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.