Triplet Pregnancy Update - 30 Weeks

I honestly can't believe I made it to 30 weeks! 

And, I'm still moving and somewhat active! My house is a complete wreck, I look and feel pretty tired, and I'm pretty moody (I think I cry or almost cry daily - poor Josh) - but hey...you can't have it all!

Here I am! 

Yeah - I'm ginormous. And, my belly has definitely dropped a bit. No wonder people stare at me! I kinda still shock myself. Bev wanted to know how big around I was. I didn't want to do it at first, but curiosity got to me, and I let Josh measure my 'waist' and I'm about 48" around. Um...yeah...that's 4 feet! BUT...most importantly, the babies are doing well!!! 

I had an ultrasound last Tues. and today. These are quick ones where they do an anatomy check and fluid check and then monitor their movements and breathing (well, they check to make sure they are practicing some breathing at some point within a half hour). They all have been passing with flying colors each week. I have another u/s like this next week. My next growth u/s to find out how big they are will not be for another 2 weeks (at 32 weeks) - sometime around Christmas I'm guessing.

A couple u/s pics from last week.

Baby B at 29 weeks giving us thumbs up.

Baby B at 29 weeks already has visible hair!!! That's what those lines are under the word 'hair.'

The babies are already showing their personalities a little bit. Baby A and C (one of the twins and the fraternal) are both head down. Baby A is on the bottom (poor guy) and C is on my right side. Baby B (the other twin) is on my left and is head up. Baby B is the most active and the most 'photogenic.' We always seem to get the 'best' pictures of him. Baby C is definitely the least active. We had to wait for some time today for him to decide to move and show us that he's practicing his breathing. And, I think Baby A will be the most easy going - as we witnessed him getting kicked in the head today by Baby B. And, he's constantly having his brothers basically laying on him a lot. 

Here's some pictures from today's u/s.

30 weeks - A's face.

30 weeks B's - profile. She told me he's sticking out his tongue.

30 weeks - C's little baby rolls. I think it's just skin - I don't think they are that chubby yet...but I could be wrong.

So, how am I doing? Overall, I think pretty good all things considered. Of course I'm uncomfortable and I can't stand, walk, or sit for long. I've seemed to have lost my appetite, and have to force and remind myself to eat - unless is Mexican from Las Lomas (a restaurant in Muscatine) - I feel like I could eat that at any time. I'm still drinking just one Ensure drink a day. And, I'm drinking as much water as I can.

I'm feeling a bit more stressed as I know the babies will be here anytime in the next 2-6 weeks. We have a lot to do...but I know it will get done. Of course normal holiday stress and preparation is on my mind. And, I've also been thinking more about Madison and how her little life is going to change so drastically soon - a post on that will probably come soon.

Well...that's it for now. I'm going to try and sneak in a quick cat nap before M wakes from her nap!

28 Weeks - Ultrasound Update

We had our growth ultrasound today. And, the numbers are in!

Baby A - 2 lbs. 14 oz. (60th %)
Baby B - 3 lbs. 1 oz. (76th %)
(the twins)
Baby C - 2 lbs. 15 oz. (69th %)

Apparently, my body is pretty good at growing 'big' babies! Josh and I were both surprised at their approximate weights. Personally...I was just hoping they were all around 2.5 lbs., but they all surpassed my goal! It's hard to imagine about 9 lbs. of baby in there (M was almost 9 lbs. at birth)!

They also watched each baby for the number of movements, and to be sure they were practicing breathing, and all three did well. Their fluids were all fine. Their heart beats were all fine. My blood pressure and everything else is looking good. I've gained about 28 lbs. The doctors were very happy with our progress thus far. These kind of appointments are the best as my spirits are now lifted, and I'm definitely feeling happier and more at ease with their development.

Here are a few pictures...they aren't the best because it's getting crowded in there. So, it's more challenging to get 'good' pictures.

Baby A's profile.

Baby B's face.

Baby C's face.

I will now go every week for an ultrasound and appointment.

We also toured the NICU today, and spoke with some of the NICU staff to start getting an understanding of what to expect and how things will go during and after delivery. It was great talking to them, but a little overwhelming, too, with all the information.

Just a couple of the things they shared with us that stuck with me most so far is that there will probably be about 12 staff members in the room - 3 for each baby, and 3 for me! The doctor also told me not to be alarmed if I don't hear crying from them when they are born.

We learned about the benefits of the steroid shots I will probably get closer to delivery to help their lungs develop and help with a couple other things. And that they will likely have to have help breathing and eating for a while.

We also spoke about my intentions to breastfeed, and they are very supportive of me pumping/nursing as their development allows. So, that was nice to hear.

From what we understand, the 'magic' number of weeks that I'd ideally like to make it to is 34 weeks - January 5th. Seems like a LONG time to still be pregnant...but I guess I should focus on days...since each day is an accomplishment at this point.

Also, at this point, I also want family and friends to know that while we SO appreciate all the love and support we are getting, and will get once the babies are born. Please be patient and understanding about visiting them in the NICU (and once they are home). There are strict rules about visiting the NICU of course to keep not only OUR babies, but all the other babies healthy, too. You all know me...I'm sure I'll post plenty of pictures on FB and the blog to keep y'all updated!

For those of you who think I was kind of a germ-a-phobe before...I have a feeling these preemies are going to bring it out like NO other! I'm already looking for the signs to put on their car seats that tell people not to touch them and remind people to wash their hands. Not only do I not want them sick of course...but if one does get sick, I have to worry about 2 more (and M) also getting sick! Eeeee!!!

Ok. Nap time for this Mama before M wakes.
Happy Thanksgiving week everyone!

Foto Friday - Leg, Bottom, and Arm, Oh My!

The best the ultrasound picture we could get of all 3 boys in one shot! LOL! At least parts of all 3!

P.S. Their hearts are looking good! My next ultrasound is Tuesday and I'll find out how big they are!

21 Week Ultrasound Photos & Update

Today I returned for an ultrasound to check on the babies.

The twin's levels were consistent with last week...so that was good news! No change.

Again, all the organs for now appear to be developing normally. They all had good heart rates. They were super active. It was amazing and funny to watch them kicking each other and kind of sitting on each other.

Baby A is the lowest and on my right, Baby B is mid level and on my left, and Baby C is also on the right, kinda above Baby A.

I will have a special ultrasound of the twins' hearts in two weeks because of the uneven fluid distribution and because of the sharing.

Anyways, short and sweet update post. My doctors said no news and 'boring' results are a good thing in multiples. I just hope for continued healthy development of the babies and that the fluid levels stay consistent if not improve.

Oh, and I finally got around to scanning some ultrasound pictures to share.

Baby C - legs in the air. Oh, and that's not an outie belly button...that's him showing off his man-parts.

Baby A's Profile.

Kind of a creepy picture of Baby B's face and hand/fingers.

Baby B's spine.

Have a good weekend, everyone! We are headed to Cedar Falls on Saturday to celebrate UNI's Homecoming, and I'm super excited to see some of our friends we met in college.

I just realized none of my UNI clothing will fit me...may have to steal a shirt from Josh I guess!

First Level 2 Ultrasound Update

Last Thursday we headed to IA City for our first Level 2 Ultrasound and to meet with the specialists.

Here is my current vitamin regimen.

Prenatals, plus extra folic acid, calcium, and iron.

So, as of Thursday, I'm happy to report that all three babies are growing at an appropriate weight and all organs are also developing with no known issues at this time.

Baby A was 11 oz.
Baby B was 13 oz.
(The twins)
Baby C was 14 oz.

However, there is concern with the twins that share a placenta. Because of the growth gap (and differing fluid levels) between them at this time, I will be monitored with weekly ultrasounds. The twins are at risk of developing Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome (TTTS). From what I understand at this time (talking to the doctors about all this is kinda fuzzy for me), the placenta is only made to nourish one baby, and sometimes with twins that have to share, one baby gets too much, and the other, not enough. :( Fluid levels can change weekly and drastically...so a lot of monitoring is all we can do. There is nothing I did, or nothing I really can do to help the babies share the nutrients equally. At this time, if the babies fluid levels stay the same as they are now (or improve), I can still carry them for 32+ weeks...but again...it's not in my control.

So, all we can do it wait and see and hope that Baby B learns to SHARE a little bit better!

Surprisingly, I have NOT googled TTTS. Can you believe it?! I am purposefully staying away from websites and stories (both good and not to good at this time). The possibility of them developing TTTS is of course weighing heavily on our hearts and minds. I'm doing my best to stay positive. But...I'm also a realist...and know that there is a possibility of some tough decisions and situations in our future.

I'm anxiously awaiting my next ultrasound next Thursday with hopes of good news.

From now on, we are switching all my care to the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. I felt very comfortable with the doctors and nurses there, and I feel that the babies and I will get the best care with them.

And...for all you (im)patiently waiting for the gender announcement...we get our pictures taken tomorrow (as long as it doesn't rain) and we will announce soon after! I know we've taken forever to announce. Sorry! But...I will give ONE clue. They are ALL the same! So...any guesses?!