10w5d & Privacy Update

I had blood work on Tuesday and I am officially OFF Estrace and PIO shots!! I have been released from Dr. K and the NEDC. I am now officially in the care of my new OB and MFM.
I am still taking Zofran like candy and hoping that the nausea will ease up soon. : )

Wow! I have to say that our family was amazed to see so many people who want to follow our triplet journey and beyond. There was a time where we wanted traffic to spread the word of EA, but since announcing our triplet pregnancy, we have over 600 people looking at our posts.

It is hard to talk "freely" about our family and this pregnancy and I truly want this blog to be a journal of sorts of this time in our lives. It will share the ups and downs-- the trials and the sanctification!

So out of the over 630 people who viewed our last post there are over 100 of you who have contacted me by email or commented on the post to follow us. Blogger will only take 100. So, my wonderful blog designer is in the process of moving our blog to WordPress. The domain name will remain the same. It will just switch over to a basic WordPress theme and I will post from there. When she is finished moving the blog over to WP, I will have to enter and invite all of you who have requested to continue following us.

So, we will be public a bit longer until all the details are finished. If you haven't put your email address on the list, comment below or email me.

9w4d & going private

We had a great ultrasound yesterday and all 3 babies are doing well!

Rhea and I through much consideration will be making our blog private. If you would like to continue following our journey please leave your email in the comments. If you have a gmail or blogger account you will always have access after you accept the invite. If you do not have a gmail or blogger account, you will need a new invitation every 30 days which I do not mind sending.   I know that checking private blogs can be a pain, but we need to do this for our family and look forward to continuing to record our personal triplet journey. :) I will have it set up hopefully sometime this week. :)

8w 3d

Well, never mind. The Unisom/B6 cure was only temporary...

I started Zofran yesterday. I am waiting for it to work. Dr. K had me start at 1/2 tablet every 8 hours and now that is upped to 1 tablet. We are praying this brings me some kind of relief so I can function even a bit, eat, and sleep. This by far is the worst I have ever been. I have never needed drugs.

I have my next u/s on Tuesday. My blood work is Monday. I am hoping my progesterone is through the roof and I can wean down/off this stuff. I know it is making me feel worse. I will be seeing the MFM for this u/s. I saw here a few times with my pregnancy with Sarah. We have a great relationship and I look forward to seeing her again.

Just wanted to pop in and say that I am still here and praying through this first trimester. Fall is my very favorite season and when people ask what is my favorite color, I like to say "fall". I love all of the colors of fall. So, the cooler weather, the falling leaves and having days where I can wear sweaters are little blessings I love this time of year! Too bad my tummy couldn't handle a Pumpkin Spice Latte this season. That's okay. Peppermint Shake season at Chick Fil A is almost here!!


Happy Fall Y'all!

7w3d

Things I have learned in the last few days:

• Canada has a prescription med that is specifically formulated for morning sickness. The 2 ingredients are Unisom and Vitamin B6 both in a time release cap. I read up on it and bought Unisom and some B6. I started breaking pills in 1/2s and thirds and started taking it. It has been a life saver. I can function again. I am still nauseous all day, but I can at least eat a little bit here and there and I am not throwing up. The insomnia at night from the 24/7 morning sickness has been relieved with this combo, but I have yet to figure out how to make it "time released" and I tend to be a bit groggy during the day. A key thing I have learned: Both must be taken together and never let a dose wear off---too hard to get back on the other side if you wait until you are at your worst again. 
• I have learned that Blue Sky Jamacian Ginger Ale with stevia rocks for me right now. I can't even get water down. I didn't want suger or artificial sweeteners and this one settles my tummy a bit. It has real giner root and ginger oil and it has a bit of a spicy kick to it. My tummy likes it. I must have it near by, all the time. 
• The maternity clothes I have are not going to get me very far at all. Uh, with triplets, my body is thinking it needs to be on an expansion project rather early. I am eating hardly anything and still the clothes get tighter and tighter as each day passes. I was in maternity clothes at the beginning of 6 weeks. This is serious stuff.
• This house wouldn't be running at all without sweet Rebecca stepping in. She has done an amazing job helping care for littles and being in the kitchen when I absolutely can't. I can't. 
• Instead of Baby A, Baby B, and Baby C, we need to name these little ones, Chick, Fil, and A. since I eat something from there every day it seems.

That is the latest from where I sit (okay recline) while I sip my ginger ale. 

It's Soaking In!

I just wanted to pop in and let you know that we are very excited, but I have to tell you the all day morning sickness is definitely x3! It is even keeping me up during the night. I have been trying every remedy I can think of and that has been suggested. Just wanted you to know I am still here.

We had a great phone conversation with Dr. K last week. Triplets happen less than 4% of the time at the NEDC. They haven't had triplets in over a year. This cycle? There are 2 of us! I have already made contact with the other mom and she is super sweet and I look forward to walking through this journey together. Back to Dr. K...He said that he feels that our small embryo did not make it and that one of the other 2 blasts split into identical twins and the other blast implanted. He said we would know come birth day. 

My due date is June 7, but from what I have read, triplets normally come between 32-34 weeks. We have another u/s at nine weeks. I turned 7 weeks today. Dr. K wants me to see the perinatologist for that u/s. He also wants me to have my thyroid tested this coming week. I haven't had any thyroid issues at all since postpartum with Elizabeth, but I am sure it is wise to check my levels. 

That is about all I can muster to update for now! We do appreciate all of the congratulations and support. This will be a journey I will love to have you all join us on!

hugs & good night!!!

The Results Are In...

We had our ultrasound today. Today is 6w4d.  I will give many more details later, but for now here are our latest baby pics to share. ENJOY!!

We are pleased to introduce to you:

Baby A

7mm HB 125

measuring 6w4d

Baby B

6.5mm HB 127

measuring 6w4d

AND...

Baby C

8mm HB 128

measuring 6w5d

All are measuring on schedule or ahead. All look very strong and have their own placentas. We are in shock, but in awe of our mighty Lord and the amazing gifts he has bestowed upon our family.

6w2d

symptoms: no change. : )

Nothing new really. Waiting for our little old town pharmacy to find Estrace. It's not like there is a shortage of it, but they act like it's a controlled narcotic or something. They can "release" 20 tablets to me today and then I can call in for some more! lol!

2 MORE DAYS UNTIL THE ULTRASOUND!!!!!!!

This has been a lot longer it seems than the 2ww after the transfer? We have been praying that all three little ones have survived, but we know that the probability of that would be slim, BUT we also know our Lord is way beyond and way above statistics. All that said, what is your hunch (for fun of course)?

For review:

• FET 1 hatching 6AA blast, 1 hatching 6BA blast, 1 expanding 3BC blast
• 3dp5dt 1st +HPT
• Beta 11dp5dt  829
• Beta 13dp5dt  2,033

So what are y'all thinking? Singleton, Twins, or Triplets?

Wednesday morning is showtime!

5w6d

Symptoms: The queasiness is here all day long. Smells of any kind can "get" me. It could even be a pleasant smell to most people, but to me these days, uh, no. Clothes aren't fitting anymore.


I think it is official, last night will be the last time I handle, prep, or cook raw poultry until my second trimester when the morning sickness is gone. I couldn't even eat the chicken soup that sounded so good before I started to make it. They all loved it and had seconds. Me? I ate cheese nachos.

I am going to try a few different remedies for the morning sickness this time around, but honestly, nothing has worked in the past. It is just part of the territory! : )


I will leave you with Sarah's idea of a redneck stroller for her stuffed flamingo.

See what happens when I leave the room for a very short time??

5w4d

symptoms: fatigue &  I have a sneaky suspicion morning sickness is right around the corner any day now. Too many hints that it is coming!

I gave Elizabeth 3 sesame seeds yesterday and told her that is how big each of the babies is right now. She asked if I could give her beans when the babies were the size of beans?

Surprisingly, she took the sesame seeds and carried them with her all day in her pocket. When we went to take Dustin to the doctor, she had me wait so she could make them comfortable to take in the car.
She had them all day with her and was excited to tell Daddy all about them when he got home.

So, I wonder if she is going to want to carry around watermelons come May? ; )

5w2d

You know after being pregnant as many times as I have and of those times having 5 full term pregnancies, I am still in awe of the Lord's handiwork in creation.

5 week development for a baby:

Your baby’s microscopic heart begins to beat this week—although it won’t be detectable with one of those cool Dopplers for a few weeks, so you’ll have to wait a little longer to hear that satisfying “whoosh-whoosh” you’re so anxious for. Here’s what else is under construction:

With the beating of the heart, blood will begin to circulate throughout the body. Your baby’s first organ system will be up and running!

The beginnings of the brain; the cardiovascular, nervous and reproductive systems; as well as all other major systems are under way.

Your baby’s new digs—the amniotic sac and the placenta (aka the hotel and the restaurant)—are still forming at this point. (Maybe you should send a housewarming gift.)

All that high-speed development and your baby is only 2 millimeters long—about the size of a sesame seed (check one out next time you’re chowing down on a bagel—you won’t believe how tiny it is!).

 See how that still amazes me? I am feeling great. I had some really strong symptoms early on. I mean early! Now, they have all pretty much tapered off if not gone away completely. I know that every pregnancy is different and though I had a "moment" where I was about to go run and get another beta, I now am content to enjoy every day of pregnancy as long as these babies are here. 

One might wonder, "With beta numbers so high, why in the world is she thinking things could be wrong?" Answer: 10 miscarriages. Still, I need to trust in the Lord and his plan and will for these little lives. I truly do, but I do battle fear as it rears its ugly head more often than I'd like to admit.

U/S is in 10 more days. : )

Now They ALL Want to Tell You Something!

13dp5dt

All Glory to Our Father in Heaven!!!

Sarah Wants to Tell You Something...

We got the call just a little while ago and our Beta is.....      829!!
Progesterone is at 80.

Our next beta is Wednesday morning. Nurse K said that they are not going to be looking for doubling, but just for the number to go up "something". She said it is highly likely there are multiples! 

We took this test when I came home from getting our blood work this morning.

 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.    James 1:17

We do not deserve this pregnancy. 

The Lord is not obligated to give us more children, but He did and we are praising the Author of life. 

He has given us such a beautiful gift. 

Let them praise the name of the LORD, for his name alone is exalted; his majesty is above earth and heaven.   Psalm 148:13

Today Is the Day

I'm 11dp5dt and it's Beta Day! I leave in less than 2 hours for my blood draw. I usually hear from the nurse late afternoon or even after closing time. I will post as soon as the number is in :)

9dp5dt=14dpo=4 Weeks Pregnant

I am definitely staying busy this weekend. I keep thinking about our 1st Beta this coming Monday. It is at 7:30 a.m., but I usually don't hear from Nurse Katie until late afternoon. I will post as soon as we hear from her.

Our cool front left way too quickly. The temp is to be a scorching "feels like" temp of 95 with high, thick, humidity by noon today! So, Levi and Rebecca are out doing outside chores early.

Symptoms today? I "feel" pregnant. I mean the symptoms this time are very strong and we are praying for a high Beta on Monday.

I am watching my PIO injection sites, I *may* be developing a reaction to the PIO. I did with Sarah's pregnancy and started running a low grade fever and had redness with heat at the injection site, but no itching or anything. I was on PIO (ethyl oleate) with Sarah and my Dr. at the time switched me to Crinone gel and the fever went away quickly!

The last two transfers as well as this one, Dr. K gave me PIO (cottonseed oil) and I have never had this happen until now. No fever yet, but I am keeping an eye on it.

Off to take the littles outside. They are itching to go play in the baby pool!

7dp5dt

Thank you for all the encouragement and letting me know you all are praying and thinking of us : )

I have no desire to test anymore. In fact, I think it will be difficult to even test the day of the Beta, yet I don't want to hear the news over the phone? I have a few more days to think about it I suppose. ; )

Symptoms? Well, it is always so hard to tell between phantom progesterone induced symptoms and the real deal. We have had 4 FETs and all of them were very similar. The last two transfers I had a lot of phantom symptoms or maybe they were just exaggerated by the progesterone since I was indeed pregnant, but my betas were very low.

I do not remember having to go to the bathroom all of the time no matter if I was drinking a lot of water or not. I have to go all the time these last couple of days. The other symptom I do not recall having these last two transfers is a strong pressure/pulling feeling really low in front and in back. I have no cramping or AF-type cramping at all. Though, I looked these up and both of these can be progesterone side effects. So, really, I have no idea, but we know WHO does. I just will need to wait until Monday to find out.

I am hopeful. I mean really, a BFP on 3dp5dt? Y'all must think I am nuts to be nervous? However, this is the woman who has had 8 miscarriages. Fear is a struggle, but I am clinging to the Lord's promises during this time.

Just thought I'd update y'all : )

Are You Ready For This?

I have gone back and forth on whether or not to post today. I wanted to wait to take an HPT on our beta day and test the morning of our beta test. That test is next Monday (9/30). Well, I am weak, as many of you know, in the area of HPTs. Rhea was on board to test though. Okay, we knew this would be negative, but thought, well, I could get the "testing" out of my system and then we would wait until next Sunday to test the night before our beta. So, we tested 3 days after our transfer. We were shocked to see this:

Test #1 3dp5dt Sunday evening 9/22

Are you in shock too?

So, well, since I had "more" tests available, thanks to my dear, precious, friend Kristine, We took another test Monday morning. I was still 3dp5dt as my transfer happened at 11:30 EST and this one was taken at 6:00 a.m. CST.

Test #2 3dp5dt Monday morning 9/23

So, then, well, I had more tests, so we tested last night and:

Test #3 4dp5dt Monday evening 9/23

Then, there was this morning. I opened a new pack of FRERs. The previous 3 were from the same package. The test this morning seemed the same if not lighter maybe? No worries, we are obviously pregnant!

Test #4 4dp5dt Monday morning 9/24

So, today, I was gone from the house ALL. DAY. LONG. (meaning 5 hours had passed and I thought it might be a good time to take a test when I got home). Well, as you can see from the test on the bottom, the line is definitely lighter.

Test #5 5dp5dt Monday afternoon 9/24

All of the emotions and fears of the past two transfers and our many miscarriages came flooding back. Because of this, Rhea and I decided no more tests until Sunday night before our beta or Monday morning before our beta. I am going to ENJOY this pregnancy and at 45 it could even be my last pregnancy. We will rejoice in the growing lives that the Lord has placed in our womb!  We are still amazed that we tested positive at 3dp5dt. We absolutely are rejoicing for the life that the Lord has given us through these little ones!

Now, why did we decide to go ahead and share this? We are sharing because we are asking for prayer. over 300 people read our last post. There are people reading and following we may not even know, but if you would, please pray for our little ones?  

Meet Our Babies

We had a smooth transfer and have the 2 from our first donor and then a single from another donor. We had all survivors and have three babies on board. The embryologist graded the one on top a 3BC the large one below a hatching 6AA (those 2 are genetic siblings) the bottom left little one is a hatching 6BA. The B was because of the dark area in the center she said. Well, we have seen the Lord do amazing things with Sarah and her genetic siblings, so we pray for these little ones' strength as they grow. We will be staying in Knoxville until Saturday. 

I am pregnant and we are praising God for this blessing (3 blessings)!

About to Pack

Yes, I know it is 10:30 p.m. here, but I had a FULL day! We leave tomorrow morning for the airport and then we will be in Knoxville late afternoon. I look forward to my date night with my sweet hubby tomorrow night. Our transfer time is 11:15 a.m. EST on Thursday. I think this will all sink in once I settle into my seat on the plane.

PIO shots & Lists

PIO shots started yesterday. You think I would be used to these now after so many cycles, but no. I still dread them. (insert shivers). I have a PIO "system", but I still do not like those shots. HOWEVER, that just means we are that much closer to our transfer this week.

We fly out Wednesday morning and I am busy typing up list after list for the kids and the caregivers who will be staying here while we are gone. I have made the big grocery store run, so their tummies will all be quite content. Now I am writing up their studies list, medical release forms, and organizing all of the bills for Rhea to look at before we leave.

Tomorrow will be packing day & print the boarding passes day!

TN... Here We Come!

It's official! We fly to TN on Wednesday to adopt our babies! Our transfer will be on Thursday. We are so excited and so surprised. I was prepared for the doctor to cancel the transfer because the last two weeks my body didn't seem to be responding to the meds. Well, everything seemed to check out great. The follicles were all gone except one that was just at a 4. My lining was 13.5 according to Katie, but the doctor here said it was 15. 13.5, 15, whichever, we are going to Knoxville! Hooray!! Praise the Lord! 

We are so excited to adopt more children out of their frozen state once again. We are so grateful to our Lord for His forgiveness, grace, and mercy He has showered us with. I start PIO on Sunday! 6 more days until transfer!