It's the pink beach ball!

Oh boy, lets have a word about maternity bathing suits - UNATTRACTIVE! As you know, I tried to don my bikini last weekend - not a good scene with the sunburn etc. Worse though was that it really didn't fit anyway, especially since half of this poundage that is blessing my body is somehow finding my ass and thighs. Be that as it may, I decided that the bikini was NOT going to work any longer. So the new maternity bathing suits arrived this week. I thought they were so cute in the bag! Well, definitely NOT so cute on the bod.

As I gingerly took off my shirt and shorts and revealed suit#1, I was quickly termed the "PINK BEACH BALL". And it's VERY pink. In fact, probably a little obnoxiously pink. Good thing I have a blue one and a green one too so it's not always the pink ball that will be laying out at the pool! The beachball theory is so true - there is so much fabric on those suits to cover up all of the expanding parts that it makes your whole body look large. It's quite a new experience. I love seeing pg women in bikini's because I think showing the belly is kinda fun - especially when it's all tan and cute. But it just doesn't feel right for me for some reason. Can you tell I'm having trouble giving up my bikini days? I'll take it though, shoot, I would give up ANYTHING to be in my position now so don't think I'm complaining. I'm certainly not.

So as the day gets started today, it's another beautiful one. The pool is calling my name - so I think I'll go for the blue beachball look today. And sorry, NO pictures of the suits - I threatened my girlfriend within an inch of her life yesterday when she pulled out the camera. That is one thing I don't need photos of for posterity!

Here comes the belly!

Well, I've been asked for a photo or two of the belly; here you go - here we are at 14w 5 days. Think I'm in trouble later? At just 15 weeks, don't ask me where these kids are going to go over the next 21 weeks - this trio is certainly going to be in tight quarters!

UGH, One more week!

Well, the flailing mass of arms and legs in my uterus today did not do much good for finding out the genders. My OB was rushed due to other appt's and he just didn't have the time to figure out who was who in there and what parts belonged to who. We think we saw a boy and a girl in there, but not totally sure. And most of all, we're not sure that he looked at each baby. Everytime he went to look at the next one, they moved position and confused us. It reminded me of that ball under the shell game that you see magicians do!

Anyway, Dr. Hot pants is going to see me next Friday, 6/2. So, we wait a little longer. The good news is, all babies were squirming like crazy and looked happy. I even got a little wave from one of them.

I guess it's good that we have to wait anyway - the rug I ordered for the nursery is back ordered and won't be in until the first week in June so can't do much with the nursery anyway. Need to hold off on paint for the rug, and for the gender. This gives us some extra time to wait to make 100% sure we know what we've got.

Note to self...wear plenty of sunscreen on belly while pregnant

DUH, how could I have been so stupid? My season debut in the sun and what happens? I get fried on my belly. Well of course, it's sticking out more than any other part of my body. Who forgot to tell me that the skin is more sun sensitive when you're pregnant? After all of the things I have read about pregnancy, I've NEVER seen anything about wearing more SPF on your body parts during this time. Oh well, learned the hard way I guess eh?

It's Tuesday and it's still BRIGHT red and sore! Well, I guess it doesn't help much that I have on these cool (note the sarcasm here) high waisted maternity pants that scrape it all day long. Don't get me wrong - I'm not complaining. Just stating the facts.

I am, of course, overjoyed to be carrying these little munchkins and am also glad to have some color on this ever quickly growing white pasty body of mine. Feels good to look healthy! Tan fat always looks much better than white fat doesn't it? After catching a glimpse of myself in a bikini with a belly and white thighs, I decided that the bikini days are over. I guess it was fun while it lasted.

I guess that is the first and last time that my stomach will be seeing the sunlight this season. I immediately purchased 3 new maternity suits for the duration of the summer - in hopes that I will be able to use them frequently. This is my last summer of free pool time for quite a while - so I intend to make the most of it, that's for sure. My doctor (OB) came out for a quick visit at the pool the other day since he lives there - he must have looked out his window and wondered who the beached whale was that washed up at the pool side.... Anyway, he did say that the pool will be a godsend come my 3rd trimester - you become weightless in the water so I'm sure I'll be loving the pool by that time. That is of course, if I'm not bed bound. We'll hope for the best. What better way to relax and keep your feet up - than on a raft floating in a pool! Now we're talkin'...

I'm feeling rejuvinated this week - I guess it's that 2nd trimester. I don't know if it's a mental relief or really I do feel physically different. But whatever it is, I'm enjoying it. My appetite is not as out of control as it was; that is always a good thing. I eat less at sittings - but still eating more frequently to keep the babies fueled. It's interesting how the body craves exactly what it needs isn't it? The human body is an amazing thing - afterall, it is growing three babies at one time. WOW...what a miracle.

Bolt down the furniture? Are you kidding?

OK, my research on raising Triplets is getting so funny - I mean hilarious! I read the other night that we need to bolt the furniture to the walls - WHAT? Apparently this trio is going to become quite ingenious and will be finding all kinds of ways to create mischief, as a "team". I guess Chuck's assessment of the Licameli team wasn't so far off a few weeks ago was it? We will have to double gate everything when they start being mobile - they climb to great heights! Apparently they pull out drawers to climb and lift each other up to get over things. We need to set up some movie cameras around the house to record these antics. America's funniest home video's might be in our future!

The stories of triplet trouble are so funny to read about - I'm sure it's not funny at the time to the parents but when it's not you, it's very easy to laugh about! I can't wait for them to come - and wreak havoc. I'm so looking forward to this challenge - I know it will be total chaos a majority of the time but hey, keeps life interesting right? I can't wait to meet these little guys - and find out their personalities. It gives me butterflies to think of how cute they will be and how much fun we will have (once we get the hang of things of course). I'm not sure we can call the first several months "fun" but they will be rewarding. And we'll look back and wonder how we ever did it.

We'll be armed with good information, good suggestions, plenty of help - and hopefully lots of good attitude. There's a saying that I've had in my guest bathroom for a while now - that I read everytime I'm in there. "The most wasted day is the one without laughter". Well, that is my new motto - and how appropriate that it happens to be hanging in the bathroom that will be the kids bath when they arrive. Everything happens for a reason, doesn't it?

My IF girlfriends...

As I continue on my journey post IF, some of my girlfriends that are still struggling are constantly on my mind. These girls are still trying so hard to achieve their dreams of having a baby - something that I feel like I was just doing almost yesterday. It's still so fresh in my mind.

Two of my local friends are cycling again now - one just did a natural IUI cycle this week, and is now in that dreaded two week wait. The other is going to start stimming for her 2nd IVF in another week or two. I'm hoping so hard that it works for them - I can't stop thinking about them and hoping that they pull through this time. The unknown is just so hard.

My other cyber friend from the BBC is in the midst of beta hell - she's had two betas that were really low and goes back for her 3rd today - uuuuggggghhhhhh, what a nightmare she is in. I can feel her pain. It's just such a tough place to be. And she's already had FOUR losses! She's been through this four times already - this is her 5th time. No wonder she's so cynical and non-enthusiastic. She's learned the hard way - too many times. Nobody should have to do that even once, much less 5 times now. Hopefully the ultimate reward is coming soon for her. She deserves it, more than anyone I know.

Supporting an IF friend after going through it yourself is almost as heartbreaking as going through it yourself. You hope so hard for each other - and can't stand to see the pain and sadness when it's a failure. But as I always say, it's sometimes easier to be the one going through it than the friends on the outside trying to help someone through. Something takes over inside when it's you that's dealing with it - and you get through....somehow. For now, lets just hope that my girls come through this time and those miracles that they are waiting for are ready to bless them. Now wouldn't that be the best year ever!

Guess who rules now?

Well, the babies are starting to rule already - very interesting how that happens isn't it? Little by little, they seem to be dictating what I can and cannot do on a daily basis. I was very surprised this weekend when I got so worn out, so fast, from doing so little. Well, compared to what I used to accomplish on a weekend day, it didn't seem as strenuous as it felt! Afterall, I only walked about a mile and a half - but being on my feet buzzing around all day really took it's toll. Boy, I'm only 14 weeks - I'm in trouble!

I'm thankful that I'm still feeling great most days - I was just pooped at the end of the day yesterday. It was an early day, started with a team in training event, on to visit Erica's girls, then to Mom's to help with Baby Emily, on a family walk (first time Mom, Toby and I have walked together probably since we were in diapers and a stroller together), then baby shopping, and home to the couch! I'm still having the residual effects from my hyperstimulation from back in March - the doc said that might continue until 16-20 weeks. It's so obvious at night - my belly is twice the size at night than it is in the morning. Kinda funny actually.

But I will say, looking at this tummy grow is a pretty cool thing. As odd as it is to watch the body change into a crazy shape (and wonder how it will ever go back to normal), it's amazing to me that there are three little babies growing inside. Truly amazing. I've already gained about 11 pounds so am hoping that most of that goes to the babies, not my ass!

I have another OB appt this week so am anxious to hear how he thinks I'm doing. I'm hoping maybe he can do a quick check on the babies (kinda doubt he will though) and see if he can tell the sexes. If not, I'll get back to Dr. Hot Pants at the end of the week and do that quick extra sneak peek that he promised he would do. Not sure what I'm more excited for - to see the babies or the doctor! Just kidding....

Patience is a Virtue?

You would think we would have learned how to be patient by now huh? This is certainly prepping me for when these little munchkins arrive ~ that said, it's a tad early to tell if they are boys are girls. Oh well, we got the best news we could have asked for and that is that they are all doing great! They are measuring right on target, good heart rates, moving around a lot, all of their limbs in tact and seem to be happy as clams. What a relief.

Much to my surprise, Dr. S was not our doc today - it was his partner, Dr. L. OK, let me just say that I was stuttering when he walked into the room - holy hot doctor! He's got to be about our age - and wow, his smile is enough to stop anyone in their tracks! Of course, wouldn't you know that as soon as he walked out the door, Chuck immediately said "he's gay". Why do all men say that when a hot man walks in and back out? In any case, he was awesome. He answered all of my questions and seemed to have a "good feeling" about the trips. Phew. Everyone told me about how much we would love Dr. S. but nobody warned me about the HOT factor of Dr. L. Just an added bonus I guess :) Since he sensed that I was disappointed he said he would let me come back in 2 weeks for another sneak peek at the end of the day - you can bet I will NOT be skipping that appointment, for 2 reasons - to see his hotness again and oh, of course, to see the babies again ;)

Anyway, we've got:
Baby A measuring at 13w2days and a heartrate at 150 - 70% chance it's a girl
Baby B measuring at 12w5days and a heartrate at 153 - too early to tell
Baby C measuring at 13w2days and a heartrate at 155 - too early to tell
*Baby B&C are the identicals

So, we continue to wait - with much patience. Finding out the sexes will be nice, but not nearly as important as just knowing that everyone is ok in there. Everyone always says "I don't care what sex it is, as long as it's healthy" and I now know exactly what they mean. They couldn't be more right on.

I thought this day would never come....

"Happy Mothers Day" was never something I thought I would hear - and boy, this years Mothers Day was much different than the last few...I've always wondered what it felt like to celebrate Mothers Day as a real Mom - I'm still not there yet but I'm a little closer than I've been the last few years. Gosh, remembering back to last year, and the year before, after experiencing the loss of babies and "almost" getting to be a Mom, that sure was a hard day. And I thought all day yesterday about my girls who are still struggling. It's such a hard place to be. It breaks my heart to think of those Mom's who are trying so hard to get that baby they so long for. And thinking about the Mom's with sick babies ~ who spent their day in the hospital yesterday with their ailing little ones - my heart goes out to all of them.

Mothers Day is really a cool day - a time to remember our own Mom's and let them know how much they mean to us. What a concept. We laughed because when you're a kid, you wonder "How come Mom gets a special day? When is it kids day?". We always asked that question as kids and got the same answer "everyday is kids day". That could not be any more true! There are never enough words to express to my own Mom how much she means to me. And how much she has done for me. And how much I appreciate her. And how brave, wise and amazing she is. I think about this almost daily and wish there was a way to tell you Mom, how much I love and cherish you. And how lucky I feel to have you as my Mom and my best friend. I love you so much it hurts sometimes. And that's the truth. As we grow older, it only gets better. We've got a bond that can never be challenged, no matter what. That's an amazing thing.

I was overwhelmed with cards, flowers and well wishes yesterday. I didn't expect that at all - afterall, I'm not a real Mom yet. Chuck gave me a sweet card - of course with his usual humor added to it but it touched my heart. It was really a nice day. Having the family over made it a special day ~ relaxing and fun to be with everyone. We had lots of helpers, all of which were the other Moms - it's amazing that on Mothers Day, the Mom's still kick it in and take care of business. Nature of the beast I guess.

Having the kids around was a joy - Emily, RT and Jonathan are such fun to be around. And thinking that we will add three more to the mix by this time next year just gives me a chuckle. It's going to be utter chaos ~ and I can only imagine that I'll have a smile a mile wide that I won't be able to wipe off of my face. That will truly be a special day when we can all be together, with kids, and laugh at the craziness that will be unfolding.

We have a big day coming up - our first appt with Dr. S (local Peri) and we might even find out the sexes of the three amigos. I don't have my heart set on it since it still might be a bit early at 13 weeks, but I'm remaining hopeful. Stay tuned....

It's really going to be the babies room!

WOW, that sounds so amazing - I called it the "babies room" for the first time today to the painter. I've always been scared to say that...

The painter came today to give us an estimate on painting the room. When I asked Chuck if he wanted to do the painting, his reply was "sure, I'll do it in the fall sometime". Ha. I held back and calmly said, "no, I don't think that will work; the fall is a bit late". He didn't seem to understand but didn't argue so I assume he was happy to get out of it. Nonetheless, we're having it done and am more than happy to do so.

I'm just hoping that next week we'll be able to find out the sex of these little guys. Although I think I already know, I need the official word so I can move along with the nursery. Once we know, I'll pick the theme and then the paint. Then we're off and running. Cribs will be ordered, then I'll have to find the furniture ~ boy, it's going to be tight in there. But cozy has always been my favorite so we'll start with that...

My belly has really popped out this week I think. It's still not too obvious to others but to me, it's looking much different. It's also gotten a little harder I think ~ thank goodness it's not all mushy. Now, my ass and my thighs, different story. Ewwwwwwww. Oh well, it's worth every dimple for these three little miracles. I'll work on getting it back off at a later date.

Headed out to dinner with Lauri tonight for a belated birthday dinner. I think we'll be talking babies and shower most of the time. That still makes me a little weird ~ just not to into talking about that all of the time. My anxiety level still raises easily ~ especially when it comes to talking about the shower. Hopefully I can hold it together. As much as I love these babies of mine, there is a strong sense of privacy that I'm still protecting; just not ready to share everything and let it all out. Probably never will be either ~ and that's OK.