Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Marvin and I spent the afternoon with our bundles of joy!!! They continue to improve on their feeding. Thanks to his daddy, Cooper finished an entire bottle today, which is pretty exciting. However, when it was time for the next feeding he was completely exhausted. They have orders from Dr. Brown to take one bottle twice a day and the remaining feedings are given through their feeding tubes, so that they do not get so tuckered out. They continue to gain their weight...Carter weighs 3 pounds 13 oz, Chloe 4 pounds, and Cooper 4 pounds 10 oz. They were moved to pod 4 last night as they were having problems monitoring all three of them in pod 5 (still a level 2 nursery) - something about the computer problems they were having with all three monitors in one room. I already miss pod 5 because we had great nurses and they didn't come with them. I have put in special requests to get those nurses back. I am trying very hard not to be a nurse and to be there mother...but it gets frustrating when you know it can be done a different way, and sometimes a better way!?! I am just thankful that they remain in a great hospital under great care.

The occupational therapist donated fall hats to the triplets, her mother actually knitted them for the babies. Carter and Cooper look so cute in their fall hats, and their sister is sporting the pumpkin hat - so cute!!! Enjoy!

Denise

Monday, October 26, 2009

Bottle feeding has begun for the Snyder Triplets. We were able to start yesterday with all three of them. Carter was first and took in 6 cc of breastmilk via a premie bottle yesterday. However, he became pretty tuckered out and had some color changes (turned a little blue), so we had to take a break. Chloe and Cooper followed suit yesterday and also took 6 cc through a bottle, however they were able to handle the workload. The remaining portion of their feeding was given through their feeding tube. Today, all three had an improvement in their feeding via a bottle. Carter took 13 cc, Chloe and Cooper both took 11 cc without difficulty. We had a little scare today with Carter....as I was holding him later in the day during Kangaroo care, he lowered his oxygen level and became a little blue for a few seconds. The scare I find was just enough to remind us how fragile they still are. It may take them a few weeks to figure out how to breathe, suck and swallow during their feedings, as their brains are premature and they can forget to breathe - which is a little scary, even for a nurse!!! I witnessed another baby from our pod in the NICU leaving to go home and I was a bit sad as I would love to take my babies home. The good news is we have all been able to get lots of rest, so that way we'll be ready to care for them when they come home.

We included updated pictures - I love the one of where Jackson is using his stethoscope to listen to Carter and Chloe. I also love the one where it looks like Chloe and Cooper are about to kiss:-) Enjoy!!!

Saturday, October 24, 2009

The Snyder triplets are doing great!!! They continue to get their breast and formula feeding through a nasogastric tube, which goes from their nose to their tummies. The great news is all three are interested in sucking on a pacifier during their feedings, so hopefully in the next few days we can work on breast feeding and bottle feeding. Chloe is now off her oxygen monitor because she is no longer having problems with breathing, however she will continue to have her heart rate monitored until she goes home. The boys continue to have both their heart rate and oxygen monitored. They both compete at slowing their heart rate down and decrease their oxygen level, and it seems that they are doing it one right after the other. The good news is that they do not need to be stimulated and they resolve their breathing and slow heart rate on their own within 30-45 seconds. I am happy to report they all continue to gain weight, Carter weighs 3 pounds 7 oz, Chloe 3 pounds 11 oz, and Cooper is 4 pounds 2 oz. He looks absolutely enormous in comparison to Carter and Chloe - funny what a few ounces will do for you. We were lucky to have a visit from Aunt Monica and she was able to hold her little niece Chloe. Thanks to everyone for all your well wishes and prayers, it has meant a lot to us.

Denise

Thursday, October 22, 2009

Today my mom and I spent the day with the triplets in pod 5 (which is a level 2 nursery). It is a much calmer environment for all three of them. They were moved to co-sleep last pm. It was adorable to see all three sleeping together in a large crib. They seem so content to be sleeping with one another again. Chloe and Cooper are starting to get interested in sucking during their tube feeding, which is a good sign they will begin to feed with bottle starting earlier next week. Carter remains mellow during his feed and has no interest in sucking at this point in time. They all continue to gain their weight back. Carter is now 3 pounds 4 oz, Chloe 3 pounds 10 oz, and Cooper is 3 pounds 15 oz. Another great thing about today is I was able to kangaroo hold each of them during their feeding time. My mom (Vovo) held Chloe today for the first time, which was a nice bonding time for them. Marvin is planning to go and see the babies after work tonight. We are planning on Jackson returning to see his brothers and sister over the weekend. He asks about them daily, but has not asked to go to the hospital, so we are going to continue to make his visits minimal to prevent all those germs!!!

Thank you for all your prayers and support during this time, we truly appreciate it. I included a picture of the 3 sleeping together.

Love,

Denise

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

The triplets are one week old today!!! Time just flies by....we are happy to report they continue to do great. They have all been downgraded to a level 2 nursery and moved pods within the NICU. The new pod they are staying in is much quieter and it's nicknamed for the "growers and feeders". The goal is for them to get their weight to 4 pounds or more and improve their eating, as they continue to eat through a feeding tube. The great news is all three of them are off their oxygen and no one has IV's anymore....Hooray!!!

We met with Dr. Brown, the neonatologist this morning and received their brain ultrasound results. Carter and Chloe had normal brain ultrasounds. Cooper had a small abnormality, they listed it as tiny grade 1 internal head bleed. Dr. Brown reported a grade one is not associated with any neurological deficits in the future, which is great news. They will repeat his brain ultrasound before going home to evaluate for it's resolution. Tomorrow they are planning on moving all three to a giant crib so they can begin to co-sleep once again. They move their arms and legs all over the place and I think it's because they are trying to find each other.

Marvin and I were able to hold the boys today, and then Marvin held his little princess for the first time. I have a feeling she is going to have him wrapped around his finger:-) The plan will be for them to stay another 3-5 weeks as their weight is not much of a concern as them learning how to suck and feed correctly. We will continue to update you with any changes....but we are so happy and thankful that they are doing so well.

Denise

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

What a wonderful and joyous time we had in the NICU last night. We were each able to kangaroo our boys for an hour. Marvin held Carter and I held Cooper. It was absolutely amazing, and I did not realize the void I was having not being able to hold my child for 5 days. The other great news is I returned today and I was able to hold Chloe for an hour as well. All I can say is she is our little princess. She loved being held, but when she was done, she let everyone know she was done.

Dr. Brown the neonatologist updated me today on their progress and we are pleased to report that all three of them have lowered their oxygen and are tolerating it great!!! Chloe and Carter should be able to avoid the bili light as their levels continue to decrease. Everyone is doing great on their feeding and tolerating it well. The plan is if they continue to do well tomorrow they will move the three of them together to co-sleep. Tomorrow they are scheduled to have ultrasounds of their heads to rule out any brain bleeds, they are not too concerned of this, but this is a great hurdle they must overcome and I will report the results tomorrow.

We hope you enjoy the photos from our joyous moments of holding our little ones!!!

Love,

Marvin, Denise, Jackson, Carter, Chloe, and Cooper :-)

Monday, October 19, 2009

Well it was another great day of progress for our little ones. We had a few setbacks with Carter and Chloe yesterday as they were not digesting their food and had to be reduced on the amount they were taking in. But, I am happy to say they have figured it out for now and Carter is taking 24 cc feeds (30 cc in one oz) and Chloe was up to 17 cc feeds today. On the other hand, Cooper has no problems eating and has been increased to 27 cc every 3 hours. The other good news is because Carter and Cooper are doing well with their feedings their IV's have been removed....Hooray!!! It's great news because their IV's were going bad or they were kicking them out that they were getting an IV every 12 hours or so. Chloe still has her IV, but as her feedings increase this afternoon, we will keep our fingers crossed that hers could be removed tomorrow. The boys have improved their breathing as well, and their levels are just slightly higher than Chloe's (but it is normal for girls to do better in this department). Since Cooper has finally pooped several times, he has been removed from the Bili light. They continue to watch Carter and Chloe's level, but they believe they might be able to avoid the light.

Chloe had a wonderful nurse today named Lucy and she placed a little pink bow with white polka dots in her hair - she is absolutely breathtaking!! We will send photos later on tonight or tomorrow. We are hoping to have Kangaroo care (holding our babies to our chest) with the two boys tonight and we will rotate with Chloe for tomorrow. Dr. Brown the neonatologist rounded today while I was there and she believes they will be moving pods very soon...which means a lower level of care so they can continue to grow and feed and gain their weight back. Thanks for checking in on the family and we will continue to send updates.

Saturday, October 17, 2009

Our 3 little ones continue to do well. They are each presenting different personalities already. Chloe is our little screamer and she does not like her IV, she continues to kick them out or pull them out. She is doing the best with her oxygen and breathing. Carter is doing great too, he seems to be pretty mellow. He is now on the highest amount of oxygen and seems to be enjoying it at that level. Cooper has periods where he remains quite calm and then he can change so quickly. Cooper has periods where he breaths very fast and then slows down, so they are watching him closely. He still has not pooped, so hopefully things will progress soon. His bilirubin level came back elevated today, so he was started in the Bili light. He seems to feel pretty content and cozy warm under there. They expect the other two to go under the Bili light tomorrow as their levels have continued to rise. I am afraid all of them had to get new IV's today as they all went bad, and they are pretty tough sticks, so that was hard to see them go through that today. It's amazing, I have never had problems starting IV's on other children, but when it came to my own it was very sad to see.

I am expected to be discharged in the morning, it will be hard to leave our little ones, but we know they are in a great place getting great care. I am sad to say their older brother developed a fever today, so he will be banned from the NICU for a little while. He had a great time at his school's Fall Festival today - Vovo was able take him to play and get lots of candy. We will continue to give updates with any new changes - please continue to pray for them, to continue their strength within the NICU.

Friday, October 16, 2009

Sorry we didn't post yesterday. It was a very busy day...but a good one nonetheless.

Everyone is doing just fine. Denise will be discharged on Saturday or Sunday. They are estimating the triplets to come home in about 4-6 weeks.

We had a great meeting with the neonatologist yesterday...Dr. Brown. She was very reassuring. Each of the babies is doing well. They are all on a bit of oxygen to help with their flow. Carter and Chloe have both pooped...which is a really big deal. Cooper is being a bit stubborn. They each have great coloring. Cooper has the darkest and most hair...and Carter has the least and the lightest. In my opinion, Carter looks the most like Jackson while Cooper and Chloe look the most alike.

Last night, we brought Jackson down to see his brothers and sister for the first time. He was so good. He really is attached to his sister Chloe. He didn't want to leave her side. Funny how protective he is of her. Jackson also had the opportunity to touch and give love to each of the babies. Denise even was able to hold Cooper for about 30 minutes...they just finished giving him a bath. I promise to post pictures later.

This morning everyone was great. They each are having their formula/breast milk intake increased. We really cannot say enough good things about how the triplets are doing.

And I would be remiss if I didn't convey how great the staff here have been during our stay at Winnie Palmer. They are top notch!

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Well today was the day...we are proud to announce the Snyder triplets entered the world today at 4:25pm.

Let's just say the stars were aligned. I spent the day with Denise today...we watched The Proposal...which is quite funny and entertaining. It was a great afternoon of laughter and spending alone time with each other. At about 2pm or so I went down to the cafeteria to get us some lunch...when I returned Denise was having some pelvic pressure and phoned her nurse. Cindy phoned the rounding doctor for OB & GYN Specialists. He came in the room around 3:30pm and check Denise and found her to be 5 cm dilated. His words were "Its time to get these babies out today...you did a great job Mom!"

Needless to say, I felt a bit overwhelmed but remained strong for Denise. It all was happening so fast. I was never araid though and wanted Denise to know how proud I was of her. We went down to the delivery room for the C-section and were delighted to hear our OB Dr. Wilstrup was going to deliver with an assist from Dr. Logan. Denise and I were both at ease. The hardest part for me was sitting alone and waiting to go into the OR while Denise was being prepped. I sat quietly and prayed the Hail Mary and Our Father. So many people were going in and out...there must have been over 20 people in there.

At 4:25 they delivered Carter Fischer...weighing in at 3 lb 10 oz and 16 in ling...then at 4:26 Chloe Piquet came along at 4 lb and 16.5 in...and finally Cooper Lewis at 4:26 at 4 lb 4 oz and 17 in long. As you can see from the photos, Mommy was able to hold the babies. While Dr. Wilstrup finished up, I went up to the NICU to be with the babies.

We had Jackson come down after school and dinner to see his Mommy. Special thanks to Aunt Monica and Jessica...you were life savers. Seeing Jackson just lights up Denise while in the hospital. We also had visitors from Denise's parents and then our good friends the Setsmas. We are so blessed to have so many wonderful friends...and thanks for all of the text messages and phone calls...sorry for not answering them all..but I am sure you can understand.

I am home with Jackson tonight...again we are trying to keep him on a schedule. Denise will probably come home on Saturday or Sunday. The babies are all doing well. Chloe is the strongest right now with the best breathing and lung development. Carter and Cooper show signs of prematurity but are doing great. All of the babies are on oxygen and have IV bags. They are resting comfortably...and are really big for being 30 weeks and 5 days.

As I said before, today was the day...and it was an amazing and awe inspiring day. We are so blessed and thankful.

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Another uneventful day...but those are the best ones right now. When we have nothing new to report, that means the babies are growing well, moving well, and breathing well. This is fantastic! Denise does grow a little restless...but really appreciates all of the phone calls and e-mails and visitors. Thanks as always...and let's hope for another uneventful day!

Monday, October 12, 2009

Today will be short and sweet...nothing really new to report. Denise is doing well and the babies are progressing nicely The plan is to keep the same treatment to minimize contractions until the 32 week mark...October 23...and then re-evaluate.

Again words cannot express how thankful we are for your thoughts and prayers!

Sunday, October 11, 2009

Day 11 of hospital bedrest and it was GREAT!!! I was fortunate that my mother in law, Jackson, and Marvin came to spend the morning with us before Kathy (my mother in law) returns to Ohio later on tonight. Jackson was having a great time playing all over the place and the chords and wires no longer seem to bother him. He continues to ask if the babies are still receiving apple juice (which is my IV bag of magnesium sulfate). He is pleased his brothers and sister like apple juice, just like him. My mom (Vovo) took him across the street to Arnold Palmer Hospital so he could play on the playground and with the trains, needless to say he had a blast!!! We had other visitors today from Marvin's work which was nice. Today's ultrasound was a great score so the babies are doing well, it was nice as Marvin and Kathy were able to attend. We continue to do well and we are so thankful for all your love and support. Each and everyday counts....a nurse told me yesterday, for everyday the babies stay in the womb that is two days they don't have to go to the NICU, so that is enough motivation for me!!!

Saturday, October 10, 2009

Hello to everyone from Room B5220 at Winnie Palmer Hospital. It was a great day of bedrest!!! My lovely husband came last night to have a slumber party, which was very nice:-) I am afraid I was too drugged up from the medications to stop my contractions, but we made the best of our date night. The good news is the contractions have stabilized, so we can relax for another day. We had our daily ultrasound this morning and all babies scored perfect on breathing, tone, heartrate, and movement. It's now been 3 days in a row and all babies are now scoring well. It is amazing how fatigued I get doing the smallest task such as eating or getting out of bed. I am so thankful to have my mom here for all that extra help!!! The staff here at Winnie Palmer has been amazing, I am fortunate to have some of the same nurses on the second rotation and they are not tired of me yet...

I'm afraid there has been some sad news from the 5th floor, the other triplet mother that was in preterm labor went to the OR today for her C section as they could not stop her labor at 24 weeks. Please send your prayers and thoughts to her family as they have been through a lot these past few days. It makes us count our blessings and we are thankful for each and everyone of them.

Friday, October 9, 2009

Denise had a very busy and good morning...lots of visitors! She had a great visit from some of the GOMOTT group and then some friends. She was even too busy to talk to me on the phone...not a bad thing!

The triplets scored perfect scores on the breathing, movement, and tone testing of the ultrasound. We love those perfect scores!

The afternoon and evening have been a bit rough. She is having more frequent contractions...which are making her feel uncomfortable. More medication to stall them..which means making Denise more groggy. She will power thru it though...we are being as positive as possible.

Please continue to keep us in your prayers! We need two more weeks of the babies in the womb!

Thursday,October 8, 2009

Last night was a good night. Denise is feeling very good today .... and looking good to boot! Babies are growing well and scored well today in breathing and movement. Doctors are being very positive...and that is all we can ask for....as well as God looking over us.

Jackson is doing pretty good...misses his Mommy in the morning and at night...he is a tough one though. He continues to bring smiles to our faces!

I have been busy at home preparing for the unknown...lots of baby laundry, cleaning of various baby apparatus, redecorating a bathroom, and all that other normal housework. Special thanks goes out to my father-in-law who painted the bathroom with an edging assist from Vovo. It is also so comforting to have my Mom around for a few days....and she has really helped me out around the house.

We just keep thinking positive...and as always thanks for the calls and e-mails!

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

Denise had a rough go of it last night and this morning...really ironic since the day before was one of the best. I guess it just shows how the body reacts to medicine. Denise is so strong though...an amazing mother and so determined to keep those babies in for just under 3 more weeks.

My mom, Denise's mom, and I went on a tour this afternoon of the NICU. It was a really great experience...nothing like I imagined. I guess it goes to the point that those television medical shows do not really live up to the real deal. I expected a real hussle and bussle and lots of sad and depressing scenes...but it was really calm and peaceful...much more privacy and intimacy than I expected. It was a really pleasant experience...and I am so at peace with where the triplets will be going. I saw two real extremes on the floor...a set of twins born at 29 weeks who weighed in at under 2 lbs a piece. Then in another pod, there was a set of triplets born at around 32 weeks who were 4 lbs or more each. All of these babies were resting peacefully.

Jackson went up this evening to give his Mommy some TLC. It really brightened her day. Denise really appreciates all of the phones calls, e-mails, texts, and visitors. We really could not ask for a better support team or caring friends. Thank you is not sufficient enough to express our feeling of gratitude.

We are so overwhelmed and humbled by the prayers and well-wishes. I am confident all will work out as it should be!

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

Things are going well from Room B5220 at Winnie Palmer. Early this morning I went for an ultrasound and everyone is doing quite well. Carter increased his scores today and decided to practice his breathing, which is good. We received measurements on our little ones and they are quite big for their age. Carter (A) is 3 pounds 8 oz, Chloe (B) 3 pounds 9 oz, and Cooper (C) 3 pounds 9 oz and their measurements are within the 70th percentile which is great. I am going to remain on Magnesium IV for as long as possible or until October 23rd to continue to control contractions, which thus far it has done. The medication does not make me feel too good, but I keep thinking of our three little bundles of joy. I just want thank everyone for your thoughts and prayers, they are truly helpful and keeping us motivated!!!

My mom has truly been a blessing throughout my hospital stay, and we are so thankful she has been able to help us throughout this hospital stay. Kathy, my mom-in-law is arriving tonight for the week, which will be great as Jackson can be with his OMA. I look forward to sending out more updates in the next few days. Our love, The Snyder

Monday, October 5, 2009

Today was a bit more tough on Denise. She didn't feel quite right all day...probably due to the medicine....probably a little to do with being stuck in bed. She is a trooper though...and determined to get to 32 weeks!

She was lucky to have several visitors today....friends and family alike. We are also so indebted to her mom Vovo Jay...she is really helping me with Jackson. After school, he came home and helped Vovo paint his bathroom a new color. Photo to come of his art work...I promise!

Babies are doing fine...they do a ultrasound every 12 to 24 hours depending on their scores of movement, tone, and breathing...this afternoon Carter didn't score a perfect 8 on practice breathing...so there is an ultrasound scheduled for 6 a.m. Nothing to be concerned about...just something to monitor.

Sunday, October 4, 2009

I spent the night with Denise last night. We had a nice time...watched a funny romantic comedy with her Mr. Dreamy Matthew McConaughey (don't quote me here on the spelling)... Ghosts of Girlfriends Past. Denise's mom brought Jackson down this afternoon for a visit. He was very happy to see his mommy. He doesn't quite get it why mommy has to stay at the hospital. He was very concerned about Denise's IV lines...and Denise made it very simple...the Magnesium is Apple Juice for the babies.

Dr. Humphreys, one of the perinatologists, confirmed our minimum expectations this morning....Denise will be in the hospital for at least three (3) more weeks on the Magnesium. They want to get her to 32 weeks..and I know we can do it!

The Magnesium though is taking its toll...Denise is experiencing more headaches and she feels "foggy." She is a trooper though...whatever it takes to get us to 32 weeks. The staff there is so supportive. Denise though is looking forward to Dr. Wilstrup's visit tomorrow.

Kenny Hobb's wife Jenny (Kenny is my Nike Golf Rep.) stopped by and visited Denise this evening. She works in the NICU there at Winnie Palmer. She was kind enough to set up a tour of the NICU for Denise's mom this evening. We have so many people looking out for us. My mom is coming down to help out for a short time...she will be here Tuesday thru Sunday...and then back again for almost a month in November. We are doing our best to keep Jackson's life as sane and normal as possible.

Keep the prayers and happy thoughts coming! It truly means a lot to us!

Saturday, October 3, 2009

Well...its another day in the finest hospital in Orlando. Denise had a good nights sleep but woke up with some contractions. The doctors decided to change her IV from Procardia to Magnesium to slow the contractions. Denise was also experiencing some lower blood pressures.

The Magnesium has done what the doctors wanted so far. Denise's blood pressure is up to normal and the contractions have ceased. The babies are all doing fine. We just returned from an ultrasound. They each had movement and had visible signs of breathing. Heart rates were also very good. The only bad thing about the Magnesium is that it puts Denise into a hot flashly haze. So if you talk to her and she seems "dazed and confused", its just the drugs.

The rounding doctor gave Denise some warm fuzzies when she told her that she was Dr. Wilstrup's "special project." He wants to be updated on everything with Denise and the triplets. We are very happy with his managed care!

Today Denise also got her first delivery of flowers from Mom and Dad in Ohio. They made her very cheery! She also had visitors this afternoon...our friends the Setsmas...and her sister Monica and brother-in-law Joe stopped by for dinner last night.

Thanks as always for the prayers and thoughts!

Friday, October 2nd, 2009

This is night two in the hospital for Denise. She had a good day. She was able to get lots of sleep and needed rest. The doctors still are not sure when she will come home...but the good news is that the contractions have stopped (via medication) and the babies are doing great. The one sure thing is that Denise is on strict bed-rest until Dr. Wilstrup decides to deliver the babies.

Jackson had a great day at school today...and is spending the night tonight and tomorrow with his cousins.

We really appreciate everyone's thoughts and prayers. I promise to keep you posted with developments as best as possible.

Right now we will just continue to pray for more time!