Breakfast for three {mostly pix}!

I've been asked how I manage to feed all three babies at once if needed...AND take care of Colton if he's home w/us? "Milk Maids" (bottle proppers) for the babies and Cheerios for my little man! {Did I mention COFFEE for ME!?!?} Please note that I never prop and leave the girls unattended AND I only do it when it's necessary! I'd much rather hold & cuddle them while they eat but sometimes their patience wears thin with the whole waiting in line thing! As far as Colton goes, he's content just to have something to munch on until breakfast and sharing in my company {he's in a bit of a Mommy phase...}! :o) These pix were taken Friday morning...

Addie

Emma

Lexi

Look! No hands! (Again, usually reserved for the middle of the night when we set up camp in the nursery (what used to be the master bedroom - now we just have a bed and dresser there!!!)...

"This ain't so bad!"

Helpin' Mommy make bottles and stash 'em in the fridge! We make 24 bottles every morning which is a full day/night's worth. The girls will continue eating every 3 hours until they are greater than 10 lbs. to ensure they continue to get enough nutrients and calories... I will sleep again...someday!

Most recent trio photo (10/25/08) - they are getting SO big and looking more alike by the ounce!

Bad BLOGGER - Good MOMMY

Hello to all! The title is apropos - while I have not sent out any updates, pictures, etc., I have been very busy taking care of my five children (every time I say that, it's still a little overwhelming}! Everything is going really well - we are slowly finding a "norm" but it changes from day to day! Let's start with Taylor and Colton for a change!

Taylor recently finished up what proved to be a rather disappointing volleyball season. They only had five games scheduled and then a "tournament" - too bad because she really enjoys the game! We hope to be in a better prgram next year! Tay's cheer team had their first competition on October 12th and took 1st place against 4 other teams. Unfortunately, I was unable to attend so I don't have pix but hopefully the next comp (Nov 1st) will be different! She has chosen to be a Cat for Halloween this year - here's a partial costume pic! What a beauty! She gets her braces off in December - just in time for Christmas {but of course, it couldn't be soon enough for her liking!!!}. Lastly, she continues to get straight A's - to include he Accelerated Algebra class! All of this while helping us juggle our beautiful babies!

Pretty Kitty!! :o)

Colton is doing absolutely wonderfully! He is an amazing little man!! He's getting so BIG that it's unimaginable sometimes! He isn't your typical 21 month old - he picks up his toys, helps mama with chores, loves bedtime (99% of the time - smile), and is now going through quite a mommy phase. I think he's just happy to have me "back" after I was so physically limited with the pregnancy. He's also vying for my attention which pre-trip's was something he didn't really have to do... We have been managing to get some alone time and I find ways for him to help me with the girls so I think he will survive this with very little therapy {smile}! When I go back to work in January, we are hoping to find a place for him at the child development center on the base. I think he will love it there!!! Here's a picture of him helping me wash bottles!

Mommy's good helper

Okay, on to this decade's divas! Lexi, Emma, and Addie are proving their determination and strength. Through physical growth and alertness, I am in awe and truly humbled by these beautiful little beings! They will be 8 weeks next Tuesday and since coming home on the 16th of September, have had no problems, issues, etc. They have been to the doctor three times - two gold star check ups and the most recent visit (Wednesday) for their RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) shots. As preemies, they are at an increased risk for infection and what could start off as the common cold could turn into something much more serious... We are extremely vigilant with hand washing, OUR flu shots, etc. We also ask visitors to be just as careful and they have been more than understanding under the circumstances. For anyone interested, I found this website and it gives some good, easy to understand details: http://www.keepkidshealthy.com/welcome/infectionsguide/preventing_rsv.html Okay, so on the the FUN stuff to hear about! First of all, in case you haven't heard, we have confirmed the answer to the "burning question" - the girls ARE IDENTICAL!!! We had a DNA test done a couple of weeks ago and it confirmed our thoughts. As the girls are getting bigger and closer in size (Currently: Lexi 7 lbs 10 oz, Emma 7 lbs 10 oz, and Addie 7 lbs 14 oz!!!) they are looking more and more alike. We have taken measures to avoid getting them mixed up (though looking close enough, we can pick out the subtle differences). They each have their own color for blankets (Their big sis made 'em!) to their big toes' / pinky fingers' nail polish! Laugh if you must but it works!!! LOL They are still on a 3 hour feeding schedule (and will be so until they are >10 lbs.) This 24 hour grueling schedule truly tests my ability to function on little to NO sleep! BUT, it IS temporary and it beats them being on three separate schedules!! If they aren't awake to eat, I wake them. I couldn't be more thrilled with their progress! Did I mention that they are absolutely beautiful?!?!?! There are some pix below for your viewing pleasure! They are starting to 'listen' and focus on my voice and face...LOVIN' IT!! The Dayton Daily News came infor an interview and will publish a story in a couple of weeks. And the local NBC news anchor is coming in next week to do a story. Kinda fun!! In a day's time, we go through 24 bottles and 30 diapers... It all tends to be a blur at the end of the day!!!

Lexi (green...)

Emma (pink...)

Addie (yellow...)



My first "FIVE" picture!

All made up for competition (less the uniform!)

Big brother and Sissy - teamwork!! :o)

Last but not least - Will and I are doing fine.

Hehehehe... What can I say? We have been on lock down for the past 6 weeks and for the most part in survival mode! :o) One learns that when one has kids - it's all about them; especially in the first months/years. Once they gain some independence (or are old enough to send to their friend's house!!!!), then we can start thinking about us again!!! Okay, a bit of an exaggeration perhaps, but it depicts the past month+ ! Finally, I want to say is that I'm humbled... I'm humbled by the outpouring of support we have received from family, friends, and even strangers that have "heard about us"... It's impossible to name names or give specifics without the risk of leaving someone out so we will simply say thank you to ALL who have offered the assistance and most importantly - their prayers. Apparently He heard you - the girls and I came out of this with nothing but gold stars and good health!

Till next time... Take care, everyone!

One week old!

The girls are a week old today! And can you believe they became NICU graduates yesterday!?!? They are progressing extremely well - eating "till they are full" (vs. controlled amounts) with breast milk and "Pedia-Sure" to fatten them up, their isolettes' temperatures are being lowered daily (to get them to the point of maintaining their own body temperatures), and they are free of everything but monitors! We could be bringing them home within the next 5-7 days (a little overwhelming to think about but even more so, exciting!). Their progress has been dubbed “amazing” and “determined” – I tell them every day how proud I am of them! I am resting and healing (between visits to the girls!) in preparation for their homecoming after being released from the hospital Saturday night. The staff at Miami Valley Hospital has been beyond amazing - we couldn't be in better hands! Here are their one week pix and a few more!!!

Addie - could she look more peaceful?

Emma in her cocoon!

Lexi right after eating - quite content!

Tay and Colton - HE has no idea what's in store for us in the next few weeks, months, etc... But then again, do we? SHE is the best big sis that he and the girls could ask for!

Mommy & Emma doing the "kangaroo" and Daddy & Lexi bonding

And 3 makes 5!

William and I welcomed Taylor and Colton's three baby sisters into the world on Tuesday, September 2nd! The girls were delivered via cesarean section which went without incident. The doctors and staff at the hospital are phenomenal! All three were born very healthy - just a little bit of breathing issues that seem to be resolved. Lexi and Addie lost their CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) tubes on day 2 which were helping them breath (little Emma never had one!). They are all currently drinking breast milk from a bottle and have showed signs that they are ready for more. The girls had to bask under the lamps for about a day and a half to dampen early signs of jaundice. They are progressing well beyond any one's expectations and we are definitely counting our blessings! Today is only day 6 and there is talk of the girls coming home by the weekend! I do appreciate of of the prayers and well wishes - none of this would be possible without the love and support of our wonderful family and friends!!! Below are a few pix with comments - my intentions when I started this blog were a lot greater than my actions...I've been a bit overwhelmed by the past week's events!

Resting comfortably with her CPAP tubing and IV...

Alexis "Lexi" Maren, born at 8:43 AM

4 lbs. 12 oz - 18 3/4 inches

Resting comfortably with nothing but an IV!
Emma Jean, born at 8:44 AM
4 lbs. 9 oz. - 16 1/2 inches

Just a little help from the CPAP and IV...

Adeline "Addie" Grace, born at 8:45 AM
4 lbs. 15 oz. - 18 1/2 inches

And a short {but prosperous} 4 days later (one of the night nurses made this for us!) :o)

The "Home Stretch"

It's hard to believe that we are "in the home stretch" (term dubbed by the Dr. and William!) ... This picture was taken yesterday - 34 weeks 1 day...

Yesterday's doctor's appointment showed the girls each weighing an estimate of between 5 lbs. - 5 lbs. 6 oz. Hard to imagine but ever so thankful! Everything continues to look 'perfect' so with that said, I continue to feel blessed and fortunate. I will say, however, my body has had about all it can handle... After discussing it with the doctor, we have scheduled a cesarean section for Tuesday morning at 8:30 a.m. He feels that the girls are ready for their entry into our world! Needless to say, we are very excited (and nervous, a bit scared, overwhelmed, anxious, etc. - what a roller coaster!)! We will post status and pictures as soon as we're able - please have patience during the 'chaos' next week is sure to bring! :o) Thank you in advance for your thoughts and prayers!!

Thought I'd share a pic taken just yesterday of Taylor and Colton - two {beautiful} peas in a pod!!! "See" you soon!!!

"Patiently" waiting...

Okay, so "patiently" might be an overstatement, but I'm trying! I am 34 weeks today and for those of you who I haven't talked to recently, our status hasn't changed... Babies are still safely stowed though they seem to be running out of room! My ribs feel as though they are {permanently} bruised - Baby "C" is taking full advantage of sitting solo at the top of the womb! I've had a few more NST's since my first post and everything continues to look great - I still have ankles, as the nurses and doctor like to commend me on!! I joke and say it would nice to hear that "my hair looks nice" for a change!!! We have a full ultrasound and NST tomorrow - should have approximate weights, etc. If we haven't delivered by September 8th, we think that will be "the day"! It seems like such a L O N G way off right now...

Taylor started volleyball last week and is at her first game as I type - I hate not being there! She is very understanding and says "there will be more"! She got her interim report card - straight A's! Cheer practice is twice a week (1st competition isn't until Oct) so she is staying plenty busy these days!

Colton went back to Shelli's for Daycare this week. He's been out since she had her baby {girl} 3 weeks ago. He's glad to be back with the other kids - we adults can get pretty boring! He's become quite independent, eats anything you put in front of him, and still loves to go to bed without a peep...we're blessed with both him and Taylor! Sorry - can't help but be the bragging mama!! :0) I will let you all know how things go tomorrow - until then...stay tuned!

1st POST {finally!}

32 WEEKS + 2 days!

Welcome to our blog! While I had truly intended on having this created a lot earlier, at least I managed before the girls are here! While initially it will seem "all about the babies" - my intent is to share Taylor's latest, Colton's greatest, and our......well, OUR survival skills? :o) Much of what we are going to be faced with in the upcoming weeks, months {and years} will require flying by the seat of our pants! So here is the latest update on the pregnancy...

Every week that passes just brings more amazement! We had our weekly doctor’s appointment yesterday which included an ultrasound, growth measurements, and non-stress test (NST – monitoring of the babies’ heartbeats). The ultrasound showed that everything looks great {heartbeats, amniotic fluid levels, etc.), as well as their growth. Imagine our surprise when they gave us these numbers: Baby A – 4 lbs. 2 oz. / Baby B – 4 lbs. 8 oz. / Baby C – 4 lbs. 10 oz! They are well within {even a little bit above} the range for their “age” and we and the doctor are very pleased with our progress! Taylor took a picture of me to archive the ‘milestone’ – pictures of the babies are impossible for the sonographers to capture anymore because they are so cramped in there and there’s quite simply, body parts everywhere!!!

The plan is to “let” me go to 36 weeks – which is possible, especially as well as we’ve done so far. If we make it that far, the doctor will induce me. If the girls and mother nature decide sooner is better, we’ll handle it when it comes! Starting next week we'll be seen twice a week for an NST - they want to keep an eye on the heartbeats to ensure the heartbeats are accelerating as they are supposed to as each baby consumes the nutrients & oxygen that she needs to do. The doctor wants to ensure they are "sharing nicely" with each other!!! Well, that wraps it up for now - much more than I intended! Future posts won't be so lengthy and I hope to post weekly since this is going to replace my weekly e-mails so visit often!