The latest and greatest..................

Ethan is off of the vent and is only on nasal cannula. Hooray!!!!!!!! They are all doing very well. They are tolerating their feedings very good. Surprisingly Ethan is the best eater so far. Nicole's milk has came in and we are pumping like crazy. That is a full time job in itself.

We did get into the Ronald McDonald house. They provide you with a room and bathroom. Meals, laundry service, Internet, and all the amenities of home are provided free of charge. I encourage everyone to donate to the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Northwest Ohio or in your local community. It takes nearly $500,o00 to operate the house yearly. They have taken a burden off of our shoulders. The house is located right next to the hospital and will transport back and forth between. It's a true blessing to have such a service available to parents for children in the hospital. Again, I encourage EVERYONE to donate to this charity. They also collect soda pull tabs, if you prefer save those tabs and send them to Ronald McDonald house.

When all the kids are off the tubes and IVs we are going to put a picture up of all of them together for everyone to see. Hopefully that will happen in the next week.

Olivia Lucille Camper

Evan Charles Camper

Ethan Paul Camper

The latest..............

Ethan is still on the vent. They are hoping to back him off of it sometime tomorrow. Evan and Olivia are continuing to do well. As promised I have pictures. Don't let all the tubes scare you, they are scarier than they really are. I hope you all enjoy the photos.

The latest..............

The babies are doing good. Ethan is still on vent but hopefully will come off today. Evan still continuing to breath room air. Olivia is on nasal cannula. Evan and Olivia are jaundiced and are under special lights. Ethan is slightly jaundiced but doesn't require any treatment at this time.

Nicole is being evaluated for a possible blood clot in her leg. They completed a doppler and we are waiting for the results.

I didn't make it home last night to post any pictures. I am going home tonight and will post some pictures.

The latest news about the babies...........

Olivia was extubated and is breathing with a nasal cannula. Evan is breathing on room air only. Ethan was struggling and had to be intubated. They are all receiving outstanding care in the NICU.

Nicole is recovering from the C-section but the bedrest has taken its toll on her body. I think her recovery may take a little longer than anticipated.

Otherwise we are continuing our stay in the hospital. Nicole will be here until at least Wednesday possibly even Thursday. The babies will be here for an undetermined amount of time.

The room number here at the hospital is room 376. The NICU is totally restricted to visitors. Only parents and grandparents with parent supervision. What a role reversal. We are going to try to get set-up with the Ronald McDonald House, which is across the street once Nicole is discharged.

We hope that she will have a speedy recovery and our babies will get to come home soon.

the middle names.................

So I am getting questioned about the middle names, so here they are:

Ethan Paul
Evan Charles
Olivia Lucille

They each received their own personal first name and the middle names are from Nicole and I's grandparents. We wanted to intergrate some family history in the names.

Update............

Everyone is doing fantastic. Nicole is absolutely exhausted. Ethan did not need a vent,he is doing better with the breathing. Olivia will receive more meds for the lungs and possibly will get off the vent later today. Evan is just hanging out over there. I just left from over there and the nurse said Evan was very long but when she seen me she understood.

Everyone here has been fantastic. The Dr's, nurses, and staff have been spectacular.

Will try to get some pics loaded as soon as I can. I am updating from the blackberry.

The arrival.............

The babies were born October 25th, 2009. Ethan was born at 11:50 PM, weighing 4lb 4oz. Evan was born at 11;51 PM, weighing 4lb, 2oz. Olivia was born at 11;52 PM, weighing 3lb 5 oz.

Olivia is on a vent but is doing very well. Evan is on c-pap along with Ethan. Ethan may be going on vent, but won't know until they continue tests.

It has been a long day and I am going to try to get some rest.

Day 6...............

This is day 6 in the hospital. They decided to hold off on the CAT scan, but they are giving the maximum dose of heparin. This will help prevent any clots from forming. Dr. Hnat was in today and said anytime she is ready to start contracting they are ready to deliver. They are doing another rescue dose of the steroids. We were told they don't really know how much rescue doses help at this point but they don't hurt anything either. Nicole has been getting all kinds of injections today. She is now allowed to get up and walk around. She asked if she could go to the mall, but he said no. He offered the gift shop. She is going to walk down there in a little while. Will have another update later.

Day five...........

This is day five of the hospital stay. They completed biophysical profiling this morning. All the babies received all of their points. Nicole has been having some shortness of breath, they are suppose to do a CAT scan to check for blood clots. We have not heard anymore about it.

Update............

This is day four in the hospital. No babies yet. They would like to get her to 34 weeks. The staff here at the hospital have been very good. The Dr's want Nicole's visitors kept to a minimum and when they do come of a short duration.

The latest news about us.................

The latest news about us is Nicole has been admitted to the hospital. She went in Tuesday because she woke up in the early morning with bad back pain. We monitored and she had had five contractions. We waited some time and monitored again with three contractions. The back pain not really leaving up at all. Once the Dr. office opened we called and they suggested monitoring for another hour to see what that showed. We did, and she had ten contractions. They instructed us to go directly to Toledo and get evaluated. She has been evaluated and the contractions have seemed to slow way down. We don't know if she will be there until the end or if she may get to come home. Hopefully we will find out tomorrow. Tomorrow also happens to be week 32. Yet another milestone in our journey.

I would have liked to update you all sooner, but the computer I was using at the hospital wouldn't allow me to log into the blog to put any updates. So there may be a delay in information. I came home tonight because I am going to work tomorrow. Will try to have more information updated when I can.

Endo appt................

Nicole received a good report from the endocrinologist today. I think Dr. Schroeder really likes Nikki. She said he was really cracking her up today. Tomorrow she has an appointment with the Findlay OB. She is monitoring right now. She monitors for contractions twice a day for an hour a piece.

Only three days until 32 weeks. Who would of thought that we would make it this far?

Will give update tomorrow. Good Night!

Contraction monitor............

The contraction monitor died today. We are not sure what happened to it, but it died. I guess the triplets wore the machine out. The gal just dropped off a new one. We are continuing the regimen as prescribed. Nicole is growing more tired day by day. it is really hard for her to move around too much at this point.

We received a nice package from Nicole's Uncle John and Aunt Jean in Minnesota. There were a lot of nice items for the babies. Thank you very much for the gifts. The blankets will keep the babies very warm.

Nicole goes to the endocrinologist tomorrow. Blood sugars have been running very good.

I will try to keep you all updated.

Update...............

Nicole had an appointment with Dr. Perkins Friday. It was for a check-up. She is still mildly pre-eclamptic. The two main criteria for pre-e is increased BP and wacky labs. BP is looking good and labs are all within normal range. They will be completing blood work bi-weekly and have 24 hour urinalysis weekly.

We are only five days away from 32 weeks. According to the Dr's if everything is OK we will be going past 32 weeks. We never thought we would make it this far, but we have. Way back in the beginning we expected to have babies very early. Thanks to all the prayers and good thoughts that didn't occur. God is truly an awesome God. It is through him that we have made it through this ordeal.

Please continue to keep us in your thoughts and prayers as our pregnancy journey is not yet complete. We appreciate all the people that have left comments and sent us cards and such in the mail.

Post Dr. appt...............

Nicole went to the Dr.today. Blood pressure elevated, we are still looking at preeclampsia as the diagnosis. She had more blood work today and it will be monitored very closely. If it begins to progress anymore the only treatment for preeclampsia is delivery. I have a strange feeling that it is going to be next week. I don't know why, but it is the feeling I am having. I had thought we would have two boys and one girl and that was true. So you never know.

The biophysical profiling was a challenge today, they didn't want to wake up and they are getting very crowded for space. However, they passed. We return to see Dr. on Friday, but will probably find out about blood work tomorrow.

Nicole had an experience today, she dropped her phone on the floor and it went under the bed. She somehow managed to get on the floor and get the phone. She said she laid on the floor for awhile before she actually got up.

10 days................

Today is only ten days from 32 weeks. Nicole grows more uncomfortable day by day. The stomach has some fierce stretch marks on it. Pretty gruesome! She is really starting to struggle. She'll make it though, she's tough.

Tomorrow she has two appointments, one to meet with Dr. Schutz and the other for biophysical profiling.

I moved the office out of Olivia's room tonight. Time Warner wanted to charge me nearly $70.00 all together to move the road runner from her room to the living room. I moved it for the cost of the wire, at first I didn't think I could but it worked out. And think of the money I saved. This is beginning to sound like a commercial for car insurance.

I need to go grocery shopping tomorrow. There is pretty much no food in this house. Nicole wanted grilled cheese and tomato soup for dinner, but no cheese. She is having hamburger helper now.

Will have another update tomorrow, but it will probably be late before I get to it. I have biochem tomorrow night. Talk to you all soon.

Update...............

It has been awhile since I have last posted. This past week has had its ups and downs. We had an appointment with Dr. Sunderji on October 7th. He thought Nikki was developing preeclampsia due to her increased blood pressure and slightly swollen face. He directly admitted her to Blanchard Valley. She spent a day and a half there. Preeclampsia is not being ruled out completely, we could just be in the early stages. She now has to meet with Dr. Schutz twice a week. They are continuing to do the biophysical profiling weekly.

The babies are doing well. Ethan is 3 lbs 5 0z, Evan 3 lbs 4 oz, and little Olivia is 2 lbs 9 oz. She is still small but is hanging in there.

We are continuing to get things in order for the babies. Christina is continuing to wash and put clothes away. We continue to receive blessings from our family and friends. Our friends Dan and April sent us a wonderful package for the babies. Thank you very much.

Another thanks to Vernon and Doris from our church , who sent home lunch for us today. It was very tasty. I can't tell you how much this helps me out. It takes one worry away from me. I am sure it is a struggle for all of you to decide, "What's for dinner?". I know it is for us.

I will continue to update you all with what is happening with us. I know I fell behind this week. I try to put something up daily.

Belly picture...............

Nikki's belly looks much bigger in person than it does in this photo. I am sure anyone that has seen her in the last couple of weeks would agree. We go to Toledo tomorrow to meet with the specialist. Hopefully she will get lucky again and get to come home.

Finally a photo.................

A quick update before I am off to work, the appointment went well yesterday. All three of the babies received all their points on the profiling. Oh, and here is a picture of the belly. Enjoy, it will probably be the only one you get!

18 days to 32 weeks......

Dr. Sunderji told us that he seen no reason we would not make it to 32 weeks. It will be 32 weeks in 18 days. I thought I wanted this to go past 32 weeks, but I am not sure about that anymore. Nikki's ear infection is back in the right ear. I think I am ready for the babies to be here and for her to have her body return to normal. This entire process has been an experience and I have helped Nikki with tasks that most guys wouldn't even think of. I guess all those years working in the nursing home are paying off. Who would of thought? Tomorrow more biophysical profiling and a follow up appointment with Dr. Freshwater for the ears. Will have another posting tomorrow to let everyone know the status.

29 weeks........

Yesterday marked 29 weeks for us. In 20 days it will be 32 weeks, which is our target goal. Our sister-in-law (Christina) came and organized some clothes for us tonight. She washed, folded, and put away the items. We still have a lot of work to do, but every bit of time someone volunteers really helps us out.

Dr. Appointment Follow Up....

Nikki went to the Dr. yesterday, she is measuring around 43 weeks pregnant. 3 weeks overdue for a singleton. The biophysical profiles were completed again, they didn't all score the maximum. Ethan and Olivia did not move their diaphragms. That is OK though. She goes to Toledo next week and will get profiling done again here next week. We are getting close. The end is just on the horizon.

Dr. Appointment....

Nicole has an appointment tomorrow with Dr. Schutz. They will complete another biophysical profile. Hopefully they will do good like the last time. I will give everyone an update tomorrow. Good night all!

Curtain rods

I found curtain rods on Saturday at K-mart in Lima. I worked a few hours on Saturday and went to K-mart and found exactly what I wanted. Thank you Tina for volunteering to pick them up. I appreciate that.

A great big Thank You!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We found this blessing on our front porch this morning. Thank you very much to Jeremy, Courtney, and Logan. This was a wonderful surprise for us. We really appreciate it.

The Baby Shower

I have put a video together of some of the photos from the baby shower our church had back in August for us. I hope everyone enjoys.

Olivia's glider....

The boys glider

Dr. Appointment....

Nikki has experienced less movement with the babies the last two days. She seen Dr. Perkins this morning and she seemed concerned that there was less movement than in the past. We didn't think much of it, as we have read that the babies can turn inward and you will experience less movement. So the biophysical profiling was moved from Friday to this afternoon. Biophysical profiling is a scaling system that rates the babies movements for fine and large motor skills and to see if they are moving their diaphragm's. It is only completed for high risk pregnancies. They all scored very well. We will be getting these profiles completed weekly from here on out. They will be watching them very closely for any changes that may occur. With a multiples pregnancy you never know when things will start to turn the other direction. It is very scary.

I have to brag about the medical professionals that have helped us throughout this process. Cascades Women's Health is phenomenal. Dr's Schutz and Perkins are in our opinions at the top of the heap. Nikki has friends that are pregnant now, and the care they are receiving doesn't seem as good as ours. The staff at Cascades are superb. I call the office and say my name and they know exactly who I am. Dr. Schroeder has been excellent. I don't know what Findlay and the surrounding areas will do when he retires. He is the only endocrinologist in town. It is a true blessing to have such great professionals on our case.

McDonald's Run

Nikki was wanting McDonald's for her snack tonight. Her snack was a Big Mac, fries, and a diet coke. It takes a lot of calories to maintain 4 bodies.

I told her I wish I could take them out and look at them, then put them back in to finish growing. She laughed and said I was nuts. We already know that though. :)

Olivia's glider....

Olivia's glider arrived tonight. I put it together and it looks good in the room. Picture coming soon.

Nicole went to Dr. today, the cervix looks good and she goes on Wednesday again to see Dr. Perkins. Friday we will begin to do biophysical profiles. They look at certain functions on the babies and score them. This will be done weekly to monitor them. If one would begin to do badly, they will repeat the process in a day or two and see what that shows. If at any point they feel one is lagging behind the other, that is the point we will be delivering babies.

This Thursday will mark 28 weeks. Another important date, 95% survival rate if they are born.

Last u/s of the kids

As promised, I have added the last u/s photos of the kids above.

Yet another milestone.........

Yesterday marked yet another milestone for us. It was 27 weeks. Dr. Sunderji said he seen no reason we could not get to 32 weeks. I cannot help but think we may get past 32 weeks. I know Nicole does not want to think about going past 32 weeks, but there is a very good chance that we may.

Not a lot has happened on the baby front the past couple of days. I have been exhausted this week. Those two nights in the hospital just took everything out of me. I don't know how they expect anyone to get any rest in the hospital with people coming in all during the night. Of course it doesn't help when an IV beeps for an hour.

I have the appliques to put up in Olivia's room. A very good person picked them up for me and was very generous to Nikki and I. We have been very blessed throughout this entire process. We have had people give us things, people coming during the daytime to be with her, and lots of prayers and good thoughts have been sent our way.

Not many people know this, but I will share it with you. The pastor that married Nicole and I had performed a revival at our church earlier this year. This was before we knew we were pregnant. He was preaching one evening and stopped and said that Nicole and I had come to his mind. He said that Nicole and I would be blessed with children and that we will have a financial blessing also. At the time we thought it was just going to be an increase in the attendance of our Jr. Church. Nicole and I were doing Jr. Church together at the time. Little did we know that God had another plan. He blessed us with 3 little miracles. God surely does work in mysterious ways.

Hospital stay

Nicole was in the hospital from Monday night til Wednesday afternoon. She had a double ear infection and a bout with the flu. She is home now and is doing much better. She is really glad to be home. I am glad too. I don't think I could have slept on the couch in the hospital for very many more days. Everyone was very nice on the labor and delivery floor. They stayed very busy while we were there.

I picked up the glider for the boys room. It looks good. It's white and has a blue fabric.

The last bed.......

Curtain rods

One would think that finding a curtain rod would be fairly simple. Not true. I am looking for a white wood rod and a cherry wood rod. Wood rods are not so easy to find anymore. Apparently they are not very popular. The stores have all kinds of metal rods, but hardly any wood. I am going to look online and see if I can find any. Wish me luck. The rooms and organization are coming together quite nicely. I picked up some curtains today and I am in the process of getting those up. I need to get those pictures added. Maybe later tonight.

The last bed has arrived......

I picked up the final bed tonight. It is put together and looks good. The bed is very similar to the other one. I will add a picture to the ones that are already up. I am also going to add photos of the u/s from the last appointment. I spent some time tonight washing some of the clothes. It takes awhile to fold all of them.

I appreciate the comments people are starting to leave. We are both very appreciative for all the prayers and good thoughts that have been coming our way.

Pictures

I have posted the pictures of the rooms. We put the border up last night. It looks really good. As you can see, I am still using Olivia's room as my makeshift office. This used to be the office. I need to call Time Warner to have them move the cable for the Internet. They have a special lock on it and I cannot move it. I received an e-mail telling me that the other crib is ready for pick-up. I am picking that up tonight.

Another milestone.....

Yesterday marked another milestone in our journey, it was 26 weeks. My work had the baby shower and we were showered with many, many, many gifts. It was a true blessing. We received over 1000 diapers, soaps, powders, and many other things. I began organizing all the items. I thought our house was a decent size until you begin putting all this stuff in it.

Patsy is coming over this evening and putting up the border. I can't wait to see the rooms with the border up. I will put pictures up as soon as it is finished. Linda (a friend from work) is picking up a couple items for me in Columbus when she goes today. The Babies R' Us in Toledo did not have them. She has generously agreed to pick them up for us. Check back tonight for pictures.

How the appointment went......

The appointment went really, really well. Dr. Sunderji was very happy with our progress. Ethan was weighing 2lbs 1oz, Evan was 2lbs, and Olivia was 1lb 11 oz. He said that Olivia has had catchup growth and she was doing a lot better. I can't express how happy he was. We see him again in 4 weeks unless something would change between now and then. We will see Dr's Schutz and Perkins every week until then. Dr. Schroeder has called us everyday since last Saturday. He is also very happy with the blood sugars.

The border is now here and ready to be put up. My Aunt Beth gave us outfits for the kids. ACHP (my work) is having a big to do tomorrow for all the pregnant people at work. We have four. I take the grand prize with 3. I will have more stuff to put away tomorrow.

Specialist appointment today

We go to the specialist today at 1pm. Hopefully we are maintaining the status quo. There's a chance they could keep her in the hospital today. I don't know on what grounds he would do that, because it seems like everything is going good. Check back later to see how it went.

On another note, the crib was exchanged and the new one is perfect. All put together and ready for little Olivia. The border is getting dropped off tonight and is getting put up on Friday. Pictures by the weekend, I promise.