Saying Goodbye...

Hello all!! We're so glad you stopped back. These weeks just fly by when you're having fun, growing, eating, pooping, and sleeping.

Saying goodbye is not an easy thing to do. But when we had to say goodbye this week, it was one of the most beautiful and amazing goodbyes we've ever said.

We said "GOODBYE!!!" to the NICU!!!!!! 

Imagine...mommy, daddy, Ella, Jaxson, and Charlie
rolling down the street with this limo.
I'm sure we blend in just fine...

First official family portrait at home!

"The Three Ring Circus: where chaos reigns supreme!
Love, life, and everything in between."

A rare moment at the Hoheisel household...
all of us were sleeping and quiet!

Can you believe it? 

After 67 days, our beautiful sister Charlie, joined us at home. She joined us at home just one day before our original due date, September 21st. What perfect timing, huh? Of course we'll miss our wonderful nurses and knowledgable doctors, but we'll be back soon...just to visit, though!

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Charlie

HALLELUJAH!!! 67 days of ups, downs, downs, ups, and downs finally paid off. I am HOME! I finally got to feel the warm wind blowing against my soft cheeks, the changing color of the leaves, the busy people passing by, and most importantly, the inviting home where my family awaited my long overdue arrival. I am HOME! I cannot tell you how exciting it is. Sleeping in my own bed, cuddling with mommy and daddy, and hearing the oh so familiar sounds of my brother and sister. 

Another picture?!?

Pretty, little Sioux fan

Ella

All three of us at home is the most wonderful and amazing feeling we have ever felt. It feels so great to have my brother and sister home with me to begin our crazy lives as the Hoheisel Family. Jaxson and I had the best night of sleep when Charlie arrived. It was like we were waiting so long and finally felt at ease. So yes, lots of drooling, snoring, and dreaming was done on Charlie's first night at home. Home...it has never meant so much until now!

It's you again...with that camera in my face!

It's tough trying to stay awake to watch
the whole Vikings game.

Jaxson

We all have goals in life. We've accomplished many of our goals in our short, yet dramatic lives. A goal that seemed, at times, unrealistic was that we all would check-out of "the spa" and check-in to our home before our due date. A goal that seemed so out of reach was met this week. We all made it home before our due date. What a wonderful accomplishment! With goals and achievements happening each day, we continue to flourish as triplets and as individual miracles. 

Finally sleeping peacefully now that Charlie is home!

Halftime nap

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We think this is the reason why the Vikings won today!
SKOL VIKINGS!

YEAH! SIOUX, SIOUX!

Two Home, One to Go!

Hey there, ladies and gentlemen! We cannot tell you how blessed we are for having such great people to check in on us. Good thing, too! Especially since mommy and daddy are first time parents. It helps to know they have people to look out for them and make sure they know what they're doing. But really...does anyone ever know what they're doing with children? With triplets?

Now presenting to you, the three peas in a pod, JAXSON, CHARLIE, and ELLA.

Ella & Charlie bonding with daddy. 

Jaxson made Ella watch the Vikings let us down yet again.

Honeeeey, I'm hoooome!!! That's right. I packed my bags and walked right out of "the spa". I told those nurses and doctors to call me a taxi because it's time for me to break free.

No. Not even close! Come on, Jaxson. You know that's not how it happened.

Yeah, tell the truth, Jaxson. See, look at that. Boys lie and girls always tell the truth because we're perfect, little angels!

Diggin' my new pad.

Yeah, right! Charlie, it's my story and I'm sticking to it. Ella, shut your trap!

Guys, don't listen to him. I was there and I'll tell you how it happened. After going back and forth about Jaxson going home, the doctor finally decided that Jaxson was ready to be with Ella, mommy, and daddy at home.

There we go, Charlie. That's more like it. But you forgot to say the part that he missed me so much and wanted to be at home with me. He couldn't stand that I was getting all the attention at home.

Well, whatever. The important thing is that I'm home. On Saturday, our 2-month birthday, I was able to go home for the first time. Seeing daylight, riding in a car, feeling the bumpy streets of Grand Forks, seeing the brown/green grass, and walking into my home...all for the first time. Can any of you parents imagine how amazing it felt for mommy and daddy to take me home after 2-months?!?

I am happy for my brother, I am. However, that means that I'm left in the NICU all by myself. Some would say that I'm lucky to have some peace and quiet before I head home to the chaos, but I'm sad. I'm sad that I can't hear Jaxson snort in his sleep, cry like a baby (well, I guess that fits him well), toot, and talk to me in his billy goat grunt. Yes, Jaxson, I'll miss my roommate. (I know I'll take that back someday!)

It's just me, Charlie, the lone princess left behind.

I am happy for my brother, too. But, that means I have to share mommy and daddy at home. Call me selfish and a diva, but when you're a triplet, you have to take every advantage of alone time with your parents. I am also sad for Charlie, but don't let her sob story get you. She's loving being alone in "the spa". She gets all of the attention of the nurses and doctors. When mommy and daddy visit her, she gets all the loving. I am sad that she's alone, but remember, I'm the one with her stinky, ex-roommate! 

Come on, girls! You are just as stinky...probably even more, Ella! Mommy and daddy told me about the smells at home. See, those girls are always giving me a hard time. Welcome to my life!! So I'll fill you in on a little secret of theirs. Shhhhh! I read Charlie's diary and she weighs 5 pounds 2 ounces. And Ella, I overheard that she weighs 6 pounds 2 ounces. Well, and since I'm the tank, I weigh 6 pounds 8 ounces. Take that, sisters!

Very funny, Jaxson! Should we give away your little secret from yesterday? Huh?

Yeah, the one that you cried and cried about all day?

YOU WOULDN'T!

Or would we?!?

Hehehe! Blackmail on Jaxson! Way to go, sis!

God help me!

Well, I was supposed to join Ella at home on Wednesday, but decided that I need a bit more time in "the spa". Sometimes I just get so excited, I forget to breathe... I guess that's kinda a big deal. So I will be spending a few more days with my favorite nurses and doctors. Hopefully I will be home by our due date, which is next Friday, September 21st.

Speaking of Friday, we have another appointment with our pediatrician. At my last one, I had to get shots! OUCH! I thought I was done being poked once I left the NICU. On that same day, Jaxson and Charlie also got their shots. Actually, the only one in our family that didn't get a shot was mommy. I was with daddy when he got his and he cried more than I did! He said his contact was bugging him, but I know the truth.

This is my halo. It is a newborn size and still too big!

Why are all of the girls picking on us boys? Daddy, we're outnumbered, so we've gotta stick together, man! 

Ladies, we're not that bad, are we?

No, we're not. We're like every other lady...perfect, beautiful, and innocent! :-}

Oh, brother! Well, anyways, my first night at home was great! I was so happy to see my room, crib, and closet. Since there are so many clothes in that closet, I decided that I needed to try out a bunch of them. I think within my first 10 hours of being home, I was changed 3 different times. Oops! :-P

As you know, life is full of roller coasters of ups, downs, twists, and turns of unexpected proportions.. We know that life is not fair and out of our control. We know that we cannot take life for granted and it is gone before we know it. Sadly, our family felt the sorrow of losing a life this past week. Our great-aunt Marla was unexpectedly lifted to heaven on angel wings. Yet, another beautiful angel taken too soon from Earth to guide us in life from heaven.

We have felt her love from the very beginning. One thing that we discovered about Marla was that family meant the world to her. Her dad, mom, husband, sisters, brothers, cousins, nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews were often the topic of conversation in her life. Everyone that came in contact with Marla knew about each and every one of us, often with pictures kept on hand at all times. Many of her co-workers, friends, patients, and passerby's willing to listen witnessed how proud she was of her family.

Here are the Moberg siblings at mommy and daddy's wedding in June of 2009.
Meet our great-aunties and uncles: Jon, Myrna, Marla, Grandpa Jeff, Marsha, & Joel.

"Perhaps they are not stars, but rather openings in heaven where the love of our lost ones
pours through and shines down upon us to let us know they are happy." 

Her life taken too soon, but legacy of kindness, love, compassion, and family shines brighter than ever. We did not have the chance to meet our great-aunt Marla after being born, however, the love she had for us stretched miles. We remember hearing her voice when mommy talked on the phone with her for the weekly check-in, her heartfelt comments left on our blog, and weekly words of strength. No, we did not meet our great-aunt Marla, but we do feel her love.

As our family continues to grieve the loss of someone with a heart filled with love, compassion, and kindness, we search for strength. We find that strength in memories, family, faith, and remembering Marla's beaming smile. A smile that is engraved in the hearts and minds of so many.

Yes, Marla's family, friends, patients, and co-workers were blessed with so much that she had to offer. Now, we are all blessed with the beautiful memories Marla so graciously allowed us to make with her. Memories that will be cherished by so many. Memories that now have become treasures.

I am sure as Marla met Jesus, she had her camera in hand and passed scrapbooks of her family for all to see. Another precious life taken away to become another beautiful angel watching over us all. As we continue with our lives, Marla walks right beside us all guiding, encouraging, and strengthening each one of us. Marla, you are missed by many! We, as many others, love you so much! God bless you!

By this time next week, I hope to be raising ruckus with my brother and sister at home--fingers crossed!! Have a great week. Prayers and love sent to you all!

As for me, when I talk to you next week I will have already schooled my brother and sister on the rules of the house. First rule--Ella eats first! Take care, everyone! Love ya! GOD BLESS!!

As the next week passes, stay tuned for more stories of the hectic lives of the Hoheisels. Thanks again for stopping and checking in on us. We love you all!

Light at the End of the Tunnel!

Welcome back, friends! We've missed you this past week. We'll start out by saying that the roller coaster ride continues, but we've had a lot of UPS and not many downs this week! You know how on the roller coasters your tummy tickles from the ups and downs, well that is definitely how we all felt this past week. (All 5 of us are knocking on wood right now in hopes that it continues...)

Ella

Hello there, friends, family, and fans! I'm glad you found your way back. We've been thinking about you lately. I thought I would start us off this week by giving you the insider news from "the spa". 

"HONEY, I'M HOME!!!" Yes, I packed up my bags and left "the spa" on day 52. I am on day four at home and loving it. However, I am anxiously awaiting the arrival of Jaxson and Charlie to our new home. So are mommy and daddy! The bags under their eyes from lack of sleep, exhaustion from going to the hospital, and emotional roller coaster of not having their family all at home tell us so.

Mommy and daddy bring me up to the hospital so I can visit the other two legs to our tripod. I miss them, but love getting a chance to see all of my favorite nurses and doctors.

I've been pretty high maintenance the past few days. Daddy says diva, I say princess! Since being home I've switch formula. My tummy got really big again and my plumbing hasn't been too regular. So with the switch, my tummy looks great...but the plumbing is still a little backed up, Mommy and daddy are still waiting for a heavy diaper... :-)

Since I am not in "the spa" at all times, I do not get weighed regularly. My last weigh in was on Friday and I topped the scale at 5 pounds 4 ounces. So I will give you the typical lady response about my current weight..."a woman never tells"!

With many new things at home, one thing continues to remain the same: mommy, daddy, me, Charlie, and Jaxson are so grateful for the support of everyone. Every kind word means so much to us all! We love you!!!

Jaxson

Hey guys! Welcome to our crazy life! With Ella home, me and Charlie at "the spa", and mommy and daddy at home, things have become even more insane around here. Of course, it's a beautiful, crazy life we live. It has also been a very positive week for me.

Charlie and I are on day 56 in our great "spa". That means that we are 8 weeks old! Holy smokes! We've definitely been through some tough times in our short time with you all. (Now everyone, sympathy "Aww's" in unison!)

"Get in my belly!" Yes, I am eating again! After 10 days of not eating, then getting one day of feeding, and then stopping for one more day, I am finally back to full feeds. Well, actually, I am able to eat "ad-lib". Which means that whenever I am hungry I can eat however much I want. Talk about one extreme to the next. This guy is on a roll.

Speaking of rolls, I've got plenty of them right now. I am weighing in at 6 pounds 7 ounces. Once I get dressed again, I will probably move right out of preemie clothes into newborn. Another big step for this handsome little man.

Since I am eating and gaining ounces, I will be able to get my IV out soon. That will be nice, especially since I am trying to pump iron for the ladies and the IV gets in the way. 

I saw an advertisement in the "Daily Preemie News" for a triplet looking for a cribmate. I snatched that right up and hopefully move in by Tuesday. I know Charlie will love her new cribmate.

As this week passes, we'll have many more changes. Let's hope next time we chat we'll have a lot more great things to share. Keep those prayers, kind words, and love coming our way. We appreciate you!!

Charlie

Hey friends! It's me, your favorite little peanut. I had my one week of speaking first and now I'm pushed to the end of the line. I guess they wanted to save the best for last, right?!? What a great week is has been for this little lady.

Since Ella left me all alone in this big crib, I started to weigh my options. I either get my poop in a group or pack my backpack for kindergarten because I'll never get out of here. So, my poop is now...well, you know.

As much as I loved having those two little prongs in my cute, little button nose, I decided it was time to part with those plastic nuisances. I am on day four of no respiratory help. It's been a long time coming, that's for sure. Now let's cross our fingers that I don't miss them too much.

I am finally starting to pack on the grams, too. With many worries of me not getting big enough fast enough, I am now weighing in at 4 pounds 6 ounces. Even though I'm still the littest, my scream is still the loudest! :-P

Oh, I forgot to tell you that I'm also on "ad-lib" feeding. That means that I also get to eat as much as I want as often as I want. Don't count this little lady out of the running of making it home before our actual due date.

Speaking of making it home, if all goes well this week, I hope to join Ella at home before the weekend. We'll see what the doctors have to stay about that, though. I think I know what mommy and daddy think about that. Mommy has actually sized me up next to the diaper bag and she thinks she can slip me right in there. No one would ever know, would they?

Thanks so much for stopping in again. We look forward to chatting with you each week. It's like our virtual play date. Lots of prayers this week as we all grow stronger, bigger, and cuter! We love you all! Stay safe, friends!

“Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will." - Gandhi

WOW! Another week already passed us by? 

Can you believe how fast time flies when you're hanging in "the spa"?!? 

Doing the "Macarena"! 

Strawberry Cuties

Charlie Dawn

Oh, hey! It's me, Charlie! I finally had to talk my brother and sister into letting me talk first. This middle child thing is a pain in the butt! Did you know there is actually a middle child syndrome?? And this innocent, little lady will be taking full advantage of it to get what I want. Hey, it's a "triplet eat triplet world" out there! Anyways, it has been another awesome week for me. I am slowly, but surely packing on the ounces. At 50 days old, I am weighing in at 3 pounds 14 ounces. I am still the smallest, but I'm also the most feisty. I need to continue working on gaining weight, however, I hear mommy and daddy say that most people have the opposite problem. I am still using a little oxygen to help remind me to take nice, steady breaths. And by little, I mean 1/32 of a liter of oxygen. Sometimes I take it out of my nose to see if the nurses notice, but always end up with it back in my nose. I am also doing pretty well with my bottle feedings. I am transitioning to formula right now, and it's different, but I like it. I've had a lot of visitors this past week. Grandmas, grandpas, aunts, uncles, and cousins, oh my! Since I am in a crib I can be held more often. That means that mommy and daddy have to share their snuggle time. They miss holding us every time, but we sure like cuddling with our family. My goal for this next week is to be off of oxygen, strictly bottle feeding, and gaining weight. With your love, prayers, words of encouragement, and snuggle time, I will reach that goal! I may only be 50 days old, but I have definitely learned a lot. One thing that I've learned is that no matter what is going on in the real world, at home, or within yourself, family will be by your side not as a convenience, but a necessity. And we thank them for that! Jaxson, Ella, mommy, daddy, and I would have not been able to make it through this entire journey without our loving family to cry and laugh with us. And trust me, there has been a lot of both! There are baby steps and then there are preemie steps. As you can probably tell, the preemie steps are very tiny, tiny steps, however, each tiny, microscopic step forward seems so triumphant and victorious...and it really is!! You've heard us say that it is the little things that keep us and mommy and daddy feeling positive, but I am not sure if you realize how ecstatic each teeny-weenie milestone lifts our spirits! As for this next week, we'll have lots of laughs and tears of joy! I promise and pinky swear!

By far the cutest strawberry in the patch! 

Uh...why is that bear looking at me??

Bald Beauty

Ella Grace

Oh, no! Charlie has you under her spell of making you feel sorry for her. That little trickster! I am glad you found us again! I am sure you are just as busy in your lives as we are here, so I'm very thankful you took the time to stop by and check in on us. You know they say it takes a village to raise a child, well what does that mean for triplets?!? :-) After a not so good last week, I've turned things around for the better. I am continuing to gain weight. At 50 days old, I am weighing in at 4 pounds 15 ounces. That means that I should be hitting the 5 pound mark very soon! Still, 5 pounds is tiny, but so huge for any baby who was born 10 weeks early. We passed the 37 week milestone this week and means that we are technically term babies now. It is crazy to think that we're supposed to be in mommy's tummy still, not 50 days old. However, we are so lucky we made it to 30 weeks with mommy...some babies aren't that lucky. I have been enjoying my bottle feedings this past week. So much that I am officially on "ad lib' feedings! For those of you unfamiliar with the NICU lingo, it means that I am no longer on a strict eating schedule. Whenever I am hungry, I can eat. I don't have to wait for the nurses to wake me up every 3 hours anymore. I can eat whenever I want and however much I want...within reason. That is a very big leap for me. If all goes well, I can have my stinky nose feeding tube removed. I can tell you one thing, I won't miss that. Charlie and I also added Prilosec to my daily cocktail of goodness. That has helped with our refluxing so much that mommy and daddy are able to have more snuggle time with us after my feeding. Sometimes they even let both me and Charlie cuddle with one of them at the same time! Snuggle time is our favorite! It replenishes all of our hearts from the ups and downs we endure each day. It gives us hope! Each poopy diaper, ounce grown, smile, bottle drank, and day passed gives us hope! We never lose hope because we celebrate. Each breath is a celebration for us, mommy, daddy, the nurses, and doctors. When we say celebrate the little things, just think of the little things in your life that you've let pass by. We've all done it...and will continue to do it. But today, stop what you're doing!  Stop worrying about mowing the grass, what's on our schedule for the week, or what's left undone...instead, enjoy life! Enjoy each other! Enjoy the sun or rain or wind or thunder! Enjoy being here, today...because I know we sure are!!!

Not another picture!!!!

Big girl at 37 weeks

Another strawberry cutie!

Jaxson Ray

Hi there! It is strange being the last one to chat. I am really going to have to come up with something great to wrap it up and keep you coming back for more. Well, I suppose I should start off by telling you that this has not been the greatest week for this handsome little man. Actually, I should tell you that this week is one that mommy and daddy would appreciate the chance to push the "EASY BUTTON" or use a mulligan. It has been one of those weeks that faith and hope have been tested. It has been one of those weeks that keeping it together and smiling has never been harder or more painful for us all. You know when Charlie said family is everything, well, that statement has never been more true this week. It actually all started right after I visited with all of you last time. My little tummy started to hurt on Sunday night. It hurt so bad that daddy laid on a chair and had a hot pack between me and his chest to make me feel better. Unfortunately, it didn't work. After an hour and a half of laying with daddy, it was time to move me. Uffda!!! When they moved me, I screamed!! Anytime anything or anyone touched my tummy, I winced in excruciating pain. The doctor was called and right away I was put back into an isolette to help get me comfortable again. My belly started to blow up like Ella's did the week before and I wasn't digesting my milk. So, I had to be put back on oxygen, receive a blood transfusion, get poked for an IV, and stop my feedings. Now let me tell you, I was ok with everything up until the point when they took away my milk. I was definitely not the happiest client in "the spa". The doctors did many tests and they concluded that it was an infection; an infection that attacked my digestive system. Like I said, it was a very rough week. As the week progressed, I started to get more and more hungry. But, as bad as that sounds, it is a very good thing because it meant that I was feeling better and wanting food again. It is currently day 8 of at least 10 that I have not/will not receive my bottle. And on day 8, I am doing better. I am off of oxygen support and I am gaining weight. Although some of my weight is fluid from my IV, I am a whopping 5 pounds 9 ounces. (One doctor said that I am going to be a fat baby...I am trying to take that as a compliment.) The plan for me is that I'm going to get better and back to my normal self. I'm a Hoheisel and Hoheisels fight! We never give up! Ask my Great-Grandma Shirley about that one!!! After a few more days of not eating and letting my body heal, I will be ready to take the NICU by storm. Watch out, nurses! I'll be ready to pack on the ounces and get back to my normal, handsome self. Next week when you stop by and visit, I'll be bottle feeding, back with my sisters in their room and crib, and back on track...I promise!! Charlie, Ella, mommy, daddy, my family, my friends, and my fans give me strength. Having someone to be strong for gives me strength. You are my reason to fight! Our family has learned "courage isn't having the strength to go on -- it is going on when you don't have the strength."

Chubby cheeks

You know you're not tricking me with a pacifier!

Here's the note I wrote for mommy and daddy.

Here's a commercial that mommy and daddy found while watching the Olympics. They both found themselves glued to the TV watching the commercial as they felt many emotions that were described by the families. The isolette that is featured here is just like our first homes. We felt like it was a story made about us!! Take the time to check it out if you're interested.