Our summer

Hello little blog, it's been a long time. I have a pending post that I started writing the day before the trio's 2nd birthday.  Their birthday was on May 17.  Now the 4th of July is around the corner.  It's almost ready...and hope to post some day.
I think of blogging often, but reality and truth is that I have no time or energy.  So much has happened in our lives, that it's almost impossible to play catch up and document.  So maybe I won't and I'll start at where we are today.

Right now, the trio is asleep. We just spent 2 hours at their Toddler and Two's group and my brain feels like it hurts.  I am on every single second, way more than when we are home.  It's vigilant watching.  Being aware of where 3 little bodies are at all times is exhausting.  It's singing and talking and reading and lots and lots of teaching....
"we go up the slide, down the slide, your turn, his turn, her turn, wash hands, sit please, plates are not for banging, your mouth is too full, get another one, say sorry, good job, please and thank you..." 
...and non stop x three for two hours.  Then there is the 25 minute ride home...and sometimes there is silence.  I've gotten quite good at tuning out the toddler songs, and that's when I remembered our blog today.

A little bit about their group.  It is run by the Deaf and Hard of Hearing program.  It's a step before preschool.  They play, sit in circle and have snack with other children, with mommy there.  Marcos continues to have mild hearing loss, and the coordinator is nice enough to let me bring the whole gang.  There are some sounds Marcos does not hear, and since this can significantly affect his development, he is being closely watched.  Thankfully, his expressive speech has made significant progress (putting 2 words together) but Marcos continues to be tested often.  Testing a toddler is quite difficult so we have to be patient and keep waiting for the official diagnosis...(meaning it may never improve).  Most likely he has an abnormality in the middle ear or a tiny bone never fully developed.  Mild hearing loss is easily fixed with a hearing aid.

Our summer schedule has us at story time on Tuesdays, Toddlers and Two's on Wednesday, Early Intervention on Thursdays, and Physical Therapy on Fridays.  That's just the trio.  Isabella has swimming on Tuesdays and Thursdays and dance on Wednesdays.  She is at farm camp this week.  Yes, farm camp...only in Petaluma, and if the trio only knew where big sis is at, they would be so mad they don't get to see animals everyday! Then there's the park, the grocery store, and errands plus the cooking and the feeding, the never ending laundry and so much more...

Back to today.  Here are  pictures of Sofia...painting an ice cream out of pink shaving cream during group.  A first for her...oh, how her sister loved doing this.  At their age, my Bella was a pro at art projects.  The boys lasted only a few seconds before they were off to cause trouble.

Oh little blog...hope I visit you again soon, and friends...if you are reading, I miss you all and hope to catch up soon.

Homecoming Anniversary

Marcos and Sofia...

Your homecoming anniversary is here.  

You have been home one year today (August 23, 2012).

That was one happy and emotional day. 

I remember thinking Marcos and Sofia are free!

Marcos, weighing a little over 5 pounds, while tiny but mighty Sofia had not even reached the big 5.  I'll never forget your discharge day.  It somehow took a long time to get out of the hospital.  Maybe I was procrastinating, only because your big brother, Carlos, could not join us yet. 

That first evening was chaotic.  

Your big sister had Back to School night and not long after unloading the van and getting you out of the car seats, Daddy had to go to her school.  

I attempted to feed you both at the same time.  

A few loud screams, nursing, pumping, and bottle feeding, it's now a big blur.  

Marcos, you are mama's boy and love to be cuddled and tickled.  Most of the time you are mellow unless you are lacking sleep. Here is our picture on your discharge day.  I love how you love food.  You are so willing to try everything mama gives you.  Today you ate puree peaches and cherries, buttery toast and Cheerios for breakfast. Today you took your first bite out of a peach, and LOVED it.  You kind of scream at me when I don't feed you fast enough.  You are so tolerant and let big sis cuddle you and squeeze your cheeks.  

Sofia, you were feisty from day one.  We are so thankful for all your strength.  We all know you are in charge.  I love how you always sit back and observe.  You take the world in.  You have come so far, and as your pediatrician said this week..."You have exceeded everyone's expectations."

It's Back to School Night again.

 This year mommy went, while daddy did the night routine.

We feel so blessed to have been chosen to be your mom and dad.  It hasn't been easy, its been quite the journey (and still is) but we are so happy God allowed us to bring you home. 

Your first few weeks of life were hard. I'll never be able to explain why.  

We no longer question your premature birth but know you truly are one of God's little miracles.

Happy Homecoming Day!

 Carlitos's Homecoming Day is coming soon along with the first adjusted birthday!!

Sunday Fun Day!

Sunday was family fun day and full of many firsts. 

We were all in the car by 9:40 am. 

I didn't pump or put my make up in in car. Two of my not so favorite things to do. 

We headed to Howarth Park in Santa Rosa, we were there early and got a great parking spot. 

Our day included the trio's first ride down the slide on big sister's lap, our first train ride as a family and sofias first swing ride. 

Sofie and Carlos also rode the merry go round while big boy Marcos decided to take a nap. 

We enjoyed our picnic and watching Isabella run through the splash pad. 

Today was also the first time I wasn't worried about a schedule. 

We are getting really good at outings, they are so strategically planned and the schedule almost happens naturally.  And if someone decides not to follow it, then oh well, they somehow get back on it.  

The only bad thing about today...the battery on my phone died and I only got a few pictures.  Oh and I can't forget the stranger who offered to hold a triplet as we were getting settled in the train.  The triplet attention we get will soon need its own post!

Flashback Friday~PDA surgeries

June 24, 2011 was Day 38 in the NICU.

This was the day of the PDA surgery for Carlos and Sofia.

Marcos had to wait another week because he was getting over pneumonia.

About 10 days prior, Carlos was switched to the high frequency ventilator.  He was really sick.  A blood culture was taken to check for infections. Also, his x-rays began to show that his right lung was slightly elevated than his left.  Doctors were never really able to explain why or how this happened. The only explanation we got was that his right diaphragm did not function correctly.  Diaphragm paralysis.  It was something that we had to wait out and see if it resolved itself.  Luckily it did and a major surgery was avoided. Carlitos had the most difficulty getting off the ventilator. He failed extubation several times and was on the vent for about 8 weeks.  

Around the time of the surgery, Carlos was weighing around 910 grams while Sofia, my smallest, was 785 grams.  

The surgeons didn't want to operate when they were smaller.  

They were both receiving hydrocortisone to help treat their premature lungs.

Pictures from the morning of the surgery.  Scary times.  

Carlos getting prepped for surgery.

Praying with Sofia

Carlos

Post-op....Carlos

Sofia

Crawling Sofie, swimming class and more!

Last Thursday, turned out to be a happy and joyous day.  Sofia is crawling!! Now I know all micro preemie mamas can share my excitement! Watching them meet these milestones is truly amazing!  Every day is a miracle but when your baby spends almost 100 days in the hospital, it's hard not to let those negative thoughts in...those scary what if's?
But she is crawling!!!! At 13 months and a few days! Not bad, not bad at all.  Her physical therapist will be so happy.
Here she is.  Keep in mind this is right before bed time, she is trying to get the baby wipes.

I know her brothers are right behind her.

And then...well, I don't even want to think about what our days will be like.

Such a great and blessed day.

It didn't start off so positive. As a matter of fact,  I almost gave myself an anxiety attack.  Big Sis had her scheduled swim class and I had no help lined up. I usually have someone stay with the babies so I can take her or have someone take her for me. Well, things didn't work out yesterday which meant 1) She would miss her class or 2) I take all of them.  Of course I went for number 2.  I seriously was panicking. The attention that we sometimes get in our big triplet stroller is a bit much. I pictured myself maneuvering the stroller, moving lawn chairs and tables and having to hold doors open by myself.  The more I thought about it the more I worried.  What if Big Sis had to go to the bathroom? Not really able to run her in and out with the trio.  I was certain the stroller would fit through the double doors but definitely not thru the bathroom door.  Then there was the issue of their 3:30 bottle.  Class is at 3:30 as well... Do I feed before we go? Or an hour later? Or do it on the go? Luckily I called one of Big Sister's babysitter's to come with us and she was available. RELIEF! Our outing was a success.  Only Carlos took the early bottle. Sofia threw it at me.  And Marcos had no interest.  Our babysitter, I., was so helpful, holding doors, moving chairs and tables and unloading babies.  I was even able to take some video of big sis learning to swim.  Isabella was able to go in the hot tub and the babies happily sat in their stroller. Marcos and Sofie took their bottle at 3:45, they are my schedule babies for sure! We could have done without the wind.  Marcos's eyes get very teary outside, and yesterday Carlos also had some tears.  They both seemed a bit uncomfortable. This reminds me...we had an eye appointment on Monday.  Everything went well.  Their eyes are looking good after having had laser surgery due to ROP.  All are farsighted, which is how babies should be at their age.  I shared with the doctor my concern about Marcos's eye always tearing outside.  He suggested I massage Marcos's tear ducts.  There is a possibility that they are clogged and if this does not resolve itself then it is another procedure for my little guy.  AAAAGGGGGHHHH! Not what I wanted to hear, especially when massaging the corner of his eye is not going so well.  He fights it each time.

But for now here are some pics!

The trio watching sissy swim

 Marcos...have been trying to get a pic of his teeth all week!

 Teething x 3 deserves its own post!

 Carlitos's tooth

Sofia meets Tita~Flashback Friday

~Flashback Friday~

My mother-in-law and sister-in-law are visiting from AZ for the weekend.  

In Tita's honor, here are some pics of Tita holding Sofia for the first time.  

Pictures taken on July 14, 2011

I have recently found the little notebook that I took with me every morning to rounds.  

Things must have been looking up for Sofia because there are very little notes around this time.

On July 17, 2011, Sofia weighed 1310 grams or 2 lbs. 14 oz!!!!

This was huge, not bad for the ex-25 weeker.

She was getting 26 mls of breast milk every 3 hours.

And was on nasal canula, 2 liters, oxygen between 25-35%.....

Oh NICU memories!

Wordless Wednesday~Beautiful eyes

Carlos

 Marcos

 Sofia

Waiting...

I had a couple of angry days last week.  

Angry about a few things.  Angry with the Man upstairs.

It doesn't happen very often, but it happens.

Just plain mad....mad that my babies were sick, mad that they came so early, mad that they cough and wheeze, mad that they have suffered so much.  Mad that we can't catch a break.  Mad that we can't get a good night's sleep.

Hating every nebulizer treatment we  do and every medicine I give.

Wishing life was a bit different, a bit more normal.  Wishing we could go outside.  Wishing I didn't have to stress about germs, RSV and re-hospitalization.

Questioning why? Why is this happening?  What have I done? My babies are innocent.

Anger then followed by guilt.  Yes, I know...my three babies are miracles.  

I have learned of so many other families dealing with so much more.  How can I be so weak?

Am I being ungrateful?

And then, while I was catching up on some blog reading... I found this poem:

Waiting

Desperately, helplessly, longingly I cried.
Quietly, patiently, lovingly God replied.
I plead and I wept for a clue to my fate,
The Master gently said, "Child you must wait!"

"Wait?  You say, wait!" my indignant reply,
"Lord, I need answers, I need to know why!
Is Your hand shortened?  Or have you not heard?
By faith I have asked and am claiming Your Word."

"My future and all to which I can relate
Hangs in the balance, and you tell me to wait?
I'm needing a 'yes,' a go-ahead sign,
Or even a 'no' to which I can resign,"

"And, Lord, You promised that if we believe,
We need but to ask, and we shall receive.
Lord, I've been asking and this is my cry:
I'm weary of asking!  I need a reply!"

Then quickly, softly, I learned of my fate.
Once again my Master replied, "You must wait."
So I slumped in my chair defeated and taut,
And I grumbled to God, "So, I'm waiting...for what?"

He seemed  then to kneel, and His eyes wept with mine,
And He tenderly said, "I could give you a sign.
I could shake the heavens and darken the sun,
I could raise the dead and cause mountains to run."

"All you seek I could give, and pleased you would be.
You would have what you want - but you wouldn't know ME.
You'd not know the depth of my love for each saint;
You'd not know the power that I give to the faint."

"You'd not learn to see through the clouds of despair;
You'd not learn to trust just by knowing I'm there;
You'd not know the joy of resting in Me,
When darkness and silence were all you could see."

"You'd never experience the fullness of love,
As the peace of the Spirit descends like a dove;
You'd know that I give and I save...(for a start),
But you'd not know the depth of the beat of my heart."

"The glow of my comfort late in the night,
The faith that I give when you walk without sight,
The depth that's beyond getting just what you asked,
Of an infinite God, who makes what you have LAST."

"You'd never know, should your pain quickly flee,
What it means that 'My grace is sufficient for thee.'
Yes, your dreams for your loved ones overnight would come true,
But oh, the loss!  if I lost what I'm doing in you!"

"So be silent, my child, and in time you will see,
That the greatest of gifts is to get to know ME.
And though oft may my answers seem terribly late,

My wisest of answers is still but to WAIT."

Coincidence? I doubt it.

Deep breaths, followed by inner peace once again.

Thank you Sarah for sharing your journey.  Her blog can be found here.

Have I mentioned that Sofia's wheeze is gone? GONE!! She has not been this quiet since before Christmas!! I have seen major progress in her development.  She is rolling a LOT.  She is determined to get what she wants.  She is opening her mouth for solids.  She is drinking her bottle without coughing, without taking breaks, without gagging.  She is talking a lot.  She is loud.  A good loud.  

Thank you God.

Another Monday

Our Monday is almost over and I am exhausted!  Just when I think things are looking up health wise...someone new has a fever!!
It's Isabella's turn! I am praying this is a quick 24 hour thing.  We took her to the doctor and she was swabbed for strep throat but hopefully it's just a virus.  She has been quarantined to her room! Who knows if that will make a difference but we can't have the trio get sick again.  Sofia is sounding really good, almost now wheezing whatsoever.  She has been very active these last few days. Lots of rolling, talking, exploring and observing everything.  The boys are happy babies during the day but congestion and coughing are still waking them up.  This morning there was only one baby in our room, so things are slowly getting easier.

It was a tough Monday! I had this great idea to try and change the babies' schedule to see if we can go from 3 short naps to 2 long ones.  This means more awake time and somehow one bottle gets eliminated.  Major changes!  Needless to say, it was an exhausting day.  I think my plan backfired and having Isabella home threw me off.
Oh well, we'll try again tomorrow and if they are not ready for it, we can always go back to the old routine.
Isabella got a hold of mommy's phone last week and snapped a few pics!

Hosted by Krystyn at Really, Are You Serious?

Photobooth~Wordless Wednesday

Carlitos n Sofita

Pictures taken April 7, 2012

Sofia takes a dip

Yep it happened!

Horrible diaper rash due to the antibiotic!

My poor Sofie!

Our weekend was spent airing her out and soaking her bottom.

The funny thing about this picture is the plastic yellow bin...we have about three or maybe four from our NICU stay.  When we were dipping her this weekend, we remembered this is where she used to get her baths in the NICU.  This tub was once too big for her! How far she has come!

Physical Therapy

Here is Sofia during her Physical Therapy session a couple of weeks ago....followed by Marcos.
Carlitos went first and was already napping when I finally filmed these. Hopefully I will get him next time.

10 month update

On March 17, the babies turned 10 months (adjusted age: 6 months, 2 weeks and 4 days to be exact!! I was cuddling a baby that morning at around the time they were born (4am) just thinking about the day they were born...

Weight Check
Carlos-13 lbs. 9 oz
Marcos-14 lbs. 14 oz
Sofia-14 lbs. 4 oz

All three are smiling and laughing and are quite ticklish.  All three are thriving and all of their doctors are so happy with their progress.  We had our first developmental follow up appointment on February 25 with our NICU and it went great.  I was a bit nervous but was happy to hear all their positive comments.
I realized that they can do more than I give them credit for.  I guess that comes with the multiples territory. My forgetfulness and/or lack of individualized attention and time.
All three are reaching for things, tracking big and small objects, holding toys, starting to transfer from one hand to the other....All three can roll from their tummy to their back, and with a lot of encouragement they can roll from their back to their tummy.  It doesn't happen too often but I know that they can do it. They are still figuring out what to do with their arms and tolerating tummy time more and more each day.  Sofia is able to move her arms and legs while on her tummy.  She is very curious and wants to touch everything.  Everything is so exciting to watch.  They can be entertained for a few minutes with different toys and they are starting to sit on their own for a few seconds at a time. We have lots cooing and some babbling, they definitely let us know when they don't like something.  They are getting better at solids each day.  Sofia is definitely more alert than the boys and wants to grab everything in sight.  They are receiving physical therapy once a week and our PT is very optimistic about their development and progress.  She is happy with their muscle tone and movement so far.  As of today, she has no major concerns and is very helpful in explaining that micro preemies often have their own timeline and how they often do not follow developmental milestones in order.

Unfortunately, we have been dealing with lots of sickness since the beginning of the year and Sofia's hospitalization for RSV.  This includes lots of wheezing and coughing disturbing everyone's sleep.  We had gotten to the point where ALL three were sleeping through the night but now that awful cough seems to wake one, two sometimes all three at around 2 or 3 am.  Mommy and Daddy have been trying to juggle everything plus quite a few doctors' appointments, breathing treatments, and inhalers with little sleep.  Marcos also has a bad case of thrush that lasted way too long and Nystatin (medicine prescribed) did nothing.  Just this week we were prescribed Fluconazole and I am praying this gets rid of it for good.  Poor guy screamed each time his cheek was swabbed. Never did I know I would become such an expert in administering medicine.
Ending on a positive note...Grandma and Grandpa got the trio the triplet table and on they tried it out on their 10 month birthday!

We are so proud of Isabella for being such a great big sis.  She has become such a good helper and our official diaper stocker and often does her chore without being reminded!

Yummy!

The trio started solids about two maybe three weeks ago (how time flies!).  At first, it was a bit frustrating for mama.  Carlitos was the only one who seemed to get it, and I was so surprised because out of the three, I thought he was the least ready! Marcos and Sofia just stared at me, barely opened their mouths. Our pediatrician told us to offer solids after a bottle, so I'm thinking they were too full.  After five days of trying that, I decided to offer solids before a bottle. What a difference, especially with Marcos.  Sofia was still a bit unsure.  We kept at it, just a few bites then followed by their bottle.  I am now offering solids after a bottle (but really rethinking this).  It's hit or miss! Sometimes they eat, sometimes they don't.  It has thrown off the schedule a lot because if I give too much they wont drink the next bottle, or as much of it, resulting in hungrier babies before mama is ready.  Now if it was one baby, no big deal but with three, a schedule is so helpful.  We are playing with the schedule almost every day.  Before a bottle, after a bottle....I'd like to try an hour or two after their bottle and push back the next bottle.  It's just trial and error! We'll get it soon! Does anyone have any tips for this transition?

Overall, it's gone well.  Every micro-preemie mama knows how much anxiety starting solids can bring.  The dreaded oral aversion is always in the back of my mind.  I am being very aware of the times they want it or not.  So far, Marcos is doing the best.  When we first started he would get so mad when the spoon left his mouth.  I'm thinking he wanted a flow of food like his milk.  Sofia has to be really hungry, and loves bananas.  She may have a sweet tooth! Carlitos is doing great.  I just have to catch him at the right time, in the right mood.  But excited to share that this new experience has not brought tears to anyone's eyes!

So far we have tried oatmeal, sweet potatoes, carrots, and bananas.  Next on the list are squash and avocado. 
And now for the pics of their first time eating oatmeal: