Happy Birthday Russell Triplets!

There is so much to say about yesterday! Let's start with my guest list or baby watchers: Mom, Dad, Sharon, Daryl and Mandy. They were all here and waiting at about 5:30. I had a shower and did my best to get semi ready for surgery. 

It's a good thing everyone was there because we were informed there were 2 emergency c-sections ahead of me so I was pushed back to 9:00!

Well while I was getting ready my IV fell right out, ugh!!! So they said L&D would put it in and left me be. Well as the time got closer Nurse Theresa came to out an IV in. Of course she tries once and nothing so she grabs another old school nurse and nothing. Theresa then grabs an anesthesiologist, she tried in my hand and hand and they blew. So then the charge nurse tried, nothing! Are you keeping count? So next I had two different anesthesiologists and an ultrasound machine so they could find a vein. They also brought lidocaine which helped a ton as they fished for my vein. Finally they decide to go in my wrist (inside). Can't say I have ever heard of that before but I told them they could out it in my foot is that would work! Finally a lovely anesthesiologist got it on stick #9!

Whew!

Dr. Heuser and Jamie were waiting for me and she was a little ticked they couldn't get it together. 

I walked to the Operating room and hopped up on the table. They did my epidural and my catheter then started prepping everything. I was feeling nervous and anxious about the surgery itself since I could still feel movement. So strange! Finally they let Kyle come in and I just started crying. He was so great, he rubbed my arm, head, dried my tears and told me it was going to be fine. I remember thinking I don't think i can stop crying then I heard "hello Ali" and she was crying!

Kyle laid his head down on mine and we cried and laughed at the same time. It was so amazingly crazy that she was here. They put her in a bassenet in the room to check her out. Next I heard "hello Sadie" and she cried then was whisked away to the other OR. 

They told us they would do that just to make room because there were so many babies. Finally I felt them pushing and Dr Jamie was talking to Ray who didn't want to come out. Lol, next I heard "hello Ray"! He was girggely screaming. He was really upset! 

He was taken to the other OR too. Kyle was called over to Ali. She was perfect. The neonatologist told me she was 3lb 10oz which immediately worried me but he said she was going to NICU due to her size but she was on room air and doing well.

Then Kyle was taken to OR 2 to see Sadie 4lbs 15 oz and Ray 4lbs 7oz. Sadie got a little oxygen but was fine. Once Ali ws cleaned up they brought her to me. Her little face was so absolutely perfect! Kyle finally came back with Sadie and Ray! We had our first family photo. 

Kyle went with the babies to the NICU while they finished my surgery. It felt so long! Once in recovery I felt ok. My bp dropped a bit but it came back up. 

I waited for a room for about 3 1/2 hours. Finally when they took me I could feel everything and was anxious to go see my babies. She said I could after my check at 5. 

In the meantime Kyle for the list going and the grandparents and Aunt Mandy got to visit the babies. By the time they for back to the room it ws almost time for me to go. Kyle wheeled me over then helped me get washed and draped. 

The room they are in is half the size of what we were supposed to be in so it is crowded! I visited and talked to each baby. We gave then their little toys that smell like home and then... The nurses asked if we wanted to hold them. What? Of course we do!

I did kangaroo care with Sadie who kept snuggling deeper down. Then Kyle held Ali and Ray. We probably held them for 2 hours. 

Uncle David came to visit and for to hold Ray then Ali. Ray was so content in David's arms, he was kicked back and snuggling. 

The nurse told us she was going to give them baths and then try to feed them. Earlier Sadie took 12ml which was awesome! Ray took 5ml but then spit up so he realy didn't get any. He was going to town in in a paci the she switched to the bottle and I think he was surprised when something came out. 

Anyway, we had good intentions to help feed and bath however by the time she was ready it was after 9 and I was super late for my meds and checks so we went back to the room. 

Kyle got us some food since I realized I hadn't had anything but a graham cracker and a Popsicle all day. 

I got my catheter out which was awesome and I waited until 12 to do my last potty break since that is when my next check was. The schedule ws to wake me up at 3:30 for a check and more drugs then again at 7:20 for a check. The the aid added on some vital checks and a blood draw. Ugh! The nurse came to tell me she was leaving the new nurse came to tell me she was here and did another check. 

I didn't sleep too much and they came to give me my last IV pain med and my IV is blown! I quit it and said forget it! Precocet and Motrin will have to do!

Hospital 35+2

Awake! Yes awake at 4:45 this morning. Had to potty so I went ahead and got my stelf and stuff ready for monitoring. Not sure what time Kyke went to bed once he tagged me on FB at 3:00? I was asleep at 1:30 probably.

As I got up this morning, of course the first thing I think of is this time tomorrow I will be preparing for surgery! Now in my mind tomorrow has so many complexities.  There is the minor stuff like packing and moving units all the way to major stuff of meeting the babies. In the middle is my own pain tolerance and recovery. I'm not terribly worried about that part but I do think of it and continue to pray that everything goes smooth and I have a quick and tolerable healing process.  I think my concern is more about the unknown. I am a planner so I want someone to come tell me what to expect, step by step. I'm sure they will at some point today. Let's hope I have a great nurse tonight. I'm not sure who will do my IV but that is always complicated. I can show them my, still bruised, hand if they don't believe me. I'm hoping they listen and put the IV in my arm instead.

We are monitoring at 5:30! My last one at this early hour. I do have to brag on my nurse Lauren. She put the babies in last night and this morning in one try. Unheard of really. She chose a spot for each piece and didn't have to move it. 

Theresa was the nurse on day shift. She is our chatty nurse but that comes in handy when you want to know stuff! She told me the details for in the morning including IV, bloodwork, showering, dressing,the wipe down...

We went to ultrasound super early. Everyone cooperated however Ali took her sweet time. Still couldn't see her head since Ray was on top of her. 

Mom showed up around 12 to spen the afternoon with me. I also had a surprise visit from Aunt Bea and Uncle Dennis! So good to see them and chat. 😃

Dad showed up shortly after they left for momitoring. All went fine again. I heard from Mandy that there is a ecord set if triplets coming tomorrow. I'm interested since I am the only one here right now.  Nurse Lauren is back and said she would have to check.

Kyle brought Qdoba for dinner, wow they give you a lot of food! We should have shared! We made some jokes and talked about the fact that we will be real parents in the am! I continue to make the joke that it is possible they are not little white babies like we expect that maybe our egg/sperm were switched in the fertility lab. We laugh about it. He said he doesn't care, he will raise whatever is in there and we will be rich! We also took what will most likely be my last prego photo.

Nurse Lauren offered to do my IV tonight if I wanted then I didn't have to get it in the morning. She said either way she would have to cover it up for my shower which was my concern.  So I think she will start it after my monitoring tonight. I pray she is as good with an IV as she is with these babies! Praying for sure since I am not an easy one to start an IV on. By the way, while I'm typing I really think Sadie and Ray just kicked each other with intention! My whole stomach rolled at the same time! It will be so odd not to have that feeling anymore but my body has endured so much and a simple task of getting up feels like I am crippled so my body needs this break!

Monitoring went fine followed by Lauren bringing someone else to start my IV. It's never good when they immediately say, "oh you don't have any veins". They decided to use my AC? Which is that large vein they use at the dr to draw blood. Kyle walked in when they were starting it. It hurt for sure but it was also a blood bath. They were throwing wash cloths down and wiping my arm. The nurse said it looked like a crime scene. Kyle was not very happy with their performance and said it ws a good thing Lady wasn't here! After Lauten cleaned me and my bed up I was grateful it was over. Although I instantly found a problem. It was plugged in the wall next to my bed but there was no plug in the bathroom? Crap! Oh well!

Next up, leg booties and nap time. Tomorrow morning is showering which will require Kyle to put my hair up for me so I don't get it wet. Should be interesting!

So many people are praying for us and I appreciate every one! I am praying too and I know Kyle is. 

Hospital 35+1

I don't think I went to sleep until about 1 and then woke at 3:30 and again at 5. When I woke at 5,

I went ahead and got up and got prepared for monitoring. Thankfully everyone was fine with the exception of some hiccups from Sadie and Ray a little later.

For whatever reason I was wide awake so I played games and surfed Facebook until breakfast instead of sleeping. Had a shower after breakfast, well what they call breakfast around here.  I had oatmeal and OJ.  Once mom got ready she went to McDonalds and got us breakfast biscuits.
We played lots of games, watched tv and did basically nothing.  I missed the food lady again so they brought me random lunch.  Yuck!  It was gross chicken noodle soup and some salad with garbanzo beans, bacon and chopped turkey.  It had a greasy feel to the lettuce so I assume they put the bean juice on the salad.  Needless to say mom and I ordered some lunch from Potbellys.  Kyle was at home waiting on ATT but they never showed so he was on his way down here.  My new nurse came in to hook me up for monitoring early which I told her was fine.  So I ate my lunch while hooked up.  Babies were all good although I had a whopper contraction.
Mom headed home after monitoring since Kyle was here.  I had to work for a while this afternoon to get the Energy Vision registration up and working but I got that done.  I've also been trying to nap all day but every time I fall asleep someone comes in my room or a buzzer goes off or my phone rings???  It just isn't meant to be.
Kyle and I sat here and fantasized about home cooked food.  We are just burnt out on fast food and cafeteria food. The icing on the cake tonight was the little boy next door which you have heard me talk about before.  Apparently his mom has been here for a long time but is finally 34 weeks at least that is the info I got from one of my nurses.  Anyhow the husband brings their toddler son here just about every day and they stay here all night until about 9:30 or so.  The little boy has to be about 2, 2.5 and I'm sure super bored.  He is kicking, screaming, crying, slamming doors, escaping her room.  It is a little insane to have him here so long.  Tonight they gave him a ball to bounce off the wall of my room.  Thankfully he was only entertained by it for about 30 minutes.  OH I take it back, he is bouncing it again over there. Things got quiet eventually. What we didn't know is, her room is now empty! I'll have to ask someone what happened to her. I am finishing writing this at 1am because they have chose this time to clean her room. Not sure we will be sleeping until they are finished banging over there. 

My nurse tonight got the babies on the monitor the first try! No one said a word hoping it would last and it did. They were perfect! I had a couple contractions but the babies made it through with no drops. 

Kyle and I spent the rest of the evening snacking and watching tv. I so regret switching out the direct tv box a few days before coming here. Who knows what I don't have recording :( 

One more day and it is D Day! I told Kyle we should do something special on our last day of just us. Lol. Just kidding, sort of.

Hospital 35

Monitoring this morning was fine. Had a little difficulty getting the kids to cooperate but all is well.

Kyle slept in this morning which he needed. I had breakfast, a nap and then a shower. 

When Kyle got up he went down and got us some yummy coffee. He has that down to a science. Of course lunch was delivered shortly after although I missed the food lady so I didn't get to pick my meal, eeek.

Mom came around noon which let Kyle go run some errands. Kyle had a list of things to get done at the house. He also asked mom to spend the night so he could spend time with the fur babies. We are down to the end of our stay so it was now or never.

Ultrasound came for me, and Dad missed it. I'm really hoping he is here on Wednesday for my last one. He has never seen one before.  Debbie was back for my BPP but she also did weights. I heard she likes to make her guess before delivery to see how accurate she is. Ali had her head under Ray so she was skipped. Sadie was guessed at 5lbs 3oz., Ray was guessed at 4lbs 11oz. She went back to Ali and even had Dr. Cuthrell try to move the babies manually, ouch! He then took the wand and pushed to get somewhat of an outline of her head. So their best guess was about 4lbs but Debbie said she was probably larger than that. Other than that everyone did great. Afternoon monitoring went fine too.

Dad brought mom and I salads for a late lunch which were delicious for a change. I had a nap while he was there, couldn't help it. 

Our evening was pretty uneventful. Mom and I watched who's line is it anyway and laughed and laughed. I was crying laughing. Of course because we had a late lunch we weren't ready for dinner until about 8:00 or so. We used Yelp to figure out who would deliver and settled on Jimmy Johns. Neither of us had ever had it so imagine our shock when it showed up at my hospital room door in 14 minutes! What? Super impressed!

My sandwich was delicious too!

My night monitoring was almost uneventful until the last five minutes. Ali took a dive after a contraction.

Of course the nurses came rushing in to check on her. This tend to happen following a contraction. They said they would call the doctor. To my surprise they said all was fine and I could come off the monitor. I feel like they aren't as concerned for her at this point since we are almost to delivery. At least that is the attitude I get from the doctors.

Tomorrow marks 1 day left! How crazy is that? I'm amazingly calm and feel pretty good about things although part of that is because I can't imagine not being huge and I can't imagine having three children in the blink of an eye. Wow!

Week 35! GOAL!

Today is a major day for us, we made it to the goal!

How far along: 35 weeks 0 days or 98% survival rate!
Baby's size: Honeydew Melon, 18 inches long weighing about 5 1/4lbs.
Baby's Development: Babies are snug in the womb, they aren't likely to be doing somersaults anymore, but the number of times they kick should remain about the same. The kidneys are fully developed now, and their liver can process some waste products. Most of the basic physical development is now complete — they will spend the next few days putting on weight.
Gender: It has been confirmed, (2) girls, Ali & Sadie and (1) boy, Ray.
Weight gain: 78 lbs.  There is an old time scale in the hall so I will go with it.  I literally have at least 32lbs of baby, placenta and fluid so that will leave me about 46lbs.  Hoping some of that is fluid on my legs too.  As you can see I am concerned about losing my baby weight an looking somewhat normal post babies.

Stretch marks: Yes, lots of them but at least they aren't itching!

Belly button in or out: Out!
Wedding ring on or off: Off. 

Sleep: Still only sleeping a few hours at a time and then napping during the day.  I guess that is better than being at work and not getting the nap part in.

Symptoms: Contractions are more and more but still not enough to be concerned that I am in labor.  I am still sore with ligament pain.  Today is probably the worst it has been.

Food cravings: Everything tastes delicious still so this is a good time for me to eat new things, lol. It is the end of the road for me so I have been eating whatever I want, I'm sure I'm only adding extra pounds that I have to work off later but it is what it is.

Food aversions: Nothing specific.
What I miss: This list is long including my fur babies. I can see an end in site so it makes things a little easier.  2 days until babies and probably 5 or 6 until I get to go home!

Movement: Babies are moving a lot and I can feel them more now than ever.  I think my skin is so stretched and they are so big.  I feel them the most during monitoring which we do three times a day.  They do not like it!  They put those straps on my belly and I guess it pushes in on them.
Mood: I am ok, better today than over the weekend.  I am so tired of sitting here day after day and now I feel like I am laying here for the hospital's convenience since they tried to schedule me for today but they were booked.
Best moment this week: Not sure when it comes to hospital time.  I guess spending time with friends or even family since I am a captive audience!

Looking forward to: Thursday!  I am a little nervous, I mean it is surgery so I don't know how that will go or how I will feel afterward but hopefully ok with the assistance of some drugs.  But I will then be a mom of three babies - crazy!  I don't know what that's like either but I can't wait to hold them.  I just hope they are as big as we wanted them to be and don't have any serious issues.  Of course I want them to come home with me but if not that just gives me a few days to heal while they feed and grow here.

So my friends, I bid you farewell from the weekly updates since today is the last one.  I have not figured out what I will be updating when it comes to babies but I do want to continue the blog.  For now I will continue to update daily through Wednesday.  After that I don't know what I will be up for but I will really try since there is a VERY limited list that will be able to see them in the NICU.  It is immediate family basically and there are no windows.  I know everyone loves seeing babies and we want you to see them but until they come home you won't be able to besides pictures.

Hospital 34+6

This morning began with monitoring at 5:30. Babies were good for the most part. They do a lot of wiggling and kicking trying to get the monitors off but they settle down usually after a little bit.

I went back to sleep afterward until breakfast came. Biscuits and gravy with fruit...the best thing I have found so far. Then I went back to sleep waking for the food lady to take my order for the next meals and then to take my meds, then again for the cleaning lady. Finally about 10 I got up for a shower. The nurse practitioner, Alison came by to check on me which they do everyday but there is nothing new to report so it's a pretty short conversation. 

Husband is awake finally at 11! He needed the sleep though. Just wish he could sleep more at night. 

Mom, Dad and Todd came for lunch. We are celebrating Todd's 40th birthday! Mom tried to get him to put it off but he didn't want to. So we had Cracker Barrel and it was really good for a change. They even got the entire order correct which was surprising and I got to go eat in the cafeteria. 

Once we returned to my room, Julie hooked me up for my monitoring. All was well with the babies. The fam hung out with me while Kyle went hkme, fed cats and watched some of the Dallas game. Todd made an afternoon ice cream run which was delicious!

Caroline and James stopped in and brought dinner, burgers and German potatoe salad. Yum! It was great to see my work BFF and hear how she was doing since she is covering the majority of my job while I'm out. The Fab 5 sent the cutest basket with goodies too!

Kyle and I enjoyed some milk and chocolate last night.

Kyle also brought some ribs from the OC rib cook off. I did a little taste testing as if I were judging. There were a few that were delicious and then some that were awful!

I had three different nurses last night. Two of them from L&D. Melanie took over my monitors because Sadie was not cooperating. Once everyone ws hooked up Melanie said she would be watching. She didn't lie. She came rushing in at one point about half way through. I wasn't paying attention to the monitor. She had me role to my side and laid me back in the bed. Ali had a pretty significant drop.

Melanie said it was most likely because she was squished and cutting off her cord or one of the other babies were laying on it. Melanie said she would call the doctor and let them know. She came back a few minutes later to let us know I would be on the monitor another 45 minutes to make sure it didn't happen again. Ali was fine after that so we went on about our evening. I was happy to wake up at 3 and see this.

He has been staying up until about the time they come in for morning monitoring. At least he is getting a little extra rest. 

Hospital 34+5

Saturday started the same as all of them but our favorite nurse Susan was back so she took care of hooking up the kiddos. They were very good, I think they were sleeping.

I had a nap till breakfast and then another nap. I was so tired. I finally got up and had a shower. Mom showed punting and out. Her and Kyle went to the cafeteria for lunch followed by my afternoon monitoring. Again, the babies were pretty good. 

Kyle went to watch some of the UK game and feed the kids. He got back around 6:30 just before Sharon and Daryl showed up with dinner. They brought Taco Bell.  After they left it was one of our most boring evenings! We played games and tried to pass the time. Kyle went out exploring several times and even ran into Tina once!

Monitoring was fine and I went to sleep about midnight.