Wednesday, August 31, 2005
Little Man and His Little Belly
Little Man is still having problems with reflux and gas. We've tried Prevacid and Zantac, but neither have helped that much. We've been instructed by the pediatrician to switch him to a soy-based forumla. He's now using Similac Isomil Advance Soy Formula with Iron. According to the can and the website - "Many times a soy formula is easier for babies with delicate tummies to digest. Clinical evidence supports that switching to Isomil Advance will provide a substantial reduction in common feeding problems in most infants in 3 days." The clock is ticking.
Monday, August 29, 2005
Things Are Changing
Things have started changing some with the babies. The pediatrician told us that between 2 and 3 months, we should start routines that will become habits for the babies - bedtime, where they sleep...
The first big change that we enacted last night was the sleeping arrangements. The babies have been moved to their separate cribs. It was more traumatic for us than them. They actually seemed to sleep better. Until now, the babies all moved to the center of the crib around each other. The baby that was in the center was surrounded like worker bees around the queen. And once one of them started squirming or poking on another, it wasn't long before all 3 of them were awake.
Last night, when one of them started squirming or crying because they were hungry, it didn't seem to have any effect on the other 2.
The first big change that we enacted last night was the sleeping arrangements. The babies have been moved to their separate cribs. It was more traumatic for us than them. They actually seemed to sleep better. Until now, the babies all moved to the center of the crib around each other. The baby that was in the center was surrounded like worker bees around the queen. And once one of them started squirming or poking on another, it wasn't long before all 3 of them were awake.
Last night, when one of them started squirming or crying because they were hungry, it didn't seem to have any effect on the other 2.
Thursday, August 25, 2005
Coming to a Street Near You - A Van Full of Triplets
Yes, we finally have a minivan. Now the triplets will be riding in style and more comfort.
Wednesday, August 24, 2005
Need Some Sleep? Just Take A Pill.
Having multiples insures sleep deprivation. You know eventually the babies will sleep through the night and so will you. Until then, you just struggle through it. I now see why the military uses sleep deprivation as an interrogation technique.
I found this article that shows new parents might have some relief in the future. I wonder if we could be test subjects now?
I found this article that shows new parents might have some relief in the future. I wonder if we could be test subjects now?
Dueling Babies
A couple of nights ago, we had our very own version of dueling banjos, I mean babies.
It was almost feeding time and 2 of the babies started going back and forth with their "I'm getting ready to eat" whimper. It was funny because one would start just as soon as the other would finish and they kept going back and forth until we gave them their bottles.
If you aren't familiar with the Dueling Banjos song and the point behind this post, take a look at this bizarre animation.
It was almost feeding time and 2 of the babies started going back and forth with their "I'm getting ready to eat" whimper. It was funny because one would start just as soon as the other would finish and they kept going back and forth until we gave them their bottles.
If you aren't familiar with the Dueling Banjos song and the point behind this post, take a look at this bizarre animation.
Tuesday, August 23, 2005
Motivational Speaking?
I've decided that parents of multiples should be motivational speakers. Where else can you find experts at dealing with multiple tasks, time limits and supply/demand while contending with no time and limited resources? It should be easy to transfer those skills to the workplace where everyone expects you to do that stuff anyway. Now if only parents of multiples had the time to share their knowledge.
Monday, August 22, 2005
Wednesday, August 17, 2005
Doctor Doctor, Give Me The News
Well, except for the father, we've all been to the doctor this week. I had an appointment on Monday. The doctor was happy with everything and I seem to be well on my way to a complete recovery.
The babies went to the doctor yesterday. The pediatrician was happy with the way they were developing. Here are their latest weights - Little Man - 8 lbs 13 oz, Squeaky - 8 lbs 1 ounce, Blondie - 7 lbs 3 oz. They've grown bunches since they were born.
They also had their next round of immunizations. It was not a fun time. Each baby had 5 injections. It was really too much for a parent to endure. Like all babies, they were not happy with the shots. We were passing out the Tylenol. After a few restless hours of off-and-on crying, they seemed to have a peaceful night.
The babies went to the doctor yesterday. The pediatrician was happy with the way they were developing. Here are their latest weights - Little Man - 8 lbs 13 oz, Squeaky - 8 lbs 1 ounce, Blondie - 7 lbs 3 oz. They've grown bunches since they were born.
They also had their next round of immunizations. It was not a fun time. Each baby had 5 injections. It was really too much for a parent to endure. Like all babies, they were not happy with the shots. We were passing out the Tylenol. After a few restless hours of off-and-on crying, they seemed to have a peaceful night.
Monday, August 15, 2005
Father Friday on a Monday - Sometimes The Grass Isn't Greener In Your Own Yard
I thought of this entry on Friday, but I couldn't find the comic I had seen that would complete the story until today.
I was mowing the yard on Friday. I'm a yard man. I love being outside - mowing the grass, tending to the flowers, trimming the trees, anything in the yard. When I was mowing Friday, I noticed the yard didn't look as nice as earlier years. That bothered me.
When I was growing up, I learned how important it is to maintain your yard and keep things looking nice. I have let things slide this year. There are some weeds in the flower beds, some bare spots in the grass, tree limbs that are too low and should be removed, hedges that I haven't trimmed yet ...
I have let things slide because I had been taking of the wife during the pregnancy and now taking care of our children. When I looked at the yard in that perspective, it didn't bother me as much. It also reminded of this Baby Blues comic I had seen in July.
I was mowing the yard on Friday. I'm a yard man. I love being outside - mowing the grass, tending to the flowers, trimming the trees, anything in the yard. When I was mowing Friday, I noticed the yard didn't look as nice as earlier years. That bothered me.
When I was growing up, I learned how important it is to maintain your yard and keep things looking nice. I have let things slide this year. There are some weeds in the flower beds, some bare spots in the grass, tree limbs that are too low and should be removed, hedges that I haven't trimmed yet ...
I have let things slide because I had been taking of the wife during the pregnancy and now taking care of our children. When I looked at the yard in that perspective, it didn't bother me as much. It also reminded of this Baby Blues comic I had seen in July.
Doctor appointments
It's two days of doctor appointments this week. I have to return to the doctor for my final check-up.
The babies return to the pediatrician tomorrow. It's time for them to receive more immunizations. We're not looking forward to that. Especially after reading what happened with the Curletto twins the day they received their injections.
The babies return to the pediatrician tomorrow. It's time for them to receive more immunizations. We're not looking forward to that. Especially after reading what happened with the Curletto twins the day they received their injections.
What Goes Down Sometimes Comes Up
We've been battling reflux problems with the babies. According to the pediatrician, this isn't an uncommon problem. Little Man has the biggest problem. We have to keep him upright for at least 30 minutes after eating or he'll spit up a lot of his meal. He's even on Prevacid to help with the problem.
Thursday, August 11, 2005
We've Got Answers For You
Here are some answers to questions we received.
Since you are breastfeeding as well as bottle-feeding, how do you keep track of who is next and what they get? Do you nurse two at a time (tandem) or just one at a time?
We keep a log of feedings and diaper changes. The babies are rotated. One baby is nursed and the other 2 receive a bottle. At the next feeding, the nursed baby is rotated out and another baby rotated in for nursing. The other 2 receive bottles. If the nursed baby still acts hungry after finishing, it gets a bottle just to help fill them up. All are supplemented with a higher calorie formula because they were premature. I tried nursing tandem, but it didn't work that well. Right now, it's one at a time.
How many diapers are you using?
We go through a minimum of 24 diapers each day. Three babies changed at least each time they eat (every 3 hours). If necessary, they are changed more often, therefore increasing the number of diapers.
How much are they eating?
Each baby eats approximately 3 ounces at each feeding. Eight feedings a day. Approximately three hours between each feeding.
How much formula do you use?
We're currently using Similac Neosure Advance formula. It's the higher 22 calorie formulation. It's sold as a powder in a 12.8 ounce can. We've been buying it by the case - 6 cans at a time. Those 6 cans don't last more than 5 - 6 days. As you can see, that's a lot of formula in a week.
Can you tell the babies apart?
Yes, we can.
Do they have different personalities yet?
Those are slowly starting to emerge.
Do you get any rest or naps?
Not as often as we would like.
How do you keep things going during the day?
We have a schedule to follow. It makes it easier to have things planned out and know what will be happening when.
Does one crying baby wake the others?
Sometimes, but not always. The other babies might wake up and cry too, but we've also seen them look at their sibling with a "Why are you crying?" look on their face.
Email us with more questions and we'll get them answered.
Since you are breastfeeding as well as bottle-feeding, how do you keep track of who is next and what they get? Do you nurse two at a time (tandem) or just one at a time?
We keep a log of feedings and diaper changes. The babies are rotated. One baby is nursed and the other 2 receive a bottle. At the next feeding, the nursed baby is rotated out and another baby rotated in for nursing. The other 2 receive bottles. If the nursed baby still acts hungry after finishing, it gets a bottle just to help fill them up. All are supplemented with a higher calorie formula because they were premature. I tried nursing tandem, but it didn't work that well. Right now, it's one at a time.
How many diapers are you using?
We go through a minimum of 24 diapers each day. Three babies changed at least each time they eat (every 3 hours). If necessary, they are changed more often, therefore increasing the number of diapers.
How much are they eating?
Each baby eats approximately 3 ounces at each feeding. Eight feedings a day. Approximately three hours between each feeding.
How much formula do you use?
We're currently using Similac Neosure Advance formula. It's the higher 22 calorie formulation. It's sold as a powder in a 12.8 ounce can. We've been buying it by the case - 6 cans at a time. Those 6 cans don't last more than 5 - 6 days. As you can see, that's a lot of formula in a week.
Can you tell the babies apart?
Yes, we can.
Do they have different personalities yet?
Those are slowly starting to emerge.
Do you get any rest or naps?
Not as often as we would like.
How do you keep things going during the day?
We have a schedule to follow. It makes it easier to have things planned out and know what will be happening when.
Does one crying baby wake the others?
Sometimes, but not always. The other babies might wake up and cry too, but we've also seen them look at their sibling with a "Why are you crying?" look on their face.
Email us with more questions and we'll get them answered.
Tuesday, August 09, 2005
You've Got Questions, We've Got Answers
Lots of people have been wanting to know different things about the babies and how we are able to get anything done during the day and night. Email us your questions and we'll post an entry covering the questions and our answers.
Monday, August 08, 2005
"You Say It's Your Birthday..."
Even though the triplets have been with us for almost 6 weeks, today is their official due date. It could have been their birthday, but that wasn't the case.
We're Celebrities
Our first bit of publicity. We were featured as the "Pic of the Day" on a local news station this morning. Thanks to our friend Amelia that sent in the photo.
Wednesday, August 03, 2005
Sleepy Time
We've been playing lullabies at bedtime to calm the babies and help them go to sleep. There are lots of choices out there. One of our favorites is "Sleep Sound in Jesus" by Michael Card.
We were looking at the lullaby CDs last night and noticed some interesting songs on one entitled Drew's Famous Sweet Lullabies for Mother and Child. The CD has lullaby versions of "Sweet Child O' Mine" by Guns N' Roses and "Alright For Now" by Tom Petty. Rock on, babies!!!
We were looking at the lullaby CDs last night and noticed some interesting songs on one entitled Drew's Famous Sweet Lullabies for Mother and Child. The CD has lullaby versions of "Sweet Child O' Mine" by Guns N' Roses and "Alright For Now" by Tom Petty. Rock on, babies!!!
Tuesday, August 02, 2005
A Quick Update
Just a quick post to keep everyone updated. The babies are doing well - eating lots and gaining weight. They return to the pediatrician mid-August for another check-up. That's almost the same time I return to the doctor for another post-surgery check-up. All of us are doing our best to keep things going on very little sleep and a schedule that works for the babies.
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