Triplets @ 26 Weeks, Day 27 of Bedrest

WOOHOO! Today I celebrate another weekly milestone and I'm so thankful that God has brought us this far. The initial goal is at least another 2 weeks and that will get us to the 28-32 weeks goal. The closer I can get to 32 weeks, the better.

Physically, I'm doing okay. Comfort is hard to come by. The doctor on Friday said that I'm measuring at 37 weeks, so I am experiencing what most expectant moms go through at the end of their pregnancy.

I did really like the doctor that I saw on Friday. She related well to me and I trusted her right away. She answered some of my concerns and isn't stressed about the shortening as long as I don't have other symptoms like bleeding or water breaking. She scheduled me for the next appointment on April 13th. That will be a growth check for the babies as well as the sugar test that I've heard so much about. I will also get to follow up with a doctor on that date. I'm thankful that they were able to get everything on one day instead of requiring multiple trips during the same week. That makes life easier for Mike and it requires me to be out and about fewer times. She also made my day because I talked to her about some of the concerns I've had with my least favorite resident in the labor and delivery ward at the hospital. She said that he might be rotated off by the time I'm in. Just the thought of possibly not having to see him again probably contributed to the lowest blood pressure readings I have had in the last 5 visits (just kidding - they had already taken my blood pressure, but I'm happy to hear that I might not have to see him again).

A few blessings we've recently had:

Mike's Mom and Grandma were both able to come visit and help us, which meant that out of 27 days of bedrest, today is only the second day that I've actually been home alone. They were a gigantic help to us and I'm so thankful for their servants' hearts.

Through a high school friend on facebook, I was able to connect with another mom of triplets that was actually at college the same time I was (though we didn't really know each other back then). Her triplets are 9 months old, and it has been such a blessing to have someone that I can ask questions and know she totally understands exactly what I'm going through and she has great wisdom to share.

Several families at church have been contributing meals for us so that Mike picks up one on Sunday and one on Wednesday night. This has been HUGE! When he gets home from work, there is usually something he can just heat up and serve rather than having to get home from a long day of work only to have to start from scratch to get us supper. What a blessing it has been to see the outpouring of support from our church family.

Childcare for Jonathan during this bedrest time has also come together pretty well. My friend, Julie, has taken him many days but had family come into town for two weeks. One week was when Mike's mom was here and Jonathan was able to stay home with us, which I loved. This week, he is having playdates with 3 other families (and I'm still working to fill in Friday). Then I think next week he will be back to spending time with Julie. It has taken a big stress off of my mind to know that there are people who I trust who are willing to help with him. This is an adjustment time for all of us and his world will only continue to get rocked more and more as the time comes for the babies to arrive and go through NICU and then come home. Knowing that he is with people who have the same general parenting style we do is a big blessing.

God continues to provide for us. Sometimes it can be easy to get overwhelmed when you look at the big picture and start to worry about diapers for babies or transportation that will work for all of us, but God has never failed us in the past and we have been able to see His goodness. I'm always reminded of Psalm 27:13-14..."I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and He shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord." What a privilege we have to know the comfort of that truth. God is good. Just the very fact that I'm at 26 weeks carrying triplets is a testimony to that fact.

Well, this update has been rather verbose (a tendency of mine, I know), so kudos to you if you have managed to stay with me. I'll try to get a new picture in the next few days. Thanks for your prayers and your support through this time.

PS...I think yesterday we decided on the second of three names. YAY! We still have one to finalize that we are mulling over, but I'm excited about that. And no, we aren't telling. :)