One Year Ago...

November 16, 2007 was a big day, and I knew that it was going to be, as friends from my (then) current school, my past school (where I worked for 11 years), and my university partner, hosted a "Babies Shower" on my behalf. During the very special event, I was able to spend time with friends and colleagues who I really enjoy and genuinely admire. Even though I was really looking forward to the shower, the day was filled with even more excitement than I ever anticipated. It was during this shower when I experienced my first threatened miscarriage. While in the ambulance talking to my doctor on the phone, it was explained that it sounded like Baby A was detaching from my placenta, and his life, along with his brothers, were in jeopardy. As I laid there, I could only think that all of my babies had to survive. While in the emergency room, my dear friends Kate and Erin prayed with me nonstop, while Angelika made sure I was receiving 5* care. Having these friends with me on the scariest day of my life was a true blessing, as they gave me exactly what I needed during that challenging time.

About 4 hours after the initial episode, an ultrasound was performed. At that time we learned that all three babies were still attached, each having a heart beat and moving around. From that point on, however, I was under 'house arrest' while on bed-rest... no more work, no Christmas shopping or parties, not even a low-key Thanksgiving at Mom and Dad's... nothing! And to be honest, I didn't care at all about any of it. All I wanted was for my three little guys to stay in me as long as possible.

Just a couple weeks later, however, our situation deteriorated. On December 2nd, I was rushed again to the hospital, this time in even worse condition. After being cared for by multiple doctors and nurses, it was explained that one of three things would happen, and none of them included Baby A (who we now refer to as Liam) surviving. As the high risk doctor sat on the end of my hospital bed, I almost remember what he told me verbatim... "Best case scenario, Baby A passes inside of you and the other two don't recognize his death and continue to grow and develop. Another possible scenario is that we deliver Baby A, and then stop the delivery of Baby B and Baby C. The third scenario, which we would do everything in our power to prevent from happening, would entail delivering Baby A and then not being able to stop the labor. If that were to happen, all three babies would be delivered." Since I was only 21 1/2 weeks pregnant at the time, there would have been a 0% chance for survival for any of the babies. After more exams, however, the doctors realized that Baby A was not completely detached and I was not dilated, like originally thought. I spent the next 6 nights in that hospital, and was then released to my husband's care while on strict bed rest.

After being home for 3 nights, however, I had another 'episode', and was taken to MY hospital where MY high-risk doctor was assigned (the other emergency visits were at visiting hospitals, the closest ones to where I was at the time). Anyways, to make this long story not much longer, I was admitted into the hospital on December 11th, had several threatened miscarriages and then preterm labor scares, and was granted three healthy babies on March 5, 2008. As it turns out, I ended up carrying the boys 35 full weeks, over 15 weeks past my first threatened miscarriage.

People used to ask me all the time how I spent 95 nights in a hospital while keeping my sanity. I don't try to be funny when I answer, but honestly it was one of the easiest things I have ever done. Thinking about all of the 'scares' we had, it looked entirely possible, in fact probable, that we were going to lose all three of our boys. So the way that I saw it, every single night I spent in the hospital was another day I was blessed to still be pregnant.

Since the boys made their grand entrance into the world, I often think about the challenging pregnancy, and what 'could have' been. I literally thank God every day for the outcome He granted us.

Without a doubt, I whole-heartedly believe that Craig and I are recipients of true miracles. Liam, Aidan, and Connor were so close to not making it into our lives, yet they are all as healthy as can be (minus the spit-ups and ear infections of course :-)).

Following are pictures of the boys one year after all the high-risk pregnancy drama started.

A year ago our Baby A, who we now refer to as Liam :-), was our little guy who kept trying to 'escape'. I think we scared him in utero, as he is our only baby who still does not move out of a sitting position without help. Liam is an awesome baby with an incredible personality. And as a bonus, his smile is contagious.

Aidan, our Baby B, is our active little guy. He was the first to sit, crawl, and break dance... Yep, he has all the '80s moves down pat. His giggle is hilarious, as once it starts, it's hard for him to stop. He's even been known to make some friends and family members tear up, while laughing at his belly laugh.Connor is our lovable goof-ball. We never know what he is going to do or how he is going to respond. The only thing that is guaranteed is that he is going to surprise/ impress us, melt our hears, or make us laugh. And I am so glad that Connor continues to still be somewhat of a cuddle bug. Connor, Aidan, and Liam 'One Year Later'.

Last year I constantly prayed that my boys would 'stay put' for several months. This year I have the same hopes, in a very lighthearted way. This picture was taken as I was trying to get all three to sit, look and smile at the camera, all at the same time... Believe me, I'll take this 'challenge' any day!!!

Things do not always go as planned in our house, and we certainly do not consider this past year as an easy one, but we do recognize that we have been blessed with three precious miracles and we will continue to thank God everyday for the rest of our lives!