Hospital 33+6

My morning began as each has so far.  I woke up used the restroom and then was hooked up to monitors only this time I let Susan know when I woke up and she hooked me up around 4:30.  We all thought the babies looked pretty good this morning but I was a little surprised at how many little contractions I was really having.  Susan was pleased with the strips on the babies so I was unhooked after my hour.  I had a little nap until breakfast came at 7:45, it was not great but I was hungry. 

Sometimes the babies will shift and push each other so this morning I tried to get a picture of Sadie being a bully! That is her sticking out to the right of my belly button making my belly lop sided!

I got up, had a shower and watched some tv.  I had a few naps before mom was going to arrive after church at the nursing home.  Mom called in an order to Vietnam Kitchen so dad could pick it up.  Todd came down too so we could have a real Lady Lunch.  Once Dad arrived, Kyle took me down to the cafeteria in a wheel chair.  It was nice to leave my room for a little while and the food was yummy! 

Everyone hung out for my afternoon monitoring.  The babies looked good again after some issues from them staying on the monitors.  Mom called it herding cats, lol.  Todd was very interested in the monitor and what all the lines mean, he was keeping tabs on me and the babies.  Day Susan was pleased with the results so I was unhooked.
Kyle left after seeing that everyone was ok.  He was headed to the house to check on the fur kids and spend some time with them.  He was going to get some Redbox for us to watch later and stop by Karen's labor day cookout.  I received a text from Amanda so I know they are making me a plate which will be so delicious.  I wish I was there, I really wanted to see Karen's new house but at least Kyle got to have an outing and I benefit with the food!
I spent the majority of the afternoon napping, I mean I know I'm tired but I could not keep my eyes open.  I barely remember Todd leaving.
I am currently awaiting our favorite nurse Susan to show up for my nightly work up and listening to a baby cry next door.  I will assume the woman next door is pregnant (duh) and her children are visiting her today.  Well they have been here for most of the afternoon and one of them has cried the entire time.  I told mom it was time for mom and dad to take one for the team and take that toddler home for a nap. 
I had some amazing food from Karen's cookout that caused the kids to be a little difficult to trace last night.  They were very active but got a good report on the monitor.  Our favorite nurse Susan was only here for 4 hours last night.  We had a new nurse Laura. 
I woke up around midnight from one of my naps to watch Kyle eat chicken fingers, mashed potatoes and green beans.  He might actually gain some weight while we are here.  He gets bored and eats!

Hospital 33+5 Continued

Last night when they hooked me up for my evening monitoring at about 5:20, I thought that was great because I would be done by the time Daryl and Sharon brought dinner.  Well that was not the case.  Ali was acting up last night she had several drops in her heart rate in the first hour.  She had a major one when I had a contraction so the nurse wanted to contact Dr. Tabb to have him look at it.  He was in a C-section so that took some time.   At some point, Kyle started pacing outside the door with my room door open.  He could over hear the nurse talking to someone about me.  He heard her say, Baby C was fine and that they had already tried to start an IV on me.  Well she saw Kyle eavesdropping so when she came back in the room she asked if she could close our door. 
Daryl and Sharon decided to leave around 7:30 since Daryl had to work on Sunday.  I was still hooked to the monitor at that point and hadn't had anything to eat since about 1pm.  As time passed Kyle became more frustrated that they weren't telling us anything and I hadn't eaten.  Of course I had my mother on standby, she was awaiting word that we were going to have babies.  Around 8:15 they came in to tell us they were going to move rooms and they were still trying to get Dr. Tabb on the phone.  What they failed to tell us was they had already talked to him once.  He requested that I stay on the monitor longer.  It would have been really nice if someone had told me that. 
I was finally unhooked from the monitor at about 9.  We moved rooms shortly after.  The decision to move rooms was made because they only have two that have the capability to run 4 babies on the electronic monitors so that the nurses and doctors can see all babies from any location.  Previously Ray was on a manual paper print out so the nurses would have to communicate to the drs how he was doing.  Our new room is a little larger too which is nice.
Kyle tried to heat my food up once we were settled around 9:45 but the cafeteria was closed.  No worries, awesome nurse Susan to the rescue!  She heated up my food, found silverware and got us some beverages.  I'm sure tumbleweed would have been  better fresh but at that point I didn't really care.  It did give me heartburn during the night but oh well.

Hospital 33+5

Today began as the last few have after a rock star nurse last night.  By the way the movie was good, Kyle and I both enjoyed it. Our nurse last night was Susan Doyle, I called mom to tell her how much she would like her.  She was what mom calls "old school" but the right way. She came in and asked me all the necessary questions about my condition.  She checked my reflexes and my swelling.  Susan also listened to my chest.  She was the first nurse to do all of this and the first nurse to offer us any water or ice.  She is awesome and is coming back tonight.  I was sure to get her name to brag on her.  I also have a Susan today who came in and did a similar assessment and brought me a lemonade.
So Susan put me on the monitor around 5:45 this morning.  The babies were difficult and moving this morning but she finally got it to stick.  Everyone did pretty well, Ray was sleeping so he had a steady but low 120+ heart rate with little up and down action but they said that was normal.  Again anything between 110 - 170 is fine.  Even if they dip down below 110, it has to be for more than 15 seconds to count as a data point.  Susan was very pleased with their strips today.
I went on about my business and took a shower, yes it was warm enough to stand in after letting it run for close to 10 minutes before getting in it.  Kyle slept better last night but we both still only had about 4 hours total.  I had a nap this afternoon  with mom. 
I was told they were going to put me on 3 times a day monitoring but no one ever came at 2 so Kyle asked around 2:45.  Adele, the other nurse, called Dr. Tabb who said he changed the order to 2 times a day.  So she will be back at 5:30 to put me back on monitors.
Jeremy and Katie stopped by for a few.  While they visited Dr. Tabb came by, the MFM on call.  He asked how I was, pushed on my belly and told us everything looks fine.  He said he wasn't worried about the rates and said all my kids were fine.
Sharon and Daryl are coming by tonight to bring us dinner and hang out for a bit. 
A great big shout out to Todd for going to my house and loving on my fur kids for a while.  He also made sure that Shelby got her pill so we don't have to worry about that.  Also a thanks to Courtney for being there when we need her!
Still appreciating all the thoughts and prayers.  They are still shooting for 9/11 which seems so far away but I'm sure it will be here before I know it.  I will be 35+3 at that point and the babies will be in really good shape. 

Hospital 33+4

Today was an eventful day.  This time I waited to shower until they had monitored me so I could wash my stomach.  Mom brought me some shirts that fit and some panties which was awesome!  The nurse told me to let the sink run and then the shower for about 10 minutes to get warm water for the shower.  It worked!  It was warm enough to stand in and wash my hair, thank goodness!
Anyway, during monitoring I noticed that Ray was dipping down on his heart rate several times.  I have a little machine next to me that shows me the heart rate.  My nurse had told me that 110-170 fluctuation was normal.  Well I saw Ray go down in the 90s several times and I wasn't watching it continually.  Well apparently I was right because the nurse practitioner, Glenda came in to tell me I was going to ultrasound to check on the babies  because the Dr on call, Dr. Clark didn't like Ray's strip.  The nurse told me no food/drink from this point forward in case we needed to take the babies. Now keep in mind that by this time Kyle had already left to fix James' daughters brakes and rotors.  So he didn't know much that was going on.  I text him and said I was going to U/S to check on Ray but that was all for now. 
Ultrasound was perfect.  They all looked great and did their movement and breathing.  Dr. Clark came in to talk to me in the ultrasound room.  She said she was going to look at a few things but she wanted to put me back on the monitor.  I asked her the status, if I needed to contact my husband and have him rush back here.  She asked where he was located and told me I had time if we decided to deliver. 
They hooked me up to the monitors. Well I could see Ray but not the girls and he was doing good.  He only had two or three dips.  Well apparently the girls were doing it this time. Dr. Clark came in and said they were worrying her.  The next thing I know the nurse came in and informed me we were having babies today.  WHAT?  I wanted to hear from the Dr. but precautionary measures were already under way.  She came to draw blood and start an IV.  She said Dr. Clark was going to call Dr. Jamie and would be in to see me. 
In the mean time the nurse attempted to start an IV but failed miserably.  She got it in but mom says she didn't stabilize it so she blew the vein.  I had told her previously that they didn't use my hand veins last time and they had to call anesthesiology to have it put in because they were so small and delicate.  But you know they had to try.  

Sometime during this process I sent Caroline a message to see how long Kyle had left on the brakes.  She said 30 minutes.  So I held out until I spoke to Dr. Clark and it was a definite go. 
The nurse left the room to get something and came back and said we were holding.  Dr. Jamie wanted to wait and watch them a little longer. They told me I could eat lunch so that meant no babies for at least 6-8 hours.  I text Kyle and let him know to take his time we were going to continue watching them. 
Once Kyle returned the Pediatric/Neonatal perinatal Dr. came in, Dr. Singh.  She wanted to talk about deliver and the babies.  She said I would have my own team of doctors, two nurses, a surgery tech, an anesthesiologist etc.  Then each baby would have their own Neonatologist, two nurses and a nurse assistant.  She said the would probably stage one incubator in the other OR so we would have more room but since mine were older than their usuals they may be able to put two babies in one incubator.  She informed us they were going to start the plans and would let me know.
Dr. Singh went over what to expect for the babies.  She said they were past 32 weeks so many of the things they worry about she wasn't because of their gestational age.  She said they might need some oxygen, a feeding tube since they won't know how to suck, swallow and breath all at the same time.  Temperature was an issue and possible jaundice. She was very positive about the babies and how things would go for them.  She said they would probably be in the NICU a few weeks.
The rest of the day was pretty normal.  Mom and Dad hung out with us and Colleen stopped by for a little bit to visit after work. 
We are now watching a movie, God's not dead.  Hmm, don't know about this yet.
I have monitoring again at 10, they have now ordered that I be hooked up three times a day.  I have a feeling we will have babies sooner than later!

Oh ya, I finished filling out as much of the baby books as I could!

Hospital 33+3

Last night was not a good sleep for Kyle or I.  We may have gotten a total of 2 hours.  The nurses station is across from us.  The bed is uncomfortable, the chair is uncomfortable... it is what it is.
I got up to take a shower before they came to monitor me at 6.  OMG, talk about cold water and the nurse told me it is the entire building.  I washed mostly with a wash cloth so I didn't' have to stand in the water.  Which led me to contemplate how I was going to wash my hair on Friday.

The monitoring went well and all babies were fine.

We weren't sure I was getting any breakfast so Kyle went to get us some McDonalds.  Just as he returned I got breakfast.  Food was yuck, not sure if it was actual eggs or bacon.  We basically did nothing all day besides wait to understand what was going on.  Dr. How came to see us and said I had done so well and they were going to keep watching the kiddos.  Mom came, Dad stopped by for a while and I was monitored again at 6pm.  BTW, I figured out I can choose my food and how so lunch was a grilled cheese.  Much better!  Kyle went and got us some cafeteria food which was yum for dinner!  I had a black bean burger.  Kyle and I slept about 4 hours last night.  Better but he still looks super tired.

Hospital Day 1

Mom and I went on to the hospital, I drove her since she was all kinds of nervous for me.  I arrived around 4:30 and was taken directly to my room.  Registration showed up to ask me some questions and give me my bracelet.  I waited until 6 for my monitoring.  Sharon, Mandy and David came to hang out with us and see what was going on.  Kyle came on to the hospital and brought my bag only he forgot to finish the check list.  Most importantly he didn't get my make-up to which he says well what do you need it for in the hospital.  I asked if he has met me, I always wear makeup!
The kids did not want to cooperate with the nurses.  I think this is the most visibly active they have been since I have been pregnant.  They were kicking and rolling.  It took three different nurses to get the monitors to hang in there for an hour.  The nurse that came in that night told me I was here to stay until delivery.  WHAT?  Ugh!
I received some dinner at some point but it was serious mystery meat so I had McDonalds instead.  

Kyle might actually gain weight here.  He is eating out of boredom!

33 + 2 checkup

We went to the doctor as usual, BP was good as well as everything else.  All was normal.
Next was our ultrasound, we got one of my favorite girls that we hadn't seen in a while.  She did all the babies and check cord blood flow.  We all sat and chit chatted while she did it.
Then Dr. Jamie came in and we talked about normal stuff like swelling, contractions, etc. Then she said she wanted to check something on Ali.  Well she did her cord blood flow several times and the ultrasound tech said is it better?  Dr. Jamie said no.  She finished her scan and then told me everything was ok but she thought we needed to be monitored closer.  My initial reaction was oh, ok so we come to the dr more often but that was not what she had in mind.  She said it was time to admit me for observation.  I asked if this was an emergency or if we have time to pick up my car that I left at Kroger and grab a bag.  She wanted me to go straight there.  I am still thinking that we may be there for one night.  She said monitoring that night and then an ultrasound the next.

33 weeks

How far along: 33 weeks 0 days or 98% survival rate!
Baby's size: Pineapple, 17 inches long weighing about 4lbs.
Baby's Development: Babies are losing the alien look as their bones are hardening.  The bones in the skull aren't fused together, which allows them to move and slightly overlap, thus making it easier for them to fit through the birth canal.. oh wait, they don't have to!
Gender: It has been confirmed, (2) girls, Ali & Sadie and (1) boy, Ray.
Weight gain: 69 lbs. I keep fluctuating on the weight and I think it is mostly from fluid retention.  I can tell my legs/feet/hands are swollen which is impacting my weight.  I guess I need to figure out what I ate last week to relieve the fluid.  I do feel better physically when I'm not as swollen.

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 doing the couch, I was so tempted to try the bed again last night.  Maybe tonight with some pillows behind me.  My biggest issue is breathing right now.  I get stuffed up even when I'm propped up.

Symptoms: Contractions are still happening each day but nothing regular so no worries there.  Ligament pain is pretty bad at times depending on how long I have been sitting.  I am swollen of course and have some heartburn.  I guess I have just taken it down another notch since walking to my car and getting in and out of it are a challenge.

Food cravings: Everything tastes delicious still so this is a good time for me to eat new things, lol.

Food aversions: Nothing specific.
What I miss: Moving without pain would have to be #1 on my list right now!  I am blessed though, many of the triplet moms are not so fortunate to still be mobile at this stage, in fact most are in the hospital on bed rest or have delivered their trio already!

Movement: Babies are moving all the time.  They say you don't feel them as much at this stage but that is not true for me.  I can feel every movement, probably more since my belly lays on my legs now when sitting. 
Mood: I had a really rough day last Friday after finding out they pushed my C-section back to 9/11.  It was just so devastating after having your heart set on the 9th and counting down, telling myself I can do this and make it to the 9th.  Well then it changed and I had to readjust my thought pattern.  I am feeling better now and I realize that just gives me two extra days to be prepared. 
Best moment this week: I guess feeling accomplished.  We did some musical cars over the weekend selling the Focus and purchasing a van.  Kyle then cleaned it and is working on a tune up.  He has been doing a really good job this week getting things checked off the list.  Every night I remind him it could be any day now.  I judge this by how I feel.  I think it is sinking in!

Looking forward to: Seeing Dr. Jamie on tomorrow.  We will get to see the babies again although they are so big it is hard to tell what you are looking at sometimes.

Next on the list is installing the baby seats in the van :)  That should be interesting.  We have to determine if they will fit between the captain chairs or if we have to take one out.

Mom brought over some new PJs for the hospital so I took the opportunity to show her where my bag was and the list in case we have an emergency and she has to finish packing for me.  I also showed her where the bedding was and the bottles in case we didn't get to take care of that either.

I am doing my best to cover the bases but I'm sure there is something I will forget.

 

Pregnany devastation

For whatever reason I feel very defeated at the moment.  I am having one of my first and hopefully only moments of pure, tear filled, disappointment.
The surgery scheduler called and the 9th is out.  They have too many people coming in and not enough staff to take care of me and the trio.  Now I realize that is good that they are thinking of my best interests and the babies but I had my heart set on the 9th.  It has nothing to do with the date really, just the fact that my body is tired and that was my mental finish line.  I have held it together and done my best to continue keeping on feeling like a beached whale.  Actually worse than a beached whale, they don't have legs/ligaments to hurt them!
We will have our babies at 8am on the 11th.  I just have to remind myself that there is a reason for everything and I can make it two more days.  It also means the babies will be 35+3 and will be even bigger. I should be delighted, right?

32+3 Check-up

I started with my usual routine of getting checked in.  They tested my urine for protein which I was negative.  Then they weigh me - I lost weight and then they do my BP, 132/77 and ask me a bunch of questions.  My bp was a little high this time so mom said she would monitor it at home.
Thankfully we got my favorite ultrasound tech, Jenny instead of the girl from last week that I could hear cackling down the hallway.  Sorry that's not nice but FACT: it is annoying.
Jenny checked Ali first who shocked us all by no longer being breech! If she stayed breech then it could cause hip issues once born and would require hip scans to be done. Good Girl!  She also practiced her breathing right off the bat.  After some struggles to get measurements the guess was 3lbs 6oz.  Jenny said it was difficult to measure them at this point because they are so large and Ali was so far down in my pelvis.  Next was Sadie, still breech but taking up plenty of room at a whopping 4lbs!! Sadie did her moving and breathing without any issues.  Finally we went to Ray who weighs approximately 3lbs 6oz.  and was moving.  He did not want to breath, instead he wanted to nap.  Jenny waited a bit and measured the fluid in each sack.  She then decided to try and wake Ray up before using the sonogram stimulator on him.  She had me turn to one side and used the wand to bounce my belly on top of him.  He didn't like that much and did some breathing in response.  She did it twice but I guess it is better than the noise and vibration of the zapper.
Dr. Jamie came in next and seemed very happy to see me still pregnant after her vacation.  She asked how I was and told me it was ok if I wanted to complain.  But I really didn't have any, just the usual soreness.  She said all the babies looked good and I looked great.  They continue to be impressed that I am so far with three and don't complain as well as still walking around like it's no thing.  She said other woman come in dragging and miserable carrying just one.
We reviewed my weight loss which she said was ok at this point.  She wanted to see if she could get some better measurements on the babies but when she started the ultrasound she realized it is just that difficult.  She did check their cord flow and all were fine.
Since I made it to the goal of 32 weeks, the next is 34 and then.... delivery at 35!!!
As we left, Dr. Jamie was talking to the surgery scheduler to get me set up!  That is what I have waited for, a date, a time and a plan!  YES!  It is still possible that we won't make it but we are looking good right now.
Current Status:  Waiting for the call back from the surgery scheduler with details so I can call the charge nurse in the NICU.  Mia, charge nurse, is going to do her best to shift patients so that we can have a "twin room" in the NICU where all the babies can be in one room. :)

***  It is time, if you haven't gotten the Tdap - you need to get your hiney in gear this weekend and make it happen.  We are down to any moment delivery!  My friend Jennifer just had her twins unexpectedly at 34 weeks so it could absolutely happen to me any day!***

32 weeks

How far along: 32 weeks 0 days or 98% survival rate!
Baby's size: Large Jicama, 16.7 inches long weighing about 3.75lbs.
Baby's Development: Babies are growing like weeds at this point.  For a singleton it says I gain a lb a week but I guess that means 3 for me.  I was overachieving last week.  Their skin is now becoming soft and smooth as they plump up and get ready for birth.
Gender: It has been confirmed, (2) girls, Ali & Sadie and (1) boy, Ray.
Weight gain: 62 lbs. I lost 4lbs this week.  I'm not sure what that means but my guess is it is all fluid.  My feet are not swollen and my legs don't feel as heavy.  My waist is 56 1/2 this week so the babies are still growing for sure! 

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: I have moved to the couch officially.  I have to say I do not like it because I'm not in bed with Kyle but at least I get a little more sleep that way.  I am still getting up every two hours to pee but for the most part I can get a propped position on the couch and go back to sleep.  I am always congested during the night as well which is an added issue.  Kyle was sweet and tried to sleep in the chair with to keep me company Saturday night but he was so uncomfortable I finally convinced him to go to bed.

Symptoms: Ligament pain is still pretty terrible but I am making it.  I am just uncomfortable so getting up and moving in general takes more effort.  I have more heartburn but that is attributed to my belly taking over and pushing into my diaphragm.  I am still having contractions but nothing regular.  Although last night I had the most in one hour (6)!  That is the limit before you call the dr.  But after chugging some water, a tip from the triplet moms and changing positions they went away.  I was worried thinking the babies may make an early arrival and that means they would be in NICU longer which I really didn't want for them.

Food cravings: Everything tastes delicious still so this is a good time for me to eat new things, lol.

Food aversions: Nothing specific.
What I miss: Just hanging out with out a care in the world, or at least nothing serious.  I feel like I am hurrying up to wait at this point.

Movement: Babies are crazy busy flipping or turning in my belly.  In the last week I have felt them more than I ever have.  I assume it is because they have no room and have pushed out my skin so far that it is literally thinner.  I can feel them rolling and stretching, at times I brace myself like it is going to hurt but it doesn't for the most part.  Although Sadie is sitting close to my right hip and when she gets going that does kind of hurt. 
Mood: I am doing ok, a little annoyed at times but mostly because people get upset about the most petty things. 
Best moment this week: Probably feeling the babies so much.  I mean I knew they were in there and could feel them kick once in a while but this is something way more alien! lol

Looking forward to: Seeing Dr. Jamie on Thursday.  She said we would schedule my C-section with the hospital which will give me an actual date and time to count down to!  This also allows me to call the charge nurse at Norton and let her know when to expect our triplets.  She said they would do their best to shift babies so that ours could have the "twin room".  We should also get measurements on the babies, it has been a month since they measured them so I am anxious to see how big they are.

Kyle hung the bookshelves yesterday and they look great! 

I washed the baby clothes mom purchased from the twin sale last week so those are ready.

I packed more stuff in my bag and added Kyle's sleepy pants and a change of clothes for him.

I also sent the baby bed liners and sheets downstairs to wash so they will be ready!

I realize I am in for a serious baby awakening in a few weeks but why worry about it.  My favorite saying, it is what it is.  We will figure things out and we have a huge family support to help us.

 

31+3 Check-up

The lobby was pretty full when we arrived and there were two babies!  One of which was being fed when we arrived and was SO TINY!  I just kept looking at her thinking that our babies would be that small.
I was called back for my usual check-in - BP was 109/77 which is great.
We had a new ultrasound technician which I have to say I didn't love.  She was fast with the wand and it was hard to see what she was looking at on the monitor.  She checked each baby really quick for heart beats then checked each one for movement.  Once that was complete she checked them for breathing.  Ray and Sadie were practicing their breathing but Ali was not. 
This test is called BPP - Biophysical Profile Testing which is done in late pregnancy.  After her wanding and wanding over Ali I finally asked how long this test lasted.  She said it lasted 30 minutes which prompted me to ask what happens if Ali doesn't cooperate.  If she doesn't breath in the 30 minutes she gets a sonogram stimulator.  Well Ali failed!  I think she will be the stubborn child for sure!
So she got the sonogram stimulator, it was a black thingy that made noise and vibrated.  She let me feel it on my arm first and said it would startle the babies.  Sure enough when she put it down on Ali, she jumped and breathed.  Thank goodness!  Not that we thought anything was wrong with her but if that didn't work I would have to be hooked up to the monitors for an allotted time?
After Ali passed her test we waited for the Dr.  We saw Dr. Lain which I liked.  She said everything looked great and gave me lots of credit for still being up and on my feet at 31 weeks.  She said most are on bed rest or in the hospital at this stage.  She reviewed the things I need to look for and made sure I know what to do if anything changed. 
So now we wait for next Wednesday with Dr. Jamie.  That should be the appointment we actually schedule the C-section and I can officially count down hours and minutes! :)

31 Weeks!

How far along: 31 weeks 0 days or 98% survival rate!
Baby's size: Coconut, 16 inches long weighing about 3.33lbs.
Baby's Development: Babies are  heading into a growing spurt.  They are packing on the fat under their skin at this point.  Still exercising the lungs and their little muscles getting ready for the real world!
Gender: It has been confirmed, (2) girls, Ali & Sadie and (1) boy, Ray.
Weight gain: 66lbs. That would be a 7lb gain this week, WOW!  But we did have our two steroid shots last week so hopefully the babies took a huge leap!  I can tell you that I measured my waist last week and it was 53 1/2 inches, well this week it is 55 1/2 inches!  

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: I thought I was getting little last week, HA!  Last night I slept for about 2 hours then another hour before my alarm went off.  I did send a note this morning that I was going to sleep a little longer so I got another hour and a half before getting up for work.  I'm just uncomfortable and can't breath so sleeping just doesn't happen.

Symptoms: Ligament pain is still rampant, it is worse depending on what I am sitting on or how I am sitting.  Contractions are my newest symptom.  I had a few of them last week with no more than about 3 at the most per day.  This week I have had more sporadically.  Yesterday I had about 7 total but my dr says as long as I don't have any other symptoms and there aren't more than 5 in one hour then I am fine.  My belly is just practicing for labor it won't be having! 

Food cravings: Everything tastes delicious still so this is a good time for me to eat new things, lol.

Food aversions: Nothing specific.
What I miss: We found the N/A wine at World Wine Market!  It is pretty darn good, smells and tastes like real wine so it makes me happy!

Movement: Babies are still moving.  I feel more small movements these days like little rolls and punches.  They have each had the hiccups at different times. 
Mood: I think I am surviving at this point.  Kyle would like to see the babies come early so I am not miserable anymore but I keep telling him they need to bake and I will be ok.  This too shall pass!
Best moment this week: I'm not really sure of the best moment.  I would say just preparing more for the babies.  Kyle painted their bookshelves, now he just has to hang them.  Mom went to a twin sale and purchased all kinds of sleepers for the girls so they have as much as Ray.  Mom also found two booster high chair seats which are in great condition.  We just have to find one more.

Looking forward to: We get to see the babies again Thursday and hopefully get weights.  I am excited to see how much they have grown since last time especially with my belly growth and the steroid shots.

Kyle hung the mobiles last night, can't say I love them but they will do for now.
I have been adding to my hospital bag each day, tossing things in that I will need. Oh and I purchase a video camera off the FB yardsale site for $30!  It's an awesome sony camera so Kyle can record the babies and I can upload video for those that won't have access to them in the NICU.

Reminder - please get your Tdap shot if you plan to visit babies once they are home.  We only get 6 people in the NICU so most of you will not be able to see them until they get home.  So sorry, but those are the rules.  Let's just hope they are big healthy babies and they get to come home with us!  Every week I make it brings us closer to that! :)

30+1 check-up

Today I had the privaledge of taking Kyle and mom to the Dr. They checked me in as usual, bp was 118/77 which is great. 

Ultrasound took longer than normal because Sadie and Ray were sleeping. She had to wait to see them move and practice their breathing before we could finish. Ali was a nice surprise, she was awake and kicking me. She also turned around for the camera. Not perfect since she had an arm in front of part of her face but better than nothing!

I told the ultrasound tech that I had a few Braxton hicks which I guess she told Dr. Jamie. Dr. Jamie wanted to check my cervix to make sure it was closed and it was. She informed me to be good next week because she will be on vacation. I told her I would do my best! She also said it was time for me to have the steroid shots just in case I went into labor early. So the nurse came in, I just knew she wasn't going to do a good job, I joked that they should just give me the shots and I'll have mom do it.

Well the shot hurt and then the burn.. And then more burn... Ugh! I have to go back tomorrow for the second one but I am grateful Dr. Jamie is doing her best to cover all the bases and get our babies here in the best possible condition. 

Next week I see Dr. Lain while Dr. Jamie is on vaca, she said to make sure I come back to her and not to let them steal me away. Lol guess it's nice to be in demand when it comes to medical needs.

30 Weeks

How far along: 30 weeks 0 days or 98% survival rate!
Baby's size: Cabbage, 15.7 inches long weighing about 3lbs.
Baby's Development: Babies are exercising their muscles and lungs.  We could see Ali breathing on the ultrasound which was pretty neat.  They are also working on their eyesight.  Once they are born they will have 20/400 vision which means they can make out images close to their face but things further away are fuzzy.
Gender: It has been confirmed, (2) girls, Ali & Sadie and (1) boy, Ray.
Weight gain: 59 and still have 5 weeks. I am going to go over my 60lbs.  I am trying to eat more protein enriched foods to help these babies pack on the pounds before they are born. I figure I have made it this far and most of my weight gain is in my belly so I can lose it easier after babies.  I have seen so many pictures of woman after triplets, some are frightening.  I will just hope for the best but expect the worst.

Stretch marks: Yes, lots of them and this week they are creeping up on my upper stomach.  I guess I should be thankful since that means the babies are growing at a rapid rate.

Belly button in or out: Out!
Wedding ring on or off: Off.  I finally got it off while sitting at the dr last week.  I thought that was best since I have been swelling more and I know I will have to take it off for surgery.  Feels odd not having any ring on but better safe than having to cut it off!

Sleep: I am still getting a little better sleep from these allergy pills for my itching.  I wake once or twice during the night.

Symptoms: Ligament pain of course which makes getting up and down and in and out of cars difficult.  I am still making it at work but I can tell you it is short lived.  It takes me twice as long to get ready in the morning because I have to take breaks and putting on lotion is probably funny if you were to watch me try to reach my feet.  The rash is better for sure.  It did move back to my stomach a bit but still not nearly as bad as it was last time.  I also am 99% sure I am having random contractions too.  Yesterday I had three.  I have been having them for a week but really didn't know what it was until I did some research.  It helps that I have the triplet group of FB, they are so helpful when I have a question.  I wasn't sure if it was a contraction or if it was a baby balling up only it kind of felt like two babies were balling up.  Well when I asked, someone described it just like that.  Nothing to worry about at this point.

Food cravings: Everything tastes delicious still so this is a good time for me to eat new things, lol.

Food aversions: Nothing specific.
What I miss: I just learned that they make non-alcoholic wine, WHAT?  I plan to get some of that for a treat. :)

Movement: Babies are still very active and get a good swing in once in a while. Kind of makes me think they want attention when that happens. 
Mood: Is ok still but I am wearing down.  I have reached a new level of discomfort that really weighs on me and I am starting to think about my work situation.  It is so taxing to putter around work each day.  Just walking from my car to my office is a work out. 
Best moment this week: We saw the babies last week and Dr. Jamie gave me a good report. 
Mom also took some pictures of Kyle and I.  I wasn't so into it which you can tell by my facial expressions BUT  I did it for the babies so they can see how huge I was with them.  The best picture is the one of Kyle and I.  We were having our own little conversation when mom snapped the one with us laughing at each other.  Candid but cute!
 

Looking forward to: We get to see the babies again tomorrow and it feels weird to think we are now in the last few weeks before meeting these critters.  I now visit the Dr. every week.
I started packing my bag last night, sort of.  I put some things in it and have it open on Ray's bed so I can keep adding. 
I put the bed skirts on the cribs too.  Now all that has to be done is pulling the plastic off the mattresses and putting the waterproof liner and sheets on them.  Waiting as long as we can for that so we can minimize cat hair!
I also opened the baby bottles or at least enough for one day of bottles and placed them in the plastic racks.  I figured that would be very helpful once babies are here so we can just toss them in the dishwasher and will be ready to go.
Kyle still has to hang the mobiles and paint/hang the book shelf.  That will get the books out of the middle of the floor.  He also needs to put batteries in the bouncy chairs and zip tie my diaper cadi to the changing station.  I thought that would work better than putting a nail in our new furniture.
I think the babies coming has become more real for me as I watch other triplet moms that are due around the same time as me deliver their little ones.  The quad mom delivered hers just last week at 29weeks, they are tiny but strong!  Several others are on hospital bed rest.  I am the lucky one!