Warning: this blog contains whining
If you are still reading, you realize that whining isn't really my thing, but today is an emotional dump day. School starts next week and I will be sending Grace off to kindergarten. This shouldn't be that big of a deal, she has been in full-time pre-school for the past three years but there is something very emotional about kindergarten. My little girl isn't going to be a little girl much longer! I'm coupling this with having the triplets qualify for an early intervention program today. All three have developmental delays related to their adjusted age. If you don't know what an adjusted age is, you take how old the baby is (17 weeks) and subtract how many weeks early they were (9 weeks). This makes my kiddos adjusted age at 8 weeks or 2 months. They should at least be doing things a 2 month old would do and some things a 4 month old would do. They pretty much are, but there are some things they should be doing that they are not. Hence the need for early intervention. We will have an occupational therapist and a developmental specialist to the house every other week to work with them and let me know what to do in between visits.
So that's the facts, the thoughts running through my head are, "you have the education to be a developmental specialist, why didn't you see this coming and already start working on it?" "Geez, your kid can't do that? You must really suck as a mother." And my personal favorite, "These people are going to realize I don't have it together and judge me based on my children." What they won't see is the 12 hours a day I spend making sure they are well fed and have clean diapers and clothes. They certainly won't see the 2-3 loads of laundry I have every day or the fact that I clean 20 bottles at a time and go through almost 4 quarts of formula. All while making sure they receive reflux meds and precautions and taking care of/entertaining a five year old. Let's not also forget there is the rest of the house to run. This involves grocery shopping, other errands, doctor's appointments, making business phone calls and generally trying to keep things from falling into chaos. Can you hear the whine at this point?
Some women start in their 20's (or even teens) knowing that they want to be a SAHM. This is a role they identify with early on and embrace. I envy those women. I was never one of those women. My plan was to work full-time, further my education and raise my one child. When we decided to have a second child, I accepted that furthering my education would not happen, but I was working in a job that I loved and didn't need to do more. When the triple surprise came, I realized quite quickly that my life was no longer going to be the way I envisioned it. It's like taking a flight to Paris and landing in Australia. You didn't plan on Australia, it just happened. There are wonderful things there, but you were looking forward to croissants and the Eiffel Tower. Instead of shopping and the Louvre, you find yourself with koalas and kangaroos. Today has been a day of asking myself, "How the heck did I get here?" It's definitely an identity crisis. Everything of who I was physically, mentally, professionally has been changed in a very short amount of time. I brought barrettes and purses on my flight only to find I need board shorts and flip flops.
As I wind down this party, I'm reminded of a fortune cookie I got in 2001. It read, "Your wildest dreams will come true." I kept it taped to my home computer. That fortune cookie was a beacon of hope during some dark times. After Grace was born, I removed it thinking how my fortune had come true. Never did I imagine that my life would go beyond my wildest dreams. That's what God does. He takes our dream of going to Paris and reroutes us to Australia. A place we would never have gone on our own. A place with a beauty unlike any other on the planet. God's ultimate destination for us is not usually where we see our destination. But once we are there, it is so easy to look around and say, "Wow! Thank you, God for not giving me what I wanted. I would have missed out on all this!"
So I go to bed tonight thinking I still don't know who this new person is that used to be me. But I'm at least a little more thankful she has the opportunity to be here. As my precious children sleep, I praise God that he chose me to be their mommy.
Good night.
Monday, August 19, 2013
Saturday, July 13, 2013
NICU = No Income Covers Us
Ah, the (not so) fun times in the NICU. Don't get me wrong, the nurses and doctors were wonderful. But having three children in the NICU is not fun for anyone. Once the trips were born, they went straight to the NICU for evaluation, getting hooked up to all their tubes and placed in their isolets. We started in the main part with the maximum amount of care required. Throughout our stay, we had one nurse assigned just to us. Care pretty much consisted of constant monitoring, hooking up the feeding tubes, checking for signs of intestinal bleeding and a myriad of other medical issues. These nurses are highly skilled and genuinely care for "their" babies.
After about 3 weeks in the main section, we were "graduated" to the step-down nursery. This is still in the NICU department, but is an open room for feeders and growers. The babies were medically stable and were only working on their eating skills and needed time to grow some more. It was this room that became "Camp NICU." The open room with babies all around the outside made it feel like the kids were at camp and not so hospital-y. Camp NICU time was bitter sweet. We made some friends who were other multiple parents and I met a fellow SFA Lumberjack who was the roommate of one of my former students. Small world!
One thing I learned about the NICU is that it's a great equalizer. No one cares what kind of car you drive, how big your house is, or what you/your spouse do for a living. It is all about the babies. When one of our Camp NICU "friends" had a set back with intestinal issues, my heart broke for that mother seeing her baby have to be re-hooked and go back to feeding tubes. We also rejoiced when our kiddos got to go home. Since then, I have stayed in contact with several of our NICU nurses and parents.
All in all, we had 7 weeks from the time the babies were born to Faith finally coming home. I wish there was more I could tell you about this, but it's highly detailed and would be quite boring for anyone but me (and probably my mom).
Well, the never-ending load of laundry calls. Next time, I'll start telling you all about life at home with these guys.
Wednesday, July 3, 2013
So Much Has Happened Since Last We Spoke
Looking back on the whopping TWO entries I've posted since we found out about the trips, I realize that I have A LOT to make up for. This may be a little long or maybe done in multiple postings. I'll catch you up on what has happened since November.
I had a great triplet pregnancy until about 22 weeks. God put two amazing doctors in my path, Dr. Marco Giannotti (OB) and Dr. Thomas Rowe (Perinatologist). LOVE these two men! I could not have made it through this pregnancy without their expertise, kindness, and genuine concern for the wellbeing of my children and me. I was also working full-time until 20 weeks. This was good as it helped the time pass faster. I was blessed to be in a great work environment with people who love me. Grace Community Church in The Woodlands is a wonderful church family if you are ever looking for a church home! I'm fortunate to still be connected even now.
So, at 22 weeks, my body got a little confused and thought it was time to deliver these babies. That started a fun time of hospital bed rest for the duration of my pregnancy. I got through the rest of the pregnancy with magnesium sulfate and lots of prayer! There were definitely times that the prayer was doing more than the meds. The nursing staff at the hospital became like family. I cannot thank them enough for all they did and their friendship during my stay.
Daniel, Faith, and Matthew were delivered on April 24 at 10:25, 10:26, and 10:27, respectively. We made it to 31 weeks, 4 days. That was one busy delivery room! All and all, it was a perfect c-section delivery. Daniel inhaled some fluid on his way out and ended up intubated for a couple of hours but no harm was done. All the babies went directly to the NICU where they got all hooked up to their oxygen and IV lines. They started off with all their nutrients coming from the IV and worked into tube feeding a couple of days later.
Total time spent in the hospital for me was 67 days. Once the babies were delivered, it was strange to A) not be pregnant, and B) instantly double the size of my family.
It's time to get some sleep, so I'll continue (hopefully) tomorrow with life in the NICU.
Good night!
I had a great triplet pregnancy until about 22 weeks. God put two amazing doctors in my path, Dr. Marco Giannotti (OB) and Dr. Thomas Rowe (Perinatologist). LOVE these two men! I could not have made it through this pregnancy without their expertise, kindness, and genuine concern for the wellbeing of my children and me. I was also working full-time until 20 weeks. This was good as it helped the time pass faster. I was blessed to be in a great work environment with people who love me. Grace Community Church in The Woodlands is a wonderful church family if you are ever looking for a church home! I'm fortunate to still be connected even now.
So, at 22 weeks, my body got a little confused and thought it was time to deliver these babies. That started a fun time of hospital bed rest for the duration of my pregnancy. I got through the rest of the pregnancy with magnesium sulfate and lots of prayer! There were definitely times that the prayer was doing more than the meds. The nursing staff at the hospital became like family. I cannot thank them enough for all they did and their friendship during my stay.
Daniel, Faith, and Matthew were delivered on April 24 at 10:25, 10:26, and 10:27, respectively. We made it to 31 weeks, 4 days. That was one busy delivery room! All and all, it was a perfect c-section delivery. Daniel inhaled some fluid on his way out and ended up intubated for a couple of hours but no harm was done. All the babies went directly to the NICU where they got all hooked up to their oxygen and IV lines. They started off with all their nutrients coming from the IV and worked into tube feeding a couple of days later.
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| Dr. G delivered 3! |
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| Faith at birth |
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| Daniel at birth |
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| Matthew at birth |
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| Beautiful, tiny hands |
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| Daniel and Faith in their isolets |
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| Matthew in his isolet |
Total time spent in the hospital for me was 67 days. Once the babies were delivered, it was strange to A) not be pregnant, and B) instantly double the size of my family.
It's time to get some sleep, so I'll continue (hopefully) tomorrow with life in the NICU.
Good night!
Monday, November 12, 2012
Stroller Blues
Now that the shock and stupefication have worn off with the news of the trips, I've come back to myself and have been fervently researching all the "gear" we are going to need for this trio. If you don't know me, you need to know that I am a researcher and shopper. Especially when it comes to my kids. This week has been stroller research. All my searching has left me with one burning question, "WHY can't someone design a stroller for infant triplets that is actually functional but doesn't cost $1000?" The choices for triplet infant strollers are a ridiculous two!
Let me preface the rest of this post with the disclaimer that everything said about these products is strictly my own opinion based on my personal research. No one has asked me to endorse or discount any product. If you would like me to review your product, of course, I would gladly do so (provided I get to keep it) :))
Stroller #1: The Triple Decker Stroller. Less than half the price of the other option but at $425 new, it's still expensive. What I like is that you have two options for which carriers you use. You can either buy a Graco model or an Evenflo model. It also has interchangeable toddler seats that you can mix/match with carriers. If you have one ahead or behind the other two, it still works. That is where the pros end. The brilliant person who designed this baby neglected to think that a mother pushing three infants will need to turn corners. All the wheels are fixed! You have to turn it like a lawn mower. Additionally, once you are out of infant carriers and into toddler seats, that is an additional purchase and the seats don't recline or have canopies. Living in Texas, that is a priority.
Stroller #2: The Peg Perego Triplette SW Stroller. This is a Cadillac with a Cadillac price tag. Coming in at $1000 new, it better change diapers as well. This stroller only works with Peg Perego car seats/carriers. If you were to buy everything new, you would end up dropping about $1850. If you are like us, that much money goes a long way towards paying for other necessities like formula and diapers. There are some things that do make this worth the money. First, it's four-wheeled instead of three providing more stability. The front wheels pivot like a regular stroller and it has a steering mechanism for easier maneuverability (but another part to potentially break). It also comes with interchangeable toddler seats. Additionally, these seats fully recline (great for nappers!) and have their own canopies (Texas, see above). These are difficult to find used probably because people have invested so much into them and keep them for other local triplet mothers. I would imagine it would be difficult to ship.
So, I haven't made any stroller commitments yet and don't know when I will. Just as these three little ones are a miracle for my family, I know that God will make a way for us to have what we need. Another option may be out there that I haven't found. These are the times that I know my faith must hold and realize that I wouldn't have these guys if God didn't have a plan for them and us.
This will be an exciting week. I have my first perinatologist appointment on Wednesday and will get to see the babies again. It's comforting to know that I will see them often as they grow. Back to the OB on Thursday. Hoping that we will have a good pregnancy game plan by the end of the week.
Let me preface the rest of this post with the disclaimer that everything said about these products is strictly my own opinion based on my personal research. No one has asked me to endorse or discount any product. If you would like me to review your product, of course, I would gladly do so (provided I get to keep it) :))
Stroller #1: The Triple Decker Stroller. Less than half the price of the other option but at $425 new, it's still expensive. What I like is that you have two options for which carriers you use. You can either buy a Graco model or an Evenflo model. It also has interchangeable toddler seats that you can mix/match with carriers. If you have one ahead or behind the other two, it still works. That is where the pros end. The brilliant person who designed this baby neglected to think that a mother pushing three infants will need to turn corners. All the wheels are fixed! You have to turn it like a lawn mower. Additionally, once you are out of infant carriers and into toddler seats, that is an additional purchase and the seats don't recline or have canopies. Living in Texas, that is a priority.
Stroller #2: The Peg Perego Triplette SW Stroller. This is a Cadillac with a Cadillac price tag. Coming in at $1000 new, it better change diapers as well. This stroller only works with Peg Perego car seats/carriers. If you were to buy everything new, you would end up dropping about $1850. If you are like us, that much money goes a long way towards paying for other necessities like formula and diapers. There are some things that do make this worth the money. First, it's four-wheeled instead of three providing more stability. The front wheels pivot like a regular stroller and it has a steering mechanism for easier maneuverability (but another part to potentially break). It also comes with interchangeable toddler seats. Additionally, these seats fully recline (great for nappers!) and have their own canopies (Texas, see above). These are difficult to find used probably because people have invested so much into them and keep them for other local triplet mothers. I would imagine it would be difficult to ship.
So, I haven't made any stroller commitments yet and don't know when I will. Just as these three little ones are a miracle for my family, I know that God will make a way for us to have what we need. Another option may be out there that I haven't found. These are the times that I know my faith must hold and realize that I wouldn't have these guys if God didn't have a plan for them and us.
This will be an exciting week. I have my first perinatologist appointment on Wednesday and will get to see the babies again. It's comforting to know that I will see them often as they grow. Back to the OB on Thursday. Hoping that we will have a good pregnancy game plan by the end of the week.
Sunday, November 4, 2012
And the journey begins . . .
If you are reading this you are probably a friend and know us already. If not, then let me tell you a little about myself and my family.
We are a Christian family who puts God first. Without Him, we can't do what we do. We give Him all the credit and rely on Him for the wisdom, strength, and humor to get through what is about to be a crazy life.
The hubs and I got a late start on family planning (we married later). We have a four year old daughter who was conceived our first month with Clomid. About 6 months ago, we decided we wanted to try for another (get that last one in before I turn 40). We turned to Clomid again. This time, the second month did the trick! And boy did it!!!! At our 7 week ultrasound, we discovered we are having TRIPLETS!! I know, you are thinking, "Duh, you took fertility drugs. Why are you surprised?" Well, statistically speaking, the odds of having triplets with Clomid are the same as if you didn't take anything. Of course, statistics don't mean squat when you are 100% pregnant with three.
So, what's the purpose of this blog? Well, it's really for me, but if any other "trip moms" out there find some camaraderie in my joys and pains, then I'm doing it for them too. So, if you want to know what I'm thinking about this craziness, keep reading . . .
When we first learned I was pregnant, our daughter immediately started saying that she was going to have both a brother and a sister. We laughed thinking she was just wishing. Oh, out of the mouths of babes! Ironically, almost everyone we talked to also mentioned twins. So when the day came for the first ultrasound, we were excited but not surprised to see twins. The shocker came when the third baby popped up on the screen. THAT was unexpected. This was three days ago and we are still trying to wrap our heads around the face that our family of three is turning into a family of six. I made the mistake tonight of looking at pictures of triplet pregnancies. Yeah, I won't be doing that again! Dear Lord, please help me carry these babies in a non-freakish way! Other than that, we are planning when to replace our terrible carpet (we were going to get wood floors until this bit of news) and when to buy the minivan that we now desperately need.
As far as the pregnancy, I feel pretty zapped of energy all the time. Morning sickness has it's not so bad days and it's terrible days. Today was a terrible day. Of course, this makes it extremely hard to keep up at work (I'll save that topic for another day). I simply want to sleep all the time. I did buy one of those pregnancy pillows today and napped with it this afternoon. Not too bad. I think it will be indispensable as I get further along.
Alright, I don't want to get TMI with this thing.
Adieu!
We are a Christian family who puts God first. Without Him, we can't do what we do. We give Him all the credit and rely on Him for the wisdom, strength, and humor to get through what is about to be a crazy life.
The hubs and I got a late start on family planning (we married later). We have a four year old daughter who was conceived our first month with Clomid. About 6 months ago, we decided we wanted to try for another (get that last one in before I turn 40). We turned to Clomid again. This time, the second month did the trick! And boy did it!!!! At our 7 week ultrasound, we discovered we are having TRIPLETS!! I know, you are thinking, "Duh, you took fertility drugs. Why are you surprised?" Well, statistically speaking, the odds of having triplets with Clomid are the same as if you didn't take anything. Of course, statistics don't mean squat when you are 100% pregnant with three.
So, what's the purpose of this blog? Well, it's really for me, but if any other "trip moms" out there find some camaraderie in my joys and pains, then I'm doing it for them too. So, if you want to know what I'm thinking about this craziness, keep reading . . .
When we first learned I was pregnant, our daughter immediately started saying that she was going to have both a brother and a sister. We laughed thinking she was just wishing. Oh, out of the mouths of babes! Ironically, almost everyone we talked to also mentioned twins. So when the day came for the first ultrasound, we were excited but not surprised to see twins. The shocker came when the third baby popped up on the screen. THAT was unexpected. This was three days ago and we are still trying to wrap our heads around the face that our family of three is turning into a family of six. I made the mistake tonight of looking at pictures of triplet pregnancies. Yeah, I won't be doing that again! Dear Lord, please help me carry these babies in a non-freakish way! Other than that, we are planning when to replace our terrible carpet (we were going to get wood floors until this bit of news) and when to buy the minivan that we now desperately need.
As far as the pregnancy, I feel pretty zapped of energy all the time. Morning sickness has it's not so bad days and it's terrible days. Today was a terrible day. Of course, this makes it extremely hard to keep up at work (I'll save that topic for another day). I simply want to sleep all the time. I did buy one of those pregnancy pillows today and napped with it this afternoon. Not too bad. I think it will be indispensable as I get further along.
Alright, I don't want to get TMI with this thing.
Adieu!
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