Here's this weeks belly pic! All is well at the Spina-Munro residence. Christine and I are hanging in there.(see last paragraph's emotional rant) We spent yesterday at the pool and actually enjoyed ourselves. There's nothing like beer (for me), potato chips and gossip magazines to pass the time at the pool. We spent a lovely day together.
Today, Michael took Chris to the pool and visited for awhile. My mom and I did some shopping and got a beautiful dresser for the nursery. It's so exciting! (I cooked and cleaned, too)

The babies are kicking up a storm! It's so cool. I like to put my hand on her belly and feel for the kicks. Sometimes it makes me jump and I squeal a little. She says it doesn't hurt but it makes me jump! We have an appointment on Wednesday with Dr. Wallace. I can't make it to the appointment because I have to work but Chris' mom is going to take her. He has to finish up some of the anatomy measurement on Elizabeth. She wasn't cooperating during the last ultrasound and Chris was really uncomfortable. She is a little nervous about the ultrasound because she was so uncomfortable last time but thanks to Erin Lamb, she has a new motto..........




I printed out a bunch of those signs and they are posted all over our house(most importantly, halfway up the stairs).

I like it, too! It's very helpful. I am very busy with preparing the house for the babies, keeping Chris comfortable, working full-time, cooking, cleaning, shopping, exterminating (ant problem in the kitchen) and still trying to make time to visit my family. I love when I say "I'm busy" and people will say " Just wait until the babies come".... REALLY!.... Now, what purpose does that serve? Chris and I are well aware of the enormity of our situation. Our lives have changed drastically already! She cannot drive to visit at her mom's house, walk through our favorite stores, or tolerate this heat. She is mostly uncomfortable with tolerable days. Things that we used to do together and enjoy are limited to say the least.....
That's why I am busting a$$ to get the nursery set up. It will be a visual reminder of the end result. I know it will benefit both of our mental states. Three, sweet, precious, little babies to fill this house with love and our legacy. I bet when we see their little faces for the first time, we would do it all over again!
Kelly, Chris and the babies

So..... I missed a few weeks

Here is the belly pic from last week on Sunday that I didn't post. 20 weeks and 3 days! Ugg... I am mad at myself for falling behind with the blog but things have gotten really hectic. First, we got married! Yes! We went down to the court house and tied the knot on July 8th. I needed to make an honest woman out of her. : ) We also had to move around some furniture in the house. Our living room now has a full size bed in it! She can't climb a flight of stairs like she used to so the bed keeps her comfortable and close to the kitchen and bathroom during the day. Second, I got a nasty upper respiratory infection was sick all last weekend and missed two days of work. I was really down for the count. Two people in one house who are not up to par is a recipe for disaster. Thank God for good friends and family who swooped in like super heroes and helped out.
Here's the good news! Christine and the babies are doing well. The babies are kicking up a storm. They seemed to get feisty when she's hungry or after she eats. We saw our regular OBGYN yesterday. They all look good and have good heart rates. Chris is pretty uncomfortable during ultrasounds. She is uncomfortable most of the time. Here uterus is measuring like she is 30 weeks pregnant with a singleton. (but there's three in there and she's 21 weeks). She gets some relief in the pool. It gives her body a break from bearing the extra weight. It's also the only way to stay cool in this oppressive heat!
Weight gain is slow these days. It's just too hot and she has a full feeling most of the time. She is trying her best to eat small frequent meals but it's a challenge. We are relying on Kellogg's protein drinks, ensure, Carnation instant breakfast and chocolate ice cream to make up for some meals.

I am trying to kick it in high gear and get the house ready. It seems like time is flying by so quickly! Wish us luck and keep us in your prayers.
Kelly, Chris and the Babies

Happy Fourth of July! We have had an exciting, eventful week! She is 19 weeks and 3 days pregnant. Is it just me or does she look full term?
Time is flying!We saw Dr. Wallace on Monday. Here's the good news! It's confirmed. We are having 2 boys and 1 girl.(Nicholas John, Robert Michael and Elizabeth Marie) It was an extensive ultrasound where they take about 60 pictures per baby. They measure the circumference of the head, size of the stomach, chambers of the heart, humerus, femur, hands, feet, chambers of the brain, eyes, nose, mouth, facial profile and probably more but I can't remember. Everyone looks great! Two babies weighed 10 oz and one weighed 11oz. We can't remember who weighed what. I weighed an orange this morning that was 10 oz and we both thought "Oh my goodness, there's three in there"! The process of the ultrasound was quite an ordeal. Chris had a hard time laying flat on her back. She was really uncomfortable. They let her move the back of the bed up some but it didn't really help. The ultra sound tech was so sweet. She let Chris sit up whenever she got uncomfortable (every 2 or 3 minutes). She started to feel really hot, and lightheaded at one point. Apparently, pregnant women can pass out during ultrasounds because the position slows down blood flow and oxygen. She managed endure it for 2 1/2 hours until she was visibly spent. There were times where she was comfortable but the babies were not in the right position. We were waiting for Elizabeth to turn over onto her back and she decided to kick her brother in the head. During one of the breaks, I thought it would be a good idea the document the moment with a picture! I don't think she agreed! See that? Look at the monitor behind her. That's a head and an arm of one our children. Flippin' the bird in front of the babies... Nice mom! LOL

This week we also got a lot of stuff done in the house! My sister and nieces came over and helped me organize some of our storage space. We dropped off things at the Christian Charity thrift shop. It was a good job done. My mom's friend also gave us some furniture in great condition! We got a twin trundle bed for the nursery and a leather recliner for Chris. She is loving the recliner! She also gave us two small dressers that were her husband's when he was a kid. They are sturdy wood and just need some TLC. I can't wait to sand and refinish them. It's right up my alley!

We also registered at Babies R Us! Oh my God, that was an adventure. My sister and nieces took us to the store in Eatontown because it's bigger. It was slightly hot in the store. My nieces are so excited and wanted to help so I gave the scanner to Hannah and Hailey wanted to push Chris in the wheelchair. Yes.... a wheelchair! There's no way she could walk the whole store. After about 10 minutes, Chris was getting nauseous from being wheeled around by an underage driver.The scanner was not scanning quick enough and we were only done with two small aisles. We managed to push through and have some fun! My sister was such a great source of info. She helped us register for the big stuff first and then the other stuff later. It was an all day affair that required a lunch break but we got it done. My nieces are super excited and really enjoy being involved.

Well, I think that's all the news for this week.
Kelly, Chris and the Babies! <3 <3 <3

School's out!

School's out! Whoohooo!

Here's this weeks update.....





We saw the doctor on Tuesday and everyone is doing great! The babies are growing. They are all about the same size measuring about 5 1/2 inches from crown to rump. We got new ultrasound pictures and they are pretty amazing. I still have to get to my sister's house and scan them so I can post them.

Chris is written out of work for the summer so she can rest. She has been tired and uncomfortable. She was having a hard time sleeping or should I say... staying asleep. Our Horizon case worker recommended the Snoogle (a pregnancy body pillow). I did some research and found it at Babies R Us. Let me tell you that she is love with the Snoogle. She sleeps so much better! Sure, it takes up half the bed and there is no room for anyone else, but she's comfortable! ; )

It has been hard for her to eat since it has been so hot. The weather just doesn't make you feel like sitting down to a big, hot meal. We were both a little worried about last week's weight standstill, but worry no more! She made up for it this week. She is now up a total of 30 lbs! We are on our way to chubby triplets! Since she was not in the mood for a lot of food, we supplemented with milkshakes and that did the trick.

Tomorrow, we have an appointment with Dr. Wallace, the high risk doctor. They will do an extensive ultrasound on all the babies and check the developement of organs. It usually takes a half hour for one baby, so we are looking at an hour and a half ultrasound for all three. Aww, so cute! Chris and I have been doing a lot of talking and we both agreed that it's easy to get comfortable with the idea of three babies. It's our instant family! Three smiles, three giggles, three to hug and kiss and get hugs and kisses from, three to greet us from their crib with excitement, three to cuddle and love, fuss over and cherish. We are so blessed!

With lots of love and excitement
Kelly, Chris and the Babies <3 <3 <3

17 weeks 3 days!

OH BABIES!

Let's see..... What's new this week? We finished our last full week of school and it was a chore, to say the least. The countdown until the end of school seems like it's in slow motion.

It has been two and a half weeks since our last doctor's appt. It seems like it's been forever. I can't wait until Tuesday for our next appt. so I can see the babies again. It may sound strange but I miss them when our appointments are spread out a few weeks. The is such a sense of peace, love, joy and amazement when we see them on the ultrasound. (If the babies cooperate, we should get a definite on the sexes!) They have been pretty active. Chris says she feels a lot of fluttering. One time, they were all fluttering at the same time and it was like a dance party!

Chris is feeling okay. She has been a bit uncomfortable at night with leg cramps and has a hard time getting comfy. Overall, she says she feels good and is doing well. I think she looks so beautiful!

I am doing well, too. My mental state is much better these days. Thank God for mothers. They always know the right thing to say. I was feeling overwhelmed and my mom helped put everything into perspective. Thank you, Mom! I also went to the doctor on Friday for my annual physical. Everything was great! BP 110/70 and blood work was worthy of being displayed on the refrigerator! I am doing my best to take care of myself as well as Chris and the babies.

(Kelly) Weight loss update... I lost 3.2 lbs at Weight Watchers last week. Thank God the scale went in the right direction.

(Chris) Weight gain update... there is no gain this week! What's up with that? She is eating more fruits and vegetables and we instituted the dietitian's tweaks and she's not gaining weight. She is in her 17th week and has gained a total of 24 lbs. Dr Luke's book says that she should gain about 2.5 lbs a week and gain a total of 30 lbs by week 20. She journals all her food for the dietitian and we see her next week. I am guessing she will increase her calorie intake. We'll see!

Keep us in your prayers for health!
Kelly, Chris and the Babies <3 <3 <3

16 weeks !

Hi!
Here's Chris today at 16weeks 3 days. ( She looks smaller in the picture than in person : ) She is currently up a of total 24 lbs! Whoohooo! I think we can do it. I think we can make healthy, chubby triplets.
So we had some exciting events this week. She felt "quickening"! I think it was Tuesday morning. She said it feels like fluttering and slight movements. Isn't that neat? We also listen to her belly with my Dad's stethoscope. We don't know what we are listening to but it's gushy and noisy. (and it's fun)
We also went to a Dietitian. All of the books I have read noted that a Dietitian is an integral part of a triplet pregnancy. She was very helpful and reviewed her current food intake. She reviewed it and said we were doing a great job it just needed to be tweaked a little. She told me uuuummm..... maybe I don't have to put the banana, milk, ice cream, Carnation instant breakfast powder, yogurt and chocolate sauce in her shake. LOL. She kindly suggested... "Maybe you could space some of those ingredients out during the day. Maybe just milk, carnation powder and half a banana. " So we did. We are both VERY GOOD LISTENERS! She made some helpful suggestions and Chris is eating more fruits and vegetables.
She is feeling pretty good. She gets tired in the afternoon and her back has been bothering her. She bought a maternity back support contraption over the weekend so hopefully that will alleviate some of the pain.
It seems like time is flying by and I feel like there is so much to do before the babies come. I feel the need to purge everything in this house. college books, clothes, nonessential furniture... I also think we need pull down attic stairs instead of the square opening and using a ladder. I have a feeling I will be lugging stuff up and down from the attic. UUGG! Sometimes my mind is riddled with questions I don't have the answers to. Like, how are we going to manage financially? Do we really need a minivan? Do we need the triplet stoller that is $700 or a double stroller and a single? The weekends are the worst for my mental state. I have too much down time to think or I am visiting with friends or family and the subject comes up. I feel the need to reassure people that we will be fine but it's hard. I am doing my best to stay positive but it's hard. I cried today. I'm crying now... I know God has a plan for our family and I have to have faith. We are blessed. Truly blessed with love and three precious gifts. See.. now I feel better.
Please keep us in your prayers for health!
Kelly, Chris and the Babies <3 <3 <3

Today's Belly Picture!

Here is today's belly pic! Here belly bump has been growing fast and strong. We are on a mission to keep her skin healthy. She uses Palmer's Tummy Butter and butters up her belly, back and ummm.... other areas that have grown as if they have a life of their own. ; )



I am struggling with my diet! With Chris buttering her belly five thousand times a day, all I can think about is as salt shaker and some corn on the cob. (come to mama!) uuuuhhhggg!


Anyway, we saw the doctor on Wednesday. All is well with the babies and Chris! Everyone looks good and is growing at the same rate. Chris is up 17 lbs from her pre pregnancy weight! Whoohhoooo! If she can get to around 30 lbs by week 20, we will be in good shape. Last week, I cooked a kick a$$ baked macaroni and cheese and a delicious shepherd's pie. I even slipped in sweet potatoes (that she doesn't like) and she loved it! This weekend, I plan to make eggplant parm, and some sort of brown rice, meat, bean and vegetable concoction. Oh and oatmeal raisin cookies (since she won't eat oatmeal) and maybe banana bread with my overly ripe bananas. Geez! I am starving talking about all of that. This is why I am struggling. I have managed not to eat "the babies' food" but I can't seem to get back to the gym. Everyday, I say "Tomorrow". I know I have to make myself a priority but it's easier to clean, food shop and cook then take time for me and get to the gym. I'll will get back ! I know I can do it.

Chris is feeling pretty good these days. She has a good appetite and eats small meals and snacks all day and half the night. She has the most pep in her step in the morning and then fades towards the afternoon. Her back has been bothering her from time to time and she just stretches and rests for relief. She is also getting winded easily and feeling the effects of 17 extra pounds. Her weight never really fluctuated before so this is all new to her. As for me and some of my friends.. we are old pros at gaining and losing weight. When I notice that I am winded tying my shoes or climbing the stairs, it's either time for a diet or slip on shoes and take the elevator. LoL !
I will try to scan some of the ultrasound pics of the babies and post them soon. Also two out of two ultrasound techs think we have two baby boys and one girl! Isn't that sweet?

Keep us in your prayers for health!
Kelly, Chris and the Babies <3 <3 <3

Pregnancy Photos

Here are some pictures of our journey so far.

My First Post (not too sure what I am doing)

Hello everyone,

My younger, tech savvy friend Maggie suggested that I create a blog about our Triplet pregnancy journey. I thought, " That's a great idea but what the heck is a blog?" Well, now that Christine is in her second trimester and is not so sick, I have had some time to figure out what a blog is and start one.

I guess I will start with our current status. She is in the beginning of her fourth month. For the first 12 weeks she was pooped, exhausted and queasy. The 11th week was the worst I think. She was throwing up sometimes twice a day. (My poor baby) Then on 12 weeks and 1 day we had a dr appt. with the high risk dr. That was the last day she threw up! (sausage, egg and cheese on an everything bagel) and hasn't eaten that since. However, she is eating EVERYTHING else!

I am reading a book by. Dr. Barbara Luke and she has done a lot of research on nutrition for a multiples pregnancy. The trend across the board is for triplet pregnancy to gain minimum 45 - 60 lbs. Dr. Luke's book suggests 70 lbs and a diet of 4000 calories a day and a breakdown of each food group. Research shows that the mothers who gained more and a significant amount of weight in the 1st and 2nd trimester, had higher birth weight and longer pregnancies. That's what we are shooting for! We are going to be the first to give birth to chubby triplets! Okay, maybe I'm pushing it.... : ) but i am doing my best to feed her well and often. (she eats every two hour)! FYI it's Sunday morning 10:51 am she has already eaten : a pilsbury cinnamon roll, (7am)two eggs, sausage, toast, juice, (8:30) water, baked ziti and a pudding cup (10:30).

Did I mention that I am on Weight Watchers? Yeah..... I am trying to lose weight so I can be in the good shape to take care of the triplets. It is challenging to say the least! Last week she was on a Cheesesteak kick! I made her the best looking cheesesteak with sauteed onions (I was drooling!) and then I made myself a STUPID grilled chicken salad! Anyway it's for the babies I keep reminding myself. Anyway, I am off to visit my Grandma and Papa. Chris is going to spend time with her Mom and Michael.

Keep us in your prayers for health, and happiness and sanity.

Kelly, Chris and the Babies