32 weeks: But it's not June yet!

Now at 32 weeks, 5 days, on May 31st, Brant is guest blogging for Kari. We're currently at the University of Chicago Medical Center in the Labor and Delivery Ward. Kari started having strong contractions Friday night and we came straight here. She and the babies are fine, and she has yet to deliver, but we are currently admitted into the hospital and look forward to a likely regiment of bedrest and flavored ices. Wish us luck, and we'll post again when there's a better idea as to the timeline! By the way, the best way we've discovered to give Kari strong contractions is talking on the phone. Feel free to call Brant and chat with him if you like.

31 weeks: High maintenance

If you thought I was high maintenance before, you have no idea how much more I have become (insert 'Poor Brant' here). Everything, and I mean everything, is exhausting these days. Just sitting up on my way to the restroom I have to pause to catch my breath before I can even think about standing. Mental note to self for future: Don't gain 65lbs and expect to be able to do anything.

I have included a picture of my non stress test this week as I find the chaos that is my belly entertaining. A non stress test makes sure that the babies heart rates are fluctuating properly while I am resting and so far, things look pretty good. But let's talk about the necessary equipment needed to get this test done on me these days.

There is a pod per baby - in the picture Alpha is the lowest and pink, Beta is blue and to my left while Gamma is the highest and pink. No, the colors don't mean anything (nice try). There is also another blue pod which is higher up on my belly to monitor contractions - notice that you can't even seen this pod because my belly is SO gigantic. Also connected to my body is an oxygen saturation monitor on my finger. Then there is a button, a button I am supposed to push whenever I feel a baby move - now let's remember that I have three babies inside and that I am not good at video games. I'm afraid my ability to hit the button each time a baby moves was rather unsuccessful, but it helps pass the time (approx 20 min). Maybe I should have just held down the button nonstop - perhaps something to consider next week. So you are thinking to yourself, wow - that is a lot of equipment. Well then I have to add the high maintenance part. The machine only allows two babies to be monitored at a time, so I have to hook up to two separate machines. Then there are the babies....maybe it isn't me that is high maintenance but the babies. Brant was put to work holding the pod on Alpha at a certain angle as Alpha continued to squirm in order to keep the results consistent regardless of movement. Apparently, Beta also wanted this attention and was trying to hide from the pod, so the nurse had to hold that pod in place the whole time. So picture it, two machines, 6 cords going from me to these machines, Brant and the nurse holding the pods in place and finally myself trying to push a button each time someone moved. Needless to say I think I was the most interesting non stress test the nurse had done in a while.

While doing my home monitoring this week, I have also reached my maximum allowance two separate days - 5 contractions per hour. The nurses keep reminding me that this is to be expected and not necessarily an indicator of going into labor. Little do they know, that I hope to make it several more weeks if not a month. Regardless reaching my maximum allowance is a bit scary. If I get 6 of more contractions an hour then I must re-monitor for another hour to confirm the number and then my doctor gets a phone call and I likely go into the hospital. Of course, even if I go into the hospital it doesn't mean that I am going to deliver, it (hopefully) just means that I need to be more closely watched. And being as though 32 weeks is the average gestation for triplets - and my 32 weeks starts Tuesday 5/26 - I guess it is to be expected that things are getting a little cramped in there - but as I have mentioned previously, I have no interest in being average.

30 weeks: House arrest

During my sister's final day in Chicago, she spent the time doing baby laundry and helping to prepare the crib for our little ones. It seems that we are semi-prepared although I'm sure once everyone actually arrives we will quickly identify the holes in our preparation.

On Thursday we went to our doctor appointments where we had an ultrasound w/ weight estimates, a non stress test, and a normal meeting with the doctor. The ultrasound showed that everyone had good and proper growth with Alpha 3lbs 5oz, Beta 3lbs 8oz, and Gamma 3lbs 8 oz. I would just like to point out that their weights total 10lbs 5oz - of just baby - in my belly. I'm sure you can imagine how big I must feel. To do the estimates they measure the skull and belly circumference as well as a leg bone. Brant noticed that each baby has a belly circumference of about 10 inches - which seems huge when looking at my belly. I have a total weight gain of 61lbs but being as my goal is 75lbs, I have a bit more to go. The normal growth for babies at this stage is 1/2lb a week - so we are hoping to get everyone to 5lbs which nicely ties out to our June goal as well.

The doctor has now put me on what I would like to call 'House Arrest'. I am not supposed to stand up or walk anymore than necessary and instead spend as much time as possible laying on my side. This of course then limits my ability to type or even craft for that matter. My feet and hands but not ankle or wrists have begun to swell a bit - but Brant nicely tries to suggest that perhaps it is due to the 60+ pounds I have put on - who knows. Honestly, it doesn't matter to me as long as the babies keep growing.

29 weeks: Spoiled!

My sister came out to visit and entertain me while in my lame state. During her time here, she, my mom and Nicole threw a baby shower for us and all of our little ones - and wow our little ones are spoiled. Using a webcam we were able to include Seattle folks - my mom, Kim (and Rob who was roped in semi-willingly). Everything was coordinated between the two locations, they had the same plates and game supplies - it was rather impressive. My poor sister dragged an entire large suitcase out here full of goodies. Those of us in Chicago also had a great time just being able to be together. Since I am not allowed to travel, people travelled from Kentucky, Indiana and Chicago to help us celebrate - it was wonderful. It is beginning to feel like these babies might actually arrive someday (but not before June) and when they do - they will be well dressed and spoiled!

Just after the shower ended while Brant, Kelly and I were all recuperating, we starting smelling some sort of chemical. Turns out that the apartment downstairs was having their floors re-stained. Due to the fine construction of our home (insert sarcasm here) the smell got to be too much even for Brant let alone me. Once we learned they planned to do another coat Sunday morning, we knew we had to vacate the apartment. I have been trying hard to stay away from chemicals during my pregnancy and I wasn't about to pass out from them now. When evacuating the house, Kelly grabbed a bunch of food left over from the shower to bring to the hotel. I woke up in the morning for one of my many restroom visits and was starving. I spotted some donuts in our pile of food and knew that I must have them...but how with Brant and Kelly still sleeping in the dark room? I grabbed the donut box and my water and rushed into the restroom to begin my first breakfast of the day. I burst out laughing at myself several times while enjoying the donuts sitting in the bathroom alone - definitely glad there wasn't a camera for that pregnancy moment. We ended up staying at a hotel Saturday night and were able to return to our smell free home late Sunday afternoon.

After all the goodies that we were spoiled with during the shower, the next most obvious thing seemed to be to get a crib. I had insisted that I wasn't ready for this in previous weeks when Brant attempted to tell me it was time. Even though our kids won't be home for a while (regardless of when they are born) neither of us would want to be out tracking down a crib after they arrive. Somehow, Brant and my sister teamed up to convince me this was a good idea to get now and they went out Sunday night and got the crib Brant and I had been spying and assembled it in our bedroom.

Just as I was coming to terms with the crib in the bedroom, the next day they teamed up again to convince me that we needed to make sure we had all key items on hand since we really had no idea when everyone will be born. I was sure that I wasn't ready for this, but I was outnumbered and trapped at home. Brant and Kelly went out to Babiesrus to pick up a couple of the remaining items that we wanted to be prepared (including a crib mattress). So I guess now we are really ready - or as ready as we can be knowing that we have hopefully 7 more weeks to get to our goal of 36 weeks.

28 weeks: Ode to my belly button

We had another doctor appointment this week. It turns out that I lost 5lbs (not good), which isn't a huge surprise being as though I had trouble eating for a good week or so. Even once I was feeling better it takes time to rebuild the stamina to eat as much as I need to each day. I guess I am again in training like people in those competitive eating contests - who knows...maybe I will start a tofu hot dog eating contest :)

In response to my weight loss the doctor suggested that I sit down with a tub of ice cream and 'go at it'. While this seems like a suggestion most would be thrilled about, all that sugar makes the kids go crazy and I am left with a gymnastics competition in my belly for a good hour or so after this consumption - but hey at least we know everyone is doing well by their activity level. We also got an extra (unplanned) ultrasound to make sure everyone was ok - and they were. I'm not sure if it was because this ultrasound was squeezed into the daily schedule or if the tech was having a terrible day, but wow - she was not able to handle the chaos that is my belly very well. She even had to call in another tech to identify which baby was Beta vs. Gamma even though Brant and I were very clear. As challenged as the tech was, at least we got to verify that everyone is doing well.

Starting week 30 (5/12), I will begin going to the doctor every week. At each appointment I will have a non-stress test, a biophysical ultrasound and a doctor visit. I guess this means we are getting close. While I maintain my goal of just getting to June (we can adjust this goal once we get that far) my doctor suggested I schedule appointments out until the end of June which is when I would be 36 weeks. So he continues with his goal for me of 36 weeks. Keep in mind the average gestation for triplets is 32 weeks, but of course Brant and I have no interest in nearly meeting the average goal, we wish to smash it. On 6/2, I will be 33 weeks and while the longer they keep growing the better, I will be thankful just getting to June and for every week thereafter.

On a crafting note, I have completed two of the three blankets that I am making - I will post a picture once I am done with all three. This is about all I can do each day, eat, rest and attempt to craft - needless to say crafting has fallen a bit behind schedule but I WILL finish all three blankets!

sometimes boredom sets in and my mind begins to wonder - this is one of those times
ode to my belly button:

I have never seen inside of you so well before
yet I can no longer see below you
and I wonder what prompted you to transform in this manner

you used to be an innie, round, cute, and firm
but now you are more of an outie, oval shaped and look a bit like a caldera

will you go back to an innie? or will you stay as an outie?
only time will tell
for now, I think the kids enjoy treating you as a 'target' while practicing soccer
and as my days grow less active, I admit I do enjoy the surprise of how you transform as the day progresses
eventually, you will have to make up your mind as to your final state
but for now, as with all part of my belly, enjoy your freedom and flexibility
we will take up this debate again in a couple months.

27 weeks: Happy Birthday Daddy-to-be

What I didn't know about dehydration and anti-nausea medication is that when the two are combined, everything must get out of your system somehow. While I was on medicine to prevent getting sick - this meant that everything came out 'the other way'. I spent all Tuesday and Wednesday still unable to eat and losing all liquids. Late Wednesday I began getting sick again but resumed taking my anti-nausea medication which seemed to make things better. By Thursday morning, I started feeling much better and this time I truly believe that the worst of this illness is behind me. I don't even want to think about how much weight I lost since I hadn't eaten anything real since Saturday, but onward and upward. Keep moving forward and making progress again.

Unfortunately, during these several days of illness was Brant's 30th birthday on Wednesday. While I recognize that I am much slower these days (being pregnant) I still would have managed to do something fun for his birthday had I not been in my current state. But as I mentioned I am happy to report that on Thursday I am feeling much better and the birthday celebrations will take place - just within 1 standard deviation (that was my attempt to be nerdy).

Brant and I were able to enjoy a little bit of the weekend doing semi-birthday activities. On Friday Brant, Dan and Tom went out drinking after enjoying some cake (thankfully Brant loves the simple marble cake so I was able to make it). Then on Saturday Brant and I tried to adventure out and were sort of successful. I'm not going to pretend it was the best birthday celebration ever, but it was reasonable. On Monday I got a little sick again but recovered and this time I truly think I am better.

I have taken this recent illness as a sign though. I am done, I am done doing anything. I am done doing anything that involves any sort of physical exertion. If I am doing too much then I am burning calories that the babies could be enjoying - so for the next month (at least) I will do nothing but rest and eat. We are getting so close to our goal of June, there is just no way I want to mess it up now by doing too much - it just isn't worth it.

I am thankful to have such a wonderful, patient and understanding husband who took such great care of me during my period of weakness postponing his decadal birthday celebrations. Now if he can just deal with a log-of-a-wife for the next month+ then we will hopefully end up with three healthy babies.

26 weeks: Pincushion

Wow - this week had a lot going on, starting with 3 doctor visits and ending with a second visit to the emergency room. Sorry the blog got a little behind, I was pretty distracted most of the week - although it was nice to know that people actually read this and noticed ;)

On Wednesday we had our monthly ultrasound. In this appointment we learned that each baby is just over 2lbs which means they are all in the 50th percentile for singleton babies given their gestational age (there aren't statistics for triplets but if we can keep up with singleton growth progress then that is fantastic!). During the ultrasound, we caught Alpha elbowing Beta in the head. Also you can see Gamma pushing with a leg and an arm in the picture. The tech tried to say they were fighting but I insisted it was just playing - gotta keep positive. Until they are born, they can do no wrong and I must assume they are all just having fun playing in my belly together.

On Thursday we went in for our normal doctor appointment (scheduling issues prevented the ultrasound and appointment from being done on the same day). Our normal visit turned into a longer appointment than either of us expected. After getting weighed and STILL gaining a 1/2lb a day we met with the doctor who informed me I would be getting additional tests done this week. First I got the glucose test. This is where you drink some 'flat orange soda' flavored liquid and then wait an hour. After this wait period you get your blood drawn to see if you have developed gestational diabetes. I actually thought the beverage tasted like an unfrozen Mr. Freeze, but for those of you unfamiliar - flat orange soda is a pretty good description also. For me, the two hardest parts of the glucose test was the fact that I had to not eat or drink anything for an hour - telling a pregnant woman not to do this makes our appetite even worse! Of course the anticipation of getting my blood drawn didn't help my mood either. Brant did a great job of distracting me for the hour. The kids all seem to really like the sugar and we were pretty entertained by their increased activity level after the pure sugar consumption.

After the glucose test, I had to get a steroid shot. I knew this was coming. From what I understand most woman who are at risk for delivering early get this steroid shot to help with the development of the lungs. What I didn't realize is that this test had to be done twice - 24 hours apart, so I would be returning to get another shot the next day. Triplets and full term (40 weeks) never happens, so I was happy to get this shot just knowing that whenever these kids decide to appear (not before June I keep reminding them) they are likely to have better lung function due to the shot. I have also learned that if I must pick between a shot and getting blood drawn, I will pick a shot every time. At least I am starting to get over one of my needle/blood issues although Brant will probably contest that there was still whimpering involved.

On Friday we went to the doctor again for the final steroid shot. This was quick and pretty painless compared to the prior day although I must say I was beginning to feel like a bit of a pincushion. On the drive home I was feeling great, the sun was shining - it was a beautiful day - my energy was up. I took a nap and woke up to a talk show discussing the side effects of taking steroids. Immediately I called Brant to inform him that I might be turning into a man since I had just taken two doses of steroids, but he didn't seem too concerned and calmly explained this was for people who weren't pregnant and had been taking steroids for years. Sometimes you just need someone to be rational - thankfully he is great at this role.

Saturday was another great day. I went for our final crafting adventure before Keren has her baby and again the sun was shining. Even after crafting, Brant and I went out for some low-key shopping adventures and I was doing ok. I realized that it might have been the steroids that made me feel so good, if the babies were getting a 'kick' from them, I must be too.

Then there was Sunday. Sunday was not my favorite day. I have promised myself never to complain during pregnancy as I am so thankful to be pregnant and never want to take it for granted, but I must admit, Sunday was a tough day. I ended up getting nauseous several times throughout the day, developing a fever, bloody nose, and bloody gums from that persistent gum tumor that isn't going to go away for a while. By the evening, we were getting concerned as I hadn't kept anything (even water) down for a whole day - and remember I am trying to feed 4 people here. After Brant chatted with the doctor I was allowed one more time to get sick and then must come in. Dehydration can bring on contractions and we just can't risk that so early on.

Well around 1am Monday morning I hit my allotted threshold for getting sick and we went into the emergency room. I was strapped into bed with four different belts, one for each baby and one to monitor contractions. Of course the babies were turning and moving all about each time I continued to get sick so the belts weren't as effective as ideal. I had to get an IV as I was severely dehydrated. Well let me tell you that if you have blood/needle issues when you are feeling ok, then when you are not feeling well they are much worse and when you are dehydrated and you can't get the IV in the normal hand location, things are even less fun. I squirmed, I got sick and I yelled all while the poor nurse was just trying to make me better. After the fact, Brant mentioned something of blood spraying everywhere since I was squirming while she tried to put in my IV, but I have no recollection of this - I was too busy screaming and flailing about.

Due to the movement of the kids and the monitoring belts ineffectiveness, we had an ultrasound which confirmed that everyone was doing well, had enough fluid around them and were doing fine even though I was in some rough shape. This was extrememly encouraging.

After about 8 hours in the triage area, several anti-naseua medications and four successfully eaten saltine crackers we were sent home. Brant and I were both exhausted and ended up attempting to rest most of the day. I still couldn't eat much on Monday but had stopped getting sick, so we took it as progress and at least Sunday was over.

25 weeks: Caution wide load

While I still continue to eat, rest and grow this week my belly seemed to primarily get wider. It seems that Beta and Gamma are spreading out a bit on their respective sides. Most entertaining is the time I sit up after lying down for a while. My belly looks like a skiing mogul - with randomly placed cliffs in the form of baby bodies. My fingers have also begun to swell a bit so I have been wearing my wedding rings on a necklace for now. Luckily, my ankles are still doing ok and I have not yet formed cankles (when your calf and ankle merge into one).

We went to CVS (one of my few outings for the week) where the entrance has barriers up so the carts won't leave the store. Turns out - I am barely able to fit through those barriers - this made me realize that there will be a day where I am wider than a cart! Also, turning sideways doesn't help as I believe I have reached sphere-shape.

On a quick adventure out with Keren (who is due in two weeks!) I noticed that her and I are about the same belly size. She may even be a bit smaller than me, but of course we didn't start out as the same shape. It is pretty funny to know we are technically 12 weeks apart but looking pretty similar these days.

Needless to say, these are all good signs. I need to get as big as possible and my body is tired a majority of the time so napping/resting is getting easier. My daily monitoring has been going well with most days yielding only a contraction or so (probably from when I am on the phone laughing).

Brant also found an article about our doctor on the UofC website: http://www.uchospitals.edu/news/highlight24.html It is always comforting to know that a doctor stays up on his research while continuing to practice.

24 weeks: Visitors - part two

More visitors! I am SO lucky! My mom went back to Seattle this week after filling our freezer with yummy 'grandpa cupcakes' and then the next day Bonnie, Evan and Melissa came to visit for the weekend. It was great to have so many people around, just hard for me to remember that no one expects me to be energetic/active Kari. It was nice to have everyone around while I rested - believe it or not, resting can get sort of boring (insert shocked face here). I imagine it was a relief for Brant too, a break from my extreme neediness these days while others took great care of me. Evan brought to my attention that I seem to go to the bathroom a lot. While I knew this was happening, I didn't fully realize the extent to which it was happening. One of these days I am going to keep a tally of my visits - hey I've got to find something to keep me entertained.

At the doctor this week, we were able to hear all the heartbeats and of course I got weighed. I now seem to be gaining about a .5lbs a DAY. I guess this is why bed rest is so important. Since I have very limited activities during the day I am able to gain lots of weight - to date I have gained 50lbs!!! I would like to say all of it is in my belly, but I do believe some of that weight has made its way to my limbs, rear and face. I am just trying to build a reserve up for that time when it is difficult for me to eat due to lack of stomach space - yes, that will be my excuse ;)

I also started daily contraction monitoring. I wear a belt around my belly for an hour a day while resting and then send the results to a monitoring center to identify if I had any contractions. Now, this device isn't looking for the uber painful TV-type contractions that we see, but instead very mild contractions that I probably wouldn't be able to feel. I am so thankful to be using this device, it definitely brings daily reassurance that things are going well - something I am always looking for. Heck, if I could do an ultrasound everyday I would. If I have more than 5 contractions in an hour, then I believe I will go to the hospital to get checked out and make sure that everyone is staying inside properly. As I am a tester in my professional life, I unintentionally figured out how to press on the device incorrectly and therefore simulate a contraction. I swear I wasn't meaning to test the device, but hey since I am unable to work I guess I am just finding other ways to do the testing that I miss so dearly. Needless to say, after figuring out how to simulate a contraction, I have learned that I have to lay still, really still, for an hour each day. Staying still has never been my strength so I have learned that distraction is key during this time - so be prepared if you get a phone call looking for entertainment.

23 weeks: Visitors - part one

This week brought much entertainment. My mom came to visit on Thursday and stayed for a week. Well I should say she came to visit, but spent most of her time working on various craft projects around the house and making us some yummy food. She managed to complete all of her projects (and a couple late additions) while she was here. I'm not sure it was a vacation for her, but Brant and I sure enjoyed her visit.

Turns out while my mom was here there was a sale put on by a parents of multiples group. Brant and my mom went to this sale to hunt for some good deals on 'specialty' items. I couldn't go to the sale as there was too much standing/walking involved. They came home with a couple of good finds, but no magic stroller. I am still looking for a stroller that holds three kids, weighs 20lbs, and folds into the size of a small suitcase (therefore fitting into the trunk of our car). So far, this stroller doesn't exist - but a girl can dream...

On the way home from the sale when stopping for an emergency vehicle, someone rear ended them. Everyone was just fine and the woman took full responsibility (hey that's why they are called accidents, right?). Our car is still drivable with only minor bumper and tail light issues so overall we are very lucky.

On Sunday we got a visit from Brant's dad who was driving from Seattle to Indiana and was able to swing by Chicago on the way even though it was snowing(!) We all had brunch and were able to catch up a bit even though we just had a short time together. It was pretty surreal to see two people from Seattle in the same week :)

Brant went on his final work adventure for a while. Since we are in such a 'special' situation with our triplets, we mutually thought it was best to eliminiate travel during my neediest time. It is amazing, I really am pretty useless these days. Just sitting up for a 1/2 hour or so is exhausting - which makes me pretty useless when it comes to chores around the house. He went to DC for a couple days which is why my mom was here when she was. I can still technically be alone and I am not technically on complete bed rest, but my energy level quickly dissipates so having someone around to help is great.

We also finalized that we are moving to LA, Pasadena (Caltech) specifically. We know we will be moving in late August or early September but that is all the details we have for now. We are trying to not worry about it too much as currently we need to just focus on getting these kids big and strong and not born before June no matter how hard they try to push with their playing/kicking/punching.