Giving My Triplets a Great Start
September 22, 2007, was a day that changed our lives forever! Upon awaking I noticed that my water had broke, I called my physician and he advised me to head on into Bergan Mercy Medical Center to confirm my suspicions.
That morning at around 10 a.m. I walked into the hospital extremely unprepared for the roller coaster of emotions I was about to face. I was greeted with open arms by the labor and delivery nurses. I have never felt such warmth from strangers in my life; little did I know, that was just the beginning to a start of “top notch”, warm hearted people at Bergan.
As much as I thought I had readied myself for this day, I clearly was not mentally ready to go from one child to four in three minutes! I was assured that everything was going to be fine, that the best doctors and nurses would be taking care of me and my precious new bundles that would soon be arriving, whether I was ready for them or not! They explained every step that would take place before and after the delivery. I was asked many times if I needed anything or if there was anything anyone could do. The only thing that I needed was reassurance. I was so scared, terrified to be exact!! I mean, what mother would not be! I was about to give birth to triplets at 31 weeks gestation. I had no idea how small they would be – would they breathe on their own, would they survive…these were questions running through my head. As I waited through what seemed to be hours until the 11:30 a.m. scheduled start time, I was visited by NICU staff members, doctors, nurses and everyone in between letting me know that my babies and I would be just fine. They were prepared for this day as my doctor, Dr. Barsoom had given warning to them and they were more than ready for us!
As I took the long walk down the “hallway” to the OR hand in hand with my L&D nurse. I felt her strength and support leading me into a day I will never forget! As I entered the OR I was again greeted by the nurses that would soon be rushing around in a whirlwind to stabilize my new baby boys. One by one they came and told me who what child they would be taking care of, it seemed as if they had done this a thousand times before. As we got started and the babies started getting swooped away to the NICU staff, I kept hearing them yell out to me the lengths, weights and “mom they look so good” or “mom they are doing fine.” Words such as those, even among the other craziness, meant the world to me. With as much noise as there was in the OR at that time – with all of the people in there – that is all I heard.
Soon one by one, like the circus leaving town, they left the OR and headed to the NICU with my babies. I was scared, worried, and I could not hear what was going on at this point. I became panicked as I lay there wondering about all the unknowns not sure what to expect. A nurse, a liaison if you will, came to tell me they were doing well. All the babies were surprisingly well.
Over the next hour or so I waited in recovery for the moment when I would get to see my boys. I was given updates on the conditions of the babies about every 10 minutes. Finally I was wheeled into the NICU, this wonderful place made just for the babies. Everything is designed to make it feel like home. Again, I was greeted with words of encouragement, congratulations, and introductions from the wonderful nurses that would soon become my friends. I had placed every ounce of trust into them and I was never let down. Every single time I walked in there and someone new was taking care of them, I immediately I learned their name, who they were taking care (baby A,B or C) and how they were doing. I never had to ask! I was comforted in every way possible through words, kind smiles and compassion.
We had our ups and downs just like any preemie would. Along every hill, they explained what they will do to work through the problem. I just knew in the end I would be taking them home with me! I was shown ways to hold, bond, feed and burp them. Whoever new smaller babies could be so different?
To this day, nearly two years later, I still get that warm and fuzzy feeling when I think about how incredible our time at Bergan was. In a way, I miss my friends, the people I trusted with my life and the lives of my children for over a month.
If I had to do it all over again I would not change a thing or ask for anything to be different. I would recommend the NICU and Bergan to anyone.
Thank you Bergan – you gave my babies a tremendous start!
—Jessee
These blogs were written by various members of the CHI Health care teams.
Papa
As many of you know Papa doesn't use the computer at home so I am going to write what I saw when I sat him down and showed him this. Papa is a man of few words, but his emotion showed on his face while reading this. He told me that this brought back so many memories. As he sat reading this I could see the emotion on his face, he would smile and then he would get very somber. He told me that he feels so lucky to be a papa to such wonderful grand babies. The NICU was the place that the boys needed to be and since they had to be in the NICU the staff was the best. We all have a memories but Papa's will be of standing for hours looking not always touching but looking at the boys. Papa loves you all boys and ABBE. Perhaps someday I will get him to sit down at the computer and write it himself, but lets not hold our breath on that. For now Nolan's this is my account for PAPA. We love you all, Jessee, Tim, Abbe, Tabyn, Tallen and Trenton. Thank you to the People and the best NICU. Love PAPA, (by Nana)
Jordan Myers
I remember the day my sissy told me she was pregnant, and that she could be pregnant with multiples. I was so EXCITED!!! The only bad thing was that I had just moved to florida, and I wasnt able to be there to see her belly grow and to feel them kick. It made me sad but she would put the phone on her belly and long distance I would talk to them. I knew that I wasnt going to be able to stay living in florida and miss out on them being born. So me and my boyfriend moved back home,so I could be here because we knew it wasnt going to be long until they were out of room and ready to come out! .That weekend I had a bridal shower that was in Beaver City, NE. We left on a saturday morning early and were to be back on sunday. I was hesitant to go but I was in the wedding so I wanted to be apart of it. We were right about to hit the kearney exit and it was about 9:30 in the morning, when I got the call from my sister saying that she "thinks" her water had broke.. Then she called me back and said that they were going to take the boys then. I was in PANIC MODE!!! I finished the drive to beaver city, and my girlfriends family lent me a car and I drove it to Holdrege NE where my boyfriend picked me up at. We then drove back to Omaha, straight to Bergan. I had about every emotion possible running through me! When we first got there I went right in and saw my sister. Of course she was my first stop to make sure she was doing ok. And she was she had an amazing group of doctors and nurses taking care of her and there little angels! Then Tim asked, do you want to go down and see the boys. It took everything for me to not scream YES!! I remember the walk down there and my stomache being in knots, I was shaking with excitment. First thought was that they were so little. I knew they were going to be little but you can never fully prepare yourself for how little they actually were.But I knew that they were in the exact place they needed to be in order to bring them home. Its amazing how much love and support there was from ALL the NICU nurses. I am truley blessed to have Abbe and the boys, as my neice and nephews. They all melt my heart in there own unique way! And now 2 years later they are all happy and healthy and running around! I cant think of two better people to be the parents of triplets, Or a better person to be the BIG sister of triplet boys!!I love you all!!!! GIGI~
Jessee Nolan
What can I say Letitia you and a select other few made our adventure one we will Never forget. It made me cry to think about the time when I was unable to see the kids (due to my BP) and you brought him in I was so HAPPY but yet so SAD!!! Thank you for ALL you did!
Jessica Gazda
I still remember the day these beautiful boys were born. I wasn't at the hospital but I was with Aunt GiGi driving 3 and half hours away. We had many talks on our way about how crazy her and everyone's lives were going to change once these little ones came into the world. Aunt GiGi made the three hour drive and had to turn around and head home because the boys weren't waiting any longer. I returned to Omaha the next day and immediately headed to this hospital. I was nervous to meet these three little ones. I am a huge baby person, but seeing these those boys was inspirational. They were so little, I mean they were 2lbs!! Well don't forget the ounces. When Jessee told me I could hold Tabyn I was so nervous. I had held newborn babies but never have I held a baby that was the size of my forearm! I talked to Aunt Gi Gi on a daily basis to check on the boys and see what was going on she informed me what each one was up to and how they were doing. I give more props in the world to Jessee and Tim and their entire family for having the incredible strength to get through this and pass their strength to each of the boys. I can't believe it has been two years since I have met Tabyn, Trenton and Tallen. I love that I have been given an opportunity to be apart of their lives and watch them each grow. Love Ya Nolans..All of You!! Jessica
Letitia Wilson
I'll never forget the day the boys were born either! I was sitting at home and got a call saying, 'Um, we're about to get triplets and we could really use a little help here... can you come to work for a while?' I was so excited!!! I jumped in the car and headed to work to meet the cutest little guys with the nicest family ever! When babies are in the NICU, family support is so important and let me tell you, those boys had a LOT of support! :-) My favorite memories are watching the Grandpa's hold the boys soooo gently, visiting with Abbee, and taking Tabyn for a visit to see his Mommy when she needed a pick-me-up! :-) I'm so happy that the boys are so big and healthy! Love you all! Nurse Letitia
Tari Blankman
What a great story - someone was definitely watching over you! I remember when they were just born! I don't know how you do it; but God knew you guys could handle it and I'm sure Abby is a great help too! From a mother of teenage boys; the toddler years were a breeze though it didn't seem like it at the time and of course you're x 3! In hindsight; I'd rather hear babbling then some other things boys talk about as teens - which you'll experience soon enough! All my best, Tari Blankman
Kari Rogers
September 22nd 2007 was the day for babies! Not only did the Nolan triplets arrive, but so did the Josoff twins. I was texting back and forth with Lisa (mother of the twins) and she was telling me that the girls were coming today. So right away I had to call Jessee and let her know that Lisa was having the twins (Jessee and Lisa were just days apart in their pregnacies.) When I called Jessee, she said, "I think my water broke." Later that afternoon got the news that the Nolan boys and the Josoff girls had arrived. What a crazy day! Jessee and Tim, you have 3 handsome boys, they are very lucky to have parents like you two. Abbe, they are also lucky to have a big sissy like you! Kari Rogers
Jessee Nolan
Thanks to all for reading our story and supporting us every step of the way! It makes me sad that they are 2 years old now! Time flies when you are having fun I guess. Please FEEL free to leave comments or stories about how you heard of "our" day.
Tim Nolan
Don't panic is all I can tell myself when I got the news that my lovley wife was going to the hospital, she thinks her water broke. How do you not know if your water broke. Here we go, heart pumping fast, breathing is a little tight, telling the guys at work (gotta go) can't really remember if I told them why, oh well. Jess told me to go home and change, ahh, no. Don't think I could of made it to hospital fast enough, as I fallowed every traffic law. I'm here, well most of me is,half of me was still on the phone about 30 min. Ago telling himself don't panic. That half will get here later. Doctors came in, little joke here, little joke there, all coming from my wife. At this time the other half showed up, I know this because when the doctor said those guys are coming today, don't panic came to mind. My father had to go buy me shoes, because those little booties don't fit over work boots, hint' the time my wife told me to go home and change. That's one of the many reason I love her, she goes into labor and still thinks ahead. That don't panic voice was still there waiting in the hallwall for the nurse to say we are ready for you. To make a long story short, I walk into that OR, look down to see my beutiful wife and sat next to her, I left that panic half out in that hallway. I witness the most wonderful thing I ever saw, three beutiful baby boys one after another.
Barb Nolan
What can I say about that day, except that we were so excited and anxious to meet the three little bundles ready to enter the World. I had the hardest time keeping my composer and trying not to be silly with excitement. When we finally got to meet them, I think my heart was going to burst with all the love and worry for them. But they proved to be strong and I knew they were little fighters. We are so proud of Tim, Jess and Abbe, they are a very strong and loving family. Now that the boys are toddlers, it sure is different, cuz they sure can keep you hopping that's for sure and I don't think we'd want it any other way. Just knowing that their healthy and happy is GREAT! We Love you all... (And it's good to know they have a great big sis to help them learn things and love them!) Grandma (Maama) & Grandpa (Papa) P.S. Thank You NICU at Bergan for all you did for them.
Betsy Thomsen
God has blessed with you with these beautiful babies, what a joy they are. Abbe you are such a sweet, darling big sister they are so lucky to have you to show them the way. What a beautiful family you all are! I'm very proud to be the "GREAT" Aunt Betsy! Love ya
Nana
When I think of that day the tears start again, I was so worried for you my daughter and for your babies. Praying and sending love to you and the babies was about all I could do and walk the halls, back and forth and back and forth. I think that I logged about 20 miles that day. My mom and dad kept telling me to sit down, could and would not do that...As I saw the babies leaving the OR I started walking by the NICU.... I am so thankful to you for giving me my wonderful grandsons to your doctor who promised he would get you through to delivery... Tabyn, Tallen, Trenton, Abbe, Jessee and Tim I love you all very much..