Tobias, Eleanor and Callista turned two weeks old yesterday. Two weeks! Can you believe it? On one hand, I can. On the other, not at all.
It’s been the longest, most difficult, most stressful, most heartbreaking, most joyful, most amazing, most wonderful two weeks of my life – yes, that includes the two weeks I’ve spent on Caribbean beaches.
I still haven’t done anything with their areas for Christmas, but the NICU staff decorated the very day I wrote about wanting Christmas decorations with the babies, so they have given me a bit of a break. All three have their own mini stocking with their names on them and three ornaments. I want to do more, but I’ve been busy sitting and staring.
I don’t have any new photos of the babies because I thought you couldn’t really see much difference in their features. That thought was due in part to them having squished-up faces that are hidden by their bubble CPAP contraptions and little cloth helmets that hold the beastly things in place. The other part of that thought came from my jaded mommy mind. It wasn’t until Toby needed me to stay near and soothe him last night that I really, REALLY looked and saw that our trio are definitely changing.
And then I felt awful about not taking more photos over the last few days.
I’ll remedy that today.
So, how are they changing? They’re plumping up, for starters. I noticed last night that their cheeks are getting squishier and less, well, tiny-baby looking. Rob and I are so very proud of our big babies. All three have either reached or passed birth weight, though their actual weights right now are up for debate because all the nurses weigh them differently – some with their gear on, some without. One thing’s for sure, they had their gear on two nights ago and off last night. Last night, all three babies had weight gains despite being free of their extra weight.
Also as of last night, all three are getting all their nutrition from breastmilk. They’re no longer getting nutritional additives pumped through their IVs. They’re growing up! I think they’ll hit their current maximum feeding amount either today or tomorrow. They had a long climb to this point, as their little bellies needed to slowly get used to this whole digestion idea, but they’ve all three done amazingly well, and they have the diapers to prove it. They have a ways to go before they learn to suck, swallow and breathe at the same time, so, for now, they’re receiving their snackies through a tube that runs down their throats into their little stomachs. All three babies are already smacking their lips while getting their feedings, though, so they know what’s going on to some extent.
As much as I hate those stupid CPAP contraptions (and the babies hate them much, much more), they are doing their jobs. All three are having a much easier time breathing, and they’re having much fewer apnea spells. We tell them every time they fuss with their CPAPs to be good, breathe lots, keep their hearts beating, and they’ll get the CPAP off. They know. They understand. Each time a CPAP comes off for a cleaning or for a nose check (the device could irritate and break down their tiny noses), all three calm down instantly, rise their stats, keep their oxygen up, and it’s like they’re saying, “SEE? I’m a big kid! I don’t need it! Don’t put it back on!”
Not yet, though, kiddos. Soon enough, though. Maybe by the end of this week.
I don’t want to admit it, but the last two days have gone well. The babies have done better, I’ve gotten some more sleep, and I think my hormones are starting to level out. All three make for easier times on this sensitive soul. Physically, I feel great. I can tie my own shoes again and put on my own socks. I drove myself to the hospital yesterday – the first time I’ve driven in more than a month. My gains in independence have helped me feel better – much more capable of caring for three little ones, now that I can care for myself without (much) assistance. My belly has gone WAY down and looks pretty decent, considering how ginormous and full of babies it was two weeks and two days ago. My incision is healing nicely, and I only have occasional pain from the inside incision when I bend too tightly or cough too hard. I’m pretty happy with how I’m healing and getting back to a functioning state.
The thoughts and prayers you all have been sending our way are so greatly appreciated. It’s been a rough two weeks, but it could have been much more difficult. All the support we’ve received has been amazing. Rob and I continue to be blown away with how many people care about our three sweet babies.
Like I said, no new photos of the Toby, Eleanor or Callista right now, but I do have this photo of our favorite branch on our Christmas tree:
hehe cute ornaments
Oh. I am so in love with those tiny onesies.
And? I would like more pics of your adorable babies. Stat.
Glad they are doing so well. E was so happy to have her cpap gone. Be sure to take lots of pictures. I swear there are somethings I would have never have remembered if it were not for the pictures. I didn’t do a great job writing down some of the milestones and I was able figure so many by going back and looking at the pictures. With three I can imagine that it will be near impossible. It sounds crazy but all those details that you can recite so easily right now start to slip away. How that happens I don’t know, but it feels good and bad. I am so glad that we have pictures for almost every day of her nicu stay to help me remember the little things.
Yes… must see new pics of the babies.
I am so glad I ran into you at Target, but feel so dumb, bc I was caught off guard and didn’t know what to say! You do look great though, can’t believe it’s only been 2 weeks! I would have never been able to tell you were just pregnant with triplets!!
So glad things are going well.
I love that branch on your Christmas tree! Too sweet!!
You are doing an amazing job. Those babies are so lucky to have such awesome parents. xoxo
I’m so glad they are getting all of their nutrients from your milk! Rock on, Momma!!! I remember with my daughter, my hormones leveled out after about 2 weeks and I felt much better! I hope you all continue to do well!
It sounds like they are doing super – keep it up babies!
How precious are those ornaments!?! Glad ETC & you are doing great! Keep it up trips! Can’t wait to see new photos too.
Good job babies (and mommy!), keep it up, and definitely start taking more pics! I’m sure those of us who don’t see them everyday will really notice the difference.
I am dying looking at that picture!! That is the cutest thing (next to the babies of course). I hope you all continue to heal and things keep moving in a positive direction.
I love those ornaments. We’re keeping you in our thoughts.
I don’t know WHAT happened to me or where I went the last few weeks, but a much belated CONGRATULATIONS!!!! Jen, I’m so thrilled for you and your hubby, and your babies are beautiful and perfect. I’ve been catching up on all your posts, and everything has made me cry very happy tears. Congrats congrats, a million congrats!!
I love the ornaments! Keep up the great work raising your 3 bundles of joy!
I am so glad to hear things are going well. I can’t wait to see more pictures of your growing babies!! Keep it up little ones! You’re in my thoughts.
OH!!! Those onesies are adorable!!!
So proud of my girl tying her own shoes! 😛
If I were closer I would show up on your doorstep with decorations and craft supplies. Maybe you should take a trip to get some tea and take a wander through Michaels? See what the little creative muse in your brain says to do for the little ones.
Keep hanging strong babies and mommy!
XOXO
Those ornaments are adorable! I am keeping the babies in my prayers and am glad to hear that they are doing well.
I’m so happy that they’re doing so well. You sound great! You’re being so strong! The NICU road is long and undulating, and you sound like a pro!
Thinking about you and those precious babies so much!! I am honestly right up the road and happy to help if there is anything at all I can do. Miles and I are good at running errands! Lots of prayers still coming your way–
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So glad you are all doing so well!!!
Great to hear they are doing so well, and yay for getting all breast milk. I remember pumping away while my babies were in the NICU and feeling so content once I knew that I was able to provide all of their nutrition. I know it is a roller coaster but you are doing a great job and, as you already know, it is all so worth it!
I’m so happy to hear everyone is doing so well! Yes, please take some pictures, we’d love to see them!
Prayers for all of you! XOXO
I LOVE the tiny onesies!
I’m so happy to hear that the babies are continuing to do well. I’m hoping and praying they continue to make such awesome strides and that you continue to heal fully also.
[[HUGS]]
So glad to hear that you three sweet babies are doing good! We are thinking of all of you and sending thoughts of strength, hope and warm wishes.
That’s the best Christmas branch I’ve seen all year!
I love this post!