What a difference a year can make, my friends...
Love,
Maggie and Andy
Posey, Miles, and Mark, our 3 little miracles...
Monday, September 10, 2012
What a Difference a Year Makes!
I sit down to write this and have thought and thought about what to say, but yet, words cannot come to me. I've given myself thirty minutes- (nap time is over soon!) My mind has gone from one extreme to the next. I constantly think about the "what ifs?"... What if I had never had triplets? What if one was still in the hospital? What if, what if, what if???? And then the questions that follow the what ifs are the "did I's?" Did I really have triplets? Did I carry them 35 weeks, 3 days? Did I just hear one crying? And then the "Who would have thought?" questions follow that... Who would have thought that a year ago I'd have three really HEALTHY babies? Who would have thought that I'd be sitting here looking at three beautiful little miracles- which is truly what they are. Life is crazy, but absolutely wonderful. I remember this day a year ago like it was yesterday. I was nervous, scared, and excited. It was a beautiful fall day, just like today- crisp air, sunny. Andy and I talked like we normally would on any trip to Memphis. However, we were both in shock that we were actually headed to the fertility doctor to have a procedure that would hopefully have the best end result ever and change our lives for the absolute best. (Not too many people I know can tell you the exact day and time they got pregnant, oh, but I can! Ha!) I've had so many emotions today and I've tried to relish in each one. I've cried, laughed, cried, laughed, and done it all over again. It truly is unreal what a year can bring- from being sooo excited to just be pregnant, to finding out we were expecting twins, then triplets, then three boys, then a girl got thrown into the mix- not to mention all of the scares we had while I was pregnant. I wouldn't trade it for the world. I'm not sure what the definition of the word "blessed" is in the dictionary, but it should have Maggie and Andy Miller written right next to it. The Lord's hand has orchestrated our whole journey, from infertility to now 3 precious four month old babies. HE wove each baby perfectly inside me and kept them there for 35 weeks (and 3 days)- can't leave off the 3 days! HE gave me grace enough to handle bed rest and every little hiccup we had. HE set my mind at peace, and HE has made my cup so very full. Seeing these precious little miracles is such a joy. I'm reminded of my favorite quote that George Banks says to Annie in Father of the Bride when it starts snowing the night before her wedding day. He says, "That's the thing about life... the little things that just sneak up on you and grab hold of you..." (I may not be exact in quoting, but it is something like that)... This may not make sense, but I feel like this year honestly just sneaked up on me and has a tight grip on me. If you had asked me a year ago if I ever thought I would have triplets, I would have probably given you a crazy look, but, by far, this has been the most incredible year of my life. We were so thankful for ONE baby, and now we have THREE precious babies. And, truly, I don't want this year to ever end. I don't want the wonder of it all to lose its grip on me, so to speak. God is still in the miracle making business, and we're a for sure proof. So thank you, each and every one of you, for your fervent prayers that you lifted up for us over this year. Thank you for your thoughts. Thank you in advance for your continued prayers as we strive to raise our miracles in the nurture and fear of their wonderful Maker. To God be the glory, great things He has done...
What a difference a year can make, my friends...
Love,
Maggie and Andy
Posey, Miles, and Mark, our 3 little miracles...
What a difference a year can make, my friends...
Love,
Maggie and Andy
Posey, Miles, and Mark, our 3 little miracles...
Monday, August 27, 2012
Freeze It!
I sat down to write this post 3 weeks ago and am just now getting to it! I've promised myself to hopefully update this blog every two weeks, maybe?! Ha! My quiet times are few and far between now, and I'd have it no other way! We're coming up on a year of the pregnancy process, or whatever you want to call it, and it's amazing we've made it this far, so I want to keep up with the blog to record that, too!
Wow! Hard to believe these precious babies will be FOUR months old in four days!!! Brings tears to my eyes! Andy and I are having SO much fun with our little miracles! We're learning something new daily. It's crazy that you can learn so very much from three 4 month olds. They have taught us more than I would have ever imagined. My mother always said that time would speed up once I had children. Well, once again, she was right! She also said I'd never love something so much, and she was right- again. I go to bed thinking, "how could I love something more?" and I wake up and CANNOT wait to see them. I want to take this point in time in my life and just freeze it. I've never had more fun, been more tired, or been more thankful or just plain satisfied. Every day brings a new blessing, a new smile or cackle, or a new discovery, and I love it! As I've said before, I am living my dream and wake up each day and ask myself, "did I really have triplets???" Every day may not be perfect, but all in all, I cannot complain one bit- it is a real dream, and I love my children.
The babies are doing great and growing like weeds! Mark and Miles are huge- maybe around 13 pounds. Posey is still petite compared to them, but she's catching up- around 10 pounds! The boys would probably eat her if I let them. (We go to the pediatrician at the end of the week and will get more accurate weights.) We are finally at the point where they are sleeping well! Praise God! We feed them at 10, or a little before, and they'll sleep until 6-ish, usually. They are all finding their hands, and it is hysterical. They'll look at them and just can't figure out what these things are that are attached to them. However, their hands have found the way to their mouths, and we may have some thumb suckers on our hands. Each baby's personality is just beaming at this point in time, so I cannot imagine what little people they will grow into. Posey is funny and very prissy. She is ALL girl. She even cries dainty- like a girl. I can tell she is already going to be just spoiled rotten. She laughs at the boys when they're both crying, and it is great. She's already ruling the roost. Most of the time, if they (the boys) are both crying at the same time, it is probably because she has poked one in the eye or is kicking someone. We have our hands full with this one. Our little, or should I say big, Miles is hysterical! He has really come into his own! Those big hazel eye will follow me around the room until I stop to speak to him! He is a joker! We put him on the play mat under the mirror, and little joker thinks he is hot stuff! He will talk to himself for at least 45 minutes, and he thinks it is wonderful- and so do I! He is so very, very precious!!! I can already tell he'll be our little troublemaker. He has a way of poking his bottom lip out, and it happens quite often if he doesn't get his way! His sweet little voice is music to my soul. Our darling Mark is such a charmer, and he has his mama's heart in the palm of his hand, as do Pose and Miles. My heart is mush, and they are just shaping it into an even better heart. To have started out being a rather difficult baby, Mark is so very, very sweet. He will coo and coo at us, but if Miles is cooing, Mark cannot be heard. Wonder if it will always be this way!??? He has the sweetest voice and most beautiful baby blues you've ever seen and the longest eyelashes as well. When he bats those eyes at me, he melts me.
As you can see, I am completely and literally in love with my children. My heart hurts I love them so very much, and I'm so thankful the Lord has granted me such an awesome opportunity in being their mother. To God be the glory...
Now for some pics...
Wow! Hard to believe these precious babies will be FOUR months old in four days!!! Brings tears to my eyes! Andy and I are having SO much fun with our little miracles! We're learning something new daily. It's crazy that you can learn so very much from three 4 month olds. They have taught us more than I would have ever imagined. My mother always said that time would speed up once I had children. Well, once again, she was right! She also said I'd never love something so much, and she was right- again. I go to bed thinking, "how could I love something more?" and I wake up and CANNOT wait to see them. I want to take this point in time in my life and just freeze it. I've never had more fun, been more tired, or been more thankful or just plain satisfied. Every day brings a new blessing, a new smile or cackle, or a new discovery, and I love it! As I've said before, I am living my dream and wake up each day and ask myself, "did I really have triplets???" Every day may not be perfect, but all in all, I cannot complain one bit- it is a real dream, and I love my children.
The babies are doing great and growing like weeds! Mark and Miles are huge- maybe around 13 pounds. Posey is still petite compared to them, but she's catching up- around 10 pounds! The boys would probably eat her if I let them. (We go to the pediatrician at the end of the week and will get more accurate weights.) We are finally at the point where they are sleeping well! Praise God! We feed them at 10, or a little before, and they'll sleep until 6-ish, usually. They are all finding their hands, and it is hysterical. They'll look at them and just can't figure out what these things are that are attached to them. However, their hands have found the way to their mouths, and we may have some thumb suckers on our hands. Each baby's personality is just beaming at this point in time, so I cannot imagine what little people they will grow into. Posey is funny and very prissy. She is ALL girl. She even cries dainty- like a girl. I can tell she is already going to be just spoiled rotten. She laughs at the boys when they're both crying, and it is great. She's already ruling the roost. Most of the time, if they (the boys) are both crying at the same time, it is probably because she has poked one in the eye or is kicking someone. We have our hands full with this one. Our little, or should I say big, Miles is hysterical! He has really come into his own! Those big hazel eye will follow me around the room until I stop to speak to him! He is a joker! We put him on the play mat under the mirror, and little joker thinks he is hot stuff! He will talk to himself for at least 45 minutes, and he thinks it is wonderful- and so do I! He is so very, very precious!!! I can already tell he'll be our little troublemaker. He has a way of poking his bottom lip out, and it happens quite often if he doesn't get his way! His sweet little voice is music to my soul. Our darling Mark is such a charmer, and he has his mama's heart in the palm of his hand, as do Pose and Miles. My heart is mush, and they are just shaping it into an even better heart. To have started out being a rather difficult baby, Mark is so very, very sweet. He will coo and coo at us, but if Miles is cooing, Mark cannot be heard. Wonder if it will always be this way!??? He has the sweetest voice and most beautiful baby blues you've ever seen and the longest eyelashes as well. When he bats those eyes at me, he melts me.
As you can see, I am completely and literally in love with my children. My heart hurts I love them so very much, and I'm so thankful the Lord has granted me such an awesome opportunity in being their mother. To God be the glory...
Now for some pics...
Triplet Sandwich...
I want to eat this. Mark's hands...
Twins...
Meeting precious Cousin, Jack Roberson...
Posey and Livie with their namesake, Livie Posey...
Nan (Livie Posey) and Posey...
You don't know how hard it was to take this picture- Miles, Posey, Mark...
Our Christmas card picture will be real fun. Not.
(Don't know how to turn this...) Pretty in my pink bonnet- Posey...
Are those toes not precious? Mark fell asleep in the bumbo...
Love this boy to death! Miles...
Serious Miles- talking to himself in the mirror...
Miles again...
Sideways smile from Mark...
Big girl...
Sweet girl in Mama's old school bubble...
Sweet, tired babies!!!
Mark says, "Hello!"
Happy Birthday, Papa!
Our Christmas card picture will be real fun. Not.
Sweet boys in Daddy's vintage bubbles!
Please continue to pray for us each day as we raise these precious babies in the nurture and fear of their Maker. We're in daily need of His grace to get us through each day!
Praise God!
Maggie, Andy, Posey, Miles, and Mark Miller
Sunday, July 1, 2012
So Big!
It's amazing that 9 weeks have passed us by so quickly! Our three little miracles are rocking along just fine! I kick myself every day for not updating this blog more often, but at the end of the day, I'd rather spend time cuddling with these sweet three!
We had our 2 month doctor appointment with shots the other day, and all went well! Dr. Sanford, our pediatrician, said things could not have looked better! Praise God! All babies hearts and lungs were perfectly normal! Posey, whose birth weight was 4 pounds, 14 ounces, weighed 7 pounds! Miles, the original runt of the crew, born at 4 pounds 11 ounces, weighed 9 pounds, 3 ounces- the biggest! And, Mark, originally the hoss and born at 5 pounds, 3 ounces, weighed 9 pounds! They're getting so big and fat with lots of wrinkles, and I could eat them up! The shots were terrible, possibly more for me than for them. They were all so happy, then all of the sudden the nurse stuck them, and there was a delayed reaction from each of them! :( It broke my heart. They ended up being pretty fussy all day, but we were back to normal the next day!
Dr. Sanford checking out the trips...
Each baby is absolutely the most precious baby in the world- at least to us! Ha! They are each developing their sweet little personalities, and they are darling. We will for sure have our hands full, and it seems payback is in full force. Posey has a sweet demeanor, but she is extremely picky. She has a cry that sounds like a mouse and is very delicate. However, when she hears Miles or Mark doing their screams, she will turn her head and roll her eyes at them. It's hysterical. I feel like she will always be keeping the boys in line. We're already the best of friends, and I love it.
Precious Miles is a funny little thing! He loves to grunt and would grunt all day long if I'd let him! He has big eyes that follow you! When he was born they put him on my chest, and those eyes caught mine. I've been wrapped ever since. He definitely recognizes our voices too and will follow us around the room with his eyes. He may be our mischievous one. He'll spit out his bottle nipple and look at us like we're stupid for giving it to him- or like we're not going to make him take it. No Sir! :) It's adorable.
Our sweet little Mark is a mess! He wants what he wants when he wants it. Dr. Sanford described him as being our "strong-willed child." He has the prettiest baby blues you've ever seen, and his little smiles will melt your heart. However, he can scream louder than the rest of the bunch. We will always hear Mark over the rest. He is a funny little thing too! Mark eats every single drop of milk, and he'd eat a Happy Meal if I'd blend it up. Big boy is always hungry!
They are all so funny when they are together! Posey will for sure be the one who keeps the boys straight! The boys will just look at her with big eyes. It's as if they know she is not a boy like them. She'll stretch her arms out over them as if she's telling them to hush, and they let her. It's too funny! At the beginning, Mark didn't care anything about being in the same crib with the other two. He'd turn his head the other way almost every time. Now, he is starting to love his brother and sister- thankfully! Miles and Posey would look at each other like they had found their long lost partner. They were both head down, always together when inside, and Mark, on the other hand, was breech- up in my ribs, having nothing to do with them while inside. As I said, we're all getting along now! Miles and Posey have decided they like Mark, and Mark is returning the favor as of today.
Posey "refereeing" the boys...
It's unbelievable to me that nine weeks have passed us by so quickly! It seems like just yesterday Andy and I brought them home from the hospital, and we looked at each other and didn't have a clue as to what to do! By God's grace, we have made it this far! Waking up each day to these beautiful babies is such a blessing. Whether I'm greeted by their darling little smiles at 3 a.m. or 3 p.m., I love them even more with each smile and each cry- or grunt in Miles' case, squeak in Posey's, or belch in Mark's. I always imagined my life as being on a "school schedule," so to speak, but now, I'm on a rigid 3, 6, 9, 12 feeding schedule, and it's way better than any school schedule could ever be. It's busy, but wonderful. Sometimes, I wish I had as many arms as an octopus so I could meet everyone's needs, but I'm making it with just these two. Thankfully, my mother has been here non-stop helping, so that has been wonderful, and we have a lady helping us at night. I feel as if I am living my dream. I always wanted to just be a mama, and now, here I am, the mama of three beautiful babies. My cup truly runneth over- with babies and blessings! We would definitely not have made it this far without the prayers and support of sweet friends like you, and we'll never, ever be able to thank you all enough.
Now, for some fun pictures...
1st Father's Day...
Father's Day in the Grove...
Our favorite pastime...
Sweet Brothers...
Dressed in our blue...
Deep in conversation- Will McMaster, my nephew, Posey, and Unkie, my daddy...
Posey is milk drunk...
Bet and the boys...
Sweet cousins...
Cousin Libby has her arms full...
Babies everywhere...
Bonnets are always in style...
Our little miracles...
Please continue to be in prayer for all of us as we raise these sweet babies! To God be the glory!
"This I recall to my mind, therefore I have hope. It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness."
Lamentations 3:21-23
Love,
Maggie, Andy, Posey, Miles, & Mark Miller
Monday, May 28, 2012
Miracles Do Happen!
Warning- This is the longest post ever, but I want to remember absolutely everything about the day that changed our lives forever!~ So, here it goes!
How could I have waited almost four weeks to record every detail of the day that most certainly changed our lives? I don't want to ever forget a detail of that day, and I can't tell you how many times I have replayed May 1st in my head! I also can't tell you how many times I have sat down to blog, but I hear a little grunt or a cry, and it melts my heart, so the blog just sits and waits, yet another day. As of right now though, (as of this second) all are sleeping soundly- including Daddy- so I have a second to just reminisce.
May 1st was just a normal bed rest day. It was hot and sunny. I was huge. I hadn't felt well that Saturday, Sunday, or Monday, but that was expected. I figured my nerves were getting the best of me. I only had six more days of waiting to meet these miracles. I had gotten up and taken a bath that morning and knew I had to be ready by noon to go to Memphis to Dr. BK. Andy had agreed to let his mother take me to Memphis for our last appointment there to save his work time. He was going to take off on Thursday, the day we were supposed to meet with Dr. Smith to discuss everything that was to happen that following Monday- D-Day... Little did we know. Mrs. Meg arrived right on time, and we both agreed that there was no need to bring my packed bags because we were both certain that we'd be back that afternoon. She got the backseat situated for us, pillows, blankets, Gatorade, and all. I was pretty comfortable. We ran by the bank to tell Andy bye, and we were off. Our trip was as normal as possible. I was still uncomfortable, but I could handle it... We made it to Southaven, and I began having contractions- pretty regularly, and they HURT, but I didn't want to scare Mrs. Meg, so I didn't say anything at first. I thought I'd just try to have conversation in between each one- like she wouldn't pick up on it. She definitely did. By the time we made it to Memphis, I was in major pain- pain that I had never expected to have since I was scheduled to have a c-section. It still never crossed my mind that this would be the day that our babies made their debut. When we got to the doctor's office, they took us back right off the bat, and the sonographer immediately recognized I was having painful contractions and quit doing the sonogram. However, the sonogram did show us that Baby B had quit growing as quickly as A and C. He had dropped from the 33rd percentile to the 13th percentile- which of course sent me into panic mode. Babies A and C had also grown considerably and, according to their measurements were weighing in at over five pounds. The sonographer quickly went and got the nurse practitioner to check my cervix. (Dr. BK was out at the hospital at the time). When the nurse practitioner came in to check me, she informed me that she would be doing it "very roughly in hopes that my water would break so they could send me to the hospital..." Yikes. This was not supposed to be happening on this day. I had six more days to freak out and get everything together. My cervix was only 1 centimeter dilated, but my contractions were coming every 2 or so minutes, and they were painful, very painful. The nurses decided to have us wait until Dr. BK returned from the hospital to make the call. After what seemed like an eternity, he finally came to our room and informed us that he wanted us to drive back to Oxford and get monitored. He'd already called Dr. Smith to tell him we were on our way. At this point, I still had no idea of what was to come. Dr. BK and his whole staff also gave me strict instructions to not eat or drink anything on the way home. I should've known something was up, but in my mind, we were just going to the hospital get some drugs to stop these awful contractions. I thought they may possibly move the date up a day or two. I made my way around Dr. BK's office in between contractions, telling everyone goodbye since it would be my last appointment there. I loved all of them dearly. We finally made it back to the car, and I was HURTING! I felt really sorry for Mrs. Meg having to drive us back. I knew she was nervous. We finally made it out of Memphis, and I started having contractions, lasting 30 seconds- 1 minute, a minute or less apart. Mrs. Meg put the pedal to the metal and flew. I remember calling Andy and Mama to tell them we were on the way to the hospital. I had told Mama to pack a bag but just wait to do anything until I called her to let her know that they had stopped the contractions. Ha. Little did I know. I remember seeing the Lafayette County sign and being so very thankful to almost be to the hospital. I knew relief was in sight! I remember my cell phone ringing and "RESTRICTED" showed up on the caller ID. At this point, I wanted to throw my phone because I was in such pain, so why in the world would a restricted number be calling me? I didn't have time for that, so it rang and rang and went to voicemail. (Little did I know, this was Dr. Smith calling me to tell me he was on the way to the hospital to meet us and the babies. Dr. BK had called Dr. Smith, who was on a tractor on his farm, covered in mud at the time). Looking back, I am so very thankful I didn't answer that phone because I would have gone postal and freaked out if I had known what was about to happen! I had called Andy to tell him to go on and come to the hospital as soon as he got off since we'd be getting to the hospital around 5. Mrs. Meg and I pulled up to the Oxford Emergency Room, and apparently, on May 1st at 5:00 p.m., that was the place to be. The parking lot was full, so she pulled up to the drop off and got a wheel chair for me. Pain was rampant. A total and complete stranger came out and met us and offered to hold my chair while I waited on Mrs. Meg to park the car. As she held the chair so it wouldn't roll off, she told me about her grandmother who was getting a CT scan. I remember telling her I'd pray for her in between contractions. Right about that time, I could see Andy's car about to turn into the hospital. My nerves then became a tad bit better... until I saw him go straight. What was he doing? And, then another contraction hit me like a ton of bricks, so I couldn't worry about where he was parking. Mrs. Meg came and met me and wheeled me into the ER waiting room, where apparently a woman pregnant with triplets in labor is a sight to see. All eyes were on this whale. We finally finished filling out paperwork and waited to be admitted, which took forever. I was still in more pain than I ever thought possible, so I decided to call Andy and check on that parking spot.... Where was he? Ha... He had decided to run home to check on the grass- because it may need cutting seriously/- and to grab our bags. All I could do was just sit and breathe in between contractions. Finally, after some confusion with the admissions people, the head Labor and Delivery nurse, Pauline, came down to get us, surgery hat and all. In my mind, I thought, awe~ she's been delivering babies. It NEVER crossed my mind that she was dressed out to deliver my babies. By this time, Andy had decided that the yard could wait, and he'd made it back to the hospital. Andy quickly asked her if we'd be having babies in the next two or so days, and her exact response was, "honey, we'll be having babies in two hours or less!" WOWWWWW! I think at this moment, all of our heads went spinning. Thankfully, Dr. BK hadn't told me he'd called Dr. Smith to tell him to go on with delivery. Thankfully, I hadn't answered Dr. Smith's phone call. Thankfully, the Lord was in control, as He had been from the very beginning, and thankfully, He gave me a peace that passed all understanding. Before we could get to the elevator, Andy had run back to his car to "get his white polo shirt because he didn't want to wear a pink or blue one to show favortism." Ha! I was in so much pain that I didn't know what my name was, but at the same time, all I could think was, this is it! This is what we had waited on since we got married- this was what I had waited on since I was old enough to play with dolls, and now, three miracles were about to be born. By the time we had made it up to the 4th floor, everything was ready and waiting on us. The nurses and doctors were like ants everywhere. Everywhere you turned, there was another person in blue scrubs- holding a cord or a needle or a chart. It was like an out of body experience. They told me to go to the bathroom change into my gown, and it was the last moment I had with these sweet miracles inside of me. It was bittersweet. I remember begging one of them to kick, just so I could feel that amazing feeling, and they did. I'll never forget it. I felt like as soon as I opened that bathroom door, my life as I knew it would never be the same. It would be a billion times better, but I was still scared- scared of the unknowns- and scared for my babies. I prayed for them and for a safe delivery, and then, it was time. And, when I opened the door, I was whisked to the bed, hooked up to every monitor known to man, stuck with several IV's, and finally given some meds to minimize the pain as much as possible. Andy and I took our last picture as a family of 2, and with that flash, they began to wheel me to the Operating Room, where our precious miracles would enter this world. After they did the spinal, all of my pain was minimized. I felt as if I could conquer the world, thanks to modern medicine. Andy had gotten dressed out, and they let him back, and the real fun began. It was shift change, and there were probably around 20 people- 2 OBGYN'S, 3 pediatricians, an anesthesiologist, and several nurses and surgical techs. Since it was shift change, everyone on the early shift wanted to stay to see them be born, and everyone coming in wanted to be in there as well. The most wonderful noises I have ever heard began at 7:13 p.m. and lasted through 7:15 p.m. as each baby screamed when they were pulled out. Posey was first- and screaming- and absolutely beautiful. I had never loved something so much. Miles was next, and his eyes met mine and instantly, we were in love. Mark was last, and it took a tad bit longer to get him out because he was breech- again, for the fourth time in my life, it was love at first sight. My heart belongs to them. I will do anything for them, as will Andy. Praise God from whom all blessings flow!
At 7:13, 7:14, and 7:15 p.m., Posey Ingram Miller (4 pounds, 14 ounces), Andrew Miles Miller (4 pounds, 11 ounces) and Mark Steinriede Miller (5 pounds, 3 ounces) were born, and our lives were changed forever.
Each baby is absolutely perfect, and it is unbelievable how their little personalities are developing- Posey is sweet and laid back as of now. She is so much fun to dress. We have dress up sessions every day. Miles is also sweet. He is our little man- he looks like a little man in a baby's body. Mark is our high maintenance child. He loves to eat, and he literally will be eating steak for dinner in about a month. He loves his food. Posey IS Andy. Miles looks like my nephew, Will, and Mark is a good mixture. In all, though, they all kinda look alike. They're all perfect, and life is wonderful. Sure, we have had our fair share of rough days, but they are perfectly rough. Thirty diapers or more a day, 24 bottles, and countless outfits- this is life, and it is ours- and it has never been so full or fabulous. It is SOO much fun, and God has been beyond gracious to us. All glory is owed to Him!
Lastly, thank you all so very much for your prayers. If you don't believe in miracles, these sweet babies are just that... miracles. We could not have made it this far without your prayers or the support of friends and family. They truly were fearfully and wonderfully made... Our little miracles- God's little miracles...
Psalm 139:13-16~ "For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from you,when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them."
And just a few pics...
How could I have waited almost four weeks to record every detail of the day that most certainly changed our lives? I don't want to ever forget a detail of that day, and I can't tell you how many times I have replayed May 1st in my head! I also can't tell you how many times I have sat down to blog, but I hear a little grunt or a cry, and it melts my heart, so the blog just sits and waits, yet another day. As of right now though, (as of this second) all are sleeping soundly- including Daddy- so I have a second to just reminisce.
May 1st was just a normal bed rest day. It was hot and sunny. I was huge. I hadn't felt well that Saturday, Sunday, or Monday, but that was expected. I figured my nerves were getting the best of me. I only had six more days of waiting to meet these miracles. I had gotten up and taken a bath that morning and knew I had to be ready by noon to go to Memphis to Dr. BK. Andy had agreed to let his mother take me to Memphis for our last appointment there to save his work time. He was going to take off on Thursday, the day we were supposed to meet with Dr. Smith to discuss everything that was to happen that following Monday- D-Day... Little did we know. Mrs. Meg arrived right on time, and we both agreed that there was no need to bring my packed bags because we were both certain that we'd be back that afternoon. She got the backseat situated for us, pillows, blankets, Gatorade, and all. I was pretty comfortable. We ran by the bank to tell Andy bye, and we were off. Our trip was as normal as possible. I was still uncomfortable, but I could handle it... We made it to Southaven, and I began having contractions- pretty regularly, and they HURT, but I didn't want to scare Mrs. Meg, so I didn't say anything at first. I thought I'd just try to have conversation in between each one- like she wouldn't pick up on it. She definitely did. By the time we made it to Memphis, I was in major pain- pain that I had never expected to have since I was scheduled to have a c-section. It still never crossed my mind that this would be the day that our babies made their debut. When we got to the doctor's office, they took us back right off the bat, and the sonographer immediately recognized I was having painful contractions and quit doing the sonogram. However, the sonogram did show us that Baby B had quit growing as quickly as A and C. He had dropped from the 33rd percentile to the 13th percentile- which of course sent me into panic mode. Babies A and C had also grown considerably and, according to their measurements were weighing in at over five pounds. The sonographer quickly went and got the nurse practitioner to check my cervix. (Dr. BK was out at the hospital at the time). When the nurse practitioner came in to check me, she informed me that she would be doing it "very roughly in hopes that my water would break so they could send me to the hospital..." Yikes. This was not supposed to be happening on this day. I had six more days to freak out and get everything together. My cervix was only 1 centimeter dilated, but my contractions were coming every 2 or so minutes, and they were painful, very painful. The nurses decided to have us wait until Dr. BK returned from the hospital to make the call. After what seemed like an eternity, he finally came to our room and informed us that he wanted us to drive back to Oxford and get monitored. He'd already called Dr. Smith to tell him we were on our way. At this point, I still had no idea of what was to come. Dr. BK and his whole staff also gave me strict instructions to not eat or drink anything on the way home. I should've known something was up, but in my mind, we were just going to the hospital get some drugs to stop these awful contractions. I thought they may possibly move the date up a day or two. I made my way around Dr. BK's office in between contractions, telling everyone goodbye since it would be my last appointment there. I loved all of them dearly. We finally made it back to the car, and I was HURTING! I felt really sorry for Mrs. Meg having to drive us back. I knew she was nervous. We finally made it out of Memphis, and I started having contractions, lasting 30 seconds- 1 minute, a minute or less apart. Mrs. Meg put the pedal to the metal and flew. I remember calling Andy and Mama to tell them we were on the way to the hospital. I had told Mama to pack a bag but just wait to do anything until I called her to let her know that they had stopped the contractions. Ha. Little did I know. I remember seeing the Lafayette County sign and being so very thankful to almost be to the hospital. I knew relief was in sight! I remember my cell phone ringing and "RESTRICTED" showed up on the caller ID. At this point, I wanted to throw my phone because I was in such pain, so why in the world would a restricted number be calling me? I didn't have time for that, so it rang and rang and went to voicemail. (Little did I know, this was Dr. Smith calling me to tell me he was on the way to the hospital to meet us and the babies. Dr. BK had called Dr. Smith, who was on a tractor on his farm, covered in mud at the time). Looking back, I am so very thankful I didn't answer that phone because I would have gone postal and freaked out if I had known what was about to happen! I had called Andy to tell him to go on and come to the hospital as soon as he got off since we'd be getting to the hospital around 5. Mrs. Meg and I pulled up to the Oxford Emergency Room, and apparently, on May 1st at 5:00 p.m., that was the place to be. The parking lot was full, so she pulled up to the drop off and got a wheel chair for me. Pain was rampant. A total and complete stranger came out and met us and offered to hold my chair while I waited on Mrs. Meg to park the car. As she held the chair so it wouldn't roll off, she told me about her grandmother who was getting a CT scan. I remember telling her I'd pray for her in between contractions. Right about that time, I could see Andy's car about to turn into the hospital. My nerves then became a tad bit better... until I saw him go straight. What was he doing? And, then another contraction hit me like a ton of bricks, so I couldn't worry about where he was parking. Mrs. Meg came and met me and wheeled me into the ER waiting room, where apparently a woman pregnant with triplets in labor is a sight to see. All eyes were on this whale. We finally finished filling out paperwork and waited to be admitted, which took forever. I was still in more pain than I ever thought possible, so I decided to call Andy and check on that parking spot.... Where was he? Ha... He had decided to run home to check on the grass- because it may need cutting seriously/- and to grab our bags. All I could do was just sit and breathe in between contractions. Finally, after some confusion with the admissions people, the head Labor and Delivery nurse, Pauline, came down to get us, surgery hat and all. In my mind, I thought, awe~ she's been delivering babies. It NEVER crossed my mind that she was dressed out to deliver my babies. By this time, Andy had decided that the yard could wait, and he'd made it back to the hospital. Andy quickly asked her if we'd be having babies in the next two or so days, and her exact response was, "honey, we'll be having babies in two hours or less!" WOWWWWW! I think at this moment, all of our heads went spinning. Thankfully, Dr. BK hadn't told me he'd called Dr. Smith to tell him to go on with delivery. Thankfully, I hadn't answered Dr. Smith's phone call. Thankfully, the Lord was in control, as He had been from the very beginning, and thankfully, He gave me a peace that passed all understanding. Before we could get to the elevator, Andy had run back to his car to "get his white polo shirt because he didn't want to wear a pink or blue one to show favortism." Ha! I was in so much pain that I didn't know what my name was, but at the same time, all I could think was, this is it! This is what we had waited on since we got married- this was what I had waited on since I was old enough to play with dolls, and now, three miracles were about to be born. By the time we had made it up to the 4th floor, everything was ready and waiting on us. The nurses and doctors were like ants everywhere. Everywhere you turned, there was another person in blue scrubs- holding a cord or a needle or a chart. It was like an out of body experience. They told me to go to the bathroom change into my gown, and it was the last moment I had with these sweet miracles inside of me. It was bittersweet. I remember begging one of them to kick, just so I could feel that amazing feeling, and they did. I'll never forget it. I felt like as soon as I opened that bathroom door, my life as I knew it would never be the same. It would be a billion times better, but I was still scared- scared of the unknowns- and scared for my babies. I prayed for them and for a safe delivery, and then, it was time. And, when I opened the door, I was whisked to the bed, hooked up to every monitor known to man, stuck with several IV's, and finally given some meds to minimize the pain as much as possible. Andy and I took our last picture as a family of 2, and with that flash, they began to wheel me to the Operating Room, where our precious miracles would enter this world. After they did the spinal, all of my pain was minimized. I felt as if I could conquer the world, thanks to modern medicine. Andy had gotten dressed out, and they let him back, and the real fun began. It was shift change, and there were probably around 20 people- 2 OBGYN'S, 3 pediatricians, an anesthesiologist, and several nurses and surgical techs. Since it was shift change, everyone on the early shift wanted to stay to see them be born, and everyone coming in wanted to be in there as well. The most wonderful noises I have ever heard began at 7:13 p.m. and lasted through 7:15 p.m. as each baby screamed when they were pulled out. Posey was first- and screaming- and absolutely beautiful. I had never loved something so much. Miles was next, and his eyes met mine and instantly, we were in love. Mark was last, and it took a tad bit longer to get him out because he was breech- again, for the fourth time in my life, it was love at first sight. My heart belongs to them. I will do anything for them, as will Andy. Praise God from whom all blessings flow!
At 7:13, 7:14, and 7:15 p.m., Posey Ingram Miller (4 pounds, 14 ounces), Andrew Miles Miller (4 pounds, 11 ounces) and Mark Steinriede Miller (5 pounds, 3 ounces) were born, and our lives were changed forever.
Each baby is absolutely perfect, and it is unbelievable how their little personalities are developing- Posey is sweet and laid back as of now. She is so much fun to dress. We have dress up sessions every day. Miles is also sweet. He is our little man- he looks like a little man in a baby's body. Mark is our high maintenance child. He loves to eat, and he literally will be eating steak for dinner in about a month. He loves his food. Posey IS Andy. Miles looks like my nephew, Will, and Mark is a good mixture. In all, though, they all kinda look alike. They're all perfect, and life is wonderful. Sure, we have had our fair share of rough days, but they are perfectly rough. Thirty diapers or more a day, 24 bottles, and countless outfits- this is life, and it is ours- and it has never been so full or fabulous. It is SOO much fun, and God has been beyond gracious to us. All glory is owed to Him!
Lastly, thank you all so very much for your prayers. If you don't believe in miracles, these sweet babies are just that... miracles. We could not have made it this far without your prayers or the support of friends and family. They truly were fearfully and wonderfully made... Our little miracles- God's little miracles...
Psalm 139:13-16~ "For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from you,when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them."
Love,
Maggie, Andy, Posey, Miles, and Mark Miller
And just a few pics...
Last pic as a family of 2!
Love at first sight...
Miracles...
Proud Daddy with his boys...
Daddy and his girl... He is WRAPPED!!!
Family of 5!!!
Best doctor in the world... Dr. Smith.
Miles, Posey, & Mark Miller
Monday, April 23, 2012
And The Countdown Is On...
I never would have dreamed I would type the above title, but, yes, we finally have a date! If, and only if, nothing happens before MAY 7th, then the triplets will be born May 7th by c-section, here in Oxford! If something does happen to happen, then we will deliver then. By something, I mean water breaking, etc...I'm so excited to have a date that I don't know what my name is, but at the same time, I'm/ we're so scared that I'm not sure either of us knows our names. We went to Memphis today, and the doctor said everything looked great- fluid, placenta, and cord wise. They didn't weigh them, but they did look as if they had grown some since last Tuesday. A, as usual, didn't like the probe being on top of her, so she frowned at us. Girlfriend has a personality of her own. Kinda scary. Sweet B was still head-butting our girl. They each have one eye out on the world, if that makes any sense. Our precious C is still breech. He is one smart joker. I wouldn't get involved down there either. He is still right under my chest on the right, and I can occasionally feel his sweet hand, reaching up to my heart- causing some awesome heart burn. It's as if he's telling me he has my heart. He doesn't have to remind me though. They've each stolen my heart from day one. I am to continue on all of my medicines until the day before delivery. We go to our Oxford doctor, Dr. Smith, on Wednesday and will travel back to Memphis for an appointment with Dr. BK on Thursday. Naturally, on the way to Memphis, my phone got Gatorade all in the battery, so it quit working, so if you have tried to contact me, I have Andy's phone. However, with the loss of my phone came the loss of Dr. Smith's cell phone number. Yikes. I know his office's number by heart, so I called immediately, and to whom did I get transferred?... To none other than Dr. Smith himself, which made me feel great because Dr. BK had already called and scheduled everything with him. And, honestly, Andy and I had only made it to Southaven, right outside Memphis. So, we are on go for that date if something doesn't happen before then...
As excited and absolutely thrilled as we are, we are really scared. It's hard to believe that this whole life changing experience has come close to its end. Our lives have changed a million times over just by being pregnant, something we thought would be impossible. God has worked on us in ways I could have never imagined. However, I know our lives will change even more with three precious babies who will look to us for everything, at least at first. How have we gotten through this? Only by the grace of God and from prayers from sweet friends like you... I've never known someone who has been on as many prayer lists as we are, and for that we are so thankful. Each and every day comes with its own struggles. For instance, as I've mentioned, these wrists would show up on an x-ray as an elderly person's, and for some reason I can't hear out of my right ear. Strange what pregnancy can do to you. However, I'd give up my right ear hearing and my wrists to have these babies. I know this sounds extremely vain, but the stretch marks are rampant, but each one will be a sweet reminder of one of the most wonderful times of my life, and so for these marks, I am so very grateful. I am truly going to miss this- every kick and every punch and every hard breath. I couldn't ask for a more wonderful gift than this. Praise be to God!
Please continue to pray for us as we near the end of this pregnancy. Please pray for these precious souls as they are born! Please pray that each one would be healthy and have developed lungs, etc. Please pray for no medical difficulties, and if some occur, for grace to deal with them. Please pray that we can hold out for two more weeks. Please pray that God would grant every doctor in the delivery room unfathomable wisdom. Please pray for our nerves, as they are pretty twisted right now. Please pray that these babies would be o.k. spiritually, physically, and mentally. And most importantly, please pray that God would receive all glory, honor, and praise for this wonderful gift, and all that He has done... Praise Him!
As excited and absolutely thrilled as we are, we are really scared. It's hard to believe that this whole life changing experience has come close to its end. Our lives have changed a million times over just by being pregnant, something we thought would be impossible. God has worked on us in ways I could have never imagined. However, I know our lives will change even more with three precious babies who will look to us for everything, at least at first. How have we gotten through this? Only by the grace of God and from prayers from sweet friends like you... I've never known someone who has been on as many prayer lists as we are, and for that we are so thankful. Each and every day comes with its own struggles. For instance, as I've mentioned, these wrists would show up on an x-ray as an elderly person's, and for some reason I can't hear out of my right ear. Strange what pregnancy can do to you. However, I'd give up my right ear hearing and my wrists to have these babies. I know this sounds extremely vain, but the stretch marks are rampant, but each one will be a sweet reminder of one of the most wonderful times of my life, and so for these marks, I am so very grateful. I am truly going to miss this- every kick and every punch and every hard breath. I couldn't ask for a more wonderful gift than this. Praise be to God!
Please continue to pray for us as we near the end of this pregnancy. Please pray for these precious souls as they are born! Please pray that each one would be healthy and have developed lungs, etc. Please pray for no medical difficulties, and if some occur, for grace to deal with them. Please pray that we can hold out for two more weeks. Please pray that God would grant every doctor in the delivery room unfathomable wisdom. Please pray for our nerves, as they are pretty twisted right now. Please pray that these babies would be o.k. spiritually, physically, and mentally. And most importantly, please pray that God would receive all glory, honor, and praise for this wonderful gift, and all that He has done... Praise Him!
And, now... A fun video up to this point... If it were only as easy as A,B,C's and 1,2,3's... However, it will be a Wonderful World!
Thursday, April 19, 2012
33 Weeks, 5 Days!!! So Thankful!
Well, here we are~ 33 weeks, 5 days! Who would have ever thought? God has been so very good to us, and we owe Him all the glory! He continues to remain faithful! We had a great appointment on Tuesday in Memphis. All the babies are over 4 pounds- something we never thought would happen! A is 4 lbs, 13 oz; B is 4 lbs, 7 oz; and C is 4 lbs, 12 oz! We are in awe of God's faithfulness to us, not just this time, but time and time and time again! They were all precious, and as always, it was so much fun to see them! A is still looking like Andy- she has the same exact profile as he does. She may be looking a tad bit more like her brothers, and B and C look so much alike it's crazy. I know things may change, and it's just a sonogram, but we may have to find a way to tell the boys apart! It's funny how she looks like Andy's nieces, and they look like my nephew. We still tend to think they're pretty cute. They all have still have lots of hair! C wouldn't let us get a good picture of him. He likes sucking on his hands too much, however A and B really performed. They are both head down- and literally, I feel like she is ready to come at any second. She and B are butting heads to see who will come out first. I'm scared to move for fear my water may break, and Andy would be delivering babies at our house. Yikes. Our doctor was very pleased with us, and he thinks that since we have made it this far, that there is no reason we should not have them here in Oxford. As of today, my Oxford doctor is out of town until Monday, so please pray for him to get home safely and for them not to arrive before he gets back. I completely trust what Dr. BK (Memphis doctor) says we should do, and I don't think he would want us to have them here if there were lots of risks. I completely trust Doctor Smith (Oxford doctor) as well. In fact, I cried when I had to go in the Memphis hospital because he wasn't there to chill me out. It does scare me that there is no NICU, but Dr. BK seems to think it will all be ok. I know both doctors will work together to do what's best for the babies. If one of them does need the NICU, Dr. Smith has said that they can fly one/some/all of them to Tupelo's NICU, which is supposed to be wonderful. Andy and I have prayed and prayed that this would not be an emergency delivery so that our families could be here, and I believe this is God's way of answering our prayers. If we have them here, then it would more than likely be a planned delivery so Dr. Smith could make sure there were enough doctors, nurses, etc. This is all in God's hands, and He has been so very gracious to us thus far, and I have full confidence that He will take care of us, whether it be in Memphis or Oxford. Of course, we want to do what's best for the trips, and God has done above and beyond what we could have ever imagined. Praise Him!
I go to one of Doctor Smith's partner's today since he's out this week, so please pray for that to go well. As of last week, I was not dilated, so they were pleased with that. I do think these babies are getting quite comfortable with their surroundings and like being inside of me, and I wouldn't trade it for the world. As hard as it is getting, I still love feeling their movements. I'll definitely miss this. I feel like we're already best friends, and I haven't even met them yet. It's hard to believe that I only have possibly 2 weeks, or even 2 days (who knows?) of this pregnancy left. I absolutely cannot wait to meet them, and I'm sure I'll cry my eyes out when I finally get to see them, but I almost feel more comfortable having them right here inside me so I can always feel and talk to them. It's gonna be hard when they grow up, but I know the Lord will prepare us for that when it comes. I told Andy a while back that they're already growing up, and with these hormones, I'll have them grown up by the time they get home from the hospital. Poor Andy. My hormones are insane.
Please pray for all of us! Praise God for their great weights and great stats! Praise Him we've gotten this far! 34 weeks, hopefully, on Saturday! Please pray that they'd continue to grow. Please pray that whether the trips be born here or in Memphis, that all would go well. Please pray for us as we continue to prepare to be the parents the Lord wants us to be- it's a big responsibility! Praise Him for all of the support we have. We could not have made it this far if it weren't for our families and friends and church! Please pray that the Lord would continue to give us strength to get through each second of each day. Please pray that these sweet, precious miracles would never know a day that they don't know our Lord. I can't wait to tell them what all He's already done for them. Praise God from whom all blessings flow...
Now, some sonogram pics!
I go to one of Doctor Smith's partner's today since he's out this week, so please pray for that to go well. As of last week, I was not dilated, so they were pleased with that. I do think these babies are getting quite comfortable with their surroundings and like being inside of me, and I wouldn't trade it for the world. As hard as it is getting, I still love feeling their movements. I'll definitely miss this. I feel like we're already best friends, and I haven't even met them yet. It's hard to believe that I only have possibly 2 weeks, or even 2 days (who knows?) of this pregnancy left. I absolutely cannot wait to meet them, and I'm sure I'll cry my eyes out when I finally get to see them, but I almost feel more comfortable having them right here inside me so I can always feel and talk to them. It's gonna be hard when they grow up, but I know the Lord will prepare us for that when it comes. I told Andy a while back that they're already growing up, and with these hormones, I'll have them grown up by the time they get home from the hospital. Poor Andy. My hormones are insane.
Please pray for all of us! Praise God for their great weights and great stats! Praise Him we've gotten this far! 34 weeks, hopefully, on Saturday! Please pray that they'd continue to grow. Please pray that whether the trips be born here or in Memphis, that all would go well. Please pray for us as we continue to prepare to be the parents the Lord wants us to be- it's a big responsibility! Praise Him for all of the support we have. We could not have made it this far if it weren't for our families and friends and church! Please pray that the Lord would continue to give us strength to get through each second of each day. Please pray that these sweet, precious miracles would never know a day that they don't know our Lord. I can't wait to tell them what all He's already done for them. Praise God from whom all blessings flow...
Now, some sonogram pics!
Baby Girl A... She's up against somebody else's face...
Baby Boy B
Baby Boy C's hand. He'd had a rough day. His head is in my rib, so he has many rough days. You can kinda see his nose/ profile, but something is floating in front of his chubby cheeks. His face is normally just like B's.
And, if you really want a good laugh for the day... We're giant. YIKES!
And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. ~ Colossians 3:15
.........
Maggie
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