"Where There is No Struggle, There is No Strength!"

Hey there, this is Loren speaking. Usually I am just the one typing what the triplets tell me to, so this is a little intimidating. I am sure you are wondering why the triplets aren't sharing the latest updates, but it's my turn to share the updates. The babies' last update stated that mommy needed some extra rest, so they put her on a modified bed rest. Alecia had a few days of resting and taking advantage of me in my naughty house-hubby costume. (Sorry for the disturbing mental pictures!!) Before cabin fever was able to set in, it was time to see Dr. Wildey again at Altru on Monday. Another ultra sound was completed to check on all of the babies, as well as their cord flows. 

We are talking --- lots of talking!

The babies were definitely showing off on Monday, too. Baby A (boy) was pretty bored with the appointment because we snapped a picture just as he was yawning. Baby B (girl) was practicing her gymnastic moves as she stretched her legs over her head just as the ultra sound technician took a photo. Baby C (girl) was trying to one-up her sister by stretching her legs so far above her head that her knees were touching her forehead. They are already starting to compete with each other by showing off. God help us now!!

The doctors also checked the cord flows of each baby. These cords are used to let mommy give nutrients to each baby. It is important that each baby is showing signs of flowing nutrients to each individual baby. With our frequent ultra sounds and staring at a little TV of body parts twice a week, we could tell something was different. Baby B and Baby C's cord flows decreased, with Baby B's almost absent. This was tough news! We know the risks all too well of what this means. Dr. Wildey informed us that as long as the flow is not reversed, the babies can continue to rest in mommy's tummy. If the flow shows any signs of reversal, it would be time to meet the babies. Knowing that this is a very possible situation, Dr. Wildey said it's time to let Alecia rest in the hospital and receive an IV of magnesium to help with neurological protection of the babies. It was a rough night of trying to monitor the babies and keep Alecia comfortable.

Another ultra sound was scheduled for Tuesday morning. We were pleased to know that even from last Wednesday, each baby showed signs of growth!! As for the cord flows...they were slightly improved, but still at a scary measurement. Dr. Wildey, Dr. Panda, and Dr. VanEerden all agreed that it was time to become permanent residents of "Hotel Altru". With our celebrity status in these here parts, Alecia and the babies are receiving excellent care! They are even letting us stay in the "Beyonce Suite".

They say that you never really know how strong you really are until you need the strength the most. Right now, WE ARE STRONG! We are strong because we know that these beautiful babies are in good hands of doctors who are treating them as their own. We are strong because Alecia is in the hands of compassionate, dedicated, and truly amazing doctors. We are strong because the staff at Altru has gone above and beyond to make us feel OK. We are strong because of the plethora of texts, phone calls, emails, hugs, thoughts, and prayers we have received for our growing family. We are strong because of our friends, family, and work-families are willing to drop everything to help in any way. We are strong because we know we're loved! We are strong because of you! No thanks can and will ever be enough to express our gratitude to those who have reached out to us. Just know that your kind thoughts, words of encouragement, and prayers of strength have done more than any medicine could EVER do for us and our babies! We are truly humbled by your love!!

I am strong because even though the tears are falling and this journey has been very bumpy and unpredictable, I am maneuvering throughout holding the hand of the most strong, amazing, and truly beautiful person I ever could dream of, my best friend and wonderful mother-to-be, Alecia!

As we wait in the "Beyonce Suite", we think. We think about all of you and how lucky our growing family is to have you in our lives. Our stay here is very unknown. We do know that each day the babies stay relaxing in Alecia's tummy means another day of growing and developing. Babies A, B, and C could arrive within days, weeks, or months -- we don't know. However, we do know that the babies will arrive when God wants them too!

June 25th, 2012
Admitting Day 

Once again, thank you for everything!! "With a new day comes new strength!" You do not realize how much you all lighten the darkest of our days! We love you all and cannot wait for you to meet the Triplets. However, we're hoping you have to wait quite a bit longer!!

Until next time...

 :-)  :-)  :-)