Bitter Sweet

As many of you know, fitness has been a passion of mine for a long time.  Whether it is walking around the block with our family or a hardcore spin class, I enjoy every minute.  It is something I've always done for myself and have always been able to look forward to.  So today was bittersweet as I taught my last two group fitness classes at DAS.  When Michael and I made the decision for me to stay home with Taylor I thought I was walking away from DAS at that time.  However, I was asked to stay on board and teach two group fitness classes on Monday's.  With Grandma Kamp willing to watch Taylor this was able to happen.  I've been there most Monday's ever since.  Not only was it a two hour workout for me, but it was a chance to interact with adults.   It was a big benefit to me, physically and mentally.

After starting my internship with NIFS at DAS seven years ago, today I walked away from many good people and a few great friends.  I know I'll miss teaching and seeing the class participants next Monday, but in the long run I would rather walk away on own terms and not the doctor's.  Plus, I'm looking forward to spending more time with Taylor while I still feel good.  So today I close one door on an awesome opportunity and get one step closer to meeting these three babies.  I'm positive I'll have many workouts in the next few months even if they aren't in Boot Camp or Body Flex class!

Happy Super Bowl week!

Swim Lessons with Daddy

Taylor did her first round of swim lessons in January at the Monon Center.  Michael committed to taking her so they had some extra father-daughter bonding time.  Taylor continues to love any opportunity to be in the water.  Here are just a few pics from this past Saturday:

 Off to the pool...

"CHEEEEESSEEE"

 Relaxing on her back...for about 5 seconds. :)

 Taylor is enjoying pushing her babies in her stroller.

Taking a 'play off' to relax and have a little milk.

19 Week Ultrasound

So I was trying to upload our DVD from todays ultrasound and failed.  All three of the babies look great from head to toe!  Michael was out of town for business so my Mom got to go with me while Michael's Mom stayed with Taylor.  Thank you both for helping out!  My Mom really seemed to enjoy the ultrasound but I think she was blown away when the tech switched over to 4D and we could see all of the babies facial features.  We even got to see baby boy 'C' yawn... so precious.  At any rate, We are relieved everyone looks good.  

After a little bit of a melt down yesterday, I'm back to positive town and ready to get through a few more weeks.  I go back every two weeks for a cervical length check and again in 4 weeks for a 2 hour growth check.  

Taylor continues to blossom by the day.  She is starting to say apple instead of 'app' this week and today Mamaw taught her 'opal' because she wears an opal necklace from time to time.  Pretty sure she'll be getting an opal from her one day.  ;)

Michael took Taylor out in the snow for the first time this past Saturday.  She had an absolute ball and didn't want to come back inside.

Thank you all for you continued support and prayers.  We sure do feel the love!

We are starting to gather items for the nursery and hope to have paint on the walls in early February.

XOXO

'Marvelous Multiples'

Today Michael and I attended a 'Marvelous Multiples' class at IU North.  It was very informative and I'm glad we had the chance to attend.  The biggest benefit of the class was getting to see the Level 3 NICU where the babies will most likely spend some time.  They will each have their individual room, which is very different from what we were thought it would be.  The facility is, welcoming, family friendly and we feel comfortable with the babies being brought into the world at this hospital.  

We had to get geared up for the class after having a rough night with Taylor the night before.  She came down with a temperature yesterday afternoon and woke up at 11:45p and vomited for the first time.  Happy Friday the 13th, right?   We were up one more time with a fussy baby, but I feel like we escaped with one in the win column as far as the vomiting goes.  She seemed to be much better this morning when Mia kindly woke her up shortly before 7a.  :)  Mamaw was kind enough to be with her for the day while we were at class.  Mamaw also had some fun playing with Taylor's hair...

Taylor's hair in pig-tails for the first time!  

I'm 16 1/2 weeks into the triplet journey and still feeling well.  I also took it upon myself and measured the circumference around my midsection at my belly button.  I measured 38 inches around! And only half way??!?!  Does that mean I'll be 76 inches around at 32 weeks??  I promise I'll post those pictures too.  :) 

Food for thought:
- A woman of childbearing age has a 1 in 7,000 (1 in 539 with fertility treatments) chance of having triplets
- Just about 2.9% of all births in the U.S. are multiple births- there were 64,335 sets of twins, 2,370 sets of triplets, 117 sets of quadruplets, and 17 sets of quintuplets births in the U.S. in 2003 (latest data available per my book with a copyright of 2007)
- 80% of triplets go the NICU following their birth
- The average hospital stay for triplets in 30 days (typically ranging from 11-90 days)

We could only be so lucky to have three more babies that are just as happy as our Miss Taylor...

Stay warm!
XOXO

A House Divided

The verdict is in and we are expecting two boys and girl!  We are very excited to say the least.  For those of you that are wondering, yes we have a few names in mind, but they likely will not be revealed until the babies make their appearance.

With two boys and two girls growing up in the Kamp household we know we are going to be busy, busy and might be lucky to have Sunday nights be a family night, not spent on a field or court.  :)
We are positive there are many amazing experiences ahead of us.

Here is the best picture from our last appointment.  You are able to see all three of their heads together.

Since I last posted about the babies we have seen the Maternal Fetal Medicine (MFM) doc and our OB.  Both were very pleased with how the babies and myself are doing.  My OB did tell me I was 15 weeks this past Tuesday when I thought I was 16.  However, the babies are measuring 16 weeks.  She was also quick to tell us that this would not continue to be the trend for too much longer.  They will no longer try to measure the babies from crown to rump, but will instead check head circumference, femur length etc. to monitor their growth.  The babies are approximately 5 oz.  At this point mommy, daddy and the doctors are very happy with how things are going.

On a side note, I know it can be overwhelming when either Michael or I tell people we are expecting triplets.  But does the first thing out of peoples mouth need to be are they 'natural' or the best yet, 'are they artificial'?  No they are not artificial humans and yes, they are very natural.  To answer your question, yes we needed some assistance getting pregnant, which put us at a higher risk of conceiving multiples.  Thank you for asking!  The other side of this is when I was conversing with a complete stranger, the triplets came up and he asked my first name so he can keep our family in his prayers.  I've had a couple of these similar experiences and they just about bring tears to my eyes.

Our little monkey,  Taylor, continues to be full of life.  It was close to 60 degrees today in Indy so Taylor and I went on a walk to the park and then came home to blow bubbles in the back yard.  Who would think we would be doing these outside activities on Jan. 6??  We both enjoyed every minute of the fresh air and look forward to the next break we get from Old Man Winter.  Taylor has also had me cracking up the past two times I've put her down.  Michael and I rotate putting her down every other night.  She got a couple new books for Christmas that have bananas in them and there is one that when she sees the banana she automatically starts signing for 'more'.  I think since we just had dinner and are trying to relax before bed is what makes it funny to me.  If she thinks she needs a banana before bed she truly is our monkey.  In the past couple days I've been talking to her more about the babies in mommy's belly.  So now when she is asked, 'What is in mommy's belly?' she'll answer, "baby."  Little does she know there are three, but I'm not sure we'll be able to get that across to her in the next five months.  :0)

All for now from the Kamp Ground and I'll be sure to post updates as we get them.  Take care and do something nice for yourself.

XOXO

Christmas 2011

The Christmas weekend was very busy for the three of us, as I'm sure it was for you and your family.  Taylor was at the doctor the Thursday before Christmas and had her first ear infection.  We tried our best to keep her on schedule and all things considering I think we did a good job.  Christmas Eve started with the extended Kamp Family Christmas and ended up with the immediate Ruster Family Christmas at Mamaw Ruster's.  

P.S.- The Christmas weekend was an amazing opportunity to gain weight for a pregnant woman who is carrying triplets!  Christmas has always been a favorite Holiday of mine for many reasons, especially for the food and this year I could eat for three more!!!  

 Michael got Taylor's kitchen together on the first try and it has been a hit ever since!  Now if we can get her trained in the 'big girl' kitchen by the time the babies arrive we'll be doing great.  :)

 "What's that, what's that??"

One happy girl!

 Ava is getting to be such a big girl and such a big help with her little sister and cousin.  Much love sweetie!

 Taylor and Claire had a cracker party.  As you can see, this is some very serious business.  

Taylor had enough of the party dress and couldn't get in her PJ's quick enough.  Taylor received a lot of very nice gifts from Mamaw, Uncle Doug, Ava and Claire.  She would open one and be on to something else so it was tough capturing a picture.  :)  Thank you all for your thoughtfulness.

Christmas morning we celebrated with the immediate Kamp Family and the extended White Family.  One of my favorite breakfasts followed by my favorite holiday dinner.  I think Taylor had a total of 5 meals on Christmas!

 Grandma Kamp and Taylor

 Aunt Anna and Taylor

 More presents... such a lucky little girl!

Grandpa and Grandma Kamp with Taylor on Christmas morning.  Again, Taylor received even more gifts from Grandpa and Grandpa Kamp and Aunt Anna and Uncle Ryan.  Thank you all for the generous gifts.  We have enjoyed all of them this past week and look forward to getting the wagon and balance bike out in the spring.  

 Merry Christmas Mom.  We are so very blessed to have you in our lives today and always!

 Doogie and I... love you bro!  

 Attempt #1 at our family pic...

 Attempt #2... Taylor obviously saw something much more interesting than the camera guy.  

 I love this picture!  If she could say it I know she would be saying, " I love you, Momma!"  xoxo

 The Ruster girls @ our Holiday celebration at the Phung's on Monday, Dec. 26.  Thank you Kara and Thuan for opening your home to the craziness.  

Our Holiday festivities came to a conclusion at the Great Wolf Lodge.  Thank you Aunt Pam and Uncle 'Poppa' Jim for the invite.  We had a great time with the two of you, Mamaw Ruster, Doug, Ava, Claire, Lisa, Brooks, Murphy and Carter.  Wow... that is a fun bunch.  We are looking forward to having the Moore Family in Indiana!  

We have seen the maternal fetal medicine doctor and we visit our OB tomorrow so I'll have a triplet update soon. 

Happy New Year to you and yours!  

Love,

Darci, Michael and Taylor