8 weeks...quick update

We have been going weekly for ultrasounds and everything has been moving right along.  The babies continue to grow and it still amazes me when I gaze at that screen.  We met with our infertility doctor this past week for the first time since getting pregnant.  She said that we are only the 2nd couple in all her years of practice to get pregnant with triplets on the particular combination of treatment we were doing!  She also said that in about 2 weeks she will release me to my regular OB/GYN and/or the high-risk specialist.  She is going to call my OB next week to see if she wants to handle my pregnancy along with the high-risk doctor or turn it over to the high-risk specialist completely.  I am a little anxious to see what happens. 

As for me, I have been nauseous 24/7 and I have tried not to complain....I just keep reminding myself that it could be worse, and it WILL get better.  Norman and I have been talking about all the things we need to do to be ready.  It's a long, overwhelming list.  Since we know that I will more than likely be on bed rest at some point...probably around 28 weeks if not sooner....we are trying to get a head start.  The most important thing is to get a room cleaned out for the babies.  I keep wondering how in the world TWO people can have so much "stuff"!?!?  I see a BIG yard sale in our near future.  Anyway, I don't have any groundbreaking news...just felt like I needed to post an update.  Now I am off to enjoy this beautiful day the Lord has made.

♥ pitter ♥ patter ♥

We saw three heartbeats today ♥ ♥ ♥. It was such a sweet miracle. Looking back I was so uptight that I didn't soak it in enough....what I would give to see those little pitter patters again.  Good thing we go back next Wednesday...maybe I will do better....and maybe we can hear them!  When we left it had been sleeting and everyone in the ENTIRE city was on the roads.  It took us 4 hours to get home instead of 1 1/2. So, I am in my bed close to comatose....but I had to post a quick update.  I hope everyone has a nice weekend despite the weather! Lots of love!

the butcher, the baker, the candlestick maker

It has been a while since my last post. I waited for a reason.  A little over 2 weeks ago we found out we are expecting! Praise God, the giver of life.  At my initial blood test my level was 186 ("level" meaning the pregnancy hormone AKA beta HCG). I was instructed to go back weekly for bloodwork until my level got to 2000 at which time I would begin having ultrasounds weekly until I was released to my OB/GYN.  It is normal for these levels to double every 2-3 days. One week never went by so s-l-o-w.  But finally, the day arrived.  When the nurse called with my results I was quite surprised to hear her say that my level was now 5,613.  WHAT?? That seemed kind of crazy, but I just took it as meaning I had a good, strong pregnancy...which is all I had prayed for.  She said that since my level was over 2000 they would like for me to come and have an ultrasound at the end of the week (this past Friday).

We were so excited to be able to see the proof in a "picture".  We made it to the appointment, and our ultrasound tech. called us back and began the ultrasound.  My hubby was so excited..standing up, craning his neck to see the monitor.  Then the tech said, "sir, you may want to sit down".  Oh gosh, I knew. I knew those THREE black dots I was seeing on the screen were three separate babies.  And the technician confirmed my suspicion.  My reaction:  "Oh my goodeness....my face is hot...somebody FAN my FACE!".....My husband's reaction: laughter. 

I won't even go into detail about once we left the hospital....total and complete chaos. But our question repeatedly all the way home, "What are we going to do?"..  We are completely thrilled, but at the same time very anxious when we start thinking details.  We serve an amazing God and we take comfort knowing that HE will provide our every need.  We have a wonderful network of family and friends who will support us. 

We go back Thursday for another ultrasound.  Please pray for all of us this week. The pregnancy is still early. I will update on Thursday!! We're having TRIPLETS!!

fun recipe!

Wow! Two posts in one day!! I had to share this super easy crock-pot recipe.....

GREEN CHILI

You will need:

• 1 jar slasa verde (16 oz)...I found this in the ethnic aisle at the store
• 2 lb. boneless, skinless chicken cubed
• 1 can corn (15 oz) drained
• 1 can navy beans, drained (15.5 oz)
• 1 can green chiles
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 Tbsp. minced garlic
• 2 tsp. ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1/2 c. chopped cilantro

1. Mix all ingredients except cilantro in crock-pot.
2. Cover and cook on high 5-6 hours or low 8-9 hours until chicken is cooked through.
3. Stir in cilantro; serve with lime wedges and sour cream. ENJOY!!

*I wish I could post a picture of MY end product, but I'm not good like that so here is one from the web. :)

Today we honor a great man, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.  Because of him and other brave men and women I was able to marry my best friend regardless of race.  And I leave you with a quote by this great man:

 Let us all hope that the dark clouds of racial prejudice will soon pass away, and that in some not too distant tomorrow the radiant stars of love and brotherhood will shine over our great nation with all their scintillating beauty.

We go tomorrow morning for an IUI. Please keep us in your prayers.  I don't really have much else to say. As always...we are cautiously hopeful.

Happy New Year!

I cannot believe that another year has come and gone.

Blessings big and small in 2010....

• January- I decide to go back to school very spur of the moment. I begin classes to become a certified school psychometrist. (no fertility treatments this month)
• February- Norman and I went to a Casting Crowns concert...what a blessing to worship the Creator with your spouse. (no fertility treatments this month)
• March- I got to see the Wizard of Oz musical with some friends...good times. Also, ran a 5k and had my personal best...I RAN the WHOLE thing! Yay!  (no fertility treatments this month)
• April- busy time at work for special education teachers....IEP season. Saw "The Music Man" with my friend, Sheena.  (no fertility treatments this month)
• May - still busy at work...tying up loose ends before school ends....Mother's Day with my mom...sometimes a hard day for me, but not this year (no fertility treatments this month)
• June- BEACH TRIP!! Enjoying my summer break at home. Begin classes every Saturday...boo.  (considered fertility treatments, but realized it conflicted with my beach trip and decided to wait)
• July- anniversary and birthday month...hot summer days...need I say more?  (begin a round of fertility treatments with IUI...chemical pregnancy)  Oh, and my 10 year high school reunion.
• August-Time for school to start already?? (another round of fertility treatments)
• September- I am crazy at work...began 2 new jobs...psychometrist for the system and serving preschool students two days a week.  (taking a break from fertility)
• October- Enjoying the colors of Fall...football....cool weather (SIS procedure confirms suspicion of fibroid tumor...schedule surgery)
• November- Surgery to removed fibroid tumor and adenomyosis. yuck!
• December- WHITE CHRISTMAS! Cherished time with family and friends. A quick trip to the beach after Christmas with my love and my mom. Rang in the new year at home....fun times.

After reading that it makes me realize I was pretty self-involved in 2010. I shy away from resolutions, but my prayer is that in 2011 I recognize and act on opportunities to serve God by serving others. May God bless you in 2011 ♥