tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-90183961599066239442024-02-18T20:08:00.807-08:00...and then there were THREE!Since 2007, I've been infertile, done treatments, gotten pregnant, became a part of the pregnancy loss community, and gotten pregnant with triplets, and became the mother of 3 beautiful babies.RachelPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08386421676894741886noreply@blogger.comBlogger81125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9018396159906623944.post-32386036444057930902014-03-03T13:35:00.002-08:002014-03-03T13:35:28.533-08:00Happy Birthday Jackson, Brayden, and EmmaMy Sweet "babies" turned 3 February 22nd. The house was plagued with a stomach virus so we had to push their birthday party off a week. Luckily, they are still too young to really know the difference. This was the first year that they are really getting into the birthday thing. They loved the attention, and I really enjoyed watching each of them respond differently being the center of attention.<br />
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These are a few shots from their 3 year shoot and Valentine's Day Mini session.</div>
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A link to their party video.</div>
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<a href="http://youtu.be/pL_xMk7nl1Q">Singing Happy Birthday!</a></div>
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<br />RachelPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08386421676894741886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9018396159906623944.post-20431935612633820242014-01-24T07:31:00.001-08:002014-01-24T07:31:02.767-08:00Kasey Van Norman » 3 Truths that Helped me Forgive<a href="http://kaseyvannorman.org/2014/01/3-truths-that-helped-me-forgive/#.UuKHBunv_-F.blogger">Kasey Van Norman » 3 Truths that Helped me Forgive</a>RachelPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08386421676894741886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9018396159906623944.post-55158825252405401162013-10-21T13:16:00.000-07:002013-10-21T13:16:34.800-07:00October<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I LOVE October! Just popping in to let you all know I still exist and brag about how beautiful my kids are. Happy Fall, Ya'll!<br />RachelPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08386421676894741886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9018396159906623944.post-84990067818421441692013-02-14T11:27:00.002-08:002013-02-14T11:27:20.151-08:00Valentines Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This is what love looks like. Happy Valentine's Day from the sweetest little heart breakers I know.</div>
RachelPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08386421676894741886noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9018396159906623944.post-79162355762682879912012-12-07T11:05:00.000-08:002012-12-07T11:05:56.486-08:00Christmas MinisLast month, we did a Christmas Mini session with my friend and fantastic photographer, Mandy Owens. It was super hot that day, and I felt a little silly having them all dressed up for Christmas, but I was so tickled when I saw the end results. Here are a few pictures to make your spirit bright =)<br />
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<br />RachelPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08386421676894741886noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9018396159906623944.post-1019919366660636882012-10-17T10:20:00.002-07:002012-10-17T10:20:44.795-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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*Photo from 18 month shoot.<br />
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Hello all! I just wanted to stop by and share a quick update. The babies will be 20 months on the 22nd of October. It's unreal how fast they have grown. They are into EVERYTHING. My divorce was final back in July. I am still living in Cullman, but I have a potential buyer. Assuming they get all of their approvals through FHA, it looks like I will be moving back in with my parents pretty soon. I'm hoping to take this time to save some money, pay off some debt and figure out what will be best for my trio and myself. As always, I ask for your prayers. This is a huge time of transition for all 4 of us. I hope all is well with all of you. RachelPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08386421676894741886noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9018396159906623944.post-49011492200154741352012-05-01T19:15:00.001-07:002012-05-01T19:15:51.299-07:00Single MoMI never in a million years would have guessed that I would be raising triplets on my own. I cannot fix my marriage. I cannot fix my husband. I will have to muster up the strength to continue to pray for him and his spirit as he crushes my heart and dreams. The divorce papers are drafted and awaiting his signature. This is a nightmare. The only things keeping me sane are God, 3 little miracles from God, and my family. RachelPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08386421676894741886noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9018396159906623944.post-30718530908698387792012-02-10T07:44:00.000-08:002012-02-10T07:44:27.150-08:00The Post I Never Wanted to PostA while back I posted about some personal issues that I wasn't ready to talk about. I'm not sure why, but today I feel like I need to get it off my chest. <br />
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I realize there are some people who follow my blog that I know in real life, and I ask that you be respectful after reading this and not discuss it with anyone, and I'm not really sure how all of this will play out. Please be vigilant in prayer for my family, and I appreciate your consideration for my privacy.<br />
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Nick and I are separated. There, I said it. It hurts. It's very confusing. It's very painful. I don't know what to expect for my family or my marriage. Nick and I have never had the perfect marriage, but I never expected him to leave. I never saw it coming. We have been apart since November, and I have so much anger and resentment about how it has impacted all of my babies "firsts." I don't know if this seperation will end in divorce, or if we will try to find a common ground and make it work. I do know this: I want my children to have their family together, but I do not want to live in a marriage where I am not loved or not put above all others (aside from my children). Being a single mom to triplets who are about to turn one isn't easy, but I have been blessed with great family and friends who help me out. Nick will come help when I ask, but it's a pride thing on my behalf. I don't like to call unless I have to....plus it confuses me to have him around. <br />
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For now, I'm seeing a counselor. It's been helpful. I just have a hard time not know what my life has in store. I've always known this about myself. It's why I felt like I had such a hard time with infertility. I can't stand not knowing. <br />
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I will end again by asking for your prayers. RachelPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08386421676894741886noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9018396159906623944.post-78041355413905574352011-11-23T05:28:00.001-08:002011-11-23T05:28:36.048-08:009 monthsMy precious babies turned 9 months old yesterday. They are growing so fast , and they have brought so much joy to my life. I do ask for prayers for a much deeper personal issue that I'm not ready to blog about. I will say please pray for my family. Ask that God brings us together to be a strong family unit as he planned for it to be. RachelPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08386421676894741886noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9018396159906623944.post-68455266730552593122011-10-02T18:15:00.001-07:002011-10-02T18:15:17.048-07:007 monthsIt's incredibly insane that the triplets are 7 months old. Jackson and Emma cut teeth in September, and there are no teeth for Brayden yet. <br />
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All three are scooting around, and I'm positive I will have crawlers in the coming weeks. <br />
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Life is busy and my blog has suffered, but here are a few pictures to share. <div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7fTSU34XxBjCaR3GvqerHxoe72L2IfrLYNpb4wbrvP-D0_TvZO0mmcZyM8TYQcwgnmMMlJXu2m1twOCdzbzBo8OUZg7NW347jbH40paIwO5ny_6Ufj0FEfY_RnieGnL2QW8vYrL6jHZzI/s640/blogger-image--2115260820.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7fTSU34XxBjCaR3GvqerHxoe72L2IfrLYNpb4wbrvP-D0_TvZO0mmcZyM8TYQcwgnmMMlJXu2m1twOCdzbzBo8OUZg7NW347jbH40paIwO5ny_6Ufj0FEfY_RnieGnL2QW8vYrL6jHZzI/s640/blogger-image--2115260820.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilki_RaZnZjSXaWtsbzJWXnbLPkm9DB9dkrPpUEEtTC-aJkD-76C6IaJSAkHhF7V4C0DWuVYK6hTPK-H0db7J7dnVB2vswBYiC4XX2BD2cdxV_3yqS9_-u7reFc01p91Yw-rkijSbvPip2/s640/blogger-image--264244840.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilki_RaZnZjSXaWtsbzJWXnbLPkm9DB9dkrPpUEEtTC-aJkD-76C6IaJSAkHhF7V4C0DWuVYK6hTPK-H0db7J7dnVB2vswBYiC4XX2BD2cdxV_3yqS9_-u7reFc01p91Yw-rkijSbvPip2/s640/blogger-image--264244840.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGz5JRctEMG52h6V06dC_dDfELDMlU3VYmQPH3QGFMFlV7bQ2uZdfKxy3W3x7LjROZf6wa6rjm997NVNZwlLAbnjMaqX3k5QYqmiCsUf6MLXJCBYxu6EMGW8HJSKfQg3DX4l3FF2FSMpYK/s640/blogger-image--555748002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGz5JRctEMG52h6V06dC_dDfELDMlU3VYmQPH3QGFMFlV7bQ2uZdfKxy3W3x7LjROZf6wa6rjm997NVNZwlLAbnjMaqX3k5QYqmiCsUf6MLXJCBYxu6EMGW8HJSKfQg3DX4l3FF2FSMpYK/s640/blogger-image--555748002.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZTy3W9Rla1thIhIPgnlqd_ckxXkCdzfUus3UJEs4kPDWPaZ684nkKFRKiRQrF4pvp6EZ8e3JZUthTHLy_WjeuITknVAiW-VyffV8_yjBARpHmXpdafGMw8svTJLxsLYFMT6OGFJiHMZ_V/s640/blogger-image--1096830235.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZTy3W9Rla1thIhIPgnlqd_ckxXkCdzfUus3UJEs4kPDWPaZ684nkKFRKiRQrF4pvp6EZ8e3JZUthTHLy_WjeuITknVAiW-VyffV8_yjBARpHmXpdafGMw8svTJLxsLYFMT6OGFJiHMZ_V/s640/blogger-image--1096830235.jpg" /></a></div>RachelPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08386421676894741886noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9018396159906623944.post-47443213014694996322011-07-14T23:24:00.000-07:002011-07-14T23:24:04.924-07:00A new name and a few pictures...I thought I would give my blog a new name....I didn't think it was possible, or it's something I would have done a long time ago. Shows what I know about blogging. Ha!<br />
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I uploaded some pictures to discover that my camera is HORRIBLE, and I need a new one...most of my images are blurry. However, I thought I'd post a few for your viewing pleasure. =)<br />
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<div align="center">First Time Swimming</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ70YOz4yW25PgdGvBLUhwc4d1e8geBEjCUCzKflcBDQbiXMLEXcjbt0WZwLETNYf_EnsQ8r16Oxjc0JLMez5w1Xb_GXGIwRsxGpiD_Dbd2_0CdHahttgvQ9Qe0zW9WwKD8-UN1bHedbPV/s1600/029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ70YOz4yW25PgdGvBLUhwc4d1e8geBEjCUCzKflcBDQbiXMLEXcjbt0WZwLETNYf_EnsQ8r16Oxjc0JLMez5w1Xb_GXGIwRsxGpiD_Dbd2_0CdHahttgvQ9Qe0zW9WwKD8-UN1bHedbPV/s320/029.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Brayden and Jackson</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcaXJ3sX1thLPryPjhyphenhyphenjxXnr1C57u9Qc2wK_q-y_F0abgn53Cbz8tXQAFbSMpU-Zgq9kujUQozhlaFLy8AsTwOynbwfuEwsZ-eQlhkPImNgi24Tmax2ZY0iwQ7DanHZFzYOQSMrVeFM4Gk/s1600/030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcaXJ3sX1thLPryPjhyphenhyphenjxXnr1C57u9Qc2wK_q-y_F0abgn53Cbz8tXQAFbSMpU-Zgq9kujUQozhlaFLy8AsTwOynbwfuEwsZ-eQlhkPImNgi24Tmax2ZY0iwQ7DanHZFzYOQSMrVeFM4Gk/s320/030.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> All 3 tuckered out</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFuBjpqLGWLdeRBWOOGGhGiMmpCyujCrl4zms82VOIRFNpRNN1OitXf5W0nXXYbFm9mr_vAUR5tsP8nX8WXAQL9pfjGkHS9yvtzv9WIXvBSqcnf3gEf4tQjPjGanvG_6QNzDvWl6yyM4-S/s1600/031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFuBjpqLGWLdeRBWOOGGhGiMmpCyujCrl4zms82VOIRFNpRNN1OitXf5W0nXXYbFm9mr_vAUR5tsP8nX8WXAQL9pfjGkHS9yvtzv9WIXvBSqcnf3gEf4tQjPjGanvG_6QNzDvWl6yyM4-S/s320/031.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Sweet Em</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje3cj9OxOQEm7hcFqoLeYMh_PR6uEGrWEUhIHAZ4cYZRJdOR2j0X6yrsHn6fFKO5G7ktJfcnVmTdPrEF-mUorA66_5yQOOriw57ZcsElGoDiSdPyd3oL29FHgTJk-SCfO9BdH5VMQl3Li9/s1600/032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje3cj9OxOQEm7hcFqoLeYMh_PR6uEGrWEUhIHAZ4cYZRJdOR2j0X6yrsHn6fFKO5G7ktJfcnVmTdPrEF-mUorA66_5yQOOriw57ZcsElGoDiSdPyd3oL29FHgTJk-SCfO9BdH5VMQl3Li9/s320/032.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Sweet Jackson</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_61zYLK5MmxbvdjX20IEDxI-qfe5IE_kcWQgkWtOGvwkaBYR8OoV0kTZYBnacwEcEitXANOI5wCZWet0HXn1gQGMQYCqEyrLNyRF-Pe-rhU0KJdv5PzT01N0CW-_O8rGHQSDZ88PJv41L/s1600/033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_61zYLK5MmxbvdjX20IEDxI-qfe5IE_kcWQgkWtOGvwkaBYR8OoV0kTZYBnacwEcEitXANOI5wCZWet0HXn1gQGMQYCqEyrLNyRF-Pe-rhU0KJdv5PzT01N0CW-_O8rGHQSDZ88PJv41L/s320/033.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Sweet Brayden</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkBquQl-w6BIWlcYD3PuQRd5Rv6Tjbdl8lMHR0UmgD6S9fCoYfBzIYSwaqVnV3WPnNDXIUlSQci3ZmCZzzBYzBun96C4BCJ01LBn0NRK5JEMmEVDTgWUwd8RQYHvZCO3VpwrllgTsdKnwM/s1600/038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkBquQl-w6BIWlcYD3PuQRd5Rv6Tjbdl8lMHR0UmgD6S9fCoYfBzIYSwaqVnV3WPnNDXIUlSQci3ZmCZzzBYzBun96C4BCJ01LBn0NRK5JEMmEVDTgWUwd8RQYHvZCO3VpwrllgTsdKnwM/s320/038.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> We love the turtle float!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlwPowOWRRtumsmTOFIzpwb4VjP52bvTB3bRaAMf4AV4z_vNsANuBI5QyYozKEHn-Lhem6rLZUrVYZLDyPmGN3O2wqbkQhrQ2Up2O8UDmgpKLcxaa9lX8sPuqYVl1LMBuVV1H9yIXvidoc/s1600/060.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlwPowOWRRtumsmTOFIzpwb4VjP52bvTB3bRaAMf4AV4z_vNsANuBI5QyYozKEHn-Lhem6rLZUrVYZLDyPmGN3O2wqbkQhrQ2Up2O8UDmgpKLcxaa9lX8sPuqYVl1LMBuVV1H9yIXvidoc/s320/060.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Too cute, huh?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">Pigeon Forge 1st Vacation</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9kS0gUdTjogFVpRNXxQ15uJF8enaDlTfrmdml2Mqn0XYIsW0h2jlFqWIncB2xuXlnpkhPey3WtHT1DueWCUILYu6J7jiODHOKF8keXF3jQdQxuvSFnAZjE2huRNvMKZl6wANid9LUXuQs/s1600/098.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9kS0gUdTjogFVpRNXxQ15uJF8enaDlTfrmdml2Mqn0XYIsW0h2jlFqWIncB2xuXlnpkhPey3WtHT1DueWCUILYu6J7jiODHOKF8keXF3jQdQxuvSFnAZjE2huRNvMKZl6wANid9LUXuQs/s320/098.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Lounging in our jammies</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNFfGIscZy7YfLM-l-Mb1U5Nl_xwLHB1pBC0xYSRGPnPCtq-J4HArQq4rEJ0x9WyamPPmYWp4YpzR8Gs-4erQimH82BZVA87uck5Ys3Z-XICKumN8LmJQ2o1g0wqyg6wVK5Xc1Ae2pZgi9/s1600/101.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNFfGIscZy7YfLM-l-Mb1U5Nl_xwLHB1pBC0xYSRGPnPCtq-J4HArQq4rEJ0x9WyamPPmYWp4YpzR8Gs-4erQimH82BZVA87uck5Ys3Z-XICKumN8LmJQ2o1g0wqyg6wVK5Xc1Ae2pZgi9/s320/101.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Good Morning, Jackson!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0ZOTzQO3IGtkFGCa1LkbAakmLE8G3gLNwjdFZe9z2b9XwbHfEHn-o_9tQPbIlRm8_xqVRTvcdc0NMo5nOS_ZvBiof0ASfQ29H-MiHxjYSyUp4kPkdlsfAZb0ZbFm_vGm0BeIGJfjj3D1N/s1600/102.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0ZOTzQO3IGtkFGCa1LkbAakmLE8G3gLNwjdFZe9z2b9XwbHfEHn-o_9tQPbIlRm8_xqVRTvcdc0NMo5nOS_ZvBiof0ASfQ29H-MiHxjYSyUp4kPkdlsfAZb0ZbFm_vGm0BeIGJfjj3D1N/s320/102.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Brayden is bright eyed in the morning!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZK8VxfIeM-NSMZtMooYKIAdC8QA5Etx_cg7V3tIB5OYJdq6LUfyV68rJD2D9ygbI2E6MvxmRZgNOQQl4xril5UvqNGjTUaFxuP33E-UfkCmiagwECZ8hRQGDvMz_MdLlt9TnkvpNn2uf6/s1600/103.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZK8VxfIeM-NSMZtMooYKIAdC8QA5Etx_cg7V3tIB5OYJdq6LUfyV68rJD2D9ygbI2E6MvxmRZgNOQQl4xril5UvqNGjTUaFxuP33E-UfkCmiagwECZ8hRQGDvMz_MdLlt9TnkvpNn2uf6/s320/103.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Emma was talking to Mommy.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFh3EKdENW2YYWIzjUooLmyl3qrno5Xmo7eXIm1wOg6OwtbvdSXbfOcEoU7r3ceEs2Au4X-PbXW_OvGvHbUi6jqcdBPH7DzF-TzLNc5inXRHZg3UGqN9UgJLsfQPmUWaAgGT2I4VYyWqvV/s1600/106.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFh3EKdENW2YYWIzjUooLmyl3qrno5Xmo7eXIm1wOg6OwtbvdSXbfOcEoU7r3ceEs2Au4X-PbXW_OvGvHbUi6jqcdBPH7DzF-TzLNc5inXRHZg3UGqN9UgJLsfQPmUWaAgGT2I4VYyWqvV/s320/106.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div align="center">The babies slept through seeing the bears. =)</div><div align="center"><br />
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</div><div align="left">Until next time...</div>RachelPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08386421676894741886noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9018396159906623944.post-38382586517406616812011-07-07T21:34:00.000-07:002011-07-07T21:57:27.842-07:004 MonthsHello everyone! If you haven't noticed by now, having triplets makes it pretty difficult to blog! I have been enjoying ever day with them, and I'm beginning to prepare myself for going back to work...which is going to be SO hard. <br /><br />Jackson, Brayden, and Emma are getting so big. They had their 4 month check up today. Jackson weighed in at 15lbs 2oz, Brayden was 14lbs 6oz, and Emma was 11lbs 12 oz. You would never know they were 6 weeks early! Emma decided to show off on Tuesday, and she was the first of the trio to roll over. Jackson couldn't stand to be shown up, so he rolled over on Wednesday. Brayden isn't very competative, so he is in no hurry. lol<br /><br />Jackson needs me now, those shots did a number on him =( I will try to update more soonRachelPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08386421676894741886noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9018396159906623944.post-58474360276428467552011-04-01T10:36:00.001-07:002011-04-01T10:54:31.543-07:00Time Flies......when you're having fun. It also flies when you aren't getting much sleep. The babies are 5 weeks old this week, and they are growing so fast. Each of them are so precious and different from one another. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIHb9EBeHAaCMGTYPuRDwOPD5n5TiGyyhkBDapwK18VsJWO6nXaRuH4ESngPvX4FVyN0QmxwiNxxJ8_SjGo9ZhDnHt1FH3XN_TWIsFRbgc4mhCRnWINk_dDyxb2D8L724jqpT36knzuOMK/s1600/mom%2527s+camera+3+26+11+212.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5590672972450143970" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIHb9EBeHAaCMGTYPuRDwOPD5n5TiGyyhkBDapwK18VsJWO6nXaRuH4ESngPvX4FVyN0QmxwiNxxJ8_SjGo9ZhDnHt1FH3XN_TWIsFRbgc4mhCRnWINk_dDyxb2D8L724jqpT36knzuOMK/s320/mom%2527s+camera+3+26+11+212.JPG" /></a> Jackson Ryder, "Baby A" is our laid back boy. He loves to eat..currently weighs the most, and hardly fusses at all. <br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZJpiQyPYoEL9M6ywoLuNuASVbvofbdUuHYxMvbvCc3nvVqhYdHBaBBxJQB9tLVEGJ3sMnBmbg1k9LkrSwu2-fGcnAKBNuZInS8khsmXIqlp-vAQ-hCxAY6wx_igRh1u5Prp1DwSlCNk1x/s1600/mom%2527s+camera+3+26+11+208.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5590671371202437458" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZJpiQyPYoEL9M6ywoLuNuASVbvofbdUuHYxMvbvCc3nvVqhYdHBaBBxJQB9tLVEGJ3sMnBmbg1k9LkrSwu2-fGcnAKBNuZInS8khsmXIqlp-vAQ-hCxAY6wx_igRh1u5Prp1DwSlCNk1x/s320/mom%2527s+camera+3+26+11+208.JPG" /></a> Brayden Campbell "baby B"loves to be held. His Ma's (my mom) and Nana (dh's mom) have spoiled him when they are here...but that's okay...babies are meant to be spoiled. </div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6QR3CIEtpdWD1S3q0ex12irW-KWq8IcYTy97XoAH9R7IcPyUdRoJXgnSVAjpAWeYvQ626ayQTXX1Rj4Burdvfo9jb-1al8fBbLRyQyq9WSk0dE_CBHsz_EUgO3u12bZBte8DfTDwi8Vvr/s1600/mom%2527s+camera+3+26+11+209.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5590672157415874914" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6QR3CIEtpdWD1S3q0ex12irW-KWq8IcYTy97XoAH9R7IcPyUdRoJXgnSVAjpAWeYvQ626ayQTXX1Rj4Burdvfo9jb-1al8fBbLRyQyq9WSk0dE_CBHsz_EUgO3u12bZBte8DfTDwi8Vvr/s320/mom%2527s+camera+3+26+11+209.JPG" /></a> Emma Lee "Baby C" is our princess/diva. She was so still and quiet when she was in my belly, but now she likes to make herself known. Everyone says she will have to be loud with 2 brothers. Everything has been going great since we've been home. Of course I doubt myself from time to time, and I have made mistakes, but I learn each day what works. We had a scare with Jackson this week that sent us all to the doctor to deal with reflux. We've cut back on how much they are eating, and the problem has really corrected itself. The doctor only charged us one 30 dollar co-pay this time, so that was an added bonus. I don't have a lot of time to blog anymore, but I promise to update when I can. I hear the babies stirring, so I'd better go!RachelPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08386421676894741886noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9018396159906623944.post-34948492233146321672011-02-26T00:42:00.000-08:002011-02-26T01:00:50.040-08:00Triple the blessings!It's super early, as I have just finished pumping some milk for the babies. The past 5 days have been a whirlwind for us. Tomorrow I will be discharged and, the babies will be staying in the NICU, which is something I always expected from the beginning of the pregnancy, but that doesn't make it any easier. Jackson and Emma (baby a and c) are progressing very well. They have been breathing and eating on their own for a few days. Brayden (baby B: my biggest baby) has been having a harder time of it all. In multiples he is what they refer to as the wussy/wimpy white male. For some reason, the biggest boy always seems to have a more difficult time. He has not yet been able to be taken off of the iv, or tried to eat on his own, but he does get some of my milk put in his cheek for the nutrients. He was put on Cpap they evening of their birth, and seeing him struggle to breath has been one of the hardest things I've ever had to do. )Yesterday, the doctor took him off cpap because his chest xray showed that there was some streaking on his right lung that indicated that the pressure from the cpap was causing a few leaks. So, as it is now, he is still receiving oxygen, but through a nasal tube alone. We hope he can stay on this and improve without having to go back to cpap or possibly a ventilator. Brayden was also put on some photo therapy yesterday. Being on the iv for so long has caused him to be a bit jaundice, but we aren't really concerned with that. Finally, the doctor did an ultrasound on his heart and was able to determine that a blood vessel that is supposed to close at birth is still partially open, which can cause lung trouble. However, the doctor referred to a cardiologist and together they determined it was something they were willing to let work itself out, as the drug treatment can usually put a strain on the kidneys and decrease urine output.<br /><br />We are so blessed to have each of these babies in our lives, and we are equally as thankful that we have such supportive family and friends. Without you guys, we couldn't do this on our own. Please continue to pray for our new family of 5, especially for the babies and for strength and healing for Brayden. Mommy and Daddy can't wait to hold him, but he has to get better first.RachelPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08386421676894741886noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9018396159906623944.post-79416854676316278422011-02-22T03:19:00.000-08:002011-02-22T03:24:08.057-08:00They're coming!That's right! I'm writing from my hospital bed in labor and delivery. When I came to the hospital yesterday for my non stress test, my blood pressure was through the roof. The doctor came down and told me it was time. It is almost 5:21 on Tuesday morning, anf my c-section is scheduled for 7:45. What a night of anxiety I've had! They gave me a sleeping pill, but I barely dozed all night. I'm such a ball of emotions right now. Please keep us in your prayers. I'm not sure what today will hold in store for us, but I will try to keep you updated.RachelPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08386421676894741886noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9018396159906623944.post-79913983684381054162011-02-05T02:26:00.000-08:002011-02-05T02:28:14.651-08:00Sleepless in CullmanUp in the middle of the night, which isn't a strange happening these days. Tonights sleeplessness has 2 culprits. First, I've been having some joint pain on my right hand's middle finger. I assumed at first that I must have slept on it wrong, and figured it would get better with time, until just now when I got up to use the restroom. The finger was kind of locked in the bent position and it popped to straigten it, and after some left hand inspection, I discovered my left middle finger was really sore too. Dr. Google says its from fluid retention and could be carpal tunnel. I plan on mentioning it to my doctor on Monday to see if it's something I should be really concerned about.<br /><br />Secondly, I spent about 4 hours in labor and delivery Friday afternoon. I went in for my regular appointment, and I felt fine. The ultrasound went great, I've got some big babies in there. It lasted about 30 minutes. After I got up, I went to give urine strip, weigh, and do blood pressure. Only when she was taking my BP, I felt my heart beating all over my body, so I knew it was going to be high. It was 142/100...yuck. So, the doctor sent me down and admitted me. They took my bp every 5 minutes and it seemed to be headed back to normal, but then shot up again. They had me lay on my left side then the numbers started looking great. So the conclusion? Laying/sitting on my back (like for the ultrasound) causes my BP to rise. He had given me a prescription for procardia a while back when I had a few contractions, but I didn't take it because I'm a freak when it comes to medications during pregnancy...but he insisted I take it daily now.<br /><br />The next step is twice weekly appointments, starting Monday. I have to return to labor and delivery for an anti/non-stress test. Then, I will be seen every Monday and Thursday until he feels it's time to take the babies...which he said would be no later than 35-36 weeks. Wow! It's so close.RachelPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08386421676894741886noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9018396159906623944.post-36334171398104201412011-02-03T12:00:00.000-08:002011-02-03T12:06:55.978-08:0031 weeksHello all! Just wanted to check in again. Yesterday I was officially 31 weeks pregnant. I have my final 2 week appointment tomorrow, then I will be seen weekly. We are praying that everything continues to go as planned. <br /><br />It's hard to believe that I could have triplets any time now really. Doc says 36 weeks is the longest he'll let me go, and if I do make it to 36 weeks, the triplets will arrive on my birthday. I'm getting pretty uncomfortable these days. Baby B stays under my right rib, and sometimes breathing or bending is really difficult. I will survive! It's a small price to pay.<br /><br />Many congratulations are in order for several of my blogging friends. Congrats on your adoptions/pregnancies ladies!!!<br /><br />I'll try to be more diligent in blogging, but picking up the laptop has become a tad more difficult than I ever expected. Prayers for you all!RachelPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08386421676894741886noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9018396159906623944.post-67286049379615107902011-01-04T14:44:00.000-08:002011-01-04T15:16:12.773-08:0027 WeeksWell, if you want to get technical, I'm 26w6 days. Things have been going well around here, a lot of big changes going on with my house, my body, and my babies. The house has been painted and new carpet has been put down. HUGE difference. My body has grown grown grown, with <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">about</span> a 30 lb weight gain. EEK! My doc says that's good for triplets, but I had gained a lot of treatment weight prior to the pregnancy. The babies are all measuring a little ahead, and today I learned that I have about 8 lbs of baby growing in there! My belly measures full term for a singleton pregnancy, but he assures me I have plenty of room to grow. I ran across a quote from The Sleep <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Talkin</span>' Man. I follow his blog, and it's one of my guilty pleasures. "I'm not fat. No. It's just my <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">awesomeness</span> swelling up inside me." It made me smile, and I hope some of you could find the humor in it too. Now for a few pictures, and then I'm going to go lay down.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjGQg7tMSccNsCplRybNCPP_9gW_KqQgU9WlTQXNNoB4gzZV98Mi6nZN0Sw_ttkdA-qeqofSnIM0U1dH-krH89SOguh2QCEACduQqoefJBecpOPGpPmOpi5U05b_wrRlmHMLknmBr9XdfG/s1600/baby+love.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558470179737980562" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjGQg7tMSccNsCplRybNCPP_9gW_KqQgU9WlTQXNNoB4gzZV98Mi6nZN0Sw_ttkdA-qeqofSnIM0U1dH-krH89SOguh2QCEACduQqoefJBecpOPGpPmOpi5U05b_wrRlmHMLknmBr9XdfG/s320/baby+love.jpg" /></a><br /><br />I know I look exhausted...I was! Christmas was fun, but I could hardly manage to keep my eyes open.<br /><br /><p><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz0aONhVoGkWptTTseuFC3Z0rVh-QLBR8qEwXM6pvL6VZbJd8l6miPBxhpyV3Ozthq7MKGQOK_Xq5hZFA86b1ty0JrcKVis6R5OnD9Mz9ljndk-Pyp-qiK9Kfmhs4WI1gE_GJDVqzC3ks1/s1600/26w6d+Jackson.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558471254114483250" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz0aONhVoGkWptTTseuFC3Z0rVh-QLBR8qEwXM6pvL6VZbJd8l6miPBxhpyV3Ozthq7MKGQOK_Xq5hZFA86b1ty0JrcKVis6R5OnD9Mz9ljndk-Pyp-qiK9Kfmhs4WI1gE_GJDVqzC3ks1/s320/26w6d+Jackson.jpg" /></a> Jackson: This picture prompted much confusion from me when I looked at it leaving the office. It's blurry, but it says "face." I could finally make it out.....I'll let you figure it out. =)<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLkx4vFDdUoihTysIqu1EF2YRgXxOg71qsdAhRLsrjxWhV0MRYN3fOYE6QU4dlWZ47VwyHdV9wUxfTZDjHk3T552yuc4WgMTStt1q6PuxSDkiNzjGNMR65FG8CQOhGSi0lYAHdKL4ze9oZ/s1600/26w6d+Brayden.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558472151455086098" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLkx4vFDdUoihTysIqu1EF2YRgXxOg71qsdAhRLsrjxWhV0MRYN3fOYE6QU4dlWZ47VwyHdV9wUxfTZDjHk3T552yuc4WgMTStt1q6PuxSDkiNzjGNMR65FG8CQOhGSi0lYAHdKL4ze9oZ/s320/26w6d+Brayden.jpg" /></a> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Brayden</span>: Profile picture with his mouth wide open. Probably trying to tell me that it was time to eat!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia4GfM_ERGYI0b6NQQN1FFjTA-bBswEySjX3gQwZo-wHfSLtkaQKco1_G-ASdunsaY1QixsplVuMkrNBDVEeUCRRme6yBj8DNe1oEMJj6l5EP93EtfBGvoHhyphenhyphenbZIYo92_f8R6Aqn7eJc1J/s1600/26w6d+Emma.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558472622423111410" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia4GfM_ERGYI0b6NQQN1FFjTA-bBswEySjX3gQwZo-wHfSLtkaQKco1_G-ASdunsaY1QixsplVuMkrNBDVEeUCRRme6yBj8DNe1oEMJj6l5EP93EtfBGvoHhyphenhyphenbZIYo92_f8R6Aqn7eJc1J/s320/26w6d+Emma.jpg" /></a> Emma was happily tucked away facing my back. She was being shy, but felt brave enough to show of her leg. </p><p>Alright, I'm off! It's time for some more rest! God Bless you all and prayers to you in your journey.</p>RachelPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08386421676894741886noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9018396159906623944.post-53923772707978228112010-11-22T15:31:00.000-08:002010-11-22T16:03:23.588-08:00Ultrasound picturesI wanted to go ahead and give you a glimpse inside my uterus. =) Also, we have names!<br /><br /><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Introducing</span>: (pictures were taken at 18w6d --I will be 21w on Wed.)<br /><br />Jackson Ryder Parks (Baby A)<br /><br /><br /><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbBG-f_gXbZhu-eZ-ldcAt4nHl6blgvaVt_2aSkL4HSEGYZOq3xXl7F9kJMXuifWaqpXXUXMtlOqDoUTouBevTkd-on_23YX-EmFnJI8jSfvKHac-C6A2DfCrxmPDe7ME106N5_fUg-gTJ/s1600/Baby+A+18w6d.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542521648727304834" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbBG-f_gXbZhu-eZ-ldcAt4nHl6blgvaVt_2aSkL4HSEGYZOq3xXl7F9kJMXuifWaqpXXUXMtlOqDoUTouBevTkd-on_23YX-EmFnJI8jSfvKHac-C6A2DfCrxmPDe7ME106N5_fUg-gTJ/s320/Baby+A+18w6d.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Brayden</span> Campbell Parks (Baby B)<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdoE1tFkvO_M_tIyGjK_Ca8DtIWyQg8kEiTlVsxLcuS8emYaHxG2hOo6T-GzmaYJyMta0Seu6citpjcIU6ppSZegLeF5VdWrdyIbJxjIUSqliBsvXsXF06fJQHp2FvVFkN_D9sq4kQ5naI/s1600/Baby+B+18weeks6days.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542522914336274354" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdoE1tFkvO_M_tIyGjK_Ca8DtIWyQg8kEiTlVsxLcuS8emYaHxG2hOo6T-GzmaYJyMta0Seu6citpjcIU6ppSZegLeF5VdWrdyIbJxjIUSqliBsvXsXF06fJQHp2FvVFkN_D9sq4kQ5naI/s320/Baby+B+18weeks6days.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Emma Lee Parks (Baby C)<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZYsAzhlJ-6-gzhLgPUiF_X1jqa9GJNze_mZWWJAtc4CoUfvf1jjpX_l6I2bfss4DsuPOEHjPK-MHG24U0V21PeOGXZTp6O27VKqnGJKZhBIBNbDDPsmOIOFVI-WgGX8mtRkySVJgh2YPY/s1600/Baby+C+18w6d.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542523299912514610" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZYsAzhlJ-6-gzhLgPUiF_X1jqa9GJNze_mZWWJAtc4CoUfvf1jjpX_l6I2bfss4DsuPOEHjPK-MHG24U0V21PeOGXZTp6O27VKqnGJKZhBIBNbDDPsmOIOFVI-WgGX8mtRkySVJgh2YPY/s320/Baby+C+18w6d.jpg" /></a><br />We so love the fact that Emma has her hand on her forehead in her picture. I can just imagine what she was thinking with both her brothers kicking her and the ultrasound tech moving all over my belly.</p><p>New weird body things:</p><p>-My "girls" seem to be leaking just a little. Ah! I know it's early, but from what I'm told it happens.</p><p>-Strange tightening/pulling (slight pains when I move too quickly) at the top of my stomach, just under my boobs. I called the doctor today. He very casually says, "Oh yeah, that sounds like your muscles attached to your ribs are stretching and quite possibly ripping away from your ribs. It's completely normal." </p><p>-Not so new, but ever growing belly hair. I noticed an increase of hair just about everywhere as soon as I found out I was pregnant, but now it's kind of starting to look like a happy trail.</p><p></p><p>Some recent Reflections:</p><p>-Thanksgiving- Very bittersweet for me as November 27<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span> was my due date for my first pregnancy. I have very conflicting emotions about this day. I know that without <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">experiencing</span> the loss of our little angel, I would not have these precious babies growing inside of me now. However, I still miss that baby and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">grieve</span> over the loss.</p><p>-I do have so much to be Thankful for now. In fact there are too many to list in one single post.</p><p>-Tomorrow is my last day of work before modified bed rest. I also have mixed feelings about that. I will miss my co-workers and students, but I am relieved that I can take it easy for these babies now. We FINALLY found the perfect replacement today. We interviewed 3 today, and I told my principal I just had a good feeling about one in particular, so he went with my feeling and offered him the job!</p><p>-The girls at work are throwing me a shower tomorrow at work. Initially, when they told me they were going to do this I freaked out because it's so early, but they really allowed me to set up some boundaries, so I feel comfortable now. It's now just a gift card shower, and I've also made commitment cards for donations of sick days. They can't really donate until I'm out of my own days, but I figured the more I could get to commit to it now, the better off I'd be. The school nurse said she'd email out a reminder when I was out of days so everyone wouldn't forget to fill out the appropriate paperwork for donations.</p><p>Well, I'm off to figure out what to eat for dinner. Hope you all have a great Thanksgiving.<br /><br /><br /></p>RachelPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08386421676894741886noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9018396159906623944.post-17078805443488274652010-11-18T15:47:00.001-08:002010-11-18T16:05:16.987-08:00HappeningsI know I've been the worst blogger ever, so I thought I'd give some of you what you've been asking for.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixVv1yLsWVJ41FkhAiYAL_qk1R4cYZ3Z93p5hR9PukpH6CXzcgU7AZpUNM4vSykz5JbVYTOwyPEsCew1f2I7jQJiW4mie6NFQ9dhAqiws-yPKiuHFe55ZQKr3jJGO4Vymp0eg7RgZN71Gd/s1600/20weeks.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5541036707521376146" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixVv1yLsWVJ41FkhAiYAL_qk1R4cYZ3Z93p5hR9PukpH6CXzcgU7AZpUNM4vSykz5JbVYTOwyPEsCew1f2I7jQJiW4mie6NFQ9dhAqiws-yPKiuHFe55ZQKr3jJGO4Vymp0eg7RgZN71Gd/s320/20weeks.jpg" /></a> 20 weeks 1 day<br /><br />I've been trying for quite some time to upload the latest ultrasound pictures, but for some reason when I hit the upload picture icon, nothing happens. So, It'll have to wait until next time.<br /><br />Finally, 20 weeks in...this is starting to feel real. At the same time, I'm beginning to become terrified. You try for so long to get pregnant, that once you finally do, it's almost like shell shock. Don't misunderstand me here...I want nothing more than to be a mother, and I am thrilled that I am pregnant. It's just been difficult for me to really see the end result here, and now I'm so worried that these babies are going to come too early. I guess the worrying is just part of it. My husband once asked me when I was going to stop worrying.....I told him I would stop worrying when my children are grown with kids of their own, and it's time for me to go see Jesus.<br /><br />As I am closing, I realize I haven't told you all the genders of our sweet little trio. So, please pray for my boys, their sister, and their mom and dad!RachelPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08386421676894741886noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9018396159906623944.post-14770091390276536062010-11-03T15:40:00.001-07:002010-11-03T15:41:49.164-07:00Quick UpdateI haven't posted in several weeks, and I just wanted to let everyone know I'm still doing good. I'm 18 weeks now, and will be taken off work in a few weeks. I have another appointment Tuesday, and hopefully I'll be able to confirm the genders.<br /><br />Continue to keep us in your prayers, and I continue to pray for all of you!RachelPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08386421676894741886noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9018396159906623944.post-3527087647303914962010-10-03T15:52:00.000-07:002010-10-03T16:36:06.103-07:00MiraclesI know I have been MIA for a while, but I promise...the wait is worth it. =) <br /><br />After our loss in April, we allowed my body to heal after the D&C and waited patiently for AF to get back to normal. We decided to allow my body to have one natural cycle after that. I had emotional highs and lows that month. I struggled with "not" trying, and I longed to get back to the insanity of treatments. DH wanted to wait until August to start treatments again, but I convinced him that since school starts back in August, it wouldn't be a good idea. We decided to go ahead with treatments in July, and then take a break in August. We decided not to tell anyone that we were doing treatments, and just be private about what was going on with us.<br /><br />Typically, when I do treatments, I tend to be uptight and pessimistic. I prayed A LOT and asked God to bring me peace through treatments, and boy did he ever! I have never felt so calm in my life. The game plan was similar to what got us pregnant the first time, so I was familiar with the routine. We did 150 units of Menopur and 75 units of Follistim with trigger and IUI. We were finishing up meds on vacation (we only went to Guntersville-- so we wouldn't be too far away from ART) and it turned out that each day that we were on vacation, I had to drive to B'ham to get follicle scans. The first scan was a little scary to me, but I reminded myself that God was in control. They talked about canceling my cycle because I responded too well. My ovaries were big, fat, and juicy. There were about 16 follicles counted, and 6 were in the lead. The next day, when I went in, a few of those had taken a lead, and by time we were ready to trigger, it looked like I had 5 that could be counted as mature. The nurse told me that I was at risk for multiples, and asked me if I wanted to go ahead with the trigger and IUI. With no hesitation, I told her that I was prepared for whatever happened. I prayed a lot, and just told God that I knew he was in control, and he would not give me more than I could handle.<br /><br />The IUI was much different than I remembered from the first one. I had a lot of cramping, and I was so bloated I was sure I was overstimming. I drank lots of fluids, and took it easy until I started to feel a little relief. <br /><br />Fast forward to the 2ww. I have to admit, although I did become anxious, it was by far the best and easiest 2ww I have ever lived through. When beta day came, I went and got my blood work early, and hoped they would call early. At about 2:00 I got a call from the nurse. First beta: 678!!!!!! She was very calm, and set up my next appointment, until I said, "That means there is more than one?!?!" She laughed and said, she was hoping I wouldn't know any better, but yes that I probably had multiples, but we couldn't speculate on how many.<br /><br />We had our first ultrasound at 5w2d and the u/s tech looked at the screen then asked us how many mature eggs we had. We told her, and she said that she was seeing 2, possibly 3 babies. 2 gestational sacs had yolk sacs and a third possible sac, could have been just a fluid build up. They put us in a room to talk to a nurse. Everyone expected us to be shocked, but we were both pretty calm. The nurse advised us not to tell anyone that we were pregnant with triplets because I would most likely come back next week and they wouldn't all be there. (least favorite nurse--I think I've complained about her in the past) <br /><br />The second ultrasound was a week later and we saw 3 babies and 3 heartbeats! Each week things seemed to be progressing well. At 9 weeks, Dr. L felt like things looked so good that it was time to say goodbye. He referred me to Dr. R who has had a lot of success with triplets. We saw him at 10 weeks, then again at 13 weeks. Praise God that the babies are all still looking good at this point. <br /><br />I had my 10 year high school reunion last night, and I decided to let the cat out of the bag. So, today I'm letting the rest of the world know. I know that there are plenty of risks with a triplet pregnancy, and even though we are almost to 14 weeks, I am not out of the woods. I ask that you pray for Nick, Baby A, Baby B, Baby C, and I. I pray that we have 3 healthy babies at the end of this pregnancy.RachelPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08386421676894741886noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9018396159906623944.post-52655839702130753042010-08-25T13:43:00.000-07:002010-08-25T13:48:03.747-07:00SongI am so saddened by some blog news I read today. I heard this song on the way home, and I felt compelled to share it.<br /><br />"Love Them Like Jesus"<br /><br />The love of her life is drifting away<br />They're losing the fight for another day<br />The life that she's known is falling apart<br />A fatherless home, a child's broken heart<br /><br />You're holding her hand, you're straining for words<br />You trying to make - sense of it all<br />She's desperate for hope, darkness clouding her view<br />She's looking to you<br /><br />Just love her like Jesus, carry her to Him<br />His yoke is easy, His burden is light<br />You don't need the answers to all of life's questions<br />Just know that He loves her and stay by her side<br />Love her like Jesus<br />Love her like Jesus<br /><br />The gifts lie in wait, in a room painted blue<br />Little blessing from Heaven would be there soon<br />Hope fades in the night, blue skies turn to gray<br />As the little one slips away<br /><br />You're holding her hand, you're straining for words<br />You're trying to make sense of it all<br />They're desperate for hope, darkness clouding their view<br />They're looking to you<br /><br />Just love them like Jesus, carry them to Him<br />His yoke is easy, His burden is light<br />You don't need the answers to all of life's questions<br />Just know that He loves them and stay by their side<br />Love them like Jesus<br /><br />Lord of all creation holds our lives in His hands<br />The God of all the nations holds our lives in His hands<br />The Rock of our salvation holds our lives in His hands<br />He cares for them just as He cares for you<br /><br />So love them like Jesus, love them like Jesus<br />You don't need the answers to all of life's questions<br />Just know that He loves them and stay by their side<br />Love them like Jesus<br />Love them like JesusRachelPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08386421676894741886noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9018396159906623944.post-36130354872730934862010-07-26T15:47:00.000-07:002010-07-26T15:54:40.359-07:00The Tree Wins!Had a nice weekend. I spent some time with my family at the lake, for my niece's birthday. DH and others rode the jet ski again, but I didn't feel much like getting in the lake since my "lake funk" rash had finally cleared up since vacation. I didn't a little research, and Andrea, I think you were right about swimmer's itch...gross. <br /><br />Yesterday was my friend's baby shower, it was nice. My sister offered to go with me, so that, on top of having my friend Hayden there, made things easier. There was only a time or two, that I wished I could chime in with the mommy talk, but overall it wasn't too difficult for me...<br /><br />Until...I left. <br /><br />There were a lot of cars parked, and I was the first to leave, I had to kind of maneuver to miss a car, and in the process backed right into a tree. I actually had no idea what I had hit, because when I looked back, and in all my mirrors I still saw nothing. My sister got out and checked the damage because I was freaking out too badly to do so, and she helped me cope with my little drama. So, I'm out a tail light. My bumper dented it, but since it's a Jeep, and the bumper is rubber, it popped itself back out when I was driving. There are a few bark marks on it, but the bulk of the damage was the tail light. I stopped at advanced auto, and they quoted me $135 bucks for a new one, so I decided to call some junk yards. My husband said he found one for $50 bucks, so hopefully we'll be able to get that done in the next few days. Until then, I'm rocking the red redneck tape! <br /><br />Hope everyone has a good week.RachelPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08386421676894741886noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9018396159906623944.post-35819140417076154692010-07-02T08:21:00.000-07:002010-07-02T22:15:36.909-07:00Dear InfertilityA friend of mine, Hayden-therapist in training, suggested I do this little exercise, and I thought I'd give it a shot.<br /><br />Dear Infertility, <br />I've never known such hatred, sadness, guilt, and despair since you came into my life. You've ruined everything that I thought I would be. You've taken a toll on my heart, body, and mind. You have broken me. You've put strain on my relationships, and you've pushed resentment and jealousy into my heart. You have turned me into a woman obsessed with wanting what she can't have. You have placed doubt and uncertainty in every aspect of my being. You've hurt so many of us, in turn adding more hurt in my life for the others surrounding me that have to know you. You've shattered so many dreams, and literally made my life a living hell. You've made it difficult for me to find happiness in things that should bring me joy. You've robbed me from sharing motherhood with my sisters and my friends. You've robbed me of myself. Worst of all, once I felt like I had beaten you, you killed my baby. My womb is empty, my arms are empty, and my heart is empty. There is nothing or anyone else to blame, but you. I hate you, infertility. I hate you.<br /><br /><br />Ok, now that THAT is out of my system! Whew, I really do feel better. I realize that I've been carrying a lot of blame for my infertility. I've felt shamed that I can't reproduce like every "normal" woman is supposed to. I've also felt a lot of shame for losing the baby. When I found out I had ACL, I looked at my husband and said, "I killed our baby." I realize now, it's nothing I did, or could control, but it sure feels good to put the blame on something else.<br /><br />So, for all of you Gleeks out there...yes Kara, I'm talking to you too. =) There was an episode when Rachel and her mother were singing together prior to being reunited. I absolutely blubbered like a baby when I watched. I finally got around to buying the Glee Vol. 3 soundtrack and the song is on there. It's from Les Miserables originally, and Glee cut some lyrics out and modified a little bit, but I want to share them with you, and tell you how I relate to them.<br /><strong><br />I Dreamed a Dream</strong><br /><br /><strong>I dreamed a dream in time gone by<br />When hope was high and life worth living<br />I dreamed that love would never die<br />I dreamed that God would be forgiving</strong><br /><em>Do you remember when everything seemed so hopeful, before infertility?</em><br /><strong>Then I was young and unafraid<br />And dreams were made and used and wasted<br />There was no ransom to be paid<br />No song unsung, no wine untasted</strong><br /><em>I wish I could go back to the time when I had no worries..I long for the innocence and life I had before infertility.</em><br /><strong>But the tigers come at night<br />With their voices soft as thunder<br />As they turn your hope apart<br />As they turn your dreams to shame</strong><br /><em>My tigers are infertility, depression, anger, jealousy, guilt, resentment.</em><br /><strong>And still I dream she'd come to me<br />That we would live the years together<br />But there are dreams that cannot be<br />And there are storms we cannot weather</strong><br /><em>I still dream about my child, and how my life would be different with her here with me, but then when I realize it can't ever be...it kills me.</em><br /><strong>I had a dream my life would be<br />So different from the hell I'm living<br />So different now from what it seemed<br />Now life has killed the dream I dreamed </strong><br /><em>This part speaks for itself.</em><br /><br />I know it's cheesy to get so emotionally caught up in a song...especially if it's from Glee, but I really felt like I needed to share it with everyone. <br /><br />I hope everyone has a nice weekend. TRY to relax and have a good time. Remember those who died for our freedom, and those who continue to fight, as well as their families who may be missing them right now. God Bless America!RachelPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08386421676894741886noreply@blogger.com1