Tag Archives: pregnancy

We’re Learning

The triplets and I have been learning a lot these past few days!

On Tuesday evening we tried cereal for the first time.  More came out than in that’s for sure!  Logan didn’t last too long either.  You can see in the video below when he starts to freak out.  It’s a lot to do all at once!  But the triplets and I are learning and we’ll get the new feeding thing down.  Or at least I hope we do!

Just yesterday, I found that Logan and Owen can sit up … sort of.  We need to do a few sit ups to tighten up their abs.  Not only are they learning how to sit up, from this video I learned that I should NOT be a video commentary.  Please excuse my nonsensical mommy talk.  It’s a little peak at what it’s like when it’s just me and the boys.  I never knew I talked that fast.  Is that normal?

In addition to the mom thing — I’ve volunteered to help with Teacher Appreciation week at Jaden’s school.  I haven’t helped with anything this year and I was feeling guilty.  (I mean come on — being very pregnant is NOT a reason haha)  So I thought, what the heck — it’s just collecting some gifts and assembling them into baskets.  It would be something I could do in the convenience in my own home, at whatever hour I found time.  Easy, right?  Ugh wrong!  Like every thing in my life (or so it seems) it’s gotten a little crazy!

We’ve been blessed with generous gifts from fellow parents, however in the form of cash.  That means I’ve got to go shopping.  Whoops, didn’t plan on that one!  It’s also meant drafting reminder notes to be sent home with kids.  Another whoops!  We got this great idea to send home a worksheet with the kids to have them fill out.  We would then create a book for each teacher as a thank you.  Holy cats did that one blow up in my face!!

The first wrong move was that we wanted to include the paraprofessionals.  Since mom is one at Summit View, I know how much being included in ‘teacher’ things means.  But what I wasn’t planning on was that each para helps multiple teachers.  And sometimes, they help a different teacher in the morning than in the afternoon.  How on earth were we going to do that one?

I tried to be good and get another mom help out.  I used my new Zumba class as an excuse.  ”I would do it, but I’ve got Zumba tonight ….”  I tried!  Tried is the key word there.  BUT when I heard that the other mom I was working with was had to show her home for the first time the next day, my heart-strings pulled.  I found myself putting labels on worksheets with her until 10pm last night.  We got it done tho!  But I lost out on time with Doug and putting Jaden to bed, and a feeding and (very important) watching American Idol.

Along with the triplets, I’m learning too.  I’m learning my limits.  I need to do things that make me happy and keep me sane.  But with my babies, I need to be realistic on what I get involved with.  If I get in over my head, it becomes work, rather than a relief.  So while volunteering and giving is a love of mine, I need to keep it in gear and not get in over my head.  It’s just sad because I’m really good at saying yes!

Love, Mel

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Filed under Milestones, Posted by Melissa, Triplets

Happy Valentine’s Day

Happy Valentine’s Day everyone!  The boys and I had a little photo shoot while Jaden was at school.  There are a bunch of just Owen as he was the ‘cooperating’ baby today.

Love Logan’s face in this one!  Arm behind his head like a sexy little man!

Owen (left) Weston (middle) Logan (right)

Owen (left) & Logan (right)

I entitle this one “Love Hurts”  (Logan)

I’m also a huge dork and made Doug Valentines to take to work.  I would have normally made them for Kohl’s – but since I no longer work there I get to have Doug take them to his work!  He was such a good sport (after giving me all kinds of grief of course).

The top:

The bottom:

Into the fridge …

TaDa!!  Tiny looking ice cream cones – complete with cheesey Valentine’s day jokes inside!

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Filed under Holidays, Photo Shoots, Posted by Melissa

Baby A-B-C Photo Shoot

All during the pregnancy, the triplets were called Baby A, Baby B and Baby C.  My sister made some cute onsies with the same names!  We had a photo shoot with them this week.

Logan = Baby A

Owen = Baby B

Weston = Baby C

Weston’s SuperBaby pose (above)

I wonder what all the babies are looking at to the left … Apparently I’m not all that fun since I couldn’t get them to look at me to save my soul!

Ahhh haha Owen and his buldging eyes!  I think we get one of these faces in every photo shoot!

There were so many feet kicking about and so much grunting.  Got me to giggle out loud, all by myself at times!

This face is a perfect example of why I call him Oh-dee-doh-dee! (above)

When all was said and done, the babes were all back in their seats –  I was sitting there and had an “ah ha” moment.

So many times my life feels surreal – I mean, come on, who has three babies?  It becomes motions – just doing the same thing over and over again.  And every once in a while, I have these moments where it feels so real.  Where I can feel how important my job is – raising THREE lives at once.  Raising four boys (including Jaden) to be good men, to love their wifes (or husband), to love the earth and to love others.  They all depend on me.

They all will look to me for guidance and encouragement.  I’ve got love – plenty of love to give out!  But what I fear is the discipline that they’ll need.  Will I be strong enough to dish it out when they need to learn?  How many moments of “ugly mommy” will I have?  Will they look back on their childhood and think they had a crazy mom or a fantastic mom?  (I hope a little of both)  I’m so lucky to have a childhood where I think my mom was SuperMom – I was the luckiest kid in the whole wide world!  Stop it mom – you were AMAZING!

What I pray for at night is that my kids get to learn who their mom is (or at least who I try to be) – silly, goofy, giving, loving, stubborn.  I want them to look back on their time when mom stayed home with them as so much fun!  I want to do crazy things like turn the upstairs level into a giant fort and leave it up for two days.  I want to do funny things like cut their toast with cookie cutters and surprise them with a new shape each morning.  Do you remember Toaster Strudels?  When getting ready for school, my mom used to surprise my sister and I with a different picture on our strudel each morning!  Sail boats, trees, hearts, her signature ‘cloud face.”  And for the longest time I thought that applesauce was supposed to be served with cinnamon sugar and a cherry on top!

These are the simple gifts that MY mom gave me and I only hope that I can give to my boys!  I love you mom!

Love, Mel

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Filed under Photo Shoots, Posted by Melissa

Visitors

We’ve had a few visitors since the Logan and Owen have been home.  It’s been so exciting to finally introduce two of our babies to friends and family.

Friday night, Sarah and Abby came over after their Black Friday shopping.  (First time in 4 years I haven’t gone!  It just didn’t feel right with Rae being in NY.  Oh yea and i had two newborns at home hehe.)  Sarah keeps spoiling me with gifts – she’s nuts and wonderful all at the same time  :)   I got owl pjs and a sweet mom planner (with stickers!).  Abby brought over owl hats she made by hand.  This girl is talented!  I’ve been eyeing up hats similar on etsy.com – they sell for about $30 a pop!  The ones that Abby made are way better!  I think she could sell these hats instead of teaching summer school this year!  How did I get so lucky to have friends like these girls?  Oh yea, Rachael was kind enough to share her friends with me  :)

They are a little big …. hat photographed on Logan

Dad Bissing and Eric came on Saturday to move our stuff into the basement now that it’s finished.  Doug was tricky and got them both to hold a baby.  I thought Eric might go into cardiac arrest, he was SO nervous!

Grandpa Bissing & Logan

Eric & Owen

Also on the visitor list was Jess, Angie and Carrie.  We are so blessed to have wonderful friends!

Angie (Owen on the Left & Logan on the Right)

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Filed under Posted by Melissa

Cool Dudes!

All three of the babes have high Bilirubin levels so they need a little photo light therapy.  Check out the sunglasses!

Owen

Logan

He’s so relaxed and chill, laying on his back, hands on his legs.  Cool Dude!

Weston

I was holding Weston right before this picture was taken.  He spit up on me really good twice!  First one to make a mess on Mom!

Doug and I will be staying one more night in the hospital and will be discharged tomorrow.  I’m looking forward to being home again. It’s been over a month since I was there!  Jaden is coming up to the hospital for a visit soon.  He’s then going to see a movie with Pa and Yaya.  Doug and I have a date night – bath time with Weston at 6pm!

Looking forward to being home with Jaden!  It’ll be interesting on how we are going to be able to divide our time.  I won’t be able to drive for another 2 weeks or so because of my pain meds.  I’ll be dependant on others to bring me to visit for a while.  We also have the option to take a board room and stay here too.  It’s free for parents to stay while their babies are in the NICU.  Or we can stay with Mom and Dad for a while.

Alright … back to Dexter!  I got the first DVD of season 3 in the mail from Netflix.  Doug even likes the show (a little).

Love you all! Mel

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Filed under Hospital Stay, NICU Stay, Posted by Melissa

Week 33 Update

I’m not sure anyone really thought I would make it this far once I was dilated and in the hospital.  The false alarms also led us to believe that these little ones were breaking out.  But here I am … still pregnant!  Now start the jokes of how we can get labor going and of course the bets on when they really are coming.  I say the next few days are all good … they’ve got great birthdays!

  • 11-9-10
  • 11-10-10
  • 11-11-10
  • 11-12-10

After that the birthdays just aren’t’ that great …  Who knows, I’m such a freak of nature, I’ll still be pregnant at Christmas!

I’m dilated to about 5 cms now, but not contracting.  So we are waiting for more of a progressive labor before we deliver.  Each morning I wake up hoping today will be the day!  I’m still on bed rest, so I’ve been laying around and watching TV.  It’s funny as I have tons of projects to work on – Thank You notes, work on my scarf, gifts, creating the blog book.  But I just don’t have the motivation to do them.  I’m turning into a vegetable!

My belly measures 59 cm!!  Thank goodness for the Plus size maternity shirts … those are barely fitting these days!

Rae brought me a present too!  A princess crown.  I think I get a little sassy when I wear it too :)

My nurses, mom, Rae, Doug and me have been brainstorming ways to get the babies to come faster.  Here are a few ideas:

  • Salsa dance in my huge room
  • Walk laps back and forth
  • Hide my anti-contraction meds like a psych patient would
  • Hit every bump on my wheel chair rides
  • Better yet, instead of going on a wheel chair ride, push my wheel chair around the hospital
  • Eat spicy food like Dad’s chili
  • Mom says some kind of oil and root beer is supposed to work

Those are just a few!  Dr. Akea came to check on me this afternoon.  I told the doc how miserable and how uncomfortable I am.  I even reenforced that even though I was laughing and smiling while I said it I really meant it!  She smiled and encouraged me to talk to Dr. Epperson tomorrow to pin point a more solid plan of action.  She then reminded me that every extra day in the womb is one less day in the NICU.  At this point I’m ok with the NICU!  I mean, come on, they have the best docs and nurses there!  Right?

As much as I complain or joke about wanting the babies out and as much as I really mean that I want the babies out, I still want them to come on their own time.  They should come at the “right” time.  Who am I to say that they are ready?  I can’t even see them!  I just don’t want to force something.  What I really want are these contractions to kick in and the docs to make the call.  I had one contraction while playing cards with Rae and I got SO excited.  That was it though … one contraction.

Thank goodness for my visitors!  They all keep me sane!  The mornings are so sluggish and yucky.  Then when my visitors come, the whole day gets better!  Mom and Rachael make me laugh SO hard!  They usually play a game or two of cards with me (even though they LOOSE!).  Tonight she cut out a little early since Brittany, Rae, Doug and Jaden were all there.  We were in the middle of a game so I think she just forfeit (afraid of loosing again haha)!  Visitors are the very best part of my day!  Thank you to everyone who has spent some time with me.  You all have made each day a little brighter and me a little happier.

Love you!

Mel

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Filed under Belly Photos, Hospital Stay, Posted by Melissa, Pregnancy

False Alarm #86,000

So really … it’s been three false alarms.  But it might as well be 86,000!  The emotional roller coasters are nuts!

Yesterday, Doug and Jaden were still here from their sleepover.  It’s the first one Doug has been able to experience first hand.  First, I started to feel crampy.  Then the contractions start.  I was really feeling those contractions too!  The nurse checked me and she thought I was about 4.5 cm dilated.  So we got an IV started, made phone calls to our immediate family, they called in Dr. Epperson.  Since Mom and Dad Bissing were driving down from Green Bay, we called them, gave them all the information.  Knowing it wasn’t set in stone, they started to drive down.  If the doc called it off they would just be turning around.  We really thought it was the real thing.  Doug proceeded to clean my hospital room.  I’m not really surprised by this, are you?  I love my Type A personality husband!  And Jaden asked for bacon over and over again.  I wasn’t really surprised by this either.  Dr. Epperson came in to check me and she says there really isn’t a change in my dilation, and now we wait again.  WHAT?  All this hype to come crashing down in 30 seconds.  Mom and Dad Bissing were already in Oshkosh!! But a few more days in the belly is better than the NICU (I keep telling myself this …)

Dad and Jake came by to visit before heading to the Packer game yesterday afternoon.  I again started to have contractions.  The kind that made me curl my toes, breath really deep and gave me the chills.  Again, I thought we were going to see a change in the dilation.  NOPE!  Another let down.

Mom, Rae and Sarah came to visit me after the boys left to run their errands and get ready for bed.  After Mom left, and right before the girls were going to leave the contractions started AGAIN!  I was so uncomfortable.  They were almost stabbing.  The nurse called Dr. Epperson and the girls were so good to me they waited to see what might or might not happen.  The nurse checked me and still no changes!  I was fed up with the day and when the girls left, I went to sleep.

Now it’s Monday morning and I slept alright … But I’m a little crampy again and feel another contraction episode might be starting.  November 8th would be a good day to have these babies … Mom and Dad’s 30th wedding Anniversary!  But who knows … I don’t want to get my hopes up in case it’s just going to be another day of false alarms.  But on the other hand I don’t want to be caught off guard.  Not to mention, I ran out of Dexter episodes to watch online … so I’m pretty lonely during the day now.  I’ve got to wait for the discs to show up from Netflix, which I think will be Wednesday.

These little owls are already teaching me that they now run my schedule  :)   I’ll try to keep everyone updated if we do end up having these babies today or tomorrow.  Things get pretty crazy around here when they think something might be happening.  Thank you for all of your thoughts!  Love you all!

Love, Mel

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Filed under Hospital Stay, Posted by Melissa, Pregnancy

A little secret…

I’ll let you all in on a little secret … I miss being home.  I’m ok being in the hospital because I know it’s best for both me and the babies.  Besides, if I were at home, every little pinch would get me thinking I was having contractions.  Here, they can just hook me up to a machine and things are good.  But I miss family dinners at the table and bedtime with Jaden.   I look forward to seeing Doug and Jaden each night … even though it’s only for an hour or two.  I’m holding strong and loving the visitors.  They help the time pass.  Just wish being in the hospital didn’t mean that I had to miss my family so much.

Thank goodness the nurses are so nice and my mother comes every afternoon!  If I were smart I would probably enjoy the quiet time a little more knowing that once the triplets come, there won’t be a quiet time in the next 18 years!

My spirits are high and my health is in check … I just love and miss Doug and Jaden so much!

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Filed under Hospital Stay, Posted by Melissa, Pregnancy

Big Brother Class

When mom came to visit me this afternoon, I pretty much fell asleep right away.  I got hooked up to the baby heart monitor and, for whatever reason, I couldn’t keep my eyes open.  I slept thru the entire time I was on the monitor.  I woke up towards the end.  Baby A had a heart beat of about 170, which is quite high.  Nurse Jodi explained that it could be a sign of infection.  So they ordered a blood test and made a quick appointment at the PAC for me (with the specialist doctor).  All the tests came back ok … babies are good!

All I could think today was “I can’t have the babies today … I’ve got my PAC appointment tomorrow morning.  And if we have babies tonight, then I won’t have my appointment!”  I still got my PAC appointment, but a little early.  As odd as it sounds, I wasn’t ready for it!  I had cookies I was going to decorate and bring over for them.  And since I slept all afternoon, I didn’t decorate them.  Come to find out Dr Miller wasn’t there anyways.  I think I’ll decorate them tomorrow and deliver them on my once a day wheel chair ride.

While at the PAC, it was a party …. of course!  I told Caryn about the “Jesus lights” in the room.  They are two spot lights that shine SO bright directly at the bed!  When Rae found the switch to turn them on they blinded me!  Why on earth are they shining high enough to blind me?  Shouldn’t they be lower? … just saying ….  We then found out that there is a magic wand that controls the spot light.  Nurse Colleen said that it was her wand … and I couldn’t have it.  I think we should get a nurse in on a little prank, get a hold of the wand, take a picture of me with the wand and then tape it to her locker!  We all laughed.  It was at this point that we realized this poor guy, who was trying to draw my blood, was the only male in the room with five women!!  He sort of blushed and said that it sounded like the light at the end of the tunnel for babies.   hahaha

Tonight was the Big Brother/Sister class … finally!  Jaden came busting in thru my door carrying his three chosen stuffed animals.  I was allowed to go in a wheel chair and only as long as I didn’t feel any contractions.  I made it about 45 mins thru the class and started to feel tight, so Doug took me back.  When we first got to the class, Jaden was so proud in telling the whole room that he was having triplets!  He was also “that” kid in the circle … throwing his Panda in the air, interrupting the teacher to tell her stuff.  He was so excited … probably going to be a class clown.  The other kids were slightly shy and you could tell they were nervous.  But not Jaden!  He learned how to put a diaper on his panda.  Doug and I offered to help him, but Nooooo he wanted the teacher to help him.  What a booger.  When I left they were getting ready to watch a short movie.  Then the boys came back to the room and Jaden and I colored a picture he got.  It was all too soon before they needed to head home for showers and bed time.

So no babies yet … but they are coming.  It’s only a matter of time.  I’m getting less nervous and more excited to meet them!  Boy is our life going to change when the owls decide to enter the world.  Watch out world … here come the Bissing Boys!

Love, Mel

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Filed under Hospital Stay, Posted by Melissa, Pregnancy

Today’s Visitors

Today’s visitors were a blast from the past … not to mention a gas-t!  Get it?  I rhymed?  haha I’m lame … I added a random T.  An old friend and the very first person I ever met at St. Norbert College, Jenifer (Pracher) Wessels came to visit today.  Mom was still here and we spent an hour or two catching up, watching Oprah go camping and laughing …. hard!  Ummm she brought in a scrapbook magazine which I’m SO excited to look thru and a little scared to cuz I’ll wanna craft!

The two of us hung out until Roz (also known by less cool people as Sarah) came to join.  The girls went out and brought back Noodles for us to enjoy.  What a college flash back!  That’s pretty much the only place I went to each out at in college.  By this time the boys had joined us.

Jaden wanted bacon in the worst way!  So I called down and ordered a few pieces for him .. it took FORTY FIVE mins to bring up four pieces of bacon.  Phew!  Jaden loved being the center of attention and showing off for the girls.  Then came the japanese between Jaden and Doug … and the belly laughs.  The video says it all!

http://www.facebook.com/v/547737029031

I think it’s hilarious how for a few seconds I only got Doug’s booty shaking in the camera.

Then it was time to say goodnight.  Jaden of course wasn’t really excited about leaving, but with some luck and encouragement we finally got him in his coat and shoes.  He gave me a huge kiss goodbye and him and Doug left.  And wouldn’t you know….the little man came running back into the room 30 seconds later with that smile on his face for “one more kiss”.  Doug followed behind.  Pretty sure he pulled an escape and came running back.  I promised him I’d wave thru the window and told him to look for me.  With another kiss he was off with Doug again.

Watching the two boys walk out of the building is adorable!  Doug, with his long smooth stride.  And Jaden with his little feet running 100 miles an hour under his little body.  With help from Doug he found my window and waved really big.  Then he started off running back towards the hospital!!  I guess he wanted “one more kiss” again.  Doug had to jog to catch up to him … he made it pretty far before being caught.

I talked to Jaden all the way home.  He wanted to know why I was still in the hospital and when I would be able to come to our house.  Breaks my heart every time he asks.  He’s being a good sport about it all, but I know it’s still tough on him.  Then he asked what the babies were going to eat.  We spent about 15 mins going thru how they would first drink a bottle, then mushy cereal.  Maybe then they’d have some Cheerios and then finally they could eat regular food.  It was so cute how interested Jaden was.  He’s going to be a great big brother!

Tomorrow is the Big Brother/Sister class!  I gave Jaden the assignment to pick out three stuffed animals to bring.  He already picked out the Elmo doll that sings the ABCs.  I secretly can’t wait to see what else he picks out!  With all the craziness with contractions, I hope they still let me go.  Otherwise I know Doug will do great in the class with him!

Tomorrow I’m also decorating more treats for my nurses.  Earlier this week Mom baked brownie bites and brought the fixings to the hospital.  My nurses have been so great to me, I wanted to find a way that I could still thank them.  I know I’m not doing the hardest part (baking) but I’m still helping in creating a treat for them.  Here are a few pictures of when I decorated the brownie bites:

Nurse is going to come in any minute to monitor the babies for the night.  I better sign off.  A huge thank you to Jen, Roz and Jason for visiting tonight!  I had so many great laughs!

Love, Mel

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Filed under Hospital Stay, Posted by Melissa