The first 24 hours

We are so happy to have our family home and can't believe, dare I say it, how smoothly things are going. The triplets are loving sleeping together and we can't get enough of watching them. Ryan has been adjusting wonderfully and we couldn't be more thrilled.

Now, I am all about breastfeeding but I have to say, starting the babies right on bottles has made things much less stressful for me. Mike and I have been lucky that both our mom's are staying with us this week helping out every minute of the day. In fact, I got the middle of the night feeding shift off last night.

We are looking forward to seeing everyone and are so thankful for all your support and prayers. We are open to visitors but request that you call ahead of time. Also, we ask that you are sure that you are not sick and if you have been, to be 5 days symptom free. Although the babies are doing great, it is important for us to remember that they are a month early and really could suffer alot if they were to get sick. Our other request is that when people do come over to please be sure to greet Ryan. In fact, we ask that you greet him before the triplets so that he does not feel neglected in anyway.

The Birth Day

November 13th was such an amazing day for our family. We arrived at the hospital at 10:00 am and A Baby Story was there waiting for us. They did some interviewing before we headed up to labor and delivery. I was an emotional mess and so I'm hoping they edit some of that out.

Of course things were somewhat delayed but I figured that would happen. When it was time to head into the OR I was allowed to walk, well in fact I did a little jog, haha. I wanted to make sure to say goodbye to Ryan and the family in the waiting area before going in and my doctor and the other million staff members were waiting for me so I needed to do it quickly. My poor doctor was ready to kill me. I think it's kinda funny to say when people ask if I was on bed rest that I can respond by saying no, I was running down the hospital hall a few minutes before they were born.

I couldn't even tell you how many doctors and nurses were in the room. There was a team for each baby and then a team for me, along with the crew from A Baby Story. Things actually moved pretty quickly and before we knew it Christopher was born 1:24 weighing 5 lb 3 oz. Then Ashley followed her brother a minute later weighing 5 lb 10 oz. Last but never least, Brianna was born at 1:26 weighing 5 lb 8 oz. Each one gave us a wonderful cry and although they looked small, they were big for triplets. They did go to the NICU step down nursery to be briefly monitored but proved it was not the place for them and after just two feedings to show off their stuff they were in the room with me.

Now I know that everyone talks about the pressure you feel during a c-section but that was not an issue at all for me. What was the most crazy feeling was when Ashley and Brianna were pulled out and the wonderful sensation of being able to breath again. I had no idea just how much they were compressing my lungs. Imagine the feeling of having someone sitting on your chest while your laying down and then they get up and you can finally breath. Then the doctors and nurses expressed their amazement at the size of the placenta which was just shy of 4 pounds. So in a matter of 5 minutes I lost 20lbs- not too bad. It took some time to get me all put back together but before everything was closed the doctor showed Mike my lovely uterus and ovaries. Now, most people would probably get a little ill at seeing their wife's insides but not my hubby, he thinks it was pretty cool. So glad I could share my internal organs with him, haha. Our stay at the hospital was nice and we were constantly greeted with amazement about how big, healthy and beautiful the babies were.

There is no other greater love and joy you feel when you bring children into the world. Mike and I could not be anymore blessed in our lives and continue to thank God everyday for our four wonderful children. How lucky are we that we have been chosen by God to raise these four miracles.

Just a few hours left

This is a picture of my belly from last night. Wow, I'm huge!

The day is finally here.... so much care and work has been focused around getting to today. It is crazy to think that in just a few hours we are going to meet the triplets. What a journey this pregnancy has been- testing my physical and mental stamina but it was all worth it. I am so grateful to my family and friends who have supported me during this time.

Now, the reality of having four babies to care for needs to set in~ what a blessing that God has trusted Mike and I to raise four beautiful children.

One Week To Go~~~

It is so reassuring knowing that I only have one more week to go until the babies are born. I went to the doctor yesterday and was told that my body is holding up so well that I could probably carry to 40 weeks (not that the doctor would ever do that). Funny how at one point in your life you could be told that you may never be able to carry a child then become pregnant with triplets and hold up so well. The babies weights are... baby a- 5.3 lbs baby b- 5.3 lbs and baby c- 5 lbs. I am so happy they are at an estimated weight of 5 pounds. This week will help to boost them up a little more and hopefully they all can come home with us.

I am very much looking forward to being able to do things again, like walk without pain. My feet are so swollen. When Mike rubs them for me he leaves dents, haha. Some may think that it is nice being waited on hand and foot but those that know me, know that is so not my personality. I have such a hard time staying still. I look forward to all the running around I will soon be doing with 4 kids.

Halloween

Ryan enjoyed his second Halloween! Much better spending it at Nana and Grandpa's then in the hospital like last year. Ryan dressed up as a monkey and went trick or treating with Mommy, Daddy and Nana. Afterwards, he tried his first Reese's Peanut Butter Cup and loved it.

Ryan's 1st Birthday

Our little man had a wonderful 1st birthday. He loved his cake that Mommy made him and received several toys. It's hard to believe that he is already one~ the year went so fast. Ryan had a good visit at the doctor and was given the okay to stop formula. Wow- Mike and I will get two whole weeks without having to buy formula, haha. His weight is still off the charts at 28.9 lbs but not a problem. He loves being able to try all new table foods and has been given the okay to try anything (just to watch for choking hazards). I think his most favorite thing now is chocolate icing- it gives such a sugar high!