We made it. 35 weeks. This is the goal we set way back in November when we first learned of the triplets’ existence. However, when the triplets are born tomorrow at 35 weeks, 1 day, we recognize it is the end of the easy part of raising triplets (and a singleton!) and the beginning of a whole new journey.
We’ve had so many people ask us if we’re ready. That is such a difficult question to answer. In some ways, absolutely, in some ways not even close.
Am I physically ready? Yes! Yes! Yes! There is simply no more room. Plus, remember the post from weeks back when I complained about only sleeping 4-5 hours a night? What I would give for 4 hours of solid sleep. At this point if I sleep for an entire hour straight it is a miracle. And that’s after I’ve been up for a few hours in between. I want to be able to walk again, I want to throw away the Zantac forever, and I want to be able to wear my wedding ring again. So, yes, I am physically ready.
Are we logistically ready? The nursery is done. The changing tables are stocked with diapers/wipes/creams. The clothes are washed, organized and put away. The bottles have been sterilized and are lined up in the newly christened triplet feeding cabinet in the approximate order we will need them. The care spreadsheets are done, printed, and assembled in their own notebook. The car seats are in the mini-van. The diaper bag is packed. Presents for Joshua from the triplets are purchased and wrapped. Stuffed animals from Joshua to the triplets are purchased. I’m sure we’ve forgotten something, but I can’t think of what it could be. Thus, logistically, I’d say we’re ready.
Are we emotionally ready? Ahh, isn’t that the $64,000 question. Can anyone ever be ready for the influx of 3 babies at once? I remember talking to a good friend when we were contemplating having a second baby. I told him that it is a really hard decision. On the one hand, by the time you start thinking about having a second baby you are in such a routine with your first child that you’re not sure you want to upset what has become very comfortable. On the other hand, you see all the mistakes that you made with the first one, all the small stuff you sweated unnecessarily, and you want to give yourself a second chance to just sit back and enjoy what you now know goes so quickly.
For us that “comfortable” pregnancy and newborn time was not to be. The triplets threw a whole new set of joys into the mix but I would be less than honest if I didn’t say that they also threw lots of new and different concerns into the mix too. But, you play the hand you’re dealt. And, in the end, I am sure that, for us, 4 children will be nothing less than 4 Aces.
Thanks to everyone for your thoughts and prayers these past months. Tune in tomorrow for all the details – including the long awaited names!
