Christmas 2009

Merry Christmas! I hope everyone had a great Christmas this year. Ours was amazing, of course, since we had the three amigos to share it with. We got to do almost everything we wanted to accomplish, except go to church. We're still not taking the boys around large crowds and anyone who's been to our church knows that "large crowd" is an understatement. So on Christmas Eve, we got the boys dressed up in their Santa hats and took them on a stroll though the neighborhood. Every Christmas Eve, one street is blocked off, they have Santa, cookies and hot chocolate, and "sleigh rides" Arizona-style, which means decorated golf carts and flat bed trucks take people on rides though the neighborhood to see the lights and the luminaries. Here's a picture of us outside our house, starting our walk.

We didn't take the boys to the mall for Santa pictures, because of the crowd thing, but they did get to see him in the neighborhood.

We had a great night - everyone loved to see the boys and we met a family that has 6 year old triplets. It's always great to meet people with good advice, and reassurances!

On Christmas day, we opened presents and got such cute things for the boys! They got picture frames for their first Christmases, clothes, toys and ornaments. We took lots of pictures as usual - these are of their Christmas outfits from Nana...

Luke

Eli

Zach

John's family came up from Tucson and we had a nice afternoon, ham dinner and watching A Christmas Story. It was chaotic but nice to spend time with family.

Well, that pretty much sums up Christmas. We are so blessed, I can't even really believe it! Hope you all had a nice Christmas, and that the year to come is a happy, healthy one for all!

Almost Christmas

Hi everyone! Sorry I haven't blogged in a while - you all know how busy it is around Christmas! We have done our best to buy gifts, decorate the house, make cookies, etc. - all the normal Christmasy stuff with 3 babies in tow! We're pretty much ready - I just have to get stuff for Christmas dinner still. John's family is coming up from Tucson, and we'll just have a nice, simple dinner and time with the boys - the best entertainment I can think of!

Speaking of the boys, they're doing a lot of growing lately! Next time I'll post weights - it's been a couple of weeks since we weighed them last, and Zach was 9 lb 9 oz. at that time, so you can only imagine now! Eli is keeping up with him and Luke is gaining a little more slowly, but still at a good pace. They're staying up and being more alert lately, which is fun. They're also starting to smile on purpose a little - I can't claim that we can make them smile yet, but they do it on their own once in a while. It just melts my heart - I can't wait til they're all laughing and smiling more often!

I've attached some pictures (I know, that's the fun part of the blog!) of smiles and Christmas hats. Enjoy! Hope you all have a wonderful Christmas, that is blessed with the Holy Spirit and not stressed with things not nearly so important. Just think, a Savior is born - how exciting!! Love to all!!

Eli in the favorite place - the bouncy seat next to the Christmas tree

Luke is a good smiler, and pictures don't do him justice - he's a little angel!

Zach is showing his excitement - getting ready to take a walk

My three little elves - Zach, Luke and Eli

First Bath!

Well, another milestone reached - we gave the boys their first bath last Saturday, December 4. John and I were very prepared - we had two bath tubs and enough gear to wash a baby army! We went through everything, weighed the pros and cons of each tub, organized supplies, then finally worked up the nerve to "stop guessin' and start messin'" as they say! The first to go was Zach, and he loved it! I was somewhat surprised at this, since I am definitely a baby washing novice. I realized just at that first moment that I had never given a baby or a little child a bath in a tub before! Luckily the tub we use is very baby friendly and mama-forgiving. He was so good - after the initial "what the heck is this?" moment, he was really fine. Here's a not-too-embarrassing picture of Zach's first bath:

Next was Luke, and first let me say that we had to wake him up, and I think that was the problem. He did not like the bath at all; we have since bathed him again while he was already awake, and he seemed to like it a lot better. I think it was a shock! We didn't take as many pictures of him because it was hard to remember the camera when he was screaming like we had just cut off his little toe, but here's one when he was a little more relaxed:

Last was Eli. Now, as I wrote before, Eli is sensitive - he doesn't seem to take to new things right away, to put it mildly. He needs to try things a couple of times to get used to them, though if that's true, he still isn't "used to" getting his diaper changed. That boy can scream! So after the Luke experience, I was hesitant to bathe Eli - just didn't want to go there. But, I realized that the child would need to be bathed eventually, so better to just bite the bullet. We got a lesson in prejudging our kids, because he did just fine! He really was OK with it! Now, the second time around, not so good, but he did enjoy his first bath. Here are a couple of pictures of him:

This is Eli's happy face!

Nice and warm with his hooded towel!

Well, I hope the boys aren't too mad at me for posting these, but they are so cute! Man, and there is nothing like a clean, good-smelling baby - or three!

Happy Birthday (?!)

Today would have been the amigos birthday if they had been full-term, so it's kind of a birthday for them! It's amazing that they've been with us for five weeks already - the days are flying by. This morning the news said it was Thursday and I thought they misspoke - it couldn't be past Tuesday! But John assured me that the newscasters are more aware of the date than I am!

I meant to post a blog last week for their 1 month pictures, but see my earlier comment. Sorry about that! So on Monday they were 1 month old, and we just can't believe it. They are getting huge - definitely more of a load to carry around two at a time than when they were so tiny. Of course, it's awesome that they're gaining weight and growing so well. We weighed them here at home last week, so here are the new stats:

Luke - 7 lb. 6.5 oz. (up 2 lb. from birth)

Eli - 8 lb. 2 oz. (up 2 lb. 7 oz from birth)

Zach - 8 lb. 12 oz. (up 2 lb. 8 oz from birth)

The only new health news is that we got the results of their newborn screening blood work and they are all normal. We don't know what all they tested for, but whatever it was, they don't have it! We go back to the pediatrician for a 2 month check up on January 4.

The guys are still pretty much eating and sleeping, but they're staying up a little longer and interacting with us a little more (a VERY little, in spite of my efforts). We have a fun play mat on the floor with lights and music and all other sorts of extraneous toys that they really don't get yet, but they like the lights and get a little tummy time. For those without kids or who haven't had them in a while, babies are supposed to spend some time on their stomachs to help build neck muscles, since they're not supposed to sleep on their stomachs any more. Well, our guys don't like it very much, so it's good they have something fun to look at while being tortured.

We're starting to really notice their personalities. John and I discussed it last night, and we're pretty much in agreement, with some twists. For instance, John thinks Eli is needy but I call him sensitive! That child can scream! He doesn't like getting his diaper changed AT ALL! He really likes to cuddle - he's so sweet. Zach is really laid back. You can barely wake him up to eat, and then when he does he hardly opes his eyes. He doesn't cry a lot, but when he does, you know it! He has a deep, LOUD bellow - it cracks us up (most of the time!) He's just pretty chilled out. Luke is like a little student. He's awake the most and is always looking around. He makes sweet little faces and is generally in a good mood. They're all awesome and I think it's fun that they're so different, at least now. It's important not to compare multiples against each other too much, because it can lead to unhealthy competition. They're all super cool in their own ways - and super cute too if I do say so myself!

John and I are well - tired, but that's to be expected. John is working from home, which is a huge deal. We had his Mom here last week helping, which was also awesome. We had Thanksgiving dinner here; very nice and laid back. John smoked the turkey - turned out really good. Now we're in the midst of decorating for Christmas, and I'm hoping against hope that I can get shopping done in time for everyone not to get too mad at us! The days are slipping by...

Anyway, hope everyone is well. Here are some new pictures, from one month old.

Left to right - Luke, Eli and Zach - Notice their Mommy outfits!

Eli - his hairline is receding already! Eli again - too sweet to pass up!

Luke looking around

Zach getting some belly time with a smile Zach and Daddy

3 Weeks Old!

We had another busy week with the three little amigos! Last Thursday, they got circumcised. It was WAY worse than I expected, and I found out there's an unwritten rule that people don't tell you how bad it's going to be. The boys didn't cry nearly as much as I did at the pediatrician's office. They made up for it at home though. In reality, it wasn't all that bad on them, but I'm still getting over the trauma! We went today for a follow-up and they are all healing very well, so another hurdle crossed.

This appointment was also the guys' 2 week check-up, even though they were almost 3 weeks old at the time. They are getting huge! Here are their current stats:

Luke - 6 lb. 10 oz and 20 inches (up 1 lb. 6 oz. from birth)

Eli- 7 lb. 1 oz and 20 1/2 inches (up 1 lb. 6 oz. from birth)

Zach - 7 lb. 15 oz and 21 inches (up 1 lb. 11 oz. from birth)

Everything else checked out fine - they're perfectly healthy so far!

Friday we took the guys to have blood work done at the lab. Arizona has mandatory blood testing for certain diseases so you have to get this done. We scheduled the appointment for Friday because we thought they had enough trauma on Thursday, but it was remarkably easy. They hardly even woke up when they got stuck on the heel. The lab tech even had to squeeze their little heels to try to get enough blood, and they barely blinked. We were so proud! (It doesn't take much).

Then on Saturday we had a photo session with the boys. We have a great friend from church who is into amateur photography and so we took a bunch of pictures of the little ones in our living room. They turned out really awesome - again, very proud! Here are some of my favorites...

Luke, Eli and Zach - little angels!

Not angelic behavior - can you spot the little faux pas? Oh Zach!

More pics

Hi everyone! Just a quick update... The boys are all doing well. Luke had a dimple in his back that the pediatrician found, and wanted to have checked out, so Mom and I took him to Phoenix Children's Hospital on Thursday. He had a sonogram of his spine and we found out that everything was completely normal and fine. That was not something we were really worried about, but we are relieved that it's OK. Zach has a little bit of a cold - he's stuffed up, but it's nothing to worry about either. He snores like his Dad now! Overall, everyone is fine - the adults are a little sleep deprived, but we're starting to figure out how to give everyone one shift a night off - at least until Mom leaves on Monday. John's Mom will be coming up for the week to help, so we're looking forward to spending time with her too!

Here are some more pictures - enjoy!

Welcome home!

Zach Eli and Luke

Eli and Zach - minutes old

Eli

Luke

Week 2 of Amigos' Life

Hi everyone! Just a quick update on how the amigos are doing. They and we are doing really great! Admittedly, our existence is kind of limited. We mostly eat, sleep, and go to appointments. We wake the boys up every three hours to eat, then they sleep (most of the time) between feedings. We went to the first pediatrician visit last Friday, and that went well. John and I really like the doctor, but the boys are withholding their opinions until next week, when they'll be circumcised :( Hopefully that won't be too traumatic for anyone involved.

We have had lots of visitors, which is really nice. No one can resist the little cuties, and more than John, Mom or I can! So not too much else to say, so I'll get to the fun part - pictures! We've taken like 500 pictures so far, so this is just a sample of some of the cute ones!

Welcome home Amigos!

Boys sleeping - Luke, Eli and Zach

Cute duckie sleep sacks - Luke, Eli and Zach left to right

The boys cheered the Steelers to victory Monday night in their outfits!

One days' worth of bottles!

Amigos have arrived!

They're here!! We are so excited to announce the birth of the three amigos! Here are the vital statistics, in birth order:

Luke Julian Zeneski - born October 30, 7:22 am - 5 pounds 4 ounces, 17-1/2 inches
(Julian is John's and his Dad's middle name)
Elijah Robert Zeneski - born October 30, 7:23 am - 5 pounds 11 ounces, 18-1/2 inches
(Robert is my Dad and Grandfather's first name)
Zachary Joseph Zeneski - born October 30, 7:25 am - 6 pounds 4 ounces, 19 inches
(Joseph is my Dad and John's brother's middle name)

The whole story of their birth is just too much to write about in a blog, especially after all of the excitement of the last week, but I will try to give some details.

On Friday morning, the results of some blood work I had made it necessary for me to have general anesthetic instead of an epidural. This meant that I couldn't be awake for the surgery. Luckily though, the doctors (very graciously and unexpectedly) allowed John to be in the operating room, and he recorded it all. So I was able to see their glorious entrance in the end anyway!

After I recovered, I got to go to our room where John's mom and step dad and my mom were waiting. We got to have two babies with us, Luke and Eli. Zach was having a little trouble breathing, so he was taken for more observation. Eventually he went to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). He didn't have to stay overnight, but he was transferred to a nursery on the same floor as we were on. Eli also got transferred to the nursery, because he wasn't' eating well enough. These are issues that are very common with premature babies, and were not super scary. It was reassuring that they weren't in the NICU, but just in the nursery.

So from the first day, we only had Luke in our room. Because of the rough time I had recovering, I was only able to hang out mostly with him, while John spent a lot of time with Zach and Eli. That was hard, but it was really important that Eli and Zach got round the clock care. The nurses both in the nursery and on the floor where my room was were totally amazing. They are really adept at working with multiples, and just took such great care of us.

We really didn't have any huge issues with either the babies or me - we are truly blessed! Luke, Eli and I were all discharged from the hospital yesterday (Tuesday). We had a good night - they eat every 3 hours. John is the master feeder - he can get these boys to eat better than any of us! So he participated in all of the feedings, and Mom and I each took one off. Today, we picked up Zach! He is doing really great, and now we are all together at home. It's so awesome! To have all three boys home within the week is just amazing - again, we are so blessed!

Alright, so my energy is still low and I can't write much more tonight, but I'll leave you with a taste of all the pictures yet to come!

Last Pre-Babies Post!

Hi all! Just one last post before the babies are born tomorrow morning! We're getting everything ready, all of the last minute details. There really isn't anything left to do, but you know, we have to keep busy and it seems like we should be doing something. I'm not nervous yet, but I think everyone else is! Maybe it will hit me later tonight or tomorrow morning.

I've shared with a lot of you that my sister was also due to deliver her second baby around the same time as the amigos - well, he has arrived! Shelby's new son was born yesterday at 11:52 am, very beautiful, healthy and mellow. Shelby is doing well too, and should be going home tomorrow. She's so lucky - they'll all be home for Halloween!

Well, I'll leave with one last picture, this one of John and I (I figured he deserved to be in some photos too!) and thanks again for all of the prayers and good wishes! We'll post pictures of the boys as soon as we can get around to it!

Countdown is on!

Hi everyone! OK, it's Sunday so only 4-1/2 days left! It's starting to feel a little weird, knowing that this whole crazy pregnancy is almost over, but then it will be replaced with the experience of three crazy little boys, so I guess it's all a wash. Just a quick update... We went to the doctor on Thursday and everything still looks great with the boys. The only thing new with me is that I had my platelets checked again (they were low in the hospital) and they are now at a normal level - woohoo! This means that I will be able to be awake during the C-section, and John will be allowed in the operating room. Other than that, we're just hanging out getting ready for the big day. We're really excited that John's mom and step dad will be here for the delivery and my mom as well. So totally blessed to have such a loving family!

Here's the 34 week photo - I'm not quite as big as a house but maybe as big as a trailer! The belly is 51-1/2" around at last measurement! Go Steelers!

Exciting Updates!

We have had a really busy week! Last Tuesday we went in for the doctors appointment and had our first biophysical profile of the boys. This is done by sonogram and they check for 4 things on each baby:

1. Muscle tone - look for a clenched fist
2. Gross movement - look for big kicks and large body movements
3. Respiratory function - check the diaphragm for movement (they don't really breathe, but they're practicing)
4. Fluid level

Each function gets 2 points, so a perfect score is 8. Each of the boys scored 8 out of 8!

After that, we went for the appointment to check me out, and the doctor saw some abnormal lab test results, a high blood pressure and my feet were swelling. All of these things indicated a possibility of preeclampsia, which is a condition that pregnant women can get. It is usually characterized by high blood pressure and if untreated can be pretty dangerous to the mother. So we went to the hospital for more extensive testing. We weren't really all that worried, because I was feeling well. After all of the results were back, the doctors decided to keep me over night, and of course that turned into 2 nights.

On Wednesday, we had a very extensive sonogram which included a growth ultrasound. Everything looked great with them, but the most exciting thing is their sizes! Here's how much they weigh (estimated of course):

Baby A - 4 lb. 5 oz.
Baby B - 4 lb. 11 oz.
Baby C - 5 lb. 8 oz.

They're huge! Baby A is the smallest and he is considered normal for a singleton!

On Thursday, they finally decided that I don't have preeclampsia but I do have low platelets. So I was able to be released Thursday afternoon, and everything has been completely fine since then.

We went to the doctor again yesterday and had another biophysical profile - all of the amigos performed well again! Then we discussed treatment for the platelets - I will write more about that later. The final exciting thing is that we set a date for the delivery! We really wanted to have the surgery (Cesarean section) performed by Dr. Elliot, and he is really busy. So we worked with his schedule and decided on Friday, October 30 at 6:30 am. This is also the day my sister Shelby is due to deliver her baby boy - isn't that cool? Of course, it could be sooner if anything changes, but that's the date we're focused on for now. John and I are both so excited to have a concrete date to look forward to!

I promise to write more later this week, after our appointment on Thursday. It's getting close!

Week 32

Hi Everyone! Last week was exciting and busy for us, so I'm writing a little late. First of all, my Mom is here for the duration! We're so happy and grateful, both to her and to the rest of the family for letting us have her for a while! We're getting so much done to prepare for the amigos- I've attached some pictures of their nursery. We still have a lot of little finishing touches left to do. Basically we have everything we need though - at least to get started!

So the doctor's appointment last week was great! Dr. Elliot said that everything looks so good, he doesn't want to schedule the delivery yet. We'll wait until week 34 (not this coming but the next Thursday) to set the date. This will depend on how the boys are doing and how I'm doing. So far, we're all good. Next week we start going to the doctor's twice a week, where they will perform "physio-something" sonograms. (I'm not really sure what it is - I'll write more once we get one!) Basically it's to make sure that the babies are still growing and developing correctly, and these will help us decide whether it's best for them on the inside or the outside. If nothing unplanned happens, the delivery will be around October 29 (week 35) or November 5 (week 36).

Here's me and the amigos! I'm starting to get more uncomfortable, but I can handle it for a few more weeks!

Week 30/31 Appt

Today we went in for our 31 week appointment, but it's a few days early. Week 31 will actually be on Thursday. We went early to see the specific doctor who will be delivering the amigos, and he was supposed to be there, but wasn't. Anyway, we also went last week for week 30 appointment, and did a growth ultrasound. This is where they measure the boys to estimate how they're growing, if they're on track and if they're similar enough to each other to not indicate any other issues. So here's what we found out: (Remember this was done at 29 weeks and 6 days)

Baby A - 29 weeks, 6 days - 3 lb. 4 oz. (this is exactly the 50th percentile for a singleton)

Baby B - 31 weeks, 2 days - 3 lb. 8 oz

Baby C - 31 weeks, 2 days - 3 lb. 15 oz. (this is around the 70th percentile for a singleton!)

So as you can see, all are healthy and Baby C is a chunker! The doctors are really happy with their sizes. There is an 18% difference in size between A and C, but that is considered normal up to 20%. No cause for concern at all. Below is a 3D pic of Baby B. It's getting really hard to get these images, because it's crowded in there! He is on the left - I think he looks like John!

Speaking of size, lots of requests for belly pics have led me to post these pics. This might be the last time I actually show the belly, simply for humility's sake. I know there's lots of interest in the dolphin too, so here it is. Oh my!