I ♥ my doctors!

Does finding cute symbols make up for my lack of blogs? Or, how about actually updating about my appointment today? Anyway...my appointment today went GREAT! I really am lucky to have a team of such great doctors. I only see 2 at my regular OB, and today it was Dr. McClelland who hasn't seen me since sending me to the specialist for the hives. So...needless to say he was overjoyed with our news, sat with us for a long time answering all of our questions and Joseph and I left there feeling great. Here is a run down of how the appointment went...

*I gained about 7 pounds in a month-go me!
*I am measuring 20 weeks, which I didn't think was that bad.
*All babies looked great...yes, I got a free ultrasound to check very quickly for heartbeats since it is impossible to hear three different beats!
*I got a new prenatal vitamin (for free) that is only one pill-yay!
*Have orders to check my thyroid...we talked too long and the lab closed, oops!
*Dr. M. also has extreme faith in me making it to 32 weeks. That's a lot of pressure to cook these babies.
*Dr. M. still makes the schedule, so I'll probably be able to sweet talk him into scheduling Dr. H. and him together to deliver the babies.
*We talked about the NICU at Piedmont, which he assures me is very capable of handling the babies. However, if any issues other then breathing arise, they would most likely transfer somewhere else.
*I will be going back to my regular OB every 2 weeks, which means an ultrasound every week, because I see the specialist on weeks I'm not at the regular OB. I also think this is going to make the time go by REALLY fast. This pregnancy is so much different then the others and I just want to enjoy it, but at the same time, I've come to grips with being high-risk and know they need to see me.
*Dr. M., who put me on Clomid, assumed, just like the rest of the world, that we had gone back to IVF. It was nice to see his reaction when I told him nope, just the drugs he gave me, well, and some praying too!
*Reassured me that even though I feel as though Abby might be falling out (can you say pressure big time) she will not, and her sister and brother will stay there too.
*Prepared me for the fact that contractions are going to start sooner rather then later, and they aren't hurtful at this point but my activity will effect these, so I'm to stay off my feet as much as possible.
*Gave me the go ahead to get a prenatal massage-thank you says my back!

So...that was pretty much it for the appointment. I told you we talked forever and he was so excited to talk with us and answer our questions. I am truly so thankful to have the support of such great family and friends, but also of doctors who have been with me since the beginning...Dr.M. put me in the hospital (3 times actually) and started the induction and Dr. H. delivered Jackson, so the fact that they are still my two primary doctors puts me at such ease. Anyway, thanks for checking in and we'll chat soon hopefully. At least you know there is another appointment soon, and Andrew will be taking the pictures (which I'm sure will be much better) so I'll hopefully have some to put up next week. As always, please Remember Jackson!

and babies

Week 17

I'm working hard on earning back my title of worst blogger ever, but things have been so busy. Week 17 officially marks the halfway point, since they will take the babies at 34 weeks. What's going on with those little babies you ask?! Well, come to find out, my book is just wrong, wrong, wrong...it says the babies should weigh 3.5 oz., but at the ultrasound this week Abby weighed about 5 oz, Claire and Brayden weighed about 6 oz. each, so that's pretty off from the book. The ultrasound lady said they are the size of a regular snickers bar...I love snickers bars! Anyway, speaking of ultrasounds, did you know I had a big one this week? They did a 16 week anatomy scan checking all the organs and growth. I'm super proud to announce that all babies passed with flying colors! They only thing that they couldn't check off the list was no cleft pallet and the heart. They were able to see lots of good stuff with the heart, but it's not completely developed until around 18 weeks, so they will check it then. I will go in for ultrasounds every 2 weeks from now on, darn. I will admit, I was nervous going into this last one because it had been so long and well, I just worry. My next scan is on the 19th! This week I will go to my regular OB, which should be fine. There is nothing major going on. I am afraid that my thyroid is off (think back to the hives and over medicating to prevent hives), and I think this is keeping me from gaining the weight. But, I've gained a good 2-3 pounds in the last month hopefully! I also need to find a new prenatal vitamin because mine is no longer available in generic...it took 3-4 different pills to find one that didn't upset my stomach-great fun. I will try to report how that appointment goes, but you know, we've been busy.

So...what else have we done this week?! Well, the nursery was cleaned out and all things baby were dropped into the room. Tuesday night my mom came and we organized it some, then on Wednesday night Michelle and Chrissy helped me organize even more, list included. We decided what to throw away (not too much), what to sell (some stuff), what to keep (lots!) and what to put in my Jackson box (which I'm proud of myself for letting things go...they are just things). After 3-4 hours we had sorted everything...and I had my list to go register. Registering was overwhelming, very thankful for my list, my husband and my other BFF Lisa for being there. After another 3-4 hours, we are registered! We went with 2 places...Babies R Us and Target. We decided to give as many choices as possible because there are things we really need and hopefully between these two stores we'll get everything. It's been a huge weight lifted off of our shoulders and now we can enjoy waiting for the babies and getting the nursery ready. I can't wait to post pictures of that-we haven't even started!-but there are some wicked good ideas going on in this head of mine! I also kinda planned, or I guess I should say scheduled two showers. I'm so thankful for all the people who want to help us. Joseph and I have always been overwhelmed with all the love and support.

So...that's where we are right now. A lot of the tough stuff is over, and now we get to get to the fun stuff, like the nursery! Thanks for checking in on us. As always, please Remember Jackson!

and babies

And...my pictures aren't great this time, but I'll try to put some up after our class tonight. We are learning to find "Financial Peace" with Dave Ramsey, which us luck!

Happy Birthday Baby Boy...

It is SO hard for me to comprehend that Jackson would have been 3 years old today. I remember like it was yesterday the day he was born. This year, we remember him and know that he is with us everyday...I feel his brother and sisters kicking me to remind me of what our journey has been. For those of you who have been there since the very beginning...thank you!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JACKSON COLE!

We love you with all of our hearts,
Mommy, Daddy and LOTS of others!

Happy New Week!

and Happy New Year too! What do you have to look forward to in 2010? I'm having a hard time deciding...ok, well maybe Abby, Claire and Brayden are all I ever wanted and they will be here before any of us know it! Even though I'm only at week 16 (woohoo!) look at it this way...my goal for myself is 32 weeks because I just think that's what it's going to be, and well, week 16 puts me HALF WAY THERE! Is that not crazy?! So, as I flip out about baby furniture, nursery decorating, registering and showers do not call me crazy, just call me getting prepared, because another reality of being pregnant with triplets is that bed rest can happen at ANY minute. So...I am choosing to be prepared and hope to scratch several things off of the list this week. Thankfully the nursery is almost cleaned out (so close, but I'm so tired it'll wait until tomorrow, or the next day) and then I can start bringing down all things baby from the attic for my assistant Chrissy, and possibly another assistant Michelle (though I don't know if she's as into organizing, making list and taking control as Chrissy?) to inventory. Then we'll decide what we need and register, with the help of my assistants hopefully. This triplet stuff is not easy, there's A LOT of stuff to think about. Also this week I hope to get my husband to agree on a theme for the nursery. He's all into this plain kinda stuff, and I want a little more, but we'll just have to see. We've decided to cram all babies into one room, so we have to find a nursery that works for everyone...oh goodness!

So anyway...on to the stuff every really wants to know right, what's going on with babies this week?! Well according to the "book" (which I probably should give correct credit to being the law abiding citizen that I am, but I've already told you once what it was, so look below if you really need to know...for all that explaining, I could've just typed the title again!) where was I?! Oh, the "book" says babies are about 4 1/3 to 4 2/3 inches long and weight about 2 3/4 ounces. No object comparison, but I think they are freaking huge (according to my belly...I know, I know...I need a belly pic. Maybe as assistant will help me out...). The babies have tiny hairs growing all over their bodies and they have grown fingernails. Arms and legs are just a moving and though I have not felt a strong kick, I can feel them floating around in there. They really got to moving on the bumpy road to and from Newberry which was fun. Hopefully soon they'll really start kicking because I can't wait for Joseph to feel them!

Many have asked how am I doing, so I thought I take a quick minute to answer that. Throwing up has stopped-woohoo! Heartburn has kicked in big time-boo! Tums are my new best friend. My back, butt and hips are killing me, but I think it's because of how I have to sleep. Of course no sleeping on the belly, and they say laying on the left side is better, but it's so freaking uncomfortable. And of course, no sleeping flat on my back. So, I prop pillows everywhere to try to catch the massive belly and make it comfy. I get up at least 3 times a night (11, 1 and 4) to use the bathroom and rolling out of bed is tough. We are going to lower our bed so that I won't have to fall so far! Weight gain I think is going in the right direction, but I won't know until next Monday when I go to my regular doctor. I feel very up, and I go back to school tomorrow and I've kept track of it there too, so we'll see what it says. That's me in a nutshell. This pregnancy is 100% different from when I was pregnant with Jackson, and though I still worry a lot I am really enjoying it. Most enjoyable part...Joseph. He has been amazing and I am so thankful he's by my side, or as close as he can get! He is really taking good care of me and helps me in any way possible. I got up this morning and went into the living room (we were at his dad's house) and he immediately got up for me to sit. Then I went to get a Coke and he wanted to go get it for me...I actually said to him not dead, just pregnant! He's just being so helpful, though he is on my back about food all the time, but I know he means well. I'm just super lucky to have him! And he cleaned the entire house the other night when I was out for girl's night...he just rocks! Anyway, we are both just really enjoying this pregnancy, anticipating the babies getting here and I really think falling in love with one another even more...life is pretty dang good around here!

So, that is that. I hope all of you had a safe and wonderful New Year. Can't wait to see all of the amazing things that are going to happen this year. As always, thanks for sharing in our journey and please always Remember Jackson!

and babies

My Favorite Ornaments, 2009 Edition

The other day BFF Chrissy said she was making a list of her favorite ornaments and I thought, "Hmmmm, that sounds like a great idea and I've got the perfect place to share what mine are." So today's post is all about my 8 most favorite ornaments on the tree. Some are obvious, others weird, some may make you say huh?, but these are the ornaments I love to put out every year (or in the future, since 1 is new this year). Anyway, enjoy my ornaments tour of 2009...

1-
I, along with the help of BFF's Michelle and Chrissy, made these ornaments back in 2007 to remember Jackson. It was our gift to everyone that year. They each come in a nice little box with a card that says as you place the ornament on your tree please take a minute to remember Jackson and his battle with SMA. The ribbon says Jackson Cole Hedgepeth on one side and Forever in our Hearts on the other. Believe it or not, I still have about 20 left, so if you would like one please let me know.

2-
This ornament is new this year, but it goes all the way up to spot number 2. This was given to me from BFF Chrissy (gosh, three credits already?!) for my birthday this year. It's absolutely perfect. I cried when I saw that Jackson was the star. It is just perfect!


3-
This isn't an "ornament" really, but he does go in/on the tree, so he counts. This is a Christmas Memory Bear that a coworker gave to me. He wears a locket and I had it engraved with Jackson's name, birthday and the day he passed away. It also came with a precious poem. I think it is another great way to remember our Angel Boy!


4-
An ornament not about Jackson...but very special to me. This is mine and Joseph's "Our First Christmas" ornament. It's just so cute. Who would have ever thought when we got married over 6 years ago we would begin such a journey?! I could not imagine having anyone else by my side!


5-
This ornaments goes way back to my childhood. I know I bought this ornament when I was in elementary school. It's some kind of animal that squeaks. You can't really tell what it is because some animal (probably Barkley, vicious dog) attacked him. This was one ornament that I had to take with me from my Mom's...


6-
Two words sum up this next ornament...GROUP CRUISE! In 2005 we took a week long cruise with 14 of our friends and had the time of our life. For Christmas that year I gave everyone these ornaments, including myself! They say "Carolina Cruisers" which was our name in challenges, trivia, whatever game we happened to find on board. Since this trip Joseph and I have not been able to go on another "group" vacation, but this one will always be on the list of greatest memories EVER!


7-
What favorite ornament list is not complete with supporting the home team?! This is my Carolina Panthers ornament, Santa included. I have several Panther ornaments, but this is my favorite.
Go Panthers!



8-
And rounding out the list is an ornament that represents two of my favorite things in life...South Carolina and flip flops! I know I was born in upstate NY, but my life is now in SC, I've got the tattoo to prove it (but don't tell anyone). And any true Carolina girl is a fan of the flip flops, though you must have a fresh pedicure, which I don't have at the moment. Flip flops will be making their way back into my life rather soon because they are so comfy and much easier then any other shoe...

And that is it for my "Favorite Ornaments 2009" tour. I bet next year will include some new ornaments, think of all the super cute "Baby's First Christmas" ornaments there are, times 3! I hope you enjoyed seeing some of my favs, do you have any favorite ornaments? I hope that all of you had a wonderful Christmas and a very safe, Happy New Year. 2010 is going to be an unforgettable year, I hope you join us. As always, please Remember Jackson!

My Mother's Worst Fear...

Quick post (promise)...

Went downstairs to get my last glass of water for the night and this is what I found...

Yes, that is a cat in one of the baby seats. Thank goodness we are having 3 babies so that the cats will never have to fight over baby seats!! And if this completely freaks you out, well sorry, we do vacuum our stuff so calm down. And no babies were hurt in the taking of this picture! Anyway...that's all. Check back tomorrow for another post I'm working on, and it's actually not related to the babies...shocking! As always, please Remember Jackson!


, Abby, Claire and Brayden

Week 15 and Maybe Some Baby Names...

Welcome to week 15...which arrived rather fast thanks to the busy schedule. I hope each of you had a wonderful Christmas, I know Joseph and I did. We are so blessed with great family and friends to share the holidays with. We just hope after next year we get invited back to all the dinners and lunches. We are also so very thankful for the gift we've been given this year of 3 healthy babies!

What is going on with those babies this week you ask?! Well, according to my book they are about 4-4.5 inches long, weight about 1.75 ounces and are close to the size of a softball. That seems rather big to me, and if you look at my belly, which I know I have not put pictures of on here, you can tell there is a lot of something growing in there.

This past week found me going to back to the nutritionist, which did not go great. Remember she gave me the 36 pounds before 24 weeks article, so Joseph gave me Muscle Milk. Anyway...after two weeks of keeping track of what I ate and Muscle Milk I managed to gain 0 pounds, and actually lost about 1/2 a pound. She was shocked too, so now I'm on a new plan. Now my plan is to get 2,000 calories a day by eating throughout the day. That's a big adjustment for me because I'm not a big eater, so for the times when I don't feel like eating I'm to drink a Boost or Slimfast since they are liquid and can "fill in the cracks" so to speak. Don't freak out over Slimfast either...it's got exactly the same components of Boost or Ensure, it's just marketed differently, so no I'm not trying to lose weight drinking Slimfast, it's just something that taste good to me, so that's what we go for. Oh, and one of the great recommendations was at the end of the day if I had not met my calories to get a bowl of chocolate ice cream with some chocolate syrup and enjoy...darn, that's going to be pretty tough! She also wants to me to start doing pregnancy yoga to try to make more room for babies. And if possible, I am suppose to find a way to get taller, which is not to my advantage at all this pregnancy. Let me know if you have any ideas on that one! The last thing we talked about was my thyroid (oh how I love that stupid thing!). I need to have my levels checked because if you remember back to the hives incident, the treatment for that was over medicating me, which can lead to weight lose and stuff like that, so we are going to see if that is keeping me from gaining weight. At the end of the day though the babies continue to grow right on track and that is all that matters. In a few weeks weight will probably start piling on and I'll be here complaining, so for now, I'll just eat my ice cream!!!

Did someone say something about baby names?! I got side tracked thinking about ice cream!! After weeks of discussion and going back and forth and even some voting amongst family and friends, we have finally decided on names. It may seem early for names to you, but if I'm at week 15 and the babies can come anytime after week 28, well, we are closer to the end then we think, though the babies are staying put until 34 weeks for Dr. Hilton. That's still almost halfway through.

Anyway, names were tough...we actually had solid names picked out for 2 boys and 1 girl, so when it became 2 girls it got a little tricky. Then there were family names we wanted to include, names that one liked more then the other, names that would be on, then off, then on the table again. The list got pretty short rather quickly and after practicing for a week or so we decided we had the right names.

So, now it's time. Introducing...........

Abby Love
Abby was the name we had chosen the first go around if we had a girl. I've always loved the name and so has Joseph. We actually went back and forth on this one and tried out a few others, but in the end she was Abby. Love is a family name. My middle name is actually Love, so we know we would always use it if we had a girl.

Claire Elizabeth
Joseph fell in love with the name Claire so fast it blew my mind. We had originally planned to use it as a middle name, but then decided if we could find a middle name to go with it we would use it. Clair was also my grandfather's name, actually he was Clair Love, so these girls are pretty much after him. Elizabeth was the only name that really flowed with Claire. We found out later that it is actually my grandmother's middle name, so there is family history there too.

Brayden Jae
It was hard for use to decide on a name for baby boy. There were 3 names that we went back and forth between (Collin and Cooper were the other two). Joseph again fell in love with the name Brayden, and I too have always loved the name. We knew the middle name would be Jae after Joseph's grandfather, who passed away a little after Jackson. After trying Jae with other names, Brayden was the most loved and sounded the best!

So, those are the names of the babies. A huge weight has been lifted. So go crazy with monograms people! Oh...I did forget to say that all the babies will have the last name Hedgepeth...we decided on that pretty quickly! Thanks as always for sharing in our journey. As always, please Remember Jackson! Also, please continue to keep us in your prayers...

and babies