A sweet and talented photographer and friend offered to do Harper's 1 year portraits for us when she found out I was expecting triplets. Yesterday, Harper was taken off to a park near our house while I was able to rest, rest, rest!!! And, while that was a blessing in itself, I was overwhelmed by how precious these pictures turned out...
Go check out the fun Jadie Thomas and Harper had at the park!!!
http://http://www.jadiethomasphotography.com/blog/?p=782/
She is a talented lady and books up quickly if you want to snag her for portraits for your family!!! :-)
Friday, March 27, 2009
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Baby Updates
What a beautiful day this has been... I woke up to the birdies chirping, and drank my coffee while rocking on our back patio. I got a shower, painted my toes red, and put on a cute spring outfit. I love doctor appointment days because I get to dress up. On regular days, I usually don't even put on make up. :-/ I figure, what's the point, I'm on the couch or napping and it just gets smeared around.
Anyhooville, Chris was taking a personal retreat day, so he took me to lunch today. Guess what it was... a fancy double cheeseburger from Mickey D's! Oh it was soooooo good!!!! We arrived 30 minutes early (a first for us) to the doctor. Surprisingly, we didn't have to wait too long, though. Maybe we should be early more often...:-D.
When they called me back, I felt like it was my birthday because we got an ultrasound, and I didn't think we were getting one today!!! I was sooooo excited! And, it was with my favorite u/s technician. She has twin girls, and is always so good about "playing" at the end and giving us pictures. Still think it's all boys... at least 2 are... one was being modest, but from what she could see... she thought there were still boy parts there.
They were flipping all around, and being so funny. At the beginning of the u/s, Baby B was breech (head up), and by the time she got back around to scanning him, he had made his way underneath baby C and was transverse. It's amazing how much they move around in there. Their movements are still pretty light, but becoming stronger every day. I can't distinguish who is who yet when they move, but will probably be able to soon. Roseanne, our tech, said she was just so impressed with how healthy our babies looked... PRAISE THE LORD. I was just blown away by how God's hand is growing them and sustaining them. It is not about me, or anything I deserve. I do not know why he has given these babies to me, but I am so humbly grateful.
We still are not in the "safe" zone by any means... 24 weeks (April 30th) is when the babies will be viable outside of the womb, but it is still not safe for them to be born. I want to keep them in as long as I can, and am praying for my body to stretch and grow and not contract, to give them the best start at life as possible. Please keep praying for us. We know we are being held and strengthened by Jesus.
Our big ultrasound is April 7th. It will last a good long while, and I'm asking for prayers that I don't pass out or throw up. It is difficult to lay on my back due to the weight of my uterus... it cuts off my blood flow. And, to get a good scan, you have to lay on your back. So, please pray it will be easy, and all the babies will cooperate. Every baby will be scanned in detail - all organs and systems will be checked. Each baby will be measured & given estimates on their weights, too.
Harper has been doing great! She is soooo cute, and is walking (almost running) everywhere. Her hair is constantly in a pom-pom on top of her head, and it is so funny to watch her bobble her way around the room. She learned to say bear and 'meow' (she says 'me-now') this weekend. I love hearing her little voice. She is a pro at using a little stool to climb up on the couch to sit with me and read books. I can't believe how quickly she is growing. She is so much fun, and I am delighting in watching her personality develop.
I'll be back later to update... we have our baby shower this weekend, and I am really excited about it! I already have my outfit picked out :-) - you know... priorities.
Anyhooville, Chris was taking a personal retreat day, so he took me to lunch today. Guess what it was... a fancy double cheeseburger from Mickey D's! Oh it was soooooo good!!!! We arrived 30 minutes early (a first for us) to the doctor. Surprisingly, we didn't have to wait too long, though. Maybe we should be early more often...:-D.
When they called me back, I felt like it was my birthday because we got an ultrasound, and I didn't think we were getting one today!!! I was sooooo excited! And, it was with my favorite u/s technician. She has twin girls, and is always so good about "playing" at the end and giving us pictures. Still think it's all boys... at least 2 are... one was being modest, but from what she could see... she thought there were still boy parts there.
They were flipping all around, and being so funny. At the beginning of the u/s, Baby B was breech (head up), and by the time she got back around to scanning him, he had made his way underneath baby C and was transverse. It's amazing how much they move around in there. Their movements are still pretty light, but becoming stronger every day. I can't distinguish who is who yet when they move, but will probably be able to soon. Roseanne, our tech, said she was just so impressed with how healthy our babies looked... PRAISE THE LORD. I was just blown away by how God's hand is growing them and sustaining them. It is not about me, or anything I deserve. I do not know why he has given these babies to me, but I am so humbly grateful.
We still are not in the "safe" zone by any means... 24 weeks (April 30th) is when the babies will be viable outside of the womb, but it is still not safe for them to be born. I want to keep them in as long as I can, and am praying for my body to stretch and grow and not contract, to give them the best start at life as possible. Please keep praying for us. We know we are being held and strengthened by Jesus.
Our big ultrasound is April 7th. It will last a good long while, and I'm asking for prayers that I don't pass out or throw up. It is difficult to lay on my back due to the weight of my uterus... it cuts off my blood flow. And, to get a good scan, you have to lay on your back. So, please pray it will be easy, and all the babies will cooperate. Every baby will be scanned in detail - all organs and systems will be checked. Each baby will be measured & given estimates on their weights, too.
Harper has been doing great! She is soooo cute, and is walking (almost running) everywhere. Her hair is constantly in a pom-pom on top of her head, and it is so funny to watch her bobble her way around the room. She learned to say bear and 'meow' (she says 'me-now') this weekend. I love hearing her little voice. She is a pro at using a little stool to climb up on the couch to sit with me and read books. I can't believe how quickly she is growing. She is so much fun, and I am delighting in watching her personality develop.
I'll be back later to update... we have our baby shower this weekend, and I am really excited about it! I already have my outfit picked out :-) - you know... priorities.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
It is with GREAT joy...
That I announce we are having...
TRIPLET BOYS!!!!!!!
Now, this is not completely 100% set in stone, but the ultrasound tech gave us this guess from what she thought she saw. :-) So, there is a slight chance I may be coming back and changing this announcement in 3 weeks, but if so, then we will celebrate again! haha
I will also announce our name choices at that point. We are pretty certain on 2 names, but haven't completely settled on a 3rd one... and I want to announce all of them at the same time.
Continue to pray for us as this is a super fast growth period for the babies, and that means for my body as well! I'm really going to start focusing on taking things even more slowly now...so I don't provoke any contractions. I want to keep these little guys in as long as possible - not only for their health, but I have a feeling that there won't be an ounce of rest in sight for oh about 20 years once they arrive...:-)
TRIPLET BOYS!!!!!!!
Now, this is not completely 100% set in stone, but the ultrasound tech gave us this guess from what she thought she saw. :-) So, there is a slight chance I may be coming back and changing this announcement in 3 weeks, but if so, then we will celebrate again! haha
I will also announce our name choices at that point. We are pretty certain on 2 names, but haven't completely settled on a 3rd one... and I want to announce all of them at the same time.
Continue to pray for us as this is a super fast growth period for the babies, and that means for my body as well! I'm really going to start focusing on taking things even more slowly now...so I don't provoke any contractions. I want to keep these little guys in as long as possible - not only for their health, but I have a feeling that there won't be an ounce of rest in sight for oh about 20 years once they arrive...:-)
Feeling Great!
The last few days here have been soooo wonderful! The weather has been perfectly sunny and (my favorite) 67-70 degrees :-) It has really lifted my spirits, and even though I'm supposed to be taking it easy, I've been out and about a little bit. Nothing too much, but it certainly feels nice to have some sun on your skin after being cooped up (and nauseous) all winter.
Sunday, I decided to venture out for possibly the last time for a while to go to church. I also got to wear a spring maternity dress (that I think I've already outgrown -haha), put on makeup, and feel like a girl! The message that Pastor Glenn brought us was exactly what I needed to hear... DO NOT WORRY!!! O it refreshed my soul, and brought me back to the point of looking Jesus in the face.
After church, I had a mini-pregnancy meltdown, that I am NOT proud of... but, I thought I would just be real and write it on the blog. It was silly and consisted of me losing Chris and Harper, being super hungry, walking all over the church trying to find them - which is hard to do when I haven't walked anywhere but to and from the bathroom for the last few weeks, and then "raising my voice" at Chris when I finally found them. :-/ And to make matters worse, (I didn't mean to), but I also almost ran him over with my car. No one was hurt :-) We made up a minute later, and I apologized for not keeping my pregnancy hormones under control. He is such a sweet hubby, and puts up with a lot from us girls. :-)
Chris had Monday off after having student events Friday and Saturday, so we were able to hang out and it was so much fun! He took me out on a lunch date to Ted's Montana Grill, and I was GIDDY with excitement because we were on a date!!!! And, I stuffed my face with YUMM-I-NESS!!!! I don't know if you have ever been there, but they have the BEST burgers (Bison Burgers!) and fries EVER!!!! We came home and I wrote *some* of my thank you notes while sitting on our back porch in the sun. Chris sold our TV that has been sitting in our kitchen for who knows how long. And we are both sooo glad to get rid of that thing! That evening we went to Target with Harper, and it was nice to get out. Although, I think I over did it in Tar-jay a little b/c I felt so nauseous on the ride home. We had some yummy dinner that a family brought us, and then watched 24!
All in all, I have enjoyed feeling normal and doing normal things these past few days. I'm taking each day as it comes, and am embracing it for all it is worth! I know soon I will be on couch/bed lock-down, but that's okay! These few days have given me the boost I've needed!
And for today, well, in case you've forgotten... today is BABY GENDER DAY!!! I am determined for them to tell me who's camped out in my tummy! The last two visits have been a tease, so I am to the point where I want to know! I should be far along enough to find out... 17 weeks. Please pray for all the babies to be healthy, and for the tech to see what she needs to. Oh, and for good measure... I baked our ultrasound gal cookies this morning :-)... Think that will do the trick?
I'll be back this evening with the announcement of the three little Blantons... I CAN'T WAIT!!! Now, onto shave my legs and get gussied up for my appointment at 1pm.
Love,
ML
Sunday, I decided to venture out for possibly the last time for a while to go to church. I also got to wear a spring maternity dress (that I think I've already outgrown -haha), put on makeup, and feel like a girl! The message that Pastor Glenn brought us was exactly what I needed to hear... DO NOT WORRY!!! O it refreshed my soul, and brought me back to the point of looking Jesus in the face.
After church, I had a mini-pregnancy meltdown, that I am NOT proud of... but, I thought I would just be real and write it on the blog. It was silly and consisted of me losing Chris and Harper, being super hungry, walking all over the church trying to find them - which is hard to do when I haven't walked anywhere but to and from the bathroom for the last few weeks, and then "raising my voice" at Chris when I finally found them. :-/ And to make matters worse, (I didn't mean to), but I also almost ran him over with my car. No one was hurt :-) We made up a minute later, and I apologized for not keeping my pregnancy hormones under control. He is such a sweet hubby, and puts up with a lot from us girls. :-)
Chris had Monday off after having student events Friday and Saturday, so we were able to hang out and it was so much fun! He took me out on a lunch date to Ted's Montana Grill, and I was GIDDY with excitement because we were on a date!!!! And, I stuffed my face with YUMM-I-NESS!!!! I don't know if you have ever been there, but they have the BEST burgers (Bison Burgers!) and fries EVER!!!! We came home and I wrote *some* of my thank you notes while sitting on our back porch in the sun. Chris sold our TV that has been sitting in our kitchen for who knows how long. And we are both sooo glad to get rid of that thing! That evening we went to Target with Harper, and it was nice to get out. Although, I think I over did it in Tar-jay a little b/c I felt so nauseous on the ride home. We had some yummy dinner that a family brought us, and then watched 24!
All in all, I have enjoyed feeling normal and doing normal things these past few days. I'm taking each day as it comes, and am embracing it for all it is worth! I know soon I will be on couch/bed lock-down, but that's okay! These few days have given me the boost I've needed!
And for today, well, in case you've forgotten... today is BABY GENDER DAY!!! I am determined for them to tell me who's camped out in my tummy! The last two visits have been a tease, so I am to the point where I want to know! I should be far along enough to find out... 17 weeks. Please pray for all the babies to be healthy, and for the tech to see what she needs to. Oh, and for good measure... I baked our ultrasound gal cookies this morning :-)... Think that will do the trick?
I'll be back this evening with the announcement of the three little Blantons... I CAN'T WAIT!!! Now, onto shave my legs and get gussied up for my appointment at 1pm.
Love,
ML
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Because it's my Fave...
So, this pregnancy, I've been obsessed with avocados. It's the one food I can eat and it will make me feel somewhat normal after I eat it. It has a high fat content (good fats) and high calories - which is exactly what my body has been needing.
Soooo.... look who's the size of avocados this week...
THE BABIES...
Week 16: Avocado
Also, I'm getting really excited about finding out who is hanging out in there! We should find out next Tuesday!!!
7 days and counting! BAAAAA!!!
Soooo.... look who's the size of avocados this week...
THE BABIES...
Week 16: Avocado
Also, I'm getting really excited about finding out who is hanging out in there! We should find out next Tuesday!!!
7 days and counting! BAAAAA!!!
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Cherishing the Days
These days are passing by so quickly. I think the fog is finally lifting from discovering that we are doubling our family in a few months, as well as from being so tired and sick all.the.time.
I am feeling much better - still not completely normal - but MUCH better than trimester 1! (normal won't be a feeling I'm feeling until a couple weeks -or months- after I give birth) However, I'm not wishing the day away anymore, and I am trying to take in and appreciate this time with Harper. I know once the babies arrive that I will still make special time for Harper, but it is never going to be like it has been. And that makes my heart a little sad. From the time she was born, I had this innate sense to soak in each day. My mom would tell me, "I have never known anyone to enjoy your baby as much as you do." (I'm sure others have, but you know what i mean :-)) I don't know if it is because it took us so long to get pregnant with Harper, or if the Lord gave me this 'sense' as a gift. I would never have this experience again.
From the moment she was born, I bonded with her - as many mother do with their children :-). I enjoyed every single nursing session, her tiny cries, snuggling with her during the day, taking her for walks in the afternoon, prepping dinner as she watched from a blanket or swing, giving her baths, picking her up from her crib so she would nap on me, etc. Chris helped with all of this, but I took on the primary roll of doing stuff for Harper... after all, I had the food :-).
She started weaning herself from me around 7 1/2 months. So, we started supplementing with formula. This lightened my load on caring for her on my own a ton because others could help feed her. I also loosened up and let others (um, my mom, sister, Chris, close friends) give her baths and feed her. I was learning that I couldn't do it all, and still be a good wife to Chris. I was learning to let others help me. It is amazing looking back at how much Harper has taught me and prepared me for triplets. And I am so glad of the gift of cherishing so much alone time, and caring for her on my own because I know this time around I won't be able to do it all. I know I will have moments with each baby, but it won't be the constant bonding that I had with Harper. We will need help, and I will deeply appreciate the help (I already do!!!)
I say all of this because I have been trying to be intentional about spending time and cherishing Harper. Due to being sick and tired, I haven't been able to care for her very much...and, I've missed it! My time is now limited in doing the everyday things that are blessings in disguise....I am enjoying giving her baths and letting her play a little longer with her duckies in the tub while we laugh and squeal together. I am loving going into her room in the morning to a sleepyhead little girl who has gathered all of her pacies in her hands like they are treasures. I am blessed to pick her up and snuggle her in the rocking chair. I love reading her books while I rock her... my lap is quickly shrinking! I love being able to pick out her clothes and dress her. I really don't mind giving up diaper duty :-) (as it is the one thing that about makes me lose my lunch daily!ha!no matter if its 1 or 2 - ha!) I love combing her hair, putting bows in it, and smelling the nape of her neck. I love dancing with her in the living room to silly music from her toys or one of her baby DVDs. I love being able to pick her up and carry her where we need to go.
Next week, these activities are going to have to start changing. I have about 4 weeks to work with Harper to help her transition and learn that mommy can't pick her up anymore. This is going to be so hard. I find myself cheating all the time. At 20 weeks, the doctors want me to chill as much as possible with NO lifting. I will still be in the house and able to watch Harper, and love on her, but I just won't be able to care for her like I'm used to... like she's used to. We have the greatest girl coming to help out and keep Harper during the day. Kyla is so precious with the biggest heart, and I know Harps is going to have a B-L-A-S-T with her! What makes me sad, is that Harper isn't going to be this tiny every again. She isn't going to need me as much as she needs me now. These days are fleeting, so I will treasure them while I have them to hold.
God is so good, and I know this is part of his plan... not only for my life & Chris' life, but for Harper's testimony as well as Baby A, B, & C's testimonies. She will still be a baby when these babies get here... not even 2 yet! I look forward to seeing how this is going to shape all of their futures, and to one day learn the plans that God has for us.
I cherish this time...
I am feeling much better - still not completely normal - but MUCH better than trimester 1! (normal won't be a feeling I'm feeling until a couple weeks -or months- after I give birth) However, I'm not wishing the day away anymore, and I am trying to take in and appreciate this time with Harper. I know once the babies arrive that I will still make special time for Harper, but it is never going to be like it has been. And that makes my heart a little sad. From the time she was born, I had this innate sense to soak in each day. My mom would tell me, "I have never known anyone to enjoy your baby as much as you do." (I'm sure others have, but you know what i mean :-)) I don't know if it is because it took us so long to get pregnant with Harper, or if the Lord gave me this 'sense' as a gift. I would never have this experience again.
From the moment she was born, I bonded with her - as many mother do with their children :-). I enjoyed every single nursing session, her tiny cries, snuggling with her during the day, taking her for walks in the afternoon, prepping dinner as she watched from a blanket or swing, giving her baths, picking her up from her crib so she would nap on me, etc. Chris helped with all of this, but I took on the primary roll of doing stuff for Harper... after all, I had the food :-).
She started weaning herself from me around 7 1/2 months. So, we started supplementing with formula. This lightened my load on caring for her on my own a ton because others could help feed her. I also loosened up and let others (um, my mom, sister, Chris, close friends) give her baths and feed her. I was learning that I couldn't do it all, and still be a good wife to Chris. I was learning to let others help me. It is amazing looking back at how much Harper has taught me and prepared me for triplets. And I am so glad of the gift of cherishing so much alone time, and caring for her on my own because I know this time around I won't be able to do it all. I know I will have moments with each baby, but it won't be the constant bonding that I had with Harper. We will need help, and I will deeply appreciate the help (I already do!!!)
I say all of this because I have been trying to be intentional about spending time and cherishing Harper. Due to being sick and tired, I haven't been able to care for her very much...and, I've missed it! My time is now limited in doing the everyday things that are blessings in disguise....I am enjoying giving her baths and letting her play a little longer with her duckies in the tub while we laugh and squeal together. I am loving going into her room in the morning to a sleepyhead little girl who has gathered all of her pacies in her hands like they are treasures. I am blessed to pick her up and snuggle her in the rocking chair. I love reading her books while I rock her... my lap is quickly shrinking! I love being able to pick out her clothes and dress her. I really don't mind giving up diaper duty :-) (as it is the one thing that about makes me lose my lunch daily!ha!no matter if its 1 or 2 - ha!) I love combing her hair, putting bows in it, and smelling the nape of her neck. I love dancing with her in the living room to silly music from her toys or one of her baby DVDs. I love being able to pick her up and carry her where we need to go.
Next week, these activities are going to have to start changing. I have about 4 weeks to work with Harper to help her transition and learn that mommy can't pick her up anymore. This is going to be so hard. I find myself cheating all the time. At 20 weeks, the doctors want me to chill as much as possible with NO lifting. I will still be in the house and able to watch Harper, and love on her, but I just won't be able to care for her like I'm used to... like she's used to. We have the greatest girl coming to help out and keep Harper during the day. Kyla is so precious with the biggest heart, and I know Harps is going to have a B-L-A-S-T with her! What makes me sad, is that Harper isn't going to be this tiny every again. She isn't going to need me as much as she needs me now. These days are fleeting, so I will treasure them while I have them to hold.
God is so good, and I know this is part of his plan... not only for my life & Chris' life, but for Harper's testimony as well as Baby A, B, & C's testimonies. She will still be a baby when these babies get here... not even 2 yet! I look forward to seeing how this is going to shape all of their futures, and to one day learn the plans that God has for us.
I cherish this time...
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