Week 19 Update

Hold your breath

We got some fun news at the Specialist today! 

Our fun news, drum roll...

Oh BOY, a surprise...Baby A is a GIRL!

This is not a drill! We are in total shock but in love that one of our sweet babies is a girl.

The Burle Triplets: Baby A girl, Baby B boy, and Baby C boy.

A: Already being bossy and pointing her finger at the boys                 

B: Shy for the camera

C: Hanging out with his hand under his chin

My mom went to the appointment with me, so I went to the high school to visit Ryan during his lunch period. I was holding a blue bag that said, "Oh Boy" on it. Ryan was excited to see me but knew something was up when he saw the bag. His mind immediately went to, "OMG there are four babies!!!" Ryan then opened the bag and saw a pink nightgown and teared up. We are over joyed with this new idea about having a girl.

After the appointment with the specialist, I called my OBGYN and told them the news. They were also in shock and scheduled an ultrasound for later that day at 3pm to confirm for themselves. I went to my second ultrasound of the day and heard the same news again, Baby A is a Girl!

Now the real question, what boy name gets dropped and what is the girl's name?

Baby Update:

All three are measuring right on track! All around 19 weeks and 6 days, 6 inches long, and weighing between 10-11 ounces. They are becoming very active. The anatomy scan was perfect. All babies are healthy with no major organ or physical issues at this time. We might have just been thrown for a loop with Baby A being a girl, but at the end of the day if all three are healthy we don't care what genders.

Abby Update:

I have hit the "sweet spot". My energy is fully back and I honestly forget I am pregnant sometimes, but am then reminded when I look down and see my belly :) I have been busy setting up the nursery and reorganizing the house (with my mom and dad's help). Several of you have asked what my DR visits look like, well I go every two weeks and receive an ultrasound and usually a cervical check. At 19 weeks I have already had eight visits and they will only become more frequent. Professional news, I will be continuing to take my Masters classes through December to finish, but I have decided to take a year off of teaching. This was a very difficult decision as I LOVE my school, but feel that staying at home for a year is what will set Ryan and I up best. If you know me well, this takes a lot for me to say because I never saw myself being a stay at home mom, but God's in control. 

Ryan Update:

After a week off for spring break I feel rejuvenated and ready to finish out the year. It wasn't all rest though, we spent a good portion of the week getting the house ready and I (finally) finished painting our bathroom. With only a month left of school and mentoring I can see the light at the end of the tunnel and ready for a much needed break. I am very excited at the news of our little girl... but a little sad at the idea of not having three boys after getting used to the idea. God's plan is perfect and I'm sure He has plenty more surprises for us in the weeks and years to come!

Baby Shower:

This past Sunday my sisters, best friend, and family friend hosted a baby shower for the Burle babies. We had the perfect day celebrating with friends and family to help us prepare for these babies. I left the shower overwhelmed because of the amount of support, encouragement, and generosity in the room was beautiful. We had people drive over four hours to come and be with us. We are beyond grateful for the community God has chosen to circle around us and grateful our three babies will get to know each one of them. If you were there, THANK YOU! We love each of you!

From the left: Barrett Martin (19 months), Mary Beth Martin (Sister and mother to twins), Brooks Martin (19 months), Katie Carswell (Sister), Me, Meri Kate Purgason (Best friend), and Elizabeth Higgins (family friend).

Mom and Dad to Be

Prayer Request and Praise

If we wrote about all the prayers answered on this blog we wouldn't have room! If you have ever doubted God's Sovereignty or that He is the ultimate Provider get pregnant with triplets :), but seriously... when life is within your control it's easy not to see Him providing, but when the amount of items that have to be bought or the amount of help that is needed is beyond you, God's power is truly shown. 

We are still shocked at the gift of the mini-van and can't wait to whip that baby around Gainesville. Our church is still preparing for the yard sale on April 29th, please let us know if you can help or have items to donate. 

We have had more surprise diaper and wipe delivers sitting on our door. 

We have been gifted gas for a year by a generous family member.

Please keep praying for our CRV to sell so we will have no monthly payments but the house.

We did find Penny a home in North Carolina on two acres of land. She will love it!

At the shower people lavished gifts on our babies, but more importantly showed their love and commitment to our babies. 

We do not share these things to brag but to give glory to God! NONE of this would be possible without the community of believers we have around us and the idea that we are called to love one another. Seeing the Gospel played out in such a tangible way for me is a daily reminder that God has this. The same God that parted the Red Sea is holding our babies and bringing people around us. We serve a mighty God people!

Please do yourself a favor and listen to this song Red Sea Road Ellie Holcomb

-Abby and Ryan