Wow!!! My mind was everywhere with that last post. Here it is 12 hours later and I am just getting back to finishing my thoughts.
Congratulations to Melissa for another week! It is the beginning of week number 31! We thought that we were going to have these babies today!
You read correctly. Melissa called me at about 1:20 this afternoon. She thought that things were progressing and that she had better get to the hospital. Mary was in the process of getting arrangements made for her kids while Melissa was informing me. I thought that I was safe enough to try and get some work done in Twin Falls. I had no sooner crossed the Perrine Bridge as Melissa called. I found a spot to get turned around and headed back towards Rupert.
Being two hours away is bad enough. But now I was at least three hours from Boise by the time I made it back to Burley, grab some things, get my own vehicle, and get onto Boise. Mary called about the time I was getting to King Hill and said that they were still waiting for some test results. I went ahead and continued to Boise.
I made it to Boise and was able to spend a couple of hours with Melissa. Once we found out the test results and talked with the Doctor we were confident that things were stopped and that the babies were going to continue to grow. Melissa left with Mary to return to their house while I once again headed East back to Burley and Taylor.
I was lucky enough to meet up with my sister and pick up a passenger. My nephew Cobe gave me quite the rundown on Halo 3, told me about his award that he got at school this morning during an assembly, and did an excellent job of keeping my attention while we finished the short trek back to Burley.
Melissa is still fighting the head cold. Her coughing is proving very troublesome. She has since retired back to the couch and the "Warr"dens continue to watch over her. Melissa loves this play on words as her sister's families last name is Warr.
Whew!!! What a day!
Friday, February 29, 2008
Friday February 29, 2008
I needed to wait until today to update about yesterday's appointment as I have been going faster than I am able. I brought Taylor home with me yesterday for the weekend and that has proven to be too good of a time. Once she reached her bedroom she did not know what to play with first. Off came the clothes and right into her favorite "Queen" dress, out came the barbies, and the rest of whatever she could get a hold of. She needed someone to play with as she is already missing her cousins and the companionship. There was only one other person for her to play with so I was it. It proved to be a good time for both of us.
The appointment went awesome once again! The babies continue to grow and post great gains. Currently the boys are both at 3 lbs. 8 oz. +/- 10 oz. Baby C is at 2 lbs. 1 oz. +/- 4 oz. Baby C proved to be quite the trial for the poor ultrasound tech. She was once again practicing her breathing, this time to the tune of a pant. She would pant for a about 15 seconds, rest, and then continue. Baby B was also practicing his breathing. We have yet to see baby A practice but I am not saying that it doesn't, we just have not caught him in the act just yet.
Game plan: Melissa will now visit the Doctor's Office once a week. At this time they will do a Non Stress Test (NST). The nurse will put sensors on Melissa's tummy looking for the baby's heartbeats, one per baby, and then other sensor to monitor contractions. They will be watching for the babies activity. While they are active their heart rate increases. This helps to strengthen the heart and prepare for birth. They would like to see a 15-20 beat increase about 3-4 times within 20 minutes. Baby C was the winner yesterday. She passed her test within minutes while the boys were slackers and took the entire 20 minutes to perform. This is very encouraging given the scare that Baby C gave us a month ago. She is proving to be quite the little fighter.
Melissa posted a three pound weight gain from the last appointment. This helped relieve our worries because of her sickness lately. Unfortunately, we have to give the gain to the babies as their combined total equaled the three lbs. I know that is much more of where Melissa would like to see the gain. :)
Taylor and I had an excellent opportunity to talk as we traveled home yesterday afternoon. She is very excited about the babies and the chance to be a big sister. Taylor looks to her mother as a major example wants to be just like her. Just look at this picture taken on one of our trips from Boise. Look close enough and you will see her "baby."
Her baby is under her shirt... Just like Mommy!
The appointment went awesome once again! The babies continue to grow and post great gains. Currently the boys are both at 3 lbs. 8 oz. +/- 10 oz. Baby C is at 2 lbs. 1 oz. +/- 4 oz. Baby C proved to be quite the trial for the poor ultrasound tech. She was once again practicing her breathing, this time to the tune of a pant. She would pant for a about 15 seconds, rest, and then continue. Baby B was also practicing his breathing. We have yet to see baby A practice but I am not saying that it doesn't, we just have not caught him in the act just yet.
Game plan: Melissa will now visit the Doctor's Office once a week. At this time they will do a Non Stress Test (NST). The nurse will put sensors on Melissa's tummy looking for the baby's heartbeats, one per baby, and then other sensor to monitor contractions. They will be watching for the babies activity. While they are active their heart rate increases. This helps to strengthen the heart and prepare for birth. They would like to see a 15-20 beat increase about 3-4 times within 20 minutes. Baby C was the winner yesterday. She passed her test within minutes while the boys were slackers and took the entire 20 minutes to perform. This is very encouraging given the scare that Baby C gave us a month ago. She is proving to be quite the little fighter.
Melissa posted a three pound weight gain from the last appointment. This helped relieve our worries because of her sickness lately. Unfortunately, we have to give the gain to the babies as their combined total equaled the three lbs. I know that is much more of where Melissa would like to see the gain. :)
Taylor and I had an excellent opportunity to talk as we traveled home yesterday afternoon. She is very excited about the babies and the chance to be a big sister. Taylor looks to her mother as a major example wants to be just like her. Just look at this picture taken on one of our trips from Boise. Look close enough and you will see her "baby."
Her baby is under her shirt... Just like Mommy!
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Wednesday February 27, 2008
I know this is a close race but you decide, whose tummy do you think is bigger. This picture was taken while I was in Boise visiting Melissa and Taylor last. Melissa looks so good for being 29 weeks along with the triplets at the time this was taken. Hopefully she will allow me more pictures as this is this first one of her pregnant, period.
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Tuesday February 26, 2008
Melissa and I are completely confident that everyone's prayers and thoughts have helped us to get this far with the babies. Melissa and I will be seeing Dr. Lee in two days and will have something to post then. Stay tuned for an update on Thursday.
Melissa and I have a huge favor to ask all of you. You will notice a name to the left of this post. The name you see is Will Harbison. Will is a GREAT friend and a true strength as to the determination of the spirit. You can take our word that you may never find a more sincere, lovable, or softer person. Will has dealt with Cystic Fibrosis for the majority of his life. He was blessed this past weekend to receive a new set of lungs while waiting in Salt Lake.
While we mourn for the donor of Will's lungs we rejoice in the ability of modern medicine to give Will another chance at life. While we wait for news about the babies we ask that you read through Will's blog. We know that if we can enlist your help with prayer that we can give Will he boost that he needs. Thank you for the help.
While talking to Melissa tonight, her head cold appears to have gotten worse. The last thing she needs right now is the cough. There is not much that can be done but try to keep up on the over the counter medicines. So who knows, babies may just around the corner for us! Time will tell...
Melissa and I have a huge favor to ask all of you. You will notice a name to the left of this post. The name you see is Will Harbison. Will is a GREAT friend and a true strength as to the determination of the spirit. You can take our word that you may never find a more sincere, lovable, or softer person. Will has dealt with Cystic Fibrosis for the majority of his life. He was blessed this past weekend to receive a new set of lungs while waiting in Salt Lake.
While we mourn for the donor of Will's lungs we rejoice in the ability of modern medicine to give Will another chance at life. While we wait for news about the babies we ask that you read through Will's blog. We know that if we can enlist your help with prayer that we can give Will he boost that he needs. Thank you for the help.
While talking to Melissa tonight, her head cold appears to have gotten worse. The last thing she needs right now is the cough. There is not much that can be done but try to keep up on the over the counter medicines. So who knows, babies may just around the corner for us! Time will tell...
Friday, February 22, 2008
Friday February 22, 2008
Friday's have been quite the days to look forward to lately. They mark the end of yet another week and the beginning of a new milestone. Here we are at the start of week number 30!!! Way to go Melissa!!!
It has not been without it's issues though. Melissa continues her battle with the flu. This has raised more concerns about weight loss and the babies. Melissa continues to try and stay nourished but sometimes it just does not work out. Melissa has been in contact with Dr. Lee's office and continues to ask them questions. At this point the Doctors Office is not very concerned. They continue to support Melissa and help her, but that is about the extent of it this far.
We are still at that point of not getting to excited. We are confident that Dr. Lee and his staff will help to advise us as to the best options for the babies. Stay tuned though as things could change within the next couple of weeks.
We greatly appreciate everyone's words of comfort, prayers, and thoughts. It is so nice to know that there are so many people out there willing to help.
It has not been without it's issues though. Melissa continues her battle with the flu. This has raised more concerns about weight loss and the babies. Melissa continues to try and stay nourished but sometimes it just does not work out. Melissa has been in contact with Dr. Lee's office and continues to ask them questions. At this point the Doctors Office is not very concerned. They continue to support Melissa and help her, but that is about the extent of it this far.
We are still at that point of not getting to excited. We are confident that Dr. Lee and his staff will help to advise us as to the best options for the babies. Stay tuned though as things could change within the next couple of weeks.
We greatly appreciate everyone's words of comfort, prayers, and thoughts. It is so nice to know that there are so many people out there willing to help.
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Wednesday February 20, 2008
Melissa is once again battling the Flu. This will be her second try at it as it appears she did not get it right the first time. All though the babies have been gaining weight, Melissa is losing weight. Melissa has lost five pounds since before being put in the hospital.
Taylor is struggling with trying to adapt to family life. She knows about being a single child and all the perks that go with. However, being thrown into the environment with multiple siblings has been rough on her. Peyton, Carli, Kobe, and Madison have enjoyed having Taylor around but it sounds as though the newness has worn off. They tend to act more like siblings than cousins. They have their moments of playing, rough housing, and bickering. Taylor is learning a valuable life lesson but unfortunately at the expense of Mary and Jason. Mary and Jason are more than supportive and forgiving. However, it does not sound as though the dining room table will fair as well...
Only the best of pictures are to show up here on our blog so I thought I would treat with a picture of Melissa's support group. This is definitely not all of her support group but several of the finest... Her sisters.
Taylor is struggling with trying to adapt to family life. She knows about being a single child and all the perks that go with. However, being thrown into the environment with multiple siblings has been rough on her. Peyton, Carli, Kobe, and Madison have enjoyed having Taylor around but it sounds as though the newness has worn off. They tend to act more like siblings than cousins. They have their moments of playing, rough housing, and bickering. Taylor is learning a valuable life lesson but unfortunately at the expense of Mary and Jason. Mary and Jason are more than supportive and forgiving. However, it does not sound as though the dining room table will fair as well...
Only the best of pictures are to show up here on our blog so I thought I would treat with a picture of Melissa's support group. This is definitely not all of her support group but several of the finest... Her sisters.
Friday, February 15, 2008
Friday February 15, 2008
Another week down!! Congratulations to Melissa on yet another mile stone, here we are at the beginning of week number 29!
We had the great opportunity of seeing the babies once again and check on their progress. The boys continue to grow and are currently at 2 lbs. 12 oz. and 2 lbs. 10 oz. Baby "C' continues to grow at a slower pace and is currently at 1 lbs. 12 oz. Our great joy today was hearing that Baby "C" doubled her weight gain compared to the previous two week period. Her 6 oz. gain was one of her biggest gains thus far. The blood flow through the umbelical artery still shows a deficiency but appears to stay constant.
We were able to get some great profile shots of all three babies. Baby "C" even appears in one picture to be smiling as you can you see her lips part and open. We were quite excited to see Baby "C" practicing her breathing as it made it difficult for a few minutes to get a couple of the measurements. Baby "C" for the most part measures about 3 weeks behind her brothers. Her Cerebelum measures the same as the boys so she will be as intellectual as the boys, just in a smaller package.
We had quite the discussion with the Doctor today about when we will start to actively pursue the monitoring of Baby "C." At this point we have not decided as to exactly when Melissa will have the babies. We have come to the conclusion that with the weight gain of Baby "C" we will hold off for another two weeks. In two weeks Melissa will visit the Doctor for another appointment and then start the continual monitoring of the babies. At this time I believe that Melissa will visit the Doctor one to two times a week and they will monitor the babies and heartbeats. This allow us to determine the right time, if all goes well, to have the babies. It is still possible that Melissa could carry the babies right up to week 35. It could also change overnight. We are obviously not in complete control over these babies and they could definitely change our plans.
Things are looking very positive and upbeat. We are staying optimistic and enjoying our time together on the weekends. We know that things are only going as well as they are because of all the positive thoughts and prayers from you. Thank you very much for your thoughts, prayers, and words of encouragement.
We had the great opportunity of seeing the babies once again and check on their progress. The boys continue to grow and are currently at 2 lbs. 12 oz. and 2 lbs. 10 oz. Baby "C' continues to grow at a slower pace and is currently at 1 lbs. 12 oz. Our great joy today was hearing that Baby "C" doubled her weight gain compared to the previous two week period. Her 6 oz. gain was one of her biggest gains thus far. The blood flow through the umbelical artery still shows a deficiency but appears to stay constant.
We were able to get some great profile shots of all three babies. Baby "C" even appears in one picture to be smiling as you can you see her lips part and open. We were quite excited to see Baby "C" practicing her breathing as it made it difficult for a few minutes to get a couple of the measurements. Baby "C" for the most part measures about 3 weeks behind her brothers. Her Cerebelum measures the same as the boys so she will be as intellectual as the boys, just in a smaller package.
We had quite the discussion with the Doctor today about when we will start to actively pursue the monitoring of Baby "C." At this point we have not decided as to exactly when Melissa will have the babies. We have come to the conclusion that with the weight gain of Baby "C" we will hold off for another two weeks. In two weeks Melissa will visit the Doctor for another appointment and then start the continual monitoring of the babies. At this time I believe that Melissa will visit the Doctor one to two times a week and they will monitor the babies and heartbeats. This allow us to determine the right time, if all goes well, to have the babies. It is still possible that Melissa could carry the babies right up to week 35. It could also change overnight. We are obviously not in complete control over these babies and they could definitely change our plans.
Things are looking very positive and upbeat. We are staying optimistic and enjoying our time together on the weekends. We know that things are only going as well as they are because of all the positive thoughts and prayers from you. Thank you very much for your thoughts, prayers, and words of encouragement.
Monday, February 11, 2008
February 11, 2008
Today was a day filled with mixed emotions - the appointment went fine with really no news other than things are going well, but at the same time Scott had to return home so that's not really fun. The appointment this morning was pretty basic. The doctor made sure there were three heartbeats and made sure that all was going well for me. I will return on Friday for a more extensive appointment and it will be then that we get more news on Baby "c". All is well for our family at this time. I'm to continue to be on bedrest and the doctor is thrilled that Mary & Jason won't allow me to "cheat". I'm very appreciative of all of your love and prayers. Thank you. I'll update on Friday!
Friday, February 8, 2008
February 8, 2008
Today is a pretty monumental day for Melissa. Today marks the end of the 27th week and the beginning of the 28th week of pregnancy. Last week while were were in the hospital on Friday, all the nurses from Labor & Delivery and the NICU presented a certificate to Melissa. The certificate congratulated her on acheiving the 27th week. The nurses told Melissa that as long as she stayed in the Hospital she would receive a certificate for each week completed before having the babies.
Well, thank heavens Melissa is not in the hospital. However, here is her High Five and congratulations on acheiving another week! The babies will continue to grow and everything will be just fine because of the amount of prayers, thoughts, and well wishes.
Taylor has been missing her daddy pretty bad. Thanks to Kylie for providing a treat for Taylor. I will make sure that she knows it is from you and your family. I know she will love it!
Melissa has been using the excuse that she does not know how to post to this blog. I will hopefully get her up to speed on it this weekend so that she can do some posting herself.
Thanks again for everything, everyone. We have enjoyed your comments.
Well, thank heavens Melissa is not in the hospital. However, here is her High Five and congratulations on acheiving another week! The babies will continue to grow and everything will be just fine because of the amount of prayers, thoughts, and well wishes.
Taylor has been missing her daddy pretty bad. Thanks to Kylie for providing a treat for Taylor. I will make sure that she knows it is from you and your family. I know she will love it!
Melissa has been using the excuse that she does not know how to post to this blog. I will hopefully get her up to speed on it this weekend so that she can do some posting herself.
Thanks again for everything, everyone. We have enjoyed your comments.
Thursday, February 7, 2008
February 7, 2008
Most of the time, no news is good news. This seems to be the point that we are at right now. Melissa says that she has had contractions several times since leaving the hospital. However, as they come and go it is always a relief as they stop and not return for a while.
Melissa has been able to get an appointment with Dr. Lee this next Monday. I plan to leave right after work and head to Boise for the weekend. Because of the week that I have had on call, PMT has graciously allowed me to use some of my overtime to be with Melissa on Monday at the appointment.
Unfortunately that is the extent of my news for now. Thank you everyone for your thoughts, words of encouragement, and prayers. I am continuously amazed by everyone. Thank you very much for everything!
Melissa has been able to get an appointment with Dr. Lee this next Monday. I plan to leave right after work and head to Boise for the weekend. Because of the week that I have had on call, PMT has graciously allowed me to use some of my overtime to be with Melissa on Monday at the appointment.
Unfortunately that is the extent of my news for now. Thank you everyone for your thoughts, words of encouragement, and prayers. I am continuously amazed by everyone. Thank you very much for everything!
Monday, February 4, 2008
February 4, 2008
Melissa had a GREAT day! She got to head to Mary and Jason's house today. It was quite the ride to the house...
Melissa started into contractions again during her ride. After a quick stop at a pharmacy she made it to the house and landed on the couch. Taylor is extremely happy to have her mother close to her. Taylor will be playing with her cousins, run over to Melissa, and then ask if she may give her mother a kiss. Taylor will kiss her, tell her that she loves her mother, and then run off to continue playing. Melissa enjoys the attention from Taylor just as much.
The plan is now for Melissa to call the Doctor's office tomorrow to schedule her follow-up appointment. Her questions about Baby "c" were answered by one of the nurses that was taking care of her. Melissa stated to the nurse that the doctor did not elaborate on the status on Baby "c." The nurse commented on the fact that as they listen to the babies heartbeats that that is the best test for the time being. The nurse also said, knowing the doctors quite well, that if the doctors are not talking about the babies or expressing their concerns that there is no reason for Melissa to worry either.
Melissa is quite tired tonight and hopefully she will take over the blog tomorrow for better details.
Thank you everyone for your thoughts, prayers, and words of encouragement. We enjoy hearing your comments!
Melissa started into contractions again during her ride. After a quick stop at a pharmacy she made it to the house and landed on the couch. Taylor is extremely happy to have her mother close to her. Taylor will be playing with her cousins, run over to Melissa, and then ask if she may give her mother a kiss. Taylor will kiss her, tell her that she loves her mother, and then run off to continue playing. Melissa enjoys the attention from Taylor just as much.
The plan is now for Melissa to call the Doctor's office tomorrow to schedule her follow-up appointment. Her questions about Baby "c" were answered by one of the nurses that was taking care of her. Melissa stated to the nurse that the doctor did not elaborate on the status on Baby "c." The nurse commented on the fact that as they listen to the babies heartbeats that that is the best test for the time being. The nurse also said, knowing the doctors quite well, that if the doctors are not talking about the babies or expressing their concerns that there is no reason for Melissa to worry either.
Melissa is quite tired tonight and hopefully she will take over the blog tomorrow for better details.
Thank you everyone for your thoughts, prayers, and words of encouragement. We enjoy hearing your comments!
Sunday, February 3, 2008
February 3, 2008
Melissa is doing great! She has been completely taken off of the Magnesium and started on a blood pressure medicine to help with pre-term labor. Melissa has been able to get her wits about her bringing her back to planet earth.
The contractions have stopped and the babies have seemed to return to their normal routine of playing with-in her. Currently babies "a" and "b" are head down with baby "c" being breach with her head under Melissa's ribs.
Melissa plans to ask the doctor more questions about baby "c" tomorrow as he makes his rounds. With the attention this past appointment being focused on Melissa and the pre-term labor we feel as though our questions about baby "c" have been left hanging.
Melissa has been blessed with having her mother there with her since Saturday afternoon. Kathy has stayed with Melissa over night and I greatly appreciate her being with Melissa.
Thank you again everyone as I am not sure what we would do with out the friends and family that we have been blessed with.
The contractions have stopped and the babies have seemed to return to their normal routine of playing with-in her. Currently babies "a" and "b" are head down with baby "c" being breach with her head under Melissa's ribs.
Melissa plans to ask the doctor more questions about baby "c" tomorrow as he makes his rounds. With the attention this past appointment being focused on Melissa and the pre-term labor we feel as though our questions about baby "c" have been left hanging.
Melissa has been blessed with having her mother there with her since Saturday afternoon. Kathy has stayed with Melissa over night and I greatly appreciate her being with Melissa.
Thank you again everyone as I am not sure what we would do with out the friends and family that we have been blessed with.
Saturday, February 2, 2008
February 2, 2008 - Part Two
Melissa just called to notify me that everything is looking GREAT!!! They plan to take her completely off the Magnesium and see how she does using an oral type of medicine to control the pre-term labor. This will help her to get her wits about her and allow her to feel a lot better.
February 2, 2008
I left Boise yesterday after seeing Melissa in the Hospital. I had the opportunity of talking with the Doctor on call and the case worker assigned to Melissa while she is in the hospital. After getting a good report from them I decided to head home to take care of work related issues and hoping to save time for later.
Melissa is still struggling with the Magnesium that is supposed to stop her pre-term labor. She says that he head swims and that it is difficult to focus on a topic for very long. They started to lessen her dosage yesterday before I left and it made a big difference. After talking with her this morning she is doing better.
We are hoping that once they completely eliminate the Magnesium that she will be able to switch to an oral type of medicine that will eliminate the head swimming all together. If all goes well, Melissa should be able to head to her sisters place in Boise about Monday or Tuesday.
So far, so good...
Thank you everyone for your concern and prayers. :)
Melissa is still struggling with the Magnesium that is supposed to stop her pre-term labor. She says that he head swims and that it is difficult to focus on a topic for very long. They started to lessen her dosage yesterday before I left and it made a big difference. After talking with her this morning she is doing better.
We are hoping that once they completely eliminate the Magnesium that she will be able to switch to an oral type of medicine that will eliminate the head swimming all together. If all goes well, Melissa should be able to head to her sisters place in Boise about Monday or Tuesday.
So far, so good...
Thank you everyone for your concern and prayers. :)
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