I wish I had more time. It’s the mantra of every mother, right?
Right now, I wish I had more time to blog. Our lives are changing so much every day, and I’m missing so many thoughts and feelings that my head is spinning. There are many I’d rather forget: the fear that comes when I hear one of our neonatologists say, “I need to talk with you about something,” and the relief that floods through me when they follow with, “It’s nothing serious;” the pride I feel when we reach yet another huge yet tiny milestone (Tobias and Callista both weigh over 4 lb. now, and Eleanor is getting so close); how good it feels to laugh when we find Eleanor sleeping in a comma shape or when Callista makes her signature heh-heh-heh noise or when Toby “responds” with a huge grin (have I mentioned we’re seeing a hint of a dimple in his cheek? I die!).
Tobias, Eleanor and Callista are growing and changing each day, and I have no time to do much but enjoy each change and step forward as it happens.
Ah, ç’est la vie, right?
So far, what I have made time for is breastfeeding. I’m in the NICU each day by 8:30 a.m., getting ready to nurse Callista at 9. Once she’s done and has been weighed to guesstimate how much milk she took (they’re weighed before and after), she goes back into bed and I pump. I have a few minutes for getting a drink and using the bathroom, then it’s Toby’s turn to nurse at 11. We snuggle for a while after, then he goes back into bed while I pump and run out for a quick lunch (and bathroom break!). Eleanor’s turn then comes at 2:30. We snuggle when she’s done, then she goes back into bed at 4 – just in time for me to pump again and have a quick snack and bathroom break before Callista’s second attempt of the day (she’s been able to add a second – Toby and Eleanor are still working up to that point). Callista gets her snuggle time in after that, then it’s time to pump again and get some dinner. This is about the time Rob gets to our second home after work, so we hang out as a family for a while, sometimes getting extra snuggle time with the babies, before we head home for the night, where – that’s right, folks – I pump again and either do a few things around the house or crash on the couch for a quick snooze before it’s time to pump again.
Yes, I just wrote a huge paragraph about how much my boobs are doing.
You’re welcome.
It’s about time for me to run out the door, so I’ll leave you with a photo of each baby (because I also have no time to prepare several photos) from last night’s bath.
They’re 6 weeks old today!
Toby
Eleanor (with a bit of a sticky-eye situation)
Callista (is not amused)
You’re doing an amazing job! They are beautiful and getting so much bigger
Thanks for sharing!
Toby’s cheeks are to die for! And Eleanor and callista are beautiful little girls. Great job momma!! I’m so proud of you and your boobs
The babies are looking great! Thanks for the update photos!
And good work with all the pumping + nursing – you’re doing awesome!!!!
They are so beautiful! Your life ceases to be your own once you’re in the NICU. It’s all about the pump room (and baby cuddles of course!). Fun times! I’m so glad they’re doing so well. You’re got a beautiful family.
Happy 6 weeks to your beautiful babies! And Happy New Year! Miss and love!!
Yay for 6 weeks old! They just keep getting cuter and cuter. I know you feel like you have no time, but you’re doing an amazing job.
they are absolutely beautiful. i smile everytime I think of you and them =)
Jenny –
Your children are absolutely beautiful and I am so glad they are doing so well – you can see their strength and your strength is something to marvel at.
All the very best to you.
go babies, go babies, go!
go boobies, go boobies, go!
they are growing like crazy!!! your schedule sounds nuts, but maybe you would want to throw a journal in your bag and when you have a few minutes in NICU or at night you can write it down there and eventually blog or not about what you write?
Oh, look at those chubby cheeks they’re getting! Your super boobs are doing a great job!
They look so good! Keep up the good work mama! I bet you’ll never look at a cute lil dairy cow the same way huh?
You are doing an awesome job Jenny!
I can’t believe how big they are getting! Good job mommy!
Your updates make me smile. Every single time. I’m so impressed with your positive outlook and so happy to see those adorable faces. Nice work, lady.
They are doing great!!! Good Job momma!
I just want to say that you rock! Breast feeding one baby is hard enough, but breast feeding 3 babies (while pumping) is just amazing! You are an amazing mom for going above and beyond for your babies! They sure are lucky to have you! Keep up the good work.
Rock on Momma! Happy 6 weeks to ET&C & keep up the hard work, you are doing awesome (as are they)! Much love!
I don’t even know what to say other than you are amazing! Happy 6-weeks babies! You are doing great and are absolutely adorable!
Lordy, you’re like a pumping queen! Amazing. You are such a good momma. They are looking so chubby and cute – 4lbs already!!
You are doing great, and they are beautiful!!!
Look at those cheeks! I can’t believe it’s been 6 weeks already!
You are a rockstar! And I can’t believe they are 6 weeks old! They are looking so much bigger and are SO CUTE!
I’ll say it again… you are AWESOME for doing all of this pumping. I exclusively pumped for my daughter and I struggled to keep up with ONE baby! You? Are a rockstar!!!
This pumping band helped me to be able to do other things while pumping…
http://www.diapers.com/product/productdetail.aspx?productid=8565
The picture is ridiculous but at least it hides the hooters a bit!
Phew! Reading about your breastfeeding schedule makes my already sore nipples throb. And I just have one. You are a Goddess!
You and your boobs are doing an amazing job! (Yes I just praised your boobs)
Seeing your beautiful little trio always puts a smile on my face. I can’t believe how big they’re getting! Callista’s pic in this round is probably my favorite.
First time commenter here! Just wanted to say I’m in awe of you. I can’t imagine having to work with that schedule, but it sounds like you’re making it work. Good for you!
You are a supermom! Seriously, mom of the year and we’re only 4 days into 2011! Keep up the good work! The babes are gorgeous. Zoe pointed at the computer and kept yelling, “Baby! Baby!”
I’ve seen your story on the preemie board on the Bump and just wanted to say keep up the awesome work mama! The gift you are giving your little ones will last a life time! I exclusively pumped for my (stubborn) 35 weeker for a year and it was worth every pump– just look at those babies’ fabulous cheeks! They are beautiful!