The Holidays - Part I

The holidays are here and I attempt to shop and make things good with this holiday, but it seems difficult at best. Mostly because the bad outweighs the good this year. The boys came - huge positive - however it was a struggle through the pregnancy (not to diminish this miracle) and then with dad’s unexpected passing, it as just been challenging. I wonder how I will recover, but I know I will. I have a feeling that he is watching over us from above. Having all the kids helps me every day. It has been hard to get into the spirit. Decorating the house has helped. We are trying to make it festive even though there is so much baby stuff taking over the house. The babies are so smiley now. They will smile at us when we talk to them. It’s so cool to see them develop and respond to us.

The girls are getting so excited to get out of school and have Christmas - oops, I need to be politically correct - Winter Break. They will enjoy Colvins coming in to bake lots of Christmas cookies. We are all looking forward to that. Christina has already begun the baking with no bake cookies. We are holding out for expert Christmas baker Celia to lead the charge.

On 12/18 we took the babies for the first outing that wasn’t a doctors appointment. We visited Dr. Bohman and staff and took some great pictures! Unfortunately, our camera card fried and we lost out pictures, but Dr. Bohman’s staff has some too and we hope to get them emailed to us. I will post them as soon as we have them.

Colvins arrived on 12/20 to celebrate the holidays with us. It’s great to see them! They are RVing for the winter, and have offered to stay and help in January too. We feel so fortunate that we have had and continue to have help from friends and family. Fred and Celia drove from Illinois in their new RV. They traded up. It’s so nice and feels incredibly roomy for being an RV that isn’t the size of a tour bus.

The holidays are here! The McVey Family Letter 2007

Happy Holidays 2007

Another year is coming to a close and I don’t know where the time has gone. It’s been so busy that I can’t believe we’re already in December. This year has been so up and down for us, with both incredibly joy and unbelievable loss. This season our letter is much longer than in the past, but there’s been so many events that have impacted our lives.

2007 came in relatively quietly...we were home by ourselves to ring in the New Year. Little did we know that the year would end so differently! We were still doing fertility treatments and not having much success. After 3 years, we finally we took the last chance plunge and did true IVF after 8 failures of insemination and various drug combinations. In January we started the IVF drugs…it was what we had done (amplified) along with some other new ones. Chip gave me daily injections and I sure love needles (NOT). I perfected sitting on a frozen veggie bag to numb up the hip first. He got really good at doing them without hurting me much. In early February our doctor surgically retrieved 22 eggs and the process began. 15 fertilized. They were grown in a Petri dish for 5 days. We learned that we had 7 viable embryos. On day 5 we discussed putting 4 eggs back in. The doctor was hesitant, but agreed to do it. This was do or die for us. It was our last try…we were tired and frustrated and had experienced so much failure. A week later we learned that we were indeed pregnant. It was amazing, unbelievable news. The doctor also told us we had an HCG count of over 700. A pregnancy is considered “valid” with an HCG count of 25. Our doctor immediately prepared us to understand that there was probably more than 1 baby. Hmmm, we were so excited that something worked that we didn’t think much about it. We had to then wait 2 weeks before the next ultrasound. We pretty much held our breath since I had had 2 miscarriages in other pregnancies. We were cautiously optimistic. When we went to the 1st ultrasound appointment we learned that there were 3 little dots on the ultrasound screen. We still were so excited that it worked that it really didn’t sink in that we were having triplets. We called our families and started the process of growing the babies and making it through the first trimester. Not only did we make it through the 1st trimester, we went 33 ½ weeks. I was on bed rest for quite awhile, it was not easy, but the girls and Chip took great care of me! They brought me lots of Krispy Kremes and cheeseburgers! While on bed rest, it finally sank in that triplets were coming in the last 2 to 3 months. By that time I had plenty of time to think about it. There were many ultrasounds and doctors appointments with our WONDERFUL perinatologist, Dr. Bohman. The whole staff at the Desert Perinatology Office was just incredible! Our 3 sons good health was a result of the “village” of people that cared for me, from the medical staff to family and everyone in between who visited and brought lunch in to me…more cheeseburgers!

In July Lin Marx hosted a baby shower for me and it was so much fun! What a fantastic turnout there was! We are so grateful for all the wonderful gifts and generosity of our friends and family. All of the gifts really helped us get a jumpstart on what we needed for the babies to come. Our close friends Christopher and Daniel offer to do our nursery at the baby shower. Bunny came from Florida in July to help decorate the nursery and our guest room. We knew we needed to get one ready since we would need tons of help with the babies. The Hortons would see us frequently this year…we had no idea that it would be so often. On Sept 6, chip and I as well as Dr. Bohman all agreed that these babies needed to come out. I was miserable (and huge) and we had made it past the critical points and the chances of good health and survival were very good. I called my parents two days before the date of the c-section and they hopped in the car and were in Vegas to be here when the boys were born. I had no idea how important this would become. Three little boys came into our lives on 9/8/07, just one minute between each birth. Gary Thomas, Benjamin Isaac and Ryan Charles. All the boys were extremely healthy at around 4 lbs. each. No ventilators or oxygen was needed. We were so thankful that all went well for both me and the babies. Chip is a proud papa who is amazing with these boys! No one could ever guess that he hadn’t spent much time around or caring for babies. It came naturally and it has just made our relationship stronger and I love him more every day as I see him lead our family. The boys needed to stay in the hospital to be “growers and feeders”. Ben and Ryan stayed 17 days and came home on 9/28. Our biggest guy, Gary fell ill while all 3 boys were in the hospital. It was scary to learn he had contracted Klebsiella, a serious blood infection. He had to stay in the hospital for IV antibiotics for an additional 14 days. It was hard to leave each day with any of them in the hospital. Gary was finally able to come home on October 5. My mom and dad stayed 3 weeks to help us and to get to know the babies. It was wonderful to have them be a part of the beginning of the boy’s lives and our life changing to accommodate the needs of 3 babies. Both of them jumped right in to help whether it was laundry or rocking babies. We had no idea what it would be until all 3 were home. Now they are 3 months old and I am back to work. We have had constant help since their birth. We are so grateful that mom and dad, Kari, Bunny & Bill, Fred & Celia and Christina have all spent time with us and have jumped in to help any way they can. Christina is with us until January and is SO patient and wonderful with the boys. There are simply no words to express our gratitude and appreciation for the ongoing help in our home.

Along with the pregnancy, there were other big things that happened this year. During the pregnancy, right before I couldn’t travel anymore I made a trip to Reno to see my parents since my dad was having surgery for cancer. The first surgery was postponed after heart problems were discovered. After stints were put in and medication helped him, the surgery happened on June 11. His hospital stay and attempts to recover were long and painful both physically to dad and emotionally for all of us. Unfortunately I couldn’t travel due to the high risk pregnancy so I couldn’t be there in person which was really difficult. It took so long for dad to be able to go home and then the healing process was very, very slow. Lots of doctors treated him and there would be 2 more surgeries to redo sutures and to take care of infection, both mistakes of the medical people treating him. Finally he was on the upswing and was able to come to Vegas for the birth of the boys. He seemed well and on the mend. Mom and dad left Vegas and headed home for some doctors appointments. Over the next few weeks my dad did not feel well. He was winded and not himself. Fast forward just 2 weeks from being in Vegas and dad was back in the hospital after beginning chemo treatment to control the cancer. He didn’t get to complete the first treatment. He was back in the hospital and the doctors thought that he had pneumonia and then possibly a blood clot. We learned on October 10 that the cancer had come back very aggressively and had spread to his lungs. Within 24 hours he had passed away. It was so quick and unexpected. All of us thought he’d be home in the next day or two after he went into the hospital. I immediately flew to Reno and then drove to Winnemucca and stayed 11 days to help make arrangements and support my family through the funeral. Luckily for us, Bunny flew from Florida again to help Chip and Christina take care of the babies. Christina, Fred and Celia had just arrived to spend some time with all of us. The boys were too small to travel and I had to go be with my family. The funeral was a beautiful event…beautiful because all of our family who could and so many of my dad’s friends attended. The funeral was standing room only and the line of cars to the cemetery was incredibly long…an honor to a wonderful man. Dad is buried in Winnemucca in a beautiful spot that is under a tree and looks out to Winnemucca Mountain. It has been strange to experience such a miracle in the boys being born and such a tragedy with my dad’s passing. I’m thankful that dad had the opportunity to see his grandsons come into the world and be honored by us naming our firstborn son Gary after my dad. I will treasure the time we spent forever. I just wish I could have somehow known what the future would bring…we said tearful goodbyes when mom and dad left to go back to Winnemucca after the birth of the boys, not knowing it would be the last time we would see each other. Mom came back to Vegas with me and is here for the time being. She seems to be doing as well as can be expected. Mom spent Thanksgiving back in Winnemucca and will come back to help us in Vegas soon.

Aside from the 2 very heavy events this year, we had a few other good times in 2007. We made our 3rd trip to Hawaii in May – just the two of us. It was before the pregnancy really overtook our lives. We saw the big Island of Hawaii for the first time. After spending one night in Waikiki and visiting with my coworkers, we headed over to Hawaii. We loved the bed and breakfast we stayed in at Volcano. An amazing little cottage on private grounds with 4 other cottages. We walked for quite awhile and saw the volcano fields of rock. It was AMAZING to see all the stark black rock for miles and miles. The other side of Hawaii – Kona - is volcanic rock and like a desert for miles. In the midst of the desert landscape, we found a beach that was amazing! Mauna Kea. So quiet and beautiful. An oasis in a desert…actually it is in the resort corridor that is a piece of desert that has been made to look like paradise since the beaches are wonderful there. There are very few beaches on the Kona side that are nice and accessible. Chip loved the snorkeling at Mauna Kea. We were close enough to touch some turtles. The wet side with Hilo reminded us a lot of Kauai, which we loved. A very wet, lush place that is small and quaint, but doesn’t have a lot of beaches that aren’t rocky. We were over on Hawaii for 10 days and drove around the whole island. By the time we were on our way back from Hawaii, my body was telling me to slow down. The timing was perfect.

The other bright side of 2007 has been our family life with our girls Kaitlyn and Gillian. They are with us every other week, as they have been for the last several years. Kaitlyn started middle school this year and is enjoying not having a uniform policy. We are all adjusting to the new schedule and format. She has gone with the flow and seems to be in the groove. Along with school, Kaitlyn keeps busy with girl scouts, a few different clubs in school and gymnastics. Gillian is in third grade this year and has a full schedule too. She does girl scouts, soccer, gymnastics and very recently the chess club. Both girls are on the honor roll and are doing so well in school and out. They enjoyed spending time with Grandma and Grandpa too when they came to be with us when the boys were born. It was time they had never spent with them. Again, I’m grateful for the time they had with grandpa…we never would have guessed that things would take a turn for the worst after visiting with us. When grandpa passed, their dad drove them up to Winnemucca for the funeral. It was not easy for any of us…definitely not the grandkids, but I am so glad they could be there to say goodbye to Grandpa too. It’s a relief that they could lean on the adults as well as comfort each other.

We are also enjoying the boys as they grow. They are now 3 months old, smiling and are awake longer. The girls LOVE being big sisters and we are so happy about that. Both Kaitlyn and Gillian are great little mommies. They help with everything and love the boys so much. It’s so sweet to see them talking to them and kissing them goodnight before the girls jump into bed themselves. I never imagined they would love each other so much. Both Chip and I just smile when we talk about it.

Chip is still contracting to Verizon and I am back at work with Orbitz. Time seems to be flying…especially when I had to go back to work on Nov. 9. I wondered where the 12 weeks had gone. Luckily both Chip and I work at home and it is the best possible situation it could be. Chip and I wander out of the office to help when we can. Christina and my mom helping us has been such a blessing! Christina is a natural with the boys and she has spent endless hours feeding, diapering, burping and dressing these little boys. I watch her interact with them and I am beyond amazed at how much she’s doing for us and how she just jumps in and does it. What a great girl! We love her so much and wish she’d stay to help for eternity. Somehow I think her international travels are much more interesting that the boys. Really though, Christina is an amazing woman! I can’t imagine life without her. We’ll have to figure it out in January when she jet sets off to Australia. Egads! It’s right around the corner. She’ll have a fabulous time and we will miss her more than I can say. I’m not sure we can find someone as good as she is to help us after she leaves us.

Thanksgiving was indeed a day of thanks…Bunny and Bill Horton came out from Florida again to cook dinner here on turkey day. They arrived and Bunny made the most scrumptious turkey I’ve ever eaten. The kids (boys and girls) loved spending time with Aunt Bunny, Uncle Bill and cousin Danny especially since Danny will be off to college next year. Time passes so quickly! On top of the goodies we put on the table, we were also thankful that we could be together that day with our good friends Carlos and Deann, who joined us for the 2nd year for Thanksgiving and lots of good wine. That’s never a bad thing! The conversation and company is always good when all of us spend time together. It was fun to share our home, food and our new family life with Deann and Carlos. I hope they will spend more time with us and we didn’t scare them off since our house is being taken over by baby gear. We’d love to get out, but boy it’s an operation with the boys and the girls to go anywhere! So far, we’ve never been anywhere with all 7 of us. The boys have only been to the doctor and then home since they’ve been born. It’s just too risky to their health. We’ll feel better about it when they get bigger but I just don’t know how we’ll go anywhere with all of us!

Right before Thanksgiving my sister Kristy came to visit. It was her first trip since the boys were born. She had been down to visit for the baby shower and then again to deliver a bunch of baby stuff that was given to us by Abby. What a sweetheart she was to pass on some very useful baby stuff, but Kristy was also so nice to drive it down to Vegas from Winnemucca. For the first time her husband was able to come and visit too. It was great to see them! Her hubby Jeff is the BBQ master, so he whipped us up some great food. We enjoyed our visit so much! We had no idea that Kristy would visit 3 times in a year! This last trip she flew down by her self and loved up on the boys as well as met the Florida Hortons. It was really nice to see our families from both sides come together. We sure wish all of our family could be closer, but we love all of you and anyone is welcome to come out to see us any time!

So here we are, staring Christmas in the face and we’re so not ready. We’re still finding our groove with the schedule for the boys and also mesh that with the girl’s busy schedule. Slowly it’s coming along. I can’t believe how fast each day passes. The boys are three months old now and Kaitlyn is getting ready to turn 12! Gillian is growing right up and is halfway to 9 years old. This year has been so mixed up with all that has happened. One thing that we’ve come to realize is that life is too short to spend a moment in a place or situation you don’t want to be. Take a chance, take a risk, do what makes you happy. Be close to your loved ones, tell them how important they are and hug them often. To all of our friends and family…thank you for the love and support since our babies arrived. The gifts, calls and emails have been so meaningful and appreciated. We wish you happy holidays to you and yours and a wonderful 2008.

For updates with our family, we have a family blog site. The address is www.metaforge.net/mcveyfamily or we can be emailed at sherri@metaforge.net and finally, just give us a call! We’d love to hear from you.

Love and hugs,
Chip, Sherri, Kaitlyn, Gillian, Gary, Ben and Ryan

Pediatrician Update - 3 Months Old

Boys went to the pediatrician on 12/10 and are SO healthy! Their weights were great! Ryan weighed, Gary weighed 11lbs. 7oz., Ben weighed 11lbs. 12 oz., and Ryan weighed 12lbs. 14 oz. WOW. We couldn’t believe it ourselves. They also had their first “round” of vaccinations. It is never easy for us, but they did really well. Ryan is being referred to a heart specialist for a slight murmur, but Dr. Conti doesn’t seem to be worried about it. We’ll see how it goes. We’ll probably do that the first of the year.

We’ve also been given the green light for the Synagis injections to keep RSV risk to a minimum. It’s taken 2 months to get it approved by insurance. The injections are $1500.00 per injection (per child) per month. Our portion is apparently less than $20.00, but the insurance can’t decide who is going to administer it. It’s gone from a company coming to our house, to the pediatrician doing it to training us to do it ourselves at home (SO NOT GOING TO HAPPEN). Finally we’ve found a lung specialist that the insurance company that will authorize.

On 12/11 we finally took the boys to Children’s Lung and Heart specialist for the Synagis RSV injections and boy was that a scary experience. The nurse didn’t seem to take any interest in the boys, which was bothersome. I asked if she could bypass weighing them since they were just at the pediatrician the day before. Nope, we had to do it again....hmmm...very annoying. We went into the exam room and the doctor came in and checked them over, commented on them having lots of ear wax (WHATEVER) and then told us the same nurse would return to do the injections. I asked him if he was sure she was the right person for the job and his response was “Let’s not get into that”. OH MY GOD, I was just flipping out internally. I then asked him if it was important to him to let him know if we thought his staff wasn’t up to par, and then he proceeded to talk about her 20 years of experience and her handicapped son. I so didn’t want to hear her personal stuff, but did feel better when he said she was very experienced. So the doctor left and she returned and began with the injections. As soon as the first little guy was getting the injection, I could hear in the cry that it was very painful. Then it was Gary’s turn, same pained cry and finally Ryan, who was lucky enough to need two injections because of his weight. I was just infuriated by the whole situation. After she was done with the injections, she was leaving the room and said “schedule next month’s appointment on your way out”. I nodded and she left. Chip, Christina and I were still soothing babies and dressing them. I calmly but sternly told both of them that we wouldn’t be scheduling today. So we went home and then me and my team from Orbitz had scheduled to deliver holiday gifts to partners. While I was gone the lung specialist office called and demanded to know why we hadn’t scheduled the appointment for next month. Needless to say, I was furious when I returned home and heard about the call. I said to Chip “ummm, no, we won’t be going back there and we won’t be doing the injections again”. End of story. The only reason the doctors told us we needed them are because the babies were preemie and could have lungs that were more susceptible to infection, not considering the fact that none of our boys needed oxygen or were on ventilators when they were born. Christina, Chip and I all had a cold for a few days and they didn’t get sick. I feel it’s overmedication and I’m willing to take my chances. I guess that’s enough said about that.

I am posting pictures of the boys, however it is not as recent as we’d like. We’ve lost a bunch of pictures we took due to a faulty memory card. It’s very sad and we’ve learned that pictures must come off of the camera immediately.

So Thankful...

Thanksgiving this year...what a wonderful week! Kristy came to visit, mom was here and the Hortons came in on Tuesday. It was such fun to have Christina and all the rest of us here. Very nice that we could come together from our families and meet. Bunny, Bill and Danny came from Florida to join us for a few days over Thanksgiving. Mom was here and Kristy arrived the Saturday night before turkey day. The evening evolved into quite the conversation about my dad, which was good. Mom, Kristy and I had pretty much resolved our issues, which were related to my dad’s death. All of us grieve differently and I was having my moment. Mom and Kristy did well in trying to understand me and my schizo ways. It’s an odd thing, this dealing with death and family. I never knew it would be this way, this complex and that I would have these varied feelings. I’ve always heard death can change your life, but I just didn’t know how it would be and it changes daily. Even now, I think that maybe I haven’t a clue about what all of this really means. I feel finality but then again I feel the presence of my dad. It is difficult, but yet a comfort, knowing that dad is up there watching and guiding. I feel comfort for my family because I know he’s there with us all the time. Mom and Kristy went back to Winnemucca for Thanksgiving. It was hard to see her go and we know she’s working on what she wants to do, so we will wait and see what the future brings. Mom plans to come back after the first of the year.

Thanksgiving day was wonderful! Bunny did her traditional Cuban turkey, which was WONDERFUL! We had all the trimmings going right after Bunny put the 21 lb. bird in the oven. Christina made a butterscotch pie which was amazing and of course we had to have pumpkin pie from Costco. I’ve never had a better pumpkin pie than Costco’s. Deann and Carlos Tello joined us for Thanksgiving for the 2nd year. It was so good to visit with them! Great company and fantastic wine. They saw the babies for the first time too. The babies loved all the hugs from Hortons and the Tellos.

Halloween and 2nd baby check up at the pediatrician - 8 Weeks old!

Halloween was so fun around here! It was the boys first one and we just had to dress them up in the photo above. I love the hats...just too cute. We had so many trick or treaters! We needed 7 bags of candy. 6 of them were wiped out that night. Christina and mom are here and we all shared in the festivities. The girls carved some really cool pumpkins too. Mom was very crafty and made candle holders out of mini pumpkins. Of course the boys had no idea what was going on, but it was fun for us adults. The girls went out trick or treating with their dad and brought home a ton of candy.

We had to schedule a pediatrician appointment for our little Ben because his belly button looked funny. That little guy (he was the smallest) is now 8lbs. 5 oz. as of 11/3/07. We learned that his belly button is herniated. It doesn’t hurt him at all. His stomach muscles haven’t grown together yet which cause it to enlarge. He looks like his belly button is a button you would press. It looks weird, but it’s not a big deal. Ben also had a well check at the same time and received his 2nd Hepatitis B shot. Didn’t make him happy, but it’s over quick. We waited almost 2 hours, which was NOT fun and we decided we’ll be looking for a new pediatrician. It was so discouraging because as we were leaving at 5 ish when our appointment was scheduled at 3:20. Dear god it was agony. Standing room only in the waiting room. We also learned that the other 2 boys would not be able to get an appointment until after Thanksgiving. Chip and I were so frustrated. Dr. Conti told us that he would see us at 8:45 if we came in on the next Monday, 11/5/07. We told him we’d be there early!

As we agreed we took the other two munchkins in on Monday morning. Gary weighed in at 8lbs. 15oz., and Ryan weighs 8lbs. 11oz. The boys are doing great and both of them also needed the Hepatitis B shot. Gary’s belly button is also a little herniated, but nothing like Ben’s. We also talked about the Synagis injections that will help them not get RSV, which is a respiratory virus that is very dangerous for preemies. It’s hard add more immunizations and they will need it monthly from October until April, but could make the impact much less worse than it could be. Dr. Conti said he wouldn’t poke each little guy more than 3 times in a visit, which brought a little comfort but it’s not easy on any of us. RSV is the leading cause of newborns being hospitalized. It has been complicated to make this happen due to our wonderful insurance . We’ll see what happens. The doctor also said he would ALWAYS see us early, which is really good and was encouraging that he spend more time with us as well as committed to trying to help us be seen early to alleviate the pain of being around other kids and waiting for an eternity to see him. He’s a fantastic pediatrician, but we were really thinking twice about keep him. We’ll see how things go.

Family - this is a long one

There has been so many events that have happened since I posted the homecoming of Gary on October 5. On October 11, 2007, my dad, Gary, suddenly passed away from a heart attack at Carson Tahoe Medical Center. He had been fighting bladder cancer and starting chemotherapy on October 9. He was struggling to breathe when the first treatment was almost done. Soon after he went to the E/R and went into the hospital. Things quickly went from bad to worse. Between 10/9 and 10/11 we were all informed that Gary’s cancer had spread to his lungs. Sadly, it was too much for his heart in addition to his diabetes. His passing was quick and very unexpected. After arriving in Reno as soon as I heard the news and could get a flight, my family and I went to Winnemucca to make arrangements and bury him. It is a difficult time for all of us, certainly for my mom. Oddly enough, his passing occurred 4 months to the day of his surgery to remove his bladder and the initial cancer. A favorite photo of my mom’s of my dad is posted above in his honor. There is so much I could say and stories I could share about how great my dad was. What I would like to say is that he was a wonderful man who loved his family and the outdoors. I will be forever grateful that my dad had been well enough to be in Las Vegas with us when the boys were born and could see them and hold them. I am sad that he won’t be here to pass on the his love of hunting and the outdoors himself to our boys, the rest of my family will pass that on in his honor and memory. I know that he is smiling down on our little miracles every day. October 25 would have been his 65th birthday. It was a hard day, but one we also celebrated his life. I’m happy to have had him in my life for almost 30 years. My life, I am certain would have turned out much differently had he not been a part of it. I think the rest of my family feels the same. I miss him dearly already, but am peaceful that he passed quickly and did not have to suffer through his cancer. He was not that kind of man. He would’ve rather have been enjoying his last days with my niece Tiffany, helping her shoot her first deer. Grandma and I took her out but didn’t see anything. A few days later her dad took her out and she did it! I’m sure grandpa was with her proudly smiling a huge smile from above! She got a buck, as she would not settle for a doe, knowing that Grandpa wanted a buck. She was ready and it was great that grandpa took her shooting just before he went back to Reno for treatment. None of us would have ever guessed that he wouldn’t come home.

My mom decided to come back to Vegas for awhile, so we have an additional hand to help us with these babies who keep us really busy! I drove back with her on Oct. 22 after helping close up her house and prepare to be away however long works for her. It must be bittersweet to move through the house, to feel his presence and know that he is gone, but yet there are the memories that my mom - all of us - will have forever in our hearts.

During the time I was in Winnemucca helping my family make arrangements, the boys were here with their dad. He and Christina took great care. Fred and Celia were here for a few days and lent a very much needed hand as well. Bunny came back out from Florida to help too. We can’t thank the Horton family enough for all the love and support they’ve give the Las Vegas McVeys and the rest of my family during this difficult time and before the babies to prepare. Christina and Chip are baby experts now! Nothing like trial by fire! We appreciate so much all the people who were here and are here to help and support us.

I was away for 11 days. Boy these babies GREW! I also missed the circumcision appointment, which was a relief to me. Chip, Bunny and Celia managed that task and did a fine job. :) It’s so good to have people in our life that will step right up. Each boy is well over 6 lbs. now. All are doing so well, eating 4+ ounces at a feeding. Now we are trying to get them to sleep all night so we can get some sleep! Until then, my mom and Christina are doing morning duty and Chip and I are doing night duty. We get to bed at about 3 a.m. I feel fortunate to get 6 hours of sleep at a time. I wouldn’t change it for a minute! It truly takes all 4 of us to take care of these boys. Everyone does whatever needs to be done and do a great job.

I’ve realized with my dad’s death to rethink my priorities. It’s sad that it takes an event like this to push us to evaluate what is the most important. I find myself pondering what are my true passions? What makes me happy? What is best for my family? How can I both do and be better? It also makes me think of the simple things like taking more pictures. During making arrangements with my family for my dad’s funeral, putting together a memorial slide show, that I had very few pictures of my dad and I and no pictures of the girls and my dad. I was very sad when we chose the photos to put in, but Chip came to my rescue and looked through many old photos to find a few with me and dad. Luckily, there are some pictures of dad and the boys, even though in the pictures you can see that he didn’t feel well. I now am painfully aware of how important these simple things are. I also will try harder to tell those I love that I love them and show that better with my actions, despite being really hormonal after having the boys.

I went for my last check with my OB doctor and have been “cleared” as healing well after the delivery. There is still quite a big bruise on my belly. It looks much better than a month ago though. Good news for sure but he also reminded me that it will be probably a year before my body is completely recovered. It’s surprising because it seems like 7 weeks is so long ago, that I should be back to normal now. It’s easy to forget how much harder it is to recover from both a c-section and a multiple birth. The whole experience of the pregnancy and the birth has been surreal to say the least. I have mixed feelings when I reflect on it and it is noticeable in my emotions. Love, frustration, pain, happiness, relief and a little sad that it’s over. I am fighting some postpartum depression, but am also aware that I need to take care of myself and am taking appropriate action. Some people around me may disagree with me but all is OK for the time being.

Other than that, the other news is that I will need to go back to work on 11/9/07. I’m a little sad about that, but am grateful, no very thankful, that both Chip and I work from home. It is the best possible scenario that we could have with these little guys. Sounds like so far work is pretty flexible. Time will tell how it will be since our team has gained another market manager which is good! Not sure how much I’ll be able to travel so that will be a factor. We’ll see what the future holds.

Little Gary...AT HOME AT LAST!

Gary is home at last!!!

2 days before, did tests for aspiration of food into the lungs and to confirm reflux. Mary Beth was there and Allison from Speech Therapy along with myself and Gary’s nurse Trish who is AWESOME! Power struggle between Cruz and the radiologist. I stepped in with strong words. Dr. Cruz won, but not before the radiology director joined us to “oversee” the situation. Again, lovely aspects of healthcare! Ridiculous, but it got resolved. Makes me feel strong to step in and be our son’s advocate.

Dr. Cruz prescribed Reglan for reflux. Also discovered Anemia. Gary needs a transfusion. Transfused on 10/3. Did not eat from 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Added rice to his milk to thicken and prevent reflux, but not a guarantee. Gary will stay on Enfamil EnfaCare 22 calorie to help him continue to heal and support his growth.

Took all day to discharge us. I was at the hospital from 11:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. waiting to go home. Finally I took Gary home and it is fantastic to have our babies with us all the time now.

First Pediatrician Appointment

We had our first appointment for Ben and Ryan today. We saw Dr. Conti, our pediatrician. It was an incredibly long wait...frustrating for us parents. We fed the boys and listened as people ooohhed and ahhed over our “twins”. I felt a little sad that Little Gary wasn’t with us, but soon enough, I am sure!

Ryan now weighs 5 lbs., 4 oz. and is 18 inches long. Ben is 4 lbs., 14 oz. and is 17 3/4 inches long. WOW! Go boys!

After about 45 minutes we were called into a room and waited for another 45 minutes or so. Finally Dr. Conti came in. That’s the hard part. Once we got his attention, it was fantastic. He spent a good amount of time with us and we discussed sleeping, eating and everything else to expect with the little ones. He checked the boys and all is good. W e are trying Conti’s sleep method, which is called EAZ, for Eat (3 oz. during the day, one big feeding of 4 to 6 oz. of formula at midnight), Awake and Sleep, which is Eat food (3 oz. during the day, one big feeding of 4 to 6 oz. of formula at midnight), stay Awake for 30 to 60 minutes after and then let them sleep for 3 hours during the day, but 6 hours at night (from midnight to 6 a.m.). We’ll see if we can achieve 6 hours of sleep within a month or so. That would be great for mommy and daddy, I just hope the boys are ready for it. We talked about my dread with circumcision....I just can’t be there and the Dr. assured me that the boys wouldn’t even cry. We need to get it done within the next 30 days or so. I will wait outside and leave that to the big boy, doctor and the little boys. Conti wants us to switch formula to Enfamil Lipil 20 calorie formula after we finish the high calorie food (current formula is Enfamil Enfacare 22 calorie). The doctor also let us know that our babies should be looked at as “full term” babies now. He wants us to move forward on that path. Dr. Conti also talked to us about how difficult managing triplets will be. Scary. Very scary to me.

Dr. Conti spoke to us about little Gary too and his infection. I was pleasantly surprised to learn that Summerlin was in contact with him to let him know what was going on since most of the time one hand can’t help the other between health care workers in the same department at the same facility! Good to know that at least he had pertinent information and could talk with us. He indicated that the infection was very serious but treatable.

The office was really busy, and the staff all wanted to see the twins. Lots of people commented that our babies are “so small”. They are growing so fast, they look big to us, however full term babies look gigantic next to our little guys. We also asked for formula samples and they gave us 2 cases. I was so happy they were willing to oblige us!

We will go back in a month for more immunizations and a check up for all 3. We also need to have little Gary checked out when he comes home, sometime next week.

It was a good experience, I just hope we won’t be leaving a 2:00 p.m. appointment at 4:30 p.m. next time.

3 Weeks Old

Babies are 3 weeks old! It’s been a short 3 weeks, but sometimes seem long...the nights are long, but the days fly. The boys are changing and getting bigger every day. We still miss little Gary while he finishes antibiotics via IV at Spring Valley Hospital. They tell us if all goes well, he’ll be home on Friday. I can’t wait!

Ben and Ryan are eating well and we and the babies are up every 3 hours to feed to help these little guys grow. They are all over 4.5 lbs. and growing! They have a little chub in their cheeks and are starting to see more meat on their legs and body. They are still so very small, but wow, much bigger than when they were born.

Our home looks like a baby village, stuff everywhere, but it’s all good. We have our first pediatrician appointment on Tuesday. I have lots of questions. We are also learning that RSV (a respiratory virus) season is coming and our boys will need an extra set of immunizations for that :(. Poor little guys, poked and prodded in their young life. In any case, we may have to limit their exposure too. Not sure. We also are anxious to see how much weight they’ve gained.

Sleep is still interesting, we are still looking for a pattern that will work for us. Sometimes Chip lets me sleep and sometimes I let him sleep. We manage to work it out, but I’d like a firm “schedule”. My type A persona rears it’s ugly head!!! I’m trying to let go of so much planning and let it be. The goal is to enjoy these boys and watch them flourish. Hard to keep that in mind at 2 a.m., but then when the sun rises, it’s all so much better. Especially after a good cup of coffee to help me wake up. Chip is super daddy already! He was initiated a couple of days ago with a diaper that leaked and was all over! He handled it like a trooper as I understand it. I was visiting Gary, so I wasn’t home to help.

I am working on thank you notes for the wonderful gifts from people. Thank you all in advance for all the thoughtful gifts, emails and phone calls. As soon as I can, we’ll send off a note to everyone as well.

The first days - Mommy's perspective

What amazing miracles these little guys are! Each little babe is so different and wonderful. We are at the hospital twice daily for bottle feeds, which is all that can be tolerated by their little bellies. All babies are now back at birth weights. Feeding quantities are being increased at least every other day. All babies are on room air since birth. Our babies are considered “growers and feeders” because they need to grow and learn to tolerate eating, which is learned in the womb at 34 weeks, which is what they are this week if they had not been born. Big sisters Kaitlyn and Gillian have not seen the boys yet because there are very strict rules for visitors that are under 16 in the NICU. We hope that in the next week that they will be able to go visit them.

Here’s mom’s perspective so far....

All the babies: Sleep a lot to grow. Are bundled up like little burritos to keep them from expending their own energy to keep warm. They are now beginning to look at us more and listen to what we say. They are adorable to hold and are still really small. We are so blessed and feel so very grateful for these miracles. Our hearts are full with love for family of 7.

Gary - This little guy sleeps ALL THE TIME! Not much that bothers him. He is quiet and takes it all in. He is really snuggly and loves to be held. Grandma and I both like to call him little G. I really love how tranquil he looks. I also enjoy him the few bits of time we can catch him awake. We’ve decided we’re not sure who he looks like. Maybe the best blend between us. The verdict is still out on that.

Ben - This little guy is our overachiever! Being the smallest has not stopped little Ben from keeping up with eating as much as his brothers. I think Ben looks like a little old man. He’s so skinny and has the tiniest head. I love looking at his little face. Chip says he looks like me. Maybe so. He’s just so little yet, so we’ll see.

Ryan - He’s our little man and can be high maintenance. Ryan doesn’t like to be messed with and will yelp when getting his diaper changed and when the nurses are taking vitals and weighing him. He’s also a champion eater! He has taken to the bottle so well! He’s growing and growing.

Mommy is still very hormonal and emotional! Feeling so blessed and grateful for these little miracles as they slowly grow and learn to eat. We are at the hospital twice a day and this week the girls came back to our house, so it’s been a taste of what is to come with a very busy household. I welcome it, but sometimes it seems overwhelming. How are we going to pull it all together? Can we make it work reasonably? Insecurities creep in and Daddy Chip has been the best support. Listening to my concerns, offering advice. I feel somewhat sleep deprived and know that it won’t change any time soon. Not complaining, but I feel stretched very thin trying to heal, be at the hospital and taking care of the girls. Thank goodness for my parents who are doing all the household chores along with cooking and laundry. They’ve also been taking care of the girls in the evenings, which is good time to spend with grandma and grandpa. Grandma has taught both of the to knit and they are so excited! I can’t even imagine what it would be like doing all of that too and the hospital. Kari is coming in a few days to help us while my parents go to Reno for medical appointments for Gary.

Little Gary is a little ill now, so I have been more stressed. I screamed at nurses and wanted to know what they were doing to him. Chip spoke to the doctor because I was just too upset to do it myself, but I sure took it out on the nurse. The healthcare system is not great and boy it’s been challenging for us. Lots of inconsistency and lack of communication. Different nurses every day. Each one has their own style. Different doctors thrown in the mix too. Very frustrating to say the least. I’ve had enough with all of it and just want to bring the boys home. It no longer bothers me to express my thoughts to the staff.

All if this is so full of joy for us, but also feels like an incredibly big responsibility. I wonder how we can make it work when both of us are back to work full time. With help it will be easier, but when I think about how it can be done, I wonder if I can do it and feel successful at it. I know we’ll find a way to work through it together and soon the boys will be sleeping longer. The days fly by and November is coming when I need to go back to work. The struggle for balance is already weighing heavy on my mind. The next 6 months will be interesting I’m sure.

The McVey Babies - the first days

I am trying to write as much as I can about what is happening daily with the babies before I forget! So it may not be the most interesting read, but I know I’ll want to remember it later.


Birth Day - Level III NICU Nursery at Summerlin - Mommy went to the nursery after getting up and around. Ben and Ryan were being taken care of by one nurse and Gary was being cared for by another. It was strange, but it was explained that if all 3 babies are together, it could be too much for one nurse, especially if they were very sick babies. Our babies were doing great. Right away on room air, no need for ventilators or oxygen which is very common with preemies. The babies were given IVs and started on TPN and Lipids to help them grow. Gary and Ryan were put in isolettes, but little Ben was in an open heated bed because Summerlin was so busy. They didn’t have an isolette. Dr. Litner was in the NICU with them all the first day.


1 Day Old - We visited the babies early in the day and then I went back to my room. The NICU let us know that Pic lines were going to be put in the babies. For them it’s very good, because it’s one access point rather than sticking them multiple times for blood and IVs in babies don’t last very long. This was difficult for me because we, with Grandma and Grandpa wanted to go to the NICU and see the boys, but they told us repeatedly to call later, come later, they were working on getting them in. I could just envision them screaming in pain while the doctors are trying to work. My Mom and Dad came to the hospital too and we all waited together. Emotions had set in already for me and I was tired from the surgery, but so wanted to see our boys. I wept for no particular reason, just had to let it out. All the babes lost weight from birth, anywhere from a 4 to 8 ounce range. Finally mom and dad left to go back to our house and I tried to manage with the pain and emotion until late in the night. Finally at almost 9 p.m. we went back to the NICU and the babies were exhausted! It made me cry to see them look so limp. They were so tired and had been over stimulated. The babies were being given 2 cc of 20 calorie preemie formula through their feeding tubes every 3 hours.

2 Days Old - Babies were moved to the level II NICU because they are continuing to do great! We had a great nurse, Lisa, in the NICU. She put tie dyed onesies on the babies that she had made. All three babies were in a space all together, which was really nice too. The formula went up to 5 ccs per feeding and we also got to try bottle feeding for the first time. Daddy Chip got a lesson on how to change diapers and he did great!

3 Days Old - Nurse Maria in the day, Albina at night. We also saw Mary Beth, an occupational therapist who talked to us about feeding and how preemies can or cannot eat. We learned that to burp our little guys we rub their back or head, not pat them. 10 cc per feeding. Ben and Ryan spent a day and night each under the photo lights for slight jaundice (9 on the scale of measure, but 20 to 30 is the risky measure). Met nurse practitioner Dana who is caring for them. This day was the most emotional for me. Very emotional, but it’s all for good reasons. I just found myself weeping off and on all day.

4 Days Old - Z’ Marsha was the day nurse at Summerlin The babies Left Summerlin, and went to Spring Valley via ambulance with 3 nurses. Daddy went to Spring Valley at 8 p.m. to see where babies were and how we needed to visit and meet the staff. Daddy was unhappy with nurse Sina, but took charge and made the situation as good as could be. Levels were still low for Gary, so he did not yet need the lights.

5 Days Old - Nurse Rachelle, I left Summerlin and went home to sleep. Went to Spring Valley to visit and met Dr. Cruz. All 3 babies are together in a private room. The NICU at Spring Valley was much quieter than Summerlin. I wasn’t sure we made the right decision, but would give it a chance. It was supposed to be run just like Summerlin. I needed more sleep and went home to mull over whether the boys were in good hands.

6 Days Old - Nurse Deb, mom and dad came to feed/hold with us. Feedings moved up to 20 cc each, 20 cal formula. We just held our babies and enjoyed the quiet. Grandma and Grandpa came to the NICU as well.

7 Days Old - Nurse Rachelle for the day, Barb at night, Ben’s pic line removed. All babies almost back at birth weight. Gary is moved from the isolette into an open crib! Continued progress is amazing! We are so pleased. We went to the hospital twice for bottle feedings at 11 a.m. and 8 p.m. There was a lot of spit up. I didn’t like the faster flow nipples at all. Gary spit up all over himself. Mommy was impatient with staff and how they handled things. Daddy Chip was also frustrated about all the directions he was getting. It was a hard day. We are learning that we need to use our voice to express our issues or things will not change. It’s a fine line when the people are taking care of our babies.

8 Days Old - Nurse Grace in the day, Barb at night, Ryan’s pic line was removed. 33 cc per feed for Ryan on , 30 cc feed for Ben but 22 cal formula, and 30 cc for Gary but staying on 20 cal formula. Gary also needed to get a slow tube feeding to determine whether or not he has reflux or is not ready for more formula. I also asked today that the nurses use only the low flow preemie nipple. They were using another that I feel is the reason they had some heavy spit up going on. Me and daddy went to the hospital for 11 a.m. and 8 a.m. bottle feeds.

9 Days Old - Boys are doing good. Ben and Ryan are both at 33 ccs. They are nippling very well and the preemie nipples are working well too. Gary is back in an isolette because he lost 1.5 ounces in the open air and all the babies need to continue to gain weight and not expend too much energy keeping warm.

10 Days Old - Blood found in Gary’s stool at night and was sent to the lab for a culture. He seemed like his normal self, and he finally drank a bottle almost all the way like his brothers. Ben and Ryan are clipping along. All babies are still on room air, and are doing fine in the Isolettes. All weights continue to go up.

11 Days Old - Dr. Aputia called and indicated that our little Gary has an infection and is sick with something they aren’t sure of and has been taken off of all formula. We also had to wear a protective gown and gloves to touch him. I was having an emotional day and didn’t like that I couldn’t touch our son except with gloves. I decided that I would not touch the other 2 boys, but just give little Gary hugs and love. He seemed more pale than normal and lethargic, but not super sick. Antibiotics are being given via IV and the PICC line Many tests are being done. Ryan was given a bottle feed every other feed rather just twice a day. They are up to 35 cc’s of formula per feeding. Ben has been doing as well as Ryan and we hope it will continue.

12 Days Old - Gary is sick and has been treated with antibiotics. Both Chip and I are forced to wear protective gowns and gloves to handle Gary. It’s too much for me to take. I hate it. It has been a tough 24 hours. He looked so limp, but still fighting. He is a trooper and has been taken off of all feedings and seems to be content without them. Ben and Ryan continue to do well. We keep our fingers crossed each day for more positive things for Gary, as well as Ben and Ryan’s continued success.

13 Days Old - Gary is still sick and has been transferred back to Summerlin hospital where they were born. It has been a really long day of lots of information related to Gary an his blood infection. We also learned today that test results from 2 days ago were not flagged for review and weren’t seen by the doctor as high priority. Not the fault of the doctor, but of the lab. Dr. Aputia was not happy and may be suspended on our behalf for freaking out on the lab. Gary has a “gram negative” bacterial infection. Both of us are very fearful of what the bacteria could do and want to wipe it out as soon as possible. Antibiotics are treating the bacteria, whatever it is. Belinda is the transport nurse who is also taking care of him. We go visit after the transport. The NICU is crowded with sick and premature babies. I worry that he may catch something else being there. The theory is that bacteria somehow got in the PICC line, but no one is sure.

14 Days Old - Ben and Ryan are still at Spring Valley but are co-bedding in the same crib! All feedings are on bottle feeds. The best part of today was that Ben and Ryan got to meet their sisters! Kaitlyn and Gillian were allowed in the NICU for an hour. Both girls held the babies and we took pictures and video. Gary is at Summerlin in the level III NICU. Lisa, our favorite nurse is his nurse. He needs a 3rd platelet transfusion to fight the bacteria. The atmosphere at Summerlin is colder than we remember and we wonder if we’ve made the right decision. Nicole is the night nurse and does not treat Gary the way we’d like. I have a very hard time with her gruff ways and get emotional. She shoves a pacifier in his mouth. I ask about test results and Nicole brings the charge nurse to tell us that she has no results in the computer. We still anxiously await the lab results of what the bacteria is. Gary is more feisty now and cries more.

15 Days Old - Gary is still in Level III NICU at Summerlin. Lisa is his nurse again. I am still disturbed at the prior night staff and talk to Lisa about it. She says she’ll talk to to the charge nurse. Lisa says that Nicole indicated that Gary “cries all the time” and thank goodness Lisa had taken care of him before and knew he wasn’t like that. This further stirred my anger/resentment because anyone who was fighting infection and being poked and prodded would not be happy. I was encouraged by his increased crying that he was getting better. When we went to see Gary, he had several wires unhooked and only had 1 IV remaining. It was a wonderful surprise that he would be moved to the level II NICU! We learn that the bacteria in his blood is Klebsiella and is 2nd in being dangerous only to E. Coli, which had been the theory of what he was trying to fight prior to really finding out what the bacteria was. Gary is improving with his color and doing better. Lisa told us he would have a lumbar puncture to find out if the bacteria had traveled to the brain. I was hoping this was not another invasive procedure, but it needed to be confirmed. Gary did well, according to the night nurse. I was so relieved.

16 Days Old - We found out that Ben and Ryan will come home tomorrow when we go for the morning feeding at Spring Valley, and before we go to Summerlin to see Gary. We are so excited, but sure wish Gary could come home with his brothers. Both Chip and I really looking forward to our boys coming home, but miss Gary too. It is a relief that will not have to go between 2 hospitals.

17 Days Old - We see Gary first at Summerlin today. He continues to get better. We are happy with the treatment of antibiotics, but are sad he has so many IV sticks. Ben and Ryan get to come home! Ben weighs 4 lbs., 2 oz., and Ryan weighs in at 4lbs., 7 oz. It takes awhile to check out of Spring Valley, but we finally get the boys packed up in the minivan and head home. It is bittersweet without Gary. Chip will go see Gary in the evening so I can be home with the other boys. Kari and my mom and dad are here to help and we work quickly to get things in order. We have a lot of stuff, but none of it is organized. I’m sure it will be interesting the first few days to iron out the kinks and get a routine down.

18 Days Old - My mom and dad leave today since my dad has some appointments in Reno. It is hard to see them leave, but they will be back soon. The weekend of October 26 for sure. Kari is here to help and it’s good to know we have an extra set of hands. I’m so happy the boys were home for a day before they left. The first night was tiring, but we are keeping the 3 hour schedule for feeds. Ryan doesn’t like the Avent nipples. I worry he’ll lose weight. Ben, our littlest guy is so adaptable and took right to the other nipples. He takes to the new bottles no problem. I go up to Summerlin to see Gary in the morning with Kari and he’s doing well, but I am stunned to see an IV in his head. I learn later that his little veins are being taxed by the IVs that need to be replaced every couple of days. I worry about what part of his little body will be poked next. I am very emotional about him being in the NICU. Dr. Cruz wants to transport Gary back to Spring Valley because he seems to be doing very well as far as the bacterial infection in his blood. There are so many babies at Summerlin that I’m happy to get Gary over to Spring Valley where it’s not as busy and we know all the staff. Gary’s condition weighs heavy on my mind. I’m so grateful that we don’t have more complex problems, but will worry until he can come home. It’s so hard to leave him there.

19 Days Old - Today Dr. Cruz called to ask us to come to Summerlin as soon as we can to sign the release to move Gary back to Spring Valley. Somehow it doesn’t work out today due to lack of staff at Summerlin. There are babies everywhere over at Summerlin. Gary is having trouble with severe spitting up, which may be reflux. We aren’t sure yet. After each feeding, he projectiles some of his food. Sometimes it’s a lot of what he’s eaten. Doctors are watching him closely. The nurse today, Sybil about drove me nuts. Everything I did and every way I did it was wrong...I just smile and nod and know that our baby will be out of here soon....OMG! The nurses tend to be less compassionate than I would like, but I guess it must get that way when you do the same thing day in and day out. Ben and Ryan are doing great and had their first bath tonight! Daddy and Kari got it on video, but we didn’t take any still photos. We will next time. There are so small, wiggly and slippery, I was hoping we could get through it without injuring anyone! Both boys enjoyed it and all was fine. We bathed them in the little tub they give you from the hospital. It was really fun!

20 Days Old - Gary went back to Spring Valley. I signed the papers and Summerlin Hospital apologized for not making it work yesterday. I followed them over and he seems quiet and content to be out of the noise of the busiest NICU in town. There are only 3 babies and Gary at Spring Valley! Very quiet. Gary is still having issues with the formula staying down, but it’s getting better when we take burp breaks more often. Ben and Ryan continue to do well at home. Chip and I are tired, we haven’t found our rhythm yet. Kari is awesome and doing whatever needs to be done, which is a huge help! The girls came home after spending the week with their dad. It is so cute! They hover over the boys and want to hold and feed them. I helped Kaitlyn feed Ben on the boppy pillow. The hardest part is balancing getting both girls involved and still communicate that the babies are small and that we have to be gentle and careful with them. So far though, the girls are doing great with it. Chip and I both told them that there will be plenty of feedings and diapers to change as the next few months come and go. I think maybe there is no concept of what is to come. Especially when all 3 boys are home.

21 Days Old - 3 weeks! These boys are 3 weeks old today! Gary is doing well, still working on the spitting up formula problems. Hopefully it will not last too long. The nurse mentioned it may be a side effect of the antibiotics or perhaps reflux, which I am learning is common with preemies. They took a belly X-Ray which turned out to be fine. I went to the hospital this morning to see Gary. He looks so good. His bright eyes are beginning to focus on faces and he seems to look at me with such intensity. He is such a sweetie...it is painful to leave. The bright side is that Daddy will be back to do a feeding at 8:30 p.m. Ben and Gary have enjoyed a whole day with their sisters. They have been fed and diapered by both big sisters. Kaitlyn and Gillian are both really enjoying being big sisters.

Our boys are HERE! - Stats

Gary Thomas McVey
Born 9/8/07
9:09 a.m.
4 lbs., 3 oz.
15 3/4 inches long


Benjamin Isaac McVey
Born 9/8/07
9:10 a.m.
3 lbs., 10 oz.
15 3/4 inches long


Ryan Charles McVey
Born 9/8/07
9:11 a.m.
3 lbs., 14 oz.
17 inches long

Babies have ARRIVED!!! - 9/8/07

We arrived at 6 a.m. at Labor and Delivery at Summerlin hospital. The staff there asked us to wait until 6:30. So we sat in the waiting room and watched TV and joked a little bit. At 6:30 we were directed to triage to find the babies on the monitor and start my IV and asked tons of questions. I was tired because I hadn’t slept much the night before because I was both excited and fearful. Excited the boys would be here, but scared of having a c-section. So right away, I learned that I had “done it wrong” because I had 3 sips of water and did not know that it’s not a good idea to eat or drink anything 8 hours before major surgery. The nurse asked me “haven’t you ever had surgery before?”. Nope, never. So I was shaken up because the anesthesiologist ultimately made the decision and opted for an epidural instead of a spinal block for the c-section. So my first nurse encounter wasn’t very fun and I began to cry. Then nurses Nina and Stephanie came in and took great care of me. Dr. Biscoff is also my hero for putting in a great epidural and talking me through so much. It really made things easier. Also, Dr. Bohman, my favorite doc stopped by and and eased my fears before cutting me open. My parents had come in from Winnemucca the night before, so it was very meaningful to have them there. They came up to the hospital at 8 a.m. and we were rolling into the O/R about 45 minutes later. Mom and Dad stayed in the waiting room, but I’m sure it wasn’t very long.

Very soon I was in the O/R and nice and numb. Chip was at my head and was doing a great job being supportive. I was having a bit of a difficult time keeping my emotional composure, but was so ready for the boys to be brought into the world. Chip said they were starting and I didn’t even know it! The next thing I knew, I heard Dr. Bohman say “10 seconds until first baby” and then I heard a beautiful cry. I started to cry too. Then more crying came from both me and the babies as each baby came out. There were 17 people in the delivery room when the boys were born, including Dr. Litner, the head of Pediatrics for Valley Hospitals as well as several nurse practitioners and nurses. It seemed like forever before I saw a doctor and or nurse come over to show me the babies. They were beautiful! WOW! It was all over in 15 minutes. I’m fairly certain that it took much longer to sew me up. Dr. Bohman did a fantastic job.

Chip, now a proud papa, and mom and dad went off with the boys to the Level III NICU. Soon they were back with me in recovery before heading to my room. Several people were in and out of the room and it was nice to see so many friendly faces. I really wanted to go to the NICU that night, but just didn’t have the strength until much later.

Chip did a fantastic job with the videos and pictures. How he supported me, watched the boys, and took pictures and videos. Mom took a ton of great pics too! Once in my room, I was tired and slept some. Mom and Chip called family. There was a nice hum of activity. It was so good to hear all the kind words and congratulations to our family. We never realized we had so many that cared about us! It was amazing. Both photos and movies with instructions on how to download them can be found via the links below:
Here is the main photo link:
http://www.metaforge.net/personal/publish/1%20McVey%20Babies%20Due%2010-25-07/BIRTHDAY/

And here is a link to a page that gives some info about the movies:
http://www.metaforge.net/personal/publish/1%20McVey%20Babies%20Due%2010-25-07/BIRTHDAY/1%20-%20README.html

The movies are very large. Please use the .avi files to watch smaller and quicker videos.

My nurse for the first 2 days was Andi, who was really laid back and helped manage the pain. I didn’t realize that it would be a longer stay than I wanted, but I tried to just take it all in and sleep. I wanted to sleep, but with all the excitement I just couldn’t. Also, the pain had set in. The doctor had prescribed Percocet and I had a terrible reaction. After changing to Loratab, things were much better.

I spoke to lots of friends and family and hope I was coherent because I genuinely thought I was really with it.

Chip and I finally talked that night and it was a conversation I’ll never forget. His smile was so bright with happiness and pride. Both of us had tears in our eyes, knowing that this is what we’ve been wanting for 3 long years. It had not always been an easy road and we were so close to giving up. His love for his sons very clear and apparent. We agreed that it was one of the most amazing moments we’ve ever shared. That we have this family of seven now that we are so proud of. The overwhelming emotion of love for these new little lives almost didn’t need words. We are so happy and feel so fortunate to have been blessed with these babies.

Daddy Chip bedded down next to me on a rollaway bed provided by the hospital. I’m sure it was uncomfortable. Despite his feet hanging over the end and being pretty uncomfortable, he stayed every night with me which was great because the nights are the hardest and the staff is the worst at night, except for Nurse Mona who was fabulous.

Overall, hospitals are no fun. Bad food and even worse service! If Chip wasn’t there to help me to the bathroom and take care of me DAILY, I think it would have been 100 times worse! I must say the whole healthcare industry really scares me. I ended up staying at the hospital for 5 days and needed a blood transfusion - they gave me 2 units of blood. I was severely anemic and when they tested my hemoglobin, it was 6.2. The average persons hemoglobin is about 14. I felt like crap, but thought it was just the fact that they cut me open. My doctor said I didn’t lose a lot of blood, but somehow became anemic. They said I could go home after the transfusion, which took like 6 hours. I thought I would never get out of there. I was done at around 5 a.m. and Chip and I left as soon as we could after that! We arrived at our house about 6:30 a.m. Mom had put the couch bed out, so we dropped there and got some sleep.

The last day of babies inside - 33 Weeks, 1 day

Well, most of you know we are scheduled tomorrow at 8:30 a.m. at Summerlin hospital to welcome these boys into the world. Chip and I thought we’d post one more belly pic since this will be our only experience - believe me 3 is enough - but we’re trying to cherish every moment, even when I am complaining at how uncomfortable and miserable I am. We are so grateful that science could help us get to this.

Here is the Summerlin Hospital information:
Summerlin Hospital Medical Center
657 Town Center Drive
Las Vegas, NV 89144
(702) 233-7000

We saw our doctor yesterday for monitoring and our twice weekly ultrasound scan, which was fine. We discussed how miserable I have been along with a urine dip that turned up some indicators of the babies taxing my liver, which is the beginnings of Toxemia. Blood pressure was good, but I’ve also been seeing spots periodically and waking up with headaches. So with pain in my muscles, back and belly along with serious heartburn, Dr. Bohman decided it is time before anything else happens to me that may make me sicker. So he asked us if we could be at the hospital at 6 a.m. for an 8:30 a.m. c-section. We looked at each other and said absolutely! Both of us were surprised that we could get in so soon. We fully expected for things to take at least a week. So I had a steroid shot yesterday to help develop the babies lungs and then again today to ensure the best possible outcome. Oddly, I had the best night sleep in awhile. Not sure why, but I felt so much better waking up this morning. Maybe it’s because now we know the end is near. I’m not sure.

We then sent our messages and called family all afternoon, which was nice to touch base with everyone either via phone or email. Everyone has been so supportive and warm. It has been so meaningful to us. As soon as we can we will post photos of the babies.

Talk to everyone soon!

32 Weeks + 2 Days Update

Well, it’s labor day weekend and here we are....not laboring, but still on the sofa with babies in the belly. Very good for them, very old for me, so that’s the same story. We are still monitoring twice a week and it looks “beautiful” according to my perinatologist. No contractions, heartbeats are strong and consistent and there is plenty of water (needs to be 2 cm or more) around each baby. Baby A is laying along the bottom, still has his head in my pelvic bone on the right side. Baby B is our flip flopper, but is vertex (up and down) on the right and baby C is like a crescent on the upper left side. They now roll a lot verses kicking. Each appointment I get scanned with ultrasound, but they don’t measure or give us pictures anymore since the goal is to see fluid and movement. My blood pressure has been slowing increasing from the 120’s to the 130’s, but no one is concerned about it at this point. Yesterday’s was 135/64. This seems to be in the normal range, so the buns continue to bake in the oven. I’m still having a lot of trouble sleeping and up a lot in the bathroom, but that’s every pregnant woman. So, pretty much no new news other than my back hurts and my feet/hands continue to swell, which are hard to stand on. I did have the same issues when I was pregnant with the girls, so it’s no surprise. I think I wore slippers the last month or so. The good news is that if we can stretch to 34 or 35 weeks we can deliver closer to home at San Martin (maybe) hospital or Siena, which would be nice. The other great thing is that every day the boys are inside saves them about 2 in the NICU, which is why I hang on for more time despite the daily difficulties I have. I am hovering at gaining anywhere from 33 to 36 pounds and apparently it’s fattening up the babies which is all good. I step on the scale every day. One day it’s more, one day it’s less.

We received some beautiful afghans from the Harrah’s Reno hotel crew as well as some really nice blankets made with lots ‘o love from Celia and Fred Colvin in Alaska. In addition, we received the “duo” stroller (we are going with 2 of them since we usually have more than one of us going somewhere at a time) that Bunny and Bill had ordered for us. Laura Besiada also gave us 2 dressers that will save few bucks. I’m sorry to see her move to Florida, but appreciate that we don’t have to buy more furniture. I think we’ll change the drawer pulls to something boy and we’ll be good to go. So the nursery is coming together and we’ve taken a true inventory of the things we have which is now posted in the “Updated list of baby items” right behind this post. The only things we didn’t account for are some used clothing I bought for both newborn and preemie on ebay. There’s just too many of one of this and that it would take forever to list. Thank you to everyone for your generosity and kindness. We cannot find the words to express just how much it means to us to not have to do it alone.

We are continuing to put our budget together and figure that we will use 1 can of formula and 20 or so preemie diapers per day, which is $27.00 per DAY for babies, not counting anything else. Hopefully when they get a little bigger we can buy larger diapers at Costco for much less. So....life is going to change for us big time in a financial way. I think Chip worries the most about that. Both of us are looking at it from every angle often to ensure we are accounting for everything. 3 kids at once along with 2 others is VERY scary.

The girls are back in school this week. Kaitlyn started 6th grade at the middle school which is a whole new experience and makes me feel old! She’s loving all the options and new things. Her biggest thing has been no more uniforms. This year she picked her own clothes. I carried the checkbook and the girls pushed me in a wheelchair at the mall. Totally uncool, but that’s what it took to school shop this year. Gillian began 3rd grade and now has the elementary school to herself. She’s still in uniforms and had fun picking new clothes too. The girls are also both busy with gymnastics, girl scouts and Gillian started fall soccer in the last couple of weeks. Don’t even ask how we’re going to do all the running when the boys come. Their dad has been really helpful, so hopefully that will continue. Both girls are really excited...we all are excited. We are seeing the girls become more independent and helping us around the house. I can’t believe how big they are, but it makes me proud that they can pitch in where needed. Today they are going to help Chip put the duo stroller together. They have all the pieces laid out and ready to go as soon as Chip is done watching the Michigan game (first of the season, against Appalachian State). They’ve helped me keep count of the baby stuff too and were awesome at putting the nursery stuff together from Abby (THANK YOU ABBY).

Happy 26th Anniversary to my mom and dad on August 31, can’t believe it’s been a year since the big party. :)

IF WE GO INTO LABOR....the plan right now is to call one person from each side of the family and then have them get information out. If my mom isn’t here already, we’ll call her, but if she’s here, we’ll plan to call Kristy on my side and Bunny on Chip’s side to pass the word on. I’m putting together a list of people to call/email when the big event happens. If you want us to add you to our email list, please let me know via email at sherri@metaforge.net

I’ll try to post on Tuesday, but if not, I’ll post on Thursday, which will be 33 weeks....WOO HOO!

31 Week Update

We’ve been monitoring twice a week and today we made it to 31 weeks, which is the national average for triplets! Very good news indeed, however I am so worn out, that I am ready for these babies to join us on the outside. Get a look at these beautiful pictures and you’ll have an idea as to how tired I am. Not my most flattering I must say, but it is what it is. I’ve managed to gain 33 pounds now, which surprises even me, as I wonder how there is anymore room for food or babies. The heartburn is a nightly reminder! It is also incredibly difficult to sleep and be comfortable in bed, however I am adhering to doctors orders of modified bed rest.

Dr. Bohman says we will “let it ride” for a couple more weeks (how very Vegas). 3 or 4 more weeks if we can and if my body cooperates. This will depend on so many factors. First and foremost, it will depend on if anyone - the babies or me - become distressed. The second will be contractions. Right now I’ve had exactly 1 contraction in the almost 4 weeks we’ve been monitoring twice a week. I am beginning to swell up in my hands and feet, so that could become a blood pressure problem which will lead to babies being born sooner, but we’ll see. I sincerely want to go longer so that the babies spend less time in the NICU and could possibly come home with us if we can make it to 34 or 35 weeks. That would be fabulous.

The monitoring appointments take 2 to 3 hours each and they listen to each heartbeat and monitor for contractions. It also takes a long time because my specialist’s office doesn’t have a triplet monitor, only for twins. Then the doctor does an ultrasound scan to ensure each baby is moving. Sometimes they are stubborn. Baby A doesn’t move much and hangs out really low by my pelvic bone, baby B flops like a fish between the middle and the right side and Baby C moves around some and hangs out very high almost in my chest, which makes it difficult at times to breath deeply. So we are now in a holding pattern. Holding for whatever comes next. We will keep everyone posted as to what is going on as soon as more news is available.

On a lighter note, my sister Kristy, her husband and her daughter came from Winnemucca to bring some things from Grandma that will really come in handy! They also brought some much needed equipment from Abby. We had a great time together too! This week Carrie also came by to visit along with Bonnie who all brought some great gifts for the babies. I’m so grateful for visitors, it sure makes the time pass more quickly.

We’ve updated the listed to reflect the last gifts we’ve received. Thank you to everyone for your ongoing support both with gifts and kind words. It means so much to us

29 and 30 Week Update

I can’t really believe it, but we almost at 30 weeks. We had a very lengthy doctor’s appointment today. The girls went with us and hung in there so well. They did an extensive ultrasound to measure each baby and look at the fluid around each baby to ensure all was ok. Each baby weighs about 3 lbs. and is about 15 inches. We are still in the same range as a singleton baby, which is great! Especially since I have gained just 27 lbs. The goal was between 40 and 60 pounds and it’s not for lack of trying. They know me at Krispy Kreme and Jack In The Box, as we are there at least once a week, sometimes more. Gotta love cheeseburgers and doughnuts. I’m so trying! What a cruel joke....I can only laugh. Never in a million years did I think that someone would be telling me to gain more weight!

The ultrasound also showed plenty of fluid around the babies. They look for 2 centimeters or more and we are well over 3 per baby. All the heads and bellies look good too. We could even see The doctor said we are doing very well and maybe could go past September 1. I’m hopeful we can, but as I said in my last post, my body is pretty tired and I don’t know where I have room to expand.

We then went on to monitor the babies. They put monitors on to look at heart rate of each baby along with measuring any contractions. Still no contractions, which is more good news and the heart rates are right where they need to be at between 140 and 160 beats per minute. They also drew my blood to check my thyroid. There won’t be any news on that until Thursday. So now I go twice a week to monitor heart rates and contractions. We’ll be at the doctor on Mondays and Thursdays now.

The girls are getting so excited too. They rub the belly and talk to the tummy. Gillian has been carrying her doll in the new stroller for the boys. It’s great!

These days at home are off and on. If I can get a good night’s sleep all is good, but if not, it’s a rough day. I have a lot of lower belly pain and when they move sometimes it’s painful. Chip has been so good about rubbing my feet and back almost every day. Sleeping is a real challenge. Chip told me last week that I sounded like I was 90 years old. Some days I feel like it! Getting out of bed is rough! I try to roll over and it’s painful. I’ll be sitting on the sofa and all of a sudden I will just get a painful cramp. That’s when I know they are moving around. It hurts underneath the ribs. I also have 3 times the blood volume of a not pregnant woman, so my veins stick out and I get weird rashes from my blood vessels pumping so much blood. These are things that aren’t fun, but I am so grateful that the babies are doing well and that we are getting this miracle. I’m truly excited to see these boys.

In the pictures above you can see where they showed us that one baby has hair. It’s amazing! Check out the bottom pic for baby b. The babies are so big now we can see neat stuff, but never more than 1 baby at a time. On the picture on the right, you can see a fisted hand next to the side view. It hurts my back to sit for the ultrasound, but I love seeing all the parts from hair to the blood flow to the heart. It is always reassuring to hear the heartbeats too. That part never gets old. We started our second video tape since we have so much ultrasound on video. It will be a great for them to watch later. Maybe I’m just being sentimental.

I also have an updated list of baby items we have/need, which will be posted in both the past post of “updated list of items needed and received” as well as after this post. Thank you again to everyone who has helped us, supported us and who continues to keep in touch. We can’t wait to call of you on the big day.