Yet Another Happy, Happy, Happy Birthday!

Today we celebrated the life and birth of our triplets Maren, Lukas and Jacob. While this post should probably be made to our family website, I can't help but think that the events of this blessed day three years ago was where our adoption journey really began.

While we had briefly looked into adopting prior to conceiving our triplets our minds at that time were really focused on conceiving a child (although I do feel like having to consider this option as a way to bring children into our family prepared us for what the Lord would have planned for us later down the road). It was not until January 22, 2005 that we knew with surety that our other children would come to us through the miracle of adoption.

On this day, three years ago, I was laying in a hospital bed and was the size of a small house. I was absolutely miserable, but was determined to keep my babies in for as long as I possibly could. This was my fifth and final admission to the hospital during my pregnancy. I was 33 weeks, 6 days into my pregnancy and had already been in the hospital for 3 days, fighting off my impending labor. Prior to my admission to the hospital I had been on bedrest for 8 weeks and hooked up to a terbutaline pump and doing home uterine monitoring since 23 weeks gestation. My body was ready to evict the three little people swimming around inside, but I was fighting hard to keep them in. On the morning of January 22, 2005 I was 3 cm dilated and my contractions were still coming at regular intervals, although they had slowed a bit. With the help of my mother and my husband, I was able to get a shower that morning (an interesting experience to say the least) and several of my friends stopped by to check in on me. Some time early that afternoon I began to have difficulty breathing. My oxygen saturation was low and a respiratory therapist was called in to give me a breathing treatment. When I failed to respond to the treatments, several tests were run and it was concluded that I had pulmonary edema (fluid in my lungs). In addition to the pulmonary edema I was running a high fever. My doctor was called in and it was decided that I would deliver immediately.

I won't bore you with all of the details of the c-section preparation, but within an hour of making the decision to deliver, my beautiful babies were born. At 6:28, 6:28 and 6:29 pm on January 22, 2005, Maren, Lukas and Jacob came into this world kicking and screaming. I wish I could tell you more about the blessed event, but shortly after they were delivered, I began to lose blood rapidly and lost consciousness. For the next hour the doctors tried to stop the bleeding in hopes of saving my uterus, but they were unsuccessful. After giving me 5 units of blood and every drug on the market to help my uterus contract, the decision was made to perform an emergency hysterectomy in order to save my life. I was in and out of consciousness during this time, so it was not like I woke up to this news. Although I cannot remember many details, I was aware of what was going on. I do remember experiencing a brief moment of sadness as I knew that our family was not complete, but in the same moment I felt peace.

Eighteen hours after my babies had been delivered, I was able to visit them in the NICU. What an amazing moment that was. . .seeing my three, big (well, according to triplet standards. . 5.2 lbs., 4.15 lbs., 4.10 lbs.), beautiful, healthy babies for the very first time! What an incredible blessing.

It was that day that Richard and I made the decision that we would add to our family through adoption. We felt incredibly blessed to have our three, beautiful and healthy children, but despite the fact that I could no longer bear children, we still knew that our family was not complete. Our adoption journey would not truly begin for another two years, but this was the day is truly took root! So, as you can see, I have so much to celebrate today. . . the lives of my three, incredible children, my own life and the seeds of adoption being planted in our hearts!

It is hard to believe that, just three year ago, we were becoming parents for the very first time. . .and to three, such amazing little people. My life has been so blessed and enriched for knowing them and I truly thank my Heavenly Father everyday for allowing me the opportunity to be their mother!

HAPPY, HAPPY, HAPPY BIRTHDAY Maren, Lukas and Jacob! You are my angels and I love you more deeply than words can express! Thank you for an amazing 3 years!

Maren, Lukas and Jacob (5 days old)

Jacob, Maren and Lukas celebrating their 3rd birthday!