25 week Appointment: A Thankful Heart

We had our 25-week ultrasound yesterday, so we got the say “hello” to our three sons. I have to say, it is getting a little crowded in there. One of the boys had his elbow in the other’s face…one was sucking his thumb…and they were ALL kicking around, especially after I drank my high-sugar drink for the glucose test.

 It is amazing to take a peak into their little dark world. They are so safe in there. I remember the intense desire to protect Evelyn from the outside world when I saw her in the ultrasound pictures. They are so innocent, untouched, unharmed; they haven’t been pushed, their feelings haven’t been hurt and they haven’t experienced rejection. But I know in 11 weeks (or less!) they will enter this world. There is so much joy to experience, yet my heart already breaks when I think about the culture that will try to strip them of their innocence. And I am humbled (and I know John is too) that God chose US to raise them, and teach them right from wrong. It is an overwhelming sense of responsibility, one that John and I do not take lightly. 

We finally agreed on their names (well, first names) and we feel they are ones that reflect the type of men we dream of them becoming. We are not revealing their names until they are born and we don’t know which name will be given to what baby; but John and I both are really confident in our choices and excited to introduce them to the world. But not yet. ;)

 I am really optimistic that I will carry them close to full term (36 weeks). I had another great doctor visit. I am doing great (blood pressure low, no diabetes, normal weight gain) and the babies are doing really well too. Two of them are about 1.5 lbs, and “triplet B” is 2 lbs! The doctor said that their weight for 25 weeks is at a normal weight for a singleton pregnancy! So, I am carrying around three legitimately 25 week sized babies! It is so appropriate that we had our appointment the day before Thanksgiving because as I drove home on that beautiful late fall afternoon, my heart was soaring with gratitude. I know we still have 2 months to go, but so far, all is well.

When I came home, I showed Evelyn the roll of ultrasound pictures. She grabbed them from my hands and spun around the room with them saying, “SISTERRRRSSSSS!” Again, I had to remind her “brothers,” but nonetheless, I think she is starting to understand that there are “babies coming.” She will probably grow up thinking that having three babies at once is normal for a while. I forget sometimes too, that this situation is not "normal." Just today I was talking to another pregnant woman at the gym, and I later told John, “She’s pregnant too, but with one baby.” John just looked at me and replied, “Well, I assume that everyone is just pregnant with one baby. That is usually how it happens.”

Anyhow, here’s to a happy Thanksgiving, a day when we are supposed to reflect and give thanks. I have SO MUCH to give thanks for it’s actually ridiculous. And I hope that I can hang on to this grateful spirit all the other days of the year too. I try. I really do, but life has a way of weighing me down sometimes.  However, no matter how "I feel" at the moment, I know in my heart how blessed I am. 
 Now off to my in-laws for some turkey and mashed potatoes…the boys have to keep growing!

A wave to mommy and daddy

"Brother A"

Large and In Charge

I’m 24 weeks…but have a bowling ball attached to the front of me that’s about the size of someone who is 34 weeks pregnant…or more! I’m really trying to stay active throughout my pregnancy, just as I did with my first one. I walk for exercise and I still lift free weights, although I’ve altered my weight and routine. My goal: to stay as healthy and mobile as long as possible.

 One big worry I had when I heard I was having triplets was the big possibility of the dreaded bed rest. I have a very active 2 year old daughter. I am a very active person. And the thought of this just terrifies me. I think the first 2 hours of reading, watching daytime television, and checking Facebook would be rejuvenating…but after that I think I would go insane. I would especially grieve that fact that I couldn’t take care of my daughter. Now I know that bed rest can happen to the healthiest of people, so despite my best efforts, I still might have to spend some time off my feet. However, my doctor told me she is not quick to order women on bed rest, and she endorses all the activity I am doing. So far…so good.

But let me tell you, I still have (if all goes according to the 36 week plan) 12 weeks to go…and I really don’t know how my stomach is going to stretch anymore. I seemingly pop overnight , (as many  of my friends have commented)  But by the grace of God, I will keep trudging onward, taking care of Evie to the best of my ability. I like to call myself, “Large, and In Charge.”

 Evie is nearing 2, and yes, I do see why some call it the “terrible twos.” It’s not that she’s terrible, but man, does she have her own little will and “I do it” and “no” seem to be her favorite words. Despite trying to savor this remaining time I have with just her, the days are starting to be a bit exhausting, both physically and mentally. I thought that my bulging mid section might be a bit intimidating to her. Nope. All she does is poke the protruding belly button and proclaim “sisters!” (even when I tell her she’s having “brothers.” ) Sometimes she finds it amusing to bounce on, much like a yoga ball, and I have to say it does make a great ledge sometimes when I hoist up her 30 lb. body.

I’ve forgotten since my last pregnancy that it can also make an exceptional platform for an ice cream bowl or cell phone. I find that when I eat, I consistently end the meal with a collection of crumbs. Did I get messier being pregnant…or does all this  usually just end up on the floor? Most of my pajamas have toothpaste dripping on them too. I know…I know…John probably thinks that’s so Hot.

Tonight I was making muffins and I took the pan out and singed my mid section. Once again, I think I forgot it was there. However,  I couldn’t even see if I had made a mark because, well, it was beyond my field of vision. All I know is that it’s a good sign  that the boys are growing.

 I’m a mama to four. One is already  running around trying to take charge of every situation; the three others are wrestling and practicing the back flips they are going to do off our furniture.

 "Large and in charge." 

Actually, it has a nice ring to it...toothpaste stains and all. 

Fall Fun...and holding on to these moments!

Lately, I’ve been feeling guilty and a bit sad that I only have a few remaining months with just Evie. It’s been just her and me for 2 years…play dates, play gyms, story times, parks.….just the two of us. However, I’m realizing that this time is quickly coming to an end. And even though she drives me absolutely crazy sometimes, I’m going to miss it. 

Sometimes, I feel guilty that her life is going to change so much. I know that she will never remember a time without her three brothers. And I know that having siblings for her will enrich her life even more in the long run. 

I have fears that I just wont be able to give her the time, attention and love that she needs/want/expects. However, the irony of this whole thing is that sometimes when I watch her wander around the house alone, I feel guilty that she DOESN”T have siblings. I know, I know….I’m ridiculous. Guilty for having them….guilty for not! Anyhow, the past few weeks my energy has come back and I haven’t been feeling nauseous most of the day…and the weather has been so gorgeous..So, I’ve taken advantage of all of this and visited pumpkin patches and petting zoos and apple orchards many days during the week. What better way to spend a sunny fall day! Free fun! Evie has a blast climbing (and falling off) haystacks, chasing chickens, eating fresh apples and riding the pumpkin trains. I’ve soaked up each one of these outings this fall, truly savoring my moments with her. 

I know when the boys do come, they will quickly become part of our family. It’s just hard to imagine right now, as it was difficult to imagine Evie before she was born. It’s funny how quickly we adopt "new normals."

I think Evie and I will always have a special relationship. After all, with a house full of boys coming, us girls will have to stick together!

In Charge

Lee Farms!

                            

Buds 

Queen of the patch!

Enjoying a sunny afternoon

Yum!

Riding the pumpkin train

Halloween with her cousins in Seattle!