Mile 23: Finish Line Ahead

We've come up with all sorts of analogies to try and make sense of this whole triplet thing.  Our latest is the marathon, and we're on Mile 23 of a 26-mile marathon. 

The analogy is more relevant for Kelly, of course, because she is the one pregnant and she has actually completed a marathon (Chicago, 2000).  I'm like the people handing the water to the runners, or maybe the camera guy on the motorcycle following the action.  

So what's new?  We are into the third week of the hospital stay.  Kelly has grown, and presumably, so have the babies.  We had water in our basement after the deluge last week and we have about every inch of the UI medical campus mapped out on our wheel chair rides. 

But first things first.  Our kids passed their exam today, scoring a perfect 8/8 on their bio-physical profile that examines their amniotic fluid, movement, heart rate and breathing.  They are actually practicing breathing on their own, to get ready for the outside.  Pretty cool.  

Our theories of all the babies being squished in together were thrown off somewhat by witnessing Baby B, our little girl, stretched all the way out on Kelly's left side.  Seems like she's carved out some space for herself after C has claimed the 'north territory'.  

Our ultrasound tech also helped nickname A today by pointing out he's a strong little guy that has to hold up his two siblings.  So Atlas seemed a fun name to call him for now.  We have C, Bruiser, and A, Atlas so we  are waiting for an opportune handle for little B.  

Our wheelchair walks have been especially nice, a great break for both of us from the conditioned air of the hospital.  Check out our descriptive map here.  But if you take the Mike and Kelly tour, careful east of the hospital, road construction! 

Yes, Kelly is growing.  

Unfortunately we had a little hiccup in our otherwise peaceful world of baby growing.  After around 7 inches of water hit the Burlington area, our 96-year old basement decided to relax and let some water in.  

By no means catastrophic, our damage was limited to soaked carpet and baseboard.  We were lucky to escape the feet of water many others had in the area.  So a new basement project has started: painting and sealing the floor.  

The kids likely won't be home until the second week in Nov, so we've got a little time to accomplish the project.  Big thanks to my folks, Uncle Greg and my office boyz Zach and Nick for helping out.  

Yep, there's three in there.  Now, notice the spherical shape of the belly.  

Now check out the lumpy form the belly takes when Bruiser rolls over, messing up the symmetry and causing some noticeable discomfort for Kelly.  

It looks like it causes B to find some new space on the left side, too.  Crazy kids.  Before you know it, they'll be driving! 

The days are otherwise nice, with great emails, calls and visits from friends and family.  Sam and Dave stopped by with the girls, Annie and Josie, tonight, reminding us how fun two little kids can be and what we have to look forward to.  

Our next goal is 32 weeks, and at that point the kids will have much better lung capacity and be that much more developed for the outside world.  If we all pull together, we'll make it! 

In lighter news, the Hawks are 3-0 and face their first road test of the year, and possibly the most talented team thus far. Visiting the Pitt Panthers will reveal much about the character and preparation of the young Iowa team. Here's to college football. And living right across the street from my favorite stadium, Kinnick.