Our Home away from Home ...

During our Surrogacy journey, we were matched with a Surrogate from the Sacramento area.  I was very excited, because I am from Northern California, and I felt this might be a good omen.   Although I'm not from the Sacramento area, growing up in  the San Francisco Bay Area for the first 20+ years of my life, I travelled through Sacramento several times, but not enough to know the area well.   One thing that anyone knows, is that one of the most famous hospitals in the Sacramento area, is the Sutter Heath System.   Our surrogate confirmed this, as this is where here children were born.   We were "sure" that our children would wind up being born at a Sutter Hospital..... this was only one of the first things we would be very wrong about during this journey.    It seems that the insurance company we were supposed to be dealing with didn't allow births at Sutter Facilities... where did that leave us then?   Once we knew we would have multiples (Twins, then Triplets, back to Twins... back to Triplets)... we knew it was important to have the babies delivered at a hospital with a good Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) - with Sutter out, that left the UC Davis Medical Center.

At first I was confused...  the city of Davis, where the main campus of UC Davis is located, is south of the Sacramento area.   Quickly I learned that the UC Davis Medical Center was located in downtown Sacramento at the "UC Davis 'Downtown Campus'"... and with that... our plans were set.

Heidi and I had a tour of the medical center in late July - little did we know it then, but that would wind up being less than 4 weeks before the birth of our children.   We had a quick tour of the Birthing Suites (3rd Floor, Davis Tower)... and was directed that if the children had to go into the NIC/U, they would be upstairs on the 5th Floor.   The tour was pretty quick, and the whole area seemed very confusing at the time.

Fast forward to August 20, 2011 - Sid and I stopped by the UCDMC building, and I gave him a quick tour of where to go when the big day came.   We still had no idea we would be back there before the end of the next week... On August 25, 2011 when the call came that Heidi was being admitted to Labor & Delivery, those previous visits really paid off! 

During Heidi's admission process, the NICU team came down to give us an introduction to what to expect during the delivery process.   What really freaked me out was that they began setting up the Infant Warming Bed in the birthing suite that Heidi occupied ... wow!  This was really going to happen!  The Nurses offered Sid and I a quick tour of the NICU - at around 10pm - we were so clueless, of course they were a 24hr operation.  All of the rooms in their NICU are animal themed; we toured through the Lion room, the Zebra Room, and through the halls past several unused rooms (the patient count was low... but about to grow by 3 at least).

Well, as you know, the birth process occurred on Friday August 26, 2011.  Right after the children were delivered via C-Section, they were brought to an outer room of the Operating Room, and this was where Sid and I were able to catch the first glimpse of our Angels.  After the kids were stabalized, assessed, and lightly cleaned, we were all on the move to the NICU. 

The Children were taken directly into the Zebra Room.  This was a new strange area for us to get used to, and we were still dressed in our "Daddy Suits" (see picture in previous post).   Once we arrived, someone told us - diplomatically - that we could get out of those paper suits, thankfully.   We could then get our first close up glimpse of the kids.

All in all, the children were in the Zebra Room for about a week, and then "hopped" over to the Bunny Room.   The Bunny Room was THE place to be, everyone assured us, because most kids were released from there to go home, as ours eventually were.

We can't describe the love, training, compassion, information, and support we received from the staff in the NICU.  From the Doctors (UCDMC is a teaching hospital, so there were LOTS of Doc's), to the Nurses, Nurse Managers, support staff, and Volunteers - everyone was so nice and accomodating to us.  Over all, we spent about 19 days on the NICU ward with our children, and these people came to be our family while we were in the "bubble" of hospital life.

Some notable people that we want to thank - and please, if we left anyone out, our apologies:

Becky, Angie, Roberta, Linda, Christopher, Sue, Monique, Susan, Elizabeth, Christy, Melodie, Valerie, Jane, Janie, Jennifer, Cathy, Joan, Andrea, Desiree, Cathy, Nancy, Amber, Sharon, Christa, Donna, Robin, Antje, Kim, and Arlene ... and many, many others!!

These people cared for our Children and in the process "gently" pushed us into being more active with their care (taking temps, changing diapers, changing clothes, bathing, etc); after all, as great as they were, they weren't going to be following us home to take care of them for us!   These wonderful women and men gave us the confidence to know that we could take care of our children.  Thankfully, the children were healthy and just needed to grow stronger, but in the meantime, we gained some valuable "on the job" training to help prepare us for the trip home.

Thank you isn't enough for all of these people that helped our new family to start.   These people work long hours, and are so dedicated to the patients they serve, and their families, we will always be in-debted to them.   Thanks D-5 Special Nursery Staff !!   We love you !!  

  

THE "Call" ...

Dear Friends and Followers... So sorry we haven't posted anything recently; as you all probably know, we've been pretty busy.  For those of you that know me, you know that I'm pretty OCD, so it just wouldn't sit  right if I didn't go in somewhat of chronological order. 

The week of 8/22, I was very lucky to have a work assignment that required me to be in the SF Bay area.   This was good because the prior weekend (8/19-8/21), Sid and I planned on packing up the Expedition (see post below of the packed car) - and head up to Sacramento.  The main goal here was to get the Baby Gear, Car, Carseats, etc  to Sacramento for the "upcoming event".   The drive went well; we visited Sid's family on the way (where his Niece announced she is pregnant ... Circle of Life !!).  We made it to Sacramento Saturday by 6pm, and headed over to Heidi & Jeremy's, where they gratiously let Sid cook for them.   Sid made carne asada & pollo (beef and chicken), with help from Jeremy's grilling skills, and along with mexican rice, and canned beans (we were on a short time frame), we had the meat in tortillas taco/burrito style.  Heidi's kids loved it!  We were happy that we could spend time with them, and do something small for all of the work they have had to put into our project - you know, being on the "business end" and all (Heidi with an ever growing belly full of baby). 

Sunday 8/21, Sid flew back to Phoenix from Oakland, and we had a few hours to visit with my Sister and Niece.  My Niece was about to turn 12 on 8/31, so it was great to see her before her b-day, and just before starting 7th grade (wow!).

It was kinda business as usual the week of 8/22 - me on a work trip, and Sid at home.   Until....

On Thursday 8/25, I was trying to work it out to meet Heidi in Sacramento for a doctor visit.   Due to a long string of events (in Heidi's post linked below), the timing didn't work out.   I stayed at work in the Bay Area, and although I really was starving, I didn't go to lunch.  That turned out to be a very good thing...

At around 1pm my cell phone rang.  No big deal, happens pretty frequently.   I looked down... and saw Jeremy was calling.   I think I instantly went into shock!  Everything faded away from my conscious as I answered the phone, already out of breath (maybe holding my breath).   Jeremy informed me that the "routine" Fetal Monitoring appointment turned into a concern, so they sent Heidi to the hospital.    At the sound of the word "hospital" and "labor & Delivery" I think I was half out of the door, ready to drive to Sacramento.   I told Jeremy I would be there ASAP; he cautioned me that it could be noting.   This was the beauty of me being in the Bay Area though; even if it was nothing, I could still come back to the Bay Area and continue the Wait. 

I called Sid... and I'm not too proud to say that at the sound of his voice on the phone, I started bawling like the babies that were possibly on the way.   I told him that I HAD to have him with me; go find a flight, and get your butt here quick!!   Luckily he listened. 

Click the link below to get Heidi's rendition of the story.... (Yes, I'm plagerising, but I need to be efficient now that we are Dad's of Triplets !) ...

The Birth Story

As it was throughout this journey, our Birth Story was a bit of a roller coaster.  I was an emotional wreck at the end of the day, I didn't know whether to laugh, cry from happiness, or just get lost in all of the wonder an amazement that had just happened.   In the end, Heidi did an AMAZING job of carrying the Triplets to 33 weeks, 6 days gestation - better than 90% of all Triplet births.   The babies had a bit of a rough first day, but within several hours, things were working as they should be, and the only issues were "normal" Preemie-realated things.  

We are blessed in so many ways.   Great Family, Friends, and now three beautiful children that we INSTANTANEOUSLY fell in love with at first site.    Thanks, one and all, for continuing to follow the "Arizona Triplet Tales" - now the fun is  really about to begin !

More to follow soon with the details about the kids !

Three Amigos Sid, Aaron, Jeremy - Ready for Action

The NICU Team awaiting the delivery ready to "Catch" the Babies

After seeing the arrival of our first Baby - Caitlin Marie, Baby A

With Kelsie Jeanne in the NICU just after delivery - lots of tubes and wires, but things were looking good



The ABC's of Love...

If you have been following along for a while, you know that our multiples have been "Baby A", Baby "B", and Baby "C", as we've progressed through this crazy, roller-coaster-like journey that is Gestational Surrogacy with Triplets.   As kids tend to do, they threw us a little curve-ball when they arrived, and changed up the batting order for the starting line-up last week.

Baby "A", aka Caitlin Marie,(4# 14oz, 18") was always our "Baby A", the larger of the two girls.  She is shaping up to be a natural born leader, as most first-born children usually become. 

Baby "B" was our son during pregnancy, but he got "sent down" to the little leagues, and our (former) Baby "C" took his place.   Kelsie Jeanne decided that she would be 2nd born, after almost 34 weeks of  being in the back-seat.  She is small, coming in at just 3# 11oz, and 17"; but don't count her out!  In just a few short days, she has proven in many ways that she is the stronger of the three.

Baby "C" - formerly "Little Girl Houdini" - is now our son, Riley Connor.  He appeared last, but the largest - 5# 4oz, 17".    Riley came out of the Operating Room in the best condition, but took a few steps back on his birthday.  He LOVES to be wrapped up, and under blankets (just like his Daddy!), and he is showing signs of being very independant. 

As I write this post, I am sitting in the Neo-Natal Intensive Care Unit, aka: NICU, at UC Davis Medical Center in Sacramento, California.   We've had a busy few days, but have finally settled into the NICU/Hospital routine.  The staff her has been AWESOME!! Not only have they been taking care of the kids, but - as I'm sure they do all too often - they have been slowly training Daddy Aaron and Papa Sid.   So far, we are taking temperatures, and diapering.  We've began to help moving the babies, and re-positioning.  We are definitely Daddies-in-Training !

Our babies wound up being born at 33 weeks + 6 days gestation.  In the Triplet world, that is AWESOME!!   Heidi out-did herself.  We will post some details of the "main event" soon - I'm not up to that just now.  Luckily she was discharged from the hospital on Monday, and is home recouperating.   Our families were able to be here to meet our new arrivals; they've all gone home to work and school now, but will be back over the long weekend.   Otherwise, Sid and I are content to hang out in the NICU, starting into our childrens eyes, and rotating the "Daddy Time" holding schedule.

The "Team" headed to the Big Show !! Guys are dressed in "Daddy Suits"

The Kids have arrived !

They are here!!

Born 8/26 at 10:07, 10:08, and 10:09 Pacific time!

• Caitlin Marie -  4# 14oz,  18"  
• Kelsie Jeanne -  3# 11oz,  17"   
• Riley Connor -  5#   4oz., 17"   

Our Awesome SurroMom, New Dads, and Babies are all doing well... More pictures to follow soon !

We are Banded !! One for each Baby, and the Green one for the NICU

"The Parent Zone".... Getting Closer !

We made it past 32 weeks, woo hoo! There are so many reasons that this is good news, of course the main one is that the kids will be that much healthier when they do finally come, however another great benefit is that everything that we haven't accomplished yet we can try to get accomplished (finally!).

First things first... The most recent doctors appointments continue to report good news. Heidi and the babies are all doing great! The babies continue to grow, and all of them should be over 4# now (estimated weight), which is great! The ultrasounds continue to show lung development, and who knows how they are doing this, but they are flip-flopping all around and keeping the Doctors guessing who is who.

Next... Must get stuff closer the the babies: We packed up the car on 8/19, and off we drove to California. After a pit-stop in LA visiting Sid's Family, it was north to Sacramento. The drive wasn't bad at all, it really helped to stretch it out over a few days. We drove right up to Sacramento, and met at Heidi & Jeremy's house to hang out. Sid made dinner for everyone, and we had a very nice visit. On Sunday, we headed over to the hospital to give Sid some idea of where he needed to go when he came back to the hospital with "other things" on his mind. We were also able to get the hotel situation figured out. Everything is falling into place... Go team !

Beyond being week #33 this week, there were some other significant events. Heidi has been driven to make it beyond 8/24 for two reasons: that day is both her oldest son's birthday, and was supposed to be her youngest sons first day of school. All was going well, until - boom (literally)!! There was a rail-car tanker fire in Heidi's neighborhood - a tanker car full of Propane caught on fire! Yikes! Not only just a simple fire - this one has made the national news. Thank goodness no evacuation so far - this is so not a stress that she needed . Hopefully things work out. Since they used the school for an evac center, school was delayed. If all works out, hopefully first day of school will be Monday.

On the delivery front, assuming there are no surprises, we will find out just after Labor Day when the scheduled c-section might be. We are getting so close! Sid and I are anxious to meet our children, but another week or two would be awesome. 35 week Triplets are very rare, but its looking like a possibility. We really feel blessed.

The countdown continues.... Thanks for stopping by !

Car Packed and time to go North !

P.E. - and not the "Sweaty Sock kind"...

For any of you that are familiar with Surrogacy, you might understand the title.   For those of  you that don't, let me explain.... One of the more peculiar parts of the surrogacy process is that after months of bonding with your Surrogate, her family, and friends, and forging a life-long friendship, the "IP's" (Intended Parents) are forced to sue the surrogate, and her husband if she is married.   We were shocked!  We don't want to sue this wonderful woman and her husband.... but that is actually the only way for us to be named the legal parents of the children.   It kind of makes sense, its hard to argue the "parental" relationship when the children are still in the surrogates womb, but it is still a little harsh!

The process is known as "Parental Establishment".... and I'm very glad to report that Sid and I are now the full legal parents of our genetically related children - Baby A, B, and C.   The original judgement was entered in July, and due to  technical issues, the amended judgement was entered on August 1, 2011, officially severing the rights of our surrogate and her husband, and naming Sid and I as parents!!   We are so excited!   With the judgement entered, the hospital is now "compelled" by the Court to issue the birth certificates in both of our names, and according to our wishes.   This is the last legal hurdle we had to get through, and thank goodness the "paperwork" portion of this process is coming to an end, and the fun part is about to begin... the part where we can hold, kiss, and snuggle with the babies!!

So, since we've just sued her, would it be wrong to refer to her belly as "our kiddie storage locker"??  That is probably going too far, huh??   Just kidding - we  have so much respect and admiration for everything she is doing.  Things are getting crowded inside and uncomfortable, but this is the "million dollar" smile that she still has.... she is just AMAZING !!  As I write this, we are over 1/2 way through our 32nd week, with 3 very active babies still "hanging in there" (literally).   Everything is going well, and we couldn't feel more blessed.  

Thanks for stopping by to catch up with our journey!

Heidi at 31 weeks and going strong !

Papa Bear Builds a Chair...

Things are definitely in high-gear around here these days!  Sid and I had another "marathon" Babies R'Us day on Saturday.  The plan was to just "fill in the gaps" with a "few things" we needed for when the babies come home...  3 hours, and about $1,500 later... we left with "just a few things".   There were some big purchases in the mix - a Rocking Chair, and a Video Monitor to name a few.   Luckily all of the gift cards from friends and family came in very handy, and significantly reduced the out-of-door cost for us... Thanks again everyone!

This week the nursery was painted.  We kinda gave in to the pressure of a new choice, and decided to keep the room the same colors it was (3 walls beige, and 1 dark green) - besides a profound lack of creativity in finding a nursery theme for 2 girls and 1 boy - we thought the existing colors would go well with the jungle/monkey (ie: 3 little monkies) theme we finally decided on.   Our GREAT friends, and long-time housepainters, John and Marcella, came over Tuesday and put a fresh coat of paint on the walls.  They are such great people!

Now the hard work... final placement of the furniture.  On the plus side, the "damaged" changing table hutch was delivered on Wednesday, and the rocking chair came in also... things are falling into place!

Here are a few pictures of Sid building the chair.  I told him that I would build the ottoman (it came put together in the box already...) if he built the chair... haha....

Harry and Sid concentrating hard...

My two "guys"... soon to get a new member of the club... Baby Boy "B"

Only a few more screws left...

Ahhh... Comfy !

We are gonna spend A LOT of time in this chair I have a feeling...

Heads Up Seven-Up ... or The Numbers Game

Hi Everyone!  I can't believe its been a few weeks since the last post.  Time seems to be going so fast these days, and the Lil' Ones aren't even here yet!  Lots of stuff has been going on... Sid went to LA last weekend to visit with family and help his Dad with an outpatient procedure.   Aaron turned 42... not normally a noteworthy event (especially after 30!), but turning 42 means that this is the year I get to meet our babies, so that is something worth looking forward to after a birthday !

On the Baby Growing front, some great things are happening.  As of today (7/28/11), we are closing out week #29, and heading into week #30 - WOW!!  Last week, Heidi had a doctor appointment where an ultrasound to check the heartbeats wound up showing some evidence that the babies were beginning to excercise their lungs - a GREAT sign.   Today, I was able to visit Sacramento for another "Level 2" ultrasound, where detailed measurements are taken of limbs, head, abdomin.   All measurements are looking good! (more on that in a second).   Heidi is looking wonderful, and in such good spirits.  I have to imagine if I had three babies bouncing on my bladder, and beating me up from inside at all hourse of the day, I would be WAY more cranky than she is... what a wonderful person she is!    Heidi and I were also able to go on a private tour of the hospital labor & delivery, as well as seeing the Nursery and NICU facilities.  It was more than a little eye-opening to hear the cries of newborns, and think that in a few weeks, our babies would be joining in the commotion!

From the Ultrasound, we found out that the Three Little Monkeys have been moving around a lot!  All three are now in Breech presentation (head-up).  The picture below shows all three heads in a row!  I wonder if they are conferring on how to get us wrapped around their little fingers as soon as possible?  (Little do they know, we are already there!)  I also can't help of them so close together like little "standing" passangers on a bus... holding on thru the bumps in the road.  Hopefully they don't "pull the cord" to get off the ride for a few more weeks still. 

A few weeks!!  EEEK !! Amazing, huh?  After almost 30 weeks post-transfer, and months before that working through the pre-arrangements (ED selection, Surrogate Match, Wiring Funds, Doctors, Lawyers, more Doctors, and More Lawyers...) we are almost at the point of having our little ones join us on the outside.  Hearing the doctor talk about plans for C-Section scheduling and other preparations kinda left Heidi and I in a little bit of a daze - we both looked at each other like "OMG...we are so close!".  

So here is the current stats and Plans....

• We are currently at 29 weeks, 5 days gestation
• Baby A (Girl) is measuring at 30.2 weeks - Approx 3lbs, 7 oz
• Baby B (Boy) is measuring at 31.1 weeks - Approx 3lbs, 15oz
• Baby C (Girl) is measuring at 28.5 weeks - Approx 2lbs, 13oz
• In the last 4 1/2 weeks, the babies have developed approx:
• Baby A - 5 weeks (ahead of the curve)
• Baby B - 4 1/2 weeks (right on schedule)
• Baby C - 4 weeks (a little behind, but still within standard development)
• Plan is to pass 32 weeks, and stretch (sorry Heidi!) it to at least 34 weeks.  Most Triplets (90%+) are born around 32 weeks gestation. 

The Doctor called Baby B (Boy) "our little Porker" - he has had the most room, and is obviously growing well.   I was concerned with Baby C development, but the doctor wasn't given the rate of development - but I will feel much more comfortable when she is at least over 3lbs... only +3oz to go!   I sure hope all of them are at least 4lbs at birth, but time will tell ... shortly!

The Brain Trust... Literally!  Three in a Row

Heidi - Still smiling !  :-)

... Children... Your Chariot(s) await...

Ok, we are weak... We debated over buying a new car, and discussed the pros and con's, but when it came down to it, its so fun to buy a new car... (until the payments start that is)!   We are now the proud owners of a 2011 Ford Expedition.  The funny thing??  We owned the same color, make and model 10 years ago - we had a 2001 Expediton, white with beige trim and interior.  We loved the car, but couldn't justify such a big car for just the two of us... well, obviously that has changed (or almost about to!).   While another color was really my preference, this one had all the bells and whistles that I wanted, plus a bonus for Sid - A/C in the front seats!  (It goes without saying for those who know me that my list already had heated seats on it... I know, we live in the Desert, but it is really cold in the winter...haha).   So, 5 hours after test driving, we drove it home... really, WHY does it need to take so long to buy a car?  Besides the obvious selling points about having more room, the Expedition has 3 latch systems in the rear seat, where the Edge only had two, and has a 3rd row seat - (volunteers anyone?).   Luckily, we got a great deal, and everything worked out well. 

Sunday we tackled the job of unpacking the three car seats, bases, and assembling the Snap-and-Go strollers (yes, strollers - plural - one double, one single..), and setting it up in the car.  So far so good... although we did think the Expedition would provide much more seating space, it wound up about the same as the Edge.  Seriously, the Ford Edge is an AWESOME car, if it works for you, you should look at it.

Double stroller with car seats

Sid is placing the seats in the base

Ready for our three peas in a pod !

Stroller storage... need to work on space optimization though...

15 years of Milestones... and more to come...

This week was our 15 year anniversary. 15 years!! Wow... We can't be old enough for that kind of milestone yet, can we?? Where Did the time go?  Like any relationship, we've had our share of good and bad,  happy and sad - and we are still together!  Guess we are in it for the long haul now - neither one of us is letting the other away with three kids to take care of soon!    
Here are some pics from when it all started...

Sid & Aaron - Nov 1998 - Getty Museum, Los Angeles

Sid & Aaron - Hebe & Hector's House - About 1999

Aaron & Sid - Long Beach - About 2001

And Here is where we are headed 15 years later....  What an amazing ride, and its just starting all over again !

Nursery Furniture arrives - July 12, 2011
(We know, Bumpers bad, shelf over crib will be moved... haha)