691noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8375739454622211219.post-7646426202571366842012-12-27T14:32:00.001-08:002012-12-27T14:32:31.557-08:0026 Weeks: Back in the Hospital!This Week's Developments:<br />*The girls can hear mine and Brent's voices now (and others I converse with) instead of just me!<br />* They are inhaling and exhaling amniotic fluid to develop the lungs<br />* They continue to put on fat and probably weigh about 1.75 lbs each and are 14 inches long (about the length of an English Hothouse Cucumber- whatever that is!)<br /><br />I will try to keep it brief as it is hard to blog lying so flat in a hospital bed! As I predicted in last week's blog, my cervical changes noted at this Wednesday's visit were enough to put me back in the PICU for at least a few days. My specialist was back this week and I was so happy to see her! While the length of my cervix didn't go down a whole lot from last week, it had significant dynamic changes meaning the inside part (where A keeps her head all the time) has increased funneling and some dilation while the external portion of the cervix remained closed. This concerned my specialist enough to put me on hospital bedrest at least until Friday to give them time to do 48 hours of toradol injections every 6 hours for contractions (I was having 6 the first hour I was admitted but since then only 2-3 an hour which is within the normal range, and still a lot of irritability as expected with triplets). I also had 2 doses of steroid injections 24 hours apart that are now in effect to mature the girls lungs if they come early in the next 30 days.<br /><br />I will go back to the specialist's office tomorrow (hoping I won't see the new partner again and that my specialist will be there!) and they will recheck my cervix and determine if I should go home awhile longer or stay on at the hospital. I am almost scared to go home. It is so boring and uncomfortable here, but I feel it is a better place to be for the girls. I do trust my specialist's opinion, though (not so much her new partner's which is why I hope it won't be him!).<br /><br />My uterus is pretty much measuring full term now compared to a singleton, so the changes I am experiencing at this point are inevitable and very common in triplet mommas. I have gained a lot of encouragement from my triplet groups online in that many women in this position still managed to keep them in there for many many more weeks (usually on hospital bedrest) and I hope that my body with the help of my doctors and your prayers will do the same. I really really want to get at least 4 more weeks to 30 weeks, and every week after that I will be counting my blessings! <br /><br />The girls aren't too happy about the ultrasounds and dopplers and do not hesitate to kick back at the nurses pushing down with their devices! Here are some pics of the girls from Wednesday at 25 weeks 6 days:<br /><br /><b>Baby A: HR 138, Amniotic Fluid 4.2 cm (Normal= 2-8 cm)</b><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/108886536261747058097/November29201202#5826756816317736322'><img src='https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-w-aBUOQ9EEU/UNzMc_U0ZYI/AAAAAAAAAWU/4KFVsPQGZLQ/s288/9.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='181' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><b>Baby B: HR 150, AF 7.3 cm</b><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/108886536261747058097/November29201202#5826756823493586354'><img src='https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-TxOOo3ilBNc/UNzMdaDrLbI/AAAAAAAAAWc/0d2NkyLMSkQ/s288/10.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='159' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><b>Baby C (usual poor picture positioning) HR 138, AF 3.6 cm</b><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/108886536261747058097/November29201202#5826756836848510930'><img src='https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-faTsfYBgmqk/UNzMeLzvJ9I/AAAAAAAAAWk/hS6PfpIbZ5w/s288/11.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='193' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><b>26 Week Belly Shots</b><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/108886536261747058097/November29201202#5826756850272960018'><img src='https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0r1uRhUvFfQ/UNzMe90X_hI/AAAAAAAAAWs/JT5ks5In04A/s288/13.jpg' border='0' width='160' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/108886536261747058097/November29201202#5826756863670147922'><img src='https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3Fs3p3HWxmk/UNzMfvug21I/AAAAAAAAAW0/eXffE36LXGc/s288/14.jpg' border='0' width='142' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Not sure of current weight since I don't have a scale here!<br /><br /><br />Continued prayers much appreciated! If I am still here after tomorrow I would love visitors!! Please give me a heads up first or surprise me but make sure to knock first for entry conformation as I have been reduced to using a bedside commode for the time being! :)<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11234442484964091691noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8375739454622211219.post-38110210948393839492012-12-20T17:03:00.001-08:002012-12-20T18:42:45.038-08:0025 Weeks: It's a Jungle in the Nursery!This Week's Developments:<br />* Head to heels the girls should be around 13.5 inches long and weigh around 1.5 lbs each (the size of a rutabaga)<br />* The girls are starting to pack on some baby fat and growing more and more hair<br /><br />This past week has had its ups and downs. Late Sunday night I felt that my usual contractions/uterine irritability grew stronger and closer together so we made a trip out to labor and delivery. They determined that I was having a lot of irritability but no more than 1-3 actual contractions an hour so were going to send me home without checking anything else. After some coaxing from a frustrated momma to be, they agreed to contact my specialist, who, as I suspected she would, wanted me to stay overnight for monitoring and do the FFN test and cervical check in the morning. The room I got wasn't nearly as nice as during my last stay and I was basically sleeping on what felt like a rock hard gurney. Morning finally came and thankfully my FFN test was negative, meaning there is at least a 90% chance that I will NOT go into labor within one to two weeks following the test. They do not have anyone in the hospital competent enough to do a cautious transvaginal ultrasound to check my cervix, so the nurse checked manually and it was still closed. The specialist wanted me to head home until my scheduled appointment Wednesday. I was SO happy to see my bed when I got home!<br /><br />Wednesday morning we went in and I was not happy at all to discover that my cervix had shortened even faster than the previous few weeks and was down to 1.9 cm long (from 2.9 cm last week). My specialist was also out sick for the first time in 2 years so I had to see their new elderly partner who we had never met before and does not seem to be as up on things as my specialist. He said just to keep doing what I'm doing and they will see me back next Wednesday. Of course I am concerned about how much more length I may lose before then, but am praying for the best. I fully anticipate they may put me on hospital bedrest for the remainder of the pregnancy at that point if it has progressed any further over this next week. As much as that will suck, I know I will feel so much better having things monitored 24/7 with immediate interventions ready if necessary.<br />On a lighter note, my husband, with the help of his parents have pretty much finished putting together my vision for the nursery. Praying that we will end up being able to continue living here for many months to come so that the girls can enjoy it! Here are some pics:<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/108886536261747058097/November29201202#5824197942487010546'><img src='https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-kLoA69CP8FE/UNO1K7d_zPI/AAAAAAAAAUM/WCHNVMEN_dY/s288/9.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a><br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/108886536261747058097/November29201202#5824197964694304738'><img src='https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-DJXewg4KyjY/UNO1MOMoN-I/AAAAAAAAAUU/Mq0fA8K5AVE/s288/10.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='207' style='margin:5px'></a><br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/108886536261747058097/November29201202#5824197990756046930'><img src='https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-IJ7pdjzV1WY/UNO1NvSO2FI/AAAAAAAAAUc/tNYPI93T7Ik/s288/11.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a><br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/108886536261747058097/November29201202#5824198009174698386'><img src='https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-8qe_MGAXLjQ/UNO1Oz5lKZI/AAAAAAAAAUk/C5VsxriOxbs/s288/13.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a><br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/108886536261747058097/November29201202#5824198031412787138'><img src='https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zwOi5ye7SU0/UNO1QGvjd8I/AAAAAAAAAUs/7OPd6A5QiMU/s288/14.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a><br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/108886536261747058097/November29201202#5824198046692379762'><img src='https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Za1Qjkl_p80/UNO1Q_qfjHI/AAAAAAAAAU0/sPtA67Y-hVA/s288/15.jpg' border='0' width='129' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a><br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/108886536261747058097/November29201202#5824198056697401282'><img src='https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-kcU_E1hQ1Mw/UNO1Rk74D8I/AAAAAAAAAU8/2V066hd33og/s288/16.jpg' border='0' width='238' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a><br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/108886536261747058097/November29201202#5824198069395374066'><img src='https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-p08A6VWhFqs/UNO1SUPTv_I/AAAAAAAAAVE/8nY4E0962Ro/s288/19.jpg' border='0' width='205' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a><br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/108886536261747058097/November29201202#5824198085582782066'><img src='https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-X917ZRPMsvo/UNO1TQir_nI/AAAAAAAAAVM/Edh4QJ68fa4/s288/21.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a><br />Pictures of the girls from Wednesday (24 week, 6 days)!<br />Baby A Face Shot, HR 141<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/108886536261747058097/November29201202#5824198110268276994'><img src='https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-r3loMGdO5Fs/UNO1UsgKwQI/AAAAAAAAAVU/DAuaXCVwM4A/s288/22.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='197' style='margin:5px'></a><br />Baby B Usual Profile Shot, HR 133<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/108886536261747058097/November29201202#5824198127243231074'><img src='https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-GNaArxdCsa8/UNO1VrvT_2I/AAAAAAAAAVc/wcayQOlwAwM/s288/23.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a><br />Baby C Usual Upside Down Backwards Shot, HR 131<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/108886536261747058097/November29201202#5824198138473613554'><img src='https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-slkknv1BBZY/UNO1WVk2CPI/AAAAAAAAAVk/9uPj591ujGg/s288/24.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='185' style='margin:5px'></a><br />Belly Pics<br />A couple from Wednesday Before my Appointment-Almost out of maternity clothes that still fit!<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/108886536261747058097/November29201202#5824198158630837282'><img src='https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-AC-KqFk5230/UNO1Xgqs3CI/AAAAAAAAAVs/ySJwl8XPIRI/s288/25.jpg' border='0' width='139' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a><br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/108886536261747058097/November29201202#5824198183005242290'><img src='https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OELm2a3rKb8/UNO1Y7eAw7I/AAAAAAAAAV0/lJ95oCK7VRQ/s288/26.jpg' border='0' width='153' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a><br />And a couple from today officially at 25 weeks!<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/108886536261747058097/November29201202#5824198209324239202'><img src='https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/--Jz6otmXnP8/UNO1adg8yWI/AAAAAAAAAV8/FA6X4CojgcE/s288/27.jpg' border='0' width='238' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a><br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/108886536261747058097/November29201202#5824198231627589954'><img src='https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-nMNbWxt-8L0/UNO1bwme6UI/AAAAAAAAAWE/7F2SffefS_U/s288/28.jpg' border='0' width='253' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a><br />Total Weight Gain: 41 lbs, uterus measuring 36 weeks!<br />We really really appreciate continued prayers for the girls to remain in place for many weeks to come and to arrive healthy and strong as well as for our housing and my job security as we get further along. Thank you all so much!!<br />Posted using BlogPress from my iPad<br /><br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11234442484964091691noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8375739454622211219.post-13523735333845050282012-12-14T12:31:00.001-08:002012-12-14T12:31:25.963-08:0024 Weeks: Officially into the Realm of Viability!This Week's Developments:<br />* The girls are about as long as an ear of corn (see blog for actual weights!)<br />* Their brains are growing rapidly and taste buds continue to develop<br />* Their lungs are developing branches of the respiratory tree and cells that produce surfactant that will help air sacs in the lungs inflate once they are born<br /><br />Sorry for the delay on this post! Yesterday was a stressful day due to non-pregnancy related issues. We found out from our leasing agent that our rental home's owner is filing for bankruptcy and we may have to move out as soon as within the next three months. The details are still very shady at this point and we are waiting to hear more from the leasing agent. Talk about the <i>Worst. Timing. Ever. </i>We have no idea what we will do but are keeping faith that God (and a little help from family and friends :) ) will bring us through whatever happens. My mother sent me a message: "Be still and trust God to see you through...He has a way of making things better than you could even begin to imagine" followed by a verse she read yesterday: <i>Psalm 62:5 Let all that I am wait quietly before God, for my hope is in him.</i>Through prayer we are feeling more at peace about it today, and will try to take everything as it comes a day at a time.<br /><br />Now on to happier news. As you know, my in-laws arrived last Friday and have been such a blessing to us. My Father-in-law loves to keep busy and has already reorganized our garage and is painting the whole nursery today (yes we realize the babies may never get to use it at this point depending on when we have to move out, but we will still set it up as it has been something we have been looking forward to for a long time!). Both of my in-laws have been waiting on me bringing me drinks and meals and my mother-in-law has kept up with all of our mounds of laundry and washed all of the girls clothes and is working on getting them all organized into their closet. We are so blessed to have them here while I am on full bedrest!<br /><br />Also, on Saturday my two closest friends out here threw me an amazing baby shower at our home! I am so blessed to have them! They went above and beyond with their preparations, food, and hand made decorations! <br /><br />Beautiful cake for my three little monkey girls!<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/108886536261747058097/November29201202#5821901421019766034'><img src='https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-jItC_uBHr10/UMuMfyU5nRI/AAAAAAAAASg/oXVuPNemLZY/s288/9.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Awesome handmade diaper cake formed with 93 diapers!!<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/108886536261747058097/November29201202#5821901433298350146'><img src='https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_llMGXg7pvs/UMuMggEV8EI/AAAAAAAAASo/5iyaNxYH5-A/s288/10.jpg' border='0' width='154' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Precious handmade mini monkey rattle diaper cakes each with one of the girls' names on it (there were 3 total:) )<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/108886536261747058097/November29201202#5821901449004104434'><img src='https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-38Cu8Tl2aqU/UMuMhak4uvI/AAAAAAAAASw/c0o-TN-G-Fw/s288/11.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Me with the 2 ladies who made it all happen!! (I promise I only got up for a few pics and bathroom breaks!)<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/108886536261747058097/November29201202#5821901456436971698'><img src='https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-LcrWDcbjcVE/UMuMh2RBSLI/AAAAAAAAAS4/HH8B7sIKYvM/s288/12.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />It took us 2 shots to get everyone in the pics. Thank you all for coming!!<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/108886536261747058097/November29201202#5821901471619131314'><img src='https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-_gzMuCkM6Xc/UMuMiu0up7I/AAAAAAAAATA/LaJ-Wo175qs/s288/13.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='212' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/108886536261747058097/November29201202#5821901478015012242'><img src='https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-6-xu-bd9Po8/UMuMjGpoDZI/AAAAAAAAATI/kd0iUhJ8C_g/s288/14.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='219' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />This is probably the only pregnancy pic I will ever have where I am actually dressed up!<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/108886536261747058097/November29201202#5821901491769327218'><img src='https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-BLhJqhD82xg/UMuMj546PnI/AAAAAAAAATQ/Jh9uhOfr1J4/s288/15.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br />Now on to what you have all been waiting for!! How was the anatomy scan on Wednesday (23 weeks, 6 days)???!!! It went very well! The girls all measured excellently. As you know, I was worried about A and C due to the marginal cord insertions, but they both weighed in at 1 lb 5 oz, and B weighed in at 1 lb 7 oz. As compared to a singleton pregnancy, they are within the 33-36th percentiles which is wonderful! My cervix did go down again a bit more than I would have liked this past week and measured in at 2.9 cm but still closed. I asked how short would it have to get for them to make me stay in the hospital and they said not until it is 1.5 cm or less or it starts to dilate. So I am hoping we can draw our time out at home at least another several weeks! As usual, C was not in position for a decent picture!<br /><br />Monkey A: HR 156, 1 lb 5 oz<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/108886536261747058097/November29201202#5821901505758131458'><img src='https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-EDh76sZpl7w/UMuMkuAGdQI/AAAAAAAAATY/8li5xIorywo/s288/16.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='200' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Monkey B: HR 163 (she was kicking up a storm!) 1lb 7 oz<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/108886536261747058097/November29201202#5821901515964288114'><img src='https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-p0FMsUoEyjo/UMuMlUBcDHI/AAAAAAAAATg/C-ni3q_luzk/s288/19.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='205' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Monkey C: HR 163 (also very active) 1 lb 5 oz<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/108886536261747058097/November29201202#5821901524754983026'><img src='https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-dWyLk8pQkHY/UMuMl0xTaHI/AAAAAAAAATo/InbHT11SLWY/s288/21.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='201' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Belly Pics from Yesterday at 24 Weeks<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/108886536261747058097/November29201202#5821901537728915858'><img src='https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SqEt5j-gANo/UMuMmlGh6ZI/AAAAAAAAATw/RbWq1eZMscU/s288/22.jpg' border='0' width='191' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/108886536261747058097/November29201202#5821901548275483122'><img src='https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-hWiz0gr82W0/UMuMnMZBwfI/AAAAAAAAAT4/KMla3DqINCM/s288/23.jpg' border='0' width='202' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><b>Total Weight Gain: 37 lbs</b><br /><br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11234442484964091691noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8375739454622211219.post-62545789658363389432012-12-06T13:57:00.000-08:002012-12-06T14:50:51.289-08:0023 Weeks: A Lot To Look Forward ToThis week's developments: <br />* The girls now have a well developed sense of movement, so too bad I can't dance around!<br />* They should be measuring around 11 inches long and weighing in at just over a pound each- the size of large mangos!<br />* We can see them move under my skin!<br />* Blood vessels in their lungs are developing to prepare for breathing<br />* Hearing is becoming much more keen and the inner ear is now fully developed<br /><br />Yesterday, I had my first follow-up with the specialist since my release from the hospital. They are still happy with my cervix which was measuring 3.3 and closed today (anything over 2.5 is good). A is sitting closer to my cervix now so I had to pull up on my belly to get her out of the way for the measurements! At one point we saw her kick my cervix and I felt it, so now I know what it feels like when she does that. She did it twice last night so I picked her up until she left it alone :) Since I was meeting with my OB immediately following the specialist appointment, the specialist had me do the gestational diabetes 1-hour test so I could come back up and have my blood drawn after seeing him. I had not fasted that morning, but the NP said that it wouldn't matter so I chugged down the red sweet liquid and went on my way. After the blood draw she said she would only call me if the results were abnormal. Gestational diabetes is much more prevalent in women carrying multiples, especially with separate placentas, and we have three! After we got home I was woken from my nap by a call from a Cox number. Uh-oh. The NP said "Hey Paula, I know you were hoping not to hear from me." <i>Ya got that right!</i> Unfortunately I did not pass the 1-hour test. I had scored 166 and needed to score 140 or less. The good news is that most women who fail the 1-hour test do not end up having GD, but to make sure I will have to do a 2-hour test next Wednesday that will involve fasting and drinking a higher quantity of nastier liquids. I feel that I will pass, but appreciate prayers that we will not have to throw GD into the mix of other issues already facing a triplet pregnancy!<br /><br />I am very excited for this weekend! My in-laws are arriving tomorrow and will most likely be able to stay through the beginning of January. It will be so nice to have some human company during the day when Brent is gone and some extra help preparing for the little ones as well! My mother-in-law texted my husband yesterday as they started out their journey from New York to Missouri, "Let Paula know that her maid and butler are on their way!" Also, my two closest friends I have made since moving out here are throwing us a baby shower at our place on Saturday and I can't wait to see some much missed faces from my life before bedrest while celebrating the 3 blessings growing in my belly! We are so blessed to have such amazing families and friends! I am sure we will have a lot of pictures for next week's blog!<br /><br />We got some quick shots again of the girls during the specialist's visit. As usual, B is the model baby. A gave us a better shot than last week, but C is once again curled up with her back facing us! We have our anatomy scan next Wednesday which we always look forward to because we get to see the threelets for longer, and get an idea of how they are progressing growth-wise. Prayers for only good news next week!<br /><b>Baby A, HR 133</b><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/12/06/1667.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/12/06/s_1667.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='181' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><b>Baby B, HR 147</b><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/12/06/1668.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/12/06/s_1668.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='207' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/12/06/1723.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/12/06/s_1723.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='186' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><b>Baby C, HR 156 (only showing us her spine as usual!!) </b><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/12/06/1724.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/12/06/s_1724.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='200' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><b>Belly Shots</b><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/12/06/1725.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/12/06/s_1725.jpg' border='0' width='256' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/12/06/1726.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/12/06/s_1726.jpg' border='0' width='141' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><b>Current Weight: 150 lbs<br />Total Weight Gain: 34 lbs</b><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad<br /><br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11234442484964091691noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8375739454622211219.post-61876355093095791182012-11-29T12:54:00.002-08:002012-11-29T13:00:25.555-08:0022 Weeks: There's No Place Like HomeThis Weeks's Developments:<br />
* The girls are looking more like miniature newborns with more distinct lips, eyelids, eyebrows, and tiny tooth buds developing beneath the gums<br />
* Eyes are formed but irises still lack pigment<br />
* The girls are probably around 11 in long now and weighing in around 1 lb each<br />
* Their skin is full of wrinkles that will gradually fill more with fat<br />
* The pancreases are steadily developing<br />
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As I hoped, we were able to come home from the hospital Monday after meeting with the specialist. Being that her office was in a building next door to the hospital, I got bundled up with a long sleeve shirt and sweatshirt and warm muk luks, but much to my surprise, we arrived without ever exiting the hospital. There was a hidden tunnel that I did not know about! As the kind hospital worker wheeled me there, we passed by the NICU where my daughters will likely spend several weeks before being released to come home. The shades were drawn so I could not see in, but all of the staff had told me wonderful things about it. I asked the man pushing my wheelchair how many babies they usually have in there and he said usually 20-30 at any given time but it has a capacity for around 40. The NICU is a level III, which is great, and my nurse had assured me earlier that the only reason they would have to fly a baby to St. Louis would be for a serious heart defect, and that they were incredibly well equipped to deal with all other issues impacting premies.<br />
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At the specialist's office, they briefly looked at the girls to get their heart rates, which were all excellent. The tech did exclaim, "C must be your little girl, she is the smaller one!" She said it casually, but it worries me if it is that obvious on a regular scan and I continue to ask for prayers that the girls grow well and at similar rates- especially A and C with their marginal cord insertions that I mentioned in their 20 week post. When they measured my cervix with the transvaginal scan, the specialist came into the room to watch and said it was nice and thick at 3.54 cm long with no evidence of funneling and that it looked closed on the scan. <i>Praise God! </i>She instructed me to continue with the 200 mg progesterone suppositories that they had me start in the hospital and gave me more strict guidelines for my bedrest. She wants me lying down pretty much all the time in bed or on the couch. I am allowed to get up to use the bathroom and shower every other day as well as for meals. The specialist will also see me weekly from here on out to check my cervix which will be reassuring to me to know ASAP if it is shortening too much. I will continue to see my OB concurrently since he will be the one delivering these little munchkins.<br />
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After I got dressed and stepped out of the ultrasound room I proceeded to walk back out to the waiting room but my wheelchair pusher and NP caught me and said I still had to take the wheelchair despite my good news. Oh well! I told the nurses on staff thank you and goodbye, and that I would be happy to see them again but hopefully not for several more weeks at least! At least I know that if/when I get put on permanent hospital residency that there will be a great staff caring for us, and the rooms at least are large and private with a huge window to a courtyard area and free wireless internet (I would have been lost without that!!).<br />
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I am doing very well following my guidelines at home, but it is hard to sit by and watch the house get messy and laundry pile up without being able to do anything about it myself! Not to mention my desire to clean out the nursery closet and put baby stuff in there instead of strewn throughout the living room and guestroom that will soon be occupied by my in-laws (so excited for their visit!!). I just remind myself that I am doing more for these little girls by staying in bed than by organizing their stuff :) <br />
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At the specialist's office. The tech took a quick picture of each of the girls, so as usual they are pretty poor quality. A is facing the camera and, as the tech said, is making a scary face, since you are seeing her skull more than her face. B was cooperative with a profile shot, and <b>as usual</b> C was curled up with her back facing us. I got to see A put her little hand up and we could see all the creases in her palm, so precious. I wish we had a shot of that :).<br />
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<b>A</b></div>
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<b>B</b></div>
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<b>C</b></div>
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<b> Belly Pics 22 Weeks</b></div>
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<b>Total Weight Gain: 30 lbs </b></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11234442484964091691noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8375739454622211219.post-22932324399452950072012-11-23T13:59:00.000-08:002012-11-23T14:16:07.868-08:0021 Weeks: Thanksgiving in the HospitalI apologize in advance for any typos/grammatical errors/run on sentences as I am stuck blogging on my ipad and the program I have makes it hard to do so and not fun to type this much on!<br />
This week's Developments:<div>* Babies weigh around 3/4 of a lb by this point and measure around 10.5 in from head to toe-about the length of a carrot.</div><div>* Eyebrows and eyelids are now present</div><div><br />
</div><div>As most of you know, I came I to the hospital Wednesday night and have been here since! Since about 16 weeks, I have been having a lot of Braxton Hicks contractions, and I felt that they were increasing Tuesday night into Wednesday. It is so hard to tell, though, because they are not painful and I really only notice by palpating my uterus. I called my OB who instructed me to go into labor and delivery if they did not resolve-which they didn't. I fully anticipated going in that they would find everything was fine and send me right home since my cervix checked out ok despite my contractions a week before, but the machine registered that I was having pretty strong contractions every 2-3 minutes. They checked the girls' heartrates in an abdominal ultrasound and they looked just fine. The on call OB ordered the nurse to catheterize me AGAIN like they did at 12 weeks in order to get a "clean" urine sample (even though I gave them a large clean sample that they hadn't even tested yet) and to pump my bladder full of fluid for "better viewing." If you read my post back around 12 weeks you would remember that this procedure was completely horrible and completely unnecessary as both then and now I was very well hydrated with a full bladder and have ultrasounds on a biweekly basis at least that they have no problem with viewing on and my bladder is empty during those! The nurse agreed she thought the orders were not necessary and informed me of my right to refuse. I greatly appreciated this reminder from her and politely refused. My urine did not indicate dehydration or infection. Turns out, when the the OB called the specialist she did not even want the ultrasound cervical check, she wanted the nurse to do an internal exam to check my cervix for the first time during the pregnancy. I was a little worried about this as internal exams should be avoided as much as possible due to possible issues that could arise because of the exam, but I trust the specialist's judgement. The nurse determined that my cervix was dilated at 1 cm, but still thick (aka long- which is the most important factor). I was injected with terbutaline to calm the contractions. It made me very jittery with cold and not flashes, but they said it did decrease the contractions through the night. It was very difficult to fall asleep and I have definitely missed my bed at home. Yesterday, my OB came by and made it sound like they don't do much to intervene when the babies are not of viability age yet and that 'what happens happens' at this point. I strongly disagreed with that stance and know of many many triplet moms who were in the hospital and receiving interventions weeks ahead of where I am now. He said he would consult with the specialist before deciding to send me home. When he came back in the room his demeanor was completely changed and he was all for keeping me here as long as possible to be safe and administering any interventions necessary to keep these girls in there. The specialist had ordered him to have me put on toradol injected into my IV every 6 hours for 24 hours for the contractions and my OB said he would feel safer keeping me here until the specialist could scan my cervix on Monday.</div><div><br />
</div><div>Brent cooked and brought me Thanksgiving dinner last night :) I don't look cute at all in the hospital!!</div><div><span id="goog_1423494938"></span><span id="goog_1423494939"></span><br />
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Throughout my stay I have had an amazing nursing staff. God gave me a little love/humor...My night nurse has been Julie (like my mom) my day nurse yesterday was Joanna (like my sister Joane), and my day nurse today is Sarah (like my sister Sara) and I see qualities in each of them that remind me of my Julie, Joane, and Sara! God must know I wish they were here :) <br />
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Today Sarah informed me that I was more than welcome to wear my own clothes and made it a lot easier to do so by getting the ok from my OB to unhook my IV as long as she left the port. I was able to shower and get in comfy clothes which has made me feel like a normal person again today! They have not hooked my contraction monitor back up today. I still feel some tightening, but for the past 24 hours they were charting more irritabilty than full blown contractions, so I am really basically just still here to stay off my feet and wait to see the specialist on Monday. I am pretty confident my cervix will check out pretty well on Monday and that she will send me home, but we just have to wait and see. <br />
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I couldn't leave you without some big belly pics. I haven't been able to weigh myself, but I am sure I have gained several pounds laying around and ordering hospital room service a few times a day!<br />
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21 weeks 1 Day<br />
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<div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-q54oJmP_DyM/UK_0brHW_zI/AAAAAAAAAOY/QMn3-p2PkE8/s640/blogger-image-916658847.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-q54oJmP_DyM/UK_0brHW_zI/AAAAAAAAAOY/QMn3-p2PkE8/s640/blogger-image-916658847.jpg" /></a></div> <br />
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<div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-870YZvtqGsg/UK_0cTKMi2I/AAAAAAAAAOg/-CNobQJlyxU/s640/blogger-image-651622189.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-870YZvtqGsg/UK_0cTKMi2I/AAAAAAAAAOg/-CNobQJlyxU/s640/blogger-image-651622189.jpg" /></a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11234442484964091691noreply@blogger.com5Cox South Hospital 3801 South National Avenue, Springfield37.145583 -93.280446tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8375739454622211219.post-33354750895017950642012-11-15T15:22:00.001-08:002012-11-15T15:33:13.552-08:0020 Weeks: Another Peek at the Girls!This Week's Developments:<br />
* Babies should be around 10.5 inches long from head to foot (the length of a banana), and according to my app weigh around 10.6 oz (see below for actual weights from anatomy scan)<br />
* Babies are swallowing more and more to practice digestion and producing meconium- a by-product of digestion(we'll get to see that in their first diapers!)<br />
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It was like counting down the days to Christmas awaiting our Anatomy scan on Wednesday. Since they give us the best glimpse of the girls and their progress and only come every 4 weeks, Brent gets out of work to come. The girls all looked great (measurements below). <i>I will note that the standard of error is 2 oz with the weight estimates.</i> Each girl's scan took at least 30 minutes as we measured key points on their heads, hearts, abdomens, arms, and legs, viewed kidneys and stomachs, and mapped bloodflow. A was very cooperative and photogenic as usual, B was slightly less so as she moved around quite a bit and whenever the tech thought she had her shot, she would have to let out an exasperated sigh and start over after B danced away. Regardless, B ended up giving us all the necessary shots too. C was very, very stubborn. She was comfortably lying on her stomach and was not going to flip over for anyone! The tech spent a very long time poking and prodding with the wand trying to encourage her to flip, but C was just was not having it. Eventually, she was able to get all but a couple heart outflow shots which C flat out refused to give up. The tech said she would try to get that measurement at the next scan in 4 weeks, but that today would be the longest scan because they got a lot of measurements they would not even be able to attempt to get as the girls become larger and more cramped. At future scans, they will just be measuring the keypoints to assess growth that should only take 5-10 min per baby. When we met with the specialist, she was surprised that the tech was able to get as many of the key shots that she did with triplets. My cervix measured at 3.7 cm (down from 4.1 2 weeks ago) but the specialist said it still looked long and perfect and this decrease did not concern her at all. The specialist also exclaimed that all three girls are breech- but this shouldn't matter much as they will be delivered via c-section anyway.<br />
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One concern the specialist did bring up that the ultrasound revealed was that A and C have what is called 'marginal cord insertion.' Ideally, the umbilical cord will implant right into the middle of the placenta for ideal blood and nutrient circulation. Quite often in multiples, the cord will implant further off to the edge of the placenta which could potentially impact the growth of A and C over time. The specialist said this is something that could potentially cause us to have to deliver the babies a little sooner than expected if it does appear that one or both of them are too far behind in growth, but that it is not generally something that could result in any long-term effects or cause any major risks to the babies as long as they are monitored closely. On my forums, I communicated with several other triplet mom's who had 1 or 2 babies with marginal insertion and none of them had to deliver early because of it and the babies were not impacted by it with any lasting effects other than possibly just being a bit smaller in some cases. <i>Many of these Moms did have to deliver as early as 30 weeks, but it was due to non-related issues like pre-ecclampsia and HELLP. </i>This seems to be the consensus with our google searches on the topic as well. We appreciate prayers that the girls will continue to grow well, remain close in size, and get all the blood and nutrients they need to thrive so that they can stay in there and cook as long as possible! Brent melted my heart today after he texted me many facts about marginal cord insertion that he had researched at work today, and finished with a text stating '<i>I can't wait to be a Dad!!'</i><br />
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The specialist confirmed what I was thinking about delivery date. She said I will definitely deliver by 35 weeks and would be incredibly surprised if, being pregnant with triplets, I even made it that far. She said most triplet mom's deliver around 31 weeks due to many issues that arise with growing 3 babies and the stress on the uterus and mom's body. 35 weeks would be February 28th, and I hope we can get as close to that goal as possible!<br />
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Next week I will not have any appointments due to the holiday week. The following week I will see my OB on Tuesday, and then the specialist again on Wednesday to do another cervical check.<br />
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Here are some shots of the girls from Wednesday (19w6d)! You can pretty much tell from the pictures that A was the most cooperative and C the least :) Throughout the 1.5+ hour ultrasound, they took more than 45 pictures, but these are the only ones that were printed for us. On the screen we were able to see frontal views of the adorable little faces quite clearly and close-ups of their little feet and handprints :)<br />
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<b>Princess A: 11 oz, HR 138</b></div>
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<b>Princess B: 12 oz, HR 147</b></div>
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<b>Princess C: 12 oz, HR 144</b></div>
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<b>20 Week Belly Shots</b></div>
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<b>One with my Goofballs!</b></div>
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<b>Total Weight Gain: 24 lbs</b></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11234442484964091691noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8375739454622211219.post-90846009440492344212012-11-09T14:55:00.002-08:002012-11-09T15:08:12.466-08:0019 Weeks: Another Week Bites The Dust!This Week's Developments:<br />
* The babies should weigh in at ~8.5 oz each and 6 inches long head to bottom (about the size of large heirloom tomatos) <br />
* Sensory development is exploding with the brain designating areas for smell, taste, hearing, vision, and touch<br />
* They can probably hear our voices now! <i>We're going to have to start putting quarters in the curse jar! ;)</i><br />
* Arms & legs are in the right proportions to each other and the rest of the body<br />
* I'm feeling a lot more pokes and little kicks-especially as I'm typing right now!<br />
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I apologize if I am not the most upbeat blogger today. I received some disheartening news from my company's corporate office today that conflicted with everything I had been told in the past. The representative apologetically told me that I had received misinformation before, and that after my FMLA ends on 12-21-2012, whether or not my leave of absence is extended will be solely decided by someone at corporate who has never met me. They will consider the length of my leave request, my medical documentation, and either say 'yes' or 'no.' Since I really love my job, co-workers, and patients, and my family (which is about to grow by 3!) is dependent on my income, this news did not come easy. I am praying that the decision comes back in our favor, but the not knowing is scary! After I called my husband to let him know, he texted me a few minutes later: '<i>I love you so much. Stay strong for the family. God will provide.' <b>God, I love this man!</b></i> I am so blessed to have him to hold my hand through this journey (as well as to clean, cook, shop, and do laundry!!).<br />
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The past few weeks I gathered information on potential nanny candidates for when the babies arrive and I return to work (hopefully with my company!). I narrowed it down to 5 or 6 and interviewed 1-2 a day at my home this week. There are a few who I really liked with good experience and references, so Brent and I will deliberate this weekend and I will call them back next week. All of the finalists are Christians, and I am praying that God will guide us to decide on the best fit who will care for our babies with the most competence and love possible!<br />
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Today I saw my OB for a check-in visit. He only listened to the heartbeats on the doppler again and measured my uterus which is measuring at 29 weeks today- 10 weeks beyond where I am actually at in my pregnancy! Next Wednesday I will see the specialist again for another cervix check and the all-exciting growth anatomy scan of the babies. Brent will come to that one because it is always exciting to see the babies for the 1+hour ultrasound and find out how exactly they are progressing.<br />
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On a more positive note, I have been feeling the little pokes and kicks more and more lately and can usually feel them externally if I get my hand in the right place at the right time. Brent got to feel a little kick for the first time last week, too :)<br />
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Onto the pictures:<br />
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<b>19w1d </b></div>
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Total Weight gain: 22 lbs<br />
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Brent is on his way home now and is going to take me to get Andy's Frozen Custard to cheer me up. I will probably be measuring 30+ weeks after I get done with that! :) </div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11234442484964091691noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8375739454622211219.post-2997159959134360422012-11-01T11:58:00.002-07:002012-11-01T12:03:42.698-07:0018 Weeks: Someone Hide the Candy!This week's developments:<br />
* The girls are about 5.5 in long now and weighing about 7 oz each (the size of bell peppers). <i>I have almost a pound and a half of babies in there!</i><br />
* Ears are in their final positions<br />
* Each uterus and set of fallopian tubes are formed and in place<br />
* A protective coat of myelin is forming around their nerves (a process that will continue throughout the first year of life)<br />
* Bones are hardening, including the inner ear- they may be able to start hearing my tummy growling and my heart beating<br />
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I finally decided yesterday, after getting a lot of advice from other triplet Mom's in a private facebook group, to go ahead and call the perinatologist's office about my contraction symptoms since my OB was not concerned and had not looked into it at all himself. I was pleasantly surprised that the NP at their office agreed that it was something to be checked out ASAP and scheduled me to come in this morning. This was my first time meeting the NP and this particular ultrasound tech and I loved both of them. They both seemed incredibly knowledgeable and open to me calling any time something seems amiss. A major concern for triplet mommas is the development preeclampsia (high blood pressure) so I am always pleased to hear that mine is still very low- an inheritance from my Father. Today it was 88/44 :) <i>Thanks Dad! </i>We started with an abdominal ultrasound and I could not believe how big (<i>and cramped!</i>) the babies are getting already. I told the tech "I won't mind if you happen to see the sexes while you are there since they weren't 100% sure at my last ultrasound." She chuckled and after checking their heartrates peered between each of their legs (they were all very cooperative little angels today-just like their mama ;) ) and sure enough, definitely all girl parts in there! I was a little worried when the tech looked concerned when she angled the shot at my cervix and said she would need to do the trans-vaginal after all and get the NP to come in, but when they went in to look at it, the cervix looked perfect- closed and 4.1 cm long (anything under 3 cm becomes worrisome). A's head is shoved right up against it, however, which probably explains the pressure I am feeling on my cervix. The NP said gravity is going to be a big factor from now on, so it is still best to avoid a lot of sitting up/standing/walking. She eased my mind further by saying they wanted to see me in the ofice to check my cervix every 2 weeks from here on out, and every other appointment they will also do a long anatomy scan ultrasound on the girls to assess that they are all growing appropriately and in conjunction. Here are a few shots from today's ultrasound:<br />
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Baby A Reclining- Heart Rate 133 bpm</div>
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(The big circle on the Left is Baby C's head- trying to steal the shot!)</div>
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Baby B- HR 133 bpm</div>
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Baby C- HR 136 bpm</div>
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So last year, Brent and I had so many trick-or-treaters that we ran out of candy and ended up having to dig through our cabinets to hand out fruit snacks, individually packaged dried fruit strips and whatever else we could scrounge up. That prompted us to buy 2 extra large bags of candy from Sam's Club this year with some backup Reese's peanut buttercups (those would be Brent's otherwise- his favorite). Now, I have craved fruit and sweets pretty much this entire pregnancy, and for awhile there in the beginning fruit was the only food I found appetizing. I was always a salty before sweets person prior to conceiving, so I am definitely a believer in girls causing sweets cravings! So when Brent packaged all of the candy 5 pieces to a bag to hand out for Halloween I was very concerned for 2 reasons- 1) What if we run out since he is lumping so many pieces together for each child 2) What if we run out and I don't have any candy to eat?! Brent assured me that we would not run out and if we did he would buy <strike>me</strike> the children more candy. Much to my surprise, we had MANY fewer trick-or-treaters this year and I am stuck with WAY more candy than I ever anticipated. <i>The kids we did get</i> <i>were very excited about the amount of candy we were handing out- good job Brent! </i> I am torn between 'get it out of my house before I eat it all!' and 'stay away from my candy if you value your life!' Amazing how hormones and pregnancy can change you!</div>
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In order to get my blog posted sooner, I took my own pics in the mirror instead of waiting for Brent to get home, so here they are!</div>
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Total Weight Gain: 20 lbs</div>
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First Front Shot</div>
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Again, thanks for the continued prayers. They are working!! </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11234442484964091691noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8375739454622211219.post-2308669544908704852012-10-26T16:52:00.004-07:002012-10-26T16:59:54.663-07:0017 Weeks: INSOMNIAThis Week's Developments:<br />
* Babies weigh in around 5 oz and are around 5 in long- The size of turnips (not exactly the cutest fruit/veggie thus far!)<br />
* Skeletons are changing from soft cartilage to bone<br />
* Babies can move all of their joints<br />
* Sweat glands are developing<br />
* They have mastered swallowing, sucking, and blinking reflexes and might even get hiccups!<br />
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I had my 17 week check-in today with my OB. Unfortunately, he didn't even use the mini portable ultrasound today and just used the doppler listening device for the first time. He placed it in different spots on my belly and we heard a heartbeat in each spot. I'm not entirely convinced it was a DIFFERENT heartbeat in each spot<i>. </i>I mean, everywhere he put the thing on my belly we heard a heartbeat.<i> </i>He was running late, though, since I had to be squeezed in last minute because the scheduler had messed up and put my weekly appointment 3 weeks after my last appointment instead of today in the system- and thus, they were very surprised to see me today! I did get my uterus measured again and it is measuring at a whopping 26 weeks- which basically means it progressed to 3 weeks larger in the last week alone. How appropriate with triplets. I am now measuring 9 weeks ahead of a singleton pregnancy. I don't think it will be long before I will feel like Violet from <i>Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.</i><br />
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I voiced to the OB my concerns about pretty frequent contractions that I have daily, but he just said- "I'm sure it's fine." He also maintains that I will probably gain around 30-40 lbs total with this pregnancy. My research tells me that my contractions should be monitored to determine if they are in fact "real" and causing changes to my cervix, and that I should be gaining a minimum of 50 lbs. I am beginning to think that I know a lot more about triplet pregnancies than he does. I don't blame him considering it is my 24/7 job to link with many many other triplet mom's and forums online and read books exclusively on the subject when he has only had one other triplet pregnancy in his office EVER (I'm not even sure if it was his patient) and that was over 7 years ago. I have decided to try to keep better track of my contractions over the weekend and call the perinatologist's office next week to see if they have a different take on it at all. For now, I will just drink a lot of water and lie down a lot to limit them, and hope they are just harmless Braxton Hicks.<br />
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I tried to con my OB into giving me another ultrasound before my next one at the specialist's office in 4 weeks, but he said I would not need one before then. I told him we really wanted to make sure all the little girl parts still look like little girl parts (<i>I mean, I'm trying to plan a nursery here, doctor!!</i>) but he didn't find that to be a valid enough <i>medical </i>reason for another ultrasound. Oh well, worth a try :)<br />
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Onto insomnia... Due to the fact that I am incredibly inactive throughout the day (not by choice, believe me!) and constantly have a million things running through my mind either directly or indirectly related to my precious trio, sleep evades me at night. I often don't fall asleep until 3 or even 4 am, and even then it is fitful. Brent can attest that I am always <strike>grumpy and mean</strike> beautiful and refreshed in the morning, however. <b><i>Right, honey? </i></b><br />
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I love the cooler weather, but my dogs use it as an excuse to literally
lay on top of me this time of year. I took this picture around 3 am this
morning (with all of you in mind) to illustrate my limited sleep space (it is that little square of orange sheet below my pillow and above Harper's face): <b><i><br /></i></b><br />
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Also with my faithful readers in mind, I voice recorded my husband loudly snoring last night with me chiming in in the background "shut up. stop snooorningggg" as he continued to saw away. We both found it very entertaining to listen to today, as he had never heard himself snore before. Unfortunately, I cannot find a way to upload this type of file to my blog, much to Brent's relief. I will just have to remember to video record it next time ;) To his credit, though, I can usually get him to stop snoring easily with a <strike>hard smack</strike> gentle nudge.<br />
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17 Week 1 day Belly Shot </div>
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Current weight gain: 18 lbs</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11234442484964091691noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8375739454622211219.post-13393496239119169552012-10-19T12:35:00.001-07:002012-10-19T15:39:05.612-07:0016 weeks: Daddy is Officially Outnumbered!This week's developments:<br />
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* The babies are about 4.5 in long and around 3.5 oz each (according to my ultrasound they were measuring ahead at 4 oz!) and the size of avocados</div>
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* Their legs are much more developed, heads are more erect, and eyes and ears are closer to their final positions</div>
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* Toenails have started to grow and the patterning of the scalp has begun</div>
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* Their hearts are now pumping 25 quarts each of blood per day</div>
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On Wednesday, we had our highly anticipated ultrasound in which they measured various points on the babies' bodies to assess development, and we got to peer between their tiny little legs to determine the sexes! Before we left in the morning, Brent said to the dogs, "don't worry boys, the only way we will be outnumbered is if there are three girls"- like THAT would never happen. The funny thing is that our very first predictions right after the IUI were that we would end up with all girls. I had prayed a lot throughout the 'trying to conceive' journey, and had asked God for a sign when we got pregnant- specifically that he would show me a balloon if I were pregnant and that it would be pink for a girl/blue for a boy. Through several months of failed cycles I did not see a SINGLE balloon anywhere. And believe me, I would scour the streets as I drove all over several counties for my home health job. I had shared this prayer with several people including my mother and husband. This cycle, however, within a couple days of the IUI, Brent, my Mom and I were riding bikes down a busy street by the ocean and all of a sudden, out from an alleyway, shoots a single pink balloon right in front of my bike- bouncing across the pavement as it was blown by a breeze. I pedaled hard to reach my Mom who had gotten ahead of me while I had stopped to watch the balloon in awe, and exclaimed, "a pink balloon just bounced out into the street in front of me!" She knew exactly what I was talking about. I was filled with hope that this cycle was going to result in pregnancy. Brent and I shared what had happened with his Mother who was coming to the beach to visit us. When they were leaving the hotel to head back to New York, she called to tell us that on their way out they had seen a car FILLED with pink and white balloons. Another sign? Maybe my womb is FILLED with baby girls? That had me convinced for quite awhile that we were having a girl, and after the first ultrasound- that we were having all girls! Over time, with a little wishful thinking and good 'ol statistics, we changed our minds and thought we were having a mixture. My cousin sent us this chart after finding out about the girls to illustrate the possibility of the different sex combinations with triplets:</div>
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As you can see, odds are much higher to have a combination of sexes with fraternal triplets. That being said, this ultrasound was not unlike our very first one when she saw not one, not two, but three heartbeats! Instead this time she saw not one, not two, but three girls! To be completely honest, we did experience a few minutes of "are you kidding me?" all over again. What parent wouldn't hope for a combination with triplets when they have no other children, and will not plan to have anymore after this? But after that few minutes of initial shock, we were right back to being ecstatic that we still have 3 healthy babies in there, and could not be more excited to being having 3 beautiful girls. God's plan is perfect, and if he is giving us three girls, neither of us would change that for anything.<br />
Needless to say, I had to spend the last few days going through all of the boy clothes I bought at the Just Between Friends Sale to determine which could be unisex (most can, thankfully) and re-working our Amazon.com registry to reflect a lot more pink! Below are some shots of the girls' girl parts from the ultrasound (which are very hard to see uploaded on here-there is a small arrow in each image pointing between the legs):<br />
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Baby A</div>
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Baby B </div>
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Baby C</div>
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This one wasn't labeled so not sure who it was:</div>
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Baby A's heart rate was 143 bpm, Baby B-140, and Baby C-120. My OB was not concerned over Baby C's HR, stating that it was within normal limits and was probably lower because she was not being as active as the other two this morning. Baby B had been kicking up a storm most of the time! All three were measuring in at 4 oz, which is perfect. From the abdominal ultrasound, they did not see any evidence of cervical funneling and it appeared longer than at the last ultrasound (4.06 cm- up from 3.28cm 3 weeks ago) so it seems that the bedrest has been helping that, at least. He measured my uterus for the first time and it already measures 7 weeks ahead- at 23 weeks- and is likely to just grow exponentially ahead of a singleton uterus from here on out! <br />
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As many friends and family know, Brent and I have been discussing baby names since long before we got pregnant. We settled on first names for 2 girls and 2 boys after learning that we were having three since we knew that most likely we would have a combination. After the appointment, we went out to lunch to celebrate. Pretty much the whole lunch Brent spent on his phone looking up baby names and tossing some out there with a lot of "No's" from me. You knew we were getting tired of discussing names when he started suggesting objects in the room and random items that popped into his head. "Aquafina?" "No" "Lamp?" "No". We ended up keeping only one of the two girl names we had settled on originally, Michaela, and adding back in the first one we had ever loved but had strayed away from- Hayley- to the list of possibilities. Kennedy came up on the phone search and we thought that wasn't bad. I called my sister to see what she thought. Since she is expecting a little boy, she whipped through a list of girl names that they had considered. Of those, Reagan really stood out to us. It didn't take long to determine that we couldn't have a Reagan AND Kennedy, unless we wanted to name the third one Hoover or something. We decided of the two, Reagan was our favorite. Late into the night we pondered middle names. We really wanted to have a theme like Faith, Hope, and Joy, but after throwing around the many combinations, decided that Grace is also a wonderful virtue and sounds better with Reagan-at least to our ears. To make it officially official (since we had gone back and forth so many times in the past- we decided to 'kiss on it' and announce it on facebook). The funny thing is, it took us around 10 minutes to just agree on the wording of the facebook post to announce the names. It really makes you wonder how the two of us EVER agreed on 3 combinations of 6 names! <br />
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16 Week Picture:</div>
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I have heard many people are wondering how Bosley is doing. As you can see, he is doing great-completely back to his bouncy mischievous self. I removed his stitches last week and his ankle has healed up nicely- he doesn't pay it any mind at all :)<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11234442484964091691noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8375739454622211219.post-60506036229043736892012-10-11T16:23:00.000-07:002012-10-11T16:42:04.975-07:0015 Weeks: Mumus and Granny PantiesThis week's Developments:<br />
* The babies are around 4 in long crown to rump and 2.5 ounces each- the size of apples!<br />
* Air sacs in the lungs are beginning to develop, taste buds are forming<br />
* Eyelids are still fused shut, but they can start to sense light now<br />
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Today I had my 15 week check-in with the OB and he determined on his mini ultrasound machine-"They are still alive!" which is pretty much all you can tell on those little things, but I'll take it! All day Sunday and Monday I was completely blood-free and thought I may finally be done with all of that- but the wee hours of Tuesday morning proved me wrong. At least it was much less than in previous occurences, but is continuing to linger still. I also let him know about some painful cramping that accompanied the bleeding this time and at other times periodic feelings of tightness in my lower abdomen and pressure deep inside. He said all of these sensations are normal and that I would have a lot more in the coming weeks. I wish I knew how to distinguish between what feelings are normal and what are cause for alarm since all that "bad stuff" seems to be a normal occurence in high order multiple pregnancies! He said he still feels that I am doing great considering and "look at you, you are half-way through the second quarter already!"<br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">After my OB appointment, I stopped by my office to fill out some paperwork and was able to catch up with several ladies, which was great. I have read some horror stories about women in similar situations who faced a lot of animosity from their bosses when announcing they had to take off unexpectedly for long periods of time, and I feel so blessed to work with people who truly care about the staff on a personal level. </span><br />
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This week has been pretty stressful dealing with FMLA, trying to figure out how to deal with the loss of income, contacting the student loan companies to discuss putting loans into forbearance, and the arrival of several insurance claims- especially the one for the ER visit <i>ouch! </i> We just keep trying to remind ourselves that God will get us through all of this and the only thing I should even consider worrying about is these babies!<br />
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So lets get to the title of this post! My normal <i>lounge-around-the-house wear </i>has always been old size small T-shirts and Brent's old boxer briefs, but the shirts have slowly been getting shorter and tighter in the mid-section and the elastic on the briefs too tight around my waist. Yesterday I declared to Brent that I would be much more comfortable if I had some mumus and granny panties to wear instead. He said "great!". "I don't suppose that is an errand I can send you on?" I asked. "No way in hell, Honey." It was pretty much what I expected :) So after my visit to the office I stopped by Wal-mart on the way home and picked up some comfy short and long sleeve "sleep shirts" aka mumus, a soft fuzzy bathrobe, and several pairs of roomier comfy underwear. Brent doesn't seem to mind my new bed-rest wardrobe so far <i>(it may even make following doctor's orders easier for him anyway :) ) </i>and I am SO much more comfortable already.<br />
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16 Weeks Picture (131 lbs this morning-15 lb total weight gain)<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11234442484964091691noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8375739454622211219.post-86004627246664857082012-10-04T17:02:00.000-07:002012-10-04T17:04:59.981-07:0014 Weeks: Officially into the Second Trimester!Today marks 14 weeks! Here are some fun facts about the babies this week:<br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">* They c</span><span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">an squint, frown, and grimace!</span><br />
<span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">* Their kidneys are producing urine, the liver starts making bile, and the spleen starts helping in RBC production</span><br />
<span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">* They can grasp and suck their thumbs (we thought we saw them trying to do this on Monday)!</span><br />
<span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">* From head to bottom they measure about 3 1/2 inches (the size of lemons) weigh about 1.5 ounces each</span><br />
<span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span>
<span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);">Tuesday night I had another red blood gush- and who am I kidding- no matter how often it happens it always scares me! As usual, it had turned to brown "old blood" by morning, and my OB's office said to stay on "pelvic rest" actually laying down (not in a recliner) until my appointment this morning. Pelvic rest also refers to other activities, but we have already been restricted from any "extracurricular activities" from the OB since the first bleeding incident (sorry mom :) ). I have read numerous accounts of triplet moms who had continued significant bleeding that was unexplained throughout their pregnancies and ended up with three healthy babies, so I really feel that it can be a normal part of a high order multiple pregnancy, especially in first time mommies because things are stretching at such a faster rate in there.</span><br />
<span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);"><br /></span>
<span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);">I was anxious to see my OB today because since I won't be seeing the specialist again for 7 weeks (at around 21 weeks) I wanted to make sure that somebody would be monitoring me closely, especially with regards to my cervical length since I have heard of so many triplet mommies whose cervixes became dangerously short well before 21 weeks. His response was that "everybody is different," that I shouldn't read to much into other people's experiences, and that he trusts the specialist's judgement. The point I did agree with was that internal exams of the cervix can actually cause complications so it is best to limit them as much as possible. He did agree to do another official abdominal ultrasound in 2 weeks, though, on which they can try to estimate my cervical length again. My first "official" measurement with a transvaginal ultrasound will still not be until I see the specialist, however. He wants to see me weekly for now due to the continued bleeding and because he said "I know you will go crazy if you don't come in each week." He already knows me so well! He also wants me to continue with the modified bedrest at least until I see the specialist again to see what she thinks at that point, but most likely for the remainder of the pregnancy. So I will see him for a regular appointment again next Thursday, and then the following Wednesday. It is <i>possible </i></span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">that we could determine the sexes at that time if the babies are VERY cooperative. Brent and I were always the kids that would try to sneak peeks at presents before Christmas and hate waiting for surprises, so we would be SO excited if we could find out the sexes that soon without having to wait until November 21st! </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Here is a 14 week pic (that was technically taken on Monday- 3 days shy of 14 weeks, but I haven't changed much since then, promise!)</span><br />
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</article_body></article></local_content></content><span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: #5b5858; font-family: Helvetica, sans;"></span><footercontentad style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: white; color: #5b5858; display: block; font-family: Helvetica, sans; margin-bottom: 10px; text-align: center;"></footercontentad>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11234442484964091691noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8375739454622211219.post-80940974365338306452012-10-01T15:27:00.002-07:002012-10-01T15:34:19.687-07:0013 weeks 4 days: Another Sigh of Relief :)Brent and I are feeling much better after our appointment with the specialist. We were there for almost 4 hours, so I apologize for the delayed update!<br />
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First we spent at least an hour in an ultrasound with a nuchal translucency screening to check for Down's Syndrome markers since the usual blood tests that assess risk would most likely give a false positive with triplets. Everything measured within normal limits and all babies were first and foremost still alive! They were kicking up a storm waving their tiny hands and feet. You will notice that I refer to Baby A and B as he, and Baby C as she. We DO NOT know sexes. It is just a feeling that I have at this point that Brent shares. Baby A was the most cooperative and also the smallest located underneath B and C closer to my cervix. According to the doctor, it is common for one baby to be "the runt" and only time will tell if that turns out to be a problem that could potentially result in unplanned early delivery or other issues. Baby B was not so cooperative for the measurements-squirming all over the place before eventually turning his back on us and not coming back even with jiggling and prodding by the ultrasound tech. Baby C was was arching her back and squirming repetitively as if trying to push down on her lower bunk sibling and expand her tiny sac, but eventually gave up and settled down. All three waved their tiny hands to us at one point or another. The ultrasound, though long, flew by because Brent and I would watch them and laugh at their mannerisms all day if we could<br />
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In this first picture I labeled my belly with baby locations to help you visualize:<br />
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Baby A (heart rate: 141 bpm, length from crown to rump: 6.48 cm)<br />
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Close up facial profile of Baby A (above) and Reclining (Below)<br />
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Baby A Waving (Below)<br />
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Baby B (141 bpm, 7.45 cm)<br />
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Only one shot of Baby B who quickly turned his back on us!<br />
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Baby C (153 bpm, 7.54 cm)<br />
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Baby C waving! (above) Reclining (below)<br />
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Following the ultrasound we gave our histories to the PA and then met with the specialist who we found to be incredibly friendly and easy to talk to despite her reputation. I had brought a notepad and pen with my questions and notes from home and Brent tried to take it from my lap to take his own notes but I held onto it tightly. The specialist smiled and noticed our tug-of-war and sent her assistant off to get Brent his own pad of paper from the front office :) They were unable to tell the specific cause of the bleeding again, but she said that was not uncommon earlier in pregnancy and frankly did not seem all that concerned about it since the babies appeared to be doing very well. She did say that anytime there is bleeding, however, I should rest for at least a week with no further bleeding before increasing my activity level again. She said that while I am having recurrent bleeds, I will need a rhogam
shot every 2 weeks, so they gave me another one in the office today as
well as a flu shot. She reiterated that on average triplets are born at 31 weeks and that she considers 35 weeks term for them. She said they would schedule the C section by 35 weeks as long as I haven't had to deliver earlier already for any number of possible complications or pre-term labor that may arise before then. For those of you who will be able to visit the babies, she emphasized strongly the importance of having a whooping cough (pertussis) booster up to date and flu shot before coming into contact with the babies. Brent and I are both not up-to-date on the booster so will looking into getting that soon. She said that I will not need to see her again until around 20 weeks when they will do a very long anatomy scan and cervical assessment and after that I will see her every two weeks. I assume that in the interim my OB will still want to see me every 2 weeks, and am scheduled to see him again this Thursday too. I am slightly anxious that I won't see her again for 7 weeks, but trust her as she comes with the reputation of being an excellent perinatologist. Their office is definitely busy right now with one other set of triplets, 12 sets of twins, and numerous cases of singletons who are high risk for many other reasons.<br />
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Again, thank you all for the prayers. They keep working! Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11234442484964091691noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8375739454622211219.post-36044760977667776532012-09-30T20:43:00.000-07:002012-09-30T20:45:30.287-07:0013 weeks 3 days: The Good, the Bad, and the BloodyTMI Warning: I will warn anyone reading to skip this blog if you don't want to read about blood. But I did vow I would "keep it real" with this blog so that it may help other ladies going through similar situations to know they are not alone.<br />
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The good??? Bosley is cancer free according to the biopsy results! He should not need any further surgery unless the growth starts to bother him, which it hadn't to this point at least. What an answer to prayer :)<br />
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The Bad? More blood I am afraid... Quite a bit more than from the last post. This past Thursday-my 13 week mark- I awoke around midnight to some bright red blood when I went to the bathroom. I laid back down hoping it would stop, but when I awoke again at 4:45 am it had increased in flow to the amount you might expect to see with a very heavy unexpected menstrual cycle. I immediately called my (very sleepy) on call OB, who thankfully was my doctor that morning. He told me that unfortunately, even if I went to the ER again, there is nothing they can do this early in a pregnancy to prevent an occurring miscarriage. He said all anyone can do is to check the babies to see if they are still alive and that he thought I would be much more comfortable doing that later in the morning at his office than in the the ER again. I definitely agreed. Brent held onto me tight back in bed. I got barely a wink of sleep the rest of the morning, and the 30 or so minutes that I managed I ended up waking both of us up crying out in my sleep from a nightmare. In it, I was having my ultrasound and all three babies looked fine. One was even holding both feet up to his face gleefully sucking on a big toe. Soon after, though, my joy was shattered when we saw three deformed evil gremlin looking creatures in there with him that were cloning themselves for the purpose of harming the babies and me. Thankfully, the ultrasound revealed that all babies were still measuring on target with good heart rates, and they were alone in there! My cervix was measuring a little on the short side at 32.8 cm, but they were unable to pin down a specific cause for the bleeding via the ultrasound and pelvic exam. My OB told me to plan on indefinite modified bed rest at this point, or at least until further notice. I had originally thought I would definitely be able to work through October, and most likely through November so this was not good news, but I will do whatever I have to in order to keep these babies in there to term, and I hope that this will be enough. Friday in the wee hours of the morning I had some more red blood loss, but not as much as before, so I notified the OB office, and as usual, all they can do is tell me to keep taking it easy. The rest of Friday, Saturday, and most of today had been going well (just some brown blood-which indicates it is old and leftover from a previous bleed). Then tonight, about an hour ago, I got up from lying in the recliner for awhile and felt a warm gush down my legs in my baggy sweatpants. I admit I let out a few expletives as I rushed to the bathroom, only to find that it had indeed been a liquidy blood mixture that had coated my thighs and pants. It seemed to immediately slow down as if it had been pooling for awhile before I stood up. I called my OB who was on call again tonight to let him know, but already knew what he would say. "Lie down, hang in there, and go to your appointment tomorrow." He also playfully said "I really wish you would stop doing this!" You and me both, doc!<br />
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So tomorrow-FINALLY- is my first appointment with the high risk specialist that will be very in depth lasting 2-3 hours. I have a list of questions ready for her. I hear she is one of the best out there, but is very blunt and will probably scare me. I don't think much more can scare me at this point after having multiple blood gushes while pregnant with triplets, so I hope she is up for the challenge! I really hope she will be able to tell me what is causing the bleeding and can outline a plan for how we are going to give these babies the best chance of making it.<br />
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Again, thank you all so much for the prayers and support- and please keep the prayers coming. I will update again tomorrow after the appointment with hopefully good news!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11234442484964091691noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8375739454622211219.post-59003202548081131682012-09-20T12:39:00.004-07:002012-09-20T17:29:19.808-07:0012 Weeks: The Case of the No Good Very Bad Week<div>Well this week has not been the greatest. It started out when we brought my not quite 2 year old boxer, Bosley, to the vet to examine a hard lump on the outside of his left front leg near the "wrist" joint. The vet determined with x-ray that it was not bone and he wanted to remove it. While under the knife, he discovered that the growth is deeply adhered to the bone, and thus he did not want to remove it unless absolutely necessary so he took a punch biopsy. After looking at the sample under the microscope, he determined it was made up of a lot of "abnormal" cells that he could not immediately identify which concerned him and caused him to think it may be cancerous. The results of the biopsy should be back early next week. If it is cancerous, Bosley may lose his leg-or worse- and will need to have surgery immediately. I got this news over the phone from the vet and we were not going to be allowed to pick him up until the next morning so I couldn't even snuggle my little guy. Brent was not yet home form work, so I curled up with Harper and cried for awhile worrying about the fate of my sweet, young, energetic boxer who still has so much living to do and love to give. I want our babies to grow up playing with him. Bosley is home now and a bit out of it. He is taking it easy (for him at least!) and we are spoiling him every chance we get! We will consider ourselves blessed to have had him in our lives whether that is 10 more years or a couple months, but we will do everything in our power to keep him happy, healthy, and with us in the mean time. <br />
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Until this morning, I had not experienced any concerning complications in my pregnancy. I woke up to some bleeding- a scary sight for any pregnant woman. I called my OB's office and his nurse told me that he was in surgery, so she wanted me to just go straight to the ER. Intuitively, I did not <i>feel</i> that anything was seriously wrong, but due to the high risk nature of a triplet pregnancy, I will do whatever the professionals tell me to do and err on the side of caution. I had never been to the ER here before and had a picture in my head of a crammed waiting room full of wailing children and severed limbs spouting blood, but when I arrived I was the only one there and had the feeling I was in a hotel lobby. I explained what was going on to the lady at the front desk. A tech asked if I needed a wheelchair, I told her I did not think so, and her superior said "oh yes she does!" so into the wheelchair it was. I was wheeled into an intake room where the typical identifying and medical history questions were asked. Brent arrived in there shortly after parking the car. From there it was back to the waiting room. Brent was supposed to wheel me back out there, but couldn't figure our how to release the breaks. "It's like a lawn mower" the nurse said, which was all he needed to hear so he squeezed the two handles together and off we were. Brent must have forgotten that usually you don't have precious cargo like me and 3 unborn children riding on top of the lawn mower, however, and nearly gave me whiplash when he released the break in the waiting room before coming to a stop and the chair came to an immediate jerking halt. I was quite pleased with my ER experience, though. <i>So far. </i>I figured I would get a quick ultrasound to check the status of the babies, and if all was well I would be out of there and back to seeing my home health patients in an hour or two. Not So. They took me back to the examination room where they put an IV line in to draw several vials of blood and explained that to do the ultrasound, they would catheterize me and pump my bladder full of fluid to improve viewing since I am only 12 weeks. I explained that I have already had 2 ultrasounds abdominally without such drastic measures (one was 4 weeks ago when the babies were only 9 weeks along for goodness sakes and there had been absolutely no problem seeing them!) but they still insisted that it was ER protocol for "early pregnancy" ultrasounds. The ER doc did a pelvic exam and said the cervix was closed and there did not appear to be any bleeding anymore. The nurse came back in with the catheter equipment and <i>youch! </i>no fun getting it put in, but the worst was the HORRIBLE burning pain (perhaps from the betadine?). Although my bladder was emptying, I still felt like I had to use the bathroom and was in so much discomfort I couldn't keep my legs still. Eventually I was taken to the ultrasound room where they had to switch my outtake tube to an intake one to pump up my bladder. During the tube switch, the tech managed to leak my own urine all over my leg and gown while unscrewing one and attaching the other. My bladder immediately began to fill and stretch- I thought it was going to explode. He cut off the flow after a minute and said "wow- your bladder filled up fast." I am guessing he didn't mean for me to take in quite so much of the fluid. The ultrasound took FOREVER. I would not have minded if I got to see the babies, but he had the screen positioned so that I couldn't get the slightest peek. The whole time my bladder was filled beyond capacity and he was pressing on it. Torture. He said all of the babies' heartrates looked good and they were all measuring very closely and jumping all over the place. <i>So that means I can get this catheter out and go back to work now, right?</i> Wrong. Even though everything looks great, he still had to write an official report that had to be reviewed by the ER doc before I could get discharge instructions. So after being wheeled back to my room and sitting for several minutes still no one had come to remove my catheter. Finally I hit the call button and someone came to tell me they would go get the nurse to take it out. Another several painful and uncomfortable minutes passed (not to mention smelly from my urine coated hospital gown) and finally it was out and I was rushing to the bathroom to relieve my bladder and change back into my clothes from the dirty gown (even though no one said I could). That felt great except for the insane burning from whatever damage that catheter did on its way in and out. It didn't help any that I KNEW that my babies were clearly visible without all of this catheter madness.<br />
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AND THEN. After ALL of this. I received a phone call from my OB's nurse (over 2 hours after she instructed me to go to the ER) saying that she just heard back from my OB and he wanted me to go to their office INSTEAD of the ER. Are you kidding me?!!!! By then it was way too late and the ER was not going to release me as they had already done all of this testing and admitted me. So after a lot more waiting, and 4 hours after going in, I was free. And you can bet I am not letting any nurse tell me to go to the ER again until they actually speak with one of the OB's in the clinic.<br />
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I am not allowed to go back to work until Monday (as long as the bleeding does not persist or worsen). My OB called me about an hour after I left the ER and told me since I am O- he wants me to get a rhogam shot ASAP. He said if blood leaks from one of the babies' sacs and is +, my body could attack it. So I have to go to the hospital again for that tomorrow morning.<br />
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I am ecstatic that the babies appear to be ok, don't get me wrong. I am frustrated, however, at the fiasco I was put through this morning and the lingering pain from the catheter (not to mention the bills we will be receiving) when it all could have been avoided if my OB's nurse had just told me to come straight to their office, which was ultimately what my OB wanted me to do anyways. <br />
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To top it all off, when we got home, I went with the dogs to the backyard while they relieved themselves since Brent had to head right to work. When we tried to come back into the house, the door was locked. <i>You have got to be kidding me!</i> Brent, out of habit, had locked it before leaving. Thankfully, I had my cell phone, so we were rescued about 20 minutes later. I just had to laugh about it when I tugged on the door and it did not give... Just one of those days I guess. <br />
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Ultimately we are just so grateful for these babies and that they appear to be doing well, but I think a little venting was in order after the morning we had :) We are hopeful that this will turn out to be an isolated incident, and are praying that our sweet Bosley will turn out perfectly fine as well. Thank you all for the continued support and prayers!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11234442484964091691noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8375739454622211219.post-60729498840042579452012-09-14T14:20:00.002-07:002012-09-14T14:40:07.651-07:0011 Weeks and Kickin'!So the babies are figs or limes this week at about 1.6 inches long! I went in Wednesday for another checkup and my OB used a very small portable ultrasound to check on the little ones so unfortunately I won't have any printed pics to share this time! One thing that is so amazing about being pregnant with multiples is how often you get to peek into their world and see their progress firsthand. I could not BELIEVE how much bigger they looked and they lost their stubby little gummy bear limbs and now have long legs and arms and distinguishable little hands and feet flailing around that are visible even viewing on such a small screen. The first one we zoomed in on was jumping all over the place and I thought to myself- "There is Brent's multi-event track and field athlete!!" Brent was not able to come to this appointment, so I could not wait to tell him. Of course, being the concerned papa he is he immediately asked what did I do to the baby to make it jump all over the place like that. I had to explain that it is normal and good at this stage for the babies to be moving around. All three were moving around some and we were able to see all of their heartbeats still which is always hugely reassuring. We are still waiting for a call from the perinatologist to schedule our first appointment. It seems to be taking quite awhile because, being the only specialist for the entire hospital system, they are incredibly busy. I can't wait for that appointment in part because they will spend around an hour on an incredibly detailed ultrasound with high tech equipment and I would stare at those babies kicking around all day if I could! As of right now, I will be going back to the OB in another 2 weeks for check-up and viewing on the small machine.<br />
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Here is the 11 week pic from yesterday with my oldest fur son :)<br />
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I am still fluctuating between 9-11 lb overall weight gain so far.<br />
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Last week, I saw an adorable 'three peas in a pod' necklace on another triplet pregnancy blog and my husband got it for me:<br />
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You can get this necklace with anywhere from 1- several peas in the pod and it can be found at <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/sudlow">http://www.etsy.com/shop/sudlow</a> I love it and wear it proudly!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11234442484964091691noreply@blogger.com1