28 Weeks!

On Sep 14th Ann-Marie reached her 28-week mark. Ann-Marie and I also went to the doctor's office that day for our regular weekly visit and the doctor was all smiles because everything is going so smoothly. At 28 weeks babies have a 90% chance of survival. So now that we've reached 28 we are striving for 30, then 32, and so on. Ann-Marie's personal goal is 35 weeks.

The doctor measured Ann-Marie's stomach and she measured 43 centimeters (the doctor informed us that centimeters normally closely resemble the week of pregnancy for a singleton, so compared to a singleton Ann-Marie is measuring at 43 weeks). Two weeks ago Ann-Marie measured at 35 centimeters, so these babies are really growing now. He also asked if Ann-Marie has had any contractions and she said no. The doctor then checked her cervix which is still closed, and he had us do a fibronectin test which came back negative again (which means Ann-Marie is not likely to go into labor within the next two weeks). We are so grateful that everything is going so well and we thank all of our friends and family for their numerous prayers on our behalf that are helping us so much.

Ellis loves his Mom and little sisters!

Ann-Marie is drinking lots of fluid, keeping her feet up as much as possible, and trying to take it slow. Obviously the less stress placed on her body increases the likelihood the babies will stay inside longer.

Doctor's Visit at 27 Weeks

We had another fantastic visit with the perinatologist this week. The girls are doing really well! They did the full measurements this time, and everything looks good. The girls are all around 2 lbs. each (2 lbs., 2 lbs. 4 oz. and 1 lb. 14 oz.) and the doctor was pleased. They measured to be about 26 weeks, compared with a singleton baby, which is really good for triplets. The perinatologist told us that they would each probably always measure a little smaller than what a singleton baby would be, even after they’re born, but that’s to be expected with three at once! We are also really hoping to make it to at least 30 weeks. The doctor said she’d be happy if we made it to 32 weeks, and anything after that would be wonderful. My personal goal is still to really try and have them at 35-36 weeks, which would be the first part of November. We’re just taking things a day at a time, knowing that everything is really in God’s timing.

The girls’ positions are starting to be more fixed, since space is becoming more and more limited. I’ve felt them move constantly this week. When they were measured, Baby A’s head was down really low and her feet went up to my right side. Baby B’s head was in the middle of my right side with her feet horizontally across my belly to the left side. And Baby C’s head was on my left side by my ribs and her body was horizontal with her feet on my right side. It’s quite the party in there! I think it’s cute that where one of the baby’s feet is, another baby’s head begins. I think they like being together. (phew! :) )

Our Fishing Trip on Labor Day!

Ellis, the true fisherman! He's been begging us to take him for weeks, so we finally went on Monday. We didn't catch any fish, but we sure caught a lot of plants in the water. Ellis learned how to cast his fishing pole pretty well while we were there.

Ellis and Ann-Marie at a pond about 5 minutes from our house.

Ellis and Anthony taking a break after a couple of hours of fishing!

Ann-Marie at 27 weeks! She had a little more energy this week and was able to come and watch Anthony and Ellis do a little fishing.

Ultrasounds

These are the ultrasound pictures up until the end of August. How adorable our little girls are! If you want to see the pictures up close, click on the album.

Family & Friends Shower

Thanks again to everyone who came or are thinking about us and supporting us. Here are some pictures from our shower last Saturday to go with my post from a few days ago.

Big Brother Ellis

Ellis started Kindergarten which was a big event for all of us.

He's so excited to have 3 sisters and to be a big brother!

For years, Ellis has been telling us that he's "practicing to be a big brother!" We know he'll be a great one!

26 Weeks and Still Going "Strong"!

I had another doctor’s appointment today with my OB, and everything looks great! The girls are growing and each has their pockets of fluid that they need. Their hearts all look good. The doctor seemed really positive. Now, we’re just trying to make it at least 2-4 more weeks! And really, we’d love to make it 9 or 10 more weeks. We’re hopeful that all will go smoothly. My cervix is still closed, and the fetal fibronectin test (to see if I will most likely go into labor in the next 2 weeks) came back negative.

I’m feeling much better today. Thanks for your love and prayers!