Week 31

Looks like we're smooth sailing into our first goal of 32 weeks! We went in today and everything looks good. We were disappointed they didn't take weight measurements though. The doctor said they usually only gain 3-5 oz each per week at this point (singletons put on about 1/2 lb a week), so it would be better to wait another week. I know they're growing though because in the past week I feel like my stomach has gotten so much bigger.

We had to start NST's (Non Stress Test) this week and will continue to do them each week until the babies are born. Basically, they put monitors all over my stomach. One on each babies heartbeat and one for contraction monitoring. We have to stay long enough for the nurse to get a baseline rate on each and then watch them change their rate by moving and then get back to normal. They also look for and big decreases in heart rate as well. It took about 1hr 45 min, but all looked good and I don't think there were any contractions either.

I found the below chart on another website. We're about at the point where we shouldn't have any long term prematurity problems, but we're hoping to keep them cooking as long as possible. The average length of a triplet pregnancy is between 32 and 33 weeks. If they are born at 32 weeks the avg. weight is 3lb 10 oz and will spend about 23 days in the NICU. If born at 34 weeks, avg. weight is 4lb 6oz and spend avg. 11 days in the NICU. My doctor did deliver one set at 37 weeks, but it can cause problems for the mom and babies, so its not common.

Week 30

We made it to 30 weeks!! I had an appt. today and everything still looks great. No weight measurements today , just looking at fluids and blood flow dopplers. The doctor was very happy. I'm doing good too. I gained 3 lbs this week and am so happy. I have been going back/forth between gaining and losing since March 19th, so even though I have only gained a total of 26 lbs. my doctors are actually fine with it at this point in the pregnancy as long as I don't start losing weight. Next Wed. will be a measurement check so I'll be able to update more on the babies then.

Joe is getting back this afternoon from his final work trip before the babies come. We took advantage of Aunt Kathryn coming from Boston for a visit and he was able to get to Portland and Salt Lake City in the past 3 days. Needless to say, JP has been having a great time. Aunt Kat took him to the zoo yesterday and today they went up to watch Eloise in her school play.

Below are a couple of JP's recent school pics. He is getting ready to graduate from preschool next month hence the cap & gown. I just took a pic of them with my camera, so the quality may not be as good, but they turned out so cute I couldn't resist!

Week 29

Everything is still going well! The babies are looking good and growing. Ryan is now 2lbs 10oz and the girls are 2lbs 3oz and 2lbs 4oz. We don't have to go in until next Wed.- yeah! I am hanging in there too and have had a really good week. Having Joe's mom Maggi here the past 2 weeks was great- especially the cheesecakes she made! Joe & I really appreciated all the help with JP. Grandmom even took Joe's pushing the limits as 4 yr olds can in stride. When Grandpop came back from Steamboat Springs he also helped entertain too by playing rough & tough- Joe's favorite pastime (it's a boy thing!).

Last Sunday, we had an early 13th birthday dinner for our niece Eloise while Grandmom & Pop were still here. Eloise received a skateboard and her friend and JP went in the alley to practice. JP found a skateboard in our storage space several months ago- so he thinks he already knows some "cool action" moves.

29 weeks and counting!!

Week 28

Another good week with the babies! They are all stable and look to be doing good in there! The doctor told us Mon that I was a poster child (for what I'm not sure, but I'll take it :) ) I am feeling much better this week too, so I have no intentions of going into the hospital anytime soon. Last week the doctor had told us that he thought he was going to have to deliver within 10 days at 25 weeks and now we're working towards week 29, so we couldn't be happier. I also told the doctor I feel like we've graduated because we don't have to go in again until next Tues. Once a week would be so nice!
Since I didn't have much new to say, I thought I'd post some links to cute videos about raising triplets. This mom has done a great job saving memories and given me insight of what is about to happen to our lives. She also has 2 identical girls and a boy plus a 2.5 year older son and went through TTTS, although did not have surgery. Enjoy and I'll update again next week!

The 1st two years- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1bPqyqoWLTM&feature=related

Creating a show wherever you go- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1GE6zQ8FWok&feature=related

How crazy raising 4 can be- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JkVXv-vlCvs&feature=related