The first snow of the winter...it started snowing during Chase's nap on Saturday afternoon, so when he woke up, he was surprised to see snow coming down. We quickly got on our gear and went outside. We had to go across the cul-de-sac to go see our neighbors who were outside and we got some quick video of Chase enjoying the snow.
Saturday, December 4, 2010
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Chase's new woodplay set!!
So, for Chase's Christmas present, we decided to get him a play set. We investigated Woodplay sets, which are known for their durability and longevity. Well, they are also really expensive, even with heavy discounts right now on their entire product line. Anyway, since they are so durable, we decided to look on Craigslist for used ones. We found one in the Raleigh area that was gently used. A family in Cary with 3 kids, the youngest of which is now 10, didn't really use it any more, so they were getting rid of it. It presented a good deal to us, and included installation. That is, Woodplay (the manufacturer) charges $350 to break it down, transport it, and then re-build it at our house. This $350 was included in the price, so we felt like it was a good deal.
Anyway, the installation took a few days, because there were a few rotten boards. Woodplay guarantees the wood, so they replaced these boards for free...but it took a few days to get the pieces in. Here are a few pictures from the installation process, and then the final result.
Merry Christmas to Chase...and thank you so much to the family members who contributed to Chase's Christmas present. Even though he got it early, hopefully through the videos below, you can appreciate how happy his present has made him!
And now for the videos (4) of Chase's introduction to his new play-set.
Anyway, the installation took a few days, because there were a few rotten boards. Woodplay guarantees the wood, so they replaced these boards for free...but it took a few days to get the pieces in. Here are a few pictures from the installation process, and then the final result.
Merry Christmas to Chase...and thank you so much to the family members who contributed to Chase's Christmas present. Even though he got it early, hopefully through the videos below, you can appreciate how happy his present has made him!
And now for the videos (4) of Chase's introduction to his new play-set.
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
25 1/2 week appointment update
25 1/2 weeks and all is great! All three boys are growing exactly as we had hoped and doing their best to make me even bigger! So all the anatomy results are fabulous. We even got to watch the boys 'exercise their lungs' as the nurse called it. This was good to hear. One of the biggest problems preemies normally have is under-developed lungs so the fact that they are strengthening theirs in the womb is good news in my opinion. The stats we got are as follows:
Trip A - 151 bpm heart rate; amniotic fluid level almost 7 mm; weight 2 lbs, 1 ounce; 58th percentile for overall growth
Trip B - 134 bpm heart rate; amniotic fluid level just over 6 mm; weight 1 lb, 11 ounces; 34th percentile for overall growth
Trip C - 144 bpm heart rate; amniotic fluid level 6.5 mm; weight 1 lb, 12 ounces; 47th percentile for overall growth
It is not abnormal for multiples to be at different growth rates and percentiles. The good news is that all three are making great progress and the doctor continues to be happy with that. Because each boy has his own sac and placenta (in layman's terms = nutrient source), percentages aren't too concerning to anyone as long as they continue to grow and develop - which they are. Chase always measured small on growth charts (and still does to this day). We are continuing to focus on all the positives which is what the doctors are focused on too.
My next appointment is Friday, December 3rd and I will actually go to Chapel Hill to the hospital for that one. I will have my gestational diabetes test and other exam items done at that time. Until then, no news continues to be fabulous news.
I am still working full-time and feel pretty confident about my first working goal of Thanksgiving. From there I plan to take it one week at a time. I will get to the point of having weekly appointments pretty soon so if Dr. Strauss tells me I need to wrap it up, then I will. Until then, Thanksgiving is right around the corner so I will keep my focus there and not get too far ahead of myself with anything else. Below are a few pictures we got today. Because the boys are getting bigger and do not have the kind of space they used to, the pictures are harder to get (at least the 'cute' ones). We are still able to get the important anatomical shots - even with them moving and kicking all over - but the 'family' shots are harder to get.
Trip A really wanted nothing to do with a 'family' picture today. He kept rolling over and showing us his back, literally. So this is a shot of his left shoulder at the top of the picture and some ribs just below that. He is looking away from the camera so the back of his head is all you will get from him.
Trip B gave us a nice profile shot. Looks like he has a HUGE nose but it is cool to be able to see such distinct profile parts (eye socket, nose and lips).
Trip C turned his face toward us when she took this shot so he looks more like a skeleton. You can see his left eye socket pretty clearly and the outline of a nose in the middle of the head with his chin sticking out toward the middle of the screen. His left hand is raised above his belly.
Trip C again with the alien 3D shot. He is holding his hand above his head in a fist with his thumb sticking out. Looks like this is our photogenic boy. Pretty cute though!
Trip A - 151 bpm heart rate; amniotic fluid level almost 7 mm; weight 2 lbs, 1 ounce; 58th percentile for overall growth
Trip B - 134 bpm heart rate; amniotic fluid level just over 6 mm; weight 1 lb, 11 ounces; 34th percentile for overall growth
Trip C - 144 bpm heart rate; amniotic fluid level 6.5 mm; weight 1 lb, 12 ounces; 47th percentile for overall growth
It is not abnormal for multiples to be at different growth rates and percentiles. The good news is that all three are making great progress and the doctor continues to be happy with that. Because each boy has his own sac and placenta (in layman's terms = nutrient source), percentages aren't too concerning to anyone as long as they continue to grow and develop - which they are. Chase always measured small on growth charts (and still does to this day). We are continuing to focus on all the positives which is what the doctors are focused on too.
My next appointment is Friday, December 3rd and I will actually go to Chapel Hill to the hospital for that one. I will have my gestational diabetes test and other exam items done at that time. Until then, no news continues to be fabulous news.
I am still working full-time and feel pretty confident about my first working goal of Thanksgiving. From there I plan to take it one week at a time. I will get to the point of having weekly appointments pretty soon so if Dr. Strauss tells me I need to wrap it up, then I will. Until then, Thanksgiving is right around the corner so I will keep my focus there and not get too far ahead of myself with anything else. Below are a few pictures we got today. Because the boys are getting bigger and do not have the kind of space they used to, the pictures are harder to get (at least the 'cute' ones). We are still able to get the important anatomical shots - even with them moving and kicking all over - but the 'family' shots are harder to get.
Trip A really wanted nothing to do with a 'family' picture today. He kept rolling over and showing us his back, literally. So this is a shot of his left shoulder at the top of the picture and some ribs just below that. He is looking away from the camera so the back of his head is all you will get from him.
Trip B gave us a nice profile shot. Looks like he has a HUGE nose but it is cool to be able to see such distinct profile parts (eye socket, nose and lips).
Trip C turned his face toward us when she took this shot so he looks more like a skeleton. You can see his left eye socket pretty clearly and the outline of a nose in the middle of the head with his chin sticking out toward the middle of the screen. His left hand is raised above his belly.
Trip C again with the alien 3D shot. He is holding his hand above his head in a fist with his thumb sticking out. Looks like this is our photogenic boy. Pretty cute though!
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Milestone for Chase
While I am not foolish enough to believe it is due to anything other than his belly being upset and needing a better position, Chase pooped in his potty today! He was so excited when he was done (mostly because of the relief he felt) but we made a big deal of it and he got to flush it down the toilet and say good-bye to it. Maybe we are turning a corner, but I am not getting my hopes up. Could I have only 3 in diapers instead of 4? We'll see what happens over the next few months!
Friday, November 5, 2010
24 week profile picture
16 weeks VS 20 weeks VS 24 weeks
Well, it's that time again. I didn't think it was possible but I am even bigger now than I was 4 weeks ago. I know I said it last time, but I honestly, truly don't know how I can stretch any more! My poor belly button is already sticking out so far and the area around it is bruised because I have no depth perception so I bump into the faucet in the shower (yes, it's funny, but it also hurts like the dickens!)
Will the belly be bigger than Chase's head? Well, to be fair, this time around he was actually looking at the camera. However, I fear we will get there before this is all over!
20 weeks 24 weeks
For those who have asked what we need or how they can help, unfortunately, there are some things that we honestly won't be able to answer until later. For one, until we get the remodel finished and can 'clean out' the nursery, we won't know about crib spacing/layouts and furniture for that room. Second, until the triplets are born and we get a better sense of what we need, there isn't much 'fun' stuff. We have registered for stuff at Babies 'R Us again for those who are curious. I am seriously under-estimating on diaper needs but I have 2 friends at school who are hosting a 'diaper drive' for us - which is AWESOME - so I decided to get the styles and sizes that I know we will need. As we get some of those delivered to us, I will adjust the registry and add more. On average, a newborn uses 8-10 diapers per day. Multiply that by 3 and we will use almost 100 diapers every 3 days! How do you begin to plan for that?
Anyway, we just wanted to get this information out for those who are interested. We are grateful for the continued thoughts and prayers as they are doing their job and making this pregnancy so smooth. My next appointment is November 16th in the afternoon. It will be a growth and measurement appointment for the boys so we will have a better picture of their growth and progress over the 4 week period. We will update the blog after that appointment (unless Chase gives us a reason to post something)
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Appointment update - almost 24 weeks
Well, yet again, Dr. Strauss was excitedly pleased with how the boys and I are holding up. All the questions he has for me warrant a negative response (which is good) and he is just pleased with where we are right now. He actually commented to the Ultrasound nurse that I am not a complainer (which I try not to be) but he is surprised that I am not more uncomfortable with all the pressure on my lower abdomen. All heart rates are good (around 140-160 depending on the boy) which is good. They were all very active and busy which is normal for that time of day. I am doing great as well. Cervix measurement, which is an indicator of impending delivery, was great so no worry about that any time soon based on the numbers. The fluid pockets/levels for each of the boys is well above normal as well, yet another great thing for all of us. Dr. Strauss says I can keep working since things are going well which is good news for me. At this point, I feel good about my first work target date of Thanksgiving. If all continues to go well after then, well, we'll see. We go back in 2 weeks for an actual growth ultrasound to measure the boys and their progress but we got some pictures today just to 'check in' on them.
Trip A waving hello to everyone. The ultrasound nurse commented that it might not be too much longer before we can't see much of him. His position has him potentially blocked out by his brothers as the all continue to grow and get bigger. We actually got to witness that today when the tech was trying to get a 3D scan and Trip B's spinal cord was in front of Trip A. It was weird to think about being able to scan through a spinal cord like that!
3D image of Trip A. Facing front with his umbilical cord snuggled near his chin. You can see his eyes and nose pretty clearly. His mouth is covered by his hand and umbilical cord.
3D image of Trip B. This is the only shot we got of him today. He was not very cooperative in either 3D or black and white scan. You can see a good view of his nose (which looks enormous in this shot but it is simply because he is looking down. It also looks like he has a lump on the upper left side of his head, yet again, just a result of the picture angle. What looks like a beaded necklace near his chin is his umbilical cord too. We joked about the fact that the boys must be bored and wanting something the play with which is why they all keep messing with the cords!
Black and white scan of Trip C. He was extremely cooperative today so we got lots of shots of him. He moved a little right as we were taking the shot so you can't see much in his chest or upper body area.
3D scan of Trip C. We actually got this one in hard copy because the ultrasound nurse said it was such a sweet shot. His features are very clear and he is either sucking on his fingers on his right hand or has them tucked under his chin. Either way, too cute!
Trip C black and white shot. You can see his fingers above his head (or maybe it is part of a brother's hand!) and he is bending his leg which is in the upper left corner of the scan.
Trip A waving hello to everyone. The ultrasound nurse commented that it might not be too much longer before we can't see much of him. His position has him potentially blocked out by his brothers as the all continue to grow and get bigger. We actually got to witness that today when the tech was trying to get a 3D scan and Trip B's spinal cord was in front of Trip A. It was weird to think about being able to scan through a spinal cord like that!
3D image of Trip A. Facing front with his umbilical cord snuggled near his chin. You can see his eyes and nose pretty clearly. His mouth is covered by his hand and umbilical cord.
3D image of Trip B. This is the only shot we got of him today. He was not very cooperative in either 3D or black and white scan. You can see a good view of his nose (which looks enormous in this shot but it is simply because he is looking down. It also looks like he has a lump on the upper left side of his head, yet again, just a result of the picture angle. What looks like a beaded necklace near his chin is his umbilical cord too. We joked about the fact that the boys must be bored and wanting something the play with which is why they all keep messing with the cords!
Black and white scan of Trip C. He was extremely cooperative today so we got lots of shots of him. He moved a little right as we were taking the shot so you can't see much in his chest or upper body area.
3D scan of Trip C. We actually got this one in hard copy because the ultrasound nurse said it was such a sweet shot. His features are very clear and he is either sucking on his fingers on his right hand or has them tucked under his chin. Either way, too cute!
Trip C black and white shot. You can see his fingers above his head (or maybe it is part of a brother's hand!) and he is bending his leg which is in the upper left corner of the scan.
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Trick or Treat...
...or as Chase says, "Trick or Treak"
On Thursday afternoon, SciQuest had it's annual trick-or-treat event for the kids.
Chase's penguin costume made it's debut. For the record, Mom is 23 weeks along in this picture.
After all the trick-or-treating, everybody went to the breakroom to eat the candy and other snacks. Chase got to see his buddy Alex (Tiller) from his previous daycare. Alex is almost exactly 2 months older than Chase. They have really missed each other!
On Halloween morning, we had to carve the pumpkin. First, Daddy cut it open and started cleaning it out. Chase was not sure at all about the pumpkin"guts".
Then we drew the face on the pumpkin. Mommy gave Chase several options (preview on a piece of paper) and Chase chose the smiley face one. Captain was also intrigued by this whole process!
Our finished product!
Then on Halloween evening, we went to Uncle Matt & Aunt Jenn's house to go trick-or-treating with cousins Bise and Meredith. The other strange little girl in this picture is Bise's neighbor who went trick-or-treating with us. Bise was a transformer and Chase felt like he needed help with his mask.
We're ready to go!!
One house had a gigantic inflatable Shrek on the front porch, so we had to get a picture of that. Chase is a big fan of Shrek!
After leaving each door, Chase would run back to the street and scream "I got candy!!"
Finally, we got back to Bise's house where we got to eat our candy. Cute cousins!
On Thursday afternoon, SciQuest had it's annual trick-or-treat event for the kids.
Chase's penguin costume made it's debut. For the record, Mom is 23 weeks along in this picture.
After all the trick-or-treating, everybody went to the breakroom to eat the candy and other snacks. Chase got to see his buddy Alex (Tiller) from his previous daycare. Alex is almost exactly 2 months older than Chase. They have really missed each other!
On Halloween morning, we had to carve the pumpkin. First, Daddy cut it open and started cleaning it out. Chase was not sure at all about the pumpkin"guts".
Then we drew the face on the pumpkin. Mommy gave Chase several options (preview on a piece of paper) and Chase chose the smiley face one. Captain was also intrigued by this whole process!
Our finished product!
Then on Halloween evening, we went to Uncle Matt & Aunt Jenn's house to go trick-or-treating with cousins Bise and Meredith. The other strange little girl in this picture is Bise's neighbor who went trick-or-treating with us. Bise was a transformer and Chase felt like he needed help with his mask.
We're ready to go!!
One house had a gigantic inflatable Shrek on the front porch, so we had to get a picture of that. Chase is a big fan of Shrek!
After leaving each door, Chase would run back to the street and scream "I got candy!!"
Finally, we got back to Bise's house where we got to eat our candy. Cute cousins!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)