Week 25 (and 24, 23, and 22)

I do not even know where to start...first, so sorry for the lack of updates. Things have been really crazy with baby showers, work, setting up the nursery and battling a nasty, NASTY cold, which is still going on. But...I have finally found a few minutes to sit down and update everyone, and I'll try to keep the words short and just entertain with pictures-hehe!

Week 25 is feeling great...we are a week past our first "goal" which was week 24. At this point, if something happened and the babies had to be born, they would have a chance of surviving. Now, it would be really hard, but at least they would have a chance. From here are next goal is week 28, which was set by my specialist at like week 7, so that what we'll aim for. As for my regular docs, they seem to think these babies are never coming out and that they will have to induce me based on their exams. Contractions are a lot more frequent, and actually the other night got as close as 3 minutes. The minute I pick up the phone to call they stopped. I once again blame it all on stress because I had a really stressful day at work...long story short I messed up my FMLA and had to get it taken care of so that I could continue to work. That's all taken care of, I can continue working, the next two weeks are 4 days weeks, then a 5 day week, then another 4 day and then it is Spring Break...so I'm thinking I might be able to handle that. My main goal is to work 152 days of this school year so that I can get my year's credit and my pay raise for next year. That falls around March 23rdish, so after that, I will not feel bad about going out. And I finally have a long term sub, which is a former 2nd grade teacher from our school, and I'm actually in her room, so I know my students will have the best, and that was a huge weight lifted off of my shoulders. And other then the nasty cold, which Joseph and I both are battling, things have been really good. I had 3 awesome showers and got lots of goodies for the babies! The nursery is really coming along. We have a rather long to do list (thanks Chris!) but at least it is keeping us on track.

And in some baby news...as of last Monday's appointment the babies weigh the following:

Abby- 1 lb 6 oz
Claire- 1 lb 9 oz
Brayden- 1 lb 13 oz

Once again the difference between Abby and Brayden is 25%, which is a little high, but he was measuring 25 1/2 weeks, so that makes the numbers off. All babies are growing and doing great! I go back this Thursday (which is the wrong day!) My doctor is out of town, so I will be seeing a new doctor. They most likely will not do a growth ultrasound, so I probably won't have new weights, but they will be checking fluid levels and making sure the girls aren't experiencing twin to twin. Also this week I have my sugar test-yuck-which I am not looking forward to. With Jackson I failed my first test and had to go back for the 3 hour test, twice!, because it made me so sick. Hopefully that will not be an issue this time...

And now...the reason everyone comes to this blog, pictures of the babies. I will include a picture of each baby from week 22 and 24 for your viewing pleasure (except for a 24 week picture of Brayden because he was not photogenic that day). And there is also a belly pic...it just continues to grow and grow and GROW.

Abby Love...
22 weeks and looking like she is ticked off at the world, but I would be too if I was holding up a brother and a sister...






And in Week 24 you can see just how squished she is...I have a 4D, but she has two heads pressing into her face, so it's not so cute...






Claire Elizabeth...
Just enjoying life in the middle of everything








A great shot...you can really see her features, which are all Joseph in my opinion!







Brayden Jae...
Wishing Claire would move her tush outta his face...And probably because of this embarrassing picture decided to not give us a good week 24 picture. Maybe on March 29th...





Then there was this very neat, and rare picture...

They normally are not all head down and especially not in one shot, but there are three heads for ya!






And finally, the ever growing monster of a belly...

It gets bigger everyday...trust me!







And that's all! I really am sorry for the lack of updates, I know many of you are anxious to hear how the babies are doing, and though I do the best I can, I promise to do better! Thank you for sharing in our journey and for all the prayers. We feel them everyday as these babies grow and practice karate, or soccer, or whatever sport they are playing. We are so thankful for all of you in our life. As always, please Remember Jackson!