8. Weeks 18/19

Not much to report really. We had our 18 week scan with foetal medicine and everything was perfect. All three are within 5mm of each other, and looking fabulous. They made it very clear to us that they are all boys. Haha! So James and I can now fully decide on names. Its nice to know that we don't need to start looking for anything baby girl in style or colour. Bring on the boys clothes organising!

We have had our scan on the same morning every other week as another triplet mum, so we have been asked to come in the following Tuesday and have our appointments every two weeks from then, to take the pressure off the sonographers and doctors. Each scan takes 40+ minutes, and they are looking so closely at everything, so I can see how it would get a bit much having 2 in a row.  

However, when we turned up to our 20 week scan at 19 weeks, the sonographer (the lady we saw at 12 and 16 weeks), couldn't understand the reason for the swap. 

At 19 weeks it was the anatomy scan, so no measurements at all. She looked at the membranes a lot, as it has been reported on their system, that one is thicker than the others, indicating that it's less likely they are identical. However, she kept looking and measuring, and was convinced that there is little size difference. So, we are still no closer to knowing as both experts seem to think differently. Not that it matters at all. At birth, there is a chance they will be able to tell us if they are identical or not, but apparently, we may never know for sure, it might just be up to us when they are born and growing up to decide if we think they are identical or not. 

We went to a gig last Tuesday night. Far From Saints (for my future reference). As soon as the music started, they all started to dance! Triplet A was first, then C, and finally B. 

Over the last 3 weeks, James has sorted our two bathrooms out and got them ready for heavy duty use. He replaced the tiled floor and shower base, to a shower tray and lino. So much better! And downstairs has had a full replacement. I just need to find the time to put some wallpaper up now. 

I am still overwhelmed with all of the comments I am getting from people about this blog. James grew up in the village so knows everyone, and I've had quite a lot of people I haven't met before saying "Congratulations", and "I've read your blog!" It's amazing! 

I am getting very excited to meet the little guys now, and get myself all emotional when I picture being in theatre and having Jack handed to me. This time I will have one, then a second, and then a third little bundle handed to me! It's out of this world trying to imagine it.

I've seen posts from parents of babies born as early as 24 weeks!! That's only 5 weeks from now for us! There are so many reasons for such premature births. All sorts of medical complications can happen and I know of twins brought out a few days early due to lack of growth in one. I really hope these three can stay in for as long as possible, for their safety. The dream is to be able to feed them from birth and be able to stay with them. But if they are really early, I would need to leave them at the hospital and not start breastfeeding until they are big enough. There is the tiny benefit of me having time to heal before bringing them home, but I would rather they stay in and cook for as long as possible, and me be immobile for a lot of weeks, than for them to be supported to survive. But, they will dictate when they come. 

As for me. I'm feeling pretty good at the moment. My lower back aches if I'm standing for too long, or when I sit for too long! And I'm starting to feel a lot of pings and twangs in my sides and lower stomach. I remember them from Jack, it's my body stretching and changing shape. A few people have actually commented that I'm looking less peaky now. Glowing is not something I'm even hoping for, I definitely didn't have that with Jack, so I certainly won't this time! I am even starting to feel like there is a little bit of superwoman in me. The fact that I am carrying around 4 pumping hearts, 8 functioning kidneys, 16 limbs and 40 fingers and toes i think warrents the super title. That really is an incredible thought, and it reminds me that I am allowed to feel rubbish a lot of the time. I'm not going to get better like I've got a bug, I'm working hard to grow all of these little humans!

Going to aerial has really helped me to feel better. Not sure how exactly, but I feel a smidgen stronger in my back, arms and shoulders. It may even be helping with my energy levels. Speaking of shoulders, I got home from aerial hoop on Monday and my shoulder, arm and neck started to really hurt. This pain continued until Tuesday afternoon. I also had bruises on my shoulders from doing an upside down shoulder balance in the hoop. I must've leant on a nerve or something, as I know I didn't pull anything. Anyway, it's great to be back, even if it's a shame that I can't do much at the moment. I have spent a lot of each class sitting down, but last night, it wasn't until the end of the class that I realised I hadn't sat down once, and that I had participated in nearly all the moves! I really surprised myself! Embrace the strength!!