Sleep? What is that? We have struck our first set of bugs! It was bound to happen but was worst than imaginable. With the winter months approaching so was the cold weather. We first started to notice Esmae become very clingy and go off her food then it was like a domino affect onto Indi and Miller. Off to the docs to check them out, Esmae had a double ear infection and bronchitis, Miller a single ear infection and viral infection and Indi a viral infection. I felt terribly sad for my sick little people they were just miserable and all they wanted was cuddles, this was also a bit tricky as sometimes they didn't like sharing their mummy. Thankfully after a week we were on the mend although it wasn't for long we are now to date still battling bloody ear infections and virus's. Since their first set of bugs Esmae has pretty much been on antibiotics continuously and Miller and Indi been on quite a lot too, thank goodness its free doctors visits for babies or we would be broke!
Weights to date at 8 months old Esmae is now 7.01kg, Miller 6.4kg and Indi 5.4kg. So they have grown heaps again and quite a noticeable different between the girls. Miller and Esmae have started rocking on all fours and Miller has mastered sitting up on his own. In the next couple of weeks Miller decides to also master crawling and is able to get from crawling to sitting. He is into everything, loves to follow us around and to find everything that is adult associated iphone, tv remote, cords, ipad and everything that could cause trouble. Esmae has taken a back seat with moving as she has been pretty sick and enjoying cuddles instead of floor play. And little miss is loving rolling around on the floor.
With Indi we are now getting some early invention help from the Vera Hayward clinic (development assistance) with being born at 30 weeks and sharing the womb with two others it was always going to create extra risks. We are luckily enough to have 3 beautiful children, two who have caught up well to their age and milestones and Indi just having a bit of difficulty mastering some of her milestones. She has what the paeds refer to as Hypertonia (low muscle tone) it pretty much means from being breech and having a traumatic birth her body has been formed with muscles that are not quite as strong as other babies. As all parents would be we have found this hard but at the end of the day it does not change our wee girl she is the sweetest girl and she will achieve things in her own way and in her own time. It also doesn't change how much we love her, if anything we love her more for the courage she has shown to try and work of those everyday milestones like rolling and has now mastered it well.
Day to day had became easier the mornings were the busiest with feeds then breakie and the task of getting dressed. Some days we were organised and the mornings would go smoothly and others would be just pure chaos and feel like we are getting no where. Bath/Shower time is getting easier the bigger they get as well, they now don't mind the water on their faces and with Indi in her shower chair and the other two sitting beside her the often giggle between each other.
I could watch the three of them interact all day long, the innocence, the laughter and the fighting that goes on between them is hilarious. Some times it gets to the stage where Miller loves the reaction of the girls crying so he crawls past and try and get their eyes or ears. Most of the time they love each others company thanks goodness :)
Sorry photo wont upload at the moment will add to when computer lets me.
Tuesday, 17 June 2014
Friday, 13 June 2014
Messy eaters and on the roll - Feb/March
We now are noticing how much more active our babies are becoming, after a few weeks of trying to roll over the first born Esmae started the tribe off with showing off her new tricks, it wasn't long before Miller noticed and realised he wanted to try and do it as well. Now with two on the roll they were now able to move around, although it was great we now had to watch everything! After a few weeks Indi too joined in on the fun and decided it was time for her to begin rolling around too :)
Starting solids was exciting, at almost 6 months old we noticed they kept watching us eat and were waking lots more frequently so we thought be a good time to introduce food. I started them on some avocado and after a few days moved onto pumpkin then kumera, kumera being the clear favourite. One spoon seemed enough for the first week or so then as they got bigger so did there appetite. They were still a bit small for their highchairs so feed times quickly became awkward with me usually having one in swing, one propped on couch and one on my lap. Luckily we put high chairs up and life became a little easier for me. After 4-5 weeks of starting solids we had gradually increased to 3 meals a day and lot more washing!!
With the babies getting a bit older we were able to get out a bit more so we visited the local playcentre and decided it would be good fun for the babies. Some mornings it was a mission to say the least but it felt good to be taking the babies out. Sometimes it was easier to stay at home but that can get a bit boring day in day out. Although at home we started having fun in water on the warm days, even explored gloop another. With the older age I did find them more full on through the day but it was a lot more rewarding with the endless smiles and giggles we shared.
In March the babies turned 7 months old and we decided to try Indi back on the formula this time she drank it well and didn't vomit it up every time, this was a relief as my milk was decreasing by the week, Esmae and Miller were still mostly BF, although had 1-2 bottles a day as well :) Whatever we tried to help Miller sleep through the night didn't work, the girls were great they would sleep usually 8pm til 6am however Miller needed either one or two midnight snacks, on the odd occasion he would sleep through which was just great (either that or I was too tired and slept through )
Some photos added were from last post as well (Dec/Jan)
Starting solids was exciting, at almost 6 months old we noticed they kept watching us eat and were waking lots more frequently so we thought be a good time to introduce food. I started them on some avocado and after a few days moved onto pumpkin then kumera, kumera being the clear favourite. One spoon seemed enough for the first week or so then as they got bigger so did there appetite. They were still a bit small for their highchairs so feed times quickly became awkward with me usually having one in swing, one propped on couch and one on my lap. Luckily we put high chairs up and life became a little easier for me. After 4-5 weeks of starting solids we had gradually increased to 3 meals a day and lot more washing!!
With the babies getting a bit older we were able to get out a bit more so we visited the local playcentre and decided it would be good fun for the babies. Some mornings it was a mission to say the least but it felt good to be taking the babies out. Sometimes it was easier to stay at home but that can get a bit boring day in day out. Although at home we started having fun in water on the warm days, even explored gloop another. With the older age I did find them more full on through the day but it was a lot more rewarding with the endless smiles and giggles we shared.
In March the babies turned 7 months old and we decided to try Indi back on the formula this time she drank it well and didn't vomit it up every time, this was a relief as my milk was decreasing by the week, Esmae and Miller were still mostly BF, although had 1-2 bottles a day as well :) Whatever we tried to help Miller sleep through the night didn't work, the girls were great they would sleep usually 8pm til 6am however Miller needed either one or two midnight snacks, on the odd occasion he would sleep through which was just great (either that or I was too tired and slept through )
Some photos added were from last post as well (Dec/Jan)
Eating in the highchair
Esmae and me on the plane home
My mum and Miller on the plane
Esmae playing in the gloop
Cuddles with Dadda after he got home from Oz
Indigo playing in the gloop
Miller trying avocado for first time
Water fun in a bucket
First Christmas as a family
Indigo soaking her feet
Kanes Mum holding Indi on the plane
Thursday, 12 June 2014
Back to NZ and the festive season - Dec/Jan
The big move was approaching quickly and once our mums arrived it was real. It was our last week in Aussie, mixed emotions I was glad to be heading home but there was so many amazing memories Kane and I had, had over the two years we lived there and many things I would miss (especially the weather!).
Our mums did the best job of making the house look like new which helped as cleaning had been a struggle with three babies. Each day the house was looking more empty and the nerves were settling in, how on earth is this move going to go.
At the airport we had 5 large bags/suitcases, 3 car seats, 1 very large triplet pram, a backpack, a babybag, handbags and three very cute little people. We said our goodbyes to Kane as he was staying on a week longer to finalise everything. It felt so weird leaving for the last time, but as we were kept busy it was hard to actually think to much about it. amazingly going through customs, immigration and boarding the plane went fairly well no hiccups and all the staff were great at helping. on the plane we fed the babies and then they just cuddled in as we set off. Around half way back a few tears and cranky moments but overall no one would have known there was 3 babies on the plane. Getting back into Dunedin however was a different story it was a long day they had missed there last feed and Dunedin is bloody slow and frustrating. We were welcomed with family which was so lovely but with three screaming babies it was not fun at all. I couldn't think, so much to do and was pretty overwhelmed.
The next week I spent and my Mum and Dads while starting to set up the house to make it nice and homely. The change of time, climate, no Kane resulted in three unsettled, non sleeping babies. I could say Kane is like my backbone and without him I actually felt lost, I think also the babies missed him as well. We were so glad to have him back and then once we settled into our home the babies got more in sync and started sleeping a bit better but the biggest relief was Kane didn't start work for 4 weeks so we had time to relax and properly settle back into life in NZ. (and the cold weather)
Babies first Christmas was more exciting for us as they just thought it was another day, and to say that they got spoilt is an understatement. But was nice to be able to spend it with our family and friends. We even managed a day trip to Cromwell with the babies and spent some time at Kane's family crib, so was a great break but like all holidays they soon come to an end and 4 weeks went surprisingly quick.
I don't know who was more nervous for Kane to start his new job, we were going great babies were now 5 months old and cheekier than ever and I was doubting myself and if I would cope going back to being on my own. The first couple of days into it and I almost felt incapable and was in tears when Kane would get home and be utterly exhausted but with some help and support I managed to keep going and the each day looked a bit better and as time went on we got into a new routine and they got used to Dad being away through the day.
The babies were now a lot more fun and starting to really show their individual personalities. Esmae the first born is the boss, of her siblings and her parents she will let you know in a hurry if she is not happy but she loves cuddles and her smile is just so infectious. Little Miss Indigo is content and most of the time very placid although behind closed doors can really make a scene, she is instantly lovable with her quiet nature and cute smiles. Last but not least is Mr Miller the cheeky wee devil who has both his parents under his little finger, he is super cute and very serious, although once he warms to people the smiles are endless! From the move back and added stress I had stopped producing as much milk and the babies started to get a little frustrated so after 5 months of exclusively breastfeed we introduced a bottle a day of formula, Indi didn't go to well on it so she just stuck to the breastfeeding. I was proud to make it that long but happy to give them formula as they were growing so quickly and needed more fuel. We were also started to look into solids. How quick do these little people grow!
Our mums did the best job of making the house look like new which helped as cleaning had been a struggle with three babies. Each day the house was looking more empty and the nerves were settling in, how on earth is this move going to go.
At the airport we had 5 large bags/suitcases, 3 car seats, 1 very large triplet pram, a backpack, a babybag, handbags and three very cute little people. We said our goodbyes to Kane as he was staying on a week longer to finalise everything. It felt so weird leaving for the last time, but as we were kept busy it was hard to actually think to much about it. amazingly going through customs, immigration and boarding the plane went fairly well no hiccups and all the staff were great at helping. on the plane we fed the babies and then they just cuddled in as we set off. Around half way back a few tears and cranky moments but overall no one would have known there was 3 babies on the plane. Getting back into Dunedin however was a different story it was a long day they had missed there last feed and Dunedin is bloody slow and frustrating. We were welcomed with family which was so lovely but with three screaming babies it was not fun at all. I couldn't think, so much to do and was pretty overwhelmed.
The next week I spent and my Mum and Dads while starting to set up the house to make it nice and homely. The change of time, climate, no Kane resulted in three unsettled, non sleeping babies. I could say Kane is like my backbone and without him I actually felt lost, I think also the babies missed him as well. We were so glad to have him back and then once we settled into our home the babies got more in sync and started sleeping a bit better but the biggest relief was Kane didn't start work for 4 weeks so we had time to relax and properly settle back into life in NZ. (and the cold weather)
Babies first Christmas was more exciting for us as they just thought it was another day, and to say that they got spoilt is an understatement. But was nice to be able to spend it with our family and friends. We even managed a day trip to Cromwell with the babies and spent some time at Kane's family crib, so was a great break but like all holidays they soon come to an end and 4 weeks went surprisingly quick.
I don't know who was more nervous for Kane to start his new job, we were going great babies were now 5 months old and cheekier than ever and I was doubting myself and if I would cope going back to being on my own. The first couple of days into it and I almost felt incapable and was in tears when Kane would get home and be utterly exhausted but with some help and support I managed to keep going and the each day looked a bit better and as time went on we got into a new routine and they got used to Dad being away through the day.
The babies were now a lot more fun and starting to really show their individual personalities. Esmae the first born is the boss, of her siblings and her parents she will let you know in a hurry if she is not happy but she loves cuddles and her smile is just so infectious. Little Miss Indigo is content and most of the time very placid although behind closed doors can really make a scene, she is instantly lovable with her quiet nature and cute smiles. Last but not least is Mr Miller the cheeky wee devil who has both his parents under his little finger, he is super cute and very serious, although once he warms to people the smiles are endless! From the move back and added stress I had stopped producing as much milk and the babies started to get a little frustrated so after 5 months of exclusively breastfeed we introduced a bottle a day of formula, Indi didn't go to well on it so she just stuck to the breastfeeding. I was proud to make it that long but happy to give them formula as they were growing so quickly and needed more fuel. We were also started to look into solids. How quick do these little people grow!
Wednesday, 30 April 2014
Big decisions - November
For anyone with children that live away from their family will know its hard. We had always discussed going back to NZ after a few years but once the bubs came we knew we had to make a decision, we were finding it hard without that family support. We really enjoyed living in Brisbane and for almost being there 2 years we felt settled, but we decided to make the decision to move home to be closer to our family and friends. Once decided Kane looked for work, we struck it lucky as after applying for a couple one came back and had a Skype interview, I am a big believer in what is meant to be will be so we just hoped for the best outcome. The following week Kane said to me they want him to go home for an interview so off Kane flew home on a early sunday morning and came home the Monday night. I however was on my own not only through the day but for 2 whole days. The babies must have known I was on my own as they behaved pretty well. Lets just say thank goodness for pizza and grocery delivery.
The night sleeps were starting to stretch out to round 5 hours now and getting longer each week. we couldn't believe it starting to get more sleep makes you feel like a new person. (Looking back now I actually think i got more sleep when they were younger!)
Esmae, Indi and Miller were really starting to blossom already 3 months old, smiles were now a frequent thing which was just priceless makes everything worth it when you see the innocence of a baby's smile. They were focussing a lot more of toys, books and faces. Really starting to know who we were and even become a bit cheeky for attention. Witching hour had also set in, from 6pm onwards the house was like screaming nightmare. Not sure what it was but nothing would settle them and usually they set each other off. Bath nights which we did every 2-3 were chaos, but most of the time they enjoyed it.
Kane got the job so we were going home, now to move countries with 3 4 month olds, HELP! Luckily both our mums offered to help so they were arriving Dec to help pack and clean and take the babies back to NZ. Once the decision was finalised it was like a relief the babies would grow up where we did and be around all their family.
The night sleeps were starting to stretch out to round 5 hours now and getting longer each week. we couldn't believe it starting to get more sleep makes you feel like a new person. (Looking back now I actually think i got more sleep when they were younger!)
Esmae, Indi and Miller were really starting to blossom already 3 months old, smiles were now a frequent thing which was just priceless makes everything worth it when you see the innocence of a baby's smile. They were focussing a lot more of toys, books and faces. Really starting to know who we were and even become a bit cheeky for attention. Witching hour had also set in, from 6pm onwards the house was like screaming nightmare. Not sure what it was but nothing would settle them and usually they set each other off. Bath nights which we did every 2-3 were chaos, but most of the time they enjoyed it.
Kane got the job so we were going home, now to move countries with 3 4 month olds, HELP! Luckily both our mums offered to help so they were arriving Dec to help pack and clean and take the babies back to NZ. Once the decision was finalised it was like a relief the babies would grow up where we did and be around all their family.
Life as we know it - October
Things were in full swing, we were getting used to our new babies, new life and new way of doing things. With Kane back to work I was at home with the babies, the first few days freaked me out, how will I cope, how will I do it and many other questions but I guess I knew I had too as there wasn't any other options. Day to day we had a routine in place, babies were still on 3hr feeds and started to extend over night to almost 3.5-4hours (sometimes). Because they were still so small they did sleep a lot, so with them feeding at the same time (double breastfeed and one bottle expressed milk) was about to do this on my own taking around 45mins -1 hour all going well, so if they went back to sleep i got around 1-1.5 hours to clean, cook, express, eat or rest. Esmae unfortunately got reflux which wasn't fun at all. My memory around this time is a bit hazy but one thing I do clearly remember is her vomiting/power chucking everywhere at least 2-3 times daily and usually over me and her siblings. It wasn't fun at the time we kept thinking surely it cant last forever, and sure enough eventually it faded.
I was still managing to fully breastfeed, expressing still 2-3 times a day on top of breastfeeding at least 2 each feed. Its fair to say I felt like a milking machine. I had to eat so much as I constantly felt hungry, I didn't mind. Not one bit. I had a lot of people comment and ask why I was so determined to breastfeed all my babies. I think for me it came down to the fact if I gave birth to one baby I would have been as committed to feeding them, so I felt with them being so early it was the best thing I could do for them and I was just gifted with lots of milk so maybe it all worked out for a reason.
The babies were growing and half way through the month the babies reached their full term date. It was like celebrating their first milestone. Both Kane and I were already proud of our 3 little munchkins and every day they seemed more alert and learning so many new things. We still tried to get put a bit to the shops or walks, for us triplets was the norm and for so many other people they are not. So much attention, so many questions, some people are lovely and we don't mind talking to them and others can be rather rude. I think its a case of if you don't have anything nice to say don't say it at all. But we were proud parents so we don't let it get to us. I think I also need to make a fact sheet for people to hand out so I don't have to repeat myself all the time. Haha.
I was still managing to fully breastfeed, expressing still 2-3 times a day on top of breastfeeding at least 2 each feed. Its fair to say I felt like a milking machine. I had to eat so much as I constantly felt hungry, I didn't mind. Not one bit. I had a lot of people comment and ask why I was so determined to breastfeed all my babies. I think for me it came down to the fact if I gave birth to one baby I would have been as committed to feeding them, so I felt with them being so early it was the best thing I could do for them and I was just gifted with lots of milk so maybe it all worked out for a reason.
The babies were growing and half way through the month the babies reached their full term date. It was like celebrating their first milestone. Both Kane and I were already proud of our 3 little munchkins and every day they seemed more alert and learning so many new things. We still tried to get put a bit to the shops or walks, for us triplets was the norm and for so many other people they are not. So much attention, so many questions, some people are lovely and we don't mind talking to them and others can be rather rude. I think its a case of if you don't have anything nice to say don't say it at all. But we were proud parents so we don't let it get to us. I think I also need to make a fact sheet for people to hand out so I don't have to repeat myself all the time. Haha.
Saturday, 1 March 2014
The long days pay off - September
Now babies were steadily improving, at 4 weeks old they didn't even know what existed outside a hospital. Some moments I would get really down or jealous on my travels to the hospital I would often find myself watching other mothers or pregnant woman. I had to constantly remind myself that this was the best thing for my babies to become strong enough to get home.
The next massive phase we were approaching was breastfeeding. There is so much pressure of mothers of all ages on how to best fed your babies and my decision I made was to try. I was not going to stress over it I would try and see where it lead me. In saying that I can be a very determined person and as soon as I started I convinced myself I could do it. For mothers that have either tried to breastfed or have its not as easy as it looks. I had spent the first 4 weeks expressing 2-3 hourly (4hrly overnight) so I was making a lot of milk. When I first started to introduce the breast Miller was the first to try and at gestation of 34 was able to latch on but doing that would exhaust him to sleep. So this went on for a few days and as Indigo and Esmae were introduced as they became more stable the same situation. It was a lot of work for my small babies who weighed around 1.7-2kg now. The odd time they would suckle a little milk but because of my strong flow it took awhile for them to get used to it. There were moments I would just cry from being so exhausted. In the hospital they are strict on their routines and times. So babies were fed every 3 hours by tube, Esmae and Miller were at the same time and Indi was the next hour after them. I was spending around 45mins on average with each of them to try and latch and feed them. Some feeds they did really well and only got topped up half tube feeds other times they wouldn't wake at all. When they were 35 weeks adjusted (5 weeks old) they were able to have little feds and their suck was getting stronger. My days were full on to say the least but in the back of my mind I kept telling myself it is worth it just stick at it. Kane was a great help and support, once we started trying to twin fed I needed a lot of help. I would latch the first baby on and then with help either from the nurses or Kane I would try and feed 2. This was awkward, I had no idea what I was barely doing and wondered If I ever would. The thing I found was practice doesn't make perfect but gets you used to it and a lot better and finding what works. The days in hospital were still long and tiring, I look back now and actually wonder how I survived! But in the moment we knew no different and when your in those situation you seem just to make it work.
Babies still quite often got tests done either head ultrasounds to check for brain bleeds, xrays of body, blood tests, eye examination which were so brutal parents were told not to stay there and watch, even from the expressing room I could hear the heart aching cry that were my babies. The greater good I would keep telling myself. The docs did there rounds every day and every second day babies got reviewed so that meant a full body examination. Even at 5 weeks old I could not believe the journey that my 3 little fighters had been through.
With the babies doing extremely well and getting close to being off all machines meant there was the possibility of them being transferred to another hospital. The hospital that was closer to us only had 10 beds in their unit and with having 3 babies meant unlikely to have room. One day which may I add was just terrible, (got a speeding ticket on way to hospital) and then get to hospital and the nurse say to me that my babies are being transferred to a hospital about 30mins opposite direction from home which meant Kane would only be able to visit on weekends. I broke down I was so so so upset. They said 2 would go in one ambulance and one in another. I wondered how I would cope the buses there were not as frequent and would take ages! After talking to kane who was not happy at all about this I spoke up and told them that I wouldn't cope being their all week on my own at a hospital where I know no one. They listened in the end thank goodness, and realised babies wouldn't be close to getting home by this stage as I was getting them to fed more and more off me.
The day they turned 6 weeks old they got their jabs and taken off all machines. I was breastfeeding all 3 of them their days feeds (3-4 feeds each) and they were offered bottles through the night. When babies were 36weeks + 2 days / 6weeks 2 days old they told us they though they were ready to go to parent crafting, (a room in the nicu like a motel room when its just the parents and babies to see how everybody copes and If the babies feed and sleep alright.) we were excited and so nervous the whole way through so far we had the help of nurses now we were about to do it on our own.
The first night we were on edge and full of adrenalin. It was a massive new experience having them on our own and although we were probably stressed to our eye balls it felt so good to finally be our wee family. Kane was able to help a lot with the feeding because I was still expressing 8 times a day were able to bottle fed the baby that I wasn't breastfeeding. Feeds were still taking upwards of 30mins and it was long process of that and burping etc. The first night we got a total of 1.5 hours total spread over in little stints. I don't think it really hit us til later that night but we kept going pretty much just feeding changing and burping 24/7. Before we got to get discharged we had to get babies weighed as they were all of suck feeds opposed to some tube feds it used up a lot more energy which resulted in weight loss. All of them loss but docs were happy as babies were feeding ok. So it was time to take our precious cargo home. We couldn't believe so at 6 weeks + 5 days old the babies entered the big wide world. You could imagine our drive home, and finally getting them to our home where they belonged. Kane had the next 2 weeks off which was a life saver and to be completely honest I don't remember much of those first few weeks at home.
They were 3hourly fed as all under 3kg still, which meant fed times were 8am, 11am, 2pm, 5pm, 8pm, 11pm, 2am 5am everyday. Feeds took about on average 1 -2 hours so some nights we got 1 hour sleep between feeds. I was also still expressing 8 times a day and breastfeeding each feed for 2 babies. The reason being I was making so much milk if I didn't express I would lose a lot and probably get mastitis. I began to slowly take out every 2nd express so was able to express morning lunch and before bed. Although we were the most tired we have ever been in our lives we were loving having the babies home and having them all to us. We had to go back to hospital for regular check ups which was a mission although had to be done.
When Kane was off work we were even able to make use of the pram and get out for some walks we loved getting outside finally after spending so much time stuck in a hospital and plus the babies loved the pram and always slept well.
Photos:
The next massive phase we were approaching was breastfeeding. There is so much pressure of mothers of all ages on how to best fed your babies and my decision I made was to try. I was not going to stress over it I would try and see where it lead me. In saying that I can be a very determined person and as soon as I started I convinced myself I could do it. For mothers that have either tried to breastfed or have its not as easy as it looks. I had spent the first 4 weeks expressing 2-3 hourly (4hrly overnight) so I was making a lot of milk. When I first started to introduce the breast Miller was the first to try and at gestation of 34 was able to latch on but doing that would exhaust him to sleep. So this went on for a few days and as Indigo and Esmae were introduced as they became more stable the same situation. It was a lot of work for my small babies who weighed around 1.7-2kg now. The odd time they would suckle a little milk but because of my strong flow it took awhile for them to get used to it. There were moments I would just cry from being so exhausted. In the hospital they are strict on their routines and times. So babies were fed every 3 hours by tube, Esmae and Miller were at the same time and Indi was the next hour after them. I was spending around 45mins on average with each of them to try and latch and feed them. Some feeds they did really well and only got topped up half tube feeds other times they wouldn't wake at all. When they were 35 weeks adjusted (5 weeks old) they were able to have little feds and their suck was getting stronger. My days were full on to say the least but in the back of my mind I kept telling myself it is worth it just stick at it. Kane was a great help and support, once we started trying to twin fed I needed a lot of help. I would latch the first baby on and then with help either from the nurses or Kane I would try and feed 2. This was awkward, I had no idea what I was barely doing and wondered If I ever would. The thing I found was practice doesn't make perfect but gets you used to it and a lot better and finding what works. The days in hospital were still long and tiring, I look back now and actually wonder how I survived! But in the moment we knew no different and when your in those situation you seem just to make it work.
Babies still quite often got tests done either head ultrasounds to check for brain bleeds, xrays of body, blood tests, eye examination which were so brutal parents were told not to stay there and watch, even from the expressing room I could hear the heart aching cry that were my babies. The greater good I would keep telling myself. The docs did there rounds every day and every second day babies got reviewed so that meant a full body examination. Even at 5 weeks old I could not believe the journey that my 3 little fighters had been through.
With the babies doing extremely well and getting close to being off all machines meant there was the possibility of them being transferred to another hospital. The hospital that was closer to us only had 10 beds in their unit and with having 3 babies meant unlikely to have room. One day which may I add was just terrible, (got a speeding ticket on way to hospital) and then get to hospital and the nurse say to me that my babies are being transferred to a hospital about 30mins opposite direction from home which meant Kane would only be able to visit on weekends. I broke down I was so so so upset. They said 2 would go in one ambulance and one in another. I wondered how I would cope the buses there were not as frequent and would take ages! After talking to kane who was not happy at all about this I spoke up and told them that I wouldn't cope being their all week on my own at a hospital where I know no one. They listened in the end thank goodness, and realised babies wouldn't be close to getting home by this stage as I was getting them to fed more and more off me.
The day they turned 6 weeks old they got their jabs and taken off all machines. I was breastfeeding all 3 of them their days feeds (3-4 feeds each) and they were offered bottles through the night. When babies were 36weeks + 2 days / 6weeks 2 days old they told us they though they were ready to go to parent crafting, (a room in the nicu like a motel room when its just the parents and babies to see how everybody copes and If the babies feed and sleep alright.) we were excited and so nervous the whole way through so far we had the help of nurses now we were about to do it on our own.
The first night we were on edge and full of adrenalin. It was a massive new experience having them on our own and although we were probably stressed to our eye balls it felt so good to finally be our wee family. Kane was able to help a lot with the feeding because I was still expressing 8 times a day were able to bottle fed the baby that I wasn't breastfeeding. Feeds were still taking upwards of 30mins and it was long process of that and burping etc. The first night we got a total of 1.5 hours total spread over in little stints. I don't think it really hit us til later that night but we kept going pretty much just feeding changing and burping 24/7. Before we got to get discharged we had to get babies weighed as they were all of suck feeds opposed to some tube feds it used up a lot more energy which resulted in weight loss. All of them loss but docs were happy as babies were feeding ok. So it was time to take our precious cargo home. We couldn't believe so at 6 weeks + 5 days old the babies entered the big wide world. You could imagine our drive home, and finally getting them to our home where they belonged. Kane had the next 2 weeks off which was a life saver and to be completely honest I don't remember much of those first few weeks at home.
They were 3hourly fed as all under 3kg still, which meant fed times were 8am, 11am, 2pm, 5pm, 8pm, 11pm, 2am 5am everyday. Feeds took about on average 1 -2 hours so some nights we got 1 hour sleep between feeds. I was also still expressing 8 times a day and breastfeeding each feed for 2 babies. The reason being I was making so much milk if I didn't express I would lose a lot and probably get mastitis. I began to slowly take out every 2nd express so was able to express morning lunch and before bed. Although we were the most tired we have ever been in our lives we were loving having the babies home and having them all to us. We had to go back to hospital for regular check ups which was a mission although had to be done.
When Kane was off work we were even able to make use of the pram and get out for some walks we loved getting outside finally after spending so much time stuck in a hospital and plus the babies loved the pram and always slept well.
Photos:
In their car seats
First play all together at home
Sleeping arrangements
The beast a.k.a - our pram :)
Monday, 24 February 2014
First month - Life inside
Just to note 6 months have passed so I am jogging my memory and recapping this as I go through it. If it seems a bit over the place it probably is as a lot has gone on but ill do my best to try get it in the right order.
Life for Kane at this stage was hectic not only was he back to work full time he was visiting the babies as much as he could after work for a few hours and before work every morning and then call me to give me the update. I was struggling with the long days in NICU, I was beginning to be able to walk a bit more and was catching the bus to the hospital every morning which took me about 1 hour 15 mins approx, and for people that have had c sections will know bumpy rides and uncomfy seats make for long tiring ride. As I was still determined to breastfed I would have to get up in the morning express and then make breakfast and walk to bus stop, go on bus, change bus, get on another bus and then make my way to the hospital I would get there quickly check in on babies and then have to express again. This seemed like my life at this stage, I was making some milk too, I was lucky to have a good supply and with the constant expressing it was bringing on more and more. I had now a big back log and was starting my own freezer supply at home for when they would be at home.
Babies all were gaining the weight they had lost in their first week and were all getting stronger and stronger by the day. It was so hard to feel helpless as a mother but as every other family in the NICU were going through it, it almost began to feel normal in a weird way. The expressing room enabled me to form some friendships with other mothers. I enjoyed this time to express and chat (seems bizarre I know but I think everyone felt comfortable as we all had one thing in common sick/little babies needing care). Once my milk had came it started doubling. All the nurses would comment how my body must have known that I was providing for 3 babes. My average express was around 300mls 3hrly, and my greatest express was 550mls!! (was when I had sleep through my alarm in the night and it had been around 5hrs, lets just say I was sore and could hardly move my body!)
Miller was progressing the fastest and was doing very well in special care nursery. He was able to have a cuddle every 2nd day for the first couple of weeks then when he was around 2-3 weeks old was aloud daily cuddles, which then closer to he was 4 weeks old (34 weeks corrected) had a cuddle 2-3 times a day. He still had to be in a isolette for 3 weeks til he reached over 1.7kg. Then he was able to progress into an open cot and be dressed in baby clothes for the first time. This was like massive milestones for us! We were so over joyed doing these experiences with him as it meant more cuddles with his mumma and dadda. Also once in an open cot for around 2 days they can also have a bath in a baby bath, previous to that it is just a wipe down with cotton balls to clean them. Its like seeing your baby for the first time when you can sit and stare at him in the open cot.
Indigo spent a total of 3 1/2 weeks in NICU before trialling of CPAP she was really good and phasing off and after breathing on her own for 1-2 days also joined her brother in special care. She did really well, although remained in her isolette til she reached the right weight to join her brother in the open cot. It was quite hard in this point also as Miller being in special care and the girls in NICU it was splitting my time in half and also having the guilts about how much time I was spending in each part and with each child.
Esmae who struggled the most at the start did quite well after about 8 days on CPAP so they thought she was ready to come off CPAP. We were excited that she was doing so well and in the next day progressed to special care. In special care they had to keep a closer eye on her, after a few hours she had to be put on oxygen as she started to breathe heavy and weak, that night we got a call that she hadn't coped well at all with the change and ended back in high need NICU. Not what I wanted to hear, my wee girl having troubles and i'm not there. that morning I rushed to her side and she looked peaceful but worn out. the breathing on her own had made her very weak and was put straight back on CPAP when she went back to NICU. After this episode she became quite dependant on it and spent the longest in NICU got out just after she was 4 weeks old. Kane wasn't able to cuddle Esmae til she was 3 weeks old I think he found this tuff as she was so fragile and all you want to do is kiss and cuddle your precious baby.
Life was full on even though the babies were still in hospital, most mornings before I would head in I would prepare dinner for me and Kane and get some washing and cleaning done. We weren't getting home til around 9pm every night where we would have dinner, id express and then straight to bed. I was always sad leaving the babies I don't think that got easier I just learned to deal with it better. Before we went to sleep every night we would ring the hospital and check how our babies were and if there was any change, told them to call us if any changes. The thing that we kept reminding ourselves is that one day in the near future we will be able to walk out of this hospital with our babies as well.
I cant exactly remember weights but usually put on anywhere between 10g-100g every 2-3 days, usually round 50g. They had been gradually increasing their milk as there weight went up, started all on 1ml, then to 2ml, 3ml etc. Once they hit 20mls went up quicker. All tube fed still but was eager to start breastfeeding as soon as they could suck/swallow. We got to help with the feds by hold the syringe for them. They would still often set the alarms off by either having a brady or forgetting to breathe. the more it happened the more you got used to it. Both kane and I were getting good at analysing the machine and knowing what they meant and when to get a nurse to check them.
Photos:
Life for Kane at this stage was hectic not only was he back to work full time he was visiting the babies as much as he could after work for a few hours and before work every morning and then call me to give me the update. I was struggling with the long days in NICU, I was beginning to be able to walk a bit more and was catching the bus to the hospital every morning which took me about 1 hour 15 mins approx, and for people that have had c sections will know bumpy rides and uncomfy seats make for long tiring ride. As I was still determined to breastfed I would have to get up in the morning express and then make breakfast and walk to bus stop, go on bus, change bus, get on another bus and then make my way to the hospital I would get there quickly check in on babies and then have to express again. This seemed like my life at this stage, I was making some milk too, I was lucky to have a good supply and with the constant expressing it was bringing on more and more. I had now a big back log and was starting my own freezer supply at home for when they would be at home.
Babies all were gaining the weight they had lost in their first week and were all getting stronger and stronger by the day. It was so hard to feel helpless as a mother but as every other family in the NICU were going through it, it almost began to feel normal in a weird way. The expressing room enabled me to form some friendships with other mothers. I enjoyed this time to express and chat (seems bizarre I know but I think everyone felt comfortable as we all had one thing in common sick/little babies needing care). Once my milk had came it started doubling. All the nurses would comment how my body must have known that I was providing for 3 babes. My average express was around 300mls 3hrly, and my greatest express was 550mls!! (was when I had sleep through my alarm in the night and it had been around 5hrs, lets just say I was sore and could hardly move my body!)
Miller was progressing the fastest and was doing very well in special care nursery. He was able to have a cuddle every 2nd day for the first couple of weeks then when he was around 2-3 weeks old was aloud daily cuddles, which then closer to he was 4 weeks old (34 weeks corrected) had a cuddle 2-3 times a day. He still had to be in a isolette for 3 weeks til he reached over 1.7kg. Then he was able to progress into an open cot and be dressed in baby clothes for the first time. This was like massive milestones for us! We were so over joyed doing these experiences with him as it meant more cuddles with his mumma and dadda. Also once in an open cot for around 2 days they can also have a bath in a baby bath, previous to that it is just a wipe down with cotton balls to clean them. Its like seeing your baby for the first time when you can sit and stare at him in the open cot.
Indigo spent a total of 3 1/2 weeks in NICU before trialling of CPAP she was really good and phasing off and after breathing on her own for 1-2 days also joined her brother in special care. She did really well, although remained in her isolette til she reached the right weight to join her brother in the open cot. It was quite hard in this point also as Miller being in special care and the girls in NICU it was splitting my time in half and also having the guilts about how much time I was spending in each part and with each child.
Esmae who struggled the most at the start did quite well after about 8 days on CPAP so they thought she was ready to come off CPAP. We were excited that she was doing so well and in the next day progressed to special care. In special care they had to keep a closer eye on her, after a few hours she had to be put on oxygen as she started to breathe heavy and weak, that night we got a call that she hadn't coped well at all with the change and ended back in high need NICU. Not what I wanted to hear, my wee girl having troubles and i'm not there. that morning I rushed to her side and she looked peaceful but worn out. the breathing on her own had made her very weak and was put straight back on CPAP when she went back to NICU. After this episode she became quite dependant on it and spent the longest in NICU got out just after she was 4 weeks old. Kane wasn't able to cuddle Esmae til she was 3 weeks old I think he found this tuff as she was so fragile and all you want to do is kiss and cuddle your precious baby.
Life was full on even though the babies were still in hospital, most mornings before I would head in I would prepare dinner for me and Kane and get some washing and cleaning done. We weren't getting home til around 9pm every night where we would have dinner, id express and then straight to bed. I was always sad leaving the babies I don't think that got easier I just learned to deal with it better. Before we went to sleep every night we would ring the hospital and check how our babies were and if there was any change, told them to call us if any changes. The thing that we kept reminding ourselves is that one day in the near future we will be able to walk out of this hospital with our babies as well.
I cant exactly remember weights but usually put on anywhere between 10g-100g every 2-3 days, usually round 50g. They had been gradually increasing their milk as there weight went up, started all on 1ml, then to 2ml, 3ml etc. Once they hit 20mls went up quicker. All tube fed still but was eager to start breastfeeding as soon as they could suck/swallow. We got to help with the feds by hold the syringe for them. They would still often set the alarms off by either having a brady or forgetting to breathe. the more it happened the more you got used to it. Both kane and I were getting good at analysing the machine and knowing what they meant and when to get a nurse to check them.
Photos:
Having a cuddle with Miller
Kane having a cuddle with Esmae
My first double cuddle, Miller in the green hat, Esmae with the CPAP mask on.
Kane and Miller cuddles
Mr Miller in his isolette
Esmae in her isolette and her favourite U shaped pillow
Indigo getting a nappy change
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