Just WRONG!

I saw this article on facebook this morning, about the use of aborted baby girls’ eggs in IVF. I started writing a response to it and realized it was way too long; best to leave these words for my blog.
I am so ANGRY about this.

I am angry about what science is doing {raping aborted baby girls’ for their eggs—and yes it is rape}.
I am angry about how the article presented infertility and perpetuated common misconceptions.

I am an infertile. Have been, always will be. Infertility had a PROFOUND affect on both my life and Matt’s; in more ways than most people could ever know. I am also the mother of multiples.

The use of the eggs of aborted babies is just…there are no words for how absolutely disgusting and despicable this act is. It is worse than the rape of children. It is the rape of children who were deemed unfit, for whatever reason, to live, but they are some how good enough to become mothers. Because YES, those body parts in a medical waste contain, that were pilfered for their eggs, are mothers.

I had not even ever imagined, not in my wildest, most horrible thoughts, that anyone could ever even conceive of using babies in this manner. I cannot even fathom the depravity of the mind of the individual who came up with such a thought. IT IS WRONG.

The article itself, not the topic, but the article is trash.


IVF does not exclusively equate the use of donor eggs {or sperm}. It does not equate men and women so desperate to be parents that they would be OK with using the eggs of aborted girls. It does not equate parents deciding to murder their children, when they deem that they’ve become pregnant with too many of them. Which is what the article would have you believe.

There are egg {and sperm} donors, adults who are willing to give of themselves in order to provide other couples with the chance of being parents. And honestly, I can’t imagine anyone I know, who has gone through infertility and IVF, who would knowingly or willingly be using such eggs.

I was given the choice to “selectively reduce” my pregnancy, to abort, to kill one of my children. We had families members and friends who honestly asked us whether we would be doing that {obviously, we didn’t}. Yes, it unfortunately does happen, but not as often as you would think.

The article not only misleads people to believe that anyone going through IVF is knowingly using the eggs of aborted babies, but that they are then killing the babies conceived themselves, that they did not want to get pregnant with in the event of multiples.

There is enough hurt and misconceptions about infertility, that there is no need for another such article to paint it in a horrible light.

Back to the topic of discussion:

There is absolutely NO NEED for this to be occurring. There is NO REASON for this to be happening.
THERE IS NO WORLD IN WHICH THIS IS RIGHT!

{and yes, that picture right there, is a 3D ultrasound picture of my triplets at 10 weeks—very much alive and very much human}
{and yes, I am pro-life and pro-infertility treatment}

A Body Worth Loving

You can find this post on my new site at JessicaMWhite.com

Three Years and Four Kids

Three years ago today I received a phone call that forever changed my life, one that I never thought I would get. My usually not-so-friendly nurse at our doctor's office called and was beyond happy and excited, she told me that I was pregnant: I had been getting negative pregnancy tests for 3 days and had stopped testing.

If you had told me then that three years later we would have four beautiful children I would never have believed you. As it was, you could have knocked me over with a feather that day.

Thank you  Lord for these 4 precious little ones!

Henry, James and Elanor's Birth Story: A Natural Childbirth Story of Triplets at 34 Weeks

You can find this post on my new site JessicaMWhite.com. Click HERE.

Updates

Well we have a date on the books, for as much as that actually means: January 9th, with one of the doctors we really like, Dr. J. Now, of course, anything could happen between now and then and it really does mean absolutely nothing.

My next appointment is scheduled for next Thursday (12/29), which seems a little bit too long of a wait, but we're really at the mercy of the doctors' schedules because of Christmas and New Years.

Note to self (and others): Don't have a kid around the holidays.

33weeks 4 day OB Appointment

I'm home for Christmas, unless something happens: YAY! The babies looked good. I didn't get an internal ultrasound, but they did (manually) check my cervix which is soft, but closed and about 2cms long, 50% effaced. That was good.

We finally talked about delivery options and dates. There are only 3 doctors that are comfortable with a triplet delivery, 2 we've never met, the other one we don't like (he's the one that got mad at me when I wouldn't reduce the pregnancy). So, it looks like we're having a c-section.

I'm kind of "ehh" about the idea of a c-section, but there are certainly more pros (although, not as heavily weighted benefits compared to a va.ginal delivery). The big things being that we can chose the doctor, our insurance will cover me being in the hospital for 4 days, which gives us a better chance of the babies all coming home with us, and avoiding having FOUR different co-pays and deductibles to meet. Plus we get a doctor that we like and feel comfortable with.

I also had a steroid shot today to help the babies' lungs. After discussing it for quite some while Matt and I decided we would go ahead with that. Of course someone has to stab me in the butt tomorrow morning.....guess who's doing that? It's not Matt. MIL (who is an RN, and was an OB-RN for almost 30 years) is coming down to give me my heiny-shot in the morning....YAY!

So, it's looking like sometime between January 2 and 9th these babies will be here. I'm waiting for my OB-NP to call me with the doctors schedules to iron out a date. Of course, all of this is speculation and they could arrive before then, but at least we have a plan, what is the saying "Man makes plans and God laughs".

33 Weeks

33 Weeks

Size of Baby: They are measuring now (from head to toe) over 17", and baby center says they weigh over 4lbs each

Maternity Clothes: Clothes are becoming an issue: Nothing feels comfortable over or under my belly, and shirts don't cover up the bottom anymore (even with a wife beater on)

Weight Gain: I'm up to 206 (according to the drs scale), so 12lbs from pre-pregnancy.

Stretch Marks: Yup, and my tummy is itchy too....no matter how much shea butter I use.

Sleep: I think I get up between 3 and 7 times a night.

Best Moment of the Week: Getting sent home from my OB appt on Monday :-D

Movement: Yep. Although mine is getting limited: I'm going to need PT just to learn how to stand upright and walk properly after this :-P

Symptoms: It's not easy being this big lol That and I seem to be crying at the drop of a hat.

Food Cravings: Loving lots of fresh fruits and veggies, but still lovin' sugar too.

Gender: 2 boys and a girl

What I Miss: Being able to move the way I used to, being able to do the things I used to, especially now that it's December and I want to bake and clean and cook and decorate and prepare for the babies.

What I'm Looking Forward to: Each week more the babies stay put!

Weekly Wisdom: I have no wisdom.

Milestones: 21 days until they're guaranteed to be here: However, none of us think I'm going to make it 36 weeks...just because of how big I am getting. We're all just hoping to make it until after Christmas....preferably December 31st or January 1st or 2nd, Matt has his money on the 28th.

Emotions: I'm crying at the drop of a hat. I'm starting to freak out about getting to Albany or being put in the hospital, or reacting to meds for a c-section or delivering in the back of our van.

Measurements: Pre-pregnancy: waist 38", hips 46"
This week: 49.25" waist , 46"hips .

Bare belly pictures to follow...enter at your own risk

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32 Week OB Appointment

It was a really, really long day: I left the house at 9:30 in the morning and didn't get home until 8:15....way too long. Fortunately, my mom went with me and she drove the whole time and insisted I take it easy (gotta love moms).

We got to Albany early enough to have lunch, which I am very glad we did, because my doctor appointments took 3 hours....most of which were mass confusion and a waste of time. They had me scheduled for an NST, but that's virtually impossible on triplets (not to mention they didn't have the equipment in the office to do that). Then I had to go back in because they missed something on the U/S. What really happened was a decimal was put into a report wrong and the MFM thought that Baby A had not only stopped growing, but was losing weight.

The bottom line: My cervix is staying at 2cm or there about (couch rest is working), Baby A is approximately 4lbs 6 oz (no exact weight, because they had a really hard time measuring the head), Baby B is 4lbs 6oz, and Baby C is 4lbs 9oz...awesome weights! They're all measuring right on track for a singleton or a bit ahead. They're breathing and everything looks good.

I had one of my favorite doctors, Doctor J, for my internal today and she said she's on call Christmas week (have to find out when that is), that if I've had enough and want these babies out, just call her up and she'll do the c-section then, if it's the week between Christmas and New Years, I might just take her up on that on December 30th.

The doctors, neither Dr. J or Dr. D (whom I also like) see any issues with delivering any time soon (obviously there would be NICU time), but they're beyond pleased with how the babies look and how I'm doing, and both seem to think that 36 weeks is still a viable goal (depending on how I'm feeling).

I do have to take my blood pressure every day as a precaution, just to monitor if I'm developing pre-eclampsia. I'm to continue resting and eating everything in sight, to pack the weight on these babies.

After my appointment we had some errands to run and returns, and my mother made me do this....I swear, I felt like such a fool. And I kept laughing hysterically the whole time (I admit it was cool though and much more comfortable).

I told my mom it was a good thing we were 2 hours from home so no one would see me. In koh.ls I was in a wheelchair and mom pushed me around, of course, there, we bumped into people we knew....I felt like such a dork.

Pretty much at this point, it's all up to me, and how my body holds up in the next few weeks. Unfortunately, we have nowhere near the help we thought we would have so I'm not able to rest as much as possible (more on that later). But I'm beyond ecstatic that I've made it this far and that the babies are all doing well: OUR GOD IS AN AWESOME GOD!

32 Weeks

32 Weeks

Size of Baby: They are measuring now (from head to toe) about 16.75", and baby center says they weigh approximately 3.75lbs each

Maternity Clothes: Clothes are becoming an issue: Nothing feels comfortable over or under my belly, and shirts don't cover up the bottom anymore (even with a wife beater on)

Weight Gain: I'm up to 202.5, so 8lbs from pre-pregnancy.

Stretch Marks: Yup, and my tummy is itchy too....no matter how much shea butter I use.

Sleep: I think I get up between 3 and 7 times a night.

Best Moment of the Week: Reaching 32 weeks and still being home.

Movement: Yep. Although mine is getting limited: I'm going to need PT just to learn how to stand upright and walk properly after this :-P

Symptoms: It's not easy being this big lol That and I seem to be crying at the drop of a hat.

Food Cravings: Loving lots of fresh fruits and veggies, but still lovin' sugar too.

Gender: 2 boys and a girl

What I Miss: Being able to move the way I used to, being able to do the things I used to, especially now that it's December and I want to bake and clean and cook and decorate and prepare for the babies.

What I'm Looking Forward to: Each week more the babies stay put!

Weekly Wisdom: I have no wisdom.

Milestones: 28 days until they're guaranteed to be here: However, none of us think I'm going to make it 36 weeks...just because of how big I am getting. We're all just hoping to make it until after Christmas....preferably December 31st or January 1st or 2nd, Matt has his money on the 28th.

Emotions: I'm crying at the drop of a hat. I'm starting to freak out about getting to Albany or being put in the hospital, or reacting to meds for a c-section or delivering in the back of our van.

Measurements: Pre-pregnancy: waist 38", hips 46"
This week: 49.255" waist , 46"hips .

Just for a laugh....

32 Weeks with Ave (the day of my shower) and 32 Weeks with the Triplets

31 Weeks - 35 Days to go!

31 Weeks

Size of Baby: They are measuring now (from head to toe) about 16", and baby center says they weigh approximately 3.3lbs each

Maternity Clothes: Clothes are becoming an issue: Nothing feels comfortable over or under my belly, and shirts don't cover up the bottom anymore (even with a wife beater on)

Weight Gain: I'm up to 202.5, so 8lbs from pre-pregnancy.

Stretch Marks: A bit of an understatement and the belly button has all but disappeared too.

Sleep: I seem to be getting up more often at night to go pee and am more tired during the day.

Best Moment of the Week: Getting told I didn't have to go back to Albany for 2 more weeks!

Movement: Yep. Although mine is getting limited: I'm going to need PT just to learn how to stand upright and walk properly after this :-P

Symptoms: Found out there are actual THREE heads vying for the same spot in my hips.

Food Cravings: I think I'm still super crazy about sweets.

Gender: 2 boys and a girl

What I Miss: Being able to move the way I used to, being able to do the things I used, especially now that it's December and I want to bake and clean and cook and decorate and prepare for the babies.

What I'm Looking Forward to: Each week more the babies stay put!

Weekly Wisdom: I think I've watched enough Caillou to last the rest of my life.

Milestones: 35 days until they're guaranteed to be here

Emotions: Last week I had a melt down because no one wanted me around before the shower, because they were all getting things done.

Measurements: Pre-pregnancy: waist 38", hips 46"
This week: 48.5" waist , 46"hips .

Yes, the person with really big boobs now has really tiny boobs, particularly in comparison to the belly.

30 Week OB Visit and Ultrasound and a NICU Tour

We were back in Albany yesterday. We had 8am appointments, which meant leaving home at 5:45am to get there in time and avoid traffic (Ave spent the night at my parents). Instead of a regular growth scan, this time they did a Bio Physical Profile, to check that the babies are practicing breathing, that they're moving and have lots of fluid and room still, and that all looked good: Everything did. Fun fact: Boy A and Little Girl, already have heads full of hair!

They did do a cervix check on me (which I was glad they did). It was down almost a cm from last time (from 3.3 to 2.3). The doctor wasn't too concerned, so I guess I shouldn't be, but I've pretty much decided to put myself on couch-rest (that's not working out too well so far).

I did ask the NP all of my L&D questions.

* I asked about general anesthesia if I was laboring and needed an emergency c-section; She said that if I was laboring to deliver va.ginally the doctor would insist on an epidural, so that I was at least numb and partially prepped for c-section, but no general anesthesia.

*I also asked her who the doctors were that would potentially let me deliver va.ginally and I've only met one of them, and he was the one who got mad at me because I wouldn't reduce the pregnancy.

*She felt comfortable with not seeing me for another 2 weeks, but then we'll be every week.

We also had our NICU consult and tour: Didn't really learn anything new about what would warrant the babies being in the NICU or what to expect depending on when they were born. The doctor was nice (he's a triplet dad himself), but a bit odd.

The tour was good: It was a lot less scary than I thought it would be. We did get to see some of the babies in the NICU, but the doctor couldn't tell us much about them (privacy laws). There was one baby, wrapped up and in an incubator with a quilt over it, that he showed us. I had a hard time finding the baby, that's how small it was. It couldn't have been longer than 12-13": Matt and I were both clutching each other's hand, I just wanted to cry for that poor little baby.

I was glad to get a tour though and to meet 1 of the head doctors and to see what all was going on there and how they operated.

All in all it was a good appointment, but I was warned that I should start bringing a packed bag with me (which I did) in case they admit me at some point and I end up staying for either delivery or a few weeks. I do not want to be in the hospital in December, so I'm trying to do everything I can to avoid that.

30 WEEKS!

30 Weeks

Eek! That seems so major to me, and I'm not really sure why (maybe it's the 3 in front). I'm taking each week as it comes now...my next goal 32 weeks. My long term goal is still 36 weeks, but I know that it could happen at any moment now.

I've been thinking more about a va.ginal delivery. I would really like to go ahead and do that, if I knew that everything was good to go, but knowing that it's up to the doctor on call doesn't help.

Also, I was thinking, if I were to have them va.ginally (which I would not have an epidural or something for) and something happened and I need an emergency c-section, would they use general anesthesia? Question for the doctor on Tuesday. If they would, then I am just going to plan on a c-section, rather than risk general anesthesia.

The closer we get, I'm also becoming a bit paranoid about labor. Not the actual labor or delivery, but going into labor and racing the clock to get to the hospital. I'm really kind of freaking out about that. The closest hospital is 45 minutes away and our hospital is 2 hours. I'm really, REALLY praying that doesn't happen.

Size of Baby: They are measuring now (from head to toe) about 15.7", and baby center says they weigh approximately 3lbs each (my guess is they're a touch over)

Maternity Clothes: Not so much anymore....more of my yoga pants and Matt's shirts

Weight Gain: I'm up to 202.5, so 8lbs from pre-pregnancy.

Stretch Marks: A bit of an understatement and the belly button has all but disappeared too.

Sleep: I seem to be getting up more often at night to go pee and am more tired during the day.

Best Moment of the Week: Being home for Thanksgiving rather than in the hospital!

Movement: Yep.

Symptoms: I have two heads vying for the same spot in my hips and it occasionally feels like a knife is stabbing me because of it. There have been a couple of times a day when I'm breathing just to get through pain. It's not labor, it's just the babies pushing and moving around on everything. I honestly don't think my labor with Ave hurt as much as it does when these kiddos are moving.

Food Cravings: I think I'm still super crazy about sweets.

Gender: 2 boys and a girl

What I Miss: Being able to move the way I used to, being able to do the things I used

What I'm Looking Forward to: Each week more the babies stay put!

Weekly Wisdom: I definitely need to lay down more and more now...just the amount of weight/pressure in my stomach.

Milestones: 6 weeks until they're guaranteed to be here (HOLY CRAP!)

Emotions: A bit more balanced....which isn't saying much for me.

Measurements: Pre-pregnancy: waist 38", hips 46"
This week: 47" waist , 46"hips .....I don't pretend to understand how these babies are growing, but my waist and hip measurement stays the same. My boobs however seem to be shrinking, and I don't think it's in size, but in proportion to my stomach.

{Bare Belly Pictures follow.....you've been warned!}

29 Weeks

29 Weeks

While I know there are now 7 weeks until 36 weeks, the doctor doesn't think I'm going to go much beyond 34 weeks, just because of how big these babies already are. He joked that if I made it to 36 weeks I'll have 25 lbs of baby in my stomach. So, I'm mentally preparing myself for these 3 being here in December, but I REALLY want to get through Christmas with them tucked safe and sound....if not to 36 weeks.

Size of Baby: They are measuring now (from head to toe) about 15", and baby center says 2.5lbs, but we know they're 3lbs, 2lbs 12oz, and 2lbs 14 oz

Maternity Clothes: A little bit, but Matt's "wife-beaters" are coming in handy (wearing them underneath everything so my tummy is covered.

Weight Gain: I'm up to 199, so 6lbs from pre-pregnancy. The dreaded 200 is inevitable, but I'm ok with it, because I know that this is all baby. The doctor said I could gain anywhere from 10-20lbs between now and the babies' arrival.

Stretch Marks: A bit of an understatement

Sleep: I seem to be getting up more often at night to go pee and am more tired during the day.

Best Moment of the Week: Seeing the three of them squirming around. Pass my GTT test!

Movement: Yep.

Symptoms: I have two heads vying for the same spot in my hips (A is definitely in position, but it feels like Little Miss, thinks ladies should be first), and occasionally feel like a knife is stabbing me because of it.

Food Cravings: I think I'm still super crazy about sweets...not good.

Gender: 2 boys and a girl

What I Miss: Being able to move the way I used to, being able to do the things I used

What I'm Looking Forward to: Each week more the babies stay put!

Weekly Wisdom: I definitely need to lay down more and more now...just the amount of weight/pressure in my stomach.

Milestones: 7 weeks until they're guaranteed to be here (HOLY CRAP!)

Emotions: A bit more balanced....which isn't saying much for me.

Measurements: Pre-pregnancy: waist 38", hips 46"
This week: 47" waist , 46"hips .....I don't pretend to understand how these babies are growing, but my waist and hip measurement stays the same.

OB Appt and Ultrasound

Had another appointment today for OB and Ultrasound: All is looking good.

OB was pleased with my weight gain (3lbs in 3 weeks), no swelling, blood pressure was 122/68, and I haven't heard anything about my GTT (Glucose Tolerance Test), so I'm assuming all is good with that. I asked her how much weight gain should I be looking for in the next 7 weeks, she said anywhere between 10 and 20lbs, since the babies are gaining fat now.

Ultrasound was good too: A is 3lbs, B is 2lbs 12 ounces, and C is 2lbs 14 ounces. There doesn't seem to be any signs of IUGR (Intra-Uterine Growth Restriction). They all have good fluid and plenty of room to keep growing. They're all exactly on track for singletons at 28 weeks, and still head down. The doctor didn't think there would be any issues if I were to deliver va.ginally (as far as everyone rushing the "gate" at once or cord or placenta issues).

As for me: Cervix is measuring 3.3cms, which is down 1cm from 3 weeks ago, but the doctor wasn't concerned. No mentions of any sort of restrictions or anything else....so as much as I am able it's business as usual.

I asked the doctor if we would ever discuss delivery, and his response was "if your water breaks or you're having contractions, you're having these babies". To him the goal was 34 weeks, I'm sticking with my goal of 36 weeks. If I have to fight them about not having a c-section/induction until after Christmas I will (unless it's medically necessary), even if it's December 26th. I want to be home, with these babies, Matt and Avelyn, for Christmas.

I guess at this point I've successfully avoided hospital bed rest (yay!) and don't need to worry about it. Now I just have to worry about NICU time.

I go back in 2 weeks for another OB appointment and a BPP (Bio-Physical Profile). Hopefully they can get us into the NICU for a tour and consult then...seeing as I'm 28.5 weeks and still haven't seen the NICU.

On the way home we were talking about how we guess we need to come up with a serious game plan, in the event I go into labor on my own (which I'm really hoping doesn't happen until the very end, and preferably only on the way to the hospital).

Our game plan is really rather funny. If Matt is in town and my water breaks or contractions, he'll be driving to the hospital, with my MIL going with us (in the event things progress really fast she can deliver....it's been a few years, but she's the most qualified person). If Matt is not in town, my dad will be driving with MIL as medical backup, and Matt driving from wherever he is straight to the hospital. Everyone else will scramble on the home front to take care of Avelyn and close the store.

We figure Matt and my dad are the fastest and most qualified drivers (I know my dad will not pull over if he's flagged by a cop for speeding, and with me and how fast Ave's delivery was, that is imperative), and MIL has the medical knowledge of labor and delivery. This Sunday we're going to compile a list of necessary medical supplies and such for the van, and get the van prepped.

I seriously never thought that I needed to think about this stuff, but I guess since the doctors are willing to just let me go, if things happen we have to be prepared for the 2 hour drive. Unless things are really flying fast, then it's just get to O-town and deliver there (which is 45 minutes away).

If we make it to the hospital without babies popping out, then whoever is on call, will make the decision as to whether they allow me to go va.ginally or c-section. If it's a planned delivery, then we'll have a bit more say...but not much. It's still pretty much up to the doctor.

So, I guess at any time these babies could be here: EEK!! I'm not going to lie that really freaks me out, the whole getting to the hospital without them being born especially. I'm just praying that my water doesn't break between now and the end of December. Contractions give us some time to get to the hospital, but water breaking....Ave was born 3 hours after my water broke.

Thank you so much to all of you for all your prayers and well-wishes: Now we just need to make it to the hospital without these little ones being born.

28 weeks

28 Weeks

I feel like 28 weeks is major! From what I can gather the chance of the triplets having life threatening issues drops dramatically (to 10% or something). I honestly can't believe that we're so close to the end now....it's insane! I have another ob/us on Tuesday, which Matt is going with me to. I'm half ready for them to tell me I'm going on bed rest, but the other part of me thinks that everything is going to be holding strong (God willing!).

I'm still absolutely amazed that I'm 28 weeks and am still the way I am. I mean this past week I painted and edged the babies' room! Not to mention that I'm still doing everything per normal with Avelyn and most of the housekeeping. Yes, I'm definitely slower and am certainly taking lots of breaks to lie down and relax, but still. I never expected this. I very much expected to be on bed rest, at least at home.

If I can get a good report on Tuesday and avoid failing my GTT I will be in such awe. God has been beyond awesome and completely blown me away with this pregnancy.

Size of Baby: They are measuring now (from head to toe) about 14.8", and baby center says 2.25lbs, but I'm guessing they're a bit beyond that.

Maternity Clothes: A little bit, but Matt's "wife-beaters" are coming in handy (wearing them underneath everything so my tummy is covered.

Weight Gain: I'm up to 199, so 6lbs from pre-pregnancy. The dreaded 200 is inevitable, but I'm ok with it, because I know that this is all baby....although I'm not quite sure that some of this past weeks gain wasn't from the Halloween candy I ate. I'm expecting to gain about 15-20lbs between now and the babies' arrival.

Stretch Marks: A bit of an understatement

Sleep: Last week I stole the 3" memory foam topper from the nursery (it's for the cheap twin mattress we bought)...oh my goodness....heaven! My hips have stopped feeling bruised and it's so comfy. We ordered a 4" for our bed and it just came today :-)

Best Moment of the Week: Getting the babies' room painted....just have to do the floor this weekend, then next weekend we can move the furniture in and start setting up. Oh, and the beginning of the third trimester!

Movement: Yep.

Symptoms: I'm definitely slower and I've started waddling :-\ I've having more sciatic/low back pain...which I've kind of expected. Also, my ribs are starting to hurt if I sit too much.

Food Cravings: I think I'm still super crazy about sweets...not good. Second GTT this coming week....I hope I pass, but I'm dreading that I won't.

Gender: 2 boys and a girl

What I Miss: Being able to move the way I used to

What I'm Looking Forward to: Each week more the babies stay put!

Weekly Wisdom: I definitely need to lay down more and more now...just the amount of weight/pressure in my stomach.

Milestones: 8 weeks until they're guaranteed to be here (HOLY CRAP!)

Emotions: A bit more balanced....which isn't saying much for me.

Measurements: Pre-pregnancy: waist 38", hips 46"
This week: 47" waist , 46"hips Matt was teasing me about almost being as big around as I am tall.

Bare Belly Pictures....You've been WARNED!

27 weeks

27 Weeks

Size of Baby: They are measuring now (from head to toe) about 14.5", and baby center says 2lbs, but we know these guys were at 2lbs a few weeks ago.

Maternity Clothes: Yupperooski

Weight Gain: I'm up 3lbs from my prepregnancy weight...wondering if it was all that Halloween candy this past week...have to be good!

Stretch Marks: Yea, they're getting a bit crazy.

Sleep: I've found that a pillow between my knees and a small one under my belly help immensely. It also really helps when I have the bed to myself :-P

Best Moment of the Week: Managing to get our c-section class AND hospital tour in one shot...no having to go back up for another date.

Movement: Yep.

Symptoms: I think I've started waddling :-\ I've having more sciatic/low back pain...which I've kind of expected. Also, my ribs are starting to hurt if I sit too much.

Food Cravings: I think I'm still super crazy about sweets...not good. Second GTT in 1 week...yikes!

Gender: 2 boys and a girl

What I Miss: Being able to move the way I used to

What I'm Looking Forward to: Each week more the babies stay put!

Weekly Wisdom: Sitting for long periods of time is not good.

Milestones: 9 weeks until they're guaranteed to be here (HOLY CRAP!)

Emotions: A bit more balanced....which isn't saying much for me.

Measurements: Pre-pregnancy: waist 38", hips 46"
This week: 47" waist , 46"hips Matt was teasing me about almost being as big around as I am tall.

26 weeks

26 Weeks

Size of Baby: They are measuring now (from head to toe) about 14", and baby center says 1.75lbs, but we know these guys are at 2lbs.

Maternity Clothes: Yupperooski

Weight Gain: I'm back at my prepregnancy weight...everyone is quite happy about that :-P

Stretch Marks: A few new ones, above my belly button...there seems to be a new one every day.

Sleep: Not so good lately. I'm having a harder time getting comfortable at night, it's hard with Matt in the bed. I usually fall really asleep around 4:30 or so just around when he leaves. I've been getting up at 12:00, 1:15, and 2:30, to go pee...ridiculous.

Best Moment of the Week: Ultrasound on Monday, and knowing that my body is still going strong. Believe me, that was a huge weight off of my mind.

Movement: Yep.

Symptoms: I think I've started waddling :-\ I noticed the sore crotch is worse in the morning, I put a pillow between my knees last night and that seemed to help.

Food Cravings: I think I'm still super crazy about sweets...not good. Second GTT in 2 weeks...yikes!

Gender: 2 boys and a girl

What I Miss: Being able to move the way I used to

What I'm Looking Forward to: Each week more the babies stay put!

Weekly Wisdom: my days are quickly numbered

Milestones: 10 weeks until they're guaranteed to be here.

Emotions: A bit more balanced....which isn't saying much for me.

Measurements: Pre-pregnancy: waist 38", hips 46"
This week: 46" waist , 46"hips (LET THE GROWTH BEGIN!)

Pardon my hair, I was outside playing in the snow with Ave :-)

OB/US Apppointment

Had another appointment today for an OB check up, as well as an ultrasound. My mom went with me, which was good, because the doctor was able to directly address my mom's concerns about my not gaining weight.

OB Appt
Everything looks good: My blood pressure was 118/70, no issues with my urine sample, they were pleased with my weight. I asked the doctor a list of questions. There are no concerns with my weight, she addressed how I started out over weight and they would be pleased to see me gain between 15-45lbs, but definitely not more and less is better.

I asked about what to do in an emergency, since we're 2 hours away: Get to the closest hospital ASAP, they can always transfer me. Particularly since I had Ave so quickly their concern is that I would end up delivering before getting to Albany. At least in O-town (1/2 way point there and where Ave was born) they would be able to handle the immediate situation, then transfer me/us.

Ultrasound Appt
Baby A is 2lbs, Babies B and C are 1lb 14oz. They all look awesome, fluid is good, everything else looks good. Hard to believe there is already almost 6 lbs of baby in there!

Everything looks good with me. My cervix is holding at 4.6cm+/-: The doctor was rather impressed/pleased that at 25 weeks with 3 I still have what is considered to be a normal cervical length [for anyone, not just a preggo person].

Now, here's the fun part! The U/S tech was the one I had in July that was so awesome (her friend had just had triplets a year ago, and already had a little girl 2 years old), she managed to get a group shot of the babies' heads.

And here's the REALLY fun part: All three babies are head down. I know, big deal, right? You're having a c-section anyways. Well, we found out that certain doctors in this practice will let you have triplets vaginally, not many, but a couple. The tech's friend is one who did have them vaginally, and there have been a couple others too, all of them successful.

So, no one is discussing delivery until December, but it might be possible to have these babies va.ginally; which would just about be awesome in my opinion! I'm really very nervous of a c-section (the risks to me and the babies etc), and while I will not do anything that may risk/harm the babies, the fact that a va.ginal delivery could possibly be an option is FANTASTIC.

All is good and I go back in 2 weeks for an OB visit, then 2 weeks after for another OB and US. After that we'll be going every week. The Lord has been beyond phenomenal, I couldn't even believe how good everything was today!

25 Weeks

25 Weeks

Size of Baby: They are measuring now (from head to toe) about 13.5"

Maternity Clothes: Yupperooski

Weight Gain: Down only 2lbs from my pre-pregnancy weight. Asking the doctor on Monday about my not gaining...if for no other reason, than to calm my mother.

Stretch Marks: A few new ones, above my belly button...there seems to be a new one every day.

Sleep: Sleep is good, but I'm seemingly having to get up more and more during the night and it's becoming harder and harder to get out of bed. I do have to have something under my stomach, otherwise the weight there just pulls on my back and hips.

Best Moment of the Week: Getting a massage....my awesome massage therapist brought in her chair, so that I wouldn't have to lay on the table.

Movement: Yep.

Symptoms: Saddle sore.....I feel like I've been riding a horse or bike for ages. I can't walk very fast and sometimes it just feels like my pu.bic bone is splitting in half.

Food Cravings: none really....trying to up my intake of veggies though, and decrease my sugars

Gender: 2 boys and a girl

What I Miss: Getting up and down and out of anything without it being an ordeal. It's a really good thing our bed is wrought iron and solid

What I'm Looking Forward to: Each week more the babies stay put!

Weekly Wisdom: my days are quickly numbered

Milestones: 11 weeks until they're guaranteed to be here.

Emotions: A bit more balanced....which isn't saying much for me.

Measurements: Pre-pregnancy: waist 38", hips 46"
*I'll have to update this later, because I haven't taken a picture or measured*
This week: " waist , "hips (LET THE GROWTH BEGIN!)

Food Police

It's not easy having a bunch of health-nuts in your family. My mom's older brother (who doesn't have kids) is into a totally gluten-free, soy-free, everything-free, vitamin popping, supplement swallowing life style (it's even what he does for a living). My mom isn't far from that, particularly since all the health issues my dad and sister have had in the past year. They too live gluten-free, sugar-free (using only a smidge of natural sweeteners..honey, raw sugar), and now soy-free (since my sister has a soy allergy).

Needless to say I'm tired of it, only because everyone is constantly on my case about what I'm eating, if I'm taking my vitamins, if I'm eating enough, and right on down to the babies and what they'll eat after they are born.

My uncle is emailing my mom saying that I should've been done with the vitamins we bought from him by now, am I even taking them. If I'm not going to breast feed AND have a c-section I need to be taking probiotics (I take mega-acidophilus to ward off yeas.t infections). That soy-formula is terrible because it can cause immune and allergy issues later in life.

I take 1 packet of his vitamins a day, at night, because they make me sick (you're supposed take them 2 [in his opinion 3 or 4] times a day). My stomach has always been sensitive to vitamins and his are so potent they're even worse. I do take my other PNV in addition to his. As for breastfeeding....I'm going to do my best, just like I did with Ave. We didn't use a soy-formula with Ave (we used Earth's Best Organic): HOWEVER, try finding any formula regardless of how cheap/expensive/medical/hypo-allergenic etc that does not have some amount of soy in it.

I'm just really feeling very attacked by everyone. I know they mean well and are only concerned for my well being and the babies, but I've about had it. They've instituted a policy at the store that if I come in, someone is going to ask me when I last ate, and what I want to eat, then make it for me. Great!

I do eat! I know it isn't as much as I should, but I do and I eat healthy. My mom particularly is freaking out because I haven't gained any weight, and I only have 11 weeks left, at that, of being pregnant. I've been overweight since puberty. I should weigh about 130-140 lbs (on the high end) just before I got pregnant I was 194...that's 50-60lbs overweight. Yes, I'm looking skinnier (my arms, face, legs, etc) BUT that extra weight has now been replaced by babies. The doctors aren't concerned. If you adjusted what my current weight is minus a healthy weight (190 minus a healthy 150lbs) I've gained 40 lbs so far, which is good. No one, but the doctor, is looking at it that way.

It just makes me want to be around family less and less (between food and work). I'm just getting really frustrated and I think my tolerance levels are dwindling as my comfort level decreases too.