Something I never would have expected

I never expected to have a sideline experience of watching our son and his wife go through a multiples pregnancy, birth and the raising of three children who are the same age.. at the same time,  potty training, 3 hour feedings, countless diapers changes per day, all, at ---
the same time. 
Managing to get three babies on the same nighttime feeding schedule is a logistical feat.  

With a toddler in the family ... at the same time.

They did it and they are doing it. Next up; middle school!

Today is the youngsters 11th birthday. Happy happy happy birthday birthday birthday, to you and you and you.
They are the sweetest kids.. love you guys for the people you are, the tenderness and care with which you treat others, the thoughtfulness of your hearts.
For being you.

One June Friday evening, 8 months before they were born, their mom and dad came driving up our driveway. We were outside when they exited their vehicle, our daughter in law had a pretty sober look on her face and indicated they wanted to go inside sit down and talk.
We sat at the dining room table, the "serious talk" location, not in the living room casually sprawled out on the comfy chairs and sofa, no,
the four of us sat around the table,  they said nothing.
Then our daughter in law pulled out a photograph and handed it to me, it was a familiar looking ultra sound picture. Since she had never been pregnant I tried to decipher what was going on and to decide what to say!
Also decipher what I was looking at.
In the middle of the grayish smears and lines were three small dots. Very small dots.
It looked to me as though someone had blotted the tip of a pencil three times right in the middle of the photo.

Still our kids said nothing.
So I said, "Are these babies?"
She nodded yes.
Then said, "I don't know how I'm going to do this."
Well, she has, and he has, and have done an absolutely superb job of it.

The day after we found out this news I went on a shopping and planning trip with my dear daughter in law to select materials for the finishing of their basement as they would need more space.
She took home carpet and other samples, we planned to go out again
but didn't. 
Because the puking started.  
All day, every day.
The nausea with that pregnancy was just plain really awful and nasty.

And stopped after 3 months.

She carried those babies for 35 weeks with no hospitalizations or problems. It was just one massive blessing. 
Did I say "massive"? Hmmm... sorry honey but yeah, mommy was big. 

It was a delight to be allowed to go along for one of the routine ultrasound check-ups and see those babies tucked together in there all healthy and growing. 
And to hear everyone calling them Baby A, Baby B, Baby C.. (or was that 1. 2. 3.? ..memory fails me) they knew the names but they were not tellin'!  


After 35 weeks of snuggling in the womb like this the
neonatal staff wrapped two of them up like this after birth too.  

They slept swaddled together in one crib for a few weeks at home too. 

One of the girls was under 5 pounds so all the babies stayed in neonatal together
for several days, mommy went home but the babies didn't.
That was tough.
Plus their older sister had pneumonia that week and was not allowed to be home with the babies.
Poor little punkin had to stay with Sideline Grandparents, 
her mom and dad would stop to see 
her at our house.
It took a lot of effort and thoughtful planning from them to care for all four of their children.

Precious precious bundle.



This photo of the three cuties in one banket is a favorite. 

Isn't she oh so tiny compared to her mommy's hand?

Their deacon's wife at church took over scheduling help for the family. There were volunteers for many months who helped with feedings, meals and laundry.
Two people simply do not have enough hands.
Or energy.
Or time.

Hi big guy!

And cutie face..

Happy birthday kind, tough, tender and brave buddy!!!

and

You sweet, kind and thoughtful girl.

and



Gracious, creative, wise and intuitive dear one.  



Love you..

and

You

 

and of course

You!

Happy Birthday kids..

Hugs

Your Sideline Grandma..