Tuesday, September 30, 2008

Move Along People. Nothing to See Here

I know many of you are checking, checking, checking as you wait for baby news. So, I thought I'd do you a favor and post early -- before I take my nap.

The title pretty much says it all: nothing to see here -- except an excess of hives. Seems my whole body is rebelling against something. Probably the pregnancy! It's not PUPPS, exactly. It just looks like I spent a week naked in the woods with no mosquito spray. Maybe the rash and itchy hives will cause my doctor to have mercy on me tomorrow and schedule a C-section.

Monday, September 29, 2008

Moo vs. Mom?

In case you missed PETA's latest publicity stunt, I just had to share this for a good laugh.

PETA has sent a letter to the makers of Ben & Jerry's ice cream asking them to make their ice cream from human milk instead of cow's milk. Your first reaction has to be "Ewwww!" Even Ben and Jerry, great activists and environmentalists that they are, couldn't swallow this idea.

Part of PETA's argument is that milking cows is cruel. Is milking women any better?

PETA can't even claim this as an original idea. Apparently some Swiss chef, who must be suffering from altitude sickness or other brain-harming illness, recently announced that he will be serving soups and sauces made from 75 per cent breast milk in his Swiss restaurant. That should cut his profitability fast!

On the other hand, Chef Locher posted ads in local villages appealing for donors, offering about $5.50 per pint (that would be $44 a gallon) for their milk. Hmmm...the triplets do need to go to college...

Sunday, September 28, 2008

35 Weeks and Still Standing -- When I Have to

Today marks 35 weeks for us. It's amazing to think how far we've come! It's getting tougher by the day now, so it's also comforting to look at what a short time we have to go.

I've been struggling with an itchy belly, but found some good lotion and something with a little calamine in it that really helped. But now I've started to get hives on my hands and arms, around one knee, and most cruel of all -- on my feet and between my toes.

My doctor recommended cortisone cream and oral Benadryl. Neither is helping tons, and now the rash is spreading up my arms and to the back of my neck. It is probably PUPPS, which is an itchy skin condition that can happen late in pregnancy, especially in a multiple pregnancy, likely because of hormones. But my hives aren't exactly following the expected pattern for PUPPS.

I gave in this morning and did not go to church, but stayed home to rest instead. I read the daily devotional and thanked God for these babies, and for the fact that I'm not riding toward Bethlehem on the back of a donkey about to give birth any day. Just goes to show it could always be worse.
I'm actually still able to do a fair amount, between applications of anti-itch lotion. I can still drive, though my belly's about to start rubbing against the steering wheel, and I can do errands that don't involve much walking, like picking up Chinese takeout or getting my prescription at the pharmacy. But, these babies are really starting to sap my energy now, so even that amount of activity is quickly coming to an end.

Here's my 35-week glamour shot:


My "waist" now measures 48 inches around. Which make me just 14 inches taller than I am around. My mom keeps saying that the pictures really don't do it justice, but you'll have to take what you can get. Her analysis is that I look just like I always have from the back, but from the front I look like I swallowed an exercise ball.

Saturday, September 27, 2008

More Nesting and Resting

Not much to report today. Jeff and Mom continued their project work and I took a nice long nap when Amelia took her nap. Seems I need more and more rest these days. Hopefully that means the babies are continuing to grow well.

Tomorrow will be 35 weeks, and it will be a hard-earned day of rest around here.

Friday, September 26, 2008

Mega Nesting

Apparently when you are having more than one baby, your nesting also ratchets WAY up. We didn't just get the nursery ready this time around. It seems that every project we've gradually been getting to in the house is completed or is under way. Today my mom and Jeff spent all day painting and moving some furniture around.

Here's the list of projects that have been done or are almost complete since my mom arrived three weeks ago today:

* New valance sewn and installed in the nursery
* Nursery closet cleaned out and ready
* Master bathroom and bedroom painted
* New duvet cover and valances for the master bedroom sewn and installed
* Bench re-covered for bedroom
* Hallway painted
* Hall bathroom painted
* Dining room painted
* New washer and dryer installed
* Second refrigerator installed
* Ceiling fan installed
* China cabinet cleaned out
* Numerous boxes of craft & sewing supplies, clothes Amelia's outgrown, and memorabilia sorted and stored in the basement

Whew! I'm tired having just watched all of this happen. (I helped a little -- sorting boxes and choosing paint colors and fabric, but mostly I watched and cheered the workers on. Tonight I helped by picking up Chinese for supper.)

Once we got started, the theory became: "Better do it now before the babies come." And boy, have they done it!

A special thanks to Sarah, who has been keeping Amelia overnight on Thursdays so we could get some extra things done. Keeping her tonight, too, was more than we could have hoped for. THANK YOU!

Mom keeps telling me to just sit here and focus on having some contractions so we can get this show on the road. As I've started to itch immensely from stretching skin and all the hormonal changes, I'm ready to give these babies up at any time. They are nice and big, and I honestly don't know how much bigger this mama can get!

I'm ready now, and the little ones have a finished and beautiful nest to come home to.

P.S.: They are not for hire!

Thursday, September 25, 2008

Laugh for the Day

This joke came in the newsletter from the local triplets' group:

A wealthy man was having an affair with an Italian woman for several years. One night, during a rendezvous, she confided that she was pregnant.

Not wanting to ruin his reputation or his marriage, he offered her a large sum of money to go to Italy to secretly have the child. If she stayed in Italy to raise the child, he also would provide child support until the child turned 18.

She agreed, but asked how he would know when the baby was born.

To keep things discreet, he told her to simply mail him a post card, and write "Spaghetti," on the back. He would then arrange for child support payments to begin.

One day, about 9 months later, he come home to his confused wife.

"Honey," she said, "you received a very strange post card today."

"Oh, just give it to me and I'll explain it," he said. His wife obeyed and watched as her husband read the card, turned white, and fainted.

On the card was written: "Spaghetti, spaghetti, spaghetti. Two with meatballs, one without. Send extra sauce."

Wednesday, September 24, 2008

Drumroll, Please

The results of today's ultrasound show that I am carrying an astonishing 15 lbs., 13 oz. of babies.

Baby A - 5 lb. 4 oz.
Baby B - 5 lb. 3 oz.
Baby C - 5 lb. 6 oz.

So those of you who put your money on 16 lbs. or more of baby are still in competition!

Everything else looked great. Blood pressure was 108/70, and while I didn't gain any weight, clearly the babies are getting what they need to grow.

No signs that I'll be giving these babies up anytime soon, but that could change at anytime. I asked the doc when he thought I might deliver and he picked Oct. 11, since that's his birthday. I say it's not soon enough!

Tuesday, September 23, 2008

National Punctuation Day

Tomorrow, September 24, is National Punctuation Day. Thanks, Nancy for sharing that news with me!

Those of you who know me know that I am a word nerd and former copy editor who actually believes that punctuation is important, and the rules should be followed. I hate to see apostrophes misused, and the overuse of quotation marks is anathema to me. Commas I can give a little on because the rules are conflicting, but overall, punctuation rules are not difficult.

Given how many mistakes you come across on a daily basis (see http://www.apostropheabuse.com/ and http://quotation-marks.blogspot.com/), you'd think it was impossible to learn. Not true!

I know this post is begging for a series of very poorly punctuated comments. Fine. Let the anonymity of the Internet embolden you to grate on my nerves. Just remember that I am very, very pregnant right now and too much harassment could have significant consequences!

At any rate, if the triplets were born tomorrow -- no sign of that yet, by the way -- it would somehow be appropriate given their mother's grammar geekiness.

Christy

P.S.: The triplets missed the first of many possible birthdays they could share with family members. Today was my brother's 50th, and from the sounds of it, it was a pretty good day. I can't wait to see the pictures of your once-in-a-lifetime round of golf at Pebble Beach, Dan!

Monday, September 22, 2008

Our Father

When Jeff and I learned we were pregnant with Amelia, we prayed for her every night. We do the same now for the triplets and Amelia. We always pray the Our Father for our children.

I chose the prayer for one reason, because it includes within it the prayer that never fails: "Thy will be done." It is our way of reminding ourselves that the Creator alone is in control of our lives and our children's lives. It is a way of turning over to Him this potentially high-risk pregnancy, the trials and tribulations of parenting, and the challenges and joys that are still to come.

It isn't always easy to cede control -- one of our human faults, I guess. But a daily reminder to try to give things over to God is a start.

Sunday, September 21, 2008

34 Weeks and FULL of Babies!

Have you ever been to a carnival and watched the vendor blow up those rubber helium balloons? The start so small and then WHOOSH, WHOOSH, WHOOSH, they are stretched almost to the breaking point. You don't think they can hold any more air, but one more WHOOSH and they are HUGE.

I feel like one of those balloons right now. Only heavy instead of light. One more WHOOSH and I might just explode!




Or, perhaps, based on this video, I've become a bouncy castle instead?


Saturday, September 20, 2008

Ante Up -- Part Two

My sister pointed out that I'd better put a deadline on the guesses or people could wait until next week's ultrasound and have an unfair advantage. Good point!

So, you have until Wednesday, Sept. 24 at noon to post your guesses. After that, the betting window closes, so get your thinking caps on and turn in your guesses on this post or the original: http://trippin-lifewithtriplets.blogspot.com/2008/09/time-to-ante-up.html.

Here's what you need to post:
* Date (or dates!) the triplets will be born
* Combined total birth weight
* Bonus points if you get the genders right!

And those of you who are predicting I'll carry until November: What did I ever do to make you dislike me that much?

Thursday, September 18, 2008

Time to Ante Up

It's time to put those hunches in writing, folks. When do you think these babies will arrive, and how big will they be? The person who comes closest will get a few of their 15 minutes of fame on this blog. Big stakes!

Just add a comment to this post with the following:

* Date (or dates!) the triplets will be born
* Combined total birth weight
* Bonus points if you get the genders right!

Keep in mind that there is no scheduled C-section. The doc is waiting for me to go into labor, so your guess is as good as mine!

Christy

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

So Glad to Be Boring

I went to the doctor's office for my weekly appointment yesterday, and I think my doctor is starting to feel a little left out of this pregnancy. The first thing he said (with a laugh) when he came into the room was, "You never even call me!" I asked if he wanted me to call him now and then so he'd feel more useful.

It's not entirely true that I never call. But, I've only had to call three times. Once early on when I had horrible low abdominal pain, which was my C-section scar tearing, rather than stretching as the babies went through their first big growth spurt. The second was around 20 weeks when I had an awful stomachache, which turned out to be viral, as Jeff wound up with the same symptoms. And the last time was at about 30 weeks when I overdid it a bit, wasn't staying hydrated and had a few contractions.

So, my news from the doctor continues to be boring, and boring is good! I did gain 3 lbs. in the last six days (thanks Mom!), making up for the last three weeks where I either lost or didn't gain at all. So my total weight gain is now 39 lbs. I am measuring 46 1/2 inches around, and everything else looks good. We're really hoping to see the babies weigh in at 5 lbs. each during next week's ultrasound.

At this point, they are unlikely to even give me steroid shots to boost the babies' lung development. Most doctors don't bother past 32 weeks, and certainly not once I hit 34 weeks. We're starting to be hopeful that the babies won't need much time in the NICU at all, though they will go there right after delivery for a thorough check.

Let's keep all those prayers for big, healthy babies coming. We can't thank you enough for all your support that has brought us this far!

Tuesday, September 16, 2008

Clare & Isabel

I wanted to title this: "Welcome to the Family, Babies," but that would be too mean! Clare and Isabel are twin baby girls that Jeff's sister and her husband are adopting. They adopted another beautiful little girl 5 years ago, so now they are a family of 5. Clare and Isabel were born Sept. 1 and I've been dying to post about them, but needed to wait until things were official with the adoption. Now that they are, welcome to the family, Clare and Isabel!

The girls were born about a month early, and Clare came home the other day, but Isabel needs a few more days in the NICU. They both weigh more than 4 1/2 pounds now and are doing very well.

The proud new parents, along with the rest of us, found out that they were chosen to adopt these little blessings the second week of August. So Jeff's parents are going from having 2 grandchildren to having 7 in a matter of about a month. And two sets of multiples! How wild is that? I can't wait to get all of the little ones together. We'll never have enough arms to hold them all!

Our prayers will forever be with the brave birth mom who chose to give up her babies. It is a gift beyond compare.

Monday, September 15, 2008

You Can Do It. We Can Help?

Today, my mom and I went to Home Depot to purchase a new, larger capacity washer and dryer and a second refrigerator for the garage. She and Jeff had scoped it all out Saturday, and I called to ask if they had the electric carts so I could take it easy and wouldn't have to walk very far. They did. So, feeling fine this morning, and committed to staying off my feet as much as possible (I'm not on bed rest, but there's that whole stamina issue), we drove to Home Depot.

A very helpful sales associate went to get me an electric cart. The first one was dead, despite the fact that it was plugged in, but the second one worked. I got on and off we went. Well, sort of. Let's just say that in a foot race held TODAY, I could have beaten anyone driving this electric cart.

After a brief stop in the paint department, we headed for the appliances at the back of the store. It was there that my cart gave a couple mighty gasps and died. Completely. Dead battery.

Isn't is a little embarrassing that Home Depot can't keep its electric carts working? Aren't they in the business of fixing stuff? I wanted to tell the associate who came to my aid, "Batteries are on aisle 9."

Instead, I hoisted myself off the electric cart and transferred myself to a comfy looking rolling office chair in the appliance department. Meanwhile two sales guys came and lifted the dead electric cart onto one of those big pallet carts and wheeled it back to its "charging station" and said they'd bring me one of their wheelchairs.

But they couldn't find any of their wheelchairs.

Perhaps the wheels came off and they were all in the back room waiting for a do-it-yourselfer to put the wheels back on?

Now I must apologize that we don't have video of this, because it was laugh-out-loud funny, but that left me scooting around the appliance section on a rolling chair, with my mom behind me helping to steer. Occasionally I'd get up and walk a bit, but mostly it was me, the laughing Buddha, on a rolling chair, shopping for a washer and dryer and a refrigerator. I thought Home Depot should have thrown in an extra 10% off just for that!

When we walked out, all the way from the BACK OF THE STORE, we said something about no electric cart and no wheelchair, and another sales associate said she knew where the wheelchairs were, but by then it was too late. I'd already scooted around the entire appliance department on a rolling office chair, and our car was right outside the door.

So thanks Home Depot. I CAN do it, but as for your help...you might want to work on that.

Sunday, September 14, 2008

The View from Here -- 33 Weeks

It's past bedtime, so I'll keep this short. Just wanted to mark the celebration of 33 weeks with a few photos that show the view from here:


It's been so long since I saw my feet while standing, I almost forget I have any!



There they are! Notice how skinny my ankles still are. (Gotta flaunt what you've got!)

My best side these days!


And finally, the 33-week belly shot. Look at those big, healthy babies!

Saturday, September 13, 2008

Reality Bites

I know that I have lots of readers out there who are also expecting triplets, or who have a family member who is. So for all of you, a little reality in this post.

My pregnancy has gone very smoothly, but that doesn't mean it's been easy. And now, it's getting harder every day. You cannot underestimate the physical demands that three babies put on a mama's body. As another triplet mom told me, just because the pregnancy has been going well from a medical standpoint doesn't mean that it's not still hard.

In the past I've posted about being really tired and growing at an unbelievable rate. I've written about my sciatica and how I wouldn't be on my feet without the help of my chiropractor and my massage therapist. I've written about not being able to pick things up or shave my legs. I've tried always to have a sense of humor about all of it, because really, what's the sense of moaning over every little thing? It's in everyone's best interest for me to carry these babies as long as possible, regardless of how hard it is.

But, I'm afraid that it's easy for people to read that I took my daughter to the zoo more than a month past the point where many triplet moms are on bed rest, or that I worked up until 32 weeks, even still going to the office 3 days a week, and get an unrealistic impression that a triplet pregnancy is no big deal.

It is a very big deal. Even if it goes smoothly. Which it doesn't for everyone. You have to listen to your body and not do too much. (All you pregnant moms out there, I'm talking to you!) I have been fortunate to be able to do quite a bit throughout this pregnancy -- at least to this point.

I've now reached the point where I'm only good on my feet for about 5 minutes, 10 if I absolutely have to be. Then my legs start to shake from the effort. My back sometimes aches so much at night that I have to move to the couch so I can get a little back support. Today, the pelvic pain was so bad that I had to stand still and catch my breath every time I stood up, and I could hardly lift my leg high enough to go up a small step. When I lay down at night, my dislocated rib hurts and my left hip kills from the effort of supporting all this weight.

I don't tell you this to complain, but because I think it's important for everyone to understand the reality of being so "full of babies." Have other mamas had it harder? Sure. But that doesn't change the physical challenges of my pregnancy at all.

Be inspired by my smooth journey to 32 weeks 6 days and more than 12 lbs. of baby, but know that it's not without its challenges.

When I was pregnant with my daughter, I joked that God knew what he was doing when He put moms through pregnancy. It taught me to get up every couple hours, just like I needed to once Amelia was born. The same applies this time around. I'm sure the challenges I'm going through now will look like nothing compared to dealing with three 2-year-olds!

Off to try to get a good night's rest and keep growing these babies. Keep those prayers coming! We're in the home stretch now.

Friday, September 12, 2008

When It Rains, It Pours

The title of this post is not a reference to the weather, though it has been raining all day today. Nope, this post is about Murphy's Law.

First the oven went on the fritz. I don't know what happened. We ran the clean cycle, which worked great, but then it showed an error code and now the fan runs constantly because the oven "thinks" it's on, even though it's stone cold. We had a repairman out the other day, and the repair won't be too costly, but we need to wait two weeks for the part to come in. Shoot, we could have babies in two weeks! Ironically, the oven went out about the time I started getting a friend to organize volunteers to bring us meals post-babies' birthday. Don't worry, it will be fixed before we come home from the hospital!

Then this morning the credit card company called to check on some suspicious charges. I was quite confident that my husband had not spent $209 buying clothes online from American Eagle, nor more than $100 downloading music from Napster (though that was more likely) so I had to have them cancel the card and issue us new ones. I'm thrilled the credit card companies catch this kind of thing now, but not so thrilled to be sans the primary credit card we use for a week. Our credit cards are just a convenience for us, which is what makes it so inconvenient!

Finally, I went to my 10:30 a.m. eye doctor's appointment. When I waddled in the receptionist said, "Oh, are you Christy?" Followed by, "I meant to call you this morning. Your insurance carrier will only allow you one eye exam a year, and you aren't eligible for your annual exam until tomorrow. Sorry I miscounted."

Oh, no problem. It's not like I'm more than 7 months pregnant with triplets and getting around with all the grace of a crippled elephant.

Don't worry, I thought it rather than said it.

So, I'll be going back tomorrow. I'd prefer to go on a weekday since it won't be so crowded, but I don't think I'm in any position to be putting things off any longer than necessary.

On the plus side, it was a productive day in terms of sorting through the last of the craft things, cleaning out the china cabinet, and going through some high school and college memorabilia. I'm nesting vicariously through my mother. I sit and decide what stays and goes and she reorganizes and fills the Goodwill boxes. I think we're just down to the pictures now.

Speaking of pictures, I'm sure I should take photos of the neatly organized and labeled craft and sewing supplies, memorabilia boxes, children's clothes and kitchen cupboards. Things may never look this good again until the kids all leave home!

Thursday, September 11, 2008

Information for Volunteers

Many of you have asked what we need and how you can help. So, at long last, we have an easy way for you to volunteer. Here's a Web site that we've set up to manage our volunteers. Right now our only request is for meals after the babies come, but we'll be adding more to it once the babies arrive and we know better what our needs are.

If you'd like to volunteer, please visit: http://www.lotsahelpinghands.com/c/607113/ and sign in. You'll find a calendar with requests for help on it, so you can choose to help whenever it's convenient for you. Let me say in advance how much we appreciate each of our volunteers!

A number of you have also asked if we still need anything. We are still looking for the following:

* car seat covers - the warm winter kind
* Diaper Champ
* crib sheets
* flat or fitted mattress pads

Or, you can always donate diapers to the cause. As the babies are already 4 lbs. each, we won't need many preemie diapers, so I would suggest newborn or size 1 diapers. We won't be picky, believe me, but Pampers Swaddlers are great for little ones.

Wednesday, September 10, 2008

12 Pounds of Baby!

Today was the 32-week doctor's visit. We had an ultrasound, and the babies are all about 4 lbs. To be exact, they weighed in at 3 lbs. 15 oz., 4 lbs., and 4 lbs. 1 oz. Not only are those great weights, these babies continue to amaze the doctor by all being so close to the same size.

My blood pressure is still great, at 102 over 60, and while I didn't gain any weight for the second week in a row, we can't argue that the babies aren't getting what they need to grow. I'm now measuring at 44 weeks, which would be a full month overdue for a singleton. At this point, they won't do anything to stop labor, especially not given the size of the babies. And, the babies should put on roughly a half pound a week, so at my next ultrasound in two weeks, we should see each baby weighing in at close to 5 lbs. If you're used to singletons, that can sound small, but remember that most triplets are born weighing just over 3 lbs.

My mom and Jeff both came to the ultrasound today. Jeff hasn't been to one in a while, and in case this is the last one, he thought he'd like to take another peek at the babies. My mom has never seen an ultrasound, because they never did them back in her day, so it was a first for her. At this point, the babies are so crowded it's a little hard to figure out what's what and who's who, but the ultrasound tech was really good about pointing out faces and feet, and she even showed us that one of the babies has some hair on its head. It looked like a fuzzy little halo.

The only real question now is just how long will my body hold out before deciding enough is enough. Hmmm...must be time to ask my faithful readers to predict birthday and birth weights! That post coming soon.

Tuesday, September 9, 2008

Today's Lesson

Today's lesson is this:

If you are 7 months pregnant with triplets and the friend you meet for lunch is more than 8 months pregnant with a baby that already weighs 7 lbs., you will attract a lot of attention.

The waitress asked, the hostess asked, and every person who passed us in the parking lot made some comment about welcoming babies or congratulated us.

I'm quite proud of us, though. We sat in a booth and both fit -- facing the table. You couldn't find daylight between our baby bellies and the table, but we fit! (Hey, when simple things like shaving your legs become impossible, you'll take your victories where you can find them!)

Monday, September 8, 2008

Just Like Preschool

Today my day consisted of breakfast, reading time, work time (not on my feet -- strictly sitting jobs for me these days), snack time, lunch time, nap time, a little more work time, snack time, play time, supper time and more play time. Just like in preschool!

We did get a lot done today. Mom more so than me, but I sorted out some flood leftovers and have thrown lots of things out and repackaged the rest in plastic totes to prevent future water damage incidents. Tomorrow I should be ready to start in on the photo project.

Speaking of photos, many people commented or sent emails to the tune of "Holy cow, are you getting big!" OK, they were mostly encouraging, except for the "Ow!" comment. I won't name you, but you know who you are! (But thanks for the long email. I have enjoyed catching up with you again after all these years.)

I don't think I'm much bigger than I was two weeks ago, so for comparison's sake, here are the photos side-by-side. Unfortunately, I didn't hold my shirt in on the 30-week photo. I think I'm about the same in both -- just better dressed at 30 weeks! But you can make your own judgments.

Sunday, September 7, 2008

32 Weeks and Post #100

We made it to the big goal of 32 weeks! The doctor says everything after 32 weeks is just gravy -- time for the babies to grow. Of course we'd like to keep cooking them for another few weeks, but this is the big milestone. Here's a picture of the 4 of us:



We've actually reached two milestones today. This happens to be our 100th post on the blog. A lot of bloggers will do something special for their 100th post -- a top 10 list or a favorite posts list. I think sharing the joy of reaching the 32-week mark with all of you is special enough.

Thanks again for all your prayers, support and offers of help that have gotten us this far. Many of you have asked if we need meals now that I'm resting more. With Mom here I think we're good on that front for now, but we will need meals after the babies arrive. We're going to set up a Web site where you will be able to check on our needs and see what times/days we need help. The link will be posted here soon.

Right now, I'd certainly appreciate emails, comments on the blog and visitors while we wait it out. Please let me know if you'd like to stop by as I still have plenty of doctor's appointments and ultrasounds and things that I need to schedule around.

Keep those prayers coming so we can have big, healthy babies -- and mama can get some sleep!

Saturday, September 6, 2008

Quiet Saturday

It was such a quiet day here that it's hardly worth a post, but if I go a couple days without posting then everyone starts to worry. So, it may be boring, but here's the latest.

Today we all went to the library, and Amelia had a great time playing at the Lego table and picking out books to bring home. Since we just bought her a Lego table as her "big sister" gift, I hope she doesn't outgrow her love of Legos anytime soon. Amelia can't get away from us fast enough when the Lego table is out at daycare, so we're sure this will be a big hit!

Nap time for Amelia was nap time for all of us. (I am supposed to be resting, you know.) And after the nap, Jeff and I took Amelia for a haircut. She was a very good girl, and loved checking out her hair in the mirror. What a girly girl.

Outside of those strenuous activities, we sorted through some of the last remnants of the basement flood. We had some files and office supplies to go through and reorganize, so we got that pretty much taken care of. I'm hopeful that any day now the only things that will be in our dining room will be the things that belong there! With my limited capacity to help and our efforts to get things ready for the babies (priorities, you know), it's taken a while to really fully recover from the flood. In the end, it will be good, since the basement is now set up as a great playroom and we've cleaned out things that we should have gotten rid of years ago anyway.

We need to clear a place in the dining room for the sewing machine so Mom can start in on a few projects Monday. We have to keep her busy, you now.

Friday, September 5, 2008

Off to "Rest and Grow Babies"

Today was my last day in the office before I officially, at 32 weeks, start leave from my job. My doctor says that my job now is to "just rest and grow babies." So that's what I'll do.

Of course, it was tough to leave the office. I'm lucky enough to love my job and to have colleagues who are fun to work with, so leaving is hard. Fortunately, my mom arrived this evening to wait it out with me, so I'll have some company.

While I'll miss my colleagues and my work, I am looking forward to the fact that I don't have to get up in the morning, shower and find something that fits. Frankly, that's getting to be a lot of work! And, as I'm not sleeping all that well at night, it will be nice to be able to take a nap now and then.

I should be able to sleep better tonight since the chiropractor returned my dislocated rib to its proper place. It's a little tender from the adjustment, but at least I can breathe without pain today!

Wednesday, September 3, 2008

Another Uneventful Doctor's Visit

You know your triplet pregnancy is going well with the first thing the doctor says after "How are you?" is, "So what's your commentary on this week's political events?" Yes, yet again, the doc and I spent most of my appointment talking about things outside of the pregnancy. It cracks me up!

There's not much to report, which is a good thing! My blood pressure is nice and low, and I'm measuring 42 weeks, though I didn't gain any weight this week. That's stunning, because I'm still eating like a horse. I have reached the point where everyone says, "That baby must be due any day now!"

The doctor did check out my self-diagnosed dislocated rib and told me I was right about that. Ouch! The babies need to build their new addition some place else. On the plus side, I felt more rested today than I have in weeks. That Vicodin really worked. I slept 5 hours straight before I woke up. I'm surprised I didn't wet the bed! And I had no trouble going back to sleep either.

The rib's not too bad today, as long as I don't try to take a deep breath. The massage therapist helped a lot, and I'll get in to the chiropractor on Friday morning, so that should help, too. All in all, a pretty minor complaint at 31w 3d with triplets.

Dr. Star asked, as he always does, about my contraction pattern. And I replied, yet again, that I don't have a pattern because I'm not having contractions. So, he's revising his 34 week estimate and saying he's cautiously optimistic I could make 36 weeks, especially as I'm finally going to quit working and rest a lot more. But, we'll know a lot more next week when we have another ultrasound.

Now for the story of the day. I mentioned my dislocated rib to a party who shall remain nameless, and the response was, "What were you doing?"

What was I doing? I must have hurt it when I was bull riding the other afternoon...

Tuesday, September 2, 2008

A Vicodin-Induced Post

Jeff suggested the title for this evening's update. Because of the Vicodin I will keep this short. I have had some very sharp pain on the right side of my back where the babies have decided to get themselves a little more room by dislocating one of my ribs. The Vicodin makes it tolerable, and tomorrow the chiropractor and massage therapist should take care of it, I hope.

In other news, Amelia went to daycare today in big girl underwear and stayed dry ALL day! The idea of having just three in diapers instead of four is almost as good as the Vicodin.

Monday, September 1, 2008

These Are a Few of My Favorite Things

Last night, one of my favorite movies, "The Sound of Music," was on TV. Cheesy, yes, but still good. So, in honor of Julie Andrews, here are a few of my favorite things for pregnancy and babies.
  • The Boppy pregnancy wedge. The model doesn't have a enough belly to truly show how useful this is. It may need to be made of industrial foam to stand up to the belly I'm sporting now, but it sure helps me find a comfortable sleep position.


  • Palmer's Tummy Butter and Curel's pregnancy lotion. Both are great. I use the lotion in the morning, because it's not greasy and rubs in well. I use the tummy butter at night, because it doesn't absorb very well, but it is very soothing. Neither is capable of preventing stretch marks if you're carrying three, but they do soothe the stretching skin and relieve the itching.
  • The Fisher-Price booster seat. These seats attach to your kitchen chairs, so no need to find a place to store a high chair (or high chairs!). They fold up and are easy to transport -- we've taken ours camping and on the plane. I also put Amelia's on the floor with the tray as the place for her to play with play-do and color. It keeps her captured and prevents play-do in the carpet and crayon on the wall.


  • Aveeno bath products for everyday use. California Baby bath bubbles for a special treat once in a while. I especially like the "Overtired and Cranky" version, which really can help sweeten up a cranky baby and get her ready to sleep.
  • Johnson's "no more tangles" leave-in hair conditioner. No more fighting to do a second rinse, and it really works, too. In a pinch, I've used it on my own hair with great results.
  • Cloth baby sling. Mine happens to be homemade, but you can buy them at lots of places now. We used to go to dinner with Amelia sound asleep in the sling, and I loved the versatility. I was still using it to carry Amelia on my hip when she was 20 months old.

And this isn't a product, but it's too cute not to share:

  • My daughter insisting that she's going to be a "big brodder."