14 Weeks

This week was a very busy week for Mama and the three little Eskimos. In addition to the two doctor visits, we also attended a conference in Jacksonville. It was very nice to visit with old friends but we just do not have the energy of years past.

Our two doctor visits were with Dr. Dixon and Dr. Hume. Throughout the remainder of the pregnancy, we will be co-managed by Dr. Dixon as our OB/GYN and Dr. Hume/Dr. Willis as the Maternal-Fetal Specialists. The easiest way to describe this is that Dr. Dixon is my doctor and Dr. Hume/Dr. Willis are the babies' doctors. When I visit with Dr. Dixon, he will focus on my health throughout the pregnancy (in addition to the babies) and Dr. Hume/Dr. Willis will focus on the health of the babies. The result of both visits this week, we are all doing well.

During both visits we had ultrasounds (#6 & #7 to date). These babies should be very use to having their photos taken by the time they are born. As you can tell in the photos, they are becoming much more photogenic (ie. looking like babies). I inquired about the sex of the babies and the ultrasound tech at our first visit really tried to detect the anatomy of these babies. While we were told not to run out to purchase anything, she was able to give us a good idea about Baby B and Baby C. See below.....

Baby B - I currently look like a ...... BOY!!! I am located on my mother's left side. I am developing on target and per Dr. Hume, I have a skull and 4 limbs... yipee!!!

Baby C - I also currently look like a ...... BOY!!! I am on my mother's right side. I am also developing on target and per Dr. Hume, I also have a skull and 4 limbs... yipee!!!

Now...... BABY A.....

Baby A - I am developing on target. Per Dr. Hume, I also have a skull and 4 limbs. I have been given the label of Baby "A" as I am closest to the cervix (ie. first in line at the exit.). I am in the center below Baby B and Baby C. I am also the one already causing my mother trouble due to the potential placenta previa (which is still present). As you can see from my photo, I was taking a nap during this visit and really did not want to awaken to participate in some silly hunt for my anatomy. I refused to cooperate and therefore the tech was unable to wager a guess regarding my sex. My mother, based on all the available information, seems to think that I must be a ... GIRL!

While the idea of there being 2 boys and a 1 girl in our little trio is very exciting, we refuse to get too excited until this information is confirmed at our next visits. Our next visit with Dr. Dixon is Friday, 12/7 (17 weeks) and Dr. Hume/Dr. Willis is Friday, 12/14 (18 weeks). During both of these visits, we should be able to get a better idea regarding the sex of the three little Eskimos. While we (mainly me) are excited about the idea of there being two boys in the bunch, the most exciting news of the weeks was that all babies had skulls, 4 limbs and looked very health so far. I also learned that tall women have a better chance at carrying multiples longer. At 6 feet tall, I am ready for this first challenge of raising triplets!

I am feeling a little better these days. Dr. Dixon has provided me some medication that appears to be helping.

I wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Take care,

Kellie

11 Weeks

Greetings! Last week on 10/26/07, we had the 11 week ultrasound with Dr. Duffy. It was our last visit to the Florida Institute for Reproductive Medicine in Jacksonville. It was a very big milestone for us. We have been hoping for the day we were transferred to our primary OB/GYN because we had a healthy pregnancy, but saying good-bye to Dr. Duffy was a little emotional. I remember the day when Mike and I first sat in his office in February and he was full of excitement and optimism. After a short conversation he said, "let's do it" and we were at the beginning of this great journey!!!

During our 9 week post, I relayed the rarity of a triplet pregnancy resulting from a frozen transfer but skipped a few points in our journey that resulted in the frozen embryos. After this February visit with Dr. Duffy, we started the Invito Fertilization process which started with me taking birth control for one month. Yes, we also thought this was a funny way to start. Once this month was complete, we started my fertility injections to mass produce eggs during one cycle. Once the eggs were "ready" they were retrieved and fertilized with Mike's little swimmers (also obtained through a surgical procedure). This resulted in 12 fertilized and viable embryos. A few days later, 3 of these embryos were transferred into me and the other 9 were frozen. Well, during this "fresh" cycle we were unsuccessful and did not get pregnant. We waited a few months and then returned to attempt a "frozen" cycle with some of the frozen embryos. At this point, they thawed 6 embryos and 4 survived. We transferred all 4 and here we are with our "Three Little Eskimos" (endearingly named by Aunt Sue due to their 4 frozen months). If you are keeping track, this means we have 3 remaining frozen embryos in storage.

Now let's get to the 11 week update. All Little Eskimos are doing well and continue to develop on target. Grandma Sally was present for the ultrasound and was able to see the Three Little Eskimos in all their glory! The babies were again active with Baby B showing the most life bouncing all around. This was so cute that I began to laugh. At this moment, Dr. Duffy said "Momma needs to behave." After making a couple comments, Grandma Sally apologized but apparently... I was the Momma that needed to behave as my laughter was making the ultrasound a little difficult.... oops, I'm sorry! Here are the photos:

Baby A measured in at 4.82cm and had 158 beats per minute (bpm). Baby A was the most photogenic of the day actually starting to look like a baby.

Baby B measured 4.83cm and had 160 bpm. Baby B was our little bouncer during this ultrasound and would not sit still for the photo.

Baby C measured 4.28 cm and had 160 bpm.

It was exciting to see all three remain on target through this visit. However, after this visit, we had a little scare. Early Tuesday morning, I woke up with some bleeding. I checked many discussion boards and felt ok to return to sleep. When I awoke in the morning, there was more and I placed a call to the Dr's office here in Tallahassee. They asked me to come in right away for another ultrasound. During this ultrasound I was again relieved to see three healthy babies with strong heartbeats. It appears that Baby A's placenta is partially covering my cervix which can cause irritation and bleeding. Later in the pregnancy this would be diagnosed as Placenta Previa but at this point, there is no diagnosis as the uterus will continue to expand and this will probably resolve itself.

I am starting to feel a little bit better as I have good days and bad days. This is better than all bad days! My next appointment is my orientation here in Tallahassee on Wednesday 11/7/07. With a follow-up visit the Doctor and ultrasound on 11/13/07.

Take care,

Kellie