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08/21/06
Hello,
Our
home has been in constant movement this past week. The babies had their 6 month follow-up appointment with
their pediatrician. Everyone is doing well. Shane weighs 15lbs. 9 oz.. Austin
weighs 15 lbs. 3 oz.. Eliza weighs 14 lbs. 13 oz..
This appointment
was the hardest yet. The babies absolutely did not want to be there. They cried the entire visit. They
were crying even before they got their 3 shots each. YUK! I hate those shots.
Last weekend
the whole family went to a church BBQ & to church on Sunday. Both went very well. It was so nice to meet friends
and socialize.
This weekend
just past... was packed with activities. Saturday, we had our friends Darren & Karen over for a visit.
They brought us a 3rd crib for the babies as well. They were both very helpful with feeding & holding the triplets!
Darren even helped Shawn & friends from church bring in our new refrigerator.
A generous
member of our church has given a fridge to our family. We were functioning out of coolers once again. It is doable...
but not fun. So, we put the word out that we were looking to purchase a used fridge. God did even better.
He put it on the heart of a member of church to bless our family with a fridge they had to offer. Thank you again!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Saturday
night, we went to Aunt Suzi & Uncle Scott's home to celebrate 2 birthdays. Uncle Todd & cousin Kianna. Thank
you again Uncle Todd for visiting Friday & helping to take out the old fridge & assisting with the babies. It
was great to visit with you Friday & Saturday.
Sunday, we
were treated to dinner at our home by our friends Eugene & Jaclyn. What a blessing it was to spend the
day with them & their 2 angels. Isabell, thank you for helping to entertain Shane, Austin & Eliza.
They miss you already.
08/11/06
Hello,
Thanks to Uncle Scott & cousin Jerah for visiting with us today. They were able to join us in taking a dip this
afternoon. Austin & Eliza went in their kiddie pool for the first time today. Thanks to the Ferraby family
for sharing their pool with us. The babies loved it.
08/10/06
Hello,
Greetings from the Shenk Fort. All is well this week. The babies are still sleeping through the night & eating
well. All babies can roll from their backs to their sides. Eliza & Austin can roll from their bellies to their
backs. We has our 2nd annual yard sale this past weekend. Thanks to Uncle Ernest, Aunt Marian, Grandpa Ellis,
Grandma Sus, Aunt Jolyn, Aunt Krystal & Uncle Todd for all of their help with the sale & taking care of the babies.
We were given a beautiful day & the visit was enjoyed by all.
Thanks again.
08/03/06
Hello,
The babies are 6 months old today!!! They are all still sleeping through the night! Whew! Very Exciting!!!
Things have
been happening quickly with the triplets lately. They have been to two bible studies in the past 2 weeks. They
did wonderfully at it as well. Hardly any fussing! This past weekend we all attended our 1st Church Picnic.
While it was a very hot day, we still had fun. It was ironic that Mommy spent a bit of time picking out the cutest outfits
& matching the babies... just to end up striping them down to diapers with in 10 minutes of arriving at the picnic.
We used our bumbo's and with the help of friends, kept the babies cool with water wipe downs.
We also felt
lucky to visit with Aunt Suzi, Uncle Scott, Uncle Todd, Jerah & Kianna 2 weeks ago. We hope to see them again soon.
Also...the boys
are now actively sucking their thumbs. Before they accidentally found their thumbs to suck on every once in a while.
Now they are consciously putting only the thumb in their mouth & sucking away. It is adorable.
Another milestone that
has occured is Austin's 1st tooth is peeking through his gums! He really has not been too bad
for a teething baby.
07/21/06
Hurray!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The triplets
have slept through the night! How exciting!!! Eliza woke up at 4 am... but just needed to be swaddled & given
her pacifier. All slept about 10 hours!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
We are all
so excited! We are looking forward to seeing if we can keep this going every night! What a great change this would
be!!!
07/20/06
Hello Everyone,
We here at the Shenk home send best wishes out to everyone &
thank you for keeping in touch with us. Since writing last... much has happened. This Friday the triplets
will be 24 weeks old. They have grown so much since coming home. Shane weighs 14 lbs. 2 oz.. Austin
weighs 14 lbs.. Eliza weighs 13 lbs. 4 oz. All are trying to talk to us & Austin
has even discovered how to scream! Oh Yes...he has perfected the art of calling Mommy & Daddy!
~Aunt Connie
has been down a bunch since we wrote last. She has gone with us to Wal-Mart & to Haddonfield to pick up our new
Triple Stroller. We purchased it from another mother of triplets we were lucky enough to meet.
~Grandma
Carol has visited twice since we wrote last. She came with us to get our Sears portraits done. This visit
she came with us for our first outing with our triple decker stroller. She pushed her grandbabies proudly through Shop
Rite while mommy picked up a few groceries. Grandma Carol says "We have such good babies". Thanks Grandma!
~We had a
small picnic for family this past month. We were visited by Aunt Sally & Uncle Dale who came from Connecticut to join us. It was a hot day but just great to visit
with family.
~Many thanks
to Aunt Jolyn, Grandpa Ellis & Grandma Sus for helping get the house & food ready for the picnic.
~The triplets
had their first trip to Church. Austin spent a lot of
time in the lobby with Mommy... but all seemed to enjoy the worship. We hope to be back soon!
~The Shenk
house came down with its first cold this month. Mommy & Austin got it first. Unfortunately Daddy, Shane &
Eliza soon caught it as well. So... we were under a self imposed quarantine for a bit. Everyone is feeling much better now!
Whew!!!
~We had our
first developmental follow up visit with the hospital last week. Everyone is doing well & progressing
nicely.
~Yesterday
we had an exciting visit from another set of Triplets. They are Payton, Ella Grace & Nicholas Deluca.
Their mother Rachel delivered them the day after ours were born. She was across the hall from us in the hospital. It
was such a pleasure to spend the day playing together. We hope to see them again soon! Check out the
cute pictures of their visit on the family album page.
06/05/06
Yesterday morning Shane & I (Mommy) went to Shoprite together. It was our first outting without
his brother & sister. It was nice to get out without having crowds form around us saying "Are they Triplets?".
It was a relaxing bonding time, and we sure did get a lot accomplished. Later in the day, Daddy, mommy, Shane &
Eliza went out to buy our first tomato plants. The trip was a quick one, but successful. We came home, fed the
kids outside for the 1st time & did some gardening. It was truely a pleasant day.
06/04/06
Today, we got a visit from Grandma Sus & Grandpa Ellis. We actually met them at a local Farmer's
Market. Boy, what a scene we caused. We had trouble walking 10 feet without people stopping us to look at the
babies. We did get quite a few men & women saying "God Bless you both". It was raining, but the time spent
walking with Grandma & Grandpa was wonderful.
06/03/06
Hello Everyone,
Much has happened since my last entry. First... Thank you for the continued
support & prayers. Our journey has been made much easier with your support.
Since my last entry...our baby shower has passed. We were blown away
with the amount of care that people like my mother, Michelle, Cheryl & Lisa put into making the day a huge success.
Thank you to all who helped out. It was just incredible. So many people were able to celebrate with
us. It was so good to spend time with friends & family. Thanks to those who were not able to attend but
sent gifts & well wishes. We are actively working on getting Thank you cards sent out (filling them out
inbetween feedings is taking quite a long time).
Mother's day passed... the children sent me a beautiful bouquet of
flowers. Shawn told me that Austin dialed the number.
Aunt Jolyn has been staying with us to help with Shane, Austin & Eliza.
She devotes many hours of her day to her neices & nephews.
Our neighbor Ines comes over almost everyday to get her "baby fix". The babies
just react so well to her. They always eat well for her.
Special thanks to Nancy & Jean at Harrison Twp. Schools for organizing a wonderful
Baby Shower for Shawn. We were able to suprise everyone and bring the babies.
One weekend in May, Aunt Marian & Uncle Ernest drove down here from PA to help with
the babies. Their loving touch & helpful suggestions were greatly appreciated.
Grandma Sus & Grandpa Ellis come up often to spend time with the babies.
They bring lots of hugs & kisses with them.
A nurse from the NICU, Nancy, takes time from work & family to visit us.
She comes over once a week to visit with the babies. She often lends a hand in bathing and feeding all
of them.
Friends from Joy Community church have been calling and coming over each week to
help out. Their prayers and fellowship have gotten me through some tough days. Shawn & I are planning to go
to church this next Sunday. This will be the babies 1st service since birth.
Special thanks to Diane, Michelle, Holly, Joyce, Josie, Bethany and Kim
for taking time out of your busy schedules to help with the triplets.
The kids attended their Aunt Alma & Uncle Carl's 50th Anniversary celebration.
It was a exciting day & our family was thrilled to be able to attend.
This past weekend the 5 of us attended the Glassboro Memorial day parade.
The children seemed to enjoy the day. All of it except the fire engines honking their horns. The boys were quite
startled by this sound (even with their ears covered by mommy & daddy).
06/02/06
Another doctor's appointment was successfully completed today. No Shots today!!! The last
appointment the babies got 4 shots each. It was just awful...yuk. Mommy was ready to toss her cookies
just watching & then soothing her angels. But...this time... NO SHOTS!!!YEAH!!!!!
Dr. Weidner was pleased with the weight & measurements of the babies:
Eliza is 22.5" tall & weighs 10 lbs. 15 oz.
Austin is 24" tall & weighs 11 lbs. 5.5 oz.
Shane is 22.5" tall & weighs 11 lbs. 11 oz.
Virtua Documentary will air:
May 20th at 7:30p.m. on NBC 10
Our family was taped
for a T.V. documentary while in the hospital. the documentary will air on Saturday, May 20th at 7:30 p.m. on NBC 10.
It is a compelling look at healthcare delivary and our family will be one of the primary stories.
04/25/06
This afternoon Shane had a hearing exam scheduled.
He has failed his last 2 given at the hospital. Good New though... he passed this more indepth exam by an audiologist at the Ciell Institute For Hearing
in Voorhees NJ. The doctor/director, Caryn H. Bross, M.S., CCC-A, was very professional, informative and extrememly friendly.
Helping both Mommy & Shane relax for the test.
All of the babies are doing well. They are all awake longer during the days now. We have them use bouncy
seats & swings often. They are approx. 8 lbs. or so each. Saying cute sounds like "unn geee" & "gaaaa".
They also will periodically hold your finger while sucking on their bottles. You can even prop Austin & Shane's
hands up to hold their own bottles for a short while.
04/24/06
Hello from the Shenk family of Five!!!! It has been a long road, but your
support and kindness has certainly encouraged and helped us along our journey. Thank you for all of the encouragement that was given to us, while we were waiting for
the babies to arrive & after.
Our home has changed in more ways than
one. It's going to literally take a miracle but...our biggest prayer request at this time, is a house & automobile
that our newly expanded family of 5 can fit into and can afford. Our current house (which
we rent) has every nook and cranny filled with babies & baby items. Only one of our current auto's
fit the babies & that will only be true for a couple of months. So you can imagine, we're literally running out
of room! But... God is faithful & we'll keep praying!
Other than that, we're all well! We ask
for continued prayers that God will protect all three children as they grow and that we can be the best parents God has called
us to be.
We are grateful for your continued thoughts and prayers.
3/15/06
Hello Everyone,
Well... I did not make 31 weeks. I got to 30 weeks & 5 days.
I actually just got home last Tuesday & within 24 hours our first son
Austin came home. The next day Shane arrived
at the Shenk home & last night (3/14/06) we were allowed to bring baby girl Eliza home. Mommy was stuck in
the hospital with the babies all this time. Total I was in the hospital on bedrest for 3 months & 1 week. Shawn
stayed with me each night sleeping on a reclining chair. I am a bit week still and we had to scramble to get a nursery
functional for 3 (with help from family), but we all are hanging in there.
The babies all are well.
Our son Shane had heart surgery, a blood
transfusion, brain hemerage level 1 (will resolve itself) & was on a resperatory
for some time...but is doing great now. Our daugther Eliza was on a resperator but did very well overall. Our son Austin had
brain hemerage level 1 (will resolve itself, so we do not have to worry about this one). We say he was showing the other 2
how to be well.
We do thank you for your thoughts and prayers.
I hope to write more soon.
Take Care,
Shawn, Kelly,
Eliza, Shane & Austin
Hello again,
This is Kelly here at Viritua Hospital giving you a quick update. Yes, I am
here again. Some complications arose & I have come back to finish healing. I found out that there are computer's
available here in the NICU. So... this morning I couldn't sleep so I came and heald Shane for a bit and decided to write
this message to all of our friends & family.
As you can probably guess by the first sentence of this message... I am back in
the hospital. I was released for a couple of days. They were quite difficult days & Shawn and I struggled
to keep it together. My mother's visit did give us some relief from everyday demands and worries. We thank her
for the time and effort she put forward. Last Thursday was no diferent. Shawn actually stayed home from work to
take me to the OB to see if there was anything they could do. Later that night we went to visit the babies in the NICU.
The nurse asked me for the first time, if I would like to do the care (diaper change & temp check) for Austin. I
was in the process of checking his temp I begain feeling sick & weak & dizzy. To make a long
story short... they took me to the ER where the symptoms worsed. I was admited that night and think I should be out
of here in a couple of days.
Thanks for all of your prayers. They have been heard and so very appreciated. To show
that prayer works...
All three babies are in an intermidiate room. This is one step down from the
intensive care unit they have been in since birth. All are off breathing help and we just
are trying to surround them with as much love as we can muster up!
2/08/06
Kelly did come home yesterday. She continues to get better each day. After arriving home and greeting her cat Laney,
Kelly, Shawn and myself headed out once again. Shawn made a special trip to the Red Cross to give blood for one of the babies
who was in need of a blood transfusion. We stopped back at the hospital to be with the babies afterwards. I was able to hold
Austin once again for a 1/2 hour. I am going to miss being with these babies when I have to return back home. - Kelly's
Mom
2/07/06
Kelly might be coming home today. It will be difficult for her leaving the babies at the hospital and leaving an
environment she has been in for over 2 months. I know she will be using a lot of her strengths to get
by until the Triplets are home with her. Now for my exciting news. I was very lucky to have held Austin last night for
1/2 an hour. I feel such a connection with all three babies and to be so fortunate to be able to hold one of them is
one of my greatest experiences in life. I was even allowed to give him a kiss on the nose when the nurse took him back. I'm
looking forward to holding my other 2 precious grandbabies. - Kelly's Mom
2/06/06
Kelly had a great day yesterday! Much less pain and up and walking around quite a bit. Shawn and Kelly have had a constant
stream of visitors and many well wishes. Kelly was told last night before I was ready to leave she and Shawn would be able
to get to hold Austin later in the evening. I can't wait to get back today to hear how that went. Austin is doing very well.
Eliza and Shane are doing well too and are receiving help with their breathing. The babies have a full head of hair and
the most adorable faces you can imagine. I continue to pray for all the babies and ask everyone else to please continue their
prayers. Thank you. - Kelly's Mom
2/05/06
I spent the day with Kelly and Shawn yesterday and saw the triplets for the first time. I can't even begin to tell you
what I was feeling because it's so many different things. Overwhelming love, wanting to make them all feel safe, wanting them
to know I was their grandma and will always be there for them. Feeling so very protective. Guess it's about the same feeling
I had when my 2 girls were born. I am so proud of Kelly and Shawn and I feel so blessed to have 3 grandbabies. Now in order
of how they were born:
Austin-6:30pm: 16.5" long, 3 lbs. 7 oz.
Eliza-6:31pm: 15.75" long, 3 lbs. 6.3 oz.
Shane-6:32pm: 15" long, 3 lbs. 9.4 oz.
Kelly of course is uncomfortable with her operation she went through but was out of bed and visiting with the Triplets
and also sat up for some time in a chair. She is recovering well.
I need to get going, can't wait to get back to the hospital to visit with everyone. - Kelly's Mom
2/03/06: 9:09pm
Kelly is in recovery and babies are fine. One had some breathing difficulty but now is doing good. All the babies are
over 3 pounds. Shawn is going in many directions, being with the babies, mom and family. :) Congratulations to the new Mommy
and Daddy! - Kelly's Mom
2/03/06: 7:17pm
Just spoke with my sister on the phone and the babies have been born and all came out crying and doing well. Kelly is
still in the operating room and Shawn is with the babies getting familiar with them. I could just cry...this is just so wonderful.
Thank you all for your prayers. Thank you God. I'm a Grandmother!! Oh this is just wonderful! - Kelly's Mom
2/03/06
Today is the day! Kelly called me about an hour ago and said
the doctors will be delivering the babies today because Austin's umbilical cord is in the birth canal. Kelly is nervous
which is expected. Shawn sounded calm as can be...good for him! I can't wait to get there. Please everyone give us some more
prayers. I'll try as soon as possible to give you all another update. - Kelly's Mom
1/31/06
Hi everyone,
I was lucky enough to make it to New Jersey to visit with Shawn and Kelly for a few days last week. Shawn and Kelly have
been involved with participating with filming a documentary on high-risk multiples. I was there the day Kelly was being filmed
and was asked to join in with the production. I was feeling uncomfortable to do so, after all I have heard the camera adds
weight to a person, but Kelly convinced me by telling me how wonderful this would be for the triplets to see, grandma
and mother together before they were born. I also was very pleased to be involved in viewing the sonogram and seeing 3D pictures
of the triplets. We unfortunately didn't get the best views that day because the babies were either having their backs to
us or hiding their faces. I still was thrilled to participate in this wonderful event. I did get the chance to hear all
3 babies’ heart beats which was amazing. As Kelly described it, sounded like horses trotting.
Shawn and Kelly are doing great considering what they have been through. Shawn is amazing how helpful, supportive and loving
he is. This does't surprise me though because that's just Shawn. He does all he can to help make Kelly as comfortable as possible.
Shawn's family has been very supportive of them also with daily phone calls and visits when possible. My sister Connie came
to visit while I was there and it was great to see her. She brought with her videos she had made from old films she took years
ago. I got to see Kelly when she was just starting to crawl! I am so glad my sister took those films and had preserved them
all these years. It was fun for us 3 to watch the videos together.
Kelly has told me how fortunate she feels to have her friends call and visit and also surprised at the support she has
been given by people she has never met. I thank you all for showing my daughter how much you care and for all your support
and kindness towards her.
Kelly is now 30 weeks and 2 days. I am so pleased to be able to say that! Just look what all the prayers have done! Thank
you all for the support and for your prayers. It means so much to us all. - Kelly's Mom
1/23/06
I have recently purchased all kinds of vintage looking fabric on line. I
am dying to make baby items out of them. I thought of making receiving blankets, baby book covers, burp clothes,
bibs and hats. I have never done anything like this before...but I have this huge urge to do it here in the hospital.
So... if anyone has any ideas regarding these projects, feel free to drop me a line.
1/16/06
Hello from Kelly & Shawn,
We hope everyone is doing well...starting off this new year filled with joy
& many blessing! We have had a very very full week. Thursday the babies had a sonogram which estimated their
weights & measured particular body parts(torso, femur and skull). The weights are 2lbs. 8oz.(middle baby boy), 2lbs.
10oz.(right baby boy), and 2lbs. 11oz.(left baby girl). We were told that they are above average in size for triplets
at this point.
We have 2 requests for anyone who can help...
1) We were trying to research digital camcorders. If any of you know of one that works
well for you or someone else could you drop us a line or give us a call? We are trying to buy one before
labor starts.
2) Also... there are some companies that give discounts or even free items / services for triplet
(or more) pregnancies. We have found quite a few companies on the internet. Some examples of stores that I intended
to contact but was admitted to the hospital before I could do so were- Shop-Rite (any grocery store), children's clothing
stores (Baby Gap, Gymboree for a couple examples), department stores (Sears, Macy's for example), or salons (for Mom) are
a few examples. Most require birth certificates, therefore we will contact those companies after the babies are
born.
For those of you that feel led to do so, can you find / research more companies
using whichever medium of communication you choose. Some examples could be: speak to owner/manager in person, via letter
or phone contact. Perhaps the more people we have thinking about this the more response we will receive. Feel
free to tell each company that if they are able to help us in any way... we will try to include their name in some of the
publications we are involved with (newspaper, websites...). Here is an example of the letter I will be
sending out to the companies that require birth certificates. Feel free to use this if you have a lead to a possible
company that would contribute:
Carters, Att: Multiple Birth Program
224 North Hill St.
Griffin , GA 30223
Dear Sir/Madam:
I’m writing in regard to your multiple-birth program . I have just had triplets, two
boys and 1 girl (copies of their birth certificates are enclosed). My return mailing information is: Kelly Shenk
223 Dickinson Road Glassboro, NJ 08023. . Thank you for offering this program for parents of multiples!
Sincerely,
Kelly Shenk
1/15/06
28th week into the pregnancy today and Kelly and Shawn continue to stay strong. Thank you all for your prayers and support.
The visits and calls have been helpful for the Shenks.--Kelly's Mom
1/12/06
I hope this finds you all doing well. I wanted to let you all know about a woman named Mary that took
the time to visit me yesterday. I had come in contact with her via an internet site for Mother's of Triplets.
I want to take the opportunity to Thank her for taking the time to visit yesterday. I can't tell you how her and
she & her 3 angels brightened my day. It put things in perspective for me.
The nurses all had huge smiles on their faces after Mary brought the babies. My nurse Val actually
told me that she specifically remembered Mary from her stay here at Virtua. It was so encouraging to meet Mary
& her Triplets, and see that all of this hospital rest will be rewarded in the end with beautiful healthy babies.
I wish I could repay her for the time she took to visit. It was invaluable.
Please keep in touch everyone. Visitors are always welcome. Just give us a quick ring ahead of
time and we can be sure to be available.
God Bless,
Kelly & the Triplets
Hello everyone,
Thank you all for the encouraging words! We are now 26 weeks & 6 days pregnant. We
have been here in the hospital for 1 month, 1 week & 2 days so far. The nurses just brought me this lap
top to work on. So... I am reading all of the emails sent to me lately. Thank you all for your prayers and
kind words!
We do so appreciate your phone calls, emails, visits & thoughtfulness. Thank
you for all of the delicious meals prepared for Shawn. It has brought me such peace of mind (here in the hospital) knowing
he has some home cooked meals to nourish him.
Thanks to Jim Myers for helping Shawn pick up our freezer the other week. Thanks as
well to Carolyn, Ellis, Krystal & Todd for helping Shawn to get the house ready for the babies. Thanks to my Aunt
Connie for doing the months worth of ironing & laundry...as well as preparing meals for Shawn.
We're so thankful for the way people from Joy Community Church, friends & family have really come
through for us.
Thank You again & God Bless,
Kelly & Shawn Shenk & the Triplets
12/30/05
Kelly is almost at her 26th week. I'm terrible at remembering exactly what is her condition but let's just say the babies
are ready to be born any minute from what I understand. Her cervix is open and it won't take much for her water to break at
this point. She has developed a cold and now with sneezing and coughing, well you know how much pressure that can be on the
body. So now we just hope the babies stay put for just a couple more weeks. It's possible for them to still stay in her womb
with the condition she is in because it has happened to other women. Shawn continues to spend nights at the hospital and go
to work during the day. Happy New Year to you all!
12/22/05
Just spoke with Kelly and she has informed me she will be staying at the hospital until further notice. The doctor didn't
want to take the chance in letting her go home since she lives so far away from the hospital.
12/20/05
Thank you all for your prayers. Shawn and Kelly at this time seem to be doing better. I'll let Kelly add to this later
when she is feeling up to it. She was able to use a computer the other day which the nurses where kind enough
to lend her so she could email everyone an update and edit some of my previous posts here. There is rumor
she might be able to go home Thursday. We shall see. I know we all are hoping for that, especially Shawn and Kelly.
12/16/05
This morning at 5am Kelly will be taken off of her treatment to stop contractions. Her contractions will be monitored
until around 2pm where she will be given a sonogram to see if her cervix has shortened. She has something called
a dynamic cervix. This means her cervix is continuousley opening (dialating) and closing. So... one of the
babies heads is resting directly on this tempermental cervix. So Kelly will have to remain flat on her
back or side from now on. Prayers requested. --Kelly's Mom
12/15/05
I spoke with Kelly yesterday and she was having a very bad day. The doctor tried to stop treatment Tuesday for
the contractions she was experiencing. When that was attempted she had some of her hardest contractions yet &
they lasted for hours. It was a very scary time for her and Shawn. The doctor had thought maybe the babies were going
to be born that day. Kelly and Shawn had a very difficult conversation afterwards to discuss the possibility of
the babies being born early and what they would want the doctors to do if anything(since it is so early) for their babies. Along
with Kelly being confined to bed and having to depend on everyone else for her needs, she is experiencing mental anguish.
My heart pours out to her and I wish I could take away her worries, her sadness and her disappointments. I can only hope God
hears my prayers and all the other prayers being sent to him for the Shenk family. I ask God to give Shawn peace & strength.
Also please give Kelly strength to continue to depend on others to take care of her while waiting for the babies to be
strong enough to come into this world. I ask God to keep my son-in-law & daughter safe and the babies safe.
I ask God to put patience and understanding in the people that are involved with Kelly & Shawn. I ask our Lord to please
make those caring for them do their best and give the ability to put themselves in Kelly's shoes. Let them ask themselves,
"how would I feel if it was me in the bed, instead of the one standing by the bed." Thank you again for all your prayers and
I continue to ask you to please continue praying. --Kelly's Mom
12/07/05
Kelly continues to be hospitalized. She was moved today to the Labor and Delivery Unit. I was told she was
moved to this unit because she is now 3cm dialated. Kelly now is experiencing along with her contractions, back pain.
I am continuing heavy prayers and ask all of you to please continue to pray her, Shawn & the babies. Thank you.
- Kelly's Mom
12/04/05
Kelly is doing better today. Her contractions are less and not as strong. She continues to get treatment
to try and keep her contractions under control and hopefully they will be stopped. Tomorrow she will have some tests
done to see if she will be able to come home. I for the first time felt one of the triplets kick. It was unbelievable!!
I can hardly put into words the feelings I felt when I felt the gentle bump under the palm of my hand. I feel like
one of the luckiest persons on this earth to be able to have had this experience. --Kelly's Mom
12/03/05
The baby shower had to be cancelled due to Kelly having to be admitted to the hospital because of contractions.
She was very disappointed to have to cancel the festivities, but knew all would understand the situation. We will know
more if she will stay longer or come home on Monday. She will be on bed rest until the babies are born. She continues
to have contractions but is getting treatment to try and control them. We will try to keep you all posted to her progress.
The shower will be rescheduled after the babies have been born. She and her husband Shawn wish to thank all who have been
praying for them and I personally ask all to continue to pray for them. Thank you..........Kelly's Mom
11/30/05
Hello Everyone,
Shawn and I are looking forward to visiting with everyone at the shower this weekend. Please bring your appetites.
So far there will be:
Baked Ziti,
Kielbasa, Hoagies, Potato Salad, Veggie Tray, Cheese & Cracker Tray, Fruit Tray, Tortillas and dip, Appetizer Sandwich
Spirals, Nuts, Chips, Pretzels, Cake, Ice Cream Dixie Cups (the kids should like these). Coffee, Tea, Juice, Soda & Punch.
Remember
it is not being held at our house... it will be held at:
Joy Community Fellowship
309
Florence Avenue
Pitman,
NJ 08071
Phone: (856)
582-4404
Directions to this church can be found in the invitations as well as on their website: http://www.joycf.org
11/25/05
Just an update-
Shawn & I went out early in the morning on Black Friday to catch some sales. It certainly was
the busiest Black Friday I have ever seen. We missed a deal on a camcorder... but did find a sale on an upright freezer
at Sears. So- thanks again all of you bargain hunters for keeping your eye's open for a freezer for us. We can
now check that item off of our list. Thanks again.
11/23/05
Well... it
looks like I did not pass the 3 hour Glucose test. My OB called me yesterday afternoon and said that I have developed gestational diabetes.
I have been feeling very fatigued, nauseous and dizzy lately. So... this explains a lot.
About 4%
of pregnant women will develop this during their pregnancy. Women who are carrying multiples are 2 to 3 times more likely
to develop this form of insulin resistance. The good news is that gestational diabetes usually goes away after pregnancy.
Treatment
for gestational diabetes will include special meal plans. It may also include daily blood glucose testing and insulin
injections.
I have an
appointment at the hospital today and will be meeting with my perinatologist and a dietician.
11/17/05
This morning I went for a 3 hour glucose test. I did not pass the 1 hour test that I took last week.
I am pretty sure that this will come up fine though. It was difficult not eating for 12 hours before the test and then
again for the 3 hours of the actual test. Fortunately the time went quickly.
11/16/05
Today we went to Virtua for the babies Anatomy Ultrasounds. The entire appointment took approx. 4.5
hours. The babies are all about the same size with no deformities. Everyone's growing well. Later in the
evening... I felt the babies move like crazy. It was an unbelievable feeling. They actually felt like they were
bumping and pushing into each other. It amazed me that all of a sudden I go from one feeling of a flutter... to my tummy
feeling like it is being twisted from the inside (but not hurting).
11/15/05
Tonight we
attended our last Marvelous Multiples class at Virtua Hospital.
Two different couples brought in their twins. They took the time to tell us about their pregnancy and delivery
experiences. Shawn and I were struck by two little boy twins that were about 2 years old. They never stopped moving.
I guess we were impressed by them because we are fully aware that we have 2 little boys on the way as well.
We were exhausted just watching the boys & their parents chasing them. While at the class this evening
I felt my first baby flutter. I am sure it was one of them moving... I just couldn't tell if it was the girl or the
boy in the middle of my tummy. But... it was the first movement I could positively identify.
11/14/05
This weekend we found a second crib. There is a picture on the photo album page to give an idea of
what it looks like. We were blessed once again to find it at a fraction of the original price. This will be used
for one of the boys. Two cribs found...one to go!
We also were able to visit with the Shenk & Seigel family this weekend. We look forward to seeing
everyone again. Aunt Krystal brought some adorable sleepers. I can't wait to see them on the babies.
The babies went to their 3rd wedding on Saturday. Our friends Darrin & Karen were married &
threw a beautiful wedding. Shawn & I did some very brief Swing & Hustle dancing. The night
was filled with the company of great friends, food & music.
11/11/05
Our first
crib has arrived at the Shenk home. We were able to purchase the crib we wanted for close to 30% off the regular
price. We also have begun to refinish the changing table and dresser for the nursery. A picture of all 3 can
be seen on the photo album page. The office is completely cleaned out and ready to be filled with items for the babies.
I am getting
bigger and bigger everyday. Shawn has had to help me get up from a sitting or laying down position more
and more everyday. Even putting on shoes has been a challenge lately. The faucets on the kitchen sink have been
moving further away each week. Before long Shawn will have to take over full time dish duty.
Cravings
are still the same: Slushies, Heritage Egg Sandwiches, Milk & Cheese.
Shawn &
I are looking to purchase a medium sized used upright freezer (to store milk & dinners). So... if any of you bargain
hunters out there know of one for sale... please give us a ring or email us.
11/09/05
We are now
18.5 weeks pregnant. The babies have eyebrows and peach fuzz on their bodies. They say at this point they are
able to suck their thumbs, swallow and blink. The legs are now longer than the arms, and they are moving those arms and legs frequently. Fingernails
and toenails are growing too. Developments
of the joints and hard bones have already begun. That must explain why I have been drinking milk & eating cheese
constantly.
11/08/05
Shawn & I had a maternity ward & NICU tour tonight at Virtua Voorhees Hospital. We were
quite excited to go on this tour. I had been there quite a few times before with the birth of our niece Kianna last
year. I was expecting to recognize everything...but the whole ward had been expanded & redone. It has
changed completely.
It was a sobering moment when we saw a set of quadruplets. Suddenly (for a moment) triplets didn't
seem as daunting.
Exciting
news... My mom (Carol) went to check out a triple stroller advertised in the paper up near her. Her husband Tom
was thoughtful enough to notice it in the paper, think of us, and tell my mom about it. It is only $95.00
which is a fantastic price for a triple.
My mom went
to pick it up yesterday. She called us and told us the maker. It is a Peg Pergo which is the very top of the line for triple strollers. They have to be
imported from Italy and cost almost $800.00. So... for $95.00 I told her if it is in good
condition - to grab it. Thanks again Mom & Tom!
Another bit of good news... Shawn & I were able to test out car seats at Babies r' Us... and we were able
to fit all 3 in the back of the car!!! What a blessing...this was a large concern we had. Buying a
Minivan was not something we were prepared to do at this time. So... that seems to be OK now. Whew!
11/01/05
For those
who have inquired...We are in the process clearing out the office for the nursery. We were looking for
a house... but have had no luck yet. We were putting off setting up a nursery...but I don't want to end up on bed
rest (unfortunately a real possibility) and not have something ready for the babies.
We are not
painting the nursery any specific color. It is an eggshell white and I love that so... it will be like a blank template
to work on. Shawn's mom Carolyn has graciously agreed to help me make the babies crib blankets. I found the perfect
fabric this weekend & will be going into Philly to find more of it (it has been discontinued). There is a picture
of it on the photo album page - take a peek! It is designed by Michael Miller. He is known for his fantastic vintage
retro fabrics.
10/28/05
The triplets are about 16 weeks now. We had an appointment at the hospital on the 24th. They
have grown quite a bit! We also got our first suggestion of the sexes of the babies. The sonogram tech.
stated that he thinks we have 2 Boys & 1 Girl. We had
him double check at the end of the appointment as well. We also had an appointment on the 26th where he checked the
sexes again while doing the sonogram & stated that he had the same opinion (2 boys & 1 girl). Shawn & I
are very excited ... but now have begun the naming game. Thanks again everyone for your support!
10/22/05
Hello Family & Friends- Shawn & I had our first experience with starting a baby registry
last night. Since we might deliver early & there is the potential I may be put back on bed rest (yuk)...we
thought it would be smart to start putting things together sooner than later. We went to Babies r' Us & Target.
It was actually a lot harder than we thought it would be. We found a few things at each store & will continue
to update it when we can.
We have been so blessed with items given freely to us by friends & family lately...so this will certainly
ease some of the "How are we going to care for & provide for triplets?" stress. Thank you again to everyone
for your generosity & thoughtfulness.
10/19/05
Hello Everyone,
Shawn & I attended our first Marvelous Multiples
Class at Virtua Hospital last night. We both felt
that it was excellent. The nurse who led the class was very personable and extremely knowledgeable. She
works in the NICU at several hospitals, plus specializes in several other areas’ pertaining to babies. This
is a 5 week course that we feel will definitely give us some idea of how to tackle the idea of having triplets. There
were about 10 other couples there... but we were the only couple having triplets. The instructor made an effort not
to exclude us, she took time to let us know how our pregnancy & delivery experience might differ from couples
carrying twins.
10/12/05
Well... we had our 1st Antenatal Visit at Virtua Hospital today. It ended up being a 4 hour visit.
We certainly did not expect it to take that long. The doctor & ultrasound tech were excellent. Very informative
& conscientious. Two of the babies are 4oz. and the other is 3oz.. One of the babies had it's hands up
near it's face, another was extremely active, and the thrid had it's back towards us- so we saw a clear and beautiful spine.
We were able to hear each heartbeat for the first time today. Only can be explained as an amazing moment that we will
remember always. Thanks for the kind Guestbook messages & emails from our friends & family!
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