Big Sister Alli

With all of the excitement this week, we haven't really said much about our original little angel. Alli has been such a good girl throughout this entire pregnancy! Her world has been turned upside down for the past couple of months and we are so proud of her for dealing with the situation so well. She has REALLY missed Chrissy. She's staying with family right now and has not been able to visit us for a while. The post below is a video that she taped for her mom today. She's going to be SO excited & happy come Sunday when Chrissy finally gets to come home! We miss and love her so much. Here are a few pictures of the new big sister.

Alli's "I Miss You Mom" Video

Day 2

Things are going good so far. All three of the babies came off the ventilator yesterday afternoon. I thought they were going to use a C-Pap, but they didn't need to. They are all using those nose cannulas but they have already been lowered a notch also. They all moved into incubators by the end of the night on Thursday. That is a step up from the open cribs (which I was unaware). Jenna and Jimmy had their first feedings last night. The NICU told Jim that we can hold Jenna and Jimmy, but not Cassie until her central IV lines are out. Jenna and Cassie are under the biliruben lights. Sorry these aren't the best pictures, but we wanted to include some.....I guess these lights don't work well with cameras :)

Jenna

Jimmy

Cassie

One of These Gifts is Not Like the Other...

Our friends Toni and Andy have given the triplets the funniest gift so far. Take a look and see if you can tell why. We love them! Thanks! :)

More Pics

Here is another picture of each baby to appease the masses. I'll give an update on their conditions a little later in the day. All three seem to be doing really good right now though.

For those of you who may not know this, if you click on the pictures they will get bigger.

Jenna



Jimmy



Cassie

Names Have Been Chosen!

- See Previous Post -

Okay Already! Here are Some Pics!!!

Hey everybody! Sorry for the delay on getting pics posted. It's been a crazy day!!!

We still don't have names for the little girls (well, actually we do but they aren't assigned yet so we aren't telling). Our little boy however is James Lynn Clauser III. They are all so beautiful! I know I'm biased but I swear they are.

Here are some stats & pictures of the babies:

Jenna Catherine - 2lbs 12oz - 15 inches long - She's the oldest by a few seconds (12:08pm)



James (Jimmy) Lynn - 3lbs 1oz - 15 1/4 inches long - Also born at 12:08 pm



Cassandra (Cassie) Lauren - 2lbs 8oz - 14 1/2 inches long - Born at 12:09 pm


These pictures are a little light. I've got some better ones that someone in the NICU took for us. I'm hoping to get them scanned into my computer tomorrow and posted on here. No promises though! Anyway, we'll keep updates & pics coming so check back often. Also, we want to thank everyone for all of the prayers and well wishes. Please keep them coming too!

The babies are here

This is Kelly, Jim's sister. I am updating the blog for him today because he's a little busy. The babies were born (not sure of time). As expected, they are all on ventilators, but seem to be stable. Chrissy is still in recovery, but is doing fine. He wasn't sure of the lengths, but said that he would update the blog later with more information and hopefully post a few pictures. They haven't decided on any girls names yet, but have a few that they are considering. So, if you have any suggestions, you better get them in now.

Baby 1: Girl weight 2 lbs 12 oz - no girl names yet
Baby 2: Boy weight 3 lbs 1 oz - James Lynn Clauser, III
Baby 3: Girl weight 2 lbs 8 oz

"The babies are coming!

I just received a phone call from Jim at 10:47am. The babies are coming. Chrissy just called from the hospital and they are prepping her now. I don't have much more info than that right now, but will update as soon as I hear something. Please start praying that all are healthy.

Wednesday Morning Update

Well, the contractions are back in full force this morning. Chrissy just called me at work and said that they are coming about every 4 minutes. The doctor on duty did a physical exam and said that she is dilated to a solid 4 now (it has been 3 - 4). They are administering a shot of Tributalene right now to try and stop the contractions again. Hopefully it works. Chrissy hates these shots though. One of the major side affects is that it makes you really shaky. She always feels really crappy and emotional when she gets it. Anyway , that's all we know right now. Stay tuned...

30 Weeks...Here We Come

Dr. Vlastos just came in and checked Chrissy. Her cervix is holding steady at 3 - 4 so November 27th is not going to be the birthday! WooHoo! Also, she has not had any contractions since early this morning. If she continues to hold steady, she may get to move back up to the antepartum floor tomorrow. She's really excited about that. The Dr. also told her that she could get a shower tonight since her condition hasn't changed. I'm really excited about that! I've had a couple of stinky roommates in my day but holy cow! ;)

Just kidding Chris! I love you! You are doing GREAT!!!

Doctors vs. Cable Guys

What's the difference between a doctor and the cable guy?
Answer: The cable guy shows up sometime in a four hour window. Doctors make you wait ALL DAY!

The doctor still hasn't been back in to check Chrissy's cervix so the verdict is still out. We are both pretty anxious today so we're hoping that we hear something soon. I know a lot of you are waiting to hear too. We've had around 350 hits on the site since this morning! We feel really blessed to have such great family and friends!

Chrissy's best friend Janet just stopped by to visit before her shift starts. She's been working here at the hospital for about 6 months or so and is training in the NICU tonight. That means that if we do deliver this evening, she would get to assist! Pretty cool!!!

The nurse just stuck her head in and said that Dr. Vlastos hasn't forgotten about us. Hopefully that means he's going to come in soon. I'll give another update as soon as we know something. Even if that means a quick "Babies are Coming Tonight" blurb before we go. Keep the prayers coming!

Tuesday Morning Update

It was a pretty uneventful night. Chrissy had a few contractions early on but they subsided as the night went on. They took her off of the Mag about 7:00 am this morning. She's starting to come down from the drug now. The Magnesium really wasn't bad for her though. With the exception of feeling hot for the first hour or so, she felt fine. As a matter of fact, she was doing so well with it that the Doc gave her unrestricted access to food and drink. That was really nice considering the drug gives you cotton mouth so bad.

They are going to re-evaluate her cervix sometime this afternoon or evening. If she's dilated more than she was yesterday, then we are probably going to meet the babies. If not, then we will keep the marathon going. Let's all hope for at least another day or so. Tomorrow will be 30 weeks!

I'll update the site whenever something happens (even if I have to get someone to do it for me).

It's 11:30 am and Things are Going Well

We've been getting a lot of phone calls and emails from people wanting an update, so here you go.

It's been about twelve hours since they started the Magnesium Sulfate and the contractions have reduced substantially. She is still having a few though. Dr. Moore just came for a visit and was her optimistic self. She thinks we will be able to hold out longer. They have administered another round of steriod shots however just in case. This will help develop the babies lungs in case of delivery. Dr. Moore said that this is pretty much overkill (since we had a round of steriods a couple of weeks ago) but better safe than sorry. She reiterated what Dr. Webb told us last night night. She said that if Chrissy dilates past a 4 or 5, it's going to be baby time. We're excited but hope that it doesn't happen for a while yet.

It's Midnight and Time for Mag (29 Weeks, 5 Days)

Hi Blogger friends! It's Jim with a late night post. I haven't had many opportunities to update the site myself for the past month or so. Chrissy's had a little more free time than me. :) I've been playing the single dad role since she's been in the hospital. We all have our roles to play though!

It's Sunday night (scratch that, Monday morning) at 1:55 am. Chrissy's 10:00 pm monitoring revealed that she was having some pretty good sized contractions at regular intervals. The Doc on call (Dr. Webb) came in and examined Chrissy and told her that she was dilated to a 3 or 4. He decided right then that it was time to move her down to Labor and Delivery and start the Magnesium Sulfate. Allison and I had just walked in the door from visiting Chrissy when she called and gave me the news. We called Gen (Chrissy's mom) to come over and stay with Alli so I could come stay at the hospital. Thanks Gen!

Dr. Webb came in to brief us once the Mag started flowing. He informed us that they were going to be very aggressive with the Magnesium Sulfate. He said that he expected the treatment to stop the contractions however if she progressed further and dilated to a 5 or 6, we were going to deliver. Yikes! Is it really time already!!!

Chrissy has now been on the medication for about two hours and it appears that the contractions have subsided. Oh, by the way, she was actually starting to feel them this time. That's something different from the ones she was having before. She just closed her eyes and dozed off. I hope she can get a little bit of sleep. God knows it's not easy with all of the tubes, wires, and monitors that she has hooked up to her. Not to mention the staff coming in and out every couple of minutes.

To be continued....

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! I am most thankful for making it to 29 weeks this past Wednesday. Day by day we are getting to where we need to be. It was a good day, as good as it could be here at the hospital. I think everyone in my family came up to visit and spend some time with me. Of course, my room is small, so they took shifts. Jim was up here for a while and then Ann brought Allison up. That way Jim was able to spend a few hours, rather than just 45-60 mins up here. And she was sort of cranky because she didn't get a nap. I did have a few bouts of feeling sorry for myself yesterday.....I kept thinking how I've been here longer than Paris Hilton spent in jail...and at least she got to walk around her cell....I'm supposed to stay in bed. Anyway, I know its best for the babies to be here...sometimes I'm just a baby myself :)

Today I missed out on all of the good shopping with my sisters. Its our tradition that we go every year. But I keep calling them to check in and see if they are getting some good deals. And they brought the sale ads to me yesterday, so I circled a bunch of stuff I wanted. That way I can still get some of the specials....and even though people think we are crazy, I'm so jealous that I'm not out with them right now. But, I've already had 3 visitors today, so that is good. I forgot to get my wheelchair ride, so hopefully someone else will be up. I hate to miss out on my 3o mins of freedom!

Jim is having people over to watch the Mizzou game on Saturday, so anyone is welcome to stop by. I'm sure it won't be much of a party without me, but you guys can try to have fun ;)

NICU visit

Jim and I took a tour of the NICU today. Our multiples class is doing it the Thurs after Thanksgiving, but they suggested we take it beforehand, just in case. It was a little scary. Jim was a little worried because there are some babies that are carriers of MRSA (that staph bacteria), and I think they said two of the babies showed symptoms. But, they are being proactive and taking care of the issue, so I feel safe. They didn't take us to that side of the NICU.

Anyway, we saw such tiny babies in there. One was 2lbs 4oz (which is about the size of ours right now) and she was sooooo tiny. They gave us a diaper the size she wears and its smaller than the palm of my hand. Even though I saw the babies, I can't imagine then now (12hrs later) how small they really were. Its hard to grasp the idea that they can function so well being that small. But, I'm hoping we hold out a few more weeks and ours will be at least 3lbers. It was amazing to see how much bigger a 3lb baby was than the other little girl. We also learned that with the MRSA bacteria being such an issue right now and it being RSV season, the only people that will be able to see the babies are the parents and grandparents. I know its safer for the babies, but I feel bad that Alli won't be able to see them, or all of their aunts and uncles, etc. So, say some prayers we hang on for awhile and then maybe they will be so big and mature that they won't have to spend much time there.

The weekend was good. Had a lot of visitors and Jim brought Allison up twice. I always love when she comes because she is just so cute :) I finally made my 28 week sign for my door...I was being lazy...its not like I have anything better to do. So, I'm going to be more timely with my 29 week sign. I was just going to change my 27 to a 28, or just skip 28 and make a 29, but the nun who gives me holy communion every morning says I'm so creative and I really should make one, blah, blah, blah. I promised her I would, so of course, I couldn't lie to a nun. So, the new sign is hanging up--FINALLY. I'm still waiting with the 29 week sign because I don't want to jinx anything.

OH, and one more thing---I found out today that I'm supposed to be getting wheelchair rides every other day. That would have been nice to know! I've only been outside about 5 mins in the past 3.5 weeks! So, I was a little upset that I didn't know and nobody told me, but I'm excited about getting out of my room a little more often :)

Have a good day!
Chrissy

28 Weeks! We made our first goal!

Of course, I'm behind again....but we hit 28 weeks on Wednesday. It was a big accomplishment since they told us we needed to at least get there. Now I feel like everyday is a bonus! Our next goal is 30 weeks. I don't get to go home for Thanksgiving at all, so I'm expecting lots of family to visit.....or at least a good plate of food :) I'm going to miss sitting around and eating with everyone, but it could be worse. I'm just glad its not a huge holiday for me (although, I have lots to be thankful for, I can be thankful anywhere!). Got lots of flowers and cookies and email/phone call congrats on Wednesday. Thanks everyone for thinking of us and celebrating with us. We appreciate all of your thoughts and prayers!

I had my big ultrasound yesterday...it had been exactly 3 weeks. All of the babies are doing great, so we are just hanging out, trying to let them grow. Baby A is estimated at 2lbs 5oz (grew 12oz in 3 wks). Baby B is estimated at 2lbs 3oz (grew 9oz in 3 wks). Baby C is estimated at 2lbs 6oz (grew 10oz in 3 wks). So, Dr. Moore said everything is looking great. Its getting harder to get good ultrasound pics, I guess because they are getting so big, but they were able to get all 3 heads in one shot. From left to right, it is C, B, A. Its hard to see with the untrained eye ;), but each circular blob is a head.

On to regular life, Allison is feeling a lot better, so therefore, Jim is a lot better too. They are both getting more sleep and things are getting back to normal (as much as they could without me being at home). I love when they come visit me. Allison is getting used to the routine now and she isn't scared of me, so she is good up here, sits by me, etc. Thanks everyone for cooking for Jim and Alli (and me) and helping out with the house, watching Alli, etc. And thanks for all of the visits! Keep them coming--they make my days go by a lot faster!!! Otherwise, I've been cross-stitching ornaments and bibs, reading, watching movies, playing Literati on Yahoo games with my mom, Jackie, & Billy. Oh, and myspace and email. Last night we went to our 2nd multiples class. There was a pediatrician that spoke that has identical twin boys, so it was really informative. And we didn't have to be the center of attention this time. We get a tour of the NICU on Monday. I'm excited to get out my room for it, but a little nervous to see all the tiny babies that are intubated, ventilators, etc.

Here is Allison giving herself a breathing treatment....she is so good :)

TGIF!!!!

Okay, so it really doesn't matter what day of the week it is, because they all run together for me anyway, but its Friday. I just look forward to Wednesdays when my week flips. We are working towards 28 right now. My friend Toni just left. She has come up the past two Friday nights to hang out and she brings dinner and a movie. Last week was Blades of Glory, this week Wild Hogs. They were both cute (although probably one-timers). Thank God for my wonderful family and friends who visit and call a lot. It really makes it easier on me and passes time. Oh, and I've learned how to cross stitch also since I've been here. And I have to add that Jim brought Allison up for the first time since last Saturday and I was so HAPPY to see her. I was crying when I saw her because I missed her so much. She was still pretty sick though. Hopefully she will feel better soon.

Jim and I went to a multiples class last night. It was informative, but I felt like we were a big spectacle. First off, its right upstairs, but we were still 15 mins late. Then I was wheeled in in my wheelchair, had to have a recliner. Then every subject, we just happened to be experienced in so far (having another child, bedrest, etc), so the teacher kept putting us on the spot. I felt like we were teaching the class and we felt like we were probably that annoying couple that thinks they know everything.....you know, there is always someone like that in every class or meeting! But, anyway, it was good to get out of my room for a few hours.

Dr. Moore got my hopes up a little (even though I tried not to) when on Thurs she said there was a possibility I could go home. But, she decided today that I needed to stay. She said we might reevaluate at 30 weeks.

Sorry I don't really have any fun pictures to add.....not much going on in my little hospital room.

Mom & Alli showing off our bellies (27 weeks 2 days)

Hanging in there....almost 27 weeks

Hi everyone--sorry I haven't been able to post. First I had laptop issues and got my sister a virus on her computer. Then the WI-FI has been down at the hospital for the past 4 days. I was dying of boredom without it.

Our goal is still to make it to 28 weeks right now. I came in right at 25 and I will be 27 tomorrow (Wed), so we are making it day by day. It sucks being here, but when I have visitors, I am okay. When I don't have any visitors, I get a little depressed. I miss Allison a lot...haven't seen her since Saturday morning...she is sick right now, so hopefully she gets better soon so she can come visit. I feel bad complaining to Jim because he has so much to do right now, especially with Alli being sick. But our families/friends have been helping him out, making him dinners, watching Allison, cutting our grass, helping with the house, etc.

I will be here until I deliver the babies. My cervix is completely gone (effaced?), so now we just have to keep my contractions under control so I don't dilate. My contractions seem to be fine during the daytime monitoring, but at night, the past 3 nights have been showing a lot of them. I have not felt any of them though, so I'm guessing they are not that bad? I get an ultrasound everyday, which is fun to see the babies. Still holding out on finding out the sexes of the babies. Jim and I really need to start coming up with some names :) Any suggestions? Feel free to send an email or post a comment. We are getting desperate, especially for girl names! And, as much as I want to go home, its way to early to have these babies, so I want to be here as long as possible. So, first I make it to 28 and then day by day from there. I wish the hours away everyday so that another day will pass. Then of course, Sunday, they add an extra hour to my day....that wasn't fair :) Although I'm sure most people were excited about the extra hour of sleep.

The only really important thing I've missed out on so far has been Halloween and the parties that go along with it. But I guess I was at Ann's Halloween party in spirit :)

Ken, Janet, Ann, Jim, & Jason

Toni
Natalie & Mike

Jim dressed Allison and took her to a few neighbors houses, then brought her up to see me. She was so cute. She wouldn't wear her Barney mask that went with the costume...Jim said she insisted on wearing her Cardinal hat. She is soooo independent!

Grandma Lucy & Allison (our neighbor)

Alli trick-or-treating in Mommy's hospital room

My Halloween costume....believe it or not, I spent about an hour painting this mask.....funny the things you will spend time on when you have nothing better to do than pass time. I also painted a pumpkin for Alli :)

Jim and his dad finished our bedroom last weekend. I can't wait to see it. We just need a few minor things now, like decorations and outlet covers. So, we have new paint, baseboard, chair rail, carpet, everything new in the master bath.

Coming soon....new carpet in living room and hallway and kitchen walls painted. After that, we might be done with the home improvements until income tax time.....then we will get ceramic tile in kitchen and redo main bathroom.

WI-FI was down.....

Still at the hospital and I'm here for good. Internet was down for 4 days.....dying of boredom. Promise I will have a full update tomorrow. Good Night!!!!