Maternity Pictures... Bed rest style

I've always been excited about getting professional maternity pictures... like the ones you see on Pinterest and in magazines.  I did have a maternity session scheduled but bed rest took priority over those pictures in a meadow with the perfect lighting of my babies bump that I had imagined.  I since decided that I didn't have to give up on taking these pictures just because I was in bed at a hospital all day.  So I made a few calls and set up for my secretly talented (one arm in a sling) sista-in-law to take some maternity pics.  With the help of Brian and my little brother, Beau... I believe the photo shoot was a tremendous success.  More than a few of these could be framers.

 

 

 



I'm so happy with these pictures.  I'm glad I didn't give up on maternity pictures just because I was in the hospital.  We were able to make due and give me breaks to catch my breath and they turned out beautifully. It is not every day you are preggo with triplets... and we have been able to capture this moment forever. 

Bump Day: Week 28

How far along? 28 Weeks... this is a HUGE milestone for us. Yay!
 

Sleep? Good days and bad days.  The better I sleep, the better I feel the next day.

Maternity Clothes? Pajama pants and XL t-shirts.

Stretch Marks? None

Best Moment this week? There were two. 

Numero Uno: Friday was our 5 year anniversary.  Brian arrived to the hospital close to 7 PM and suggested we go for a ride (in the wheelchair).  We were gone about 30 minutes and when we got back, he said, "Since we weren't able to go anywhere this year, I brought Italy to us".  There was a table set with a checkered table cloth, 2 dozen roses, italian food, italian music, and pictures from Italy playing on my tv.  What a great surprise! 

Numero Dos:  Ryley got to come see me on Sunday.  It had been 5 weeks since I saw her last and we were so excited to reunite.  I miss my puppy.

Miss Anything? Walking like a normal person.  I like a 90 year old woman walking the 5 steps to the bathroom.
 

Movement? Yes and I have felt them have hiccups a couple of times.

Size of the Babies? Three Cabbages!  Ultrasound on Sunday said...
Baby A: 2 lbs 3 oz
Baby B: 2 lbs 4 oz
Baby C: 2 lbs 2 oz

Food Cravings? Naw...
 

Morning Sickness? Nope.

Gender? Three girls.

Bed Rest? Still in the hospital.  Its been 5 weeks.

Limitations?  You know it!

Labor Signs? None this week besides the occassional contraction.

Weight Gain? 37 lbs.

Pregnancy Symptoms?  I feel like I have a basketball in my stomach pushing up on my lungs and heart.

Belly Button In or Out? Slightly out.

Wedding Rings On or Off?  They fit just fine for some maternity pics I took on Saturday.
 

Mood?  Pretty good most of the time.
 

Looking Forward To?  Starting to see the nursery come together.  Carpet was put in on Monday so now Brian can begin moving furniture in there.

What Brian is Saying: "This new carpet is so squishy between my toes"... I can't wait to feel it myself :)

Bump Photo:

 

Debt Free... Yes Please!

You may remember on my anniversary post how I said we are completely debt free.  Well... I'm not lying.  Brian and I have paid off our mortgage and it is such an AWESOME feeling.  We also don't have debt anywhere else... we have managed to pay off our cars in full a few years ago, we never carry a balance over to the next month on our credit card, and we were both fortunate to not have any student loans from college.  Thanks Mom and Dad! (and scholarship people)

  You may be wondering how in the world did they do that in under five years? 

Well, if you know Brian, you would know that he has an Excel spreadsheet for EVERYTHING, and I mean EVERYTHING. So, naturally for him, we have a spreadsheet of our yearly budget and an updated monthly cashflow. As a result, we always know how much money we have coming in and how much we have going out. We pay ourselves first (very important) and stick to our budget throughout the year. We haven't lived outside our means and try not to spend money on things we don't need. Luckily for Brian, I don't particularly like shopping and we normally choose the cheaper options for most things. Yes, we still manage to do things we love... like travel... but we stick to our set budget and spend money more on the "experiences" rather than fancy dining or resorts.

Since buying our house in June, 2008, we have always done an automatic payment that was about 1.5 times our actual monthly payment.  Once we finished our cashflow for the month, we would see how much extra we would have and dump that in to our mortgage (rather than giving ourselves time to spend it on other things).  Some months it may have been nothing extra while other months it was a lot more.  Just depended on what was going on in our lives at the time.  If we ever received a monetary gift or bonus from work, that money also went towards our mortgage.

With the extra contributions we have been able to pay, guess how much we have saved in the long run... about $150,000! Yes, if we had paid our monthly payment for the full 30years, we would have spent $150,000 more on interest. That is CRAZY! It is such a load off of our shoulders, especially with 3 kiddos coming in our near future.

I'm no financial advisor or money expert, but I do know that it takes some discipline and organization to accomplish.  Brian and I set this goal a long time ago and believe that if you set your mind to something, it is achievable.  I give our parents credit as well, as they taught us about money as children and the importance of saving.  We are so proud of ourselves and now have a little more financial freedom.  Instead of a mortgage payment every month, we will have extra cash to spend on babies and of course use it to continue saving.  It feels so good :)

PS.  Shout out to my followers!  I can't believe I have over 30,000 views and 150 followers.  Thanks everyone!

Five Years

Five years.  Wow, five years.  Time goes by so quickly.  It has been five years since I said "I do" to this handsome man.

It has been the most incredible time.  We have been lucky enough to do many things over the past 5 years... like buy a house, travel the world, welcome our pup Ryley to the family, and love each other more every day.

Along with small gifts, Brian and I are able to do something HUGE for each other this year.  As of today, we are completely DEBT FREE!  Our mortgage is paid in full.  Whoo Hoo!! (I'll elaborate more in a later post on how we did it).

 

To celebrate our 5th year anniversary, our original plan was to take a really awesome vacation to somewhere tropical... however, those plans have been diverted for something far more important... Welcoming our 3 baby girls in to the world very soon.  So we will be celebrating tonight in my hospital room.  Maybe I'll get some time out of the room in the wheelchair.  It doesn't matter where we are as long as I am with him.  I love you, Brian.



Bump Day: Week 27

How far along? 27 weeks.  One more week down.

Sleep? Eh, not like I used to.  I wake up every 2 hours or so to turn over... And for me, that's like running stairs.

Maternity Clothes? Pajama pants and XL t-shirts.

Stretch Marks? Nope.  I'm as large as a full-term pregnant Mom with one baby and still no stretch marks.  I'm crossing my fingers, but I have about 6 more weeks to go for our goal.

Best Moment this week? I've been given Wheelchair privileges by my doctor.  So, Saturday and Sunday Brian got to push me around the hospital for about 30 minutes.  It feels so nice to see people and other places besides these four walls I stare at all day.

Miss Anything? My DVR.  Normal clothes, shoes, and makeup.
 

Movement? Definitely.  Especially at night, when I wake up in the morning, and during the monitoring.  I'm beginning to differentiate which one is kicking me (or her sisters).

Size of the Babies? Three Cauliflowers! 

Food Cravings? Not really.  The nutritionist gave me Boost VHC (Very High Calorie) with 530 calories... It's like eating pancake batter.  I have to chew and my mouth gets a workout just sucking it through the tiny straw... Yuck.

Morning Sickness? Nope.

Gender? Three girls.

Bed Rest? Still in the hospital.  My doctor is holding me hostage... which is fine by me.

Limitations? Plenty... just hanging out in bed all day.

Labor Signs? I'm beginning to know when I have a contraction.  Not sure if that is good or bad.  They don't hurt me and the doctor/nurses say it is okay to have 1-2 an hour.  Just my uterus preparing for labor.

Weight Gain? 32 lbs.  Getting up there.

Pregnancy Symptoms?  Shortness of breath when I talk too much, roll over, or lay flat.

Belly Button In or Out? Slightly out.

Wedding Rings On or Off?  They should still fit.

Mood? Optomistic.  That's just me :)
 

Looking Forward To?  Our 5 year anniversary on Friday.

What Brian is Saying: "I spent A LOT of money at Babies R Us"... and if you know my husband, he is the most frugal person.  He is always looking at ways to save money and for him to go spend money without me really even asking says he is willing to do whatever it takes to raise these girls.  I love him.

Bump Photo:

 

 

10 Things I've Learned While On Bed Rest

Well, I'm going on my 41st day of bed rest and my 28th day on hospital bed rest.  Let's just say I'm becoming a PRO at this and these are a few things I've learned along the way...

1.  Bedrails are a SAVIOR when you are 26 weeks pregnant with triplets.  I really don't know how I would roll over or sit up without them.  Pathetic, I know, but at least they are helping keep my upper body strength while my abs waste away.

2.  I don't really have as much free time as I thought I would.  With all of the nurses, aids, meals, visitors, and baby monitoring... there is not much time left for me to check off all of those things on my "Bed rest To Do List".  Plus, I get tired really easily so just getting a little nap here and there takes up time as well.

3.  Back jets in a shower are AMAZING!  When I sit down to shower, I continuously get a flow of hot water on my back and that is a definite perk when trying to shower sitting down.  May seem something silly to eww and awe over but sometimes just getting up to get in the shower is the highlight of my day.  I love those back jets!

4.  If someone offers to bring you food, take up the offer!  After being here for almost 4 weeks, I've grown a little less fond of the hospital food.  They surprise you here and there, but after you eat eggs for almost every breakfast, they can get boring and gross.  Its always nice to get an outside meal to remind myself what I'm missing outside this hospital room I'll be fortunate enough to have again once these baby girls make their presence in this world.

5.  Your nice firm muscles that you have had all your life will turn to mush.  Yes, I'm mushy... all over.  No exercise + eating whatever I want = untoned, flabby, mush.  I do some stretches and theraband exercises but definitely not enough to make up for the couch potatoe lifestyle I'm living.  Don't get me wrong... I'm really good at being lazy, but it is frustrating to watch my muscles go bye-bye.

6.  Chapstick and lotion are must-haves in the hospital.  And make sure they are within reach.  Nothing worse than chapped lips and seeing the chapstick across the room, yet you can't get up to get it.

7.  Game shows make me envious.  At 10 AM its The Price Is Right, 6:30 PM is Wheel of Fortune, and sometimes in between I'll catch Let's Make a Deal.  It would be so awesome to be on a gameshow but what I'm most envious about are the vacations they are giving away.  If you know Brian and I, you know we love to travel.  I'd give up traveling forever for these girls, but when they show the resorts with the crystal clear water, it just makes me want to walk right outta here and jump on the next plane.  I've got the travel-bug.  But I suppose right now I'd trade traveling to an exotic place for just getting some fresh air downstairs...

8.  I've learned that DVR at home spoiled me.  Having to watch TV live and only being able to use the TV Guide channel to see what is on is almost TORTURE.  It seems like I only turn on the tv now if I know a show is on a certain channel.  Otherwise, I watch shows on my Kindle.

9.  Take advantage of any time you are allowed out of the room.  I was able to go to "Bed Rest Boogie Break" a couple weeks ago which allowed me to go in the wheelchair down the hall to the Great Room.  I got to meet other Moms-to-be and do some crafty things.  Also, just getting wheeled out to get an ultrasound could be the highlight of my day.

10.  Follow the doctor's orders.  I'm here for a reason... to create and grow beautiful baby girls.  Gestating is my job and I will follow the 'rules' if it means having healthy babies.  I stay in bed and only get up to use the restroom or shower.  I know I control the destiny for our babies right now and I want to give them the best opportunities I can.  I love them :)



Three Peas in a Pod Baby Shower



My 'Three Peas in a Pod' Shower was given to us by all of my aunts and surrogate aunts.  They put in a lot of effort to make this an adorable yet elegant baby shower.  Once again Brian went in my place and I rode around on his chest in the form of a Kindle.

 

The invitations and decor were so ADORABLE.

 

 

The stained glass in the back of the room just happened to be three storks... how fitting for a triplets baby shower!

 

 

They had a game set up where you would have to guess what baby item was in each pink bag.  Surprisingly, Brian got most of the answers right!  He is going to be such a great Daddy.

 

 

Here are some pics from Brian opening prezzies.  My cousin's 2 year old daughter helped him open the presents and then would bring them to the Kindle where I could see them.  It was the cutest thing ever.

 

 

Thanks so much to my hostesses.  It was such a wonderful shower and I really wish I could have been there in person.  Brian and I are so blessed to have such generous and amazing people in our lives.  We love each and every one of you.

 

Bump Day: Week 26

How far along? 26 weeks.

Sleep? Some days better than others.

Maternity Clothes? Pajama pants and XL t-shirts.
 

Stretch Marks? Still No.

Best Moment this week? Hearing one or more of the babies have hiccups on the fetal monitors... so cute :)

Miss Anything? I'm missing setting up the nursery and organizing all of the cute baby things we have received.

Movement? Yes, I'm even beginning to feel a head, butt, or foot pressed against the surface of my belly when they change positions.  And yes, there is still room for Baby B and C to change positions.

Size of the Babies? Three Hothouse cucumbers!  (Pictured below since I didn't know there were different types of cucumbers)

Food Cravings? Not very much.  Trying to each as much as I can.

Morning Sickness? Nope.

Gender? Three girls.

Bed Rest? I'm rockin' it here at the hospital.

Limitations? No jumping on trampolines or riding horses. *sarcasm

Labor Signs? Staying pretty stable here at the hospital.  I'm trying to be on my best behavior and be 'boring' for my doctor.

Weight Gain? 29 lbs.  Never thought I would be excited when I gained a pound.
 

Pregnancy Symptoms?  Pelvic pain anytime I roll over or stand up.  That first step is very painful.

Belly Button In or Out? Slightly out.

Wedding Rings On or Off? I don't have them right now, but I'm pretty sure they would still fit.

Mood? Pretty good.  Just happy to make it through each day still preggo.

Looking Forward To?  My next ultrasound.  I want to see how much my girls have grown.

What Brian is Saying: "Guess how many pacifiers we have... 41."  Yes, my Mom, Dad, MIL, and hubby inventoried all of our baby stuff we have been fortunate to recieve at our baby showers.  And then my engineer husband went a step forward and made an excel spreadsheet.  Although, I make fun sometimes, this is definitely going to be useful since I can't see what all we have.  Now, I get to go online shopping!

Bump Photo:

 

3 Amigas Baby Shower, Ole!

 

Brian and I are so incredibly lucky.  Why, you may ask... because we have so many friends and family that care so much about us.  It makes me feel so good to know that we have a huge support group and that we will never be lacking help when these babies get here.  Along with that support, we have had so many people want to help throw babies' showers for us that we ended up with 4 showers.  Needless to say, we have received so many baby gifts and we are so grateful.

 

My sister-in-law (Check out her Blog for more pics), best friends, and their Mom's offered to a shower for my baby girls.  This one happened last weekend and was a FIESTA themed party.  It was soooo adorable and I like to quote Stephanie that, "Pinterest threw up in my house".

 

 

Also, being on hospital bed rest, I was unfortunately unable to make it to my own babies' shower.  But guess you stepped in, my amazing hubby, Brian (they are his kiddos too).  I was also able to skype in to the shower, and even though the image quality was poor, I was still able to talk to all of the guests and see what gifts we received.

 

Proud papa with me on Skype.

 

 

Entry Table

 

 

All of our wonderful hosts, our Mom's, and Brian

 

My Bump Day pictures were spread throughout the house.

 

Nacho Bar

 

Cake and beverage table... I loved the "la CAKE" and "el BAR"

 

Some of our Guests

 

 

The hosts chose such a cute game to play.  They blindfolded Brian, my Mom, and his Mom and made them completely dress cabbage patch dolls.

 

 

On your mark, Get set, Go!

 

 

Time to open presents!  Brian showed me each gift he opened.

 

 

What an awesome time with amazing friends.  I really wish I could have been there in person to see everyone but we did what we could.  My most important job right now is gestating... or growing babies.  Deepest thanks to all of my hosts and friends that came.  Brian and I really appreciate all of the love. 

 

And to Brian, what a good sport you were walking in to a house full of women.  I'm such a lucky woman and these growing girls are lucky to have such a great man as their father.  I love you.