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Following on from part 1 of The A-Bundlely Blessed Diaries series - read it here: 'You are expecting triplets': The A-Bundlely Blessed Diaries #1 - Chantelle Whittles talks pregnancy announcements, baby budgets and more.
So what was my husband's reaction?
I called Nicolyn right after I heard from the doctor.After giving him the shocking news, a nervous laugh followed, which lasted for 20 seconds.
Then he murmured he was running away! I would probably have done the same if I were him. Imagine what went through my mind!
In I walked to a hug, to calm the shock to the system. And he whispered, "God blessed us with these three babies, and I'm sure we'll be alright."
That's all I needed to hear in that moment.
On to the budget we go…
Nicolyn works in finance, so number crunching came naturally to him. How many nappy changes? What does formula cost? Do we need two or three cots? What about a pram? Do we need to over-budget for wipes? And the car seats?
Oh my goodness, my mind was a mess, all this while still coming to terms with the news! Just as I thought we were done with the budget, he moved on to the house.
Once again, I'm not sure if this was his way of dealing with it. But here we are working out how many rooms should be added. The plans have been drawn up and the building process will hopefully get underway soon. But more about this later.
Also see: Pregnancy Week by Week
Sharing the news
The most exciting and nerve-wracking part was probably to share the news with everyone. I called my mom first.
Shocked and excited, her response was, "Chanti, waar gaan almal slaap?" I think she was more concerned about her room in the house. (She lives with us during the week to help with Nikolai. Lucky, I know!)
My sister's reaction had us in stitches. "How is this even possible? These things only happen on TV!" My mother-in-law was ecstatic and wanted a girl, to balance it out.
Hearing about someone expecting triplets is rare, especially if they were conceived naturally – like in our case.
I too struggled as I just could not fathom how something so special was happening to us. I was scared to tell people that we're expecting triplets because it's a high-risk pregnancy and something no one close to me, or someone I personally know has ever experienced.
Everyone I shared the news with supported me, but I still couldn't shake the "what if" thoughts. I just wasn't excited yet, and I felt guilty because of it. I even went as far as to tell Nicolyn that we should maybe wait with the renovations, just until we know for sure that the babies are all right.
In these moments, Nicolyn kept reassuring me that God gave us this special gift. And that I should try and think only positive thoughts because my negativity could affect the babies. At 13 weeks, the fetal assessment center called to set up an appointment with a gynae specialising in triplets.
The doctor wanted to see me ASAP for counselling. Me? Counselling? For what? I was terrified because the idea of counselling means something is wrong, isn't it?
While I was listening to the doctor speak, the only thing I wanted to do was burst into tears.I was scared, and it felt like no one could understand why.
Being pregnant with triplets was nothing like I expected
Of course I'm happy, but the thought of something terrible happening was overshadowing every special moment. Don't get me wrong, the doctor was super sweet, but she was frank. She explained all the details about a high-risk pregnancy, detailing what could possibly go wrong.
Triplets are normally born between 32 and 35 weeks (eight months). But should they be born before 24 weeks, we're not sure if the babies will make it. She said that Nicolyn and I need to have a chat because, in her experience, not everyone is able to afford having triplets.
Also, not everyone has a good family support structure to help them with multiples. If that's the case, she suggested that we have a reduction.
We decided against it.
A risk assessment scan showed the triplets were each in their own amniotic sack, which meant we don't have to be worried about their umbilical cords tangling around each other, or that they will be feeding from the same placenta and fighting over food. Hearing this was the first time I gave a sigh of relief.
A risk assessment scan is done to detect any major abnormalities in the fetus. But as it turned out, all three babies are healthy and perfect! This was the best news ever. And just what I needed to hear. This was also a reminder that God will never give you situations you cannot handle. He chose us.
The babies will most likely be born prematurely, which comes with its own set of risk and may require a prolonged stay in hospital. Should that happen, I know there'll be a brilliant team of paediatricians taking care of them.
Being pregnant with triplets was nothing like I expected.
Everything I feel or do is extreme. Times three!
Until next time,
A-Bundlely Blessed and me.
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