First of all, I must thank everyone for their incredible comments this week. Sherri had tears in her eyes as I read them to her, so I know how much they meant to her, especially when she was counting the minutes through the awful Mag treatment. You have no idea what it means...
The difference a few days make. Apparently, Sherri is the talk of the ward...and in a good way this time! I am extremely proud to say that she responded exceptionally well to the Magnesium and is now resting with next to no pain and very few contractions. When I say very few, I mean like next to none, which is practically unheard of in our situation. I keep checking in and expecting a turn for the worse - and so far she has defied all expectations and is doing - I dare say - excellent. Yes, she's tired and worn out - but c'mon...lets get real - a couple of days ago I was convinced the babies were here and there was nothing I could do to stop it.
Garth, on the other hand...is a total wreck. I admit it and wish it was otherwise, but I must say that I had no idea how strung out I was as Sherri went through her ordeal. I don't know if it was care for my wife (of which I have lots) or concern for the health of the 3 babies...but the emotional crash was real. I'm not complaining, just informing.
We wonder how long it will stay this way. The babies are doing fantastic, moving and kicking again...which makes us feel really happy. We just want them to grow and pack on the weight, which thankfully they will be doing.
Sherri's mom is here and has been a HUGE help...we couldn't do this without the help of so many people. I'm afraid to mention names in case I miss someone, but our help with Mark has been amazing: especially Amber who takes care of him every day, and our next door neighbor Bonnie who just steps in when needed. Jelaine J has been an amazing encouragement and coach here at the hospital - a true professional in every way. Thank you all so much.
Mark is now screaming for me from the bedroom...I must attend to my single-parent duties!! I'll post more as the situation here changes. We are 4 short weeks from total success with these little dudes and I hope beyond words that we can get there!
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Welcome to antepartum
This is the waiting place. I am currently sitting beside my wife, who has for the last 32 hours been fighting valiantly to keep these babies on the inside rather than on the outside. We sit in a rather odd part of the hospital...a ward filled with expectant mothers who all share one desire...more time. Hence, it is the waiting place. You don't see many people here. They, for the most part, are bed-ridden and if they feel like me, probably don't want small talk anyway so we keep to ourselves. The stakes are high. I look at the patient board and see a variety of gestational ages- 23 wks, 31 wks, 24 wks, 29 wks...etc...and in our case 27 wks 3 d with a big 3 circled next to it referring to the fact that we are the only couple here with triplets on board. We don't want to meet our little babies yet - if we do we are all aware that we may not hold them for long and their little bodies may be...well...just too little. We care desperately about them as only parents do, and I find myself getting emotional as I hope for the chance to take these little guys home some day and show them the life they deserve. Yes, I am overtired too.
I already must ask a favor from my little sons. It is now clear that no matter what happens, they will have to be little fighters. We are hoping for days and maybe weeks now, but ultimately these little guys are going to have to fight and there won't be much I can do for a while. Lets hope for the best.
Let me back up and give you the update on Sherri. Tuesday night we went to bed as usual and although we had had a tough day, there was no sign of trouble. I woke up to Sherri getting really restless about 2:00am and asked her what was up...turns out she had been having contractions that had woken her so we started to time them. I quickly realized that we were going to be headed to the hospital...6 contractions in 15 minutes...need I say more. Our dear friend Bonnie came over to be with Mark, and off we went.
Upon arriving at Swedish, Sherri was basically in full labor...a contraction every 3 min...not what anyone wants at 27 weeks. The nursing staff and doctors were amazing but they had a big job ahead of them...to stop this train that had left the station. Out comes the bazooka.
Apparently Magnesium Sulfate has some practical uses. One of them is that its a smooth muscle relaxant...particularly helpful if the smooth muscle we're talking about is a uterus. This is the drug of last resort when it comes to pre-term labor...injected straight into the bloodstream through an IV it hits you hard and fast. I'm speaking from an onlookers perspective here.
They start apologizing immediately. The nurses. The doctors. Everyone is apologizing. "I'm sorry, this will be terrible...". Dr. Tran..."my last name is a 4-letter word and you'll be using it that way soon...I'm sorry...". "This will be really hard on you Sherri, I'm so sorry...". Pull the trigger...poor Sherri...
Yes it is a smooth muscle relaxant. It is also the next thing to napalm and has a tendancy to completely knock you off your feet. Can't eat. Skin is burning up. Can't lift your arms. Don't even think about standing up. Puking. Can't sleep. You're on fire. All over. And it doesn't stop. No, not for 48 hrs.
The good news is: the crazy stuff seems to work. Her contractions started to slow within a few hours, and over the next 24 they continued to slow to where we're at now - 32 hours later at about 3 an hour...which in our "new normal" is ok. She still feels terrible, but at least we have bought a little time.
Now we wait. Like the others here, we don't know if we'll be here a few days or several weeks, maybe a month. They've given Sherri steriods to help the babies lungs develop faster, and spur their growth as there is no doubt we'll have preemies. The goal is still 32 weeks, but we are realistic...every day now is a gift. I am hopeful we get a couple of weeks at least. I am so proud of my wife- she's the toughest little supermom I know - and I do think we'll all be ok. Nobody ever promised us easy.
We are here at Swedish, the doctors ask for no visitors. This is quiet time. A sign on every wall reads- "Baby Needs to Grow, Mom Needs to Rest". Sherri is doing pretty good, as I said she's been through a lot, but we're up for it. We appreciate all your thoughts and prayers!
I already must ask a favor from my little sons. It is now clear that no matter what happens, they will have to be little fighters. We are hoping for days and maybe weeks now, but ultimately these little guys are going to have to fight and there won't be much I can do for a while. Lets hope for the best.
Let me back up and give you the update on Sherri. Tuesday night we went to bed as usual and although we had had a tough day, there was no sign of trouble. I woke up to Sherri getting really restless about 2:00am and asked her what was up...turns out she had been having contractions that had woken her so we started to time them. I quickly realized that we were going to be headed to the hospital...6 contractions in 15 minutes...need I say more. Our dear friend Bonnie came over to be with Mark, and off we went.
Upon arriving at Swedish, Sherri was basically in full labor...a contraction every 3 min...not what anyone wants at 27 weeks. The nursing staff and doctors were amazing but they had a big job ahead of them...to stop this train that had left the station. Out comes the bazooka.
Apparently Magnesium Sulfate has some practical uses. One of them is that its a smooth muscle relaxant...particularly helpful if the smooth muscle we're talking about is a uterus. This is the drug of last resort when it comes to pre-term labor...injected straight into the bloodstream through an IV it hits you hard and fast. I'm speaking from an onlookers perspective here.
They start apologizing immediately. The nurses. The doctors. Everyone is apologizing. "I'm sorry, this will be terrible...". Dr. Tran..."my last name is a 4-letter word and you'll be using it that way soon...I'm sorry...". "This will be really hard on you Sherri, I'm so sorry...". Pull the trigger...poor Sherri...
Yes it is a smooth muscle relaxant. It is also the next thing to napalm and has a tendancy to completely knock you off your feet. Can't eat. Skin is burning up. Can't lift your arms. Don't even think about standing up. Puking. Can't sleep. You're on fire. All over. And it doesn't stop. No, not for 48 hrs.
The good news is: the crazy stuff seems to work. Her contractions started to slow within a few hours, and over the next 24 they continued to slow to where we're at now - 32 hours later at about 3 an hour...which in our "new normal" is ok. She still feels terrible, but at least we have bought a little time.
Now we wait. Like the others here, we don't know if we'll be here a few days or several weeks, maybe a month. They've given Sherri steriods to help the babies lungs develop faster, and spur their growth as there is no doubt we'll have preemies. The goal is still 32 weeks, but we are realistic...every day now is a gift. I am hopeful we get a couple of weeks at least. I am so proud of my wife- she's the toughest little supermom I know - and I do think we'll all be ok. Nobody ever promised us easy.
We are here at Swedish, the doctors ask for no visitors. This is quiet time. A sign on every wall reads- "Baby Needs to Grow, Mom Needs to Rest". Sherri is doing pretty good, as I said she's been through a lot, but we're up for it. We appreciate all your thoughts and prayers!
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Random Pics
A few moments of our life lately...
Hanging out in the backyard...
Mark "checking" on the babies to make sure they're ok...
The smile says it all...we love Grandma's!!!
Grandma Donna went home today, next time she comes there'll be 6 of us!
Hanging out in the backyard...
Mark "checking" on the babies to make sure they're ok...
The smile says it all...we love Grandma's!!!
Grandma Donna went home today, next time she comes there'll be 6 of us!
Thursday, April 1, 2010
26 Weeks and Counting
So we had a pretty good visit to Swedish today...yes the last post was an April Fools joke! I will be apologizing to my mother in law for years over this one!!
Sherri was released this afternoon - yes things are getting worse but so far they feel she is safe at home. We are now going in every week for check-ups, Sherri was hooked up on a monitor today and the contractions are still a concern. Her cerv. is continuing to thin and soon will be a real worry, but for now they feel it is ok.
Sherri is trying to be really upbeat, but I can tell she's concerned- as we all are. But things are generally really positive, so on we go!!
Sherri was released this afternoon - yes things are getting worse but so far they feel she is safe at home. We are now going in every week for check-ups, Sherri was hooked up on a monitor today and the contractions are still a concern. Her cerv. is continuing to thin and soon will be a real worry, but for now they feel it is ok.
Sherri is trying to be really upbeat, but I can tell she's concerned- as we all are. But things are generally really positive, so on we go!!
They're Here!!
Wow what a night. Talk about getting absolutely no sleep. Sherri has a history of extremely fast labor - but this was crazy. The Volvo hit 115mph on the I-5 off ramp - thankfully Mark was ok, since we didn't even have time to buckle him into his carseat. At least we made it. Thankfully.
Swedish Hosp. has the absolute best group of surgeons in the world. And they needed to be. I managed to gown up just in time, but forgot my camera, so don't have any pictures. Amazingly, the babies seem fine, although its still early and we'll keep you posted. Need to run and figure out this breast pump, so I'll post more later.
Swedish Hosp. has the absolute best group of surgeons in the world. And they needed to be. I managed to gown up just in time, but forgot my camera, so don't have any pictures. Amazingly, the babies seem fine, although its still early and we'll keep you posted. Need to run and figure out this breast pump, so I'll post more later.
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Holding pattern...
A quick post to keep everyone up to date. The mothership has been put into a holding pattern and is currently cruising steady at 4000 calories a day with constant H2O burn of 12 glasses a day. All systems seem to be working as per expectations with the ground crew working overtime to ensure adequate fuel availability. Slight wear and tear is noted on exterior surfacing, expected and noted for future repairs. Mothership and cargo scheduled for complete analysis in port on Thursday 13:00 hrs, results will be made public when available.
Co-pilot is currently enjoying a little relative R&R due to extra reinforcements brought in from Alberta (the best help seems to come from Canada these days...who knew???)and Jr pilot Mark is working on becoming General Mark First Class.
Countdown clock noted at Arrival less 6 weeks, much optimism that the mission will be a complete success although experts warning of difficult phases ahead. All systems go and countdown continues.
Of course, Mark is enjoying the weather and a few friends - doesn't have a care in the world...
Co-pilot is currently enjoying a little relative R&R due to extra reinforcements brought in from Alberta (the best help seems to come from Canada these days...who knew???)and Jr pilot Mark is working on becoming General Mark First Class.
Countdown clock noted at Arrival less 6 weeks, much optimism that the mission will be a complete success although experts warning of difficult phases ahead. All systems go and countdown continues.
Of course, Mark is enjoying the weather and a few friends - doesn't have a care in the world...
Thursday, March 18, 2010
24!
Well this house is rockin and rolling...well maybe not but I am proud to say that our appt at Swedish yesterday went really well and so we're all feeling pretty good around here. I might even get my sense of humor back, which would be nice for my roomates - daddy's been feeling the pressure lately which probably makes me a pain in the butt to be around!!!
I have to admit, I was worried that Sherri would be whisked straight from the ultrasound into L&D yesterday-of course I said nothing but you know...the worst case scenario did present itself regularly (usually about 4:30 in the morning too).
But Sherri is a supermom and all her bed-rest seems to be doing the trick- the babies look awesome, cerv. has actually improved a bit (YES!) and so a big collective sigh of relief could probably be heard all the way to Pikes Market yesterday. All of a sudden, we're thinking 32-34 weeks again instead of "oh-my-goodness-this-is-my-worst-nightmare-1-lb-babies-in-NICU-for-months-and-months-with-50-percent-chance-of-survival..." You know what I mean. None of us want that.
Here's the goods. The next 4 weeks will see the babies grow from about 1 1/2 lbs to about 2.5/3 lbs - this is a huge period for their development which makes it so important - we're pulling all the stops out right now, Sherri's mom has been here all week, my mom is coming next week, etc. Fern said to me yesterday "I just can't believe how much she is eating!" - Sherri's eating constantly, drinking copious amounts of water and really just laying around. But it's working.
Welcome to our roller coaster. Today I feel invincible.
I have to admit, I was worried that Sherri would be whisked straight from the ultrasound into L&D yesterday-of course I said nothing but you know...the worst case scenario did present itself regularly (usually about 4:30 in the morning too).
But Sherri is a supermom and all her bed-rest seems to be doing the trick- the babies look awesome, cerv. has actually improved a bit (YES!) and so a big collective sigh of relief could probably be heard all the way to Pikes Market yesterday. All of a sudden, we're thinking 32-34 weeks again instead of "oh-my-goodness-this-is-my-worst-nightmare-1-lb-babies-in-NICU-for-months-and-months-with-50-percent-chance-of-survival..." You know what I mean. None of us want that.
Here's the goods. The next 4 weeks will see the babies grow from about 1 1/2 lbs to about 2.5/3 lbs - this is a huge period for their development which makes it so important - we're pulling all the stops out right now, Sherri's mom has been here all week, my mom is coming next week, etc. Fern said to me yesterday "I just can't believe how much she is eating!" - Sherri's eating constantly, drinking copious amounts of water and really just laying around. But it's working.
Welcome to our roller coaster. Today I feel invincible.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Week 23
Time for another update, although there's not too much to share. Sherri's doing ok this week, has started to have a few contractions occasionally which always puts us on high alert! I'm hoping that they don't get any worse as if they do we'll be off to the hospital for a full check over, and I'm thinking that we might just lose our mama around here for a while. Hoping that doesn't happen yet, as both Mark and I would prefer her to be here at home. But the babies come first, and at some point I know she'll be hospitalized so we'll just have to wait and see.
Sherri's mom is flying out tomorrow for a week, and it will be so nice to have her here. I'm realizing that it is really tough to look after a 3-yr old and a wife on bed-rest...so the extra help will be amazing. Last weekend my aunt and uncle came down from BC to help out for a few days...Aunt Betty filled up the freezer with made meals and Uncle Robin helped me with my projects- absolutely amazing of them to come and be with us. We truly enjoyed having them and Mark was calling them grandpa and grandma in no time! Whatever...the more the merrier!
We've pretty much shut everything down except for necessities. Sherri is taking her bed-rest very seriously - only up for bathroom breaks and lots of days she doesn't even come downstairs. This of course is kind of tough if I'm working late so we've had to call in a few favors!! Thankfully, we've got great friends around that are able to chip in a little here and there.
I find myself counting the weeks all the time - and just keeping my fingers crossed that we can get to the 32 week mark, where in theory the NICU can take over if they have to and the babies will be fine. But between then and now there's 9 weeks that sometimes seem like ages! One day at a time...
Our next scheduled appointment at Swedish is next thursday, so thats our next big target. We'll keep ya posted.
Some pictures from when Uncle Robin and Aunt Betty came to stay!
Mark keeping mama company
Mark's "worker-man" hat!
Fun fun fun!
Sherri's mom is flying out tomorrow for a week, and it will be so nice to have her here. I'm realizing that it is really tough to look after a 3-yr old and a wife on bed-rest...so the extra help will be amazing. Last weekend my aunt and uncle came down from BC to help out for a few days...Aunt Betty filled up the freezer with made meals and Uncle Robin helped me with my projects- absolutely amazing of them to come and be with us. We truly enjoyed having them and Mark was calling them grandpa and grandma in no time! Whatever...the more the merrier!
We've pretty much shut everything down except for necessities. Sherri is taking her bed-rest very seriously - only up for bathroom breaks and lots of days she doesn't even come downstairs. This of course is kind of tough if I'm working late so we've had to call in a few favors!! Thankfully, we've got great friends around that are able to chip in a little here and there.
I find myself counting the weeks all the time - and just keeping my fingers crossed that we can get to the 32 week mark, where in theory the NICU can take over if they have to and the babies will be fine. But between then and now there's 9 weeks that sometimes seem like ages! One day at a time...
Our next scheduled appointment at Swedish is next thursday, so thats our next big target. We'll keep ya posted.
Some pictures from when Uncle Robin and Aunt Betty came to stay!
Mark keeping mama company
Mark's "worker-man" hat!
Fun fun fun!
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Week 22 Update
I've been meaning to update the blog for a few days - but thought I'd wait until we had been to the hosp. for our appt this week so I could share the progress report. Sherri had the last of her 4 Iron transfusions yesterday, hopefully that will help her feel a little better and not be so tired all the time. I guess its pretty common for a mama of trips to have iron deficiency- the three critters are takin' all they can get right now. So that appt lead into the ultrasound where we could spy on the babies a little.
The ultrasounds are kind of neat right now - all arms and legs and in our case...little man parts! I'm telling you, I have to laugh every time I see all these little guys and how they are all curled up hanging out in their little swimming pools! They don't have a care in the world. They box one another, hiccup all the time and we even got to check out baby Bs little eyes that were wide open. These little guys are perfection.
So the bad news was that Sherri's cervix is getting thinner - which is both expected and shocking at the same time. So for those not well versed in baby-carrying: the babies are wrapped up inside the uterus, and the cervix is a muscle-like area that holds it shut. Eventually, the cervix thins out to nothing and opens, at which time the babies start to come. I think of it like the cork on the bottle, and as the babies grow the cork will eventually pop. So Sherri has had a great cervix up to now, and we've been fairly confident that she's doing great. However, they measure it everytime we go in and this week it had shrunk about 30%. So...the only remedy at this point is bed-rest and hope that it doesn't continue to get smaller. Now, we know that eventually we'll have have to deal with this - that is a forgone conclusion...but we definitely don't want these problems right now at 22 weeks. Basically, we need another 4 weeks absolute minimum for the babies to be viable, 8 to 10 weeks more is what we really want. So the pressure is on!
Marky is doing great- he's getting more and more excited about the arrivals - he keeps saying that "the babies take a long long time" so I think he's looking forward to it. I think he'll be a great big bro and we'll have a lot of fun with these little guys. Of course, he'll need to learn to share all his prized possesions which will be interesting, but hey thats ok too.
All in all we're doing great...just the usual drama at the Miles house!! Ciao.
The ultrasounds are kind of neat right now - all arms and legs and in our case...little man parts! I'm telling you, I have to laugh every time I see all these little guys and how they are all curled up hanging out in their little swimming pools! They don't have a care in the world. They box one another, hiccup all the time and we even got to check out baby Bs little eyes that were wide open. These little guys are perfection.
So the bad news was that Sherri's cervix is getting thinner - which is both expected and shocking at the same time. So for those not well versed in baby-carrying: the babies are wrapped up inside the uterus, and the cervix is a muscle-like area that holds it shut. Eventually, the cervix thins out to nothing and opens, at which time the babies start to come. I think of it like the cork on the bottle, and as the babies grow the cork will eventually pop. So Sherri has had a great cervix up to now, and we've been fairly confident that she's doing great. However, they measure it everytime we go in and this week it had shrunk about 30%. So...the only remedy at this point is bed-rest and hope that it doesn't continue to get smaller. Now, we know that eventually we'll have have to deal with this - that is a forgone conclusion...but we definitely don't want these problems right now at 22 weeks. Basically, we need another 4 weeks absolute minimum for the babies to be viable, 8 to 10 weeks more is what we really want. So the pressure is on!
Marky is doing great- he's getting more and more excited about the arrivals - he keeps saying that "the babies take a long long time" so I think he's looking forward to it. I think he'll be a great big bro and we'll have a lot of fun with these little guys. Of course, he'll need to learn to share all his prized possesions which will be interesting, but hey thats ok too.
All in all we're doing great...just the usual drama at the Miles house!! Ciao.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Baby Shower
Our next door neighbors, Nick and Bonnie threw a baby shower for Sherri on Saturday. This is how awesome our neighbors are - and apparently there was a great turnout! Mark and I skipped the festivities, but by all accounts the shower was a great party, Sherri enjoyed it tremendously.
Hostess Bonnie
Co-Hostess Haley
Opening Gifts
Decorations!
Of course, some of our neighbors are contemplating putting their homes up for sale, now that the street will have to endure years of "The Miles Boys".
Hostess Bonnie
Co-Hostess Haley
Opening Gifts
Decorations!
Of course, some of our neighbors are contemplating putting their homes up for sale, now that the street will have to endure years of "The Miles Boys".
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Triplet Gifts
We've started to receive a few gifts from friends, and although they kind of scare me they are really cute so I want to post them.
...from our favorite nurse Jelaine J.!
...from Calvin and Dana!
...now just imagine a little baby in each one, and you'll realize why I'm starting to freak out.
...from our favorite nurse Jelaine J.!
...from Calvin and Dana!...now just imagine a little baby in each one, and you'll realize why I'm starting to freak out.
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Garage Project
This week my brother Grant came out for 2 1/2 days... and we pounded out our "spare bedroom" project! In two days, we framed, insulated, wired, dry-walled and taped this little sucker - I was impressed. It took away about 1/6th of my garage, a pretty good trade-off for getting an extra bedroom/office. Mark calls it "Grampa and Gramma's Room"! Ha ha. Sherri says it has a water view too... of the hot-tub!
Actually, it turned out even better than I thought it would, which is great. All I need to do now is another coat of mud and paint.
Sherri has officially gained more than 30 lbs...a milestone for her. This is testimony to all the eating she's been doing and I'm really proud of her. I think she's doing great...although we did find out this week that she's seriously deficient in iron, so this week she has to go in and have iron transfusions at the hospital...that won't be fun. She's really starting to feel the babies move around and kick...the party is just starting in there!! This coming week she'll be 20 wks so we're into the last 3 months or so of this pregnancy...we'll be ready!
Actually, it turned out even better than I thought it would, which is great. All I need to do now is another coat of mud and paint.
Sherri has officially gained more than 30 lbs...a milestone for her. This is testimony to all the eating she's been doing and I'm really proud of her. I think she's doing great...although we did find out this week that she's seriously deficient in iron, so this week she has to go in and have iron transfusions at the hospital...that won't be fun. She's really starting to feel the babies move around and kick...the party is just starting in there!! This coming week she'll be 20 wks so we're into the last 3 months or so of this pregnancy...we'll be ready!
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Felt the babies move last night!
So last night, we were sitting around with Mark, Sherri had me hold her belly and I felt the babies kick. First time for me to actually feel them which is pretty neat for me. Up to now, you know they are there, but it just seems a little different when you feel them - like they are trying to talk to you. "Hey- don't forget about me, ok? kick kick". It was a nice reminder of what we're trying to do - as Sherri had had a rough day, and I didn't know what to say/do to make her feel better.
I had woke up in the middle of the night 2 nights ago to find Sherri in the B/R crying, really emotional without really knowing why. We talked and I suppose once in a while it is just all pretty overwhelming to think of carrying and delivering 3 babies at once. Honestly - if it was me I'd be absolutely losing it pretty much on an hourly basis! So I can imagine how she feels. There are times when it seems like the most amazing thing to be going through... other times it just seems like a bad dream. At any event, by last night she seemed much better- I think I may see more of this to come!!
Sherri's pretty much on house arrest now - only going out for really important reasons, and that probably contributes to the stress. But better here than in the hospital thats for sure. And it doesn't help that we've got several projects on the go that disrupt the normal ebb and flow. But its "geturdun" as my brother says...there'll be no time for projects after the 3 turkeys arrive!
Today being Sat, its time to clean house, mow the lawn and spend some time with Mark. Beautiful day here, so maybe we'll go down to the lake for a while.
I had woke up in the middle of the night 2 nights ago to find Sherri in the B/R crying, really emotional without really knowing why. We talked and I suppose once in a while it is just all pretty overwhelming to think of carrying and delivering 3 babies at once. Honestly - if it was me I'd be absolutely losing it pretty much on an hourly basis! So I can imagine how she feels. There are times when it seems like the most amazing thing to be going through... other times it just seems like a bad dream. At any event, by last night she seemed much better- I think I may see more of this to come!!
Sherri's pretty much on house arrest now - only going out for really important reasons, and that probably contributes to the stress. But better here than in the hospital thats for sure. And it doesn't help that we've got several projects on the go that disrupt the normal ebb and flow. But its "geturdun" as my brother says...there'll be no time for projects after the 3 turkeys arrive!
Today being Sat, its time to clean house, mow the lawn and spend some time with Mark. Beautiful day here, so maybe we'll go down to the lake for a while.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Some New Pics
These were taken today, Feb 3, 2010. They are really starting to move around if you watch them for a little while.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
February Already!
So I think we're 18 weeks into this thing now...Sherri would know to the day...I'm a guy though so I'm pretty happy if I just kinda know. I have to admit though...I'm feeling the pressure and realize that my life as I know it will soon end. Last night, I crawled into bed (late as usual, after painting) and was happy to at least get a good nights sleep. And then it hit me that getting a full nights sleep will be basically impossible in 4 months, and that probably won't change for at least a couple of years. Mark still gets us up once or twice a night usually, and he's 3 so good luck with triplets, huh? People are so helpful in telling us that "you know, you'll need some help with those babies..." No. Really? They're just stating the obvious of course, but trust me...we are keenly aware of the facts. We have no idea what it will be like...how could you...but we do know that it'll be pure survival for a while!
And of course there's always the looming worry of the health of the little guys, how small they will really be when they arrive, how long they'll be in the hospital, how long Sherri will be in the hospital, how Mark will adjust, etc, etc. And I do have a tendancy to worry a bit (comes naturally, thanks mom) so it always seems to be present. Focus Garth...it will be fine.
I've found a very nice girl to help us with Mark for the next few months. She's coming to the house every weekday morning to keep him from being too neglected and hopefully - to ease the shock if Sherri ends up in the hospital for an extended period. I seriously think Mark is going to pay a price in the next few months...I just hope he someday is thankful for the brothers to play with, and that he doesn't take it too hard. His poor world will just be rocked. For now it seems to be working out, Mark is slowly warming up to Amber and she seems to be great with him.
We're off to Swedish for the bi-weekly weigh in tomorrow, I can say that Sherri is starting to put on the weight, her belly is getting big, and the nausea hasn't gone away. She's always tired, constantly trying to eat and nothing is easy to do. I do feel for her - she's the toughest gal I know and she never complains, but I know that this is hard on her. One day at a time, right? People have been asking for a belly pic, but she's pretty camera-shy so I might need to get one on the sly!! All in all, things are great, she feels the babies move once in a while now and we're slowly marching on.
By the way, thanks everyone for all their wonderful calls, comments, meals, and encouragement. We have people we don't even know that are doing little things that make us feel very special - words can't explain how we feel about this. Each day my respect for the members of our fellowship, our friends and neighbors increases. Thank you.
And of course there's always the looming worry of the health of the little guys, how small they will really be when they arrive, how long they'll be in the hospital, how long Sherri will be in the hospital, how Mark will adjust, etc, etc. And I do have a tendancy to worry a bit (comes naturally, thanks mom) so it always seems to be present. Focus Garth...it will be fine.
I've found a very nice girl to help us with Mark for the next few months. She's coming to the house every weekday morning to keep him from being too neglected and hopefully - to ease the shock if Sherri ends up in the hospital for an extended period. I seriously think Mark is going to pay a price in the next few months...I just hope he someday is thankful for the brothers to play with, and that he doesn't take it too hard. His poor world will just be rocked. For now it seems to be working out, Mark is slowly warming up to Amber and she seems to be great with him.
We're off to Swedish for the bi-weekly weigh in tomorrow, I can say that Sherri is starting to put on the weight, her belly is getting big, and the nausea hasn't gone away. She's always tired, constantly trying to eat and nothing is easy to do. I do feel for her - she's the toughest gal I know and she never complains, but I know that this is hard on her. One day at a time, right? People have been asking for a belly pic, but she's pretty camera-shy so I might need to get one on the sly!! All in all, things are great, she feels the babies move once in a while now and we're slowly marching on.
By the way, thanks everyone for all their wonderful calls, comments, meals, and encouragement. We have people we don't even know that are doing little things that make us feel very special - words can't explain how we feel about this. Each day my respect for the members of our fellowship, our friends and neighbors increases. Thank you.
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