Kendall headed out Sunday, concluding more than eight months with us of being nothing but a huge help in every regard. During those months, she took a slew of photos of the girls on her cell phone. So here in 36 pictures are eight months, in no particular order, of our little girls. Can you tell which is which, when? Always? Really?....
PHOTOS
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Sisters in Action, Sisters at Rest
The last few weeks our little girls have been developing an increasing fascination with each other -- each other's hands, each other's eyes, and, naturally, each other's toys. The other day, as we sat with them on our laps facing each other, Danni did her darnedest to put Rory's hand in her mouth. Rory didn't seem to mind at all. And when their paternal grandparents visited over Thanksgiving, they brought the girls' first Christmas gifts -- and what seemed to interest each girl most, besides the wrapping paper, was the present her sister was opening. Tonight, we're posting one recent photo of each of our little ladies in action, including Danni's carrying dinner and her sister waiting for it, or so it seems, as well as a picture of the growing pals together, plus a picture of them taken this summer by the professional photographer we've mentioned previously. Note their matching ears -- crimped just like one of their Daddy's ears is. Aren't they lucky?
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Kendall
On Thanksgiving Day, the only appropriate entry is for us to recognize our beloved Kendall for all her help this year. Kendall, cousin to the Momma, true friend to both of us, arrived here in late March to help us for a few months as we acclimated to having triplets at home. Little did any of us know what this commitment would mean. She has been with us -- beside us and behind us, in the deepest sense of the terms -- every step of the way. She decided to stay, even, through 2009, and has been a help in more ways than any of us ever imagined. We are truly thankful to her, and today want to celebrate her with entries from four lovely pictures of her and the girls taken back when the professional photographer was here in July.
Kendall indicated when she arrived that she would be glad to help, but she wasn't crazy about babies. Looking at these pictures of her with the girls, we can't but wonder: hmmm, really?
We love you Kendall.
Kendall indicated when she arrived that she would be glad to help, but she wasn't crazy about babies. Looking at these pictures of her with the girls, we can't but wonder: hmmm, really?
We love you Kendall.
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Sunday, October 25, 2009
In Motion
The girls continue growing and getting stronger, and in a week, at our next doctor's visit, we'll have their latest weights. Bets anyone?
Both are getting good at holding up their own heads and reaching for things, and are now learning to sit up, and we continue teaching them how to crawl, although sometimes we cannot help but think educating them in mobility is a highly questionable goal. They love smiling, which means so do we, and continue to experiment with numerous run-on vowels, sometimes for hours, as they work their way toward language. Meanwhile, they have cool rides that require no work from them at all -- one a new baby sling, and the other a rockin' chair they both enjoy, especially Rory, since as the big sister she is able to pull free from its hiding place the little stuffed bee that turns this chair into a hide-n-go seek too. Here they are in today's pictures, cruising in these rides, up close and personal.
Both are getting good at holding up their own heads and reaching for things, and are now learning to sit up, and we continue teaching them how to crawl, although sometimes we cannot help but think educating them in mobility is a highly questionable goal. They love smiling, which means so do we, and continue to experiment with numerous run-on vowels, sometimes for hours, as they work their way toward language. Meanwhile, they have cool rides that require no work from them at all -- one a new baby sling, and the other a rockin' chair they both enjoy, especially Rory, since as the big sister she is able to pull free from its hiding place the little stuffed bee that turns this chair into a hide-n-go seek too. Here they are in today's pictures, cruising in these rides, up close and personal.
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Six months
Today marks six months since we lost our little boy, and we know anniversaries like this are going to be hard days. Sometimes it doesn't even seem possible that he is gone, our connection with him is so potent, and other days the depth of that connection only makes his life that much more profound. We know we are living in a unfathomable situation, trying to learn to live with this grief and yet feeling truly blessed and grateful to have been his parents, to have our little girls, to know the three of them, and to know all of us will be connected forever.
We are grateful to everyone for their continued understanding and support, and the prayers, kindnesses, and warm thoughts family and friends near and far have shared with us. One friend told us that he and his wife are amazed at how sad they were at Leo's death, having not even met him. We are truly sorry about the pain his passing caused those around us, and at the same time grateful that others felt and feel a connection to him. With all that has happened, we would still not for a minute trade the joy of being his parents or the memories of his strength, character and beauty for even the removal of this pain.
We are building a memorial garden in our backyard for Leo, and are enclosing three pictures of it in progress below. The first shows the space where the garden will be. At that time, Dad was about half-way through clearing the shrubs and weeds from it. The second photo shows the view that will be directly behind our house, out our kitchen window, beyond our small fish pond, with the first stones laid. At the top of the garden is a weeping cherry tree, kindly given to us by Leo's uncle and aunt Brant and Celeste and their two sons. The third photo shows the trim stones of the garden in place, laid with the help of three friends of Leo's Dad. Through the garden we are going to lay a path of other specially chosen stones (the pallet of which you can see stacked near the cherry tree), in the shape of three interlocking paths, and they will curve underneath a bench we will place in the space that will ultimately lie beneath the cherry tree's shade as it grows. Three colored interlocking stones will sit in front of the bench. The garden will be covered with flowers, low-lying flowering shrubs, and the like, and will have three entrances. The pile of topsoil that will be their home sits under that blue tarp, and we'll be fixing up that arbor as well. We'll add additional pictures as we make more progress.
As you know, thanks to the generosity of many people who are honoring Leo with their gifts, we have also been able to make several contributions in his name, as noted here, to help children in his name. Gifts actually continue to come in, and we deeply appreciate everyone's generosity.
In addition to that effort, Leo's Mom and Dad have decided to sponsor a poetry reading in Leo's honor at Bucknell University, in part to say thanks to the community here that has been so kind to us. The reading will be the evening of February 23, at Bucknell's Stadler Center for Poetry, and will feature Michael Blumenthal, an accomplished poet based at Old Dominion University. Read more here.
We are grateful to everyone for their continued understanding and support, and the prayers, kindnesses, and warm thoughts family and friends near and far have shared with us. One friend told us that he and his wife are amazed at how sad they were at Leo's death, having not even met him. We are truly sorry about the pain his passing caused those around us, and at the same time grateful that others felt and feel a connection to him. With all that has happened, we would still not for a minute trade the joy of being his parents or the memories of his strength, character and beauty for even the removal of this pain.
We are building a memorial garden in our backyard for Leo, and are enclosing three pictures of it in progress below. The first shows the space where the garden will be. At that time, Dad was about half-way through clearing the shrubs and weeds from it. The second photo shows the view that will be directly behind our house, out our kitchen window, beyond our small fish pond, with the first stones laid. At the top of the garden is a weeping cherry tree, kindly given to us by Leo's uncle and aunt Brant and Celeste and their two sons. The third photo shows the trim stones of the garden in place, laid with the help of three friends of Leo's Dad. Through the garden we are going to lay a path of other specially chosen stones (the pallet of which you can see stacked near the cherry tree), in the shape of three interlocking paths, and they will curve underneath a bench we will place in the space that will ultimately lie beneath the cherry tree's shade as it grows. Three colored interlocking stones will sit in front of the bench. The garden will be covered with flowers, low-lying flowering shrubs, and the like, and will have three entrances. The pile of topsoil that will be their home sits under that blue tarp, and we'll be fixing up that arbor as well. We'll add additional pictures as we make more progress.
As you know, thanks to the generosity of many people who are honoring Leo with their gifts, we have also been able to make several contributions in his name, as noted here, to help children in his name. Gifts actually continue to come in, and we deeply appreciate everyone's generosity.
In addition to that effort, Leo's Mom and Dad have decided to sponsor a poetry reading in Leo's honor at Bucknell University, in part to say thanks to the community here that has been so kind to us. The reading will be the evening of February 23, at Bucknell's Stadler Center for Poetry, and will feature Michael Blumenthal, an accomplished poet based at Old Dominion University. Read more here.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Motor Skills
In the last two weeks, the girls have taken major developmental steps forward -- reaching their arms forward to grab toys and pull them to their mouths, preferring to sit facing out against our chests rather than staring over shoulders, and laying on their bellies and lifting their heads to look around them for many minutes at a time. As our parental education has taught us, including the special guidance of a helpful physical therapist for premature infants, the capacity to make these motions at these times are all positive markers of the girls' motor skills and muscle strength advancing just as they should. Time seems to be flying, though, and every day the girls show us they are older, stronger, and more confident.
So, what do we present today? Pictures of them lying on their backs. Hey, what can we say: it's easier to take pictures this way. Although we are including a shot of a recent stroll with the girls in their "Berg," the all-terrain vehicle we bought as a jogging stroller for our triplets back during our pregnant days (p.s. the couple we bought it from on E-bay have a five-year old, a one-year old, and quadruplets on the way. Anyone tired yet?). See below for the girls styling in it. They really seem to like it -- and all we keep wondering is how quickly will the girls be asking to borrow the car keys?
So, what do we present today? Pictures of them lying on their backs. Hey, what can we say: it's easier to take pictures this way. Although we are including a shot of a recent stroll with the girls in their "Berg," the all-terrain vehicle we bought as a jogging stroller for our triplets back during our pregnant days (p.s. the couple we bought it from on E-bay have a five-year old, a one-year old, and quadruplets on the way. Anyone tired yet?). See below for the girls styling in it. They really seem to like it -- and all we keep wondering is how quickly will the girls be asking to borrow the car keys?
Monday, September 28, 2009
Sleep
For a while now, the girls have been staying awake late into the night, usually until 12:30 or 1, and usually featuring a final two hours of crankiness. This is unlike them the rest of the day, when they are typically smiling, happy and content. The good part of this night-owlness is that their late night habits give Mom and Dad lots of exercise as we log laps to and fro on the bedroom floor to soothe the little ladies. A small tread is growing in our path. As last week progressed, with each night growing later than the one before, the girls apparently decided they would see how far they could take it, and Friday and Saturday night, they willed themselves past midnight, past one, and yes, later, until on Friday (or was that Saturday morning) they saw the moon all the way through until 2:30 a.m.
It was time for Mom and Dad to re-think their strategy or risk losing our marbles.
So the past two days, we have tried a new approach, which is to move the entire day's schedule up two hours sooner. It would seem this would have been obvious, except it required all sorts of other logistical switches (never mind the details) and that at least the first day of the new schedule (yesterday) the girls could stay awake for at least 8 hours straight. They didn't disappoint, as our little babes, not even six-months old, were up nine straight hours, with nothing more than a 20-minute nap once along the way, and perky and pleasant the entire time. We double-checked and, no, neither of them has yet learned how to use the coffee grinder.
When night came, the hours ticked toward midnight, and we wondered what would happen. Would they melt down like never before? Would they stay awake until dawn? No, for at 11:30, the girls finally crashed -- which means so did Mom and Dad -- earlier than in weeks, months even. It was like daylight savings time had come early.
Tonight, so far, so good as well. We have promised the girls Ferraris for their continued cooperation, and are hoping they like fine automobiles.
Meanwhile, most importantly of all, more pictures coming soon. They are getting BIG.
It was time for Mom and Dad to re-think their strategy or risk losing our marbles.
So the past two days, we have tried a new approach, which is to move the entire day's schedule up two hours sooner. It would seem this would have been obvious, except it required all sorts of other logistical switches (never mind the details) and that at least the first day of the new schedule (yesterday) the girls could stay awake for at least 8 hours straight. They didn't disappoint, as our little babes, not even six-months old, were up nine straight hours, with nothing more than a 20-minute nap once along the way, and perky and pleasant the entire time. We double-checked and, no, neither of them has yet learned how to use the coffee grinder.
When night came, the hours ticked toward midnight, and we wondered what would happen. Would they melt down like never before? Would they stay awake until dawn? No, for at 11:30, the girls finally crashed -- which means so did Mom and Dad -- earlier than in weeks, months even. It was like daylight savings time had come early.
Tonight, so far, so good as well. We have promised the girls Ferraris for their continued cooperation, and are hoping they like fine automobiles.
Meanwhile, most importantly of all, more pictures coming soon. They are getting BIG.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Weighing In
The girls are starting to talk up a storm, and we think it won't be long before they say their first word. They're certainly trying.
They're smiling like crazy, when they're not wailing approaching midnight, just to make sure Mom and Dad get their exercise pacing the bedroom floor, which we are glad to do (see "smiling like crazy").
Yesterday, our latest visit to the pediatrician told us how much our little girls are growing. They seem to have gotten heavier in our arms, and seem about ready sometimes to leap to the ground their legs are so strong. Well, they have both gained two pounds since the last doctor's visit. Rory is up to 10 lbs 13 ounces, while Danni is up to 8 lbs 6 ounces. In the doc's words, their weight gain "is fantastic." Now, to some, these weights for babies at five months and a week may seem small. But to us, who have seen their weights practically triple in that time, they seem like giants. Glorious giants.
Meanwhile, two weeks ago they had their latest, and it turns out, final preemie check-up at the ophthalmologist. The final trimester is when the retina forms, so special care has to be taken to ensure a preemie's eyes have fully and properly formed. The doc gave the girls an "A" report and said he was no longer concerned about the development of their eyes. This is good for more than one reason, because the test is tough to witness, let alone for the girls to experience. The doc has to hold each of their eyes open with a tiny metal speculum for about a minute each while he presses and prods on the eye itself with another special device, and peers into the pupil with what might as well be a glaring headlight stuck to his forehead and studies all corners of the retina. It was all we could do not to scoop up our babies and race out of there, but they stuck it out courageously and soon it was over. For many reasons, we are quite sure that their first word won't be ophthalmologist.
They're smiling like crazy, when they're not wailing approaching midnight, just to make sure Mom and Dad get their exercise pacing the bedroom floor, which we are glad to do (see "smiling like crazy").
Yesterday, our latest visit to the pediatrician told us how much our little girls are growing. They seem to have gotten heavier in our arms, and seem about ready sometimes to leap to the ground their legs are so strong. Well, they have both gained two pounds since the last doctor's visit. Rory is up to 10 lbs 13 ounces, while Danni is up to 8 lbs 6 ounces. In the doc's words, their weight gain "is fantastic." Now, to some, these weights for babies at five months and a week may seem small. But to us, who have seen their weights practically triple in that time, they seem like giants. Glorious giants.
Meanwhile, two weeks ago they had their latest, and it turns out, final preemie check-up at the ophthalmologist. The final trimester is when the retina forms, so special care has to be taken to ensure a preemie's eyes have fully and properly formed. The doc gave the girls an "A" report and said he was no longer concerned about the development of their eyes. This is good for more than one reason, because the test is tough to witness, let alone for the girls to experience. The doc has to hold each of their eyes open with a tiny metal speculum for about a minute each while he presses and prods on the eye itself with another special device, and peers into the pupil with what might as well be a glaring headlight stuck to his forehead and studies all corners of the retina. It was all we could do not to scoop up our babies and race out of there, but they stuck it out courageously and soon it was over. For many reasons, we are quite sure that their first word won't be ophthalmologist.
Friday, August 14, 2009
Professional photos
Before the kids were born, Daddy's colleagues kindly held an amazing baby shower. One of the many generous gifts was the gift of a photo session with local professional photographer Kristine Pringle, who is known for her exceptional touch with family photos. A couple weeks ago, Kristine spent a morning with us taking pictures, and today she has posted on her photo blog (with our happy permission) photos from the session. She obviously has a magnificent photographer's eye, and we are grateful to her and to those who introduced us to Kristine. We hope you enjoy the sample photos -- including a cameo from one of our dogs (Rex). See them here.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Darling outfits
Below, a photo from this evening, July 30, of the girls together, dressed the same on one of the rare occasions we've done that. As you may be able to tell, they have really started smiling these days. And in case you need a hint to tell them apart: that's Rory on the left and Danni on the right.
Sunday, July 26, 2009
The Leo Francis Mackey Memorial Fund
We had no idea when we set this fund up after Leo passed away that it would quickly raise more than $5,000 in his name. We are humbled and touched deeply by this generosity, especially since it honors a child very few of the donors even got to meet. We struggle each day to come to grips with what happened to Leo, and have been moved time and again by the kindnesses of those who have reached out to us, especially those who have lost their own children and have been so courageous and compassionate as to share their experiences with us.
We have written to each of the donors, but want everyone to know how grateful we are for all the support and love you have sent our way. There are no words to describe what it is like to be blessed by having our daughters in our arms even as the hole formed by Leo's loss fills us with grief. There are also no words to describe how much we appreciate the kindnesses and support from our family, friends and colleagues, except to say, from the bottom of our hearts, thank you.
If you are new to this blog, as we continue to hear from people who are new readers, we invite you to read the previous entry below about Leo posted shortly after the service for him.
We wanted to allocate the contributions to the Leo Francis Mackey Memorial Fund in a way that would help children in need and would have a clear impact, and thanks to the generosity of the donors, have been able to make several contributions in Leo's name. These contributions will expend the full resources of the current contributions. At the same time, since contributions continue to arrive, we also intend to keep this fund open and extend its support for other children in Leo's name.
The current recipients we have chosen are
1. The Ronald McDonald House of Danville, PA. This house is opposite the hospital where our children were born. During the 41 days our children spent in the NICU, the Ronald McDonald House was our home away from home, providing a nearby site to grab a quick couple hours of sleep or a quick meal. The gift from Leo's fund will be used to purchase the following:
-Two cribs
-Four strollers
-Children's activity table w/chairs
-Bean Bags for the children's playroom
-Medicine fridge
-Two roll-away beds
-Some new lighting
They will be placing a plaque in Leo's honor in the house.
2. Union County Public Library. Colleagues at Leo's father's office kindly donated a number of children's books to the library containing a book plaque in honor of Leo, and we were inspired by that example to buy the library a special board-book shelf for books used almost exclusively by children under two years old. A picture of one is here.
The library will be placing a plaque in Leo's honor on the shelf.
3. A scholarship contribution to the Batahola Norte Cultural Center in Managua, Nicaragua. Bucknell has a 10-year relationship with the area through the Bucknell Brigade, which has provided extensive support for Nueva Vida, a nearby desperately poor community devastated more than a decade ago by Hurricane Mitch. This cultural center provides support to help children in the community develop their interest in and talent for the arts -- including an artist who recently visited Bucknell to paint a mural commemorating the anniversary of the brigade. See this site.
We make this gift in particular as an expression of thanks for the many friends and colleagues at Bucknell who not only contributed to the Leo fund but who have also been so kind throughout this tumultuous time.
If you would like to make a gift to the fund, the donation information is below in the earlier post about it.
Thank you.
We have written to each of the donors, but want everyone to know how grateful we are for all the support and love you have sent our way. There are no words to describe what it is like to be blessed by having our daughters in our arms even as the hole formed by Leo's loss fills us with grief. There are also no words to describe how much we appreciate the kindnesses and support from our family, friends and colleagues, except to say, from the bottom of our hearts, thank you.
If you are new to this blog, as we continue to hear from people who are new readers, we invite you to read the previous entry below about Leo posted shortly after the service for him.
We wanted to allocate the contributions to the Leo Francis Mackey Memorial Fund in a way that would help children in need and would have a clear impact, and thanks to the generosity of the donors, have been able to make several contributions in Leo's name. These contributions will expend the full resources of the current contributions. At the same time, since contributions continue to arrive, we also intend to keep this fund open and extend its support for other children in Leo's name.
The current recipients we have chosen are
1. The Ronald McDonald House of Danville, PA. This house is opposite the hospital where our children were born. During the 41 days our children spent in the NICU, the Ronald McDonald House was our home away from home, providing a nearby site to grab a quick couple hours of sleep or a quick meal. The gift from Leo's fund will be used to purchase the following:
-Two cribs
-Four strollers
-Children's activity table w/chairs
-Bean Bags for the children's playroom
-Medicine fridge
-Two roll-away beds
-Some new lighting
They will be placing a plaque in Leo's honor in the house.
2. Union County Public Library. Colleagues at Leo's father's office kindly donated a number of children's books to the library containing a book plaque in honor of Leo, and we were inspired by that example to buy the library a special board-book shelf for books used almost exclusively by children under two years old. A picture of one is here.
The library will be placing a plaque in Leo's honor on the shelf.
3. A scholarship contribution to the Batahola Norte Cultural Center in Managua, Nicaragua. Bucknell has a 10-year relationship with the area through the Bucknell Brigade, which has provided extensive support for Nueva Vida, a nearby desperately poor community devastated more than a decade ago by Hurricane Mitch. This cultural center provides support to help children in the community develop their interest in and talent for the arts -- including an artist who recently visited Bucknell to paint a mural commemorating the anniversary of the brigade. See this site.
We make this gift in particular as an expression of thanks for the many friends and colleagues at Bucknell who not only contributed to the Leo fund but who have also been so kind throughout this tumultuous time.
If you would like to make a gift to the fund, the donation information is below in the earlier post about it.
Thank you.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Check-up
Tuesday, July 21 brought us to the doctor for the girls' three-month check-up. They are gaining weight "wonderfully," in the pediatrician's words, and doing well. Rory now weighs 7 lbs. 12.9 ounces, and Danni 6 lbs, 3.4 ounces, and each around 20 inches head to foot.
With their increased size, we have officially moved from the disposable premie diapers to the cloth diapers, marking a whole new adventure in diaper changing. But our skill level in this area is now considerable, with Mommy in particular capable of changing two diapers while fully asleep and in the darkness in under 30 seconds. We are looking into whether there is a sports federation in which she can compete.
But the really exciting news, the kind of news that turns a parent to goo and a grandparent to a babbling mess: the girls are now smiling. These aren't gas smiles either. These are real, honest-to-goodness smiles. They aren't responding yet to our gestures, other than to getting calm (sometimes) when we sing to them (they seem to have a remarkable capacity to ignore Daddy's extraordinary knack for being off-key), but sometimes, there it is: a smile all their own.
With their increased size, we have officially moved from the disposable premie diapers to the cloth diapers, marking a whole new adventure in diaper changing. But our skill level in this area is now considerable, with Mommy in particular capable of changing two diapers while fully asleep and in the darkness in under 30 seconds. We are looking into whether there is a sports federation in which she can compete.
But the really exciting news, the kind of news that turns a parent to goo and a grandparent to a babbling mess: the girls are now smiling. These aren't gas smiles either. These are real, honest-to-goodness smiles. They aren't responding yet to our gestures, other than to getting calm (sometimes) when we sing to them (they seem to have a remarkable capacity to ignore Daddy's extraordinary knack for being off-key), but sometimes, there it is: a smile all their own.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Three months
Today the girls turned three months old. They are doing well, growing, changing, fussing and sleeping like they should -- and nursing from Momma about every 2 hours. Momma is one dedicated and tough gal, Pappa says proudly.
Every day we see something new in the girls, and the girls discover something new, like a mirror, a light, the back of a sister's head. Last week, for example, Rory noticed one of our dogs, vividly, clearly, for the first time, turning her eyes to wonder who and what that wonderful black- and white-faced creature staring at her from inches away was. It was Rex, of course, who seems to have taken particular responsibility for checking on Rory regularly. Meanwhile, Danni and Rory increasingly show distinctive personalities, and signs of auburn hair in both seem to be appearing. Their Grandpas have red hair, so we'll see where these hints lead.
We recently received photos from a visit in late May of the girls' maternal grandparents, and are happy to share four photos from the visit below, including a shot of Danni with the man after whom she was named, known to one and all as Danny, and to Rory and Danni as Grandpa. So who is really holding whom in the palm of her hands?
Every day we see something new in the girls, and the girls discover something new, like a mirror, a light, the back of a sister's head. Last week, for example, Rory noticed one of our dogs, vividly, clearly, for the first time, turning her eyes to wonder who and what that wonderful black- and white-faced creature staring at her from inches away was. It was Rex, of course, who seems to have taken particular responsibility for checking on Rory regularly. Meanwhile, Danni and Rory increasingly show distinctive personalities, and signs of auburn hair in both seem to be appearing. Their Grandpas have red hair, so we'll see where these hints lead.
We recently received photos from a visit in late May of the girls' maternal grandparents, and are happy to share four photos from the visit below, including a shot of Danni with the man after whom she was named, known to one and all as Danny, and to Rory and Danni as Grandpa. So who is really holding whom in the palm of her hands?
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Smiling with the Girls
The last two weeks have brought visits from one set grandparents and Mom's closest friend (all the way from California). They not only did a LOT to help around the house but also, for some reason, felt compelled to spend considerable time ooing and cooing over the girls. On this Father's Day, we are proud to share these pictures of them because the girls are just too great for Daddy (and Mommy) to keep to themselves.
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
New photos
Some new photos of our little ladies below, taken June 8, which marked the start of their fourth week home. All is going well. They are nursing every couple hours 24 hours a day, which means Mommy is working hard, helped with great care by our cousin Kendall -- thank you Kendall! -- and with Daddy playing the role all fathers do at this stage in life, namely as back-up cast.
It is wonderful to see our baby girls grow a little every day, and to marvel at how alike they look the closer they get in weight. As of last week, our first visit to the pediatrician since we came home from the NICU, Danni weighs 4lbs 4 ounces and Rory weighs 5 lbs 2 ounces. Can you tell them apart without a label? So far, we can. So far.
The wine picture, by the way, is purely for proportion's sake. It happened to be handy. Fear not, they are nursing ONLY on Mommy's milk.
It is wonderful to see our baby girls grow a little every day, and to marvel at how alike they look the closer they get in weight. As of last week, our first visit to the pediatrician since we came home from the NICU, Danni weighs 4lbs 4 ounces and Rory weighs 5 lbs 2 ounces. Can you tell them apart without a label? So far, we can. So far.
The wine picture, by the way, is purely for proportion's sake. It happened to be handy. Fear not, they are nursing ONLY on Mommy's milk.
Monday, May 25, 2009
The Girls
Ladies and gentlemen, we present to you, photos of our lovely little girls, Rory and Danni, for your enjoyment below. Admit it: they are absolutely adorable.
They joined us at home at last last Monday, May 18, and my were we glad to bring them home after 42 days in the NICU. They are doing great, keeping us up late at night, and getting the hang of home. It's great.
The first picture of them below is of the first time we held them side by side, out of their isolettes, in the NICU. This is, in other words, the first time they met. And yes, the next picture is what it looks like -- the first time they met, they held hands. Life can sure be beautiful.
Also see these photos which we had placed on the hospital's iNursery.
They joined us at home at last last Monday, May 18, and my were we glad to bring them home after 42 days in the NICU. They are doing great, keeping us up late at night, and getting the hang of home. It's great.
The first picture of them below is of the first time we held them side by side, out of their isolettes, in the NICU. This is, in other words, the first time they met. And yes, the next picture is what it looks like -- the first time they met, they held hands. Life can sure be beautiful.
Also see these photos which we had placed on the hospital's iNursery.
Monday, May 18, 2009
Generosity
As described below, with Leo's passing, we decided to create the Leo Francis Mackey Memorial Fund in his memory. All contributions will be donated to help young children in need. We are thankful to all the generous donors that have already contributed to this fund and for the impact on young lives that your caring will have in Leo's name. We have been profoundly touched by these expressions of generosity, and wanted to share one story of this giving with you which perhaps sums up how kind these gifts are.
The maternal grandma of Leo, Rory and Danni is a teacher at Liberty Elementary School in Caledonia, Ohio. She and we were stunned to learn last week that her colleagues across the staff, from the custodial team to the teachers and administration, had organized a collection for this fund. They raised the amazing sum of $650. These gifts come from individuals who never had the joy of meeting Leo, yet, through his grandmother and family, became connected to him. Their sympathy and generosity will, through this fund, help other young children in need, and on behalf of our beloved son and his sisters, we express our deepest thanks to them for reaching out to touch other lives so thoughtfully.
The maternal grandma of Leo, Rory and Danni is a teacher at Liberty Elementary School in Caledonia, Ohio. She and we were stunned to learn last week that her colleagues across the staff, from the custodial team to the teachers and administration, had organized a collection for this fund. They raised the amazing sum of $650. These gifts come from individuals who never had the joy of meeting Leo, yet, through his grandmother and family, became connected to him. Their sympathy and generosity will, through this fund, help other young children in need, and on behalf of our beloved son and his sisters, we express our deepest thanks to them for reaching out to touch other lives so thoughtfully.
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Leo Francis Mackey
On April 7, Leo Francis, Rory Marà and Danni Christine joined us on this earth. Their arrival was miraculous and beautiful, and hope and love never seemed to us so unending. On April 18, 12 days later, our little Leo, following his brave battle with a sudden and terrible intestinal infection, passed away. He had been born healthy and full of energy and life that were magnetic, and we, like the doctors and nurses, were shocked by what happened. We held him in our arms as he died, and as we had tried to say every minute of his brief life, had the privilege of telling him again we loved him. We will never forget him. Below are a few photos of him taken within a few days of his birth.
We are posting here a link to the video of the service held for Leo on April 25. Our goal with this service was to honor Leo, to provide some small measure of our love for him in a gift of remembrance that his sisters could one day view, and to stand together with our family and friends who have been so kind to us and so thoughtful of Leo, Rory and Danni throughout this tumultuous time and who themselves are mourning. The reason we videotaped this service was to share it with his sisters one day, and we post it here only for those who might value viewing it now.
Service for Leo Francis Mackey
We will never be able to thank sufficiently all those who have reached out to us with love, kindness and support. Please accept our meager thank you knowing it is far from the depth of feeling with which we express it to you. We have formed a charitable fund, the Leo Francis Mackey Memorial Fund, for those who would like to make a donation in his name. All funds will be donated to young children in need. The address and tax ID information are below.
The speakers in this service are
Timothy Dugan, Bucknell University campus chaplain and family friend
Kurt Thiede, Bucknell vice president for admissions and family friend
David Bonheimer, longtime family friend
Matt Quinn, executive director of the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation and family friend
We are grateful to them for the wisdom and presence of love they brought to this service.
We also are grateful to the singers, musicians and performers who beautified this service with their talents. Their names are shown in the program preceding the video. A special thanks to the Bucknell University Rooke Chapel Ringers and composer and conductor Bill Payn; Steve Gibson, a friend and colleague at Bucknell who kindly videotaped this service; and friends at Bucknell who prepared this video for viewing. Finally, our thanks to the community of Bucknell University that has reached out to us so warmly throughout these days.
The Leo Francis Mackey Memorial Fund
c/o Sam Lundquist
Office of Development
Bucknell University
Lewisburg, PA 17837
Tax ID (all contributions are tax deductible): 26-4738082
We will soon post on this blog photos of Rory and Danni, and have decided for the time being to continue it with updates of the progress of our daughters. Rory and Danni are doing well, and we expect to be welcoming them home from the NICU soon. Our enduring thanks to the devoted caretakers at the NICU, who have given our children such loving attention.
We are posting here a link to the video of the service held for Leo on April 25. Our goal with this service was to honor Leo, to provide some small measure of our love for him in a gift of remembrance that his sisters could one day view, and to stand together with our family and friends who have been so kind to us and so thoughtful of Leo, Rory and Danni throughout this tumultuous time and who themselves are mourning. The reason we videotaped this service was to share it with his sisters one day, and we post it here only for those who might value viewing it now.
Service for Leo Francis Mackey
We will never be able to thank sufficiently all those who have reached out to us with love, kindness and support. Please accept our meager thank you knowing it is far from the depth of feeling with which we express it to you. We have formed a charitable fund, the Leo Francis Mackey Memorial Fund, for those who would like to make a donation in his name. All funds will be donated to young children in need. The address and tax ID information are below.
The speakers in this service are
Timothy Dugan, Bucknell University campus chaplain and family friend
Kurt Thiede, Bucknell vice president for admissions and family friend
David Bonheimer, longtime family friend
Matt Quinn, executive director of the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation and family friend
We are grateful to them for the wisdom and presence of love they brought to this service.
We also are grateful to the singers, musicians and performers who beautified this service with their talents. Their names are shown in the program preceding the video. A special thanks to the Bucknell University Rooke Chapel Ringers and composer and conductor Bill Payn; Steve Gibson, a friend and colleague at Bucknell who kindly videotaped this service; and friends at Bucknell who prepared this video for viewing. Finally, our thanks to the community of Bucknell University that has reached out to us so warmly throughout these days.
The Leo Francis Mackey Memorial Fund
c/o Sam Lundquist
Office of Development
Bucknell University
Lewisburg, PA 17837
Tax ID (all contributions are tax deductible): 26-4738082
We will soon post on this blog photos of Rory and Danni, and have decided for the time being to continue it with updates of the progress of our daughters. Rory and Danni are doing well, and we expect to be welcoming them home from the NICU soon. Our enduring thanks to the devoted caretakers at the NICU, who have given our children such loving attention.
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Moving Up
This weekend, the kids have taken some great positive strides, but we'll save the best for last: First, all three are no longer on IVs, which means they are getting all the nutrients they need from feeding (including a growing diet of breastmilk, courtesy of Mom) and shows their capacity to absorb food. Second, the girls both came off their CPAP machines; CPAPs (continuous positive air pressure) are not ventilators since they do not breath for the patient (it is a major positive sign that the kids have never been on ventilators), but instead have a tiny tube that sits just inside the exterior tip of the nostrils and mildly blows compressed air to make sure breathing passages are open so the kids can breath on their own. Third, all their bloodwork has been excellent.
Which leads to the first part of the exciting news: Today, Easter Sunday of all days, Rory graduated from the NICU (neonatal intensive care unit) to the next step up, the SICU (special intensive care unit). Babies only get moved up if they've demonstrated a steady capacity over a day or two to breath without a CPAP (i.e., no apnea, or "apnic events" as the docs and nurses call them), require no IV, and have excellent bloodwork. Tonight at 7 p.m. Danni graduates to the SICU to join her sister. Tomorrow or the next day, Leo is likely to join them there. Typically, we've learned, boys move more slowly through the NICU than girls, so it's either that or the girls are just showing off. We spent the better part of the weekend with the kids, and after a little break today will be going back tonight to root Leo on and to see Rory and Danni in their new digs.
A SICU and a NICU, though, can be daunting places. At this hospital, which actually has one of the best such units in the country, there are 38 infants in this care at any one time. Each baby is on monitors 24 hours a day checking their heart rates, breathing rates, temperatures, percentage of oxygen intake, and more, and we have gotten pretty good at reading the meaning of the figures on the computers near them. Every 12 or 24 hours, depending on each child's status, the children get bloodtests, which means a prick with a needle in their little heels. Intravenous tubes run from the tiny arms of those needing extra nutrient support, and most, like our babies at this point, have tiny tubes running into their mouths down to their stomachs for feeding since they are not yet strong enough to suckle for themselves. A specialist nurse keeps a close eye on every two to three infants and manages their care. The nurses, by the way, are outstanding down the line, and across the shifts we've met many of them. It is incredibly comforting to experience their affection for their charges and to learn from them as they describe what they're doing -- and let us join in too, such as changing the kids.
Meanwhile, every day, one of the NICU doctors leads a small team of a couple residents and a nurse on "rounds," evaluating a host of data about each child's status and altering their feed rates, IVs, and so forth depending on their progress. We have been lucky enough to be there for rounds every day for our threesome, and the doctor really is excited about how well they are doing. We're counting on Leo to join his sisters at the next level soon!
Now, the second piece of the really exciting news: Because the girls are off the CPAPs, they no longer have the gear on their heads or faces that these devices requires, which means that we have been able to see both of their faces for the first time for an extended period, and today held them for a long while as they looked at us in all their glory and studied our faces as we studied theirs. In case you're wondering, yes, they are indeed identical. And, if we don't mind saying, they are absolutely beautiful.
Which leads to the first part of the exciting news: Today, Easter Sunday of all days, Rory graduated from the NICU (neonatal intensive care unit) to the next step up, the SICU (special intensive care unit). Babies only get moved up if they've demonstrated a steady capacity over a day or two to breath without a CPAP (i.e., no apnea, or "apnic events" as the docs and nurses call them), require no IV, and have excellent bloodwork. Tonight at 7 p.m. Danni graduates to the SICU to join her sister. Tomorrow or the next day, Leo is likely to join them there. Typically, we've learned, boys move more slowly through the NICU than girls, so it's either that or the girls are just showing off. We spent the better part of the weekend with the kids, and after a little break today will be going back tonight to root Leo on and to see Rory and Danni in their new digs.
A SICU and a NICU, though, can be daunting places. At this hospital, which actually has one of the best such units in the country, there are 38 infants in this care at any one time. Each baby is on monitors 24 hours a day checking their heart rates, breathing rates, temperatures, percentage of oxygen intake, and more, and we have gotten pretty good at reading the meaning of the figures on the computers near them. Every 12 or 24 hours, depending on each child's status, the children get bloodtests, which means a prick with a needle in their little heels. Intravenous tubes run from the tiny arms of those needing extra nutrient support, and most, like our babies at this point, have tiny tubes running into their mouths down to their stomachs for feeding since they are not yet strong enough to suckle for themselves. A specialist nurse keeps a close eye on every two to three infants and manages their care. The nurses, by the way, are outstanding down the line, and across the shifts we've met many of them. It is incredibly comforting to experience their affection for their charges and to learn from them as they describe what they're doing -- and let us join in too, such as changing the kids.
Meanwhile, every day, one of the NICU doctors leads a small team of a couple residents and a nurse on "rounds," evaluating a host of data about each child's status and altering their feed rates, IVs, and so forth depending on their progress. We have been lucky enough to be there for rounds every day for our threesome, and the doctor really is excited about how well they are doing. We're counting on Leo to join his sisters at the next level soon!
Now, the second piece of the really exciting news: Because the girls are off the CPAPs, they no longer have the gear on their heads or faces that these devices requires, which means that we have been able to see both of their faces for the first time for an extended period, and today held them for a long while as they looked at us in all their glory and studied our faces as we studied theirs. In case you're wondering, yes, they are indeed identical. And, if we don't mind saying, they are absolutely beautiful.
Friday, April 10, 2009
The Names
We have no experience by which to judge whether naming one child at a time is more difficult, more interesting or more fun than naming three born together, but we sure did enjoy the process of trying to come up with names for our threesome. We actually have had the names for months now, testing them aloud and in combinations as triplets. Most of all, we wanted the pair of first and last names to sound good together, including with their siblings' names. We also wanted the names to be relatively easy to pronounce on sight and, because of family background and our experience in Ireland (where we got engaged), to have at least a hint of Irishness. Finally, we decided with triplets that a few special qualities would be appropriate:
1. Each name would be strong and singular, able to stand alone on its own and not easily abbreviated, so each child had his or her own distinct identity.
2. The names wouldn't be alliterative, including the identical twin girls.
3. The names would have something in common with one another to connect them as triplets, though in a subtle fashion.
4. Each child's pair of names would include a name we liked and a name with a special family link.
And we wouldn't tell anyone the names before the children heard them first (which drove some family members nuts, although we appreciated all the memorable suggestions, like Eartha, Winda, and Firer).
Our choices were:
Leo Francis: Leo is a name we like for a variety of reasons, while Francis is Daddy's middle name.
Rory MarÃ: Rory is a name we like for a variety of reasons, while Marà invokes the first name of the Dad's mother, Marion, and of his Godmother and great aunt -- Marà means the same as all three of their names and is the first four letters of grandma's name. (It's pronounced Mur-I.)
Danni Christine: Danni invokes Mom's stepfather's name, Danny, while Christine is a name we like for a variety of reasons.
The names connect in several ways to each other, but the key subtle connection is that each of the first names has the sound of the second syllable of the children's surnames in a unique way (e, y, i).
We hope they all go together well. And that the kids like them!
p.s. The kids are doing great, and Momma continues to recover nicely.
1. Each name would be strong and singular, able to stand alone on its own and not easily abbreviated, so each child had his or her own distinct identity.
2. The names wouldn't be alliterative, including the identical twin girls.
3. The names would have something in common with one another to connect them as triplets, though in a subtle fashion.
4. Each child's pair of names would include a name we liked and a name with a special family link.
And we wouldn't tell anyone the names before the children heard them first (which drove some family members nuts, although we appreciated all the memorable suggestions, like Eartha, Winda, and Firer).
Our choices were:
Leo Francis: Leo is a name we like for a variety of reasons, while Francis is Daddy's middle name.
Rory MarÃ: Rory is a name we like for a variety of reasons, while Marà invokes the first name of the Dad's mother, Marion, and of his Godmother and great aunt -- Marà means the same as all three of their names and is the first four letters of grandma's name. (It's pronounced Mur-I.)
Danni Christine: Danni invokes Mom's stepfather's name, Danny, while Christine is a name we like for a variety of reasons.
The names connect in several ways to each other, but the key subtle connection is that each of the first names has the sound of the second syllable of the children's surnames in a unique way (e, y, i).
We hope they all go together well. And that the kids like them!
p.s. The kids are doing great, and Momma continues to recover nicely.
Thursday, April 9, 2009
The Kangaroo
It is now 44 hours since our little ones were born, and one experience has quickly become our favorite: The Kangaroo. A baby is removed from his or her isolette and placed on Mom or Dad's bare chest as the parent lies back in a recliner, and there, for an hour or more at a time, we get to hold our child next to us, to feel them breathe with our breathes, to feel their hands and feet push and press against us, to watch with amazement as we say their names and they open their eyes to find where that voice is coming from. We will be doing as much of this as makes sense and is possible over the coming weeks, and the NICU nurses tell us it is good for all, especially the babies who benefit from the natural warmth.
Each baby is in its own isolette now, and inside there, able to sleep and stretch and reach snuggly within a cozy shell of blankets on all sides. We visit them as often as we like to watch them, touch them, see what the nurses do to care for them, and of course to Kangaroo.
Momma is slowly recovering from the duress and after-pain of the C-section, babies are doing great, and both parents are running on fumes and loving it. Rory and Danni have isolettes opposite of one another in the NICU, and at the other end of the room (about 25 feet away) is Leo. Positions are assigned based on which NICU nurses have openings in their areas as babies are born. Each nurse has 2 to 3 infants each to watch over, and thus far we have been impressed by the attentiveness and even affection that the NICU nurses all seem to have for their charges. Who can blame them?
Each baby is in its own isolette now, and inside there, able to sleep and stretch and reach snuggly within a cozy shell of blankets on all sides. We visit them as often as we like to watch them, touch them, see what the nurses do to care for them, and of course to Kangaroo.
Momma is slowly recovering from the duress and after-pain of the C-section, babies are doing great, and both parents are running on fumes and loving it. Rory and Danni have isolettes opposite of one another in the NICU, and at the other end of the room (about 25 feet away) is Leo. Positions are assigned based on which NICU nurses have openings in their areas as babies are born. Each nurse has 2 to 3 infants each to watch over, and thus far we have been impressed by the attentiveness and even affection that the NICU nurses all seem to have for their charges. Who can blame them?
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Yes! Yes! Yes!
It is with profound joy that we announce that this morning we welcomed our three little ones into the world:
Leo Francis, 5:30 a.m., 4 lbs, 1.5 ounces, 17 inches
Rory MarÃ, 5:31 a.m., 3 lbs, 10 ounces, 16 3/4 inches
Danni Christine, 5:33 a.m., 3 lbs, 3 ounces, 16.5 inches
Everyone is doing great, Mom included. We have just returned from visiting them for the first time in the NICU, where they are being well cared for, and not only do they look great, but all their vitals are excellent. This is a glorious day.
Leo Francis, 5:30 a.m., 4 lbs, 1.5 ounces, 17 inches
Rory MarÃ, 5:31 a.m., 3 lbs, 10 ounces, 16 3/4 inches
Danni Christine, 5:33 a.m., 3 lbs, 3 ounces, 16.5 inches
Everyone is doing great, Mom included. We have just returned from visiting them for the first time in the NICU, where they are being well cared for, and not only do they look great, but all their vitals are excellent. This is a glorious day.
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Day by Day
Today was a good day -- thanks to a good night's sleep. The good night was made possible by an NST result "textbook" in its clarity, in the words of our favorite nurse. The NST monitors the babies' heartrates and requires a measurement of two points of acceleration 10 bpm over the average rate during a 20-minute span (do not depend upon these descriptions if you will soon be taking the MCATs). The challenge for the nurses is lining up three monitors on the surface of the belly with three babies' hearts simultaneously even as the babies shuck and jive below. Watching the nurses try to pull off the feat is a bit like watching Rocky trying to catch three chickens.
We have learned the only way getting the NST done is if Momma sits up the whole time, and that is taxing.
Mom's vitals, meanwhile, are in a good holding pattern above any necessity at this time to deliver, so the doctors will be making their decision on a day-by-day basis, and we are getting acclimated to this being's Momma-to-be's new temporary home.
One of the MFM (maternal fetal medicine) doctors that is part of the team monitoring the situation came by to visit yesterday. He said that a mother of triplets making it to 31 weeks is a "mammoth" achievement. Thinking of the size Momma has reached, we have been amused by his choice of words. As the nurses change shifts, we continue to meet new personnel, although we think after more than 72 hours here we are on the verge of knowing every nurse in the labor and delivery unit. One after the other, they ask, "How many babies in there?" and we say, "Three," and they say, "Wow, and you've made it to 31 weeks?!" It IS a mammoth achievement.
We have learned the only way getting the NST done is if Momma sits up the whole time, and that is taxing.
Mom's vitals, meanwhile, are in a good holding pattern above any necessity at this time to deliver, so the doctors will be making their decision on a day-by-day basis, and we are getting acclimated to this being's Momma-to-be's new temporary home.
One of the MFM (maternal fetal medicine) doctors that is part of the team monitoring the situation came by to visit yesterday. He said that a mother of triplets making it to 31 weeks is a "mammoth" achievement. Thinking of the size Momma has reached, we have been amused by his choice of words. As the nurses change shifts, we continue to meet new personnel, although we think after more than 72 hours here we are on the verge of knowing every nurse in the labor and delivery unit. One after the other, they ask, "How many babies in there?" and we say, "Three," and they say, "Wow, and you've made it to 31 weeks?!" It IS a mammoth achievement.
Saturday, April 4, 2009
1 out of 100?
An eventful few days that rolled us back to status quo -- happily waiting. Thursday morning, Momma came in for her check-up and learned the babies now weigh 4 lbs 2 ounces (boy), while the girls weigh 3.8 and 3.5. The docs also saw signs of preclampsia returning, and so again she was checked in. We've been in the hospital since, with regular testing keeping the situation closely monitored. It's now Saturday afternoon and the holding pattern remains. The doctors have thoroughly explained the situation to us, and have made clear they will err on the side of caution to protect Momma and the babies. The docs continue to earn our confidence with the care and attention they are giving and with their detailed responses to our questions. As it now stands, Momma will be in the hospital for the duration as it is important to prevent an emergency delivery and to make sure that the docs are ready to respond promptly when signs make clear it is time to schedule one. When will that happen? Could be tomorrow, or the next day, but it also wouldn't surprise the doctors (or us) based on what they're seeing (actually as of today trending away from the need for a delivery as opposed to Thursday's indicators) if the big day doesn't come for another week or even more.
The basic schedule is checking the babies' heartbeats every 7 hours and Momma's vitals every 4 hours, and conducting the necessary bloodtests to stay on top of the preeclampsia every 24 hours. Momma-to-be has been incredibly resilient, actually tough, in the face of all the poking and prodding.
Our sincere thanks to everyone who has been checking in and sending us their thoughts and prayers via email and text messages. We are chilling out here at the hospital, and as the hours pass, enjoying our children's speaking to us through their heartbeats in stereo. They apparently are already adept at a little jazz, a little rock 'n' roll, and a little fusion.
The basic schedule is checking the babies' heartbeats every 7 hours and Momma's vitals every 4 hours, and conducting the necessary bloodtests to stay on top of the preeclampsia every 24 hours. Momma-to-be has been incredibly resilient, actually tough, in the face of all the poking and prodding.
Our sincere thanks to everyone who has been checking in and sending us their thoughts and prayers via email and text messages. We are chilling out here at the hospital, and as the hours pass, enjoying our children's speaking to us through their heartbeats in stereo. They apparently are already adept at a little jazz, a little rock 'n' roll, and a little fusion.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
1 out of 100
Momma-to-be went to the hospital last Friday for her weekly check-up, and she didn't get out until Sunday. Why? Because the doctors saw signs of preeclampsia, which can be quite dangerous, and decided to take a closer look. Preeclampsia is common, particularly at this point of a pregnancy, for moms carrying triplets, and we had been cautioned by the doctor that this could happen. Forty-eight hours, multiple tests (checking data like protein and sugar levels), and a few encouraging conversations with our doctor later, the results were...signs of the mildest preeclampsia (for all intents and purposes given the normal experiences of moms of multiples, a great outcome) that allowed a return home with a prescription to rest but to continue getting up on her feet at least every two hours to avoid blood clots.
And we learned this: based on the wide range of data the doctor gathered from the weekend of testing, she concluded that there is only a 1 in 100 chance that we would deliver in two weeks or less. So in its own strange way, the visit led to great promise that we will at least get to week 33, which is longer than average for triplets and would ensure even further healthy development of the little ones.
We also learned that every day the children stay with Momma from here on out saves another three days in the NICU.
Below we've included a new picture to inaugurate another milestone week. As you can see, in the last week, everything has changed, sizewise, that is. Momma has entered a whole new level of large.
We're getting there -- but still in no hurry!
And we learned this: based on the wide range of data the doctor gathered from the weekend of testing, she concluded that there is only a 1 in 100 chance that we would deliver in two weeks or less. So in its own strange way, the visit led to great promise that we will at least get to week 33, which is longer than average for triplets and would ensure even further healthy development of the little ones.
We also learned that every day the children stay with Momma from here on out saves another three days in the NICU.
Below we've included a new picture to inaugurate another milestone week. As you can see, in the last week, everything has changed, sizewise, that is. Momma has entered a whole new level of large.
We're getting there -- but still in no hurry!
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Diapers Ahoy
Below is the image father-to-be came home to on Monday, as the washing of the infant diapers has begun. Washing, you say? Yes, indeed, for we are going to use cloth diapers -- or at least give it our absolute best effort. They're far more economical as well as more comfortable for baby (ies) than disposables. They're better for the environment too, which doesn't hurt. They're also made remarkably well these days, much better than the old days when they basically consisted of a thick piece of cotton meant to be mathematically folded at perfect Euclidian angles and shrewdly pinned, with all sorts of inclement weather waiting to happen.
Velcro rules.
Today, as you can see, cloth diapers come in pretty colors too.
Thanks to generous baby shower gifts and contacts with some Moms of multiples, we have stacked up a profound supply of these little gems, as well as two "Bum Geniuses." Words don't do the Bum Genius justice. Look it up and enjoy.
When we tell people who know we are having triplets that we will be using cloth diapers, they generally spontaneously exclaim in surprise (especially the Moms). But when they learn that we don't have a diaper service in this area, something more remarkable happens (only to the Moms): they gasp and, before they even realize they have done it, put their hands over their mouths. Like you see people do at horror shows.
We're actually starting to enjoy witnessing the shock.
Rest assured, friends and family: on visits, we will use disposables. But, in the meantime, if you're in the area, bring your clothespins....
Velcro rules.
Today, as you can see, cloth diapers come in pretty colors too.
Thanks to generous baby shower gifts and contacts with some Moms of multiples, we have stacked up a profound supply of these little gems, as well as two "Bum Geniuses." Words don't do the Bum Genius justice. Look it up and enjoy.
When we tell people who know we are having triplets that we will be using cloth diapers, they generally spontaneously exclaim in surprise (especially the Moms). But when they learn that we don't have a diaper service in this area, something more remarkable happens (only to the Moms): they gasp and, before they even realize they have done it, put their hands over their mouths. Like you see people do at horror shows.
We're actually starting to enjoy witnessing the shock.
Rest assured, friends and family: on visits, we will use disposables. But, in the meantime, if you're in the area, bring your clothespins....
The belly -- week 29
A quick note to catch up here and show a photo from March 18, one week ago, before we jump ahead and prepare to add a photo from week 30, which began today.
Is she uncomfortable? Yes.
Is she doing well? Yes, and staying off her feet as much as possible, and resting as much as possible. Naps are our friend.
Is she getting big? You decide. Or is "getting" not quite the right verb tense....
Is she uncomfortable? Yes.
Is she doing well? Yes, and staying off her feet as much as possible, and resting as much as possible. Naps are our friend.
Is she getting big? You decide. Or is "getting" not quite the right verb tense....
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Week 29 begins -- and a doctor's update
We began week 29 today, and all is going well. Last Friday, we had an extensive doctor's visit that included a comprehensive fetal ultra-sound, maternal pelvic exam, a meeting with doctors and other staff from the delivery and NICU personnel (nurse, chaplain), and a tour of the NICU. The heartbeats remain in the 140-150 bpm range, and the babies continue to grow each like singletons, which made the doctor and nurse (and us) quite happy. The boy weighs 3 lbs., his sister weighs 2 lbs. and 13 ounces, and their sister weighs 2 lbs. and 7 ounces.
We continue to be impressed by this hospital. Everyone we have met is professional and helpful to an exemplary degree. The meeting included a review of what happens in the delivery room on the magic day and the typical process that unfolds in the days afterward. The neonatologist had reviewed our records and said he saw no reason to be concerned about any major issues. The staff also were happily surprised that our typically reserved MFM specialist had exclaimed that morning, while reviewing the exam results, "This is great!" "She doesn't usually talk like that," they said.
The NICU tour was a powerful experience. We saw a few of the "pods" where infants at various levels of development are cared for. There were fleets of nurses in each pod. The pods are gigantic rooms filled with isolettes, basinettes, equipment and gauges -- and beds for the parents to sleep on. Parents are allowed to visit their children in the NICU freely, up to 20 hours every day, and one guest at a time can join them during certain hours.
In one pod, the administrator who has been shepherding us through this entire experience and served in this case as our tour guide introduced us to triplets born 10 days before at 31 weeks and five days -- two boys and a girl. We met the Dad, who looked exuberant and exhausted. Mom was busy nursing behind a curtain. All were doing well.
We also saw in a different pod a father holding on his chest a baby recently born at 23 weeks. The child was smaller than the length of his forearm, and yet there he was, breathing on his own, sheltered against his father.
Finally, we saw the delivery room and the post-op room where we will likely be camped out for the four days Momma stays in the hospital after delivery. There is also a recliner nearby and this is where Pappy will likely be sleeping. This will be just like college, so he is looking forward to it.
Sometime in the next nine weeks, we will become parents.
We continue to be impressed by this hospital. Everyone we have met is professional and helpful to an exemplary degree. The meeting included a review of what happens in the delivery room on the magic day and the typical process that unfolds in the days afterward. The neonatologist had reviewed our records and said he saw no reason to be concerned about any major issues. The staff also were happily surprised that our typically reserved MFM specialist had exclaimed that morning, while reviewing the exam results, "This is great!" "She doesn't usually talk like that," they said.
The NICU tour was a powerful experience. We saw a few of the "pods" where infants at various levels of development are cared for. There were fleets of nurses in each pod. The pods are gigantic rooms filled with isolettes, basinettes, equipment and gauges -- and beds for the parents to sleep on. Parents are allowed to visit their children in the NICU freely, up to 20 hours every day, and one guest at a time can join them during certain hours.
In one pod, the administrator who has been shepherding us through this entire experience and served in this case as our tour guide introduced us to triplets born 10 days before at 31 weeks and five days -- two boys and a girl. We met the Dad, who looked exuberant and exhausted. Mom was busy nursing behind a curtain. All were doing well.
We also saw in a different pod a father holding on his chest a baby recently born at 23 weeks. The child was smaller than the length of his forearm, and yet there he was, breathing on his own, sheltered against his father.
Finally, we saw the delivery room and the post-op room where we will likely be camped out for the four days Momma stays in the hospital after delivery. There is also a recliner nearby and this is where Pappy will likely be sleeping. This will be just like college, so he is looking forward to it.
Sometime in the next nine weeks, we will become parents.
Sunday, March 15, 2009
A True Story of a Special Gift
The following is a true story from the father-to-be.
As you know, we are having identical twin girls and a boy sometime in the next nine weeks.
Two weeks ago, my mother gave us a gift that had been left for me by my maternal grandmother before she died nine years ago. What it contained may surprise you as much as it did us.
All her life, my grandmother was doing kind things for other people, especially using her skills in crocheting to make blankets, hats, and the like.
By the time she passed away in May 2000, shortly before her 91st birthday, four of my five siblings had had their children, and she had made all those great grandchildren of hers gifts she knitted.
Before she died, she started asking my mother if my one brother who, like me, had not yet had children, was going to get back with his wife, since they were divorcing. My Mom said that that was not likely. For months my grandmother asked this question. My Mom kept telling her that my brother and his wife would not be getting back together.
“That’s strange,” my grandmother would say, “because I keep seeing him with twins.”
In 1998 she gave my mother a large bag that she said contained gifts for my brother and me for when we had children. She said she didn’t think I would have children for a while. She was still convinced my brother would have twins.
In 2003, my brother and his new wife (who had gotten married in fall 1999) had twins, a girl and a boy. My mother opened the bag our grandmother had left. Inside were two plastic bags. One bag contained two sets of items wrapped in tissue paper. My Mom gave those gifts to my brother. They were items Grandma had crocheted. They were two sets of baby blankets and hats. They were different in design from one another and gender neutral, one white and one yellow and white.
That left one plastic bag remaining. Two weeks ago, my mother gave to us what it had contained. When we opened the gift, we were stunned. What was it? Items for babies that my grandmother had crocheted and packaged together in the remaining bag. Specifically, there were three sets of baby blankets and hats, each in separate designs. Two sets were pink and white (one pink, white and green), clearly meant for girls, and one set was blue, clearly meant for a boy.
Someday, we will give them to our children – our two girls and a boy – and tell them what their great grandmother left them, somehow as if she had known they were coming.
We have placed below a picture of the hats.
As you know, we are having identical twin girls and a boy sometime in the next nine weeks.
Two weeks ago, my mother gave us a gift that had been left for me by my maternal grandmother before she died nine years ago. What it contained may surprise you as much as it did us.
All her life, my grandmother was doing kind things for other people, especially using her skills in crocheting to make blankets, hats, and the like.
By the time she passed away in May 2000, shortly before her 91st birthday, four of my five siblings had had their children, and she had made all those great grandchildren of hers gifts she knitted.
Before she died, she started asking my mother if my one brother who, like me, had not yet had children, was going to get back with his wife, since they were divorcing. My Mom said that that was not likely. For months my grandmother asked this question. My Mom kept telling her that my brother and his wife would not be getting back together.
“That’s strange,” my grandmother would say, “because I keep seeing him with twins.”
In 1998 she gave my mother a large bag that she said contained gifts for my brother and me for when we had children. She said she didn’t think I would have children for a while. She was still convinced my brother would have twins.
In 2003, my brother and his new wife (who had gotten married in fall 1999) had twins, a girl and a boy. My mother opened the bag our grandmother had left. Inside were two plastic bags. One bag contained two sets of items wrapped in tissue paper. My Mom gave those gifts to my brother. They were items Grandma had crocheted. They were two sets of baby blankets and hats. They were different in design from one another and gender neutral, one white and one yellow and white.
That left one plastic bag remaining. Two weeks ago, my mother gave to us what it had contained. When we opened the gift, we were stunned. What was it? Items for babies that my grandmother had crocheted and packaged together in the remaining bag. Specifically, there were three sets of baby blankets and hats, each in separate designs. Two sets were pink and white (one pink, white and green), clearly meant for girls, and one set was blue, clearly meant for a boy.
Someday, we will give them to our children – our two girls and a boy – and tell them what their great grandmother left them, somehow as if she had known they were coming.
We have placed below a picture of the hats.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Lactation
Friday, March 5 marked our first meeting with someone we expect to get to know well, our lactation consultant. She is a registered nurse with international certification. But what is really important is how intelligent, helpful and kind she was. Besides that, it turns out she lives about two miles from our house -- and she kindly offered to come over and help us any time we need (we just might take her up on that). She was an encyclopedia of information, and reassurance, as she talked through the basics of this uniquely feminine skill we are going to be witnessing soon, assured us she and her fellow specialists would be there every step of the way -- literally from the moment the kids are delivered, and shared with us insights from her career, and from her experience as a Mom.
On this visit to the doc's, Mom-to-be also got another check-up, and again everything is as good as it can be. The little heartbeats are now from 137 bpm to 141 bpm, which is excellent.
Tomorrow we start week 28, and Thursday we have our next full check-up. Below we have added two new pictures, one of the beautiful Momma, and one of the rapidly expanding belly. Wow.
On this visit to the doc's, Mom-to-be also got another check-up, and again everything is as good as it can be. The little heartbeats are now from 137 bpm to 141 bpm, which is excellent.
Tomorrow we start week 28, and Thursday we have our next full check-up. Below we have added two new pictures, one of the beautiful Momma, and one of the rapidly expanding belly. Wow.
Monday, March 2, 2009
The Latest Visit with the Doc
This is a quick report, and a goodie: Friday's doctor's visit produced the following two remarks from the MFM (maternal fetal medicine) specialist in whose care we have been since learning we were having triplets: To the Momma, "You're doing awesome." Of the results of all the exams, "Things couldn't be going better."
We'll take it.
We'll take it.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Week 26 Begins
We start week 26 with Momma growing by the day. She is uncomfortable and regularly wearing her back brace now, but determined as ever to make it to our goal of May. We haven't posted a picture of the magic belly in a couple weeks, so here is a shot from this morning to mark the start of another milestone week. Keep the prayers and good thoughts coming!
Monday, February 23, 2009
A series of good developments
We are rapidly approaching the start of week 26 this Wednesday, February 25, with Momma doing well. It's been more than a week since the last posting, so here is a quick summary of the latest:
-- a trip to Westfield, NJ on Valentine's Day brought a host of generous hand-me-downs from friends of our sister-in-law who had been kindly gathering them up for weeks, including two baby seats, a custom-made side-by-side jogging stroller for three, and two cribs, all of it in incredible shape.
-- that trip also introduced Pappa to his first triplets. It's one thing to read about triplets; it's quite another to meet them. This was two identical girls and a boy, now four-years old. The energy level was intense, and Pappa got a little taste of the fun and wildness to come.
-- our in-laws visited for a few days and did some more helpful work around the house, including taking the nursery a few more steps to readiness.
-- another doctor's visit included all good news.
Momma has definitely reached the stage now where every day is an achievement, as she grows practically by the hour. We'll post a new picture below soon. We appreciate all the thoughts and prayers as we have entered the phase where every week is another milestone.
-- a trip to Westfield, NJ on Valentine's Day brought a host of generous hand-me-downs from friends of our sister-in-law who had been kindly gathering them up for weeks, including two baby seats, a custom-made side-by-side jogging stroller for three, and two cribs, all of it in incredible shape.
-- that trip also introduced Pappa to his first triplets. It's one thing to read about triplets; it's quite another to meet them. This was two identical girls and a boy, now four-years old. The energy level was intense, and Pappa got a little taste of the fun and wildness to come.
-- our in-laws visited for a few days and did some more helpful work around the house, including taking the nursery a few more steps to readiness.
-- another doctor's visit included all good news.
Momma has definitely reached the stage now where every day is an achievement, as she grows practically by the hour. We'll post a new picture below soon. We appreciate all the thoughts and prayers as we have entered the phase where every week is another milestone.
Friday, February 13, 2009
Latest doctor's visit
Another smashing success of a doctor's visit. We're getting spoiled by these, but we're not complaining.
The little ones are becoming bigger ones at a perfect pace -- the boy is now 27 ounces, one girl is 25 ounces, and the second girl is 24 ounces. These are super numbers, as are the growth rates, which are nicely just ahead of normal growth rates for a singleton, which is perfect for triplets. Meanwhile, the heart rates for all three are in the 150s (beats/minute), which is also ideal. Mom-to-be is also gaining weight just as she should -- a lovely four pounds more in the last week. The doctor couldn't be more pleased. This check-up can only be called super.
By the way, if you add them all up, our babies now total 76 ounces, or 4.75 pounds, so Momma, at 24 weeks and 2 days, is now carrying what could be considered the equivalent of a full baby. We say that with a big smile. And she is looking good too!
The little ones are becoming bigger ones at a perfect pace -- the boy is now 27 ounces, one girl is 25 ounces, and the second girl is 24 ounces. These are super numbers, as are the growth rates, which are nicely just ahead of normal growth rates for a singleton, which is perfect for triplets. Meanwhile, the heart rates for all three are in the 150s (beats/minute), which is also ideal. Mom-to-be is also gaining weight just as she should -- a lovely four pounds more in the last week. The doctor couldn't be more pleased. This check-up can only be called super.
By the way, if you add them all up, our babies now total 76 ounces, or 4.75 pounds, so Momma, at 24 weeks and 2 days, is now carrying what could be considered the equivalent of a full baby. We say that with a big smile. And she is looking good too!
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Perspective
Tonight was among the best nights of this experience, as we met for dinner with a group of moms of multiples -- five moms with twins and one with triplets (two girls and a boy to boot) -- who kindly had invited us to join them. The children's ages range from 15 months to 9 1/2 years.
It was so meaningful and uplifting because of the thundering joy they all felt at being the parents of multiples. They reveled in the uniqueness of the experience, of seeing their kids form extraordinary bonds as they grew up together, of the constant suprises, so much so that they could hardly imagine it any different. As one of them put it, "If I had to do it all over again knowing I would have twins, I would do it in a second." Whatever demands the experience will bring, and we have no illusions about that, we also know that we will feel as one of the moms said when she put it all in perspective, "You'll love it so much, you won't even notice the work."
They shared some wonderful insights from their experience besides, about delivery day, choosing names, diapers, local pediatricians, breastfeeding, stroller gear, best minivans for multiples, sleeping arrangements, school enrollment (i.e., do you insist the school keep your twins together? your triplets?), and more.
And we got to see pictures of their little ones to boot.
To top it all off, today marks the start of week 24. Yes.
It was so meaningful and uplifting because of the thundering joy they all felt at being the parents of multiples. They reveled in the uniqueness of the experience, of seeing their kids form extraordinary bonds as they grew up together, of the constant suprises, so much so that they could hardly imagine it any different. As one of them put it, "If I had to do it all over again knowing I would have twins, I would do it in a second." Whatever demands the experience will bring, and we have no illusions about that, we also know that we will feel as one of the moms said when she put it all in perspective, "You'll love it so much, you won't even notice the work."
They shared some wonderful insights from their experience besides, about delivery day, choosing names, diapers, local pediatricians, breastfeeding, stroller gear, best minivans for multiples, sleeping arrangements, school enrollment (i.e., do you insist the school keep your twins together? your triplets?), and more.
And we got to see pictures of their little ones to boot.
To top it all off, today marks the start of week 24. Yes.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
An important week approaches
We have learned along this arc of discovery that week 24 is an important week. That is 12 days away. Why is it important? Because at week 24, even in the event our little ones were born that week, science has advanced to the point that there would be an 85% chance of their surviving. Now, in the grand scheme this is forbidding. Because our goal is to make it to week 35 -- the first week of May. But we are learning a lot about multiples, and with that date so close, and our having come so far since those earliest days last fall, the fact that we are on the verge of a momentous transition like week 24 is potent.
Meanwhile, on happier subjects, a new pic of the Magic Belly of the Mom-to-be is posted below. To think that how big she will be by week 35 -- well, we prefer not to think about it, actually. One day at a time, as the saying goes.
One of the little girls is tossing and turning like crazy tonight. They seem to take turns every now and then doing their utero dances, and tonight one of the little ladies is getting jiggy. You go girl.
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Latest photos
Five new photos today:
Two mark the passage of week 21, a photo of one of the girls in utero. We can't help but admit that she's incredibly cute.
And Mom, dressed up and ready to go.
This was also an eventful week in one regard as it had us rushing to the hospital Tuesday evening because of Braxton Hicks contractions, which tend to emerge around this time during the carrying of multiples. The doctor had advised that if they reached more than four per hour it was important to come in, and Tuesday night, that happened, so en route we were. All checked out just fine. They did a pelvic exam as well as checking the babies' heartbeats, which remain in the high 140, low 150 range, which is excellent. The rest of the week we have not faced the Braxton Hicks contractions, which is good, and we are hopeful that has now passed.
This Thursday also brought the latest check-up, and that again went well and produced a picture of each of the threesome, including the profile of one of our little girls included here.
Also here: two photos of the magic belly, one week apart, at the start of week 21 and week 22.
Finally: A milestone: Dad-to-be arrived home from work this week to find Mom-to-be noting that she had dropped something and needed him to bend down and pick it up. She is officially too big for bending over. This is good news!
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Kicks
Just now, the wife calls to the husband to come from the other room. He does.
"Put your hand here," she says.
He does. He waits. She has been feeling kicks for a few days. He thinks he feels something that is a kick. He isn't sure. He waits longer. He thinks he feels a flutter. She says that is not what she has been feel--
He gasps. "Oh my gosh," he says. For THAT, THAT was, without a doubt, a kick -- a direct hit from below against the thick of his thumb tip.
Wow.
"Put your hand here," she says.
He does. He waits. She has been feeling kicks for a few days. He thinks he feels something that is a kick. He isn't sure. He waits longer. He thinks he feels a flutter. She says that is not what she has been feel--
He gasps. "Oh my gosh," he says. For THAT, THAT was, without a doubt, a kick -- a direct hit from below against the thick of his thumb tip.
Wow.
Friday, January 16, 2009
Full Anatomical Scan
The girls danced, the boy was just hanging out, and our friendly ultrasound expert did her 90-minute look that led to another good visit to the doc's. Everyone looks great, down to their little fingers and toes. Full confirmation as well: a boy and two girls (identical twins).
They're all growing well, with each at the normal growth rate for what the doc calls a "singleton" -- which is ideal. The boy is 14 ounces, one girl is 12 ounces, and the other is 11 ounces. We could see them all rubbing up against each other and feeling around in their unique environment. As a friend said, "It's crowded in there."
We got lots of pictures, and will be loading some here in the days to come. The word is out on campus and in the community as well, and people have been wonderfully kind, supportive and enthusiastic. And lots of volunteers for babysitting -- of which we are taking note!
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Preparations in Motion
With the triple birthday moving ever closer, we have been getting to work with preparations -- finishing up painting rooms and doorjambs that have sat half done for a while, getting a nursery ready, making room on our bookshelves for children's books, finding a used triple stroller for sale (http://www.bergdesign.net/triple.htm), researching nannies, and putting to use a very helpful multiples planning book we received as a Christmas gift. Sunday night we watched a Discovery documentary DVD that was also a gift, "Multiples in the Womb," which was by turns fascinating, amazing, and, well, nauseating. The next big date is Friday's ultrasound, which will include the full anatomical scan. Are we nervous about it? Yes. Are we excited about it? Yes. It promises to tell us a great deal about the threesome, and we will report back here what we learned.
Meanwhile, we continue to discuss names, and think we are settled on two of the three. But we'll be sharing what they are on delivery day....
Friday, January 9, 2009
Boy and Girls
So, today's doctor's visit was again completely positive and included a big confirmation: the genders are indeed one boy and identical twin girls. And the ultrasound profile of the girls even shows them to look exactly alike. The boy is curled up like a cat waiting to pounce. Yikes.
Everything looks great, and the heartrates are now 150, 147, and 144, which are excellent.
We also learned about classes on breastfeeding, basic skills for new parents, and more that the hospital makes available and most of which we intend to take. Meanwhile, our research into identifying a nannie has picked up speed.
The full anatomical scan is now only one week away, and we are looking forward to that important day.
Everything looks great, and the heartrates are now 150, 147, and 144, which are excellent.
We also learned about classes on breastfeeding, basic skills for new parents, and more that the hospital makes available and most of which we intend to take. Meanwhile, our research into identifying a nannie has picked up speed.
The full anatomical scan is now only one week away, and we are looking forward to that important day.
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Big Belly
Today marks 19 weeks and all continues to go well, with the Mom-to-be feeling less nauseous and less tired than has been the case for months now. Meanwhile, her belly is growing to impressive proportions. We are posting two new pictures of Momma's swelling belly, one from today and one from week 15. My how the belly grows.
Friday, January 2, 2009
Latest doctor's visit
Our scheduled check-up today went well. Or, in the words of the doc, "Everything looks great." Heartbeats are all 147 bpm, which the nurse doing the ultrasound called "rare," and which we find kind of cool that all three are so much in sync. This was only a quick visit though, designed to make sure everything major is looking right on, as it is. The next ultrasound is January 16, which is the full anatomical scan.
Meanwhile, the mother-to-be is gaining weight nicely, having put on 11 pounds in the last 14 days, which is excellent. A special thanks to the good fare of the holidays!
Naturally, a celebratory dinner of pasta and vegetables was called for. During dinner, the threesome again showed their busy side, as they tend to do early in the evenings, rolling and turning, getting their aerobics in before it got too late in the evening -- or maybe just doing a little dance to welcome the latest meal.
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