We Keep Going...

My 20 week appt. was yesterday. Max was in Vegas celebrating his last taste of freedom with his brother-in-laws Nick and Matt so my mom went with me. Everything looks good. The babies appear to be growing; although we will not do measurements again for two more weeks. We caught one of them yawning and trying out some of the amniotic fluid :) They all had their heads close together while their bodies were every which way. My cervix is still long and closed. So, we continue to move forward.

I have caught an awful cold. Supposedly pregnancy colds are pretty common and tend to linger. This is my first illness so far so I'll suck it up and deal. I discovered I can take benadryl at night. What a lifesaver, I got my first good night's sleep this week.

I am continuing work and school till the end of April (the end of the semester) as long as my body let's me. I only work about 12-15 hours a week at Campus Recreation, mostly administrative work and lecturing. I am also working on my thesis from home. The rest of the time, I am trying to keep my feet up and relax. Everything I read and hear from experienced triplet moms stresses the importance of rest and hydration. I am already starting to crave a good spin workout or long run but I have a few more months to go. Hopefully my pre-pregnancy fit body is helping me make this pregnancy a success.

Till our next adventure...

Coordinating the Cocoon…

I will post another belly shot next week and this post will make so much more sense:) The other night I was climbing back into bed after my 4^th trip to the bathroom, when I toppled over onto Max while trying to curl back up in my pregnancy pillow. At 4 AM, we both found it surprisingly funny. The commotion seemed to wake up the babies and for the first time, Max was able to feel one of the little kiddos kicking. What a joy.

I am feeling the kiddos more and more; although I cannot tell who is who. The boy seems to have the strongest kicks; I can already see them through my clothes. Girl A seems the calmest, or else is just lying in a harder position to feel. It is definitely reassuring to feel the little guys move.

As I am approaching the 20 week mark, I had my first scare right on cue. This morning I began having frequent BH contractions…4 in one hour. The nurse informed me to drink water, lie down and call back if I had more than 6 an hour. As soon as I lied down and drank up, they disappeared for the rest of the day.

As a standard precaution, I am supposed to start taking things much easier. That means staying off my feet for most of the day and stopping work at 24 weeks. After this morning, I am appreciating the importance this will play. It is very hard to feel so defeated sometimes but I want these babies to stay in as long as possible! Max has been great by helping out around the house and even making dinner. We know we face a few hard months ahead but it will all be worth it in the end.

My next doctor appt. is Thursday. Updates to come….

We Are Growing and Thriving

Our 18 week appt. today went great. After a very long and thorough ultrasound, all three kiddos appear to be healthy as can be and measuring a few days ahead. We did confirm the sexes and as our obstetrician guessed 3 weeks ago, we have 2 girls and a boy. Baby A and C are the girls and Baby B is the boy (I think I got B and C reversed last time). I also am doing great. I still feel well although I am definitely feeling some growing pains (rightfully so, did you see my 18 week belly shot :)). We did our first cervix check and I'm right at 4 cm (I think the average is 3.5). As long as I don't dip below 2 or experience any funneling, we should be ok.

Our trip to Orlando was fantastic. I was able to walk around Sea World and Universal Studios City Walk w/ lots of breaks and good night's sleep. Of course, laying by the pool was my favorite part :)

And...I am starting to feel these kiddos moving around! It started as little twitches about 2 weeks ago. Now, I am starting to differentiate which of the baby's are dancing. How fun and exciting!

I will start to visit the doctor every two weeks now so lots more updates to come. GO UNC HEELS!

Honeymoon Trimester with Triplets?

Everyone raves about the second trimester of pregnancy, referring to it as the "honeymoon trimester". You feel great, your skin is vibrant, you have the slightest baby bump and your energy is through the roof. From what I've heard, being pregnant with triplets is another story. Few women have a very long "honeymoon trimester". Since you measure 10-12 weeks ahead, by the time the nausea and fatigue of the first trimester vanish you are so large that you are having third trimester pains and complaints.

Well, I am in my "honeymoon trimester" right now and am living it up no matter how short lived it is! I have so much more energy, feel wonderful and proudly trot around with my "25 week" belly. Since I feel so good, I have been going to the pool and doing some light swimming (doctor's approval) and yoga, which only makes me feel even better. I no longer crave junk food so have replaced chips and processed snacks for fruit, yogurt a little chocolate and protein bars. I also have fallen back in love with steak after avoiding red meat for 5 years. Max and I will be heading to Orlando for a little getaway next weekend for our "pregnancy honeymoon". I can't wait.

So, I probably won't have much to update until March 14th, when we will go in for our level 2 ultrasound. Males-TMI warning. From this appt. on, they will start measuring my cervix to make sure it stays nice and long. If so, my chances of preterm labor and early bedrest are lower.

And no, I still don't think I feel any movements yet. It is still fairly early even though some women with multiples say they start to feel kicking around this time. From what I've heard, first time moms always feel this later...closer to 20+ weeks.

Thanks everyone for all your kind words and support. Since sharing our news, we have only heard posotive loving remarks. We appreciate everyone's thoughts and offers of help.