I have been meaning to do this post for a week or so but my "to do list" just keeps growing..
The expression "Life can change in a moment's notice" is very true...
December 7, 2007 at around 10:00am was MY MOMENT....
The day started like any other. I already knew I was pregnant and was heading for my first eight week appointment with the nurse. Tom was with Hannah at The Little Gym keeping her entertained. Neither one of us thought it was necessary for him to come to the appointment which was just supposed to be a family history appointment with the nurse. I guess looking back I knew in my heart something was different I just assumed that meant something was wrong. When speaking to the nurse that morning I used words like different, weird feelings, lots of pressure, big weight gain, etc. The nurse hearing all of these things decided that I needed a sonogram that morning. So I went quickly to the sonogram room expecting to hear that something was wrong with the pregnancy. I had prepared myself that I was probably having a miscarriage before I even went into the room. The sonogram tech started quickly and stopped just as quickly telling me that she needed to get a doctor. The doctor came in and started the sonogram himself and then quickly stopped and used the phone to call another doctor. At this point I started getting upset because it was evident that something was wrong. When the second doctor entered and looked at the screen (which I could not see) this is what I heard. "I'm glad you are lying down for this ...we see three heartbeats, all strong and healthy" This was not what I was expecting to hear!!! Then I heard "now we are going to look around to make sure that there are just three." This is when I think I went into a bubble with a million different thoughts going through my head. First, Tom and Hannah, then our life, me working, diapers, bottles, formula, how would I ever ever handle this...one baby was hard enough. I think I stayed in this bubble, if I'm going to be honest, for about a month or so. I just could not accept that this was really happening inside my body.
The doctors were not optimistic about the pregnancy, telling us that it was a "risky situation that they would not recommend going forward with" We were told this by two different doctors in our area. Both of whom recommended to us selective reduction. I think this is why I physically could not come out of my bubble. Each appointment was so negative and nobody made my believe that the outcome would be good. So Tom and I decided on a third opinion at the University of Maryland. This is where we met Dr. Harmon and Dr. Kush who both said that this was possible. They both told me it would be the hardest task I would ever have in my life (boy were they right) but that I could do it and with their guidance I would do it. They brought me out of my bubble to accept the fact that I had three babies who were growing inside of me. They taught me how to listen to my body and take care of myself. They gave us three beautiful healthy baby girls. Without them our girls would not be here today. I guess it just goes to show if you don't like a first opinion - get a second or even a third.
So in one year our life has changed quite drastically. From a family of three to a family of six. Not what I was ever expecting! I have learned so much in the last year about life and myself...
-sleep in definitely overrated
-when you think your body can not handle any more, it can
-you can be a planner but as hard as you try you can't plan "life"
-its ok to ask for help (this was hard for me)
-its ok to accept help from others
-the gift of someones time is the most amazing gift
-you cannot get through life without friends and family
-crying is really good exercise (I try to tell myself this when they are all screaming)
-there are still really kind people in the world (we have met the most amazing people because of the babies)
-it is the most unnatural feeling to not be able to soothe all three babies at one time
-four year olds are resilient,strong little people (Hannah amazes me each day!)
-three babies are difficult but also so rewarding... I can't believe they are six months
Thanks to everyone who has shared this crazy yet wonderful journey with us...the kindness shown to our family has been and continues to be overwhelming. It is because of you that we have made it through the last six months....
THANK YOU and God Bless
