Thursday, December 27, 2007

Christmas

We actually ended up having a very nice (if tiring) Christmas.

Santa came to visit on Christmas Eve. The girls didn't seem to notice he looked a lot like Daddy.


Christmas we went to my mom's and had dinner with my whole family, then drove to Philly around 5pm to see Jack. The babies all got so much stuff. I had told my mom, the one thing that would upset me would be if anyone forgot about Jack, or started acting like he was already gone. No one did - I think he got more presents than anyone (which in it's own way was sort of heartbreaking.... ). My mom gave me the best present, a beautiful bracelet made of pink tourmaline (the babies' birthstone) with little silver letters that spell out JACK. I love it so much. I will never take it off.


Santa Baby Katie:


Santa Baby Charlotte:



Santa Baby Jack:


When we got to Philly, Jack was wide awake, like he was waiting for us. The nurses had dressed him in his little Christmas outfit, and Santa had been to visit him too. There were two Polaroids on his bed they'd taken of him with Santa, and 3 presents he'd left for him (a book, a crib mirror and some receiving blankets). It was so sweet. I can't even explain how much it meant to both of us to know he hadn't just been laying in that crib all day. It really touched us that people cared enough to donate those presents, wrap them, volunteer their time on Christmas.

So we spent Christmas night and all yesterday with Jack. He was awake the whole time, he just refused to sleep. He looked really good. He is the sweetest boy. This might sound nuts, but after getting the news we did about Jack, I feel in some strange way a little better. When I would visit him in the past, I would spend the whole time worrying, worrying if he was worse, better, if he had some new symptom, if what he was doing was strange, I would try and read the nurses notes when they weren't looking, eavesdrop on the doctors rounds, make myself sick over what was going on. Now it's like, it doesn't matter. We know, it's bad. Nothing can really make it worse. I have nothing else to fear. I don't have to spend the whole time I'm holding him in a panic that his tube is going to come out. If it does, it does. I can just hold him and visit him and love him.



Jack loved his presents.....


Charlotte did too!!


Katie was not quite as excited....


I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas. Thank you all again for the kind words and prayers. They helped me more than you'll ever know.

60 comments:

Anonymous said...

Your three little ones are beautiful. I am glad you had a Merry Christmas. We are thinking and praying for all of you.

Anonymous said...

I love the pictures. the are all getting so big. Keeping the whole family in our prayers and thoughts. God Bless you all.

nicole(mikeandnicole05)

Anonymous said...

Everyone looks so beautiful. Hugs to you all

Anonymous said...

So so glad you all had a wonderful Christmas! Jack, Charlotte, and Katie all looked so festive in their Christmas-wear! Here's hoping for a great 2008!

Anonymous said...

We wish you a Merry Christmas. We are so happy you enjoyed a special holiday with the girls and Jack. The pictures are so precious. God Bless you all.

Parcells Custom Painting said...

The pictures are wonderful Megan!! What beautiful children you have. Santa needs to beef up a little though... ;)

As always, I'm thinking about you guys a lot. xoxo

Anonymous said...

You have the most beautiful children they are all soo cute. I loved the pictures and was happy to read what a great Christmas you and your family had. You are always in my prayers. God Bless!

Anonymous said...

They ALL look so adorable and are blessed with wonderful, attentive parents and extended families. To be so loved is the best gift of the Christmas season!

Hope your 2008 brings health and peace :-)

Cathy (Cathy&John)

Anonymous said...

Your children are adorable! I'm glad you all had a wonderful Christmas!

Anonymous said...

Megan, you look the best you've ever looked since the babies got here. You look so much more at peace. I pray that you continue to stay strong and that things for Jack get better.

Nestie Maryannc

Anonymous said...

I had been to the blog before the babies were born, noticing that 2 of the names you had on their crib blankets were names my DH and I were looking at for our family (if we are ever so blessed, currently TTC). I remember thinking how great it was, how I was also over 35 and under 40, and thinking I needed to check back. Something brought me back today, and I have now been sitting in my office crying, reading every post since before they were born.

All I can do is to add my voice to the many prayers for Jack and Katie and Charlotte. I am so sorry, but Jack does seem like he is just not ready to give up. His pictures look wonderful, and watching him and the girls all grow over this time has been wonderful. Thank you for sharing that with all of us.

Thank you for updating and for sharing your first Christmas together. I will make sure to add a few extra Hail Mary's for you and your family (I also tend to say my extra prayers to her, and always have I think).

Kammy (Nestie katiedid1806)

Anonymous said...

Jack is never alone. All of our wishes, thoughts and prayers are with him - ALWAYS. Merry Christmas to all of you. Thank you for continuing to bless us with the opportunity to be a part of your lives. (((HUGS)))

Anonymous said...

Megan - Merry Christmas to you, PJ and the triplets! I'm sorry to read about Jack's diagnosis, but I'm so glad that you all had a nice Christmas - at home and in the hospital. Please let me know if I can do anything or if you'd like to get together in the new year!
- Kristin

Julia & Tyler said...

I am praying continuously for your family right now. I found your blog through the nest. At our Christmas Eve service I thought about you guys a lot and prayed that you would have peace. There are so many people lifting you up, and especially baby Jack. Hugs to you all right now.

Anonymous said...

God Bless all of you Megan. Your family is in my family's prayers each day.
I hope that you had a wonderful Christmas.
Shannon (shannonkm7)

Anonymous said...

Your babies are absolutly beautiful. When I look at Jacks pictures it seems he has so much to say...I can imagine how much more intense it is being there with him. I will continue to pray for you and your family.
A friend from Missouri

Adrienne said...

I love the pictures! Everyone looks beautiful and I am so happy to hear that Jack and the girls got such wonderful things. You all continue to be in my thoughts and prayers!
MrsAdriennT

Anonymous said...

The babies are all so adorable! I'm so glad you had a nice Christmas

angie (afg)

amber said...

in the midst of everything that has been going on, i'm so happy that you and your family was blessed with a merry christmas. lots of love and prayers to you, your husband and those adorable little babies of yours :)

Anonymous said...

So glad your Christmas was peaceful. I hope the new year brings you as much peace. Much love and prayers!
CT Knottie Jenn

Anonymous said...

You have such a beautiful family! Thank you for sharing your christmas with us. Sending prayers from all over to you and the fam.

Iris

P.S. woman do you ever take a bad picture lol

Anonymous said...

Megan,
This is such a touching post. I'm glad you were able to enjoy Christmas with your whole family.
Many continued prayers for you and Jack!
Jenna (PD&J)

Marie said...

your strength amazes me. i thought about you all day on christmas and little jack too....

you look happy and i hope you stay that way...

as always my heart and thoughts are with you and everyone...especially baby jack

hugs and here's to a great 2008 for you!

marie

Anonymous said...

All things considered, i'm happy you had a nice Christmas. Everyone is looking good (especially mama--pretty as always). And PJ, lol!!

Always thinking about you guys....

Katie in MD

Anonymous said...

Megan- Your little ones are by far the cutest. Everyone looks so good. I'm glad you had a Merry Christmas and hope for a very Happy and Healthy New Year.
Amy (zorahangels)

Anonymous said...

I'm so glad you had a nice Christmas! All of your babies are adorable, thanks for sharing the new pictures. They're so sweet in their little Christmas outfits. You are all in my prayers every day. Take care, Elizabeth (mrs.hj)

Anonymous said...

Glad to see you had a good Christmas with the babies! They are adorable in their Santa outfits!! I always tear up when I read your blog and I think my husband does too. He comes here on his own to check on Jack and the girls. I pray for you guys all the time and will continue to.

Sarah said...

I am so glad that you was able to have a nice Christmas. Now you have a whole new year to look forward to.

Patyrish said...

I love how Charlotte and Jack were LOVING their presents and how Katie was not very excited. I had to laugh!

Jack really looks WONDERFUL in all these pictures. His eyes are just an amazing shade of blue. He does look so awake and aware in these...as if to say "hey everybody don't give up on me!" What a little amazing fighter that baby is. He has touched me all the way here in Florida.

I also love the bracelet you got from your mother. I know you will treasure it always.

Jody said...

I can't believe how big and chubby the girls are getting! Every time you post pics, they look even bigger. It's amazing! They are such cutie pies.

I love Jack's Christmas outfit, and he too is getting so big. It was so nice of people to donate those gifts, that really is sweet.

Thinking of all of you.

Anonymous said...

God bless you and your family. You are in my thoughts and prayers. I used to look after a little boy with the same diagnosis as Jack (he moved out of my district when he was 3 years old) - he taught us alot obout patience, determination, being grateful etc. Jack will teach you so much that you would never have experienced if he hadn't been born extra special. Enjoy your 3 bundles of joy for each one of them is a true blessing. God bless.

Anonymous said...

Merry Christmas Megan...all three of those children are beautiful. Hang in there.

tbonegrl said...

I went to the milk bank to donate today, and they told me my milk would probably go to CHOP. I immediately thought of Jack. I don't know if he's getting donor milk, but if so, it comforted me to know I might in some way be helping him.

Merry Christmas! Still sending prayers...

Alicia said...

this entry really made me smile. I'm glad everyone had a nice christmas. Sometimes the holidays can be rather depressing it's inspiring that you've made the best of it. I keep checking for updates. I can't imagine how difficult this has been for you, so i wanted to thank you for keeping us all who are thinking of your family updated.

Anonymous said...

I am so glad you had a Merry Christmas with your family. The girls look beautiful and Jack is so handsome. I am still praying for your little Jack and your whole family. God Bless you.

Anonymous said...

Heading home from spending Christmas with my family...I was thinking of yours. You and I never met but I keep your family in my thoughts and prayers and hope you are all finding some peace.You are so strong even though you dont always think so. Thank you for sharing your beautiful pictures of your 3 little angels

Anonymous said...

Little boys have a special place in my heart. I have 3 under two and a half. My heart melts every time I see a photo of your Jack. You're right; he looks like the sweetest little boy. Hugs and prayers headed your way.

NoahAndZach'sMom (Multiples Board)

Kristin (kekis) said...

Look at those precious, chubby little triplet Santas! I'm so thankful that you have been able to find some calm in the midst of your storm. Blessings to you all. Nestie "kekis"

Anonymous said...

All of your babies are just beautiful! I am so happy to hear your whole family had a Merry Christmas!

Heather

pam said...

oh, sweet babies! i just want to cover all of them with kisses. they are so beautiful, all three of them!

glad you all had a happy christmas, you've been so much in my thoughts lately.

love jack with his lightning mcqueen, tee hee! so cute. :D

Anonymous said...

We are still thinking of you. Merry Christmas! From Brooke and Joe

Anonymous said...

We're so glad you guys had a nice Christmas!

- Laura (penguingrrl), Mike, and Julia

Anonymous said...

The babies are soo cute!! Thanks for sharing the pictures. I'm glad you are feeling better...I continue to pray for you and your family. May God continue to give you peace. May you continue to enjoy Jack and the little girls. Keep your memories close to your heart.

Anonymous said...

I'm so glad you all had a great Christmas! The babies all look great in their Christmas hats and everything. Keep staying strong. I'll keep praying for you!

Anonymous said...

I have been checking on you daily and I know God has your family in His mighty hand. I will continue to pray for each of you and ask God to continue to give you peace. You are a wonderful woman and so strong. I'll keep praying

Anonymous said...

Wishing you entire beautiful family a wonderful, blessed, prosperous, & healthy 2008!

Anonymous said...

Megan,

You may not realize how strong you are, but it shows in how you continue to get up every morning and shower all three of your children with your love. I've followed your story for several months, and I'm posting today to tell you that you are in my thoughts and prayers. With love.

Future Sgts Wife said...

Your strength and courage inspire me. The pictures are adorable. I especially love the one of Jack with his car!! And more importantly, the one of the three of you -- it shows a smile -- and that's a photo you will cherish forever. You are always in my thoughts.

Whitney said...

I just found your blog today while I had some down time and wanted to tell you your trio is beautiful! We are sending lots of prayers your way for little Jack.

Whitney

Casey's trio said...

Hi,

I also just found your blog today and wanted to say hello. Your babies are beautiful and I will be saying prayers for your family and Jack. I have 2 year old triplet girls. I hope you don't mind a new reader!

Crystal said...

Looks like you had a nice Christmas. They are growing so fast. I am thinking of you and your family.

Anonymous said...

Someone sent me the link to your blog. I am a mother of 3 children - oldest 14 1/2 and twins 10 1/2. I am originally form NJ (born and raised) living in the DC metro area for the last 5+ years.

I am amazed at your strength and courage, and I have been in your shoes. All 3 of my boys have a genetic metabolic disorder, although one of my twins is the most severely affected and to be honest we were told he would not wlak, talk or see the age of 4. Well he is now over 10, walking, talking, etc. Yes he has medical issues, but he is in 4th grade along with his twin.

As for the hole in the tummy - I have 2 boys with g-tubes and I love them. No struggling to force a kid to eat whose stomach does not work properly. They have buttons so no one knows they have them unless they are hooked up or they show someone. I try to treat them and raise them as normally as possibly. Clay has significant medical issues, but is a hapopy go lucky boy who LOVES life and lives each day to the fullest. Granted he is more versed in medical terrmilogy and more familiar with hospital than a child should be - but.. he is doing good. My oldest is 14 1/2 and also gtube fed with some other limitations. But he is also an honor student on honr roll in 9th grade and dreams of being a dr so he can find a cure for the iuncurable disorder my boys have.

Trust me I understand your hesitation to have a child who needs a vent or trach or gtube, but also sometimes we need to realize these are still our children and they need our love and support. A child can live a full life with trach or g-tube - trust me I could introduce you to many who live happy, "normal" and full lives. Noraml is what you make it. I do understand where you are comning from as years ago I was in your shoes and trying to determine why me, why do I have to deal with this, how can I do this on top of everything else.

You can read about my boys ar:
www.caringbridge.org/visit/claytonandcole
www.caringbridge.org/visit/jakeski

You can find my email on the pages.

I just did not want you to feel all is hopeless. My boys are living proof.

Anonymous said...

i came across your blog through a link on another nestie's blog. my heart and prayers go out to you, your husband, your 3 adorable children, and your family. jen

Susie said...

Hi. I am so sorry to read about your little Jack, and I know he is still with us...but I have to share something with you if the day would ever come when Jack went to be with Jesus.

I had a late term pregnancy loss, and my little girl Angela was cremated. I wear a beautiful cross necklace with a diamond (her eye into my world) that is actually called an urn necklace. A few of her ashes are stored in the necklace, and she is with me all the time.

This is something the funeral home suggested to me. Something I would never have thought of. And at first it startled me, but it is something I am so grateful for. I hold onto her, literally, on my tough days.

Again, I hope this doesn't upset you. It is just something that has touched me, and I like to share it with other people in case it will mean something to them. I think of you often and hope that little Jack will be ok.

http://www.everlifememorials.com/keepsake-cremation-jewelry/urn-necklace.htm

Gillian said...

Merry Christmas Megan.. I'm glad to hear you and your family had a nice one. Everyone looks so happy.. continued prayers and vibes to you all.

Anonymous said...

Jack looks a lot better now than before. God does work miracles and he is working on Jack right now!!!

Anonymous said...

I've never commented before, but read when you post and remember your family in my thoughts often. You have three beautiful children! I am so glad you were able to spend a Christmas with them... Here's wishing you peace in the New Year.
Laurie
(Nestie Mrs. LM625)

Anonymous said...

Jack looks so alert and aware of his surroundings and he looks happy! His eyes look like they are tracking better too. Oh, I hope this is the beginning of some drastic improvements with him. I so want him to survive and get better. All of the babies look wonderful and you and your husband look more comfortable with everything. Please don't give up hope for Jack to get better.

Love and hugs,

Vicki Fields (Jayden's Mommy)

www.caringbridge.org/visit/jayden

Sarah said...

I'm stopping by to wish you and your family a Happy New Year!! I hope '08 brings your family a fresh start and good health.

Dawn said...

I am so so so very sorry for your loss, I have been checking your blog for updates and noticed your sidebar update which led me to find baby jack's obituary. He is at peace now and will watch over his two sisters. You guys have been so very strong though this and such an inspiration. Bless you.