Three For the Price of One: My Triplet Pregnancy: 23 Weeks: A Lot To Look Forward To

This week's developments:
* The girls now have a well developed sense of movement, so too bad I can't dance around!
* They should be measuring around 11 inches long and weighing in at just over a pound each- the size of large mangos!
* We can see them move under my skin!
* Blood vessels in their lungs are developing to prepare for breathing
* Hearing is becoming much more keen and the inner ear is now fully developed

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." Ya got that right! 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!

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!

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!
Baby A, HR 133