One year ago today, I wrote asking all of our blogger friends to pray that God may bless Clif and I with a second child (and possibly third).
Little did I know, as I sat there typing those words...there were three tiny babies beginning to grow inside my womb.
Today...one year later, I am sitting on the sofa snuggling my sick Eli, listening to my daughter giggling uncontrollably at her Daddy... and watching my Precious Easton sleep in his swing.
God has blessed us SO much during the year 2011. I only can begin to imagine the blessings to come in 2012.
Biggest (and best) highlights of 2011?
January 4th - Positive pregnancy test. :) I was wondering why I was SOOOO tired during our New Year celebration at Clif's aunts house...
January 5th & 10th - both blood tests with good results, and increasing Hcg levels!
January 19th - the day Dr.S told us that on or around September 14,2011 we would we be welcoming TWINS.
January 27th - the day Dr.S told us that he "missed on" and that we were really having triplets. :) This was also a sad time as he took us to his office and offered us an appointment with "Dr.Christmas" for fetal reduction. Really? Eat your heart out, Dr.Christmas! We have three HEALTHY babies...and they would have willingly gotten "rid" of one for us? Whew...don't get me started. I can't imagine life without my Three Precious Peas.
April 28th - the day God answered my prayers. Two boys and one precious little girl.
July 15th - the day that God delivered our three beautiful and relatively healthy babies into this world. :) And that he led us to one of the most amazing doctor's EVER to be here with us every step of the way (SO thankful for Dr.G).
July 28th - the day that the Lord saw fit to see Elliana through her heart surgery!
August 13th, August 15th & August 23rd - when we brought each one of our babies home.
November 7th - the day we were told that Elliana's PDA was closed. :)
I know there are SO many other dates that don't come to mind. The truth is, God has given us new blessings every day. Whether we have seen them as blessings or not.
This past year has had many ups and downs... but I would have to say it's been one of the best years of my life. The only thing that could possibly make our lives any better would be having Lillian Joy here with us, but as we've said before...we know that losing her was in His plan...though we still find ourselves searching for answers sometimes.
God is good, all the time. :) Here's to 2012...may you all be blessed the way that God has blessed our family in 2011.
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
1,2,3 little snot nosed babies.
:( Yep...our three little ones are sick. Well, Clif and I say they are sick. Dr.C still says that they are the picture of health.
Ha! Just little sniffles and stuffy noses... but they've never been this "sick" before. Poor little Eli is pitiful. Not only is my little guy stuffy-nosed (having to suction his nose every 45 minutes to an hour)...now he has a cough an is slightly hoarse. Not to mention he is teething...hard core. You can now see the tops of both of his little teeth. I must say... absolutely PRECIOUS.
Easton & Elliana are sick too, but thankfully not as bad as Eli. Little Princess is sleeping a ton, and her nasal congestion just continues to get worse. Easton actually seems to be getting over it. Thank God!
Sometimes I find myself wondering what it would be like to have just ONE baby go through one thing or another. :) But, three babies is all that we've ever known. I'm sure that having one sick baby is exhausting... but let me tell you...THREE? They've been sick since 1:00ish Monday morning...and Clif and I are dead on our feet.
I'm sure that Dr.C has to laugh a little after our appointments with him. He must think that we are the most over-reacting parents ever. Thankfully he is a very kind doctor, and just smiles. :)
Our babies are five months old. They have been home for four months. I bet we have called Dr.C's office at least twenty five times, not to mention a dozen calls to the on call doctor during non business hours.
Calls to the doctor/on call dr have included:
-our babies haven't pooped in almost 24 hours! (Go ahead, you can laugh. We have now learned that it takes a LOT longer than that to get a dr concerned...little Elliana is an every 3-dayer.)
-I used hand sanitizer and then 5 minutes later, Elliana sucked on my finger. Will she get alcohol poisoning? This also resulted in a phone call to poison control.
-Eli has vien looking indention's on the sides of his head. Is he okay??
-{Enter baby name here}'s temperature is 99.0...should we bring him/her in?
Those instances don't even begin to touch it. Clif and I have to look back and laugh at ourselves for some of the calls we have made in these last months.
All in all, our babies could not be more blessed. Dr.C continuously tells us that our babies are the picture of perfection. :) So far, at 5 months old (and going through flu/cold/RSV season)... Eli has had a very minor ear infection, and all three have had MINOR cold. And now this litte sniffly business. Considering that they were 9 weeks early...Clif and I couldn't be more pleased with how well they have done. And continue to do.
Those we don't mind, these last few months have come with a lot of HOME time. Unfortunately, the babies won't be leaving the house (other than doctor's appointments) until spring time. I know that many people may see this as extreme... but Clif and I believe with our whole hearts that this is what is best for Eli, Easton & Elliana.
We've offended many people along the way...and we feel horrible for doing so. BUT our main concern is the health of our children.
Along with keeping the babies at home until Spring, comes missing church. A lot. Clif works every other Sunday. The Sunday's that he works... I stay home with babies... and am not able to attend services. On his Sunday's off... we have decided that each of us will attend a service. It's stressful. First of all, we don't like missing church period. But then, we really don't like going to church without the other. >.< It's been such a long time since Clif and I were able to worship together.
Needless to say...we are really looking forward to Spring, RSV season being over, and being able to have our entire family in church - where we feel that we belong!
I hope and pray that each of you had a blessed Christmas surrounded with family, and all those that you love!
Ha! Just little sniffles and stuffy noses... but they've never been this "sick" before. Poor little Eli is pitiful. Not only is my little guy stuffy-nosed (having to suction his nose every 45 minutes to an hour)...now he has a cough an is slightly hoarse. Not to mention he is teething...hard core. You can now see the tops of both of his little teeth. I must say... absolutely PRECIOUS.
Easton & Elliana are sick too, but thankfully not as bad as Eli. Little Princess is sleeping a ton, and her nasal congestion just continues to get worse. Easton actually seems to be getting over it. Thank God!
Sometimes I find myself wondering what it would be like to have just ONE baby go through one thing or another. :) But, three babies is all that we've ever known. I'm sure that having one sick baby is exhausting... but let me tell you...THREE? They've been sick since 1:00ish Monday morning...and Clif and I are dead on our feet.
I'm sure that Dr.C has to laugh a little after our appointments with him. He must think that we are the most over-reacting parents ever. Thankfully he is a very kind doctor, and just smiles. :)
Our babies are five months old. They have been home for four months. I bet we have called Dr.C's office at least twenty five times, not to mention a dozen calls to the on call doctor during non business hours.
Calls to the doctor/on call dr have included:
-our babies haven't pooped in almost 24 hours! (Go ahead, you can laugh. We have now learned that it takes a LOT longer than that to get a dr concerned...little Elliana is an every 3-dayer.)
-I used hand sanitizer and then 5 minutes later, Elliana sucked on my finger. Will she get alcohol poisoning? This also resulted in a phone call to poison control.
-Eli has vien looking indention's on the sides of his head. Is he okay??
-{Enter baby name here}'s temperature is 99.0...should we bring him/her in?
Those instances don't even begin to touch it. Clif and I have to look back and laugh at ourselves for some of the calls we have made in these last months.
All in all, our babies could not be more blessed. Dr.C continuously tells us that our babies are the picture of perfection. :) So far, at 5 months old (and going through flu/cold/RSV season)... Eli has had a very minor ear infection, and all three have had MINOR cold. And now this litte sniffly business. Considering that they were 9 weeks early...Clif and I couldn't be more pleased with how well they have done. And continue to do.
Those we don't mind, these last few months have come with a lot of HOME time. Unfortunately, the babies won't be leaving the house (other than doctor's appointments) until spring time. I know that many people may see this as extreme... but Clif and I believe with our whole hearts that this is what is best for Eli, Easton & Elliana.
We've offended many people along the way...and we feel horrible for doing so. BUT our main concern is the health of our children.
Along with keeping the babies at home until Spring, comes missing church. A lot. Clif works every other Sunday. The Sunday's that he works... I stay home with babies... and am not able to attend services. On his Sunday's off... we have decided that each of us will attend a service. It's stressful. First of all, we don't like missing church period. But then, we really don't like going to church without the other. >.< It's been such a long time since Clif and I were able to worship together.
Needless to say...we are really looking forward to Spring, RSV season being over, and being able to have our entire family in church - where we feel that we belong!
I hope and pray that each of you had a blessed Christmas surrounded with family, and all those that you love!
Saturday, December 24, 2011
What's going on with the kids?
Well... Easton is the most mobile out of the three. :) He is rolling over from belly to back and back to belly ALL the time. He loves it! Today I was in the kitchen and heard Elliana laughing...I peak around the corner, Camera in hand...and happened to capture the first picture above. First, he burped in her face...which is what she was laughing at, and then they were just sitting there grinning at one another.
The second picture? Well...those are Eli's little teeth that are getting ready to cut through. Thankfully he hasn't really fussed too much with them. He wakes up around 4am every morning (Tylenol wearing off?)... but other than that, he's a pretty happy baby.
Friday, December 23, 2011
One year ago today...
This is where I found myself. :) One year ago today, is the day our Three Pea's came to be!
Merry Christmas, Mrs.L.
This morning I got word that a lady I've known my entire life, and is very dear to my heart... passed away this morning.
I was shocked when I got the phone call. I knew that she had been having some health problems, and that she had moved in with her daughter a few months back - but, to my knowledge,no one was expecting this. At least not now.
She was probably one of the strongest women I knew. She battled so many illnesses (including cancer, if I'm not mistaking)... she lost her husband YEARS ago...she was just an all around AMAZING woman.
She will be missed by so many. But I can't help but think about what a wonderful Christmas this year, in Heaven...spending it with her Saviour. Not to mention her hubby that she's lived without for so long.
Merry Christmas, Mrs L. We love you.
I was shocked when I got the phone call. I knew that she had been having some health problems, and that she had moved in with her daughter a few months back - but, to my knowledge,no one was expecting this. At least not now.
She was probably one of the strongest women I knew. She battled so many illnesses (including cancer, if I'm not mistaking)... she lost her husband YEARS ago...she was just an all around AMAZING woman.
She will be missed by so many. But I can't help but think about what a wonderful Christmas this year, in Heaven...spending it with her Saviour. Not to mention her hubby that she's lived without for so long.
Merry Christmas, Mrs L. We love you.
Monday, December 19, 2011
We Wish You A Merry CHRISTmas!
Merry Christmas from the Smith's!
Here is a preview of what our Christmas cards looked like this year. We didn't send many...mainly just to the doctors and nurses that had a hand in our three little miracles being with us for Christmas 2011.
Speaking of, I can't think of this time of year without thinking of a year ago. This time last year I had just gotten the news that my insurance company had agreed to pay for five more visits with Dr.S. Turns out... I didn't need them. On the 21st, I went back for my mid cycle ultrasound...and the 23rd?? On December 23rd,2010... our triplets were conceived. :)
I love to think that as we were celebrating Christmas with our families last year...as we were celebrating the birth of our Lord Jesus...our three little bundles of joy were burrowing down into their new home. I love to think about how this is "technically" our babies' second Christmas.
Clif and I are SOO overjoyed that we have extended our family, and that this year... we have three little blessings to celebrate this very special time of year with! We are so incredibly blessed. I'm completely overwhelmed at the blessings that we continue to receive.
I hope and pray that each one of you has a very Merry CHRISTmas. Just in case I don't get around to posting before then ;) As you prepare for the 25th of December, before all the festivities begin...please take a second and stop to reflect on the true REASON that we celebrate this day at all. JESUS! God bless you all...
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
day 760.wow.
Yep. Seven hundred, sixty days since we said hello...,and goodbye to our precious first born daughter. It's so hard to believe. 25 months ago...I didn't know if I would be able to go on.
If it wasn't for God, my husband, and my family... I have no idea how I would have been able to make it through that first week.
I remember even months after her death I would wake up out of a dead sleep, sobbing. At first I would be confused as to why I was crying... but reality always had a way of coming around and reminding me. It's good for that.
Twenty five months out...are we doing any better? Of course we are. We have learned how to live our lives without her, but that doesn't mean that it's any easier. We still think of her every day, and normally...somewhere in conversation, speak her name. Her picture is displayed throughout our house...along with many reminders of her short, but beautiful life.
The holidays are especially hard...every time I see a child that would be around her age, a little piece of me aches deep inside. I can't help it. She'll always be a part of me...
Happy 25 months in Heaven, Sweet Baby Girl. Mommy and Daddy love you even more today than we did on that cool November day...
If it wasn't for God, my husband, and my family... I have no idea how I would have been able to make it through that first week.
I remember even months after her death I would wake up out of a dead sleep, sobbing. At first I would be confused as to why I was crying... but reality always had a way of coming around and reminding me. It's good for that.
Twenty five months out...are we doing any better? Of course we are. We have learned how to live our lives without her, but that doesn't mean that it's any easier. We still think of her every day, and normally...somewhere in conversation, speak her name. Her picture is displayed throughout our house...along with many reminders of her short, but beautiful life.
The holidays are especially hard...every time I see a child that would be around her age, a little piece of me aches deep inside. I can't help it. She'll always be a part of me...
Happy 25 months in Heaven, Sweet Baby Girl. Mommy and Daddy love you even more today than we did on that cool November day...
Sunday, December 11, 2011
five months?...already?
Life is crazy these days (why in the world would our life with three infants be crazy?), so I opted to go ahead and post tonight while the babies are somewhat calm!
The last five months have been some of the best times of my life. My dream has always been to be a mommy...and now that I have been given the gift of mothering three children on earth. Did I mention the three children on Earth happen to be absolutely breath-taking beautiful?? I'm totally not biased.
I have had a blast with our monthly photo shoots. First of all, it means that I get to keep my babies at home, opposed to taking them out and having some photographer at {insert random portrait studio} put their hands all over them...especially during the RSV season. Second, Clif bought me an expensive camera - and is wanting to buy me the professional flash to go with it - so I might as well put it to good use, and I am saving us money in the long run! Or...maybe I'm just paying for my camera.
Of course, I know that my pictures aren't "studio quality"...BUT... I enjoy it. The babies are in an environment that they know - and that's all that matters!
I am so thankful for these days that the Lord has allowed me to stay home with my precious little babies!
Happy {almost} five months, Eli, Easton & Elliana. Mommy loves you with all of my heart, and more.
Saturday, December 10, 2011
1.28.2012
The date has been set.
I know that sounds silly... but, we have never (both, at the same time) left them (other than in the NICU). I'm nervous...already. Ha! And it's over a month away. BUT...it will be just a few days before my 24th birthday, and I Clif and I really want to celebrate together. Just the two of us.
SO...the plan is to leave the triplets with my mom, his mom, and our soon to be sister in law (that doesn't know about it yet...)
AH! The funny thing is, we are literally going 20 minutes away to a Japanese restaurant an probably will only be gone for two hours tops. But that's a start...I mean, our babies are going to be six months old by then...and I think it's time. :)
Okay, okay...you can stop laughing at me now. But, if you know Clif and me on a real life basis...you know how we are, how we have been, with these babies. This is HUGE for us!
Though I don't even want to think about leaving our babies... I am really looking forward to time out with my husband...even if it is just for a few hours. Yes, I'm a mommy now...BUT...I'm still young, still {kinda?} newly weds...and we just need a little bit of "us time".
January 28th,2012.
This is the day that we (Clif and I) plan to leave the babies for the very first time. Yikes!I know that sounds silly... but, we have never (both, at the same time) left them (other than in the NICU). I'm nervous...already. Ha! And it's over a month away. BUT...it will be just a few days before my 24th birthday, and I Clif and I really want to celebrate together. Just the two of us.
SO...the plan is to leave the triplets with my mom, his mom, and our soon to be sister in law (that doesn't know about it yet...)
AH! The funny thing is, we are literally going 20 minutes away to a Japanese restaurant an probably will only be gone for two hours tops. But that's a start...I mean, our babies are going to be six months old by then...and I think it's time. :)
Okay, okay...you can stop laughing at me now. But, if you know Clif and me on a real life basis...you know how we are, how we have been, with these babies. This is HUGE for us!
Though I don't even want to think about leaving our babies... I am really looking forward to time out with my husband...even if it is just for a few hours. Yes, I'm a mommy now...BUT...I'm still young, still {kinda?} newly weds...and we just need a little bit of "us time".
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
round TWO...
My little boogers are headed to the doctor's office this afternoon for their second synagis shots :(
I love the fact that they qualified for the shots - and thankful that we were able to work it out where they can get them! But... I hate Hate HATE seeing them scream in pain. And this shot is SO much worse for them than their regular shots. Well, at least the initial shot is.
I've been in a baking frenzy, making cupcakes to take to the office today! On the menu? Andes cupcake (chocolate cake, chocolate mint filling, and mint butter cream icing. And of course, topped with an andes mint!) and Chocolate Peanut Butter Surprise (chocolate cake, peanut butter centers, topped with cream cheese peanut butter icing) YUM!
We thought that we'd take some goodies since it's so close to Christmas - and we won't be going back until after Christmas (for the babies 6 month appointment, and 3rd synagis shot). Also - we just want to express our thanks to Dr.C for being such a wonderful doctor! I can't tell you how excited we were when he chose to take the triplets on as patients! We've heard nothing but good about him...and we have experienced even more first hand. He is WONDERFUL with our babies. :)
On the prayer request front: I can't go into detail... but just please pray concerning some decisions that we have coming up.
I love the fact that they qualified for the shots - and thankful that we were able to work it out where they can get them! But... I hate Hate HATE seeing them scream in pain. And this shot is SO much worse for them than their regular shots. Well, at least the initial shot is.
I've been in a baking frenzy, making cupcakes to take to the office today! On the menu? Andes cupcake (chocolate cake, chocolate mint filling, and mint butter cream icing. And of course, topped with an andes mint!) and Chocolate Peanut Butter Surprise (chocolate cake, peanut butter centers, topped with cream cheese peanut butter icing) YUM!
We thought that we'd take some goodies since it's so close to Christmas - and we won't be going back until after Christmas (for the babies 6 month appointment, and 3rd synagis shot). Also - we just want to express our thanks to Dr.C for being such a wonderful doctor! I can't tell you how excited we were when he chose to take the triplets on as patients! We've heard nothing but good about him...and we have experienced even more first hand. He is WONDERFUL with our babies. :)
On the prayer request front: I can't go into detail... but just please pray concerning some decisions that we have coming up.
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
This is not where I belong.
I've heard this song a few times...and then I really heard it yesterday. I'll start by letting you read the lyrics.
Sometimes it feels like I'm watching from the outside
Sometimes it feels like I'm breathing but am I alive
I will keep searching for answers that aren't here to find
All I know is I'm not home yet
This is not where I belong
Take this world and give me Jesus
This is not where I belong
So when the walls come falling down on me
And when I'm lost in the current of a raging sea
I have this blessed assurance holding me.
Courtesy of lyricshall.com
All I know is I'm not home yet
This is not where I belong
Take this world and give me Jesus
This is not where I belong
When the earth shakes I wanna be found in You
When the lights fade I wanna be found in You
All I know is I'm not home yet
This is not where I belong
Take this world and give me Jesus
This is not where I belong
Where I belong, where I belong
Where I belong, where I belong
It says it all, doesn't it? I do sometimes feel like I'm on the outside. And even after all this time I sometimes find myself searching for answers that won't be found, this side of Heaven. And you know what? I can't help but take comfort in the words, "All I know is I'm not home yet. This is not where I belong".
This world is not where I belong. And when I finally check out of this world, I know where I'm going. Do you?
Ah...and then the words, "Take this world but give me Jesus". So many times I get consumed with things of this world. This time of year is perfect example. People (myself included) find themselves overwhelmed by the crazy happenings of the Christmas season. But that's just it, Christmas. I'd gladly give it up just to be with Him. Nothing in this world matters. Take it all...just give me Jesus!
Monday, December 5, 2011
what do YOU suggest??
Okay Faithful Readers... I need some suggestions!
I don't know how exactly it started, but since Clif and I have been together... I've always made a homemade gift for him for just about every holiday. And since we have been together for almost seven years, you can understand why I am running out of ideas. :)
I always like it to be meaningful... and this year I would like to incorporate the triplets (of course)! But I am completely stumped as to what to do. Any suggestions??
Also...any suggestions on poses for the babies monthly photo shoot with Mommy?? I want to do a Christmas theme, but it will be for their five month pictures! :)
I don't know how exactly it started, but since Clif and I have been together... I've always made a homemade gift for him for just about every holiday. And since we have been together for almost seven years, you can understand why I am running out of ideas. :)
I always like it to be meaningful... and this year I would like to incorporate the triplets (of course)! But I am completely stumped as to what to do. Any suggestions??
Also...any suggestions on poses for the babies monthly photo shoot with Mommy?? I want to do a Christmas theme, but it will be for their five month pictures! :)
Sunday, December 4, 2011
christmas time
Looking at this constantly reminds me of how ever so thankful I am that there are three extra stockings hanging from our mantle this year.
The past two Christmases were SO sad in that aspect. I fully recognize that Christmas is NOT about gifts, or trees, or decorations... or about how many children you have... but it's just right down depressing when you think of what could have been, and isn't.
This year there will still be sadness... but the sadness will be mixed with a huge dose of happiness.
Here is Lilly's portion of our tree. :) The angel came from a blogger friend of mine, the heart is an ordament that I found last year that says "My daughter, My Joy", and the shell is an ordament that I made last year that says, "Every life leaves something beautiful behind"
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