In the Stars

from my 2011 Horoscope --- "Your legendary tenacity and patience is truly about to pay off in spades this year Taurus. After a long and arduous 12 years, your luck is returning with a fabulous vengeance."

30 Week Belly

Today is 30 weeks! The babies are stronger than ever and are really moving around in there ... a bizarre feeling for sure. Happy New Year to everyone! So far this will be the most eventful new year in both of our lives.

Close Monitoring

Tomorrow is week 30! It's amazing how the tone in the doctor's office has changed since we've made it past the scary period. The doctors are so happy with me and comment on the pregnancy being "rock solid" or say that I've "cruised through". So reassuring since it's tough carrying these 3 babies at this point. Now we just see how long I can last ... ideally for 5 more weeks (goal = week 35)!

For now I go in once a week for office visits and biophysical profiles
where they measure breathing, movement, muscle tone, heart rate, & amniotic fluid for each baby.

From week 32 on I will go in twice a week for non-stress tests.

I also continue to monitor at home on a daily basis including: # of contractions per hour with special equipment we're hooked up with, my blood pressure, and baby movements per 2 hours (goal being 10).

They are really keeping a close eye on these Joneses!

28 Week Ultrasound

This past Friday I had my 28 week ultrasound. All looks good for all three babies.
Baby Boy "A" = 2 lb 11 oz
Baby Boy "B" = 2 lb 10 oz
Baby Girl "C" = 2 lb 9 oz
Baby Boy "B" was not facing the right direction for a glamour shot, but here are some pics from the appointment.

Ice, Ice Baby

Okay, this is a bit of a strange entry, but I felt the need to share my newly developed love of ice. Yes, ice. I'm not sure what it is about my 3rd trimester that has made me fall in love with frozen water, but I can't live without it. When I was in the lab waiting room with my mom, she brought me a glass of ice water and I kept raving to her about the special ice they had there. She laughed at me and continued to go back for more as it was keeping me happy. Well, that's about all for now...I've got to get back to my tall glass of seltzer with ice.

28 Weeks Belly

From here on out I think I am pushing beyond what a singleton pregnancy is like at full term. My tummy continues to grow and is really making basic movement more an more difficult. Both boys are sitting very low and I hurt my back Friday night simply rolling over. The doc thinks it was a slipped disc, but I'm keeping still and using a heating pad. I just keep telling myself "I'm growing because they're growing...which is a very good thing".

False Alarm!

Yeah! I passed my 3 hour glucose test and don't have gestational diabetes after all. The nurse said "good job, now treat yourself to a cookie." :) A great way to start off my day!

Pre Clean-up

I just found this picture that Kreg took after the baby shower. WOW. To appreciate the progress we've made look about 6 posts down.

Baby Bedding

All the cribs are up and the skirts and bumpers are on.

NOW it's real.

After a battery of blood tests, multitude of ultrasounds, plethora of internal kicks, and not to mention an amazing growing belly, somehow it took buying a minivan to make it all VERY REAL. Yes, we did it. We pulled the trigger and are now proud owners of a Honda Odyssey with all the bells and whistles so I still feel "kinda cool". Kreg likes it too and is having a good time learning how to use the hands-free features so he can feel like a space-age dad. When we were driving yesterday he said, "I really feel like going on a nice road-trip now" .... ummmm, sorry honey, but not for a while.

Knit 1, Purl 2

Yesterday my mother-in-law and her friend Verna came over to give my mom, sister, and I a knitting lesson. We figured that this might be a nice activity for me since I'm supposed to be nice and calm. Well, it's not the easiest thing to do, but we made progress. We'll see how this goes!! Thanks Lita & Verna!

Because it's cute ...

Man, did we clean house...

My mom came over and really did a number on my house. THANKS MOM! I feel back to normal again and festive too! We put out a small number of Christmas decorations to bring in the holiday cheer without creating too much work for the future. Ahhhhh... it's another "Hilltown Lodge" Christmas.

Delicous Glucola

Last Friday I drank some delicious glucola for my glucose screening and yesterday I got news from the docs that I did not pass the test. Yes, did not! My blood sugar was too high and I need to go in for a 3 hour glucose test to see if I have developed gestational diabetes. GRRRRR... The doc reassured me that it's not related to my "self-confessed" sweet tooth, but caused by elevated hormones from the triplet pregnancy (created by the three placentas). We will see.

Bed Rest

If I look pained in this picture, it's because I am. Well, not actually in physical pain (thank god), but the pain of boredom was striking me. Today is my second Monday on bed rest and I plan my seated sessions throughout the home. Ready for my thrilling day so far?

First Session = kitchen table finishing up thank you notes
Second Session = recliner chair in front room reading chapters on NICU and How to Cope the First Few Months with Multiples in my book
Third Session = Computer work; posting items on ebay, checking my emails, etc.
Fourth Session = Couch watching TV and eating lunch (the picture) leading into re-writing my list of things to do (most I can't do myself) in all sorts of categories (computer, nursery, outdoors, shopping, attic)

Needless to say - open for visitors!!

26 Week Belly

... and growing!!

A Grandpop Shower!!

The sweetest thing happened last night ... my dad's church choir friends threw him a surprise Grandpop Baby Shower! He was apparently very confused by the whole situation at first and did not know what was going on. When he realized that everyone pulled the event together for him and his soon-to-be grandkids he was shocked and a tad emotional. Thank you to everyone in the choir. The Heidelberg Community has been very special to our family all of my life and we really appreciate your support during this exciting time.

Pearl S. Buck

I received a post card in the mail the other day for an arts & crafts show at The Pearl S. Buck House. This little holiday postcard made me sit still for a moment and shed a few tears. It was a craft show that Kreg and I attended a few years back that initiated our application to adopt. We've had an amazing journey so far in trying to create a family and I will forever have a place in my heart for the little Korean baby and Chinese baby girl that are probably being placed right now with loving parents.

Last Day at Lutron

I said goodbye to my Lutron friends and my cozy workspace yesterday. It was an odd feeling and I am still curious what types of projects/activities I will come up with while resting at home. I will shift gears for the time-being and close down the planning worksheets, budget spreadsheets, and powerpoint presentations to open up unread books with paper pages and possibly pick up some knitting needles.

Spill-Over

It's amazing what these triplets will initiate! The preparation for their arrival has spilled over to cleaning out the shed and the garage. This is the scene I was facing in our back yard as Kreg sorted through his manly possessions. HOLY SMOKES!

24 Week Ultrasound

Friday we had our 24 week ultrasound. Everyone looks good! They all have normal heartbeats, are growing at the same rate (which is great news), and are in the 63rd percentile in weight (for singletons!). They are all about 1 pound and 8 or 9 ounces each.

Auction Find

A few months before we knew I was pregnant, Kreg, Vanessa, & I attended a local auction for fun. I couldn't help myself and bought a child's rocker. Well, I cleaned it up and took a stab at my first reupholstering project yesterday ... check it out!

Pritty Pics

I love these pictures from the shower. So cute.

24 Week Belly

It seems the doctors were right. At 24 weeks I MUST slow down. I'm simply too big haul myself to and from work without feeling labored breath or just flat out exhaustion. The books say that a triplet 24 weeks is like a singleton 34 weeks. I can't imagine what I will look like 2 months from now!

A Well-Timed Kick

Kreg was a tad stressed this past Sunday. I think he's feeling the pressures of becoming a daddy to triplets and the preparation for their arrival can be daunting. Well, later that night I felt baby boy "B" kicking ... A LOT. It was stronger than usual and I called Kreg over to feel my belly. Kreg put his hand where baby boy "B" is and felt the kick of one of his babies for the first time. It was exciting and so well-timed. Thanks "B".

Baby Shower

This past weekend my family threw a baby shower for us. It was wonderful. It was great to see so many faces of friends and family and to celebrate the pending arrival of these three babies. I don't have very good pictures of the shower yet, but here are the centerpieces that Steph & Vanessa put together. So sweet!

Thanks Mom, Lita, Laura, Steph & Nessa for going above and beyond to make Saturday so special. Also thanks to all of the guests -- it's amazing how generous everyone has been. Hugs!

Wrapping Up Work

It's countdown at work and I have 1 week and 3 days left. Basically, I won't be returning after Thanksgiving and will be on disability at home. What a bizarre concept for me to get my head around. I enjoy running at full throttle, but suppose this will force me to slow down and make sure these babies stay in there as long as possible. I should enjoy the "rest" since chaos is just around the corner.

Fur Baby

Something tells me that Cleo is going to get confused when the three little ones show up. She already thinks the new comfy additions to the house are for her.

Getting There...

We're slowly getting the nursery pulled together. Kreg hung the curtains that I hemmed this weekend and Vanessa and Mike built a crib on Saturday night. It's coming together!

Retro Love

I just love these retro wooden lamps for the nursery. "Noah's Ark" is from when I was a child, the "Toy Soldier" is something I picked up at an antique shop a few years ago, and "The Parade of 3" is a lamp my dear friend Stephie just gave me from when she was little. ps- I made up the names

Nesting

I assume we're nesting since there's been major activity in the house. The biggest change was putting in new carpeting for the upstairs. What a difference! Here are some pics of Kreg and the grandparents hard at work ripping up the old to make way for the new.

Newton's Law of Motion

"To every action there is an equal and opposite reaction". I've done a very scientific test of Newton's law and it seems that, yup, he's right.

This past week my lower belly felt weird and I took my took hands and pushed slightly upward on it. A strange and immediate quick poke of pain where "Baby A" is located made me jerk. Low and behold, one of these little boys gave me a swift kick back in response as if saying "hey, hands off lady". It was strange --- and amazing.

Cry Baby

I've always been a pretty emotional person ... well, at least I cry easily when something moves me. I've cried at a "Cotton" commerical, cried while hiking and overlooking a breath-taking view, or even cried when driving alone thinking about random "things". Well, that's been happening more and more these days. Thankfully not really in front of anyone.

Yesterday I was checking out at the grocery store and my standard check-out lady asked when I was due. I gave her my standard response of "March 11th, but we're expecting triplets so it will be earlier". The nice lady who I see every Saturday morning at 6:30 got excited and replied that soon she'll "see me come through with three little ones!". When I walked away I started to cry to myself as I pushed my cart to my car. That's not the first time I've found myself wiping away tears this past week. Get a grip woman!

Major Cribbage

I came home from work the other day to three huge boxes in front of our house. It took me a moment to realize that they were three cribs. If cribs don't bring you a step closer to reality then I don't know what does. Thanks to my dear girlfriends and their moms. Amazing. Everyone is just so generous.... it's all so overwhelming.

Early Story Time

I received our first books for the nursery library and read to my belly once in a while. Studies show reading out loud when pregnant can be beneficial to the baby(ies)...even if it's just because it relaxes mom a bit. I personally like Ferdinand - a classic.

20 Week Ultrasound Pics

20 Weeks Belly

Yeah! We've reached 20 weeks. Yesterday was our 2nd level ultrasound which took quite a long time since they had to thoroughly measure all 3 babies. Grandmom Lita joined us and she got to see everyone and how amazing today's technology is.

I actually had a tough run at it since it's difficult to lay on may back for any extended period of time. We had to take breaks where I would roll to my left side and Lita would rest a cold washcloth on my neck or head. Jeesh!

SO - all of the babies are doing great and look "perfect". They are measuring 20 weeks & 2 days which is great and I think she said they're all about 10oz each (actually, baby boy A is 1 oz smaller than the other two, which is normal). Heartbeats are great and all measurements good!! It's all just so amazing. Pictures to come very shortly.

Oh my aching back!

I opted out of my prenatal yoga class last night since my back is still giving me problems. I will do small stretches on my own this morning. When coworkers come into my office they see me sitting in my chair with a heating pad and back pillow. A girl's got to do what a girl's got to do.

If back pain turns out to be the only part of this triplet pregnancy that I battle - I'll take it!

Surprise!

Yesterday I was surprised by a large room filled with coworkers (men and women) to celebrate the three babies on their way into our lives. I actually teared up, but pulled myself together as I promised myself a long time ago never to cry in the work place :).

My work friends did a such a nice job and gave me a laundry basket filled with onesies, blankets, birp clothes, "boo boo bunnies", and more. I also have a few new books to begin a collection and a smart "silence machine" for the nursery. We had cake and refreshments ... and they really made me feel special. I was floored by it all.

Thank you Lutron friends!

Pumpkin Smuggler

When I put my jacket on Kreg told me I looked like I was smuggling a watermelon. Maybe more like a pumpkin considering the season!

Prenatal Yoga

Last night I took my first prenatal yoga class and really enjoyed it. In the beginning the instructor asked the large circle of pregnant women to introduce themselves, tell how far along they were, and explain why they're taking the class. In my intro I said I was expecting triplets and was hoping that the class might help me get through the growing aches and pains. When I said "triplets" they room gasped in unison ... it was an awkward moment for me, but I sat proudly and embraced my "unique pregnancy".

The stretching and poses were great for my back and joints and I loved the quiet time lying on our left sides. I was nearly asleep when the instructor read some metaphysical poem about connecting to your body and your babies ... I'll have to get it from her. The moment was a bit out there and heady, but I was feelin' it man. :)

Fresh Paint (0VOC of course)

Okay - no one said I was one for bold moves, but I think the fresh coat of paint makes a difference. Now bring on the new carpeting so we can get back to normal before I'm out of commission.

The Painters Relax

Today was painting day and we finished both the nursery and the office!! Our friend Mike is a serious painting machine; he and Kreg knocked out those rooms in no time. My professional organizer/friend Vanessa and I spent time going through drawers and sorting through unnecessary items while tidying up the "keeps". Thank heavens for close friends who are willing to spend their Sunday helping. AMAZING! Thanks Mike & Vanessa. Nice job to you too Kreg! :) I hope those babies appreciate their new room; not to mention the drawer filled with candles that's impeccably organized.

Nursery Preparation

This weekend is painting weekend! After fresh paint, new carpet and getting rid of more "stuff", please tell me the nursery will look better than this.

18 Weeks Belly

If I were a bettin' man...

... I'd put some money down on those Jones babies! My fun work friends set-up a baby pool to guess genders. Here's a picture of the sign-up sheet titled "Keeping Up with the Joneses". Turns out the proceeds are going towards a Babies R Us gift card for diapers. So nice!

Thanks Doc

Dr. Robert Edwards won the Nobel Prize this year for pioneering the practice of IVF and giving hope to many families since 1978. A thank you to Dr. Edwards and our own Dr. Freedman for changing our lives.

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/05/health/research/05nobel.html?partner=rss&emc=rss

http://www.rmaphiladelphia.com/ourdoctors.php

Ode to LazyBoy

As of last week, some back pain has been haunting me. My parents brought over their LazyBoy recliner to help me relax and distribute the weight more evenly. She may not be a fashionista, but she's amazing and I may never live without a LazyBoy recliner again.

NEWS FLASH!

this just in from the 16 week ultrasound...

The Mozart Effect

I began listening to Mozart during my drive to and from work since they say the babies can now hear in the womb. Sure, the "Mozart Effect" is debatable, but I'm really enjoying it myself! Creating a "genius" is a stretch, but maybe someone will have the musical intelligence of both their grandfathers and I'm simply supporting it very early. :)

Pregnancy Brain?

Yesterday I hit my husband's car in our own driveway. I've heard that pregnancy makes you so "off" that you do stupid things. I'll blame it on that, even though it's hard to say this isn't just "flaky Catherine". Kreg was as calm and cool as usual ... thank heavens.

16 Weeks Belly

Jug-O-Needles

Posting for shock value to a degree... I looked up how to dispose of medical waste and will be gleefully tossing all of these wonderful used needles we've been storing over time. Kind of gross. I do want to give a big hug filled with support to any woman who is going through this type of struggle. It's both physically and emotionally exhausting and, for me, the biggest personal challenge I've faced.