You also have to remember that we're on an abbreviated schedule. Even if Meg carries longer than the average mother expecting triplets (which is 33 weeks nationally), we'll be targeting a week 35 delivery if we're lucky. That's already five weeks shorter than a singleton pregnancy. If we happen to be on the other end of the average, we'll potentially lose another month. I know we'll get it all done, even if I'm up all night (because I won't be able to sleep in that situation), so I'm not too worried.
Well, we knew that if one of our IVF trials actually worked, we weren't going to be able to stay in our two-bedroom condo in Arlington, so we began house hunting a few months ago. We just thought it was time to get a bigger place as our family would hopefully be growing. We decided that we were going to try to choose a place where we could stay for quite some time and give our kids an opportunity to avoid the school-switch shuffle I experienced growing up. Little did I know that we'd be needing all of the extra space that we planned on "growing in to," so soon!
Fortunately, we found a place pretty quickly that's near family and in a really great school district. Basically, we went on a house-hunting marathon over a three-day span. We spent months actually searching and narrowing down our choices by doing the majority of our research online. Then, we put together a list of our favorite places and set up back-to-back-to-back tours. We probably went to about 30 showings, give or take a few, over that long weekend. We finally decided on new construction that was move-in ready. We looked at some older places that had more character and more mature yards, but still decided on someplace that hadn't been lived in yet. Also, I would've liked to have built a custom-home, but that would've taken too long and there weren't a lot of undeveloped lots that met our other criteria of family and schools. All things considered, we found the perfect house for us.
If you know me, then you know I'm more of a "like it new" type of guy. There's something about being the first owner of anything and knowing that you've taken care of it the right way from day one. Though I AM stretching my boundaries and have been searching endlessly on Craigslist for things that come in three. Yes, mom, I will consider "used" items.
I know this post isn't much about babies or the pregnancy, but remember, this blog is also serving as a journal for us and I want to remember what our house looked like in the beginning and keep track of it as our family evolves and it turns into a home.
Pics from my walk-through with the builder this morning
Home Sweet Home! I love having a three-car garage, but I've seen the garages of people with kids. I already know that I'm going to lose an entire bay to "kid's stuff."
I noticed something way up on the roof.
Look closer...apparently, we're now duck owners.
Future big room of messiness (aka. family room).
Potential office, but I'm getting the impression that this is going to become a first-floor playroom for the first several years since it's right next to the big room of messiness.
Future dining room, though I have to say that filling this room up isn't high on my priority list. Meg may disagree.
I've gotta say, "we love the kitchen!" We're having an awesome refrigerator delivered the afternoon of our closing. Wow, did I just say that? Since when did buying a new refrigerator ever share the same sentence with the word "awesome?" What's happening to me? (Ignore the lady in the picture. She was just accompanying me on the walk-through)
I'm looking at this cool staircase and wondering how I'm going to secure gates on both ends when these babies start crawling.
"The Den of Silence" (aka. master bedroom)
Kinda psyched about the master bathroom.
Potential baby room and bathroom #1 w/ walk-in closet.
Potential baby rooms #2 and #3 with Jack-and-Jill bath. Not sure whether the babies should get morning or evening sun...
Can you imagine how many things are going to go flying over these railings?
Hi Jeremy and Meghan!
ReplyDeleteThis is Ami, from over at "The Best Things in Life are Three". I just wanted to let you both know how absolutely excited I am for you! I was just reading Meghan's post about Fear and Luck, and there at the end of it, was a picture of my babies! (Okay, toddlers). If you think that's cute, just wait till yours are here! There is nothing in the world like it. I absolutely believe those of us who get to parent triplets belong to an elite club where outsiders secretly pity us, but insiders agree that Triplets is the only way to do it! :) I'm glad you found my blog and furthermore, I'm glad you found it helpful in any way, shape or form. When I read your comment on my blog today, I knew I needed to come over and say hello. You guys are in for the ride of your lives, and you'll love every minute. Meghan, I won't tell you not to be afraid, but just know that you can do this. You could even do it without help. That's what you need to remind yourself daily. Honestly. It's the logistics (three of them, two of you, or one mom 3 babies, or two arms, 3 babies,etc.) that make it difficult but there are ways to overcome all of it. And here's my final thought for this comment. I firmly believe that having triplets is, in many ways, easier than having 3 kids who are different ages. You'll see what I mean shortly...Anyway, for now, I'll say goodbye and that I can't wait to continue following your journey! And Meghan, you are absolutely adorable! I can't wait to see that belly grow! I just updated my blog with a "The Pregnancy" tab at the top, and I included all my belly pics. Enjoy! And also, feel free to email me anytime if you have any questions, no matter how random! :)
Ami, thanks for the kind words of support and willingness to answer any questions that we have. I'm not sure exactly when, but I know that at some point, we'll take you up on that offer!
ReplyDeleteI just read Ami's comment and I would have to wholeheartedly agree that Meghan can do this. When I first married her dad he showed me a video of Meghan when she was getting her first haircut. She was probably just around 2 years old. What was interesting was as she walked by in the video she dropped her bottle. Well, Dad being helpful picked it up for her. Then I saw something that told me, this is a woman who can "do it on her own". She proceeded to take the bottle that dad handed her, throw it on the floor then pick it up again and put it in her mouth. With out words she told her dad that she was able of taking charge.
ReplyDeleteAnd that is what I see now in this mature soon to be mother of 3 babies at the same time. She is intelligent, caring and capable of handling this challenge both physically and emotionally. I have no question in my mind, heart and soul that she will give her children all the love they need.
We are also family and realize that when it all adds up, family is the most important thing in life. We will help as much as we can but Meghan and Jeremy will find the way to raise these three children...no mater what.
I am so grateful to part of all of this. Sometimes I forget in the flurry of my life and responsibilities how precious life is. I am a women who never experienced pregnancy but was blessed with the opportunity to adopt our son Sean. He is almost 17 now and despite life with an adolescent, I can't imagine my life without him.
A friend a long time ago gave me a few pieces of wisdom and advice about being a parent that still rings true:
1. Make your peace with dirt
2. Pick and choose your battles
and
3. Your child(ren) will give you purpose and a reason to live... it is why you wake up in the morning and when you take your last breath... they will be by your side.
Jo Anne, we're so glad (and fortunate) you're willing to be a part of all this with us.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations! You needed more space, well you got more than enough space now! That's one huge house! You can even build your own large office there if you want, hehe. All that's missing now are furniture.
ReplyDelete