Cormac: 6 Months Old!!

Can you believe he is already 6 months old! It's gone by so fast and he is getting so big. It doesn't help that he's the size of a 1 year old ;) We are just so in love with him and he fits into our family so well. It's been quite the adjustment but we have finally settled into a routine and our days are getting a bit less hectic. He still isn't sleeping well at night which is wearing me out but hopefully that will change soon. I do love the cuddles! He is becoming quite the goofy guy and loves to make us laugh. He makes a lot of funny faces and now that he is starting to "play" is getting really fun! He is loving real food and BLW. He is so much happier at meal times now that he gets to eat with us. Makes family dinner time a bit easier, while being harder at the same time! He also has 7 teeth!! Yes, 7! The triplets got teeth early too (at least we thought so,) but this seems crazy! Their first teeth came in around 6 months. His 8th will be here in the next few days too. At the moment he has 4 on top and 3 on the bottom. You can really see them in the second picture :)

Weight and Length: He is a whopping 20 pounds 3 oz. and 29 inches! So we have a monster baby, I just went back to compare to the triplets and he is their 1 year length and 9 month weight!

Eating: He is a hungry guy, and still nurses about every 2.5 to 3 hours. He still cluster feeds before bed and wakes twice usually to eat. We started BLW this week and he is loving it! We started with avocado just like with the triplets and he took right to it! Since then we have also tried banana, broccoli, and carrots. Those have gone over well too!

Sleep: Thankfully, he is a great napper so far. He has dropped the third nap recently which I was hoping would help the nighttime but nope. His morning nap is around 1-1.5 hours and is often in the carrier since we are out and about. The afternoon nap is along with the triplets at 12:30 or 1 until 3. He goes down for the night around 7:30 or 8 and is up around 7. He wakes twice a night usually around 12 and 4. Every now and then it's only once. We are still working on sleeping through the night :)

Clothes Sizes: He is in all 9-12 month clothes. 9 months still fits, but it's getting small and 12 month is perfect now. He still wears our favorite 9 month stuff but i've moved most of the 12 month sizes in now.

Favorite Things: Baths are still great. He also loves to watch the other three run around. They make him laugh so much. He is definitely turning into a mama's boy and loves to cuddle and hang on me. 

Least Favorite Things: He is getting better with diaper changes, although he is very squirmy! He doesn't like when his siblings are around. He looks for them when he wakes up from his nap. You can tell he's sad if he is up first!

Milestones: He is so close to crawling! He gets up on all fours and rocks and he can move his legs but hasn't quite got the arms down yet. He scoots a bit too. He can sit up on his own which he is so happy about. He loves to sit and watch with the triplets are doing. He is still "talking" and babbling all the time!

Weaning After 2 Years Breastfeeding Triplets!

I've been wanting to write this for a while. The triplets officially self-weaned shortly after their second birthday and it definitely came with a lot of emotions.

If I told myself when they were born that we would successfully breastfeed for 2 years, I probably would have passed out. I had done a bunch of research and was up for the breastfeeding challenge but knew it was going to be a lot of hard work and I wasn't going to be hard on myself. So I set a goal of 3 months and would move on from there if I made it. Originally I only dreamed how great it would be to make it to a year.

The time in the nicu was hard. I was so happy to hear from other triplet moms and to have great doctors and hospital that supported my wishes. It would have been so easy to give them bottles at first and let myself sleep and recover but I was determined. After the stressful few days getting my supply established (and lots of tears) it started to get a bit easier. I didn't sleep much and pumped as ofter as I could.

Once we got home it took a few weeks to settle into a routine. We were all learning. At their one month appointment I cried tears of joy to hear how much they gained and know that my efforts are paying off. After that, we had it down.

I continued to pump for a while but eventually stopped once the freezer stash was good. The pump and I had a love hate relationship. I was so glad to be done pumping, but I can't imagine life without it those first few months.

We made it to 3 months and then 6 and then 9 and I though, I can actually do this! Teething, and sleep regressions came and went and we got through it all.

We made it to 1 year!! It was amazing and I couldn't believe I actually did it.
I started imagining we could get farther than a year and quickly set my sights of 2 years. That is the WHO recommendation and at first I didn't think about it because that sounded crazy but I actually started thinking it was possible!

Well then another hurdle came our way, we were pregnant! Of course we were ecstatic but I wasn't sure what that would do to breastfeeding. Would my supply drop? Would it change? Could I handle tandem feeding the new baby with them?

We took it day by dad and my supply did drop but not enough to effect them. After lots of tips from other experienced mamas, I decided the best thing for me, the triplets, and the new baby would be to get them on a schedule and start limiting their feeds.

We slowly dropped them and were able to get them to only nursing 3 times a day. I went through a nursing aversion that happens to a lot of moms nursing while pregnant and this schedule helped me survive and not get too overwhelmed.

When baby arrived, all of them were still nursing. We successfully kept the schedule and thankfully Cormac took to breastfeeding quickly. We had several early (over)supply issues but were quickly into a good pattern again.

Owen was really the most attached to breastfeeding and the other two were slowly losing interest. Just before their second birthday, all three of them stopped nursing before naps. All within a fews days of each other. We had gotten to a point where I don't offer, they just ask. A week of two later, Evelyn and Declan stopped in the morning as well. Soon after that they all stopped asking every night. Maybe every other or every 3 days. It depended on how tired they were. 2 weeks of that and then they stopped asking all together.

Owen still nursed in the morning. He was always awake first and would come cuddle and nurse with me. It was our special one on one time. But, about a week after dropping the night feeding, he stopped asking in the morning. We still cuddle, but no nursing.

It was a very easy transition and I am so happy with the way it happened. No tears, no whining, and felt very natural.

I think it was the hardest on me. It was very bittersweet, to see them growing up and end that part of our relationship. But, transitioning to just nursing Cormac has been nice. It's much easier on all of us.

I can't believe that part of our life is over and that we made it so far, but am so beyond proud that we were able to accomplish it and will look back on these days with so much love. The bond we had was so strong and I am so happy I was able to provide that for them.

So Many Updates!!

Well we are at the lake this week with all the family, which means I have lots of babysitters and can finally have some time to update the blog! It has been long over due and a lot has happened! Sorry! Adding Cormac to the family has been absolutely amazing, but exhausting and life just hasn't slowed down! People normally say the hardest transition is from 1 to 2 and then more after that are easy. For me I obviously went from 0 to 3 but adding the fourth has definitely taken some work. We have got a good routine down now but it was hard at first to have a newborn and toddlers. In some ways having three at a time was easier in the sense that they could entertain themselves but with two different age groups their is more to juggle. Thankfully Cormac is pretty easy going so when we are out and about he is totally cool to nap in the carrier and nurse on the go. All that said, I wouldn't change my family for the world :)

We have a busy rest of the Summer ahead as usual, with a few more trips to the lake, some friends coming into town, a few weddings, birthdays etc. We are also possibly planning to go to Hawaii with the kids in September. Although were not sure with work schedules and everything. They would love it though. It would be for a cousins wedding.

Anyways, first up, Declan, Owen, and Evelyn TURNED TWO!! Yep they are 2 year olds now and we seriously can't believe it!! My babies are growing up so fast and with it has come a lot of new things for us. They are talking so well now and are turning into such amazing big siblings. We had a great party for them with all the family and friends, it was a bit crazy but so fun. We ended up renting a park in our neighborhood and had a big spread of finger foods and of course cake! I need to do another post just on that later since this will get way too long if I go into details.

Declan

Owen (He took this himself!)

Evelyn

Weights and Lengths: Declan was 26.2 pounds and 34 inches, Owen was 26.5 pounds and 34 inches, and Evelyn was 24.11 pounds and 33 inches!

Eating: They are still eating 3 meals and lots of snacks a day, the biggest change is that they have all weaned from nursing! I will do a separate post on that but just last week all of them were officially done (look for a breastfeeding update).

Sleep: They are down around 7:30 and are up somewhere between 6am and 7:30am. They still are great at taking one nap from 12:30-3pm!

Clothes Size: All in 24 months/ 2T. Evelyn still fits a few 18-24 months shirts.

Milestones: They are speaking in a lot more sentences and are getting much clearer in their language as well. They are becoming more and more independent and awesome climbers! Also, Swimming! All three of them are getting really good at swimming and are really close to being able to swim on their own! By the end of summer for sure I think.

On to my next guy, Cormac is 4 months!! We've skipped a few monthly updates and he has changed quite a bit!! He is still my BIG guy and is so happy!

How can you resist that face?!

Weight and Length: At his 4 month appointment last week he was 16.8 pounds!! Jeez he's big. And he was 26.5 inches long!

Eating: Still eating a lot throughout the day, about every 2.5 hours, sometimes he goes to 3. At night he cluster feeds for about an hour before bedtime and still wakes twice to eat. He is just a hungry dude and can't make it through yet without eating.

Sleep: He is on a pretty good 3 nap schedule now with a 1.5 hour long nap around 9:30 or 10, another one at 1 or 1:30 and then a short 30 to 45 minute nap around 5. He goes down for the night around 8 and then wakes around 12 and 4, and is up for the morning around 7. He is a great sleeper though and goes down easy and when he wakes to eat he goes back to sleep very quickly.

Clothes Sizes: So yeah, this kid is wearing 9 months stuff. Some 6 months things fit but mostly in 6-9 or 9 months. Its insane. So many cute things he didn't wear because he is growing so darn fast.

Favorite Things: He LOVES the bath just like his siblings and he loves attention. He also just loves watching them and laughing.

Least Favorite Things: Diaper changes. This seems to run in the family.

Milestones: Lots of babbling and laughing, grabbing everything, and he is now rolling both from tummy to back and back to tummy (the latter not as often though, only when prompted).

Cormac: One Month Old! (and a post-partum update)

This month has just flown by!! We have settled in to our new life and schedule with our new (not-so-little) little one! Cormac fits in so well with our family and we just love him to pieces! The triplets are so good with him and still haven't had many issues so i'm hoping that is a permanent thing now that it has been a month. They can still be a bit rough with him, but they are learning and honestly he is a tough little guy and they really do love him. 

I have basically fully recovered. I had an early post-partum check up with my OB because of how easy (ok I wouldn't say easy, but on their terms...) the birth went, without having any complications as well as going med-free. I had that today at just over 4 weeks pp and I am completely cleared! I feel great and really have been back to myself since 2 weeks but i'm glad to have the official clearance, especially to start working out. Although I have no idea when I will fit that in! I gained about 28 pounds this pregnancy and I have lost 24. So technically 4 pounds, but a lot of flab to lose. Im not worried with in for now and am just going to enjoy my family! 

Cormac is so different from the triplets to me but I don't know whether that is because he is just a singleton, because he is huge, or because of my life now. Looks-wise he still has big brown eyes, darker brown hair, and has a bit darker complexion like my side. He is just so sweet and cuddly and pretty laid back for the most part unless he is hungry or has gas. He is not quite as great of a sleeper, but we are working on that and it's still early. He is very alert and seems so old to me but again I think that is because of size. He loves to just watch his big brothers and sister.

We had his one month well check on Monday and this guy is huge! Here is his update:

Weight and Length: He weighed in at a whopping 11 pounds and 7 oz. and was 23 inches long!

Eating: He is not as much of a scheduled eater as the triplets and likes to cluster feed especially at night but he is eating roughly every 2 hours during the day averaging 20-30 mins and then around 9pm will nurse on and off for up to 1.5 hours. At night it is still similar to the day.

Sleep: He takes little catnaps throughout the day but seems to be staying awake more and more. At night we get one good stretch for 3 or maybe 4 hours if we are super lucky and thens he's back to basically every 2.

Clothes Sizes: He is already into 3 months clothes. Newborn clothes have been out for a while. He really never fit them because he was so long. He even fits some 3-6 and 6 months outfits!!

Diaper Size: He is wearing a few brands of newborn sizes still, but not many. He can fit tots bots but outpees them so we really only uses simplex. They are still awesome. Then we are still using fitteds a lot and the bottom bumpers size smalls.

Favorite Diapers: Blueberry simplex and bottombumpers for aios, and workhorse fitteds.

Favorite Things: Being held, eating, bath time, and watching his siblings.

Least Favorite Things: Gas pains, and being put down.

Milestones: Holding his head up, following voices and sounds, several small smiles but not sure if they are officially real.

Pictures! These two are from his actual one month birthday and the day we started seeing little tiny smiles. We still haven't really caught one though.

The closest I have gotten of a smile/smirk

And of course a sleepy one!

2 Weeks Old! Adjusting to life with 4 under 2

We have been adjusting pretty well to having Cormac in our lives. He is so sweet and I already can't imagine life without him. I somehow forgot what it's like to have a newborn in the house! Although feeding and caring for just one is a lot easier than 3 :) We have had to change our schedule a bit and the sleep deprivation is hard, but so far we are doing well!

The triplets are all doing so well with him. We have to talk about being gentle a lot but that is just because of their age. They all seem to love him and are very interested in everything. They all want to be my little helpers and it is just too sweet! We haven't had many jealousy issues thankfully and a lot of that I think comes from them already having learned to share and take turns etc. It's been a bit of a struggle with them wanting me when I need to be with the baby. It's harder for me though I think. I want to be able to give them all my attention, but I just can't at this point. They play so well together now though and I am thankful for that, I actually think in some ways having three of them is easier! We also have had tons of family around to help and they are being spoiled.

Breastfeeding has gone pretty well. The triplets are still nursing and are doing fine sticking to their schedule even when Cormac nurses basically all the time. The first week or so was difficult after my milk came in because I do have a strong and fast letdown that was hard for Cormac to handle. I have adjusted a bit with positioning and hand-expressing and my supply has seemed to adjusted a bit more as well. It is still strong for him, but he is starting to get the hang of it.

As for my recovery, I feel basically back to normal. I have had a very easy recovery this time around with no tearing and not having any medication. I am so happy the birth went so well!

We had Cormac's 2 week check-up on Tuesday and he is doing great!! Let me tell you, he is quite the chunker! He was 10 pounds 9 oz and 22.25 inches long! Glad to know these seemingly never ending breastfeeding sessions are doing something. This kid can eat!

Just look at this sweet face and chunky cheeks from last weekend:

The Birth Story :)

We are just sitting in the hospital waiting for them to do the newborn screening and then we are going home! I have a bit of time and Patrick is bringing stuff to the car and baby is sleeping so I thought I would write this out while it's still fresh :)

On Friday the 13th I went in for an appointment at 2 days past due. Baby was moving tons and my fluid looked good so we decided to wait on a NST and see what happens. I was almost 3 cm. dilated and 80% effaced. We scheduled another appointment for 41 weeks and if baby hadn't come by then and there was no progress we would talk induction.

On Sunday we went to the discovery museum with the triplets and then to my parents house for an Early St. Patricks day dinner. That night I had a few BHs but just went to bed not thinking anything of it. I woke up around 3 am with contractions around 7-8 minutes apart. They were not very painful and I wasn't sold it was real yet. I laid around for over an hour and they held steady so I woke Patrick up around 4:30am saying that I was pretty sure labor had started. At this point I needed to get up and keep busy so went downstairs and told him to go back to sleep and I would get him if I needed anything. I did some laundry, took a shower, and cooked breakfast. He came down around 5:30 and the contractions started to pick up a bit. I was fine between them but had to stop for the actual contraction. For the next hour before the triplets woke up we just tried to stay busy and he massaged my back. 

Around 7 am the triplets woke up, I managed to nurse them, and then Patrick fed them breakfast. We told them what was going on but they were so confused. At 7:30 we called his parents because they were going to watch them. By this point my contractions were stronger and closer together at 5 minutes apart so we called my doctor. He knew we wanted to stay home for a while though so it was just to keep him updated. 

Around 8 am his parents showed up and I got in the bath. The bath helped a lot and I stayed in it for almost 30 minutes. When I got out, we started timing the contractions again and they were closer to 3 minutes apart. Patrick wanted to go to the hospital now but I told him it was still gonna be a while and I didn't feel ready yet. So we got his parents set up with the triplets and went for a walk around the neighborhood. During the walk the contractions got stronger. The walk really helped but I started to be uncomfortable between them too so we went home. This was around 9:15 or 9:30. When we got back to the house I told Patrick to start packing the car slowly, that we weren't in a rush yet. I called my doctor again and updated him and told him we would probably head in within the hour. His mom sat with me in the living room and I used my birth ball. I was having to breathe through the contractions and between so I knew it was getting close. 

I could feel the baby moving down and was feeling slight pressure which I was pretty sure was my water, so at 10 we decided to leave for the hospital. Patrick said we walked through the doors at 10:13 am. My mom and sister met us there. My contractions were about 2-3 minutes apart. Once we got into the room and went through all the protocol procedures (monitors, IV, urine sample etc.), the nurse checked me around 10:35 and I was 8 cm and 100% effaced. That was such a relief (but also crazy!) to hear because it hadn't been very long and I was hoping I was really progressed so I didn't have to labor in the hospital too much longer. My bag of water was also bulging so she broke that and called my doctor. He came in about 15 minutes later just before 11 am and I was 9 cm dilated and baby was now at +1 station. They started getting the room ready for delivery.

I started to feel pressure and the urge to push at 11:10, was checked and was 10 cm! So on the next contraction I started pushing. After the first push baby's head was visible and my doctor slowed me a couple times because he didn't want me to tear and for the risk of shoulder dystocia. Let me tell you having the doctor tell you to stop pushing or push "easy" is one of the hardest things ever!! But I breathed and moaned through it and baby was delivered at 11:27 am! Patrick leaned over and immediately shouted IT'S A BOY!!! And we both started crying. Patrick cut the cord, baby boy's throat was cleared and he let out a big cry and was placed on my chest. We both looked at him, looked at each other and knew his name. He was Cormac Niall. They quickly got him cleaned up and weighed and measured. He weighed 9 pounds 13 oz, was 22 inches long, his head measured 14.5 inches and he scored 9/9 on the apgar. Everyone exclaimed how big he was and I didn't tear!! So that pain of having to wait to push and hold back was so worth it!

After he was all cleaned up, I did skin-to-skin and he breastfed for the first time. He latched right away and has done great ever since! My mom and sister left to go get us all lunch and so we could have some time just the three of us.

We texted or called all of our family and close friends and called Patricks parents. The triplets had gone down for a nap and they would bring them right after. My parents and sister came back with lunch and they hung out until the triplets came They arrived around 3 pm and were a bit shy at first. I had Patrick hold Cormac and gave them all some cuddles and them they were interested. They all got to hold him and they all kissed him! They stayed until about 4:30 and were starting to get crazy so my parents took them back home. Patrick hung out for a bit longer and then went home around 6 to have dinner with the triplets and put them to bed. I told him to just stay with them but he didn't want to miss the night with me so after they were asleep he left them with my parents and brought me dinner around 8:30 :) We enjoyed the night together and Cormac did really well! He woke up several times to eat but slept well in between. But we'll see how tonight goes! Patrick went back in the morning before the triplets woke up, had breakfast with them and then came back here around 9. He is so amazing. We should be home in about an hour and them the real crazy begins! We are parents to 4 kids under 2 and couldn't be more thrilled :)

We Are Thrilled to Announce the Arrival of...

Our new baby...






........






BOY!!!


This morning at 11:27am, we welcomed our newest baby boy into the world! I had a successful unmedicated VBAC and everyone is doing great! The triplets came to meet him after their naps and did so well! They were a little hesitant and shy at first, but quickly warmed up after some mommy cuddles and all wanted to hold and touch him! Baby is nursing like a champ and is just perfect. We are so in love.

We are hopeful to go home tomorrow and I will post a more detailed story then, but without further ado, I'd like you to meet...

Cormac Niall

9 pounds, 13 oz. and 22 inches long.

It's Time!!!

Baby is on the way!! Contractions are 5 minutes apart and started around 3 am! I am still at home and they are still manageable, but definitely getting stronger. Im doing lots of walking and about to get in the bath. The triplets are a little confused but happy daddy is home with them too. Patricks parents are on there way over to watch them and then we will head to the hospital when I really can't handle them.

I can't believe it's really time and we are about to meet this little one! Wish us luck, hopefully everything goes smoothly and I will update when I can!

Triplets: 20 (.5) Months Old!

This is a slightly late post because they are closer to 21 months now, but I want to get something up before the new baby arrives! (Still pregnant by the way) Anyways, the triplets are so excited to be big siblings and can't wait to meet their little sister or little brother! They are growing so much and I can't believe they are almost 2! Time goes by way too fast. We have been very busy lately and have tried to do a lot of fun outings with them before we add another baby and can't get out as much. Although we will still go to the park every day! Today we went to the Discovery Museum and they had a blast. We also went out to the beach yesterday, it was such a nice day!!

Declan

Owen

Evelyn

Weights and Lengths: Not really sure but I think the boys are around 25 pounds and Evie around 24. As for height, I think they have hit a growth spurt and the boys may be closer to 34 inches now and Evie 33!

Eating: They eat 3 meals and a couple snacks. They are still going strong on the nursing, but they all are limited 3 times a day. We have been working towards that (mostly Owen) in preparation for the new baby. So now they just nurse when they wake up, before naps and before bed.

Sleep: They still go to sleep around 7:30pm still and are up around 6:30 or 7am. And they are taking one nap from around 12:30 or 1- 3pm.

Clothes Size: All in mostly 2T/24 months now and some 18 months.

Milestones: Lots of climbing and running around, they love to go to the playground and just go crazy! They are getting more independent and don't need as much help so it's much easier now to let them roam! Just in time to add another one :) They are talking so much now and are using more and more sentences (2-3 words). It's so fun to see them grow!

Making Progress... But no baby yet!

Well my due date is tomorrow and baby is still cooking. I had my hopefully last appointment today, but I have another on Friday afternoon if nothing has happened by then. Last week I said I was feeling pretty good and was ok with still being pregnant. Well those feelings are gone haha. I am just about done. I am so ready for this baby to arrive and done with all of the pain and exhaustion. Im ready to become a mom of 4 under 2 even though that will be a whole new kind of crazy! I feel bad for Patrick but he is so amazing. I definitely have a short temper and am probably not the nicest to him but he is doing everything for me without batting an eye. Im sure he is exhausted too. Both his mom and mine have been over a lot and are helping with the triplets and dinner.

Anyways, so at the appointment today, I was 2-3 cm dilated and about 80% effaced. So good progress from 38 weeks and only 2 cm and 50%. Baby is also now at 0 station as opposed to -1 last time. I guess that would explain my basically constant need to pee. I've been having slightly more regular contractions the last couple of days which i'm hoping mean real labor is near but it really is just a waiting game at this point. Baby still looks good and had a healthy heartbeat. My doctor gave me the go ahead to try to get things started naturally so we will be doing several things. Nothing too crazy though. On Friday if things don't seem to be getting going, we may strip my membranes and check fluid levels as well as do a non-stress test. Hopefully things happen though! We are all so ready to meet this baby!!

Pregnancy Update: 38 Weeks! Preparing for Baby!

We're in the home stretch! My due date is in 10 days!!! It's crazy how fast its gone by. I definitely am feeling a bit anxious and like a first-time mom. Prepping for labor and having the unknowns of natural labor is a little scary! The baby is doing well and still measuring very big. I was checked and am about 2 cm dilated and 50% effaced. But really that means nothing in terms of how close labor is. I have gotten more real contractions this week but no patterns. My doctor thinks I will go at least another week. We talked a bit about what our plan will be and he is still very confident in me having a VBAC. Baby is head down and has dropped so it's very unlikely for a flip this late. He is only slightly worried about the size if I go past my due date. He knows I want to avoid induction and doesn't want it either but we will need to look at our options if I pass my due date. 

I am feeling pretty good for being 38 weeks and besides being exhausted I'm not miserable. Im not quite to the get this baby out of me stage but it is coming. I just can't wait to meet this little one and find out who it is! The triplets are getting so excited and know the baby will be here soon. They talk about it constantly. They are at such a cute age and I love seeing them get excited about becoming big siblings! I can't believe they wont be the babies anymore! We are almost ready too! The room is mostly set up and all the clothes, diapers, blankets etc. are washed. All the gear is set up and Ive been cleaning and cooking all the time.

Patrick is finally slowing down a bit at work. He passed his tests and is officially licensed! He is loving it and I am loving that his work hours are a bit more set/flexible. It's really nice that he can be home around 5 (or sometimes earlier!) everyday. Ive definitely needed it this week and it will be great with a newborn. 

Here's my 38 week update!

Sorry for the terrible picture with the awkward waistband line, i needed a picture and just took this before getting in bed!

How far along: 38 Weeks!

Size of Baby: A Leek! This one is kinda weird...

Total weight gain/loss: Friday I was up 26 pounds but i'm definitely slowing down in weight gain these last couple weeks.

Gender: We don't know and won't be finding out! (but we have our guesses and the family is all over the place!)

Maternity clothes: All maternity clothes, but that is when I actually get dressed. I'm to the point now where I am living in t-shirts and sweats or yoga pants and I am totally ok with that.

Stretch marks: The ones from last pregnancy have gotten darker and I think they may be slightly longer but I can't really tell. 

Belly Button: It's almost popped. Its weird actually because it seems like it pops further out as the day progresses. Its not nearly as far out as with the triplets though.

Sleep: Its basically non existent. Im trying to nap with the triplets which helps because I don't sleep long stretches anymore. Im up every couple hours either to pee or because i'm in pain. I can't really get comfortable or stay in one position too long.

Symptoms: I have a lot of aches and the round ligament pain is back. My back hurts especially if I hold the triplets a lot. I definitely need to take it easy and try to stay off my feet when I can.

What I miss: My sleep and energy. I want to do so much more but I just can't most days. Thankfully we have lots of family to help or else we would go crazy.

Cravings: Ive been really wanting anything sweet. Girl scout cookies could not have come at a better time. I have also been really hungry all the time.

Aversions: Nothing! Yay! Im so glad I don't really get these past the first trimester.

Best Moment: The baby dropped last week and it has been great to not get kicked in the ribs all day and struggle to breathe sometimes. Also because there really is no more room, the baby isn't really kicking as much as just rolling. Its really fun watching the full belly movements and this baby is active! The triplets have noticed and they are mesmerized (and slightly weirded out) when it happens.

Welcome 2015! And a few updates :)

Its taken me a while to get this post up but i'm finally getting it finished. We have had a very fun and busy beginning of the year! The past year has flown by and I can't wait to see what 2015 has in store for us. We have celebrated so many milestones and I can't wait for many more!

I'll start off with some life updates...

Patrick is in the middle of switching jobs, which we are so excited about because it will mean he is home with us more often and will be a much better career longterm. But it is a big transition and is a bit crazy right now. He has been in law since he graduated college and is switching into finance. They are similar but he is basically back at square one and has to go through all the training and testing again. He is so much happier though and is working at a company with one of his really good friends. He should be taking his tests to become licensed in mid February so by then everything should calm down. Just in time to prep for the new baby! For now he is busier than before with all the studying!

The triplets are 18 months old, almost 19 months now, and are so much fun. They are getting so big and its crazy how much they have changed. It is so cute watching their little relationships and personalities grow and they are starting to realize that life is about to change (in a good way!) We have talked a lot about the upcoming arrival and I think they understand a bit about what it means. It will still be a big adjustment (for all of us!) but I can't wait to see them be big brothers and sister and I think they are really excited too. They have all been really into playing with babies and point them out when we are out and about.

I am 33 weeks pregnant and it is finally sinking in how crazy it is about to get. We still have a lot to do and we are in the home stretch! Its crazy to think at this point in the pregnancy with the triplets we were already in the "it could be any day now!" phase. Im so glad I have another 7 or so weeks left to prepare. I am feeling really good though but I know that wont last. With Patrick being busy more of the day I am handling a lot more of the triplets duty. Its been going well but i'm so excited for him to slow down a bit again. Declan was up most of last night sick and congested which was hard. Im hoping its just a quick cold and wont pass to the other two or me but i'm not wishing too hard. I also have a slight feeling it may be ear related which i really hope not. Ill have to do a day in the life soon before and after the new baby! I had an appointment last week for the baby and everything looks great. Baby has moved head down which is awesome and still is measuring big, already 5 pounds at 32 weeks! We talked about induction but I do not want to do that unless totally necessary. My doctor thinks I will be fine to deliver a big baby, we just will have to be wary of shoulder dystocia. That worries me a bit but my doctor isn't concerned. He also is very confident for my VBAC which i'm so excited about!

We are taking the triplets to the snow this weekend as a last little getaway before the baby. Although we may do something else if the weather stays nice and i continue to feel this good! There is not tons of snow this year, but we should be able to find somewhere to go sledding with them and enjoy it!

Ok, so here is a pregnancy update and (late) 18 month post for the triplets!

32 weeks and 3 days

How far along: 33 Weeks!

Size of Baby: A Pineapple! 

Total weight gain/loss: At 32 weeks (on Friday) I was up 22 pounds.  

Gender: We don't know and won't be finding out! (but we have our guesses and the family is all over the place!)

Maternity clothes: All maternity clothes. I have actually been good lately and want to dress cute (I mean sweaters legging/jeans and boots) but i'm sure soon that will change as last time towards the end i lived in big t shirts/ sweatshirts and yoga pants or sweats.

Stretch marks: The couple I have from before have darkened a bit which is normal but no new ones yet. Im not surprised though because this belly is nothing compared to them! I have been keeping up with moisturizing to keep from getting itchy.

Belly Button: Its almost flat. Im not sure it will pop out this time around as it was very late with the triplets but who knows.

Sleep: Loving my pregnancy pillow but the sleep in surprisingly good! I do have to get up a few times to pee but thankfully I don't have issues with falling back asleep. Im getting a bit more uncomfortable but thats to be expected.

Symptoms: Definitely needing to slow down and take it easier. My back hurts more especially from carrying the triplets around but not too bad. The round ligament pain is back but not too bad and i am having a lot more Braxton hicks.

What I miss: Cuddling, both Patrick and my babies!  Also I miss being as active as I was although i'm still very active just can't overdue it.

Cravings: Not much this week although over the weekend I was seriously wanting all things salty.

Aversions: Nothing! Yay! Im so glad I don't really get these past the first trimester.

Best Moment: Well the best and worst was having Declan be sick all night last night and today. He was just so cuddly and sweet and wanted to nurse (which he hasn't wanted much of) and I loved it. Owen and Evie knew something was up too and were being so sweet to him and were very well behaved today which i was very thankful for since I didn't sleep much.

Declan

Owen

Evelyn

Weights and Lengths: At 18 months just after Christmas, O was 24 pounds 12 oz. and 33 inches, D was 24 pounds 9 oz and 33 inches, and E was 23 pounds even and 32 inches.

Eating: The have 3 meals a day with several snacks and nursing varies. They all nurse when they wake up, before nap and before bed but the length changes and sometimes they will only nurse for a minute. My milk has come back so they are more into it. O never really lost interest but now all three are back. 

Sleep: They go to sleep around 7:30pm still and are up around 6:30 or 7am. They are taking only one nap and sleep from around 12:30-3 or 3:30 pm.

Clothes Size: All in mostly 18 month sizes with a few 2t things fitting and a few 12 month sizes still fit.

Milestones: Their words are just exploding and they are working on sentences. They also are really getting into climbing and doing things themselves. Definitely getting more assertive and acting like 2 year olds!