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!