in the hospital

My days at home are officially over. I went in for a Dr. appt. Thursday a.m. to find out that I'm dilated to 3cm. and 70% effaced and he said "no going home for you!" I'm officially in the hospital until these babies are born--we hope to keep them inside for at least another week or so.

I have new weight estimates for the babies, though:
Baby A: 5 lbs. 3 oz.
Baby B: 4 lbs. 15 oz.
Baby C: 4 lbs. 9 oz.

They are growing great and I can barely walk, so I guess being here is the right thing. I'll keep you posted...

You make me feel loved

To all my dear friends and sisters and sister-friends, etc.:

Do you know how much you make me feel loved? Going through this experience has brought so many of you out of the woodwork and it never ceases to amaze me how kind, thoughtful, and caring my friends and family are. Dave's sisters gave me a wonderful baby shower in August for family members and so many came to support me and the babies. Then my dear Draper friends Janna, Jen and Julie gave me a shower in September and so many of you showed up to support me that it was overwhelming! Not to mention that my little girls will have girly clothing and blankets when they are born--as well as a great start on the diaper collection! I was particularly overcome with gratitude to see the many people who showed up at the shower--people from all different areas of my life in Draper from the 1st Ward to the 6th Ward to Swim Team and the Treehouse to APA moms. Some of you I hadn't even seen in years but you came to celebrate with me anyway! It was a snapshot in time that for a minute I was able to feel like I really matter to others and have had some sort of influence for good in your lives! (Either that or you just really love celebrating babies! Maybe it's a little of both.)
So many of you have called to ask what you can do for us and I know that I have frustrated you by telling you that there's not much for now. I promise that I will let you come do many, varied, tasks once we get these babies home! We'll need all the help we can get. But thank you for offering--it means so much.
On top of that, while I have been on bedrest there have been many of you who have called and stopped by to help me pass the time. (Ali, Sherrelyn, Heather, Andi, Buffy, Brooke, Patti, Janna, Jenny, my little sis Ashley all the way from California, my sis-in-laws Megan and Ashley, Jessica, Staci, Julie, Kristin, Marilee, and if I missed your name I'm so sorry but I love you!) Sometimes you even bring yummy treats! I have had long-lost friends look me up to come for a short visit and that has been so fun. I have even made new friends on the internet who have seen my blog and been interested enough to pursue me. Being in this predicament has shown me who will really be there for me when the going gets rough, and I feel blessed that there are so many of you. I promise to always do my best to be there for you when it's your turn!

Lunch Box inadequacies

I couldn't help but notice this morning how my situation (32 1/2 weeks pregnant with triplets, huge, miserable, can barely walk) is directly related to the items in my children's lunch boxes. Today my son, Tyson (8), has chips, Capri Sun, 2 chocolate chip cookies, and a cinnamon roll for lunch. Tanner (11), my leasy picky eater, has a slice of banana bread, Capri Sun, apple, granola bar, and applesauce. Haylee (13) has a Hot Pocket, Capri Sun, and chips. I don't know about you, but I'm noticing a trend of "ease of throwing in." Nothing in any of their lunch boxes required any advance preparation or resembles any attempt on my part to meet nutritional needs. OK, Tanner's lunch will meet SOME nutritional needs, but he happens to be the one of my children who doesn't get enough protein, and what's missing from his lunch? You got it, protein. Days like this are the ones that I wish we had a regular hot lunch program at our charter school--I would love to throw some money at lunch ladies and have them feed my children. Of course I'm realistic that this really wouldn't make much of a difference in their food group consumption, but at least I would feel good that the food groups have been made available!

And yet, for reasons unbeknownst to man, I'm not feeling guilty. Go figure. I guess guilt is not my thing. Somewhere along the way in my life, I think I decided to not let guilt ever be my motivating driving force. Days like today my children suffer because of my lack of guilt. I'm feeling pretty good that they will have any snack to eat today at all! And they all have a trusty Capri Sun to hydrate them. They'll survive, right?! Aw, I'll make sure that tonight they get a good dinner--after all, my mom is cooking (since I can't at this point)!

Still here

32 weeks--49.5 cm., but why don't we just call it 50, okay?! At this point, what's the difference?

Ouch, it ALL hurts.

Bigger still...

31 weeks: 48.5 cm.
Doctor Terry is letting me stay at home for another week. This is the most unbelievable, challenging, body-changing physical experience I've ever had! My back hurts and walking is a huge chore. Not to mention getting up out of bed to make my nightly pit-stops. Thank goodness we have a bathroom close to my bed!

New Measurements

New Measurements
Yesterday we had an ultrasound:
Baby A: 3 pounds 15 ounces!
Baby B: 3 pounds 10 ounces!
Baby C: 3 pounds 7 ounces!

The doctors are amazed because each baby measures bigger than gestational age. Having delivered large babies in the past (Ben was 9 lbs. 13 oz. at 39 weeks and Tanner was my smallest at 8 pounds at 38 weeks), I keep trying to convince them that I cook 'em fast. Now they are starting to believe me. We are on the home stretch, and this is the LONGEST home stretch ever.

And my measurements?
30 weeks today and 47 cm! Ugh!

Something wonderful about fall...

SOCCER BOYZ!

Tyson and Ben love soccer and even though I can't go to their games this fall, I love seeing them in their cute uniforms! I miss sitting at the games in the cool autumn air watching my cute boys kick and run and kick and run! There's nothing quite like kids loving sports on green grass in the fall!

30 WEEK BELLY

Okay, I know it is incredibly fascinating for you all to actually know someone who is pregnant with triplets. I also know that you are all SO curious to see how big my belly will actually get! And some of you live far away from me and keep emailing me asking for pictures. It's nice to know that someone is enjoying my growth! By popular demand, here are new pictures of my 30 week belly. By the way, I now measure almost 46 cm, which is the equivalent of 6 weeks overdue for a single pregnancy. Yesterday my doctor told me about a twin delivery he did last week where the gal measured a whopping 54 cm.! It made me feel not quite so huge.

BY THE WAY, DID YOU NOTICE THE CALENDAR TODAY???

IT'S OCTOBER!!!!!!!!!!!

NEVER IN MY LIFE HAVE I BEEN SO EXCITED TO ENTER A NEW MONTH! NOT EVEN WHEN I WAS LITTLE AND I COULD HARDLY WAIT FOR MY BIRTHDAY OR CHRISTMAS! NOT EVEN WHEN I WAS ENGAGED AND WE ENTERED THE MONTH OF MY WEDDING! NOT EVEN IN ANY OF MY LAST 4 PREGNANCIES--THAT EXCITEMENT PALES IN COMPARISON! IF I COULD JUMP UP AND DOWN, I'D BE DOING THAT RIGHT NOW. WHY DON'T YOU ALL JUMP UP AND DOWN FOR ME A COUPLE OF TIMES, OKAY? YES, JUST LIKE THAT....THANK YOU!