Overdue update

Hi all.
I know I've really neglected this blog and updates but I've put all my energy and focus into my family and getting each other back.
I also realized that mentally I needed a break, I couldn't think about it for another second. It wasn't that it was all bad just overwhelming and consuming. I was ready for mindless, easy going days that didn't involve so many people. I've had that, we've redirected our entire family focus and come out stronger than ever.
I am finally back in a place where I am alright thinking about it and even writing about it. I recently decided to go back to school in addition to my full time job and while embarking on that journey discovered I really enjoy reading and writing. I've got some stuff started in the background, I'm not sure if anything while ever come of it but everyone keeps telling me I should write a book about our journey. We'll see...

As far as my recovery, I feel back to myself. I lost most of the weight and worried I'd have food issues. Unfortunately, they were opposite as expected and I love food...a little too much. Everything was so forced for so long that I do still food association issues. I have issues with avocados, shakes, eggs and straws. I have all my energy back and am back on an exercise regime. I do have a lot of expected loose skin on my belly. I'm going to give myself at least 1 year post before even considering corrective surgery. I feel ok with it all though, I know I deserve to be happy and I have a wonderful family that is still by my side.

The babies are all well. They were nearly 20 pounds each at 5 months old. They are in perfect health and meeting milestone of their birth age not their adjusted age. My IM is fortunate to be able to have hired some extra help during the day and at night. She seems so happy and at peace with her new life. She is a fantastic mom and really is the perfect person for this outcome. Friends have been telling her she needs to write a book too. Maybe one day we could write one together. Not sure who would read it though. :) We're hoping to visit them at their home one day in the next few years. They are always sure to keep in touch and my IF is still constantly thanking us.

I'm grateful it's over, relieved with the outcome and blessed to still have my family.

We learned a lot, made mistakes and grew as people. Life can be challenging and unexpected but we'll always manage if we have each other.

Thank you to all my dedicated followers. I deeply relied on your encouragement during my dark days and always felt better after hearing from you. Thank you for your prayers, they were obviously answered.

Love ya!

Long awaited update...2 weeks PP

Sorry for lack of posts!
I've been selfish with my time and spending it all with my kiddos and hubby. It's so wonderful to be home, free and driving. I'm taking it slow but feeling great. I love having my body back and have already reached my pre-pregnancy weight. I think the babies really took a lot more from me than I realized but I'll get it back! :) I wished they'd taken this ugly hanging belly "shelf" I have above my incision! I was surprised by how I felt after the csection, never had one before, it took me at least 4-5 days to feel like I could move around comfortably. Luckily, I had my mom and dad's constant help, couldn't have done it without them! But soon after that, I felt myself again. I honestly thought being on bed rest for so long would make it difficult to stand and walk after the babies were born but the only thing that slowed me down was how my belly felt. I've been pumping like crazy and have been able to stay ahead of what the babies are eating but I'm certain that will soon change as they grow and eat more.
We are going to be moving back home in a few weeks...soooo excited! My hubby had to start working again about a month ago so I've been here alone with the kids since the babies came. It's great but sometimes overwhelming. It was strange being a parent again and having to re-teach them that I do have authority, just like I did before. I do notice I get tired easier than I used to but that will get better once I can exercise and such. They have been really helpful and understanding through this whole process but especially now. I think they're just happy to have their mommy back and are happy with anything we do, big or small.
We purchased our first travel trailer the other day! We are so excited, I grew up camping and I can't wait to start our own traditions and memories. We've done lots of trips in the past but now we finally have our own things and equipment. Ahh, what a bright future we have ahead of us. I love my family!
My mom and dad are leaving on Friday to restart their full time RVing adventures. We usually don't see them for many months at a time so we're pretty sad to see them go. Especially after having the opportunity to spend so much time with them over the past 7 months. But, I know they are excited and I'm happy for them. Enjoy! Mmmwwah!

Now onto the babies...here's the breakdown
4 are breathing on their own, no assistance (most since birth)
2 have graduated to open cribs...next step, home!
1 suffered a brief NEC infection but was reintroduced to my milk today. Still growing and doing well but will have to catch up to the others' progress
1 was the smallest of the bunch but is eating a growing well
4 will go home when they have graduated to open cribs and do not have an apnea episode in 48 hours
4 are taking bottle feedings and spend their days doing kangaroo care with my IPs.

They are all loved and adored by their parents who haven't left their side since they were born. They get to do kangaroo care with 2 at a time so they can touch and see each other. My IM is loving this new life and has truly embraced her new future raising quadruplets. They are lucky babies to have the parents they have.

It's interesting how things change you, change your future and your state of mind. We're all on our own paths but when they cross, everything changes. I've learned many things from this journey but the thing that stands out the most is being grateful.
GRATEFUL for my family that stood by my side, never wavering, never frustrated or angry
GRATEFUL for the opportunity this created for my family to do the things in life that will bring us closer together, things that wouldn't be possible otherwise.
GRATEFUL for friends who were always there with supportive words and funny reminders.
GRATEFUL for God for giving me and the babies the strength and endurance to be successful.

Wow, I guess the hormones are really out of whack! I'm crying up a storm over here!!! :)

Thanks to all my followers who never stopped checking in on me!

Pictures...

THE ESCAPE from the hospital, 2 days after the babies were born:





Our new trailer (me 2 weeks post-partum)

Here's a few more details about the birth:
I'd been having bad back pain constant for a few days and nothing was helping, vicodin or heating pads. On Saturday night every time I got up to use the restroom I would get naseous and get sick. By yesterday morning when the doctors rounded they saw how I was feeling and ordered blood work. My magnesium levels (the meds that stop me from contracting) were at a dangerous level so they had to turn off the medication. My body was also showing signs of my liver failing after they got the blood results. By around noon the doctor didn't like the way I was looking and feeling with my back so she decided to check me. I was 4 centimeters dilated with the lowest baby sitting right on my cervix and the bag bulging. Bad thing is I had that stitch in my cervix which meant I was tearing through, not good! So by 2:15 I was wheeled off for delivery. Luckily Hubby was down with the kids visiting and my IM only had a short drive. My IF was out of the area so he missed the birth.
All but The smallest baby are breathing room air but he's only on a nasal canula, not fully intubated, things could change from day to day with any of them but they look great now. My IM has spent all her time in there with them trying to comfort any that cry. They even let her hold 3 of them skin to skin last night.
I haven't seen the babies yet but my mom brought back some cute pictures she took for my kiddos and I to see. I should be seeing them in the next few hours once my bleeding is a bit better and I can sit long enough.

Well, that's it! We had a storybook happy ending! All the time, pain and frustration was worth it knowing there are 4 healthy as can be babies here now.

The quads are here!

Melissa's body decided it was time for the quads to get here, so they delivered them today at 33 weeks and two days.

All are doing great. Only one baby has needed oxygen so far. Here are their weights and lengths:

Baby A 3 lb 13 Oz 16"
Baby B 3 lb 13 Oz 16"
Baby C 3 lb 8 Oz 18"
Baby D 3 lb 13 Oz 18"

Melissa did great according to the nurses. She did not need blood and can already wiggle her toes.

Will update more tomorrow, time to rest.

33 Weeks

A belly comparison, it's grown a lot in just 1 week!

Day 64 in the hospital.
41 pound weight gain, belly measuring 48" around and 56 weeks pregnant.
Made it to 33 weeks, yay! I'm still chugging along trying to stay positive and occupy my mind. Just wish my back wouldn't hurt so much, it keeps me from sleeping and walking is becoming difficult (never thought I'd be saying those words). But the end is in sight and everything will go back to the way it was. My kiddos are here again for the weekend, for the last time before the big day! They are very excited to have their mommy back and enjoy the summer together. They all want to be here on the day I get released to see me leave through the doors and get into our car. It will be a wonderful happy day! I will be out in time for the 4th of July so we are making plans with my parents to find some local event to attend. It will be nice to not miss another holiday, I missed Easter, Mother's Day and Father's Day is tomorrow.
I'm anxious to see how much the babies will weigh. I've read some stories of quads born at 34 weeks that were born between 4.5-5 pounds and only spent days in the NICU not months or weeks. I'm guessing that's how big these little ones will be! What a relief I already feel knowing I've done a good job and have done my best to give these babies a good start in life.

32 Weeks 5 Days

Day 61 in the hospital...12 more days until C-section!

Another smooth few days. Had a visit from my kids and my older brother and fam over the weekend. It was really nice and made the time go by quickly.
The first BPP scan was on Monday, everything looked great, all babies scored 8/8. The next will be tomorrow and I'm not expecting anything different.
I've been feeling really good, nothing really to complain about. Although my back gives me trouble but I can't imagine it wouldn't considering :) I'm starting to really feel big, my belly skin is hard and tight, not sure how it's managed to stretch this far. But it's reassuring because I know it means the babies are growing and getting stronger each day in my belly, not in a NICU with cords and IVs and no one holding them.
I'm still in disbelief sometimes that we've come so far and things are going along complication free right now (knock on wood). I've read so many quad blogs and it rarely seems the norm. I figured out, I read just over 30 blogs with the average delivery being 29.5 weeks and only 3 made it to where I'm at now. Only 1 made it to 34 weeks for her scheduled C-section....1!!! I have 12 more days to prove I too can be added to that category! I'm certain I'll be successful.

Here's my progress on baby cross stitch project #2

My lovely daughter decorated my room with a beautifully long paper chain, I love it! She's so thoughtful and creative.

32 Weeks

Day 58 in the hospital
40 pound weight gain
Belly measuring 47 1/2" around and 53 weeks pregnant
4 strong heartbeats moving all around

Amazing!!! So relieved to be at this point. Some thought it couldn't be done, but we did it! The risks to the babies drops significantly from this point on, I am so happy about that. I'm mentally preparing for NICU time but I know it will be much shorter than other quads.
I've been feeling good, I go outside in the wheel chair everyday. The doctor said it was fine if I wanted to sit in a chair in my room instead of laying in the bed all day. Although it's not comfortable for long, it's nice having that privilege. At this point mentally, I feel strong and capable of getting through the next 14 days. Each day seems all to similar to the one before it but it's doable, easy. Less interruptions, interventions and mental strain than before...I like it that way. Right now, I'm watching a TV series from Netflix on my IPad and finishing my second of four cross stitch projects for the babies. That pretty much fills my day along with my daily visitors. I am ok with that to get through each day. I'm anxious for the delivery and think about it often. But I know keeping my mind quiet and occupied is best. I feel supported and cheered on from every direction, we've accomplished so much, I'm still amazed!
I hope one day I can offer support to a fellow surrogate or expectant quad mom. And although this wasn't on my bucket list, I'm glad I was fortunate enough to have been apart of this amazing experience. With the help of the best doctors, nurses, family and friends, we have been successful!
Tomorrow we start 2 times per week bio physical profiles on the babies.
So, if my water doesn't break or I don't have a bleed, I don't develop sudden pre-e or there aren't any urgent problems with the babies...they will officially come into this world on June 27th around 9:30 am!!!!