24 Week PERI APPT

9/25: Firstly, I have not blogged at all this week simply because there isn't much to tell. I am on house arrest and unlike Martha I didn't get a fancy foot bracelet. (although--that's probably a good thing!) Okay, the one exciting thing this week--all three babies kick like crazy all the time and it is clearly obvious that something is moving in my belly!!! So basically my day consists of: I rest, watch tv, read, check email, surf Craigslist, talk on the phone, eat, rest some more...etc. Not too exciting!!! Today, though we had our Perinatologist appt and that is an appt that we are always excited about because we get to see our little babies!!! We also get growth updates, etc. Our appt was GREAT and we got another A+!!! All three babies are doing FANTASTIC!!! Actually, the doctor was very impressed with our growth! The ultrasound was great but it is clear that the babies are fighting for space!!! So, here are our STATS for this period...they have really grown!!! I am carrying 5 lb 5 oz of baby weight!!!
Baby Boy A: 1 lb 11 oz, Baby Boy B: 1 lb 13 oz, Baby Girl: 1 lb 14 oz

And now, I would like to grace you with my BELLY---which continues to grow every single day!!!

24 WEEKS

9/20: Today marks a very important milestone! We have reached our 24 WEEK mark which is considered the "viability" point. Babies that are born at 24 weeks will live, but roughly half would have some type of neurological problem or other long term issues---so of course we're praying that our babies keep cookin' as long as possible!!! Our next major milestone will be at 28 weeks. Our goal is 32 weeks!!! We are so thankful that we have reached this HUGE milestone without any kind of complications!!! This also marks the beginning of my restricted bed rest!!!! I am still not sure how I will survive this!!! I am trying to stay positive! As of now, the doctor says that I am only allowed to come downstairs once and back up in the evening! So, before I come downstairs for the day I need to make sure I will NOT need to go upstairs at all!!! My belly has gotten very heavy. It is harder to walk and stand for more than a few minutes at a time!!! Oh, I almost forgot---last night I had an ice cream sandwich and a few minutes after I ate it, Baby B starting moving and thumping my belly. I think he really appreciated the ice-cream--takes after Daddy. (well, it's either that or he's lactose intolerante and was complaining--but I would rather think he liked it) So, after many thumps I had Rob put his hand on my belly and for the FIRST time ever Rob FINALLY felt the KICKS!!!! Rob couldn't believe how hard they kick!!!
This morning we discovered that my car was vandalized last night! Two of my tires were slashed! It really is a horrible feeling to be vandalized and you truly do feel violated! Rob called the MP's and they showed up to make a report. At this time, we thought we were the only ones and that this was random but as we were giving our report 2 more people from down the block showed up with the same issue. The MP had to call for other officers to come out. Over all, 7 vehicles got vandalized! It truly is sad that some resort to this kind of 'fun'! I just don't understand it! We spent over an hour with the MP's and after--Rob got out his compressors to try to put air in the tires so we could drive the car to Firestone. One of the tires was not cooperating and he had to put the spare on...which of course was flat!! Can we get a break here??? After all of that, we were finally able to take the Honda to Firestone. I ended up driving the truck and following---BTW, this will probably be the last time I drive for a while!!! So, $170 later (tires were on sale!) we got the car back!!! What a horrible way to spend a SAT morning and a terrible way to spend $170 especially when my tires were new!!! Such is life! The Betts clan came over for dinner and Rob made Gyros!! The gyros meat was seasoned perfectly and the tzatziki he made was perfect as well!! We all really enjoyed dinner!! After dinner, we stayed out in the Lanai--really nice evening--and played Mexican Train or what I like to call chicken foot. I was the biggest loser with the most points but I had alot of fun!!!

This Week in our Lives....

9/15: Exciting day today!!! Nani from the NEX called today!!! Our stroller FINALLY made it to the island and we can pick it up TODAY!! Needless to say, Rob said, "let's go get it!". We picked it up and were very excited to get it home and see what it looked like!!! Rob started putting it together and I was snapping pictures! He was 90% done when I realized something...the stroller is the wrong color!!! We are working with NEX to get this corrected!!! We didn't let this minor thing bring us down. We are still super excited and the stroller even though it's the wrong color...looks great! (The seats are the right color!!!)

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9/16: Today, I feel great! I got up early and started clearing the baby shower gifts. We now have shelves to put everything on and I am working at putting everything away. I want to clear our dining table so that I can put our FALL tablecloth on!! Yes, it's almost fall. I know in Hawaii that is hard to envision but I like FALL!!! I really did feel good all day today and I decided to make turkey chili and cornbread for dinner!!!
9/17: OB Appointment today! Everything went very well. My BP is great, my pee test was great and my weight was great!! Next appt in 2 wks with OB. I have to see OB every 2 wks now...We heard all three heartbeats today and it was great to hear our precious little babies!!!
9/18: Today we both had teeth cleanings!! How much fun can we pack in one week!!!
9/19: Great morning today! Rob cooked great scrambled eggs so I could get extra protein this morning. Issis came over and we sat outside chatting on the patio. She got to drink coffee...I haven't had coffee since FEB--nothing--not even decaf. I don't need the tease!! We then went to the case lot sale at the commissary. We were really hoping to get diapers! Unfortunately, they only had size 3, 4 and 5 on sale! We did stock up on paper towels and toilet paper! Rob went to return the stroller today. Peg Perego is sending a new stroller in the correct color! Issis kept me company while Rob went to the store---we always enjoy some "chisme" time alone without the boys!! (chisme is Spanish for gossip but we really are not gossiping just chatting!) I rested all afternoon. I was still a bit tired from all the activity yesterday! On a completely different subject...my Grandma is in the hospital. It is hard to hear news like this. She is feeling better but she is very fragile. Please keep her in your prayers!! And, the week comes to a close!!

and in the morning, we're making waffles!

9/14: So, last night when we were driving home from dinner, Rob says to me, "we are making waffles in the morning!". Reminded me of a favorite movie, Shrek...not that I'm comparing Rob to Donkey but it was funny!!

23 WEEKS

9/13: We are at 23 weeks!! I feel like my belly grows by the minute!!! Also, today, I could actually SEE the movements on my belly!!! So far, I had only felt the movements from the inside but today while I was just being quiet (rare moment) I felt a kick/movement and then I saw my belly jump!! It's pretty amazing!! Makes me get teary!! Today is Saturday and one of the last that I will actually be able to enjoy because I will be on restricted bed rest soon. So, we started the day early with Saturday garage sales. We don't normally buy too much but we like searching for hidden treasures!! The find of the day was for Rob. He found a Makita grinder whatever that means...(diamond blade- I hear that's important too)....and that it was a bargain at $30! I have no clue if that is a bargain or why we need a grinder but he was very happy to find it. I found a couple of Halloween items...yay, it's candy corn season and you better believe that there is a dish of it on our table already. (Covered dish---or the Hawaiian ants will invade us!) We met up with our friends Steve and Issis and their clan and enjoyed the morning!! We also had a beach day planned for today. It has been raining quite a bit and we were not sure if the beach thing would pan out but Rob assured us that it would. (secret life as a meterologist!) Anyway, so after garage sales we went home and everybody changed into bathing suits---including me! Yes, my first experience with a maternity bathing suit. FUN! Rob smiled when he saw me and said, "yep, no denying that you're pregnant!" Was that supposed to be funny? So, we headed to North Shore---destination, SUNSET BEACH. As we were driving up we had lots of rain. We almost turned around but Rob's nature would not allow us. I was laughing because as I said let's turn around because it was raining cats and dogs by now it started raining even harder but he said no....So, we continued on our way and low and behold as we neared the town of Haleiwa, it was not raining at all. Rob, of course, was smiling with the "I told you so eyes!". So, our first stop was in Haleiwa at Macky's Shrimp Truck. The best shrimp scampi!! So, good!!! Everyone enjoyed the shrimp and the kids enjoyed chasing the wild chickens in the area. We packed up again and headed North again! To our or MY surprise---nothing but sunshine!! So, we enjoyed the rest of the afternoon at the beach with no sign of rain!! Rob was right!!! The Betts clan all enjoyed snorkeling and spending the day at the beach! The evening brought more entertainment as they had us over for dinner and Steve prepared his famous southwest eggrolls. They were yummy and I probably indulged in one too many but it was worth it!! Rob got his day's worth of exercise challenging Xander (6 years old) at Tennis, golf and baseball on the WII. Rob had a blast and now really wants a WII but I told him he will have to talk to SANTA about that!! The day came to a close and I was exhausted but happy that we had fit so much in one Saturday!!! What great fun we all had!!

Lack of Sleep and Lack of Energy

9/8: We had a pretty good Monday! Rob gets up every morning and brings me breakfast in bed. Nothing glamorous--my activia yogurt which I now have to eat to help with digestion, my V8 Fusion juice to provide a full serving of fruits and veggies and a piece of wheat toast. (More so now that I am taking extra iron pills!!) When Rob came home for lunch we unpacked all of our baby shower gifts. We are trying to inventory so we know what we still have to buy before the babies come. All the gifts were perfect!!! We also got many gifts cards on Sunday and we are using them to purchase Dr. Brown's bottles and preemie diapers!!! Overall, I feel great...very tired all the time! I know I sound like a broken record when I talk about my exhaustion. It really is beyond words. I don't complain because that is the only thing--nothing else--I feel great! Oh, the babies have dance marathons almost every night...usually around 3am!!! Look at all the goodies for the babies!!! Rob got a special gift today in the mail. My girlfriend Tiffiny sent him a DADDY SURVIVAL KIT. It is so cute and funny! It has a mask, plastic gloves, tylenol, instant coffee, hand sanitizer and other goodies in a "tool belt" of sorts----this will help Daddy survive changing poopie diapers!!! Rob loved it and thinks it's funny now...wait until he actually needs those gloves and mask!!!
9/9: okay, today I woke up feeling completely wiped out! I had a crappy night! Sleeping is getting more and more difficult. Finding a comfortable position is very hard!! So, I spent the better part of the day in bed trying to rest. Late afternoon we watched Xander, Stevie and Chancy while Steve and Issis went to a mandatory mtg! The kids were really good! We took them to the PX indoor playground. Oh, we also had Baskin Robbins! The ice-cream was yummy!! Tuesday is $1 scoops at B&R---who can pass that up????
9/10: Another difficult night but I am not going to bore you with that anymore. I think I might as well get used to the idea that all my nights are going to be difficult. Rob had homework to do today so I left him alone after he got home from work. Once his homework assignments were submitted we went to Walmart. We bought preemie diapers, lots of bottles (although we will need more but we bought all they had) and a few fleece blankets. We spent all of our gift card money and had lots of fun shopping!!! We ran a couple other errands and came home! Rob made us really good BLTs w/avocado for dinner. My sandwich was really good!!
9/11: It is a sad day remembering 9/11 seven years ago. I had just arrived for my first deployment in Kosovo. I actually flew on 9/9. I still remember the moment that I heard and the disbelief!! My prayers are with the families who lost a loved one! I listed to the news and cried a bit this morning for all the families! Such a sad historic event!
Rob was off today and I got a special breakfast of scrambled eggs, 2 slices of bacon and a slice of toast! Rob sure knows how to spoil me!! He actually brought his own breakfast upstairs and we were able to eat together. We ran a couple of errands before lunch today and came home and Rob started organizing our garage. We moved in mid-April and the garage was the only thing that did not get organized. We simply had not had a moment!!! Rob worked all day!! He cleared all the junk and got rid of the stuff that needed to go! I, of course, supervised. We want to make sure everything is organized before the babies come!!
9/12: I slept great last night!!! I actually slept ALL night!!! It was really nice to actually wake up feeling well rested!! We had another great day!! I can't believe another week is coming to an end!!!

The Bee Gees, 3 Blind Mice and Snap Krackle Pop

9/7: What do the Bee Gees, 3 Blind Mice and Snap Krackle Pop have in common? Groups of Three and BABY SHOWER GAMES!! It is the day of our Baby Shower----I have been waiting for this day for so long!! It's amazing how special this feels to me!!! I am not usually the kind of person that likes being the center of attention. I usually like being behind the scenes being the "director"!! In this case though, I don't feel that I am the center of attention---it's these three marvelous BABIES that we are awaiting that are stealing the show!!! I have been blessed with such great friends here in Hawaii! I do have to say that is one good thing that came out of Rob's deployment to Iraq---I met such an amazing group of fabulous ladies during the deployment that make me feel so incredibly blessed to have in my life!!! Firstly, I want to thank Toni--you are such an inspiration and a great friend!! Thank you for facilitating this great party!!! I know you had an amazing group helping you but I also know that you were the "ring leader"!! Words can not express the gratitude that Rob and I feel for your great and giving heart!!! To Cille, Shannon, Laura and Barbara---many thanks for everything you did!! From all of us--Thank you!!! To all of our friends who attended and helped make this party such a success---Thank you, thank you, thank you!!! Lastly, to those who were unable to make it to the party thank you for your support and for sending goodies for the babies!!!

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BBQ Texas Style

9/6: We have had a busy Saturday!!! I don't have many Saturdays left where I can go shopping and carry about like I am not pregnant with Triplets!!! So, we are trying to make the best of them!!! Tonight we hosted a BBQ for our friends Steve and Issis who recently moved on island!!! Steve and Issis have been in our lives for over 10 years crisscrossing military paths every 2-3 yrs!! We all met in Germany, followed each other to Alabama and now Hawaii!!! We are very thrilled that they are now here in Hawaii!!! Issis made a special request for Rob's Ribs and everyone knows how Rob hates to grill!!! So, he made a double batch of baby back ribs--BBQ and Jerk Ribs---I don't have to tell you how GOOD they were!!! We had a great time!!! I do have to tell you something funny---by 9:15pm we were all pooped and the party ended early!!! Ten years ago---hmmm---the party would have gone all night! hehehe
Issis enjoying a cup of coffee!!

Steve and Chancy--Say Cheese!!!

Stevie---that would be super cheese!!!

This is how silly we get after ONE pina colada!!! Steve, Issis and Chancy!!

22 WEEKS

9/6: Wahoo!!! 22 Weeks and we are doing great!! Thank you Lord!!! We had appointments this week with both our doctors and got rave reviews!! We feel so blessed that our babies are all doing so well---as am I!! I still feel great and have limited energy but overall can still do everything as usual!!! I get tired very easily after walking but I consider myself so lucky that I am still able to do as much as I do!!! Here is my Saturday picture so you can see belly growth!! Remember---the babies have doubled in weight in the last 3 weeks!!!! (to date I have only gained 18 1/2 lbs!!!)

Babies Growing FAST!

9/3: What a great morning we had! Rob is finally back!! We got up early and ate breakfast together. We got ready for our doctor's appt and went on our way! Doctor O was sick so we had a different perinatologist today. Doctor M was very good. The babies are all doing FANTASTIC!!! They were measured for progress and they all measured above average!! We are ecstatic! Their brains, bones, spines, and ventricles in their little hearts are all perfect!! Most importantly, in three weeks their weight DOUBLED!! It is amazing how much they have grown!! The doctor asked me to start taking extra iron and aside from that we just need to keep doing what we have been doing. It was a great appointment and we left the hospital with big smiles on our faces!!
BABY A: weighed in at 1 lb 0 oz
BABY B: weighed in at 1 lb 4 oz
BABY C: weighed in at 1 lb 2 oz
After we left the hospital, we went to lunch at one of our favorite restaurants and ran into our friends Meegan and Jonathan. Happy Birthday Meegan!! So, we had a great lunch with great friends and it wasn't even planned!!!
I am thrilled that Rob is back! He is taking care of me and making sure that everything the doctor has ordered is done! He made me my protein shake today for my afternoon snack. (I still have to drink a protein shake every day for the extra protein for the babies!!) Of course, Rob fired up the grill tonight. He grilled chicken breasts and they were awesome!! I sure did miss his cooking while he was gone!!
9/5: We had our OB appt today. We heard all heartbeats!! They sounded amazing!!! Our OB is impressed with all of our progress and says we are doing great!!! We love getting A+ on our report cards!!! After our appt we went to visit our friends Steve and Issis. They just moved in to their house and Rob helped Steve with some things.

Labor Day

9/1: It's going to be a BIG week!
Monday: It's Labor Day! A Big Happy Birthday to my Father in Law! Happy Birthday DAD!!! I hope you have a wonderful day!!!
Tuesday: Rob comes home!! I am very excited! It feels like he has been gone forever...plus when he left I had no belly showing...even though he has seen pictures on the blog, I think he is going to be shocked!!! (Rob does not get in until very late Tuesday night.)
UPDATE: Rob made it home last night. It was almost midnight but he made it. I was so glad to see him and hug him and kiss him!!! We stayed up until after 2 talking and catching up with all that he missed!!
Wednesday: We will have a BIG appt with our Peri! We are always excited to see the babies on ultrasound and get growth updates!!
Friday: We have OB appt.
Sunday: BABY SHOWER!! I am so excited!!! I will not talk about it or I will get emotional and cry but I am thrilled and can't wait until Sunday!!!
Baby Updates: I am feeling the babies move much more! It feels like little spasms. It's kind of funny because usually the movements will start on the left with Baby A and then I guess Baby B doesn't like being pushed so he begins pushing and finally Baby C gets in on the action!! It all happens in a span of maybe 20-30 seconds....it really is thrilling to feel!!
I will keep you updated as the week progresses!! I hope everyone enjoys Labor Day!!

21 WEEKS

8/30: Such excitement to reach another milestone! Once again, for all who call, come by to visit and send beautiful cards, thoughts and prayers---THANK YOU!! We are so blessed to have such an amazing group of friends all over!! Also, thanks to all my friend's parents who also send well wishes!! To my sisters--I couldn't have asked for better relationships with my two sisters who are truly more than sisters--you are my best friends!! You guys are awesome!! A big shout out to Norma and Robe--Happy 22nd Anniversary!!!

My Saturday morning started quite early. Issis and I planned on going to garage sales and she arrived at 7:30 to start the day! Here in Hawaii, everyone is on Aloha time---that includes garage sales! If you have lived in the South--garage sales start early---real early, 5 am!!! It is crazy! Here, well...8am and we are good. Usually, at 8am people are still trying to set up! We had fun and found some really good bargains!!! Her little car was packed!! We wrapped up around 1030 because another of my girlfriends was meeting us for lunch. We met up with Meegan in Mililani and from there went to my favorite Thai Restaurant! Yummy food!! We ate and chatted for hours!! 2 great finds this weekend--a Fisher Price Butterfly Pink Papasan Seat. This papasan has music and soft vibrations and can be used on newborns and is brand new!!! Oh, and I bought Rob a Spalding Croquet Set for a couple bucks! We had a great day and really did find some great deals!! Issis dropped me off close to 3pm and then I had to rest for a little while. I was tired from going all day!! The great thing is that the day went by really fast which brings me one day closer to Rob being home!! YAY!!

8/31: My Sunday morning started with Rob calling me ! I am so glad that he will be home in just a couple of days!!! I have missed him very much!!! I felt great this morning so I went to church.

Surviving my First Week at Home

8/25: So, Monday was the first day at home. I am so used to getting up at 415am that I actually woke up without my alarm clock. I turned tv on and checked email. Issis came by at 8am and we hung out until 1230 when it was time to go pick Xander up at school. Really good to have them around!!! I spent the rest of the afternoon catching up on reruns of King of Queens and Seinfeld! What great fun!!! Later in the evening, my friend Toni picked me up for the annual Hui Wahine sign up. The Hui is an organization whose primary goal is raising money for scholarship programs for our youth. It also strives to provide many activites for military spouses. We had fun and enjoyed a bit of shopping!!! Anyway, thanks to Issis and Toni I made it through my first day at home! IHealthwise I feel great. I get very tired very easily! So, I usually have to scope out a place to sit when I am out because I know it will not be long before I have to sit down and rest. (I only checked into the office once!!)
8/26: Tuesday was a bit boring. The most exciting part of my day was going to the mailboxes!! I got 2 boxes--goodies from Norma and my mom! Norma sent me great maternity shirts and shorts and lots of baby clothes!! Unfortunately, Rob called and he will not be returning on Sunday after all!! He will be back next Tuesday. I'm sad but it's just a few more days!! Oh, I take about 2 naps a day now!! I just doze off in the middle of shows.
8/27: Wednesday was a little more of yesterday...
8/28: Thursday started quite early...I can't stay in bed very long. I got up and cooked breakfast and sat up in bed watching morning news. (also waiting for my morning call from Rob!) Issis came over and we went to the Hui Thrift shop. We went to the commissary after that and bought a few essentials like milk and yogurt. After shopping, we went home and tried to figure out if we knew each other 10 0r 11 years and we talked about the crazy times in Germany! We really are blessed to have such a great friendship through the good and bad that we both have experienced!!! THURS evening Allie and Mason came to visit! This is another friendship that I made while Rob was deployed to Iraq. Allie lives around the corner and she came by to chat! It truly is nice to have great friends that care about me and the peas!!
8/29: Aloha Friday!! Very relaxing day! The most strenous activity was going to mailbox! :) Oh, I did have to go through all the junk mail of the past 3 wks and shred all the junk!! One of my most dreaded things to do!!! I survived my first week at home!!!

20 WEEKS

We have made it to 20 Weeks!! Thank you Lord!!! I know that it is only through the Grace of God that we are where we are!! I thank all of you for all your prayers for our family!!!

Babies Rock!!!

8/23: What a great Saturday! 20 Weeks accomplished!! Rob is the only thing missing in my great Saturday! We hope that he will be home very soon!!!! I had a good night. Got up early and tried to take some pictures. I am still adjusting to this camera and I usually have to take 10 blurry shots before I get a good shot...so in one of them I cut a bit of my hair off but I had already taken like 12 shots!!! So, this is as good as it gets. I really was just showing off my new shirt. It has 3 baby footprints, one in pink and two in blue. Tiffiny designed this iron on for us!!! The other shot is with my Babies Rock shirt! That one was from Norma and Ellie! Of course, it is a weekly milestone so here is my 20 week picture as well with the same shirt from previous weeks. No change in weight this week. I did start using a maternity belt this week to help with my achy back! It isn't too bad though!!

Last Day of Work!!!

8/22: Today is my last day of work!! I can not believe that it is here already! Time seems to be flying!!! We will be 20 wks tomorrow and I have been put on Short Term Disability starting my 20th week!!! I have to say that I am glad that I don't have to drive in traffic anymore!!! Last day of it!!! My body is tired too! I have a hard time sleeping and I actually get up about once every hour to go pee!! So, it seems that I never get enough sleep!! So, I am ready to stay home and get more rest!!!

Wheel of Fortune

8/19: As I mentioned yesterday, Tiffiny is visiting! I didn't mention that she is here because she has an audition with Wheel of Fortune! BUT WAIT, there's more!!! She has an audition for Best Friend's Week and she has asked me to go play WHEEL with her!! So exciting!!! So, auditions were today!!! Audition was scheduled for 1pm so we got up early and she had designed an iron on to put on a shirt for me!! So, CUTE!!! It says, Sometimes when you pray for a miracle, you get THREE!--and it has 3 little sets of footprints, two in blue and one in pink!! The shirt turned out great!!! The first audition was so crazy and fun!!! We made it to the second audition which was also as exciting as the first!! We don't know if we made it to the show and will not find out until next FRI but either way, we had a ton of fun!!! I can't believe that I auditioned for Wheel of Fortune!!! Soooo cool!!!! What a twist on this week!! Say a little prayer for us we would really like to make it on the show!!! (we need a mini van!!!) Tiffiny--thanks for inviting me and for sharing this awesome experience with me!!!

Visitors from the Big Island

8/18: One of my dearest friends, Tiffiny, lives on the Big Island. Even though the flight time here is only 30 min with work schedules and family it is hard to visit!! I was very excited when she called a few days ago and said they were coming to visit for a few days!! Tiffiny, Mike and their son Rhett arrived Monday afternoon!! It was really nice to see them!! The last time I saw Rhett he was a wee thing...now he is a 22 month energetic little boy!! I am very happy that they are visiting!!

Happy Sunday

8/17: The Betts Clan has arrived in Hawaii! Aloha to Steve, Issis, Xander, Stevie and Chancy! Steve and Issis are dear friends and we have been friends for many years! It is a real blessing to have them PCS to Hawaii!! It feels great to have such great friends in the neighborhood!!! They came for a short visit today and it was so great to catch up!!! (picture pending)

19 WEEKS

8/16: Boy, this was a rough week!! My blood pressure has been low which makes me very tired!! I am exhausted every single day!!! I also started training my temp who will be performing my duties at work during my absence. So, it was a rough week all together!!! Despite the fact that I fought my doctor a little bit on staying home at 20 weeks, I am very happy that I only have a few more days of work! I actually don't think I could work much longer!!! Nine hour days are becoming quite a challenge!!! BUT, I made it and I feel blessed that the week came to end!!!

Rob is doing well at NTC. It's no picnic---really hot in the desert!!! He will be home soon!!! I miss him very much and can't wait for him to be home!!!

Well, I think my belly has grown tremendously this week!!! It feels much heavier!!! I did gain one pound!!! These babies are taking every bit of nutrition I put in my body!!! Makes us very happy that our babies are growing so well!!! So, same drill with the picture. I put on the same shirt so you can actually see the belly getting bigger and you don't think it's the 'shirt'.

I am having a nice Saturday!! I rested all morning...lounged in bed with the laptop! I also met my friend Arian for lunch! We had a really nice lunch. It was nice to get out of the house!!!

Got Milk??

8/15: Well, we hope to be able to have enough milk for all three babies...in an effort to assist in this task I have purchased the 2008 Medela Pump in Style Advance with the Metro Bag. Funny Stuff!!! A big shout out to Melissa who found this great deal for me!!! THANKS!!!
This afternoon as I was driving home from work, I came across Jessy walking her dog, Tobias. So, Jessy and Toby came over to the house for a while. We sat on the porch enjoying the nice breeze and catching up on girl talk!! It feels great to have such great friends who are calling and coming by to check up on me especially since Rob has been gone! A big Mahalo to all my friends!

Baby Themes

8/16: Rob and I had a very hard time picking out themes!! We did agree on one thing. We want the themes to be similar but not exactly the same!! So, these is what we have chosen. Let us know what you think!!!

CRIBS, CRIBS and more CRIBS

8/13: Today I ordered two of our cribs!!! Very exciting stuff!!! I also ordered the hutch that has the changing area over the top and two 4 drawer dressers. I would have preferred to wait for Rob to do this together because shopping thrills my sweetie pie BUT time is of the essence!!! We are hoping that by placing the order this week we will be able to receive them by mid-NOV!!! You have to remember that nothing is made here in Hawaii!! Everything has to be shipped and right now the cribs are on back order!!! After shopping and looking at many cribs we finally decided on a collection we BOTH agreed on!! As luck would have it we selected the KALANI collection by Milliion Dollar Baby. So funny that the cribs we liked are from their Hawaiian collection. Believe me, this was not planned!!! We decided to get cherry wood for the boys and white for our girl!!! Unfortunately, when asking for the special order item numbers I only requested the numbers for the cherry furniture. So, I have to wait a few days to get the order numbers for the white furniture. I will be going back to order all the white furniture as soon as they have order numbers for it all!!
8/14: UPDATE: Order numbers came in for white furniture!! Order has been placed!!!
So, now we have completed ordering the baby furniture; cribs, dressers and changing station!!! YAY! Such an accomplishment!! Now, we just have to wait for them. It is going to be a bit of a wait but I am glad the ordering is out of the way!!!

Doctor's Appointment

A Person's a Person, no matter how small!"
from Horton Hears a Who, Dr. Seuss

THREE PEAS IN A POD!!! All three together. As you can see (hopefully) Baby Girl is on top crowding the boys!!! So cute!! The images are small BUT if you click on the ultrasound picture it will enlarge it and bring up as a whole page!!! You have to do this for each picture!!! Baby A and B, the boys both weigh 8 oz and Baby C, our girl weighs 9 oz!!

Aqui estan los tres bebes juntos. El bebe que esta arriba es la nina!

Baby Boy A-being quite shy today!! Doc was able to only take a couple shots of him!

Baby Boy B, Image 1---Baby B was very alert and ready for snapshots!!! Baby A was quite shy yesterday!!

Baby Boy B, Image 2

Baby Boy B, Image 3

Baby GIRL C weighs 9 oz!!! Baby Girl was very active just like Baby B! She was waving!!! It is so amazing to see this movement!!! The doctor was so cute--he says..."look, she's waving at Mommy!!"

8/12: This afternoon I went to our first perinatologist appointment without Rob! It was actually kind of sad to be there without him...I am usually a wreck for my appointments and don't really pay much attention. Even though we have been to see him at least a half dozen times, I got lost. The office is on the second floor of the hospital and I went to the 4th floor. Don't ask me why!! Both the doctor and nurse were surpised that Rob wasn't with me!!! I explained that he was in CA!!!
The exam started routinely...with lots of warm jelly applied to the belly!! I had been anxious all day about seeing our peas!!! The doctor started off by saying, "hmmm, excellent, perfect....beautiful!!!" He said that everything looked amazing!!! I was so happy!!! I got to see the babies moving and waving at me!!! So cool...I simply wanted to cry because Rob was missing it!!! So, we definetely have 2 boys and a girl!! I was able to see the "boy" markings on Baby A and Baby B who by the way, weigh exactly the same. They both weigh 8 ounces!!! Our girl, weighs an amazing 9 ounces!!! Yay, she is ahead!! She is not going to let the boys get ahead!!! She had a perfect wave to the audience!!! So, he said to continue doing what I am doing...continue with a protein shake every day, drink lots of water and get lots of rest!!!
I am so happy!! Words can not express how grateful I am for these three amazing blessings!!!
I think we will be ordering our cribs later this week!!!
Oh, I only have 7 work days left!!!

18 WEEKS

8/9: Today we start 18 weeks!! The belly is still growing although I haven't gained a pound in the last 3 wks. Pretty amazing! I am drinking a protein shake everyday and trying to eat more! I am sure the weight will catch up in a few more weeks!!

Here is the 18 wks picture of me. I decided to wear the same blouse as last week so you can really compare belly size!!!

Our babies at 18 wks:

* Vernix (a white cheese-like protective material) forms on their skin with the lanugo (soft, lightly pigmented hair covering the body and limbs); both serving to protect their skin during the months in water.
* Placenta continues to grow and nourish. Prenatal vitamins are very important at this time!
* Tiny air sacs called alveoli begin to form in lungs.
* Vocal chords are formed. Babies go through the motions of crying but without air no sound is made.
* Features of baby's heart, including ventricles and chambers, should be visible during an ultrasound.
* Baby measures about 5.59 inches (14.2cm) this week and weighs about 6.7 ounces (190gm).

****Our babies are above the average!!! Boys are 8 ounces and girl is 9 ounces!!!!

Thursday Updates

8/7: I just want to update that I have had a really good week! I have been terribly busy at work!!! I am preparing an SOP for the TEMP that will be doing my job will I am on Short Term Disability. Oh, I will be on STD starting 25 AUG. My last work day will be the 22nd! I can't believe it is right around the corner!! Our doctor is adamant that I WILL NOT work past my 20 week mark!!! So, my STD got approved through my company a couple days ago!!! YAY!!! So, I only have 10 more work days left!!! It is going by really fast!!!
Rob is doing well!!! They have had many issues---no power, broken generators, low water supply!!! I am always amazed that his spirits always remain high through such turmoil! I guess that is the life of a soldier and why I am better at being a civilian! Don't think I will do well with no water!!! He has been able to call me 2-3 times a day although each time it is only for 4-5 min or less. I am still thankful that at least I can hear his voice for a few minutes!!! His first question is always how are you and how are my babies??
Overall, I am doing very well!! My BP continues to stay low which the doctor is really happy about (I check every day!!). I am also religiously drinking my protein shake every day just like the doctor ordered!! (the secret is to put lots of ice so it tastes just like a milkshake )
Thanks again for those of you that continue to email and call to check up on me!!

Three Peas in a Pod

8/5: Rob has now been gone for 4 days! I do miss him terribly but I have realized that this will probably be the last time for a long, long time that I will be alone. No husband and no children. So, I am looking for my silver lining and enjoying my "nellie time"....if you know me well...you know how valuable "nellie time" is to me!!! So, I am enjoying the couch, the bed and the tv all to myself!! Rob has been too cute...he will tell me say hello to the babies!!!

17 WEEKS

8/3: We are at 17 weeks and I feel great!! The belly is growing and we are very happy!!! Today I learned to take my own picture with Rob's new camera. He wants to be able to keep up in pictures while he is gone this month!!! I think I did fairly well!!
I had several people call today to check up on me! Rob left me a few guardian angels! Toni, thank you for being such a great friend! To my sisters, thank you! You guys are awesome! Lots of hugs!!!
Our Babies at 17 WKS:
*By week 17, each baby weighs about 4.97 ounces (140gm) and is 5.12 inches (13cm) long.
* They have a much more normal "human" appearance now.
* They hold their heads more erect and their body and limbs are longer in proportion to their head.
* Pads are forming on their tiny fingertips and toes. Soon individual swirls and whorls will be apparent.
* Eyes are looking forward now, but they are still firmly closed.
* Meconium (composed of products of cell loss, digestive secretion and swallowed amniotic fluid), is accumulating in the bowel. This black gooey substance will become baby's first poop!
* The umbilical cord is growing thicker and stronger and continues to rush blood and nutrients to each baby.
* In boys the prostate begins to develop.
* Their skeleton is tranforming from cartilage to bone. The bones remain flexible to make the journey through the birth canal easier.

Rob Shops for Babies

8/2: I have been meaning to post this picture!!! Before Rob left to NTC he went shopping for the babies and came home with these cute shoes. He bought the babies high tops and socks!!! Oh, so cute!! I just had to snap a picture of his little purchases!!!

Rob leaves to NTC

8/2: Today Rob left to NTC! I am deeply saddened! :(
My morning started at 1:45AM. I volunteered to get up and make my sweetie breakfast tacos. I made him bacon, egg and cheese tacos. Rob loves bacon but I never let him eat it! I know, I'm evil!!! He packed up all his gear in my car and we left at 2:45am. We stopped in the arms room first and then to the final destination. I stayed with him until shortly past 4am. I was simply so sad to see him go. I know it's only for a month but bear with me, I am a bit more emotional than is my normal state!!! I went home and went back to bed.
I woke up shortly before 8am. I had to get ready for my OB appt. This is the first appt that Rob has not participated in---even the nurse was surprised that he wasn't with me.
Appt went very well!!! Not too much to tell. They simply took stats and made me pee in a cup and then sent me on my happy way!
After my appt I went to visit my friend Cille whose husband also left to NTC today. We visited for a while and then I came home....to an empty house....snif, snif

This picture was taken right before leaving the house!

Aloha Friday

8/1: Today is my Mom's birthday!! Feliz Cumpleanos!!!
Today is my Aloha Friday, which means I am OFF today!!! Yay! It has been a really busy week at work!!!
Rob leaves tomorrow for NTC, the National Training Center in CA! In true ARMY way, he has to be ready to go at 3AM!!!
I am sad that he is leaving. He will be gone for a little over 30 days! I am accepting of this assignment because I know it is his responsibility but I still wish he wasn't going. I just don't want him to miss anything of this pregnancy!!