Kangaroo Care

Rebecca Holding Alexa on 7/10/08




























Eric holding Josiah













Rebecca holding Alana on 7/11

Am I cute or what?

All parents think that their own children are the cute and adorable. Even an ugly baby is cute to their family. However, little Alana is turning to be quite adorable even from an unbiased opinion. She had a Kangaroo care session with Rebecca today which is basically the baby lying on the chest, skin to skin. It is very calming to both parent and child. Literally, you can watch their heartrate drop from 190 to 160 in just moments.

After the Kangaroo care, she was wide awake and playing. I was able to snap the most adorable picture of Alana with her eyes wide open and starting to crack a smile (bottom picture). Let me know, but I think she is cute even if you take away my biased parental opinion.

The Babies are back in SF!!!

Yah! We are so excited to have all 3 of the babies back in SF! They are only a 10 min. drive away rather than an hour. This is my first post (Rebecca) since all this craziness began. I am back home resting and trying to recover. Each day I am growing stronger and stronger and seem be getting better slowly but surely. I just want to thank everyone for all of your prayers, visits, phone calls, emails, texts, and thoughts. This has been an overwhelmingly scary experience but God has been right there with us the whole time. He is so good and Eric and I are in complete awe of these amazing gifts that God has given us (or shall I say "loaned us"). They are so precious and it truly is an indescribable joy! When we first found out that we were having triplets my first reaction was, "God, why me?" I felt like I was being punished. But, last night Eric and I were realizing that now our reaction is, "God, why me? Why have you chosen to bless us so incredibly much?" We are so undeserving. We truly are in love with each one of these 3 precious miracles.
We also know that everyone wants to come and see the babies. Santa Clara Kaiser had big windows that you could come and look through and actually see the babies. However, SF Kaiser doesn't have any windows and they do not allow visitors, other than parents. So, as much as I know everybody desires to come and visit the babies in the hospital, it really isn't possible at this time. They are all in the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) and are still under very intense care. So, if anyone wants to come visit me (Rebecca), that would be super! I know I am not as exciting to visit now that the babies are here, but I would still love company! :) Once the babies are home and strong enough we will be ecstatic to have you all come over and visit. Trust me, you will not be able to come by without holding, feeding, and changing a baby! :) We will need lots of help at that time!
FYI, the babies are all doing really well. They did an ultrasound of their hearts yesterday and they all have a slight "heart murmur", which means they are putting them on some medication to help close a valve in their heart that didn't close before they were born. So, please pray that the medication works and the valves all close. They also are getting a head scan today to hopefully rule out any brain bleeding that may have occurred due to them being born so early. So, please pray that they would all come back with excellent reports. Prayer is our best and only defense! We have realized that this is all so out of our control and that it's only by God's grace that we have come this far. So, keep those prayers coming!!!

Feeding and Caring for the Jardines

FOAAJ:
(Friends of Alexa, Alana & Josiah)

Many of you have asked how you can help Eric & Rebecca. Great, because they are going to need it! I'm coordinating meals and other helps. For now, Eric's Mom is in town until Thursday night, so she can help this week. When she leaves, we'll begin coordinating some meals, and also a carpool. Rebecca can't drive while she recovers from her C-section, and Eric is trying to put in some days at work, so she'll need rides to and from the hospital to see the babies, and some assistance with errands, etc. Please email me at susan.kostal@gmail.com, and I'll let you know what needs to be done. I'll post unmet meal and ride needs here as they arise, but don't feel like you need to wait to see it on the blog to offer! We'll need all the FOAAJs we can get!

Josiah, Lexi and Alana

The girls are doing incredible. Lexi & Alana are off the respirator and only on a small oxygen support. They are starting to take to small amounts of feedings. They still have IV pic lines to provide fluids and protein. The babies are right around their birth weights which is normal. The top picture is Alexa with Rebecca's hands helping cradle her. She was sleeping just like me with her hand under her cheek. Alana is the next picture with her little bum poking up in the air and a big diaper.




Josiah is still in need of the most support. He is off in the intubation respirator but is still on a mini respirator that keeps him breathing with regularity. The risk is that he forgets to breathe for a few seconds. Thankfully, he is the biggest of the three. Premie boys also always have the more trouble than premie girls. Keep him in your thoughts and prayers. He is in the bottom picture with my hand on his head.

Rebecca came home from the hospital today and she has recovered very well. She is not supposed to drive for two weeks so she might need some shuttling around. Let Susan or Rebecca know if you want to help. With my mom in town, we are pretty good for this week.

My Mom came into town Sunday morning and is pretty excited to offer help which we are grateful for. She is now a pro at navigating SF streets and even getting good with the San Jose area too!

I am already reaping the benefits of three babies!! Bill and I went to buy a camcorder at Best Buy and the sales rep gave me a great deal on a price match that he normally would not have done. I got a Newegg.com price at Best Buy which equates to almost 25% off! We got into Costco after they closed b/c we said that we had triplets just a few days ago. I can't wait to take them to church, work and down Irving street and show them off. Going to be a few months for that but it sure will be fun then..

More Pictures

Alana is in the one holding my finger. Alexa is in the one with my hand in the background. Both are on July 2nd, day 1.

PS I just sneaked a quick 5 am visit to the nicu.. Was going to just deliver some milk but ended up visiting the kids for a short while. SHH, don't tell anyone...

Personalities

We love them so much already and are still in awe of the blessing of three babies.
All babies were baked by the blue Jaundice light yesterday and two are already off it. It is pretty common for premies. They all got their first hint of breast milk today. They are still getting nearly 100% of fluids and nutrition via the IV pic line but the milk is a good start. Today, they are injecting the kids caffeine. The nurses joked that they are getting a Starbucks at only a few days old! The pictures are only of Alana. I am having trouble getting the pictures off my camera but should be able to get more online later tonight.

Josiah, Little Joe is our little monkey. He has my(Eric's) arms. We got a picture of him laying down and it looks like his arm is almost longer down to his knee! He still requires the most ventilator assistance but looks great. He is strong and HUGE, especially in comparison to his sisters.

Alana is the most active and feisty. Here is a pic of her only a few hours old reaching out for my finger and Rebecca playing with her little foot. I am scared to think if she is kicking this much now she is going to be a handful once I am chasing her around the house in a few years. Her soccer skills might help pay for her college at the rate she is going!

Alexa or Lexi is chill for the most part but has some of her twin sister's activity. Last night she was moving around her arm which has a big pic and splint attached to it. Considering her mass, this is like me waiving a fifty pound dumbbell over my head. She is strong as well.

We are hoping to hold the kids soon. Rebecca has only had the opportunity to hold Josiah when he was only 12 hours old. The babies are all back to their birth-weights which is another positive sign as they normally loose weight in the first couple days. Please continue to pray for them. On Wednesday, the Dr will do a scan for spinal chord bleeding. This is the next major test for our kids as it will highlight any potential brain problems.

Rebecca might get discharged from the hospital on Sunday or Monday. She is doing well but fatigues very easily. She is so strong and so determined to recover quickly. She is already an incredible mother and her connection with the kids has been a blessing to just watch. It is going to be tough to leave the hospital because the kids will stay here for some time after we leave.

Help, yes we need some but don't really know what or how. Eventually, once the babies come home from the hospital, we can use help with feedings and meals. I'll get info on who will coordinate that soon. We will be at Santa Clara for at least a week, maybe more. The facility here is incredible, new and even has free valet parking! It makes rotating cars on O'farrell look like madness in comparison. The babies will go back to SF eventually. That is going to be the doctors call. We do have some friends in San Jose that we can stay with and Rebecca's sister is in Gilroy which is not too far away.

Thanks to everyone for visiting and calling. Don't be afraid to email, text or call. Since the babies are in the NICU, we can show you them through the windows but might not able to take you into the room. They are cute, even from the Window distance.

And Babies Make 5: OUR BIRTH STORY!

Our birth story reconfirms God's hand in our babies’ lives. He has worked beyond our best expectations in the last 48 hours.

We got to Kaiser around 7:30 PM July 1. The whole way there, I was joking with Rebecca that this was just a dress rehearsal. Just practice. We were both a little nervous. I nearly missed the turn to the hospital; I hadn’t planned out the route. You’d think an expectant father would be more prepared! I thought, of course, we’d have more time to work out such details.

They admitted Rebecca, and I took a picture of her in the hospital bed. Hey, I joked, this will be a practice picture, and a great joke for the blog. The staff began to monitor the babies, who were fine. While we came in because Rebecca had been having contractions, the staff conducted some blood tests on Rebecca, and took her blood pressure. Her blood pressure was high, and her blood work was off; she’d had a decline in her platelets. This raised some red flags. “We’re gonna want to keep you for a few hours” they told us.

About midnight, they did more blood work, and took her blood pressure, hoping both would have improved. They didn’t. In fact, things were getting worse, on both counts. “You’re going to stay the night,” they said, and so we settled in. Rebecca was suffering from HEELP syndrom which is a severe form of pre-eclampsia, a serious complication that includes high blood pressure, protein in your urine, and damage to the mother’s kidneys, liver and other vital organs. They gave Rebecca a shot of steroids to help the babies develop faster in her womb. The plan was to wait and watch, and give her another steroid shot in 24 hours.

Looking back, we did not have a full appreciation of what was happening behind the scenes that night. A full squadron of medical professionals were assembling. Around 5 AM, just as Rebecca had gotten somewhat comfortable and started to doze off, the medical team came in. “We want to do an emergency C-section,” they said. When, we asked? I had thought we might have these babies in 24 hours; at least they’d wait for the morning shift to come on in a few hours! “15 minutes.” As it turns out, Rebecca’s blood count was moving in a very negative direction, quickly. We didn’t have much choice. Rebecca’s parents were at the hospital. Folks had already been praying for us. Rebecca’s mantra, as she went into surgery, was “Peace--I can do all things through God who gives me strength.” She kept repeating this over and over, until the general anesthesia took over.

The babies were delivered at 6:19, 6:20, and 6:21 AM. I was in the waiting room with Rebecca’s parents. We heard a call go out for more blood for the OR, which made Rebecca’s Mom nervous. Soon, we saw the babies go by on their way to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Still no word on Rebecca. We were calling and texting people to pray. There was still no word. This was getting scary. We had asked twice about her condition, and had heard nothing. As it turns out, Rebecca’s low platelets meant her blood couldn’t clot, and she was hemorrhaging in surgery. She was given 6 units of blood (the average human has about 10 pints or 14 units). I said to everyone, we need to pray... Bill and Glenda(Rebecca's parents) Edwin(Pastor) and Mary were in the room and we prayed, Lord, be with her, help her, save her. Thirty seconds later, there was a knock at the door. She was doing all right, but there were other complications that made it difficult to close her. We were able to go see the babies in the NICU, but still Rebecca was not out of surgery. A normal c section takes 45 minutes and she had been in surgery for nearly 3 hours! Things were a bit of a nerve-wracking blur. For instance, I couldn’t remember which baby girl got which middle name! Luckily, Bill had them stored on his mobile phone, and we later confirmed with Rebecca we’d gotten it right.

Finally, the physicians were able to get a handle on things, the surgery was completed, and Rebecca was moved to a recovery room. God was just over us in so many ways. The support of everyone who was praying was just incredible. In particular, I want to thank our friend and prayer warrior, Marge. Rebecca lived with Marge for three years while she was in dental school. Marge has an amazing perception of the Holy Spirit moving her to pray. She may only call every 3-4 months, but it’s always at the right time. The day after Rebecca had her car accident three years ago, Marge called. “I was thinking about you and just wanted to see how you were.” The day after we found out we were having triplets, Marge called to see how Rebecca was doing. Rebecca's response that day was, it is funny that you called today.. And Tuesday, July 1, Marge had called. She had some food for Rebecca and I and wanted to see how she was doing. Marge was the first person, after my parents, that I called that night when things looked grim. If there was one person I wanted to have praying for Rebecca, it was Marge.

As you may know, Rebecca herself was a preemie. She was born in 1976, at 2 pounds 8 oz, when her own mother had a version of pre-eclampsia. Rebecca’s survival was so amazing, she even made the local paper as a miracle baby. That strength and fighting spirit serves her well now. She’s still in pain, but she’s so tough, so strong! The doctors are telling us she is doing great. While her blood pressure is not yet at a normal level yet, they expect it to be soon.

Rebecca didn’t get a chance to see the girls before their transfer to Santa Clara. But Josiah, “Joe,” our biggest baby, but also the one who seemed to need the most medical assistance, couldn’t be transferred until he was stabilized. This meant Rebecca got to go down to the NICU and hold him. It was so, so beautiful. She just immediately connected with her son, and was so at peace, even while holding this super, super-frail baby. Eventually, Joe was also transferred (each baby had their own ambulance and medical team onboard). Rebecca was transferred Thursday afternoon. I grabbed some clothes, and followed the family to Santa Clara, checking in with friends and family en route.

So, we’re in Santa Clara! Rebecca will be hospitalized here 2-3 more days. The babies will be hospitalized until at least August 20. (Had they been full term babies, they wouldn’t be due to arrive until September 21). Texting is the easiest way to communicate. We’ve got our iPhones with us, so phone and email works, too. We’re open for visitors, as long as the crowd’s not too large. The babies will have breathing tubes for a few more days but they are getting lower settings of air with each pasing day. The Docs continue to be optimistic.

Please continue to pray for the babies. They have many challenges ahead of them. But we give thanks for the peace of what we have, right now. God's hand has been consistent through this entire process. Romans 4:4-5 is the verse that has been in my head for the last two weeks. I truly feel like He has done more than I could have ever dreamed of. I am in awe of His work in three beautiful, precious children!

Special thanks to Susan Kostal for taking incredible notes from my phone call on the way to Santa Clara... This is her Ghost writing for me. More eloquence and detail than I ever could have included.

PS: we will be staying in Santa Clara for next couple days. They want to transfer the babies back to SF once space is available.

Details

This just in from Eric:
Pictures and details as:

Alana Ciara
1lb 15 oz
6:20am

Alexa Leona
2lb 2 oz
6:21am

Josiah Bryson
3lb
6:19am





Girls are en route to kaiser Santa Clara for space reasons.

Boy & Mom are at Kaiser San Francisco on O'Ffarrell & will transport to Santa Clara as soon as we can.

All are recovering.

Praise the Lord!!!

They're Here!

Alexa, Alana and Josiah were born on Wednesday, July 2 at 6:19, 6:20 and 6:21 AM. I don't have which weights belong to which baby, but they came in at 1 pound 15 oz, 2 pounds 2 oz, and 3 pounds even. Eric sounds good; Rebecca is still recovering from the delivery. They went to the hospital last night around 7 PM. Rebecca had been having pretty regular contractions for about two hours. Eric zipped home from work, grabbed some food, and they were off. We had our small group last night at their home in their absence, and had the opportunity to help pray the babies into the world (though we didn't know it at the time!).

The babies will be transferred to a Kaiser facility in Santa Clara, as apparently the San Francisco facility has no room at the moment. Eric says all the babies are doing well, considering. Praise God! And please continue to pray for the babies and Eric & Rebecca. I'll post photos ASAP.
--Susan Kostal

The Big 5-0!!! (28 Weeks!)

This week I hit the big 5-0 mark! That is, I've gained 50 pounds! I am a bit shocked at how much weight I've gained, but I guess if I want "big" babies I gotta gain the weight. So, I am willing to do whatever it takes! As of today, we are 4 weeks from our 32 week goal due date! Can you believe it? There are days when I wonder if I can make it, but I am hoping to not only make it to 32 weeks, but to hopefully make it an additional couple of weeks past that! The longer the muffins stay in the oven the less time they will have to spend in the hospital! So, stay in there babies!!!
This week has been filled with family and friends coming to visit! It's been great! I love the company and it helps keep me sane. My "outings" are getting less and less, especially since walking to the bathroom (400 times a day) seems to get me winded!
We are slowly but surely getting the babies' room put together. My mom has graciously offered to pre-wash their clothes, blankets, etc. So, yesterday we went to Vallejo and sorted through all the clothes and stuff, and man alive do we have a ton a stuff! It's quite overwhelming! I have no idea where we are going to put all of it! I guess we'll figure it out. My mom is going to come over this week and we are going to start putting the clothes into the dressers and finding a home for all of this crazy baby stuff! I hope we'll have space in the room for the babies!

Earthquake!!

The babies are usually just lying around chilling out and then there is the occasional earthquake! Every time Rebecca laughs her belly shakes with varying degrees. The video below is just some minor tremors. Rebecca had a deep belly laugh that was probably magnitude 7 on the Richter scale yesterday at her parents house. Poor babies were wondering when the shakes would pass!

27 Weeks and Growing!

As of Sunday, I was 27 weeks, which is less than 5 weeks to our first goal due date! Yikes! I can't believe how fast time is flying! We've gotten so much done already but there is still lots to do to prepare for these 3 lil ones. But, I know it'll all get done eventually...
I am sitting in my new rocker recliner that was loaned to us from my Nana. My parents were so great to drive to Napa to pick the chair up and then to drive to SF to drop it off at our house. It's super comfy and since I haven't been sleeping very well in bed it's a good second option for when I am wide awake in the middle of the night. In fact, last night I came and laid in the chair from 1-2am while I tried to fall asleep. It helps take the pressure off of my shoulders and hips while I rest. I also feel bad because I feel like every time I get up or roll over in the middle of the night I wake my poor husband up. So, I am hoping to start and end the night in my bed, but the chair is good for in the middle of the night when I can't seem to get comfortable or get back to sleep.
As of this past week, I feel like my body is declining quite rapidly. I am feeling the need to rest more and more and my ability to do things is getting less and less. As of yesterday, I had gained 48 pounds and it's getting really heavy! I feel like I need a wheel barrel to carry this big ol belly! I told Eric it's like carrying a 48 pound medicine ball around wherever you go. Then, lay down and put the medicine ball on your tummy and try to get up...quite challenging! I feel like one of those bugs, with all the legs, that if they end up on their backs their legs just flail in the air because they can't roll over...that's me! :)

26 Week Ultrasound

Yesterday was our 26 week "big" ultrasound. Since they are getting so big and so squished it's getting harder to get good pictures. So, unfortunately, we only got a few pictures this time and they aren't that great. Sorry! Every time we have an ultrasound I ask, "Is there still 1 boy and 2 girls?" She said she's "pretty darn sure" that there is 1 boy and 2 girls. We are trying to decide on names so the sexes are pretty important. Anyway, it was a good appt. The doctor said the babies are all growing well. He said I am doing much better than he was expecting at this point. He still is very impressed with my cervix! I have no idea what that means and I don't think I have any control over it, but I guess it's one of the most important things they watch to determine how likely pre-term labor is. I still am not on any official bedrest, just "limited activity". So, the doctor says to keep doing whatever it is that I am doing, which is "resting" for a good portion of the day. I have had to start relying on friends to help me do errands. Thankfully, its been great to be able to get rides (and company) to the various places I need to go. Thanks Susan, Elisa, and especially Paula! You have helped me tremendously!!!
I was hoping that all 3 of the babies would be at least 2 pounds, but Eric says they "average" over 2 pounds so that counts! :) Their weights are :

Baby A: 2 pounds 6 ounces
Baby B: 1 pound 14 ounces
Baby C: 1 pound 13 ounces

Keep growing babies!!!

Happy Father's Day! (26 Weeks)

I have such a wonderful husband! Today was his first "unofficial" Father's Day and he spent the day taking care of me. He is such a servant and is going to be an amazing dad! He's been taking on most of the household responsibilities, including cooking, cleaning, laundry, and grocery shopping. I feel so bad because I want to help, but physically my body doesn't want to cooperate. Each day is getting more and more challenging physically. I went to Kaiser on Friday to pick up some wrist splints because I have apparently developed "carpal tunnel syndrome" from swelling and weight gain. So, my fingers are constantly aching and numb. It's really weird. I've been trying to wear the wrist splints at night since that is when they are the most painful. I am hoping it'll work! Anyway, when I got in the elevator at Kaiser, a lady said, "Wow! It looks like you're about ready to have that baby!" Then, when I got to the nurse's office (who knows I am pregnant with triplets) she says, "Yep, you're looking about 40 weeks!" So, I am officially HUGE! Well, I know I am only going to get bigger and it's a good thing. The bigger I get, the bigger the babies get! We have another "big" ultrasound this Wed. and it'll be fun to see how much bigger they've gotten. We are hoping that they each will be at least 2 pounds! We'll keep you posted!

A Circus in my Tummy! (25 Weeks)

Just when I think the babies are as active as they could possible be they "kick" it up a knotch and surprise me! Last night, in the middle of the night while I was trying to sleep (which is rare these days), the babies started kicking and punching and rolling around like crazy. Because I was so tired and getting up out of bed is such a big ordeal, I tried to just lay there and ignore them and hoped they would settle down and I could go back to sleep. After a while of unsuccessfully ignoring them, I realized that I was very hungry (which I was also trying to ignore). I asked Eric to make me some oatmeal. (He's so great!) As I laid there, the circus in my tummy continued to go on without stopping and finally when the oatmeal was ready I sat up and ate it. Sure enough, a few minutes after eating they started to settle down and eventually they all were silent and went back to sleep. So, we are already learning that when they are hungry there's no messing around...just feed them!!!
I had a doctor's appt. last Wed. and everything looked good. They did a glucose tolerance test which I passed with flying colors. This tests for gestational diabetes, which is a much higher risk when carrying multiples. They also checked my blood cell count and sure enough my red blood cell count was low, which means that I am slightly anemic. I am not surprised since my blood volume has doubled 100%! So, I have started taking iron supplements and that should help. No wonder I have been so tired, recently. Although, even after taking the iron I don't feel like I have much more energy. I keep hoping for this huge burst of energy, but I don't think that is going to happen...Oh well!
I've had quite a few visitors, recently, which has been really nice. Paula came over on Friday and took me to run a few errands and Elisa came by on Monday and also took me to run some errands. My mom came over last Wed. and helped me sort through some of the stuff in the babies' room. So...keep coming! It really helps to have people come by and either help me to do something or to just keep me company. I really appreciate it! You might even get to see and feel a baby doing a circus act! :)

Baby Boom?

We host a bible study at our house every Tuesday night. A couple of years ago when we first started going to the group there were no kids. Right now, there are 3 of us that are pregnant within 2 months of each other. Bizarre! Believe it or not, Sarah (in the green) is 4 weeks ahead of me and Shawna (in the black and white) is 8-9 weeks ahead of me. Although, based on the picture it looks like I should be ready to deliver at any minute! So, our group will have 5 new members in a few months! Our upstairs neighbor is also pregnant for the first time. We belong to a marriage group that now has 6 pregnant ladies (and there are only 7-8 couples). That's 7 new babies! We have a couple of friends in our church who are pregnant and we have another friend in the East Bay who is also expecting! That's over 13 babies all due in the next 6 months! So, Eric and I were trying to figure out if there is a baby boom going on or is it just our age? I've never seen this many pregnant women in my life! Any input would be appreciated!

Weekend of Showers! (24 Weeks)

This weekend was my marathon of baby showers. I had a shower on Saturday and Sunday and they both were really great! There were so many friends and family that came to each one that truly showered me with lots of love and generous gifts. Thank you so much to everybody that came and especially to those who helped organize and throw both showers (Paula, Kelly, Aparna, Katrina, my Mom (Sat) and Char, M, Cindy, Aunt Bonnie, Nana, and Jamie (Sun)). It was so much fun to see everybody and to be encouraged by all their love and support.
Its been great to have Eric's mom, Jean, here this week. She truly has been a blessing to have around. I feel bad because I feel like she's "worked" her entire time here, cooking and helping take care of things around the house. But, we greatly appreciate everything! Thanks so much!
I am in recovery mode today. I am feeling quite tired and definitely feeling the effects of running around like the energizer bunny for the last week. I am so thankful that I am officially off of work and can rest! The babies are continuing to jump, roll, spin, kick and do just about every other acrobatic move I can think if. They were so active this weekend that just about everybody who wanted to feel them, got a chance. They apparently aren't shy! Thats been my favorite part so far is feeling them move around. It's fun to already be able to "play" with them! They definitely respond to both Eric and I's voices and start moving around when we talk to them!

Back from retirement already!

So, Monday was "work day" at our house and my dad came and helped out a ton. While he was there he told me that his tooth had been bothering him and that when we went to get his teeth cleaned they took some xrays. He showed me the xrays and sure enough...he needed some serious tooth intervention! I called Dr. Gordon who I used to work with and who my dad still goes to for his check-ups. He graciously offered to let me come and use his office to work on my dad. So, yesterday, we met up at Dr. Gordon's office and had a marathon dental appointment. We worked on 3 of his teeth! My dad was a great patient and it was so much fun to be back in the office with Dr. Gordon and the staff (Diane, Jamie, and Heather). I was definitely a bit stressed about doing such long procedures (especially on my dad) while I was already having such a hard time even just moving around. But, I survived and so did my dad's teeth! Yeh!
I also went on Wednesday to another dentist's office here in the City who I know because he wanted to know if I was interested in making a set of dentures for one of his patients. I met with the patient and he was a super nice guy (82 years old native San Franciscan). I decided that he would better be treated by a specialist and referred him to UCSF. I spent about an hour doing a consultation and just chatting with the guy. At the end he says, "How much do I owe you for today?" I said, "Well, it was just a consultation so don't worry about it. I'll make sure you get referred to a good doctor at UCSF". He said, "So, you'll send me a bill?" I said, "No, don't worry about it! Today it's on me!" He starts getting out his wallet and says, "Okay, fine! This is for for the triplets then!" I looked at his friend and said, "No!" His friend says, "You better just take it or else he's gonna get mad!" So, I laughed and said okay. I put it in my pocket and didn't realize until I got home that he gave me $300!!! Holy cow! I was in complete shock! Thanks, God! Now that I am unemployed I am even more grateful!
Hopefully, that's the end of my dental treatment for awhile. It's been fun to do some side work but I really do need to take a break. So, if anyone else gets a toothache...please don't call me! Ha! Just kidding! I will be happy to help as much as possible but just know that I am much slower moving than before! :)

Work Day at Jardine Casa (23 Weeks)

Sheri and Jose just left this morning to go back to Colorado, but boy did we make them work! They were so much fun to have here and they were amazing troopers! They painted, moved furniture, cooked dinner, and cleaned. They were such an amazing help! Thanks so much! We were able to finally say farewell to the foosball table on Saturday. Whoohoo!!! On Monday, with the help of my parents who were also an incredible help, we were able to paint the babies' room and put together 2 dressers for their room. We painted it a sunny light yellow that really brightens up the room. So, even when it's foggy outside (like it's ever foggy in SF??) it feels sunny in the room. It was a super productive day and I am excited to finally start to see the transformation from the foosball/office/guest room into the babies' room. It is definitely a lot of work, but it is starting to all come together.
I am officially off of work! Yeh! I was initially sad but I know it's for a good reason. Eric says my full-time job right now is to "grow babies"! He has being amazingly supportive and is taking on a lot of the duties around the house that I have always done in the past. It is surprising to me to discover, but I am very much a doer and a worker and to have to rely on other people to do things for me or around the house is quite challenging. I still feel like I should be able to do it and my body quickly reminds me that I can't. So, I am trying to listen to my body and to not be stubborn (as Eric says) and to only do my job...to grow babies! I know soon enough I'll have more responsibility than I'll know what to do with. So, until then I am going to try to relax and be a good patient! :)

Mini Meal

Sheri and Jose flew in from Colorado yesterday and it has been super fun! The first place we stopped after picking them up from the airport was the Millbrae Pancake House for breakfast. It's one of our favorite breakfast places and they usually have pretty big servings. I ordered a 2 egg, bacon, sausage and pancake combo. When they brought it to me it looked like a kids size portion. I said, "This is enough to feed 1 of my babies!" I was quite disappointed at the small portion (see picture). Normally it would've been the perfect size, but since I am eating for 4 I seem to need a bit more food than before! Luckily everyone else's portions were quite large (see Jose's plate) so I managed to get enough food!

The coolest "diaper cake" ever!

I finally got a picture of the "diaper cake" that Kim and Amanda made for my baby shower at work. Isn't it the coolest thing ever? I love it! :)

Grow babies grow! (22 Week Ultrasound)

Today we had another "big" ultrasound and boy were they on the move! All 3 babies are continuing to grow like weeds. My parents were able to come to the ultrasound today which was very fun having them there. They were excited to see the babies moving around. In fact, my mom finally got to feel them kicking. It seems like they've been moving 24/7 recently. They are quite the active little ones. The doctor says that it still looks like there is 1 boy and 2 girls. Yah! And they are all growing well. I have gained 36 pounds and feel huge. The doctor says that I am measuring at 32 weeks (8 months). He also was very excited because he said my cervix looks super long! Whoohoo! Apparently the cervix shortens when you are getting close to labor. Since pre-term labor is their main concern, a long cervix is a good thing. I also had a class today on "Detecting and Preventing Pre-term Labor". I have to spend 1 hour in the morning and 1 hour in the evening laying on my side and feeling for contractions. Each week a nurse is going to call me to discuss the findings and I will have 24 hour phone access to the nurses. So, they are definitely wanting to keep an eye on everything, which is good.
One of my favorite things is that the babies already respond to our voices. When we talk to them, they start kicking! Every morning Eric gets up before I do and takes a shower. He comes back in and sits on the side of the bed before he leaves. He usually is whistling and he puts his hand on my tummy and says "Wakey wakey, babies!" And every time they start kicking! It's amazing!
Anyway, the doctor says that as of today the babies weigh:

Baby A: 1 pound 10 ounces
Baby B: 1 pound 3 ounces
Baby C: 1 pound 1 ounce

All very good weights! Grow babies grow!

Last Week of Work (22 Weeks)

Hi folks! I am officially 22 weeks and this is my last week of work. It's definitely bitter sweet. I am very sad to stop working because I have enjoyed working at the clinic for over 3 1/2 years and I will greatly miss everyone, including all the super staff and patients. I do plan to return for a couple days a week at some point. So, I am not thinking that this is my last week ever. But, I am definitely feeling the need to rest. As much as I enjoy my job, it's getting harder and harder to just function. I am having to sit further and further away from the patient and it's getter more and more uncomfortable. If I drop something...forget it! It will stay there forever because my ability to bend over and pick things up has come to an end. Oh well!
Since I will be off work and trying to rest as much as possible, I will likely end up being bored out of my mind. I have always either worked or been in school full-time, since I can remember. So, please call me, email me, and come to visit! I need you! I am afraid of being bored and lonely and I can only take so much daytime TV! So...please come and visit!
We have a busy next couple of weeks. Next weekend, Eric's sister and brother in law, Sheri and Jose, will be flying in to stay with us. They are going to help us paint the babies' room. The day after they leave, Eric's mom will be flying in to stay with us for almost a week. She'll be here for the following weekend and able to come to my baby showers. We are looking forward to all of them coming!
We have another "big" ultrasound this next Wed. I am hoping they will be able to confirm that there is 1 boy and 2 girls. Please continue to pray that they are all still growing well and are healthy!

Happy Mother's Day! (21 Weeks)

I wasn't really thinking that today was my first Mother's Day because I don't feel like an official mom yet. However, the babies were kicking like crazy all day today letting me know that they were there! So, I guess this was my first official Mother's Day and it was probably the easiest one I'll have for many years to come. It was a very relaxing day. We went to IKEA and picked up a couple of dressers for the babies room and made it back to church this afternoon. Amazingly, I am in the phase of feeling well with occasional bursts of energy. I am, however, starting to feel the effects of the 30 pounds I've gained, on my body. I am having a difficult time sleeping and poor Eric is having to share the bed with me and my 4 pillows. But, so far I am managing and hoping to make the most of it because I am only half way to my goal weight gain of 60 pounds! Yikes!
Yesterday, I had a nice day celebrating Mother's Day with my mom and the other moms on her side of the family. We started off getting a pedicure, since I can't seem to reach my toes anymore. My mom gave me a very special necklace and earring set that my dad gave her on her first Mother's Day when she was pregnant with me! Very sweet and very special!
I did have a quick doctor's appt. this last week that went really well. As soon as the doctor walked in the room he said, "Wow! You've gotten bigger!" I said, "Yah, can you believe I've gained 30 pounds!" He says, sympathetically, "Well, I wouldn't worry about the weight." I thought, "Worry? Are you crazy? I am ecstatic! I wasn't sure I could do it!" So, I am quite proud of myself for packing on the pounds so far. Eric is very sweet and says, "Well, you still don't look pregnant from the back!" So, I guess...so far so good! :)

3 Speed Catapult Chair (20 Weeks)

We were looking for recliners last week. Our goal is to get something that will be comfortable for Rebecca to lounge in during the weeks of July and early August. I think I found the perfect solution. This lift(or Catapult as Tim says) recliner would work perfect. Rebecca is not quite too sure about it, though, since she isn't 80 years old! Tim and Lindsay postulated an innovation last night that you could select 3 different lift speeds:

1.) Gotta go to the bathroom
2.) Really gotta go now!
3.) My water just broke, get me outta here!!

The babies are kicking like never before. The little boy is on the bottom and probably the most active of the three. Rebecca says that they knock with consistency when they are hungry. They knock pretty regularly during the day but thankfully, they are not keeping her awake at night. Maybe that will be a prelude to their sleeping well once they are out of the womb.

Finally, last night was our Foosball table going away party. The new home of the Tornado Foos will probably be in Novato at Guy and Christie's garage. There it is sure to get some good use from Young Life kids and volunteers. It will be sad to see it go but I can tell that we are ready for a new life stage. The party was quite fun with a good crowd of 20-30 friends from all areas of life. It did wind down by 11pm, much sooner than the days of old. I remember having a party on 9th Ave that lasted until around 2am. Funny thing is that it was a welcome relief to have everyone here and still get to sleep at a decent hour. The notable event of the evening was a 6 foot high ball of flame produced by pouring water on the citronella candle out on the balcony in an attempt to put it out. It turned into quite the impromptu pyrotechnic show. Does anyone know the physics of why a little water on a candle would produce such a huge flame?

Rebecca has filled out the baby registries at Target and BabiesRus. There are two showers coming up on May 31st and June 1st. Things are in motion now!

Surprise Baby Shower! (19 Weeks)

Today at work I was told we had a meeting and when I got there I found out that it was a surprise baby shower! I was very surprised and very excited! It was very sweet and everyone was overwhelmingly generous and supportive. There was even a surprise guest appearance from my mom. Kim & Amanda made this amazing "tower" of baby stuff that looked like a wedding cake. It was super cool! I am hoping to get a picture of it and post it soon (being a surprise I did not have a camera). My living room looks like an explosion of baby stuff! I don't quite have a place for everything yet since our guest bedroom is still a disaster zone. We are also having 5 guests stay with us over the next month. So, it'll be awhile until we are officially able to transform the guest room into the new babies room. I am surprisingly calm even sitting in the midst of chaos. I guess I should get used to chaos for awhile and learn to be okay with it. We are slowly but surely starting to transform our house. We finally found a home for the foosball table, temporarily until we are able to get a bigger house (thanks Guy and Christie!). We are hoping to turn our dining room into the new guest area/baby stuff overflow room.
Thanks everyone at work for an amazing and surprising baby shower! I only have 3 1/2 more weeks of work left! Time is flying by! I am definitely going to be sad to stop working, because I really do enjoy my job and the people that I work with. But, I am having to sit further and further away from the patient because my stomach is getting so big! :) I am hoping to return to work around 6 months after they are born for possibly 1-2 days/week. The exact plan is yet to be determined. Who knows, I may be ready for a break 1-2 days/week after 6 months! :)

The Verdict is in...

Today was our 18 week ultrasound appt, that was super long. 3 hours of someone rubbing warm goo on your tummy can definitely make you sleepy! It amazes me every time I have an ultrasound that there really are 3 babies in there! They are all 3 growing like weeds and are all developing normally and look healthy! The nurse had a hard time because they were all so active and wouldn't stay still for her to take all the pictures and measurements. They were, however, pretty cooperative when it came to figuring out their sexes. The nurse said it's not 100%, but she was pretty sure that Baby A is a BOY and baby B & C are GIRLS! Yeh! We are so excited! You should have seen Eric's face when he realized that Baby A was a Boy! It was priceless! We feel so blessed and are incredibly excited to meet these 3 little babies!
Today was the first time that I actually undeniable felt them move. We've thought a few times earlier this week but were never exactly sure. Tonight, we could actually see my belly button moving up and down! It was really cool! I know it won't be long before I start wishing they would stop moving and take a rest! :)

Mountains of baby stuff (18 Weeks)

So after weeks of being in denial and putting off the inevitable we started to buy some baby stuff. We've found some great deals on craigslist and have now bought 2 cribs, a double stroller, a Snap N Go double stroller, and a couple of car seats. At this point, Rebecca has vetoed the triple stroller because she thinks it's a monstrosity and I tend to agree. Besides, we couldn't even fit it into either of our cars right now! We drove to Freemont/Newark yesterday to buy the 2 cribs from a couple who has 3 year old twin girls. We brought the Jetter because it has the fold down seats and maximum trunk capacity. After strapping the largest items to the roof and stuffing the mattresses in the trunk and back seat, the car was completely at capacity. Our plan to stop by Ikea to look at a bookshelf on the way home was upended on the reality that we couldn't get anything else inside the car. The fascinating part of it all was this was only gear for two babies! Considering this, minivan purchase has been moved up to early June.

After we got home and unloaded all the stuff into our "spare" bedroom (soon to be the nursery that right now looks like a tornado has hit it). Its official! Our house has been taken over by baby stuff! It's a little terrifying, especially for Rebecca, who thinks everything should have a place and clutter and disorganization are not an option!

The couple in Freemont found out that we had three kiddies coming and they both immediately asked, "Do you have help?" To which we immediately answered, yes, in more ways than we imagined. We are already incredibly thankful for our friends & family praying, helping and giving us stuff. Jennifer sent us a huge box of blankets and clothes. Susan has dropped off a meal almost every week for the last two months that has some kind of Italian sausage cheesy pasta or potato mixture with each one tasting more incredible than the last. Cards from Marge, Holly, and countless emails of support. I can't imagine doing this alone and we are thankful for the near constant reminders that we are not doing this alone.

Our big 18 week ultrasound is this Wednesday. They said to plan on it taking up to 3 hours! One hour per baby! They are going to check all the internal organs and make sure that everything is developing properly for each baby. This is also the ultrasound that they may be able to determine the sexes, depending on how cooperative or shy the babies are. We'll keep you posted! :)

A Humbling Week (17 Weeks)

This week was filled with many ups and downs. I went to my first "San Francisco Parents of Multiples" meeting on Tuesday night. The topic was "toddler nutrition". A little bit ahead of where I am right now, but I thought it would be fun to meet some of the other moms. There were 35 other people there and every single one was a parent of twins. Where are all the triplet moms? Do they exist? That was my first thought. Being that the topic was "toddler nutrition", the room was full of frustrated moms who kept complaining about how hard it was to feed 2 babies! 2 babies? If they are having a hard time with 2 babies, how in the world am I going to manage 3 babies? So, I left the meeting in tears telling God, "I can't do this! I can't take care of 3 babies! Why can't I just be a normal person and have 1 baby at a time?"
The next day I went to Babys R Us (for the first time ever) to buy a baby shower gift for a friend of mine. I walked around the store with wide eyes and opened mouth thinking, "Wow! You sure do need a lot of stuff! I can't believe how much you need and how expensive everything is for 1 baby, how in the world are we going to be able to afford 3 babies?" Once again, I left in tears!
Yesterday, I was in Target with my mom looking at the double strollers when a guy walked up behind me and says, "Wow! Twins?" I said, "Hah! Try triplets!" His wife walked over and said "Oh my gosh! Triplets?" The guy asked, "In vitro?" I said, "Nope, completely spontaneous and unexpected!" He says, "Wow! That's amazing! My wife and I have tried in vitro 3 times and it hasn't worked, so now we are in the process of adopting!" I immediately was humbled and felt God say, "See, I am giving you an incredible gift! You keep feeling like you are being punished, but I am giving you an amazing blessing!"
I still don't know how this is going to work, but I do know that God is Faithful! I know that this is an amazing gift that He is giving us and that He will provide all of the help and support that we need. I am so thankful for friends and family who have already offered so much!

Beggin for Bacon (16 Weeks)

Today we returned home from spending a little weekend anniversary getaway in Monterey. We stayed at a super cool B & B on 17 mile drive that was very cozy and relaxing. We were able to get some much needed R & R. It may be the last getaway for just the two of us for quite some time!
So, last night as I was examining my ever expanding waist line it dawned on me that not only am I growing front to back (tummy), but I am also starting to grow from side to side. Yes, I swear I am developing "love handles". I can't believe it! I really wasn't expecting that! I have come to accept the fact that I need to gain 60-70 pound in order to have healthy babies, but I was hoping it would all go to my tummy! I guess that's not likely when you're talking about that much weight and carrying 3 babies. So, I am trying to accept that the new pounds will likely go mostly to my tummy, but will also be dispersed throughout my entire body. Ugghh!!! I seem to have been able to put on the pounds fairly easily so far (15 pounds total, including 6 pounds in the last 7 days). My new favorite food is BACON! I never thought the day would come that I would even like bacon, let alone crave it! But, it seems like bacon has become one of the babies favorite foods. I will oblige and continue eating bacon in order to help put on the pounds, but once these babies are born I think I need to come back to reality and keep it limited. :)

3 Years + 3 Babies = Lots of Love!

Yesterday at about 3:30am (as I was munching on my morning Saltine crackers) I rolled over and said to Eric, "Hey, we've been married for 3 years and we're going to have 3 babies! Wow! 3 must be our new lucky number!" Eric says still 90% sleeping, "Huh? Oh ya...I thought of that, too!" So, yesterday at work I received the most amazing bouquet of flowers and the card that Eric had written the day before read, "3 Years + 3 babies = Lots of Love!" So, apparently we're on the same wavelength!
Today, is our 3rd wedding anniversary! I can honestly say that it just keeps getting better! Marriage is the greatest gift and an amazing blessing! We are excited for this new journey that God has placed us on.
Today, we also had another doctor's appt. They unfortunately didn't take any new pictures (sorry) and the ultrasound machine wasn't as good so it wasn't as clear as before. But, the doctor said that everything looks good. The babies are all growing well and proportionately and they are all still moving around like crazy. I have also gained a total of 14 pounds! Whoohoo! The doctor said I am doing well with my weight gain. There is no denying my pregnant tummy now. People are finally saying, "Wow! You really are showing now!" The nausea seems to finally be subsiding and I am still eating every 90 mins. It's insane! Anyway we don't have another ultrasound appt. until April 23. That's the big ultrasound appt, that takes 3 hours and they investigate all the internal organs and make sure that everything is developing well. We also may be able to find out the sexes at that time, depending on how shy the babies are! :)