Life with Triplets: Warning I wrote a novel!

Hello! I was watching TLC this week about other parents with triplets. It's funny because I see it on TV and think, "Man, those parents have so much work to do." But, we live it, and don't think a thing about it. I guess someone could tape our daily lives-- all the bottles, diapers, and formula, and it would look much worse than it feels. The fact is, three babies is all we've ever known. I felt so naked when I just took Avery to the doctor last Friday--just one baby--it seemed like a breeze! Our babies are very good natured, however, and I know that makes a HUGE difference! I'll take our three babies over one crying, fussy baby any day! Now, don't get me wrong, it is extremely difficult taking care of three babies. But we wouldn't have it any other way!

The babies are all eating so well. The boys are taking almost 4 oz. per feeding, and Avery is up to 100 ml (3 1/2 oz). Since we switched her to the boys' formula, she has been sucking it down like there is no tomorrow. We are going through one can of formula every day. For those math types: $17/can X 7 days a week =$119/week. We are so fortunate from people's generosity, though, because we have not bought one single diaper or wipee since the babies have been home.

My parents came to visit last weekend (I've included pictures). It was great to have them here because John had gone duck hunting. They really helped a ton! John was excited to hunt, but he missed the babies so much. I had to email him after every feed so that he would know how the babies ate and how they were doing. When he got home I bet he kissed on them for two hours straight.

The cutest thing happened yesterday. To understand, you have to know that Adam is our pensive child. He looks at things and studies them very carefully. Because he is always so deep in thought, he smiles the least of the three. Anyway, Chelsea and I were playing with the babies on the floor. She picked up Avery, and after playing with her, started to lay her back down by Adam. When Adam made eye contact with Avery, he got the hugest smile on his face! Chelsea and I looked at each other to make sure we both saw it! Then, last night, John was holding Adam. I put Avery close to him and he did the exact same thing. How sweet!!

Avery has been rolling over from her tummy to her back, and the boys are sitting up while holding my hands. They are all getting so strong and changing so much. Enjoy the pictures! (Geez...I had lots to say today!)

Smiling and Cooing

The boys are now smiling too! And both of them have started cooing! I love their little voices! I've tried for 3 days to get a good picture, but haven't had any luck. I did take this one of their Camo Dinosaur outfits. I thought they looked cute. Aaron is on the left....and Adam was MAD!

Wednesday they had RSV shots (a new shot to help prevent RSV). They will take them every month from October through April during RSV season. RSV is essentially the human cold virus, and it is very dangerous for preemies. That is why we have to be so cautious about taking the babies out to places, and making sure that everyone that comes over washes their hands thoroughly. Before we left the NPCU, Dr. Grubbs warned us that RSV would easily land the babies back into the hospital. When we went for shots the babies were weighed. Aaron is 9 lbs. 10 oz, Adam 9 lbs. 8 oz, and Avery 8 lbs 5 oz. Adam gained 12 ozs last week! They are all doing so well!!

Avery's visit to the cardiologist went great today. She has two small holes in the arteries leading to the lungs (They are called PDAs). It's common in preemies. The cardiologist said that he feels certain the holes will close by the time she is one, and there is no affect on her heart function. She had an EKG and an echocardiogram. She did great during both tests...just smiling at the x-ray tech! We don't have any other doctor's appointments until Nov. 28th! YEAH!!!

Last night the babies went 5 hours between one of their feeds! We fed them at 7:30 because they were acting like they were starving. (Although they ate at 6:00). I decided to try putting them to bed to see what would happen. Well, they didn't wake up until 1:15 this morning! I couldn't believe it! Of course I woke up in a panic when I saw what time it was...I think all moms do that the first time their babies sleep longer. We'll see how tonight goes...

Love to you all!

Avery's First Real Smile

Avery has a very expressive face. When she was only a week old, she started smiling in her sleep, and it was so cute. If she doesn't like the way something tastes, you absolutely know it! Well, Friday afternoon, she smiled her first "real" smile! Her eyes lit up and you could tell she meant to smile. It was awesome! I have included some pictures of her. Chelsea was quick to grab the camera and start snapping pictures.

We have been putting the kids in their strollers and cruising up and down the driveway. Saturday it was so pretty outside! After we made a few trips down to the curb, I parked the babies in the shade and let them nap. Today I'm going to Target to buy a little red wagon like the one they took rides in while at the hospital. They have one on sale, and it even has a canopy! It will be perfect.

We take the babies for their RSV shot on Wednesday and then Avery has to go back to the Cardiologist on Friday for a follow-up appointment. She had a small hole in her heart, so we are going to see if it has closed up yet.

There is also a picture of Avery and Adam in their high chairs (Thanks 2nd grade teachers!) in the kitchen. Aaron was sleeping, and those two wanted to help me make bottles. The high chairs recline...they are so cool!

Also, here are a couple of pictures of Aaron that are hilarious!

Halloween/3 month pictures

We got these pictures made at Babies R Us today. I just love them! (Aaron is in the striped outfit).
























Aaron

Adam













Avery

3 Months Old!

The babies were 3 months old on Tuesday! How far they have come! Yesterday we went to the dr for weight checks. Aaron in now 9 lbs, Adam 8 lbs 12 oz, and Avery 7 lbs 12 oz. Wow! Aaron was so small (2.6) when he was born, and even got down to 1 lb 15 oz during that first week. Now he is the biggest! He is very stocky...I just love it! Adam is not as compact, and Sister is just petite. I wish everyone could see them in person. They are so cute and fun!

Tomorrow Chelsea and I are taking them to the bank to meet John's employees. Then we are going to Fort Worth for their first professional pictures. I'm really looking forward to it. I hope they turn out good! I think we are doing one picture in their Halloween outfits, and one in nice "Church" clothes: pink gingham dress for Avery with matching blue gingham overalls for the boys. Too cute...

We've had lots of visitors! Ms. Brandy was down last Friday. She misses the babies so much. Then my parents, sister, and nephews came for the weekend. I've attached pictures of everyone with the babies.

Here also are just other pictures of the threesome. Aaron is in the lion outfit.

Pictures with visitors

John's mom, Granny Lori, came to visit for a few days. She hadn't seen the babies in a month, so she was so excited to be here with them. She loves to hold them and let them sleep on her chest. That is a great feeling!

Today Cindy Garrison brought her kids over. I have attached pictures of the babies with Carter, Coleman, Chloe, and Carli. The Garrison kids were so sweet and had so much fun holding our little ones. It was cute!

The babies are all doing very well. They are still eating every three hours during the day, but we did have two nights were they went 4 hours between one of their feedings. That extra hour of sleep for me was like gold! I know they will sleep longer in the night the bigger they get. Sometimes two of them may be able to sleep longer, but if one wakes up, I have to wake the other two so that they all stay on the same schedule. Can you imagine the chaos if they all three had their own feeding schedules? We would never sleep!

Next week the babies will be 3 months old! I just can't believe it! Chelsea and I are taking them to Babies R Us for their 3-month pictures. My Aunt Nanci bought Halloween-inspired clothes (not costumes) for them, so I think that will be really cute. They are wearing Newborn sizes now and some 0-3 month. I'm donating all of their Preemie clothes to the hospital for other babies.

Tomorrow will be a special day. Ms. Brandy, their main nurse from Cook's, is coming to visit! We are so excited! I can't wait for her to see the babies and to hold them again. She is such a special person, and I am so thankful she wants to stay involved with the triplets. I'll be sure to post pictures of them together.

Hope all is well in your world! Oh, my friend Amanda who has 5 month-old triplets and lives in Granbury, really needs a sitter for her babies. If you know of anyone that may be interested, please let me know. They want someone to come to their home and keep the babies. All that would be required is feeding, diapering, and loving her triplets. Please help her find someone! I can't imagine not having someone good to watch after our kids. (Chelsea is such a blessing for us!)

More pictures!

The babies have gained so much weight! We went to the Dr. on Wednesday for a weight check. Aaron is 8 lbs; Adam is 7 lbs. 11 oz., and Avery weighs 6 lbs. 15 ozs. The doctor was very happy, and in fact, noted that Aaron had gained 21 ozs in 2 weeks!


Yesterday I took their 2 month pictures. Of course it is two weeks too late, but I finally got it done! I think you will enjoy them. Aaron is on the left and the first of the individual pictures.