Bed Rest: Day 7

Today has been very quiet.  Nothing significant or exciting, except my cheeseburger was REALLY good DELICIOUS!  HAHA!  I did have cramping through the night and into the early afternoon, but when they had me on the monitors, it looked fine.  The babies were monitored this morning and were all very active.  Baby B was the stinker today...we chased her FOREVER!  My mom is coming to see me in a bit and then Dan will come this evening for a while.  I'm happy today was uneventful.  Keep baking kiddos.....we're 1 more week into this!  WE CAN DO IT!

 

Bed Rest: Day 6

Perinatology Meeting Today:
* Babies look GREAT!  Perfect in EVERY way.  Amniotic Fluid is perfect, anatomy is perfect and all 3 are  STILL girls.  Baby A is head down, Baby B is head down and Baby C is breech.
* Baby A: 1 lb. 8 oz.
* Baby B: 1 lb. 5 oz.
* Baby C: 1 lb. 10 oz.
* Cervix checked was a bit alarming....my cervix is gone already....that happened fast, and I freaked out.  I started to cry.  The High Risk Doctor did say I COULD make it another month, another 3 weeks, etc....everything is up in the air now.
* We are still discussing me going home, POSSIBLY Friday afternoon, but I really don't think that will happen now that my cervix is completely thinned.  The worry is if my water breaks at home, and I deliver a baby at home or in the car, she may not survive...where if I'm here, the NICU is here and she has a MUCH better chance.

The Physical Therapist came in today and worked on my arms and legs.  It's crazy how weak I am already.  High Risk wants to send a NICU nurse over to chat with me about what to expect from these tiny ones.  We're going to continue you now as we have been the past few days.  Just medicine for the contractions and bed rest here.  Another update to come tomorrow.

NICU Call: Dr. Christensen
* 3 neonatologists, 1 for each baby
* Lots of tests done: blood from placentas NOT the babies themselves
* 3 Respiratory Therapists: 1 for each baby--first breaths sooo important
* Colostrum--important, even drops
* Every day I can keep them in= 2 more days for the babies

Bed Rest: Day 5

Having pain today.....lots of irritability and some strong contractions here and there.  They've monitored the babies, all is well there, and they had my contractions monitored.  The on call Doctor checked my cervix again to find it's still just a 2, yea!  Tomorrow we will meet with Perinatology, ultrasound, etc.  I'm excited because they will make the decision of me going home or staying.  Am I being too positive?  They did give me a new medication (Viserol), just barley, for pain.....it's supposed to make me tired and such.  Good times.  I'll update tomorrow.  Just thought I should hurry and do it before it knocks me out.

Bed Rest: Day 4

Instead of trying to remember everything that is going on through a whole week through the Bed Rest Fog, I decided to update everyday....this is mostly for me.

Today is Monday, January 2....4th day of me being in the Hospital on Strict Bed Rest.  Quick update: Magnesium is done, early Saturday morning
Penicillan is over for now and IVs are out (HALLELUJAH!)
Procardia was started yesterday afternoon-helps with contractions, etc.
I talked with my Doctor yesterday, and I told her to be REAL with me about my stay here.  I asked if I was going to be at the Hospital until I delivered...I could tell she wanted to say yes, but ultimately, Maternal Fetal Medicine decides.  I have a feeling I will be....sadly.

I miss my Jaeli....she is having a REALLY hard time.  She wants to come to the Hospital, but RSV season isn't allowing that.  I understand it, but it is still sooo hard to not see her.  My Doctor wants to send a social worker in to talk with me about what is best for Jaeli...would it be harder to see me for a bit and be ripped away, etc....

My Doctor JUST left my room...I was grateful my sister in law was here to chat with us.  We discussed things to help my headaches and then we talked about me going home.  She said if I have a few quiet days, contraction wise and such, it's a possibility.  The facts that we got a NEGATIVE FFN test, meaning I have AT LEAST 2 weeks before I deliver, and that I am only dilated to a 2 are great!  She said if I were a 5 and my water broke at home, I'd have the baby halfway out by the time we hit the hospital.   MFM is going to do an ultrasound tomorrow, hopefully, and we'll know how big the babies are, etc.  That will help with the decision too.  

Hospital Bed Rest.... at 24 Weeks

Well, here we are....well I am.  Dan, my mom, Jaeli and I went out shopping on Friday to get things for the babies.  I started to contract and hurt sooo bad that Dan and my mom made me come in.  My mom took Jaeli back to her house, and Dan and I came up to Labor and Delivery.  They checked us to find I was dilated to a 2 and 50 % effaced.  After all the fun checking and IVs....I was admitted to the Labor and Delivery Floor.

Friday was a really bad night...I contracted most the time, they had Penicillan going for the babies, gave me the shots in the hips to get their lungs developing, Magnesium Solfate to strengthen their Neurological systems....etc.  On top of that, I had leg braces on massaging my legs for blood clots and horrendous RLS and heartburn.  They are also giving me a medication that helps relax my uterus so I don't contract as much.  i tell ya though, if I'm between those doses, I can CERTAINLY feel them and they make me so sick and sore.  they can only give me 8 doses of those, so we'll see if they have anything else to give me for that after.

  I am grateful for my family taking care of Jaeli and Dan's family coming to visit and giving me a blessing.  It's so comforting to know we have a supportive family there.  I was also very grateful Dan was here with me that night for sure.

Yesterday, Dan headed to my mom's to take Jaeli to lunch.  My Grandparents came up from Logan and my Aunt and Uncle came to see Jaeli.  I worry so much about my 'Pea'.  She's having a really hard time.  Later in the afternoon, Becky, Rico and Ryan came to say hey (thanks to you guys too).  My mom and Dan's parents came out last night to visit, so I wasn't totally alone for New Year's.  They gave me Ambien to help me sleep, so that was nice.  Happy New Year, right? :)

I'm so emotional today...SUNDAY, 3 days into this.  I want to go home.  I want to hold my Jaeli, be home with Dan.  I'm done with this....then I think of my sweet 3 that NEED this monitoring and care.  I need to find a balance.  Today they have given me some medication and then they have monitored the babies and contractions.  The babies all look WONDERFUL!

I just had the Relief Society come in, on the Hospital floor here, and they shared a message with me about hope....I am going to put it here.

The Infinite Power of Hope

Hope in God, His goodness, and His power refreshes us with courage during difficult challenges.

Hope is one leg of a three-legged stool, together with faith and charity.  Hope has the power to fill our lives with happiness.  Hope is a gift of the Spirit.  Hope in our Heavenly Father's merciful plan of happiness leads to peace, mercy, rejoicing and gladness.

Hope is like the beam of sunlight rising up and above the horizon of our present circumstance.  It pierces the darkness with a brilliant dawn.  It encourages and inspires us to place our trust in the loving care of an eternal father.

Hope sustains us through despair.

To all who suffer--to all who feel discouraged, worried, or lonely--I say with love and deep concn for you, never give in.  Never surrender.  Never allow despair to overcome your spirit.

Embrace and rely upon the Hope of Israel, for the love of the Son of God pierces all darkness, softens all sorrow, and gladdens every heart.

--Dieter F. Uchtdorf, Second Counselor of the First Presidency
Ensign Nov. 2008

Last Christmas/Winter Season With One

This year flew by.....and so did Christmas.  Jaeli had so many things given to her, and we are grateful.  I think, in my mind, I tried to make it a tad more special for her this year, considering it is the last year we'll have one baby at home.  Here are some of the fun things we've been doing.

 First snowfall..........

 Posing in one of her outfits by the Advent Calendar.

 Ward Christmas Party and a visit from Santa.

 My mom's Surprise 50th Birthday Party at Maddox.

 Jaeli in her Christmas dress.

 At Grandma Leishman's.

 Our family...can ya tell there's triplets there too?

 I adore this picture!

 Layton Park Christmas Lights.  Her fave, the snake!

 AHHH, the T-Rex!

 With Mommy.

 Gingerbread Houses at the Zundels.

 Tasted really good. :)

 Yes, 2 Advent Calendars...one from each Grandma....showing that they were all gone.

 From Santa...sheesh!

 Opening from family at Grandma Leishman's.

 Daddy was helping.

 I may smack my brother next time I  see him. :)

 Everything from EVERYBODY!  THANK YOU!

Her main gift from Santa...her doll castle.

20 Weeks

Friday, December 2, we had another visit with our High Risk team.  Our goal:  To cement the genders and do a cervix check. 

Genders: ALL GIRLS! (For sure this time.)  All of them are PERFECT.  Baby A is 11 oz, Baby B is 10 and Baby C is 12.  They are already fighting for space.
Cervix:  Still closed and the right length.  It does open a little when they press on my belly, but that's normal.  Soooo, no bed rest yet.

We also took a tour of the NICU.  I thought it would help me....it didn't.  Just the beeping of the machines freaked me out.  Supposedly we'll get used to it.  Everyone was very kind and said hi.  They were excited we would be there shortly with our 3 girls.

I am miserable.  Every day, every minute.  I know it gets old to complain, but oh GINA!!!!  Lower back, my EVER growing abdomen....seriously every day, horrible heartburn, RLS (on a much higher level than I've ever had), etc.  Nothing seems to help.  Please pray for us that we can make it to AT LEAST 30 weeks....I'd love 32.  I want them to be as healthy as they can be.

First Scare......

A day last week ( I think Thursday) I couldn't walk.  I was having SEVERE lower back pain and was sobbing.  My first instinct told me I was contracting....well, and I could tell.  My stomach would tighten and relax over and over along with the back pain.  When I was in labor with Jaeli, I didn't have much pain in my abdomen with contrations....it was my lower back as well, so I was freaking out.  I called my OB's office and they wanted to see me immediately.  She was already at the hospital to deliver another baby, but wanted to see me ASAP.  My mom came and got Jaeli for the night and Dan ran me in.  She checked me, 3 different ways mind you, and determined I was NOT dilated and my cervix along with the babies looked great!  YEA!  She told me she really thought when she heard severe lower back pain that I had dilated to at least a 5.  She also said she didn't doubt I WAS contracting, they just aren't doing anything to change my cervix yet, THANK GOODNESS!!!!  My doctor prescribed some Lortab for the back pain, but only 5 pills.  HAHA!  They've actually helped.  I am so grateful everything was ok.  Hang on in there babies....we have AT LEAST 5-6 weeks until you'd be ok to be born.  Mommy and Daddy love you.  Thank you for your continued prayers and thoughts.

Love My Discomforts

A Few Things to Complain About:

Choosing Names:
Dan and I haven't had a lot of time to discuss names yet, he's trying to finish up a semester of school, but my wheels have been turnin'!  When we found out they were all girls, I thought A, B and C names would be a cute way to go.  Do you think that's lame?  Vote on my poll to let me know.  Here are some I was thinking about:
Aislin, Addison, Adelaide
Brecklynn
Caddison, Cambren, Cacelynn

Pressure:
Pressure down below my friends.......when I sit too long, when I stand too long, when I do too much, etc.  EVERYTHING triggers this.  Yesterday I really noticed it becauseI went to Logan to see my Grandparents then stood around at YW all night.  A hot tub helped that, but dang.  I'm worried about bed rest coming soon.

Lower Back:
Along with the pressure, my lower back is ALREADY killing me.  At 17 1/2 weeks, everything is happening soooo quickly...well compared to when I was pregnant with Jaeli.  Triplets I guess change things.  Hope I can still walk in a week.

Sore Abdomen:
Well, with the  pressure and lower back pain, my abdomen is KILLING ME!  I know it's the stretching, but DANG GINA!  I am getting bigger and bigger. 

Pink and Purple and ? OH MY!!!!!!!!!

Yesterday, 11.11.11, was our 2nd appointment with Perinatology.  They did a VERY detailed ultrasound of EVERY baby.  To our surprise, they are ALL girls!!!  What happened to my one boy in there?  Last time, if you recall, they said one was a boy for sure....hmmm.  I am still trying to hold our for our next appointment in 3 weeks when they look at gender again.  Maybe they were wrong?!  HAHA!  I was depressed, disappointed and emotional about it, but Dan handled it a lot better.  He was fine with being surrounded by 5 girls (that includes me). 

The GREAT thing about the appointment was getting to see our small, 6oz, babies move and just be cute.  EVERY ONE of them is perfect....from the spine to their stomach and their toes to their upper lips.  They are beautiful already.  They all way 6 oz. and are measuring RIGHT on!  I'll have Dan scan the most recent ultrasound pics in.  They're pretty cool. 

Random updates:
* I've been feeling the babies move a lot now.  It's crazy in there already.  They are all kicking each other already, and it's just going to get worse room wise for them. 
* Our High Risk Doc mentioned they would only let me go to 35 weeks........IF I make it that long.  He, and I, tend to think I won't.  I hope I even make it to 32 weeks.  28 keeps popping into my head....AHHHH! 

Baby A: I'M A GIRL!!!

Baby A: Hangin' Out

Baby B: I'M A GIRL!!

  Huh, Baby C didn't make the pictures for some reason.....I'll see if I can get Dan to fix it...if not, they all look about the same. :)  I'M A GIRL signs and all.

* My mom has a friend she works with that is willing to sell us 2 more cribs for half the price or even lower than that....SCORE.  AND I found 12 piece crib sets, girly of course, for $25 a piece at a Consignment store.  I'm picking those up today. What other color could I do besides pink and purple for the girls?  What do you think about a black and white paisley with like lime green in there?  I want them to all have their OWN color if that makes sense.
* I have been off Home IVs for what, almost 3 weeks now?!  SCORE  I am so happy my sickness is mostly gone so early in this pregnancy.

Halloween 2011: "I Playing With the Guts"

 Jaeli as a kitty....haha!

 Carving with Daddy.

 Inspecting every cut.

 THE LID!  YESSSS!

 Sooo excited about HER pumpkin.

"It's really too gark", she kept saying. She loved it all lit up.  And while Jaeli and Daddy were carving she really got into playing the the pumpkin guts.  We asked her what she was doing, "Pulling out the nuts."  HAHA, we had a good laugh and kept correcting her with guts instead of nuts.  We love our 'Pea'.

Adios, I WON'T Miss You!

Yesterday, Oct. 28, I had a Dr.s Appointment.  Last Saturday, my IV infiltrated in my arm again, so my mom just took it out.  I was sick of THAT happening, so I told myself I would try to go this WHOLE week without an IV and fluids.  I DID IT...and felt halfway decent. 

When we met, my Dr. and I decided if I felt ok, like I have been, to just discontinue the IVs, and if needed, we would go back on them.  All my labs and everything looked good, no sign of dehydration, so YEA!  I think I'm over the REALLY HORRIBLE sickness.  This time it was a lot sooner than with Jaeli, and I'm soooo GRATEFUL for that.

Lately, depending on how long I walk, I start to cramp and get really bad lower back pain.  I talked with her about this too, and she said, "It shouldn't be causing any problems, but you need to listen to your body.  If it hurts, stop.  You're technically 15 weeks, but in triplet land, 20....because you deliver early."  I didn't think about that.  She felt my uterus and said it felt like a triplet uterus..HAHA!  Huge I guess.  I'm not REALLY showing yet, but I feel a tightness in some of my pants...it'll be here soon.  Then I'll be rolling, not walking.

During the ultrasound, she zoomed in on one of the babes and said, "This one's looking rather girly!"  YEA!  So, we THINK one of each so far.  On November 11, we'll know more.  We meet with the Perinatologist again.

Bruises, IV Therapy and Allergies

A quick update about the Home IV therapy....

Saturday was my first scheduled day to go in and have them change my IV site.  I was excited because it was in the crease of my RIGHT, and yes I'm right handed, elbow and was just annoying.  They tried to put another one in and blew a vein.  Then they got one in on my left inside forearm.  It infiltrated, wasn't in my vein anymore, that night.  It hurt soooo bad trying to get fluid in.  So, I called them, had my mom come and take my IV out and went back in Sunday morning to get another one.  They blew another vein and then got it in my right wrist.  It infiltrated and clotted yesterday, Monday, morning.  My mom came out again, took it out and now I'm waiting to go in this morning to get another one placed.  At this point, I would almost rather be REALLY sick again than keep going with this.  I'm not being a whoos, it really is painful to have them blow veins and then have them not work.  My arms are bruised EVERYWHERE!!!  Here's hoping this one takes.

A different update, we finally found out about Jaeli's allergy testing.  She is allergic to cat dander and egg whites.  No wonder my poor little one is having such a hard time.  I bawled all day yesterday, because I have to get rid of my 2 kitties.  Jaeli comes first, but it's still hard to get rid of them.  I worry about Cinni mostly.  She hides from everyone and isn't really a cuddly thing.  She may be put right down.  Samsun may have a fighting chance. 

Home IVs and Separate Placentas

Well, here's the latest....first, before I forget, I've been feeling the babies move for about a week now.....the movements are just getting stronger.  It's awesome!

Monday of this week, I could barley get out of bed.  I called my doctor and she wasn't in, but her PA, Amy, said to come in and get evaluated.  Again, I was severly dehydrated, and they sent me down to get 2 liters of fluid...I almost had to have 3.  Amy also talked about Home Care IV Therapy.  We checked with Insurance, and decided it would be best to try it. 

Tuesday, a delivery truck pulled up with all kinds of goodies....bags of fluid, vitamins to inject into those bags, syringes full of Zofran, etc.  Then about an hour later, the Home Care Nurse showed up.  I love her!  She tried to get my IV in my left arm, because I'm right handed, but I was so dehydrated that after 3 different pokes they had get it in my right arm, right in the crease of my elbow!  HAHA...bad spot.  Oh well.  Then she trained me on how to give myself the Zofran and fluids.  It's been going well.  I'm almost a nurse!  JK!  I feel so much better with the fluids and have actually been able to eat a little....BIG ACCOMPLISHMENT!

Today, Oct. 13, we had our first meeting with Perinatology at the Hospital.  We found out I ovulated 3 different eggs....all of the babies have their own placentas!  YEA!  That really is good news...no twin to twin infusion and such.   Also, they found that Baby C is a boy!  Oh yes, he was bearing all! :)  I am soooo excited I get a boy.  Well, at least one.  We go back in a month and we'll see what the other 2 are.  So far, so good............Keep the fluids flowin'! :)

Happy Update

Today, September 29, we had our 2nd ultrasound with our Doctor.  And for the record, I felt pretty good all day long until about 4:00 pm.  Maybe it's fading! :)  All the pictures are scanned upside down, HAHA, but you can still tell what's going on.  The very bottom picture is Baby B upside down, but it looks right side up because they're scanned upside down!  Does that make sense?  The second picture is the ONLY one that has all 3 of them in it.  The others are individual shots or by 2s.   

All 3 babies are there and looking very good.  Heartbeats are strong and Baby A and C were moving like CRAZY!  Especially Baby A.  It was still soooo miraculous to see 3 babies on the screen.  They were so cute.  Baby A's leg and arm were in the arm while it was bouncing around.  Baby B is upside down chillin, probably taking a nap.  And Baby C was bouncing around with it's siblings.  I believe it's Baby C that has the smaller sack, but at this ultrasound it looked a lot better and the Doctor said it seemed to have enough amniotic fluid.  I AM SOOOO RELIEVED! :)

I Need to Document This, Right?

I've decided, my journey of carrying tiplets needs to be documented somewhere. :)  Typing is easier for me than writing in a journal, so here goes the first update.

It is September 28, 2011 and I am currently 10 weeks pregnant, 11 on Friday.  And yes, pregnant with TRIPLETS!  WHAT?!  I want to write down a few of the things I've jotted down on paper, so I don't forget them.

Positive Pregnancy Test: August 17, 2011
We Celebrated By: Telling family first.  Jaeli wore a I'm a Big Sis shirt and then eating at Red Lobster
When I told Jaeli: She seemed excited and walked around with a stuffed animal in her shirt.  Was I showing already?!  HAHA!
Words from Jaeli: J: "Mamma, we have a new baby at our house?"
                              Me: Yes, Jaeli soon.
                              J: "I hold it?"
                              Me: Not now.
                              J: Oh, it too small Mamma?"
                              Me: Yup
                              J: "Oh, I hold it when it's bigger?"
                              Me: Yes Jae, when it's bigger.
Morning Sickness Started: 22nd of August...by 10 weeks I was already down 18 pounds.
1st Ultrasound and IV of Fluid: September 1, 2011.  I was soooo sick this day.  Throwing up and weak.  Then I had to take that gross drink for the Gestational Diabetes test that almost made me lose it.  I got to the Dr.s office and immediately asked for a bucket to throw up in.  Luckily I held it in. They had me pee in a cup , then we went in for the Ultrasound. I was soooo scared. I was really thinking, 'It's just one...I was this sick with Jaeli too. It doesn't mean we have multiples.' Boy WAS I WRONG!!!!! She was quiet for quite some time, while waving that vaginal Ultrasound device around like it was a wand in there...uncomfortable, yes. I couldn't really see the screen at first because it was tilted a weird way. I'm not sure if Dan could see it from where he was, or not. After being quiet for some time, she said, "Well, this is what I see. One heart beat, two heart beats....", she paused. I was already a little teary....."and three heart beats." WHAT?! Immediately I was bawling, Dan started laughing and the doctor just stared at the screen with her hand over her mouth. "I really thought you may have twins Natalie because of how sick you are, but triplets? This is a whole new ballgame now." She immediately jumped in to her serious, Dr. mode, which honestly, did NOT help me. Her words were, "We never want this to happen "  Um....that did not sit well with me.  She was just in such shock, because even on Clomid, it's VERY rare to get more than twins.  (That is why I am convinced we have twin girls and a boy....one egg split.)  I was immediatley worried as she talked about risks, that they'd take the babies at 32 weeks C-Section, etc.  She talked for a while, then needed to grab something.  When she left the room, I broke down again...."I can't do TRIPLETS Dan!  I can't.  I could maybe do twins, but TRIPLETS?!"  He comforted me, the best he could, I think...see all 3 of us were using different coping mechanisms for the situation.  We set up a ton of appointments, Ultra sounds every 4 weeks and a meeting/Ultra sound with the High Risk team at the hospital.  Then she sent me down for IV fluids because I was already severly dehydrated.  I did feel better after the IV. 

Tomorrow, September 29, is our next Ultra sound.....I'll update tomorrow and let you know how things are looking.  I am STILL soooo sick, and being around food, especially preparing it, makes me gag....even sometimes throw up.  Oh, and side note: People already stare at my tummy when talking to me....I'm not showing yet! :)

"I See 3 Heartbeats".............

These are the words we heard from our doctor at our first ultrasound on September 1.  I started bawling, Dan was laughing in the corner and the doctor stared at the screen with her hand over her mouth.  All coping mechanisms I suppose.  We are sooo excited, yet apprehensive with this NEW and EXCITING opportunity has been presented to us.  Prayers are always welcome. 

Also, I NEED YOUR HELP, YES YOUR HELP.  I need to know any great websites or Blogs you know about that pertain to multiple births.....especially triplets.  Your help is much appreciated.  You will find our Baby Counter on the left hand side, because I KNOW you all wanted to help me count down to this MIRACULOUS event! :) We love you all! :)

'Make a Complaint Monday': Where Are YOUR Children?

I went to lunch with my friend today and had quite an experience.  We were watching our girls play in the playplace when a little boy started being REALLY, well out of control.  He was running everywhere, fighting with my friend's little girl and running UP the slide.  Well, one time when he decided to run UP the slide, another child came DOWN and they COLLIDED!  He immediately started crying and dripping blood everywhere.  His foot had gotten cut somehow.  While he exited to find his family, WHERE IS HIS FAMILY, leaving a trail of blood behind him, my friend and I tried to corral the other children AWAY from the blood.  You could tell the little girl felt horrible, but her fault?!  HECK NO!!!!!

My complaint, WHERE ARE YOUR CHILDREN!  Please, please watch them.  No matter where you are!  Don't let them go play unless you're done eating too and can watch them.  To top off the story, the dad of this boy came running in afterwards asking ME what part of the SLIDE had cut his boy.  I told him it wasn't the equipment, that HIS boy was climbing up the slide when a little girl came down.  He was not happy about that....I think trying to blame it on EVERYTHING else BUT himself!  TAKE RESPONSIBILITY PEOPLE!  The restaurant took my friend and I's info in case they have a complaint.  I am HAPPY to take the restaurant's side on this occassion.