(L-R: AJ, Chase, Mark, Bensen)
Mark helping out...
Mark being Mark
Working on the "Masterpiece"...
Ahhh well...life is meant to change. This is crazy, but we're lovin' it!
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Sunday Afternoons May Never Be The Same...
Well, we tried for a "family picture" today. This is as close as we got! Kind of made me realize once again that the calm idyllic Sunday afternoon is probably a thing of the past for this Miles household!!!
(L-R: AJ, Chase, Mark, Bensen)
Mark helping out...
Mark being Mark
Working on the "Masterpiece"...
Ahhh well...life is meant to change. This is crazy, but we're lovin' it!
(L-R: AJ, Chase, Mark, Bensen)
Mark helping out...
Mark being Mark
Working on the "Masterpiece"...Ahhh well...life is meant to change. This is crazy, but we're lovin' it!
Thursday, May 27, 2010
More Pics...
Proud Parents w/ Ben...
AJ gets his first bath...
Mark gets to hold AJ...
The boys are doing great...all three of them weigh over 4 lbs now, they are out of their isolettes and are starting to bottle feed a little bit! We are nearing the three week mark (hard to believe!) and we are really seeing progress. We go up and see them every day, and its starting to get harder to leave them behind as now they are more alert when awake and really love being held. We think 2-3 more weeks and they'll probably be close to coming home...it all depends on how quickly they learn to feed from the bottle. I guess its time to get the boys' room ready!!
AJ gets his first bath...
Mark gets to hold AJ...
The boys are doing great...all three of them weigh over 4 lbs now, they are out of their isolettes and are starting to bottle feed a little bit! We are nearing the three week mark (hard to believe!) and we are really seeing progress. We go up and see them every day, and its starting to get harder to leave them behind as now they are more alert when awake and really love being held. We think 2-3 more weeks and they'll probably be close to coming home...it all depends on how quickly they learn to feed from the bottle. I guess its time to get the boys' room ready!!
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Moving Day
Well, our NICU days are over. Yesterday about noon we learned that a room had opened up down in the ISCU that was big enough for all three of the "Miles Triplets", and so the move was on. Our little boys spent two short weeks in the NICU...much less than we expected and so we feel extremely thankful for our good fortune. I must admit that it was hard to leave though...the NICU is a very unique place that few people experience first hand...and its a place I hope to never forget.
This is a place where the joy of seeing your precious little baby is often jarred by the grim reality that you are not in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit for a holiday. Parents from all walks of life follow their tiny offspring into the shelter of this place...some of us leave with joy, others emptyhanded and wondering why. I have met many people. Most of them are trying to be as positive as they can, but their eyes tell a different story. "We're having a better day..." is sort of how the conversation tends to go. You try not to ask difficult questions. The truth is...we don't have the answers. A good day can turn bad within a few hours. And for those with 1 1/2 lb babies that are clinging to their little lives by a thread...every day can be precious.
Baby Conner has had some rough days. His parents keep vigil by his bedside...tears often streaming down his mothers face. His little body is hard to even see under the tubes and lines that help him breath and feed. He was born at 25 wks and has had some setbacks. The road will be hard.
Little Baby Isias never got to meet his baby twin brother. They were delivered at 27 weeks and only Isias survived. He is tiny also. But his father desperately wants him to come home some day. He has three beautiful big sisters that love their tiny little brother. But they should have two.
Baby Zachery is also tiny. Born at 24 weeks, on the edge of viability, his parents were completely unprepared for having a baby so soon. He still thinks breathing is optional...so the ventilator keeps him alive. His little heart hadn't had time to completely develop, so he has a heart murmur that is slowly closing. His dad is a Navy man. He will go serve his country. His heart will be here.
I am a bit of a wreck. I am blessed. My boys will go home. They will play in the sunshine, swim in the lake. I will hold them tightly and kiss their foreheads while they sleep. I will try to be a better dad, firm and strong. But I don't necessarily deserve it. I am just one of the fortunate ones. Most of us are.
This is a place where the joy of seeing your precious little baby is often jarred by the grim reality that you are not in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit for a holiday. Parents from all walks of life follow their tiny offspring into the shelter of this place...some of us leave with joy, others emptyhanded and wondering why. I have met many people. Most of them are trying to be as positive as they can, but their eyes tell a different story. "We're having a better day..." is sort of how the conversation tends to go. You try not to ask difficult questions. The truth is...we don't have the answers. A good day can turn bad within a few hours. And for those with 1 1/2 lb babies that are clinging to their little lives by a thread...every day can be precious.
Baby Conner has had some rough days. His parents keep vigil by his bedside...tears often streaming down his mothers face. His little body is hard to even see under the tubes and lines that help him breath and feed. He was born at 25 wks and has had some setbacks. The road will be hard.
Little Baby Isias never got to meet his baby twin brother. They were delivered at 27 weeks and only Isias survived. He is tiny also. But his father desperately wants him to come home some day. He has three beautiful big sisters that love their tiny little brother. But they should have two.
Baby Zachery is also tiny. Born at 24 weeks, on the edge of viability, his parents were completely unprepared for having a baby so soon. He still thinks breathing is optional...so the ventilator keeps him alive. His little heart hadn't had time to completely develop, so he has a heart murmur that is slowly closing. His dad is a Navy man. He will go serve his country. His heart will be here.
I am a bit of a wreck. I am blessed. My boys will go home. They will play in the sunshine, swim in the lake. I will hold them tightly and kiss their foreheads while they sleep. I will try to be a better dad, firm and strong. But I don't necessarily deserve it. I am just one of the fortunate ones. Most of us are.
Friday, May 21, 2010
11 Years Ago Today...
We were married this evening, 11 years ago. And so, I must take the opportunity to acknowledge my wonderful wife and everything that she has brought me. You have witnessed a fraction of the type of lady she is... and I could never adequately explain everything that she means to me. Suffice it to say that I am often humbled and awed by her character and the devotion that this woman has for her loved ones. I did not appreciate how lucky I was 11 years ago... and so I will try to today.
We spent the better part of the day with our sons - and quite frankly I can't imagine any other way to celebrate our wedding day. May we be so fortunate to enjoy many more in the same company.
Some random pics from this week...
Mama Bear w/ AJ
Big Brother Visiting!
Chase's Response to Big Brother
Bensen checkin' out dad...
Our Saturday pancake tradition!
The boys are doing fantastic...they are all gaining weight, Bensen even pushed over 4 lbs this week! They will soon be moved from the NICU to the ISCU (Infant Special Care Unit) due to their fantastic progress, so our NICU days are limited now! They are total rock stars in the preemie world. (Dad's a little biased!)
We spent the better part of the day with our sons - and quite frankly I can't imagine any other way to celebrate our wedding day. May we be so fortunate to enjoy many more in the same company.
Some random pics from this week...
Mama Bear w/ AJ
Big Brother Visiting!
Chase's Response to Big Brother
Bensen checkin' out dad...
Our Saturday pancake tradition!
The boys are doing fantastic...they are all gaining weight, Bensen even pushed over 4 lbs this week! They will soon be moved from the NICU to the ISCU (Infant Special Care Unit) due to their fantastic progress, so our NICU days are limited now! They are total rock stars in the preemie world. (Dad's a little biased!)
Friday, May 14, 2010
Holding 3 lbs...
We are starting to be able to hold these little guys...and it is such a treat. They love being held, although we are limited to once a day so that we don't tire them out too much. Holding 3 pounds of baby feels like you're just holding a blanket. Amazing.
Dad holding Chase
Sherri w/ Chase
Sherri w/ Bensen
Then I took some 1-Week pictures!
AJ at 1-Week
Ben at 1-Week
Chase at 1-Week
Yup. Its pretty hard to imagine you can hold in so much love.
Dad holding Chase
Sherri w/ Chase
Sherri w/ Bensen
Then I took some 1-Week pictures!
AJ at 1-Week
Ben at 1-Week
Chase at 1-Week
Yup. Its pretty hard to imagine you can hold in so much love.
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Report Cards
So I'm sure some of you are wondering exactly how the boys are doing, and I haven't taken the time to let everyone know, so here goes.
In the pictures you'll see various wires, etc that are connected to the boys, each one serves a purpose. First of all, their vitals are monitored around the clock: heart rate, O2 levels and their breathing patterns. These are the little leads on their chests that you see. If they go out of range an alarm will sound so a nurse will know and check on them. They also have a little temperature lead which you will see on their chest, its a little gold sticky thing that makes sure they are the correct temp all the time. Their Isolettes keep them at a constant temp because they don't have the ability to keep their temp regulated yet. They all have IVs through which they are fed until they get up to full feedings of mama milk. Their IVs are either in their hands, feet or arm depending on which is easiest. And the tube through their nose goes down into their tummy and this tube is used to feed them mama milk and also to check if there's any residual in their tummy before a feeding. Basically they will pump their tummy first before adding any milk to make sure they don't get over fed. Other than that, these guys have needed almost no intervention yet, they are doing really well for their ages.
Anton
AJ is the active one. He likes to move around and wiggle off his little bed, so we have to check on him lots. He was born 3lbs6oz and is back to birth weight already. He's taking his food really well and yesterday he got to lay on mama's tummy which he absolutely loved. He clung to her like he would never let go and then fell completely asleep. I like him the best.
Bensen
Ben was the largest at birth (3lbs 12oz) but he's giving us a run for our money right now. He doesn't seem to like his IVs, and they've had to keep giving him new IVs because they infiltrate. Basically the vein is too weak and the fluid seeps into the surrounding tissue. This must be painful, so we really feel for him, but there's nothing we can do except move the IV and start it again. I've lost track of how many different IVs he's had, but its over 10 now so the poor little guy is taking it on the chin. Only when he's up to full feeds can we take him off the IV so we're really hoping that comes soon. Other than that problem he is just fine. I like him the best.
Chase
Chase is the little fighter, he was the smallest at birth (3lbs 1oz) but he is growing the fastest and is so alert and responsive that its easy to spend time with him. He is really tough and I think he's going to do just great. No worries about Chase. I like him the best.
Mama will be going home tomorrow, which will make Mark's day! He has really missed her and so it will be nice to have us three at home together again. Mark is really taken with his brothers and I think he'll be an amazing big bro.
In the pictures you'll see various wires, etc that are connected to the boys, each one serves a purpose. First of all, their vitals are monitored around the clock: heart rate, O2 levels and their breathing patterns. These are the little leads on their chests that you see. If they go out of range an alarm will sound so a nurse will know and check on them. They also have a little temperature lead which you will see on their chest, its a little gold sticky thing that makes sure they are the correct temp all the time. Their Isolettes keep them at a constant temp because they don't have the ability to keep their temp regulated yet. They all have IVs through which they are fed until they get up to full feedings of mama milk. Their IVs are either in their hands, feet or arm depending on which is easiest. And the tube through their nose goes down into their tummy and this tube is used to feed them mama milk and also to check if there's any residual in their tummy before a feeding. Basically they will pump their tummy first before adding any milk to make sure they don't get over fed. Other than that, these guys have needed almost no intervention yet, they are doing really well for their ages.
Anton
AJ is the active one. He likes to move around and wiggle off his little bed, so we have to check on him lots. He was born 3lbs6oz and is back to birth weight already. He's taking his food really well and yesterday he got to lay on mama's tummy which he absolutely loved. He clung to her like he would never let go and then fell completely asleep. I like him the best.
Bensen
Ben was the largest at birth (3lbs 12oz) but he's giving us a run for our money right now. He doesn't seem to like his IVs, and they've had to keep giving him new IVs because they infiltrate. Basically the vein is too weak and the fluid seeps into the surrounding tissue. This must be painful, so we really feel for him, but there's nothing we can do except move the IV and start it again. I've lost track of how many different IVs he's had, but its over 10 now so the poor little guy is taking it on the chin. Only when he's up to full feeds can we take him off the IV so we're really hoping that comes soon. Other than that problem he is just fine. I like him the best.
Chase
Chase is the little fighter, he was the smallest at birth (3lbs 1oz) but he is growing the fastest and is so alert and responsive that its easy to spend time with him. He is really tough and I think he's going to do just great. No worries about Chase. I like him the best.
Mama will be going home tomorrow, which will make Mark's day! He has really missed her and so it will be nice to have us three at home together again. Mark is really taken with his brothers and I think he'll be an amazing big bro.
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Proud Mama
Sherri finally got some tummy time with AJ this morning. He absolutely loved the attention!
Playing with Chase
Playing with Chase
Monday, May 10, 2010
Visitors, etc.
So a particular nurse around here is somewhat perturbed with me for not accurately detailing Sherri's condition...so to prevent the whole world from inundating her with calls, here is the status report!!! Just kidding J.
I was hesitant to give an update on Sherri till we knew more about her situation...and it was pretty scary for a while...
Sherri was really sick on Friday night. She was extremely close to being sent to the ICU herself...she crashed hard and fast friday afternoon. The reality is - we came close to having much bigger problems...and kind of dodged a bullet with our little mama. So her recovery, although going quite well...is not quite what some people think it is and she's still not up for visitors at all.
And of course, there's many who want to see Sherri and the babies, so I have to kind of manage this as best I can. Here's the deal.
We are more than happy to show off the babies, but they are small so I am going to limit the visits to 2 per day for now. If you would like to come see them...please let me know < garthmiles@mac.com > and I will sort something out. Please be patient as there will be lots of time to come visit...and its more important for them to grow right now. They will be here for 6-8 weeks or so before they are cleared to come home.
I can be reached at (253) 880-6447, if I don't answer please leave a message (or text me even better!).
I will let you know when Sherri is up for visitors. Currently she needs to rest.
Don't get me wrong here - we are dying to show off our little guys...and want the whole world to see them...it really kills me to have to limit the party here...but it is best for the little dudes. Thanks for understanding.
-Garth
I was hesitant to give an update on Sherri till we knew more about her situation...and it was pretty scary for a while...
Sherri was really sick on Friday night. She was extremely close to being sent to the ICU herself...she crashed hard and fast friday afternoon. The reality is - we came close to having much bigger problems...and kind of dodged a bullet with our little mama. So her recovery, although going quite well...is not quite what some people think it is and she's still not up for visitors at all.
And of course, there's many who want to see Sherri and the babies, so I have to kind of manage this as best I can. Here's the deal.
We are more than happy to show off the babies, but they are small so I am going to limit the visits to 2 per day for now. If you would like to come see them...please let me know < garthmiles@mac.com > and I will sort something out. Please be patient as there will be lots of time to come visit...and its more important for them to grow right now. They will be here for 6-8 weeks or so before they are cleared to come home.
I can be reached at (253) 880-6447, if I don't answer please leave a message (or text me even better!).
I will let you know when Sherri is up for visitors. Currently she needs to rest.
Don't get me wrong here - we are dying to show off our little guys...and want the whole world to see them...it really kills me to have to limit the party here...but it is best for the little dudes. Thanks for understanding.
-Garth
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Mothers Day
Well its hard to imagine a better Mothers Day than this one, and to top it all off I was able to take Sherri to see the babies this morning. They are adorable beyond belief, and I'm not the only one who feels that way!!
So Sherri has named the little dudes:
Anton James Miles (3 lbs 6 oz, born May 7 2010 at 9:14PM)
Bensen Garth Miles (3 lbs 12 oz, born May 7 2010 at 9:15PM)
Chase Mason Miles (3 lbs 1 oz, born May 7 2010 at 9:15PM)
So Sherri has named the little dudes:
Anton James Miles (3 lbs 6 oz, born May 7 2010 at 9:14PM)
Bensen Garth Miles (3 lbs 12 oz, born May 7 2010 at 9:15PM)
Chase Mason Miles (3 lbs 1 oz, born May 7 2010 at 9:15PM)
Saturday, May 8, 2010
First Day!
Our little guys:
Anton James Miles: 3lbs 6oz
Bensen Garth Miles: 3lbs 12oz
Chase Mason Miles: 3lbs 1oz
They are doing awesome. Breathing completely on their own and they are just so perfect in every way. Sherri has not been able to hold them yet due to the treatment for preeclampsia - we are hoping to take her up to hold the babies this afternoon if she's up to it. We could not have hoped for a better result than this - all credit goes to Sherri for hanging in there as long as she did and putting everything into these little guys. They are just wonderful to see and touch and talk to. They respond to my voice, turn their heads and try to open their eyes - which is so amazing. They are small, but strong - just like we would have hoped for. Mark gets to meet them tonight, and he's really excited. He keeps asking me which one is his!!
Anton James Miles: 3lbs 6oz
Bensen Garth Miles: 3lbs 12oz
Chase Mason Miles: 3lbs 1oz
They are doing awesome. Breathing completely on their own and they are just so perfect in every way. Sherri has not been able to hold them yet due to the treatment for preeclampsia - we are hoping to take her up to hold the babies this afternoon if she's up to it. We could not have hoped for a better result than this - all credit goes to Sherri for hanging in there as long as she did and putting everything into these little guys. They are just wonderful to see and touch and talk to. They respond to my voice, turn their heads and try to open their eyes - which is so amazing. They are small, but strong - just like we would have hoped for. Mark gets to meet them tonight, and he's really excited. He keeps asking me which one is his!!
Friday, May 7 2010
We decided to have a party tonight. And it went very, very well.
Three little gentlemen finally joined us. And they are amazing.
Three little gentlemen finally joined us. And they are amazing.
Thursday, May 6, 2010
31 Week Belly Pics
You asked for them...so here they are! It wasn't easy to get these you know, so I hope you appreciate them.
Just so you know - I risked my life to get these pictures. I was in the room with someone who had little humor for my antics! But totally worth it.
Just so you know - I risked my life to get these pictures. I was in the room with someone who had little humor for my antics! But totally worth it.
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Our Little Rock Stars
This is what happens when mom is in the hospital...
Mark and his buddy!
All of this comes from our 1st trip to the Mariners game last weekend...
Mark and his buddy!
All of this comes from our 1st trip to the Mariners game last weekend...
Monday, May 3, 2010
Antepartum...the second time around
So we celebrated 31 weeks in style...with another trip back into the hospital. Not exactly what we wanted...Sherri much prefers to be at home, but better safe than sorry I guess.
This time at least we didn't go screaming in there in full out labor, so it seemed relatively calm and controlled. Much better this way, if you ask me! Her Doctor noticed signs of high blood pressure, elevated proteins, and fluid retention - all signs of toxemia, or as we know it preeclampsia. So they've ordered a few days worth of tests to see what is really going on. I'll keep ya posted.
She's really doing fantastic though...considering where she is in this pregnancy. Everyone who sees her comments on how good she looks - I must concur, and it amazes me. To carry around all that extra baggage and still look relatively fresh and have a smile is impressive. I must say, knowing how little she can sleep, and seeing how much those little guys move around in there - I have no idea how she keeps it all together. But she does...and will continue to, knowing her.
I think she's absolutely incredible.
Tuesday Update:
So Sherri went into labor again last night...I was home with Mark and she started to text me that she was having really strong contractions about 4:00am. Her cerv had started to dialate and at 5:00 it was up to 3cms so we thought it would definitely be an interesting day. By the time I got to the hosp at about 5:30 they had her drugged up again (terb shot) and the contractions started to ease off, thankfully. Seems that the nights are harder for her, and that she's more stable during the day - the nurses say thats often the case. They want to give her the second dose of steriods for the babies lungs tonight and see where the next 24 lead us. Its anyones guess now as to how long this little bomb can last...
I'm trying to prepare myself for the preemies...and in doing so have scared myself into a state of grim realism. I know that their chances of survival is really excellent now...but still we're talking about little guys that are 8-9 weeks early. This means an extended stay in the NICU for the little guys at the very least, which will be hard on us as it'll be really difficult to spend much time with them for a while. And the vast majority of our friends/family will have to watch their first months through pictures and videos instead of actually being able to see them in person.
I'm extremely thankful for our extra help right now -especially Sherri's mom who is spelling me off in the hospital and Amber who is doing an exceptional job taking care of Mark. I have no idea what I would do without them right now. Other than that I'll just try to keep this as up to date as I can for the next while! Thanks.
This time at least we didn't go screaming in there in full out labor, so it seemed relatively calm and controlled. Much better this way, if you ask me! Her Doctor noticed signs of high blood pressure, elevated proteins, and fluid retention - all signs of toxemia, or as we know it preeclampsia. So they've ordered a few days worth of tests to see what is really going on. I'll keep ya posted.
She's really doing fantastic though...considering where she is in this pregnancy. Everyone who sees her comments on how good she looks - I must concur, and it amazes me. To carry around all that extra baggage and still look relatively fresh and have a smile is impressive. I must say, knowing how little she can sleep, and seeing how much those little guys move around in there - I have no idea how she keeps it all together. But she does...and will continue to, knowing her.
I think she's absolutely incredible.
Tuesday Update:
So Sherri went into labor again last night...I was home with Mark and she started to text me that she was having really strong contractions about 4:00am. Her cerv had started to dialate and at 5:00 it was up to 3cms so we thought it would definitely be an interesting day. By the time I got to the hosp at about 5:30 they had her drugged up again (terb shot) and the contractions started to ease off, thankfully. Seems that the nights are harder for her, and that she's more stable during the day - the nurses say thats often the case. They want to give her the second dose of steriods for the babies lungs tonight and see where the next 24 lead us. Its anyones guess now as to how long this little bomb can last...
I'm trying to prepare myself for the preemies...and in doing so have scared myself into a state of grim realism. I know that their chances of survival is really excellent now...but still we're talking about little guys that are 8-9 weeks early. This means an extended stay in the NICU for the little guys at the very least, which will be hard on us as it'll be really difficult to spend much time with them for a while. And the vast majority of our friends/family will have to watch their first months through pictures and videos instead of actually being able to see them in person.
I'm extremely thankful for our extra help right now -especially Sherri's mom who is spelling me off in the hospital and Amber who is doing an exceptional job taking care of Mark. I have no idea what I would do without them right now. Other than that I'll just try to keep this as up to date as I can for the next while! Thanks.
Friday, April 30, 2010
Signs that The End Is Near
#1. Garth Buys a Minivan
For those of you who know me and have listened to my prognosticating...you know that I wasn't looking forward to making the next big purchase in my life - The Minivan. I sort of likened it to something like a root canal...best put off as long as possible, and when absolutely necessary - do it quickly and try to think about something else.
So yesterday I did just that. It took me exactly 23 minutes to choose, test drive and agree to make an offer on this little puppy. Then of course, I had to endure the agony of the "let me take that offer to my sales manager...." dog and pony show - which wasted another hour or so. End result: Toyota Dealership 1, Garth 0.
The real indignity here is the insult to the ex-girlfriend. She was a beautiful, German made lass, which I loved to drive and Mark always regarded as "our race car"! She purrs like a kitten, corners like a cheetah...ahhhh we will miss her. Of course, with her looks, she'll have no problem finding another boy-toy...but the hit to her self esteem - I don't know how she'll ever recover. For a BMW to get dumped for a Toyota mini-van is just plain ugly. Like, we're talking desperation here.
I console myself with the thought that this is just a fling...a short-term relationship that is doomed from the outset. Even Sherri agrees. Once the burping, pooping, screaming triplets have the capacity to buckle-up on their own...this little gal will be shown the door.
For those of you who know me and have listened to my prognosticating...you know that I wasn't looking forward to making the next big purchase in my life - The Minivan. I sort of likened it to something like a root canal...best put off as long as possible, and when absolutely necessary - do it quickly and try to think about something else.
So yesterday I did just that. It took me exactly 23 minutes to choose, test drive and agree to make an offer on this little puppy. Then of course, I had to endure the agony of the "let me take that offer to my sales manager...." dog and pony show - which wasted another hour or so. End result: Toyota Dealership 1, Garth 0.
The real indignity here is the insult to the ex-girlfriend. She was a beautiful, German made lass, which I loved to drive and Mark always regarded as "our race car"! She purrs like a kitten, corners like a cheetah...ahhhh we will miss her. Of course, with her looks, she'll have no problem finding another boy-toy...but the hit to her self esteem - I don't know how she'll ever recover. For a BMW to get dumped for a Toyota mini-van is just plain ugly. Like, we're talking desperation here.
I console myself with the thought that this is just a fling...a short-term relationship that is doomed from the outset. Even Sherri agrees. Once the burping, pooping, screaming triplets have the capacity to buckle-up on their own...this little gal will be shown the door.
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