Warning: contains nudity (not really)

So we found out the sex of the babies...see if you can figure it out from the ultrasound picture?

Still can't figure it out? Well then let's put some names to these faces, Caleb, Eli (short for Elias), and Thomas Pittsenbarger. Looks like the Pittsenbarger name will live on. Phil and I are very excited that we are having boys, although we would have been just as happy with girls. Here are some advantages and disadvantages we thought of to having boys:

D: There will be more injuries/fights to attend to.

D: Pee on the toilet seat, I know this one all too well from growing up with one brother, now it'll be 3! I guess since I'm out numbered, I'll just have to live with the toilet seat up, at least it will insure it to be dry.

D: My house will be thrashed for years to come.

A: Manual labor. They can help Phil remodel the house by the time they are teenagers.

A: I won't ever have to worry about doing, what I consider, male duties: taking out the trash, mowing the lawn, and cleaning out the basement (I'm putting that one off till they can get to it).

A: This one I'm sure is Phil's favorite, two on two basketball.

JP

Vitamins

So, I could almost endorse Vitamin World. These are the 19 pills I take everyday!

Unattractive Newborns

Here is a picture of mom and dad as newborns, just preparing everyone, don't expect attractive newborns. Considering there is a very small number of cute newborns I don't think ours will be much different. The family said Phil resembled everyones favorite alien, E.T. I think I look like a little piglet or a baby Eskimo. But there is hope, we both did get cuter by the week.

So I'm almost 16 weeks along now, if I have the babies at 32weeks, which is the average for triplets, then I'm already halfway through my pregnancy. But we are hoping to make it to 34 weeks, that would be ideal. FYI we are having our next ultrasound next friday and are we are hoping to find out the sex. No guarantees though.

JP

Belly Progress 8-15 weeks

Pacha tested, Pacha approved

common nicknames we have for the babies:

"los tres mismos"
"the amazing circus peanut trio" (see 8week ultrasound picture)
"pittsenbarger trinity"
"the trips" (short for triplets)
"the three stankbutts"
"same same but different"
"pitts trips"

any other good ones you can think of??? we are starting to run out...

JP

First Kick at 14 weeks

So we started stockpiling baby supplies and we are already running out of room! We bought a bunch of storage caboodles from Ikea. A gently used crib from craigslits (a Baby Italia, real nice, solid wood, supper heavy). A really nice co-worker of Phil's gave us a barely used car seat, a bumbo (kids always look tortured in these things but everyone swears by them so I'll give it a try), and a little bouncy chair-thanks Yosa!. Also, we drove up to Snohomish, Washington (near Seattle) this weekend to pick up a used triplet stroller that Sue and Ed (Phil's parents) bought for us. We got a great deal because brand new triplet strollers cost about $1,000-1,500! I'd carry all three of them on my back before paying that much for something you would only use for 2years.

Also, last wednesday (May 12th) baby C started kicking me during prayer at meeting. It felt like someone was gently flicking me. It lasted a good 20 seconds and it hasn't happened since. It's was really cute but what I've read from other supermoms (moms of super twins) is that it gets old fast, makes sense, I guess 12 appendages (6 arms and 6 legs) can do a lot of damage.

JP

Diet, don't try this at home!

Some of you may have heard of my 4000 calorie/day diet, considering I'm used to consuming 1200-1500calories a day, you can imagine how hard it's been to keep up this quota. I'm still waiting for that voracious appetite that pregnant women are supposed to experience, maybe it's just masked over by all the force feeding I'm doing. At the very least I'm not on the verge of throwing up after my last meal anymore. Anyways here is a sample of what I eat in a day:

-a 500cal, as phil calls it, "mama milk snacks" which is about 12oz of lactose-free whole milk with a carnation instant breakfast mixed in and two scoopfuls of whey protein powder.
-then a breakfast burrito: eggs, cheese, and meat in a flour tortilla, sometimes it seems to weigh about 2 pounds.
-2 high cal snacks (pretzels filled with PB, dried fruit, sunflower seeds)
-lunch is whatever we had for dinner the night before
-soy yogurt with some whey protein and granola mixed in
-snack at home (avocado with lime and chile, poptart(these are actually great cause one is 220cals)+milk, pb&j)
-Dinner whatever Phil makes, no energy to cook anymore, mostly meat (no veggies, takes up too much room)
-Desert or cereal

I was even told not to drink too much water, but instead drink fruit juice since it has calories along with other nutrients. Basically I'm free to eat whatever I want with the exception of soda and candy which I'm not accustomed to anyways. I also discovered that flaming hot cheetos are a great snack. Lots of fat, carbs, iron, and other vitamins!

JP

12 week Ultrasound

Babies are measuring about 6.5cm each, and all have arms, legs and stomachs. All other measurements show everything is as normal as can be. Go babies!

JP

10 week ultrasound

4/16/10 Babies are doing great! I'm doing ok, major fatigue and some light nausea but other than that can't complain. Here are the results:

LMP: 02/02/2010 GA Select: 10.4 weeks (LMP)
GA by LMP: 10.4 weeks EDD: 11/09/2010 (LMP)
GA by US: 10.7 weeks
Pregnancies: Gravida 2, Para 0010
Hist/Ind: Triplets
----------------------------FETUS A----------------------------
MEASUREMENTS & FETAL AGE FETAL GROWTH EVALUATION

Measurement GA Range Source %for GA Ratios
---------- ---- ----------- ------- --- -------------------------
CRL 3.8 cm 10.7 (09.9-11.6) Hadlock CRL 67%

GA for sonogram 10.7 wk (09.9-11.6)
based on (CRL) Avg

-----------------------------------------------------------------
CLINICAL SUMMARY

Type of Gestation: Triplet Monochorionic/Triamniotic Pregnancy.
A thick membrane was seen separating baby A, baby B, and baby C.

Baby A is located in the lower, midline part of the uterus.
Baby A's size is appropriate for gestational age
Baby A's placental location: Anterior.

Baby B is located in the right, superior part of the uterus.
Baby B's size is appropriate for gestational age
Baby B's placental location: Anterior

Baby C is located in the left, superior part of the uterus.
Baby C's size is appropriate for gestational age
Baby C's placental location: Posterior

Uterus and adnexae: No abnormalities seen.
There is fetal heart motion for each fetus.
Ultrasound cannot detect all fetal/preganancy abnormalities.

Impression: 28 year old G2P0010 at 10 3/7 weeks with
monochorionic-triamniotic triplet gestation who presents for growth
ultrasound.

1. Baby A with a CRL of 3.8 cm consistent with 10 5/7 weeks
gestation. Baby B with a CRL of 3.8 cm consistent with 10 5/7 weeks
gestation. Baby C with a CRL of 3.8 cm consistent with 10 5/7 weeks
gestation.

2. Monochorionic triplet gestation

Recommendations:

1. Nuchal translucency measurements at 11-13 weeks.

2. Growth and cervical length ultrasound at 16 weeks gestation.

3. Fetal anatomic survey at 20 weeks gestation.

She has an appointment with Dr. Clock in clinic today.

Thank you very much for allowing us to help care for your patient.

----------------------------FETUS B----------------------------
MEASUREMENTS & FETAL AGE FETAL GROWTH EVALUATION

Measurement GA Range Source %for GA Ratios
---------- ---- ----------- ------- --- -------------------------
CRL 3.8 cm 10.7 (09.8-11.6) Hadlock CRL 66%

GA for sonogram 10.7 wk (09.8-11.6)
based on (CRL) Avg
-----------------------------------------------------------------
CLINICAL SUMMARY
----------------------------FETUS C----------------------------
MEASUREMENTS & FETAL AGE FETAL GROWTH EVALUATION

Measurement GA Range Source %for GA Ratios
---------- ---- ----------- ------- --- -------------------------
CRL 3.8 cm 10.7 (09.8-11.6) Hadlock CRL 66%

GA for sonogram 10.7 wk (09.8-11.6)
based on (CRL) Avg

JP

Identical Triplets?

8 week ultrasound, 3/30/10 we just wanted to make sure the baby was ok, instead we discovered 3 healthy little ones! In a nutshell there are three babies with normal heatbeats. Each is in their own amniotic sac but same outer sac. They are sharing the same placenta, which is why we know without a doubt that they are identical. Here are the ultrasound results if you like to know all the deets:

LMP: 02/02/2010 GA Select: 08.0 weeks (LMP)
GA by LMP: 08.0 weeks EDD: 11/09/2010 (LMP)
GA by US: 08.1 weeks
Pregnancies: Gravida 2, Para 0010
Hist/Ind: DATING
----------------------------FETUS A----------------------------
MEASUREMENTS & FETAL AGE FETAL GROWTH EVALUATION

Measurement GA Range Source %for GA Ratios
---------- ---- ----------- ------- --- -------------------------
CRL 1.7 cm 08.1 (07.4-08.7) Hadlock CRL 56%

GA for sonogram 08.1 wk (07.4-08.7)
based on (CRL) Avg

-----------------------------------------------------------------
CLINICAL SUMMARY

Type of Gestation: Triplet
Three yolk sacs are seen. Three amniotic sacs are seen.
Placental location:
Anterior
Placenta previa cannot be evaluated at this time
Uterus and adnexa: No abnormalities seen
Transabdominal and transvaginal approaches were utilized.

Fetus A: Inferior Uterus
Fetal heart rate = 160bpm
Fetus B: Mid Uterus
Fetal heart rate = 167bpm
Fetus C: Superior Uterus
Fetal heart rate = 170bpm
----------------------------FETUS B----------------------------
MEASUREMENTS & FETAL AGE FETAL GROWTH EVALUATION

Measurement GA Range Source %for GA Ratios
---------- ---- ----------- ------- --- -------------------------
CRL 1.7 cm 08.1 (07.5-08.8) Hadlock CRL 60%

GA for sonogram 08.1 wk (07.5-08.8)
based on (CRL) Avg

-----------------------------------------------------------------
CLINICAL SUMMARY

Type of Gestation: Triplet
Three yolk sacs are seen. Three amniotic sacs are seen.
Placental location:
Anterior
Placenta previa cannot be evaluated at this time
Uterus and adnexa: No abnormalities seen
Transabdominal and transvaginal approaches were utilized.

Fetus A: Inferior Uterus
Fetal heart rate = 160bpm
Fetus B: Mid Uterus
Fetal heart rate = 167bpm
Fetus C: Superior Uterus
Fetal heart rate = 170bpm
----------------------------FETUS C----------------------------
MEASUREMENTS & FETAL AGE FETAL GROWTH EVALUATION

Measurement GA Range Source %for GA Ratios
---------- ---- ----------- ------- --- -------------------------
CRL 1.6 cm 08.0 (07.4-08.7) Hadlock CRL 52%

GA for sonogram 08.0 wk (07.4-08.7)
based on (CRL) Avg

-----------------------------------------------------------------
CLINICAL SUMMARY

Type of Gestation: Triplet
Three yolk sacs are seen. Three amniotic sacs are seen.
Placental location:
Anterior
Placenta previa cannot be evaluated at this time
Uterus and adnexa: No abnormalities seen
Transabdominal and transvaginal approaches were utilized.

Fetus A: Inferior Uterus
Fetal heart rate = 160bpm
Fetus B: Mid Uterus
Fetal heart rate = 167bpm
Fetus C: Superior Uterus
Fetal heart rate = 170bpm

IMPRESSION:
1. Living intrauterine monochorionic - triamniotic triplets with
estimated sonographic gestational age of 8.1 weeks concordant with
last menstrual period dating of 8.0 weeks. All fetuses have normal
heart rates. Pregnancy is considered high risk due to being triplets
and monochorionic. Referral to perinatology for frequent monitoring
and follow-up is suggested.

JP

Expecting Identical Triplets?!?!

This was written in May 2011, this is what my first post should have been...

April 2010
Identical Triplets?

On 3/30/10 we had an appointment scheduled for an ultrasound at 8.0 weeks pregnant. I was kind of nervous since the three home preg tests I had previously taken were all weakly positive (why was this when my HCG levels were ragingly high, I don't know?!).

In the ultrasound room we looked up at the wall mounted screen and had no idea what we were looking at even though we'd probably looked at hundreds of 8 week ultrasounds on the internet. We nervously asked the technician "do you see a heartbeat?" She paused for a moment and then said "I see three babies," slightly matter of fact and questioning her self. I said "what?!...what do you mean three babies?"
She then turned the screen she was looking at around so we could see the image more up close and pointed to the three little peanuts, each with a beautifully rhythmic beating heart. At that point it became so obvious what we were looking at. She finished up the ultrasound as we chit chatted about how we hadn't used any drugs or treatments and how you could tell if they were identical or not. She left the room and said a doctor would be in to give us more information.

Phil and I sat there for about 45minutes waiting. We looked at each other as we both said and thought "what the heck?!" The first few thoughts in my head were "this is crazy...I'm going to have to quit my job...wow this is kind of cool." Then I said to Phil "what if it's two boys and girl or two girls and a boy? I hope they are not all boys or all girls." Phil says, "I don't know but there better at least be one boy in there!"

The radiologist came in to congratulate us and to inform us that since the babies all shared one placenta that this would be an extra risky triplet pregnancy and that we should schedule an appointment with a perinatologist as soon as possible!

Geez...things just keep getting more complicated we thought. Then we asked "so that means they are identical and we are having either three boys or three girls right?" "Right!" We asked a few more questions but quite honestly we couldn't think straight.

I went to work feeling like I was having an out of body experience. Nobody even knows I'm pregnant, yet and here I am pregnant with three babies! I couldn't concentrate and since I didn't have a lot going on at work to distract my mind I left and went home early. Of course Phil goes off to work after the ultrasound and googles everything he can about triplet pregnancies, thoroughly scaring the crap out of himself. So many things can go wrong before and after the babies arrive! TTTS, preterm labor, preeclampsia, etc, etc, etc.
I on the other hand I wasn't getting too roused about anything besides the possibility of resting on the couch, I had already been experiencing major fatigue and a little bit of nausea. I was mostly thinking about practical stuff like finances and how the heck I was supposed to care for three babies ALL BY MYSELF!

When we thought there was only one on the way we had decided not to tell anyone until the second trimester just in case I miscarried. Now that we had three on the way, and were so excited we decided to tell everyone once our next ultrasound showed up fine (in two weeks). A few days went by and we both could NOT sleep! We had to tell someone. "Ok so we'll tell our parents and have them keep it a secret until the next ultrasound " we decided.
On Tuesday we found out about the triplets and on Saturday I called up my mom and told her I was pregnant. Of course she was ecstatic since this would be her first grandchild. I told her to check her email cause I had sent her a picture of the ultrasound. She opens it up and I ask her "how many babies do you see?"

I told my mom not to tell anyone except my sister and brother until the next ultrasound. That lasted all of a couple of hours. My mom cc'd me on a mass email she sent out to all the family and her friends. Oh well....Next Phil called and told his parents. Thankfully they kept it a secret.

What happened next? We were finally able to get a good nights sleep! We had passed on the burden to our parents and were much relieved. We began telling everyone after the next ultrasound checked out great. It was so fun seeing everyone's reaction when we told people we were pregnant and that that wasn't even the exciting part. "Twins?!" they would say, "nope, triplets!" So many different reactions, disbelieve, "you are just joking!," uncontrollable laughter, explosive but happy "WHAT! OMG!" followed by screaming (I think this was Lacretia and a couple other "Irvington-ites" : ).

By the time we had our first Peri appointment Phil had read almost the entire multiples pregnancy bible (see right side bar under "expecting multiples?") and had told me all about it (still too tired to be proactive). We met with our doctor which ended up being the most fantastic doctor ever, we were her 5th triplet pregnancy but we were her first identical triplets. I think she saw how happy and excited we were that she never even brought up the selective reduction/abortion topic. Later we would find out that selective reduction would not have been an option in our case. It was either all or nothing since the babies shared a single placenta. Not that it mattered, the thought never even crossed our minds.