We're getting close now!!

I haven't updated in 20 days. I didn't feel like there was much new news to update on.
I had a doctor appointment today, and we have scheduled my c-section for January 28! Let's just hope I don't go into labor before then! The boys are all looking good and are still constantly growing. My tummy is now so large and round, that even including maternity clothes, I only have about 2 shirts that entirely cover it. That doesn't matter much to me, though, being on bedrest, I have indulged in having an excuse to live in warm, comfy, soft pajamas!!

The boys had a very good Christmas! They got to sop up all the yumminess of pot roast, Christmas turkey, and venison! Not to mention cider and candy canes. They even got presents, although it was exceedingly hard for them to open the gifts themselves (being in the womb and all) Ben and I opened them. They got lots more little stuffed animals! Ben and I's small apartment is over-flowing with baby things, which we don't mind so much. We are looking forward to meeting these little guys in person, and want to make sure they have anything they could possibly need. We even almost have all the baby stuff put away (even though we had to be creative with some space issues) and we are almost finished with the baby room! I may, in this last month of pregnancy, even get around to getting their curtains made.

And of course any well-wishes, prayers, or words of encouragement are always welcome. If you feel compelled to tell any delivery/pregnancy/c-section type of horror stories, please refrain until AFTER the babies are born. I have noticed that everytime I encounter a new person, when they find out I am having triplets, all I hear are horror stories about complicated multiple pregnancies/births. I honestly don't know why people feel like they should share these stories and cause me anymore nervousness or anxiety over everything. I have had a very healthy pregnancy and have 3 very healthy little guys wiggling around in me right now, and I intend to finish my pregnancy in a healthy way and have a horror-free c-section and have three healthy babies wiggling around in my arms!

Recent developments/news

I had my last appointment in Denver yesterday!

The babies are very healthy, A weighs 2lbs 10oz, B is 3lbs even and C is 3lbs 3oz. They all have healthy little hearts, kidneys, livers, etc.

Me, on the other hand, am high risk for toxemia. The doctor put me on bedrest, and said if the doctors here have any concerns about that developing I will probably end up on hospital bedrest, so I am being a very good patient/mama and staying off my feet and trying to stay relaxed 24/7.
The reason the doctor was concerned about toxemia is that last week I went in because I was in a lot of pain, and the doctors here found small traces of protein in my urine, and because yesterday he noticed that in one of the placentas (the one with A and B) had calcium in it, which he said means the placenta is aged more than it should be.
All in all, the doctor thinks there is no reason I shouldn't make it full term with these guys, so they will be born happy and healthy. Now for everyone's favorite part... PICTURES!

A Few Notes from Natalie

I would really like to thank everyone who sent mail and made an attempt to be involved in Bonnie's baby shower. A special thanks to: Aunt Kim and Cousin Shelby, Gramma G, Mom, and Isaac for being there, cooking a counter-ful of party snacks, and helping me put up streamers and decorations. I was a little sad at first that almost everyone who RSVP'ed their definite presence didn't show up. Aunt Kim drove 20 hours on Thanksgiving (20 hours!) and still made the short trip to my parent's house to play shower games and eat snacks the next day. Thanks for the great brownie candies, Kim! Aunt Kim and Cousin Shelby were great.

I tried not to feel too discouraged that some of our invited guests didn't come, and would still like to thank everyone who sent beautiful letters and very useful gift cards to Bonnie and Ben. We realize that our invitees who live far across the country wouldn't be able to make it, but we still sent invites as a show of our love for those people; we hope you still felt included in this growing family!

We hope that word got around to those of you whose invites were sent back to me. When you're licking, stamping and addressing dozens and dozens of envelopes, and getting addresses over the phone, it's a difficult task to keep everything accurate!

I must say that my sister was positively glowing. Her maternal instincts and mannerisms are at an all-time high. She's low on mood-swings, and high on patience, kindness, and being at peace with those around her. In my opinion, all of those are wonderful qualities to bring into motherhood! I'm also pleased to note that with pregnancy, she has a new-found love of chocolate. Maybe once those babies are out, I'll finally have a companion to join me in satisfying my sweet tooth!

Time with Bonnie and some of the women in our family was far too brief. I miss my sister so much already! I can't wait to see her again, and maybe when that happens, hold the strong little guys who are growing inside that baby oven! I got to feel them kick, and for having such cramped space, and being so tiny, they are SO STRONG! I'm excited for three athletic nephews. I dream one day of taking them on hiking and camping trips. What a blast!

Thank you again to those who have sent and shown support!

Love and Thanks,

Natalie

P.S. We got some fantastic pictures of gift-opening and baby games. Stay tuned, I hope to have those up sooner than later!