Three ... is the magic number..

Well, the news is out there, and I have intended to write this post numerous times.  But then the holidays came faster than expected, I got a terrible cold and all of a sudden weeks and weeks had passed, and I need to update! 

So, yes.  It is true.  We are expecting triplets, and we were so happy to confirm in early December that they are all completely healthy, and they are ALL BOYS.   Here's a photo of all three of them together (probably the last time I'll get them to pose so serenely in a single shot).  We had this done at SF Perinatal where they treated us wonderfully and gave us these great 3D screen shots, after shooting me repeatedly in the stomach with a needle for our CVS testing.  All worth it to know these guys are doing well. 

The CVS testing is recommended for those of (ahem) "advanced maternal age" so, while it is quite a stressful process, the result of knowing so early they are doing well was worth it.  Here's a shot of Baby Boy A sucking his thumb during the procedure.  Unbelieveable how much you can see at only 11 weeks!

We've known since very early in our pregnancy that it was triplets, so we have had a little bit of time to get over the extreme shock.  But every now and then it still hits us the difference we're going to have in our lives.  From our mellow little family of 3 with Amelia who is almost 7, easy going, mostly self sufficient little girl, to doubling the size of our family with 3 babies at once. 

The first question I get whenever someone hears our news is "What was your reaction when you first found out that it was triplets?"  I'm not going to lie, my first reaction was to burst into tears.  It was so overwhelming in so many ways.  I was so excited that we were actually pregnant, but then imagining the risk of carrying 3, the change in our lives, are they all going to be ok, where will they sleep, wait, the car I have doesn't work for 4 kids, how's Amelia going to handle this.... (throat closing up, panic attack taking over...)  It was not prety.  The poor doctor giving me the news during our appointment.  It wasn't just little tears, and holding myself together until I was out in the car.  No, I fully went into the ugly Oprah cry with the sobbing, and the gasping for air.  

Over the next few days, I discussed it with some immediate family and close friends and the reaction amongst all of them was pretty universal:

1) Hysterical laughter & disbelief

2) "OMG are you kidding me?  No, you're joking, c'mon you're not serious?"

3) and a very very few close friends looked us right in the eyes and just said "Dudes, WTF are you going to do?!"

Well, we're going to have three babies at once, of course you amateurs ... baby-havers only one at a time.  HA. 

And, we're moving along.  I'm 4 months now and they are all growing well.  As am I.  I of course didn't take a pre-baby photo because I felt like that would jinx it, so let's just say I looked something like this:

 

What?  She's Brazilian, I'm Brazilian... same-same, tomato - tomato

And now, at 15 weeks at Christmas I looked like this. 

I know, OMG right?  This is apparently what 4 months with triplets looks like. 

This is me wearing this same shirt at Christmas in 2004 when I was 7 1/2 months pregnant with Amelia.  (Ignore my brother totally photobombing this photo)  As you can see... pretty darned close to my current size, OMG.

 

So, I promise to be better about taking belly pics, keeping you updated on the boys' progress, etc.

Wish us luck!

Comments

[Katharine Jeffcoat]

I loved your honesty and humor in this blog report, I'm looking forward in following future postings.

[Catie]

There is not a reasonable person on the planet who reacts to having triplets with super happy excitment, so you are 100% fine. Because ZOMG! It's three babies all at once. It's also an amazing and wonderful thing and so exciting and I am very happy for you. I hope your pregnancy continues on smooth as the smoothest thing possible.

[Anamaria]

Promise to get crazy with you in Brazil playing with 3 little american boys, 3 brazilian boys and one very cute girl ;-)

[Lawrence Chase]

Anyone would understand your first reaction to the news that you are having 3a babies, 3K diapers, 3 cribs, 3 feedings, 3 car seats, etc.. But destiny chose you for this because you can do it! You can grow up 3 little "Mike-Dans" who will make the world a better place. They will!

I am so pleased with this (what is it? A blog?) because reading your innermost thoughts about it all really makes us feel like we are there with you, and not 3K miles away. Now we feel more like we are part of it all. And, we enjoy your marvelous sense of humor!

All our love to you, Mike, and Amelia, and the , Three Musketeers. Grand-dad Chase and Grand-mom Chase

[Holly]

I just think this is such AMAZING news! Congratulations to you and your family Daniela!

[Elizabeth Moraes]

Your sense of humor will make everything sooooooo easy i hope. You are a family type of person. The triplets will help you and Mike to fullfill your dreams. Congratulations from grandaunt ( doesn't this word exist?) hugs Beth, marcus and family