Then and Now

With the babies almost 6 months old, I thought it might be interesting to see a little of how far they've come - in pictures!...

David then...
1 day old - 14 ounces - 10 and 3/4 inches long

From first days with the babies

and now - 6 months...a little over 7 pounds and around 18 inches long

From then and now

Mary Louise one day old...1 pound 6 ounces (my big 'un) and 12 inches long

From first days with the babies

and now - 6 months - a little over 8 and 1/2 pounds and about 19 inches long...

From then and now

Their diapers - then and now

From then and now

From then and now

From then and now

My soapbox - and an update on progress...My my - it has been a long road (and that is an incredible understatement). Brent and I will never be the same. We will never be so carefree. I wouldn't wish this experience on anyone, but at the same time, I own and accept that this is simply how this pregnancy turned out for me (and for us). With the media hype about multiples, and with me being in the medical field and always having had a keen interest in women's health, I thought long ago that we (people) just aren't "meant" to have (higher order) multiples. This experience of course, did nothing to change my mind. There are and always will be plenty of exceptions to the rule - but all of the people who so excitedly compared me to the octomom and said I would be fine just because she was...would there have been a story if she were typical? Would there be reality shows about higher order multiples if there were so many success stories? Would there be such a fascination with having a litter of toddlers trailing behind you if it were a sight seen on a daily basis? (umm - I've obviously been frequenting the preemie mom yahoo group message board again - sorry)

It's funny that I never for one second doubted that I could "handle" triplets - my doubt lay (in hindsight justifiably so) in weather or not we could all make it through the pregnancy.

Not that it really matters now. In this moment, we have 2 fabulous babies that have persevered through a kind of hell no adult should have to face. They are beautiful, perfect (no matter what any current or future evaluation says), and I am so lucky to be able to hold them, love them, and nurture them. I will go to any length to protect them and make sure they are given the space and opportunity to become healthy and grow into their potential; because, quite simply, that's what a mother does.

Mary Louise and David have been working very hard learning to roll over and pick their heads up from flat on their tummies. They have made wonderful progress and are tolerating their tummy time in increased increments by the day. It's such fun to watch them explore their surroundings. Sounds, and sights are beginning to play much bigger roles in their little worlds. They are fascinated with rattles, music, mobiles, facial expressions, and are starting to bring everything they touch to their mouths. Smiles and coos are the norm and outright demanding roars have replaced the muffled kitten pleas I once heard. Yes, much progress has been made. But regardless, I keep my quiet promise I made to David when he was just 5 days old...we continue to celebrate wet and poopy diapers in this house.

And my sweet little Jelly Bean...he will always be with me - carried safely in my heart; a testament of how short and meaningful life can really be; how something so so tiny yet larger than anything I've ever witnessed changed the very fiber of my being and the dynamic of our (mine and Brent's) relationship in an instant. We will never be the same - nor would I want to. As I said, I own my experience. Everyday I struggle to think of it not as the incredible nightmare it's been, but as the GIGANTIC stepping stone that got us from yesterday to today. I remind myself that it is my point of before and after - but not my present - and not my family's definition.

Happy 6 months babies!
xo, Heather