Malone Quads

We're Back!!!

2007-09-26T23:27:00.000-07:00

After spending four months in Scottsdale, Arizona we've arrived back in Columbus,Georgia. With help from Aunt Kristy, who flew out the day before, we boarded a Delta red-eye flight non-stop to Atlanta. The 757 plane seated over 180 passengers, and only 47 were booked for the flight so we virtually had the entire plane to ourselves. We each had a infant per row and were able to keep them in their car seats, nearly impossible on day flights, unless you purchase additional seats. The flight challenge tests done at the hospital prompted us to apply for oxygen and Delta had tanks for each baby. We fed them prior to boarding and once during the flight and managed to return to Atlanta without incident. Each headrest had a television screen which kept Michael occupied for the first hour until he went to sleep. The flight attendants announced over the intercom that we were their youngest passengers and they were proud to have the Malone Quads and family on board.

When we arrived in Atlanta, we were met by my Dad and Johnny Sparks. Mr.Sparks has a shuttle service and picked us up in a stretch limo. Mr .Sparks runs a first-class operation and we highly recommend his services.

When we pulled up to the house the mailbox had balloons and streamers put together by an industrious crew (Paulette, Yolanda, Zehra Bobby and my mom ).They had assembled swing- sets, bouncers, Pack n Plays, and stocked the refrigerator with plenty of food and formula. The neighbors have helped us with nanny referrals and Michael even met three new boys on the street that moved in the neighborhood over the summer.

Our first pediatric appointment in Columbus went well. Dr Lloyd Hudson was my childhood pediatrician and his office staff was able to schedule all the boys at one time! The guys did great and Mrs.Hudson brought balloons for the babies and Michael. His reps have arranged to get more formula to us....nothing better!!

Now the updates....

William is still the calmest of the group. He is over 6lbs 7oz. Since day one he's had the whole "bottle and breast feeding thing" down and doesn't miss many meals. He got tired of people forgetting who he was so he scratched his eyelid to remind us!

Sean..the red beet, will cry on the hour just to remind you that its 3,4,or 5am! My Aunt Denise gave us a gadget called "ITZBEEN" that reminds you how long it's been since feeding, diapers, sleep etc. It's very helpful because its easy to forget who ate last and how long ago. Sean would just assume I throw this device in the garbage! The picture below has them in order from left to right. Sean is now 6lbs 5oz.

Chase hands down has the loudest cry. He has Kelly wrapped around his finger! He has that distinctive cry where you see tongue and tonsils all at the same time! But he like Michael loves the outdoors, if you take him out on the patio, he stops crying almost instantly. He weighs in at over 7lbs 3oz!

Dylan continues to steal the hearts of women. People he's never met seem to love him. Nurses at the hospital ask me about him daily. The whole underdog weight theme plays well! But folks..he's over 7lbs 1oz! Very alert and oriented, he like Chase has a cry that's distinctive.

Special thanks to the folks we met at the Bella Vista Condominiums in Scottsdale Bldg 24, we will never forget you! The bracelet with all the boys names is beautiful!

Sorry for the delay in blogging the "settling in" period has been more challenging than we thought. Thankfully we've found some help during the day. If you know of any Night Nannies...please send them our way! TMM

The Quads are Together Again!

2007-09-08T21:09:00.000-07:00

After eight months of anticipation and 17 days in the NICU, the Malone Quads are back together again! Chase and Sean were discharged at 1145pm! The late discharge was because of a lengthy altitude challenge test the boys underwent before discharge. The six-hour test is supposed to simulate cabin pressure in an airplane. Since our flight is 3 1/2 hrs there has been some concern about how well the Quads would manage. Some folks had even recommended we drive home! We believe it's safer to fly and the research showing effects on pre-mature infants on airplane's, is limited. Delta Airlines is providing oxygen support if needed on the journey home and our neonatology group approved the itinerary. So what does all this mean...it's time to get home!! Between work and taking care of these five boys, I may be "on-call" for life!

Chase and Sean were welcomed in the Moses baskets we have set up here by William and Dylan. As you can tell by the photo its a tight fit, but reminiscent of the crib set-up they had in the NICU. Chase is almost 6lbs, Sean 5.1lbs, Dylan 4.11lbs,and William 5.5lbs!

On Friday they all went to their first pediatric visit in Scottsdale. I know what your thinking...didn't you just leave the NICU? Yes, but apparently apart of the discharge suggests a Pediatric follow-up appointment within 48hrs. Fortunately, it worked out well and Dr.Traci Hurley took William and Dylan in the morning and Chase and Sean in the afternoon. The office was less than a mile from the condo so it worked out well. We were their first set of Quads. Uncle Dwight and Aunt Pat took Michael on a excursion and Grandmother Collier, aka "mimi", had Sean and Chase.

The transition for Michael is a work in progress. So far he knows their names, likes to attempt feedings, and loves to wash his hands, unfortunately, he's developed a slight cold over the past 24hrs, so you might imagine how tough it is for him not to be able to interact as much as he would like.

This album is powered by BubbleShare - Add to my blog
I almost forgot the "Queen Bee", she's doing well, considering the assembly line starts every 3hrs! She can't wait to get home though..that makes two of us! TMM

Two Down Two to Go!

2007-09-05T07:22:00.000-07:00

After 15 days in the NICU William and Dylan decided it was time to go home. They were discharged a day earlier because they had met all of their benchmarks...and you know how insurance companies feel about extended stays! Fortunately, we were ready and had gone to dinner the night before.

The drive home was exciting, Kelly sat in between the car seats in the back, and I drove with the flashers on for the first couple of miles. Uncle Dwight arrived from San Diego at the same time of our discharge so we were able to direct him in. My Aunt Pat returns today.

The fellas are feeding every 3-4 hours. So far Dylan reminds you of this schedule, while William likes his sleep! We'll see how long that lasts! Expect Sean and Chase in the next 48hrs. Dylan is on the left (he's over 4 1/2 lbs!) TMM

Views from the Malone Suite@ Phoenix Children's Hospital

2007-09-03T08:20:00.000-07:00

A picture says it all! The babies are gaining weight and getting stronger. The latest timetable on discharge may be Wednesday. William and Dylan are leading the pack with feedings, but first must pass bottle feeding and car-seats tests. Bottle feeding for three days straight, and a 90min car-seat test with no apnea episodes qualify for discharge.

Kristy has been hard at work organizing the nursery. It was painted over the weekend and is nearing completion. Special thanks to Uncle Delt Frazier for bringing the cribs down from Atlanta.

"Now the updates on my brothers..........

William was the first to bottle feed for 24hrs and had his feeding tube removed. He's in line to be discharged Wednesday.

Sean has had a "Sedona Red" hue and has started to bottle feed.

Chase is over 5.3lbs! His feeding tube may come out today.

Dylan along with William may be the first discharged this week. He continues to exceed expectation. Pictured below are Dylan and Chase co-bedding, and his Great-Grandmother giving him a bath. Dylan is over 4.4lbs now!

Special thanks to Dr.Crandell Chambers for covering for my father during his visit to Arizona. More pics soon...TMM

What a difference a week makes!

2007-08-30T09:40:00.000-07:00

My parents, Dr.and Mrs. Thomas and Carolia Malone from Columbus Ga, and grandmother Mrs. Letitia Mero from East Hampton NY, flew in and went straight to the NICU. My grandmother had two sets of twins, one identical (Winnie & Martha), and fraternal (Camelia and Carolia). Four generations in one room!

Pictured below are Kelly and Mrs. Letitia Mero, great-grandmother, and Dylan and Sean. Carolia and Thomas Malone feeding Dylan.

Dr.Eleanor Metz, from San Francisco, arrived on Sunday. She along with my grandmother were total surprises! The late Dr.Leon Metz was my Godfather and his family has been very close to ours. Dr. Metz's father, Dr Phillip Nicholas delivered me in Nashville Tn, and his family gave me housing during medical school. As we announce godparents of the "Goodfellas" they hopefully will play as significant roles in their lives.

The Babies are continuing to improve... The boys took their first road trip and were transferred to Phoenix Children's Hospital. The room they're in is awesome!!! They were able to put our entire family in one room! It reminds me of an airplane hanger with its arch-style ceiling. The boys have been moved to cribs and are co-bedding. They are keeping their temperatures steady, all IV's are out, they're next task is bottle feeding. So far Dylan has taken the lead, but the others are close on his heels. Chase and Sean are up to over 38cc's, William 33cc, and Dylan 41cc.

William & Sean

Chase & Dylan

Kelly's Back!!!

2007-08-27T06:41:00.000-07:00

Kelly and the babies are doing well. Kelly was discharged from the hospital on Friday afternoon and has been non-stop ever since. As much as she hated leaving the boys at the hospital, she didn't get any sleep. Welcomed by a throng of supporters who congratulated her, Kelly smiled and talked about her hospital stay. The people we've met here at the BELLA VISTA have been great.

Before leaving the hospital our Michigan connection, Susie Treber, connected us with another Quad family from Baton Rouge, LA @ 23wks two rooms down from us. They also have a blogsite. www.tubrequads.blogspot.com/ Susie has been a "sidelines" coach during the pregnancy and her support has been greatly appreciated. She connects mothers from all over the country who come to Arizona as she did for her Quad pregnancy. One of the things I've learned on this journey is that it never stops, in anything that you do, in our case having quadruplets, their is always someone you can encourage. They are a very nice family and we look forward to following their pregnancy.

The Goodfellas are making tremendous progress.

William-after taking a day off from C-PAP, decided he would take extra helpings of breast milk and promptly had a bout of emesis. Friday, he was placed back on C-PAP, and for one additional day complained by continuous crying, and was taken off on Sunday. He's been improving ever since and started to gain weight. Remember most babies lose weight in the first week ours were no exception, but following the "gram" increments has been something.

Sean-After a week of bragging that he was the only baby without oxygen support, decided he needed nasal prongs. His Oxygen setting was on (21.1%). Remember we breath air at 21%! I think he wants more attention! Kelly attempted breastfeeding with him and he latched on well. At this stage its more of an introduction than anything else as the actual activity of breastfeeding is equivalent to running on a treadmill at top speed!

Chase-Was moved near his brothers and is doing well. He came off C-PAP Saturday and has continued to improve. He was the first to get Kelly's breast milk and has increased his feedings to over 30cc (one ounce) every three hours. They typically increase their feedings by a few CC's each day and subsequently decrease their IV fluids. He's very active and probably is running neck and neck with William for loudest cry.

Dylan-Continues to steal the hearts of the nurses. He's very alert and "wide-eyed"! He's the first baby to leave the incubator. Now in a crib, his feedings have increased to over 36cc's. IV's are out and it will only be a matter of time before his brothers join him in life outside the incubator.

The comments have been awesome!!! Pictures of my grandmother, and parents later today...thank goodness for high-speed connections! TMM

WSCD TV (Must See TV!!!)

2007-08-22T01:40:00.000-07:00

As you might imagine the last 36hrs have been a whirlwind. First, Kelly is recovering as well as can be expected. Less than 6hrs after surgery she was able to view and hold the babies. All IV's are out..her post-op Hb was 9.0. Her final weight was 169lbs, today it was 144lbs!!( remember the IV iron therapy treatments!) Now pain management is next and breastfeeding. All Kelly has to do is hear one mother anywhere and we've heard from several, that have breast-fed multiples, and she's going to go for it!

Michael replies.."Now the "Goodfellas"..

(A) William Collier

(B) Sean Maddox

(D) Dylan Patrick

Updates and Photos

William is doing well he came off C-PAP yesterday. He started his first bottle feed, then decided G-lavage was better, they feed them every 3hrs.

Sean is our free-spirit. He's never required oxygen and is bottle feeding well. But has been sleeping each time we've seen him. He may just be closing his eyes...these kids are starting their tricks already.

Chase actually our largest baby, is still on C-PAP. I changed his diaper day#1. I should post a ticker on diaper changes, but they probably stop at infinity! He's feeding well, by lavage though.

Dylan, the smallest, is very observant and alert. Kelly has fed him by bottle twice and he's requested more. I changed his diaper and he got me good..(I'm going to really have to watch this one!) He's on room-air now. I think he feels he has something to prove!

The Internet connection in the hospital is dial-up. Subsequently, I'll post more photos from the delivery when I get the disc from PR later today. Thanks to all the comments I've read them to her at the bedside and she's been smiling from ear to ear. Our hometown newspaper printed a nice story yesterday with the link below. We had a press conference yesterday that went well. Pictures to follow.

http://www.ledger-enquirer.com/news/story/113128.html

PRICELESS!!! TMM

The Malone Quads Are Here!!!

2007-08-20T12:08:00.000-07:00

After 34wks of shear adventure. Kelly delivered the Quadruplets!!

Baby A 4lbs 90z @1001 APGAR 6/7

Baby B 4lbs 4.50z @1002 APGAR 9/9

Baby C 4lbs 110z @1003 APGAR 6/8

Baby D 3lbs 15.8oz @ 1004 APGAR 9/9

Pictures and names to follow later today. All are in the NICU, A & D are on C-PAP. Once I catch my breath I'll post the story...because it's awesome! God is Good...All the Time!!! TMM

Ready to Roll!

2007-08-20T08:10:00.000-07:00

Last minute preparations are complete. Kelly is ready to go. I told her this reminded me of those mission control countdowns at NASA and she very quickly replied" I'm not going into space with you anymore!!"

Last night I spent the night at the hospital and the bells and whistles reminded her of why she stayed at the condo for so long. (Vitals @1200,0400)

Michael is ready for his instant fan club. Thanks to all. We could not have made it this far without a strong network.

Details on the delivery later today, and yes...Kelly's blog. TMM

Heading to the Hotel!

2007-08-18T11:06:00.001-07:00

The day has come..the reservation set..Kelly's going in!! Today marks the beginning of the end of our journey. Good Samaritan Hospital if your reading this ....we only plan to stay for a little while!

We received a call yesterday changing our surgery time from 0800 to 1000am.(1300 Eastern,1200Central) Anymore time in utero and she may burst!!

I'll post her blog tonite... TMM

Nursery Construction Underway

2007-08-16T11:18:00.000-07:00

Four days to go! Kinsey and Kailey left today and we appreciated their help. However reinforcements are on the way! Kelly's hometown is Nashville, Tn and the Nashville contingent is on their way. Ms.Ingrid Collier,Kelly's mom,aka "Mimi", arives today. Mr.Collier,her dad, aka "Papi", and Ms.Florence Kidd arrive on Sunday. What does this all mean besides love and support? Lot's of Southern Cooking!!

Our last BPP was reasurring. Next stop the hospital admission on Saturday, a visit with the Neonatology staff, and tour of the brand-new NICU. This NICU has been touted the "Taj Mahal" of NICU's because of the recent renovations that allows each infant space equivalent to a small hotel room! We toured the NICU when we first arrived in Arizona at 20wks, but alot has changed since then. I still remember Kelly telling the NICU staff that she would not be seeing them anytime soon. I'll post photos this weekend.

Kristy, Kelly's sister, remember she has three (Kim, Kristy and Kinsey),is putting together the boys nursery. She has started her own nursery design business and has done quite well. Nothing better than having this sort of expertise in the family! Pictures of her work are below. I'll post photos of our nursery and links to her blog site soon.

Kelly is continuing to do well. Her trips to the restroom are every fifteen minutes, up from every thirty, but she's not complaining just focusing on Monday.

33wks!!

2007-08-13T09:24:00.000-07:00

Next week this time I'll be blogging from the OR suite! (Just Kidding) The countdown is on and we can't wait to see their faces. Last minute preparations are underway, names are almost completed, and Kelly is ready.

Before I left for Arizona, I called myself "trying to stay occupied" and tried my hand at gardening. My grandparents are avid gardeners, but this was my first attempt to create one. Fortunately, I had a good resource in Eddy Edwards, a local horticulturist, that kind of walked me through the process.(soil,fertilizer,plants,etc) Between working and this new found hobby, time was moving fast; but now that I've been in Arizona for a six weeks straight, I started to wonder whether I still had a garden. Eddy called today to remind me that the yard and garden were "hanging in there" despite the heatwave and drought that has blanketed the South this summer.

Time had been moving very slowly until today! The "YOUR LIFE IS REALLY GONNA CHANGE", phone-calls have started to come in more and the pressure is on. Kelly continues to remind me that Monday August 20th can't come soon enough! Hence I searched the net and found the ticker above!

Tomorrow we are scheduled for a BPP, and possible Procrit shot, our last attempt to boost her hemoglobin, which incidentally was 9.1 up from 8.4 after her iron therapy. Definitely happy about that! Kelly has promised to personally blog before she delivers...so I'll keep you posted.33wks! WoW!!

Last Official OB Visit

2007-08-11T23:45:00.000-07:00

On Friday we went to our last office visit. Phoenix Perinatal Associates has four locations and we've been to all of them. We actually are staying in Scottsdale, which is about 25min from downtown Phoenix, but this was the first time we visited the Scottsdale location. Remember even though I've rented everything from a Cadillac DTS to a Nissan Armada, which I currently have now, she feels every bump in the road! So the opportunity to travel 5min as opposed to 30min was welcomed. If we couldn't see Dr. Elliott convenience, a word not often used with multiple pregnancies, meant everything.

Dr.Elliott, our lead physician, is mainly at their Glendale location, which is 30min from us, but he's been on vacation from the that office and we' ve subsequently seen the covering "doc" of the day for the last month. Thankfully, they seem to work well together and their management plan stays consistent. Friday Dr.Stephanie Martin, scheduled our admission date at the hospital for August 18th. We also found out that the same resident who participated in the cerclage surgery, will again be on the team with Elliott for the delivery. Remember this is Kelly were talking about here...she wants to know as many details as possible! (maybe she was paying attention through my joyous days of residency!) This was one of the best office visits we've had. Maybe it's because we're nearing the end or the fact that the staff their seemed to go out of there way to cater to us, whatever the case, it went well. Now blogger nation I realize anything can happen between now and then and Dr.Martin did give us the "green-light" to come in anytime before then, but this is the plan as it currently stands. I as you can imagine am in disbelief that she's still in the condo!

Maybe its the view from the patio or access to the kitchen!

The Ultrasound showed the "Alphabets" are doing well, A Biophysical profile, a test to asses fetal status, was reassuring. We have one more BPP scheduled for Tuesday 8/14. Kelly's fast asleep...32.6wks in 15min!!! TMM

Mind Over Matter

2007-08-08T23:45:00.000-07:00

As I sit bed side and witness the transformation of my wife throughout this pregnancy I am truly amazed at the amount of pain and discomfort she is able to endure. If you've ever had a family member go through something you know what I'm speaking about here. From the time we first learned about the Quads until the present she has always maintained a positive attitude. It is a testament to her faith! Trust me because even in this environment of HOM patients, the staff here is astonished at her progress.

Ever since I met Kelly at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church,while attending Fisk University,before I entered Meharry Medical College, there was something that I saw in her that I think has brought us to this point. Because this whole process is in "his" hands. How else can you explain this? If you've never had faith before maybe all this sounds supernatural to you, but my wife has a calm about her that is scary.

The last couple of days the intensity has increased. At times walking has become difficult. She's been using a wheelchair since 22wks, but I'm referring to the short walks to the bathroom. The "Good Fellas" have on several occasions made there presence known!

Her next appointment is Friday and we potentially will have a hospital admission date to report then. But you know Kelly she's liable to show up August 20th @ 0500! That's the goal, but everyday at this point is a bonus. The Burkett Quad family thequadsquad.blogspot.com/ we've been following in Illinois delivered today at 31wks and they're all doing well.

We've been looking at modes of transportation lately...mini-vans, SUV's, and strollers. In the stroller department all I've been able to locate are these two. I've seen people use twin strollers, but that will require two drivers!

I actually test drove a Suburban today...that is a big vehicle! Next stop Denali. TMM

32 Weeks!

2007-08-06T23:05:00.000-07:00

Another milestone was reached in our quest to bring the four heartbeats back to Georgia. Kelly received her second dose and last shot of steroids Saturday. She also completed her IV iron therapy today. The babies are moving around at a torrid pace and haven't shown any recent signs of letting up. Her only relief now is sleep. Thank goodness for Ambien!

My Aunt Pat and Cousin Keisha returned home on Sunday. They were true angels. We really enjoyed their visit. Between cooking and washing baby clothes they managed to take Kelly on a scavenger hunt through Babies R Us. We met a NICU nurse in the store that was also at 32wks herself with twins who was equally amazed at how well Kelly was doing and made some positive remarks regarding her experience with preemie's. I firmly believe these interactions have helped propel her through the pregnancy. I'll never forget a discussion I had during surgery in January about a local family that had triplets. Just when you think your particular situation is overwhelming "he" has a tendency to place "his" people in places to clear up any obstacles in your path. I'm one of those individuals that doesn't forget those moments in time and for each and every one of those moments up until the present I am truly grateful!

Michael and Kailey enjoyed the traveling GO Diego GO Show. He's still telling everyone that comes in contact with him that he saw those characters and what they were doing.(priceless)

Less than two weeks away...I'm reminded each morning by Kelly that she may be able to hang in there for another week...but two "are you crazy!" TMM

We Have a Date!!

2007-08-03T22:43:00.000-07:00

A couple of important issues were resolved at our last office visit. As you can imagine in a group practice a patient is liable to see several different physicians. This week it was Dr.Martin. She increased Kelly's IV iron dosage of Venofer to 300mg. This added an additional 45-1hr to the transfusion. Not fun when your sitting upright for 2hrs! Remember all of this is in an effort to boost her anemia status common in multiple patients.

Kelly received her first of two doses of steroids as well. Steroids have been found to be extremely beneficial in infants born prematurely.
Infants whose mother received the corticosteroids had a significantly lower risk for respiratory distress syndrome, brain hemorrhage and digestive disturbances. Her next dose is tomorrow.

We finally have a surgery date!

Monday August 20th @0800

Remember the goal of the pregnancy has always been to beat the national average of 29wks. Dr.Elliot's average is 32wks, and as recent patients have displayed his regimen has yielded impressive results. Each day in the womb is worth three days less in the NICU at this stage in the pregnancy. It has been an incredible journey to this point and being able to learn about other families through the Internet has been amazing. Kelly is determined to go as far as she can and your prayers and comments are sincerely appreciated.

Last night Keisha and Pat arrived and today were in action cooking up a "mean" pot of spaghetti, salad and dessert. I was so busy eating I forgot to take any pictures! They have a big day planned tomorrow so I'll be sure to post photos.

Current fetal weights per our last ultrasound are as follows:

Baby A:4lbs 2oz

Baby B:4lbs 9oz

Baby C:3lbs 3oz

BabyD :4lbs 8oz

Kelly's last weight 164! (total gain 40lbs) TMM

Pump in the Iron!

2007-08-01T22:38:00.001-07:00

Kelly tolerated IV iron session #2 of 5 today. The rest of her day was basically spent resting and watching movies. We heard today Suz, a Quad mother in Texas, went into labor this afternoon at 30.1wks. We have followed her blog for quite some time and will keep her in our prayers.

http://thelifeofsuz.blogspot.com/

Contractions started to increase towards the evening. She managed to hang in there, but at one point she called for her bag...a family first. It's usually me that suggests we go in, but they subsided and she's gone to sleep. Remember the all important "bag" must contain items needed for any hospital admission.

We're looking forward to the arrival tomorrow of my Aunt Pat and cousin Keisha for the weekend. Pat is from Chula Vista,Ca and Keisha is coming from Austin, Tx.

Michael is an avid Diego fan and we may get a chance to catch the traveling show this weekend. Weather..I mean Kelly and the Quads permitting!

Fetal weights and hopefully some pictures I can post of them tomorrow. All is well in the dessert. TMM

Three Down One to GO....

2007-07-31T22:44:00.000-07:00

Today in HOM(higher-order-multiple) Land, Rachelle Wilkinson wilkinsonquints.com delivered at 34wks. Remember on this road there were Sextuplets, Quintuplets, Quadruplets, and Triplets all within a few weeks of each other at the same hospital. They have now all delivered and we are up next. Her infants collectively weighed over 21lbs! She actually set a record for total infant weight. Her largest child was over 5lbs! We met her at several office visits and were encouraged by her progress. Being three weeks behind that couple has shed a tremendous light on our path in this journey.

Today we met with the writer from Newsweek. She came to the condo with the hospital PR director Jennifer Poole. I was extremely fortunate that Jennifer called just after the Quints delivered to alert me that the hospital photographer would come as well. I may not have made it out of Arizona alive if I had missed that call! Kelly looked beautiful for the interview and we even managed to take a portrait with Michael. The writer interviewed the Masche Sextuplets and Wilkinson Quints before talking with us. Apparently, her deadline is in three weeks, so our boys pictures may not make the story, but it will be close. Pictured below is the group that came for the interview. The writer is on Kelly's left.

Yesterday Kelly had the first of five IV Iron therapy treatments. She tolerated them well and her next visit is 8/1. Two days until we get our next fetal weights. I can't wait!

Michael and Kailey continue to entertain each other. Whether its watching "the Wizard of OZ" as they did today, or simulating cooking on the patio, they are our comic relief!

Kelly is fast asleep...up next 31.2 wks...everyday is a blessing! TMM

A Day At the Park

2007-07-29T21:22:00.000-07:00

We caught the final game in the current Diamondback home stand with the Atlanta Braves and witnessed an offensive clinic! The Braves won 14-0. The crew (Kinsey,Kailey, and Michael) and I had a nice time. Michael and Kailey managed to find a Kiddie park in the stadium and had a ball. This was my second game since arriving in Arizona. Chase Field has a retractable roof which has been closed due to the extreme temps. If you look closely you may see Kelly in the pool.....just kidding!

Kelly's progress continues to go well. Today she's been working on names. We heard a few stories about poor outcomes early in the pregnancy and I feel Kelly wanted to make sure she could go the distance before naming them. We hope to finish that task this week.

Newsweek magazine will be in Phoenix this week to write a story on multiple pregnancy patients and we were notified by the hospital PR director they may be interested in our story. Tomorrow's schedule includes IV Iron therapy. 31 weeks!! TMM

The Letter of the Day is "P" for Pain

2007-07-28T18:18:00.000-07:00

Today Kelly has done her best to smile through her contractions. The most she's had in an hour are 3-4, but the pain surrounding them has increased. At this point in her pregnancy, if pain can develop anywhere on her body Kelly has no doubt experienced it. Whether it has been back pain, rib pain, neck pain, breast pain, leg pain, vaginal pain, toe pain... ok you get the point it! Remember when one baby kicks they all kick.

Kinsey and I took Michael and Kailey to the mall playground. They seemed to enjoy themselves. I usually gauge there level of excitement to whether or not they fall asleep afterward, luckily they did. It's become Michael's hangout since the temps have continued to stay around 99-100 degrees. Just got word....Fetal Fibronectin test was negative.TMM

The Journey Continues

2007-07-27T12:39:00.000-07:00

Kelly's doing remarkably well considering the quads have taken just about all of her resources. Her weight today was 158lbs. (Total gain 34lbs) Iron studies reviewed today suggest that a more aggressive approach will be necessary to boost her hemoglobin before surgery. Starting with a session of IV iron therapy on Monday 7/30.

This group has over 15 perinatologists and we have met almost all of them at one time or another. Today it was Dr.Strong, filling in for Elliot who was on vacation. His review of her chart and "game-plan" speech were refreshing to Kelly. He commented that the reason she was doing so well was that she had a"home field advantage!"Our next Ultrasound for weights will be Thursday 8/1. Fetal Fibronectin studies were repeated today, if positive hospital admission and steroid therapy will be next. Kelly, at all costs would like to stay at home, but as you might imagine our days at home are numbered. The majority of multiple pregnancy patients are admitted well before 30wks and remain until delivery. Many of have inquired about tocolytics, medications to stop labor, Terbutaline, Procardia, Magnesium or Indocin, and so far Kelly has not needed any.

Kelly's sister and niece Kinsey and Kallie came last night and have provided plenty of excitement for Michael! Kailey is 17mths and keeps Michael on his toes, she's half his size and twice as fast! I'll post pictures soon.

I have prepared mentally for these little fellas on the way, but it may not hit me until the scene below transpires!

The Braves are in town this weekend to play the Arizona Diamondbacks. If you see a Quad mother in the outfield during the game remember its just her "hydrotherapy!" LOL

Thanks again for all of your support and prayers, we can definitely feel them out here in the dessert! TMM

Thirty Weeks!

2007-07-23T12:02:00.000-07:00

We've reached another milestone here. The finish line is within sight. One thing about being in an environment of HOM patients is there are people ahead of us. The Sextuplet mom delivered in June and took here first child home this weekend. The others will follow shortly. The Quintuplet mom is three weeks ahead of us and will deliver July 31st at 34wks! Links to there sites are below.

http://wilkinsonquints.com/ (Quint mom)

http://maschemiracles.com/ (Sextuplet mom)

Kristy, her sister, is working on the layout of the nursery. Two of our bedrooms are currently pink and will need to be re-painted. I still remember when we first saw each childs genitalia in the Ultrasound room. With each determination Kelly would look at me as if to say "where's the girl?,you had better throw a girl in the mix!" I thought the perinatologist from the Atlanta Perinatology Associates was going to have to wheel her out on a stretcher when the last child was also a boy! Luckily, she comes from a family of women three sisters Kim, Kristy, and Kinsey and has now excepted the fact that this was meant to be.

Last night was our first trip to the hospital since her surgery. Anticipating that they were going to keep her, Kelly packed a suitcase. She felt a decrease in movement over the course of the day and just wanted to make sure. We were in and out in 1hr! That rarely happens anywhere I've ever worked or trained, and we apparently were lucky to get an official ultrasound in minutes. Being on the other side of the fence has given me a whole new perspective about patient care. TMM

A Picture Says it All

2007-07-19T22:23:00.001-07:00

We spent the majority of the day working out issues back home. The one thing about maintaining two homes is making sure bill are paid, grass is cut, and your house is still there! Luckily we have some great support staff back home that have been checking on things. We moved into our first home October 13th and one the neighbors asked "is it just the three of you?" Little did we know.

After a little coaxing...Kelly decided to take a "belly pic". If I can get past the censors (aka kelly) I'll post more later!

The Quads Are Getting Restless

2007-07-18T19:29:00.001-07:00

As many of you know Kelly is a huge Young and the Restless fan. The 11:00 hour is completely reserved for this purpose. They even have a network these days that show re-runs at night!
Well today it was more about the continuous movements of the babies. It's often difficult to determine whether the pain is coming from movements, contractions, or both. But as her sidelines coach that's supposed to know the difference, it's a challenge! Kelly describes the feeling like being "full-term for the past six weeks". The kicks however fascinating for us to watch and feel, are pretty painful.

If any of you get a chance to watch the National Geographic program "In the Womb-Multiples" it illustrates an interesting look inside the womb.

I took Michael to the park...112 degrees! Needless to say we didn't stay long, but he had a good time and more importantly it wore him out! I did learn today that the local malls have some nice indoor facilities for the kids so we'll check them out tomorrow.

Feeding the Power Plant

2007-07-17T23:08:00.001-07:00

Part of our daily routine besides going to the pool is ordering food. As Kelly would attest I can barely boil water. Therefore, part of my current job is to find local cafes and restaurants that will make healthy portions, most when they find out we're having Quadruplets add a few extra appetizers! Her daily lunch requests usually revolve around Red Robin gourmet burgers. (Yes, her Doctor orders!)Today it was Outback. I'm however with her watchful eye from the bed post, attempting a few dishes here and there.

The local library here is nice. Michael met a set of twins his age today. The Girl-Boy tandem made a quick impression on him until the the girl tried to takeover! I'm sure he can't wait to lead this troop that's coming.

We found out today that her Hemoglobin was 8.4 (anything under 10 is consider low), so it was off to the lab for iron studies. She's taking iron supplements, Tums and pre-natal vitamins now...any more pills and Kelly may lose it! Coming soon BELLY PICS!

Below is a link to the hospital website discussing the number of HOM (Higher Order Multiple) patients currently under there care.

http://www.bannerhealth.com/About+Us/News+Center/Press+Releases/Its+a+straight+baby.htm

Rain Baby Rain!

2007-07-16T23:49:00.000-07:00

Today was the first day since we've been in AZ that it rained. As crazy as it may sound..it was a welcomed sight! Tests from Friday (fetal fibronectin and 1hr Glucose test were negative. The FF test is a screening test for pre-term labor and this result increases the likelihood she'll make it past 30wks.

T.Michael II has enjoyed talking the with his grandparents and cousins through SKYPE, he loves to interact. He enjoys Diego and Dora and "The Wiggles". He's quick to tell you that his mother is having four babies and that

"It's A-MA-ZING!".

Ultrasound weight estimates of the babies were as follows at 28wks.

Baby A: 2lbs 6oz

Baby B: 2lbs 9oz

Baby C:2lbs 12oz

Baby D:3lbs 7oz

We really look forward to watching the babies moving around during the ultrasound visits.

Kelly normally hates to see it rain especially when driving, but tonite she watched the storm from the window. TMM

Hello Everyone!!

2007-07-15T21:23:00.000-07:00

In case you haven't heard we're having Quadruplets!!(All Boys) We are 29 wks today! It still seems like yesterday when we saw the ultrasound pictures which showed the four heartbeats. We are currently in Scottsdale, Arizona under the care of Dr.John Elliott, the nation's leading expert on higher order multiples.(triplets,quads,quints,sextuplets). The national average for delivery is 28-29wks. His average is 32wks and his endpoint is 34wks gestation. That's why we came to the desert!

Kelly is doing as well as can be expected. We are staying in a condo in Scottsdale about 25min from downtown Phoenix. The people in our bldg. are friendly, mostly retired couples. The daily routine has her eating at least 5000 calories a day, wading in the pool, and watching her abdomen expand beyond belief!

I'll try to post more photos as the foursome develops. Until then I hope to post daily and keep folks up-to-date. The "shortness of breath" issue with her causes her to sound as if she's running a marathon during most conversations. Thanks for the support and prayers. TMM