Our Crazy Adventure

tuesday tidbits

2012-02-07T10:23:00.000-08:00

*sweet emails from the hubs...man, did I get good one or what?!

He totally rocks my socks off.

btw- did you catch that my inbox has 50 unread messages? Most of them are coupons and promotional things, so I can't just delete. Oye...

*this little temperature egg/night light is awesome. We keep the room at the optimal temp for babies, which is somehwere around the mid sixties.

*I swear that Jaxson is trying to talk. Ryan thinks so too. I will sing and dance around and usually Alaina grins from ear to ear and kicks, Jameson looks at me with a raised eyebrow (I'm sure he is thinking, "this lunatic is my mom?), but Jaxson kicks and pumps his arms. He also started cooing really loud keeping my rhythm. It sounds like, "roooooo.... roooo...." I keep trying to get a video but he is more of a shower singer I think. He's a little shy ;)

*I always feel like in order to update that I have to have a lot of pictures. We share every picture we have on here, as you can imagine, we only have so much time...

*Speaking of pics on here, it is so sweet that every time I post, the baby's grandpa calls and swoons over them. He said, "I know you don't have time to email all of us, so your blog is perfect!" I always say, "I'm sorry I don't have more..." and he says, "No, I'm just grateful you can post the ones you do have!" It's the encouragement that I love... :)

*Is it normal to get ahead of yourself when you think about raising your kids? I always think, "What's it going to be like when they are crawling? Walking? Talking?" I need to remember to take it a day at a time.

*I have fallen in love with that darn Bath and Body Works scrub and now I don't have time to go buy more! Maybe it can be ordered.

*I've been trying to bag all the babies' newborn clothes for another triplet mama I met at my OB's office. It is amazing to know how far they have come, but oh my, I can't believe how fast!

*They all just love their baths. I cheer everytime they kick and splash. Ryan is trying to show them how to kick to where it splashes out of the tub. Clearly, we are children that have children.

Sweet Alaina loves to get so fresh and so clean ;)

*I love Jameson's excited face. We see this when he is about to eat his beloved milk. Love. Him.

*Jaxson says, "I can get excited too!" Love. Him. Too. :)

perfect

2012-02-04T14:00:00.000-08:00

*After my last post, some friends sent me sweet emails and texts of encouragement. Thank you so much for your support. It means.the.world.to me. Also, for the record, I know I could have called and you would have been there in a minute...but this stubborn voice inside me kept saying, "You can't do this" and this red headed fiery voice just had to say back, "told ya so..."

*Yes, I just admitted that I talk to myself. Just keepin it real y'all :)

*Today, Ryan and I went for a walk at the park with the babes and actually had a conversation. Like a real one. It was mostly about how much we love the babies. We also talked about how much we love living in Cali. It was pretty much perfect.

*What spurred our professed love for this beautiful state was the fact that we could just decide to go to the park, in February, and it was 75 degrees with blue skies. Perfect.

*Please don't be jealous of our weather...remember when we lived in the frozen tundra for two years? It is time for the sunshine :)

*Jameson had a bad dream and earned a one way ticket to morning snuggles with momma. It was perfect. Well, not him having a bad dream, but that I got to keep waking up to this sweet face...

*Jaxson wanted to have a conversation over breakfast. His sweet little voice and smiles are perfect.

*My little miss wanted to be held for a bit today. The past few days she has woken up while the boys are napping, and wanted to hang with mom. I don't mind a bit. In fact, I'm pretty sure she is brilliant. She wants mom, when mom can give her 100% undivided attention. She is perfect.

I hope your Saturday is perfect :)

all by myself

2012-02-02T09:46:00.000-08:00

So, since the babies have been home, I have had full time help...my wonderful mom. She does any and everything and I just can't imagine how we would have done this without her.

Well, gramma was needed in Texas this week. My younger brother is having surgery and she wanted to take care of him. I know I know, how dare she?? Toooooootally kidding ;)

So, she left and we started this one-woman-show. I was a big bag of nerves and I felt so bad about it. I told one of their nurses on the phone, "What kind of a mom is nervous to take care of her own kids?" She said, "Hun, one who has 3 small babies!" Plus, I do this everyday. My mom is big help, but I do most of the baby stuff.

I think the hardest part is when there are two or more crying and you have decide who needs are greatest. It makes me sad, but I have to remember that crying never hurt anybody. Well, other than my heart :(

But, we got through the day just fine! I even managed to wash every bottle and do a load of laundry. I was wiped by bedtime, but, everyone was clean, fed, happy, and asleep. Yay!

Next goal- that we are all clean, fed, happy, sleeping, and make dinner for the hubs. I know, I'm so lofty in my goals ;)

I guess the moral of this jibberish blog post is this: I can take care of my own children. Imagine?!

I know that you will all sleep better now, knowing this truth :) Get some winks for Ryan and I!

My mom snapped these the other day while I was tandem feeding Jameson and Alaina...

Happy Thursday!

a chat with my girl

2012-01-30T15:00:00.000-08:00

Alaina and I had a chat today.

We talked about all the things we would do together as she grew up. I told her that we would shop together, laugh together, and have nice conversations over a good cup of tea.

We would pick out dresses for every event in her life.

I told her that no matter what she chooses to do, that I will be her biggest cheerlearder.

We talked about how important it is to respect others and love them as we love ourselves. We are better than no one.

I told her that we must love God and seek to serve his purpose for our life.

She and I agreed that God's plan is way better than ours.

We chatted about boys and whew, was she ever going to have the bar set by her daddy. With two (big!) brothers and her pops, she is going to have a hard time dating anyway.

I told her that this is probably for the best, because men are like wine and age well with time.

She didn't know what wine was. We decided to save that for later. Much later...

I told her that I pray specific things for her. I pray for God to send an army of angels every night to gaurd her crib as she sleeps. I pray that she will get saved at a young age. I pray that she finds Christain friends who have a heart for the Lord. I pray the most for her future husband. That he will be a man of integrity and have a heart of gold. I pray that he is man of God and treat her like the princess she is. I pray that wherever he is right now, that God is protecting him and pruning him to be the perfect mate for Alaina.

Oh girl, do I pray.

We started to talk about careers and how many children she wanted- but she got a little sleepy.

We'll save that for another day ;)

God Bless!

ding dong Daddy's home

2012-01-28T14:37:00.000-08:00

Daddy is back baby!

He went out of the country for 2 weeks for work. Yep, you heard that right. Two. weeks. During which it seemed like a million things came up that I had to handle and then his phone died. Like a permanent kind of death. Doesn't it always seem to happen like that? But, we are all okay and thank God I have my mom here to help. The woman is a saint.

I didn't blog about it because, um, I'm afraid of psychos. And because I watch way too many episodes of Criminal Minds. Well, I guess those go hand in hand.

He face-timed every single night after work. I'm not sure who it was harder on- us or him. Poor Daddy.

Jameson says, "Daddy sure has been gone a long time mommy..."

Then I told him Daddy was on his way...

He got really excited of course.

Speaking of Jameson, doesn't he look like a little man? Oh my my.

When Ryan told me he had to go, I remember thinking, "How am I going to do this?" The answer is that you just do it. You don't have time to really even think about it. I also thought about all those families who are seperated for work for long periods of time and felt bad for my mini pity party.

Keep calm and carry on, people.

So, we are having a happy Sunday over here :) I sure hope you are too!

HaPpY 4 MoNtHs

2012-01-27T19:04:00.000-08:00

to my sweet little lambs :)

You three have grown so much in one month! I haven't done a group picture in a while and to see how big you look now brings tears to my eyes...

All three of you are smiling more and are such happy sweet babies. It melts my heart when you see me and focus on me and then smile. Oh how your dad and I love you so. I think you are all a little afraid of the camera (have no idea how that is possible!) because I quickly grab it when you are doing something cute and then you stop. You have started following us with your eyes. You all are of course the smartest babies ever.

You three are still eating every three hours during the day and going about every 4-5 at night. I would really like to not push you and let you kind of make the decision to stretch your feedings out.

Alaina,

You are such a sweet girl. Everyone that sees you says you look just like your mommy. I pulled out my baby book and our pictures look so much alike. I think you are already stronger and tougher than I have ever had to be. We are so proud of you! You are in size 3 months clothes and size one diapers. You are long and lean. You have the cutest little dimples when you smile. You still have a full head of blond hair. Some days it looks a little strawberry, but it's mostly blond. Your daddy can't ever talk to you without calling you beautiful. It just melts my heart. We love you little Miss!

Jameson,

You are such a big boy! You keep growing and growing honey :) It is just so cute to see you getting little rolls! It's hard to believe how tiny you started out. You make us laugh so much. Everyone that sees you says how much you look like your daddy. I love that you are a mini version of him- it's so cute. Your hair is still short on top and longer in back. It's blond, though a little darker than your sister's. You are in size 3 months clothes, although they are getting snug. You are also in size one diapers. You are starting to be a night owl and you love to sleep-in in the mornings, especially in mommy and daddy's bed. In the middle of the night you smile and laugh so much. I try not to get you too roused up so you will learn night time is for sleeping :) It's pretty hard though when you are having such a good time. We love you mister!

Jaxson,

You are still just as sweet as can be. You are so laid back and such an easy baby. If you ever cry, we know that something must be really wrong. You smile and coo all day long. You love mornings and singing with mommy. Now when I sing you move your arms and legs and smile so wide. You are so encouraging :) We have gotten a lot of comments that you look like your Grandpa (my dad). We have also gotten equal comments that you either look like me or your dad. You have biggest blue eyes that are just so cute! You are also in size 3 months clothes and have stayed pretty long. You are also in size one diapers. You have the least amount of hair out of your siblings, but in the last few days you have gotten some more on top. It looks mostly blonde and a little strawberry. You love your name song and smile when I start singing it. I'll have to post it sometime on here. We love you sweet boy!

Can someone please just freeze time?! I don't want to miss a single thing...

Will it spoil them

2012-01-25T10:38:00.000-08:00

if I put them in bed with me every morning?

please excuse Jameson's milk mustache ;)

The babes usually wake up around 8ish, but a couple times a week we all sleep in. Daddy leaves for work and I decide that when they are ready to wake up and eat- they will.

I love to snuggle up with my babies. I remember as a kid loving my parents big bed and trying to sneak in there. Maybe it's just the safest place to sleep when you are kid.

A couple of people have asked me how I have time to blog. What I do is utilize a long nap time about once a week and type out 2 or 3 posts and schedule them to post with a few days in between. I stretch them out further if I know we will have a busy week.

I have often heard that the first year is a blur. I don't feel like this day by day but if someone asks me about something that happened a month ago, it's a total blur!

Here we are before breakfast the other day. They were so cute that I had to take the video below.

Thank you all for your sweet encouraging comments and prayers throughout the past few months. I love reading your sweet words and they mean more to me than you will ever know. Sometimes you need to feel that you are doing something right, you know?

Can you believe it's Wednesday? Have a great day lovlies :)

If someone would have told me

2012-01-21T09:24:00.000-08:00

Jameson

last year at this time that right now I would be head-over-heels in love with three little tiny people, I would have laughed out loud. And of course one not so tiny 6ft 4 person ;)

Jameson

Being a wife and mom has been the most amazing experience of my life. The other night I held Jaxson as he fell asleep and all I could think about was if I never do anything else in my life, this was enough. Completely enough.

Jameson

When people say things about triplets and how they just can't imagine, I almost feel sorry for them. I pinch myself most days because I feel so blessed.

Alaina

Sure, our days are crazy busy. Yes, it takes me ~~days~~ weeks to return phone calls, texts, and emails. No, I will never take taking a shower forgranted again. But I'm spending my time on what matters most. Hopefully people understand.

Alaina

Sidenote- I was thinking the other day how I used to always say I wanted more than two kids and I wanted them close together. I would say a minute apart is about as close as possible :)

Jaxson

Ok totally random. That's what happens when we supplement sleep for LOTS of caffeine.

Jaxson

Most days I often wonder exactly what I did to deserve such a beautiful family. Then I take a shot of coffee and get back to work ;)

Happy Saturday sweet friends!

Precious Prints

2012-01-17T07:20:00.000-08:00

Our doctor asked us to try to stay in as much as possible and limit visitors during RSV and flu season (through April). Click HERE to find out about RSV.

A couple of weeks ago I woke up stir crazy and decided we would get handprints and footprints of every baby. It was not quite what I expected. You get their little fingers all spread out and put it in the ink and then they immediately ball their hands into fists. I had to pry their fingers back open to get their hands on the page. All the meanwhile they are royally ticked at me. It was fun.

Here is little Miss Priss's. She is so dainty and perfect.

Jaxson was pretty laid back until I pressed his little hand to the paper and he started crying. He never really cries so I looked closely and realized that one of his little fingers was bent under. I wasn't pressing hard or anything but it wasn't comfortable for him. Mom of the year I tell you.

And then we come to my little bear...Oh Jameson was NOT having it.

I went to hold his hand down and he started pulling it down the paper. I seriously could not hold on to him! He is so strong. It looks like he got into a fight with an ink pad.

He says, "You should see the ink pad."

Oh little tiny entertainment. Love them :)

Sunday Somethings

2012-01-15T17:18:00.000-08:00

I can't believe it's already almost middle of January. Time flies when you are busy!

Jameson

We went for a check up at the pediatrician and she was delighted with how big the babies are getting. Speaking of which we have a 12 and half pounder (Jameson), 11lb 3oz (Jaxson) and 9lb and 8oz (Alaina). They are doing well, but we never get tired of hearing it. She also said that we could now let them go at night and see how long they can sleep. They have made it around 5 hours a couple of times. I think that's great considering they have been eating every three hours since they were born. The way I do it is when the first baby wakes up I give them their paci. Then when the second wakes up, all three eat. Sometimes if the first just isn't having the paci, everybody eats. I just can't imagine how I could do it any other way.

Jaxson, Alaina, Jameson

I plan on making their birth announcements soon. I figure as long as I send them out before they are six months then I'm ok. I made this time-frame up in my head. It makes sense to me. A few of my friends combined the Christmas card and birth announcement- wish I would have thought of this!

I am loving this right now:

It's Bath and Body Works body scrub. It smells awesome!

I have decided that we are going to be a chemical free house. Well, as much as possible. And something really cool about living in California? SO easy to do! A few weeks ago I noticed that the babies had a rash on their tummys and chests. I also noticed that it was more concentrated where clothes fit tighter (necks because of bibs).

We switched from Dreft to this:

I also bought these.

Since i got pregnant (and before) I have cleaned with vinegar and lemon juice. I did buy some cleaner and toy wipes at Babies R Us that are completly safe. The back of the bottle says you can even drink it. I also bought free and clear dishwashing soap. We wash a LOT of bottles.

Jameson and Jaxson

Some of you have asked me questions in your comments, but I have no way to respond to them if you don't have a blogger or gmail account. I'll add my email to the sidebar. It's laura (at) ourcrazyadventure (dot) com.

Alaina

I have read about this for some time and I'm not sure what to do. Pictures on this blog belong to me. Please do not take them or repost them anywhere without my permission. I don't want to have to watermark them all, but I do get a little weirded out seeing people do this.

Alaina

I got a Keurig for Christmas. I love it! Zero clean up and the coffee is delicious. It's perfect. Daddy's sure know how to make mommy's happy :)

Last night I was feeding the babies and singing to them (I sing ALL day long. Pretty sure I like a collective audience that smiles at me while I do it. They are so encouraging ;)) when I started making up words to a song. I was trying to rhyme face and I sang something like, "win a race" and all the sudden Jaxson says faintly, "race". I almost died. I yelled for Ryan and I said, "Race Jaxson? Are you going to win a race?" He goes, "race." We were floored. Now, it was a little like a coo, but it sounded just like race. They are geniouses I tell you.

Jaxson

I have also heard sleepy giggles out of all three this week. They don't laugh at us or anything, but their dreams must be funny.

I hope everyone is having a fabulous weekend!

baby must-haves (0-3 months)

2012-01-10T16:30:00.000-08:00

When I was pregnant (and even before) I loved to read people's baby must-haves. There are always new things and then old things that just always work.

1. bouncy chairs (thank you Francine!)

The babies still sleep for most of the day. These are nice and I can have them downstairs so that I can get to them easily. I think soon we will transition to naps in their cribs.

2. Boppy pillows

This is how we feed the babies. Jaxson and Jameson eat like this and then wait for me while I feed Alaina. It props them up enough so that they can let their food settle a bit more.

3. swaddle wraps

They actually all kind of squirm and whine a little when I first swaddle them. Then they fall fast asleep. It's bliss.

4. Cloud B Gentle Sounds Giraffe (thank you Auntie Lori!)

I put it on 'mother's heartbeat' and they get really relaxed. It's been awesome for our babies since the NICU got them used to noise. Silence is really deafening to them.

5. Aspirators.

The hospital ones are awesome, but the Nosefrida Snot Sucker has been our best friend. We do a little saline squirt in each nostril and suck that gunk right out. They instantly feel better.

6. The Wubbanub.

I didn't number these in order of importance, but if I did- this thing would be top 3. We don't go anywhere without them. You must get one. Like now.

7. These Carter's blankets (thank you Linda!)

We take these everywhere and they are the perfect blanket. I wish I had 50!

8. Diaper rash cream

This diaper rash cream is amazing. Our little tushies got so red and then even started bleeding. I tried everything and asked everyone. I finally just grabbed this at Babies-R-Us after my mom read that it has lanolin in it and thought I should try it. It cleared it up immediately and they haven't had a problem since. Hallelujah!

9. video monitor

I know a lot people say that these drive them crazy because they stare at them all night. It would drive me crazy not to be able to see that they are okay all night. I went too long waking up in the middle of the night wondering how they were in the hospital. I love this thing. Ryan loves the voice over feature and frequently likes to scare the daylights out of me by being the voice of God. He's awesome.

10. nail clippers with light

30 tiny fingernails means I need good nail clippers. These are great with the light.

Ok, that is my top 10 list so far. I can't believe they are already 3 months old!

Some mommy must haves...

BIO OIL! Can't say it enough...

I am sure glad I wore a swimsuit a lot pregnant- because it's not happening again anytime soon!

But these sweet little faces were TOTALLY worth it!

Jameson

Jaxson

Alaina

Of course a my mommy must haves include these necessities:

A bestie to brag about my kids to all day long :)

A brother to make me laugh constantly.

A mom to do absolutely anything for me.

And an amazing husband and father to travel this crazy adventure life we have!

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what a year it was

2012-01-05T06:28:00.000-08:00

2011 was quite a year for us! Our crazy adventure tamed down a little then got crazier and crazier.

In March we found out we were expecting! We were thrilled to pieces :)

In April we found out that triplets were on the way!

May brought our fabulous high risk doctor and we heard all three heartbeats.

In June we were showered by our friends and family. We also moved into a bigger house.

July was when Ryan was diagnosed with cancer and was a scary time for us.

August was his first surgery and I was put on bed rest.

In September, I was admitted to the hospital.

And, on September 27, we welcomed our three bundles...

Alaina

Jameson

Jaxson

In October Ryan had his big surgery and we lived and breathed the NICU.

By Thanksgiving we were all home and healthy!

Christmas was very sweet as we cuddled and loved on our sweet babies.

We hope you are having the happiest of New Years!

we're all smiles over here

2012-01-02T12:42:00.000-08:00

Daddy has had some time off and we are having a great time with him :)

The babies have been smiling more and more. I will get close to them and smile and say, "Can you smile for mommy?" and you should see me when they smile back. Oh my we do a happy dance!

We have been going for some walks and people do ask me random questions and they are facinated with the babies. It's almost like you can see it in their eyes before they head straight for our stroller.

One lady kind of got Ryan from the back and I saw her hand going straight for Jaxson's face. I yelled, "Don't let her touch him!" Ryan jumped clear out of her reach! haha! Then she followed me around asking me questions like how much weight I gained and then she pointed at Jameson and said, "He looks bigger...is he the oldest? How far apart are they?" It is so hard not to laugh!

Ryan got up with one night and when we finally went back to bed we had about 45 minutes to sleep until the morning routine started. He goes, "I already had a ton of respect for you...but wow! I don't know how you do this..."

I started thinking about it and later on we were talking about how many people we know that have lost babies due to miscarriages, birth defects, and preterm birth. The babies were in the NICU with a set of twins who one died at birth. I also lost a friend from home to cancer who was survived by her small baby and husband. I'm sure all of these moms would LOVE to be up in the middle of the night with their babies. They would kill to be rocking their sweet baby all night because they are scared of the dark. When I'm tired and things seem to be a little overwhelming, this is where my thoughts go... We are SO blessed.

On a different note, I had to share this sweet little face. She already knows exactly how to get what she wants.

When she makes this face we start saying things like, "OK, do you want a pony?" :)

Get it giiiirl ;)

3 months old already?!

2011-12-27T16:17:00.000-08:00

We turned three months old today! I just can't believe how fast my sweet little babies are growing up right before my eyes! Sometimes I just hold them and think, "I can't believe God has entrusted you to me..." To say we are blessed is an understatement.

BTW- we totally had to pull out our first pair of baby jeans for this photo. Thank you Grayson and Gavin!

Alaina, you are three months old and growing like a weed.

When I think back to this picture, I'm just amazed at how great you are doing. You are such a miracle.

You are a happy baby who likes to coo and smile at us. You really love to eat and you hate to have your diaper changed. You also have to be changed right when you go to the bathroom. You love to dress up and I'm so happy you were born a diva. You are already calling the shots in this house and I secretly love it. When you are done eating you purse your lips, wave your hand in front of your mouth, and turn your head to the side. I love that you don't do anything you don't want to do. You are going to be an amazing woman. We love our princess :)

Jameson, you are quite the character.

I think you make us laugh most of the day. You have the most serious face and like to roll your eyes. You really don't miss a meal, which is clear with how big you are! Your doctor said you are big enough now to go a little longer than every three hours, but you decided that's just not how you roll. About 15 minutes before it's time to eat you start grunting, which I'm sure is your polite way of saying, "Lady, if you think I'm going to wait any longer to eat, you are sadly mistaken." To which I grab you up and feed you while you make cute little drinking noises. You thoroughly enjoy eating. And we thoroughly enjoy you :) We love you to pieces.

Jaxson, you are absolutely a doll.

I have to admit that you get the brunt of my mom guilt because- bless your heart- you are so easy going that almost nothing makes you cry. Many times I get so busy with your brother and sister- who are very quick to make their needs known- that I realize you have spit up or pooped and are sitting in it. You will just smile at me with those big blue eyes, and I can tell you have just the kindest and sweetest heart. We love you my little monkey.

Happy Happy Happy 3 months my lovies! Everyday I wake up excited to get another day with you :)

Who is Santa?

2011-12-24T21:17:00.000-08:00

Today, while his brother and sister slept, Jameson and I had a talk about Santa. I told him that Santa and his elves spent all year making toys for boys and girls like him and his brother and sister.

Then I told him that Santa brings the toys to all the boys and girls on Christmas Eve and comes down through the chimney.

I told him that Santa gets very tired so we leave him milk and cookies just like he ate all the time in mommy's tummy.

He remembers that very well :)

Then I told him the biggest news. That Santa is coming here TONIGHT to bring him some presents. He got very excited.

Before I knew it, Alaina was all dressed up and ready to meet Santa.

I told them that Santa wouldn't be coming until very late at night. She decided she might just want to sleep a bit more...

Jaxson was a little concerned that he didn't get to tell Santa what he wanted for Christmas.

I told him not to worry, that mommy and daddy made sure Santa knew ;)

I hope everyone is having a very Merry Christmas Eve. I already got all I wanted for Christmas :)))

I'm so very thankful

2011-12-20T14:41:00.000-08:00

for my family :)

I remember a friend telling me that when she brought her baby home she remembered thinking that they were finally a family. I know what she means now. I have always wanted to be a wife and mom and I am so thankful that God has allowed my dreams to come true.

I was thinking the other day about how blessed we are with people who have been so understanding. Strangers have sent us encouraging email and letters. People have said things like, "Can I come do things around your house so that you can sit and hold your babies longer?" What a blessing. One of those people has been my mom. From day one she has served to make our lives easier. Ryan said the other day, "I'm so impressed with how respectful your mom is." When she would drive me to the NICU she would always insist on waiting in the car so I could have that little bit of time with my babies. She kept saying that she couldn't imagine not bringing her baby home. If she did go in with me, she would thank me as we left for sharing my precious time with the babies with her. Needless to say, we are blessed. We have learned so much this year.

Last weekend our pastor asked us to share our story with the church. I was so nervous I almost threw up! I got a little choked up as we relayed about learning about the triplets, to Ryan being diagnosed with cancer, to Alaina not growing. I love the part when I said, "By Thanksgiving, all 5 of us were home and healthy!" and everyone cheered and applauded. God has written quite a story for us and we want all the glory to go to Him.

I wish I could afford to send this to each and every one of you. Merry Christmas from our family to yours. May God bless you all the way you have blessed us this year...

I took this video this morning of my precious darlings. I should say that Jameson was hungry and sleepy. He is not a fussy baby- well, most of the time ;)

The stockings were hung...

2011-12-16T16:33:00.000-08:00

I ordered their stockings from Pottery Barn Kids and I just love them. I went back and forth as to put Mom and Dad or Mommy and Daddy. A friend pointed out that by the time the kids want new stockings that aren't so child-like, then we can change to Mom and Dad.

I didn't want to get both the boys the same stocking, but boys love trains. I just didn't want to let one have the beloved trains and the other one have a reindeer or snowman. Nothing against those, but the trains were pretty rad.

Clearly I don't have enough to think about or analyze.

I love traditions and Ryan and I have had fun talking about the kinds of traditions we want to do with our kids. One that we started this year were their 'First Christmas' ornaments. I think they make them until the age 5 and so we will for sure buy those and then in a couple of years (or maybe even next year) we will have them each pick out their own ornament to add to the tree. I love Hallmark ornaments. The quality is just the best.

While I was there, I saw this family ornament and I thought it was so cute. How neat to see your family grow and change through the years.

Our family 2011.

What are some traditions you guys do? I love getting new ideas and especially ones that are new to Ryan and I. It keeps things exciting :)

Have a fabulous weekend!

Is it middle of December already?!

2011-12-15T10:22:00.000-08:00

Wow! I just can't keep up with blogging...sadly when it comes to things to get done, blogging falls last and I really want to change that. I blog for me and so I can go back and remember all of these sweet times one day.

Anyway, we are all doing well over here at baby central. We eat, sleep, and breathe taking care of these adorable miniature humans. They are my pride and joy for sure :)

Being a new mom has been one of the most natural things I have ever done and one of the most terrifying. I will admit that right now I'm majorly a helicopter mom. We keep a tight schedule and the babies really like it. Something happens when you have children, and more so when you have 3 preemie children whom you have been separated from- and your protective instincts kick in. The other day a lady walked straight over to Alaina's car seat and picked up the blanket covering her and got in her face. I thought I was going to galge her eyes out. I no longer worry about hurting people's feelings when it comes to my babies!

So far, they are keeping their same personality traits. Jameson is our cuddle bear. He looks for me all day and has to be facing me. They actually all follow my voice with their eyes which I just love :) When I hold them, they cuddle in my neck and then let out the sweetest sigh. They play a lot more for Ryan and he can get them to do all kinds of cute things. Of course, they love sleeping on Daddy's chest. Jameson is also our biggest baby who L-O-V-E-S to eat. Dude never misses a meal.

Jaxson is the most laid-back baby ever. He hardly ever cries and when he does- I come running because it must be bad. I'm sad to say Jaxson inherited the projectile spit-up from his mother. After a couple of scary episodes, he now sleeps next to me in a bassinet that we wedged the mattress at an angle.

Alaina is our little Miss Priss. She is such a happy baby, but she does not like night time. For some reason she just cries at night. I rock her and sing to her and that calms her down but she still does not like going back to her crib. My bestie, Lori, got them a giraffe that makes different white noises and we have had that in the crib since day one and it's not really helping. I have tried almost everything... Poor little thing. Her doctor said that in the NICU it's always light and noisy so she doesn't know dark and quiet.

I'm pretty bad about running to them and picking them straight up when they cry. I know everyone says that they will get used to that, but they have been through so much and I can't imagine them suffering any more than they have to.

Sweetest Gerber babies :)

The weather has been so nice here and I like to let natural light in all day. I told Ryan the other day that I just love living here. It's so beautiful and our little California babies are going to L.O.V.E the beach! Being originally from Florida, I'm quite the beach lover as well.

Ryan said that's fine- as long as his California babies wear these onesies to the beach.

We had a newborn photographer come to the house last weekend and it was a FUN 3 hours...haha! I think it wore them out majorly and us exponentially! We will share the pictures as soon as I make and send out their birth announcements.

I can't wait to share our Christmas card. We have never sent out one out and I searched and searched for the perfect card. I finally got fed up and made it myself on photoshop. If you want something done right... :)

I hope you all are having a wonderful holiday season. I just love hot chocolate and watching Elf. Cheers!

whirlwind of a week

2011-12-04T21:20:00.001-08:00

I've been a little MIA this past week. We had a few of the babies' follow up appointments and some new doctor visits. In four days we went to three different hospitals for doctor visits. It all has to do with them being preemies. Thankfully all the doctors that see them comment on how remarkable they are doing! We give all the glory to God!

After packing the babies' up, parking, waiting, seeing the doctor and then packing back up, it takes pretty much all day long. It takes me, my mom, and Ryan (if his work schedule allows) to handle the visit. Tuesday at the eye doctor we got to the appointment an hour early so we could feed them there. We went into our routine of feeding, burping, and then Ryan would hand me the babies to change. Since it was an eye specialist they didn't have baby changing areas so we had to use chairs in the waiting area. When we finally got finished I turned around and the entire room was staring at us with their mouths hanging open! haha!

The last day we had visits was at the hospital they were born at and we got to visit all the people who kept our family safe and healthy for so long. We definitly have a LOT to be thankful for this year!

Speaking of being thankful, I just have to say how thankful I am for my mom. She has pretty much decided to stay for a while and help us. She has quit her job in Florida and I know it hasn't been the easiest financially. She isn't just any mom either. She is like super duper mom/grandma! The woman can do anything without sleep and she is so sweet to help me in the middle of the night. I don't know if she has gotten more than 5 hours of sleep in a row since she came out when I was hospitalized. An added bonus is that she is a clean and clutter freak so my house is spotless! I really can't think of anyone who would be more of a help for Ryan and I. Talk about setting the bar for the kind of mom I hope to be!

This past summer my friend Clayton was moving and didn't have room for his 10 foot Christmas tree. He gave it to us! Isn't it gorgeous?!

For the longest time we tried to figure out where the babies get sleeping sprawled out from. It took our sleep deprived brains a while to put it together- they were squished for so long, they can finally spread out!

They really are asleep here with their arms up in the air. It's so funny :)

Alaina just likes to sleep dressed up.

She wore this to the doctor and her doctor said, "She looks adorable!" I looked at my mom and said, "Well, we know we are at a good doctor that has some sense!" :)

Happy 2 months!

2011-11-27T20:10:00.000-08:00

We are two months old today!

I wanted to show a comparison between birth and two months. We have come a long way!

Alaina

Jameson

Jaxson

I don't have a lot of pictures of Jameson right after birth since he was having a little harder time. I remember going in after a couple of days and he had an IV in his head. Poor baby!

Tuesday is my due date and I just can't believe that I would have been pregnant that long had there been one. I admire all you ladies who go until 40 and 41 weeks!

We had our first family outing today. We went to a local park and had a picnic. It was so sweet to have all five of us together. People would stop and look but we were pretty far away from where people were. I just kept thinking about how this was what I have always wanted. My family all together and healthy. We used to dream of having a big family and I feel so blessed that God has given us three children in one shot! Our family of five has so much to be thankful for!

I pray that you all are blessed for lifting us up. Thank God for a healthy husband and healthy babies...what more could you ask for?

Happy Thanksgiving

2011-11-24T13:35:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving

from Jameson

Alaina

and Jaxson!

We hope you are eating your hearts out...we sure are!

Monday Randoms

2011-11-21T13:16:00.000-08:00

Thank you all for your kind comments on my last post. I'm glad to hear that I'm not the only mama bear out there! I've definitely had to get over being polite and obliging everyone. Babies come first!

Having the babies at home for a whole week now has been awesome. I just cuddle them and kiss them all the time.

I'm pretty sure Jaxson is the ham of the bunch. He sure makes the funniest faces.

I haven't even really thought about Thanksgiving- other than having SO much to be thankful for- but with all these commercials, I'm starting to crave turkey and stuffing. I wish you could just order the meal already cooked!

When I was pregnant I thought that I would get so stir crazy at the house all day, but I really don't. The days go by way too quickly and it seems like I look up and its nighttime again. I guess it's hard to get bored when there are three babies to love on all day.

I think the sleep is getting to me. In the middle of the night I was feeding the boys at the same time and kind of zoning out when Jameson started screaming. I kept trying to burp him and then he would take the bottle so vigorously, suck a couple of times and then start screaming again. I was so worried after about 10 min of this and I got up to go ask Ryan what he thought when I dropped his bottle. I thought it was weird that nothing came out of the nipple and then it hit me. The nipple was clogged and poor baby wasn't getting any milk. I got all teary and hugged him close to feed him. Poor thing :(

Ryan is so good with the babies. They love snuggling with their daddy.

Alaina loves dressing up. I'm pretty sure she needs her own closet for all of her accessories.

She is so sweet and just smiles at us. The only time she cries is when she has a dirty diaper. Who can blame her?

Jameson is so cuddly. Sometimes I think he whimpers a little to see if I will swoop him up and snuggle for a little bit. One of us usually does ;)

He has gotten a little better with waiting for me. I always tell him, "Jameson, mommy only has two hands." Poor baby. I wish I could meet all their needs right when they make them known, but it's almost not possible. I keep thinking that it might be good if they learn patience really early on.

Either that or I'll learn how to grow a third arm. Whichever comes first :)

the first pediatrician appointment

2011-11-18T08:00:00.000-08:00

We had our first pediatrician appointment yesterday (well Jameson's was last week). It was quite an event...poor babies. The doctor wanted a little bit of blood and it broke my heart in half when they screamed :(

Jameson, Alaina, Jaxson

We do like our doctor and the babies did well when she examed them.

We took the babies on a short neighborhood walk afterward since they were already bundled up and some of our neighbors were stopping and saying, "Triplets??" I just want to shout it from the roof tops what little miracles these precious babies are and how God has given us the greatest gifts of all.

That being said, not gonna lie...when people want come close to the strollers I pull their blankets up over the top. I'm such a momma bear and I'm proud of them- but I don't want people to touch them or breathe on them!

I just figure there will be a time when I feel more comfortable, but right now we gotta keep them safe and home!

Wouldn't it be nice

2011-11-16T16:03:00.000-08:00

to be as relaxed as Jameson?

We bathe the babies in the sink and Jameson loved it so much his eyes rolled back in his head and he started snoring. Love it!

So far we have spent the last two days swimming in diapers and bottles. Right when we get through feeding, burping, changing, and sometimes changing again, and then changing clothes from spit-up...it's time to do it again! We are loving every single minute. I keep saying to Ryan, "Can you believe we are their parents??! Can you believe they are ours?" I was staring at them yesterday and Ryan handed me the tv remote and told me to find something good while we relax for a bit. I searched and then handed it back and said, "I can't find anything better than what I'm watching right now..."

Today I went outside to get the mail and the mailman stopped and said, "HEY! How are the triplets??" I was wearing pajama pants and rocking a side bun that had been a regular bun 5 hours before. I said, "Great!" He smiled and said, "I take it they're all home?" ha!

Thank you all for the prayers for our family. We have been blessed beyond belief and we are soooo very relieved to have all of our babies home from the hospital. Thank the Lord for prayer warriors like you! Happy Wednesday!

Jaxson is home...YAY!

2011-11-15T15:52:00.000-08:00

Jaxson came home last night!

We picked him up and it was so bittersweet to leave the great staff at the NICU. We couldn't wait to get them all home but at the same time I was thinking, "Oh my goodness, now what?" haha! The babies' doctor is absolutely awesome and they are so proactive and on top of everything. I got a little nervous thinking about not having him to bounce all of our questions off of. He said not to worry, I can call them 24/7 for as long as we need. We can't thank the NICU enough. I know they cared about our babies well being far more than their job required. That is priceless.

Jaxson's nurse cut off my NASTY bands that have been our ticket into the nursery. Yuck!

Nurse Katie is so sweet.

She wanted to hide Jaxson under her coat :)

We had a photoshoot with the babies today. It just so happened when Ryan walked in the door for lunch. The look on his face was priceless. He said, "poor kids..." They loved it though.

Of course, I roped him into participating...

Alaina has Grace-d us

2011-11-13T10:49:00.000-08:00

with her presence!

With nurse Lisa

We have had one week with Jameson and we were just about adjusted to the change of adding a baby to the mix. Of course, it got a little difficult with trying to care for him, his doctor appointments, and going back up the hospital to see the other two. Now we are experiencing a new difficulty with having Alaina home as well! Poor Jaxson is probably feeling abandoned :(

She is just as sweet as can be :) Like I said, the NICU had them on a strict schedule so we just added her to the schedule we already had. Right now we switch off feedings, Ryan will take one then I will take one so that we can both get some sleep.

My first feeding with both of them was a little rocky. Jameson screamed while I tried to feed Alaina. She is still small, so you have to position her head well so she doesn't choke. Meaning, I need both hands. Bless his little heart, he did not like waiting and sharing the attention. Hmmm little stinker ;)

We brought her home Friday night and Saturday morning, this was my scene. So sweet!

For the past week with Jameson home, I pretty much hold him all the time. I guess there is just something about being able to hold your baby whenever you want to! Anyway, my mom told me one day that she held me like that all the time and then I wouldn't go to anyone else and she could never put me down. The very next morning she came in and he was sleeping with me in my bed. haha! So the joke was 'what's she going to do when two are home and she can't hold them both all the time'. My answer:

It will be interesting with Jaxson home. I'm sure I'll find a way to spoil them all rotten...joking of course ;)

Jameson is home!

2011-11-06T19:57:00.000-08:00

Our first baby is home...finally! We picked him up Friday night on one of the few rainy nights we ever have here. Here is a picture of Jameson with one of the babies' favorite nurses, Mo. She is wonderful!

Mommy and Daddy with Jameson.

We tucked him in his car seat (thank you Jason and Joe!) Then Ryan wheeled me out like all those mom's who get to leave with their babies.

Once we got him home we have been giving lots of cuddles.

We take lots of pictures too :)

The Jameson face...

The nursery did a great job of getting the babies on a strict 3 hour schedule. They want us to wake him up to feed him and we really don't have to since he wakes up like clockwork and grunts a little to let us know it's time to eat. I set my alarm anyway and when it goes off I go look in the pack-and-play like it's Christmas morning. We stare at him pretty much all day long. It's pretty dreamy :)

I am worried that Jameson and Jaxson miss each other. At the nursery when one of the boys would grunt, the other would turn his head to him and grunt back. They also sympathy grunt and cry for each other. It's pretty darn cute. Hopefully the three of them wont be separated for long...

Happy Halloween

2011-10-31T08:28:00.000-07:00

From Alaina

Jameson

and Jaxson

This is how we spent our Halloween evening.

It was pretty sweet :)

After all the fuss, Jameson wanted to know what the big deal about Halloween was?

I told the kids that all they need to know is this- it's about costumes and candy.

Jaxson wanted to show his best scared face...

Jaxson really liked the thought of candy :)

Alaina was busying taking her bottle (good girl!)...

and Jameson was all tuckered out.

Come to think of it, so are we! Hope your night was great!

Happy One Month birthday!

2011-10-27T10:32:00.001-07:00

The babies are one month old today! It's amazing that they have been here for a month already. I just love my little babies so much. Time flies so fast already!

We did a little photoshoot with them with a team of help! Ha! We had to do it in like 90 seconds or less so the babies wouldn't get too worn out. It was days like these that I am so thankful for a great nursing staff taking care of them because they not only wanted to help me get a cute picture, but their first priority was the babies. It was a quick but successful shoot :)

We did their shoots in birth order and I think the pictures say so much. Alaina was definitely telling us how she felt about being woken up to bright lights and flashes!

Jameson was sleepy but calm. He loves to sleep and eat!

Jaxson was the calmest of all. Bless his heart it was time to eat at this point and he just chewed on his little fists and stayed so calm and relaxed. I wonder if their birth order says something about their personality? Maybe Jaxson is used to waiting? :)

It's definitely starting to get harder and harder to be apart from them. I thought it would get easier or at least stay the same but it's not that way at all. I know they are where they need to be though. I still go up during the day and Ryan and I go back up at night.

Two nights ago Ryan had a stressful situation and shared it with me and I just thought, "Wow, this man it the most amazing man I have ever met!" I don't know how he keeps it all together, but I'm so happy that me and the babies are his first priority. His father would be so proud of him! When I see him with the babies I just want to fall to my knees and thank God for his blessings on our little (big!) family.

Happy 1 month Alaina, Jameson, and Jaxson! We love you more than life itself. I already can't imagine life without you three in it. You make our hearts so happy. No matter what we are doing, you seem to always be the center of our conversation. Everything you do is amazing. Your life has not been easy thus far, but your dad and I will do whatever it takes to protect you and keep you safe. I wish I could take your place every time they poke you with needles, test you with eye exams, brain scans, and heart tests. It breaks my heart into a million pieces to think of you suffering. Most days I want to hide you guys under my shirt and sneak you out of there. But I have to tell myself that they will send you home as soon as you are ready. You three are your daddy's and I's first priority. Always. We love you!

Love, Mommy and Daddy

growing babies

2011-10-24T09:03:00.000-07:00

Our little ones are growing right before our eyes! I can't believe they have been here almost a month now. I want them home with us, but I know they are where they need to be.

Jaxson and Jameson are in open cribs because they are big enough to hold their own temperature.

Jameson

Jaxson

They are starting to really fill out and get some chub on 'em :) Now they are both taking bottles every other feeding and doing great at it. We go up and feed them and we are starting to get an idea of what life will be like when we bring them home.

It seems like right when we get them changed and fed- then they poop again and need some love to fall asleep. It seems like once we are completely done, it's almost time to start again. This is going to be interesting ;) I just think a routine will be key.

Alaina is doing fabulous. She hasn't started bottles just yet, but I'm sure that will be in the next few days. They want her to gain more than they want her to learn to take a bottle. Taking a bottle burns lots of calories.

She is filling out too!

One thing that has been hard for me as a mom is dealing with the guilt! If I'm not at the nursery, I can't enjoy what I'm doing because I feel guilty I'm not there. Not that I do much else, but yesterday I took my mom to the movies for her birthday. I felt so bad that I wasn't with the babies. Then I felt bad that my poor mom had to listen to my guilt saga!

Speaking of my mom, words cannot describe what a blessing she has been to us since she came out when I was hospitalized. It's so nice to have her here and I'm already fearing the day she leaves! Happy Birthday Mom!

Friday was our 5 year anniversary and we were able to get out and enjoy each other for a bit. I think all we did was talk about the babies and how we were a family of 5 after 5 years of marriage. I pray we always keep our marriage the priority.

The babies are so sweet and I just hold them and want them to stay my little babies forever. Everyone keeps saying how they grow up so fast, so I sit and cuddle with them as much as possible. Yesterday Ryan and I were both holding each of the boys and Alaina was in her crib sleeping and I said, "Can you believe God has entrusted these three little ones to us?" He was staring at Jameson sleeping and said, "Yeah, it's pretty incredible that we are their parents..." Indeed :)

THE Healer has set him free

2011-10-19T08:58:00.000-07:00

Ryan that is.

Yesterday we had his post-op appointment with his surgeon. They said they removed 24 lymph nodes and they all came back clean with no cancer. Hallelujah! We got a little emotional when the doctor said, "I can say with certainty that you are 100% cancer free." They will now do surveillance with blood work and scans every few months.

Thank you just doesn't seem adaquate for all of the prayers you all have sent up for our family and for Ryan. Yesterday we just got in the car and sat and thanked our Savior who has redeemed us from this.

Then we celebrated by taking a family photo:

or two:

or three:

or more:

Ok, you get the point ;)

We are in constant Thanksgiving yesterday and today! We joked that our Christmas card list is crazy long at this point for all of you who are encouraging and supporting us through all of this. Words cannot thank you enough. xoxo

Daddy is home!

2011-10-15T12:52:00.000-07:00

After 4 hours of abdominal surgery and a few days in the hospital, my baby daddy is HOME! His doctor said it went well. Before his surgeon took him back I looked him in the eye and said, "Please take good care of him...he is a new daddy to three." He smiled and said, "I will." And I knew he meant it. God bless him! Words cannot thank you all enough for the prayers for Ryan.

Ryan woke up and the first thing he said was, "I need to see my babies." I told him it was his lucky day and showed him this poster from the NICU nurses. That made him smile from ear to ear.

I stayed with him in the hospital and called the NICU everyday to check on the babies. It has been a blessing that Ryan's mom was able to come out so that she could come stay with him for a little bit so I can go see the babies. I have noticed that I get more and more anxious until I see them and then I calm down. People keep saying to get rest before they come home, but most days I find myself dreaming of the day when we are all under the same roof.

I got a little carried away and took a ton of pictures of Jaxson yesterday and finally he had enough!

Jameson loves to be swaddled. He was sound asleep.

LIttle princess Alaina needs her beauty sleep...

The babies are all growing and gaining :) We are so proud of them!

The other day I was on my way to my 2 week postpardom appointment from Ryan's hospital and I called my brother because it was the first time through all of this that I felt I was at a breaking point. I told him that I was so thankful that everyone was ok, but it was hard to have everyone in your family in a hospital. Even as I was saying it, I felt so bad because God has delivered our family from a situation that could have been very different. I think perception is everything. And needless to say, the five of us won't be taking a lot for granted in the future!

"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

Please pray for Ryan

2011-10-11T10:56:00.000-07:00

There is something our family is going through that we have only shared with family.

About 8 weeks ago (a few weeks before I went into the hospital) Ryan was diagnosed with testicular cancer. It happened quickly and we thank the Lord that Ryan was keen enough to get it checked out and they were able to catch it in stage one. Praise the Lord! He underwent one surgery and tomorrow he will undergo another surgery.

Ryan has been so strong- being there for me and the babies, while also working and going through health concerns of his own. I'm planning on staying with him in the hospital if they will let me.

We are asking for prayer for his doctors, the staff, and Ryan's body to heal quickly and painlessly.

Thank you all so much for continually praying for our family. I just pray that God blesses all you prayer warriors the way you have blessed us.

we are so those parents

2011-10-08T16:55:00.001-07:00

**warning- picture overload**

We are head over heels for these babies! I am wondering how many pictures we can take before iphoto shuts down :)

Jameson, Alaina, and Jaxson

The night nurses surprised me and had a little photoshoot with the babies. They showed me this picture and I tried not to be one of those sappy people that starts crying, but it is the first time I've seen all three of them together.

I usually go up to the hospital in the mornings and then come home and rest for a bit then go back with Ryan when he gets off work. It is a little difficult to feel better because I feel like I don't stop, but I just want to be around the babies as much as possible.

Alaina

Jaxson

Jameson

They are starting to put the babies in clothes! Super cute :)

Jameson wanted to sleep

Then flashed me a smile

Alaina

Jaxson

The tube in their nose is how they are getting fed milk. Preemies have a hard time with sucking/swallowing/breathing at the same time. In time they will start working on this and when they can master it- they get to come home!

Right now the babies are sleeping 23 hours a day and are all working on gaining and growing :) They are pretty amazing...

We are in hog heaven when we hold them.

Mommy and Jameson

His precious little face

Daddy and his little girl

She reached up and grabbed his necklace...so sweet!

Our parents were in town and was so cool to see them with the babies. They were automatically filled with so much love for their grandchildren.

This is how we are spending our days. Loving these munchkins is a full time job- and I love every minute!

Baby update

2011-10-02T15:15:00.000-07:00

We are parents you guys! It's pretty surreal still. I got discharged from the hospital yesterday and it was so hard to leave the babies. I knew it would be better for me once I got home and could actually get some sleep and build up my stamina so I can visit the babies for longer than 30 minutes at a time.

Last night we went up the nursery to see the babies with the grandparents and the nurse that taught my mom and I how to knit the baby stuff was Alaina's nurse. She let me do skin-to-skin with her. I was in heaven! When she first handed her to me I was so nervous. She curled up to me immediately and as I was talking to her, her eyes got so big looking around for me. I started singing to her (really quietly- girlfriend can NOT carry a tune!) and she closed her eyes and fell asleep. I'll never forget that moment with her.

Alaina is so small, but so mighty. The doctors have told us that sometimes the small babies are under stress in the womb and their bodies prepare them for birth. Alaina didn't need oxygen or any help breathing. In fact, she has a good set of lungs on her to make her demands known.

Jaxson is almost to room air. He is breathing on his own but they have a little oxygen tube under his nose to help him just in case he needs it. He is almost ready to breathe without it. He and Alaina started eating two days ago and now he is eating every three hours. He is so calm and sleeps most of the time.

He reached up and tried to grab Ryan's thumb. So sweet :)

Here he is with Ryan's wedding ring.

All of the babies have blonde hair. Jaxson and Jameson haven't gotten bath's yet, so it's hard to tell exactly what color their hair is.

Jaxson's hair.

Alaina's bleach blonde hair after a bath. The nurses keep commenting on how much hair she has and how pretty it is :)

Jameson is our biggest baby and also having some problems. The doctors said that basically the boys were in there just chilling and thinking that they were going to hang for a while and their bodies weren't prepared to come out. Jameson is needing a little assistance with his breathing so that he doesn't have to work so hard at it. He is doing better and better though.

All I think about is the babies and I want them to grow and get healthier and healthier. It's so crazy how you love these little people so fiercely after meeting them 5 days ago. I hope that I can soon hold and hug and kiss all three of my little lambs. All I ever wanted to be was a mom and last night holding Alaina I just kept thanking Jesus for these blessings.

The Triplets are here!

2011-09-29T08:38:00.000-07:00

Our babies have arrived! They came at exactly 31 weeks this Tuesday. Their birthday was September 27. I wanted to type out their birth story before too much time goes by and I forget the details.

Alaina Grace

Jameson David

Jaxson Ryan

On Monday, the 26th, the ultrasound tech came down from my doctor's office to take a doppler of Alaina's cord flow. I mentioned last week that they noticed she was struggling with the blood flow from her cord. This means her placenta was starting to reverse the blood flow. It can be very dangerous for the baby. So anyway, they came back on Monday to check and the tech immediately called the on-call doctor to come take a look. Her cord was showing reverse flow. They called my doctor and at 4pm on Monday they told me my C-section was scheduled for 7:30am the next morning! My doctor was in a rush to get back from vacation to deliver me.

They started me on Magnesium to help neuro development in the babies. I stayed up all night equally scared and excited. At 7:30 the next morning they wheeled me down to the OR.

My doctor scrubbing in. He made it!

The babies' neonatologist who was just wonderful.

Here comes Alaina Grace! She weighed 2 lbs and was born at 8:23am.

Here comes Jameson David! He weighed 3 lbs 4 oz and was born at 8:24am.

And then came Jaxson Ryan! He weighed 2 lbs and 15 oz- almost 3 lbs :)

All the babies peed on my doctor as they were coming out!

They showed me Alaina and took her straight to NICU. Then they brought Jameson over for a quick little kiss. I'll never forget him looking at me when I said, "Hey baby..."

They took Jaxson to another room because there were just too many people in the room with me. I think they counted 16 not including Ryan or I.

I was taken back to my room and was shaking so bad. I kept going in and out of it and I started to notice something was wrong. They kept coming in to take a look at my bleeding and at one point one of the doctors from the hospital was in the room and on the phone with the doctor. Things changed really fast. Next thing I know I woke up and the entire team that delivered me that morning (minus the baby docs) was standing there in scrubs. I thought maybe I had dreamed the C-section. When I saw my doctor I knew something was wrong. His face look so worried. I remember he stood next to my bed and told me we were going back to the OR. I said, "Am I going to die?" He said, "No, but I'm going to do everything I can to save your uterus." Ryan walked with me back to the OR and I remember turning and looking at him at the double doors and he was standing there in tears. I knew I should be freaking out but I was so drugged up I couldn't even get a grip on things.

Next thing I know I wake up in the OR and my doctor said something about being able to stop the bleeding by using a balloon. They gave me a blood transfusion with 2 pints of blood and after that I started to feel better. It was a long night of getting sick but yesterday I felt good enough to get wheeled over to see the babies. It felt so surreal to see our new family taking up an entire side of the the NICU. The babies are doing well and Alaina is already being called the princess of the nursery. Even though she is the tiniest she has a healthy set of lungs and makes her needs known. I wonder who she gets that from ;) The boys are both calm, especially Jaxson. He is just sleeping and chill. Just like his daddy :)

I am working on getting some more updated pics of the babies. I'm just now walking around so hopefully I'll get over there today and get another posting up tonight or tomorrow with the three cuties.

Thank you for all of the prayers! We are so in love and can't believe we are parents!

weekend tid-bits

2011-09-25T13:48:00.000-07:00

I really look forward to the weekends here at the hospital. Things tend to be calm and I'm able to just chill and relax without so many people coming in and out. Also my darling husband spends the whole weekend with me and gives my mom a break so she can get some things done.

We are bummed about our Aggies...but we are still representing!

My childhood friend Tracy was gifted a trip out here for her birthday and she spent her Friday visiting me and brought us these Aggie hats and little socks and diaper cover.

One of the cool respiratory therapists came in and commented how cute the little aggie hats were. I asked him if our babies were going to be the only ones in the NICU with Aggie stuff and he said, "Oh yeah, definitely. But, they will be the cutest." Aww :)

Ryan wanted to snap some pics of me yesterday because he and my mom swear that I grow overnight. I'm getting used to one of them waking up and turning on the lights and going, "Whoa!"

The wet stains on my shirt are from my hair. I had just gotten out of the shower.

My doctor is out of town for a week and comes back Tuesday and I tried to not freak out when he told me last Wednesday. As soon as he left I had a major selfish moment and actually said to my mom, "How can he leave me at a time like this??" Her jaw about hit the ground! I'm glad he gets a vacation, but I'm not going to lie, I'm going to be so happy when he gets back into town. One of his partners has been coming to check on me everyday and she is really sweet. She said, "My job is to keep you pregnant until he gets back. God help me!" I know God will.

We had a growth ultrasound done on Thursday and the boys are 3 lbs 1 oz and 3 lbs and Alaina is 2 1/2 lbs. She is squished by her brothers and bless her heart, she doesn't have a lot of room to move around. The boys have just made themselves at home. He zoomed in on the boys and he said, "Well, no fetal positions for these babies!" They are fully stretched out with their arms over their heads just relaxing. I think they must know that while they stay in there they get cookies from the cookie lady. They are going to keep a closer watch on our little lady because she is a bit smaller than her brothers and has less fluid in her sack. Praying and praising that they all three keep growing and thriving!

They checked my platlets on Friday and they went up a couple thousand and the doctor said they are stable. Praise the Lord! We need them to stay high!

My mom decorated my room with fall decor. I just love fall! It's the little things that make it feel just a little more homey here.

She also hung up some of the cute gifts we have gotten at the hospital from some sweet friends/family. We have some really thoughtful people in our lives and I can't thank God enough for them!

Ryan's cousin Whitney sent us these adorable bibs! I got all teary eyed when I opened them :)

Our sweet friend in Germany, Anja, sent us these. Love!

Ryan's cousins and aunt and uncle sent us a cookie bouquet that we happily gobbled up!

And, his college best friend and his wife sent us some gourmet chocolate covered strawberries. Yumm! I keep eating and try not to think about having to work it all off! Well, I wasn't thinking about it until I came across this pic of me at 10 weeks pregnant.

I remember we hadn't told many people and I thought I looked sooo pregnant.

I hope you are all having a great weekend!

30 weeks pregnancy update

2011-09-20T14:19:00.001-07:00

The triplets and I made it to 30 weeks! YAY!!!

Of course, I'm not taking any of the credit. Praise the Lord! We appreciate the prayers and we are still just taking it a day at a time.

I can feel those baby kicks more and more. The kicks literally shake my whole stomach. They try to kick the monitors off my stomach. It's pretty funny. The nurse said babies generally don't like to be monitored. Haha!

The cookie lady forgot about me yesterday. I asked my nurse why the cookie lady has stabbed me in the back. The nurse was so sweet and had a plate of cookies and ice cream sent to my room. I'm sure somewhere on my chart it says, "DIVA!" Ryan assured me that I'm probably the lowest maintenance patient because he and my mom said the nurses told them that they request me. It probably has something to do with the candy and goodies my mom gives to anyone who enters :)

I love the view from my room. At least if I can't leave- I can see the mall and the mountains :)

We are still keeping an eye on my platelet count. Praying my count goes back up or stays the same. My doctor said he isn't concerned with where it is right now, but he is expecting it to go down and we just have to keep a close watch. I said, "Ok, well if you aren't worried, then I'm not worried." He said, "Perfect. That will be our deal. When I get worried, you have every right to be worried." I know he has a lot of patients and is super busy but I love that he makes me feel like I'm his only one.

Kind of random, but I have been reading this book and I love it-

Thank you all again for the prayers and encouragement. We feel them and it makes all the difference.

It's the little things

2011-09-18T11:28:00.001-07:00

I'm beginning to really appreciate the little perks that we get here at the hospital. For the most part, I try to forget how long it's been since I've been in these same four walls or else I would go crazy.

One really awesome thing is warm chocolate chip cookie day. Monday, Wednesday, and Fridays the volunteers come around with a plate of warm cookies. They are delicious! On Friday I took a nap and told my mom to make sure they leave me a cookie. About an hour into my nap my doctor stopped by and it took him a second to walk into the room. I said, "Hello?" (I couldn't see who had come in) and he said, "I'm sorry I was reading your sign to the cookie lady." Apparently my mom had made a sign and put it on the chair. I was so embarrassed!

They also let me go outside if my nurse is nice and takes me out there. I only get to go for like 15 minutes, but it makes all the difference in my spirits.

One of the NICU nurses came in and started mom and I knitting. I already knew how but she is helping me perfect it and teaching mom the basics. We really like it and I've made my first set of baby booties.

I know that saying this will all be worth it is a huge understatement compared to healthy babies. I am just praying my body keeps up the pace and we can keep going a couple more weeks. My doctor told me yesterday that he is calling me his miracle patient. He said one of the things they are really watching is my platelet count. It keeps dropping and they can only let it get so low before they have to deliver. Please pray for high platelets!

29 weeks pregnancy update

2011-09-13T13:40:00.000-07:00

I'm 29 weeks with our sweet triplets today! Alaina, Jaxson and Jameson are still hanging in there and I'm praying like crazy this body of mine can hold on to all 4 of us a little longer.

I've been in the hospital for a week and a day. The doctor told me that it takes about a week to get used to being here and I think he was right. It's funny when you picture bed-rest you picture sleeping all day at the hospital but they hardly let you sleep at all! It seems like right when I'll think no one is coming in for a while, then they will come in to change my IV (I'm on my third) or to get my order for meals or whatever. I've gotten used to it and this weekend no one came by most of the day and then it was weird to not see people. Ha!

My doctor comes by in the mornings before his surgeries and office hours and today he came in with the biggest smile and high-fived me as we yelled, "29 weeks!" Love that man! He said he has been doing this a LONG time and has never seen someone's kidney's or blood pressure respond like mine did and that he thinks we can get to 30! He even added that we might could get further than 30. I told him it all was all about the power of prayer and he said, "I'll take all the divine intervention I can get!"

Something really cool about being in the hospital is that I get to see the babies everyday on ultrasound. It has been the same three doctors that pretty much just live in the OB ward of the hospital and they are always surprised with how much the babies move. The doctor today said he can't believe they still have room to flip and roll around, but they are just playing and having a great time in there. Hey, at least some of us are having fun!

My mom and Ryan have made friends with most of the staff. The nurses like to chit chat with mom about life and the doctors love Ryan. This weekend the docs kept stopping in to "check on" me but Ryan had football going on the TV, computer, and IPad and they all kept coming and asking him about their fantasy teams and what he thought about what player, etc. Of course, Ryan started helping them make spreadsheets and all that. So funny :)

Last week was pretty rough and I felt horrible. I appreciated the comments and messages of encouragement because it honestly felt like I wasn't going to make it through the night at one point. My oxygen plummeted, I started vomitting, and couldn't even get the strength to climb into bed. I just sat in one of the chairs and cried. I finally let my mom call the nurse and when they checked my stats it was a frenzy of meds and such to get my body to snap out of it. I am so stubborn and kept thinking that the less I say, the longer they will let me keep these babies in and I've since learned that isn't the case. The on call doctor came in at 3 am and sat next next to me and said, "Laura, at some point if the babies' house is falling apart then they really aren't better off in it. You have to tell us what's wrong so we can fix it. We aren't going to do anything to hurt the babies."

My brother sent these the next morning and of course I burst into tears when I saw them.

I'm feeling better now and they figured out that one of the meds they had me on was probably causing some of the issues so they changed some things around. I so feel like I"m in the right place and it is a good feeling to know that I'm at a good hospital with a great staff.

I can't keep thanking you all for your prayers for us through this. I know that is the ONLY reason I'm typing this looking over my big pregnant belly. We have felt so supported through prayers from all over when we just fell to our own knees. Thank you isn't adequate and I pray that God blesses you all for bathing our family in prayer. We keep praying for 30 weeks plus!

28 weeks pregnancy update and hospital stay

2011-09-07T11:57:00.000-07:00

Pardon the horrible pic! And that protruding monitor is to monitor my contractions.

I'm in the hospital but I couldn't let the day go by without a pic of me at 28 weeks.

I woke up monday morning with swollen eyelids and hands and I just had this feeling that I was going to end up here. Ryan paged my doctor and he said to come right away to Labor and Delivery. They said my blood pressure was above normal and they found protein in my urine. My doctor decided to admit me and keep an eye on me.

Needless to say, the past few days have been an emotional roller coaster. The babies seems to be doing well, it's my body that is starting to have issues. Our new prayer is for my kidneys to do better so that I can keep these babies in a little bit longer. They gave me two doses of steroids to help develop the babies lungs quickly. My doctor said he can only guess what the next few days holds, so everyday I wake up pregnant is great. He said the good thing is that we made it to 28 weeks because that is a big milestone. Our new goal is for 30 weeks.

Yesterday we met with the very nice neonatalogist to talk about what to expect for babies that are born this early. It was hard to hear, but I'm glad they prepare you and let you ask questions. He mentioned that everyday I can stay pregnant is 2 less days in the NICU. We are just trusting that God already has this story written and that all of us are going to be ok. We are so blessed that my mom actually flew back out this weekend. She said God had just laid it on her heart that she needed to be here sooner than October.

We are just praying for a healthy mama and healthy babies. My doctor said we just need to stay positive and calm and know that there is nothing we can do and nothing that we did do to cause this. He just said carrying three babies is high risk and my body is working very hard trying.

Your prayers really mean a lot and I will try to update more often.

a letter to our babies

2011-09-02T11:04:00.000-07:00

My little loves,

From the moment we found out you were growing in my tummy, we were completely smitten with you three. We were so excited and wanted to tell everyone we saw that God had blessed us THREE fold!

Your amazing dad started trying to fatten me up immediately. He measures my belly to make sure you guys are growing. He loves to see the number on the scale get bigger and bigger (go figure!).

I remember him saying, "How cool is it that God chose US to be the parents of triplets?!" He is so right. It is pretty cool!

We pray over your lives every single day. We will do absolutely anything to make sure you come into this world safely and healthy. We love you so very much and are already so amazed by you.

On Wednesday we got this picture from our ultrasound. The ultrasound technician had said that there isn't enough room for you to move around so you will stay where you are from here out.

Well look what you did! My precious Alaina has turned so that she is right in between her brothers and all three of your heads are together now. I know you are already looking out for each other and that makes my heart so happy.

We love you more than anything and as excited as we are getting to meet you three, we want you to keep growing and gaining before you come out.

We thank God that he has given you to us! We love you so very much Alaina, Jaxson, and Jameson!

27 weeks pregnancy update

2011-08-30T10:18:00.000-07:00

I am 27 weeks with Alaina, Jaxson, and Jameson :)

I'm getting bigger slowly but surely. I made this last night so I could see if I'm in fact growing. Sometimes it feels like I stay the same size.

The babies are moving a lot! The past few days they have had my belly rolling and jumping in every direction. It used to be that I would say to look and when someone would look, they would stop. Now, anyone standing around can see the movements. I've noticed that they generally are active at the same time. I love when they all get going!

My appetite has slowed down some. Instead of wanting to eat everything in site, I now have to remind myself to eat more. I have developed a new craving for these two things:

I'm definitely not drinking enough water. I had a contraction this morning and realized that yesterday I barely drank a couple glasses of water. My pulse was also 122, which the nurse said had a lot to do with the water intake. She said the less I drink, the more my body has to work to hydrate all 4 of us.

I'm still just so tired! I can't seem to catch up on my sleep. I lay down all day and still feel totally wiped out.

Speaking of laying down, it's really the only way I'm comfortable now. After standing for a little bit, I can feel the blood rush to my face and feet. I figure my body is working hard enough just laying down, I don't need to push it!

We are thankful for every week that goes by and still praying for 35 weeks! I also want to say thank you for all of the kind comments and facebook messages. We covet the prayers and every word of encouragement goes a long way with us right now.

Have a great day Tuesday :)

It's my party...

2011-08-26T11:35:00.000-07:00

and I'll wear the same dress if I want to!

Yesterday I turned 28. My mom flew out around noon, but that morning I woke up to the cutest setup.

I like that you can see our reflection in the mirror.

She is so cute and had made my favorite cake (funfetti if anyone was wondering). I blew out my 28 and made a wish.

My friend Clayton dropped by and brought me the flowers and cake. Needless to say, the babies and I were on a crazy sugar rush all day!

Dropping my mom off at the airport was really hard. I got all hormonal and started crying outside of the car all slobbery saying, "What am I going to do without you?!" She stayed strong (my poor mom). We took a quick pic and I tried my hardest to smile.

Ryan finally leaned down and said, "Honey, can you get back in the car? Everyone is staring at us." I looked up and we had an audience. My mom said when she walked up to the curbside check-in the lady said, "Is that your daughter? She looks like she is about to pop!" My mom told her I was due in November and she said her face was priceless. Ha!

We spent the evening hanging out at the pool and then eating cake. It was a nice day and I am so blessed my mom was able to come and help me for a while.

I hope you are all having a fabulous Friday!

26 weeks pregnancy update

2011-08-23T20:56:00.000-07:00

Thank you all so much for the sweet comments on the names :)

I am 26 weeks pregnant with the triplets today!

The babies should all be somewhere around 1 pound 2/3 oz and 2 pounds. They are the size of an English cucumber.

I have been extra exhausted these past few days. I feel like I'm running marathons everyday! I sleep okay, but last night I woke around 5 am starving. I came downstairs and started ransacking the kitchen. Once I was full I was able to go back to sleep. Hopefully that means these babies are growing!

I passed my recent glucose screening...sooo I'm in the clear still for all these sweets I've been craving. It's so weird because I'm such a salty person. I never have really liked sweet things, but now I can't get enough.

My mom snuck me out today for a pedicure (the chair was reclined) for my birthday on Thursday and just to get out of the house for a bit.

Please excuse the same dress in all the pictures. With this heat and my growing belly, it's pretty much the only thing I wear. I love it because it's so comfortable!

I pray for the babies everyday. I pray they are all healthy and love Frosty's so much that they stay in a long time, but I also pray for other things. I pray they are saved at a young age and learn to give their lives to God and to follow Him. I pray they rely on Jesus for everything and walk in faith. No matter how much Ryan and I want to do for them, it isn't an inkling compared to what God has in store for them. I also pray for their future spouses. My mom used to pray over who I would marry one day, and that worked out pretty good for me :)

We keep praying for 35 weeks! Grow babies, grow!

the babies' names

2011-08-19T12:45:00.000-07:00

It is such a beautiful Friday here that I thought today would be a great day to share the names of the babies :)

Here they are:

Baby A: Alaina
Baby B: Jaxson
Baby C: Jameson

We had this wall decal made from Bluestreak Decals. Michelle was amazing with the design and it shipped SO fast!

Ryan and my mom put it up last night as I sat and said, "a little to the left, no too far, to the right, right there don't move!" I'm sure it was lots of fun for them.

I told my mom I didn't know if in the C-section they would pull the boys out in order (B and then C) or just whoever they grab first. She asked my doctor when she went with me last week. He said he tries his best to deliver them in the order because most moms have them named already. He said, "It gets really hard with quints though!"

It's been so nice having my mom here this week. Ryan's mom was here last week and we are starting to get spoiled with all of this help!

Ryan and my mom were getting ready for church this weekend and I just up and decided that I wanted to go. I threw on a dress and came downstairs and said I was going with them. Luckily they let me have my way (our church is 5 minutes away and it lasts for an hour). I was fine until about half-way through and I started to get really uncomfortable. I am really glad I went though, the sermon seemed like it was written for us. Our pastor is Rick Warren, and he is awesome.

My mom snapped some pics afterward.

My face is so puffy now! I guess that comes with gaining weight like I'm training for a sumo competition.

Happy Friday!

25 week pregnancy update

2011-08-16T20:30:00.000-07:00

I'm 25 weeks with the triplets today :)

Due Date: November 29, 2011

How Big are the Babies: According to BabyCenter they should weigh around 1 and a half pounds and 13 1/2 inches long- the size of a rutabaga.

Cravings: Lately I can't get enough milk. Of course, still loving those Frosties, and so are my hips!

Sleep: I am worn out! I went to the doctor today and it wore me out. I got home and just wanted to lay down and nap.

I Can't Live Without: apple juice! It's helping me keep all this water down.

Milestones: My rings no longer fit. I figured the day would come, but getting them off was pretty hard. Ryan tugged and tugged. Ouch!

Awkward Moments: I don't go out much but when I do I almost always get asked, "Do you know what you are having?" My answer is usually, "Yeah, we are having triplets!" People usually think I'm kidding and then start saying, "no way!" A couple of times I have said "yeah, 2 boys and a girl" without realizing that of course they think I'm having one baby. I am not trying to shock them, but like I said, I don't get out much!

Movement: I LOVE all of the movement! I can feel each one (although sometimes it's get confusing!) and I love watching my belly jump in certain places. I think this has been my favorite part of the pregnancy :)

Genders: 2 boys and a girl :)

I saw my doctor today and he said things are going right on track. He still stressed how important it is for me to take it easy and keep these babies in. He said triplets are unpredictable and that things can change quickly. He said quads are actually easier than triplets because they are more predictable. I thought that was interesting. My job is to lay around and eat. Done and done!

weekend recap-just a little late

2011-08-12T13:37:00.000-07:00

Thank you guys for your tips on doctor questions and nosebleeds! It's nice to know I'm not alone :)

On Saturday we got a couple of packages that I wanted to share.

Lori sent them these onesies and pee-pee teepees. I don't know if you have seen them but the description says, "for the sprinkling wee-wee." She had seen them at a store and sent me a pic. I texted her back that when I was two my mom let me help change David's diaper. I was right over him and pulled back his diaper and he peed right in my mouth! Yuck! So she bought them and mailed them to me. I love that they say 'surfs up!'. She is such a great auntie!

A sweet girl from Ryan's hometown, Ashley, came to my shower and had her twin boys the very next day! They are so cute :) She sent me all of their preemie clothes that they have outgrown.

My cousin was so sweet and sent me some XL maternity clothes that she never even wore. Let me tell you how nice it was to put on a pair of jeans and them be too big for me. I started wearing them immediately! Here I am right after the shower yesterday. The tank is one that she sent. I snapped a couple of pics because sometimes I feel like I grow overnight!

I've had some free time so I've been working on blogs for a couple of friends...

I hope you are having a wonderful Friday!

24 week pregnancy update

2011-08-09T18:28:00.000-07:00

Please excuse the makeup-less face...

Well I definitely feel a lot bigger than I look. Or at least that's what it seems! I'm so happy we made it another week! The babies are all kicking and moving around, thank goodness! Keep growing little lovies :)

I can feel baby B the most. He is on my right side right under my boob. He is also the biggest, so now I guess he is strong enough to really kick. I LOVE it and when I feel them get going (I think all three are on the same sleep/wake cycle) I just stop and feel them play. It's so much fun!

This week has been a little harder on my body. I just feel kind of achy and out of breath. I have also had a few random nose bleeds. They are the first I've ever had, and I'm not sure how concerned I should be about them. Did anybody else have them in pregnancy?

We are still on a every 2 week doctor visit schedule. I feel like I save all of my questions for him but then I forget them when I'm in front of him.

They called me with my results from my catheter. I do have Strep B (for the second time) so they put me on a stronger antibiotic that I take more often.

Lately I've been wanting chocolate chip cookies and milk all the time, especially at night. I usually hate milk, but I drink it up now!

On Saturday it was like Christmas here, I had a few packages arrive...I'll share them tomorrow :)

We are getting the nursery put together slowly but surely. I bought the bedding at Target. I looked high and low and I just kept going back to these 3 sets at Target. They are simple, but still go together.

I also want to get wall decals made of their names. Yes, these babies are going to have names, and we will share soon :)

I'm sorry for the short update. I will update more tomorrow...

Thursday tid-bits

2011-08-04T10:32:00.000-07:00

Thank you for all of your comments and tips about the ultrasound techs. I'm definitely going to request my regular guy for the next one :)

One bad thing about bed rest, is internet shopping. I just can't help but add everything I see to my cart. I haven't started buying things yet, but I really want to! For example:

via TheBlueLadybug

When I see cute stuff like this, I am so mad I never took it seriously when my grandma and mom tried to teach me to sew.

Have any of you seen pinterest? It is such a cute website and I could get sucked into it for hours. Here is my nursery board.

When I see something I like, I can just 'pin it' and not worry so much about adding everything to my favorites bar.

I love getting packages! Of course, who doesn't? Remember Isabelle and Chris in Germany?

They sent these cute outfits and a really cute card. The card said, "We know it is really stressy for you at the moment so we even have found some names!" Franz, Friedrich, and Marlene. Haha!

Hope your week is going good...I'm off to hide my credit card...

23 weeks Pregnancy Update

2011-08-02T07:42:00.000-07:00

Week 23: August 2-August 8

Due Date: November 29, 2011

How Big are the Babies: {Baby A: 1 pound} {Baby B: 1 pound 4 oz} {Baby C: 1 pound 2 oz}

Cravings: Wendy's Frosties! I don't know if they will EVER get old!

Sleep: Some nights I sleep like a rock, some nights I'm up a lot. Last night I was up every single hour.

I Can't Live Without: The pool! Ok, I can live without it, but I just don't want to. I love it.

I am Looking Forward to: Getting the nursery set up!

Milestones: I can feel each baby now :) I love feeling them squirming around. They are getting stronger and stronger.

Awkward Moments: read below

Movement: Stronger and stronger :) I love when Ryan can feel it!

Genders: 2 boys and a girl :)

Yesterday we went to the doctor. They keep saying that my urine cultures are coming back inconclusive. They want to be sure I don't have an infection, so when we went in they decided to catheterize me to get urine directly out of my bladder. I tried to put on my big girl panties, but I was freaking out. I was shaking so bad and they were trying for what seemed like forever. I started to fall apart (on the inside) and just looked at Ryan. He walked over there and held my hand. The minute he did, that darn tube went right in and they were able to get it. Praise the Lord!

I did ask the nurse about getting one for my C-section and she said that I would already have my epidural so it wouldn't be this bad. Whew! Anyway, then we had our long ultrasound. it was good to see the babies and see that they are all doing well! I love seeing their little movements and how they interact with each other in there. It's so fascinating! After every measurement they take, I feel like I let out a deep breath when it pops up on the screen in the normal range.

We had a new technician and her bedside manner left a little to be desired. She was all business which is fine and I'm just thankful that we get to see the babies and they are doing well. However, last time the other tech switched the screen to 4d and it was so cool. So I asked her at the end when she was finished about it:

me: "Last time we got to see them in 4d..do you think we could see that again?"
her: "No, your babies don't cooperate"
me: "Well, could you at least try?"
her: "I will try on Baby C- he is the only one I will try on"
me: "Ok......"

Then she pulls it up and I could see his little face and I felt chills thinking, "I'm looking at my son's face!" I got tears in my eyes and asked her if she could hit print.

her:"No, it's not a good picture. He didn't cooperate."
me: "Yes, it is, really, I don't mind. Please"
her: "No, it's not good."

Then she hit delete.

Y'all, I thought I was going to jump up and rip out her hair! Then she goes back for one last look at Baby A's heart (she couldn't get one shot she needed) and there were shadows. Poor little girl is so smooshed in there, her arms are across her chest, thus preventing the picture the tech needed. She kept saying, "She isn't listening to me!" I finally could feel my face get red and I said, "Where do you expect her to put her arms?? She doesn't have any space in there!" Ryan quickly grabbed my arm and whispered in my ear, "Calm down, it's okay..." GRRR!

Ok, rant over. Is it rude to request a different technician next time? I don't want to be one of THOSE people, but I'm not sure my blood pressure can take another couple hours with her!

I am thankful that my cervix is staying long, I've only had a few contractions (which my doctor said is normal in all pregnancies) and everybody is growing-including me! I just keep praying for 35 weeks!

Have a great Tuesday!

Friday of Fun

2011-07-30T11:06:00.000-07:00

Yesterday Ryan had some family come to town. Sometimes there is just nothing like a having a familiar face around! His aunt Gayle was so sweet and went grocery shopping for us and made us some make-ahead meals. Ryan has been bringing me lunch everyday and after work rushing home to make me dinner. I can tell he is exhausted so this was a blessing more than she knows!

While the ladies were cooking, Ryan's uncle helped him put together our cribs! They came in yesterday; a gift from the babies' grandpa.

We haven't figured out how we will arrange them yet. I am so glad we went with small and white, because it is a lot of furniture in one room.

While everyone had a job to do, I laid on the couch with Ryan's cousin Alex.

She wanted to see pictures of the babies so I showed her some ultrasound pictures. I told her that they are in my tummy so that's why the pictures are fuzzy. She said, "How did they get there?" I said, "Sorry?" She said, "How did the babies get in your tummy?" Ummm... ha! Aunt Gayle saved me by saying, "God put them there!" She kept me entertained :)

I loved how Alex kept telling me how excited she was about her baby cousins coming. She wants to teach them SO many things, she said. I'd be lying if I said it didn't make me a little homesick, but I know that God has us out here for a reason. Not only that, but has blessed us with wonderful friends and a church family who have already been a great support.

I hope you are having a wonderful weekend :)

These babies are so blessed

2011-07-28T06:00:00.000-07:00

to have a daddy like him.

He is so excited about becoming a dad that it melts my heart. Yesterday he came home from work and I stood up and he said, "I think you grew while I was at work!" I said, "Does it freak you out?" He said, "No, I love it." Aww :)

Ryan has been waiting patiently to feel the babies and last night he finally did! We were laying in bed and he was talking and baby A and C started doing crazy flips over his voice. I grabbed his hand and for a second he couldn't feel anything and then I told him to talk. He said, "Can you hear me?" and boom! He got a little kick in the hand. It was so cool. We stayed up for a while talking to them and they apparently love his voice.

It's a good thing, since he is pretty much head over heels for them.

22 weeks pregnancy update

2011-07-26T13:41:00.001-07:00

I'm 22 weeks pregnant with the triplets today :)

I thought I would do the maternity quiz for this update.

How far along? 22 weeks today

Total weight gain: 36 pounds. A dietician from the contraction monitoring company called and said she calculated that I should have gained 35 by now, so 36 is right on track!

Maternity clothes? OH yeah! I'm now only in L or XL maternity clothes. I pretty much live in a maxi dress.

Sleep: I sleep very hard like I've been up for days. I was having trouble getting comfortable until a good friend brought one of these babies by...

Ahhh the pregnancy pillow. Best sleep ever with this thing!

Best moment of the week: I woke up two days ago and felt the babies! They were fluttering and it felt like quick bubbles. I felt it again last night and I didn't want to fall asleep so that I could keep feeling them :)

Movement: I assume this is the babies (see above) but I'm not mobile much anymore at all. The stairs have become my biggest challenge as far as mobility. Just a lot of resting for this mama!

Gender: 2 surfers and a sister :)

Labor signs: my contraction monitor picked up my first contraction this morning. Before I could really freak out, the nurse explained that at my stage the uterus is having to contract to grow larger. She said it will most likely keep increasing until they come (please pray for 35-36 weeks!).

Belly Button in or out? In, but it's getting closer to becoming an outie.

What I miss? Just being able to do more, but I will do anything to keep them in longer.

Weekly Wisdom: Trust in your instincts and listen to your body.

Milestones: feeling the babies move was such a blessing :)

It's in the water

2011-07-24T09:54:00.001-07:00

When we first moved here, we didn't know many people- obviously. We knew one couple from our honeymoon (a Caribbean cruise) that lived out here. While we were in Germany, they had triplet girls. We loved going over there and playing with their babies.

Then I got a job. My boss/instant best friend is an identical triplet and his brothers both worked with us as well. They also play Peter Pan at Disney. Disney hired them so Peter Pan would always look the same!

My boss is on the right. I told them when Ryan and I first wanted to start trying for a baby and they kept saying that we were going to end up with triplets. I would just laugh.

So for a while our only friends in Southern California either had triplets or are triplets.

I've said it before and I'll say again- there are no coincidences. We serve an amazing God who puts people in our lives for a reason. I have totally picked their brains about being a triplet. One thing I love to hear is how even though they may drive each other crazy, they have a special bond that is unbreakable. He always tells me that he loves being a triplet and that makes me so happy. I find comfort that our kids will always have each other :)

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I'm feeling bigger and really tired. For the last three days I've been so tired and sleep like a rock. I don't know why since I don't do much besides lay around.

I am still doing the monitoring twice a day and they have said that everything looks really good. Praise the Lord! Let's pray it stays that way :)

Hope you are having a wonderful weekend!

what will Target do without me?

2011-07-21T09:37:00.000-07:00

Here I am at 21 weeks and 1 day :) I posed a little differently so you could see. Sometimes It looks smaller and sometimes bigger.

Yesterday a home nurse came by with a contraction monitor to get me set up. I had a friend stopping by for lunch so I told her to let me put the finishing touches on the pasta salad and then we could start. I was walking around picking stuff up and just generally moving around. She told me to lay down and then looked at me sternly and told me she is putting me on modified bed rest. No more housework, laundry, cooking, or doing anything but laying around and eating. I didn't dare tell her about our Target/Costco run this weekend!

Anyway, I know it's for the best. I don't want to look back and wish I would have done things differently.

I know I look hot. Don't be jealous ;)

But- good news is that they didn't pick up any contractions both times I did it yesterday. They did pick up a lot of fetal movement which is funny because I don't feel them very much yet.

Then after that I got to hang out with this babycakes! I've never seen a bikini make rolls look so cute :)

Being around this little cutie makes me so excited about having our babies. Every morning I thank the Lord for them and pray for health for all 5 of us. God gave us these precious little babies and is leading us through every step of the way. Just that the insurance covers the cost of the home contraction monitoring is a HUGE blessing and I am SO thankful for a God who carries us through :)

We get it- it's shocking

2011-07-19T11:41:00.000-07:00

I've been wanting to do a post about the comments we have gotten from people. It's kind of funny how different people react to the news, sometimes you would think they were going to be responsible for our babies!

Here are some of my favorites:

*Did you do that on purpose?
*Are they natural?
*I hope you have help!
*I've never met anyone having triplets!
*HOW did that happen?
*Are you done having kids now?
*Please tell me you're done having kids.
*Are you scared to get pregnant again?
*How are three babies going to fit in there (pointing to my belly)?

And some of the good ones:

*How exciting!
*What a blessing!
*I always wanted/prayed for multiples, you are so lucky!
*You two are going to make great parents.
*Let me know if I can help you with anything.

And this girl at the bank, "Did you want triplets?" I kind of looked at her puzzled and she said, "Like, did you do that on purpose...like cut it in three pieces?" Oh, bless her heart. I think I was so shocked that I was speechless!

I love documenting these things because my memory is quickly failing me. I can't even remember if I ate breakfast most days. One thing I never forget is begging Ryan to bring me one of these:

When I see him walk in the door with this it's like a choir of heavenly angels singing behind him :)

I'm 21 weeks today! I'll post a picture tomorrow.

Weekend recap and other randomness

2011-07-18T16:45:00.001-07:00

I didn't realize how fast I would feel so exhausted. Just in a matter of a couple days I'm wiped out! We tried to do a quick Target and Costco run and this is how I ended up.

Ryan loved it and kept chuckling as I was trying to steer. When you back up it makes a loud beeping noise and Ryan would just look around like "Oh my gosh..." I went riding off to the bathroom while he was in line and I turned to look at him and he was laughing so hard in his hands thinking I couldn't see him. Ha!

I found these little shoes at Target. So cute!

I didn't buy them for some reason and now I wish I would have! Oh well...I guess that's whats the internet is for :)

I got their closet organized. Well, Ryan got it organized and I just sat on the floor and watched ;)

Our neighborhood has a pool and I looooove water! The pool feels so good. It's like a break from gravity and I can just relax in the cool water.

Luckily my maternity swimsuit is VERY stretchy!

Last weekend I forgot to mention that a sweet girl from our small group took me yard sale-ing. Yard sales are awesome out here! People practically give away brand new or like new things. I picked up this blanket chest that I'm going to use as a toy box. The lady said she bought it last year from Pier One for 300 bucks. My friend asked if she would take 15 for it and she agreed! I love it! Thank you Janna!

Also, have any of you made these burp cloths? I found them on etsy and they are so cute! I figured it might be something fun I could do while I'm laying around here.

I have a feeling I will be updating more since I'm pretty homebound these days :) Hope you are having a great Monday!

20 week appointment

2011-07-15T16:43:00.000-07:00

I went to the doctor today and good news- everything looks good!

Baby B (boy)

Baby A (girl)

Baby C (boy)

The main point was that my cervix is staying long- which is the goal. He is very happy with my weight gain as well. Yay! So far I've gained about 33 pounds. That sounds like a lot but the goal was 56 pounds by 24 weeks so I'm not sure I will make it. I'm just doing what I can and he said he is more than happy with what I've done so far. I did ask about sweets because I'm scared of the gestational diabetes (diabetes runs in my immediate family) but he said to just eat eat eat. Ok! haha!

He said he didn't have any immediate reason to put me on bed rest just yet, but to just try to take it easy so he doesn't have to have a reason. Most days I'm home, and if I run an errand it's so hard on my body. I feel like I have to sit and just walking from my parking spot to the store can be exhausting.

Hi Mom and Dad!

Baby foot :)

Baby B loves that little fist :)

I asked the doctor because my heart feels like it's beating so fast. He said my resting heart rate could get up into the 110's and that's normal for triplets. I feel like it's coming out of my chest sometimes!

Some sibling pics:

Brother and sisterly love ;)

The boy's heads are always together like this...

Loser! Or love <3

I loved having Lori here. We went on a celebrity homes tour and I just love this pic of the Hollywood sign.

We also went to San Diego...

We had so much fun! Thank you for coming Auntie Lori!

By the way- we are pretty sure on the names but we are still thinking of the middle names and then we will announce them :)

19 weeks

2011-07-10T12:08:00.000-07:00

I'm 19 weeks and 5 days today :)

Houston was awesome. It was so nice to be home and to feel all of the support we have. We had two showers and people were so generous. We got mostly gift cards and clothes which was perfect for traveling :)

I loved my cake! So cute! That is Ryan's mom on the left and mine on the right. They had the cutest corsages for us.

Me and the bestie ;) She actually flew back to California with me and helped us move. It was so nice to have her here with all the transitioning and unpacking.

Speaking of unpacking, we are finally settled in to our new place! Yay! You can see our staircase in the above picture, I just love it although walking up and down it is another story! We saw the doctor last Friday and he didn't have a problem with the stairs as long as I take them slow and stay up/down them for a while before coming back.

I'm feeling generally tired and a very hungry. It also doesn't take much to make me cry. I'm gaining right on track and that makes me feel like I'm doing something right... I also am getting used to people's comments but that doesn't make them easier to hear. One I get a lot is how small I am. I just keep saying, "Well, the babies all look big and healthy so that's all that matters." I am also sick of people telling us how we aren't ever going to take the babies out or be slaves to our house and all that. They act like your life is over. I just want to look at them and say, "I don't know how YOU grew up, but both of us grew up traveling, going out to eat, and having people over to our house. It's what you make it!" My parents took us all over the place and I'm sure it wasn't easy, but it did make it easier for us to adapt to change later in life (Thank God!). Plus, let us figure it out!

Ok, hormones are taking over this post so I will leave you with some cute pics of some clothes we got. Loved them all!

17 weeks

2011-06-23T08:50:00.000-07:00

This Tuesday, I turned 17 weeks pregnant and I'm starving all the time. I eat every two hours and I have had an intense craving for ice cream. Oh my, maybe these pounds aren't going to be so hard to gain!

We went to the doctor yesterday and they said everything looked good and right on track. I go every two weeks. One visit is the OB check- blood pressure, exam, blood work. At this one we usually get to see the babies too :) Then two weeks later I have an ultrasound that lasts around 2 to 2.5 hours where they do a lot of measurements. They check to make sure each baby is getting enough food and their growth.

So since everything looked good, they gave me their blessing to fly! Yay! I'm leaving tomorrow for Houston and I'm already tasting the Mexican food. I've already warned everyone to not eat it because by the time these 5 days have gone by, they won't ever want to look at it again!

While I'm there our family and friends are throwing us two baby showers- one in each of our hometowns. Here is the invite for the one from my hometown..

I was so excited when I opened the mail and saw this. Lori and Kim did a great job! They sent me 4- one for me and one for each baby book. I love it! I'll post the one from Ryan's hometown after I get them.

Ryan isn't going with me because he has the fun job of staying here and packing all weekend. Yes, we found a house!! I'm so happy that we found one before I have to go on bed rest. We found it online and called our realtor to see if we could go by and look. She was trying to make an appointment so we drove by and the owner happened to be there and we talked to him for a while. He had 10 applications in 2 days, and picked us! When we met up with our realtor to sign the papers she said, "I went by and looked at the place with my husband and I told him, 'These kids must have an angel sitting on their shoulder!' God is so good!

We have already started packing and I have to say, after all the moves, I still hate moving. I wish I could just fast forward to when we are settled in the new place. I get so fed up that I just start throwing things out so we don't have to pack them. At the house we are in now we have a basement and this weekend Ryan started pulling out boxes and boxes of my Kindergarten and 1st grade teaching stuff. I have about 500 pencils, crayons, markers, etc. I started to just toss it all then I thought, hey, school supplies one day!

Here I am right now in our office.

I feel like I'm stretching! I've been using this tummy butter but it is really greasy.

I went to buy more and the lady talked me into this one.

I'm not super worried about the marks, but I doesn't hurt to do what I can I guess.

Ok, quick poll- when did you moms start feeling you babies? I'm not sure what I should be feeling, occasionally I feel some fluttering but not kicking and stabbing like people describe.

Thank you for all of the prayers and kind words. We feel them, trust me.

I'll try to post from home, but I'm not sure I feel like lugging my laptop with me. Funny how I wanted the 13 inch specifically for travel- shhhh- don't tell Ryan!

weekly randoms

2011-06-14T13:32:00.001-07:00

I guess I am noticeably pregnant at this point. Yesterday, this young checker at Trader Joe's was making small talk with me and then I started texting and he said out of nowhere- "How many months are you?" That 18 year old surfer had no idea that he just made my day! Lately I've just been feeling chubby. It doesn't help that I've been eating everything that is on the 'what not to eat' list of every diet out there.

This is from last week to this week. Can you see the growth? I can sure feel it. I constantly feel stretched! I am also gaining a ravenous appetite. I eat all the time! I have been waking up in the middle of the night and eating a bowl of cereal. Otherwise my stomach just growls and growls.

Ryan's aunt Gayle sent these cute bibs and I had to share :)

I also found this cute boppy cover that I just love on Target.com. It is 3 peas in a pod!

I went to the dentist today and afterwards I made Ryan stop and get me a donut. At the donut shop the little Asian woman gave me extra donuts for the 'baby'. Ryan said, "She has 3 babies in there!" She started clapping and shaking our hands and got so excited. It was so cute! Then she said to Ryan, "Oh, you big strong man...one time and 3 babies! Such a good man!!" haha! I could not stop laughing. Best morning- donuts and a laugh :)

A, B, and C are...

2011-06-11T08:44:00.000-07:00

healthy and growing! Praise the Lord!

This Thursday we went in for another ultrasound to do measurements on the babies and to see my doctor. I always get so nervous in ultrasounds because I don't really know what I'm looking at and I just want them to be growing and healthy. All three are growing and look "perfect" according the ultrasound tech. He kept saying, "your kids are just perfect! They are so cooperative!" Every time he said that I felt like my heart was going to burst into a million pieces.

Since this was my 16 week appointment, but I'm only 15 and some days, I didn't know if it was too soon to tell gender. We were definitely hoping to find out.

Here I am right before the appointment.

The first thing the tech asked us is if we wanted to find out and we both said, "yes!"

And we are having............

2 dudes and a diva!

Ryan has been saying 2 boys and a girl the entire time. Baby A-girl, Baby B-boy, Baby C-boy.

Now here are some pics:

Baby B gave us a sweet profile pic.

And then he started sucking his fist.

Baby C all content and chillin out in there. He might end up having his daddy's personality :)

Baby A is laying just like her mama does- with her feet crossed at the ankles.

Then little miss photogenic waved to us :)

I just love them to pieces already! After the tech looked at all three he asked me how many embyros they planted during my IVF. I said, "Oh, we didn't do IVF." He said, "Oh- YOU guys are the ones we were talking about! We just said that for some reason God really wanted you guys to have triplets." I started smiling and thinking that with everything we have done since we've gotten married, the most beautiful thing I've ever seen is the view of my children on a screen looking absolutely perfect.

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I have to take a moment and brag on the best daddy-to-be in the world. He has been so awesome through every moment of this. Lately I've been discouraged as we have been house hunting and it seems like everything that can accomodate us is out of our price range and ones we can afford just wont work.

The other day we were driving home from looking at one of the houses and I said, "I guess we are going to have to just win the lottery to be able to afford a place that will work." Ryan didn't say anything and I looked at him and he looked at me and he reached over, put his hand on my belly and said, "As far as I'm concerned, I've already won the lottery." He is the BEST!

don't waste room with salads and carrot sticks

2011-06-06T10:06:00.000-07:00

At 11 weeks along, we went to our first appointment with our high-risk OB. He started off by saying that he has delivered a few sets of sextuplets, 10 sets of quintuplets, 100 quads, over 600 sets of triplets, and thousands of sets of twins. I immediately felt better in his hands! Here were the main points:

*the babies are going to be born before full term, but the goal is 35 weeks.

*my weight gain goal- 75 pounds. Minimum 50.

*c-section is only option

*bed-rest from 20 weeks on

*it's 90% mental and number one priority from here on out is my pregnancy. If I'm tired, sleep. Hungry, eat. etc.

He made it clear that the more weight I gain before 24 weeks the better, because after that I will be too big to eat a lot. He said the bigger I get, the bigger they get, and the bigger they get the healthier they will be. I asked what I should be eating and he said, "high protein, high calorie. Don't waste room with carrot sticks and salads." Ryan said he would love a doctor to write him a prescription to eat a bunch of food, but I'm just now feeling up to eating. Hopefully I will keep getting my appetite back...

I'm allowed to go home to Texas before I'm 20 weeks so I'm taking advantage and going home! Our mom's friends and family are throwing us a baby shower while I'm there. It feels funny to do a baby shower at 18 weeks, but otherwise I'll be on bed-rest. The nurse said I'll be the size of someone full term at 18 weeks so it might be a long flight. Ryan used his miles to get me a seat in business class (I knew all those lonely times with him traveling would come in handy one day!).

Here is a pic of me this past Saturday at 14 1/2 weeks.

We also have been hitting up yard sales the past few weekends. We went to one that the lady had triplets and we got 36 Avent bottles for $8. Steal :) Of course we'll put new nipples on them.

We also registered this past weekend at Target and Amazon.com. I wasn't a huge fan of Babies R Us; everything seemed more expensive and the people weren't friendly at all. I'm not sure if it was just the one I went to though.

Question for all of you moms out there: Pampers or Huggies? I am registering for diapers and I wasn't sure which ones we should put on there. Any advice would be awesome!

Our Crazy Adventure Part 2

2011-05-27T15:02:00.000-07:00

Thank you all for the kind words and messages from my previous post! We both read them all and each and every one means so much more than you will ever know!

We went in for an ultrasound at 7 weeks to see the heartbeat. They had said my levels were high before we went in, so we knew there was a chance of multiples. She saw two heartbeats and told us we were having twins! We were so excited and I immediately had to tell our families.

I sent our moms these little buckets with a sono pic and onesies.

I sent my dad this card.

Just for fun I snapped these pics on facetime with my dad when he opened the card...

He is reading "grandpa..."

"Twins?"

Looking at the sonogram pics.

We called and told our brothers and grandparents.

The morning of our week 8 sonogram I dropped Ryan off at the airport and then headed to the doctor. As soon as she put the wand on I saw three babies moving around. I squinted thinking I was seeing things and sure enough I saw three of them moving. The tech was looking at me and arranging my cover and started asking me about my weekend. My heart started beating out of my chest and I remember saying, "my heart is beating really fast." She asked if I needed water and I said, "No, just look at the babies." So she zooms in and shows me baby A and baby B's hearts and then she looks like she is done. I said, "Hold on, can you zoom out? I think I saw another baby moving around in the beginning." She assured me that there were twins but she would look to see. As soon as she zoomed in you could see baby C's little heartbeat. She said, "Let me get the doctor."

It felt like I laid there forever waiting for my doctor. She came in, looked, and said, "Laura, there are three heartbeats." Then she asked where Ryan was and I told her he was boarding a plane for Indiana. She then said that baby C was smaller than the other two so we would have to watch to see how things progress. I felt like I was going to pass out. I hurried out of the office and called Ryan hysterical. I was worried that there was something wrong because my doctor made it clear that baby C should have had a heartbeat the week before.

Poor Ryan was sitting on the plane and kept saying, "So what? We will have three babies and they will be perfect!" He says that plane ride was the longest 4 hours of his life and he spent the entire time praying for me and for the babies to all grow big and strong and be healthy.

Anyway, the next ultrasound baby C had caught up, and ironically now baby C is the biggest baby! Praise God!

Here are the sweet babies.

And here I am at 13 weeks. This was last Sunday. Please excuse how tired I look all of the time... I feel like I am constantly sleeping!

Our Crazy Adventure

2011-05-24T18:18:00.000-07:00

I have to apologize, yet again, for being away from the blog world. We have had a busy couple of months and just wanted to share what is going on in our lives...

First-

Yay! We are beyond excited for this next chapter of our lives and I fully intend on documenting every bit of it on this blog! I'm 13 weeks today and I'm finally getting my appetite back. I've been feeling sick off and on and certain smells are just too much for me. Today was the first day I could just stop and eat without putting a lot of thought into it.

The next part of the story is....

There is not just ONE baby on the way, there are...

Yep, we are expecting triplets!

To answer your question, yes we were surprised. When I went off the pill I didn't get a period for several months. After a battery of tests they concluded that for whatever reason my cycle had just stopped. My doctor thought hormone stimulation was the best way to go, and said it could take several months for my body to react.

It didn't. Just a few weeks later we went in for blood work and they called with the BIG news that we were expecting. I was shocked. I will tell more about my first ultrasound in an upcoming post.

Baby B is turned to the side.

Since breaking the news to our families and some friends, we have been asked quite a few questions. The one I hate the most is, "Are you going to keep them all?"(That wasn't family but still) Of course we get a lot of, "Wow, I could never do that! How are you going to manage?" We get a lot of people who just shake their heads without even a congratulations. I try to just imagine how surprising the news can be and take it with a grain of salt.

I will update with more, but for now...

we are still alive

2011-03-16T12:33:00.000-07:00

It's so sweet when people say that they miss my blog! I kind of thought people would lose interest now that we aren't traipsing all over creation and posting lots of pics. Don't get me wrong, we stay really busy here, but it doesn't seem to compare. However, being home I feel like we are getting back into a routine and we can finally take a deep breath.

Let's play a little catch-up.

We spent Valentines Day separate because Ryan had a work dinner. He did bring me these:

He also bought us tickets to Wicked next week! Yay! I've never seen it. I saw ads for it in Stuttgart (it was called something in German) and I just assumed that it was in German. Then one of my English students declared, "I studied English this weekend! We saw Wicked in English!" Disappointed! Anyway, now I get to see it here!

Then we went to Disney!! I love that place :)

We also love the Santa Monica pier. I like to find any reason to drag Ryan's cousin to the beach in her heels.

I have been saying that there is never not a beautiful sunset here in California.

We also got a Freebirds here! This was our favorite staple in college and now we can eat jumbo burritos whenever we feel like it.

And lastly, we had visitors this weekend all the way from Germany! Isabelle was so sweet to us over there and so helpful which is priceless. We decided to have an "all American" weekend ;)

Shopping....

Bowling....

(That is Ryan's 'strike' face)

Food....

Sports...

AND- Pedicures!!

Whew...ok, if you are still reading I hope you had a fabulous start to Spring. I promise to not be so MIA!

I really shouldn't be teaching small children

2011-02-01T17:39:00.000-08:00

I work with elementary aged children in a state funded program. That being said, I absolutely love my job and my kids. It has been so much fun thus far!

Yesterday we were talking about the letter M and we looked at a map.

I asked them to point to the state that we live in. They obviously should point here.

As they stared at me as if I had asked them to bake me a cake, I said, "This one right here!" And I directed them to color it. It wasn't until they were busy coloring their state that I realized what I had done. This is the state they were coloring...

I was so embarrassed! I did end up telling them that we were coloring the awesome state of Texas, that we don't live there, but I'm from there and that's why we colored it. Ha! Oh my goodness. Parent's don't let your children near. I clearly don't even know where I live!

I just love her so much

2011-01-24T08:42:00.000-08:00

Last week Ryan went to Germany for the week, but instead of leaving me alone- he flew my mom out to visit me from Florida! I was sooo excited. I hadn't seen her since she came to visit me in Germany in July.

I took some days off of work and we hit the open road.

I took her to Huntington Beach.

I took her to San Diego.

We ran into these cute little Sea Lions at La Jolla. Isn't he precious?

I took her to Catalina Island.

The boat ride was just a little cold...can you tell?

But the island was beautiful.

We rented a golf cart and took up the mountains to get this view...

I took her to Pink's Hotdogs-an LA staple that I just found out about!

Then we hit up Hollywood.

Last, Santa Monica Pier.

Oh yeah- I also took her on my favorite hike....

Whew! I'm already planning her next trip! Thank you Ryan for sending her out here to play with me :)

I think I bit off more than I can chew

2011-01-07T10:42:00.000-08:00

One of our resolutions is to run a 5k. That was after 'getting fit' was the first resolution we made. That was after we spent the last two years drinking beer and eating schnitzel. And pasta. And these. All of that was before Thursday morning.

Yesterday I set the alarm for 5:30 and ~~hit snooze 3 times~~ jumped out of bed. We got in our gear (saying gear makes me feel like a bad ass) and headed out to make the 2 mile loop we had previously mapped out. Guys, oh em gee, my lungs felt like they were burning out of my chest! There is this massive hill and after that I was done for. Ryan ended up running ahead of me, which is a bad sign. For me anyway.

I should back up and say that we have been running at the gym on their track for about a month. We Ryan, has made great strides in increasing his distance and speed. Me, I'm still running at the same snail pace that I was on day one. In fact, since we go so early, most of the other runners are older people. Um, duh. Who wakes up at 4:45am to work out?

I do. And it sucks.

Anyway, the older people (I would guess 60's and 70's) are lapping me and yelling things over their shoulder like, "You can do it!" "This is the best way to lose the weight!" Whatheheckiswrongwiththispicture??

I know they are just trying to be encouraging, but clearly I must have something written on my forehead.

Don't be jealous.

So, what am I going to do?

Keep calm and carry on. And of course get used to watching Ryan's backside lap me over and over again. Maybe in some weird way it will bring us closer together. Hmm.

2011 is starting a little icky...

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We spent the New Year surrounded by kleenex watching Dick Clark's New Years Eve. Not the best New Year we've ever had, but at least we were together.

Anyway, enough of the sickies... We sat down and wrote out some goals for this year. I hate making resolutions because I have this incredible fear to fail. But, my goal-oriented hubby insisted that we write things down so we can stick to them.

2011 Goals:

1. Get Fit/Healthy

2. Become active members of our church

3. Build our prayer life

4. Road Trips (11 in 2011)**

5. Make some connections/Build our life back in the States

6. Build up our savings

7. Complete a 5k

8. Enjoy Life/Don't sweat the small stuff

**We need to see America now!!

I was a little hesitant to share our list, but I think accountability is the key to success.

Here are a few more pics from Christmas. This one was in Santa Barbara.

Mad Dog is Ryan's new nickname. It comes from TV...where else? We watched a LOT of Lockup: Raw over the holidays. Yay for American TV!

Ok, so this picture is disappointing, but the license plate says "NOTTHE5O" (Not the five-O). Awesome.

Also, I'm going to blog more in 2011. Now that we feel a little more settled (and I have a computer) it shouldn't be that hard. I hope everyone had a fantastic New Years and a good start to the New Year!

Really?

2010-12-29T11:15:00.003-08:00

Well it looks like a blog a month is starting to be my theme song! I have to apologize, but guess what? That sad song is now over!! I got a special Christmas present that is going to help me blog more...

Anyway, I'm back and ready to b.l.o.g! Plus, let me just say that I love this computer. I am finally part of the Mac club! Once you go MAC, you never go back.

We had a fantastic Christmas full of fun times :) Sometimes it just feels so nice to be back in the States... I just feel so much more connected to everyone.

Ryan's mom came out and I took her to my favorite two story Target! I love that your cart rides next to you!

Then we took her to Miceli's. This place has the best waiters. They will just break into song. Only in Hollywood!

I know you are wondering what I got Ryan since he did so good at my gift...I surprised him with Ducks's tickets!

It was a fabulous Christmas!

You would think

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that after being here a little over two months that I would have it a little more together. I have a completely kaput computer and right now I'm typing from a borrowed one.

I'm excited to say that I did find a part time job! I think it's going to be a really good fit until I find something more full time.

We have been hitting the gym and basically killing it. I feel like we just got home from a two year vacation where the answer to every question like, "Would you like more _____" was a resounding "YES!" Hey, you have to try a little bit of everything and that eventually catches up with you.

I do have to say that when you are away you tend to idealize home (wherever that may be) and now coming back we are starting to miss some of the things we complained the most about.

Things we hated/miss:

*Everything being closed on Sundays. We had to do all the little errands on Saturday so that Sunday was family day.

*The subway! Jeez, LA has terrible traffic. I miss hitting downtown on the train and not worrying about parking or traffic or who is gonna do the driving.

*The lack of delicious restaurants nearby. Oh my goodness...how can you not just pop out for a quick dinner when it's so convenient?!

*Not having a car. We live within a mile to a mile and a half of almost everywhere we need to go. In Germany we would be walking that and here we jump in the car. This weekend we decided to start walking to the movie theater and grocery store. It was really nice!

Anyway, I hope everyone had a fabulous turkey day! I will post pictures this week of ours :) It was awesome!