Tobias, Eleanor and Callista all big days today, their third full day as outside babies.
Actually, it was a big day for all five of us. I can’t really deny how many milestones each day brings for Rob and I, too.
(Side note – someone really ought to offer us honorary doctorates, like celebrities get from universities. Except we’ve actually earned something fancy like that. Do you know how well we can roll with and pick up medical terminology now? First, we became fluent in fertility treatments. Then we became fluent in high-risk/multiples obstetrics. Now we’re on our way to becoming fluent in NICU.)
We started the day by sitting in while the doctors did rounds. We got the full report on how the babies have fared the past two days plus a bit of an outlook and plan for the next couple of days. The doctors said all three babies are doing great for 28 week-gestation triplets and then amended to say they’re even doing better than most 28-week gestation singletons.
Makes. Me. Grin.
Toby came off his ventilator just a couple hours ago and is so far tolerating the bubble CPAP well. He’s back on a bit of oxygen – 30 percent – but being without the ventilator is making him work a bit harder. What seems like a setback really isn’t. Plus, Toby’s umbilical line started slipping, so they removed it and attempted to place his PICC line. The poor guy’s veins didn’t want to cooperate, so he’s stuck with a temporary IV until a second PICC-line attempt tomorrow morning.
He doesn’t seem to mind, though. We just got back from a quick visit, and he’s currently snoozing on his tummy, happy as a clam under his bili lights.
Speaking of bili lights, Miss Eleanor started phototherapy this evening and is in a position similar to her brother and nursemate (Toby and Eleanor are right next to each other and share a nurse. The setup in the NICU unfortunately doesn’t have room right now (if ever?) for all three to be next to each other, but they may share the same nurse soon). Eleanor also had to power through a failed attempt at placing her PICC line, but attempt number two was a success. She’s been without a central line since the first night, so she’ll now have rest from so many temporary IV pokes.
Both Toby and Eleanor are going to get their first breastmilk feeds in a little bit. We’re stoked for them!
Ninja Baby Callista is not only a stealth hider at 7 weeks gestation – she’s a wild kicker, too. Up until this afternoon, you could pretty much count on Callista to kick out both legs, straight out in a plank-like position, nearly every two minutes. When we visited her this afternoon, she was sleeping soundly and motionlessly. Why? Callista had her first breastmilk feed earlier today. She didn’t have to wait for a PICC line attempt, as they decided to leave well enough alone on her until tomorrow. In the meantime, they wanted to start her feeds since she’s doing so well otherwise.
When they checked her belly at the time of the next feed, nothing was left from the previous one. Her body tolerated it and seems to love her new nutrition.
While we’re on the subject of boob juice, I have to share my own milestone. My excellent first-day experience tanked a bit yesterday – something I completely expected and was therefore thrilled with 8 mL per session. Today, however, I set a new personal record with a 25 mL session, then a 33 mL session. Nearly each one of my pumping sessions today will provide enough breastmilk for all three babies for one full day on their current feeding regimen.
One of my closest friends visited tonight, and my proud tearing up made her tear up as I explained how relieved/happy/PROUD I am that breastfeeding has been a plentiful breeze so far. My body has failed and/or tested and worked me to the max in every other aspect of our road to this point. I fully expected to struggle with breastfeeding. To have my body not only do its job on its own but to do it with such ease – it’s just an amazing feeling. I do not miss the feeling of defeat – one I even fought Monday morning when I heard I wouldn’t carry the babies past 28 weeks and 1 day.
I need to wrap this up and skip over photos for today because we’re off to a date in the NICU right now. Rob is going to finally change Callista’s diaper and help with her care session – something he’s already been able to do a couple times with Toby and Eleanor. Somehow, we just always miss Callista’s cares. Not tonight.
After that? Toby and Eleanor will have their first breastmilk feeds.
We’re so proud of the leaps and bounds these babies are making, and we’re doing our best to keep up with our own milestones as parents of triplets. These overachievers are going to be hard to match!
I continue to be amazed at how well all of you are doing!! Lots of prayers for ya’ll.
Thank you for the update! You 5 are always in my thoughts and i am glad things are moving in the right direction.
YOU GO MAMA with all your milk making! I am THRILLED to hear it is going so well for you & that you are gaining confidence in your body! {that was also huge for me after having so many miscarriages}. Your body is amazing!
Leaps and bounds – these babies have HUGE things in their future!! ♥
I love you and Eleanor, Callista & Toby. And every update seriously fills me with so much happiness for you all. It makes me wish I was closer so I could come hug you and tell you how proud I am of you. And how your attitude and outlook make me so so so proud to have you as a friend. You are doing awesome. And it’s no doubt that your wee chillen’ got their fair share of awesome from you too!!!
So happy for your family. Thanks for the update!
I teared up reading this; I am so happy for your babies. I had to tell my hubby right away about their update. We both have you in our thoughts.
I’m just so happy reading this. I’m so glad breastfeeding is going well for you too! It’s amazing to be able to give your babies that special nutrition made just for them
I love reading this update! Thank you for posting!
You are all so strong!
Congrats on all the milestones…they do sound like they are doing really great for 28 week triplets! My twin girls were 29 weekers and I don’t think were quite as this far (feeds and all) by day two.
As far as the breastmilk goes…good job! Keep up with it even if (and I hate to say it) your body does fail you. It’s a really hard feat to accomplish…one that I never really got to do. With my son it barely came in at all and with my girls I pumped the entire time they were in the NICU but just couldn’t produce enough once they really started to eat. Please make sure to use the lactation consultants if you need to…and some tips I was given that always did help more milk to come…beer (dark imported, one a night…the girls NICU doc gave it the thumbs up), oatmeal, fenugreek (comes in tea or pill form at the health food store) and lots and lots and lots of water!
Can’t wait to read more updates in the weeks to come!
ETC’s continued progress thrills me. Plus I can feel you radiate happiness through your words.
I love you!
I’m so happy that all 3 bebe’s are doing well! Also, I’m happy for you that breastfeeding has come with such ease for you because you deserve it.
Amazing! I’m so happy to hear that all 3 babies are doing so well. I will continue to keep you all in my thoughts. Looking forward to the next update and more pictures 😉
It’s so wonderful to hear how well all of you are doing. My best wishes and continued prayers are with you.
Wow! Great job on producing all that “liquid gold’ for your wee ones!
(((((())))))) this makes me smile so much. i am so glad breastfeeding/pumping is working so well!!
wonderful news!! They are amazing babies, and you are amazing parents!!
So glad to hear they’re doing so well!
I was out of town and offline when you had them, so I haven’t had a chance to say congratulations! Love their names, too. Not too common, not too offbeat (like my boys’ names, I like to think.)
Before you know it, you will be sitting on the sofa with three toddlers crawling all over you. It goes by in a flash, so cherish every single day.
Just wonderful, I am so happy for you and your gorgeous family!! Stay strong babies
awesome!!! what a happy thanksgiving!!!
This is all full of great news! This makes me so so so so so so so so so so happy!!! I pumped exclusively for my daughter (nursing/latching wasn’t working for us). If you have any questions, let me know or visit the breastfeeding board on the bump – they helped me so much!