5 month Updates

So December passed very quickly. Too Quickly in fact. 

I cannot believe the rush from Thanksgiving until New Years. Jerimiah's hours for the entire month were erratic and I was going a little crazy.

I made it out to MOPS all by myself. I was so happy to be able to fellowship and hear such a wonderful message. The rush getting out the door was stressful, but I honestly feel if I do not rip off the bandage and just do it, I would n=be a hermit forever!

We managed to make it out to the TMOTT family Christmas party and got an amazing picture of all the kids with Santa! The girls played well in the baby gated area. Allen had a blast. It was so nice to be out of the house together as a family. Jerimiah cut all of Allen's pretty curls off after we got home.

I finally took the plunge and joined up with Young Living to get more into the oils that have been changing our lives.

On the 14th of December we officially joined our new church family at Wilson Community Church. We have been attending there since last April whenever we were able to make it out and more regularly since September. It was such a special occasion!

Issy caught the flu and I managed to keep everyone else healthy through it! Allen stayed with grandma and grandpa, but the rest of us weathered the storm pretty well. I constantly diffused Theives blend in EVERY room in the house. 

The girls started their Synagis vaccine to help prevent RSV. They got a shot early December and late December. The later appointment statistics and current milestones are below.

Sophia weighed in at 16 lbs 14.5 oz. She gets to start solids. She also got with the rolling over program and can roll both ways. In fact she uses it to cross the entire living room floor. 

MJ was close behind at 16 lbs even. She also gets to start solid foods now! She is also high enough percentile to go to regular formula. MJ's murmur was unable to be heard at all! She still only rolls from front to back. Hoping to help her build her strength up more.

Little Miss Penny was only 14 lbs 3.5oz. No solids for Penny she was still just below the 20th percentile. We are leaving her on Enfacare a little longer. Penny scoots everywhere and has been rolling both ways since November. 

Allen came off of his Trileptal completely. He seems to be coming out of a fog. Its so crazy that he was on it for so long. Intellectually he is blossoming and it makes me so happy.

Issy is behaving better than before. Hoping his report card in January reflects better behavior as well.

Scheduling:

Harrell Daily Schedule            12/2014 Revision 2

6:00     Wake Issy Up – Issy showers, eats breakfast, gets lunch packed
7:00     Allen - dressed, diaper, cup, breakfast, meds

            Babies - diaper, feed, meds in bottle, dressed for the day

7:15     Get Issy on bus

8:00     Playtime for all the kids

9:00     Babies diapers and nap
            Allen hands on Preschool Activity

10:30   Allen - snack time

11:00   Babies - diaper and feed

12:00   Prepare lunch for me and Allen, eat lunch with Allen, then Allen's nap time
12:30   Babies afternoon nap

1:00     Clean up living room, fold clothes, prep dinner, make any business calls, prep evening bottles,             study oils

3:00     Babies - feed, diaper, play mat time

3:30     Allen is usually up, gets a snack

4:45     Issy gets home, does homework

5:30     Issy plays with babies until dinner is done

6:00     Jerimiah usually home by now, Dinner time

6:45     Babies bath if bath night (every other day)

7:00     Babies - feed, diaper, dress for bed, babies meds in bottles

7:30     Allen's bath

8:00     Time with Issy and Allen

8:30     Bible story time

8:50     Issy and Allen meds

9:00     Boys go to bed

            Laundry, load dishwasher, makes formula, prep next day’s bottles, clean up living room

***Important Notes***

·        All babies get 9 ounces per bottle and 1 tsp oat cereal Penny gets Enfacare and Sophia and Merebear get Enfant Premium

·        Baby meds Zantac: Penny – 1.5 mL and Sophia – 2 mL

Allen meds Zyrtec 5mL

Hahaha New Daily Schedule

babies decided they wanted more to drink every bottle and to eat less often so our schedule just got thrown out the window. Here is a tentative new schedule based on the last few days:

Harrell Daily Schedule            12/2014 Revision

6:00     Wake Issy Up – Issy showers, eats breakfast, gets lunch packed

7:00     Allen - dressed, diaper, cup, breakfast, meds

            Babies - diaper, feed, back to bed, meds in bottle

7:15     Get Issy on bus

8:00     Do learning and hands on activity with Allen

9:30     Babies diapers and dressed for the day

10:00   Allen - snack time

11:00   Babies - diaper, feed, dress for the day, baby nap time

12:00   Prepare lunch for me and Allen, eat lunch with Allen, then Allen's nap time

1:00     Clean up living room, fold clothes, prep dinner, make any business calls, prep evening bottles

3:00     Babies - feed, diaper, play mat time

3:30     Allen is usually up, gets a snack

4:45     Issy gets home, does homework

5:30     Issy plays with babies until dinner is done

6:00     Jerimiah usually home by now, Dinner time, Allen’s meds in cup

6:45     Babies bath if bath night (every other day)

7:00     Babies - feed, diaper, dress for bed, babies meds in bottles

7:30     Allen's bath

8:00     Time with Issy and Allen

8:30     Bible story time

8:50     Issy and Allen meds

9:00     Boys go to bed

            Laundry, load dishwasher, makes formula, prep next day’s bottles, clean up living room

***Important Notes***

·        All babies get 8 ounces per bottle and 1 tsp oat cereal Penny and Merebear get Enfacare and Sophia gets Gentlease

·        Baby meds Zantac: Penny – 1.1 mL and Sophia – 1.2 mL

Allen meds Zyrtec 5mL, weaning off Tril

4 Months: We are still surviving

4 Months have passed since I have birth to my beautiful princesses. I am alone during the day now. Honestly the stress of worrying how I would make it was killing me, but I am actually doing better than I expected. I still have not ventured out solo with all 3 babies yet. I did take 2 to the doctor alone for reflux (Sophia and Penny.) The zantac and oat cereal has been helping it sooooo much.

Sophia is so vocal now. She tries to talk all the time and is just the happiest baby. She is also trying to flex her stomach muscles to sit up. So far she manages to roll over from back to front while trying to sit up and be nosy. She loves to snuggle. She weighed in at 15 pounds and 3.5 ounces! She is 24.75 inches now.

Merebear is so particular about her bottles and demands a specific temperature. She has the most beautiful chuckle when she laughs, which is frequent lately. She is also cuddly. She can roll from front to back. She is still our middle baby in weight at 14 pounds and 0.5 ounces. She is also 24.75 inches! Meredith also was diagnosed with Torticollis, where her neck muscles need some work. They have referred us to physical therapy for it.

Penelope is way happier than she was a few weeks ago. The colic has severely improved. She smiles so much now and gets so excited. Out of all three she is the one most prone to over stimulation still. We have learned to recognize these episodes and separate her before she has a meltdown. It has greatly improved our life. She is still our little tiny girl at 12 pounds and 14.5 ounces. She was only barely behind her sisters at 24.5 inches!

Each baby eats close to the same amounts each feed. Penny and Sophia get 1 tsp of single grain oat cereal added to each bottle due to reflux. Sophia is now on Gentlease, while Meredith and Penny are still on Enfacare. Morning feeds are 7 ounces, 3 midday feeds are 6 ounces each, and the bedtime feed is 8 ounces. For the most part they sleep through 8pm until 7am.

Our Day looks mostly like this:

6:30 Wake Issy Up
7:00 Allen - dressed, diaper, cup, breakfast, meds
        Babies - diaper, feed, back to bed
7:15 Get Issy on bus
8:00 Do learning and hands on activity with Allen
9:30 Babies get meds
        Unload Dishwasher, prepare bottles, lay out clothes for baby
10:00 Allen - snack time
          Babies - diaper, feed, dress for the day, then on playmats
11:00 Prepare lunch for me and Allen, clean up kitchen more
11:30 Eat lunch with Allen
12:00 Allen's nap time, hands on play time with the babies
1:00 Babies - feed, diaper, baby nap time
2:00 Clean up living room, fold clothes, prep dinner, make any business calls, do any online work
3:00 Allen is usually up, gets a snack
4:00 Babies - feed, diaper, playtime
4:45 Issy gets home, does homework
5:15 Issy plays with babies until dinner is done
6:00 Jerimiah usually home by now
        Dinner time
        Babies meds
        Allen's meds
6:45 Babies bath if bath night (every other day)
7:00 Babies - feed, diaper, dress for bed
7:30 Allen's bath
8:00 Time with Issy and Allen
8:30 Bible story time
8:50 Issy and Allen meds
9:00 Boys go to bed
        Laundry, load dishwasher, make formula, prep next days bottles, clean up living room
10:30 Mommy goes to bed

Of course thats the usual schedule, but life sometimes happens and those times are slightly flexible. We have been doing it alone for a few weeks now and I couldn't be happier. My stress levels have gone down so much. We spent so much effort worrying how we would make it and hearing "Well I can just leave." That we were scared of what it would be like. Its busy and chaotic, but its our life. We both have felt better with our current situation and the stress and chaos has been minimal. Its exhausting, but joyful.

My church family has stepped up and taken such good care of us. Whenever we need prayers or company they are there. They have kept the kids, cleaned our house, even brought us meals. They have given us sooooo much in the way of time and gifts. I am not sure how anyone in my situation could get through without such an amazing church family.

My in laws do still help by keeping Allen some days. That is a huge help. Allen loves to go see grandpa and asks almost every single day for him. Every time a loud vehicle rolls by he says I want to see grandpa on the tractor. He loves to be over there!

Lexapro is helping my depression and my birth control is helping get my hormones in check. My hip pain is better than it was but still troubling. It helps to be able to take Aleve now that I am not pumping at all!

Play time!

Selfie Master

My Support System Collage

My Girls 4 Month Check Up!

"Momma Take My Picture"

And no pictures of my overly dramatic "preteen" as he calls himself. "Please don't take my picture mom!"

Week 11: Family of Beach Bums

Tuesday was spent trying to get back into the routine of things. It was difficult adjusting back to babies. My Allen missed me so much. Jerimiah stayed home sick with his plague as Meredith started to show signs of it too.

Wednesday was a packing day. I packed and Natalie packed. We literally spent an entire day packing for the beach trip. Nothing else got done but packing and the house was left in a terrible mess afterwards.

Thursday we drove down to Emerald Isle. On the way both Natalie and I had to stop to throw up. We think it was the BBQ sandwiches we had right before the drive. We got down there about 4/5 pm. The house we stayed in had an amazing layout for our family, but was severely run down. The stove didn't work and the fridge smelled so bad of fish that it leaked into the girls milk. We had to go out late and get stuff to try and fix it. They offered to deliver a new stove the day AFTER we left. Blinds were torn down and in the floor. It was no where near as nice as other places we have stayed.

Friday morning we just stayed around the house. After lunch we took the girls out onto the beach while Allen was napping. I went back in to pump just as Allen was waking up. After I pumped I went out onto the beach with him. It was amazing swimming with him in the ocean he got so excited over every single wave. We finished up and I showered to go out and buy food for dinner.

Saturday morning was another show morning. Me and Jerimiah took care of the girls while everyone else was napping or on the beach. Natalie came up at 1 so me and Jerimiah could grab lunch out together and do a boat tour. Unfortunately the normal 15 minute drive took over an hour so we only had time to grab a very quick lunch and get back to get everyone for dinner. We got back and everyone all got ready to go as we were informed that the girls shouldn't go because they were over stimulated. So we stayed home and packed and cleaned up.

Sunday we got up early and finished packing and cleaning. The ride home was long and exhausting. It took 4 hours to drive the normal 2. We got home and it took hours to get everything into the house and days to get it all unpacked.

Monday morning we just hung around the house and unpacked. Natalie was still feeling tired and sick. The girls were super cranky as they tried to adjust back to having less people to hold them and care for them.

Week 10: Momcation

Tuesday Natalie had to go into the church office, but she first helped us to get all packed up for the girl's 2 month check up. We switched out to the double stroller and it was so much easier right now to get out and about with! The girls are growing like weeds! Sophia is 11 pounds and 7 ounces and 22.25 inches, Meredith is 10 pounds and 8.5 ounces and 21.75 inches, and my tiny Penelope is 9 pounds and 15 ounces and 21.75 inches. The doctor said all of the murmurs were inaudible today, but that doesn't mean completely gone. Meredith has a slight flat spot on the right side of her head because that's the only size she likes to turn to. We have to actively try and reposition and increase her tummy time and it should clear up on its on. They all got shots today and we filled out paperwork for synagis the rsv vaccine. They also need to stay on Enfacare formula until at least January, which is stupid expensive. :( Penny and Sophia both the up every bottle after shots and none of the girls were in a very good mood at all.

Wednesday I spent catching up laundry and packing for my beach trip on Friday. It was a pretty good day. I had so much to do to prepare for my weekend away I couldn't make it out to MOPS. It was pouring rain all day long. We had breakfast for dinner.

Thursday Natalie went back to the church office to work and Sue came over to help out. Great grandma came to visit as well! All the babies were still so fussy. I did start taking pictures of my triplets matching clothes to post online to sell. When Natalie got home her and Sue gave the girls baths so I could spend quality time with Allen. It was so great for both of us and I had him squealing very loudly. Then Allen wanted to hold "his baby"and would not give Sophia back at all. He snaked my hand if u tried to even touch her! I was up until midnight finishing everything up for my trip.

Friday 5 am came way too early. I got up and showered then piled me and my stuff in the truck to ride with my hubby. I pumped in the truck on the ride to his work. I hung out with all the ladies in the shop while waiting. I even got to see my buddy Waldo! Amanda got there about 9am to get me. We went back to get place so she could finish packing we finally got on the road 10:30/11ish. It was nice fyi share the ride and have adult conversation on the ride, even though it seemed like forever. We got down there between 3 and 4 once we stopped at the store. We spent hours, like many many hours talking! Between the 7of is we had 32 kids! We ended up walking down to Taco Boy for dinner. It was delicious. I tried guacamole for the first time ever and completely loved it! I walked back to pump and just passed out afterwards. Everyone else was just getting in as I got back up for my 2am pump. It was so nice to just get up and pump and not have to worry about bottles and formula. I could also sleep deeply and not lay there just waiting for screaming crying babies. I slept better than I have since before my pregnancy.

I finally rolled out of bed for the day after 10am. It felt great. I already feel so much better. I couldn't ride a bike so the girls bright me back a chicken biscuit from Black Magic Cafe. It was so amazing. We hung out and napped some more. We then hit the Japanese crepe truck on our way to the nail salon. I had one with strawberries, whipped cream, chocolate, and a cherry. We got done and had Starbucks before heading back for Cards Against Humanity. It was my first time playing, but I had a blast! Then we headed to Rita's for dinner. After dinner we hit the bars and clubs right there on the island. Can't talk about all that went on, but I had a blast. I danced until my breasts started hurting from stimulation and my hips couldn't take anymore (2am!) Everyone else rolled in about 3:30ish.

Sunday 2 moms had to leave and I was up to talk and say good bye to them. Then I went back to bed for a while. We went to Rita's again for lunch and I had a "Southbound" burger that was amazing. I hit the little island shops for little trinkets for Allen and Issy. I got Issy a new rash guard and Allen a snow globe with turtles in it. For dinner we went out to Fleet Landing in Charleston. It was amazing. We had lump crab brushetta and I had a fried shrimp plate that was to die for. We got back and I packed up as much as I could since we had to leave by 9:30am. 

Monday morning came too quickly and it was a mad panic rush to get out the door in time. We did manage to make it out and ran by the Sweetwater Cafe for breakfast on our way out. It was so good. I had a heavy biscuit and hash browns with an iced vanilla coffee. The ride home took FOREVER. We stopped to drop Shannon off and I saw her cute babies. She gave me some coconut oil with Digize to try on Penny's colic. She also gave me a diffuser and some oil samples to see if it would help. I made it back to the hubby's work about 4pm. We left about 5pm and grabbed food from KFC on the way home. We got home and Allen and Issy made me cards saying they missed me and the loved me. It was so sweet. My favorite parts of the trip was all the amazing food and conversation we had. Penny and Jerimiah both started showing signs of the plague making its way through Jerimiah's work. Poor Penny ran a fever and had tummy issues adult both ends all night. :(

Week 9 Updates

Tuesday I took Issy in for his 11 year old check up and vaccinations. It is hard to believe he is 11 already! After that I dropped him off at school and went home to work on stuff for my upcoming yard sale. We are almost completely out of 0-3 month and stuff is piling up fast! October 18th my mom said she could come back and help us do a yard sale to get rid of some of the pile up.

Wednesday we hung out around the house. My mother in law Sue cam over to help again while Natalie was at work. My father in law came over and wanted to take the kiddos swimming, so they did that while me and Natalie took the girls outside for a while. They did really good and were super cute until a million bugs kept landing on them. It was so nice outside and I enjoyed that 45 minutes until they got too upset to stay out. Natalie is moving out on November the 15th. She has stayed long past when she intended too and feels it is time for her to move on. With her moving out I am reducing pumping. The girls got their first bottle with formula tonight, to make the transition slowly.

Thursday Natalie was off of work and we worked to get everything done in time for her trip to SC. Grandma Natalie came over to visit the babies again. We gave them a bath, since that is what she said she wanted to see. After bath time I had to shower to head off to a doctor's appointment. I am struggling with post partum depression and other female issues that I was seen at my OBGYN for. They put me on Zoloft and referred me to physical therapy. I am hoping it helps.

Friday Natalie worked again, her last day at CFA for a few weeks. Sue came over and we took the kids in town to CFA. Allen was eating and playing with his food when I noticed cottage cheese on his tongue. I immediately knew it was thrush. I took him to urgent care while Sue took the girls to Lowes to run an errand. I of course knew exactly what it was, but disagreed with the treatment they gave. Unfortunately I cannot do anything about it until I can take him to his pediatrician (Monday!!!) I did try and start the treatment though. Natalie fixed us a lasagna for when she was gone. Issy went to my dad's house for the weekend since the next few weeks are going to be crazy busy. When my dad came to get Issy he brought Allen a monster digger truck like Jaxson's, since Allen loved it so much. He was the happiest bit in the world.

Saturday my friends Christy and Sabrina came over to see the girls and help out. We had a great time talking and catching up. I was able to get a shower and a nap! I also got all caught up on laundry folding! We took lots of pictures and ate some amazing lasagna! I was so sad to see them leave, especially because it's going to be so long until they are able to come back.

Sunday we just couldn't get the girls calm with to make it out to our church. It was so so so crazy. We just hung out at the house A's tried to get things done. Issy came home late so we didn't make it out to the church picnic either.

Monday Natalie let me go back to sleep after my 6am pump until time for Allen's appointment to check his thrush. I took Allen to the pediatrician who said the thrush was improving. I took Allen with me to return some things to Target. I had to take size 1 diapers back since we are moving into size 2. We had fun and Allen loved the popcorn. The only thing he asked for was strawberries so I couldn't deny him those! Allen napped on the way gone and went right back to sleep once we got there. We spent the rest day just getting stuff done and hanging out.

Week 8

Tuesday was a slow day during the day. Natalie worked and Sue was here helping me. Grandma came by to see the babies. Not sure how I would still be pumping without all this help. Allen acted off all day, then after he refused dinner we took his temperature and it was 102.5 degrees! He also pulled air at his ears so I was pretty sure it was an ear infection.

Wednesday morning I got up super early to have Allen at urgent care by 8am. The doctor said his throat was a little red and his ear with the tube was definitely infected. He didn't look in the ear without the tube because he said it was sure to be worse and Allen was fighting it. Allen asked for cow cow, so I got him his favorite hash rounds. I only got 1 order and he had them gone before we could get halfway home. He wanted more and I felt so so so bad. Sue watched when so that me and Natalie could take the girls and go to MOPS. It was nice to get out, but a little stressful. I was worried about Allen and the girls were fussy in the bright lights and with the loudness. It did feel so good to do something normal though. 

Thursday Natalie worked and thankfully Sue was here to help again. It was mostly a try and do little tasks for the 5 minutes no one is screaming kind of day. Poor Natalie is the only one who can sooth Penny, by singing. Her poor throat had to be killing her the next day!

Friday we stayed home for the day to try and prep the house for Issy's party and company coming into town. It was a lot of work to get ready. We had to clean soooooo much. Natalie and I both worked so hard to prepare. Natalie put my casserole (for the party) together and prepped the kitchen. I also had to run and get Issy his allergy shots. I was so excited to see my mom and finally let her meet her granddaughters! She got here close to 11pm, but that didn't deter us from catching up! I was so happy to get to spend time with my Autumn! I cannot believe that I was her age and holding her when she was as small as my girls are.

Saturday morning we were on the grind. We got this house in to shape much quicker than I expected. Issy's "brunch" party was a success. We managed to get everything ready and have a great time with very little stress. Allen was sad Issy wasn't playing with him much and he pushed Issy, but Issy was ok afterwards. The girls did pretty well with everyone here. Natalie was able to nap while we took Issy and Allen out for Issy's present form us: a trip to Frankie's Fun Park in Raleigh. The fun park was a little stressful, mainly because we haven't been sleeping well and were hot and tired and Allen was tired and a little cranky. He loved the go carts with Mommy though! Issy loved everything, especially laser tag where he had the top score. Issy even faced his fear by going up the "sky climb" giant climbing contraption! autumn faced her fear and got back into a go cart too!

Sunday we all slept in, well as much as babies and pumping let us. My mom made me go shower before she left and she did all my dishes. I didn't want her to go. The weekend went by far too quickly. After all the excitement and holding all weekend none of the girls wanted to sleep.

Monday Natalie and I started our day on less than 3 hours broken up of sleep. She had to get up and go to work, leaving by 5am!!! I was here until 7ish with all the kids, but I managed to get Issy up and ready and out the door on time all by myself! I got Allen all settled while I pumped. The girls just had to wait, if the woke up.We had a very upsetting day for our family. The details are kind of private and not really my story to tell. I can say this situation affected us and cost my husband 2 days of work. We can't even afford for him to take off 1 day, much less 2!!! I did go into town to try and find out what I needed to do to get the special accounts set up for the girls. Our bank doesn't offer them and neither does the local Bank of America. It looks like Wells Fargo is the only one who can open it (we need a blocked trust/Coogan account for the girl's acting work.)

Week 5 After Triplets

Tuesday was a rough rough day. Natalie had a meeting at the church and I did my first stretch of being alone with all the kids. Allen refused to nap and the girls took turns crying. I didn't get to eat or rest at all during the day. I had to take Issy to meet his teachers. I liked all of them and he got the ones he wanted. The staff at the school ooooo'd and aaaaaah'd over the pictures of the girls! Sophia finally lost her umbilical cord, and I mean really lost. Hopefully Allen didn't find it and do anything disgusting with it. Tuesday night was killer. The girls all cried most of the night.

Wednesday we were all super exhausted. It was a struggle to make it through the day. Wednesday night was a lot better.

Thursday was a pretty long day trying to come up with child care at the last minute for my older boys and prepare to take the girls to Wilmington for a TV appearance. The person I had lined up for weeks just decided she was not going to keep them because she didn't agree with our decision to allow them on TV. MJ laughed out loud in her sleep. We gave all the girls their first full baths. The girls all cried a lot overnight again.

Friday morning I was up at 5 to pump (as usual) and then had Miss Sophia who was not in a good mood. I rocked her until everyone else got up. I caught Penelope giving me the biggest grin on camera. MOPS friend Joyce kept the older boys until Jerimiah got off work so that Natalie and I could still make our TV appearance. It was a super long day. We went to Port City Java and grabbed milky way coffees. We got on set and had missed the meal, but they made us very very tasty turkey and cheese sandwiches. They were running really late so we had to wait forever. By the time they called for us Penelope was the only one fed and changed so I took her over to the set. It was 2 hours of waiting around (split up between filming for 10 minutes.) 2 hours of boring waiting for the coolest 10 minutes of action. I met sooooo many people but the set manager was named Shaun and every time I had to walk somewhere with the baby he would talk into his microphone "baby moving", "baby on stairs", "baby in van", "baby on set, quiet on the set" type things. Penny pee'd all over her "costume" so the decided to wait until the last minute to put her in another set. I also met one of my favorite actors John Noble. I laid Penny down and she started fussing so John Noble picked her up and rocked her. His wife's name is Penny and he kept calling her his little Penny. He bent down and kissed her on the forehead (totally just because-not on film!) I also met one of the writers/producers that is one of my favorites, Albert Kim. The set was a beautiful old house backed up to one of the inlets. Penelope did so good. She was quiet and peaceful (which is not like her at all) even when she had hiccups. She did so good that she was the only baby they needed at all. It was 9:30 when we finished filming and about 10:30 by the time I finished pumping and got all the girls paperwork done. It was 1 AM when we finally got home. I did all the driving so Natalie could sleep for work the next morning.

Saturday was also a busy day for the Harrell crew. First off we were running late for everything and our house and ourselves were a disaster. Morgan came by and did another round of amazing photographs. She made a bunk bed from wood and twine. It was so beautiful. She also got some really good shots of the boys and girls together. After Morgan left the Wilson Times came out to get our picture and story in relation to MOPS and the support and ministry they have provided for us. I enjoyed talking to Janet so much!

Sunday morning we got up and got ready for my husband's family's church's annual homecoming. I was not sure on taking them, but they did pretty good. Of course I could not catch much of what was going on our said because I was so tired and trying to focus on the baby. I had Sophia, Jerimiah had Penelope, and Natalie had Meredith.

Monday Natalie had to work and my mother in law Sue came over to help again. I was able to here a small nap and get out to the grocery store, so it was a pretty productive day. We also had to prepare for going back to Wilmington for more filming.

Week 4 with the Triplets!

Overall this week was way better than last week.

Tuesday was an at home, getting stuff done kind of day. I invited my husband's grandmother over. She stayed a while and played with the babies. She also had lunch with us and didn't time with Issy and Allen. Our dear friend Shannon brought us an amazing dinner of rosemary chicken and potatoes and a salad with homemade dressing. She also held all of the girls and had a nice little visit. Penelope and Meredith got their first full baths, but Sophia had to have a sponge bath because of her umbilical cord (it still hasn't fallen off.) Meredith is the only one who didn't scream like we were hurting them.

Wednesday Natalie worked so my mother in law came over and helped out with the girls. It was just a down day spent at home struggling to keep up on laundry and dishes and pumping in between the 5 kiddos. It wore me out completely.

Thursday was about the same during the day. Thursday evening Jerimiah, me, and the boys made it out to WCC's starting point night. It was fun to learn how the church started in our Pastor's living room and how God moves people to exactly where he wants them to be. It reminded me so much of the church I found and fell in love with in California, Sandals Church. It was so awesome to sit down and get to know people more personally and share a little about us.

Friday was another day about the same as far as the daytime went. Friday night was a girls night out! Natalie and I went to the TMoTT (local mom's of multiples group) consignment sale and totally racked up on clothes. We had a snack from Sonic and Starbucks before the sale. Afterwards we went out to Lonestar Steakhouse for a relaxing dinner where there were no kids! It was nice to sit and reconnect with her. I have been emotionally all over the map and we both have been too busy running around since I got home. The little boys stayed at grandma and grandpa's house and the girls were *gasp* left alone with daddy!

Saturday Natalie had to work at 5:30 am and so Jerimiah let her sleep all night after our kind of late night out. When she got home she let me and Jerimiah have a date night. His craving was for Longhorn, so we headed out to Briar Creek for dinner. It was nice to have us time, we haven't had any since I left the hospital - and our stress level was so high then it was not much fun.

Sunday morning Natalie went to her early service and helped  us get out in time to make the 11 am service at WCC. It was so good to make it out to church. I love seeing everyone there. We made arrangements with the nursery to bring the girls in 2 more weeks so we can get more regular on attendance. After church we headed to Jerimiah's parents house for lunch to celebrate his grandmother's birthday, but he wasn't feeling good and slept through the meal. When he got up he said he wasn't hungry and so we packed up to head home so we could get our dinner in the crock pot (4 hour cook time,) Allen a nap, the girls fed, and me pumping. It was busy but we made it through. We finally started eating through our crock pot meals, and tonight was Chicken Alfredo that Pam made. It was so good!

Sunday evening and night the girls cried so much. We are pretty sure it was because they were out of their normal routines Sunday. :(

Monday I tried to nap during the day to make up for little sleep at night, but there was too much going on and the girls were still not back to themselves. It was a long and exhausting day. I did manage to make it to the grocery store and out to get Issy's school supplies.

Week 7

Tuesday was an at home recovery kind of day. Pump, feed babies, diapers, play with Allen, repeat.

Wednesday was a very long and difficult day. I was super tired from fussy girls being fussy all day Tuesday and Tuesday night when Sue got here. She decided to make an appointment and drag us all along with her. It might have been easier and less frustrating if I had known about it when she made the appointment (the day before.) As it was I was getting ready to finish pumping and lay back down for a bit when I was told I needed to go get dressed and get the girls stuff together to go out for the morning. It was supposed to be a 5 minute appointment and turned into a 45 minute appointment. By the time she got back to the car the girls were screaming and Allen had been very frustrated with sitting in his seat so long. Atleast the girls did better in ChickFilA than at the doctor's office. It made Natalie's day to have the girls come visit her at work. The visit to CFA almost made the whole trip worth it.

Thursday was a similar recovery from over stimulating the babies. We also tried to get caught up on laundry and house work side Natalie was home today and we were having visitors on Friday. Also at like 9 the power went out. The girls hated this immensely. The temperature only got to 75, but there was no fan blowing and dead silence in the house. The girls literally cried from 9 pm until after 5 when it finally came back on. There were nasty storms causing the outage, especially the limbs that blew onto our power lines and caught fire! Luckily it was so wet, because it could have been much worse.

Friday we spent the majority of the day cleaning and cooking in preparation for Matthew and Robin coming over for dinner and to let the kids visit. I was so exhausted from the girls all night that I fell asleep on the pump and pumped almost 2 hull hours. Natalie went and got her hair cut. The girls screamed most of the time she was gone and Allen tried to destroy everything. The girls wore the outfits she had bought them from the baby shower. The visit went really well, with very little fussing from the girls. We had chicken, potatoes, and green beans. We had blueberry dump for dessert.

Saturday Natalie had work and Jerimiah had the girls during my pumps. Penny was extremely fussy all day so I took her and Issy into town because it was really starting to frustrate Jerimiah. We went to Chick-fil-a, Target, and Wal-Mart. It was a good outing and Penny was so well behaved while we were out. She didn't make a peep. I felt like a normal mom for the first time (not a freak show triplet mom.)

Sunday we braved the masses and made it to church. It was so stressful getting out the door. It takes hours of work before walking out to make a trip anywhere. The girls did great in the nursery at church. Sophia slept the entire time and the other two were with Hannah rocking when I got back. We then head to my in laws for lunch with all the siblings and grandkids there. It was a full house for sure. The girls did pretty well and we got some pictures of everyone together. The girls were fussy again all evening after all the simulation. Issy had his first rehearsal for the WCC kids Christmas program. He is super excited about it.

Monday the girls were still recuperating so we didn't try and take them out to my OBGYN appointment. My doctor really wanted to see the girls, but he understands. He has a new 5 week old baby and had been doing all the night feeds while his wife pumps. So amazing that he did that and still was able to work and take on calls. She is definitely a lucky woman. The doctor said everything looked good, all closed up. Released to full activity, but with coming back from bed rest I need to listen to my body and not try and over do it. We had tasty meatloaf, mac and cheese, and spinach for dinner. Sophia smiled and giggled at me while we were snuggling after dinner. It made my night!

Week 6 (Already?!?!)

Tuesday they needed us back in Wilmington to film again. We headed down while Issy was in school and Allen went to Play Date for a few hours while Sue had some stuff to do. Mr. Noble recognized me! He saw me and walked up and gave me a hug. We got there in time for lunch this time! Oh my the gourmet catering was amazing! They had crab salad, a few other salads, a salad bar, fruit bar, shepherd's pie, ravioli, fried chicken, several veggies, and a huge desert table with an ice cream bar that had enough toppings to put cold stone to shame. We had nurse Deb only this time, but that was just fine. Meredith went first with Natalie this time. Then Miss Sophia had her turn and o went with her, the director told me she deserved an Emmy, she was right on cue. While the lead female actress had costume changes we sat with Mr. Noble for over half Ann hour just talking. He was so down to earth and sweet. Finally Penny went again to finish us off and both of us went with her. The girls all did so good. The director said we needed to be on a contract! We were way later leaving Wilmington than I expected, but it was worth it for the experience. It was also the girls official due date <3 which was and amazing way to spend it.

Wednesday morning I had court to terminate Issy's biological dad's rights. It was emotionally wrenching to go over details long ago pushed to the back of my mind. The judge had me in tears over the matter. At least it got completed and is all over with. I picked up chick-fil-a on the way home. Allen was so happy to get cow cow. He ate Ann entire 8 count nuggets and half of my hash browns. It was just a really lazy day for all of us. Allen had an upset tummy today to.

Thursday the girls had a doctor's appointment and we had to take Allen with us. Sophia was 9 pounds 7 ounces and Meredith and Penelope are both 8 pounds 14.5 ounces each. My little piglets! Also Allen had started crying like he got a shot as soon as the nurses have the girls a shot. I had to let him hold Penelope and see they were ok to get him to calm down. He doesn't like people hurting his sisters! We then headed to Wal-Mart to exchange newborn diapers out for larger sizes. The girls got so much attention.

Friday all Allen wanted to do was hold his sisters. He would tell you no and try and swat your hand away if your tried to take one. He spent hours holding then throughout the day. Sue came over while Natalie was working to help again with the girls. Jerimiah got off work early with nothing to do until on call tone started so he headed home with lunch. Jerimiah got a call shortly after Kelly came over to visit with the girls and so she stayed to help me out until Natalie got there. Friday night Allen was running through the kitchen and he came around the corner and tried to slam the tall cabinet shut. He did not see Natalie or Penny in her arms. The safety latch caught the edge of her soft spot and scraped towards her forehead. We took her into the ER just to be safe. It scared me to death. She was fine, the doctor said it was superficial and diagnosed as a minor abrasion. Jerimiah was also on call this weekend and already in Raleigh so he met us at the hospital.

Saturday Natalie had to work all day and Jerimiah luckily didn't get a call ate ask until after Natalie got home. Natalie missed her party at work so she could stay and help us out. I hate she missed her party, but we had a good evening in with meal train provided by my friend Rhonda.

Sunday we didn't make it out to church because if the on call stuff. Jerimiah got called in at 10. Sue came over to get the boys so I could just focus on me and the girls. It was a stressful couple of hours, but we survived. Natalie visited a church she thought about applying to.

Monday was a big day planned. We had our first real outing with all the kids! We headed to Perry's Gun Shop first then on to Triangle Town Center. Unfortunately the play center in the mall was closed but we had a good time anyways. Allen ride the little quarter rides and played trains in Barnes and Nobles. We then headed to Babies R Us to exchange some diapers out since we don't fit into newborn anymore. We also picked up a new double stroller from there. I was shocked at how well the girls did out! It was less stressful than when I used to try and take Allen out at that age!

Life with Triplets: Week 3

Tuesday morning bright and early was another doctor's appointment. The girl's regular 2 week check up! Sophia finally reached her birth weight, 6 lbs. and 14 oz.!!! She also grew to 19.75 inches. She was 13% weight on the standard newborn growth chart. Meredith was 6 lbs. and 7 oz. and had grown to 19.5 inches, putting her at 6% weight category. Our tiny Miss Penelope was now up to 6 lbs. and 3 oz. and 19 inches in height, coming in at only 3% on the weight chart. So many triplet moms have talked about how their preemies are not even on the standard newborn scale until they start to reach adjusted age marks, I was very relieved that at only -3 adjusted we are actually on the newborn charts. Meredith's murmur was very slight and Penelope's was still pretty loud. I forgot to ask again about Synagis, the nurse from before said to make sure I brought it up each visit. The girls are currently drinking 90 ml for Sophia, 70 ml for Meredith, and 80 ml for Penelope. I did have to do postpartum depression questionnaire and scored as being depressed. Some days I feel it and others I don't. After the girl's appointment I took Issy for his allergy shots and to have a special lunch out with mommy. I have officially mastered pumping and driving the pick up truck. We also went by my husband's work where his company had collected some things for us. We got a huge bag of bibs and adorable matching outfits. They also gave us 2 cases of diapers and a case of wipes! Tuesday evening Caroline from our church brought over a delicious Chicken and Rice with broccoli.

Wednesday was by far the best day I have had at home since the girls came home. It was a no visitors and a spending quality time together kind of day. We all got some quality bonding time in. We really need many more days like today.

Thursday morning was relaxing at least! I took Issy with me when I went to my doctor's appointment and to run some errands. His attitude today was horrible. I had a long talk with him about it. My incision has 2 spots that are healing funny from where I did too much and haven't followed doctor's orders to take it easy. I was told to have my hubby scrub the 2 areas daily with peroxide in addition to continuing lotrimin and dry sanitary pads on the area. We then drove all the way to Wilson from Raleigh to pick up a hospital grade breast pump. I got that and headed over to Joy's house to pick up the dinner she made. I figured since I was in town I would save her the 25 minute drive out to deliver it to us. Her baked ziti was awesome. I haven't had ziti in at least 10 years. I had forgotten how wonderful it is! She also sent us home with a frozen lasagna!

Friday night was rough. The girls started fussing around 2:30 am. I got up and pumped at 4 and stayed up until 5:30 to help Jerimiah finish up his feeding of the girls. I was hoping to sleep in for a while, but my mother-in-law came in and woke me up to let me know we had an unexpected visitor. I love visitors, but really would appreciate people calling first and making sure its a good time. I can assure you Friday morning, after the night we had, would not have been a very good time. I got up and was sociable though, at least as much as I could be in my sleep deprived state. I got up and worked on dishes while I prepared lunch plates for everyone. We ate lunch and I was just getting ready to head to bed when we had another unexpected visitor. At this point I decided I was going to give up on the idea of having a nap. Natalie said we need to put her "By Appointment Only" sign back up, and I am inclined to agree with her. Natalie had brought home dinner, generously provided by Chick-fil-a of Wilson. I dove into a nice big pile of nuggets and Polynesian sauce. It totally hit the spot. After dinner Natalie took the boys to her parents for a sleepover and so she could get a full night sleep since she had to be at work at 5:30 am. I took off to Wilson to pick up some donor breast milk someone had offered us. It had to be about a thousand ounces. I was amazed at such a generous offer! Friday night me and Jerimiah were on or own with the girls. I really expected the night to go badly, but Jerimiah stepped up and was so amazing with them.

Saturday morning was just us and it was nice. I got up after my 10 am pumping and Jerimiah tucked me back in for a nap after my 1 pm pumping session. He also got dishes done and ran laundry and did an amazing job with the girls. He had gotten them up for the day and dressed and everything! We watched several episodes of Criminal minds spread out throughout the day, in between napping and feeding and pumping! I realized Penelope is still our loud and fussy one. She might be the smallest, but she intends to be the first at everything, especially meal times! Lynn and her husband from our church brought out an amazing shepherd's pie and apple crumble. I haven'e eaten that much in quite a while. Natalie decided to spend another night at her parents and so they kept the boys over there again.

Saturday night was bad. Just going to leave it at that. If there is another night like Saturday I will be giving up pumping. I cannot pump and care for the babies. It's just but enough time for sleep. Sunday I tried to sleep must I'd the day to make up for not sleeping Saturday night.

Monday I was still playing catch up, but we needed groceries. I went to the grocery store and post office. I hurt so bad afterwards. I lifted and bent too much at the store and loading the truck. It felt really good to be up and moving around though.

I am really thankful that everyone wants to come see us and make sure we are ok, but 1 baby is tough, we are swaddling with 3! Please give us a call first, we nap at certain times and limit company during other times due to the babies' or our toddler's naps.

Week 2 with the Triplets

Monday night the girls had a terrible time with tummy issues. Natalie was amazing helping so much with the girls while I focused on pumping and resting. Tuesday morning bright and early we had to pack up and trek up to the doctors office. We barely made it out the door on time with 3 of us working to get ready. The girls had a great appointment. Sophia was back up to 6lb 4oz, Meredith was up to 5lb 11oz, and Penelope was up to 5lb 10oz! Sophia's murmur was completely gone, you could barely hear Meredith's, but Penelope's was still pretty loud. Sophia has a clogged year duct we need to clean and massage regularly. Overall Dr. Oneal gave a great report for all the girls. She said Sophia is strong enough to start trying to latch and nurse twice a day for up to 10 minutes at a time. Penelope and Meredith needed to put on a little more weight and start drinking more first. Sophia eats about 60-70ml, Meredith 50-60, and Penelope about 40-50. Rebecca the lactation consultant was absolutely wonderful to work with. She showed me cues and such to determine good times to practice latching. She also said to switch to wide nipple bottles (playtex being the closest) to help them adapt to latching easier. She said we need to take the bottle out of their mouths every "break" and/or 10 or so sucks to help them adapt to working harder at the breasts. After the doctor's appointment Natalie met us and took the girls home while Sue and Allen took me to my doctor's appointment and lunch. It did Allen and me such good to have lunch and special mommy time. I got my staples out the doctor said there was a little bit of yeast infection on the incision at a couple of points. He also chastised me because I tore the staples in a few spots from overdoing it and lifting too much.

Allen is so fascinated by his sisters. He constantly wants to hold them and kiss them. Can't wait for Issy to get home and spend time together.

Wednesday was supposed to be a quiet down day where we were just going to be home and resting. Unfortunately we ended up having company most of the day. I love seeing family, but we really just needed a day of rest and normalcy. It was exhausting and draining. Allen did get to go swimming with grandpa and Natalie and it was heart warming to see, since I missed the entire summer in the hospital.

Thursday I was so glad for peace and quiet. Natalie had to work, so my mother in law came and helped with the babies. It was a down day where we just stayed home and rested in between baby care and pumping. My amazing friend Pam dropped off a ton of freezer meals from her and some of the other MOPS ladies. Between that and the meal train we have been so blessed.

Friday morning was another baby doctor appointment. Sophia was up to 6lb 7 oz (+3oz), Meredith was up to 5lb 15oz (+4.5oz), and Penelope was up to 5lb 13oz (+3oz). Meredith and Penelope have both exceeded their birth weights now! Sophia still has a clogged eye duct, but no infection. Sophia eats about 70 ml, Meredith 60, and Penelope about 60. He said that we need to have the girls seen Tuesday, but after that if all links good we don't have to come back until their 1 month appointment! Friday night Natalie went home to stay and get a good night sleep and my mother in law stayed the night to help with feeds and baby care so I can pump and sleep.

Saturday morning my friend Morgan and her friend Casey came out and did newborn photography of the girls. I was amazed at how smoothly things went. It was way easier and quicker than I thought it was going to be. Felicia and Dilip bright Issy back home and visited for a few hours. The older boys played video games and the toddler boys played so well together. The adults all had the babies so it worked out nicely. Katie and Brian brought us dinner through the meal train and it was so nice. Issy is completely in love with his sisters too. Saturday night I had an emotional night. The high from birth and being home wore off and I was left feeling very down and depressed. I hate pumping milk every 3 hours. I hate being so sore and tired that I can't care for my babies. I hate not being able to pick up my toddler. I am not very nice when I am hurting and tired. It was so bad I didn't even want to hold any of my girls. I feel like such a bad mom for even admitting that. :( I really hoped post partum depression was going to pass me by completely.

Sunday morning Natalie offered to keep the girls so we could make it to church. It was so nice to see everyone and get out of the house. Penelope lost her umbilical cord while we were gone. We heard a great message about shepherding our children. I have the book he referenced during the sermon, but haven't read it yet. I definitely want to read it now. After church I pumped while Jeremiah ran in Target for some things. We ate at Olive Garden and had a nice lunch out. I also ran in the Teeter for a few cold things we needed. It was a nice day and getting irt really made me feel so much better. Natalie got out of the house for a while after we got back home. I think done time or did us all some good.

Monday was mostly a down day, which we needed after a very long night. Penelope and Sophia took turns crying all night long. Not sure what has them so upset, but at some point one baby (I can't even tell you which one) ended up in my bed and Natalie took the other so we both could get a little sleep. We had unexpected visitors show up again. It is so frustrating when we are all sleep deprived and people just show up without letting us know they are coming or calling to see if it is a good time Monday night Lisa had her son deliver a meal from our meal train. She made its pork tenderloin with potatoes and a veggie casserole. It was wonderful. Jeremiah and I ate alone because my in-laws took the little boys out to see Planes 2. Both of my boys had a wonderful time.

I would be completely lost with out my mother-in-law and sister-in-law. Sue and Natalie have done so much and I love them sooo much and thank God for them every single day.

NICU and Week 1

Penelope was 5 pounds and 14 ounces.
Meredith was 6 pounds and 1 ounce.
Sophia was 6 pounds and 14 ounces!

Tuesday, after they were born the girls were rushed off to the NICU. I got to see one of the girls, Penelope, for just a minute. All the girls initially needed CPAP assistance breathing and they got NG tubes. Penelope came off first after only about an hour or 2, her sisters had to remain on all if it for closer to 24 hours.

After I got done in recovery (5 whole hours post surgery) my sweet nurses arranged for me to roll (huge bed and all) into the NICU to see my girls. I was very emotional. I only got to glimpse art Meredith in her isolette. The NICU nurse caught me completely off guard and actually handed me Sophia to hold. I cried years of pure joy.

It felt like forever until I got feeling enough to move around. I wanted out of that bed and into the NICU so bad I thought I was never going to make it. I had to pass the time with pictures that people took. It was heartbreaking to be the last one to see and touch my own babies. I finally made my way down there around 8, but want even able to get out of my wheelchair. The babies were all still over stimulated so at the nurse's advice I didn't hold then again that night. I made sure I pumped every 2-3 hours.

Wednesday we got up early and went to the NICU. Jeremiah went down and had breakfast while I sat with our girls. All the girls were now breathing on their own and had no more NG tubes. They were also all holding their temperatures perfectly. I finally got to hold Meredith and Penelope. The doctors gave very good reports. Bilirubin levels have to come down more and the girls have to learn to eat better in order to come home. The bilirubin was low enough to not need phototherapy, but still elevated enough to hold them in the NICU. We spent the day between the NICU, pumping, and sleeping.

Thursday was pretty much a repeat of the same. Meredith needed a new IV put in so the nurse snuck her over to snuggle with me and Sophia. My friend Morgan came and took some photos of the girls for us. Lactation said that Meredith has a lip tie and it was preventing her from latching on, but because she can take a bottle it was not severe enough for them to clip it. All the girls have murmers and we are taking a wait and see approach since the doctors estimate about a week more here. Penelope and Sophia kind of latch on, but they struggle to keep it. They said bottles and continuing to pump would be the fastest way to get them home at this point. I am leaving in 2 days with or without them, so I want to do whatever it takes to get them home.

Friday we went and delivered milk and had breakfast before returning to the NICU for a while. The girls were doing well enough they were able to start wearing clothes and they all were in 1 crib together instead off the isolettes! The bilirubin is continuing to go down, just very slowly. They are supplementing formula with my breast milk. The girls have really picked up eating. I am still pumping, but its very little coming out, I get a lot more by hand expressing. It takes twice as long to hand express though. It was another day of NICU time, eat, sleep, and pump. Friday night my milk really came in and I started pumping ounces quickly. Every pump almost doubled in volume.

Saturday was a very sad day for me. I hated the thought of leaving my girls, even though after more than 6 weeks I was so sick of the hospital. To make matters worse after lunch the nurse practitioner said that 2 of the girls had very bad sounding murmurs and needed echocardiograms done, Sophia's murmur was completely gone. Felicia and Dilip drove in to see the girls and we spent a few hours together. We stayed longer than planned to get the girls through their echos, but the results would take hours to overnight to come in. I cried so hard leaving my tiny little girls all alone in the big hospital. As I pulled up to my house I saw all the flowers my family planted and the beautiful bows my husband's grandmother made and my heart was calm. Allen was standing at the door with a sign that said welcome home the momma. I have never seen him so happy. All he wanted was his momma. I snuggled and played with him. He was so happy. I slept in the recliner to keep my pump and all handy, especially since I could not climb into my bed without extreme pain.

Sunday we had to go in to do CPR and NICU discharge classes. We spent all day there between that and enjoying the girls. Meredith has a PFO and a PDA murmur and Penelope has a PFO murmur. Both of those types of murmurs should clear up on their own as the girls grow. We finished all our training and headed home. Allen was super happy to have momma home.

Monday morning we loaded up to go and get my girls. The big day was here and they were coming home. Allen cried so bad, he didn't want momma to leave. We got to the hospitalto feed and change the girls in time for photos, but there was a mix up and no photographer was scheduled by the hospital. :( We were not going to wait until 2pm (3 hours after our appointment was supposed to be.) We changed the girls into going home outfits and poached all their stuff. I got all the paperwork signed and we loaded the girls into our big stroller to head home. We got quite the stares, questions, and comments going out. The most upsetting thing was people pulling out their phones and taking our pictures without asking. One of them was even a hospital employee.

We made it home safe and sound. Allen was so excited and wanted his babies right away. We let him hold then with or help and just enjoyed our first evening together at home. The girls did not sleep very well at all, we think it was all the formula they got in the hospital. They had upset tummies. Me and Natalie had such a very very long night.

Triplets Birth 7/22/14

The birth of the triplets was no where near the experience I was hoping for.

I was told that around 7 am someone would come to my room and prepare me there for surgery. I would be ready and in the operating room around 8 am. That surgery would not be rushed and no one was booked after me so we would have plenty of time.

Then 6:30 I woke up and went to the bathroom. I had just finished in the bathroom and woke Jerimiah up so he could eat and get ready when 2 nurses came into my room. They put me in a wheelchair and took me away before either of us realized what was going on. They told him to meet us in triage as they wheeled me out.

About 20 minutes later Jerimiah caught up with me. I had been stripped down and put on the NST monitor. The anesthesia people came in again. Then the doctor came in. I was not sure about tubal ligation and the doctor said that he wouldn't do it unless I was 100% sure I wanted it done. The nurses shaved me and continued to monitor the babies until my stretcher was rolled out towards the OR. Jerimiah was given scrubs to put on while they started my spinal block.

I was in the OR by 7:50. They had me move tables and lean over so the anesthesiologist could access my back. The small pinch of the needle numbing it is a lie. It burned and stung sooooo bad. I felt the bigger needle going in. Apparently they had my height wrong by 2 inches and my spinal went to high. I am 5 foot 4 inches and they had me as 5 foot 6 inches. As soon as the spinal went in the anesthesiologist started yelling move move move, lay down now. I tried to move as far as I could as tingles took over my body. I breathed for the first time in months, but that was short lived. I lost the ability to breath within minutes of laying down. I was trying to scream, but no sound would come out. I was terrified and Jerimiah was not there. They put a pressurized oxygen mask on me that pumped air into my lungs.

Break from the birth story a moment to let everyone know that I have had recurring dreams of dying in the operating room during birth, so at this point panic was so extreme I was really freaking out and alone.

The mask was breathing for me, but I could not feel it. I was still panicked. At 8:09 am the anesthesiology team started screaming for Dr. Harden to come in. I only knew the time because they were shouting out times for the record. It felt like hours that I couldn't breath. I screamed for Jerimiah. I needed him and he wasn't there either.

I tried to count but had no concept of time. Its funny how not breathing (or rather feeling like your not breathing) messes with your perception of time passing. Dr. Harden comes in at some point and they tell him what was going on with my spinal and he immediately starts to work. They taped up my stomach I remembered felt them tape it to my shoulders. My shoulders tingled but were not completely numb. It felt like painful pins and needles running up and down my arms.

Jerimiah finally came in. He had this horrified look on his face and I find out it is because I was already cut open when he came in. Jerimiah later said that he saw parts of me right then that he never wants to see again.

Finally I heard someone say 8:26 baby girl born, it seemed like hours went by until I heard her cry. Then someone else shouted 8:27 baby girl born, and it took forever for her cry to be heard. The relief from just hearing those cries brought tears to my eyes. The third baby was born at 8:28 and I never heard her cry. It seemed like hours between that 3 minute span.

A nurse came over to tell us all the babies needed respiratory assistance and would be on CPAP for a little while. They asked Jerimiah if he wanted to come spend a few minutes with the babies before they took them to the NICU. He didn't want to leave me but I nodded for him to go. He went and got pictures and stats on all the girls. He was even allowed to cut Sophia's cord.

Biggest to smallest:
Sophia Irene, 6 pounds and 14 ounces, 19 inches
Meredith Jane, 6 pounds and 1 ounce, 19 inches
Penelope Ann, 5 pounds and 14 ounces, 18.75 inches

I was able to see only Penelope before they were all rushed off to the NICU. I told Jerimiah to go with them, I couldn't stand the thought of my babies alone. I was finally breathing again.

I was taken to recovery, which was supposed to normally take only an hour, but I was there almost 2 and still so numb I could not even wiggle a toe. I immediately asked for a breast pump, but they said I ad to wait for lactation. They eventually rolled me into labor and delivery to continue recovery. The nursing instructor came in and told me she wanted a student nurse to follow me and the babies around and do whatever I needed for the day. I immediately sent her to find Jerimiah and my phone so I could atleast see pictures of my babies. I was also allowed to have visitors so I immediately asked for Issy. I wanted to see him and tell him I was ok. I know he was worried. He was scared and wanted to know momma was ok. He had been in the NICU and fell in love with his sisters already. He was scared to touch them. He said Penelope would wiggle and squirm when he would talk to her, like she used to in my belly.

Finally about 12 noon I started being able to wiggle a toe, but I was in immense pain. They did not give me morphine or duramorph due to previous issues with morphine, so I was given a dilaudid pump to help with pain management. It worked pretty good as long as I remembered to stay ahead of the pain by pushing it even if I wasn't hurting yet. I asked a dozen more times for a pump or lactation to come by.

Around 1 they said I could go back to my regular room to finish recovery. They called the NICU to see if there was room to roll my bed in there so I could atleast see my little Sophia and Meredith. There was room and so we headed torwards the NICU!

I only got a glimpse of Meredith in her isolette from my bed. The nurse surprised me and brought my Sophia to me so I could hold her. I was extremely happy and so emotional.

I finished recovery in my room. It was around 6 or 7 before I could get up and get into a wheelchair to go back to the NICU to see my girls again.

Week 35: The last week of pregnancy for me.

So the final week is here. This still does not seem quite real to me. I cannot believe I am about to be a mother to 5!!!! children. I never pictured myself having this many kids. It really just does not seem real that there are 3 babies inside me. Right now I have 4 heartbeats, 40 toes and fingers, 4 brains, 8 eyes and ears and it is just so hard to believe. One thing I have heard from many moms of triplets is that it does not quite sink in until you and your babies are home. While in your belly you cannot quite grasp the magnitude of things and most have to stay in the NICU and so you still feel like they are not quite yours. I pray that the time here has bought them as little time in the NICU as possible and they get to go home with me.

Surgery details: I am scheduled Tuesday 7/22 at 8:30 AM. I plan to be up at 6:30 to shower and let Jerimiah run down and get a quick breakfast. At 7 AM they will come into my room and start doing prep, and they plan to have me into OR and ready by 8 AM. They said I should be back to my room by noon assuming everything goes as planned. I am sure I will go pretty quiet afterwards for a bit, as I recover. I know my Facebook will get updated more than here initially, since I can post smaller mini updates there.

Tuesday I saw Dr. P. I was really honest with her as I have been about my depression and history of post-partum depression with Allen. It is hard because my PCOS condition requires hormonal therapy and metformin to balance my hormones and keep my emotions stable, but you cannot breast feed on those. She suggested Zoloft to help, she said that up to 200mg (50mg is starting dose) it is safe to breastfeed on it. She warned it will not help as much as going back on my PCOS medications, but it may help curb some of the depression until I can go back on them. The current plan is to start that after birth. I also had Jennifer from TMoTT come out and visit me today. I have to say I absolutely love everyone I have met through TMoTT. Between TMoTT and my Facebook triplets group I have managed to keep my sanity this pregnancy. I think it has helped validate how I feel and make me feel like so much less of a freak show! There are only 7 days to go! I finished off the Sopranos (all seasons), Sons of Anarchy (all seasons), and caught up on all my other shows.

Wednesday Dr. Be was here. He said as of right now we are looking good for Tuesday 7/22 still. He said that he is on duty again Sunday (through Monday morning) and he will make sure all my preoperative orders go in. Sue brought the kids up here to see me super early. Issy was not very well behaved and did not want to listen. I also was not feeling so great that early and I was not in a good mood at all. My nurse came to me in tears after lunch. She made a medication error on me. Luckily it was my heparin, which they can counteract if they needed to. She gave me 10cc instead of the 5cc that I was supposed to have, the doctors decided to just skip my night dose for now. Tony at MFM was on vacation again, but he sent one of the techs from his office over (a day early.) She was originally only going to do a BPP, but I asked her if she had time to scan for growth. I told her I was dying for an estimate. She estimates these weights from a quick scan: Sophia (A) at 7 lbs, Meredith (B) at 7lbs 1 oz, and Penelope (C) at 5lb 12 oz. I was totally shocked at those numbers, but I do hope they are pretty accurate. It would mean a greater chance of no NICU time, especially for A and B. Sophia is head down again, but Meredith is trying to push her out of the way. Meredith was sitting between breech and transverse on and right next to Sophia. Penelope really has a penthouse to herself at this point, and she is stretched out across the top all by herself. Jerimiah came up to spend time with me and we had dinner downstairs. The food at Au Bon Pain Cafe is so wonderful! Not sure I would have made it this far without it. Jerimiah stayed late to finish up season 7 of Criminal Minds.

Thursday morning I saw Dr. W again. It was just a slow day. I have been nauseated really bad the last few days and needed phenegren around the clock almost. Even with the medication I am throwing up about half of what I eat. Delores (one of my favorite nurses) came to see me! I didn't have any visitors today. I mostly slept the day away. Sleeping the day away is great, but it means sleep is harder to come by at night.

Friday morning my contractions woke me up around 3 (after lying awake until almost 2!) I tried drinking water and re-positioning etc. Finally at 5 I had to get my Procardia and I was hurting enough to want the Percocet again. I had the most intense craving for Sam's Club cheese pizza. That is one of my all time favorite pizzas. I saw Dr. Ba and he said just hang tight and if it gets worse to have the nurse update Dr. S. Natalie showed up about 11 and all my contractions completely stopped. The girls decided to behave for her. I had a good visit with Natalie and the boys, then they headed on home for nap time. I had a talk with Jerimiah, catching up with him about stuff. His work is a cause for some major stress due to issues with management and its completely out of his control. We cannot afford for him to be out of work, which he was 2 days last week and not by choice. Praying it resolves itself quickly, because we just cannot afford it. Natalie came back up and spent the night with me. She had me laughing so hard I had to change clothes within an hour of her getting here! She gave me another pedicure and my feet felt absolutely amazing. I missed my partner in crime sooooo much. We watched the Book of Eli, which Natalie had never seen before. It is one of my all time favorites.

Saturday Natalie got up and went off to work. Dr. S came by to see me. I begged him to roll me on back and take care of my c-section. Hey, at least I made him laugh! I slept a good portion of the day. I had some Procardia and Percocet again. Contractions are so very painful at this point. I called to see how Issy's football sign ups went, but Issy told me he did not want to play this year. He said that he felt practice and stuff took up too much of his time and contributed to his struggles at the beginning of last year. He said he wants to focus on doing better in school. I was surprised by the very mature decision making on his part. I told him if he was doing well and wanted to play basketball or baseball we would do everything we could to give him that chance. Jerimiah came up and spent Saturday night with me. We watched some shows and just hung out.

Sunday morning Dr. R came in to do rounds. She said she was going to stop my heparin. It was unexpected but it made me soooo happy. I was so sick of shots in my stomach. The nurse had a hard time finding the babies and they had to call in Dr. Be to check on them. He did an ultrasound and found them immediately. He said they were looking good. Pam from my MOPS group stopped by to bring me lunch and visit after church. We literally talked for hours. For several hours I forgot I was trapped here. It was such a blessing to spend time with her. Meredith's heart rate was jumping way up so they had to call Dr. Be to come back again and check them out later in the afternoon. It was after 9 when she left and I crashed not too long after.

Monday Dr. Be did rounds. He got all my pre-operative stuff squared away. Penelope from anesthesiology came by to do their work up on me. Sue brought the boys up here and I got some great snuggle time in with Allen again. Issy was so sad and did not want to go back home. I had to take some medicine for nausea, which has made me loopy. I have officially started to freak out. I saw 2 other people form anesthesiology who came in to verify information from earlier. I managed to finish up the stack of paperwork for the pediatrician and got all their online forms completed as well. Overall I was very productive, when I really wanted to just run away and hide somewhere. I did not have a very good nurse today either. My day just started out all wrong. Jerimiah came up to stay the night. I skipped dinner tray again because he was supposed to be here earlier, but he ran late and I was starving by the time he made it. We are getting ready to roll downstairs for dinner.

I cannot believe I go to bed tonight a mom of 2 and tomorrow I will be a mom of 5. I just pray my time here has helped my girls grow enough that they will be strong and able to come home with me. It is my biggest fear that I will have to leave even just one of them here when I go home.