Been Busy, But Here Are Some Random Pics

Nick, Lainey and Gabe (I love the look on Gabe's face in this picture!!)

Nick and Lainey

Gabe and Lainey

Help. . .

So, apparently everyone could sense the desperation in my last post (insert blushing cheeks) because I have had many offers of help. It is so hard to say to someone, "can you come help me" because I dont want anyone to feel obligated. So this is an open invitation to anyone who wants to help. =)

Mon, Wed, Fri.'s after 10am are the days that I can always use an extra hand or just some company!

Along those same lines, my friend Michele F. from MA is in town and has been over two days now to help with the babies. She is so great with the babies (must be something about the name Michele?? LOL). Michele, thank you SO much for all your help the past couple of days. The babies really took to you and it was GREAT just being able to hang out and catch up. Thank you so much. Your the best and I love ya!

Harder But Easier

Well, things are getting. . .different I guess would be the best way to describe it. The babies are not any easier and I dont think they ever will be. I think the challenges will just change. They are easier in the sense that Jeff and I are adjusting better therefore making some days seem easier. They are harder in that they stay awake a little longer now which in and of itself is great but they cry when they are awake. Mostly Nicholas, but really all of them. Lainey the least. Nick just does not want to be put down so I spend most of the day holding, shooshing, swaying, singing etc etc etc him until he falls asleep. If I can get him back into his crib without him crying it is a good day, if not he sleeps with us or hangs out on the couch. Usually by that time, another baby is awake and crying. We have switched the boys formula again and it seems a little better. I think we are just in a wait it out game. Eventually they will outgrow the tummy troubles and things will be better. . . not necessarily easier. Ok, dont with my venting. I cant finish this post because Nicholas is crying again. =(

Tummy Time

Happy Birthday Jeff!

Jeff's birthday was yesterday! As I mentioned Jeff is on vacation this week. Well, I had a list of things lined up for Jeff's birthday. We were hoping to go to wing night a Dango's on Wednesday but I had already asked two people to babysit and didnt have a 3 one lined up so that was a no go. BUT, Chrissy and Rob brought wings to us and the babies were actually really good and we got have a nice night. Thursday we had a babysitter lined up so we could take the motorcycle for a ride but that fell through. Then I had a sitter lined up for Saturday night so we could go to diner at Talullah's but the restaurant was closed for vacation and the babies were up all night so we were exhausted and I didnt want to leave three screaming babies with our friend Michelle. Although she would have handled it just fine! Then I thought ok, we will just order something from a nice restaurant and eat at home but that fell through too. So, poor Jeff ended up not getting to do anything for his birthday except stay up all night with screaming babies then sleep the next day. =( Sorry baby, I will make it up to you. . . someday!

Mommy Time

I swear I have the greatest husband in the world. He is on vacation this week to help me with the babies and it is his birthday on Saturday. What does he do, he surprises me with a gift certificate and an appointment to get my hair and nails done!!! So this morning I spent 3 HOURS at the salon! WHAT A TREAT!! Daddy stayed home with babies. Below is a picture of the new "do". Thank you baby!!!









Mommy decided that she owed daddy one so here he is having a much needed nap on the couch with Lainey.

All Smiles Too

Nick Smiling While Hangin With Dad

Daddy's On Vacation!!

The babies and I are so very happy that Daddy is on vacation this week. We decided to go to our favorite place for breakfast, Lox of Bagels. We just love Mark and Lena and it was nice to get out of the house and visit for a while. Here are some pictures of our breakfast out. Jeff, we are so happy you are home this week!!!! Although, by the end of the week he may be begging to go back to work!! Its a lot of work this trio!! LOL

Lainey

Gabe

Nick

All Swaddled Up

All snuggled up together taking a nap.

Mommies Little Helper

Nicholas "Feeding" Himself!

Day Dreamer

Lainey Dreaming About Her Next Ba-ba

All Smiles

Gabriel Smiling! So Adorable!

Happy Birthday Cousin Lindsay

Hi cousin Lindsay! Mommy told us it was your birthday today so we wanted to wish you a happy birthday! Mommy talks about you all the time. She tells us what a jokster you are and how much fun you are to hang out with. We cant wait to meet you. We will be bigger then and we hope you will play with us. We got you a birthday card but mommy forgot to mail it. She says we keep her really busy. Hehe. Ok, we have to go back to napping now. We love you cousin Lindsay and we hope you have a great birthday!!!

So Big

The boys had their 2 week follow up appointment today. The doctor wanted to make sure they were still gaining weight because he took them off the preemie formula which has extra calories. We were very happy because the boys are doing great and have gained alot!! At the last visit 2 weeks ago Nicholas was 5lb.11oz., today he weighed 7lb.4oz!! Gabriel was 6lb.2oz. and now weighs 7lb.12oz.!! The doctor was very happy with the weights. Lainey did not have an appointment so I dont know what she weighs but I know it is also over 7lbs. My little babies are SO BIG! Next appointment is in 3 weeks, immunizations =( , and I will see how big Lainey is. Here is a picture of the babies sleeping sound.

Babies Awake

Exhausted

We are now sleeping the babies in the nursery at night, however they still only sleep about 3.5 hours. So, we still dont get much sleep. They are doing well in the nursery though, which is a plus. The boys are doing much better with their tummy troubles and Lainey is still doing great. Due to the lack of sleep we try to nap (haha - yeah right) and get chores done while the trio is sleeping not leaving much time to talk with friends and family. So, anyone who has not heard from us, we are not ignoring you just exhausted. Love you all!!

Boogerectomy

I have decided that I DESPISE doing "boogerectomy's"! I can never get the durn boogie out. There's got to be a better way!

So Adorable

July 30th - My Due Date

The babies are 5 weeks old. They are getting SO BIG!

"Preemie-Donna"

Sleeping Sound

I did not have anything to post today and I know how much my friend Michele F. loves it when I post. So, here are the only pictures from today. Michele these are for you. =)

It All Started With A Puppy

It was about 4 yours ago when Jeff and I took a trip to Bed Bath and Beyond. We went to get a new shower curtain for our newly renovated bathroom. While walking through the store I spotted a bin full of stuffed animals. On top was the cutest cuddliest puppy I have ever seen. I took one look at this puppy and my heart melted. I looked at Jeff and said "I want a baby". That started our very long and emotional roller coaster ride of trying to get pregnant.

We tried for a year and half on our own before deciding we should talk with a doctor. I went to one OB and they started me on Clomid. I only did one month as this office and I were not a good fit and I switched to a different OB. In talking with that OB, we tried Clomid for 2 more months without any good results. This whole process lasted a couple years as we would go back in forth between trying and taking a break from the infertility and there were many many tests done along the way. My OB suggested in-vitro or adoption. Jeff and I were just not ready to accept we could not have a baby.

So, I emailed some friends of ours and got the name of a fertility doctor that they used and loved. That September I called and made the consultation appointment. Jeff and I went down together only to find out that this doctor was retiring at the end of the year. So that means we have about a month to make things work. It seemed like one step forward, two steps back each time.

This doctor decided Clomid was not the answer and put me on Follistem. This is an injectable medication taken in the tummy. Needless to say I was not looking forward to giving myself shots in the tummy, but was willing to give this a go. The office then contacted my insurance to get approval on the drugs only to find out they were not covered. They called me at work and told me the news. They said they had the drugs at the office, I could get them there. Fighting back tears I said ok, how much to get them through your office to which she replied "No Mary, we will give them to you. You dont have to pay". Crying commenced in between the "thank you's". I called Jeff at work and gave him the news. He was very quiet, in shock that they would do this for us.

So, in October of last year we started the injectable. I could not give myself the shot no matter how hard I tried. Jeff had to do it. He was a pro and very gentle. I remember him being quite excited about giving me a shot, I was a little nervous! The first time he did it, he went really slow then pulled the needle out so fast he knocked the coffee on the table over on the needles and drugs. We laughed for about 5 minutes. Whew, the first shot was over. The next 2 weeks of shots got easier and easier. My tummy looked polka-dotted from the all little bruises, but really it did not hurt.

Now, as I understand it when you ovulate you produce a cyst that ruptures then a little egg pops out. Well, thats the laymen version anyway. I discovered that I have "polycystic ovaries" which means I produce many many cysts. So this medication was going to make everyone of those little cyst rupture at the same time. Two things, first unbelievable pain and second "multiples". The doctor said we should be open to the idea of multiples. Gulp. Jeff and I talked about it and decided that twins would be absolutely fine with us. (Jokes on us!!) So went ahead with the injectables.

I would have to have follow up ultrasounds about every week or so to make sure my ovaries were ok and not about to explode, literally. Well during one of the final ultrasounds the nurse said it looked at those there were 7 follicles that could produce eggs. SEVEN I said. Uh-oh. That is not what we wanted to hear.

Reduction. That is the conversation that came next. It is not a conversation you want to have but none-the-less one we were faced with. Jeff and I had decided we would reduce if we had more than 2 babies. The next ultrasound showed that of the 7 cysts, 5 had ovulated. 5 eggs floating around with about 50 million sperm. Double Gulp. Now we wait.

The next step was to wait for a certain date and then take a pregnancy test. That day had arrived. Jeff and I awoke very early. I did the test and sent Jeff in to check. Wouldnt you know, it was defective. Arrggghh! So at 6:30am we are at the store getting another test. The really expensive one that says "Pregnant or Not Pregnant". I was not taking any chances this time. So, 3 cup fulls of water later I take the second test. I cant bear to watch. This was it, this was our very last attempt at getting pregnant. The doctors office certainly was not going to keep dishing out meds for free and Jeff and I were physically and emotionally exhausted with this process. So, this was really it. Jeff waited with the test as I sat on the couch with anticipation. I knew the answer the second he walked out of the bathroom with tears in his eyes. Pregnant.

I hugged him so tight and the jumped up and down until Jeff told me not to jump as "I might break something". We couldnt believe it. Well, what do we do now I thought. It was a Sunday and I could not call the doctor. We decided to just rest and watch a video we had just bought. It was Shrek The Third, the one with 3 babies, 2 boys and a girl. Little did we know how ironic that would be.

That Monday I called the doctor and told her my test was positive. She sent me for blood work. When she got the results she said it was confirmed I was pregnant. I asked what they check for in the blood work and she said pregnancy hormones. They should double between one test and the other. I said "So I doubled" to which she replied "Oh yea, you more than doubled". My first thought, could it be twins?

A few Sundays after that I went to a ladies lunch at Chrissy's house were I announced I was pregnant. What fun to finally be able to tell people. Well that night I started to bleed. It was terrifying. I went for an emergency ultrasound the next day and found out I was not only fine, but I was pregnant with twins! Jeff and I smiled the whole way home. Because this doctor was retiring in 3 days I was sent back to see my regular OB. I was the last person to get pregnant at that office. How fun.

So, one week later yet another ultrasound. I was driving the tech crazy with questions so she told me to keep quiet until she was done! Jeff and I talked quietly to each other when we heard, "Excuse me, you guys are having 3". 3 what was my first thought? Oh my gosh, 3 babies. We laughed hysterically, then panicked. We went through that about 3 times. Then we had to meet with the doctor.

Reduction. There was that word again. We had already said we would reduce. Well, it took Jeff and I about 5 minutes to decide reduction was not an option for us. We were keeping all three. My next thought, please dont find another one at the next ultrasound!

It was from that moment that we started planning for the arrival of 3 babies. We never could have imagined what we were in for and still sometimes cant believe it. It also amazes me how generous people are when it comes to babies, especially 3. It was hard for us to swallow our pride and be the helpee for once and not the helper. We have been so blessed with everything and are so grateful.

When in what would be my final month of pregnancy I asked Jeff to take some photos of us. He takes the greatest photos and I wanted a picture to remember this time by as this would no doubt be my only and last pregnancy. While I was in the hospital Jeff had the photo blown up and framed. He gave it to me when I got home. I absolutely LOVE it. It hangs in the nursery above the fireplace. You will see in the picture a very cute puppy. To think it all started with the puppy.

One Month Old

Lainey Bug, I can not believe you are one month old today. You have changed so much in one month its hard to believe. You now weigh over 6lbs and mommy and daddy put you in newborn clothes for the first time yesterday. You really are a good baby, so content. You always eat so good and sleep so sound. I love how you have to be cuddled after each feed or you get upset. You are the most cuddliest baby. Mommy will sometimes scoop you up in the middle of the night just to sleep with you on the couch. We did this last night, you woke mommy by gently putting your hand on mommy's cheek. Each time you did this I would open my eyes and you would be looking at me. It was so sweet, you bring tears to my eyes. Daddy loves to cuddle you too. You will just bury yourself into his chest and fall right to sleep. Daddy tells you all the time that you are the most beautiful baby. I would have to agree. You are always so alert and will sometimes just lay in your bobby after you eat and look around. Mommy loves to read to you when you are awake like that. I think we will start some tummy time now. I am so proud of my little angel. We love you Lainey Bug.

Nicholas, one month old. You were my little guy when you were born but have grown so much. You are only a few ounces shy of 6lbs. Mommy and daddy put you in newborn clothes for the first time yesterday too. You are in between the preemie and newborn sizes. You are still having some trouble with your tummy but mommy and daddy and are trying different things to get you through. You try so hard to get through your pains and only cry when it is really bad. Mommy and daddy will hold you until it passes. I think you can sense that mommy gets so upset when your in pain because it always takes me a few moments longer to settle you then daddy. Daddy hates to see you in pain also but is very calming to you. You usually instantly stop crying when he picks you up. We will sometimes lay you on the couch on the pillow and you love that. Mommy also snuck in some sleep time the other night with you. You barely grunted at all and we slept so good. You too are starting to stay awake more and will sometimes just look around while you hang out in your bobby. We tried some tummy time the other day, but you didnt like that too much. We will try again in another week. You are such a good baby, we are so proud of our "little" man. We love you Nicky.

Gabriel, my youngest. One month old today and oh have you have changed. You are now over 6lbs. Mommy and daddy put you in newborn clothes yesterday as well. You are such a big boy. You too are having a little tummy trouble, but its not too bad. You are a very laid back baby. Because of this you are often the last one to eat. There are benefits to being last though, you get the longest cuddle time. You are like a round little ball and we love to muckle on to you. Mommy snuck some sleep time with you the other day as well. You were having a bit of a rough night and we snuggled up together and both slept so sound. You too will sometimes lay awake in your bobby and just look around. You are also perfectly content to grab a nap. I think you could sleep just about anywhere. You still grunt alot when you sleep but you dont seem to be in pain. You smile all the time, probably because you have so much gas. You have the biggest brightest eyes and make the cutest faces. You too love to hang out with dad. You are so content sitting with dad watching the Yankees. Mommy says no TV, but we make an exception for the Yankees. You are doing much better sucking on your bottles. We switched all of you from the preemie bottles from the Nicu to the Dr. Browns bottles and you did great. I am so proud of you. We love you so much Gabe.

Jeff, can you believe our little miracles are one month old? I can not tell you how blessed I feel to have such a wonderful family. You are such an amazing daddy and husband. You are so patient and I can always count on you to keep me calm and level headed. I love to watch you when you are with the babies. You will often just look at them and your face fills with so much love and pride. You make me laugh too when I hear you talk "baby talk" to them. It is so cute. You amaze me how you can work full time and come home to "take over" caring for the babies and give me a break and still manage to help with the housework. I love how you will sometimes give me an extra 15-30 minutes of sleep during my sleep shift or how you can sense when I am overwhelmed and will take over for a little while. I love that you will not hesitate to change a poopy diaper or give one a bath. Thank you my sweet husband for being such a great partner and father. We all love you so much.

Happy One Month My Sweet Family

Radiant Jess

As most of you now know, Jess is expecting. I had not seen her in a while and she stopped in the other day. I could not believe how radiant and beautiful she looked!! I made her pose for a picture. Jess, I cant wait for your little bundle to get here!

Lainey

A Day of Appointments

Today was a busy day. I had a WIC appointment at 10:20am and another doctors appointment for the boys at 1:00. Michelle H. and Bella were kind enough to drop off dinner to us last night and offered to watch the babies while I went to the WIC appointment. Michelle was a natural with the babies and Bella was such a great help. Steve stopped by to drop off Bella and I tried to tell him I was keeping Michelle indefinately, but it didnt work! LOL Below is a picture of Bella holding Gabe. Thank you so much Michelle, Bella and family for all your help!!!

After WIC, Michelle and I fed the babies and she helped me load the babies in the van so I could take them to another doctors appointment. Daddy met us there. We brought the boys back to the doctors because they still seem to be in a lot of pain after the feed. More so Nick then Gabe. The doctor switched our formula in hopes the babies will find some comfort. We have used it for one feeding and not much changed unfortunately. We are to give it a few days and if there is still no change we have to go back to the doctors. Please keep the babies in your prayers. I hate to see them in so much discomfort. I was able to weigh Gabe and Nick at the appointment. Gabe is 6lbs. 4oz. and Nick was 5lbs. 11oz. I can not believe how big they are. Unfortnately, I did not get to weigh Lainey, she was sleeping soundly in her car seat. She is such a good baby. Below is a picture of the babies at the doctors.

4 Hour Schedule - not so much. I asked the doctor about the 4 hour schedule I was trying to put the babies on he said it is just too soon for them. So, we are back to a 3 hour schedule. Sigh. This means no sleep for mommy and daddy. Thankfully, daddy has made an arrangment at work and is able to work from home a couple of days a week. It does not give us anymore sleep, but is nice to have some help during the day. Below is a picture of my tired boys.

Nick

three asleep in gramma's bed

Here is one of our favorites...we awoke one morning to find them snuggled in bed with Gramma!!! Aren't they the cutest!!!!

Gabe