THE BABIES ARE HERE!

Sunday, April 13th, 2008

In case you haven't heard...THE BABIES ARE HERE!

They arrived on Tuesday, April 8th, 2008 early in the morning:

Aidan Christopher was born at 1:29 am at 2 lbs. 14 oz.

Brooklyn Kennedy was born at 1:31 am at 2 lbs. 10 oz.

Calahan Ryan was born at 1:33 am at 2 lbs. 9 oz.

(lengths not available at this time).

The day before (Monday, April 7th) I had my PAC appointment and the doctor decided to check my cervix. That may not have been the best idea as I was cramping for the rest of the day. Monday evening I had a lot of back pain and felt terrible. I told everyone about my extreme pain and discomfort. The doctors decided to put me on the toco (contraction monitor) and I took an ambien at 10:45 pm. I fell asleep, but the contractions kept waking me up. I was holding onto the rail of my bed and trying my best to breathe through them. At 11:25 pm Dr. Berger came in and asked me if I was feeling those (he was monitoring them in the "doctor room"). The contractions were every one to two minutes. I told him I was and he decided to check my cervix again. He checked my cervix and said that I was dilated to 5 and it was "time to make a trip to the O.R". Paul called both sets of parents and our parents called our sisters. At my request they paged Mindy (one of our favorite nurses) working in triage because we really needed her to be there with us. Our other nurse's name was also Mindy so we had M & M in for our delivery. Paul and the Mindys put their scrubs on and the anethesiologist came in and gave me two IV's (of course there was a missed extra poke in there). I went into the O.R. and it was filled with people: some I recognized: Dr. Berger, Dr. Beck (whom delivered P.D.), the Mindys and Nurse Donna and many that I had never seen before. From there I had an epidural and during that time I just prayed to God that these babies would be healthy and strong enough to pull through this. I was also very concerned about Paul because he had to wait in the hallway. As they were cutting me open, Paul came in and I was so happy to see him; he is my rock and my best friend. Mindy was videotaping and I really focused on her voice and Paul's voice. I had also taken ambien just 2 hours earlier so I kept coming in and out of conciousness.

They pulled the babies out one at a time. I was not able to see them, but Aidan and Brooklyn let out nice big cries and I was so relieved to hear those sweet sounds. I didn't hear Calahan, but Mindy said that he was making some crazy faces which was a good sign. Paul went to be with the babies and I was "put back together" with staples (and whatever else they use). I can't describe to you after all that Paul and I have been through how incredible the birth of our three babies was. I won't even try to put it into words.

Shortly after I was wheeled in to see the babies in my recovery bed. Paul and I spent a few minutes seeing each baby and telling them how strong and beautiful they were. All three of them are totally amazing! Paul and I could not be luckier! Then we headed back to the room. There were my parents and sister and Paul's parents and sister. I have never been so thirsty in all of my life. My sister was feeding me ice chips and they were the best ice chips I have ever tasted. My body was completely numb and my mind was exhausted. Our families went to see the babies. Then our parents and Karen went home. Sissy spent the night (or what was left of it). By this time it was after four in the morning, so we slept a little bit. Paul visited the babies many times that night; he is already the most amazing father to these three precious miracles. God has surely blessed me with a husband and three children that were sent straight from heaven to complete my world and make me the happiest girl in the world.

These events took place on Tuesday and so much has happened since then. We are headed to the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) to see our perfect miracles right now. If I have the energy tonight I will start a new entry about our NICU journey thus far. It is going to be a long one, but these babies are stepping up to the challenge.

Paul and I really appreciate everyone giving us our space as we get to know the routines of the NICU and as we are learning many new things about our babies. We welcome all of your prayers and good thoughts. I will try to be better about updating the triplets' progress more often. Again, thank you for your love, support and prayers. We feel them and so do our children.

Much Love,

Paul, Kristin, Aidan, Brooklyn, Calahan and Daisy