Ok, so it's almost the New Year, but hey, don't you know I'm a little slow these days!
We had a wonderful couple of days for Christmas.
Ours really started on the Saturday before when we went to church. Out of all the Sundays (or sometimes Saturdays) we go to in the year, the Christmas service is by far the best I've ever been to. Ok, there's been a ton of great services, but this one always means a lot! With wonderful music and the story of Christ's birth, it's just so touching! We also have a girl, she might be in her twenty's, who can belt out some Christmas songs. My favorite song, O Holy Night is one of her best. Her voice sent chills through my body when she sang it! Don't tell anyone, but I really go to hear her sing that song. I've never heard anyone sing it as good as she does! Not positive, but you might be able to hear it on our church's website, www.flatironschurch.com.
On Christmas Eve, we went over to my boss and his wife's house for dinner. We had a wonderful meal; a salad (with walnuts, dried fruit, Feta and Rasp. dressing), portobello mushrooms (I'm not a mushroom fan and I guess the kids aren't either), twice baked potatos, and a beef tenderloin that melted in our mouth! What a feast it was! It was also accompanied with expensive wine assortments! Good thing I was the driver, not a huge fan of red wine.
The trio did great even though they didn't have a good nap beforehand. They played with Sam, bosses 13 month old son and a couple of girls who are a few years older. They all played very well together. The girls really didn't understand all the little kids, but that's just their age. We made it home pretty late, but thankfully before all the snow crept in. And that's exactly what it did! But who doesn't love a white Christmas?? We woke up to about 6-8 inches of snow!!
Stephen was at his mother's house for their Christmas celebration. He came home Christmas morning. Unfortunately due to the weather, when he finally made it home, we had to pack up and go to Grammie and Papa's house for their Christmas celebration.
What a houseful that was! But I am always up for a great family get together! It's growing ever so rapidly at this point! Still no one can out do Chad and I!! It was me, Chad, Stephen, Dane, Drake and Ava (6), Crystal's family (Fonso, Kain, Emma and LeAnn was not able to make it due to the weather), Dawn's family (Chris and Damien) and my mom and dad (Grammie and Papa). I feel like I'm missing someone, but I think that's it.
We had another great feast for a brunch; quiche (thank you Chad), hashbrown casserole, frenchtoast casserole, bacon and deer sausage. Oh and let's not forget those yummy Bloody Mary's!! Had a few myself!
Following the meal, we opened gifts! Always so much fun with little kids. Ava received a Cabbage Patch baby, while she wanted nothing to do with it, she wanted the boys' gift...a 4wheeler!! Apparently it's hers!! I will be going out real soon to buy a couple more of those, thanks Grammie!!! :) We couldn't spend all day there, so we left a little after the kids' nap time. They fell asleep in the car ride home, so they didn't get a good nap in at all. But who care's right, it's Christmas!!
At home we all opened our gifts... I got a Nintendo DSLite with BrainAge to get my brain back on track to smart once again. Chad got some things to start Slacklining. If you don't know what it is, just think "tightroping"! Or google it someday, it's quite interesting. I guess it's a huge craze here in Boulder. And Stephen got Guitar Hero!! Wow, that game is so much fun! But it can be addicting, he's already beaten the easy level! But he tried hard, and he's got a lot of practicing to do! And the kids received a giant PlayHut with tunnels and rooms and some balls. They love it! Dane just goes in and hides! Drake and Ava love the tunnels. They insist on carrying around the little balls too.
So we had a wonderful Christmas! Oh and we finally got a couple of whole family pictures of us! Not all of us are looking in all the pictures, but he we're in the same picture!
Have a great New Year!!
Saturday, December 29, 2007
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
They're ONE!!!
We still can't believe it!!
I wanted to write a whole bunch of neat things that the trio have done just in the past year but my mind is blank. After the week we had of moving and their birthday party, I just don't feel like thinking. So one of these days I will write a great post and share it with you all.
As for now, it's lunch time and Ava is screaming because she has an empty tray.
I did want to share a short video of pictures that were taken at their party. Last week we rushed to get moved in and everyone at the party just kept telling us "I can't believe you moved in last weekend! It looks like you have lived here for a couple of months!" Thank you! We stressed and stressed and worked very hard to get settled. We still have a good ways to go, but we're in!
As far as the party, I counted 62 people! Yikes! And it was all indoors as the weather was about 30 degrees out. Our kiddos did excellent. All 3 of them were pretty quiet, but they get like that when there are other people around. No meltdowns, they had a great day! They received so many wonderful gifts, too many! They loved the cakes my sister Crystal made, especially Ava which you'll see in the pictures. Drake was a little freaked out by the singing and didn't know what to do with the cake. Dane wanted someone to lift the cake up to his face so he could eat it.
Ava had a little bit of a sugar high, but they all settled down for bed by 7pm. Which by then, Mommy and Daddy were ready as well!
So, we all survived! We didn't see much of Stephen throughout the party, he said there were just too many people and kids here. He stayed in the basement. I really don't blame him!
The trio have their 12 month checkup on the 16th, so I'll try to post after that and tell everyone their heights and weights. Ava finally got a new carseat, bright pink, but she still has to ride backwards for awhile longer. The boys have graduated to riding forwards and they love it! I don't know if they're over 20lbs, but they're a year old now!
That's long enough...
I wanted to write a whole bunch of neat things that the trio have done just in the past year but my mind is blank. After the week we had of moving and their birthday party, I just don't feel like thinking. So one of these days I will write a great post and share it with you all.
As for now, it's lunch time and Ava is screaming because she has an empty tray.
I did want to share a short video of pictures that were taken at their party. Last week we rushed to get moved in and everyone at the party just kept telling us "I can't believe you moved in last weekend! It looks like you have lived here for a couple of months!" Thank you! We stressed and stressed and worked very hard to get settled. We still have a good ways to go, but we're in!
As far as the party, I counted 62 people! Yikes! And it was all indoors as the weather was about 30 degrees out. Our kiddos did excellent. All 3 of them were pretty quiet, but they get like that when there are other people around. No meltdowns, they had a great day! They received so many wonderful gifts, too many! They loved the cakes my sister Crystal made, especially Ava which you'll see in the pictures. Drake was a little freaked out by the singing and didn't know what to do with the cake. Dane wanted someone to lift the cake up to his face so he could eat it.
Ava had a little bit of a sugar high, but they all settled down for bed by 7pm. Which by then, Mommy and Daddy were ready as well!
So, we all survived! We didn't see much of Stephen throughout the party, he said there were just too many people and kids here. He stayed in the basement. I really don't blame him!
The trio have their 12 month checkup on the 16th, so I'll try to post after that and tell everyone their heights and weights. Ava finally got a new carseat, bright pink, but she still has to ride backwards for awhile longer. The boys have graduated to riding forwards and they love it! I don't know if they're over 20lbs, but they're a year old now!
That's long enough...
Saturday, November 3, 2007
11 months old...
We took the trio to "Boo at the Zoo" last Saturday and they had an absolute blast. Even with the cold temps, they wore their Halloween costumes, gloves, hats and kept them on the entire day. Unfortunately, I misplaced one of my most prize possessions while at the zoo, and now I believe I lost my camera while there. I'm so very sad, I used it just about every day! I was lucky enough to get pictures of the kids in their costumes prior to the zoo, so I will be able to post some.
For Halloween , we took them to our local King Soopers where they were passing out candy in all of their departments. They loved that. I even had a few people ask to take pictures of them. One woman said she would develop them for us and blow one up! Very cool! Just a bit strange that someone would want pictures of someone elses kids! Chad and Stephen took them out that night around the block in their new little choo-choo wagon. They got a ton of candy! And of course more people gawking at them. I love having beautiful kids! :)
That's it for now, my mom is letting me borrow her camera so that will be nice. Once I get over the loss of my own camera I'll start taking more.
I guess I could give a small update though... Ava seems to be getting the hang of walking! She will walk from the couch to the chair and anywhere else! It's not the best strides, but she seems to love it! Drake and Dane will take steps but they don't seem to think it's that important right now. I bet they'll all be walking by their 1st birthday!
For Halloween , we took them to our local King Soopers where they were passing out candy in all of their departments. They loved that. I even had a few people ask to take pictures of them. One woman said she would develop them for us and blow one up! Very cool! Just a bit strange that someone would want pictures of someone elses kids! Chad and Stephen took them out that night around the block in their new little choo-choo wagon. They got a ton of candy! And of course more people gawking at them. I love having beautiful kids! :)
That's it for now, my mom is letting me borrow her camera so that will be nice. Once I get over the loss of my own camera I'll start taking more.
I guess I could give a small update though... Ava seems to be getting the hang of walking! She will walk from the couch to the chair and anywhere else! It's not the best strides, but she seems to love it! Drake and Dane will take steps but they don't seem to think it's that important right now. I bet they'll all be walking by their 1st birthday!
Monday, October 15, 2007
The day after...
What a race that was for Chad! The first 8-10 hours were in the 50's, then the weather took a turn for the worse. The clouds rolled over and brought with them, rain, much cooler temps, and some lightning and thunder. But he stuck it out. For his support crew, we froze our little tooshes off!
He did what he wanted to...50 miles by 9pm! He became a little disoriented around 3pm and told himself that he could do 50 by 5pm. I came through with the kids to see him around 1:30 and he seemed in great spirits. He was just not thinking so clearly. But who really could after running for that long.
So in 18 1/2 hours of running, Chad finished 64 miles! I'm amazed and so is he. Sunday was nothing but a rest day. He wasn't feeling so well and slept a lot. He needed to get re-hydrated and eat a lot of calories. Unfortunately he developed a fever. I believe it was due to running in such cold weather. That was the scary part. I went to check on him and he was drenched in sweat. I made him drink some more fluids and change his clothes. It seemed to help.
Today he is feeling great. He says he feels like he drank too much alcohol last night and just has a terrible hang over. His legs and body feel better than he ever expected. Almost just like he ran a 1/2 marathon, not 64 miles.
As for his pacers, Stephen ran with him for his 8th lap, 50-57 mile mark. It was an alright lap, but it was a good thing that Stephen was there with him to help keep Chad's sanity. For his final lap, lap 9, Alfonso ran with him. Fonso said Chad was pretty out of it and even Chad remembers not being too in control of things. He was running on empty.
Every time I say 64 miles, I just can't believe it. Just the whole process that goes with it is scary. I could never have the mind set to do it.
How cheesy is this, but he's my hero!! I'm so proud of him! I love you so much Chad!
He did what he wanted to...50 miles by 9pm! He became a little disoriented around 3pm and told himself that he could do 50 by 5pm. I came through with the kids to see him around 1:30 and he seemed in great spirits. He was just not thinking so clearly. But who really could after running for that long.
So in 18 1/2 hours of running, Chad finished 64 miles! I'm amazed and so is he. Sunday was nothing but a rest day. He wasn't feeling so well and slept a lot. He needed to get re-hydrated and eat a lot of calories. Unfortunately he developed a fever. I believe it was due to running in such cold weather. That was the scary part. I went to check on him and he was drenched in sweat. I made him drink some more fluids and change his clothes. It seemed to help.
Today he is feeling great. He says he feels like he drank too much alcohol last night and just has a terrible hang over. His legs and body feel better than he ever expected. Almost just like he ran a 1/2 marathon, not 64 miles.
As for his pacers, Stephen ran with him for his 8th lap, 50-57 mile mark. It was an alright lap, but it was a good thing that Stephen was there with him to help keep Chad's sanity. For his final lap, lap 9, Alfonso ran with him. Fonso said Chad was pretty out of it and even Chad remembers not being too in control of things. He was running on empty.
Every time I say 64 miles, I just can't believe it. Just the whole process that goes with it is scary. I could never have the mind set to do it.
How cheesy is this, but he's my hero!! I'm so proud of him! I love you so much Chad!
Saturday, October 13, 2007
24 hours of Boulder...
So Chad has decided to take his running up a notch and run for 24 hours! Why? Who knows, I will just always support him. He amazes me with all of the running he does now, but to him, it's just not enough. He's done a few marathons and now he wants to run at least 30 miles. His goal for this race is to finish, but of course that's still not good enough for him. He wants to complete at least 50 miles. He believes he can do more, but I told him to shoot for just 50. I know, "just" 50, it's a huge number. I know he can do it! I wish I had that same mindset that he has. He is just so confident and he just clears his mind and runs.
He's got a great strategy that he's been planning for months. He wants to complete most of the race in the first 12 hours and then kind of take it easy. He is planning on doing a 5 to 1 ratio. Meaning run for 5 minutes, walk for one. We've heard it is the best strategy for such a long race. Stephen and his mom are there for his support, I plan on being there once the kids go down for the night. My sister, Crystal and her husband Fonso will be there along with Kain and Emma. Fonso and Stephen are planning on being a pacer, but the race doesn't allow pacers until 10pm tonight. A pacer is someone who runs along side of the runner and gives them support and keeps them at a good pace. If I was in a little better shape and able to run 7 miles, I would have loved to pace him.
Here is a description on the race:
Course Description
This race is run on the beautiful trails at the Boulder Reservoir with great views of the snow covered peaks. The course is a flat 7.14 miles (lap 14 ends at exactly 100 miles) with approximately 100 feet gain per lap with an aid station at approximately 3.5 miles. The course will be marked and is non-technical (so don't worry about those late night hours).
I will keep everyone posted on how he finishes! Oh, just got a picture text from Stephen and Chad seems in great spirits! But it's only the first lap!! :)
Here is the official website of 24 hours of Boulder.
http://www.geminiadventures.com/24Hrs_of_Boulder.htm
He's got a great strategy that he's been planning for months. He wants to complete most of the race in the first 12 hours and then kind of take it easy. He is planning on doing a 5 to 1 ratio. Meaning run for 5 minutes, walk for one. We've heard it is the best strategy for such a long race. Stephen and his mom are there for his support, I plan on being there once the kids go down for the night. My sister, Crystal and her husband Fonso will be there along with Kain and Emma. Fonso and Stephen are planning on being a pacer, but the race doesn't allow pacers until 10pm tonight. A pacer is someone who runs along side of the runner and gives them support and keeps them at a good pace. If I was in a little better shape and able to run 7 miles, I would have loved to pace him.
Here is a description on the race:
Course Description
This race is run on the beautiful trails at the Boulder Reservoir with great views of the snow covered peaks. The course is a flat 7.14 miles (lap 14 ends at exactly 100 miles) with approximately 100 feet gain per lap with an aid station at approximately 3.5 miles. The course will be marked and is non-technical (so don't worry about those late night hours).
I will keep everyone posted on how he finishes! Oh, just got a picture text from Stephen and Chad seems in great spirits! But it's only the first lap!! :)
Here is the official website of 24 hours of Boulder.
http://www.geminiadventures.com/24Hrs_of_Boulder.htm
GO ROCKIES!!!!!
I can't say I'm the "biggest" Rockies fan, but I'm a big fan! This season has amazed everyone here in Colorado! It's been so awesome being able to root them on and watch them go further than they've ever gone. We've got the potential to make it to the World Series! WOW!!! The World Series right here in Colorado!! Who would have ever thought???
I just wanted to share my excitement!! Colorado has great teams, but it's never been our baseball team!
GO ROCKIES!!!! You deserve to go all the way!
I just wanted to share my excitement!! Colorado has great teams, but it's never been our baseball team!
GO ROCKIES!!!! You deserve to go all the way!
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Oh boy...10 months!
So they have hit their 10 month mark! And they have hit it hard. Growing like weeds and amazing us every day still. All 3 are standing and letting go of the furniture, Drake and Ava have taken a few steps, but we're working on the balancing part of it. Dane will stand, but is so belly heavy that he just plops forward. Dane and Ava finally have a tooth, maybe even getting their second one already. Poor Drake is working on 4 up top! He seems to take it a lot better than the other 2 though.
I can't believe it but I am starting to plan for their 1st birthday! I'm a nervous wreck! A few other triplet moms were discussing this a few months ago when their trio were turning one and I really didn't think it would hit me. But it has. I just can't get over how much they've grown. And each of their personalities! Oh, I'm just so happy! I never thought I'd be the happy with kids. It has been so much better and easier than I ever anticipated. Granted I do believe that every stage or milestone seems to be a bit more difficult to go through. But looking back, they were so much fun.
There were so many things that never crossed my mind becoming a mother or even raising a family. The whole feeding bit never crossed my mind. Apparently I just believed that they would feed themselves from the get go! Ha, and cooking them meals. I'm not used to making meals, so that has been quite a challenge. I just don't have the knack for a creative meal. My triplet group has helped tremendously with that. It's kind of funny though, meal suggestions are always a topic.
Another thing that I never thought of...teeth. I knew they didn't have them when they were born. And I guess they would just get a full set magically. Well, they do appear magically, but so far only one at a time (Drake gets them 2+). And it has been pretty painful for them.
Illnesses...I thought taking care of a sick man was hard! 3 babies sick at once is awful! I won't lie, I don't handle this situation very well. Who could though? Runny noses, stuffy noses, diarrhea, ear infections, the constant cry, the waking in the nights, fever, just to name a few! My kids were supposed to grow up without any sickness!!
There are so many other things that I didn't realize but I can't remember them. I used to have a pretty darn good memory, but ever since I got pregnant with triplets, ha, that went straight out the window and has yet to return!
I can't believe it but I am starting to plan for their 1st birthday! I'm a nervous wreck! A few other triplet moms were discussing this a few months ago when their trio were turning one and I really didn't think it would hit me. But it has. I just can't get over how much they've grown. And each of their personalities! Oh, I'm just so happy! I never thought I'd be the happy with kids. It has been so much better and easier than I ever anticipated. Granted I do believe that every stage or milestone seems to be a bit more difficult to go through. But looking back, they were so much fun.
There were so many things that never crossed my mind becoming a mother or even raising a family. The whole feeding bit never crossed my mind. Apparently I just believed that they would feed themselves from the get go! Ha, and cooking them meals. I'm not used to making meals, so that has been quite a challenge. I just don't have the knack for a creative meal. My triplet group has helped tremendously with that. It's kind of funny though, meal suggestions are always a topic.
Another thing that I never thought of...teeth. I knew they didn't have them when they were born. And I guess they would just get a full set magically. Well, they do appear magically, but so far only one at a time (Drake gets them 2+). And it has been pretty painful for them.
Illnesses...I thought taking care of a sick man was hard! 3 babies sick at once is awful! I won't lie, I don't handle this situation very well. Who could though? Runny noses, stuffy noses, diarrhea, ear infections, the constant cry, the waking in the nights, fever, just to name a few! My kids were supposed to grow up without any sickness!!
There are so many other things that I didn't realize but I can't remember them. I used to have a pretty darn good memory, but ever since I got pregnant with triplets, ha, that went straight out the window and has yet to return!
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
I never want to go through that again!
Yesterday was one of the hardest days Chad and I have had to deal with in our entire relationship. We had to put our first "child" to sleep. I knew it wasn't going to be easy, but I really didn't think it was going to be that hard.
Mercedes had been a part of us for over 8 1/2 years. We watched her grow from just a tiny thing that fit in the pocket of Chad's coat to a giant beast. She was a great dog, for Chad and I. She just was so unpredictable with everyone else. She had bitten Chad a year or so ago and we had really contemplated doing it then, but we didn't. We knew that she had a temper and we knew how to deal with it. But having three young kids in the house crawling around and going near her, it made us very nervous. If she was capable of biting Chad, who knows what she could have done with one of the kids.
It was a very tough decision, we loved her so much, but safety and our kids will come first.
Ugh, a tough day!
Mercedes had been a part of us for over 8 1/2 years. We watched her grow from just a tiny thing that fit in the pocket of Chad's coat to a giant beast. She was a great dog, for Chad and I. She just was so unpredictable with everyone else. She had bitten Chad a year or so ago and we had really contemplated doing it then, but we didn't. We knew that she had a temper and we knew how to deal with it. But having three young kids in the house crawling around and going near her, it made us very nervous. If she was capable of biting Chad, who knows what she could have done with one of the kids.
It was a very tough decision, we loved her so much, but safety and our kids will come first.
Ugh, a tough day!
Saturday, September 15, 2007
Our 9 month checkup
How quickly time flies! The trio are already 9 1/2 months old!
Here is just a quick overview of what's going on in the Jorgensen household.
Well, our house is still on the market, much cheaper than when we started. Our new house is about halfway done. Anyone know someone who wants to buy a beautiful home in north Colorado? Ugh, it's somewhat disappointing, but the right person just hasn't come along. That's what I have to keep telling myself!
Stephen is doing wonderful in school. He seems to be a very popular kid! I swear he comes home every week with another invitation to a party! Birthday party that is! I dread the high school years, where it's more than just a party! We're very thankful that Stephen has adjusted to such a difficult change. I can only imagine what his situation would feel like.
All three of the kids are crawling like crazy, standing up on their own and walking along the furniture. It won't be long until they're all walking! Oh boy a whole other stress! They are all saying "dada, MOM (only when angry), and "baba", they just don't know why they are saying it. The doc gave them all a clean bill of health, actually a VERY clean bill of health. The only thing he noticed was, due to a cold they've had, all 3 had ear infections. Complete shock to me, no one seemed to be bothered by it. The pediatrician also said that they are right on target for their exact age. But then again, we were lucky that at 6 weeks early, we've never dealt with adjusted age.
Dane has come out of his shell! Still no teeth, but a voice that will remind you only of a prehistoric teridactal (sp?). Not many people can hit the notes he hits! Too funny! He is a giggler and always smiling! He loves life! All of them do! He is weighing in at a whopping 18lbs 4oz and is 29 inches tall. He still has his blue eyes that melt you with one glance!
Drake has become our shy guy. Who knew? He warms up after a bit, but at first, he holds a solid straight face. He has 2 teeth and thinks he's cool! No biting, thank goodness, yet! He is a talker. He tries really hard to say things, but of course it's in baby language. He weighs 17lbs 9oz and is 28 inches tall. His eyes are a bit more gray, but still blue. I'm so glad at least one of them look like me!
Miss Ava, oh, still the princess and always will be. We are torn about getting her ears pierced. I want to just for cosmetic reasons, so people will see that she IS a girl. She's even dressed in pink, but still we get "3 boys?" We're trying out the stick on earrings, to see if the boys will do anything to them. She's going to be our singer and dancer. While holding on to her hands and she's standing, she'll dance around like crazy! So cute! She does take the brunt of things with her brothers, but she's quite the daredevil. She'll try anything the boys do. If not before them! She's still our peanut at 16lbs 6.5oz and is 26 1/2 inches tall. We'll be fighting the boys off her with her sparkling blue eyes! But we've got time to prepare for that!
So I rambled a bit more than expected!
Thanks for always listening and allowing me to show off our beautiful family!
Here is just a quick overview of what's going on in the Jorgensen household.
Well, our house is still on the market, much cheaper than when we started. Our new house is about halfway done. Anyone know someone who wants to buy a beautiful home in north Colorado? Ugh, it's somewhat disappointing, but the right person just hasn't come along. That's what I have to keep telling myself!
Stephen is doing wonderful in school. He seems to be a very popular kid! I swear he comes home every week with another invitation to a party! Birthday party that is! I dread the high school years, where it's more than just a party! We're very thankful that Stephen has adjusted to such a difficult change. I can only imagine what his situation would feel like.
All three of the kids are crawling like crazy, standing up on their own and walking along the furniture. It won't be long until they're all walking! Oh boy a whole other stress! They are all saying "dada, MOM (only when angry), and "baba", they just don't know why they are saying it. The doc gave them all a clean bill of health, actually a VERY clean bill of health. The only thing he noticed was, due to a cold they've had, all 3 had ear infections. Complete shock to me, no one seemed to be bothered by it. The pediatrician also said that they are right on target for their exact age. But then again, we were lucky that at 6 weeks early, we've never dealt with adjusted age.
Dane has come out of his shell! Still no teeth, but a voice that will remind you only of a prehistoric teridactal (sp?). Not many people can hit the notes he hits! Too funny! He is a giggler and always smiling! He loves life! All of them do! He is weighing in at a whopping 18lbs 4oz and is 29 inches tall. He still has his blue eyes that melt you with one glance!
Drake has become our shy guy. Who knew? He warms up after a bit, but at first, he holds a solid straight face. He has 2 teeth and thinks he's cool! No biting, thank goodness, yet! He is a talker. He tries really hard to say things, but of course it's in baby language. He weighs 17lbs 9oz and is 28 inches tall. His eyes are a bit more gray, but still blue. I'm so glad at least one of them look like me!
Miss Ava, oh, still the princess and always will be. We are torn about getting her ears pierced. I want to just for cosmetic reasons, so people will see that she IS a girl. She's even dressed in pink, but still we get "3 boys?" We're trying out the stick on earrings, to see if the boys will do anything to them. She's going to be our singer and dancer. While holding on to her hands and she's standing, she'll dance around like crazy! So cute! She does take the brunt of things with her brothers, but she's quite the daredevil. She'll try anything the boys do. If not before them! She's still our peanut at 16lbs 6.5oz and is 26 1/2 inches tall. We'll be fighting the boys off her with her sparkling blue eyes! But we've got time to prepare for that!
So I rambled a bit more than expected!
Thanks for always listening and allowing me to show off our beautiful family!
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Oh the adventures!
We've had so much fun this week, exploring, playing with new toys and just finding our voices. I'm so excited for each and every day we meet. I know I've said it before, but not every day is a good day. But, the good days far surpass the bad.
Our newest place to explore is the kitchen. I didn't ever let them in it mainly because I was nervous about the hard floors. Well, I decided to allow them in while I am in there and they LOVE it! It's like Christmas! They just crawl around and breathe real heavy with the biggest smiles. I really don't know what the big deal is. Drake looks at one of the other 2 and almost begs them to chase him. This morning it was Ava and she actually chased him around the kitchen table. Dane likes to go under the table and stand or go bang on the sliding glass door at the dogs. It's really just too cute to watch.
They got a couple new toys this past weekend. A shopping cart (which is too tall for them), a tunnel with a small slide, and a push thing that they will learn to walk with. Well, the first time we gave Drake the push thing, he took off! Across the room he went, at 9 months! Then Dane did it. He was a bit more preoccupied with shaking it. Ava, well, she took a bit to get used to it. She tends to dance a little too much. She can do it, but I'm constantly watching out for her.
Watching each of their personalities unfold is so amazing. Dane has turned into an outgoing, smiling all the time, bulldozer. He can and will run over you without any problems. But smile while he's doing it. But he is still needy. Sometimes I can't stand it, but most of the time, I love having him crawl over to me and crawl on me. Love it!
Drake, well, he's turned into mister sensitive. And he's pretty shy these days. It takes a few minutes for him to warm up, and after that, he's himself again. Mr. Happy go Lucky! He's actually turned into a lovey. He too crawls over to me and crawls all over me. Love it!!
Ava, oh, the princess! I should say that will a capital P! She's still the demanding little girl, but she's just so cute! One glance and she'll make you melt! She is pretty needy, which at times can get annoying, but when she crawls over to me and wants me to hold her, I can only accept it. I love it!
Ok, so maybe I'll write more often than this! We'll see, it's hard, obviously!!
Our newest place to explore is the kitchen. I didn't ever let them in it mainly because I was nervous about the hard floors. Well, I decided to allow them in while I am in there and they LOVE it! It's like Christmas! They just crawl around and breathe real heavy with the biggest smiles. I really don't know what the big deal is. Drake looks at one of the other 2 and almost begs them to chase him. This morning it was Ava and she actually chased him around the kitchen table. Dane likes to go under the table and stand or go bang on the sliding glass door at the dogs. It's really just too cute to watch.
They got a couple new toys this past weekend. A shopping cart (which is too tall for them), a tunnel with a small slide, and a push thing that they will learn to walk with. Well, the first time we gave Drake the push thing, he took off! Across the room he went, at 9 months! Then Dane did it. He was a bit more preoccupied with shaking it. Ava, well, she took a bit to get used to it. She tends to dance a little too much. She can do it, but I'm constantly watching out for her.
Watching each of their personalities unfold is so amazing. Dane has turned into an outgoing, smiling all the time, bulldozer. He can and will run over you without any problems. But smile while he's doing it. But he is still needy. Sometimes I can't stand it, but most of the time, I love having him crawl over to me and crawl on me. Love it!
Drake, well, he's turned into mister sensitive. And he's pretty shy these days. It takes a few minutes for him to warm up, and after that, he's himself again. Mr. Happy go Lucky! He's actually turned into a lovey. He too crawls over to me and crawls all over me. Love it!!
Ava, oh, the princess! I should say that will a capital P! She's still the demanding little girl, but she's just so cute! One glance and she'll make you melt! She is pretty needy, which at times can get annoying, but when she crawls over to me and wants me to hold her, I can only accept it. I love it!
Ok, so maybe I'll write more often than this! We'll see, it's hard, obviously!!
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Another day...
Just another beautiful day in Colorado. Another hot day!
We're really looking forward to fall, when we can actually go outside and hang out for awhile. It's been so hot these past couple of days, but it's August, summer is almost over. With that, we've made it thru our first summer with the babies! And it wasn't that bad! We had some bad days, but they were few and far between. I have found that if they don't get there morning nap, all hell breaks loose throughout the day. It's usually my fault, so I can't blame them, but that's when mom wants to go to work.
At 8 1/2 months old, we have baby proofed the living room. The trio have gotten into everything.
Drake is our master crawler, quick and smooth. He started pulling himself up and standing right at 8 months. He'll reach for my hand or the couch and step towards it. Walking by 10 months, I say! He's also got 2 teeth! I believe he might be getting more too. He's been pretty cranky.
Dane is the intermediate crawler, still learning, but moving nicely. He and Drake have lost height in their cribs due to them standing up in it. Dane has just recently learned how, from watching his bro. Still no teeth yet. He has really come out of his shell as well. He's not so quiet anymore. He loves to crawl through stuff and on top of his siblings. I would classify him as a slight bully. Can I say that?
Ava is still our little princess. Ok, she'll always be our princess. She requires less sleep than the boys. Why I don't know, she's the smallest. I would think she needs more. She loves to hear her own voice. She'll wake up and just sing her little heart out. And of course waking her brothers. When we move she is getting her own room! She's our master army crawler! Boy can she get going with only her arms! And it's so cute, she keeps one leg up while she does it! Someday I'll get a video on here and show everyone. No teeth for her yet either. And she envies her bros when they stand, she really tries to pull herself up (a lot of grunting involved), too cute!
Well, this will have to do. Nap time is over!
We're really looking forward to fall, when we can actually go outside and hang out for awhile. It's been so hot these past couple of days, but it's August, summer is almost over. With that, we've made it thru our first summer with the babies! And it wasn't that bad! We had some bad days, but they were few and far between. I have found that if they don't get there morning nap, all hell breaks loose throughout the day. It's usually my fault, so I can't blame them, but that's when mom wants to go to work.
At 8 1/2 months old, we have baby proofed the living room. The trio have gotten into everything.
Drake is our master crawler, quick and smooth. He started pulling himself up and standing right at 8 months. He'll reach for my hand or the couch and step towards it. Walking by 10 months, I say! He's also got 2 teeth! I believe he might be getting more too. He's been pretty cranky.
Dane is the intermediate crawler, still learning, but moving nicely. He and Drake have lost height in their cribs due to them standing up in it. Dane has just recently learned how, from watching his bro. Still no teeth yet. He has really come out of his shell as well. He's not so quiet anymore. He loves to crawl through stuff and on top of his siblings. I would classify him as a slight bully. Can I say that?
Ava is still our little princess. Ok, she'll always be our princess. She requires less sleep than the boys. Why I don't know, she's the smallest. I would think she needs more. She loves to hear her own voice. She'll wake up and just sing her little heart out. And of course waking her brothers. When we move she is getting her own room! She's our master army crawler! Boy can she get going with only her arms! And it's so cute, she keeps one leg up while she does it! Someday I'll get a video on here and show everyone. No teeth for her yet either. And she envies her bros when they stand, she really tries to pull herself up (a lot of grunting involved), too cute!
Well, this will have to do. Nap time is over!
Saturday, July 21, 2007
Tough day!
So yesterday was one of those days where I wish I hadn't gotten out of bed. But as I look back, it wasn't as bad as it felt yesterday. It was more stressful than anything else.
The morning started off great, the kids woke up at a good time (6:30am), they ate at 7am and went right back down for a nap around 8am. The dogs woke them up by barking at 9:30, but I let them play in their cribs until 10. I got them all dressed for the day and they played a little until it was time to eat at 11. They ate spinach, which I love giving them healthy foods, but man spinach is like so GREEN! When they spit up, it gets everywhere and is very hard to clean!
The plan for the day was to take Stephen and his friends to the skatepark. By the time I was ready to go, the babies were crying because they were tired and wanted to take a nap. I forgot to mention, I also had Damien. He does a great job, but it's another kid to tack on to my 4! So yesterday I had a full car, 7 kids! I can't complain because they all did great, I was the one that went sour.
So I take Stephen and his 2 friends to the skatepark and Damien, Dane, Drake, Ava and I go to Target. Thankfully my sister Crystal was meeting us there. I still have not ventured out by myself totally yet. We got to Target, and by that time, I was already sweating! The expedition's a/c isn't working. AHHH, that's another added stress. I get the kids loaded up in the "limo" stroller and all is good. Target has a/c. The whole purpose of this trip was to use these coupons I got off the internet, so I go to the baby section and load up the cart with baby food. 44 packs of two. The coupon is for $1 off 2 Gerber foods. It's supposed to be a "great" buy. I get to the checkout stand and only 7 of 22 coupons work. I don't get it, they're all the same coupons! Why can't they just use the 7 that do work. Then the manager came over and said that you can't use copied coupons. WHAT?? They're all the SAME, from the internet! I told the lady to take back all the containers and just give me what I can get. Meanwhile, Ava is having a meltdown and wants to be held! I understand, she's very tired and wants to take a nap. The checkout lady hands me my bill and it doesn't even have the coupons on there. By this time I just wanted to leave. It's already 2:20 and the babies will be eating in 40 minutes, I want to get back to the skatepark, so I can feed them. We make it there and it's at least 95 degrees out. I'm soaked from sweat and so are the babies. Damien at least finds a friend and occupies himself. The babies are in a great mood after they eat and we roll around on a blanket under a tree. Finally some relaxing. Then we have to get back into that hot car and drive home. But we make it home and everyone is fine, the babies go down for a nap and I realize that I haven't eaten since 8am! So I make grilled cheese for everyone and I get to eat.
The day is almost over and I've finally cooled off. Chad makes it home as I am putting the babies to bed. He was supposed to get home earlier, but encountered a flat tire. He hates getting home late, but he loves the weekends when he gets to see the babies bright and early in the morning.
For now, it's saturday morning and I've had a great nights sleep. Today will be in the 90's outside and we have some things we need to do, but at least we'll have all day together!
The morning started off great, the kids woke up at a good time (6:30am), they ate at 7am and went right back down for a nap around 8am. The dogs woke them up by barking at 9:30, but I let them play in their cribs until 10. I got them all dressed for the day and they played a little until it was time to eat at 11. They ate spinach, which I love giving them healthy foods, but man spinach is like so GREEN! When they spit up, it gets everywhere and is very hard to clean!
The plan for the day was to take Stephen and his friends to the skatepark. By the time I was ready to go, the babies were crying because they were tired and wanted to take a nap. I forgot to mention, I also had Damien. He does a great job, but it's another kid to tack on to my 4! So yesterday I had a full car, 7 kids! I can't complain because they all did great, I was the one that went sour.
So I take Stephen and his 2 friends to the skatepark and Damien, Dane, Drake, Ava and I go to Target. Thankfully my sister Crystal was meeting us there. I still have not ventured out by myself totally yet. We got to Target, and by that time, I was already sweating! The expedition's a/c isn't working. AHHH, that's another added stress. I get the kids loaded up in the "limo" stroller and all is good. Target has a/c. The whole purpose of this trip was to use these coupons I got off the internet, so I go to the baby section and load up the cart with baby food. 44 packs of two. The coupon is for $1 off 2 Gerber foods. It's supposed to be a "great" buy. I get to the checkout stand and only 7 of 22 coupons work. I don't get it, they're all the same coupons! Why can't they just use the 7 that do work. Then the manager came over and said that you can't use copied coupons. WHAT?? They're all the SAME, from the internet! I told the lady to take back all the containers and just give me what I can get. Meanwhile, Ava is having a meltdown and wants to be held! I understand, she's very tired and wants to take a nap. The checkout lady hands me my bill and it doesn't even have the coupons on there. By this time I just wanted to leave. It's already 2:20 and the babies will be eating in 40 minutes, I want to get back to the skatepark, so I can feed them. We make it there and it's at least 95 degrees out. I'm soaked from sweat and so are the babies. Damien at least finds a friend and occupies himself. The babies are in a great mood after they eat and we roll around on a blanket under a tree. Finally some relaxing. Then we have to get back into that hot car and drive home. But we make it home and everyone is fine, the babies go down for a nap and I realize that I haven't eaten since 8am! So I make grilled cheese for everyone and I get to eat.
The day is almost over and I've finally cooled off. Chad makes it home as I am putting the babies to bed. He was supposed to get home earlier, but encountered a flat tire. He hates getting home late, but he loves the weekends when he gets to see the babies bright and early in the morning.
For now, it's saturday morning and I've had a great nights sleep. Today will be in the 90's outside and we have some things we need to do, but at least we'll have all day together!
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
7 1/2 months old
7 1/2 months old and I still can't get over the fact that we have 3 babies! Just in the past month or so, they have really progressed! Chad is still convinced that they are right on with the normal 7 1/2 month olds. Which they very well may be. I'm not one for comparing.
Let's see, we'll start with Dane.
Dane: I'm guessing he's around 16-17lbs. A big boy. We had to switch him and Drake to a bigger car seat, seeming that they are too long, about 27inches now. May even be longer. Dane has really changed. He was once the quiet, content guy who just liked to watch everyone around him. He still likes to watch, but boy can he babble! He giggles at just about anything and yells and loves to sit up all on his own. He was the first to do that. He reminds me of the Gerber baby. With his big blue eyes, we will have to fight the girls off! He gets up on his knees and rocks back and forth, sometimes even scooting himself backwards. He has straightened his knees and put his butt up in the air. So cute! When he's put in an exersaucer or jumper, he gets wild and crazy! Just starts bouncing and jumping up and down! He loves it! He's still our little cuddler.
Drake: Where do I begin with him! He's been pretty much our first with everything. He can crawl and get into just about anything he wants. We've started baby proofing the house for him. He weighs about 16lbs. Although Dane was our first at sitting, Drake can now sit unassisted for a short period. He still is our Mr. Personality and he just can't sit still. He is always on the move. Even when you're holding him, he has to be facing out towards the world. His eyes are changing to a more hazel color, like Mommy's.
Ava: Our little peanut! Still a short little thing, but her attitude sure is not! What a character she is! Being the only girl, she does get a little spoiled, but not as much as I thought. She's just demanding. She's not much of a cuddler, which kills me, but she's still my princess. She maybe weighs 15-16lbs, she loves to reach and stretch out to get to things. She still rolls around like crazy. Oh when I say Dane likes to babble, he's got nothing on her. She wakes up in the morning and after her naps and just babbles like crazy. She'll yell and sing, as I think she just loves to hear herself. I love it too. You can definetely tell she's a girl. She has that very high pitched voice. So very cute! Ava can now sit up with her bros, but for a very short period. Her and Drake had a little giggle fest sitting in front of each other yesterday. As soon as I got the camera out, they stopped and were so much more intrigued by it. And of course they both fell over immediately.
Oh, the joy of having 3! I have had some bad days, I won't lie. But the day after is like heaven. I just have to remind myself that bad days are few and far between the beautiful ones. Daddy and big brother just had their birthday, to which Stephen is now a teen! YIKES! Chad has had another "talk" and I believe we have a great kid on our hands. He is interested in girls, but rollerblading is very high in his life. As it should be. The kid is amazing! I'll have to figure out how to post a video of him. WOW! I think he could go far with it. But he knows that school will be #1 and if he did what he did last year (horrible year for grades), he won't be allowed to skate.
An update on the house, our first two showings were from the same people. They were interested, but unfortunately we lost out to the same style house, but with another car garage and a view of the mountains. So sad. But we've had at least 4 other people look at it. So within a month, we're not doing too bad. I just hope it sells soon!
That's it for now, the babies are stirring!
Take care!
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
The sign is up...
The for sale sign that is. We have officially put our house on the market as of Saturday. I hope it sells quickly so we can move , but I don't because our house isn't built yet! They haven't even broken ground yet. I'm very excited to be moving to a larger home, but not looking forward to what moving entails. Especially with 3 young infants!
This is a short post, I've got to put Drake down for a nap. The other two went down pretty quickly.
This is a short post, I've got to put Drake down for a nap. The other two went down pretty quickly.
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
6 month check-up
Well, we have some great big babies on our hands. I was actually surprised though, they've kind of slowed a bit. Their doctor said they all look very healthy and they are on track developmentally. Everyone is rolling over, sitting up with assistance and grabbing for toys, objects and anything shiny mom has on! Dane is actually sitting for a brief minute or two by himself. Drake and Ava have found their feet and absolutely love them. Life is getting to be a bit more busy these days as the kids are requiring more attention. Also, Stephen being home, we're still getting used to that. It's very different when you have to make sure he gets fed, Chad and I would normally just eat whatever. With Stephen, we have to make sure there is something to eat. And a 12 (almost 13) year old boy requires a lot of food! Chads mom took him to get a cast today and great news for him, doc said he doesn't need one!!
So, the kids' weights:
Dane: 15lbs 8oz and 26 1/2 inches
Drake: 15lbs 1oz and 26 1/2 inches
Ava: 14lbs 2oz and 25 inches long
So, the kids' weights:
Dane: 15lbs 8oz and 26 1/2 inches
Drake: 15lbs 1oz and 26 1/2 inches
Ava: 14lbs 2oz and 25 inches long
Thursday, June 7, 2007
Some funnies from other multiple moms!
*You've ever said to your husband/wife while walking in the mall with your kids, "Just don't make eye contact and keep walking"*The subject of college funds makes you instinctively laugh (and throw up a little bit in your mouth)
*You occasionally lose track of how many scoops you've poured into a bottle
*At one point you've had a bottle in every room of your house
*You've taken approximately 2200 photos in the first 6 months of your babies lives
*Babies are rearranged to dodge drool pools rather change the crib sheet
*Your family blog is over taken with baby photos and stories
*The strollers in your garage occupy the space of an entire car
*You have to make an appointment just to take a shower
*When there is not one room in your house that hasn't been overtaken with baby stuff (three swings, three bouncy seats, three cribs, pack n plays, three bumbos, three exersaucers, three activity mats, ect.)
*You still aren't satisfied with your rehearsed answer about fertility drugs
*You have stock in rechargable batteries and three sets are ALWAYS being charged
*You have a costco/sams membership but no time to actually go
*You color code your babies
*An entire shelf in your pantry has been taken over by cans of formula, jars of baby food, ect.\
*Your means of conception and/or fertility methods are now public information
*You occasionally lose track of how many scoops you've poured into a bottle
*At one point you've had a bottle in every room of your house
*You've taken approximately 2200 photos in the first 6 months of your babies lives
*Babies are rearranged to dodge drool pools rather change the crib sheet
*Your family blog is over taken with baby photos and stories
*The strollers in your garage occupy the space of an entire car
*You have to make an appointment just to take a shower
*When there is not one room in your house that hasn't been overtaken with baby stuff (three swings, three bouncy seats, three cribs, pack n plays, three bumbos, three exersaucers, three activity mats, ect.)
*You still aren't satisfied with your rehearsed answer about fertility drugs
*You have stock in rechargable batteries and three sets are ALWAYS being charged
*You have a costco/sams membership but no time to actually go
*You color code your babies
*An entire shelf in your pantry has been taken over by cans of formula, jars of baby food, ect.\
*Your means of conception and/or fertility methods are now public information
Wednesday, June 6, 2007
The weekend is finally over!
I wouldn't say this was the worst weekend we've had, but it's ranked pretty high. I've never felt such frustration with my kids.
It began Friday, the 1st, their 6 month b-day! Everything seemed all right in the morning. Everyone had gone down for their first nap relatively okay. Shortly after they woke up, I took them to my other triplet friends house. We were having a play date. When I arrived it was feeding time. Drake and Ava did great, although I had put them in Lindsay's space-saver high chairs that they were not used to. Dane sat in his seat and fussed the entire time. He maybe ate 2 1/2 oz and that was pretty much forced. I thought maybe he was just tired, so I put him back in his car seat and he fell right asleep. That night, he fussed way more than usual. And with him, is he cries, we know something is wrong. And it wasn't his normal cry, so I knew something was definitely wrong. I took his temperature and sure enough his temp wasn't normal. So we gave him Tylenol and he slept until morning.
Again, Saturday morning he seemed fine. It wasn't until later that afternoon that Chad took his temp again. This time much it was 101.5. So again he got Tylenol. And he seemed to sleep OK that night. It was Drake that got us that night. The second I got home from work, I heard this terrifying scream from the nursery. Sprinting up the stairs I met Chad at the top. He didn't have any idea what was happening. I grabbed Drake and saw that his faced was covered in his spit up. He was gagging and gasping for air. It took a good half hour just for him to calm down long enough to catch his breath. I feared the worst. And he didn't sleep at all, which means neither did Mom and Dad. It was miserable.
Sunday, at the morning feeding, I noticed Dane's ear was really filled with stuff and his temp was still high. So I took him to Children's. They told me that I was right and he had an ear infection. They told me that it had already ruptured as to why his ear was filled with white crust instead of the normal yellow/orange. They gave us antibiotics and some ear drops and told me to keep using the Tylenol to help with the pain.
Everything was fine after that, he was still a little fussy, but at least the Tylenol helped him sleep. We had a BBQ for Stephen's "homecoming". What a great turnout. We had A LOT of people in our little house. I can't wait to sell our house and move! That's a whole other post!
Monday morning, after a very stressful night of crying boys, I had to leave. I was helping out with our golf tournament for Sam. Chad called me after the kids' morning bottle and said Drake was acting like Dane was the other day. Great, I didn't know ear infections could be contagious! They aren't but an infection is an infection and they are contagious. Meanwhile, Chad had to take Stephen in to the doctors for his broken hand. What a family! Later that day, Chad took Drake in to see what was the problem was. They told him that it looks like since he has a runny nose that he could have an ear infection, but it looked as though it hadn't ruptured yet. So all this time, both the boys were just in misery with their ears! We felt awful! Ava also has a runny nose and we're praying that she doesn't get an ear infection.
So, needless to say, the weekend's over!! Today has been okay, the naps are short, but I'm hoping things will get back to normal by tomorrow.
It began Friday, the 1st, their 6 month b-day! Everything seemed all right in the morning. Everyone had gone down for their first nap relatively okay. Shortly after they woke up, I took them to my other triplet friends house. We were having a play date. When I arrived it was feeding time. Drake and Ava did great, although I had put them in Lindsay's space-saver high chairs that they were not used to. Dane sat in his seat and fussed the entire time. He maybe ate 2 1/2 oz and that was pretty much forced. I thought maybe he was just tired, so I put him back in his car seat and he fell right asleep. That night, he fussed way more than usual. And with him, is he cries, we know something is wrong. And it wasn't his normal cry, so I knew something was definitely wrong. I took his temperature and sure enough his temp wasn't normal. So we gave him Tylenol and he slept until morning.
Again, Saturday morning he seemed fine. It wasn't until later that afternoon that Chad took his temp again. This time much it was 101.5. So again he got Tylenol. And he seemed to sleep OK that night. It was Drake that got us that night. The second I got home from work, I heard this terrifying scream from the nursery. Sprinting up the stairs I met Chad at the top. He didn't have any idea what was happening. I grabbed Drake and saw that his faced was covered in his spit up. He was gagging and gasping for air. It took a good half hour just for him to calm down long enough to catch his breath. I feared the worst. And he didn't sleep at all, which means neither did Mom and Dad. It was miserable.
Sunday, at the morning feeding, I noticed Dane's ear was really filled with stuff and his temp was still high. So I took him to Children's. They told me that I was right and he had an ear infection. They told me that it had already ruptured as to why his ear was filled with white crust instead of the normal yellow/orange. They gave us antibiotics and some ear drops and told me to keep using the Tylenol to help with the pain.
Everything was fine after that, he was still a little fussy, but at least the Tylenol helped him sleep. We had a BBQ for Stephen's "homecoming". What a great turnout. We had A LOT of people in our little house. I can't wait to sell our house and move! That's a whole other post!
Monday morning, after a very stressful night of crying boys, I had to leave. I was helping out with our golf tournament for Sam. Chad called me after the kids' morning bottle and said Drake was acting like Dane was the other day. Great, I didn't know ear infections could be contagious! They aren't but an infection is an infection and they are contagious. Meanwhile, Chad had to take Stephen in to the doctors for his broken hand. What a family! Later that day, Chad took Drake in to see what was the problem was. They told him that it looks like since he has a runny nose that he could have an ear infection, but it looked as though it hadn't ruptured yet. So all this time, both the boys were just in misery with their ears! We felt awful! Ava also has a runny nose and we're praying that she doesn't get an ear infection.
So, needless to say, the weekend's over!! Today has been okay, the naps are short, but I'm hoping things will get back to normal by tomorrow.
Saturday, May 12, 2007
Remembering...
As I sit here today, I try to remember what life was like a year ago. I remember it was very different, very solid, I knew what tomorrow would bring. I knew I could do whatever I wanted. Though I miss it, I don’t envy it. I’ve got my world now and I would never change a thing.
My life changed the moment I met my husband Chad. I was young, 17 at the time, and wanted really nothing to do with children. When I found out he had a 3 year old son (Stephen), Chad was 23, I almost turned him away. But with love at first sight, I hung on. Low and behold, after 3 years of dating, we were married. Still, the thoughts of a child, let alone children, were far from my mind. Then, I realized I was missing what every other woman already had, a baby. I started to want that feeling that women talk about when they get pregnant. I wanted that feeling of having something grow inside of you. Most of all, I wanted that feeling of someone needing me to survive.
After almost 2 years of trying, we realized we weren’t getting anywhere. I remember thinking every time I was late, “I’m pregnant” only to be sadly disappointed when my period came. We had heard many good things about Dr. Schoolcraft’s office and we decided to give it a whirl. We met Dr. Minjarez and we began our journey. She helped us understand everything that is involved with infertility. It took Chad and I almost 6 months to finally agree to get started.
In March of 2006, we actually began our journey. With our first round of chlomid, on April 19th we had our first IUI (intrauterine insemination). On May 5th, we found out we were pregnant! I can’t tell you how excited we were. Finally, the most amazing news we had heard for quite some time. It wasn’t until my blood tests came back did we realize that there might be more than one. We knew going in that we had a 7-8% chance of having twins and less than 1% chance of having triplets. We had seen 3 big follicles, but were told that they may not all get fertilized. We knew something was up when they told me my hormone levels were really high though. My mom knew triplets! It wasn’t until our 6 week ultrasound that we found out it really was triplets! WOW! We were shocked, but kept our spirits up. We had heard many scary stories, but we knew going in that we wanted kids. So kids is what we got.
Like I said, I wouldn’t change a thing. So after we found out we were having triplets, we did probably what most expectant families do, PREPARE! I became very strict with my diet and took all the necessary vitamins. I was bound and determined to keep these kiddos safe and not have them be taken too early. I really had a great pregnancy. I never had the morning sickness. I was always happy, some would say I was glowing all the time. I giggled at everything and anything. I hated the way my body was changing, but the moment I felt them kick, I melted. I fell in love with the 3 little babies that I had never even seen. When we found out what the sexes were, it was like I already knew them. We had names picked out immediately and knew who was who. Baby A was Dane, Baby B Drake and Baby C was our daughter Ava. We were thrilled to have the perfect mixture.
After 34 weeks of my pregnancy bliss, I developed a lingering headache. I didn’t think anything of it. I took my normal Tylenol (as Tylenol was my new best friend along with Benadryl) and let it be. I went in for what would be my final doctors visit on Thursday November 30 and was told that the headache is usually a sign of preeclampsia (high blood pressure, only treatment is to give birth). What was that? I skimmed over it in books thinking I was not going to be the person who ended her pregnancy with it. I was told to pack my things and head back to the hospital that night. I was not going to be leaving without my babies, so I was told.
Wow, that hit me harder than expected. I was supposed to make it to at least 36 weeks, after all, the nurses told me I was the model triplet pregnancy. I realize now that it just strikes whoever, no way I could’ve stopped it. I did everything perfect.
So, on December 1, 2006 I was prepared to give birth to my triplets, via c-section. I couldn’t think of any other time where I was that nervous. I had been waiting for it for so long! Chad was a nervous wreck. He didn’t sleep a wink the night before, lucky me, they gave me a sleeping pill (why didn’t I get those before??).
At 12:37pm on December 1st, Dane Ethan was born, weighing 4 lbs 12 oz and was 18 ½ inches long. At 12:38pm both Drake Samuel and Ava Grace were born. Drake weighed 5 lbs 8 oz and was 18 inches long. Ava came out weighing 4 lbs 3 oz and was 16 ½ inches long. Amazing weights! Where did I have them? I was big, but not that big! Dane was put on a ventilator, but only for 12 hours. Both Drake and Ava had c-paps for not more than 32 hours. All 3 went to the Grad NICU the next day and had a room all to themselves. It was there that we all began to thrive.
I spent every day with them and I learned so much. Chad would visit after work. He didn't want to take off until the babies came home. I remember they were 3 of the most quiet babies in the NICU. They really only fussed when they didn't want to be messed with. But I wanted to hold them tight all day long. We learned a lot while in the NICU, though there are certain things you need to figure out on your own.
After all 3 had figured out how to suck and swallow and do what all babies are supposed to do (16 days to be exact), they got the okay to go home. Yes, all 3 at the same time. Thank God Chad had 3 weeks off!
So for those first 3 weeks home, our family started. It wasn’t the best days we’ve had, but it definitely was not the worst. Chad and I learned quickly that both of us getting up in the middle of the night was a terrible idea, someone needed to sleep. The babies came home on a four hour schedule and to our amazement, they stuck with it. There were times when they made it 3 ½ hours, but for the most part, we were blessed with a 4 hour schedule. We both started to get our sleep back. Chad and I never lost ourselves, we kept our team together. And with help from our STORM (Super Twins of the Rocky Mountains) mom, Amy Johnson, some meals were prepared for us so we didn’t have to cook.
So, one year later, we have 3 five month old babies. Each at least tripling their birth weights. They are all rolling from front to back. Drake seems to be the leader in everything though. My mom swears he was the first born. They each have their own little personalities as well. Dane is our quiet guy, who rarely cries. You have to pull a smile out of him, but when he does smile, it’ll make you melt. Drake is our Mr. Personality. Everything seems to be hysterical to him. He smiles constantly and doesn't seem to want to sit still. Ava, we thought she didn’t like anyone at first. Then all of a sudden she is the most outgoing of all 3. She smiles at everyone and giggles at anything.
The loves of our lives! Our family has been blessed and we look forward to each and every year that lies ahead.
My life changed the moment I met my husband Chad. I was young, 17 at the time, and wanted really nothing to do with children. When I found out he had a 3 year old son (Stephen), Chad was 23, I almost turned him away. But with love at first sight, I hung on. Low and behold, after 3 years of dating, we were married. Still, the thoughts of a child, let alone children, were far from my mind. Then, I realized I was missing what every other woman already had, a baby. I started to want that feeling that women talk about when they get pregnant. I wanted that feeling of having something grow inside of you. Most of all, I wanted that feeling of someone needing me to survive.
After almost 2 years of trying, we realized we weren’t getting anywhere. I remember thinking every time I was late, “I’m pregnant” only to be sadly disappointed when my period came. We had heard many good things about Dr. Schoolcraft’s office and we decided to give it a whirl. We met Dr. Minjarez and we began our journey. She helped us understand everything that is involved with infertility. It took Chad and I almost 6 months to finally agree to get started.
In March of 2006, we actually began our journey. With our first round of chlomid, on April 19th we had our first IUI (intrauterine insemination). On May 5th, we found out we were pregnant! I can’t tell you how excited we were. Finally, the most amazing news we had heard for quite some time. It wasn’t until my blood tests came back did we realize that there might be more than one. We knew going in that we had a 7-8% chance of having twins and less than 1% chance of having triplets. We had seen 3 big follicles, but were told that they may not all get fertilized. We knew something was up when they told me my hormone levels were really high though. My mom knew triplets! It wasn’t until our 6 week ultrasound that we found out it really was triplets! WOW! We were shocked, but kept our spirits up. We had heard many scary stories, but we knew going in that we wanted kids. So kids is what we got.
Like I said, I wouldn’t change a thing. So after we found out we were having triplets, we did probably what most expectant families do, PREPARE! I became very strict with my diet and took all the necessary vitamins. I was bound and determined to keep these kiddos safe and not have them be taken too early. I really had a great pregnancy. I never had the morning sickness. I was always happy, some would say I was glowing all the time. I giggled at everything and anything. I hated the way my body was changing, but the moment I felt them kick, I melted. I fell in love with the 3 little babies that I had never even seen. When we found out what the sexes were, it was like I already knew them. We had names picked out immediately and knew who was who. Baby A was Dane, Baby B Drake and Baby C was our daughter Ava. We were thrilled to have the perfect mixture.
After 34 weeks of my pregnancy bliss, I developed a lingering headache. I didn’t think anything of it. I took my normal Tylenol (as Tylenol was my new best friend along with Benadryl) and let it be. I went in for what would be my final doctors visit on Thursday November 30 and was told that the headache is usually a sign of preeclampsia (high blood pressure, only treatment is to give birth). What was that? I skimmed over it in books thinking I was not going to be the person who ended her pregnancy with it. I was told to pack my things and head back to the hospital that night. I was not going to be leaving without my babies, so I was told.
Wow, that hit me harder than expected. I was supposed to make it to at least 36 weeks, after all, the nurses told me I was the model triplet pregnancy. I realize now that it just strikes whoever, no way I could’ve stopped it. I did everything perfect.
So, on December 1, 2006 I was prepared to give birth to my triplets, via c-section. I couldn’t think of any other time where I was that nervous. I had been waiting for it for so long! Chad was a nervous wreck. He didn’t sleep a wink the night before, lucky me, they gave me a sleeping pill (why didn’t I get those before??).
At 12:37pm on December 1st, Dane Ethan was born, weighing 4 lbs 12 oz and was 18 ½ inches long. At 12:38pm both Drake Samuel and Ava Grace were born. Drake weighed 5 lbs 8 oz and was 18 inches long. Ava came out weighing 4 lbs 3 oz and was 16 ½ inches long. Amazing weights! Where did I have them? I was big, but not that big! Dane was put on a ventilator, but only for 12 hours. Both Drake and Ava had c-paps for not more than 32 hours. All 3 went to the Grad NICU the next day and had a room all to themselves. It was there that we all began to thrive.
I spent every day with them and I learned so much. Chad would visit after work. He didn't want to take off until the babies came home. I remember they were 3 of the most quiet babies in the NICU. They really only fussed when they didn't want to be messed with. But I wanted to hold them tight all day long. We learned a lot while in the NICU, though there are certain things you need to figure out on your own.
After all 3 had figured out how to suck and swallow and do what all babies are supposed to do (16 days to be exact), they got the okay to go home. Yes, all 3 at the same time. Thank God Chad had 3 weeks off!
So for those first 3 weeks home, our family started. It wasn’t the best days we’ve had, but it definitely was not the worst. Chad and I learned quickly that both of us getting up in the middle of the night was a terrible idea, someone needed to sleep. The babies came home on a four hour schedule and to our amazement, they stuck with it. There were times when they made it 3 ½ hours, but for the most part, we were blessed with a 4 hour schedule. We both started to get our sleep back. Chad and I never lost ourselves, we kept our team together. And with help from our STORM (Super Twins of the Rocky Mountains) mom, Amy Johnson, some meals were prepared for us so we didn’t have to cook.
So, one year later, we have 3 five month old babies. Each at least tripling their birth weights. They are all rolling from front to back. Drake seems to be the leader in everything though. My mom swears he was the first born. They each have their own little personalities as well. Dane is our quiet guy, who rarely cries. You have to pull a smile out of him, but when he does smile, it’ll make you melt. Drake is our Mr. Personality. Everything seems to be hysterical to him. He smiles constantly and doesn't seem to want to sit still. Ava, we thought she didn’t like anyone at first. Then all of a sudden she is the most outgoing of all 3. She smiles at everyone and giggles at anything.
The loves of our lives! Our family has been blessed and we look forward to each and every year that lies ahead.
Saturday, December 16, 2006
Nov 30, 2006
Today, wow, what a day! So, I've had this terrible headache now for oh, maybe 4 days. Never thought anything of it. I had a doctors appointment yesterday, but it snowed like crazy and I didn't feel like it was a good idea for me to drive. So I rescheduled for today.
On my way down to the hospital, I noticed that my eyesite was beginning to get blury. My headache was extremely bad now and not even Tylenol was helping. Once I made it to my doctors office, I felt worse. I thought, I probably should not have been driving.
I did all my normal tests, weight, protein check and blood pressure. My blood pressure seemed to be a little off. So they did a blood test and told me, go home and rest and start packing your bags. We may have you admitted tonight! WHAT? All I have is a terrible headache, I thought.
Ok, so I stopped at my work for a bowl of soup and then headed home. By this time, I wasn't feeling all that bad. They told me they would call within a couple of hours.
Well, after about a 4 hour nap, I still hadn't heard from the nurse. Chad was getting anxious, awaiting the phone call to tell him to come get me. So about 5 or so, I decided to call. A half hour later, I got a call from my doctor. She said I have the onset of preeclampsia and that we should get down to the hospital. And she mentioned, you won't be going home pregnant!!
When Chad finally made it home, I went into nesting mode. I had slept all day and I hadn't done anything to the house to get it cleaned. I was going crazy. I needed to vacuum, clean the bathrooms, the kitchen, do the laundry, etc. The things I wouldn't be doing for awhile. And oh my gosh, my dogs! What about the dogs! Needless to say, I wasn't able to get those things done, but Chad would come home and do a few things while I would be in the hospital.
So we made it to the hospital. We got settled into our room and they started hooking me up to all the heartrate monitors and the contraction monitor. I was having more contractions than I thought! Then our Dr. came in and said, lets do this tonight! WHAT? I told her that I had a slice of cheese and a cookie before we left. And she said why'd you do that? So we weren't able to have the babies tonight. Chad and I let out a huge sigh of relief. He said he needed a beer! Me too! I felt bad though, cause she was our Dr we wanted to deliver our babies. But she scheduled our c-section for noon on the following day.
They gave a sleeping pill and told me that I can't eat anything again after 10 or so. That was fine, I wasn't able to eat anyway, I was way too nervous. Dawn spent the night with me and Chad went home to do a few things around the house and to take care of the dogs. I know he didn't get much sleep that night! He was a nervous wreck. At least they gave me sleeping pill.
On my way down to the hospital, I noticed that my eyesite was beginning to get blury. My headache was extremely bad now and not even Tylenol was helping. Once I made it to my doctors office, I felt worse. I thought, I probably should not have been driving.
I did all my normal tests, weight, protein check and blood pressure. My blood pressure seemed to be a little off. So they did a blood test and told me, go home and rest and start packing your bags. We may have you admitted tonight! WHAT? All I have is a terrible headache, I thought.
Ok, so I stopped at my work for a bowl of soup and then headed home. By this time, I wasn't feeling all that bad. They told me they would call within a couple of hours.
Well, after about a 4 hour nap, I still hadn't heard from the nurse. Chad was getting anxious, awaiting the phone call to tell him to come get me. So about 5 or so, I decided to call. A half hour later, I got a call from my doctor. She said I have the onset of preeclampsia and that we should get down to the hospital. And she mentioned, you won't be going home pregnant!!
When Chad finally made it home, I went into nesting mode. I had slept all day and I hadn't done anything to the house to get it cleaned. I was going crazy. I needed to vacuum, clean the bathrooms, the kitchen, do the laundry, etc. The things I wouldn't be doing for awhile. And oh my gosh, my dogs! What about the dogs! Needless to say, I wasn't able to get those things done, but Chad would come home and do a few things while I would be in the hospital.
So we made it to the hospital. We got settled into our room and they started hooking me up to all the heartrate monitors and the contraction monitor. I was having more contractions than I thought! Then our Dr. came in and said, lets do this tonight! WHAT? I told her that I had a slice of cheese and a cookie before we left. And she said why'd you do that? So we weren't able to have the babies tonight. Chad and I let out a huge sigh of relief. He said he needed a beer! Me too! I felt bad though, cause she was our Dr we wanted to deliver our babies. But she scheduled our c-section for noon on the following day.
They gave a sleeping pill and told me that I can't eat anything again after 10 or so. That was fine, I wasn't able to eat anyway, I was way too nervous. Dawn spent the night with me and Chad went home to do a few things around the house and to take care of the dogs. I know he didn't get much sleep that night! He was a nervous wreck. At least they gave me sleeping pill.
Wednesday, November 22, 2006
22 Days to go!
This morning we had our last ultra sound. I never thought about how crowded it would be. I'm talking about my big belly. I couldn't make out anything during the ultrasound. I guess we did happen to see a foot! That was exciting. But I tell you, it's pretty darn crowded in there. Every one's getting so big , right along with my belly. Last week they measured me at 46 weeks. That's not normal! Not human!
They measure the weight during an ultrasound by measuring their femur (thigh bone) and then the circumference of their head. All weights are approximate. With that, I will remind you that I am 33 weeks and 1 day today. I still have 22 days left, which also means, they have 22 days left to continue to grow. Ok, so here are the weights. Baby A (Dane Ethan) weighed in at 4lbs 9oz. Baby B (Drake Samuel) weighed in at 4lbs 10oz. Baby C (Ava Grace) weighed in at 4lbs.
To many of you, those seem like really good weights. Now I remind you that they are all in MY belly! So that means I am carrying around about a 14lbs baby! If they continue growing like they have been, I could end up with 6lbs babies. God help me!
Unfortunetely, the doctor did say he was a bit weary of their weights. With them growing so big so quickly, it could mean poor lung development. So he suggested doing an amnio a couple days before the scheduled c-section to check the lung development. I pray for healthy babies! And if they are on ventilators for a short while, I know it's for the best. Chad sees it at his work all the time, so we're used to it.
Other than having big babies, we are all doing great! We are looking forward to sharing a wonderful Thanksgiving with family.
Have a great Thanksgiving!
They measure the weight during an ultrasound by measuring their femur (thigh bone) and then the circumference of their head. All weights are approximate. With that, I will remind you that I am 33 weeks and 1 day today. I still have 22 days left, which also means, they have 22 days left to continue to grow. Ok, so here are the weights. Baby A (Dane Ethan) weighed in at 4lbs 9oz. Baby B (Drake Samuel) weighed in at 4lbs 10oz. Baby C (Ava Grace) weighed in at 4lbs.
To many of you, those seem like really good weights. Now I remind you that they are all in MY belly! So that means I am carrying around about a 14lbs baby! If they continue growing like they have been, I could end up with 6lbs babies. God help me!
Unfortunetely, the doctor did say he was a bit weary of their weights. With them growing so big so quickly, it could mean poor lung development. So he suggested doing an amnio a couple days before the scheduled c-section to check the lung development. I pray for healthy babies! And if they are on ventilators for a short while, I know it's for the best. Chad sees it at his work all the time, so we're used to it.
Other than having big babies, we are all doing great! We are looking forward to sharing a wonderful Thanksgiving with family.
Have a great Thanksgiving!
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