Living With Multiples

To make sure things progressed smoothly, the couple kept a log that included what time the babies ate and how much, how many wet or dirty diapers each had, and any medications they received. Two of the boys took daily medications, and all three were on apnea monitors for three months to monitor heart rate and breathing.

Surprisingly, it wasn't the medical needs or the feeding schedules that proved most challenging for the triplets' parents: "I think our biggest challenge during the newborn months was learning how to be a family," says Jessica. Assimilating one new being into a family is tricky, but with three or more, it can be extremely challenging. Having support is vital. "It was very difficult for Larry to accept help in the beginning, and this put quite a strain on our relationship," she says. "We fought a lot, but we worked through it."

As with many couples, newborn stress paired with unstable hormones and sleep deprivation took a toll on their relationship. "The easiest person to take it out on is your spouse," explains Jessica. "So, once we were able to manage the three of them on our own more comfortably and get into a routine, things were a lot better in this house."

Another challenge common to a family that goes from two to four, five or more is finances. "One book I read said that you instantly go from DINK (double income, no kids) to SINK (single income, numerous kids). That is totally the truth!" says Jessica, who was out on disability for months before having the babies and then home taking care of her new family because child care would have cost too much. Formula alone cost them $400 a month.

They relied heavily on donations and the kindness and generosity of friends and family. There were days when they opened the front door to find a case of diapers that someone had dropped off. "We will never be able to pay those people back monetarily, but it has made us try and be better people, and now that we're more financially secure, we 'pay it forward' as often as we can," she says.

Despite the grueling daily challenges, there was plenty of joy in those early days. "I loved putting them all in bed with us on a Saturday morning and just looking at what an amazing family we created," she recalls. "It was those moments that made me realize that everything we went through was so worth it."

The Toddler Months

At almost two, Jack, Larry and Sean are growing fast. "All I can say is thank god they're cute," jokes Jessica. Though it can be exhausting, their family is having a great time discovering the world together. Their parents describe them as "little sponges" that soak everything up.

Often exchanging hugs and kisses and bringing each other toys, the brothers are starting to bond. "Sometimes I'll find them on the floor cuddled together. It is the sweetest thing," says Jessica. "Don't get me wrong, I still break up at least 50 fights a day, with biting and hitting involved, but that's just part of having siblings."