My body was made for triplets!

I went to the specialist doc today and I am doing so awesome!  All the babies are perfect and growing.  They didn't measure this week, but said everything looks so good.  I'm 29 weeks, and measure already at more than full term (for one baby).  It is getting harder to get around and up and down, but I am impressed with how well my body is handling the added stress of the extra babies.

So lets start at the beginning of this week.  We went to the hospital to have our first of weekly monitoring.  So basically that means we went in and they put a heart doppler monitor on each baby and listened to the heart beat for 20-30 min.  This sound like it would be easy, but it took a total time of about 2 hours.  First we had to find each baby, and then they would move.  However, the hardest thing for me was the way I was sitting!  for some reason I started to get sick, and I couldn't roll on my side because they needed access to my belly.  I ended up vomiting and almost passing out before they rolled me over to the other side and I was fine.  It was strange.  I have not gotten sick in months.  I guess the added weight on my blood return vessels was too much, or maybe it was the way the babies were sitting.  I have not felt that way before or since, no matter how I am sitting or laying down.  Well, we finally got that done, and then they gave me a steroid shot.  OUCH! It is my first steroid shot and it is a round of 2 shots given 24 hours apart.  Lucky for me, they let us take home the second dose and Jared shot me at home the next day.  Hopefully I wont have to get more.  They will give me another round if I start having early labor and they think the babies will come too early.  But as my body is awesome, and we are not delivering until between 36-37 weeks (full term for a single baby is 40 weeks), we might not even need them then.

Today we had our specialist appointment, and it was quick and relatively painless.  I don't love the pelvic exam, I guess it is one of those necessary evils. :) I have one at least every 2 weeks, and every time it is the same.  "You are AWESOME!" (which is always nice to hear...)

Here is a pic of me at 29 weeks.

Im starting to have a hard time finding shirts that cover my belly all the way, so if you see a little skin in the future Im sorry, and doing my best. :)

One day at a time

So a few days ago Jared got sick. REALLY sick, and then he decided to go to the doctor on Thursday, but the power was out all over, and he couldnt find a clinic. So he called Friday to go in. The doctor decided it might be meningitis, and did a spinal tap. Sure enough it is meningitis. But lucky for us it looks like it is viral, so that means it isn't highly contageouse or nearly as dangerous as it could be. But he still was admitted into the hospital for observation, and if it does turn out to be bacterial. The day he checked into his hotel I checked into mine.

I'm staying at my moms for a few days. That way she feeds me and takes care of my kids. It was great this morning because she went to bath the kids and I lay back down and fell asleep. Then the next thing I know she is traipsing into the room with hot lunch. Yum. Plus it had sides and juice. Way more than I would have had at home. Also I don't have to change the diapers or practice bedside parenting!

I do miss being home and will probably spend my days split between home and my moms. If Jared has a long work stretch I will likely come down here, and on the days when Katelyn has school I will do my best to get her there. I will do this as long as I can physically get around, or until ordered to stop.

We also finally got the mess in our bedroom taken care of. We had a leak issue, and much of the wall and all the carpet had to be replaced. We have had our bed in the living room for a month. We will move back in and start rearranging furniture when we can, and when we get help. I can't do anything, and Jared will be restricted for a while. But things are moving forward and it will be great to get that room back.

My spirits are much higher, and I'm getting excited. I will be 28 weeks this Tuesday, and that is a huge milestone for the babies. Plus that means only 2 months (8 weeks) until my goal of 36 weeks. I'll post a pic Tuesday after we take our weekly growth shot.

Feeling sorry for myself

I can tell you now this is not going to be a happy post. But I have really been feeling sorry for myself these last few days, and at least wanted to write it down for when I forget and remember this time as all sunshine and roses. I'm just really tired of being pregnant. I'm tired of not being able to take care of my kids, my house, and my family. I'm tired of hurting, and being sick, and not sleeping, and having to pee every second, and not being able to get up and get a drink of water.

I hate the doctors' offices. I see a specialist twice a month and the OB at least once a month. Today the specialist told me I would be going into be monitored once a week from now on. I don't know what that means or how long it will take, but I feel like it is another thing to stress me out. It is like she said "you need to stay in bed, but go to the doctor 4 more times a month, on top of what you are already doing!" She also told me I needed more bed rest. She said the more I am in bed the better off I am. A nice way of saying "every time you get up is closer to me sticking you in the hospital"

Plus today I went through the NICU tour and it didn't make me feel more comfortable about having babies that will be so early they will spend their time living in a square box. Babies I won't even be able to hold.

On top of that my kids are out of control. There is only so much "parenting" I can do from the bed. And I have learned there is a lot they can get into. I used to think my house was pretty well baby proofed, but everyday it is another mess that I have to leave for someone else to clean up. A couple days ago it was magic marker on the walls and each other. Today it is saline and lotion on EVERYTHING! And the worst is I think to myself "they are playing together really quiet, and not fighting.... I should check on them." but then I don't get up for ten min, so that I can use the bathroom at the same time and only get up once.

Anyway I know it is so much hormonal. I know I am just feeling sorry for myself when I really have so much to be grateful for. I know it won't last forever. Still sometimes I guess I just need to have me a good cry. Then I just keep going. Everyday I can keep going is huge for the babies. 1 day is equal to 3 NICU days. The most important thing is that I stay positive.

Another triplet mom told me that when I look down at those tiny babies fighting for life I will either feel like I did all I could to give them the best chance, or I will be kicking myself and feeling like if I had just taken it a little easier would they be better off? I want to know I did all I could for my miracle babies.


Positively.... I did get good news at the doctor today. My babies all look really good. They were kicking and punching each other the whole ultrasound. They now weigh 2.2, 2.3, and 2.4 pounds. That is great news that they are all so close. And great news they are all over 2 pounds. I have also reached the third trimester (I think.... Maybe not till the end of week 27... Who knows?).

My many blessings

Today my mom came up to help me do inventory on the shower gifts we received for the babies this last couple weeks.  It was amazing.  I was constantly taken back by how generous and kind everyone has been.  I have been amazed at the outpouring of love, help, and support we have and continue to receive everyday.   I know there is no way we could do this alone and I know the Lord knew that when he brought us to this ward.  I want to thank everyone for the support and help.  Thanks for the monetary and physical help.  These babies are already so loved and they have not even finished the journey to get here.

I wont bore you with the many gifts we received, except to say we need very few things at this point.  We did have to exchange a few duplicates and things to fill in the gaps, but I am feeling much more prepared for these miracles to join our family.  I do want to mention something that is particularly amazing to me.  The other day Jared and I came home to find someone had bought us 2 brand new cribs and dropped them off with grandpa.  I thought it was a joke at first because it was so amazing and I had never imagined anyone so generous.  This person told grandpa they wished to remain anonymous, and that we would never know who this amazing blessing came from.  I didn't and still don't know whether to laugh or cry.  It is just such a blessing.

We also continue to have help coming in to clean for about an hour 2 times a week.  The kind ladies come and clean up my kitchen, and vacuume my floors (something I have not been able to do in months) and will take the kids laundry and bring it back all clean.  I don't think you will ever know how much this helps my family.  This short hour of service is something I cant do.  It changes the feel in my home, and helps me in so many ways to better take care of my family.  It also frees up time for Jared to do his homework and actually get to spend some time with the kids (and they need that so much from him especially right now).

Then there are those who come take my little kids everyday and play with them and get them out of the house so I can rest and they can play.  This is such a blessing to me, and gives the children so much joy.  I miss them so much while they are away, but always know they are being well taken care of.

I know this isn't forever, and that is what gives me the strength to keep going.  I know that right now all I can do for my babies is rest.  The longer and more I rest, the longer I will be able to stay out of the hospital and the longer I will be able to carry my babies, giving them the best chance as they start this life.  I have always had a hard time asking for help, and accepting help, so this has been a huge learning and growing experience.

Thank you to everyone who finally wouldn't let me say no to the help, and could see that I needed more help even when I was refusing to believe it.  I love you and appreciate you.

This pic is from Halloween, but I had to share my blessings and these two are at the top of my list!

Cravings

I am loving potatoes right now.  I pretty much could eat them all day everyday.  I will eat them any way there is to eat potatoes.  Some of my favorites are: hash browns, smashed with gravy, baked with sour cream and gravy, twice baked, fries, cheesy.... yummmm.

I found this online and it looks really goood!!!!

The funny thing that I am craving that I normally don't like is crushed ice.  It is funny to me because I have always been a "no ice please" kind of person.  Now I  cant get enough of the crushed ice.  My favorite is the soft pellet like ice they have at hospitals.  I still have not sent my husband to the hospital with a cooler to fill, but I admit the thought has crossed my mind.

Baby Needs List

Here is a list of what we still need. I will update this as time goes on. I've added links to amazon if you want to know exactly what i'm thinking of. You can ship to my mom if you want me to be surprised! She will bring it to my shower. (November 12th) (see address at bottom of post)

Bouncy Seat (2) (the vibrating bouncers that you can put a newborn in)
Hooded baby towels (3) (http://amzn.com/B004ESPQIU)
1-2 Cribs (no drop down sides!)
1-2 mattress (http://amzn.com/B004044LD4)
Swings (2) (used are fine or http://amzn.com/B004Y4CYM0)
Boppy (1) (http://amzn.com/B001GIOPH4)
Removable Boppy cover (4+) (http://amzn.com/B001O9A5K6)
Long sleeve newborn size onezees (15-20) (http://amzn.com/B001P30556)
Infant carrier netting cover (3) (http://amzn.com/B002FIQ7I4)
Step 2 Choo Choo Wagon (3 cars) (http://amzn.com/B004S7OB1K)
Crib sheets (2-5) (http://amzn.com/B001DQ38U4) or (http://amzn.com/B001CWDCO6)
Zippered sleepers newborn size (15-20) (http://amzn.com/B0049GYZSE) or (http://amzn.com/B0049H2H56)
Baby Gloves/hats (6Pair) (http://amzn.com/B0051TZ3EI)
Sleep sacs (6) 6-12 month size 3 summer:(http://amzn.com/B0038W0RPK) 3 winter:http://amzn.com/B001T4Z9ZC)
Waterproof crib mattress cover (2-5) (http://amzn.com/B002UD65XQ)
3 partition formula container (http://amzn.com/B0009ET94A)
Bottles/nipples (30) (still have not decided what kind we want on these….)
Ortho Pro Binkey 6mo+ (30) (http://amzn.com/B0033ZD5P6)
Receiving blankets (20-30) (http://amzn.com/B002USE15U) or (http://amzn.com/B002USJR7W)




Kimber Talbot


C/O Hopper


7685 South 2375 East,


SLC UT 84121

21 Weeks

So I have been wanting to post of picture of my massiveness, and here is 1.

Update!  We went to the doctor for our 21 week check up.  We are all doing AWESOME.  All the babies are growing at the same rate and are right on schedule for 21 weeks.  That is great news!  Also I am not experiencing any signs of preterm labor.  More great news!  So although it is boring, it is great!  So far they tell me to keep taking it easy, listen to my body, and eat everything in sight (like they have to tell me).
Im hoping to continue having an uneventful pregnancy!

Baby Shower!

I know a lot of you are wondering what we need.  The truth is, I'm not 100% sure.  I am compiling a list of things based on what other triplet moms have said are needed, and I will post that list in the next couple of days.  I have also posted here (at the side of the page) a PayPal account button where you can donate if you choose to help us cover the cost of medical expenses, larger ticket items, formula and diapers.

Please check back here often as I will be posting about the pregnancy and then about the babies when they are born!

Thank you so much for your desire and willingness to help.  We so appreciate you!

Starting Out

I would like to start out by saying that I have never done this before.  Im not really sure there are going to be people so interested in my live that they will want to read my blog, but here is hoping.

I mostly want to start this blog to keep all my friends and family up to date on our lives, our children, and our recent pregnancy. So here are my statistics today.  I am 19 weeks pregnant with the triplets and have gained 25 pounds.  For those of you who don't know I delivered Lincoln at 38 weeks and had gained about 20-25 pounds, I delivered Katelyn at 39 weeks and had gained 25-30 pounds.  So I have almost reached my heaviest weight and I am just over half way. :)

Everything is going great.  The doctor said they are all about the same sizes and right on target for their gestational age.  That is great news.  We are still aiming for February first, although the doctor said that might be an unrealistic goal... But Im keeping it for now.