The Loser Cruiser Search is Over!

We decided on the Toyota Sienna. As far as vans go, it is ok. The reason we chose it is because it is the only mini-van which enables you to put 3 car seat across the middle row. We felt this was important because with the 'stow and go' seats in the back row, we could fold them down and have lots of room for all the supplies and keep the 2 beagles seperated from the babies. We opted for the model which has power sliding doors as Adrian told us that he wouldn't live without them. I got them to throw the DVD player in for free.

Couple of new items....play pen and nursing chair!

A fantastic play pen from Steve and Amanda, thank you guys! A comfy chair for feeding.

Back By Popular Demand -- The Belly Shot

Her fans have spoken, so here you go. An up to date photo of Kristen's profile at 28 1/2 weeks.

Nursery Nearing Completion

Soon the Simpson nursery will be ready to accept tenants and currently has a reservation for 3.

We have 1 crib set up, and 2 stored and waiting in the basement. To start they are going to continue sleeping together (as they are doing now) in the same crib. Thanks to; Rick & Linda for one; Marilyn, Kelly, Robert, Donna, Cathy, Greg, Karen, Mike for the second; Jeff, Diane, Dorothy, Dean, Pat for the third.

The other picture shows the Dresser/Change table from Rod & Christina. It is beautiful, but it may not stay white for long. ;) It took dad 4 hours to put the thing together as it came conveniently packaged in about 300,000 little pieces. My extensive LEGO training as a youth was a tremendous asset.

SURPRISE! Super Showers by Shannon in Sudbury

I was told get her out of the house by 11:00am, have her back by 1:30pm and leave the rest to us!

Well she did not leave willingly, but I did manage to get her out of the house for some BS shopping expedition. When she returned the girls (led by Shannon) had outdone themselves. The house was full of decorations, food, and gifts! I made a hasty departure with the dogs, and what happened after that is shrouded in mystery. Here are a few pictures to give you an idea.


A special thanks to Shannon who spent hours organizing and cooking to do this for Kristen.

Our First CORPORATE SPONSOR!

Thanks to Shannon, who by simply sending an email has landed us a little corporate support! We can certainly use all the support we can get.

Thank you very much to Kimberly Clarke Corporation. You have gain yourself a loyal customer for your kindness.

Here is a copy of the email exchange. Maybe we should have sent an email to Toyota Canada! :)

From: s.howatt@sympatico.ca
Sent: 7/19/2006 16:45 CDT
Subject: Baby Oh Baby!
I'm writing to you because I'm hoping you can help surprise my sister and her husband. You see, she is currently 28 weeks pregnant with triplets! These are their first children and the first grandchildren for my parents.
After years of trying to conceive through natural methods, IUF and finally IVF, they are being blessed with 2 girls and 1 boy. Each week brings new experiences and new excitement to our family. During this time of preparation, we are learning that they're going to need ALOT of stuff. Diapers, baby wipes, baby powder, diaper cream, bottles, baby lotion - that's just the tip of the iceburg! Can you do anything to help them out? I know they would appreciate anything you could do. And so would I! Many thanks, "Auntie" Shannon Howatt Ottawa, Ontario Canada

Dear
Shannon,
Thanks for letting us know about the upcoming birth of triplets in the family.It was good of you to think of us with regard to the family's needs for disposable diapers. If you will provide us with copies of the babies' birth certificates and the parents' full name and address, we will be glad to sendthem a one-time gift of coupons. We are sending you a prepaid mailing label for your convenience in returning this material to us.Thanks again for your interest and for visiting our web
site. CindyConsumer ServicesKimberly-Clark Corp.008362491A

28 Week Milestone Reached!

Today Kristen entered her 28th week. 28 weeks was the magic number needed to significantly increase the percentage of success. It is also the date after which the Sudbury hospital feels they could care for the babies in their ICN rather than air lifting us to Toronto. So good stuff, but every week closer she gets to 36 further reduces the percentage chance of handicaps or other problems.

Doctors, ultrasounds, and more Doctors....

We have been busy! Last week we went to Toronto's Special Pregnancy Unit for; ultrasound, pediatric consult, anesthesia consult, and doctors appointment. Oh and we bought a minivan (post to follow). This week locally Kris got her diabetes test, rogame injection, another ultrasound, and a doctor's appointment with our obstetrician Dr. Huneault.

TO Ultrasound - Went really well, not quite as long as the last one because all the anatomy testing was already done. This time we looked for umbilical cord blood (good), blood to the brains (good), detailed heart rates (good), relative sizes (good), and weights (average). The quality of the technicians and equipment at Mt. Sinai is second to none, the pictures tell the story. The two girls are blowing bubbles and the one playing peek-a-boo.

TO Pediatric Consult - This doctor helped us with what to expect after delivery. We discussed the NICU units, anticipated hospital stay, cesarean section, breast feeding, sleep deprivation, child care (Harry Potter books on DVD etc), and the assistance we are going to require. This guy could have been Dad's brother (handsome and intelligent of course)!

TO anesthesia Consult - This is important because Kristen has a history of a condition called Malignant Hypothermia in her family. Odd name which means she reacts badly to general anesthetic. General anesthesia is not typically required in childbirth unless things go badly, then if things go badly, this adds to the problem because the can only give her certain anesthetics (not quite as effective). The meeting was to discuss her family history and what steps would be taken if necessary.

TO Doctors Appointment - Dr. Murphy of the Mount Sinai Special Pregnancy Unit was delighted with both the baby's health and Kristen's Health. Kristen is carrying very well, and is generally healthy. Cervix length is the key measure of how close she is to conception. We want to be far from conception and therefore longer is better. Kristen measured 5.1 cm which in medical terms is "a country mile". The babies are also progressing well. All growing together, nobody is getting left behind with the following weights; A-1lb 13 oz, B-2lb 3 oz, C-2lb 0oz. This is small for singlet but within the normal range for triplets.

Diabetes Test - Pregnancy can cause what is known as gestational diabetes. This test will tell us if Kris is developing it. If so the typical treatment for diabetes must begin such as diet or insulin.

Rogam (not Rogaine) Injection - Kris has a blood type of O-. This is rare and can be problematic during pregnancy. If any bleeding occurs inside Kristen's brain will detect the alternate blood type from the babies and treat them as an infection and do what your body does with infections, try to kill it. The Rogam treatment is common. It tricks Kristen's brain into thinking there is nothing wrong and thereby protects the babies.

SD Ultrasound - Not quite as good in quality, but the results were the same (all good).

SD Doctor's Appointment - Dr. Huneault is our obstetrician and is fantastic. He is confident, personable, and energetic. He is also happy with the baby development, but a little concerned that the cervix length has dropped 2 cm in 1 week to 3.2. Frankly I think it is just a difference in ultrasound units, technicians, etc likely has more to do with the difference, but Kristen has slowed down noticeably in the last week.