FAQ: Part 1

You asked for it....

Here's Part 1 of the FAQs. I'm answering questions 1-5 in this post and will answer 6-10 soon to follow! I worked hard on these, quad addicts, so ENJOY and leave me a comment if you'd like to say hello.  I LOVE hearing from you!

1. What kind of camera do you use for your photography and videos?  What editing software do you like best?

My best pal, Brad, gave me a Nikon D40 DSLR for our 5th anniversary. Besides my wedding ring, it's the most cherished gift he's given me. I use a 18-55mm lens.

Most videos seen on our blog are shot with my point and shoot Casio Exilim.  It has a great video function and quality. 

I've used Picasa for all of my photo editing.  It's Free and I happen to love Free. However, I recently became the proud owner of Adobe Photoshop Elements 7, thanks to a great Costco coupon, so I'm anxious to try it on for size. 

Photography is most definitely a love of mine, and I feel privileged to share it with each of you!

2. How do you financially afford quadruplets? 

Although quadruplets may seem like an overwhelming financial burden, in reality it's quite similar to having a 4 "single" children.  For instance, even when you have children one at a time, you have the responsibility to feed, diaper, and clothe each child individually.  I like to visualize it as traditional families being on the layaway payment plan, while we're paying the cost up front. 

However, that is not to take away from how God has provided for our every need.  Initially we had no idea how we would ever be able to financially stay afloat.  No matter how many budget cuts we made, there was no way we alone could provide for the needs of an instant family of six. The first year was an awesome display of God's faithfulness and provision for our family.  From nearly a year's supply of diapers from friends and family, to clothes donated by strangers, to a check in the mailbox, to lower interest rates on our mortgage, to meeting maximum out-of-pocket deductibles....Our faith was strengthened through trusting in our Sovereign God.  

Today, we continue to  trust God with our finances.  We creatively look for ways to cut costs and make our budget.  Saving money has become a "hobby" of ours and we look forward to one day being completely debt free, if the Lord allows.

3. Do you plan on having more children? 

Inquiring minds want to know...

Although we haven't ruled it out forever.  We certainly are not "planning" on another little Murray for now. We feel incredibly blessed and content to be the parents of Henry, Isaac, Brooks, and Clark.

4. Details. Details. Details.  I hope this answers most of your questions on the pregnancy and the birth:

Pregancy Details:

Found out we were expecting "triplets" at 6 weeks gestation

Told we were expecting quads at 8 weeks

Transabdominal Cerclauge Surgery at 13 weeks

Manditory Bedrest at 22 weeks

Prescribed Procardia for pre-term contractions at 22 weeks

Voluntary Hospitalization for Monitoring of Mono-Mono Twins at 28 weeks

Delivery via Caesarian Section at 32 weeks (Average quadruplet pregnancy 28 weeks)

Delivered due to toxic levels of Preeclampsia/HELLP Syndrome

Placed on Magnesium Sulfate to prevent seizures, prevent kidney/liver failure, and to lower blood pressure

Received several units of blood via transfusion due to blood loss

Total Hospitalization: 35 LONG Days

Pumped for first 3 months of the babies lives

Baby A (1st Born)

Henry Samuel Murray

Born at 12:33pm

Birth Weight: 2lbs 12 oz.

Time in the NICU: 4 weeks

Complications: Very Few.  Considered a "Feeder and Grower", No Oxygen Needs

Baby B (2nd Born)

Brooks Layton Murray (Identical Mono-Mono Twin)

Born at 12:34pm

Birth Weight: 3lbs. 0 oz.

Time in NICU: 3 weeks

Complications: Very Few. C-PAP for 24 hours. Feeder and Grower. Came home at 3 lbs. 12 oz.

Baby C (3rd Born)

Clark Thomas Murray (Identical Mono-Mono Twin)

Born at 12:34pm

Birth Weight 3lbs. 7 oz.

Time in NICU: 5 weeks

Complications: Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Ventilation, PDA (closed with 2nd dose of Indocin),High Blood Pressure, 2 NEC scares, Clean Bill of Health at Discharge

Baby D (4th and Final)

Isaac Edward Murray

Birth Weight: 4 lbs.

Time in NICU: 3 weeks

Complications: Ventilation for 4 Days, PDA (closed with 1st dose of Indocin), C-PAP for 1 Day, Feeder and Grower

5. How did you come up with each of their names?

This is a question we are frequently asked as many can't imagine coming up with 8 NAMES, when they struggled to come up with even ONE!

Brad and I sat down one night, I believe around 18 weeks. and wrote down our short list of names we liked and then did some "research" to find other names to consider. Believe it or not we came up with 9 names in about 40 minutes! (We had Henry's middle name narrowed down to 2.) In reality, I think it was somewhat easier to come up with 4 baby's names than just one....we didn't have to completely agree on the "ultimate name" and were more willing to compromise. Plus, I was a speech therapist in the schools so I had a pretty extensive list of what our boys wouldn't be named. =)

We had 4 names picked out, but we didn't assign them to a certain baby in my belly because they moved around too much to keep track of....We didn't want them to come out with an identity crisis on top of being quadruplets! However, we somewhat had a sense of who would be named who. After the boys were born, (pretty fuzzy on these details due to "The Mag" and blood loss) Brad brought me pictures of the boys and we named them based on the pictures.

Brad and I had a few "Naming Rules". These were simply personal preferences. I am not in any way slamming your kids names if they fit into any of these criteria....=)

1. They couldn't rhyme or be "sing-song cute".
2. They needed to be non-trendy; Traditional, yet distinct.
3. They needed to be names that were complete in itself - not needing to be shortened to a nickname (This rule was obviously meant to be broken...keep reading!)
4. They (at least some of them) needed to have a family link.
5. They couldn't rhyme with "Murray"....That eliminated furry, hurry, and Suri!

Henry - A name we both agreed on and since Henry was only 2 lbs. 12 oz. "Isaac" just didn't fit him!
Meaning: Trusted

Samuel - We really liked the Biblical heritage of Samuel as well as the meaning of the name (Check out I Samuel Chapter 1)
Meaning: God heard

Brooks - A name that we threw out there and then ended up falling in love with
Meaning: Refreshed

Layton - A family name on my mom's side, but mostly chosen because we just liked it
Meaning: From the Meadow Land =)

Clark - One of our first names that made the list. We came up with Clark in the early days of marriage. It has several significant ties as well. It's Brad's Grandma's Maiden Name, and the last name of a couple who really had a positive impact on Brad's life who have passed away.
Meaning: Enlightened Spirit

Thomas- Brad's Dad's Name
Meaning: Divinely Preserved

Isaac - I used to say, "If God gives me a boy someday, I hope his name is Isaac." (I had no idea that He would give me FOUR!)
Meaning: Child of Promise, Laughter

Edward - My Dad's Name
Meaning: Guardian of Happiness

Now I couldn't imagine them any other name than Henry Samuel, Brooks Layton, Clark Thomas, or Isaac Edward!

Keepin' It Real Rewinds 04

A variety of diagnostic tests followed my first RE appointment, in effort to rule one thing after another out, and nail down a reason for my "brokenness". Needles have never bothered me much, although my veins don't seem too fond of them.  (I'm the girl who makes even the most confident phlebotomist nervous by the fourth stick.) And then there was the lovely Hysterosalpingograph (HSG) procedure....YIKES!  Each test result pointed to nothing but PCOS, which was both reassuring and frustrating at the same time.    

*Side Note I: I returned to work after my early morning HSG procedure, (I know, TOTALLY should have burned a sick day) and a co-worker knocked on the door of my office to make sure I was alright, since I had missed some work due to appointments.  She said everyone was wondering if I was "PREGNANT".  I honestly fought the urge to just crawl under my desk and wait until she walked away to reappear. Oh how desperately I wanted to reply with, "Yes, I'm pregnant.  We're so excited!  Surprise!  We weren't really "trying", but that's okay! Uggh, and I'm already growing out of my pants, but Motherhood Maternity had this terrific sale on those cute elastic stretchy-top jeans, so I snatched up 8 pairs!  What I don't wear this pregnancy I can always save back for the next, right?" But, instead I gave a terribly uncomfortable grin and quickly mentioned something about having some tests run.  Super, super, nice lady, meant no harm, had no idea, but it still stings when I think about it.

So after all the testing was behind us, we began a new treatment, accompanied by a renewed hope.

*Side Note II: I've thought a lot about whether or not to specifically name the hormone supplement I was given, because I know many of you are looking for the "magic pill" that will give you the positive test (been there)...but I'm going to refrain from doing so, because I really encourage you to find a conservative doctor whom you can trust, and who researches the best treatment plan for your specific condition. The simplest explanation possible being, my body refuses to make a hormone necessary for ovulation, therefore, I took a hormone to replace that deficiency.  There. Done. Phew!!!!

I completed the first round of strictly monitored treatment during my Spring Break. Couldn't wait to go back to school and have all my kiddos ask me, "What did you do for Spring Break, Mrs. Murray?"  However, passing up the beach and tan lines for a potential "plus sign" was a sacrifice we were happy to make.  And only 2 ridiculously LONG weeks of waiting and praying to find out the result.

And the test was...

 

(Seems like a great stopping point! Rewind 05 coming up!  In the mean time, catch up on some old "Rewinds" HERE.)

Hospital Visiting/Card Writing....

Family and Friends,

We are having another great day today. I am at work, but was just able to run over to the hospital at lunch for a monitoring session. All of our babies are doing great and are showing all the right signs to the nurses to let them know that they are all doing well so far. Hopefully this shows that there are no current problems with cord compression or knotting to worry about, but we will keep watching!

Fun stuff:
We did have a couple of fun milestones that we reached this week that are very encouraging. First, when the initial sonogram was done when we checked into the hospital, the doctor doing the scan noticed that she was able to detect breathing movements in our boys. At about 28 weeks, babies are suppose to begin this movement to “practice breathing” before they are born. They still get all of their oxygen supply from Jen, but this will help to develop the muscles necessary to begin to breath when they are born. The other thing that happened for the first time this weekend is the famed fetal hiccups. Jen has now felt hiccups in two of the boys. I think it will be really funny sometime if they are all doing this at once!

Last, we have had some people ask about visiting while Jen is in the hospital. She would love to have visitors while she is there and we welcome all of you. The only thing we ask, for your own convenience, is that you call before you come. This way you will not drive all the way to the hospital only to find that Jen is being monitored and cannot have visitors. If you would like the address for the hospital along with Jen’s room number, feel free to e-mail me and I will get that info to you. (mailto:bradley.g.murray@gmail.com)

Thanks for your prayers, God continues to preserve the life of our precious boys!

Brad, Jen, and the hiccupers….is that a word?? :)

(Post Copied from www.triplet-update.blogspot.com)

Hospitalization going "okay"....

Family and Friends,

We wanted to let you all know that Jen's hospital stay has gone okay so far. Jen has been able to stay in her own clothes, avoid IV's, and get out of the room several times per day. That has been a big help in keeping her sanity, so we praise God for that.

But, the whole reason that we decided to voluntarily have her admitted was to monitor the boys, specifically our trouble makers, babies C and D, not because Jen was having any problems. The process of monitoring these two boys has proven to be an even more difficult task than we anticipated. We do know, due to a sonogram this afternoon that our boys are all doing okay so far, so that is awesome. But, because there is such a crowd in there, it is difficult to distinguish one baby from another.

Please pray that the Lord would give our doctors and nurses wisdom as they seek to determine the best way to monitor our boys for problems. And, as they work through this difficult problem, pray that God would give Jen and I peace, patience, and wisdom as we continue to leave their little lives in the palm of our Heavenly Father's hands.

Thank you again for all of your love and encouragement in the comments. They mean more than any of you know! (Even those of you we don't know personally, thank you for your prayers!!)

Brad, Jen, and the kickers

(Post Copied from www.triplet-update.blogspot.com)

Rough Week, but Things are Still Up

Baby A

Baby B

Baby C (not a very good shot, he wasn't cooperating with the sonographer)

Baby D



Friends and family,

This week has certainly been the most eventful week since the pregnancy began. As we told you earlier, Jen spent Monday night in the hospital to calm some early contractions, but was sent home Tuesday. Then, Thursday evening, a home contraction monitor was brought to the house for Jen to use twice a day. After an hour of monitoring laying down, the monitor showed that she was not having any contractions.

Late Thursday night, Jen started experiencing some pain that we hoped was just related to digestive problems. But, after 3-4 hours of this pain, we decided we better check with Dr. Sumners to see if he would be worried about it. Well, he told me to bring her into Triage to make sure the pain was not being caused by contractions. So, at 3am, we packed up and headed for the hospital. This time however, contractions were not the problem and we were sent home by 7am. We had to turn around and head back two hours later because Jen had a regularly scheduled appointment at 10am, but we were glad to be discharged none the less.

The greatest news is that all of our boys are doing very well and dispite some discomfort from four babies growing inside of her, Jen is doing very well also. At our doctors appointment, our babies were measured for the first time in a few weeks. As of Friday, babies A,B,C, and D were 1 lb-5oz, 1lb-5oz, 1lb-0oz, and 1lb-1oz respectively. Jen now monitors for contractions for an hour twice per day, but as of this morning, she was contraction free!

Thank you for praying. Our God has been faithful to keep our babies safe through 23 weeks of pregnancy. He is our strength and we continue to see Him work in wondrous ways in our lives.

Please continue to pray for:

- Strength, patience, and courage for Jen as she enters the most difficult phase of the pregnancy.

- For an uneventful week. (Friday makes 24, viability baby!)

- For relief from pain for Jen

- For the health of our babies.

- That God would allow us to glorify Him through this pregnancy by sharing with others the Good news of the person and work of Jesus Christ.

- Praise God with us also for allowing our insurance to cover the contraction monitor. Sometimes this is a problem as they do not see it as a necessity. This monitor is 75-100 dollars per day and thus very expensive to pay for on our own.

(Post Copied from www.triplet-update.blogspot.com)

I'm HOME!!

Hey all, it's Jen posting. I'm so thankful that the school let me borrow this laptop - even laying down, I'm able to keep in touch. Thanks Delaware Trail (esp. Jill Holstein and Cindi G.)!

Well, they let me out yesterday around 4:00pm. I was THRILLED to be back in my own bed last night. I'm on a mild medication to keep my uterus happy and so far the side effects haven't been too bothersome. I've also started official "strict bed rest". So far, so good. Between the affects of only getting an hour or so of sleep at the hospital and the drugs, I slept until about 11:15am this morning! That should make the day go quickly. I'm just so thankful to be in the comfort of my home, that they could strap me down and I wouldn't care at this point. I'm also getting AMAZING care from Nurse Mom for a few days - how precious! It was also terrific to take a shower today. AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH! The things we take for granted daily!

I'm not sure if the contractions have officially "stopped", but they were comfortable enough with the intensity/amount that I was having to allow me to be home. Yesterday my homework was to figure out what a contraction felt like, since I still had yet to feel one. I don't have any pain when I'm having one, and with 4 babies in there, it's hard to distinguish between babies and tightness. I'm still learning - I can feel it with my hands now, but still not really with my brain. =) Hopefully, insurance will approve a home contraction monitor soon.

Praises:
- Being home!!!! It's HUGE!
- That the drugs aren't affecting me too negatively
- The babies are safe
- My mom being able to take care of me (and Brad) for a few days


Prayer Request for Today:
- That I can figure out the contraction thing and not be too paranoid about whether or not I'm missing something
- That the medicine will work for a LONG time!
- Keeping the babies safe as long as possible (Friday will be 23 weeks)
- Comfort while I'm on bed rest
- Peace and assurance - it's been a bit more of a mental battle the last few days. Even though I know that these babies belong to God, I still have to trust Him over and over each day. He is trustworthy! He is faithful! "Lord I believe, help my unbelief."
- Encouragement and strength for Brad and I as we face each new challenge

(Post Copied from www.triplet-update.blogspot.com)

A Bump in the Road....

All,

Well, we hit a bit of a bump in the road this evening. We were suspicious that Jen might be having some contractions today, so we called our doctor to find out what we should do. They told us to come in so that they could monitor her to see if she was having contractions or not.

After hooking her up, it became clear that she was indeed having some contractions. So, to be cautious, they decided to admit her for the night and give her some mild medication to calm the contractions. If all goes well and the contractions are stopped, Jen should be able to go home tomorrow.

Please pray:
-That the Great Physician, our Lord, would allow Jen's body to stop contractions
-That Jen would be able to go home tomorrow.
-That God would supernaturally protect our boys and Jen at this time.
-That Jen could have peace and sleep tonight here in the hospital.

(Post Copied from www.triplet-update.blogspot.com)

Showers of Blessings....

Believe it or not, this is JEN typing. Brad has been doing such an incredible job updating all of you, that I hated to ruin it, but I just wanted to fill you in on my perspective.....

So many things are going on these days....as I type Brad is on his way home with a 1998 Chevy Venture - Praise the Lord. It really just came together in a matter of days after spending some time praying about it. It's in great condition and we feel we got an incredible price through a friend of a friend. I'll let Brad fill you in on more of the details, but we are very excited about it.

The shower was so wonderful. It was so comforting and encouraging to be around family that loves us and has been so generous towards us. See the pics for more. We really have a great start for things we will need if this house gets filled with baby boys. We are overwhelmed with gratitude.

Many of you have been asking how I am doing physically. The surgery recovery is behind us now, and now to the joys of a fast growing, unnatural pregnancy. I've had some real growing pains, but overall, I really cannot grumble. I have been monitoring contractions nightly for an hour and so far there is nothing to report (as far as I know anyway, I've never had a contraction before, so I'm not really sure what to expect - but people assure me that I'll know it when I feel it). I have been so grateful for the freedom I've had to run an errand here and there, go to church, go to the NICU/Multiples class, and occasionally go out to eat. Will you continue to pray that I stay contraction free? Not only for my sanity, but especially for the safety of our sweet boys. They are quite active these days and seem to really enjoy my ribs. They are especially active during Colts games, perhaps due to my increased heart rate. During our last sonogram, we were able to witness our mono twins (the 2 in the same sack) picking on each other. Brother C had his foot in Brother D's face, kicking him. The sibling wars have begun already!

God continues to prove Himself faithful. He is so worthy of our trust. By His grace, Brad and I are really growing in our relationship with each other and with the Lord. Thank you for your prayers on that matter as well.

My thoughts, "Diapers....uh how do you order these by the truckload?"

A very cheesy shower pic - and it wasn't even posed!

Brad's mom on the right and my mom on the left - these ladies are gems.

My mom and I having a "shower" moment

Some "products" of Lowell and Ethel Minnick (my mom's parents)

Excited About a Shower....

Hey all,

I just wanted to ask you guys to pray for Jen in the coming days. This Sunday, Jen is having a baby shower in Williamsport, IN. This shower is a family shower and Jen is very excited to see relatives that she doesn't see often and to spend some quality time with family. We still are not sure if she will be able to attend since we don't know when contractions will start, but we're hopeful.

Well, so far, so good. We are just so thankful that Jen has made it far enough into this pregnancy to hopefully be able to enjoy a shower. Nothing about this pregnancy has been normal, so it's cool that she can do at least one "normal" thing! Our doctor tells us that she can continue to keep going until those contractions start. She is still limited in what she can do each day and spends most days on the couch, but it's been wonderful to have the freedom we have currently.

Please be praying that our God would allow this contraction free pregnancy to continue. Jen has to lay still every night for about a 1/2 an hour to monitor if there are any contractions. We are so thankful for the time that He has given us so far with our babies.

(Post Copied from www.triplet-update.blogspot.com)