This year, we celebrate our babies' Riggs, Becker & Gianna's second birthday. Two years of joy. Two years of learning. Two years of working with so many others to get our sweet 3 healthy and developmentally on track. Two years of making sure they are seen for their abilities and their character.
When our triplets were born early at 29 weeks, we were scared and saddened by the challenges we knew they’d face. Many of our concerns grew out of fears we had about having triplets. Knowing they would come early. Knowing they would be tiny. Knowing they would live in the NICU for some amount of time. But we had hope; hope that they wouldn't come that early and be that tiny...
After five painful years of struggling with infertility, we finally found out we were pregnant!...with triplets! We were filled with excitement, but knew we were facing a high-risk pregnancy. Our gynecologist told us that triplets rarely make it past 32 weeks gestation, which brings a series of serious complications.
When my water broke at 29 weeks, we were terrified. I couldn't face the thought of three 2 pound babies fighting for their lives. Unlike your typical delivery room, we had over 30 doctors, nurses and surgical techs waiting access our newborns and take them directly to the NICU. It was organized chaos.
Gavin Riggs, Grant Becker & Gianna Grace were born on May 27th, 2011 weighing in at 2.8, 2.12, and 2.10, respectively. We were overcome with a mix of emotions; joy, anxiety and an array of questions about what was to come. During the next 9 weeks, the doctors, nurses, respiratory therapist and nurse practitioners held our babies in the palms of their hands.
Devastatingly, after just a few weeks in the NICU, all three babies were diagnosed with NEC, Necrotizing Entercolitis, a gastrointestinal disease that causes destruction of the bowel. Although it only affects 1 in 2,000-4000 births, NEC is the most serious gastrointestinal disorder among hospitalized infants. All three babies were diagnosed and treated early because of the work of the March of Dimes. Because of their research and programs, our triplets were given a fighting chance to beat the odds.
Thank you March of Dimes, the Shepherd Triplets are all home & healthy because of the incredible work you do.
Since the triplets were born, we have dedicated ourselves to joining with the March of Dimes to raise money to save more lives.
This year, we have a goal of raising $3,000 for our family team, The Shep Trips. Please join us by spreading the word and making a donation to MOD in honor of our triplets' second birthday. Every bit adds up--$5, $10. Small gifts of thoughtfulness make a powerful difference.
Go here http://www.
Your tax-deductible donation will benefit babies and their families. Our family sincerely thanks you. We will continue our efforts to give back.
The March of Dimes has been dedicated to working toward stronger, healthier babies since 1938. Founded by President Franklin Roosevelt, MOD created vaccines that cured polio. MOD's focus has since shifted to premature birth & birth defects with research breakthroughs that have saved thousands of babies' lives.
Just found your blog. I have triplet girls - born December 23rd, 2010, at 32w2d. My smallest (fraternal) was only 2lbs 15oz and went under 2lbs when she became very sick with NEC also. Scariest time of my life. No one should prepare for their child's death, but we were, after only a short 3 weeks of her life. Numerous surgeries, infections, medications (I'm sure you know what I mean!!)...she spent a long time in the NICU. If it wasn't for the NICU, none of my precious girls would be here and for that I am forever grateful! My identical twins (both 3lbs 14oz) were much healthier than our "shrimpy" was, but still required weeks in the NICU.
ReplyDeleteNow (at 27.5 months) you wouldn't know (other than for her little scar on her belly) that she was so sick at such a fragile age!
Here's to hoping and praying that one day all babies will be born healthy!