Sunday, July 28, 2013

One Year Anniversary

To The Love Of My Life,

Patrick, I remember our wedding like it was yesterday. It was one of the best days of my life and I will never forget it. You are so amazing and I love you so much.

We have already been through so much together and I wouldn't change a thing. In just one year we have bought a house, renovated it, gotten pregnant, with triplets, and welcomed 3 beautiful children into our lives. I can't imagine doing any of it without you.

You are such a great husband and an even better Father. I love watching you with our babies and seeing how much you love them. It makes me fall in love with you all over again. Our children are so lucky to have you.

We already have made so many memories and I can't wait to make many more with you. I feel so blessed to call you my husband. Here's to many many more years to come.

I love you so so so much! Happy One Year Anniversary!

Love,
Kate

Saturday, July 27, 2013

Liebster Award!

This little blog was nominated for the Liebster Award! It's always nice to know people read and enjoy your blog!




Thanks so much to Spring over at 30 Fingers, 30 Toes... for the nomination! You should check out her blog, she's another awesome (cloth diapering!) triplet mommy!



So for those of you who have never heard of the Liebster Award, it’s a fun way for small bloggers to give recognition to other small bloggers (with 200 followers or less) for the contributions they make to the blogosphere.

Here are the rules: 
- Thank the Liebster Blog presenter who nominated you and link back to their blog.
- Post 11 facts about yourself, answering the 11 questions you were asked and create 11 questions  for your nominees.
- Nominate 11 blogs who you feel deserve to be noticed and leave a comment on their blog letting them know they have been chosen.
- Display the Liebster Award logo.
- No tag backs meaning you can’t just re nominate the person who nominated you.

The questions put forth to me (with my answers) are as follows:

1. What was your reaction when you found out you were expecting multiples?
    We were very, very, very shocked! We were not even actively trying to get pregnant so were ecstatic when we found out at all. Then we found out it was twins, and then triplets, so needless to say it was quite unexpected! I dont know how you can prepare for that! It took a few weeks to sink in.

2. What was your spouse's reaction? 
     My husband couldn't speak. He looked like he was about to pass out. He was really excited for it but nervous too. He had lots of questions. It was actually really cute! Haha

3. How did you tell your family/friends?
    When we thought we were just having twins, we called all of our family over for a dinner party. They are all very close so no one suspected anything. At the end of the party we said, "Well, thank you all for coming... Because we're pregnant!!" Everyone freaked then we said, "One more thing... It's twins!!" Everyone was so excited. Then a couple weeks later when we found out we were having triplets we showed the ultrasound and had them try to figure it out. Then we pointed out the three babies.

4. What is your favorite activity to do at home with the kids?
     Right now I just love cuddle time but when they get a bit older I am going to love doing arts and crafts!

5. Where is your favorite place to go as a family?
    My husband and I have a few favorite places, but with the babies we haven't done as much! We do love to go for walks around our neighborhood, and we are excited to take them to our favorite playgrounds growing up, and we are really excited to start taking them up to the Lake!

6. What is your easy, go to meal for the kids?
     Well that's easy, breast milk! haha. But Patrick and I both love to cook, so when the babies get older i'm sure we will get creative. We will probably do lots of freezer meals like lasagna and casserole type stuff. And probably lots of grilling.

7. What do you do for yourself for fun?
    Patrick and I love going on date nights, although those are a thing of the past for a while. 

8. What is your dream family vacation?
     I really want to take the babies back to Ireland when they are a little older. I can't wait for all our family back there to meet them!

9. DIY or store bought?
    A little of both. I like to think I can make things but sometimes I just dont have the time or energy! But I did a lot of DIY when we first decorated our house and for the babies nursery.

10. Are you a routine/schedule follower or fly by the seat of your pants type?
      I am more of a fly by the seat of your pants type but with the babies here now I have slowly become more of a routine girl. Now im somewhere in between.

11. Where is one place you would NEVER take your multiples?
      Not sure on this one, I wouldn't take them as newborns to a lot of places but as they get older its probably something like a high-end restaurant. Somewhere people go for anniversaries and such. I just don't see the point in bringing little kids and the other guests would probably hate us.

Here are my nominations:


Here are my Questions:

1. What is you favorite age (of kids)?
2. What is your favorite part about being a mom?
3. What do you do for "mommy time."
4. What is an interesting fact about you?
5. If you could live anywhere, where would it be?
6. What is your biggest regret?
7. What is your greatest accomplishment?
8. What is your favorite season?
9. If you could chose one person to spend the day with (dead or alive) who would it be?
10. Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
11. If you had 1 million dollars what would you do?

      

Friday, July 26, 2013

1 Month Old!

Our babies are 1 month old today! I can't believe it. I say it way too much, but time is moving way too fast. We are trying to enjoy every second of it!

They are such good babies and are doing so well! Yesterday we had their one month checkup and they did excellent! We are all getting a bit better at getting out the door in a reasonable amount of time.

So I think I am going to do posts on all of their stats and milestones every month. There are a lot of changes! For now I will just lump them all together but as they get older and have more differences I will break it up.

Weights and Lengths: Declan weighed 6 pounds 7 ounces and was 19.25 inches long! Owen weighed 6 pounds 10 ounces and was 19.75 inches long! And Evelyn weighed 6 pounds 8 ounces and was 19.25 inches long!

Eating: They are all eating for about 30 minutes and are now eating (almost) every 3 hours during the day. At night they are getting a lot better and go about 3.5 or 4 hours!

Sleep: They are still sleeping most of the day but the awake periods are getting longer. At night they sleep for at least 3 hours straight. I really hope they continue to be great sleepers!

Clothes Sizes: They are almost out of preemie! They all fit most newborn but some of the preemie stuff still fits and some newborn is too big. Carter's is our favorite brand since its for skinny babies :)

Diaper Size: Still very much in all of the newborn sizes.

Favorite Diapers: We are loving Lil Joeys, Swaddlebees Simplex, and Gmd Workhorse Fitteds!

Least Favorite Diapers: We dont like the Bumgenius newborns or the Kissaluv newborns. The Fuzzibunz xs are only ok.

Favorite Things: Being held and rocked, bath time, and cuddling together.

Least Favorite Things: Diaper changes, waiting for their turn to eat, and when mommy and daddy eat.

Milestones: Holding heads up, recognizing and finding our voices, staring and sometimes tracking.

Pictures! (These aren't the best but they are all I have right now on my computer and able to upload. I dont get much time to download off of my phone :) I tried to get the best pictures of their faces!


Evelyn right after a bath (this is from a few days ago)


Owen watching Daddy (today)


Declan sleeping (yesterday)

So you can really see how much they are growing! I love their big cheeks! They are such cute little munchkins and im loving this stage! They are so cuddly :) You can also kind of see the red hair. Especially in Owen's picture. Declan has slightly darker hair than Owen which is one way we tell them apart. But, man, when they say identical, they aren't kidding! They are very alike. I can tell them apart easily but even close family struggles. I think as they grow, it will get easier. Oh and Declan has a little birthmark on his armpit. But they also have very different personalities and cries. Declan is much more laid back and Owen is our loud and alert baby. Evelyn is somewhere in between! All of their eyes are still grey, but Owen's seem to be the lightest. I think Evelyn's will turn brown and the boys will be blue. But we will see!

Monday, July 22, 2013

Our First Real Outing!

Yesterday we took the babies on their first real outing! We have gone on walks and to the doctor but nothing big. Yesterday we headed out as a family to Church! Patrick and I were itching to get back and we thought it was a good time to go. The babies are doing well and when we brought it up with our pediatrician, she said it would be ok. They are almost 4 weeks old. It is our family church so we had lots of family there too. 

It was quite the ordeal to get out the door. Mass was at 10am and we aimed to get out by 9 (so we would hopefully be gone by 9:30). We ended up leaving at 9:40 and actually got there on time! Everyone was very excited to see the babies. I had hand sanitizer with me but everyone was very good about keeping a distance. We were a bit worried about how they would do since the mass would be pushing the 2 hour time frame between feeds, but they did very well. Only a few squawks here and there and they all made it through. We brought them in sleeping in their infant seats but we also brought the Ergos. We had to change 2 diapers (guess who) and I walked around the back with Owen for a bit. They got to meet our Priest after which was great. I was a little worried they would be hungry and crying by that point but they held it together. He is the one who will Baptize them in a few weeks.

After Mass, we took the babies out to eat. We went to our favorite brunch place with my parents, my sister Megan, my brother Sean and his wife Anna. We brought the babies in the mountain buggy stroller and I am in love with it! The babies love to cuddle up together and they always sleep! And it doesn't draw too much attention (until someone looks inside!). We sat outside and had an awesome meal.

It was also my first time to nurse in public! This may seem weird to be excited about but I am happy I figured out how to do it since its very hard with three. It actually worked out well because Owen was hungry first so I fed him in the car when we were waiting for everyone to get there. Then we put them in the stroller and Evelyn and Declan didn't get hungry until we sat down at our table outside. Then I was able to feed the two of them at our table. We brought our breastfeeding pillow with us. There are some things that are just going to draw attention when you have triplets and I am not going to worry about them. It made it a lot easier. Since they are still small its easy to tandem feed pretty discreetly but that will get harder. After that, we changed them all and they slept the rest of the time! We got home just in time for another feed.

Im so glad it went well, and I think this will become a routine for our Sundays. It is almost easier to take them out now since they sleep so much. Besides needing to eat often, we might as well take advantage of this time! We really could have done it just the two of us but it is so nice having the extra help. It is challenging, but I think the thought of it is worse than anything.

I can't believe the babies are almost a month old! Time is going by way too fast. We have their 1 month appointment on Thursday and I can't wait to see how much they have grown! Then this weekend is our 1 year anniversary and Patrick says he has a few surprises. I can't wait! After that we have the baptism to plan for and then we are going up to the Lake with most of both of our families. It is going to be a big month for the babies!

Wednesday, July 17, 2013

A Day In The Life With Newborn Triplets

The triplets are 3 weeks old today! They are getting so big. Here is a peek into what our days are like. This is based on Monday, but all days are pretty much the same. Im leaving out a lot in terms of babies waking up and needing to be held or changed in between feedings so this is just the basics.

7:00am- (My days never really end so we will start with when Patrick's days begin.) The babies are up and hungry. Patrick and I get up and change the babies, they all have poop explosions.

7:10am- Patrick goes to get in the shower. The babies are ready to eat. I take Owen, the loudest, and give him the right side. Then Evelyn goes on the left. Declan has to wait. He is the most patient.

7:20am- Time to switch. Patrick is out of the shower and I hand hime Evelyn to burp. I burp Owen then switch him to my left side. Declan finally gets to eat on the right side. Evelyn takes a break.

7:35am- Owen is finished so I quickly burp him (he's the best burper). Declan switches to my left and Evelyn goes back on my right.

7:45am- They are all finished eating. Patrick come in to burp Declan, I burp Evelyn. Then we grab the babies and head downstairs.

7:50am- Patrick gets something to eat and makes me something. I try to get the babies to sleep in their swings. Owen is wide awake and wants to be held.

8:00am- Patrick leaves work and I sit down to eat while holding Owen.

8:05am- Declan needs a new diaper. I change him and he wont go back to sleep, so I put Owen down and finish my breakfast with Declan.

8:20am- I go put the first load of diapers into the wash with a pre rinse cycle.

8:22am- Owen is up again and needs another diaper.

8:25am- He wont go in the swing so I put him in the ergo and try to do some work.

8:45am- Evelyn is up and wants to be held. She needs to be changed (all with Owen in the Ergo).

9:00am- Declan is up and wants some attention. Now i am rocking Owen and Declan.

9:10am- I am able to put them down and go run the laundry.

9:20am- All three are awake and ready to eat again. Owen is actually content so Evelyn and Declan get to go first.

9:25am- Owen starts crying so I try to soothe him while feeding the other two.

9:30am- Time to burp and rotate.

9:43am- Burp and rotate again.

10:00am- The babies are finished and I try to get them to sleep. My mom goes and changes the laundry.

10:15am- I put them in their swings with my mom watching them and I go to shower.

10:30am- I grab a snack and then try to take a nap. Miraculously the babies all stay pretty quiet.

11:00am- Owen is up and hungry already. I try to hold him of for a bit longer. I change his diaper.

11:15am- Declan is up too, so I start with the boys on the nursing rotation. While im nursing, my mom does more laundry.

11:25am- Evelyn wakes and time to burp and rotate.

11:40am- Burp and rotate again. My mom does some more laundry.

11:55am- They are all finished and I try to get them ready to go out on a walk. I get the diaper bag ready, babies need to be changed and dressed, get hats, socks, and blankets, and a quick snack for myself.

12:20pm- We are ready to go, I put all the babies in the mountain buggy with bassinet and my mom and I head out.

1:15pm- We get back to the house and all the babies are sleeping so I leave them in the bassinet. I try to have a quick lunch with her.

1:30pm- The babies are up and hungry again so its time for the nursing rotation. My mom does more laundry, folding and putting away.

1:40pm- burp and rotate.

1:55pm- burp and rotate again.

2:10pm- The babies are done and I try to put them in their swings to sleep.

2:30pm- They are finally all asleep, so I have a snack and try to take another nap.

3:00pm- Declan is up and needs a new diaper.

3:05pm- Now Owen needs to be changed.

3:15pm- I send my mom out shopping while I try to get the diapers all put away from this morning and another diaper load is ready to go in.

3:30pm- Evelyn needs to be changed, then decides she doesn't want to go back to sleep and needs to be held.

3:45pm- Owen is hungry again so I start nursing him and Evie.

3:55pm- Declan is up by now and its time to burp and rotate.

4:00pm- My mom gets back from the store and my sister shows up to help out with dinner, etc. I tell my mom she can go home if she wants. She changes the laundry again and then heads out.

4:10pm- burp and rotate again.

4:25pm: The babies are finished and I  change them try to get them to sleep again.

4:45pm: Declan and Owen are asleep but Evelyn wants to be held. I put her in the Ergo and do some more chores around he house.

5:00pm- Patrick gets home, and takes Evelyn, then I try to nap.

5:15pm- The babies are up and we change them and then I start the nursing rotation.

5:25pm- Burp and rotate.

5:40pm- Burp and rotate again.

5:55pm- They are finished and we try to get them to sleep. Owen wants to stay up.

6:20pm- They are finally down and we try to sit down for dinner with my sister.

6:25pm- Owen had a huge poop explosion and needs a full outfit change. Then he doesn't want to go back to sleep. I hold him while I eat.

6:30pm- Evelyn needs to be changed and then held, Patrick takes her.

7:00pm- We finish dinner and I take the babies while Patrick and my sister clean up.

7:15pm- They are already hungry again, so we start the nursing rotation. My sister goes home.

7:25pm- Burp and rotate. Patrick goes and changes the laundry.

7:40pm- Burp and rotate.

7:55pm- The babies are finished and we take them and their bouncers upstairs to the bathroom for bath time. We set up the puj tub in the sink and Patrick undresses Declan and I get the water ready. He hands him to me and I bathe while he gets the other two down to their diapers. When Declan is done, Patrick dries and diapers and I bathe Evelyn. When she's done, Patrick dries and diapers then its Owens turn. When he is finished we put them on our bed and put lotion on, clothes, then they get swaddled and put in the pack-n-play to fall asleep.

9:00pm- Once they are sleeping we try to get everything set up for the night, diapers,wipes, blankets, clothes etc.

9:15pm- The babies are awake and all need to be changed.

9:30pm- They are hungry and we start the nursing rotation.

9:40pm- Burp and rotate. (I have Patricks help to burp them)

9:55pm- Burp and rotate again.

10:10pm- They are done and Patrick takes them until their next feed while I sleep.

11:45pm- They are up again and are hungry, we change them first.

11:55pm- We start the nursing rotation. Patrick goes to sleep.

12:10am- Burp and rotate.

12:25am- Burp and rotate again.

12:40am- They are finished and swaddled and I try to get them to sleep.

12:50am- They are down and I go to sleep.

2:15am- They are up again and I change them first.

2:25am- I start the nursing rotation.

2:35am- Burp and rotate

2:50am- Burp and rotate again.

3:05am- I swaddle them and try to get them all back to sleep.

3:15am- They are asleep and now I can go back to sleep.

4:40am- The babies are up and I change all of them again.

4:45am- I start nursing them.

4:55am- Burp and rotate.

5:10am- Burp and rotate again.

5:25am- They finish and I swaddle them again and put them to sleep.

5:45am- It took Owen a while to go back to sleep but they are all down now and I can sleep again.

7:00am- The babies are up and the day starts all over again!

So there you have it! Im not going to say it's easy, because it's not. I am running on constant adrenalin and breastfeeding takes a lot out of me. As the babies get older everything will get a lot easier (I hope!). That being said, I am loving this stage even while extremely sleep-deprived and am trying to cherish all of these newborn moments! They won't be this way for long! It's pretty crazy and very busy but we love it and wouldn't trade a thing! But we couldn't do it with all of the help! So thank you to anyone that has sent us meals, helped with shopping, helped with household chores, or just given us love and support! 

Sunday, July 14, 2013

Breastfeeding Triplets

I have gotten lots of questions about breastfeeding our triplets and how i do it so I figured I would write a post now and update as they get older and things change.

When we first found out we were having triplets, one of my first concerns was whether or not I was going to be able to breastfeed them. I started getting in contact with other triplet moms that breastfeed and read books, and learned that it was possible. My original goal was just for them to have my breast milk even if it was from a bottle. But as I learned more I decided that my real goal was to exclusively breastfeed the trio.

As i got further along, I talked to my doctors, a lactation consultant, and our pediatrician and they were all on board.

When the babies were born, I started to pump right away. I was able to try nursing Evelyn right away as well because she was doing so great. The babies were born Wednesday afternoon and my milk came in on Friday.

The babies were on a 3 hour eating schedule in the nicu so I pumped every three hours. Before they could try breastfeeding I made sure that they got all of their feeds from an NG tube rather than trying to bottle feed. This way there would be no possibility of nipple confusion. Patrick and I both stayed in the hospital in the parent rooms until Evelyn came home.

The babies never got anything besides my milk while they were there. A few days after my milk came in I was pumping about 2 liters a day. I was able to use a hospital breast pump which helped tremendously in the beginning. I also had a lactation consultant who was wonderful.

When the babies were ready to try to do feeds on the breast, I would pump for 10 minutes first and then feed them. When they were done, I would pump again. They were fed whatever they didn't get through the tube.

When Evelyn came home I wasn't able to be there as long. She was exclusively on the breast. But I still spent most of the day at the nicu. I would pump for the boys a few minutes after she ate. Patrick thankfully had 2 weeks off work so we would all go and I would still be able to nurse her and be with the boys. We could still be in the parent room during the day, so Patrick would be there with Evelyn and I went back and forth between her and the boys.

When the boys came home, we had a tough transition. Our first plan was to feed 2 babies at once and then feed the third. I was going to feed on demand but we figured they would be hungry close to the same times. We tried this for a whole day, and it was horrible. They all take about 30 minutes each feed so that would mean I would be breastfeeding for at least an hour or more. By the time we finished all three babies, got them changed, and back to sleep, they were hungry again. I wasn't getting any sleep and Patrick couldn't do much since I had the food.

Plus, I do not have patient babies. They would scream when they had to wait a whole 30 minutes to eat. They were all up at relatively the same times, and I swear they know when their siblings are eating. Because if one was sound asleep when the others started, he would be up right away and be ready to eat too. It was exhausting for Patrick and I.

So we needed to come up with a better plan. We call it our nursing rotation.

There is never only one baby up when it comes time to eat, so the two that wake first, eat first. At this point I have enough supply for all three to eat at the same time so we dont worry about turns.

I feed two babies for about 10-15 minutes, then burp them, switch one to the other side and the second takes a break, then the third goes on. After another 10-15 minutes, they are burped, the first is done and the third is switched to the other side, and the second goes back on. Then another 10-15 minutes, burp and done. So this way we cut the breastfeeding time down to about 45 minutes and all three can still exclusively breastfeed. They eat about every 2.5 hours give or take. So there isn't much down time but its better than nothing! Hopefully they start sleeping better at night soon.

It is really tiring for me, and I dont think I could have started this way since it takes a big supply to do it, but it is very worth it and I wouldn't change a thing. I drink tons of water and have my 32-ounce Camelbak with me at all times. Drinking a lot of water is what I think keeps my supply so high. I continued pumping after feeds through the first day the boys were home because it was supposed to help production, but then I realized I was producing plenty for all three to get enough so I stopped.

I have a good amount frozen for if we introduce bottles, but we aren't planning to do that for a few more weeks. I am not going to leave the house for work so its not necessary. But we will probably start doing a night feed on the bottle once they sleep more so Patrick can help and I can get some sleep! But we will wait until about 6 weeks or so.

I am so thankful that all three of them learned to breastfeed pretty quickly and had good latches, and that I am able to produce enough milk. It is definitely not easy, and we are all still learning and adjusting, but I am so so happy I am able to do it.

So this is sort of a jumbled post, sorry about that! Its taken all day to write... If anyone has questions feel free to ask! Im thinking I may do a FAQ post soon because I know I am forgetting some things and its easier to answer specific questions!


Friday, July 12, 2013

2 Week Check-Up!

I cannot believe the babies are already 2 weeks old! (Well technically they are 2 weeks and 2 days) Time has gone by so fast!

We had their 2 week well baby checks today and they did great! It was our first outing and it went pretty well. We were a bit late but I think they must schedule the appointments knowing that. It took us about an hour to get out the door. I thought I had it all planned out but by the time I had them all fed, changed, and sleeping, Owen needed to be changed again and then Evelyn was hungry again! It was quite hectic but we did it. We took the mountain buggy stroller with the big bassinet with us which the babies loved! They all cuddled up with each other.

Declan now weighs 5 pounds even and is 18.5 inches long. Owen weighs 5 pounds 4 ounces and is 19.25 inches long. Evelyn weighs 5 pounds 4 ounces as well and is 18.5 inches long. They are doing so well for being almost 6 weeks early!

When we got home, it was such a nice day so we decided to take them on their first walk! They loved it and slept the whole time! I have a feeling ill be out walking with them a lot!

New Blog!

I have been wanting to change my blog design for a long time. I did the old one when i started the blog and didn't know how to do much. Yesterday I finally got around to making it look a lot better! (I think) What do you all think of it?

Ill leave you with a picture from yesterday of Declan. We had some of the family over to meet the babies briefly and we dressed the boys in monster outfits and Evie in a ladybug one. Owen and Evelyn were still nursing when I took the picture and by the time we got them changed, people showed up and then they needed new diapers! So they didn't last long but they were still cute. Its hard organizing a picture of three newborns!


Thursday, July 11, 2013

Birth Story, Pictures, and Big News!

First of all, the big news... We are ALL home!!! Sorry it has taken me a while to post, but it has been pretty crazy the last week or so. We have settled into some sort of routine so now I should have more time to blog.

Evelyn did amazing in the nicu and came home last Wednesday the 3rd after just a week in the nicu! That was a wonderful surprise but as you can imagine we have been busy! She came home weighing 5 pounds even, so just under her birth weight. She is such a sweetie but can be quite demanding! It was hard to bring her home without her brothers and I think she missed them. But it was also nice to start adjusting with just one baby at home while recovering from the c section.

The boys did well too, they just took a bit longer. It came down to being able to finish their feeds and put on weight. I was there for all their day time feedings with Patrick and Evelyn here and there, and I pumped for their night time feeds. I will do another post on how we handled the nicu later. They finally had 2 days of eating really well and gaining a lot so they got to come home yesterday afternoon! Declan weighs 4 pounds 14 ounces and Owen weighs 5 pounds 2 ounces! Both almost up to their birth weights as well! They have quite the personalities, and couldn't be so different for identicals! Owen is always awake and is the loudest. But he seems to be quite the charmer. He knows just how to make you pick him up and get your attention! Declan is much quieter, even his cry. I think he will be the one that sits back and just watches. But he can just melt your heart! All his faces and cries are too sweet!

They all just ate and have new diapers. Declan and Evelyn are sleeping peacefully but Owen is wide awake. He is so alert for only 2 weeks old!

So before I forget it all, here is the long birth story!

All day on Tuesday the 25th, I just felt weird and off. I didn't think much of it until that evening. Around 4 pm or so I started to have a few contractions. I had been getting a few every day for weeks but I had 3 just in that hour. I wondered if something was starting but I didn't say anything. We sat down for dinner around 6 and by 6:20 I had 2 more contractions. They were strong but not bad but figured it was enough for Patrick to call our doctor and he said to meet him at his office to be checked since he didn't think it was labor yet but he wanted to see me. So we were going to finish eating and then leave since he still needed to get there and we were pretty close. But In the span of about 20 minutes I had 5 more each stronger than the last.

So we called back and he said to meet him at the hospital instead. Then we freaked out and made a lot of calls and got the last few things in the bags. We left around 7:30 and it takes about 15 to 20 minutes to get there. When we got the the car almost 15 minutes had past since the last contraction but I did not think of it. I had another but it felt more like a bh and wasnt strong. Patrick was asking as we drove and when I said they were not as strong he said to call back. I did and when we explained it all he decided to go back to the original plan of meeting at the office instead.

We got there around 8 and I was checked. I was almost 3 cm and 50% effaced but contractions had stopped. They monitored the babies for about an hour and since they looked fine we decided it was best to go home and try to get some rest. We got home around 10 and neither of us could sleep. I was running around cleaning and such and I think Patrick was just anxious. He didn't want anything to go wrong. Everytime I layed down I either moved a ton or had to get up to pee. We didn't sleep at all. Around 3 am the contractions started again. Patrick called the doctor and he said to go in and he would be there. We left and got there around 4 and they hooked me up to all of the monitors. By 5 am the contractions stopped again. The babies were still looking great so we were just going to wait it out. I was able to get some sleep them but Patrick was up making phone calls. They did a few more tests and an NST to check the babies again. The babies were doing well. After a few more hours we decided to go ahead and deliver because the babies were measuring big and I was very uncomfortable. They didn't want us to keep going back and forth and we had made it very far already. We were able to get into the OR around 1 pm!


I was nervous going into the surgery but we were both very excited to meet them! Patrick was a bit nervous as well. He hates seeing me in any kind of pain. After everything was set up and ready he was brought in which calmed me down. It was amazing how crowded it was! Each baby had a team plus my own. All together there were 10 doctors and nurses plus the anesthesiologist and Patrick and myself.


At 1:47 pm Declan Seamus was born kicking and screaming and looking very pink and healthy. It was such and amazing sound! In less that a minute at 1:48 Owen Tadhg was born also screaming. I couldn't believe it. They were beautiful. Then just over a minus after that, Evelyn Aoife arrived with a much sweeter noise. She's definitely a girl! After examining them, they looked great! Declan needed a bit of oxygen right away but the others were brought right to Patrick and we got to see them.  They all came with us to recovery and we got to spend a good hour with them before they needed to go to the NICU.

We were able to hold all three of them and introduce them to all of the family. After a while Owen needed a bit of oxygen, and then they took them all to the nicu. I was able to try to breastfeed Evelyn right away and she did great. My milk didn't come in for 2 days though. I was pumping a lot to make sure I would have enough for all three.

Patrick and I spent a majority of the first night with the babies just enjoying hem and letting it all soak in.


In original A, B, C order: Owen, Declan, Evelyn



Top to bottom: Evelyn, Declan, Owen


Evelyn, Owen, Declan

I just love their tiny feet!
More to come on their nicu stay, all about our routine, and how breastfeeding is going. We also have started cloth diapering and its working out great! We are all loving it. We have their 2 week pediatrician appointment on Friday so ill be sure to post on that!

Monday, July 1, 2013

Just a quick update

I'm just waiting for their daily tests to be done so ill give you all a quick update. I can't believe it's been 5 days!!

I was discharged yesterday but was only home for less than an hour. It was really tough and we came back after we dropped things off. The NICU staff has been great. They have parent rooms here which is where Patrick and I stayed last night and probably tonight. I am feeling great, just sore and tired. It is very weird not having a huge belly!

Now for the babies... I know it's what you all really want!

Declan is doing well and is just so so sweet. He is going to be a heartbreaker! He has to have light therapy for high bilirubin levels but he shouldn't need much more. He is breathing well and they have lowered his oxygen almost everyday. He has done well with breastfeeding but tires quickly so he still needs the Ng tube.

Owen is also doing great! He is going to be our demanding one i think. He is so alert! But he will also be a charmer. He is also doing well with breathing and is on low oxygen. He is a good feeder but can't last a whole feed either.  He and Declan are on a very similar timeline.

Now Evelyn, she's amazing! She is very laid back but is already a daddy's girl. Today she did a whole feed from the breast and has been getting 75% usually with just a little top off. She has moved to an open crib today as well an is breathing great! Once she gains a bit more weight and can take all of her feeds, she will be ready to go home! Just a few more days hopefully!

I'm sure I'm forgetting some but I haven't had much sleep and now I have to go so this will have to do for now. When I get home more I will write out the birth story and download the pictures! Hopefully tomorrow or the next!

Oh and one more thing... We think the boys have red hair!! Evelyn's is more brown but the boys hair looks auburn or red!