Sunday

The past few days have been fairly good for all three babies. Here is the latest from our visit today!

Lauren is on full feeds so she no longer has a PIC line in her arm (which was used to deliver lipids and nutrients). She is right under 3lbs and is still a very content baby. Early this morning her temperature got high so they were watching her throughout the day to make sure that she hadn't developed an infection. More than likely she was just laying too long on her temperature probe that is stuck to her belly. Her CPAP pressure has been turned down to an 8 and if we can get her down to a 5 or 6 they will be able to remove it and give her a much smaller tube in her nose. We'll keep our fingers crossed!!!

Logan had a rough day today. He began feeding again a few days ago but this morning his tummy started rejecting it and he started throwing up. His feeding were stopped and when they drew his blood they found that he was anemic. He had an IV started and received blood transfusions throughout the day. His temperature was off in his isolette so we were asked not to open it and were not allowed to hold him since he had had such a tramatic morning. Poor baby. We got good news though regarding his weekly head ultrasound. His grade 2 & 3 brain bleeds have not gotten worse and appear to be stable. He will be monitored again next week and hopefully they will have shrunk!

Lathan is looking really good...if only his lungs would cooperate! He had gone down to about 48% oxygen but the amount has slowly made its way back up to 59%. We need for him to get below 30% so that we will be able to hold him for the first time...the wait is killing us!!! He had an x-ray and it still showed quite a bit of fluid in his lungs so they are increasing his meds to clear that up. He is almost on full feeds and weighs over 3 lbs! He also received his weekly head ultrasound and his brain bleeds have not gotten any worse however one ventricle seems to be enlarged so they will watch it closely (measure the circumference of his head each day and weekly ultrasounds) to make sure it doesn't cause any problems.

That's all I can think of...more to come this week!

Tuesday

Quick update on the babies...

We still have not been able to hold Lathan. He remains on the Hudson CPAP and his oxygen need is too high, although it has come down from 70% to about 57%. Apparently it needs to be closer to 30% before they are comfortable moving him from his cozy bed. He is tolerating his food well and has progressed from 3cc's a day or two ago to 10cc's (I think he is trying to make up for lost time!). He continues to look more and more comfortable each day in his isolette which makes us really happy!

Logan has developed some sort of stomach problem so he has been off feedings since yesterday. They were giving him another x-ray when we left tonight so hopefully that has come back clear and he can get some more food on his belly...poor guy! He had both of his eyes open for a good part of our visit which was really fun to see. Most of the time he only opens one or the other and even that "peeking" is not as frequent as what we get with Lathan & Lauren.

And Lauren, as usual, was asleep most of the afternoon and is continuing to do very well. She is up to 19cc's of milk (more than 1/2 ounce)! Two nurses have told us that it is common for the girl in a group of multiples to do a little bit better than the boys, especially respiratory wise. She sure is proving that theory right!

Pictures

For pictures of the babies visit...

www.guinntriplets.shutterfly.com

We'll add pictures frequently so be sure to check back often...ENJOY!!!

An update...Lauren and Logan are doing very well, both have increased their feedings (Lauren 12cc's every 3 hours, and Logan 9cc's). Lathan has had some trouble with his CPAP so he has had to move to a Hudson CPAP which involves longer pronges in his nose. He is on quite a bit of oxygen (about 70% whereas Lauren and Logan are now on room air 21%). He received his first feeding today through the feeding tube and was moved to an isolette. Hopefully those "upgrades" will improve his lung situation. We are hoping that we can hold him for the first time tomorrow...can't wait!!!

The babies' journies so far...

The babies are all in the level III NICU at Texas Women's Hospital and will remain there probably until around mid July. For the first few days they had normal preemie problems including breathing issues, blood pressure fluctuations, etc. We found out last Friday that all three babies had PDA's which is when the fetal connection between the aorta and the pulmonary artery don't close properly. Lathan and Lauren's PDA's were large and Logan's was moderate so all babies had heart surgery that night. All three surgeries were done at their bedsides and took only 54 minutes. The surgeon said that their hearts were the size of pecans and that their bodies only hold 2 tablespoons of blood...pretty amazing!

Lauren's condition improved immediately. She was off the ventilator a few days later and switched to a CPAP (tubes in her nose that produce pressure but allow her to breath on her own). Her tubes were removed from her umbilical line and she was switched to a more permanent PIC line in her arm. She was also promoted to an isolette, given a pacifier and rolled on her tummy which she seems to really enjoy. She got her first feeding of breast milk through a feeding tube earlier this week and so far she is tolerating it well. Go Lauren!!!

Logan was right behind Lauren getting moved to the CPAP on Tuesday and to an isolette yesterday. He hated the CPAP at first and looked extremlely uncomfortable but once he got used to it and rolled on his tummy he seems to be a much happier baby. He too has a pacifier and with the ventilator removed he is able to cry and voice his opinions easier. He too has started receiving milk through a feeding tube and has graduated from 3cc's to 6cc every 3 hours. We found out today that he has 2 IVH's (brain hemorrhages). One is considered a 2 (on a scale of 1-4) and the other is being considered a 3, although they can't rule out yet that it isn't a 4. He will be monitored weekly with head ultrasounds and hopefully the condition will resolve on its own. If not, there are medications they can use and as a last resort he would be transferred to Texas Children's to have a shunt put in. We are praying obviously that this resolves on its own and that there are no long term consequences.

Lathan has struggled a little more than the others but the doctors tell us its pretty normal. Poor thing has had terrible luck when it comes to getting poked and proded. All babies required a spinal tap and Lathan had to have 2 because the first one they were unable to get any fluid. He has been stuck 3 times for a PIC line, the last of which finally worked in his foot. His heals are all bruised from all the sticks and he flinches now when you touch him. I'm sure he's just scared of what's next. The radiologist who finally got the PIC line started said that they gave him a good dose of pain medication and sedation medicine, neither of which seemed to phase him. His lungs have had more trouble than the other two babies and for the past few days he has been given asthma medications to help them out. Today he was finally moved to the CPAP and hopefully he will be promoted to his isolette within the next few days. He, like Logan, has 2 IVH brain hemorrages although his are fairly mild, both being graded 2's. He will also get weekly head scans with the hopes that the condition resolves on its own. He sure is a fighter!!! He has not started feeding and is still in an open air bed but hopefully soon he will graduate like his brother and sister!

Thanks to everyone for their prayers...please keep them coming!!!

Our triplets have arrived!!!

Lathan

Lauren

Logan

Our triplets were born on April 25th...12 weeks early. We had an ultrasound that morning and all looked great. In fact, Dr. Kirshon had said that he thought we could make it another 7 weeks. The babies must have heard that and thought otherwise. Late that afternoon I went into labor that couldn't be stopped and was prepped for a c-section. Logan was born first at 7:42pm weighing 2lbs 10.7 oz (13" long), then Lauren at 7:43pm weighing 2lbs 12.3oz (15.75" long) and last but not least was Lathan at 7:44pm weighing 2lbs 14.2oz (15.5" long).

What beautiful blessings!!!

Week 28

Week Twenty-Eight

* Eyebrows and eyelashes are now very noticeable!
* Hair on baby's head is growing longer. Some babies are born with almost none at all, while others appear to be ready for their first haircut!
* Eyes are completely formed now. Quite a view from inside!
* Your baby's body is getting plump and rounded. Most of that increase is muscle tissue and bone. Fat will be added during the third trimester.
* Muscle tone is improving. Preparation for the Olympics feels like it is taking place in your womb!
* Lungs are capable of breathing now (but baby would still struggle and require medical attention if born now)
* Talk to your baby often, reading stories, singing songs and more. He or she can recognize your voice now and will often calm to it later on!

Week 27

Week Twenty-Seven

* Your little one's brain continues its rapid growth. Don't forget to share music, conversation, and even books with your baby!
* Response to sound grows more consistent toward the end of the seventh month, when the network of nerves to the ear is complete. Your baby's hearing continues to develop, he or she may start to recognize your voice as well as your partner's.
* Lungs continue to grow and prepare for functioning outside of the womb. Each day in the womb greatly increases survival rates!
* He also continues to take small breaths and although he's only breathing in water and not air, it's still good practice for when he's born.
* Eyelids are now open more. Your baby can distinguish between light and dark.
Retinas have formed.
* Your baby will grow over ½ inch this week alone! You may suspect this phenominal growth rate repeats in the preteen years!

One month down...Two to go!!!

We were admitted to the hospital 4 weeks ago tomorrow...I'm still trying to decide if time is going by quickly or extremely slowly!

Here are the highlights of our stay so far (keep in mind, I only have one hand to type with and I am kind of foggy due to all the meds :)...
When we first checked in, my contractions were every 3-5 minutes, got hooked up to an IV of Magnesium (I'm convinced its really poison) in my arm and a Terbuteline pump in my leg. So far we've been able to control everything and we've pretty much been cruising by with little to no problems. We did have a little scare though this past Monday night when my water broke and Lathan's heart rate started taking some dips. Turns out it was actually Logan's bag that burst, the best scenario for the situation. Since he is the lowest baby his head is actually plugging the leak (Patrick has nick named him "cork boy"). They've added an antibiotic to my IV, increased the magnesium, restricted my activities even more and now monitor the babies and my contractions a few more times each day. If all stays like it is, Dr. Kirshon says that we shouldn't have a problem making it until mid June. Hopefully my belly won't pop before then! Each baby weighs about 2 pounds 3 ounces and all are very active. Hopefully we'll get some ultrasound photos posted soon, although the hospital only does the old fashioned ultrasounds; not nearly as fun as the 3 and 4d's we're used to!!!

Thanks to everyone for the visits, goodies, flowers, well wishes, cookies, meals (Mom sure is keeping all 5 of us fed well, bringing us dinner most every night...WOW!), and a really special thanks to Kenny and Dana who have gotten us set up with a fantastic laptop and internet connection.

Now if they would only allow Spongebob to stay with us and come up with wireless/needle-less IV's I would have nothing to complain about!!!

Week 26

Week Twenty-Six

* To support the fetus's growing body, the spine is getting stronger and more supple. Though no longer than the span of the average adult hand, it is now made up of 150 joints, 33 rings, and some 1,000 ligaments.
* Air sacs in the lungs form now.
* Lungs begin to secrete a greasy substance called surfactant. Without surfactant the fetal lungs would stick together and couldn't expand after the baby is born.
* Although they've been sealed shut for the last few months, your baby's eyes are opening and beginning to blink this week. Depending on ethnicity, some babies will be born with blue or gray-blue eyes (which may change color in the first 6 months of life) and some will be born with brown or dark eyes.
* Retinas begin to form.
* Brain wave activity for hearing and sight begins to be detectable.
* Fetal brain scans show response to touch. If you shine a light on your abdomen, your baby will turn his head, which according to researchers, means his optic nerve is working.

Catching up!!!

Week Twenty-Three

* Proportions of the body are now quite similar to a newborn although thinner since he hasn't begun to form body fat.
* Bones located in the middle ear harden.
* Your baby is able to hear. (Dads, did you know: low-frequency sounds mimicking a male voice penetrate the abdomen and uterine wall better than the higher frequencies of the female voice?) * The eyes are formed, though the iris still lacks pigmentation.
* The pancreas, essential in the production of hormones, is developing steadily. She has begun producing insulin, important for the breakdown of sugars.
* If born now, your baby has a 15% chance of survival, his odds going up with each passing day. * The average baby at this stage weighs 1.1 pound (501gm) and is 11.38 inches (28.9cm) long.

Week Twenty-Four

* Bring on the bulk! Baby gains about 6 ounces this week. The weight is in muscle, bone mass and organs.
* His body begins to fill out with his appearance increasingly becoming more like a newborn.
* Taste buds begin to form. If mom drinks something strange or bitter, baby may be observed showing his distaste.
* Little creases have appeared on his palms. The muscular coordination of his hands has improved as he sucks his thumb.
* Over the next seven days the sweat glands will be forming in the skin.
* His lungs are developing "branches" of the respiratory "tree" and cells that produce surfactant, a substance that helps the air sacs inflate easily.
* This week your baby is officially considered viable.

Week Twenty-Five

* The structures of the spine begin to form -- joints, ligaments and rings. These will protect the all important spinal cord which serves as the information transmitter for your child's body.
* Blood vessels of the lungs develop.
* Your baby's nostrils begin to open. There is a study out of Belfast that suggests babies at this stage have the capability of scent preferences!
* The nerves around the mouth and lip area are showing more sensitivity now. When baby is rooting for food later on, these will be valuable!
* His swallowing reflexes are developing.
* Dexterity is improving. Your baby can make a fist and would clasp objects placed in palm.

Week 22

Week 22

* Your baby weighs close to a pound at this point (ours weigh more :) )!
* Your baby can now hear your conversations more clearly than before!. When you talk, read, or sing, expect her to hear you. Studies have found that newborns will suck more vigorously when read to from a book they heard frequently in utero.
* Eyelids and eyebrows are fully formed.
* Fingernails have grown to the end of the fingers.
* Be prepared for all those "Why" questions coming! Your baby's brain has entered a stage of rapid growth, especially in what's called the germinal matrix. This structure deep in the middle of the brain serves as a kind of factory for brain cells and disappears shortly before birth. But the brain's amazing expansion program continues until around the five birthday.
* With some help from mom, baby's liver is starting to break down bilirubin, a substance produced by red blood cells.

4d Ultrasound Pics (21 weeks 2 days)

Baby A (Lathan)

Baby C (Lauren)

Baby B (Logan) - about to be slapped in the face by Lathan!!!

Our appointment went VERY well! The boys were really putting on a show...kicking and hitting each other. I'm pretty sure that Lauren was probably rolling her eyes as she curled up and tried to get away from her brothers! Each baby is over 12 inches long and each weigh a little over one pound (Baby A - 1 lb 1 oz) (Baby B - 1lb 3 oz) (Baby C - 1lb 1 oz). Dr. Kirshon said he was extremely pleased with all of their growths and their development. All babies have ample amounts of amniotic fluid and blood flow so he said that as long as I continue to take it easy and stay around the house that I don't have to go on bedrest just yet!

Next appointment will be in 3 weeks!

Week 21

Week 21

* White blood cells are under production. Leukocytes (or white blood cells) form our body's defense sytems. They help fight infections and diseases.
* Your little one's skin has changed from translucent to become more opaque.
* Your infant's tongue is fully formed. If you were able to peek you might catch your son or daughter practicing giving you a raspberry!
* Baby swallows more this week. After your baby takes in amniotic fluid, his body absorbs the water in the liquid and moves the rest into the large bowel. This is good practice for his digestive system!
* Wake and sleep periods become more consistent. Some research suggests that baby sets her internal clock to match the outside world's even before birth! Your eating and sleeping habits as well levels of light and noise serve as her signals.
* Length is now measured crown to heel.
* Baby measures about 10.51 inches (26.7cm) and weighs nearly 12.7 ounces (360g).

Week 20

Week 20

* You're half way there!
* The rapid growth stage is about over. While things have slowed down, this next stage is vital to survival.
* The baby's heart grows stronger. Find a quiet place, lay flat on your back. Locate your own heartbeat by finding your pulse. Next lay your hand on your belly. You may be able to distinguish the two heartbeats!
* His legs are reaching their relative size. With the increase muscle develop occurring as well, you will start feeling much more than tiny flutter kicks soon!
* Immunities are being transferred from you to your baby now. These immune cells will protect her from viruses you've already had for up to six months after birth!
* The nerve cells for taste, smell, hearing, seeing, and touch are now developing in specialized areas of the brain. Production slows down as existing nerve cells grow larger and make more complex connections.
* Your baby may startle in reaction to loud sounds. Amazingly, she can actually hear noises outside of the womb. Familiar voices, music, and sounds that baby becomes accustomed to during her development stages often are calming after birth.
* Baby is about 6.46 inches (16.4cm) and weighs around 10.58 ounces (300g).

Week 19

Week 19

* Your baby has the same awake and sleep patterns of a newborn. He has a favorite position for sleep and recognizable active and rest periods.
* Throughout baby's body, nerves are being coated with a fatty substance called myelin, which insulates the nerves so that impulses can flow smoothly.
* Scalp hair becomes apparent this week. It has sprouted and continues to grow.
* The milk teeth buds have already developed and over the next few days the buds for the permanent teeth will begin to form behind the milk teeth.
* Your little one's size is around 6.02 inches (15.3cm) and 8.47 ounces (240gm).

Week 18 Pictures!

Baby B - Boy (Smiling for the Camera!)

Baby A - Boy

Baby C - Girl

Today's visit was really neat...we had our first 4D ultrasound! We got confirmation of the genders (2 boys, 1 girl) and everything looked good. Baby A weighs about 9 oz, Baby B 10 oz and Baby C is 9 oz...all ahead of schedule which is great! Bed rest will NOT start at 20 weeks, instead I will go back for an appointment at 21 weeks and we'll be re-evaluated. I am very thankful for at least one extra week to get things done!

We have also chosen names for the little ones for those who are curious...Lathan, Logan and Lauren!

Week 18

Week Eighteen

* Vernix (a white cheese-like protective material) forms on baby's skin with the lanugo (soft, lightly pigmented hair covering the body and limbs); both serving to protect your baby's skin during the months in water.
* Your placenta continues to grow and nourish the baby. Don't forget those prenatal vitamins!
* Tiny air sacs called alveoli begin to form in lungs. He'll be putting these lungs to good use in just a few months!
* Her vocal chords are formed. She goes through the motions of crying but without air she doesn't make a sound.
* Features of your baby's heart, including ventricles and chambers, should be visible during an utltrasound.
* Your baby measures about 5.59 inches (14.2cm) this week and weighs about 6.7 ounces (190gm).

Baby Ticker - Three Peas...One Pod!!!

This ticker should update automatically every day!

Week 17

Week Seventeen

* By week 17, your baby weighs about 4.97 ounces (140gm) and is 5.12 inches (13cm) long.
* He or she has a much more normal "human" appearance now. She holds her head more erect and her body and limbs are longer in proportion to her head.
* Pads are forming on his tiny fingertips and toes. Soon those individual swirls and whorls will be apparent.
* Her eyes are looking forward now, but they are still firmly closed.
* The umbilical cord is growing thicker and stronger and continues to rush blood and nutrients to your growing baby.
* If your child is male the prostate begins to develop.
* Her skeleton is tranforming from cartilage to bone. The bones remain flexible to make the journey through the birth canal easier.

Nursery Colors

These are the fabric swatches for the crib sheets that Mom is making...too cute!!!