Friday, March 11, 2011

The Count

Today Eli and I went for our second ultrasound. It was the second because I had to go in 2 weeks ago for some bleeding. So we've known for a couple weeks how many babies we are expecting, but because of the threat of miscarriage, we held off telling everyone the count. The ultrasound today showed that all is well...so. The final count is 3. We are having triplets!

To say that we were shocked when we found out would be an understatement. I'm pretty sure our emotions have run the gamut these past weeks. But we were happy to know that all of the babies are safe and sound. We just hope that it stays that way. My Dr. is taking a lot of precautions and there will be a lot of bedrest. I will be put on bedrest at home around week 17 (which gives me 8 weeks to get everything in order. Not gonna happen.) Then around week 24 I will go into the hospital for the remainder of the pregnancy. Dr. Melillo told me that if we make it to 32 weeks I will hear him breathe, if we make it to 33 he will be happy. Anything after that is icing on the cake. There will be more NICU time than the last time around, and of course, the risks to the babies' health goes up the earlier they arrive. So your prayers are needed and appreciated.

This is all a very scary, happy, CRAZY time for our family. I guess we don't do childbearing normally around here. And once the babies have arrived, we will have 5 children under the age of 3. Woohoo! It's gonna be a circus around here. :) We have already had the most generous and amazing offers to help. We could not have asked for more. Things will be tricky and difficult for awhile, but we did this once before, we'll do it again. I really feel that all will be well. And I know I have a few Fathers up there in Heaven who will be doing all they can to assure these little ones arrive safely. :) And a mountain of friends and family on this side who will be doing the same.

Here's a pic of the trips. There's not much to see yet, but you can tell I'm not lying about 3. :)



Before I go. There's one more thing. Please, please, please take a minute to scan this article. Next week, the progesterone shot that helps prevent preterm labor (a shot I will need) is drastically increasing in price. Right now a vial of this costs $10 to $20. Next week, a vial will cost $1500! You use a vial every week from week 17 to week 32 of a pregnancy! This price hike is simply because a drug company decided to make this drug (that has been around for years), a commercial drug. Everyone was behind the commercialization of the drug, but the company failed to let anyone know of the price hike. They had no research or development fees that justify this hike. This is a drug that can mean the difference between life or death or an infant. At this point, it is brand new news. I don't know exactly who to contact, but stay tuned. There needs to be a public backlash, or we will end up making up the difference for insurance companies and medicaid. Not to mention that (with great insurance), the cost to the patient of one vial will now be almost half of the cost for the whole pregnancy with the lower rate. I have been blessed to order this drug this week, so I will not personally be affected by the new price. But many more families will. This company will have a monopoly on this drug for the next 7 years! No generics will be available. So I still feel strongly that we must take action with this. Once again, I am stepping off the soap box. :)

13 comments:

J. Miyoshi Zuehl said...

Oh, ABBY! I heard on facebook and couldn't believe it! TRIPLETS! How exciting. You guys certainly know how to throw a party. :) I will certainly be praying for healthy babies and a healthy momma, too! Congratulations to you and Eli.

nancy said...

one-two-three, uno-dos-tres, une, deux, trois......blessing/blessing/blessing.

:)

everyday katie said...

Again, my congratulations. I'm so glad the appointment went well.

Spencer always wanted multiples...not because it sounds easy by any means, but less pregnancies for one. And two, you just go through it all together and then they all grow up and move out all at once. It's a lot faster until it's just you and your spouse again and you'll be young enough to enjoy it. There's a plus for you.

My offer for help still stands. I'm wishing you a healthy pregnancy!

Unknown said...

We are thrilled and excited for your sweet family! I feel overwhelmed for you at the same time! I am here and very willing to do whatever you need- I hope the next 8 weeks don't go by too quickly, since the rest you will be laid up- but no worries, I have a magazine stash to keep you occupied!! Best wishes- I have been thinking of you all day!!

Michelle said...

I am so excited for you! How awesome of a blessing. Please know that for as long as we are in Columbus I would love to help, I adore Charlie and Olivia and would love to have them over for play dates with Eddie. In regards to the drug that you will be taking..Jason and I are very big into March of Dimes and they have said that they are doing everything in their power to help make that drug available to those who need it. I cannot wait to meet the new additions! We will keep you and your family in our prayers!

Unknown said...

Well, well, well...more joy, more fun, more laughter, okay-more diapers, but more squealing, more singing, more talking, more hugging.

Your family is the very definition that we don't divide our love-we multiply it.

Breezi@ Not Your Average Fairytale said...

Abby!! That's awesome news!!
Congratulations- I'm so happy that all is well with the little peanuts :D

We will be sending lots of prayers your way for you to keep those babies locked in for a long while :)

Valerie said...

I know that you have a a good doctor for triplets. I'm pretty sure Dr. Mellilo is the one who delivered my boss's triplet boys almost 5 years ago and they are all healthy!

nancy said...

dr. melillo is THEE BOMB. there's not a single doctor anywhere on this planet - or any other planet -
who i would rather have overseeing this, um, 3-RING family circus!!!

:)

Autumn said...

Abby & Eli congratulations!!!! Today after you walked past, Michelle told me your news. As you can imagine, I was absolutely shocked. WOW. Heavenly Father must know you guys must just have amazing parenting abilities to be able to handle so many kids so young. That is so exciting!!! I wish you all the best of course. Honest to goodness, I am HAPPY to help in ANY way possible. Truly and truly. Anxious to hear more details about how your kids will be cared for while you're on bedrest. I'll read the article!

Japanman in Japan said...

ARE YOU KIDDING ME!!!!! Wha.? sorry the shock for me is baffling, i cant imagine how it is for you guys! Congrats!!!!!

Amanda B. said...

Wow!!! That is just crazy about that drug! That makes no sense at all!! Really who could afford that?! Ugh...infuriating!

Seriously- I will be happy to help with the kids when you go on bedrest! Maybe we can schedule at least one (if not more) days per week where Eli could drop them off before work and pick them up after work. I would be so happy to be able to help!

Oh, and as a fellow mom of multiples...Katie's comment made me laugh... spoken by someone who has never had more than one ;)ha ha!

ruth said...

wowowowowowow thats SO wonderful!!! praying for you guys every step of the way!

good good luck!

LinkWithin

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...