28 Weeks Growth Ultrasound

I absolutely love when I get to go to my specialist for growth measurement scans.  I love finding out how much they have grown since last month, how much they weigh, and getting the assurance that they are all growing properly.  The boys continue to measure on the large side for triplets which is amazing.  Baby A is my big boy weighing in at 2 lbs 14 oz and in the 73rd percentile.  Baby B and C both weighed in at 2 lbs 10 oz and in the 46th and 48th percentile. That's a total of 8 lbs of just baby not to mention three sacks of amniotic fluid and three placentas!  The tech could not believe how big they are measuring.  She frequently sees triplets and she told us triplets usually measure in the 20-30th percentile range.  Keep growing boys!

28 Weeks

I've made it to 28 weeks and the third trimester!  Every passing week is a celebration and yet I still feel so far from my goal.  I am praying I will make it for at least another month, but I really want to make it to at least 34 weeks.

How far along: 28 Weeks

Weight gain/loss: 7 lbs gained. Net weight gained: 34 lbs

Maternity clothes: Yes, but with my rapidly growing belly and long torso my maternity wardrobe is quickly diminishing.

Sleep: Ok...frequent trips to the bathroom.

Best moment this week: Seeing my parents and sister.

Miss Anything? Being able to take care of my family and house.
Movement: Yes, times 3!
Food cravings: BBQ baked potatoes, ice cream, and peanut butter
Anything making you queasy or sick: very rarely, but unfortunately it still happens.
Have you started to show yet? Measuring 46 weeks (cm)
Gender prediction: Boy, Boy, Boy!
Labor Signs: Cervix is shortening, occasional Braxton Hicks Contractions
Belly Button in or out? the top half is now sticking out
Wedding rings on or off? On
Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy
Looking forward to: Seeing how much the babies weigh at our growth measurement ultrasound on Thursday.

28 Weeks Doctor's Appointment

I did not get the news I wanted to hear at the doctor's today.  My cervix has shortened to 1.7cm.  The tech was not going to tell me what I measured, but Derek was watching the information screen and read the numbers.  I was nervous as I waited to hear what my doctor was going to say becasue 1.7cm is the shortest it has been the entire pregnancy. My nurse wanted to know what was wrong because my arm was shaking while she took my blood pressure.  I told her I was nervous about my cervical measurment. The doctor was concerned, but optomistic at the same time.  He put me on a blood pressure medication, even though my BP is perfect, because it also helps relax my uterus to prevent Braxton Hicks contractions that can cause my cervix to shorten. Everything else was great.  I measured 46cm today!  It appears my belly is growing 2 centimeters every week.  I gained 1 pound since last week.  My results from my glucose test were also great, which means I do not have gestational diabetes.  My doctor wants to see me back on Friday to check my cervix again.  Here are pictures of Baby A and C.  We were unable to get a good picture of Baby B.

Baby A's pouty lips

Baby C's Sweet face

27 Weeks Doctor's Visit

I am happy to report another great doctor's visit this week.  I received a great compliment.  The doctor said I was the lowest maintenance triplets pregnancy he has ever had.  I'll take that!  My belly measured 44cm, I gained 6 lbs, and my cervix was 2.75cm.  We were not able to get any good pictures this week.  It becomes more difficult to get good pictures the bigger they grow.  I have two doctor's appointments next week.  One with my OB and one with the specialist to check their growth.  I can't wait to see how much they have grown!

Ben's Last Day of Preschool This Year

Today was Ben's last day of preschool this year.  It's hard to believe an entire school year has passed.  Ben was just 16 months old when he started half day preschool three days a week.  I took a teacher's aide position across the hall in the four year old room.  The first two weeks were tough for Ben and me.  He cried everyday and I could hear him in my classroom across the hall.  Ben is very much a mommy's boy and was going through separation anxiety.  I prayed I made the right decision going back to work and putting him in school.  We toughed it out and after two week he stopped crying.  It wasn't long before he was running to his classroom to see his teachers and friends.  He absolutely loved his teachers!  As it turns out, I am so glad we decided to put him in school.  His separation anxiety improved dramatically in every way.  He learned so much and he loved going to play with his friends.  I can't thank Ms. Gail and Ms. Natasha enough for taking such good care of him and teaching him this year. 

First Day: 16 months old

Last Day: 25 months old

26 Weeks

26 weeks and counting!  Every passing week brings me joy and a little relief! I have had several people ask if we know or have any idea when the triplets will be born.  The simple answer is: we have no idea.  They could come any day.  We hope they do not arrive before July.  I will be 32 weeks the last week of June, the average gestation period for triplets. That is just 6 weeks away!  I am still really hoping to make it till mid to end July, between 34-36 weeks. That is only 8-10 weeks away.  My doctor says I will not make it to August.  My prayer is my body will cooperate and allow me to carry them as long as possible.

How far along: 26 Weeks

Weight gain/loss: 2 lbs gained. Net weight gained: 27

Maternity clothes: Yes, but with my rapidly growing belly and long torso my maternity wardrobe is quickly diminishing.

Sleep: Ok...depends on how the babies are positioned.

Best moment this week: Receiving a great report from the doctor!

Miss Anything? My freedom...bed rest has its pros and cons
Movement: Yes, times 3!
Food cravings: milk, Nannie's banana bread, Chocolate Raspberry Truffle ice cream from Bruster's.
Anything making you queasy or sick: very rarely!
Have you started to show yet? Measuring 42 weeks (cm)
Gender prediction: Boy, Boy, Boy!
Labor Signs: No
Belly Button in or out? still in...
Wedding rings on or off? On
Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy
Looking forward to: Spending next week with just Derek while he takes a week of vacation to do some final prep work for the triplets. Ben will be in Chattanooga for the week.  I have never been away from him this long, so it's a little bitter sweet.

26 weeks Doctor's Visit

I look forward to my doctor's visit every week, not only because it's an excuse to leave the house, but because I get a tiny peak into the world of my three little baby boys and the assurance that they are okay.  We were excited to receive yet another great report from the doctor.  All is well with me and the babies.  I am now measuring 42 weeks (42cm) which everyone gets a good laugh.  I gained 2 pounds and best of all my cervix measured 3.6cm today (2.4cm just a week ago)!  Bed rest seems to be working.  My doctor told me to keep up the good work!

Baby A

Baby A's sweet face in 3D.  Baby B's head is next to him.
We think he resembles his big brother.

Baby B

Baby C was shy today..he was facing my back. 
You can see his spine at the top of the picture.

Mother's Day Weekend

I had a wonderful Mother's Day weekend.  Ben spent most of weekend in Chattanooga with his grandparents. That allowed Derek and I were able to spend some quality time together, as well as knock out some important things on our list to prepare for the babies. Such as, paint the nursery and finish moving the stuff from our office, which is now the nursery, to the new office.  I supervised and provided encouragement from the recliner while Derek worked very hard.

Saturday night, Derek took me out to dinner for a Mother's day date.  Yes, my doctor said it was okay. Derek called and made reservations, dropped me off at the door and they seated us immediately to minimize walking and standing.  It was wonderful to sit down and enjoy a special meal with just my husband.  On Sunday, Ben returned home to Huntsville and brought me roses. I was able to spend the day with my family.  It was a wonderful weekend and I look forward to next year's with all four of my sons.

Almost Ready.....

Wow!  What a wonderfully generous week we had.  We were given three showers this week that provided us with a lot of our large needs list.  The 3 mini cribs, the nursery changing table, 2 car seats and lots of diapers and wipes!  Derek and I are so blessed!  Now I can focus on making sure we have all the little things we need.

1 -changing table for the family room (Thank you to Rothwell Church! Your monetary gifts purchased the changing table for the nursery.) 
1 -regular fridge to put in the garage

2 -Snugride 30 car seats with bases (found one brand new for $58-tax included and it coordinated with the strollers, Thanks Casey for the tip!) (Thank you to Decosimo, CPA for the other 2 car seats)
3 -mini convertible cribs (Thank you to Decosimo, CPA.  Your monetary gifts purchased all 3 mini cribs!)
1- vehicle that will hold 2 double strollers+ and easy access to load four car seats :) We bought a 2007 Nissan Quest SL...Yes, I officially drive a minivan. Well....I drive it to the dr's office and back home :)
1-Graco double stroller (Thanks Holly for your help!) Bought 2 used Graco Quattro Tour Duo strollers for total of $130 and they are coordinating colors!
2 -Bumbos and trays (Thanks Holly for your help and gift!)
1 -Baby K'tan infant sling (found brand new for $20, Thanks Casey for the tip!)
1 -mini fridge to store pre-made bottles in the nursery for easy access (Thanks Sara!)
2- mini crib mattresses (Thanks Pam for your help finding one at a consignment sale!) (I love ebay! 2 brand new mattresses at half the cost of retail!)
2 -space saver high chair with cloth seat (Thanks Sara! Thanks Jimmy! for the great gifts!)

Graco Snugride 30 in Forecaster (The one I bought)
The strollers also have brown, orangish red, and gray.

Baby Shower

On Friday, Derek's firm, Decosimo, gave us a shower in Chattanooga.  Derek and Ben set out for Chattanooga Friday morning.  I was not able to attend, but I was told the food was delicious and Ben had a great time at Daddy's work.  He especially enjoyed the new Mr. Potato Head he was given.  Derek also enjoyed returning to the Chattanooga office and visiting with his colleagues.

Derek and I were truly overwhelmed by the generosity that was given to us.  Collectively, the people at Decosimo gave us the two car seats we needed, as well as all three of our mini cribs.  They also gave us swaddle blankets, clothes, and diapers.  Thank you to everyone at Decosimo for your generosity! And a special thank you to Kara for putting this all together and to Kim for all the delicious food!

Bed Rest

I have been on bed rest for a little over 3 weeks now.  Bed rest is a term that can mean several different things.  The bed rest my doctor has prescribed is laying down most of the time.  I am also able to sit up or recline. I can get up to go to the bathroom, fix something to eat, or shower.  He also realizes that I have a two year old son.  I can drive myself to doctor's appointments or to pick up Ben if I have to.  He does not want me lifting, doing housework, or going shopping (unless it's from my ipad). 

At first it was very hard to adjust, but I am slowly getting used to it.  The hardest part about it is letting others help me.  I am a very independent person and I don't like to ask others for help, even when I know I should.  Bed rest has taught me that it is okay to let others help. We are very blessed to have such great family and friends around us.  Derek's parents and grandmother have set up a rotation so that one of them is always here to help around the house and with Ben.  I have had friends offer to help run errands, go shopping for me, cook meals, bring lunch and sit with me, pick Ben up from school or take Ben for the morning on days he doesn't go to school.  We would not be able to do it without this network of help.  I am truely grateful to everyone who has reached out to help during this time of need in our family.

Newly revised Baby Needs

Wow! Thanks to my wonderful friends and family we have almost knocked out our big needs list. Thanks to everyone who has helped me find new or used items at great prices and to those who have generously given or let me borrow their gently used items. Also to those wonderful, generous gifts we have received. We are almost ready!
 
2 -Snugride 30 car seats with bases (found one brand new for $58-tax included and it coordinated with the strollers, Thanks Casey for the tip!)
2 -changing tables
1 -regular fridge to put in the garage

1- vehicle that will hold 2 double strollers+ and easy access to load four car seats :) We bought a 2007 Nissan Quest SL...Yes, I officially drive a minivan. Well....I drive it to the dr's office and back home :)
3 -mini convertible cribs (cribs are ordered, we are planing to paint the nursery this weekend!)
1-Graco double stroller (Thanks Holly for your help!) Bought 2 used Graco Quattro Tour Duo strollers for total of $130 and they are coordinating colors!
2 -Bumbos and trays (Thanks Holly for your help!)
1 -Baby K'tan infant sling (found brand new for $20, Thanks Casey for the tip!)
1 -mini fridge to store pre-made bottles in the nursery for easy access (Thanks Sara!)
2- mini crib mattresses (Thanks Pam for your help finding one at a consignment sale!) (I love ebay! 2 brand new mattresses at half the cost of retail!)
2 -space saver high chair with cloth seat (Thanks Sara! Thanks Jimmy! for the great gifts!)

Graco Snugride 30 in Forecaster (The one I bought)
The strollers also have brown, orangish red, and gray.

Baby Shower

The preschool class I worked in, before going on maternity leave, threw a diaper shower for me to today.  It was great to go back and see all the children.  I have missed being in their class.  The shower was really sweet.  They gave me over 1,100 diapers and 1,600 baby wipes!  Plus, a few of the parents passed along their little boy's clothes, 2 baby swings, and a pack-n-play!  Wow! What a blessing!  A big thank you to all the parents and to Laura for hosting.



Thank you Laura for putting this all together!



Thank you Jessica for the diaper wreath and diaper motorcycle!

25 Weeks Doctor Visit

The doctor had a good report again today.  I am now measuring 40 weeks pregnant! Crazy Right?  My cervix was at 2.4cm this week, but he is not concerned.  My blood pressure continues to hold steady. I did not gain any weight since last week. The babies and their heart rates were great. Both of the doctor's nurses wanted to come in during the ultrasound to see the babies this far along.  Unfortunately, we were not on the new machine so the pictures are not worth posting. 

Baby Shower

My dad is the pastor of a church near Savannah, GA.  When they found out we were pregnant with triplets they decided to throw a shower for us.  I was overjoyed when my mom told me this. Unfortunately, I was not able to travel in order to attend.  They showered us with love and generosity.  Almost 800 diapers plus wipes, baby wash and lotion, diaper genies, adorable baby items, and generous monetary gifts.  What an overwhelming blessing they have given us!  

My parents and little sister at the shower.

24 Weeks

Yay!  We made it to 24 weeks.  This is huge milestone.  According to the doctors the babies are now viable at 24 weeks.  If they were to be born now they have a very good chance of survival, but would have a long road ahead of them in the NICU.  Each day and week that passes is a blessing, so we take it one day at a time here and celebrate every passing day as a victory!

My belly is continuing to grow rather quickly!  I cannot believe I measured 38 weeks at my doctor's appointment. 

How far along: 24 Weeks

Weight gain/loss: 9 lbs gained. Net weight gained: 25

Maternity clothes: Yes

Sleep: Good most of the time...depends on the night.

Best moment this week:

Miss Anything? My freedom...bed rest has its pro's and con's
Movement: Yes, sometimes it feels like there is a pinball machine in my belly.
Food cravings: milk, we buy 2 gallons at a time
Anything making you queasy or sick: very rarely!
Have you started to show yet? There are no words for measuring 38 weeks at 24 weeks.
Gender prediction: Boy, Boy, Boy!
Labor Signs: No
Belly Button in or out? In, but I'm not sure how much longer that will last.
Wedding rings on or off? On
Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy
Looking forward to: Spending the weekend with just Derek, Ben will be with his grandparents.

Specialist Visit

Today we visited the Specialist.  Derek's Nannie was able to go with us and see the babies during the ultrasound.  All three babies looked great and my cervix is holding at 2.9cm!   The tech did a growth ultrasound to measure each baby.  I will now only have to go see the specialist once a month for growth ultrasounds now that I have reached 24 weeks!  By measuring babies head circumference, head diameter, belly circumference, and femur bone length she is able to get each baby's approximate weight. There is a little size difference between the three, but there is not cause for concern. They are all growing at a healthy rate for their gestational age.

Baby A is measuring in at 1 lb 11 oz and in the 90 percentile.  Big Boy!
Baby B is measuring in at 1 lb 7 oz and in the 40 percentile.
Baby C is measuring in at 1 lb 8 oz and in the 55 percentile.

Baby B's sweet profile

Baby C looking at us!