3 weeks old (and 2 days!)

Wow! It's hard to believe that the boys are 3 weeks old already. It has gone so quickly. I think it's because we do the same thing most every day around the clock!

We have started to be a little more adventurous and took the boys out to lunch yesterday. Fortunately there was an option for outside dining and it was a beautiful day, so we didn't have to figure out how to negotiate in a restaurant. I imagine that will be a bit more challenging!

The "big" boys are doing really well with nursing and each get the opportunity multiple times during the day. We are even figuring out the 2 at once thing! I'm still pumping at each feeding to use at the next feeding so that they all get mommy's milk at each feeding. I haven't really started Ryder nursing much because he is on a high calorie formula and I don't want to cut into his calories too much. Especially now as he is starting to fill out!

The boys have their next appointment on Tuesday, so I'll be anxious to see how much they have grown since their 2 week check up. I can definitely tell they are getting bigger. Garrett feels like a lead weight when I pick him up and he is now sporting a double chin.

All in all the boys are doing well and I'm loving being a mommy to three tiny guys and their big sister!

Here are a few pictures... First one is 3 weeks old - Daniel, Ryder, Garrett. Second one is Daniel during tummy time from earlier in the week. He makes his mommy so proud!

Snuggle time

There hasn't been too much excitement at our household in the past few days. The boys are eating like champs and getting bigger. Their newborn clothes are starting to get a little snug in length and Daniel and Garrett are actually filling out their clothing some. It's so cute that they actually look pudgy now! Ryder is still my skinny man, but he is eating like crazy!

We took the boys to the farm on Thursday to pick up our CSA items. Maddy was very excited to tell everyone about her brothers and to show them the veggies! I introduced Maddy to the deliciousness of eating peas straight from the pod... Yum! She isn't quite able to shell them by herself, but I bet by the end of the season she will know how.

The boys also had the opportunity to meet their Great great Aunt and Uncle today. I'm so happy that we were able to spend some time with them and that the boys were able to get some extra special cuddles. Madelynn also enjoyed the visit!

Tonight we are just relaxing after a busy day. Maddy is going to have a sleepover tomorrow, so I have to get my snuggle time in tonight!

Maddy also loves to snuggle her brothers. She calmed Ryder down tonight and put him right to sleep...

2 weeks old!

We had the boys 2 week check up and Madelynn's 2.5 year check up this morning. We managed to get all four kiddos up, fed, dressed and out the door and we were only 5 mins late to the appointment! Thankfully my mother in law was here to help. Not sure we would have been so successful had it just been Dan and I!

Maddy was a great big sister and a brave girl at the appointment. She is growing and "perfect" according to our doctor. She is also incredibly proportionate as her height, weight and BMI are all in the 30th percentile. She looked so cute standing on the scale for her height and weight!

The boys were deemed "perfect" as well. They were all champs in the weight gain department and all 3 are on the growth chart for term babies! I think someone forgot to tell them that they are preemies! The doctor did note that she thinks Garrett is developing a hemangioma on the side of his chest, so we may end up with a way to tell them apart. Best news of the appointment was that we no longer have to wake them up in the middle of the night to feed them. We are allowed to let them wake us to eat, which I'm sure they will, but we may actually get to sleep more than 2 hours at one time. We shall see how that goes.

2 weeks old:
Daniel - 5 lbs 14 oz, 19.25 inches
Ryder - 4 lbs 12 oz, 17.75 inches
Garrett - 6 lbs, 19 inches

Ryder is so close to 5 lbs! We were told to go ahead and start letting them nurse at feedings instead of pumping and giving it in a bottle. I'm not sure I'm ready to tackle 2 at once yet, so for now I'll let one nurse and then pump so that the other boys still get milk. We will continue to supplement as well, just so they keep gaining weight like they have been.

In other news, we had the boys' pictures taken on Saturday. They all cooperated fairly well and we got some really cute poses. I can't wait to see the finished product. I will share the link once they are finished!

We went to church on Sunday. It was so nice to be out of the house! Even though everyone flocked to see the boys, they also kept their distance and no one tried to touch them. Phew! The boys slept great through the service and woke up only long enough to eat. It was definitely nice to be out and the boys didn't seem too thrown off by it, so we may try it again next week.

Otherwise we are all doing well and are loving spending time with the boys! Maddy is home with us this week, and she is being so good. She gets to go to the Zoo and maybe even HersheyPark this week! I hope she has a blast!

2 week old cuteness...

Second weight check

Ryder - up first

Here are the bath pictures as promised! Haha! Sorry for the delay!

Ryder all wrapped up

Daniel, not so sure about this bath thing

Happy to be drying off!

Garrett, relaxing in the tub

Thinking about the best time to pee on mommy!

 

Today we had our second weight check doctor visit.  Man is it going to take forever to go anywhere just because people feel the need to chat and comment about the triplets as we pass.  I'm sure it only gets worse, but I'm not used to feeling like a spectacle.  Oh well, I guess we will get used to the new normal.  Their check up went well.  All of the boys are doing great.

Their weights were:
Daniel - 5 lbs 9 oz (up 5 oz from Monday)
Ryder - 4 lbs 7 oz (up 1 oz from Monday)
Garrett - 5 lbs 10 oz (up 4 oz from Monday)

As you can see, little man is not gaining weight quite as well as his brothers, and I think a lot of it is that he gets super tired when he eats.  We are going to start mixing his formula differently to add more calories to it, so what he takes in has more to it.  The doctor today said she thought that would help until he reaches that 5 pound mark and then at that point he should be back on track and able to eat more volume at his mealtimes.  Our pediatrician stopped in to say hi at the end of our visit and she said she had no worries that he will catch up soon.  I am currently able to provide milk for all of their feedings, occasionally there is enough that they don't want "seconds" of formula.  Yay!  For Ryder we may have to decrease the amount of breast milk he gets just to get the higher calories in him.  I don't want to cut it out completely, because I want him to get the antibodies and nutrients from the breast milk too.  Oh and he is now on a strict - only Dan can feed him - rule.  He eats the best for Dan, so until he chunks up he is stuck with his Daddy!

Tomorrow we are having the boys newborn photos taken.  I can't wait!  I am a bit nervous about having them all naked at the same time bc I don't want to mix them up, but I think we will make it work.  Fortunately we haven't moved the queen bed into the spare bedroom yet so we have a "studio" for the day! My brother has some great ideas, so I can't wait to share some of his work when the pictures are finished.  Oh and he is going to be making our birth announcements.  Has anyone been able to find announcements for triplets?  I can't find them anywhere!


And just because...

Loving her new bubble blower!

1 week old!

I'm a slacker and completely forgot to post a 1 week picture yesterday, so I will make it up to you all and post it today!

Daniel, Ryder, Garrett

The boys were able to meet their great grandparents today and they loved having lots of snuggle time!  I'm so happy timing worked out as it did so that they were in town and were able to meet the boys so soon after they were born.  We are sad that we won't be able to spend Father's Day with them which is Dan's family tradition.  I just don't think that the boys and I are up for a 3.5 hour drive quite yet.  

Great Grandma holding Daniel, Great Grandpa talking to him

Last night the boys were pretty fussy, which is a first for us.  I think they were just a little overstimulated from the last two days of busyness.  

Today has been much more low key all around, which is definitely a good thing.  We gave the boys baths this am, which was cute.  They all weren't so sure to start, but then calmed down and seemed to enjoy it.  It seemed to work out well that Dan could bathe one while I dried, diapered and dressed the previous one.  We are apparently really good at assembly lines!  And I made it to the third boy before I was peed on... Thanks Garrett!

Otherwise the boys have been relaxing, which means I have actually had a chance to relax a bit. Phew!  My friend, Megan, was also nice enough to buy lunch for us and bring it by, so we could enjoy and she could hang out with the boys for a few minutes.

I think that is all that is going on with us right now... 


(I will post bath time pictures tomorrow, my bed is calling more than my patience is allowing me to wait for the pictures to import to my computer!)

First time out...

I'd love to say that it was for some fun event, but obviously it was for doctor appointments for the boys and for me.

We received a phone call yesterday morning letting us know that the boys appointment was scheduled for 10:20. Fortunately the office is only 15 minutes away because the boys were due to eat at 9:30 and we knew it would be a challenge to accomplish everything and get there on time. Surprisingly enough we made it!

I'm happy to report that the boys all look great and are gaining weight. Daniel and Ryder had both gained 2 ounces and Garrett gained 4 ounces since Saturday! Way to go boys! They are all almost back to their birth weights and may even surpass that by the end of the week when we go back. Little Ryder man was looking a bit yellow so they sent us to the lab for a bilirubin check, fortunately we received a phone call later in the day saying his level was normal.

As soon as we left the lab we went straight to my doctor's appointment for me to get my staples out. I was really nervous about that, but the nurse was great and it didn't hurt at all. Phew. Best part was that the boys were due to eat and I didn't have to feed a single one! All the ladies in the office wanted to hold the boys, so I put them to work! The nice thing was that my appointment was scheduled for 1pm and they are closed from 12-1 for lunch, so since we got there early they took me back while it was still their lunch break. It was nice for all of them to get to see the boys. They all had a very important part in getting the boys home to us safely.

After all of that we went home and relaxed a bit. It is amazing how that little bit can take a lot out of you!

Last evening we had meals dropped off at our home from our church. Wow, what a blessing. I am so amazed at the out pouring of love and help that we have received. Dan couldn't be home last evening, but again friends stepped up and helped me so that I had enough help to get through both of the feeding times that he missed. We are just feeling so blessed. Thank you to all of you who have helped us out even just in the few days we have been home! And it is so good to be home!

Home Sweet Home!

We have been home since yesterday afternoon and it has been wonderful. The boys started their time at home with a chorus of "singing" and we just cracked up as it was more than we had heard them cry ever. They quickly calmed down and we got into the routine of things. Maddy came home a little later and was so excited to see us home, it was great! The boys have been eating a ton, and for now I am managing to provide most of what they need. We have worked out a good system for their bottles since they are getting breast milk and formula. Maddy has been a huge helper and already knows what to get if we say that someone needs changed. She also loves to cuddle with them and calm them down when they fuss.

So for now we are doing well. We will see how it is in a few weeks when the boys are closer to term and awake more often than they are now. I am so thankful to have my whole family home with me! I could not have imagined anything better than this!

Woombies! (Daniel, Garrett, Ryder)

Ahh relaxation...

So today was a really truly relaxing day. We sent the boys to the nursery for a few hours last night, which was nice as it allowed us to sleep uninterrupted for 2.5 hours. They joined us at 5am and after their feeding slept like champs. I think they were still worn out from yesterday. I was able to take a shower and get a slow start to the day.

After breakfast I was finally cleared for no more sugar checks! Yay! That was such an answer to prayer! I was hoping that the diabetes would resolve before I left the hospital and it did! Then we snuggled with the boys for awhile and just relaxed while they went to the nursery for a bath one at a time. (our nurse is awesome!) Ryder then had his repeat hearing screen - unfortunately he only passed in one ear so we have to do it again tomorrow. After that we had some more cuddly time and just chatted for a bit while I filled out a mountain of paperwork.

After lunch the nurse mandated I take a break and sleep. Wow, I hadn't realized how tired I really was. I slept for an hour uninterrupted and it was incredible. I felt amazing! I was then able to relax for awhile longer before grabbing the boys for some cuddle time. I had a few visitors this afternoon, but otherwise we didn't have a lot of action. It was a nice change from yesterday. We were asked to do another news interview, so that may happen tomorrow before discharge. I requested that it not be today because the boys needed to relax. They were exhausted after yesterday and I was not about to do that again today. Their health is the only thing that matters to us! And besides we have already made it to the Associated Press! Haha!

The boys are doing so well. Ryder is already gaining weight. All of their bili levels are staying under the threshold. And they are eating so well. Today I have managed to provide a bottle of milk for one boy at each feeding and the next feeding there is enough for two boys! Yay!!!! We are still offering formula after they finish the breast milk, but I'm happy that they are getting as much as they are! Once we are home I will start working on them to latch and actually nurse. I just felt like it was too stressful for them here and tired them out too much they wouldn't then take a bottle. At least I feel like we are on our way to breast feeding success!

Otherwise we are set to go home tomorrow! Yay!!! Pray that the boys bilirubin levels don't drastically rise over night as that would be our only hang up at this point.

Oh and the pediatrician found a difference in one of the boys! Garrett has a little dimple at the base of his spine just above his hiney. Maddy has a dimple just like it! It apparently has a technical term, but I don't know what it is. I'll have to look it up!

And here is some cuteness...

What a day...

Who knew it could be this crazy in a hospital room. We made it through the night last night by ourselves with the boys rooming in, and we were incredibly tired this morning. At least we know we can do it on our own though. Yesterday we had been asked if a local news channel could do a story about us, so we agreed and planned it for today. Who knew that would be one of many things occurring today!

We had asked my mom to bring Madelynn in for some of the day and to make sure she was here for the news interview, because she is definitely a major part of our family! She was so cute with the boys talking and singing to them and tickling them. It was fun to see her interacting so well with them.

Shortly after Madelynn arrived the hearing assessment person arrived and started hearing tests. As soon as she finished a few visitors arrived and the lady arrived to take pictures of the boys. Quite literally as soon as she finished the news team arrived. She actually was not able to show us the pictures before she left.

The news interview went really well, the boys were great and I didn't feel like I had to come up with an elaborate story, but was able to just have a conversation with the cameraman, which took away some of the pressure.

As soon as the news left the photographer came back to show us our pictures and when she left they came to take Ryder for his circ (Daniel and Garrett were yesterday).

It was crazy! Somehow in all of that we managed to keep them on their feeding schedule, I was able to pump on schedule, Ryder managed to nurse for 10 minutes and we were able to eat meals on time. I am honestly not sure how we didn't drop over from exhaustion! We are sending the boys to the nursery tonight so we can get a few hours of uninterrupted sleep, otherwise I don't think we would make it through tomorrow!

I have to admit though it was really cool to see our family on the news tonight. The boys are just amazing! I think we will be here until Saturday, but at this point that means we will all be going home together! Yay!

Please continue to pray that the boys keep up their good work and pray for pain relief and continued good recovery for me.

Good day!

So today I am much more alert and awake, which is a good thing! I have been up out of bed a few times and even took a shower! It's amazing how a shower can make you feel so much better.

The boys are doing really well. The pediatrician said that they were acting like term babies than 35 weekers. Good job boys! They are keeping their weight up and maintaining their body temps. At this point if they continue to do well they will come home with me on Friday or Saturday. This afternoon Ryder and Daniel both passed their car seat tolerance test and Garrett is currently doing his.

We are definitely enjoying the time to get to know our boys better and have already learned a bit of their personalities. And because of car seat tests and circumcisions I've even had some one on one time with Garrett and Ryder, which is kind of nice.

Thanks again for your prayers for our boys. Please continue to pray for their health and for my recovery.

Here are some pics, it should be Daniel, Ryder, then Garrett!

We have arrived!

So this morning began far too early as I was up around 4 am to get a shower and braid my hair and get out the door just before 5. We arrived on time and walked up to Labor and Delivery. I promptly felt like I was a freak of nature because everyone had to come see the woman who carried her triplets to 35 weeks without bedrest or hospitalization. Then add on that the boys are identical and it was practically a circus! In all honesty though, I cannot believe how truly blessed we are to have made it to 35 weeks without bedrest or any other major issues.

After the initial prep we had to wait a little because someone was in with an emergency section and in the largest room, which is where we needed to be. We didn't have to wait too long before I walked down the hallway and into the OR. The whole c-section was an interesting process. It was so surreal to know what was going on, but not be able to feel it. Very strange. We had a great team and I felt very well cared for the entire time. I do know what the most incredible sound in the world is... 3 boys screaming their heads off! The next best thing was hearing the words, "hi, I'm dr so and so the neonatologist and for now we are signing off on the boys. They will be on the floor with you." I almost started crying right then and there.

The rest of the day was filled with family visiting, bottles and lots of diaper changes. It was so nice to cuddle with my boys. I can't get over how incredibly blessed we are! The boys have all done well latching to breast feed, but haven't quite figured it out yet. The pump and I will remain friends for now! (sorry if that's tmi)

Here are the boys stats:
A - Daniel Jeffrey 5lbs 7oz 18 inches
B - Ryder James 4lbs 8oz 17 inches
C - Garrett Campbell 5lbs 8oz 18in

We have been blessed beyond our wildest dreams as the boys have been with us all day doing newborn baby things.

Thank you all for the prayers. Please continue to pray for us as the adventure is only beginning!

The last few hours...

If you've been following along, you know that we are now down to single-digit hours until we meet the boys. I can still vividly remember our first appointment. A day that will live in infamy in our once-quiet lives.

By the time most of you read this we will no longer be a family of three. While most families add, we are multiplying. We are looking forward to tomorrow, but there is still a bittersweet feeling that nothing will ever be the same.

So we are sitting here, bags packed, trying to rest before our alarm goes off much earlier than it should. (I know Jen is glad she is up first tomorrow, but I think it's cruel that the last time we can sleep in for the foreseeable future, we have to be at the hospital by 5:30 AM.)

Jen has made it to our goal. I am so proud of my wife, and will never be able to make this up to her. If you go back to our first post, you will see that I had full confidence in her ability to carry these boys as long as the doctors would let her.

We will do our best to update everyone in the next few days, so hang in there. Thank you all for your support, thoughts and prayers. And we'll see you on the other side.

Last scheduled prenatal visit! (34 weeks 4 days)

I cannot believe that today was the last of my appointments at MFM. The people there have become like a family to us and it was really sad to say goodbye today. I know I will see them for a postpartum visit, but it was still a sad, but happy day. All of the girls asked if they could come visit me next week in the hospital, which I think is so nice. I can tell these people really care about their patients, which is so comforting when in such a high risk situation. We were so blessed by having such a great team that has helped me to get this far!

As far as the visit itself, I'm doing well. No issues aside from the typical aches and pains that are to be expected at this point. The boys are also doing well. They all had normal fluid levels, and heart rates are normal as well. Baby C was breathing the whole time as he as been the last few appointments, but like usual required some prompting to move. He did start kicking Baby A after A kicked him. Yep, they are fighting already! Baby A was incredibly difficult to see as he is in my pelvis, but he performed well. Baby B was the difficult one again today! He was moving like crazy, but made us work for the breathing. He'd go for 15 seconds, then 20, then stop. All we need is 30 seconds! He did finally comply and so all 3 boys got full score for their biophysical profiles. I can't believe that we get to meet them on Tuesday! And rumor has it the doctor doing the c-section likes to get triplets out all during the same minute to confuse the nurses by having the babies have the same birth time! That will make them even more identical!

Please pray that the boys stay put until Tuesday and that we have healthy boys at delivery! At 35 weeks it can go either way as far as needing NICU or not. We would obviously love to have our boys with us in the room, but most of all we just want them to be healthy and get the care they need. Also pray for my nerves as I'm a bit intimidated by having major surgery!

Dan will try to post an update on Tuesday as soon as we are able. The c-section is scheduled for 7:30am!

Oh and here is a picture from this past weekend. My brother (Jay Stover Photography) took it at the twins birthday party! I think I'm going to enjoy having a photographer in the family!