tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-63952848355203520622024-03-21T11:17:56.378-07:00The Growing Lockhart FamilyUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger18125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6395284835520352062.post-27681143065704141932013-01-14T19:37:00.000-08:002013-01-15T05:54:35.122-08:00Wow! Where has the last year gone?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It is pretty unbelievable that we are watching our one year olds crawl around, cruise the edges of furniture, climb the stairs and get into everything. It has been an AMAZING year full of uncertainties, some fear, a ton of crazy, but lots and lots of blessings! I apologize for allowing 10+ months to pass without giving you an update. I will do my best to answer some of the most asked questions and post several pictures from the past year. <br />
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Daily life in this crazy house:<br />
I am often asked what our days are like. Well, it has changed and become so much easier the past five months. At six months I took a deep breath and realized that things were becoming much easier. The first six months I really depended on the help of volunteers from our church and the most wonderful neighbor. These sweet ladies came two or three times a week to rock babies. I would NOT have been able to stay sane without these wonderful helpers. During these early months the babies napped mostly in their little bouncy seats, since their naps were so sporadic and short. It was just easier to tend to them if they were all within arms length. We even began accepting help a couple evenings a week since we had three very colicy little guys. Poor things would just cry and cry each evening. As you can imagine it was tough to even do the simplest things for Brock because all three little ones needed so much. After we would finally get them settled in we would rush to get caught up on bottles and some cleaning, then we would collapse into bed and get ready for the first wave of feeding which were every 3-4 hours. However, at six months Cade, Evan, and Lincoln began to be entertained more easily and started to stretch out their naps. Now they are on a pretty consistent schedule with a morning and afternoon nap and three meals a day with mostly finger foods. We are still having some difficulty getting them to sleep through the night. They are in three separate bedrooms, they had started waking each other up so we had to separate them. Now they are doing better at self-soothing and are getting up less and less. Brock is in preschool three days a week. I am so thankful that I am able to take him to school. My amazing friend and neighbor, Miriam, comes over three days a week and stays with the little guys while I take Brock to school. Most days the babies and I stay at home. If weather permits we do take walks and even enjoy outdoor play time in our giant playpen, aka Brock's trampoline. Most Wednesday's I am able to load up all three babies plus Brock and go to a local bible study with childcare. What an amazing gift that has been! Since August I have had over two hours of ME time on Thursdays, simply because a group of servant-hearted women, lead by Wynn, saw this as a need and arranged for two ladies to come and love on my little guys so I could leave. I am also blessed to be able to run to the grocery on Tuesday mornings because Miriam and Barb put the babies down for their morning nap and sit with them while I'm out. Without the love and servant hearts of Miriam, Barb, Wynn and so so many others I would have had to hire help.<br />
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Road trips with three babies and a five year old:<br />
Yes, we have already been on several road trips. We have traveled to Illinois twice, Chattanooga twice, and Indianapolis once. For the most part they are good little travelers. Because there are three infants there are some very chaotic moments but we always make it through and have made it home safely each time. Every two to three hours we stop to allow the boys to have some time to stretch. This usually requires a stroller and finding the cleanest floor possible to allow them to crawl, not such an easy task. For Christmas the babies have received new "big" boy car seats that are hopefully more comfortable for them. <br />
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Health report:<br />
Each boy is doing very well and is reaching all monthly milestones. They are all crawling and have been for several months. I expect them to walk soon as each boy likes to pull up and cruise furniture. More recently, they have discovered the fun in pushing their walking toys around. We feel so blessed that they are doing so well and developing at a healthy rate. At this point you would not know that they are preemies. It is a true testament to the dedicated prayer warriors we had during our pregnancy and still have. Thank you for all of your continued prayers!<br />
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Big brother Brock:<br />
Brock has amazed us! He has adjusted so well. As you can imagine, adding three very needy little people to our house has completely turned his world upside down. We really try to keep some things similar to before, however it is also so important for him to understand that our lives are different and will never be the same, but that we are so much more blessed now. He has an occasional moment of sadness if we aren't able to do something with him, but he recovers so quickly and is back to loving on his brothers. Brock is a very protective big brother and often worries and frets over them more than we do. Now that Lincoln, Cade, and Evan are more able to interact and play, Brock often creates pretend games around the babies. The past couple of weeks Cade has been his puppy named Chow. Chow is a very good puppy and the only kind we will have for years to come. Evan loves to wrestle with Brock. They are a little rougher than I would like and I'm sure it is a sign of things to come. Brock loves to hold and cuddle Lincoln. Lincoln's sweet, calm personality tolerates all of this cuddle time. <br />
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Very different little boys:<br />
We have noticed differences in the boys' personalities from almost day one. <br />
*Lincoln is a thinker. He has always studied us and his surroundings. If I place food on his tray, even if it is a familiar, favorite item he will pick it up and turn it around before eating it. <br />
*Cade loves a good party and is always happy to have people around. If you talk to him he will give you a big smile and probably clap and wave for you. <br />
*Evan is our active man. He is a climber and can scale almost anything. His new favorites are up the slide or the lip on the outside of our stair case. <br />
They are all so much fun and we are so thrilled God has entrusted us with such amazing and perfect gifts!<br />
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Thank you for joining us on this journey! The past year has been the most amazing, difficult, exciting, and blessed year of our lives. We are looking forward to what 2013 has in store for us. It is sure to be another year with hopefully a little less craziness but a ton of blessing!<br />
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Some recent pictures</div>
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1st Halloween</div>
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Evan</div>
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(sorry don't know how to rotate the pictures)</div>
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Lincoln</div>
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Cade </div>
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The Zoo Keeper with his animals </div>
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(special thanks to Mema for the costumes)</div>
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Cade, Lincoln, Evan</div>
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Christmas Eve in their matching "old man" jammies</div>
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This is what happens most of the time when you are trying to get three babies to cooperate for a picture. Trust me, these elf hats (created by Mema) are adorable.</div>
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Cade enjoying some bday cake tonight.</div>
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Lincoln</div>
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Evan</div>
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Out for a walk</div>
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Evan, Cade, Lincoln</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6395284835520352062.post-8977482721361780102012-03-08T18:08:00.000-08:002012-03-08T18:08:04.080-08:00Almost 8 weeks oldIt is hard to believe our boys are almost two months old. Today was their due date, March 8th, although we knew we would never deliver on this day. It has been several weeks since we updated you on their progress, as we have been a little busy. Every minute is worth it and we feel so blessed; however, I must admit that I ask, "Why Me?" when we are up "partying" most of the night. Sometimes it is hard to see the blessing when you are surviving on just a few hours of non-continuous sleep. Then the morning light comes and you focus in on those sweet little faces and I feel unworthy of having such perfect little gifts. We know that this stage will pass quickly and we will miss these days. We are about a month away from breaking them out of the house. The dangerous RSV season will end in April and then we will be able to be around more people since the boys are stronger and less infection will be floating around.<br />
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All the boys are growing but Lincoln has had some difficulty gaining weight. However, he seems to be on track now. Poor little guy just doesn't love a big meal like the other two. Today we went for their two month appointment and their weights and measurements are as follows:<br />
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Weight Length<br />
Cade 6 lbs 7 oz 19 3/4"<br />
Evan 6 lbs 12 oz 19 1/2''<br />
Lincoln 5 lbs 12 oz 19 1/2"<br />
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We are so thankful for all of the prayers, gifts, and help we have received over the past several months. It is truly taking a city to raise these boys. Without all of you this would be so much more difficult! THANK YOU!!!<br />
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Please continue to pray for Cade, Evan, and Lincoln's health and growth. Brock is a great big brother, so we ask that you pray that he continues to feel like these little brothers are a blessing and not a curse :) and for Brian and I that we will make it on the small amount of sleep we are getting.<br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>The following pictures were taken at 5 weeks. Elisha Farmer, a very good friend of mine from high school, who has taken many pictures of Brock, traveled down to spend the day with us and take pictures of the boys. WHAT A GIFT!!!</strong></span></div>
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All 3 Boys Are Home!!!!!!!</div>
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After five days of just having Evan and Cade at home, Lincoln got to join his brothers at home. From the hospital, to taking pictures, to the doctor for their first check-up, it has been an eventfully day. It is amazing how different having all three home feels. Maybe it is just a feeling of our family being complete. We look forward to this next phase in our blessed adventure.<br />
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Lincoln now weights 4lbs 9oz and is 18 1/2 in. long<br />
Cade is 4lbs 8oz and is 18 1/2 in. long<br />
Evan is 4lbs 14oz and is 18 in. long<br />
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Please continue to pray for these 3 blessings!</div>
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Pray that Cassie and I are able to juggle all of the tasks that need to be done to take care of Brock, Lincoln, Cade, Evan and ourselves.</div>
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We continue to amazed by all of those thinking, praying, helping and providing for us. Every bit is appreciated!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6395284835520352062.post-18296410391411378932012-02-02T18:52:00.000-08:002012-02-02T18:52:56.430-08:00Almost 3 Weeks Old<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It has hard to believe that in a couple days Cade, Lincoln, and Evan will be three weeks old. Much has changed since our last post. All three boys are in open cribs and are over four pounds. Their weights are as follows: Cade 4 lbs 3 1/4 oz, Lincoln 4lbs 4 3/4 oz, and Evan 4 lbs 9 oz. Yesterday, they all passed their hearing screening. Today the doctor told us that we will likely be able to take Evan and Cade home on Saturday. Both are taking bottles and no longer need their feeding tubes. Lincoln is a few days behind and will hopefully begin taking a bottle on a regular basis very soon. It is a little bitter sweet to be able to take two of the boys home but we are sad to leave Lincoln there. Please pray that it will soon "click" with him and he will join us at home. </div>
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We never cease to be amazed by the love, support, and help we have received from all of our friends and church family. Thank you just doesn't seem to be adequate. We are so grateful for each of you! Please continue to join us in prayer for Cade, Lincoln, and Evan. We pray they will continue to thrive and meet recommended milestones. Also, pray for a smooth transition home. </div>
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Love,</div>
Brian, Cassie, Big Brother Brock, Cade, Evan, and Lincoln<br />
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Cade<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDMwBe0OAHuAG3GnUFgD-SQ1TJ0ZY29aCvaLR6xuhivjhCeu1QQ86gHi2CCshEyri-09L0mUU9TV70boCp5WbIvAp58xNyKIKPYeym2MvmSDyoUs_6zVkV1k5CMG02RgNODNPRIq8iY2w/s1600/blog+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDMwBe0OAHuAG3GnUFgD-SQ1TJ0ZY29aCvaLR6xuhivjhCeu1QQ86gHi2CCshEyri-09L0mUU9TV70boCp5WbIvAp58xNyKIKPYeym2MvmSDyoUs_6zVkV1k5CMG02RgNODNPRIq8iY2w/s320/blog+5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Evan<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkYY-pQTNySKFpHxiqWpJ7OTFWcjnHdcuKWbqiDSuyydI1Qo5G4FWlEfORfDf4I53aTbYOWkEea3EKx1bJAuuegDGxdLwXk02f_zwva9rfO_oQ3arwzzkL-LSzOrG2U-sVS10W4l0Ie9o/s1600/blog+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkYY-pQTNySKFpHxiqWpJ7OTFWcjnHdcuKWbqiDSuyydI1Qo5G4FWlEfORfDf4I53aTbYOWkEea3EKx1bJAuuegDGxdLwXk02f_zwva9rfO_oQ3arwzzkL-LSzOrG2U-sVS10W4l0Ie9o/s320/blog+6.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Lincoln<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6cHpNvaNCE9zGbvJmxwY0VznilxIPicgFDuFr9qrgFDdhWwcFnEsCeGIEPF_T1nSww1MlBTwxoLSl2zl42ZxMNqhJYHwvvUJivFi6hs7hOT_xQ2IwoBF3QKza6k_X-ya0lQWcNv7Xnss/s1600/DSCN0479.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6cHpNvaNCE9zGbvJmxwY0VznilxIPicgFDuFr9qrgFDdhWwcFnEsCeGIEPF_T1nSww1MlBTwxoLSl2zl42ZxMNqhJYHwvvUJivFi6hs7hOT_xQ2IwoBF3QKza6k_X-ya0lQWcNv7Xnss/s320/DSCN0479.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Cade showing off his new bed </div>
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Evan showing you what a big boy he his taking his bottle</div>
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<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6395284835520352062.post-71314641843291297572012-01-27T11:05:00.000-08:002012-01-27T11:05:06.817-08:00Quick Update (1 1/2 week old)The boys are just over a week old and much has changed. They are growing and changing each day. Brian has gone back to work and tries to see the boys at least once a day, mostly after work. I often go to the hospital for their 9:00 am and 12:00 pm feeding. We are able to help take there temperatures, change their diapers, and assist in feeding. Of course, our favorite task is holding our sweet babies. All three are trying to take bottles but we are waiting for it to click and for each of them to consistantly take a full bottle without falling asleep. Poor sweet Lincoln is still spitting up and having a harder time gaining weight. Their current weights are: Lincoln 3 lbs 12 1/2 oz, Cade 3 lbs 13 oz (his birth weight), and Evan 4 lbs . Even though we are spending a lot of time on the road, it is worth it and we look forward to our time with the boys each day.<br />
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Please Pray for:<br />
Brock to adjust well<br />
Brian to be able to balance work, time with the boys at the hospital and family at home<br />
Cassie to be able to continue to provide the boys with enough milk and to get enough rest<br />
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The boys to start/continue to keep their food down, maintain their temperature, keep growing and start being able to take a bottle at each feeding.</div>
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This picture is the only time we have been able to have all three together at the same time.</div>
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From left to right, Cade, Evan, Lincoln</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6395284835520352062.post-67686462315742969022012-01-17T21:25:00.000-08:002012-01-17T21:27:34.726-08:00I'm growning up I'm 3 days old......<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Lincoln - current weight: 3lbs 9 1/2oz</div>
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Cade - current weight 3lbs 6 1/2oz</div>
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Evan - current weight 3lbs 8 1/4oz</div>
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Lincoln, Cade and Evan continue to hang out in the NICU and are doing as well as can be expected. Lincoln and Evan are still "showing off" as the respiratory therapist said, by not needing all the normal breathing care of preemies of their gestation. Cade continues to show signs of improvement one moment, then signs that he is still struggling to maintain a preferred repertory rate a short later. It is either too fast, or he just forgets to breath and his heart rate begins to drop, scaring Cassie and me and causing the nurse to stand at his isolette waiting to see if he can correct it himself. Each boy is also receiving phototherapy (light treatments) for their jaundice. They look so cute with their little shades on. Evan and Lincoln no longer need fluids through an IV. Cade continues to improve his tolerance of the breast milk and we are hopeful that he will no longer need his IV after tomorrow. <br />
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We are so thankful to all of the nursing staff in the NICU. They are amazing! It is with some sadness we leave the hospital tomorrow since it will be without our three littlest boys, but we leave them in really great hands. A special Thank You to Meggie Bumpus, the most incredible night NICU nurse! She has been taking amazing care of our little guys and makes sure they are in the best hands. Meggie has been wonderful to answer all our "first time preemie parent" questions. I think the boys have already developed all of their first crushes on the adorable nurses they have each day and night. <br />
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<strong><u>Care Calendar Information</u></strong></div>
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<a href="http://carecalendar.org/"><span style="color: #015782;">http://carecalendar.org/</span></a></div>
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Calendar ID: 94874</div>
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Security Code: 7373</div>
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<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6395284835520352062.post-78468620001905109662012-01-15T14:26:00.000-08:002012-01-15T14:30:18.414-08:00The Boys are here - the first 24 hours!Cassie delivered 3 beautiful baby boys yesterday at 3:06, 3:07, and 3:08pm. Baby A - Lincoln, weighed 3 lbs 14 1/2 oz and was 17 1/2 in., Baby B - Cade weighed 3 lbs 13 oz and was 17 in, and Baby C - Evan weighed 3 lbs 14 oz and was 16 1/2 in. The boys are in the NICU to monitor their breathing, vitals and make sure they get food and fluids. Cade does have an oxygen tube but we are told he is the norm and Lincoln and Evan are the (good) exception. Cade was given a "treatment" to help his breathing, and he has since been taken off the oxygen, but his breathing tube remains in just for air. The doctors and nurses are very positive and when asked for an estimate of how long the boys would be in the NICU they said about 2 weeks. I have been able to change diapers, check temperatures and most recently tried to bottle feed Evan. All of this is being done through an isolet now. Evan took a little of his bottle, then fell asleep; so to make sure he got his food, he now has a feeding tube. Cassie did awesome and is doing well now. She has been able to get down to see the boys a couple of times and we are looking forward to watching their first bath and may be able hold Lincoln and Evan briefly, maybe as soon as tonight.<br />
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<strong><u>Care Calendar Information</u></strong></div>
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<a href="http://carecalendar.org/"><span style="color: #015782;">http://carecalendar.org/</span></a></div>
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Calendar ID: 94874</div>
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Security Code: 7373</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6395284835520352062.post-54960696931284731792012-01-13T20:18:00.000-08:002012-01-13T20:18:36.440-08:00Hospital Stay # 2<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Another update and it hasn’t been a week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes, that means we have had another adventure besides the weekly appointment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yesterday Cassie called me while I was at work to let me know she was feeling worse than normal with pressure and contractions, and to give me a heads up that she may have to go to the hospital to make sure everything was okay. An hour or so later, she called to say things weren’t better and I should come get her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once at the hospital, Cassie was put through the usual tests; monitor the babies’ heartbeats and her contractions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Monitoring the babies is an ordeal for the nurses.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are not use to getting three heartbeats at a time so their machine isn’t set up for them to see all three on the same monitor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They had to call in back up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cassie’s OB checked her out and everything is still looking like the babies are not ready arrive just yet, but her doctor wanted to keep her overnight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By dinner time Cassie’s contractions were practically gone, so Cassie said she planned to come home the next day.</div>
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Unfortunately, the drugs designed to help stop her contractions, started an intense migraine. Come three o’clock in the morning, Cassie was throwing up in the bed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Luckily she got better.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her <place w:st="on">OB</place> came in Friday morning and confirmed the obvious, that Cassie’s body was “done,” but since she was not in danger her goal is to make it two more weeks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Funny thing is that when Cassie told me about her talk with the doctor I caught that the doctor said Cassie’s body was done, but from somewhere, I though Cassie said that the doctor told her she would like Cassie to make it a few more days.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I thought we were setting a delivery date and even shared that news with our parents.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After talking with Cassie again later when she was telling me what the high risk doctor said, I asked Cassie what happened to a few days.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cassie was confused as she said she never mentioned setting a delivery date so soon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am sure I misunderstood, but maybe all of Cassie’s drugs hadn’t worn off and she had said it? <span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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Cassie was quick to let me know that she was told she got to come home tonight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cassie is more uncomfortable than ever and twice as swollen as when she went in to the hospital.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are all home now and whether it is a few days or two weeks, we will take what time we have to enjoy the three of us, until the other three arrive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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Prayers:</div>
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<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Continued well being of the boys</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Health and comfort of Cassie.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She does not feel well, but is willing to hold on a couple of weeks to benefit the babies.</li>
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<strong><u>Care Calendar Information</u></strong></div>
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Calendar ID: 94874</div>
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<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6395284835520352062.post-60773576175175030902012-01-11T18:54:00.000-08:002012-01-11T18:54:26.455-08:00Big Milestone...32 Weeks<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Today is a very exciting day. We have made it to 32 weeks. Thank you for all of the prayers, we know that is why we have made it this far. Feeling so blessed! So many risks decrease at this point. The babies are estimated to be approaching four pounds and 16+ inches long. So lets run the numbers for fun...that is about 12 pounds and 48 inches of babies in my large belly. Funny to think about, and believe me I am starting to feel it. With each day I become more uncomfortable and am beginning to wonder how much longer my body will hold up. Yesterday, I went to see my OB for my weekly check-up. It was the first time I didn't drive myself to my appointment. My friend, Debbie, was kind enough to drive me and keep me company. I promised myself and several others that I would be completely honest with Dr. Haney about my "aches and pains." Like most people I am guilty of saying, "I feel great!" even when I am wondering how much more I can take. The appointment began with a weight check (which I won't share because it is becoming depressing, I am seeing numbers I never thought were possible) and then the blood pressure check. I was concerned about my blood pressure numbers because I am beginning to swell (the benefit to this is that my wrinkles are filling in). Thankfully my numbers were great. Dr. Haney spend a good ten minutes stressing the importance of heading to the hospital if I felt any changes. So much can change and take a turn for the worse at this point so she wanted to be sure I understood the importance of listening to my body. Because of all of my discomfort and sudden swelling, my doctor felt it would be best if I went over to the hospital for monitoring. After spending over five hours monitoring heart rates, contractions, blood work, and an ultrasound we were thankful to find that our boys are doing well and not showing signs of stress. Home sweet home!!! We had our bags packed just in case we needed to stay. As wonderful as the nurses and staff are at Baptist Hospital ,there is no place like home. Praying that I will be able to continue to "enjoy" my bed rest at home and not at the hospital. </strong></span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Please continue to pray for the babies. Each day is a bonus and will help our babies spend less time in the NICU.</strong></span><br />
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<strong><span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Many of you have requested belly pictures. My goal has always been to avoid pregnancy pictures, for the most part. It is fun to have one or two to look back at but I don't need an entire album :). However, I have reluctantly decided to post the growing belly for all to enjoy.</span> </strong><br />
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Now for the good news. Cassie and the boys have made it to 31 weeks and everything looks great. Baby A is now 3 lbs 6 oz, Baby B is 3 lbs 11 oz and Baby C is also 3 lbs 11oz. Of course as the babies get bigger, the possible range of their actual weight increases. For Baby A it is plus or minus 8 oz, and Baby B and C are plus or minus 9 oz.<br />
Our short term goal is one more week and from there we will take it one week or even day at a time. Cassie's OB doctor did say that she would look at setting a date for delievery when she sees her next week. <br />
Please continue to pray for our family and every aspect of this blessed adventure.<br />
We thank you so much for your prayers and for each of you who has helped us is so many ways during this time.<br />
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<u><strong>Care Calendar Information</strong></u></div>
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<a href="http://carecalendar.org/">http://carecalendar.org/</a></div>
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Calendar ID: 94874</div>
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Security Code: 7373</div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6395284835520352062.post-55890934732893889202011-12-27T11:36:00.000-08:002011-12-27T19:55:07.686-08:0030 weeks<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">It is another big milestone week. Feeling so blessed that God has kept my body strong enough to carry my boys to 30 weeks. Today I visited my OB for my weekly check up. No ultrasound this week, we will have to wait until next week to see our sweet little boys. At my check up we discussed several things and she measured my growing belly. Each day I think to myself, "How can I grow anymore?" When people ask about my size I always tell them my belly is bigger at 30 weeks than I was when I delivered Brock. Today my sweet Dr. Haney confirmed this when she measured the baby belly. After looking back she noted that the day before I delivered Brock (40 weeks) I measured 38 weeks. Well, today I measured 42 weeks. No wonder I feel like I am about to bust. Someone, I believe it is Baby B, is in my ribs. I have a short torso anyway and everything is getting squished. As the nurse so "lovingly" pointed out, I have gained almost 50 pounds. Each time I step on the scale and the number goes up I am so thankful because I know it means these boys are growing too...it isn't just my beach ball belly. Dr. Haney mentioned several times how exciting it is that we have made it to this point. We are thrilled to be at 30 weeks but want to keep going for at least two more weeks. So much can change and can change quickly, so I am to remain on bed rest. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">For some exciting news: we have finally settled on three first names (still working on middle names). Naming one baby seemed so much easier, so it has taken us a little longer to come up with these three names. During our posts we will still be referring to them as Baby A, B, and C. The plan is to wait to decide who is who when they are born. Within the next month or so we will be meeting EVAN, LINCOLN, AND CADE. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Prayer Requests and Praises:</em> </span><br />
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<em><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">*for my body and the amazing strength it is displaying and changes it is undergoing - Praise God!</span></em><br />
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<em><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">*the contractions will stay at a minimum and will stop quickly</span></em><br />
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<em><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">*all three boys will continue to grow at a steady rate</span></em><br />
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<em><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">*for me to keep my fear of a c-section and the recovery in prospective</span></em><br />
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<em><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">*that I will be able to sleep a little more comfortably (I don't expect to be comfortable at this point but I really would like to sleep a little more soundly and for longer stretches at night)</span></em><br />
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<em><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">*Praise God for the strength of my husband. He is an amazing man who has taken on so many new challenges during this pregnancy. His goal is for my only job to be to grow babies. </span></em><br />
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<em><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">*Also, a praise for all of those servant-hearted people who have brought us meals, cleaned, organized, prayed for us, and assisted with Brock. We are so, so thankful for each of you.</span></em><br />
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Wishing you and your family a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!!</div>
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<u><strong>Care Calendar Information</strong></u></div>
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Calendar ID: 94874</div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6395284835520352062.post-86078366724726604722011-12-13T17:31:00.000-08:002011-12-13T17:36:32.932-08:0028 WeeksIt is so exciting each time I can add a week to our pregnancy. Tomorrow will mark 28 weeks, 7 months!!! Each week signifies one week closer to meeting our little guys and having healthy babies. Yesterday I went to two appointments. First I had an ultrasound and met with my high risk doctor. Everything on the ultrasound was encouraging. All three boys are growing and thriving in their cramped quarters. The amniotic fluid level for each baby is good and their heart rates are strong. The estimates on their weight are as follows: Baby A 2lbs 5oz (28% for a singleton); Baby B 2lbs 4 oz (21%); Baby C, our big boy right now is 2lb 11oz (67%). As many of you know, I have always wanted a chubby baby with nice squishy cheeks, so I am holding out hope for baby C. For most of you, two pound babies sound terribly small but for us it is another milestone to celebrate. The high risk doctors and my OB are all encouraged by what they are seeing. My second appointment was with my OB who was finally able to administer my glucose test. Because of the steroid injections, while I was in the hospital, we had to wait a few extra days. The "delicious" orange sugar drink made me a little shaky, nauseous, and gave me a headache. I am anxiously awaiting those results, as it is about a 90% chance a mother of triplets will end up with gestational diabetes before she delivers her babies. Currently, the thought of giving up any type of sugar or carbohydrate sounds pretty rough, but it will be a small price to pay for healthy little ones. I still struggle to eat most meats and am starting to have some morning and evening sickness similar to what I experienced at the beginning of my pregnancy so carbs and fruit are a staple in my diet. <br />
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Today I am home trying to catch up on some rest after my busy day out yesterday. Bed rest sounds wonderful until you are forced into it. I am really trying to follow doctors orders and rest as much as possible keeping the real goal of healthy little boys in mind. Soon I know I will be missing these very quiet days at home. Brock is back in school everyday since I am unable to take care of him for any long period of time. This is best for him, he likes a consistent schedule and is more comfortable this way. <br />
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Receiving help makes me uncomfortable and for this I apologize. However, I have come to the conclusion that Brian and I cannot do this alone and we must accept help. No doubt about it, it is taking a village to get these babies here healthy. Thank you for being a part of the village. There are so many people to thank and to avoid leaving anyone out I am going to give some blanket thank yous. Thank you for the food! We have had so, so many wonderful meals brought to us over the past two weeks. Also, we have received several gift cards to local restaurants. It has taken away that evening stress. Without those of you who have helped with Brock we could not have done it. Brian has taken a new position within Blue Cross and is working downtown as opposed to from home so logistics with getting Brock to and from school have become more complicated. Thank you to all of you who have shuttled him back and forth. As I sit here typing, an amazing women with a true servant heart, who just so happens to be my neighbor, is cleaning my bathrooms. What a gift! When I returned from the hospital I came home to a completely organized babies room. Thank you Annette and Debbie!!! Christy Abell even came over and spent hours decorating our Christmas tree. It is beautiful, and seeing how I spend a lot of time laying on the couch, I get to enjoy it often. My wonderful in-laws have spent several days over the last few weeks helping with Brock and daily household chores. We are so grateful they are willing to make the drive from Chattanooga to ease the burden on Brian. Most of all thank you for your dedicated prayers. We know that God hears all of us and is blessing these babies. <br />
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My dear college friend, Ashlee, has set up a Care Calendar for us. I will post the link below. So many of you ask how you can help; we hope this provides some organization since I am struggling to stay on top of everything. We are overwhelmed and so grateful for all of the care and generosity we have been shown.<br />
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<strong><u>CARE CALENDAR</u></strong></div>
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<a href="http://www.carecalendar.org/logon/94874" target="_blank">http://www.CareCalendar.org/logon/94874</a><br />
(Calendar ID : 94874, Security Code : 7373 ) </div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6395284835520352062.post-16390207593342057052011-12-06T14:20:00.001-08:002011-12-06T14:30:40.614-08:00Home Sweet Home<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Brian, bringing good news.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cassie is home!!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One week after I took Cassie to the hospital to be checked to make sure everything was okay, I was able to bring her home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hopefully she will be here for at least six to eight weeks until she goes back for a planned delivery.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have had enough excitement/scare to last a while.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I, of course, am thrilled Cassie is home for many obvious reasons, but Brock has definitely showed his excitement in ways that bring a smile to Cassie’s face.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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Cassie is on full bed rest, but at least she is in the comfort of her own home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My parents are here and I hope that gives Cassie a couple of days of attention so she can develop a daily routine and doesn’t have to get up for every little thing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The schedule that won’t change for Cassie is that she has to take her Procardia (to control contractions) every six hours.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes, this means she has to set an alarm to wake up at Midnight and 6am!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From Cassie’s experience of sleeping in the hospital, six hours of continuous sleep would still be a blessing.</div>
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Prayers are requested that Cassie adjusts well to being at home with no problems in the near future.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I pray that Brock and I are good nurses and waiters.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have four very important patients to take care of.</div>
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Thanks again for all of the prayers to help get the babies to stay put and healthy and Cassie back home. </div>
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<strong><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><em>Special thank you to my hospital visitors and for the "non-hospital" food you brought. </em></span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><em>Thank you Debbie, Stephanie, Becky, Annette, Jaren, Shelby, Larry, and Clancy!</em></span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><em>Sincerely,</em></span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><em>Cassie</em></span></strong></div>
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<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6395284835520352062.post-44891922399220599572011-12-02T08:39:00.001-08:002011-12-04T15:07:05.395-08:0012/1/11 - Improvement<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Brian again. Yes, that means that Cassie is not quite back in extended typing shape. The good news is that there is improvement since the last update. Cassie is now in an antepartum room so she does not need 24 hour monitoring. Twice each day nurses monitor Cassie for contractions and the babies’ heart rate. There are signs of irritation but what we see on the monitor is normal for anyone carrying triplets. The babies are doing well. She has been taken off all iv drugs. Cassie is excited about no longer being on the Magnesium Sulfate, putting an end to the achy and run-down feeling. Doctors have Cassie on Procardia, an oral medication to help prevent contractions and an antibiotic.</div>
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Cassie is now able to get up to shower once per day, helping her feel that much more like things are getting back to normal, or at least the new normal for her. The unknown part for now is when she will go home. Today her <place w:st="on">OB</place> said she would like for her to stay through the weekend. I think Cassie is just ready to be home so she can get a better, uninterrupted night’s sleep. She is certain she can lie around just as well at home as she is doing in the hospital. One of the motivations Cassie has to follow the doctors orders of “strict bed rest” when she comes home is because the doctor said that if she has to come back in the hospital for complications, she will most likely have to stay until the babies are delivered. </div>
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt;">We greatly appreciate all of the inquiries, well wishes and prayers. Please continue to pray for the growth and health of the boys…..and I guess the same would apply to Cassie for that matter. Brock could use prayers as well as he seems to be acting like he is in need of more time with mommy and daddy. His routine has been altered and as adults we don’t normally handle that well, so I guess I can’t fault a four year old much either. Just talking about Brock can make me emotional so I can only imagine the effect three more is going to have on me. I will love all the “guy stuff” multiplied by four, but that means four times the love and emotion too. It is exciting to think about, but due to these recent events, I will no longer say that I can’t wait for them to be here. I can wait because Cassie knows I need to do some more organizing. Maybe for now I will say that I anticipate the babies’ arrival, but pray it is no time soon.</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6395284835520352062.post-55729042786782695972011-11-30T07:58:00.001-08:002011-11-30T07:58:27.439-08:0011/29/2011 Complications at 26 Weeks<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">This is Brian writing, so I know it will not be as eloquent, but I am stepping up under the circumstances.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cassie will be 26 weeks tomorrow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Monday afternoon we got a major scare and are still in the midst of it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was home from work and Cassie was lying down on the couch. She told me that she was having painful pressure and cramping.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She really didn’t want to call the doctor because she was certain she would make her come in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To be safe, Cassie called and described her situation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The nurse told her to come in to Baptist OB Triage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cassie was smart enough to pack a bag, thinking that by preparing for the worst, she would just be checked-out, everything would be fine and she would be sent home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At the hospital the nurse starts to monitor Cassie’s contractions and the heartbeats of the boys.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was contracting every 30-45 seconds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The nurse said the contractions weren’t big, but caused by an irritated uterus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Before the nurse did any other checks she told us that we would be staying the night at the hospital.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When she checked Cassie’s cervix she was able to tell that it was open and there was pressure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This brought on the emotions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Frustrated and scared were the first ones. We will love these boys beyond measure when they get here, but they do not need to arrive in this world for quite a few more weeks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If I get to pick, a minimum of 6 weeks and we would be happy for 8 more weeks of cooking at this point.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Upon discovering the dilation, the nurse shifted into a faster gear and told Cassie about the wonders of Magnesium Sulfate and all the side effects it would have on her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The point being<span style="color: red;">,</span> to calm everything down, relax the cervix and stop the contractions, but all the while putting Cassie through hot flashes, nausea and as discovered today, body aches.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">From the monitors on the babies and then the ultrasound we were given some good news.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The babies’ heartbeats were good, they looked fine and Cassie’s cervix was still long.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By the way, don’t let all the terms fool you, I am just trying to repeat some of the things I have heard, and it may mean something to half the population.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The good news that the babies didn’t seem too effected by everything going on helped us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Around 7pm Monday night, Cassie had an IV for fluids, Magnesium Sulfate and had been given a steroid injection to help develop the boys’ lungs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At this point I asked the next important question for Cassie….when can she eat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The answer was more bad news….not while on the Magnesium.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I am writing, she hasn’t had real food since 3pm Monday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes, that is a very long time for anyone….especially a beautiful pregnant lady of triplets.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She has been given various other drugs like pepcid and raglan for heartburn and today they added antibiotics.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">It has been an adventure but things do seem to be continually improving.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The same nurse has helped Cassie on the night shift last night and tonight and has been awesome.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cassie was told she would get to stop the Magnesium and may be moved to a step-down room Wednesday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hoping and praying all goes well and that she gets to go home and rest soon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cassie said she is more than willing to just lay around at home just so she doesn’t have to be in the hospital with all the contraptions and to keep the boys cooking as long as possible.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Continue to pray for the babies and Cassie.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Specifically, that all the contractions and irritation will stop, allowing the babies to stay put, growing bigger and healthier as long as possible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And don’t forget to pray for me and Brock, it is time to put our organizational, care-taker, home-manager skills to the test.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I pray that Brock is not adversely affected too much by all the changes now and in the future and I pray that I have the strength, energy, and knowledge to do what needs to be done for my family. No more time for procrastination.</span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6395284835520352062.post-74868042226186384762011-11-18T13:40:00.001-08:002011-11-18T14:54:22.284-08:0011/17/2011 Dr. Appointment UpdateYesterday, I had an appointment with my regular OB and wanted to give you a brief update. Currently, I see both a high risk OB and my regular OB, Dr. Haney, who delivered Brock, and will likely deliver these three boys. Dr. Haney was encouraged by what she saw on the ultrasound report but was still cautiously optimistic. She shared that these babies are viable at this point but we obviously do NOT want them to join the world just yet. The longer they stay inside the better, up to 36 weeks. After 36 weeks they have found that triplets no longer thrive in the womb, and they will deliver them if by a miracle they are still holding on. Of course at that point I'm sure I will be begging to deliver. Prior to looking at the ultrasound and talking to me, Dr. Haney had intentions of putting me on a more restricted bed rest schedule. However, since things are going so well, she has allowed me to stay on my current "mortified bed rest" schedule, resting two uninterrupted hours, on my side, each morning and afternoon. She did encourage me to spend every two or three days doing nothing and laying around most of the day. I know this sounds wonderful to all of you with busy schedules and I am trying to enjoy these quiet, relaxing moments, but I also long for the energy to be up preparing for the arrival of these little ones. So how big am I?...Well maybe someday I will get the courage to post a picture. To put it in prospective, I am 24 weeks and a normal 24 week pregnant women's uterus would measure 24 cm. I currently measure 33 weeks. This measurement has not changed in the last couple of weeks, likely because my little miracles are in line and are spreading out wider. I honestly feel pretty good. It would be great to have more energy but I know that is God's way of keeping me on the couch. If I don't feel like getting up and going then I don't. Thanks for all of your continued prayers.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6395284835520352062.post-51579495763947731522011-11-15T13:36:00.001-08:002011-11-15T20:56:13.618-08:0024 Week Ultrasound<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Today we were excited to see our three little guys. Lots of good news! All three babies are growing and everything looks great. Two boys are head down and one is in the breach position. The approximate weight and percentiles of each baby are as follows:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> Baby A 1 lb 7 oz 52%</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> Baby B 1 lb 5 oz 30%</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> Baby C 1 lb 8 oz 67%</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">These percentiles are very encouraging since they are being compared to singleton babies and triplets are often smaller. We met a new doctor today, who was very encouraged by what she saw on the ultrasound, but like all my other doctors she is also realistic. Just as we have been told several times, this doctor told us that I would likely spend some time in the hospital before delivery (attempting to keep the babies inside a little longer or to more closely monitor my health and the health of each baby). She also shared with us that triplet babies often like to join the world between 28 and 32 weeks. This is pretty scary since we are only four weeks away from 28 weeks. Obviously, everything can change quickly so we will continue to have regular ultrasounds. We hope to update this blog with each doctors visit and with specific prayer requests.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Our Prayer Request</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">(Many of you have asked how you can help. We humbly ask for prayers. We strongly believe in the power of prayer it has given us peace and comfort so many times in the past.)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">1. Babies will continue to grow and develop at a healthy rate</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">2. Cassie's body will continue to provide an ideal home for the babies</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6395284835520352062.post-76002018806254372612011-11-11T07:25:00.001-08:002011-11-15T18:14:07.409-08:00Our Story / Our Testimony<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">We know that many of you are reading this blog to keep up with our triplet pregnancy, but we wanted to give the back story to the current craziness for anyone who doesn’t know.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many of you will understandably want to skip ahead to our pregnancy updates.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Brian and I would consider ourselves planners.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We like the predictable and are most comfortable when things are moving along the way WE have it planned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thankfully God has a better plan for our lives and we have been fortunate to have a front row seat to see His amazing plan play out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just as He promises it ISN’T always the easy road to trust in Him, however, He is always working for the good of those that love and serve Him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Approximately two years after we were married we decided that it was time to add to our family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Things didn’t play out exactly like we had planned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After trying to conceive for over a year we were referred to the specialists at Nashville Fertility.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many, many, many tests and a surgery later it was discovered that I have stage 4 endometriosis (a painful, chronic disease that affects at least 6.3 million women and girls in the U.S.).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can’t speak for Brian but this was a relief to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It explained so many things and gave us a place to start.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I personally like to know what I am dealing with.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am not a fan of the unknown, so if I know what the “problem” is I can work on finding a solution.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We tried some less invasive procedures before realizing that in vitro fertilization (IVF) was our best option.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After several months of consideration and prayer we decided to move forward with our first cycle of IVF.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is not an easy process and takes a toll on both the husband and wife emotionally, physically, and obviously financially.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Brian and I were so fortunate to have so many friends and family praying for us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was a real sense of peace about what we were doing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had a very successful first cycle and have our four year old son Brock to show for it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At that time we were able to freeze 20+ embryos (an almost unheard of number).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Around the time Brock turned two I began to feel like I was ready to go through the IVF process again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since it worked so well for us the first time we were confident it would work again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This time around we once again transferred two embryos.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We felt like we really wanted to surprise people with a pregnancy so we shared the process with very few and hoped we would have exciting news to share with our families.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our second cycle didn’t work and we mourned that loss. We were heartbroken but soon felt a peace about it and were able to enjoy our family of three.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Approximately a year later I told Brian I was ready to try again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This time we told most of our family and friends and asked for them to shower us with prayers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After transferring two embryos we received exciting news that we were indeed pregnant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This excitement was short lived and on my first day back to school after summer break I received the results of my second blood test…we were no longer pregnant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This would be called a chemical pregnancy because it was lost so early but we felt the pain of the loss just the same.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> I can't believe how much you can feel God's comfort and peace when you feel the saddest. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Once again it took me about nine months to feel ready to give IVF another try.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Brian has always been very supportive and has allowed me to really decide when we should try again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Without his continued love and support I would have never been able to make it through these challenging years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Before this cycle started I really felt, in my heart, that this was the last time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had a peace about it (as I always did, even in the failed cycles).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was completely comfortable being the mom of one child or even considering adoption down the road if this IVF round was not successful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My body was telling me that I physically and emotionally could not continue with more cycles after this one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the spring of 2011 we began the process of what I believed to be our fourth and final in vitro transfer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As we prepared we discussed with our doctor the idea of transferring three embryos instead of two.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She agreed and we proceeded.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As with two of my previous cycles, I also had a weekly acupuncture appointment with an amazing acupuncturist.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was not only sticking me with needles but he was also an advisor in many ways.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>During one session I asked him what he thought about transferring three embryos this time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His response, “Well, would you want zero babies or three babies?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At the time it wasn’t even a question…I wanted a baby and if they came in threes I would take it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God heard me loud and clear and 11 days after transfer we received the news that we were indeed pregnant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Feeling a little gun shy from our last cycle we only shared the news with our parents and waited to tell our friends and extended family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After our second positive pregnancy test on July 4<sup>th</sup> we shared the exciting news with our friends and family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At seven weeks we returned to have our first ultrasound.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were thrilled to get our first look at the little girl or guy growing inside of me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because of some bleeding we were also preparing ourselves for the worst.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I stretched back on the table closed my eyes and began to pray that everything was okay and that our little one was still growing strong. Brian on the other hand was leaning in watching the screen intently.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He later shared that he very quickly saw that there were two little sacks; which was a total shock to him since he was convinced that there was only one baby.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I finally began to open my eyes and look towards the screen when the ultrasound technician said, “Congratulations, you have three babies!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Brian's smile expanded and I began to cry and shake a little, not because she said THREE but because everything was okay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I felt such a sense of relief!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As minutes passed and we got a good look at our little guys reality might have started to sink in but mostly we were thrilled to be blessed in such a huge way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">So here we are 23 weeks into our pregnancy with triplet boys and believe me, reality has hit us, but we are still feeling the enormous gift that God has given us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are thankful for this twisted journey that has not only brought us closer to each other but we have always felt the arms of Christ securely surrounding us!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /><span style="font-size: large;"></span></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6