I was 34 weeks pregnant with triplets. I was about to lie down for a nap with my daughter when I began experiencing some bleeding. I spoke with one of my doctors, Dr. Schurr, who advised us to head to the hospital. I was most likely in labor…most likely about to give birth to THREE babies. I knew at 34 weeks chances of the babies surviving and thriving were very good and I knew that everyone at Melius, Schurr and Cardwell had taken exceptional care of us; however, it was still six weeks early…and there were THREE!

I thought I was prepared. In fact, I didn’t even think it was mentally or physically possible to carry these babies any longer, but my emotions were beginning to tell me otherwise in our blur of a drive to Meriter. As soon as we arrived at triage, however, my mind was put at ease. Everyone worked so quickly, yet calmly, as we discovered I was 4 cm dilated. Nurses Amy, Tracy, Dee Dee and Drs. Bergeron and Cardwell were especially wonderful – my husband and I were so comfortable and confident in their care.

At 5:06 p.m. we welcomed Cody Klein, weighing 4 lbs., 11 oz.; Emma Elizabeth arrived at 5:07 p.m. weighing 4 lbs., 10 oz; and at 5:09 a somewhat stubborn Chloe Marie greeted us weighing 4 lbs., 10 oz. Initially, I felt such relief – the delivery had gone well, and we had heard a cry from all three babies – but as the babies were taken to the Special Care Nursery, we were told that Cody was having difficulty breathing. Fortunately, we barely had time to worry. Dr. Carlton and his team had quickly stabilized our newborn son. He needed oxygen and was administered a medication to help his lungs catch on, but he, along with his sisters, would be okay. Cody was already extubated and breathing room air eight hours later. We can’t put into words how thankful we are to Dr. Carlton – not only for saving Cody’s life, but also for the kind way he came up to my recovery room and gently explained what was happening with the babies.

Though healthy, Cody and Chloe remained in the Special Care Nursery for 10 days, Emma for 16, until they could regulate their own body temperature and gain weight. As hard as it was to go home without our three tiny bundles of joy, the time spent with those incredible nurses turned out to be a total blessing. I expected that they would take good care of our babies, and hopefully help us to do the same; what I did not expect is that they would do it with such genuine support, warmth and compassion – not only for the babies but for our entire family.

One of my fondest memories of the SCN is how attentive they were to our daughter, Grace. As if being a new big sister isn’t enough, she was the new big sister of three. And if that wasn’t crazy enough, she was the new big sister of three babies that were born the day before her third birthday! A potential recipe for disaster – but the nurses “helped the babies” make her a birthday card with their tiny footprints. She carried that card with her everywhere for days. It’s now framed and hanging in her room. The nurses always made Grace feel like a princess and we thank them so much for helping her transition go so smoothly.

Thanks to all the doctors, nurses, and staff in the SCN, but especially Jill, Ellen, Robin, Patricia, Carolyn, Sue, and Margot for seeing us through a very joyous, yet also very overwhelming time when everything (hormones included) was multiplied. Thank you also to my nurses on the 6th floor, especially Pat, Jo, and Whin; to my doctors Melius, Schurr, Cardwell and Bergeron; to our pediatrician Dr. Kreckman; and to Katie in lactation, without whom I would never have been able to breastfeed triplets for thirteen weeks! You all hold a special place in our hearts.

Now, sixteen months later, I’m watching Cody, who struggled to breathe, chase his big sister around the house. I see Emma, who had the longest stay in the SCN, now walk around with a toy stethoscope hanging from her neck and a baby doll in her arms (seriously!). I look at Chloe, who was fed through a tube at one point, now the biggest of the three and still the drama queen. And I watch Grace, so happy and proud and engaged in her role as the ultimate big sister. While it has not been easy and we definitely have our moments, I feel so blessed to have such happy, healthy children. We are so fortunate we were able to experience the beginning of this crazy journey with all the wonderful people at Meriter. It’s not just what they do; it’s the way they do it.

Holly