Babies like BBQ

We just arrived home from a weekend get-away to Kansas City where we got to visit with my old friend, Meghann, and her husband Nick. We had a great time eating at lots of amazing restaurants, catching up, eating, touring the city, and eating more.  KC is known for having the best BBQ in the country, and the babies will confirm that it's true!  Ryan hopes they'll grow up to love BBQ as much as he does :)

FAQs

The info I’m reading is already starting to prepare me to receive thousands of questions from both friends and strangers.  To save everyone some time, here are our answers to some things you may be wondering.

Frequently Asked Questions

·    Are they identical? 

No, our triplets are fraternal. Quick Biology 101 lesson: in a normal monthly cycle, during ovulation one egg is released and if fertilized, it implants in the uterus and grows into a baby.  With identical twins, the one fertilized egg splits into two embryos which share the exact same DNA (which is why all identical twins must be the same gender).  With fraternal multiples, two (or more) eggs are released, fertilized, and implanted.  They all have unique DNA and could all be the same gender, or a mix of boys/girls. 

·    Does that mean they won’t look alike?

Probably, but not necessarily.  They could look alike, but chances are that they’ll just look similar like any other siblings.

·    Are they “natural”?

I hate this question.  What exactly is an “un-natural” child?!?  Of course they’re “natural” – I don’t know of anyone capable of making artificial children.  If what you’re really asking is “Did you use fertility treatment?” I would probably respond in one of two ways.  If you’re a complete stranger, it’s really none of your business. It's actually quite bold and honestly just rude.  If you’re a friend, I would tell you that I did receive hormone supplements but no, we did not have to go through IVF.  I’m not ashamed by the fact that we needed medical treatment to jump-start our pregnancy.  Something for you to think about though - if hormones or drugs result in “un-natural” children, then would prenatal vitamins, epidurals, drugs to induce (or stop) labor, or other medications also make someone’s child “un-natural”?  Please think before you speak!

·     Did you realize you’d end up with triplets?

There are never ANY promises or guarantees in life!  Like any other medication, there are always risks, but our doctors kept us informed and monitored us all the way. With the hormones I needed, there was a 20% chance of multiples – 80% of which would be twins.  For those who hate math, that means a 4% chance of triplets.  We just happened to be one of those blessed couples!

·    So are you going to be done having kids after this?

Only time will tell, but most likely, yes.  At this point, I still can’t fathom how our lives will change with 3, but who knows what may happen in the future and how we’ll feel.  

·    How are you going to survive!?!?

With lots and lots of help!  If you ever need to get your “baby fix”, please call and we’ll set-up a time for you J  They say it takes a village to raise a child, so I'm not exactly sure what we need for triplets!  Regardless of all the unknowns, we couldn’t be more excited and are looking forward to the adventure!

August 19, 2011

Today I had another small milestone - I bought my first pair of maternity pants!  I'm only at 9 weeks, but am having trouble buttoning my work clothes and figured it was time.  The books I'm reading say that at 28 weeks, a woman carrying triplets will be the same size as a full-term 40-week single pregnancy.  I can't imagine being that big, but am diligently working on gaining the weight that I need.  My goal is 20 pounds in the first 20 weeks which seem to be some of the most crucial for higher-order multiples.  Total weight gain could be anywhere from 50-70 pounds - YIKES!

Week 9 - August 18, 2011

Today we had 2 doctors appointments - first, I got to meet my new obstetrician, Dr. Russo.  We liked her right away and felt really good about the appointment.  To briefly summarize what we found out...with triplets we WILL deliver at Central DuPage Hospital which has a level 3 NICU, we WILL be referred to a Maternal-Fetal specialist, and we WILL deliver by c-section.  All of this was news that we expected to hear, so that was very reassuring.  I should be hearing from the Maternal-Fetal specialists shortly to set up an appointment, but won't see Dr. Russo again for another 4 weeks.  The M-F specialist is an obstetrician who specializes in high-risk pregnancies.  They've had an additional 2-3 years of specialized training, and they're the ones who will perform the majority of my additional testing.  It's a relief to know that throughout this process, we'll be closely monitored and well-taken care of...in more ways than one - “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”  Joshua 1:9


In between appointments, we also stopped at a Toyota dealship for our first look at mini-vans.  I was definitely impressed the Sienna...they don't call it a "swagger wagon" for nothing (watch the video below)! We've got more research to do, but it was a good starting point.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ql-N3F1FhW4


Our second appointment was quick & routine - but fun!  We went back to the RE for another ultrasound, and saw that all three babies are healthy and growing!  Heartbeats have increased to 179, 174, and 179 which is right where they should be.  They're measuring between 21.2 and 24.2 mm which puts their "age" between 8 weeks 6 days and 9 weeks 0 days.  They have my due date calculated as March 25, 2012, but of course I won't make it that far.  The average triplets are born at week 32, but they're considered full term at 35-36 weeks.  If I can make it to Valentine's Day, that will be the middle of week 35, so that's my goal.  Maybe we can hold out even longer and hope for leap year babies (as if we need to make things any more complicated!)

The ultrasound pics are amazing - they've grown so much is just 2 weeks!  We were able to see two of the babies moving which was pretty incredible.  We'll have one final appointment with them in two more weeks.



 

Week 8 - August 7, 2011

It's been a fun week because we've been able to share our news with most of our immediate family members.  Needless to say, everyone was shocked to hear that there are three, but everyone is so happy and excited.  Lots of hugs, tears, and surprised faces!  The hard part is going to be keeping our mouths shut for the next few weeks!

Here are some of my favorite reactions from friends & family caught on camera...


Meghann in Kansas City




Grandma Harris




Former boss, Mark, and his wife




Aunt Bethany




Cousin Kathryn




Cousin Megan



Week 7 - August 5, 2011

It's been two weeks since our last appointment, and the days have certainly dragged by!  Today we were hoping to hear two healthy heartbeats.  The nurses quickly found both heartbeats and began measuring each baby when they gasped and realized there was a third one hiding in there!  TRIPLETS!!!  Below are the ultrasound pics & heart rates of each of the little dumplings.