Guess Who Stopped By!

Can you believe it!!! What a day we have had!!! Thanks Wendy!

Before the big arrival, my brother, Kevin, babysat with my mom for a bit while I finished up shopping....



And last but not least...my dear friend Rhiannon and her boyfriend Mark also stopped by on her way through town. What a wonderful holiday this is turning out to be!!!!

Quick Update - Pretty boring!

Things are definitely becoming more and more interesting. The babies are becoming very active these days and how to keep them entertained has become the million dollar question! Even before I start to feed them, I am asking myself where I am going to put them once they are done. They really don't like many of the bouncy seats or swings yet but I continue to try. Plus the space that everything takes up!!!! As of right now, we are really contained in the nursery but every square foot has become prime real estate. I continue to work on Aaron to give up his office for a family room which is right across the hall from the kitchen and next door to the nursery...he has started to budge a little bit - we'll see!

Wylie's reflux has gotten so much better. He still has episodes but nothing compared to that horrible last week. Katie and Maggie continue to just go with the flow. Both girls are so alert and sometimes manage to stay awake an entire three hours. They are sleeping pretty good during the night....usually four to five hour stretches with only one or two little fusses in between. We head back to Savannah for our last eye appt on Monday thank goodness - then no more out of town for awhile!

Mom continues to come M-F and help with the babies. As tired as I am, I know what a blessing I have in her. I spoke with another triplet mom who was in the hospital room next to us in Savannah and she has zero help. They finally hired someone last week to come from 11p-2a to help with two feedings but she had been doing it almost completely by herself. I can't imagine how exhausted she must have felt.

With Mom being here all week, Katie has really bonded with her. All the babies love the attention she gives but Katie is something else. She can be asleep to the world and when she hears Mom, she is wide awake and wanting to be held. The other day, she watched Mom walk out of the room and as soon as she was out of sight began screaming. I have to admit it is pretty cute and Mom is eating it up!

The new pastor at First Presbyterian Church came by the house last night to visit. She and her husband Joseph bought their house right around the corner from us and aren't much older than Aaron and me. We really liked her.

Sorry I don't have any new pictures. Our camera is on the fritz - It only comes out as black fuzz. Hopefully Santa will be bringing me a new one or something to capture these sweet moments!!!! I would love to show everyone our mantle that is FULL of Stockings or our Christmas tree full of new ornaments that read "Wylie" "Katie" and "Maggie"....I LOVE IT and may keep them up until Spring :)

Love you all and have really enjoyed the Christmas cards that have come in. Hope you are having a wonderful Christmas Season.

Karen

Shots, Christmas Parties, Reflux and Exhaustion

People have asked me since before the triplets were born....How are you going to do it? Since bringing the babies home, it has been naively easy. They eat and sleep and that was about all. I have a husband who is a natural at parenting and is able to problem solve with patience and ease, a wonderful mother who has dedicated herself to these babies and teaches me daily on how to be a good mom, family who call with words of encouragement and friends who talk me through difficult times as we exchange first time parent experiences. All the pieces are here for me to make this work. But everyone crashes sometime or later and this was my first week of an emotional low.

I guess it really started Monday when nothing I did made Wylie comfortable. I was managing by myself for the first time and the day was long. He fidgeted, fussed, cried and then spit up EVERY time I put him down. All he wanted was to be held and with two other little girls needing the same, it wore me out quickly. By Tuesday, Mom and I tried everything but nothing seemed to help. It was exhausting. Then Wednesday night, Aaron ended up just stuffing him with milk. TaDa! The crying stopped (1/2 the problem)! The poor baby must have hit a growth spurt and needed more per feeding. Major miscalculation on my part and really hurt my spirit that I didn't figure that out sooner.

Then on Thursday we had to take the trio to Dr. Thompson's. This always is a big production. I have grown to like my little house and really dread having to leave it - especially with all three babies. Mom and Wendy again went with me. I don't know what I would do without these two...they really are lifesavers and I appreciate all they do to help me on days like this.

All the babies received excellent reports and are really growing at an impressive rate. Katie and Maggie are both weighing 7lbs 12oz. Katie is 20.5 inches long and Maggie is 21.25 inches. Big Boy Wylie weighs 8lbs 8oz and is 21.5 inches.

They ended up getting the first of their immunizations which I hadn't planned on. Originally I had wanted to space these out but decided to get a bundled shot this time. Not sure what I will do in the future but felt Dr. Thompson supported whatever I want. I need to do more research before next visit. I felt completely unprepared at the office....didn't have the research on the shots, didn't bring blankets for the babies (although I had two in my bag by chance...Mom used her layered shirt to blanket Katie after they were weighed), Wylie peed all over me and the floor and then to top it off, it was pooring rain when we left and I had no umbrella....just awful.

Later that night, we had Aaron's Christmas party. It was really nice to get dressed up and head out to Bonefish but about this time was when I hit my wall. Mom and I had been dealing with Wylie's reflux for the third day and I was completely frustrated and felt like a failure. It was really cold and rainy outside and heading out to dinner seemed to be a huge task. When Aaron walked through the door, I broke. The tears started. I hadn't cried since bringing the babies home but I cried at that moment. Something about seeing Aaron and the comfort he brings, I was able to let it go. After some long hugs and reassurances, I pulled it back together and we were able to make it to the island for the party. It really was a nice time and Aaron works with a great group who have supported us throughout the pregnancy with prayers, meals, gifts and calls. However, I thought about the babies all night and was relieved when we finally pulled back into the driveway. Mom, Aunt Patti and Cynthia did a great job and everyone was sound asleep (except Wylie who never got put down) when we got walked in.

That night I decided to give Wylie some of Maggie's reflux medicine. Again....TaDA!!!! Poor baby responded immediately and has been doing great ever since. So now he is eating enough and his reflux is almost completely managed...he can finally sleep (as can I).

Today was a good day. Stayed close to the house and recharged emotionally. The Christmas tree is up and looks great, the babies are all sleeping again, all the bottles are washed and full for the night...we are good to go.

So when people ask me how I manage, I guess the answer will be day to day. Most days are wonderful and full of new adventures....Maggie is beginning to smile and follows us closely with her big round eyes, Katie loves her toys and being "handi bundled" before falling asleep, Wylie has started putting his arms around my neck as I burp him and all three love to snuggle in bed while we fall asleep at night. I love being a mom and would never trade these days for anything. Even when I feel tried and exhausted.

First Day Alone

YIKES!!! Mom called last night to tell me she has the crud....Looks like I will be winging it by myself for the next few days. Honestly, I am a nervous wreck. So far I have kept things above water but it is pretty busy. Just fed Wylie for the second time and the girls are starting to stir leaving me only a couple of minutes to hold him before putting him down (and hoping that he doesn't spit up while I feed the other two).

On top of that, the doorbell! Thinking that I would have Mom to help, we started the most recent renovation on a rental this week. The contractors understand that I am here alone but they are still coming by with questions (the house is just behind us and is easily walked). Am I a glutton for punishment or what! Here is where we are in the project....

Will keep you posted as the progresses....if I can still see straight!

Beginning to look like Christmas!

With Thanksgiving behind us, we have started to break out all the Christmas decorations. I don't think I have ever looked forward to a holiday as much as this year. We are on the search for stockings, have all the Santas displayed and plan on getting the tree this evening. We even had our first family picture taken for Christmas cards! Speaking of.....I am rounding up addresses for everyone, so if you have a minute, drop me an email with yours so I will be sure to get you one in the mail....they are too cute!

Hope all is well with everyone! Here is one of the out takes - It is proving to be very difficult to get all three looking like they are at least enjoying themselves!

Happy Thanksgiving (a day late!)

Aaron and I had a great Thanksgiving last night. Even though it was the first time without all of our family - dinner turned out great. We had all the usual fixings, used all of our fine china and crystal and the house was full of baby sounds....perfect evening! The babies were relatively quiet until the end when both girls wanted to come up front and join us. We ended up placing them in the swing together and got to enjoy another half hour or so at the table. It was the most beautiful holiday that I have ever had so far. Aaron even woke me up this morning to tell me how much much he enjoyed it also....all I can say is that I am forever completed and love my family so much.

Our first shot...notice the spit-up that just happened on what I got dressed to wear to dinner. I hadn't held Wylie for more than a minute before he got me. It is kind of like "Where's Waldo" these days - you can always find it somewhere on me at any time of day!

And now the progression that happened within seconds....



Will getting a picture of the three of them together get any easier?

And the morning after....sweet girls!

Yikes! Has it been a week already!

With some "subtle" hints from friends (thanks for the chocolate pie Cynthia - sweet bribery always works!), I realized it has been over a week since the last post and people are getting antsy! I guess being caught up doesn't last long when you have three newborns.

The babies continue to develop exceptionally well. Each are now following sights and sounds with their eyes and are beginning to sleep a tad bit longer during the nights (getting close to four hour stretches now). They are drinking almost 3oz per feeding and are really getting heavy. At the doctors on Monday, this was their weights:

Wylie: 6.11 lbs


Maggie: 6 lbs


Katie: 6 lbs

There really is a difference in picking them up now. They are almost out of the preemie size diapers and the preemie clothes only fit Katie now. Also, I would like to note so I can chuckle later down the road....nails! OK...keeping track of one baby's finger and toe nails is one thing but I never put together the chore in keeping up with three! That is THIRTY fingernails AND THIRTY toenails! I never realized the ongoing task this would be! Another side note - I had always pictured the three dressed in coordinating outfits...impossible! Not only do they spit up on their outfits before I get the next one dressed, it is next to impossible to keep THEIR outfits matching! My poor children...they look like a bunch mismatched orphans with various tops and bottoms being put together! I am hoping this gets better with time.

Being the week of Thanksgiving, I have been reflecting on how fortunate we are and how great a year it has been. What a Thanksgiving it is! I would have never dreamed that we would have a house FULL of children this time last year! I am so grateful and am looking forward to having a very special evening with the five of us! We have decided to stay home and have dinner here. I will do my best to make it as beautiful and wonderful as Kathleen usually does in Houston - even though I know it won't even be close. The last time I attempted setting the table like she does, my centerpiece went up in flames and ended up in the kitchen sink doused with water! Thanksgiving is always a special time of year we usually spend with Aaron's parents and family and we will definitely be missing them. Perhaps next year we will be able to travel again. If they won't mind three one year olds running around!

Here are some updated pics for everyone! Hopefully it won't be so long before next post!

Three peas in a pod!

Aaron holding Maggie after being at the office. The best treat to come home to!


Kisses - she is really hungry and pretending Daddy's nose is a bottle! Oh well....

Maggie and Wylie holding hands during Sunday Football with Daddy

All Caught Up!

Feeling much better since last post! Had a weekend of bouncing back and forth caring for babies with Aaron and was able to get a little rest here and there.

The babies are growing so fast and quickly approaching their due date which, from what I understand, ends the preemie stage and begins a whole other ballgame. The days when they were first born and still in the hospital are becoming fuzzy memories. We are so blessed to have these babies home with us and be able to watch them grow as quickly as they are. It is not going to be too much longer until they are no longer considered in a "preemie stage" and begin acting like full term babies. Their official due date is in a few weeks (December 9th) and changes are definitely beginning. They are getting more vocal, eating a lot more and able to wear a few more of the outfits we have for them. They change daily in every way including developing each of their very distinct personalities. It is nothing short of amazing to watch.

It is also indescribable how wonderful my mom has been in helping us. She is here every week day and does a tremendous amount of work and errands for us. Also, so many friends have been such a blessing including Kim Landers who has brought us meals every Sunday for months, First Presbyterian Church who also has brought a number of meals and visits, Wendy who is always available to help us make it to a doctors appt. or as an extra hand in caring for the babies, Aunt Patti who was able to head to Savannah whenever we needed her, all of my girlfriends who have called and sent care packages, Aaron's friends and colleagues who randomly drop off diapers or take Aaron out to dinner, Meghan, Lois and Ed (Color Me Happy - Downtown Brunswick) who finished my nursery when I was on bedrest, everyone who helped throw our showers (Carol, Angie, Mabry, Pat, Wendy, Aunt Patti, and Susan) and many many others who have helped in more ways than I can count. Aaron and I both have been overcome with gratitude and will never forget how giving and generous friends have been to us. I just wanted to say thank you to everyone....thank you for helping us bring home such wonderful, happy and healthy babies - we could not have done it by ourselves.

OK...enough sap! Want to see some new pics of these babes? :)

Me holding Mags

Aaron figuring out all those carseats! AND....HE WAS ABLE TO GET ALL THREE TO FIT IN THE FOURRUNNER!!!! NO MORE SPLITTING UP - YAY FOR DADDY!!!!

Katie watching my every move - not quite sure about that camera flash!

Wylie hanging out...waiting for his next bottle!

Daddy gave in....finally time to eat for Wylie!

1 a.m. and exhausted....

Today was an exhausting whirlwind. I went to bed around 4a.m and woke up around 8 when Aaron was finishing the before work/let me sleep feeding. While he went to the office for a couple of hours, I had to give all three a bath, pack the diaper bag, make up some formula, feed again, see if the girls now fit in the regular car seats, dress all three for the doctor visit and try to get dressed myself - all before noon when we were supposed to get on the road to head to Savannah. Naively, I thought I could do this by myself. What a wonderful surprise it was when Mom walked through the door! Even with her help, we barely made it.

I had borrowed the Honda Odyssey overnight from the dealership to "see how it does on the highway!" It was SOOOOO nice having everyone in the same car and having Aaron driving! I could relax a little being outside the house for once! We arrived in Savannah only a few minutes late and saw the Eye Specialist who gave us a great report on their eyes. The exam itself was awful though and Aaron had to hold each one because it broke my heart watching it.

We arrived back home around 6 where we had to change and diaper each baby before I headed back to the dealership to return the van. They must be getting sick of seeing me. This has been an everyday process for over a week now! Although I have to admit....for each day we hold out, the deal gets better! I picked up take out on the way home but it had to wait....by the time I got back home it was time for another feeding! Finally got some dinner around 8:30 and rested for a couple of hours.

Since 10:45 (over two hours), I have been struggling with Maggie and Wylie. They finished their bottles but spit up every time I lay them down. I just put them in the "fed bed" and am crossing my fingers it will stick. At one point tonight, I was holding both while they threw up on each of my shoulders. There was nothing more I could do than just hold them and rock. Neither are sleeping right now but at least they are not crying or have milk coming out of their noses! Katie is snoring in the middle....she is as worn out as me! I have to feed them again in an hour so I have decided to just wait it out - after that is my nice long stretch until 9a.m. when the day starts over.

My eyes are crossing, my back hurts, I am thirsty and I want sleep! I wonder if I could make myself fit in one of these empty cribs for just an hour.............

Happy 1 Month!

Just wanted to say Happy 1 Month to the babies!

We love you so much and are so proud of the progress each of you have made. It is hard to believe that just a month ago tonight, we were meeting you for the first time in the NICU. Being eight weeks early, we had to just look at you...unable to even hold such a small baby. Now, tonight you are home and have spent all day in my arms while I stare in complete awe at how perfect each of you are.

In such a short time, the three of you have become the lights of our lives and you couldn't make us any more happier than we are right now.

Love Mom and Dad

Maggie

Wylie

Katie

Tired but Happy!

Things are going great but the fatigue is catching up some. Last night I woke Aaron up for the 6a.m. feeding which he always takes over but he was convinced that it was only 2a.m. - No way had the night gone by that fast! I knew the feeling well!

Daddy looking kind of tired!

One day's worth of bottles (24 count)

How we feed all three in the middle of the night

We did have some fun over the weekend. Mom and Wendy came over and were our first ever babysitters Friday night while Aaron and I went out for sushi. I have craved a good sushi dinner since I found out I was pregnant so we decided to treat ourselves. We went over to the new sushi place in Redfern and had a fabulous time. It was really nice!

Saturday, I headed out and test drove minivans while Aaron kept the babies. Yep....making the jump. I think that I found a good Honda Odyssey used and hope to bring it home Wednesday to let Aaron check it out. He is even less thrilled than I am to have a van (and I am hardly excited) but choices are slim when you have three in carseats.

Today, Mom is over helping and let me "catch up" on stuff (like a new blog!). Hope all is well for everyone. Now that this is done....going to splurge on a hot shower and try to get dressed for the day!

Maggie

Sisters (Katie on the left and Maggie on the right)

Bath Time!

Katie

Wylie