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."

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

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!

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!

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!

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

Praise God! 32 Weeks, 4 Days, & Still Pregnant!

Praise God we've reached a wonderful goal!  32 weeks, 4 days, and we're still rocking along!  We've had so many goals throughout this pregnancy- 24 weeks, 28 weeks, 30 weeks, and now 32 weeks!  No one, including Andy and myself, ever thought we would have made it this far, but God is in control, and our new goal is 34 WEEKS, possibly 36 (wow!) weeks!  God has been so merciful to us throughout these months, and how terrible of us not to believe He'd get us this far since He's been in control from the infertility on...  We had a great appointment on Tuesday (our Memphis appointment day now)!  They didn't weigh the babies yesterday, but all of their placentas, fluids, and cords looked great!  We are so thankful!  Heart rates were also good at A- 155, and B and C both at 141!  Our girl still is Andy spit out.  I know things can change, but as far as these sonogram pictures go, it looks as if I had nothing to do with her.  She is still sassy and always frowns when the sonographer presses down on her, and I honestly don't blame her because it is not the most comfortable thing. I must say, I think she's pretty cute!  :)  We're going to have our hands full though.  Our sweet boys still look alike- they actually have more of me, or rather my daddy- big lips and jaws, according to these pictures.  They all have tons of hair that just floats in the sonogram.  It is too funny!  They are all getting extremely smushed in there too.  All of their cheeks look like someone is squishing them together.  They're literally running out of room.  The doctor has said they may not grow as much right now due to space, or lack thereof, but we are focusing on brain and lung development now, however, we'd be delighted if they kept growing as well!  The longer they stay put the better.  When we went to Memphis I was positive he'd be keeping us because I have felt terrible lately, and I was in shock when he mentioned 34-36 weeks.  For some reason though, in the most far back place of my mind, I thought he may not keep us.  The far back place of my mind was correct, and we're back home for now.  I am having the "normal" side effects of being extremely pregnant.  Right now, I am larger than what full term is for a normal pregnant person- way larger than the picture I posted last week.  (I need to quit using the term "normal," because I am not sure we'll ever be "normal")!   I am really puffy and swelling, but not too badly, and having headaches, all more than likely due to one of the fifteen pills I take daily.  Thankfully, my blood pressure has remained lower than usual because of one of the meds.  I can't walk to the bathroom without sounding as if a heart attack is around the corner.  Contractions are horribly terrible.  Carpal tunnel has taken over my wrists. Shots are no fun, and getting out of the bath is miserable.  The things I used to take for granted!   I'd be lying if I said this is easy because it is not, however, how can I complain when I see these sweet miracles on that screen- kicking each other or sucking hands or thumbs?  I don't mean to come across as complaining or not thankful at all.  What blessings each of these babies are!  Each headache, each swollen  toe, each breath, each pill, and each shot, etc. is truly a gift and totally worth it, a million times over.  Each day that they are inside of me is even more of a gift.  The Lord has really taught me what sacrifice is.  What I am going through is  NOTHING at all compared to what He has sacrificed for me already.  I have to look at it this way to realize how great it really is.   This is not to say that I haven't had days when I've called Andy or my mother crying like crazy.  My hormones are a tad bit (a lot) out of whack, but we continue to persevere.    Our God is a whole lot stronger than crazy hormones.  He is so good and has had mercy on us time and time and time again, and He's answered our most earnest prayers.

Please continue to keep praying for all of us.  Praise Him for 32 weeks, 4 days!  Praise Him they're all doing well as of now!  Praise Him that we are surrounded by such a good support system.  Praise Him that we're still pregnant!  Please pray that the babies' lungs and brains would be developing well, and that they'd keep growing at the same rate.  Pray that they would not come a second earlier than when they should.  God's timing is perfect, so please pray that they will come in his perfect timing.  Please pray that the Lord would calm our nerves.  We're getting pretty nervous- and just plain scared.  Please pray that the delivery would be a planned delivery instead of an emergency so our parents can make it.  Please pray for the placentas, cords, and fluids to remain at good levels.  Please pray for patience and perseverance as we wait for them.  Please pray for these last days not to creep by and for Andy and I to enjoy just being the two of us right now.  Please pray for Andy as he continues to work to support all of us.  Most importantly, please pray that these precious babies wouldn't ever know a day without Jesus or a day that they don't realize His great sacrifice.   To God be the glory...

Maggie

"Every good and perfect gift is from above and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning."

James 1:17

31 Weeks, 3 Days, and Still Pregnant!

Since my last post, we've been back to both doctors!  God has been so good to us!  Last Thursday, we went to my Oxford doctor, Dr. Smith.  It was a relatively good appointment.  He was pleased with everything, but I do believe we have every OBGYN and pediatrician doctor in Oxford on pins and needles.  I think they were all relieved when we moved to Memphis.  Well, we're back, which makes me anxious and thankful at the same time!  We had a tad bit of a scare when we were doing heart tones last week.  Baby girl's heart rate got up to 191, which totally freaked me out.  It sounded as if a horse was having a heart attack.  I knew something was up when I saw the sonographer's face.  She wouldn't answer my usual question that I ask for each child, "does he/she look normal?"  And, I honestly knew by the sound of her heart that something wasn't right.  She finally answered very calmly, and said, "well, it's a tad bit fast, but I think that we've caught her in action."  She ended up monitoring her for several more minutes, and her heart rate went down, thankfully- and was fine when in Memphis yesterday.  Praise God!  Baby boys B & C's heart rates were 151 and 157, so they were doing well.  Of course, as I've said, it's super easy for me to cry right now, so the tears began to fall.  I had convinced myself that we'd be having babies that night.  Thankfully,  my doctor said all was o.k., and he calmed my nerves like he always does.  I am convinced that they teach a class at OBGYN school on how to calm down neurotic women like myself.  Whatever they teach works.  So, here we are on Tuesday, and we're still pregnant!

Yesterday, Monday, we went to Memphis, and I honestly didn't feel as if they'd be keeping me.  And they didn't!  As upset as I was about coming home, God has really done a wonder on my nerves.  I'm o.k. with being home.  (Notice I said o.k., not perfectly o.k.!)  I was a wreck when we left Memphis last Wednesday, so I've come a long way!  Our appointment went well!  The babies are growing, growing, growing!  They ended up weighing them- A- 3lbs, 14oz; B- 3lbs, 9 oz; C- 3lbs, 11oz!  Each child grew 4 ounces in a week!  We were so proud of them.  They did tell us that they may begin to slow down on growth since there is not much room, so we'll see.  However, my cervix had shortened a good bit- 2.2, which they expect.  Our goal is now 34-35 weeks.  Seems like an eternity to me, but I'm willing to do it for these miracles! Our baby A is literally ready to come out.  All of these drugs seem to be working against her though.  She is now head down, along with B, who has been head down the whole time.  They are competing on who will come out first- will just depend on who they pull out first.  Our sweet C is still breech.  A had  her whole hand in her mouth, and we couldn't get as good of views of B & C.  B, our usual chilled out child, is very active.  He wants to meet the world.  C is in my back.  Even his little face is facing backwards, so we were unable to get his picture.  We could see his profile, and he was sucking on a thumb or fingers.  He turned away quickly though so we couldn't tell.  We go back to our Oxford doctor on Thursday and back to our Memphis doctor on Monday.  I'm so very thankful for these doctors.  Yesterday when I saw Dr. BK (Memphis doctor), he gave me a huge hug.  Just what I needed!  As I said earlier, Dr. Smith also has a way of telling me to chill out.  I'm grateful God  has given these men the wisdom to take care of our babies, as well as the wisdom to calm me down.  Too bad I can't bring them to my house and let them calm me when I get uncomfortable and am convinced that the babies will be coming within an hour.

It's hard to believe we have gotten this far!  32 weeks on Saturday!  God has remained so faithful to us throughout this whole pregnancy, and we owe all the glory to Him!  Just a year ago, I had had surgery to see if I could even get pregnant, and now, here we are, with THREE precious miracles on the way- and due at any time!  I never would have dreamed that we'd be here, but God in his sweet providence= and perfect timing- has placed us here, and we're so very thankful for that! I asked Andy the other night if he ever thought he'd be having triplets, and his response was, "I'm not sure if anybody ever thinks that!"  Ha!  Neither one of us would trade any of this for the world.  It's had its challenges, but the rewards will far outweigh the hardships.  As nervous and scared as we are, we feel confident that our Lord will continue to take care of us and provide.  Eleven weeks and counting of bed rest could have possibly been the best experience I've had.  I'm OCD, and the Lord has shown me how to calm down and get my priorities straight.  As I've said before, I had always pictured the perfect delivery story- leaving the morning of the delivery and taking pictures and such- having everything be perfect from the nursery to every little detail. (And, the nursery is almost ready- will post pics one day when it is! :))  However, God has really shown me what's important.  And, everything will be perfect in its own way, maybe just not how I originally thought.  Thankfully, the Lord has worked in my heart and shown me how imperfect I really am, and that life's not perfect!  That's why we have Him.  Life will never be perfect with three precious babies, but oh, how wonderful it will be!  Please continue to keep all of us in your prayers.  Please pray specifically for consistent growth rates for the babies.  Please pray for our nerves and our hearts as God works on us daily.  Praise Him that we aren't perfect, but He is.  Praise Him for their growth rates thus far!  Praise Him for 32 weeks!  Please pray that these sweet babies will never know a day that they didn't know Him.  Praise Him from whom all blessings flow.

And, one pic for those of you who have been wanting one.  We're ENORMOUS.   As my mother said, "it's not really a large basketball, but maybe one of those big yoga balls."  Enough said. 

From the fullness of grace we have received one blessing after another.

John 1:16

Maggie

Update~

Warning- This is long!

Well, I know I have said this time and again, but it's amazing what a week and a half can bring- or a day in our case!  A week and a half ago, we went to Memphis for what we thought was a routine appointment.  I wasn't feeling really well that morning, so I called Andy to see if his mother would mind riding with us just in case they kept me.  I knew he'd have to come home to work, and I didn't want him riding home by himself.  She was up to Oxford in a jiffy, and we were on our way.  They did the sonogram, and our babies looked precious.  They had grown so much!  The sonographer asked if I'd been having contractions, and I didn't think I had- but little did I know!  I just told them I'd been having Braxton Hicks contractions.  Haaa!  I've never been pregnant, so I have no idea what any of these things mean!  Ended up, I was having real contractions every 3-7 minutes, and I was actually very uncomfortable.  At this point in time, however, I do feel like my pain tolerance is a tad bit higher, so I was trying not to let them bother me.  The doctor then broke the news to us that  we'd for sure be staying, and we'd be getting the steroid shots (thankfully) to boost the trips' lung growth and starting on Magnesium to stop the contractions.   We knew this was coming, and we thought we were prepared.  I thought, "oh- this will be a piece of cake."  Right.  Surprisingly, I took the news pretty well and didn't even freak out in the office.  I just waited until I got in the car and spoke to my mother until the tears came.  I was scared to death.  In a way, I was relieved because I felt safe being in Memphis.  They wouldn't let Andy or his mother come with me to the hospital room at first, so I was there for around 15 minutes by myself, and this is when the real tears came.   I sat on the bed in a fetal position and wept and prayed for me and for our babies, literally.  It was scary, and I didn't know what was about to happen.  I'm positive the nurse that came in thought I needed to be in a mental ward. Thankfully, as lonely and as scared as I was in that 15 or so minutes, God granted me peace, as only He can.  Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, they let Andy and his mother back, and the real fun began.  If you're not familiar with the effects magnesium can have on the human body, let me familiarize you.  It's AWFUL!  I've never been that sick in my life.  It should only be used to torture those on death row.  I know that sounds harsh, but it is terrible.  They had told me not to eat anything from the doctor's office to the hospital, which is maybe 2 minutes.  However, I took a large swig of some Gatorade.  Mistake number one, if you can only imagine.  Not only that, but my whole body felt as if I was on fire on the inside and outside.  I was on this drug from Monday at 7 p.m until Thursday at 7 a.m., and I've never watched the clock so much.  The steroid shots were a piece of cake compared to the Mag.  However, as awful as it was, it did stop the contractions for a while.  While on the Mag, I also started having bladder spasms, which hurt like the dickens.  Thankfully, Andy's mother stayed with me, and God bless her.  She was a saint.  I never dreamed my mother in law would have to help me get sick- and worse- but she was a trooper.   We're pretty tight, and her patience is something I covet.   Poor Andy had to leave the room.  I worry about him watching a c-section!  Please start praying for this now!   My mother arrived on Wednesday night, and it felt good to have her there too.   She definitely crawled in the bed with me and held me.  It was pretty wonderful.

 After being on the Mag, I was still contracting, so the doctor wasn't comfortable moving me to the Ante-Partum wing of the hospital.  I was in Labor and Delivery, where they check on you, thankfully, every 20 minutes.  Finally, on Thursday night, the contractions subsided enough that the doctor agreed to move us to Ante-Partum only if my nurse would move with me- she was wonderful!  Ante- Partum is a whole lot more relaxed because they let you sleep.  They're not in and out of your room constantly.  I continued to contract, and still am, but my doctors say this is expected with triplets.  Despite being in the Ante-Partum wing, I didn't have wheel chair privileges, so my outings were few and far between.  On this past Monday, we got go down the hall to get a sonogram, and they weighed the babies!  We are so thankful for their growths!!!  A was 3lbs 10oz; B was 3lbs 5oz; and C was 3lbs 7oz!  Praise God for their growth!  Our girl grew 12 ounces in 2 weeks, and baby boy B grew 10 ounces in two weeks, and baby boy C grew 8 ounces in 2 weeks.  This is amazing!  They all looked beautiful too.  Once again, God took care of them.  While on the Mag, I wasn't able to eat from Monday night until Thursday morning and was being kept hydrated by a drip.  I had lost 3 pounds as well.  I was worried to death that the babes would not have gained weight, or worse, would have lost weight.  All the while, our God was keeping the trips healthy and growing!  Praise Him!  Another outing they let me have was to tour the NICU.  I am so thankful for this opportunity, but it was possibly one of the scariest places I've ever been.  The whole time Mrs. Meg (Andy's mother) and I were touring, all I could keep telling myself was, "please don't start crying, please don't start crying!"  I am so very thankful for such a wonderful place, but it is so very scary.  I was very impressed with the nurses and the doctors.  The whole environment is meant to mimic the womb.  The NICU was dark and very quiet, and every baby is curled up in a fetal position in its incubator, and that is then covered with a fleece blanket to keep their environments dark.  It was all very interesting, and I am thankful that our sweet babies will hopefully be under the careful watch of these wonderful people.  I think the scariest part was actually seeing how small 3 pounds really is.  We saw a baby that weighed 3 pounds, 2 ounces, and he was precious and SOOO tiny.  We are very blessed our babies have hit the 3 pound mark, but it is still scary.   Please continue to pray for growth  and development.  The babies are not able to come home based on weight, but on brain development.  They have to be able to suck, keep themselves warm, and have brain development.  Please pray for all of these!

So, where are we now?  My doctor felt at ease enough to send us home last night (Wednesday) after a week and a half in the hospital.  He performed a fetal fibronectin test which indicates if I could go into labor in the next two weeks.  Thankfully, it came back negative, but we know things can change in an instant.  I was not comfortable at all with this decision, but I must remind myself that the Lord knows exactly what He is doing, and my doctor is a whole lot smarter than I am.  Apparently, our insurance people are not pregnant with triplets and think we are fine at home.  As I said earlier, I am still contracting, but it's expected.  Right now, my uterus is holding over 10 pounds of baby and 15 or so pounds of placenta, amniotic fluid, etc.  So, no wonder I feel as if they could drop out at any second, but God has remained so faithful to let them stay put.  I'm now on extra doses of meds to stop contractions, as well as more blood thinner shots.  My poor arms look as if I've been tortured.  Like I've said, we are scared to death, but I know that our God is in control and has been since the beginning.  He has formed these babies in me and already knows them and their every movement.  Praise Him for that.  Please be praying that this would not be an emergency situation, and that we can schedule something in Memphis to be near the NICU.  Please be in prayer for all of my doctors- here and in Memphis.  They are prepared if anything happens here, but the babies would more than likely have to be transported to a nearby NICU in Tupelo or Memphis.  Praise God for smart people that are good at their professions- i.e.- doctors.  Praise Him for their weights.   Praise Him for 30 weeks, 5 days!  Praise Him that we got the steroid shots.  Please pray for Andy as he continues to work and support all of us.  Praise Him for mother-in-laws and parents that take good care of us, as well as precious friends!  Please pray that God would grant us the peace that passes all understanding as we are absolutely nervous as can be.  It's super easy to cry right now, so please pray that God would control my hormones!  The babies don't need to be startled as of now.  Pray that the babes would stay put a few more weeks in order to develop/ gain weight.  Pray that God would be preparing our hearts and minds to be the parents that He wants us to be.  We have a huge responsibility set before us!  Thank you all for your prayers over the past week and a half, especially when we thought that the babies would be coming in the next few days.  Praise Him that He has remained faithful, even when we are scared to death.  Please continue to pray!  To God be the glory~

Maggie

Update

Our new home is now Baptist Hospital for Women in Memphis. Please pray that contractions stop! We were thankful to get the steroid shots earlier in the week. I will try to give a detailed update soon! Please keep us all in your prayers! Thankful God is in control!

Maggie