Ellie, Evan, and Charlotte (Triple-Smith): How did we get here? Part 3

I left off with Jennifer having a not so enjoyable pregnancy. She could not do much of anything. Going to Target and Babies R Us to register is typically an enjoyable experience for expecting parents - for us a different story. I had to drag her out to the store and then push her around in a wheel chair. We did not know what we were needing and lacked any motivation to finish the task. We usually left the store confused and completely exhausted. I remember the joy we had registering for our wedding gifts - wow that seems like ages ago. We even asked some mothers in our Sunday School class to check it out and tell us what we need to add or delete - They were a big help.

One big bonus to having triplets is all the doctors appointments. I know normally you would think going to the doctor every other week or weekly would be a negative but for us it was a positive. We got to have soooooo many ultrasounds. We got to see the babies growth on a weekly to biweekly basis and that was so neat. Jennifer (being a registered sonographer) found this to be therapeutic. I could tell a difference in her on appointment days - a little more energy - a little more will to get out of bed. For me, every appointment was nerve racking. Right before we would go back, I would have a sickness feeling that something would be wrong only to be followed by a good news and a thankful prayer to God when everything was going good.

Here's a picture of Jenn @ 20 wks.

From the day we found out about having triplets, we were prepared for an early arrival. The average gestational age for triplets is about 31weeks. We looked at the calender - Due date is May 7 - 32 wks is March 12. I set a goal of March 13th. That was my dad's birthday. Jenn and I have a favorite story we tell just about everyone after they find out we are having or just had triplets. Story - My dad started telling Jennifer as early as High School that one day we would have triplets. His theory was always - One for Larry and Annette, One for he and mom, and one for Jenn and I. He continued this prediction for several years. I know that if he were still with us he would be boasting (as he usually was doing) about how he knew it was going to be triplets. I just know that he is spending a lot of time in the NICU watching over his little triplets.

As before, I will continue our story later.

Baby Update:

No major changes today. We found out that we can request certain nurses to care for our trips when they are working. So of course, we have our favorites and they all are very different. The night shift is most important to us - usually no doctors hanging around - and we are at home trying to get sleep - much easier to do when you know your babies are in good care. One of the day nurses that we have requested is really fun. She is great with the babies and keeps us entertained all day.
I think Ellie took missing out on the 3lb party personally - she has really started gaining and is only 1.1oz away from hitting 3 lb. Will she do it tonight?

Here are some of today's action photos:

Charlotte - her face is really filling out - it is much rounder than EJ or Ellie