My name is Chandra Kinnee. I have been married to my high school sweetheart, Mark, for 7 years (we've been together for 14 years). In 1996 our first child, Nathan, was born. We had had some difficulty getting pregnant, but once it happened we forgot about those difficulties. At least we forgot until 1999 when we lost our second child to an ectopic pregnancy. We received the doubly devastating news after surgery that my tubes were quite damaged (unrelated to the ectopic) and that we probably would not be able to conceive again on our own. This was very troubling to me as I have always wanted a big family. Well, after going through invitro fertilization it looks like I may get that big family as we are now expecting triplets and I'm wondering... WHAT HAVE I DONE! At times I'm so scared about the babies, myself, what we're going to do with them once they're born, how we're going to survive the financial upheaval that all I can do is cry. I have a close family (both mine and my husband's) who have pledged their support and co-workers have also offered to help. We've even received a crib mattress from a co-worker of my sister! So, I know the support is there. Still, at 2:00 in the morning it'll just be us We have had a lot going on over the past 2 months or so. We had another ultrasound and all three babies are doing well - no apparent problems, good size, very active - ALL BOYS! I have been doing well, too. My energy is greatly decreased, but my other symptoms have abated. Our financial situation is also looking better as my husband has recently taken a new position, which will allow me to stay home and take care of our four sons. It will mean being separated from him until we can follow him to the coast after the babies arrive. In the meantime, my son and I will be living with my parents as long as I'm on bed rest. I would greatly appreciate any words of wisdom or encouragement from people in the know. Please e-mail me
Thanks,
Chandra

***UPDATE***

Dear Bill,
The babies were born on Jan. 12 (2001) in an emergency c-section. We had a three week stay in the NICU and then stayed an additional three weeks with my parents. The babies were strong enough at that point to make the drive to Bellevue. It has been good being back with my husband and I like my new house. (We got here just in time for the earthquake that rocked Western Washington. Did you hear about it?) The babies are in good health, but have been colicky over the past week. Each has good and bad days, but with three of them it's always someone's turn for a bad night. Thankfully my mother-in-law has been here to help. We have also had lots of help from other family members and even the receptionist at the doctor's office has offered to come help a couple hours a week. I have heard from a number of people through your website and I enjoy hearing their stories. I check my e-mail every 7-10 days, so I don't respond quickly to things. I know you understand! :) I hope all is going well.
Chandra