Crews Update

I escaped from the house this morning with Crews :-) I haven't driven anywhere in about 4 1/2 - 5 months - crazy! We went to see the pediatric cardiologist to get his heart murmur checked out. It was awesome to get up, put on clothes and make-up, and have somewhere to go. I was nervous about going by myself, but I am so glad that I did. It showed me that I can be independent again!

Crews is doing well. His heart murmur has already started getting smaller! Praise the Lord! He does have a premature beat in his heart every now and then. The doctor did and EKG and an ultrasound. He looked so pitiful with all the electrodes covering his tiny chest and tummy, but he did well. I fed him a bottle while he was getting the tests run. The EKG proved that this beat is not affecting his body or his weight - which is a blessing. It may just be something he has for life. While he was getting weighed, Crews proceeded to wee wee all over the scale and even sprinkled the doctor. I love having boys... haha!

Thanks for your prayers! We will go back in 2 months, and hopefully all will have cleared up by then.

Newness

Yoo Hoo... I'm still here! My head is surfacing above the sleep-deprived fog that surrounds our home these days. Kind of funny that it is 2:05 in the morning and I'm surfacing now! :-) I am pumping breastmilk for our boys - I try to do this every 3 hours or so. I know this is a curiosity to many people as to how this works for multiples. I really do not know and am learning along the way. haha! Right now Crews is only on breastmilk b/c his little tummy does not do well on formula. The other two boys get 1-2 bottles of breastmilk a day. I feel like Bessie the cow - but, am so in love with these 3 tiny beings that it's okay. :-) (I pump right now b/c everything needs to be measured. Soon, I hope to begin nursing all the boys. We will see how it works, though. No guilt, I try to tell myself).

I've started about 3 posts in the middle of the night, and my brain conks out mid-way through. I'm going to try to consolidate these in this post. The last few nights have been crazy. Being a new mom of 3 baby boys and 1 toddler girl has proved to be very draining physically, but not as bad as I thought it would be. (I don't think that sentence really makes sense, but I know what I'm saying.. :-).) I know the Lord gives strength to the weary and power to the weak! I feel both of these. I am doing my best to blog, but my brain is not really geared for this right now. What pushes me to write is that I don't want to forget a thing. I want to remember every detail of this hazy life right now. I know it will be inscribed on my heart forever but, yet how do I put it into words? Last night as I crawled into bed next to Chris, my heart was so full it felt like it was going to break. Part of this is because my life is so blessed, part of this is because my hormones could about shoot me to the moon and back. It will be nice when they begin to settle some more.

Anyway, I just wanted to let everyone know that we are still alive and hanging in there. I hope to blog more in the near future. I definitely need to be taking more pictures for sure, though! It will get done... along with all the other little adjustments. It just takes time. Thank you for all the prayers and support everyone! We love you!

Oh, and by the way...can you stand the little picture of my 8 little feet for the header? Thank you AUNT NANCY for that great photo! I can't wait to see more!

WE ARE HOME!!!

(just a disclaimer for this post and all future posts... please forgive typos. :-))

My heart overflows and there are no words to express to my Jesus the thankfulness Chris and I have for the answered prayers. Thank you for your prayers. He has HEARD and ANSWERED us! I have learned so much about prayer over these last 9 months and how crucial it is to our faith. So, thank you for taking your time to call out to the LORD for us.

We left the hospital on Sunday afternoon with all three of our little guys. We had a great time in the hospital with such an amazing staff. The doctors and nurses took such great care of us, and we were able to sing praises to our LORD every time one of them mentioned how "uncommon" it was to have ALL THREE boys so healthy and in the room with us on the day of birth! I love it when God shows off!

Just wanted to let you know that we are home, and doing well. Our first night wasn't bad. Chris and I did it ourselves!!! We wanted to know how it was first hand. We were pretty tired the next day, but managed. Nancy came in from NC on Monday night, so we split the middle of the night feeding time with her and mom. It worked out well!

Monday we had to take the boys into the Dr's for a little visit to get weight and jaundice checks. They are fine on the jaundice - still a little yellow, but nothing to be alarmed about. Their weights turned out to be fine. They are slowing down on losing weight, so hopefully we should start seeing an increase soon. Their little appetites are picking up, so next week at the doctor, our boys should be a little heavier!

They are just absolutely the tiniest and sweetest little ones. I am swimming in a sea of love crazy post-partum hormones! I am so happy to be a momma to boys! Every time I walk by their crib or pack-n-play, I look in and can't believe those 3 babies are mine... much less... how in the world did they fit in my tummy?!?!

I have several things I want to blog about, and hopefully will be able to before they become jumbled in my memory. (I'm making this list mainly so I won't forget all I want to say!)
- Visitors we had during pregnancy (I never finished that one)
- The Night Before Triplets
- Their Birth Story (not graphic, just what I remember)
- My Hospital Stay
- Coming Home Day
- Our First Night

These will come in time. Oh, along with pictures of the nursery. It is still a work in progress as Mom is living in it right now. The boys sleep in a crib in our room right now, so it works out well.

Here are some pictures of our first few days home :-)

The Blanton Six


Maverick, Crews, Warner


Harper taking a peek at "babies" (as she calls them). She has been doing great adjusting. When we are feeding them, she comes over and gives them kisses on their heads - even without being asked to. I held up Crews to her yesterday when his eyes were open. I told her that he wanted to say hi and that he loved her. She just looked at his little face, said "awwwww", and then reached to hug him. It was so cute to see her (what now seems to be gigantic) little hands and body completely engulf this little guy. I can't wait to see them grow up together.


Harper loving on Daddy & playing with him


Our 3 little Gnomes :-)


A glimpse of Grandma Dee Dee feeding, and of another baby resting in the pack n play


Harper, Dadda, and a baby (i don' know which one - hah - i have to see their faces)


Snuggly Brothers

almost home!

{aunt nancy, reporting in once again...}



i think the thing i keep hearing over and over again is only God could have done this.

it's so true.

God has shown His faithful hand through each step of this pregnancy and delivery, bringing Warner, Crews and Maverick into the world. all the nurses keep telling my sister how rare it is in triplet births to not have to be a part of the NICU at all & to have all three doing so well. it's just like God to do things out of the norm for His glory! i know my sister and chris love Jesus more than anything and will give Him praise every step of the way.

the doctor told my sister that she could be released from the hospital today if she was ready, to which she replied she wasn't quite yet. so, she will be released tomorrow ( sunday )! and if the boys remain on the track they are all on, all three will be coming home from the hospital with them.

keep them in your prayers as they transition from the hospital to their home. also, thank you for your prayers for my sister's fever... it broke the next morning. she is walking and recovering very well, but she isn't getting much sleep as she is monitered very closely throughout the night! pray for much rest before they are on their own :).

Names & Prayers

It's Aunt Nancy again! Everyone is happy and well. There are a few prayer requests I will share in a moment, but for the most part everything has been wonderful. ML and Chris truly want me to thank all of you for your prayers, encouragement and support. They are so amazed at how faithful the Lord is, and how He truly hears the prayers of His children!

Everything in the surgery went great. ML didn't throw up (yay!) and the boys delivered beautifully. Dr. Kang gave them an A+ C-Section! ML can elaborate more when she is up to blogging... I only hear bits and pieces but I know it went smoothly.

I am also happy to report that all the boys now have names!

Baby A = Warner William
Baby B = Crews Christopher
Baby C = Maverick Miller


They all made it to their hospital room last night. Warner was the first to visit with them, and Maverick joined next. Crews was the last to complete the trio and they were all able to finally be together. What a miracle!

A few prayer requests -

Please pray for ML as she has a fever this morning. She has been put on antibiotics and will hopefully kick that fever to the curb soon. Continue to pray for her overall health and recovery.

Also pray for little Crews. A heart murmer has been detected, and they are keeping an eye on him.

Pray for Sissy & Chris to be able to rest a LOT these next few days. Sissy is exhausted and Chris has been such a servant to her. Pray that they can gain the strength they need before returning home.

Pray for Harper as she gets to meet her brothers today!



I'll close with a sweet picture, taken last night when they were all together in the room. (I'm not sure which is which, your guess is as good as mine!)

The boys are here!

Hello Everyone! This is Nancy, ML's sister. I am here reporting in for Mary Lindsey and Chris, letting you know that the boys are here! Thank you so much for all of your prayers... everyone is doing great. The doctor said she did so well in her C Section it was like a textbook surgery. They boys are healthy and big! Most likely they won't even have to spend time in the NICU because of how well they are doing. Definitely an answer to many prayers! So here is what you've been waiting for... meet the triplets!

Baby A weight: 5 lbs 7 oz and 18"

Baby B weight: 5 lbs 1 oz and 18.5"

Baby C weight: 5 lbs 12 oz and 18.5"

I haven't heard if they have decided on names yet or not, but I will let you know when I find out. More updates to come! Thank you again for all your prayers and support!

Specific Prayer Requests

Dear Family and Friends,

As I write this I am in AWE of our what our LORD has done!!! You have lifted the triplets and me up in prayer, and I am sure that our Heavenly Father has heard our cries!!! You have also gone above and beyond on helping me keep these babies in by providing meals, caring for Harper, running errands, doing housework, etc!!!

Praise the Lord with me because I will be delivering these boys TOMORROW Thursday, July 16th at 9:30 AM! I will be 35 weeks exactly – 1 week over “full term” for triplets!!! Would you please continue to pray for us and the huge team at Baptist that will be delivering the three?

Some specific things to pray for:

- That there are no complications during surgery.
- That the Great Physician would work through my doctor, Dr. Audrey Kang.
- That the boys are healthy with strong lungs and won’t have to go to the NICU (or at least spend minimal time there)
- That their suck/swallow/breathe reflex will be developed. (this “usually” doesn’t develop until week 36-38 in pregnancy, but we all know that these boys are anything but “usual”!!!)
- That I won’t lose a lot of blood during surgery.
- That I don’t get sick during or after surgery. (I hate to throw-up, so it would just be so wonderful if I don’t have to deal with this).
- That my recovery will go as smooth as possible, and that we will be home as soon as we can.
- That we can bring all 3 boys home with us!!!
- That Harper handles all the craziness of this week, as well as the major life changes she has in store. ☺

There is so much power in prayer, so thank you so much for praying for us!!! We are so excited to announce and introduce you to Maverick, Warner, and Crews!!! Can't wait for you to 'meet' them!!! We will REJOICE together!!!

Hey, while you're waiting, why don't you guess how much you think they will weigh!!! Remember the last "estimate" was only 12% accurate, so don't go by that too much ;-) Guess A- the cumulative weight B- 3 different weights for the boys - you don't have to match A w/ weight A, B w/ B, etc. Maybe there will be a prize in store?!?! :-)

(To Comment, click on comments at the bottom type your comment, and then choose one of the options as how you want it to be published. If you aren't sure your email address will work, then use the anonymous selection... just don't forget to write your name so I know it is you who guessed!!!)

Harper Saying Her Brother's Names

Here is Harper practicing her brother's names. It's quite funny. I wonder what nicknames they will end up with from her!! She also kisses and pats my tummy and says 'brose' for brothers. So sweet!

The beginning starts out fine, but then she has a little melt down about getting into the recliner with me. :-) I have no clue how to edit videos, so it will just stay... real life, huh? No polishing up here... haha!

THE BELLY

This is really kind of putting myself out there :-) We have taken many many pictures of the belly, but here it is in real life... well, as close as you're going to get to real life... haha :-) I am in awe of how God has design the human body to stretch stretch stretch!!! I am proud of my belly and all that it holds, but I must say I am glad to not be stretch armstrong any more after tomorrow!!!! :-) If you don't want to see the belly in the flesh, don't watch the video, just stick to the pictures :-

Soon to Be Big Sister

I have tried to post soooo many things about Harper, but I keep on wanting to add to the list because she is learning so much every single day. Then it takes me forever to actually finish the post b/c it is hard to type w/ the belly. Anyway, excuses excuses...

I will type what I can, and then try to keep up with the blog much more! (In all my free time...haha)

She is our joy - happy and content - really an easy baby-almost-toddler. She is so funny, and always makes us laugh. She has been quite a busy girl this past month... with visits to her grandparents and family visiting us.

The second week of June she traveled to Georgia with JoJo (Doe Doe) and Grandy (Nandy) since last Friday. She went to her first VBS at North Metro First Baptist. I was sad and worried because it was the first time we've been apart. The first day and night were difficult for me, but once I heard she was sleeping well and having fun, it was much easier for me. We got to video chat each night (except the night I was in the hospital). She would always say "Mama" and blow me lots of kisses (without me even asking her to blow them:-) ) She had lots of fun, and I'm glad she got to spend this special time alone with her grandparents. She also went back the week of July 4th to have fun with grandparents. She met many of her extended family at a family reunion, too.

I also wanted to record some of the words she is saying these days... she knows so many more words than this now. She is a talkin' machine!

Mama
Dada
Dee Dee (my mom)
Jo Jo (Doe Doe)
Grandy (Nandy)
Nancy (Na Na)
Erin - Chris' sister (Annan or Ren)

She knows where her eyes are (sounds really country when she says eye - "ahhh"), ears, nose (no), mouth (mouf), cheek (geek), hair, tummy/belly, belly button, and feet (wheats).

swing (whhhiiiinng)
strawberry (bears)
grapes (geeps)

She knows some animal noises, and can identify most animals if she doesn't know what they say...

Kitty Cat - my favorite - (meow meow meow!!!) she says it with great enthusiasm, and sometimes will just walk around saying "meow" "meow" with great voice inflection, or she will say it matter of fact - meow meow. I ask her to say it all the time because it cracks me up!

Dog - woof woof. We have two dogs that live in our townhouse complex, and they will come up and stand on our porch and just look at Harper on the other side of our storm door. It is so cute to see her interact with them. She sqeals and points, but keeps her distance.

Bird - "Bir" - we have a bird feeder out back that she loves to watch from our kitchen. She will sit on the floor, with her feet crossed (so cute) and point and say "bir" as she looks out the back door.

She loves to eat & isn't picky right now - I hope it stays that way! The only things she doesn't really like are - milk (she'll drink chocolate milk) & salmon/fish/shrimp. We usually have to feed her protein first, then veggies, then fruit, then bread... she LOVES sweet stuff & breads like her daddy does! (I like them too, but I couldn't live on them... I think Chris and Harper could live on them!)

She also LOVES water... or "wa-wa". She wants to drink out of my big pitcher of water that I keep with me all the time b/c it has a straw.

Bath time is always super fun. She lays down in about 1 1/2 inches of water, and kicks and kicks and laughs her head off. Mom calls her a self-agitating washing machine...haha.

Bedtime is so snuggly and I can't wait to resume this routine again when I can hold her... read or wead the "Moon" book, sometimes takes a bottle - still haven't completely broken this one yet - hope to do this before the boys arrive - yikes... and then she snuggles down into her crib with ducky - her paci, and baby.

Lately she has been saying... "good girl!" (goo gir) she tells her baby doll that and it melts my heart.

Well, I am going to get this post up and going even though I wish I could record every second of the day with her!

Such a cutie!!


She LOVES drinking "wa-wa" out of my water bottle. Forget her sippy cup, all she needs is a 32 oz. pitcher... haha!


Dee Dee and Harper - buddies! (

2 days and Counting

At peace. This is the best way to describe how I am feeling. We are almost done with everything in the house, and tomorrow I will finish packing my bags. We went to our LAST Dr's appointment today. I still feel like I will be going back every week to visit them. I will miss all of our friends that we made there!

My Sweet Nurses... Jackie and Gabby - I LOVE THEM! (If I look tired... I am. Sleep doesn't come as easy these days, but I guess it is the Lord's way of helping us adjust!)


Next stop, my friend, the scale... I had to get a picture of me standing on it b/c we were sure I wouldn't fit by the end. Well, I was barely hanging on, but I made it. When I was actually being weighed, my belly hit the bar. I had to scoot back a little for the picture.


Next stop is ultrasound room, but they don't allow pictures in there. :-( So, I just skipped them. But I love all the u/s techs just the same! They are the busy bees of the office... that is why I don't have any pics with them. The "guesstimated" weights today only had a 12% accuracy, so we cant' bank much on them! She couldn't even get to Baby A's head b/c he was waaaaaaayyyyy low down! Baby B & C were very squished, and not all the parts were accurately measured. The good thing is that they are all w/in a pound of each other and they were doing everything they were supposed to be doing!!! Here are the guess weights for now... isn't it awesome to know we will KNOW their REAL weights on Thursday?!?!

Baby A - 5.5
Baby B - 4.10
Baby C - 4.11

Next stop is to the patient rooms where I see either Tracie or Cindy, my nurse practitioners. They are my girls and have coached and cheered me through this pregnancy!!! We love them! Today I got a final booster steroids shot - yay! These boy's lungs should be doing well!!1 We seriously could bring 3... THREE...3 babies home with us... WOWEE!!!


And finally, here is the woman who will deliver our boys... Dr. Kang!!! She is such a great doctor with a WONDERFUL bedside manor! She gives me a hug every time I see her and tells me that I am doing such a wonderful job! SO ENCOURAGING!!! (don't you like how Chris and I match?!? We have matched on several occasions to the Dr's office. We don't plan it, but the nurses think it is so funny!)


Today, she walked me through everything to expect for Thursday. I like to know what is happening to me, so there aren't any surprises. She went over every little detail, and I'm sooo excited to meet Maverick, Warner, and Crews!

I've broken several rules this past week b/c I knew the boys would be making their debut anyway. On Sunday, I went to church. O to be in the presence of other believers worshipping was such a blessing. I've missed church so much, and I look forward to when I can return (don't know when that will be yet)!!!

Then Monday morning, I started by going to get Harper out of her crib. I nearly cried at being able to hold my sweet girl and snuggle with her in the morning. We have done lots of snuggling and holding. I think she has missed it just as much as I have!!! She has called on me so much more this past week, and does her little happy dance when she sees me. I've missed her so much, and I look forward to healing after my c-section so that I can be her momma again - just as much as I am the boy's momma! I know that our hands will be quite full, but our hearts will be overflowing!!!

I'm working on some more posts that I hope I feel well enough to get up tonight or tomorrow. I'm determined to! :-) In the meantime, here is my big ol' belly for now...
Week 33

Breaking the Rules & Our Family of 6 - my face looks huge! hahaha

Week 34 & 5 days

My Sweet Husband

I just want to say how thankful I am for my sweet husband. He has been my encourager and cheerleader this pregnancy... not to mention an incredible servant. As each day progresses, I am able to do less and less. I know I won't be able to remember all the things Chris has done for me, but here are a few...

* Wake up w/ Harper in the middle of the night to get her what she needs. (This was much more frequent when I was first pregnant, but still happens from time to time).

* Gets me water refills and puts the perfect amount of ice in my water bottle!

* Fixes me meals, snacks, etc.

* Goes to the grocery store for us.

* Has learned to cook a few meals!

* Lightens my day by making me laugh.

* Puts lotion on my legs every night because i can't reach. He has even shaved my legs for me a couple of times. This is quite a funny process b/c we set up shop on the back patio, and he is so afraid he is going to cut me. But, het does a GREAT job!

* He talks to the boys & loves to feel them move

* He tells me how beautiful I am every day - even though I almost weigh as much as he does!

* When I have a contraction, he is right there encouraging me, telling me that I can do it! To hang on another week! That I'm doing so great growing three babies! Etc. It is very hard to remember these things when you are uncomfortable!

* Pulls me off the couch or the bed when I need help. (Which is more and more every day!)

He is such a wonderful husband. He is my best friend and love! Christopher Michael, my Lovie, I am so thankful for you. You have made this pregnancy so much easier. I love you with all my heart and cant wait to raise our four babies!

4th of July

So, there is a silver lining behind the clouds! Yesterday, Chris and I had a wonderful time with friends!!! Harper is out of town at Jo Jo and Grandy's again and having a blast. Thank you Jo & Randy for giving us this time together!!!! Chris and I have enjoyed this week together...something we won't have for a while - time by ourselves in our home. He had some comp time from camp last week, so he was home Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, & Saturday!!!

Our friends, Amy and Aaron, invited us to celebrate the 4th at Aaron's parent's house. They have a pool and they grilled out yummy ribs, chicken, & corn on the cob. At first I thought, hmmm, maybe I should play it safe and stay home. But, I figured after staying home & playing it safe for almost 14 weeks, now, Chris and I would venture out!!! I would take it easy, lay down if I got tired, drink tons of water, etc.

It was the BEST thing for my soul... to get out and have fun!!! I went swimming, ate some GOOD GOOD protein, and sat in the sun for just a little bit. I did go inside to lay down and get in the a/c, but had to get in the pool one more time before we left.

Can I just LIVE in the pool until the 16th please?!? It felt sooooo good!!! So much weight was taken off of my back and hips. I didn't realize how much until I stood up to get out of the pool, and it felt like someone handed me 100 pounds to carry out!

We came home and Chris fixed us BLT's, cantaloupe, and 4th of July cake (pound cake w/ blueberries, strawberries, & whipped cream). I was very tired last night, so we went to bed early.

It was a wonderful day with great friends! I will CHERISH this memory!

PS... Anytime I tell friends/ family I went swimming, their first question is... WHAT DID YOU WEAR?!?! hahah!!! A bathing suit, people!!! But, it was kind of funny as I had to pair 2 different bathing suits together to fit the belly. It was a sight :-)

The Last Days of A Triplet Pregnancy

Edited to Add: Before you read this, please know that I feel so completely humbled and privileged to be given the honor of carrying 3 babies at once. This is definitely one of the biggest honors of my life, and I am beyond thankful to experience it. I would never have thought I would be pregnant with triplets!!! So, with that said...

original post...

I've had a tough time blogging lately because this pregnancy is getting to the difficult part (but yay, there is an end in sight!!!) As blessed as I have been to carry these babies to the "safety zone," a triplet pregnancy isn't easy. (It's not as hard as I thought it would be, either.) Anyway, I want to remember this part of my pregnancy, even if it does sound a little "complain-y." You may skip this post if you want :-)

* My belly really is gargantuan and very very itchy. It now measures 52 1/2 inches around (remember a week before Harper was born it was a mere 40 inches around!!) And I'm measuring at 51 weeks pregnant...aaaaahhhh!

*I have stretch marks on stretch marks, and they kind of feel like sunburn w/ itchiness. I go to lightly scratch and then just cause more pain b/c it burns.

*"Night" sickness or should I say nausea has returned, and there is not much room to eat. I do alright during the day, but have no appetite at night. I try to stick to easy to eat things w/ protein (peanut butter, milk, smoothies, etc)

*Sleep comes and goes. Some nights are good and sleep for 2 hours, wake up to have more water, pop a tums, and go to the potty. Other nights I am so hot I feel like I will never cool off... I get cold wash clothes and put them on my face, neck, feet, & hands. I have to sleep propped up, but on my side - somehow I figured out how to do this w/out breaking my back in two.

*My nose gets stuffier by the day! It's like the gas gauge in a car that points to full or empty. As the days tick by, my nose is the gauge that says, you are FULL, there is no where for anything to go in your body except your nose! This same thing happened w/ Harper's pregnancy, too.

This is all I have to say right now. I know that all these are just signs pushing me closer and closer to having the boys in my arms vs. in my belly. We are at 11 days and counting now!!! Woo-Hoo!!!