9 weeks

A fantastic photographer Emily Weaver Brown took this beautiful photo. She worked so hard and finally got all three babies to sleep. It is the sweetest most peaceful photo of them.

All is well here as we find our rhythm as a family. Each day is different and we learn something everyday. All babies are breastfeeding! I am still having supply issues, but I am ecstatic that they have all gained strength and skill to be able to do it. I can even nurse two at a time. We have received some wonderful help from a breastfeeding doctor, occupational therapist and physical therapist. I was taught exercises and tech

niques to help them improve their feeding skills. each of the providers have been phenomenal. The occupational therapist has been so generous and even came to our house.

Brielle, Liam and River are growing and doing new things each day. Brielle rolled over for the first time during their photo shoot, they are all smiling and are more alert each day. Kai and Kian are having

fun being big brothers. They are so gentle and sweet with their little brother and sisters.

Kai with Liam

Kian with River

A post from Daddy...

I thought I lost all my inspiration and desire to write, until today. Today I am in wonder and I stand in awe of all that has been given to me. My beautiful wife Kari, who has taught me to trust love and know that it will not fail you and to behold the wonder of each moment of life and to believe in myself. Kari I will love you until the end of time.

I have never been a religious person, but in our children’s eyes I see the spirit of what is truly divine, and holy. There is no greater treasure in the world. As Kahlil Gibran wrote ~they are the sons and daughters of life longing for its self. When our first son Kai was born it was one of the happiest days of my life and for two years Kari and I surrounded him with all the love we possessed. He was our world. Next came Kian. With his birth I believed my world was complete. My beautiful Wife and two handsome boys I had all I ever wished for. But the story was not yet complete. In March we found out we were having triplets!!! In an instant there was a strange mixture of joy and fear. Joy because of the miracle we were a part of and fear because I was not prepared for this gift. Those days were the most stressful times of my life. We had little idea of the road ahead and of our days and nights to come. My days were filled with worry for my Wife and our unborn children and my nights were spent tying to calm my mind and believe we would find a way. There were many doctor appointments including ultrasounds, non-stress test, as well of warnings that Kari may be on bed rest and the babies in the NICU. My wife Kari was amazing, there are no words I have express what she did each day. She took care of the household, our two children and me. She went to most doctor appointments by herself. She was a fierce advocate for our children’s well being and she was determined to keep those three blessings with her as long as it was medically safe. She fought through worry, fear and frustration. I know very little of childbirth but I believe women are born with an amazing instinct. I told Kari to always no mater what trust her instinct. I spent each day afraid hoping everything would be okay.

.August 19, 2011 arrived and so did our three little ones. The day our children came into the world I was filled with complete joy and a rich happiness. I never fathomed having a child in the NICU, but there we were with all three there. Only families of multiple children can understand the swirling winds of this beautiful and chaotic life.

I held my Wife’s hand and caressed her hair as Kari delivered Brielle then River followed by Liam. The staff was exceptional. They were at ease as they cared for each child that was given to there individual team. When I saw Liam I could see his chest rise and fall as he labored for breath. I was reassured he was ok he just needed some assistance. The girls looked fine, considering they were premature. They were placed in their plastic pods and examined. Once I knew Kari was stable I escorted our children with the help of the neonatologists and nurses to their room. When we arrived I watched our children go through further test and I could hear all their cries. A feeling of absolute helplessness took over me. I tried to attend to the babies as much as I could. As I came to each one the attending staff explained everything they were doing and why. This gave me a welcomed sense of calm. I’ll move forward to the days and nights spent in the NICU, which were frightening. The weeks spent in the NICU were spiritually, emotionally and physically exhausting. The Nursing staff was wonderful. And there were those who rose beyond their medical duty. Kari and I have already thanked them for their kindness and their wisdom, we will never forget them. The homecoming was an event pars none. The ever-flowing cycle of feedings, burping, diaper changes, bottle washings napping and did I mention we have a five and two year old sons. I am not complaining I love my life I am blessed beyond measure.

I want to thank all the wonderful people who offered help, meals and advice. Also the unselfish doulas that volunteered. They sacrificed their time with their families to help us in every way. Their was even one who spent money out of her own pocket to have a sitter take care of her children while she came to our house and worked non stop. We are so grateful for the time all of you have given us. Weather it is five minutes or five hours they were with us, we are thankful. A dear thank you to Cay and Shawn, your help early on enabled us to go to the NICU and for me to be in the hospital with Kari as she recovered. You both entertained and took great care of the boys. Thank you to all the staff of Evergreen Hospital who worked hard in assisting the babies, which enabled them to come home. Thank you to all the people who reached out to help. You are cut from a different cloth because kindness comes so easily to you.

I wrote this poem for Kari a few years ago and for some reason since the babies have come it’s always on my mind

The waves can find their way to shore from distant lands we can’t explore

And love can bind world’s set apart

To make the two a single heart

I love you Kari.

---

6 weeks and everyone's home!!

We are all home together, the first time together as a family of 7. I am so happy. It feels so good to have everyone home. Liam came home on Wednesday. He pulled his feeding tube out earlier in the week and his FANTASTIC nurse Shari left it out and let the other nurses know he was doing well and as long as he was eating there was no need to put it back in. That was exactly what needed to happen. When he eats I need to support his chin and push his cheeks a bit forward and in, but each day he is getting stronger.

Here are the three little ones on Wednesday night.

Sidney has a few more days off of work, he has been working so hard. Liam takes 25-45 minutes to feed and I need both hands so Sidney takes both girls and feeds them. I am not sure how I will do it in a few days when he goes back to work. We'll figure it out though. Maybe I can stagger their feeds.

4 weeks

We are all getting adjusted to late night wakings. Liam is still in the hospital. It is the funniest thing the girls and Liam, though separated love to party at night. All of them are most active during the late night hours.

Liam is doing great. He is working at getting stronger and learning how to eat. Last night was his best night and each day he is eating more and more by the bottle. I fed him the other night using suggested techniques of holding his chin and cheeks while he eats. It was tricky and he was tired.

We want him home and are looking forward to the day we are all together. It has been really tricky some days getting to the hospital. We are still driving a Camry so we can't all go to the hospital together. I don't have anyone to watch the older boys so I have to wait until Sidney gets home from work. He has been working long hours so there are days I miss going to the hospital to see Liam. Those are the hardest days. It is so unnatural to be separated from a baby. I love that little guy (all of them) and miss him so much!

I took some photos of all the babies together when I was there yesterday. They were so relaxed and loved sleeping together.

I will write more later Brielle is and River are awake.

3 weeks

Brielle and River are home and having fun. Kai and Kian are so in love with their little brother and sisters. The two girls are pretty active at night and waking quite a bit. During the day they are more mellow and sleep a lot longer. It is so nice to have them home and we really hope Liam will be home soon. Liam is working on feeding and getting stronger. We miss him so much. Now that Sidney is back at work we take turns going to spend time with Liam. When I go I take the girls with me.

Visitors

We are so excited to have folks meet our little ones. The next few days are going to be very busy, after that just call or e-mail and let us know if you would like to stop by.

We have been given some pretty strict recommendations by the NICU doctor and nurses. We need to ensure our little ones stay healthy.

The following is not intended to exclude anyone or to hurt feelings. It must be adhered to. We will do whatever we can to keep our little ones safe. I hope you understand and help us.

1. Only folks over age 18 can stop by. Younger ones may inadvertently bring in a virus.

2. If you have or have been near anyone with the following plea

se wait a few weeks to visit: cold sore, fever blister, sore throat, coughing, rash, fever sneezing, or have a cold, flu or bacterial infection. If you feel sick or have been near anyone who is sick please wait a few weeks.

3. If you smoke, you will not be able to hold the babies. Cigarette smoke stays on your hair and clothes and the chemicals could harm the little ones sensitive lungs.

4. If you have had the following vaccines you will have to wait, they contain a live virus that has the possibility of being transmitted: shingles, chicken pox or Mumps Measles and Rubella.

5. You will need to remove your shoes, coat or sweater and wash hands as you come into the house.

6. If the babies are sleeping we need you to wait and pick them up when they are awake.

I know that is a lot to ask. We hope any visitors understand.

Thanks!

Here is how the gals like to travel these days. They are in a Mei Tai baby carrier together. If anyone knows of a crafty sewer please let me know. I want to have a wider Mei Tai made to carry all three.

Brielle and River home waiting on our Liam...

Brielle was the first to come home on September 1st, we were so excite and surprised how quickly she was ready. River came home on the 4th. Liam will soon follow. He is working on growing and eating. We miss him so much.

I am still having breastfeeding issues. Everyday is a new day and I know this hard work will pay off. I know a day soon, I will awake to plenty of milk for my little trio. It is so difficult not being able to provide my little ones with my breastmilk. I am trying to relax and know with time it will happen. The lactation consultants have been phenomenal!

Here is Brielle's first bath at home in their little "tummy tub" and River on the sling. They both loved the water.

Here is my Mom with Brielle. My Mom has been a great help. She is in love with these sweet little ones.

Liam's had his first bath. We just did his first bath today. I asked them to wait until I was able to do it. He has soft curly hair like his sisters. He was so happy to sit in the water without any cords or monitors.

We are so happy to have our 2 gals home and we are eagerly awaiting Liam. Kai and Kian love their little brother and sisters. They have helped so much when they visit the NICU. They both sing to them and hold the babies heads. They even helped change diapers! The nurses were great when the boys visited and did all they could to make it a great experience for all of us.