Monday, January 30, 2012

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

Saturday, January 14, 2012

'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

Friday, January 6, 2012

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

Tuesday, January 3, 2012

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

Monday, December 19, 2011

'Tis The Season

Taylor is 18 months today and is such a happy baby girl.  This morning after she finished her oatmeal she put the bowl to her mouth and said, "dog!".  She totally caught me off guard and I starting laughing out loud at her.  I was thinking to myself, 'Yes, dogs drink and eat from a bowl but humans do not'.  It was so sweet and innocent and both of us got a good laugh out of her 18 month old humor.  :)  Taylor and Mia are the best of friends or 'thick as thieves' as Michael says.  She is talking more all of the time and has the cutest little run.  This weekend Michael, Taylor and I had our family Christmas and Taylor seemed to enjoy every minute.  We're excited to spend this Christmas weekend with her and the rest of our family.  She is also loving her Christmas cookies right now.  Wonder where she gets her sweet tooth?!?!  This weekend Grandma and Grandpa Kamp were here babysitting and Grandpa asked her to go to the store and gets him some cookies.  She went right to the cookies in the kitchen and of course got her way.  :)  She is still a pretty good eater and a great sleeper.  I'll take 12-13 hours at night and two naps while I can!!  
I can't believe this was 18 months ago already.  We love you all the way to the moon and back sissy!
Taylor thought unwrapping presents was tough.  There was a lot of grunting as if she was moving mountains.  
Daddy, Taylor and Mia... love them all to pieces!


Ahh... This is so much fun mama and dada.

Mamaw Ruster and I took Taylor to Christmas at the Zoo last night. 

14 week triplet belly.  Everyone is still doing well.  We have two routine appointments over the next couple weeks so I should have a few more details for you.   

P.S. - I'm watching Michael put together Taylor's kitchen Santa got her.  I can't wait to see her reaction!  At the rate Michael is going it might be ready for next Christmas.  :) 

Sunday, December 11, 2011

The past few weeks in the Kamp household has been a lot of fun.  Taylor is a week shy of 18 months and has been very entertaining during this Christmas season.  She is talking more all of the time and has such a cute personality.  Here are a few highlights from that past couple weeks:
Taylor's hair seems to be growing like a weed so I try to put it up when I can.  However, she tries to pull it out which can make things very tricky. :)
Taylor has also discovered the dryer over the past few weeks.  She loves to crawl in the dryer and snuggle the warm clothes.  She has a blast while it lasts and is always disappointed when play time in the dryer is over.  I'm confident she'll be folding clothes in few short months.  :)

We had our first appointment with our OB on Monday and the triplets and mommy are all doing well.  The babies are all still measuring right on track and had doubled in size in two weeks.  I still feel great and do not have any restrictions at this time so I feel very fortunate for that.

This is the most recent picture of all three of the babies.  Hopefully, Baby A, B and C are a little more clear for you to see here.  If things go well we hope to find out the sexes of these little ones at our next appointment on Jan. 3.

Here is a picture of me 12 weeks pregnant with triplets and yes I feel like I'm a lot further along because of the size of my belly.  The book I'm reading about triplets states that with triplets, your uterus is the same size as that of a singleton mom who is 10 to 12 weeks further along in her pregnancy.  That pretty much sums it up because I remember being this size with Taylor and I was over half way through my pregnancy.  I've worn a few maternity tops but they'll be in full swing in no time.  :)

Lastly, I had the opportunity today to have breakfast with a childhood friend who is expecting twins.  Shortly after we left and went our own ways I thought that not too often due two women sit down for breakfast and eat for seven!!  Pretty amazing if you think about it!

I hope you're enjoying your holiday season with friends and family.  Take care.

XOXO