FEATURING ALL THE GRANDKIDS

Left to Right, Breanna with Nicklaus, Hannah with Madeline, Rachel with Grace
Breanna with chubby cheeks Nicklaus
Hannah and her look alike Madeline
Rachel with Grace
I can't tell which one this is, but it is a cute picture.

Hi all,I can't believe how fast the days go by. Gosh it's been almost 2 weeks since my last posting. To bring you up to date. The triplets are all GGGRRROOOOWWWWWIINNGG. The unofficial weigh in at our house last night produced two over 9 pounds and the third close behind. In looking at their eating charts I saw that they are eating almost double the amount they were eating when they came home from the NICU. You will see fat little cheecks in the pictures I have posted up. They all had their eyes examined last week, and all are doing fine. Nicklaus is a little far sighted, but not enough to be concerned about, and little Gracie showed them all up by having the best eyesight of the three. We just marvel at the babies progress and how well mom, dad, and Nanny Jenni are holding up. Well, I don't want to take up much space or time, so here are the latest pictures, taken Sept 29.

WE ARE 11 WEEKS OLD THIS TUESDAY

Hi everyone, Christy sent out the following e-mail, which I am posting up for those of you not on her distribution list. I just want to add, that while Christy says the triplets have changed Steve's and her lives, the babies have changed everyone's lives they are in contact with. Sharon and I just wonder at their little lives. They are growing so fast. They can hold their heads up pretty well, and love to look around at all the things there are to see. I have noticed that when I walk in and say something, they look in my direction. No more just bobbing our heads around, now it's looking at what we want to see. We are blessed as we live close by so we can help fill in those times when help is needed, and while we do get tired, we love the opportunity to be with those three little gifts from God. I must admit that before the babies came home I never dreamed that they would need as much attention as they do. It takes at least two adults present with them at all times. Thank goodness for all of you who have been able to help, it has helped all of us keep our sanity. So here is the note from Christy. Check back in a day or two for some new photos. Grandpa Bernie

Hello Everyone, It has been one wild ride these past few weeks. Right now I am currently up at 12:00am and trying to stay awake for the next 24 hours. Jeni is here with me tonight (our nanny) and she is more awake than I. Steve and I have definitely had a serious life change. I LOVE IT! More than anything it is the greatest feeling to have these babies as a part of our lives.We went for the triplets first shots last week. That is terrible to watch. It goes very fast but the babies are screaming the entire time. As soon as it was over they all fell asleep as fast as the shots happened. We only had a few nights where I think that it bothered them.Everyone is growing in their own special way. Nicklaus still takes the "Gold" in weight. He was 7lbs and 2oz. Madeline is the "Silver" medalist with 7lbs.and 1oz. Grace is not far behind taking the "Bronze" at 6lbs. 7oz. All the kids eat about every 2-4 hours during the day and if we are lucky they sleep about 4 hours at night. I say if we are lucky because little Nicklaus does not want to miss anything and chooses to wake up every 3 hours during the night.We have a special time during the day, it is called "Tummy Time." Babies today are told to sleep on their backs so during the day you put them on their tummies to build strength. We do this about 2-3 times a day and for about 10- 15 minutes or until someone cries and gets upset. This exercise increases their shoulder strength and helps them with their head movements. Each child does something a little better than the other but all are making progress. It is amazing the changes that are made from day to day.Again I would love to thank all of you who have given of your time and helped with the babies. Some of you have come over during the day and been a cuddler. That is so nice because we can get something done around the house or take a nap or shower. Some of you have jumped into an all-night shift. We really appreciate those of you because we can split the night and not be up 24/7. I know that lots of you are still lifting us up in prayer and we still need it. There is so much adjusting and new developments that God is our only answer to get through each day.Lastly if I could ask all of you prayer warriors for a favor. I have two requests that do not involve my family but definitely need prayer. We have a neighbor that has had a transplant and needs some prayer and healing. ( I did not ask permission to write this so I will not use his name but God knows.) There is also a friend at church who just had a baby (early) and needs prayer too! If you could just take five minutes to lift them up I would really appreciate it, thank you. I have loved the cards and gifts and phone calls. KEEP THEM COMING! Gods blessing to everyone! Christy

TWO MONTHS OLD AND GROWING

Wow, have the past two months gone by fast. It seems like just yesterday when we were all sitting in Christy's Hospital labor and delivery room, waiting for the doctors to confirm that the babies would come into the world that evening, July 1, 2008. The next days and weeks were certainly stressful as we made daily trips to the NICU to provide support and prayers to Steve, Christy and the babies. Little Gracie certainly had us holding our breath more than once. Finally the day came when we got news that Madeline and Nicklaus were going home.

Those first moments at home provided a new scare to Christy and Steve as Madeline forgot about breathing while she was being fed. Just before mom and dad were going to call 911, Madeline remembered about breathing, and all was well. The next two days were tough on all of us, as one of the babies was left behind. Christy spent the afternoons with Grace while Sharon and I went there in the evening to feed and hold Grace, all in an effort to let her know that she was not forgotten. We were all elated when Gracie came home in two days, and all were together again. Since then all of our lives have been turned totally upside down. Just try to imagine everything that is required to change diapers, feed, and hold each baby about every three hours, 7 X 24. It is a lot of work, but so worth it as tending to the babies is also a lot of fun. We are all very thankful for everyone who has responded to the calls for help to take on a shift or two helping out. The next few months will require at least two persons being there to help with the babies 7 X 24. Even though Christy and Steve have taken in a live-in nanny (thanks Jenny), they still need volunteers to help out so that Jenny, Christy and Steve can get some sleep. If you have not helped out and want a wonderful experience, one you will not soon forget, give Christy a call. If you have already helped you know what a rewarding experience that is, and if you can help again, please call.

The babies all have different personalities, and it is so interesting to watch them as they learn and grow. The babies were cribbed together in the NICU, but cribbing them together at home is strictly forbidden, as they might roll over on each other and accidentally sufficate their brother or sister. So they have been cribbed alone. A week or so ago Christy decided to place them back together, side by side, in one of the cribs. The babies were so excited to be back together. Their little arms and legs were waving around in excitement as they looked at and tried to touch each other. I must admit that I was very surprised that the babies obviously knew each other, and were happy to be together again. We now try to lay them on the floor together at least one time a day so that they can experience togetherness. I have attached a few pictures for you so you can see how the little angels look today. God Bless, keep praying, thanking God for his blessings and praying for continued good health for all. Bernd