A quick little visit

My surro fam came to Cali for a quick little visit.  It was so much fun to see everyone again.  My boys were especially sweet with the babies and kept entertaining them and bringing them toys to look at.  Some of my family and friends also came over to see everyone.  I can't believe they are already a year old!  They are doing great and keeping everyone on their toes that's for sure...


I just love how when they would play, they would sit back to back. 

Kelsie trying out the swing.

 

They were like little tornadoes {ADORABLE tornadoes though}.  Aaron was trying to get some giggles out of them, and they are back to back again...so cute!

 

 

At the end of the night, everyone was just exhausted.  It was a big day of travel and fun.  Caitlin passed out and the other two were not far behind, but we had to take one last picture.  I know it was a lot for everyone to make the effort to come and see me and I appreciated it so much.  I can't even imagine traveling with triplets!
 It's always so wonderful to see all of the {organized} chaos that goes along with three toddlers...I loved every minute of it!
I miss them already and can't wait to see them again. ;)

Triple the fun!

Ok, so I have been REALLY bad about updating my blog, so without wasting any time, here goes the update.
  Life's been busy on the home front with my two very busy boys.  Life's also been busy for my little surro-fam, as I'm sure you can imagine.  They are growing up so fast!  They are all just adorable and each of them has their own unique personality.
I was lucky enough to go for a visit in April.  My Hubby and I stayed for a long weekend with them and loved every minute of it!
I thoroughly enjoyed being a part of their everyday routines and let me just say, they have their routines down.
Seriously, like clockwork, color coded and all.
They had just moved into a home with more much needed space right before we came and crashed with them, so they threw a housewarming/meet the surro mamma party.  It was so wonderful to meet there whole network of friends.

This is probably the last time the three of them will fit on my lap!

Little miss Caitlin.  I swear she looks like a Gerber baby here.

Mister Riley always interested in how things work.

Little Kelsie bug the little dainty one.

I've been in the grateful mood lately and thinking A LOT about my many, many blessings in my life.  One thing that I will forever be grateful for is this surrogacy journey.  I have gotten so much from this experience.  The very best thing I have gained through surrogacy by far is the addition of their family to mine.

Happy Half Year Birthday!

My little surro sweeties turned 6 months old! They are growing up so fast and getting so big! I couldn't let this milestone slip by with out a picture. Enjoy.

A sad little Kelsie, Mr. Riley and Caitlin.  I think its hard enough to get one baby looking at the camera and smiling, it's gotta be near impossible with three!  That's gotta be the cutest sad face I've seen though. 

Happy half year sweetie pies!

Inquiring minds want to know...

I still get a lot of questions about my journey and I imagine I will for a while. For the most part I am more than happy to answer questions and talk about it.  I am pretty darn proud of this accomplishment.

One of the most common is if I am still in contact with the family.  

(I know they get the same question in reverse all the time.) 

My answer to this is "How could I not be? 

They are amazing and wonderful people.  We have been through such an intimate and experience together our friendship is only natural.  I love them all to pieces!

The other question I get A LOT is if it was hard for me to "give up" the babies.  

I have to admit, I really have to practice patience with this question because I know they were never mine to begin with so how could I be "giving them up"?  Problem is that so many people are just plain uneducated when it comes to surrogacy.  When I get this question, I know I have to go back to basics and explain the whole process. I patiently explain that there is no biological connection.  When you go into this knowing that simple fact, it is WAY different than when it is your own little bundle of joy poking you in the ribs.  People will either get or they won't.  My hope is that they WILL get it and share with someone else and realize what an awesome thing surrogacy can be.  

 Inquiring minds also want to know details into the compensation.  

From my point of view, the compensation for pain and suffering played such a minor role in the scheme of things.  I mean I carried triplets for goodness sake and to answer the next inevitable question...No, that does not mean that the compensation triples.  Let me tell you though, they want the details! I have had complete strangers ask me very specific questions and I finally have to say "Why don't you Google it?" 

Another really popular question is about my attachment to the babies.  

My answer to this is of course I absolutely care about there well being and I think they are  precious!  I care about them more like I care for my nieces though.  They are special to me and I want nothing but the best for the 3 of them.  That's why I signed up to be a surrogate in the first place.  The simple fact that their parents were willing to risk it all to have this family makes my heart swell. 

 

Happy Trans-iversary!!!

A year ago today was the day of our transfer.  A whole year people!  I can not believe how fast the time went.  Believe me when I say some days seemed to drag on FOREVER!  

A year ago today I was standing in the little doctors office making some difficult decisions on whether to transfer two or three embryos with my FIP's.  So many "What ifs?" were going through our minds and the biggest was "What if all three DO take?".  

We were all a bit freaked out.  I sat there inverted on the table with a full bladder and we all were concentrating on small talk.  Meanwhile our minds were racing with every imaginable scenario.  

I remember it like it was yesterday.  

 To think that now those three little embryos that all of our hopes were pinned on grew into such adorable, chubby sweet little babies is nothing short of a miracle. 
I look at all of the videos and pictures of those sweet little babes and I can't help but feel so grateful that all three did take.  

What a wild ride this has been, but I am grateful for every second. 

Happy New Year!

Better late that never, right?  

Someone recently told me you are totally allowed to wish everyone a happy new year through January so I'm sticking with that.  

I had to get that out there before February or I'd be outta luck.  

So, with every January I get sort of contemplative.  

I look back at all my old pictures and remember all of the good times past.  

Last year, was a good year.  

A little rocky, yes, but one of the most memorable ever.  

I decided in all of my contemplative-ness to make a little video of our surrogacy journey as a little gift to my "Former IP's".  (FIP's as we surros say)  I thought I would share it here with all of you.  

Just a little tip to save you some frustration, the video couldn't be shared on mobile devices because it is 1 minute too long.  

So get to your computer and click HERE to see it.  

I'm sure you can't believe this, well I can't anyway, but those little surro sweeties are 4 1/2 months old now!!!  They are doing fantastic and are absolutely adorable if I do say so myself.

Here's one of the latest pix.

Riley, Kelsie and Caitlin

So, to all you surros pregnant, playing the waiting game, just given birth...whatever, I hope you have a fabulous 2012.  To all of the IP's out there no matter where you are in your journey, I hope this is the year for you!  Of course for everyone else, I hope 2012 is your happiest yet.

Merry Christmas!

So for those of you that are not on my mailing list, here's a copy of our Christmas card.  We wanted to wish you a very merry Christmas!  

We hope your day is filled with family friends and love. 

Back in the Saddle

Well, I have had my ups and downs in the last ten weeks that's for sure.  Just a little warning here, I am going on a bit of an emotional rant here and it's gonna' be a long one.  Prepare yourselves. 

I have been diving in head first with my family.  I feel as though I have been making up for lost time.  I have always been a super hands on and involved Mom.  The last couple of months in this pregnancy I was basically absent.  I was doing the bare minimum and relying on my family so much.  I know it's probably my hormones talking, but I have felt such guilt over this.  I missed my sons first day of Kindergarten and that was so important to me.  I will never get that day back.  My Wonderful Hubby did skype me in to the boys first day of school from my hospital room, but it was not the same as being there.  It was really sweet though.  After hanging up, I promptly had a melt down right in front of my doctor.  I'm talking ugly cry complete with snorting like a pig people.  

Anyway, I know I did a wonderful thing.  I am absolutely proud of what I accomplished.  Given the circumstances I did the best I could and I gave it my all.  Rationally I know this.  My irrational side makes me feel guilty though.  Guilty for not being there when i was needed for my family. So, to compensate for this guilt, I have been spending a lot of time volunteering in the boys classrooms, taking them on special Mommy and Son outings and I even joined the PTA for goodness sake!  All I can say is that I am really trying to enjoy them as much as I can.  I am keeping really busy and i feel like time is flying.  I am trying to take in every moment because I know all to well that I will never get these moments back either.  I have come to have a new appreciation for my kids through this process.

I have also been trying to really take better care of my Husband.  He took such good care of me through this pregnancy.   I can not tell you how grateful I am to have him.  He cooked cleaned, grocery shopped, took care of the kiddos, listened to an emotional and very pregnant wife's whining and worked his butt off everyday to bring home the bacon.  I have guilt over this too.  So, ya, I have to make up for some lost time here too.

Don't get me wrong, I am happy to be physically able to care for my family again, but I am really having trouble getting back into the swing of things.  I have also gotten used to having a housekeeper and not having to worry about things like making dinner or working out.  I am weaning off of my housekeeper, and slowly getting back into cooking. I am also starting to workout again and let me just say, I am outta' shape!  I gained 38 pounds total and with in 3 weeks of having them, I lost 60.  I had some serious trouble fitting food into my belly and although I felt I was always eating, the babies were eating more.  As crazy as that is, I am now left with some serious toning to do.  Needless to say, I'm feeling some pressure lately.  Everyday I am wondering how I am going to keep up with these expectations I have put on myself. 

Through all of this, I am also trying to wean off of pumping for the triplets.  Unfortunately, this also means weaning off my new addiction to cupcakes too!  As crazy as this sounds, I'm a little sad to be done pumping because it's the last physical evidence that I just finished doing this fantastic journey.  Maybe this is partly "the blues" that so many women struggle with.  I don't know, but luckily I am a pretty positive person and I am positive it will get better and I'll soon be back to normal.

As for the bambinos, it's now been ten weeks since my little surro  babes were born. TEN!!!  I can't believe it.  They are continuing to do fantastic.  They are putting on the pounds.  Caitlin has pulled ahead of the pack on weight.  {I think she is storing it all in her chubby cheeks.}  Little miss Kelsie has already doubled her birth weight.  Riley is steadily packing the pounds on as well, but he better watch out for these girls!  I still get updates all the time and I can't tell you how much I enjoy all of the updates and pictures.  

The triplets were peas in a pod for Halloween.  Both appropriate and adorable don't you think?

I see these pictures and I am so grateful to think that I helped do that. I am a firm believer that everything happens for a reason and I have learned so much from this experience.  I am still learning. 

So, that's my really looong and brutally honest update.  I warned you.   Luckily my rational side is telling me that yes, it's been really hard getting back into the swing of things, but it will get easier.  Anyway, I feel better already just getting all that out. 

Thanks for listening.  :)

One whole month...already?!?!

Happy birthday Caitlin, Kelsie and Riley!  I can not believe it has already been a whole month since these three precious bundles were brought into the world.  So much has happened in this month. 
All three babies were released from the NICU and brought home.  They are seriously thriving in their new environment.    I can't help take a little credit for this because I am pumping and shipping breast milk. They are starting to get the chubby cheeks and double chins that change their looks so much.  (Why can't this look cute on all of us adults?)  

I am not, however, getting up with them all night long for round the clock feedings times three.  I'm also not changing 30 diapers a day!  No, the real credit goes to their parents. They are truly embracing parenthood and loving this precious time with their babies.  I get updates and pictures a few times a week and I love hearing all of the news.  It warms my heart to hear what good parents they are and to know that these babies are a part of such a loving home.  

This right here is the whole reason I became a surrogate.  Seeing and hearing all about this family I helped create is wonderful.  When people ask me why I did this, they automatically assume it was about the money.  It's hard to put my feelings into words on the subject, but it is about so much more.  I have gotten so much more.  I know it's hard to understand, especially for those who have not been a surrogate, but all I can say is my heart feels happy.

Can you believe they all fit in my belly?!?!  I still have a hard time believing it!

Caitlin, Kelsie, and Riley

I just had to share...

Birth Story...

I have been thinking over and over how tho start this post.    I know I haven't updated in a while so I will try and pick up where I left off with a quick update on the past few weeks.  Just a warning though...this is going to be a long post so grab a cup of coffee and settle in for a while.  

I last posted at about 31 weeks and at this point we were beginning to do the non-stress tests on the babies.  I went in once a week and the babies continued to pass with flying colors.  Each one was "practice breathing", very active, and their heart rates were always right on target.  I always left the hospital with a smile on my face knowing that these little buns were baking so beautifully in my oven.

I also had weekly check ups with my OB.  They continued to go really well.  My Doctor  thought for sure we were going to make it all the way to 36 weeks.  One thing we all know though about pregnancy though is that things can change with the blink of an eye.

So Tuesday (8-23) I went in for a regular check up with my OB and everything looked great.  I felt a little "different", but was assured my blood pressure and labs looked great.  I thought I was just doing to much and not resting enough.   I was pregnant with three babies after all.  So we left it with that.

The next day was supposed to be my kids first day of school and my 6 year was turning 7.  Mind you,  I had given the triplets strict instructions to stay in my belly until I got my kiddos through their first day of school.  Control freak much?  Anyway, my best laid plans veered off track for sure.  A rail car with a huge tank of propane caught fire Tuesday afternoon and my son's birthday wish came true.  Not only was the first day of school cancelled, the entire first week was cancelled as well.  A lot of families were evacuated from their homes.  There was talk of evacuation in our neighborhood too, but luckily it was just talk.

So we went ahead with a few small birthday plans and had a good day.  That night, (Wednesday) My legs and feet morphed into one long, puffy extension out of my hips and I could barely bend them at the ankle or the knee.  I was feeling concerned about this, but knowing I had another non-stress test in the morning, I went to bed and got as good nights sleep as I could.

Thursday morning, my legs did not look any better and were actually quite painful.  I went to the Non-stress test expecting nothing but the predictable since I had just been to my OB 2 days before.  So first thing they do is check your weight and I had gained 6 pounds in 6 days!!!  I had only gained about 31 pounds so far with this pregnancy so this was a complete shock.  I saw the look on the nurses face and watched her eyes linger on my swollen feet.  I kinda' knew what was coming when she said, "Why don't we check your urine?"  (For those who don't know, they check urine for protein which is a possible sign of pre-eclampsia.)

We went into the fetal testing room and she got on the phone to call my doctor.  I heard her say it was a 4+ on the protein and my doctor asked to talk to me.  She handed me the phone and my doctor told me they were sending me over to labor and delivery for further testing.  I of course, being hormonal and all, started to cry and as soon as I left the office I called my hubby.  He called my IP’s for me and took them by surprise. 

My hubby came to the hospital to meet me and told me that A was driving to Sac as we speak.  When A got there, he said S was jumping on a plane and would also be there shortly.  I of course felt really bad because what if this was nothing?  I didn’t want to be an inconvenience for nothing but further testing.  Anyway, I’m so glad they listened to their intuition and got here when they did.   So the Docs ran some labs, did an ultrasound and some fetal monitoring.   They came back and said I was definitely checking in.  It looked like pre-eclampsia and the only cure for that is delivery.  So much for all of my well laid plans…

Everyone could tell I was a bit disappointed with the turn of events.  I knew at this point that I would surly miss the first day of kindergarten for my 5 year old and the first day of 2nd grade for my 7 year old.  Again…control freak much?  This situation was clearly out of my control though.   So the Docs came up with a plan and we went ahead with it.  They were giving me a dose of betamethosone (a shot to develop the babies lungs quickly) right away (Thursday).  They were giving me another dose 24 hours later as long as I held stable (Friday).  Then Saturday morning if all still looked good, was delivery day. 

So, I got the first dose and checked in to the hospital.  They continued to monitor my labs and with each new blood draw, my stats continued to detereriorate.  I also started having scattered contractions.  They started me on Magnesium sulfate (awful stuff) because it was clear things were going down hill fast and I was developing HELLP syndrome also. (Scary stuff!)  

IP's and my Hubby told them to get over to the hospital ASAP.  My husband barely made it.  He was literally suiting up while we were wheeling the bed away.  Everything felt so rushed and crazy.  

The doctors had assembled an army of doctors to quickly "catch and assess" the babies as they were delivered and another small army on hand in the delivery room itself.  Unfortunately, I was only allowed my husband to be with me because of the number of people needed and the size of the OR itself.  In case you were wondering there were 13 people in the OR including my Husband and I.    

The delivery went as well as we could have expected.  The babies were delivered with in one minute of each other and were whisked away so quickly I didn't even get to see them.  I heard their sweet little wails as they were pulled from their warm and cozy oven and couldn't help but smile. 

I, on the other hand, had lost almost 2 liters of blood and my platelet count went down extremely low.  So low, they did not even feel comfortable removing my spinal block for fear that I would not be able to clot properly.  I had to have a blood transfusion and a platelet transfusion.  While receiving the transfusions in the recovery room, the nurse checked my incision, urine output and bedding.  She immediately called my Doctor back in and gave everyone else non necessary the boot.  To my surprise my OB happened to be in the hospital and was at my side.  So were the two doctors that delivered the babies and the pernatologist I had been seeing too.  I felt so well taken care of and touched that all of these doctors that helped so much through out this journey were there to help in my time of need.  Things got a little more chaotic as they explained I was losing more blood and a lot of clots.  They decided to give me something to dialate my cervix a bit to extract the clots.   Luckily I was still numb from the waist down and they were quick and efficient.  I stayed in the recovery suite for a while before checking into my room just to be sure everything was going ok.  The anesthesiologist explained that until my platelets were on the rise again I would have to leave the catheter in my back and that it could be a couple days.  

Meanwhile, the waiting room was full of my worried family and friends.  I had no idea who was there and not, but come to find out A wouldn't leave the waiting room to follow the babies until I was deemed out of the woods.  I couldn't believe it.  I was so very touched. It was a scary ordeal for sure, but I can't explain the calm I felt in the midst of all of the chaos.  I just know everything was going to be ok.

The babies were all doing really well.  They needed a little help with feedings, oxygen and IV's, but they are truly beating the odds for triplets.  I am so proud to have delivered these little fighters into this world.  

Are you ready for the final stats? 

It was 2 girls and 1 boy as expected, but no one expected them to be quite so big.

Caitlin~ 4lbs. 14 oz.  18" long

Kelsie~ 3lbs.  11 oz.  17" long

Riley~ 5lbs.  4 oz.  17" long

Is it just me or was that  a whole lotta baby in my belly? 

Through out this whole experience, I have felt so well cared for and so lucky to have so many people who love and care about me.  I made it to 33.6 weeks which I have to say beat a lot of  expectations.  It has been such a whirlwind of a ride, but worth every second of it.  I remember waking up almost every morning and having to remind myself it was triplets.  Now I look at these sweet babies and think how utterly impossible it is to have delivered them.  It still is, and probably always will be truly unbelievable.  Even given all of the discomfort, I wouldn't trade this experience for anything.   We beat so many odds in this process and I can't help but feel a sense of accomplishment looking back.  I was not on bed rest or hospitalized like so many thought I would be at the end and I have so many people who care about me to thank for that.  I especially could not have done this with out the support of my husband.  He is a remarkable man and I think this journey has brought us even closer.  The support I felt from all of my family and friends was and is more than I can describe with words.  

The Triplets are here!!!

I'm going to keep this short and sweet for now...

Last Friday August 26th, 2011, I delivered three little bundles of joy.  We are all doing really well.  The babies continue to amaze everyone with how well they are adjusting to this outside world.  It's so wonderful to see....

No worries, I am working on the details of the whole story, but just thought you might want to know. 

Have a great weekend!  =)

Belly pic 31 weeks

Alright folks, here it is.  This is the 31 week belly pic.  Oh and yes, I am aware that I look like a vampire with my pale, pasty skin.  I avoid the summer heat and sun like I will burn to a crisp in 60 seconds.  Unless I am in transit from one air conditioned venue to another, or taking a belly pic, you will not see me outside.

Due to the size of this belly of mine...

I am now sleeping with 4-5 pillows in various propped spots all over my body ever night.

I can no longer do the Macarena, or any other dance that involves actually moving or bending of the belly.

I can not paint my own toes.  Shout out to my sister Beckie for "Shellac-ing" them for me. **By the way, if you haven't tried Shellac yet, I HIGHLY recommend it.

I breath and grunt like I am lifting 100 pounds of rice just rolling over in bed.

I can no longer sit like a lady.  It really is physically impossible.

I can not reach my right hand to my left hip and vice versa.

I have turned the stove on a few times with no hands...the belly did it.

I can not see my feet and cankles jiggling as I walk...but I can feel it though! 

 My 5 year old hits his head on my belly AT LEAST twice a day.  He's at just the right height.  Luckily he thinks this is funny.

Ok, so enough about the belly.  

Happy Monday everybody!

31 weeks!

I know I've been pretty quiet lately, but quiet is good when you're 31 weeks pregnant with triplets!  I have been so busy getting all of my ducks in a row lately, blogging has been simmering on the back burner.  Sorry!!!

What have I been doing you ask?  Well, between doctor appointments, ultrasounds, two busy boys on summer vacation and just life in general, I have been trying to prepare and plan for the next few weeks.  I know there is really no such thing as "planning" when it comes to having babies, but I have to try!  Not to mention, my kids are also getting ready to go back to school and everything is sort of coming to a head at once.  Oh, and I am so dang tired lately, I feel mighty proud to just get out of the house and grab a gallon of milk. 

So, In the past couple of weeks, I have managed to get my hospital bag packed, bought back to school clothes, school supplies, and had an ultrasound, a hospital tour and 2 doctor appointments.  This may not sound like much, but believe me when I say these were HUGE hurdles for me.  Unfortunately, I think grocery shopping is off my list of things to do.  I can't really stand, lift and walk for any real length of time anymore.  So I either have them delivered or my awesome Mom does the shopping for me.  {Thanks Mom!}

At my last OB appointment, my doctor was so thrilled with my progress it was contagious.  I waddled my way in there feeling bleh, and left with a smile on my face.  She's "tentatively" scheduling the delivery for September 13th.  {Remember Lucky 13?}  My doctor has complete faith in me {and my cervix} to hold out until then.  Woo-hoo! So that's my new goal...36 weeks.

Anyway, that's what's going on with me...as for the wee ones, they are doing awesome.  They are growing so quickly and getting so strong it is always so amazing to see and feel them move around.  The ultrasound showed just how great they are doing and it's so reassuring.  My IP's are busily preparing for their arrival.  They've had a few baby showers and they have so many friends and family members that are anxiously awaiting the arrival of these little peanuts,  I love knowing these babies are being born into a family that already loves them so much.

I don't have a belly pic tonight, but soon I promise!  So I leave you with this...the cause for my sleepless nights.  It was on a pamphlet at the doctors office and it cracked me up. Imagine three little ones bouncing on your bladder!  I'm up every hour almost to the minute...

Okay, so that was REALLY long winded.  

I guess maybe if I updated more often, I wouldn't have to write a book. Ha!

28 weeks and counting...

 

Well, as you may have guessed I've had a few doctor appointments since my last post. Luckily there is not anything really to report there. My run of the mill check up was last week and what could be better than a nice boring check up right? The babies are all doing great and although I may not feel great, the doc tells me I am doing fabulous. Actually I think her exact words to describe me were "Rock Star". She is always so excited with the progress not to mention just the simple fact that I am still pregnant and up and around.

I am also now seeing a Perinatologist.  This is a doctor reserved for those with high risk pregnancies and complications.  She will also be performing my ultrasounds from here on out.  She has always been consulting with my Doctor, now that I have the complication of the Gestational Diabetes, I was the one consulting with her.  She too was very impressed with how things have played out so far with this pregnancy.  She said if things keep up like this, she sees no reason why I shouldn't make it to 34 or maybe even 36 weeks!  That's only 6-8 weeks left.  Wow, times flying!  

We also talked a lot about diabetes and she did toy around with the idea of putting me on insulin, but ultimately said she wouldn't be doing that.  She may put me on a pill every morning before breakfast, but I can handle that.  Just keep the needles away!

Let me just say, it felt really good to get such great feed back from the doctors.  I have been trying really hard to balance my family and this pregnancy and it gets harder day by day.  A little recognition felt really good.  I definitely have my list of discomforts and complaints, but I try to stay on the positive side for my own sanity.  The GD has been really tough on me.  I am having some MAJOR sugar cravings lately.  I was making my kids PB&J yesterday and it took all my will power not to grab a spoonful of jelly and eat it. Craziness!  I used to be tempted more by the PB.  I am keeping on the diet, although grudgingly,  I know it's best for me and the wee ones in my belly.

On the subject of the wee ones, they are packing some punch these days!  I swear 3-4am is a Kung Fu match time most mornings.  I'm not talking about little flutters either, theses are some roundhouse kicks!  Needless to say they are growing stronger every day and here's my belly pic to prove it...Enjoy!

28 weeks

The Run Down

Alrighty, so I had my class to learn about Gestational Diabetes today.  There were four of us in the class and let me just say, everyone looked a bit grumpy to start off with and it didn't get too much better as the 2 hours went by.  There were 3 different teachers there each to discuss different aspects of GD.  One talked mainly about portion control, one talked about menu panning and the other taught us how to use our new equipment.  All three had to basically give the pregos a good diet smack-down.  Our Q&A went something like this:

Them:  "Raise your hand if you drink juice."
Us: Raising our hands meekly.
Them:  "No more juice.  Big No No ladies."
Them:  " Raise your hand if you eat cake, frosting, ice cream etc..."
Us:  Raising our  meek little hands again with scowls on our face.
Them:  " No more sugary sweets."
Them:  "Raise your hand if your hands if you eat cereal in the morning"
Us:  Raising our hands again looking a little perplexed, but knowing what's coming next.
Them:  " No more cereal for breakfast."

You get the idea...the cereal one hit particularly hard for me as I have been eating cereal for breakfast almost every day since I can remember.  Needless t say none of us were too happy about the Q&A portion of our teaching.  It reminded me of a Seinfeld I saw years ago with "The Soup Nazi". 

 

I won't bore you all of the details, but here's the bare bones.  The dietitian wants me to eat 2700 calories a day.  Yikes!!! That is a LOT of food!  Now, I don't know if I can physically do that, especially minus any kind of junk food, total heartburn and 3 babies squishing my stomach into a thin pancake at the top of my uterus, but I have to try.  I also have to test my blood sugar before and 1 hour after every meal.  I have to track my blood glucose number and fax the weeks worth of data to the doctor every Wednesday.  If there is any reason for concern they will put me on meds {pill or injections depending}.  I definitely want to avoid this so I will be a good little patient and listen to orders...even though what I really want is Ben and Jerry's.  

So do the babies.  Don't ask me how I know, I just do.

I have a few more appointments coming up soon so I'll post on that soon.  But for now, that's the dealio.  I leave you with my 25 week belly pic.  Have a great 4th!!!

25 weeks

Update time...

Well the ultrasound went really well.  It was a measly 2 hours instead of 3. {thank goodness!} Everything looked great! Babies A & C {the girls} are estimated at about 1 lb 11 oz. and Baby B {the boy} is estimated to be 1 lb. 14 oz.  Quite the bruiser already!  They were all really active and I even got to see Baby C yawn.  I didn't even know that was possible!  Baby B and C are breech at this point and poor Baby A has the bottom bunk, laying across my hips.  So not too much to report there.

I did my dreaded glucose tolerance test and all the other labs yesterday.  All the "other labs" turned out great and normal.  The glucose test, not so much.  Apparently I have developed Gestational Diabetes.    When my doctor told me, I have to admit I was in a bit of shock and then I started thinking wait a minute... I am not obese.  I eat healthy.  I talk care of myself.  I have never had this with previous pregnancies.  I don't get it.  The doctor assured me that it was nothing I did, in fact she was kind of expecting this.  What?  She said,  it is caused by a hormone released by the placenta.  Obviously with three placentas my odds were much greater in developing GD.   It made me feel,a little better knowing I didn't do anything to cause this.  Still not happy, but a little better.  

I just found out last night so I don't know too much about my personal case and how exactly it will be handled.  I do know that the doc ordered a class for me to take and a consult with the fetal health specialist and nutritionist to go over how to manage everything.  I will also have to be testing my blood sugar throughout the day with a little finger prick machine and keep a log of the numbers to bring with me to the doctor.  Then, depending on the trend, I will manage it through diet, pill and/or insulin injections.   I sooo thought I was done with injections...

This does explain a lot as to how I have been feeling lately though.  Usually when I'm hungry my tummy's rumbling and I may get a little crabby.  Lately though it feels like my entire body is weak.  Like I don't want to hold the phone to my ear weak.  So I eat something and depending on what I eat, I feel better or worse.  I've been noticing if I have a handful of cashews or a protein shake made with blueberries, I feel better.  If I grab an apple or some crackers, I feel worse.  Good to know there is a reason behind it and I can start to plan my meals accordingly now.   

I don't really know too much else about it, but I do know {based on my Google research} there are a slew of things that can happen if not managed properly.  I won't get into all the nitty gritty now.  I'm just gonna' take it one day at a time and hopefully I can get a handle on this quickly.    In the middle of all this, I'm just so thankful the babies are continuing to grow and develop every day. 

24 Weeks!!!

Well this week is a big milestone in pregnancy.  This week marks the week of viability.  I had a check up today and my OB and I had a quick little celebration with some Ya-hoos, sighs of relief and some big smiles.  We quickly got back to business though and set the next mile stone at 32 weeks.  This happens to be the "average" week of delivery for triplets.  

Lucky for me all looked good today.  The babies were squirming around as usual.  My cervix is still in great shape.  My Doc even went so far as to say I have an "awesome uterus".  All good news.  We will now have check ups every 2 weeks because lets face it people, pregnant women and the summer heat just don't mix.  I'm glad she is keeping a close eye on things though, it really gives me peace of mind knowing all is well.

Thursday I have another Level 2 ultrasound and if all is well there, I can wait another 4 weeks before my next one. Yay!

Friday I have the dreaded blood glucose test and a bunch of other labs along with it.  I have to admit the blood glucose test always freaks me out.  For those who are not familiar with the test, let me break it down for you.  I have to fast the night before and then go to the lab for the 3 hour test.  First, I will have my blood drawn.  Then I have to drink some syrupy, sugary drink and have my blood drawn in 1 hour.  As if this was not enough, I have one more draw at the three hour mark.   bleh.  

For those of you who don't really care about breakfast you'd breeze right through this.  For me, I am always starving in the morning.  Now of course pregnant, it's even worse!  I feed myself before feeding my kids almost every morning.  {Luckily they don't really care about breakfast.}  There are many mornings though when these little munchkins in my belly wake me up at 5-6 in the morning which then gets my tummy rumbling and I have to get a small bite before going back to sleep.  So ya, the thought of starvation in the morning gives me some anxiety for sure.

Anyway, all is looking good.  I'll update with all of the other stuff soon! I'll leave you with a 24 week belly pic...courtesy of my 6 year old. 

Belly Pix...Finally!

I'm just going to get right to it.  Here's the latest belly pix with a little explanation.  First of all, yes, I am in the same shirt as the last belly pic.  Don't worry i washed it.  It is one of my favorite shirts, not to mention a lot of my shirts are getting too short and this one stretches forever.  I'm just not the type to go around letting this big 'ol belly catch a breeze.  If you are that type, no offense.  You are very brave.  So anyway, this one was taken at 22.5 weeks along.

This one I took the very next morning{22.6 weeks}.  Morning being the reason for this headless pregnant woman in the picture.  Is it just me or does my belly look bigger?  Maybe it's the shirt?  I also measured my belly and I am now 44 inches around! 

In other news, there's not too much to report.  The babies are WAY more active.  They have been exercising A LOT between midnight and 1am almost nightly.  Their movements are definitely getting a stronger and more vigorous.  A little harder to ignore, but I sure do try!  It usually starts with one squirmy baby who then wakes up the next before going to back to sleep and the torch then gets passed to the other one before they are all asleep again.  I just hope they get this out of their system now so night feedings go smoothly for their parents.  Oh, and they have been getting the hiccups lately too.  :)

As for me, 22 weeks has hit hard and I am slowing down once again.  Routine things are getting more difficult.   Lately anything that falls on the floor or is in need of attention below my knee will just have to wait.  I've come up with a couple solutions though, Toes need to be painted-pedicure. A spill on the floor-call in the dog.  Toys on the floor- allowance for the kids for doing their chores.  I'm sure I'll come up with a few more solutions as I grow, but being a Mom you've gotta be creative right?  

I also have to say, my family has been really supportive through all of this.  I am so lucky to have them.  I am still in good spirits.  I really feel like it would be so easy to focus on the discomfort, but I think that would just make me miserable and being positive (for me) is the best way to cope.  It allows me to still be there for my kids and my husband as much as I can be.  So that's my game plan for now.  I have another week until my next doc appointment and ultrasound.  I should have more to report then!

The 20 week Ultrasound

So, I'll start with the fun stuff.  I went in for the big 20 week ultrasound last week.  My IP's got to come out and visit too!  The ultrasound took about 2 1/2 hours and I had to do a lot of rolling and moving to keep things going along.  Laying on my back for that long is very uncomfortable.  It was so amazing to see how much these babies have grown in 4 weeks!  It was also wonderful to see their parents glued to the screen and hanging on to their every movement.  All three babies still look great and are right on target.  They are each about 10 inches long now.  I guess that means I have about 30 inches of baby in me!  Wow!  Thank goodness we did not have any surprises this time.  The count is still the same and it is still 2 girls and 1 very active boy.  

I also had another check up with my OB and everything looked good there too.  I have to admit I was a little nervous because I have been having the occasional Braxton Hicks.  I know this is normal with pregnancy, but apparently should not be taken lightly with triplets.  Lucky for me though my cervix was still just fine.  In fact, everything looked so good, the Doc said I could go another 4 weeks until the next check up and ultrasound.  Woo hoo!  After that I will be going in for both bi-weekly.

I do have to apologize.  I have been so bad about blogging lately, but I have a really good excuse.  I am carrying triplets and I'm tired!  It seems like every time I sit down and have a free moment, my eyes start to get really droopy and before I know it I'm out.  I usually just cat nap for a few and feel much better.  I really didn't think there would be THAT much difference from carrying one baby to carrying three.  I know, I know wishful thinking and very naive on my part.  I am a can do kind of person though.  As it turns out, there are a lot of differences.  For instance, you know that extreme fatigue you get in the first trimester?  It never stops.  In fact it gets worse!  I find myself planning my days with a couple of breaks in the middle for cat naps.  It's crazy how much energy these three munchkins are using up.  

So to help combat the fatigue, I have had to limit myself to one, maybe two "things to do" in a day besides the usual feeding and caring for my two busy boys.  Yesterday, my project of the day was laundry.  Today, I went on a field trip with my sons preschool to the fire station.  I felt pretty good after wards so I pushed the limit and went to the grocery store.  Whew!  Let's just say, the my little hiney is glued to the recliner.  It's gonna' take some thing really good to pry me off of here.

Well, that's the long and short of it.  I'm still hanging in there.   I'll post some pix soon!

*UPDATE*
Here's some pix of the wee ones.
Baby A (girl) Top
Baby B (boy) Middle
Baby C (girl) Bottom

 

18 week belly pix

Well, I am now almost 19 weeks!  I can't believe how fast time is flying.  I feel like the babies have definitely gone through a growth spurt because all of a sudden I am HUGE!  Unfortunately, I am really starting to feel some of the lovely discomforts that go along with it.  I am still up and around, although I do tire easily.  Just walking up the stairs, I am out of breath and winded.  I think I'm going to need one o those stair chairs.by the end of this!   Ha!

I am one of those "doer" kinds of people so it  does make it difficult when mentally I know I can do something.  I also am the type of person that does not typically ask for help.  Problem is, by the end of the night I just feel ex-haus-ted.  So, I promised the hubby I would take on less and take it easy so we can have some of our family time back. 

So, I am working on a few things, but overall I am in good spirits.  I feel like I am doing pretty darn good for carrying three wee ones in my belly.  It's not easy, but it'll be worth it!

I leave you now with my most recent belly pic...

18.4 weeks