Julia has been out of the NICU for a week. Gabrielle is still there; she came down with a case of colitis the day before they were both to be discharged, and they kept her for observation to make sure she didn't get NEC.

I had wondered how I would react outside when people asked about the girls. I went to the bank yesterday with Julia, and a woman came to look at her. I must have misunderstood her question; I thought she asked how many kids I had, so I said two. She'd really asked how many others did I have. So she assumed Julia was the youngest. I hesitated, and then said, "No, actually she's a triplet. One of them is in the hospital, and the other one is at home." Which was entirely true - Gabrielle is in the hospital, and Caitlin is at our house. Not exactly how the woman imagined it, I'm sure, but at our house nonetheless.

Amy

Julia, ^Caitlin^ (due to encephalocele complications) & Gabrielle, born at 30.2 weeks

Amy,
Thanks for sharing...do you think you'll say that same thing when asked or have you re-thought it since then? I've been wondering how I will handle that question when I finally do get out. I'm pretty nervous about it. We haven't taken Zoi out yet except to the pediatrician's office. I'm really wanting to take her out for a walk to the park!

By the way, Julia and Gabrielle are cuties!

Heather
mom to Alex, ^Ari^ & Zoi, born at 34.2 weeks

I had thought ahead of time that that is what I would say. But honestly, I don't know. The way that conversation went, I could say it without having to go into an explanation. My husband has been telling people they are triplets and that Caitlin died, but that's been hospital people. I'm sure it will be something that I'll just decide depending on the situation, and my mood, and how it all works in to the conversation. Going out with one, most people don't ask questions that would lead to any explanation necessary. I'm sure when I have them both out they will; we'll just see how it goes, I guess.

Amy

Julia, ^Caitlin^ (due to encephalocele complications) & Gabrielle, born at 30.2 weeks

It's hard to know what to say. It will get harder when you have both babies with you and people either ask or assume they're twins. Then you have to decide if you want to correct them, thus explaining your story, or just let it go. I just tell people they're surviving triplets. There's never an easy answer, though, and often people say/ask really rude or insensitive things.

I think you handled today very well and I hope it continues to go smoothly for you.