Sunday, October 29, 2006

I interrupt this interruption ...

This has been one heck of a week. We have had a child vomiting - usually two, sometimes all three - every single day since last Friday.

That would be...

Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday.

For 10 days ... we have been cleaning up children, doing massive amounts of laundry, rinsing out emesis pans, washing our furniture, scrubbing the floors, holding our breath every time a child wakes up crying - and making sure that the dog doesn't come in to the house when the children are awake because she has an affinity for vomit.

Please don't ask how I know this.

My roommate from college was planning to visit us from Georgia and was scheduled to arrive Friday night. When I spoke with her on Wednesday, I gave her a full disclosure on the bug that had hit our house. It had been 15 years since I last saw my roomie, I didn't want to go another 15 years - or more - because we transmitted this monster virus to she and her husband ... which they might bring back to their three children, at home. Amy told me that she was coming to visit - regardless. If nothing else, she said that she would sit up at night with a vomiting child and let me sleep.

What a beautiful woman.

Because Amy and her husband, Rob, would be staying with us over the weekend ... Charlie and I exerted our best effort to clean up the house on Friday. While the children napped, Charlie did load after load of laundry and I cleaned the bathrooms - vacuumed - mopped - dusted and washed windows. I also baked a white cake ... and decorated it with white frosting, because that was Amy's favorite treat all through college. If my dear friend was going to stay up all night with our sick children, making her a cake was the least I could do.

During this burst of "get ready for company" cleansing and baking ... I started to feel a bit off-color. I was nauseous and couldn't stop burping. Thinking that maybe we needed some fresh air, when the children woke up from their nap - I loaded all three of them up in their stroller and Charlie and I set off around the neighborhood for a walk. As soon as we left the house, we noticed that someone had tried to break in to Charlie's truck. The lock was completely smashed out and there were scratches all over the driver door.

FABULOUS.

We need to call the police. We need to call the insurance company. We'll need to get this fixed. Should we call now? Or should we wait until after Amy and Rob leave, and file the report next week? I started to have a panic attack - while burping - thinking how we were going to manage the simple task of getting Charlie's truck back in order.

The problem is ... I we have very little free time. For a multitude of reasons, our schedules are more packed now, than they have ever been. I'm not complaining - just stating the facts.

Over the past two months, my job has transformed in to a full-time position. Not because I necessarily wanted it to, but because I have been nominated for a number of special projects that all came due at the same time. As an example, between now and the end of the year, I am scheduled to fly back to the east coast twice and there is some kind of meeting or teleconference (sometimes two or three) penciled in to my calendar every single day from now until December 22nd. Considering Charlie works, too ... and we have no outside assistance raising our 2-year old triplets ... a day around here resembles a blender without a lid.

I started to cry about the broken lock. I cried some more about how overwhelmed I am with work, and the fact that I hadn't been to work all week - meant that I was falling further and further behind. My nausea continued. My burping continued. I sobbed to Charlie that I was feeling cruddy and maybe the horrific bug was finally catching up to me. I also mentioned that I hadn't burped this much since I was pregnant with the ...

Before I could finish my sentence, I stopped in my tracks.

I haven't felt this weepy, this nauseous nor had this kind of burping since I'd been pregnant with our triplets. When we arrived home, while Charlie ran to the store to buy ingredients for dinner, I grabbed a calendar off the wall and looked at the date.

Friday, October 29th.

I did a quick math calculation and ran to the bathroom. On my way, I picked up a left over home pregnancy test that we had remaining from our IVF cycle in March of 2004. According to the package, the test expired in October of 2005 - one year ago. Hoping that it might at least give me a preliminary indication, I ripped it open and put it to use.

Almost instantly, two lines appeared.

This couldn't be right.

We have been married for 12 years. We have always wanted children and have never done anything to *prevent* children. We have spent tens of thousands of dollars on fertility treatments. We have both had surgery. We've had more IUI's than we can count. I have had more needles stuck in me than a pin cushion. More than any of that - several years ago, one of our doctors, after reviewing our case history, told us that Charlie would have better luck hitting the moon with a slingshot, than he would getting me pregnant.

We have triplets that just turned two.


The test had to be wrong.

I called Charlie on his cell phone and told him that I, uh ... I, uh ... I had a suspicion. While he was at the store, could he perhaps pick up a new test? There was a big gasp and lots of questions. Twenty minutes later, Charlie arrived home.

Guzzling down 16-ounces of water ... I wandered back to the bathroom with an LL Bean catalogue in hand. While the test worked it's magic - and gave me a surely negative result - I would peruse the winter line up for flannel pants and snow boots.

.... fast forward ....

Yesterday afternoon, while Charlie and Rob stayed home with our sick children, I took Amy to our new church. Following the sermon, I sought out our Pastor. Even though I had met Pastor Mike a few months ago, I doubt he remembered me. I reintroduced myself and told him that we had triplets who had just turned two. He chuckled and said "Wow! What a handful!!"

I also told him that Charlie and I really are enjoying the church. We've been coming every weekend for the past several months and have even started our own "Small Group." Pastor Mike was very pleased.

I then told him that we were at his service earlier in the month where he made the suggestion that in order to keep the love alive in a marriage ... couples should sleep with as little clothing on as possible. He laughed. I laughed, Amy laughed.

I then told him that it was because of that service and the fact that my husband I were practicing what he had preached ... my husband threw his back out so badly that he couldn't walk for four days and my mother had to fly in from South Carolina to assist with our triplets. He chuckled and said "We don't teach technique!!"















I then told him that it was because of that service and the sermon we heard, that we experienced a miracle. After all that we have been through - Charlie either had a damn good shot, or this was a case of Divine Intervention. Pastor Mike's eyes flew open, his jaw dropped open and he reached out for my arm. He asked if once we pass our first trimester, if Charlie and I could be the subject of a sermon?

I smiled and said ABSOLUTELY. He just needs to help with the college fund for our fourth child.

Our fourth child, who is due in July of 2007.

Once again I am reminded we never have complete control of our lives. This month in particular, has been especially out of control. I am also reminded that life is an amazing trip ... best enjoyed when you relax and enjoy the ride. But, you better watch what you ask for!

I just wish that we could have some Divine Intervention for the healing of our three toddlers. I will surely melt if there is one more day of vomiting.

60 comments:

  1. NO WAY!!! How exciting! I read you blog almost ever day and have never posted a comment, however, this is so amazing I just had to chime in...CONGRATS!!!!!!!!!

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  2. I am so happy for you all. It has been such a rough year on this end! Thank you so much for the wonderful news and another reason for a celebration!!

    Now you have to change your blog name: Triplets + 1 (or 2,3)? (oh boy! okay, not funny...;-))

    We Love you guys and are praying for 'our' triplets to get better.

    It truly could not have happened to a nicer couple! :-)!!
    Much Love, hugs and kisses. Marg

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  3. Jen- I am weeping...really big tears!!!! I am soo thrilled for you. Congratulations!
    I always prayed God would help me not be such a control freak...and when I got pregnant with the triplets I, too, thought Ok God...You have a great sense of humor!

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  4. Oh

    my

    God!

    I am absolutely stunned. stunned. stunned. Oh wow!! Yay!!!!! Seriously, YAY!!!! Then you were who I was dreaming about. I kept dreaming that someone was pregnant, I thought it was me because my best friend just had her baby and I got all lovey dovey again, but lo and behold it's you!!! Congratulations!!! It is truly a miracle and you my dear are one blessed woman!

    Sidenote: Totally trying out your pastor's sermon.

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  5. Dear Charlie and Jenna:
    Somewhere in the Bible it says "When a couple as loving and capable as you two have three, then I will reward you with four."
    You are surely blessed.
    What is........is.
    Love,
    Dad and Kathleen

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  6. Congrats to the both of you on your wonderful news of your expected addition! You must be completely amazed at a chance of another miracle.

    I hope the children are feeling better (and you too)!

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  7. Holy Wow! Congratulations! Ive been lurking for a while, enjoying the tales of your journey with your little ones (mine is about the same age, and when she's a handfull, I remember I only have one) What a roller coaster 2 weeks you have had! Super, super news!

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  8. I am in tears - just so happy for you. This is just amazing. Congratulations!!!

    -Christine

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  9. WOW!!! I had to keep rubbing my eyes - because DUDE...no way! I am so excited for you...and a little scared. But you can take over the scared part and I will just be excited, mkay?

    Wow - 4 kids. Lucky!

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  10. Oh, my. Congratulations! I couldn't quite believe my eyes when I read this! This is so much better than where I thought you were going (that you came down with the stomach bug your kids have!)

    I have been lurking on your blog for quite some time but I don't think I've ever commented. I really enjoy reading about your triplets--they're adorable! I'm now ten weeks pregnant from an IUI (due at the end of May). My favorite pregnancy stories are the post-infertility miracles because.. well, you always have to have hope, right? :)

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  11. OH MY GOD!!!!!! is all I have to say about that!

    I'm so excited for the two of you!!I'm in shock, I can only imagine how you two must be feeling.

    Now you get to experience the singleton aspect of pregnancy. You're going to have enough material to quit your job and just write a few books now!

    I'm just amazed! Congratulations again!

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  12. WHOA! I'm another lurker who has NEVER commented until today!! I can't believe this news.... congratulations! And yes, I am SO glad you're not catching what the kids had.... looks like God decided to throw a little sunshine into this illness storm. :)

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  13. WOW! Heartfelt congratulations, from another mom of triplets (mine are 6 now.) What a wonderful blessing!

    I've been enjoying your pregnancy and birth story, as it brings back many memories - wish I'd written mine down so clearly when I could still remember all the details.

    I hope and pray that this good news will chase away all traces of rotavirus (or whatever it is) from your blessed home.

    SheilaC

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  14. YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    congrats jen.. devine intervention indeed! i started bawling when i read your post and immediately called my wife and sat on the phone while she read your post.. and she in turn got onto instant messenger and told her mom (who lives in texas).. your blog is an inspiration to so many.. hope you still have time to keep it up when you're got FOUR kids!

    -jen (fourjmh)

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  15. Oh my goodness! Congratulations to all of you! WOW! I definitely wasn't expecting that.

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  16. As soon as I read the burping, I knew (I'm 14 weeks into my second pregnancy and I am sure I am going to burp myself to death.)

    Congratulations! What a lucky family you are.

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  17. WOW!!! That is so exciting!!!

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  18. I have chills over here!!! I can hardly wait for an update!

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  19. Wow! What a miracle! I've never read your blog before and was just in the middle of your first birth story. (please finish sometime by the way, you left a real cliffhanger!) What a great blessing for you guys. I guess when it rains, it pours!
    Hope this pregnancy is a little easier- assuming there is only one baby this time.
    We have four kids too, of course that was within 10 years, not three! Anyway, congratulations. I look forward to reading more of your hilarious adventures!
    E
    lambie-pie.blogspot.com

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  20. Congrats!
    That is sooooooo cool!
    Just think, you will have 3 little helpers!

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  21. OMG, OMG, OMG!!!!! HOW AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am so excited for you all!! I wish for you an uneventful, healthy and EASY pg!!! You so deserve it.

    Katie
    Mom of Eryn, Maya and Kyra-2 years

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  22. I have been reading your blog since getting pregnant with triplets. I now have 12 week old triplets and this entry has reminded me once again no matter what has happened in the past anything is possible and also to go get my depo shot!!

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  23. I have been following your puking saga, and I about peed my pants when I read this! This is so great!

    I can't wait to hear stories of the triplets being big helpers!

    I seriously so excited for you!

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  24. OMG!!!! I knew, KNEW, KNEW, KNEW that you were pregnant when I read your comment. I am sitting here laughing hysterically and my kids are looking at me like I'm a lunatic. I am SOOOOO HAPPY FOR YOU GUYS!!! I am going to write Austin's story now just for you. He is the best thing that ever happened to me. I am giddy with joy. Oh my, no more wine for you, my dear. CONGRATULATIONS!!!

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  25. Congratulations I am so happy for you! The same thing happened to me, my twins were one when I found out I was pregnant after trying for 3 years with help for the twins.

    I can't even begin to share how awesome it was to be able to have this experience. First to get pregnant naturally without trying, second to experience a singleton, uncomplicated pregnancy, third to have one infant at a time (not that I would change the multiple experience but it is easier!), to be able to do it all over again with all the knowledge and information I learned from the first time. CONGRATULATIONS AGAIN!

    Darlene, Mom to 5 year old twins & a miracle 3 1/2 year old.

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  26. YEAH!!!! Congratulations! That is SO awesome.

    It will all work out fine...and really four is no harder than three {{{{BIG BIG HUGS}}}}}

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  27. I am laughing AND crying as I read this!! I am so happy for you...but know that with your joy comes the feelings of being overwhelmed, especially after this last week.

    I hope you will remain church-going after this miracle...you never know what might happen when you act on your pastor's words.
    Surely you can rely on that church family a little more now...

    May the Lord continue to bless you in your life...and here are my prayers to help your triplets get better too!

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  28. Congrats! I found you from Crazy Hip Blog Mamas and love reading your site! I'm sure you get this a lot, but I can't imagine what your life is like... I'm busy enough and I only have one nearly 9 month old! Anyway, congrats. I wish you a healthy 9 months!

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  29. Oh my goodness, I have tears running down my face....
    I have been checking back a couple of times a day to check that the trips were getting better and I find out the most magnificent news!
    CONGRATULATIONS, what wonderful news.
    I can't wait to hear the end of a waddle in time, then the start od "a carefree stroll through the park". I wished I lived closer, I would come and give you a hand....
    WOW, WOW, WOW !!!!!!

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  30. I believe in miracles and you just got one... Congratulations on another big blessing. I keep hoping that by going to church I'll get one too! :)

    Michelle in OR

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  31. This post made me burst into tears. Tears of frustration and then joy (with a little fear and OMG!!!! thrown in). Congratulations. You are my hero. I bow down at your feet!

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  32. Congratulations!!! That is just amazing! I would be making a phone call to that doctor and see if he wants to pay for the college tuition, hee hee. Hope your family is feeling better soon!!

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  33. oooooohhhhhhhhh mmmmmmyyyyyyyyy ggggggoooooooossssssshhhhhhh!!! I CANNOT BELIEVE IT!!!!!!!!!!

    CONGRATS JEN!!! WOW!

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  34. CONGRATLATIONS! OH, I am SO happy & excited for you! :D

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  35. I have 5 month old triplets and I can across your thread thru Michele S. CONGRATS!!! How exciting! God definetky works in mysterious ways. Wishing you a healthy and happy pregnancy!

    Joselle

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  36. OMG!!!! I am so excited for you! Congratulations, Jen! Wishing you a happy, uneventful pregnancy and a healthy baby!!!

    Cloe (Carolyn's bb)

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  37. Dear Jen,
    I just have to say this: Congratulations! GOD do work in mysterious ways.
    I have only recently started blogging (but only to keep family members informed of our lives in Hong Kong, one day I hope I will be brave enough to share my blog with everyone) and I came across your blog a couple of weeks ago. You have a gift with words and I do enjoy your blog tremendously.
    Take care and GOD bless.
    Zoe

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  38. I just had to come back, I have been humming to my self all through the supermarket and feel really happy today and have just realised it is because I am so excited for you and Charlie. You have made my day, Congratulations again!!!!!!!!!

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  39. Jen,

    This is the best news!!!!! I am so excited for you and your family. I can imagine how amazing your trips will be as big brother and sisters. I'm sending you good vibes and prayers for a happy, healthy pregnancy!

    Tracy B

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  40. Congrats you two, wow!! Charlie, holster that sling shot buddy before the moon falls from the sky. As always, best wishes and lots of love.

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  41. I had to read this twice to believe it!

    I'm so happy for you!

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  42. Jen,

    Congratulations!!!! I am thrilled for you, Charlie, and the trio!!! Your child is so lucky to have such a loving and beautiful family to be born into.

    Now you have to change your name to JenX4!

    jeanr in socal and nolan :)

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  43. Congratulations Jen and Charlie!!!!! Divine intervention INDEED!!!! What amazing news! Hope everyone in your house will feel better soon...

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  44. Just another person de-lurking to say congratulations! I love reading your blog (found it through Tertia's) and always look forward to the next adventure. As a mom of 14 month old twins, you are truly an inspiration to me and are the reason I now am brave enough to get out of the house. Congratulations again on #4!!

    Jen

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  45. Oh! OH !OH! Congratulations! What a beautiful and wonderful miracle! I'm sorry for the nausea and struggle and the overwhelming part(s), but this is so amazing! I'll be praying for you...

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  46. Jen- I wrote the story of my singleton. Come check it out.

    I think the kids are at twelve days today. You should be done with this now. They should be better. I hope.

    Hope YOU'RE feeling good too!

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  47. I wish I could give you the biggest hug! I am so happy for you and Charlie. Congratulations! I can't wait to read how the story goes.....

    hugs,
    Tracie (tracieinme, Cams board)

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  48. Holy Crap! Congratulations!!!! That is amazing! (Rachelle from Teacher, Mom, Mad Woman)

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  49. Hi there,

    Andrew H. from Canada here. On behalf of Syvlie, Benjamin and me may I note the following:

    1. I asked Charlie if you were pregnant TWO WEEKS AGO!!!!!! It was during a Sunday phone call about (aboot?) ten minutes before your first "interuption" posting! I had a feeling hit me out of nowhere that you were expecting! And no mention of this on the blog? What an outrage!

    2. AWESOME news! Couldn't happen to 2 (5?) nicer people! You were already an inspiration. Now? I don't know what to call you!

    3. Sending you tons of love!

    Andrew, Syvlie, Benjamin, and ????

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  50. Just thought I'd come back on-line and correctly spell the name of my 9 month pregnant wife. Wasn't good enough to mis-spell it once. No, I had to do it twice.

    For the record, that last comment should refer to "Sylvie", not Syvlie. Excuse me, I now have to go out and buy some very expensive chocolate.

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  51. Congratulations and WOW!!!! I wish you all the best on this next leg of your family's adventure!!!!

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  52. I am stunned!!! Congratulations! It is truly amazing and wonderful, Jen.

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  53. Congratulations! What amazing news!

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  54. OMG! Congratulations!
    And let the potty training begin in full force! :)
    Linda (Chicago)

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  55. Another lurker coming out to say congratulations!!

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  56. Woww!!!! CONGRATULATIONS, JEN!!!

    Hugs for you and your family...
    Your children are so cute!

    Love,
    Adwina

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  57. congratulations! that is some news- quite exciting and Wow surpising!I hope you will have a wonderful and uneventful pregnancy! Life is so full of surprises! Hope everyone continues to mend!

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  58. Hoping the triplets get better real soon.

    What amazing news.

    Congratulations.Cathy

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  59. How perfectly wonderful! CONGRATULATIONS!!!

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