The countdown continues...30 and 1

Day 30-0 began with a little tinge of pride and accomplishment. We were so excited to have passed this giant milestone. I woke up and went to work. Moni's friend Deb White, and her grandmother from Phoenix, came to visit Monica again. Deb got Moni caught up on the latest happenings around the ER back home. Moni was so excited she got to make it back up one more time before she had to return home to "the Dub." I was happy when they let me off work an hour and half early because we were supposed to have the big growth sono. I got up here around 12:30, and our wait began.



We had time to play some gin and I hammered Moni four times in a row. She was just like Snook and Donna and kept coming back for more. I was so proud because Moni has had the upper-hand for the past couple of years but I am making a comeback. I am only down by about 200 games overall now.



We continued to wait for the ultrasound and Becky came up after a class around 6:30. We were visiting when we had another couple of visitors. Jaclyn Tubre and her mother DeeDee came bearing gifts. They brought us four of the neatest monogrammed playblankets to put over the babies' incubators when they are born. They are nice and big and will serve their purpose well. We will add pictures of these and Deb's visit tomorrow.

DeeDee also brought her computer that has internet capabilities (which is what we are using to post with right now) up for Moni last night. I was pumped because now I don't have to call her and read all the comments (not that there were that many to read). Plus, now Moni can pay the bills and balance the checkbook and I won't screw it up and send Moni into labor. Now just looking at the finances might send her there.



Our visitors left around 9, and we continued to wait for the ultrasound. While we were waiting with the Tubre ladies, Moni and Jackie made bets on what the babies would now weigh in at. Our nurse called ultrasound every hour to bug them about getting us in. I guess Veterans' Day had flooded the ER and in turn, tied up the sono tech. They were able to finally squeeze us in for Danna's BPP at around 1 a.m. this morning, but as the growth sono takes about two hours we had to wait until today for it. She got a 6 of 8, but it was basically a 7 1/2 because she lost her two points on her fluid pocket by a mere 0.14 cm (they want them to have at least a 2 cm pocket).



This morning, we were awakened by THE Dr. Elliott. He was very encouraged by the babies and the mama's progress. He said that if everything continues to go well, we might be able to make it to our original goal of 34 weeks. Monica wanted to punch him....Just kidding...kind of. Everything continuing to go well is a big if, but only positive thoughts come out of Good Sam Room 511.





We finally got our growth sono this morning at 9:00. When we got down to sono, we were very glad that we had had to wait because we got our favorite sonotech, Olava. We started with heart rates (all of which looked good), and did an "unofficial" BPP on all of the babies. They all scored an 8 of 8. Then we moved on to the measurement portion of the sono. The results are in:

Pius James: At 28 weeks, he weighed 2 lbs., 11 oz. He now tips the scales at 3 lbs., 7 oz. That is a weight gain of 12 ounces. What a fatty!

Forrest Michael: At 28 weeks, he weighed 2 lbs., 10 oz. He now weighs a svelte 3 lbs., 5 oz. That is a weight gain of 11 ounces. He would probably weigh more, but he is really exercising and trying hard to get in shape for Frosh Football tryouts at BC in 2021.

Danna "The Little Brat" Lynn: At 28 weeks, she weighed 1 lb., 7 oz. She now weighs an even 2 pounds. She gained 9 ounces! You go girl.

Laine Ryan: At 28 weeks, he weighed in at 2 lbs., 1 oz. He now weighs 2 lbs., 8 oz. He gained 7 ounces. He obviously will be the point guard of our little troop.

Not all the news was great. Danna's doppler showed us the reverse flow that we have been hoping to avoid for the past couple months. Dr. Clewell told us that they would keep an eye on it, but as long as she keeps scoring well on the BPPs, we are going to be full steam ahead. We really think that we owe all of our progress to everyone's prayers and God's grace. Please keep them coming.

Until next time...

29 and 6

Almost to thirty! As far as the babies are concerned, it was an uneventful weekend. Which is good. We have received scores of 8 of 8 on the BPPs the entire time. This includes the boys, as they were scored on Friday too. Danna's doppler this morning wasn't as good as it has been, but it can change for better or worse day to day. We will probably be getting dopplers on Danna more frequently, and tomorrow they will all be measured for their approximate weights.

Moni and I had a lot of visitors this weekend. Friday morning, I picked up Snook and Donna at 10:00 a.m. While I was at the airport, Moni had visitors at the hospital. Moni's pool buddy, Lois, from the apartment, and her friend came up and checked in on Monica. Shortly after they left, Deb White and Deb's cousin, Jill, dropped in. They brought more gifts including preemie outfits, CDs, books, magazines, and other goodies. She also brought a package from Moni's other co-workers at Wesley. They sent more outfits, snacks, belly cream, bath and body products, comfortable footies (which Monica put on immediately), books (one of which was a mother's prayer book), and candles. Thank you guys so much, it was a nice surprise. You guys have all been too good to us.

Snook and Donna were great guests. They let us kick their butts at pitch about six times. They were like poor abused little puppies that just wanted love, and kept coming back for more. We came back from down -6 to 37 to win a game. We also went to the casino for about 45 minutes. We lost at that place. At the apartment, Snook and I played video games while Donna planned their wedding. We had a great, relaxing time.

Saturday was an emotional day for Moni. Her little sister, Emmy, got married back home in Wichita. The whole family was there and we were sad to have missed such a big, fun day. Everyone said it was so beautiful. The babies owe us big time! Congrats to Em and Andy. Have fun in Key West, and be sure to check in often when you guys get back to Germany.

Today has been tremendous. How about those Denver Broncos? That was fun hammering those little Chefs in their own house. The kids were rocking, but they only gave Moni like three contractions throughout the game. They knew the importance. Bama was horrible, but the Grafs will stay devoted. Snook and I listened to the final kick in the BC vs. Great Bend game via Grandpa Stubby's phone. One step away baby. State championship. Championship!

As of midnight, 30 weeks down. The chillun are getting restless, sometimes Moni thinks they are going to kick right out of her 56 inch belly. Check out the pic.

Until next time...

29 and 3

29-2 was a completely uneventful day. We know that these days are very good to have, we are probably running out of uneventful days for the next 19 years, and we really do cherish them. About the only thing to report from 29-2 was that Danna scored a perfect 8 of 8 on her sono! She pulled the 8 of 8 in about five minutes. Great job sweetie.





Today, 29-3, was uneventful again (with the exception of Jackie coming to visit Moni and bringing her magazines) until the sono. Danna broke her record of quickest 8 of 8 in the world, by knocking an 8 of 8 in about three minutes today. We even got our first profile picture of her. She has a face (Moni and I were starting to get worried).





All four heartbeats were good, and then today Danna was scheduled for a doppler (checking of the umbilical cord) so we began that part of the sono. We thought disaster was striking. I thought I was going to be a daddy tonight. Our sonotech checked, rechecked, called for Dr. Clewell, rechecked again, and the same reading kept coming up on the screen. Moni and I could see the screen, and we have been to enough sonos to know that that reading was not what we wanted to see. Our limited knowledge, and the tech's overall silence, was telling us that we were seeing reverse flow. They checked from many different positions and angles and kept getting the same thing.





All of this was happening until Dr. Clewell walked in the room. It was like Danna heard his voice, and decided the joke was up. She showed us all exactly what we wanted to see. In fact, she had her highest score on a doppler since we were told of her placenta's condition.





Side note: It reminded me so much of the time my dog, Goldberg, got ran over by a four wheeler. He lied there like he was dying until he heard our neighbor, Bud, cock his gun to put him out of his misery. The second Goldberg heard that gun cock he was up running around like he was saying, "I'm fine! Don't shoot me!"





Danna had played her little joke, and it had us all fooled. The sonotech even went back and doublechecked it to make sure that she hadn't accidentally switched babies. Dr. Clewell said that it is normal to get that reading when you looked too close to the baby's bellybutton or the baby's placenta.





I think Danna is just a little mischievous, Monica thinks she already likes to push the envelope. Either way, we are both SO relieved. She is a little brat, though, and she will be grounded when she is born.





After the sono, uneventfulness resumed, but we learned that when we push Forrest, he pushes back. A.J. or Ryno might have to teach him how to fight. We also learned that Jackie's husband, Torrey, does really exist. He came up tonight, and we got to meet him for the first time. He is an extremely nice man, but a few of his ideas are a little skewed, e.g. his love for LSU over Bama. Also, he pointed out my downfalls as a husband, e.g. I haven't found a Chick-Fil-A for Monica yet, and I haven't shaved Moni's legs (she won't let me though, I've tried). What a jerk I am! Moni and I talked after they left, and we are really excited because we think we may have made dear friends for life.
Grandma Vicki, Moni's "Ouch" shirt has finally got a little snug.

This is one thing I can do that Torre can't. I can pop a wheelie.

As for Moni, her contractions have increased. They gave her a medicine called Nyfedipine (Procardia) to help the Terb control the contractions. They didn't want to mess with the Terbutaline, because the step up from Terb is mag, and everyone wants to avoid that. They also found a small amount of protein in her urine, which means she is in the beginning stages of Preeclampsia. Don't panic all you med people and mamas out there. We all knew it was coming, and it is only in the beginning stages. They will continue to monitor her blood pressure which has been slowly creeping up.



As for me, I love the QT for their patience and understanding. I love all of you for your caring. I love my family for the unconditional love and support. I love Pius for watching out for Danna. I love Forrest for his ADHD and humor. I love Danna for her little sense of humor (which I will try to help her understand good practical jokes and bad ones. I love Laine for his contentment. I love my wife for her strength. What a stud!



More to come...in two days.



P.S. Erin, tell the Eagle that some of us have a family to tend to.
P.S. Delane, we are sorry for pointing the accusatory finger at you. We whole-heartedly apologize.

29 and 1

Yesterday was our first day without our mamas. What did the quads do to celebrate? Danna got an 8 out of 8 on her sono. The doctors also decided to up her cord sono to every three days, mainly for the nurses' ordering ease. Cherise has been our nurse the last two days, and has taken Tallie and Porsche's place in spoiling us.



Moni's gallstone has come back with a vengeance. It seems to get a little better with Tylenol, and then worse with 4500 more calories. She also has been getting spontaneous nose bleeds, and her gums bleed whenever she brushes her teeth. The medical student tried to blame the bleeding on Arizona's lack of humidity, but Monica outsmarted him and asked about her platelets. Turns out, once again, that Monica was right. They were a little low, but nothing to worry about. They are going to monitor her blood and urine on a regular basis.



This morning marked 29 weeks and 1 day. It was my day off, and I thought I would sleep in. I thought wrong. I woke up early, and didn't want to call and wake Moni. She texted me early, because she didn't want to call and wake me. I called her, and she told me about her visit with Dr. Clewell (another of the Phoenix Perinatal Associates). He told us about the blood and pee monitoring. He said that they would start monitoring on a regular basis because of the slightly low platelets, and also because it is not a matter of if, but when, a multiple mother develops toxemia.



I came up to the hospital and Monica hammered me in Gin. I finally won a game (like the first one I have won in three years), and then she beat me by 134. With all of the losing I have been doing between my teams and cards I have decided that maybe I am a loser. Either that, or everybody cheats.



We let the babies listen to some Baby Beethoven (courtesy of cousin Maria) today. Monica thinks that they are going to come out of the womb talking. After the music we settled in for an afternoon nap. Moni enjoyed her nap so well that she had a puddle of drool that she quickly slurped up when the snack lady came in.



Our sono tonight we only scored a 6 out of 8. We aren't too worried as the sonotech was obviously new, hadn't done multiples before, and Monica had to point things out to her. After the sono, we went up to Moni's dinner. She ate, and afterwards I read the babies their first book. We started them out with Dr. Seuss (courtesy of Dave and Deb). We are going to work up to The Giving Tree, and follow with The Count of Monte Cristo (my choice), or Les Miserables (Moni's choice).



Moni received another fun package in the mail yesterday. HUGE thank you to Gary & Terri Peterson for the Arbonne products, Orly nail goodies, hair stuff, and everything else that a pampered mom should have. She has used everything, and her room smells good. Monica was able to kill a couple hours doing her nails yesterday, and they look beautiful if I do say so myself. Look at the picture. For me, they included some American Crew stuff to smell good, and some play-doh to behave good since Moni won't let me touch her ankles (they have gone down quite a bit).



Talk to you all later...

P.S. Don't think we didn't notice the cowardly anonymous post whining about needing new updates after a day and a half. Man up and sign your name...Delane...or whoever it was.

28 week 6 day update

We are soooo sorry for not posting in THREE days. Holy mackerel people. Can we have a life? Can we enjoy our visitors? Can we just chill for a sec? Sheesh.

Friday evening my mom and I went and picked Emmy up at the airport. She flew in from her station in Germany. We dropped off her gear, and headed up to the hospital. We hung out there for a couple hours, and made plans for the next day.

Saturday morning I took the girls up to the hospital. They spent the majority of the day there. They had a lot of fun, and played pitch basically the entire day. Moni and Emmy put the moms in their place. Moni said that they really put it to the mammas. Because of fear, the moms wouldn't play against Moni and me for the rub-off. I went home to watch Bama's big game against LSU. Bama lost a heartbreaker, but I think that the LSU fans might have been a little dismayed at their glance of the future. Roll Tide.

After the game, I went up to the hospital and picked up the moms, Emmy, and Becky for dinner. We met Mark at Oregano's. It is an Italian restaurant, and it is VERY GOOD. We all enjoyed it. I took Emmy back to the hospital, and she spent the night so that Moni could spend some time doing sisterly bonding stuff and sleeping.

This morning, I woke up and went to pick up Emmy. After her and Moni's sad goodbyes I took her to the airport. I got done with that in time to hit 7:00 a.m. mass. I went home to get the mamas, and take them to the airport. I thought I was doing alright, but that didn't last too long. My mom has to get back to work, and Marsha and Emmy have a busy wedding planning week ahead of them. I hugged them both, and then cried my way over to the hospital.

Moni and I had a date to watch the Broncos. The Broncos really sucked. The only consolation we could find for the a**-kicking the Lions gave us, was that all the teams in the AFC West lost, so we didn't lose any ground. We play some team, from somewhere, next week. That team really sucks. Hopefully we will be a little more prepared next week.

As for the mini-Broncomaniacs, they are still cooking. We do the daily sono on Danna, and in the past few days, Danna has been scoring 6 out of 8. One day she lost points for not "practicing" breathing, and one day she lost points for low fluid. She was under 1 cm. Today, she started our day off well. She knocked an 8 of 8 out of the park. She was doing great. Her heartrate was good, and everything else looked very good. Her amniotic fluid sac went from under 1 cm, to 2.33 cm today! Great job, Danna!

The boys continue to do well. They just continue to grow, and haven't caused us any worries yet. We also met another doctor from the Phoenix Perinatal Associates this morning. He came in during the game, but as you people who watch football know, he wasn't interrupting much. His name was Dr. Strong (think Edward Norton, he looked, sounded, and moved just like him). He reassured us that everything still looked positive, and he wouldn't be surprised at 32+ weeks. 32+ weeks? Sweet!!! Still every day and week in the rear view is GREAT.

Today Moni and I decided that we would give you guys our thoughts on the babies' personalities. It has been so much fun watching them everyday, and we really think we might have a read on what kind of kids they will be. Plus, it will be fun to document what their actions are inside the womb, and then compare it to what they are like in real life. So here goes:

First of all, Pius and Laine are always quick to pose. They LOVE the camera. Grandmas Budda and Vicki will love those two guys. We finally got a picture of Forrest today. It is pretty clear that he is a human. Whew!

Pius James-Think John Coffey off The Green Mile. He seems to be the gentle giant. He really takes care of his sister. He moved over to give her more room, and he kicks Forrest and Laine back whenever they kick her.

Forrest Michael-I say to my family/friends, "think Billy Joe when I was three." Moni says, "think Roger Rabbit on cocaine." We call him our little ADHD boy. He can not sit still. It doesn't matter what the others are doing, he is constantly "partying like a rock star."

Danna Lynn-Think a low-maintenance, less vocal Aunt Lainie (Sorry Lainie. We couldn't think of anybody else.) She is our little snuggler. She is always curled up, and will show us that she can move, but does not prefer to. She will definitely be comfortable in a corner of a crowded house. She is our little, low-maintenance princess.

Laine Ryan-Think Shrek, minus the size. He seems to be very content to be left alone. He easily has the most room, but only uses what he needs. The only difference between him and Shrek is that he does seem to love the camera, and always gives us good pictures.

With the arrival of Emmy we decided we could reveal the Godparents. We didn't want it to leak to her across the pond.

Pius James-Uncle Ryno & Auntie Em

Forrest Michael-Goertz (a.k.a. "Frank the Tank") & Aunt RaeRae

Danna Lynn-Juice & Aunt Lainie

Laine Ryan- J.D. & Aunt Mollie

They must be growing as Moni still is. She now measures 53 1/2 inches around the belly. The nurses continue to spoil us. Porsche took over for Tallie on the weekend shift.

29 weeks...CHAMPIONSHIP!

P.S. Just so everybody knows, Moni and I do work on the posts together in the hospital. We make notes and then I come home to compose it.

28 and 3

It will just be a quickie, as Moni and I really don't have anything new to post. Everything continues to go well with the babies and the Moni. She is doing a great job with eating, and her state of mind. I am so, incredibly proud of her.

Really the only thing to really post about is what we have been doing with our mamas. We have made a comeback in the pitch series. My point, that their only chance to win is incredible luck, has been proven. I think tonight in two games we set them 5 times. We are having a blast playing with them, and the series is now tied 5-5. We will let you know who takes the series in the next couple days.

Becky and I have taken them to three different Mexican restaurants for dinner so that we know for sure where to take Grandpa Stubby when he comes to town. We have found that all are good, but price does play a small role in our vote. We will continue to explore around to find somewhere to take the Stub.

Moni's sister Emmy is coming to town tomorrow. She is able to make a quick stop in Phoenix before she goes back to the Dub for the big wedding. Monica is so excited to see her little sis, and probably give her some advice on husband-training. I think she almost has me whipped, but I still try to keep her on her toes from time to time.

Also, we received a couple packages in the mail recently. Deb and Dave White, Moni's friends from work, sent us some children's literature. We got The Velveteen Rabbit, Oh Baby the Places You'll Go, The Giving Tree, and The Dangerous Book for Boys (I have been particularly enthralled with the last one). I am going to go build a go-kart when I get home. Aunt Rose Marie sent us four receiving blankets which we know will come in handy as soon as they get here. Thank you to Aunt Cathy for Moni's pajama top and the candy. She really likes it, and is going to wear it as soon as she gets up the energy to change into it.

We love all, and we can't wait to see you all. We truly thank God that we are now at the 28 1/2 week mark, and the most interesting thing we have to post about is pitch with our moms. Thanks for the prayers and thoughts.

Billy and Moni

About the fashion faux pas....

Back off!!! I was wearing semi-coordinated clothing that day, but when Billy and the mamas came to watch the game, they brought me that jersey to wear. It really is a work out to change my clothes, so I guess I'll just have to deal with the ridicule. Oh well, at least I'm dressed (and safe in the woods from any hunters!) The hospital gowns are even less becoming, especially when they're put on backwards!

I'm sure you're all wondering how it is that Moni is posting right now. Well, mom and I snuck into the Tubre's hospital room and stole their computer. Not really. They graciously offered it to us for the afternoon while they go play dress up with the cupcakes for Halloween. We traded them the computer for mom's camera, so hopefully they'll get some good pics of their costumes. We've really enjoyed having such good neighbors. It makes the time pass more quickly. I'm sure we'll be swapping pictures this time next year and for many years to come. The babies will grow up knowing all about their Tubre cousins.

Mom spent the night in my hospital room with me last night on the roll-away bed. It was a low-key slumber party, but we had a good time none the less. I taught her how to play gin. I must be a really good teacher because after the first hand, she kicked the crap out of me. What a lucky b***h! And I thought dad was the good one at cards. Becky will be by sometime this morning to pick up mom and take her back to the apartment. There, they will bask in the glorious sun that I can see through my hospital window. Marla, don't be too jealous of "June" (AKA Marsha).

As for an update on the babies.... Danna had her cord blood flow doppler sono yesterday. The doc said it was still "abnormal" but not enough to cause the delivery. She still looks great on the screen and is jumping all over the place. The boys keep growing well and everyone is kicking everyone else. It's like a chain reaction. Olava, the sono tech, took some great sono pics of Pius and Laine, but we don't have a scanner so we can't post them. They have such perfect little features! No protruding foreheads or "Selenke Slope" noses that we can tell (not that Selenke noses aren't beautiful)! I could be a little biased.

I'm still feeling and eating well. I can always elicit a laugh or snicker from the moms whenever I put in my meal orders! It really seems like I'm eating an enormous amount and I hope that by the end of this, I'll be so sick of large amounts of food and double portions. That would definitely not be a good habit to keep.

Billy is currently working this morning and I'm sure when he gets home to check the blog, he'll be so surprised to see this post! Hi Billy! Keep up the good work!

We'll try to post some new pics shortly. Hang in there. Maybe Becky and the mamas can take pictures of the beach beauties and give you all a break from scenes of the beached whale.

Well, I'd better call the nurse and get to hydrotherapy and then do my contraction monitoring. So much to do, so little time. I don't know if I can keep up with this schedule for too much longer! Ha!

Love,
Moni

P.S. Happy Halloween to you all and Happy 28 weeks 2 days to me!