Boys Meet World

We have been in Houston meeting the family for the 1st time this past weekend! Our trip has been WONDERFUL! I haven't been out of town in FOREVER with bedrest and delivery. We haven't been "home" to Houston since November! I forget how much I love this town. It is soooo green here. It makes me miss my garden. (We drove by our old house and it is being well loved by the couple that bought it.) The boys have loved their time bunking at Mimi's. In fact, they have slept 6-7 hour stretches!!!! That is more than we were sleeping at home. All the extended family came to my parents' house to meet the boys. They got lots of love! We went shopping, ate lots of yummy mexican food, visited our old church, and had extra hands and help. It has been like a true vacation. Just what I need before I got back to work one week from today. The boys have met the world and I think the love it! They are really changing. We now weigh 8 lbs and are growing out of our newborn clothes. (I mean they are 2 months old!) They are smiling, cooing, and playing so much. Every day I spend with them I am reminded how BLESSED we are and how much I am in love!

3 generations of Mercers...watch out world!

Bumbo Fun-Brody:blue Dylan:green

Brody isn't too sure about this bath thing!

Dylan thinks being clean is overated. (He loves it now!)

My Little Boys

Now and Then

We are now 6 weeks old! They are really sweet and following our voices. The boys love to cuddle with me and together. They love to eat and are only happy when doing so it seems. They love to shop. We went out to eat twice this weekend & they were perfect. Their preemie outfits are fitting perfectly now.

Saturday we celebrate our 5 yr anniversary! Can't believe it has been that long... Speaking of marriage my girlfriends are celebrating an engagement of one of our friends! This is super exciting news. I love the look of pure joy they have in their pics. SO FUN!

now for some pics

cuddle up-its nap time!

3 days old

6 weeks oldDylan gets ready for his 1st baseball game.

We never made it...

Brody is ready, too!

And I will walk 2.5 miles

And I will walk 2.5 more!

Yesterday we went for a mega walk up to ACU and around the walking trails. It wore all of us out and we slept great! If we could only sleep that great right now...

I'm a Big Boy Now!

We went to the doctor to be weighed and in just 5 weeks they have gained their birth weight back and more! Dylan is now 6 lbs 13 oz (WOWZERS!) and Brody is 6lbs 8 oz! It is quite the scoop when you are trying to lift one with one hand (because I am holding the other one in the other. It is the one arm scoop method.)
We have had a great week with just us. However, it is never ending and super exhausting. Feeding has gotten a little more challenging because we are having to prop and stop. Dylan was having trouble throwing up everything so the doctor said to prop him up, feed 1 oz at a time (when we are bottle feeding,) and wait a couple of minutes for the food settle. So it takes us a while to eat.
They have the funniest expressions and the cutest reflex smile. I can't wait to see the real thing. They are super strong and are working hard each day to turn over.
We continue to be blessed.
I have a couple more weeks at home and then I will go back in May to finish the school year. I am looking forward to seeing my class and co-workers again. The school has been amazing while I have been out. I got to go out once by myself for the 1st time in 10 weeks!!!! I didn't know what to do or where to go. I went out for an hour drive and quick shopping trip and I found myself looking for things for the boys and school. First a mom, then a teacher.
I am so excited it is Friday because Michael is off and have a couple of minutes to blog and eat breakfast!
Have a great Friday.

Quick Minute, Quick Post

Happy Spring!

Things are going well. I have been trying to post for weeks, but always get called away. We had our first Sunday at church, EASTER! They did great and slept the whole time. They were loved and admired by all. I am a full time mommy all on my own now. Mimi has left and Michael is back at work. I am still not "healed" enough to stretch across the car to load them up so we will be doing our outings by foot. Actually, I have just been released to drive now. With being on bedrest and the birth it has been 9 weeks since I have been behind the wheel!

The boys are growing leaps and bounds. We have about a week or 2 left in our preemie wear and are so excited to be newborns! It is very hard to find clothes for preemies. We have looked everywhere people send us and have come up empty handed. For Easter, I bought a brand that typically runs small and tried to shrink it. It worked pretty well. Things are going well. I am speedy gonzales tying away so please excuse any misspellings and my random thoughts.

And now for what you really want to see...my handsome men!

Easter Sunday-before church

Our Easter Photo...this is the best we could do!

Small update

This is Analee again.

I have been bad about updating. But I have made a little movie (a small hobby of mine) for everyone to enjoy.

Michael has gone back to work so my mom and my sister are on their own. They are doing great! And the little men are wide eyed (sometimes), wiggly and SO CUTE!

I guess the big news is they are fraternal! even though they look a lot alike. Brody has grown to 20 in and is 5lbs! Dylan is keeping up though. He isn't quite as long.

Anyway, enjoy the movie.

Home Sweet Home

Leah and the boys came home on Monday. Leah and Michael are surviving and are SUPER parents. I am in awe. Of course Leah could use some prayers to feel a little more spry while healing from surgery.

Dylan and Brody went to the doctor today and they are healthy! Dylan lost some weight, but the little one, Brody, has maintained his weight.

I have a few more pictures, but I also updated my facebook album with more pictures!
I will try to post on Sunday with another update!
-Analee

Leah about to carry Brody into the house.

Dylan with cream blanket and Brody with blue.

Brody's face. :)

Dylan being a cutie!!

Brody loves Mommy!!

Pictures!!!

I have loaded some (of the 250 pictures I took yesterday) on my facebook album.

Click Here to meet Dylan and Brody.

I will keep everyone informed of what is going on.

-Analee

"They are so stinkin' cute"

Dylan Matthew Mercer and Brody Daniel Mercer

8:23 am & 8:24

Dylan Matthew

5lbs 10z 18 3/4 in

Brody Daniel

4lbs 15oz 18 1/4 in

Mom and the babies are doing great! We just left everyone sound asleep in the hospital. Leah is so happy with her boys and just excited to be a mom. She even said "They are so stinkin' cute!" And they are!

Michael has been a great daddy, changing diapers and being cool as can be, easing right into fatherhood. The Mercer men all got their supper at the same time.


I can't wait to post more pictures!!
-Analee

Tomorrow

The boys will come out tomorrow. Bet your bottom dollar that tomorrow they'll be twins!

I woke up Sunday and told Michael "The boys are coming this week." When he asked why, I told him I can just tell. Then when I got out of bed I could tell we dialted more.

We went in to the doctor Monday and now are measuring at a 3. We went ahead and moved up our c-section a week earlier. So tomorrow morning at 7:30 something this world will be multiplied by 2! We have been working very hard this week to keep them put as we have had more and more contractions and fun labor things.

The list is long and I get to watch everyone get things ready from the bed. It is still very unreal to me that 2 human beings will come from ME tomorrow (or sooner.)

Thank you for all your prayers and thoughts. They have made it 37 weeks-full term for twins.

My sister will be posting all the exciting details tomorrow.

Happy Birthday Daddy!

cupcakes by April Reed

Happy Birthday, Daddy!

We are so excited about your special day. We kicked Mommy a bunch of times to say, "Happy Birthday!" You have already changed our lives over the last 9 months. You have taken excellent care of Mommy when we made her deathly sick those first 16 weeks. (Sorry, Mom.) You have become a great chef making us dinner every night and cleaning the dishes afterwards. You bring us chocolate, even when Mommy doesn't want to indulge. We have the coolest room ever because you built a neat shelf for all our special toys. We love your 31 year old sock monkey and all your neat wooden toys. We can't wait to play catch with our new gloves and balls. We have been able to grow big and strong thanks to you helping Mommy do everything. We are going to see you very soon (see note below about our progress...) and going to love all over you!

Happy Birthday!

We went to the doctor today and just like I suspected, Lefty has moved back down so that he can be head down just like his brother. (He missed him. The ribs are a lonely spot.) Righty has moved down and is beginning to prepare so the doctor thinks I will begin to dilate a little more with all this new pressure. (Yes, I know all about that. Friday I knew something has changed...again.) So begins the waiting game. We could keep progressing and meet these guys this week or they might hold tight for 2 more weeks. Who knows???? She said Thursday she lifts restrictions since we made it to 36 weeks! I hope I get to go outside for a riding trip. We will not be blowing and going with those little guys pressing so hard, but after being inside for a month I see no harm in a little ride around Target for those last minute essentials I have had others trying to pick up for me. We will go Wednesday for the boys' measurements. I am thinking they will be close to 6lbs each. That is what it feels like. Any big guesses on when these boys want to meet the blogging world???

How many pillows does it take to make a 35+ weeks pregnant mommy "comfy?"

Let's Count Them
1...ha,ha,ha
2...ha,ha,ha
3...ha,ha,ha
4...ha,ha,ha
5...ha,ha,ha
6...ha,ha,ha

7...ha,ha,ha
8...ha,ha,ha

8 pillows to make a beached whale feel comfy in bed!

Meet my friends!

The "Contractions" Pillow-When we are having lots of contractions, we elevate our feet. The contractions usually come in the middle of the night so it is always tucked inside my sheets.

The Snake: This pillow I have been using since November. Its purpose has changed plenty of times. Currently, the top of the snake begins at the top of the bed-left side. (This is more like the middle of the bed and Michael sleeps on the edge.) The top portion is my tummy support for when I am sleeping on my left side. (I only last an hour sometimes 2 on a side before I have toes jammed in my ribs.) The middle is back support, and the end of the snake it tummy support for the right side. Tummy support is something much needed now as I am guessing these guys are close to 12 lbs.

I have other normal pillows that support the rest of the team.

I know...just crazy. With all that work, we still only sleep 2 hours at a time.

It is good practice.

Try This Thursday

It's Thursday and it is the day that I am going to share fabulous finds or favorites. (I read about this idea from Jennifer's blog and decided to try it, too!) For today's favorite it is a must have for winter weather and flu season. We are constantly washing our hands to keep the germs away especially right now where everyone has the flu! I love this stuff because it is like a vasaline wash for my hands. They always get so chapped between the hand sanitizer and a gillion of washings.

Try This...

C.O. Bigelow's Chapped Hands Cleanser

Found at your Bath and Body Works for only $12.00!

P.S. 35 weeks and counting!

The Bed Rest Blues

Da, da, da

Been sitting in bed, for more than a week or 2

Been dreaming about my old self , in a pair of high heeled shoes.

I got the blues. I got the been too long since I have seen the sky blues.

I wish I had some fabulous blog update, but there isn't much going on in our world. We have been sitting in our house since January 18th. They appreciate the rest because there has been no big changes. Yesterday we went in and found out in less than a week lefty deceided to take a trip up to the top of my stomach. (Yes, that would be those powerful movements I have been feeling.) The hills are alive in Leah's tummy. When they move it looks like mountains on my belly. We are taking it a day at a time and have almost made it to 35 weeks. They are growing leaps and bounds and so am I. We have had lots of visitors that help make the days go by a little faster. So Feb. 28th or sooner we will have some new little ones.

Weapons of Mass Destruction

Desperate times call for desperate measures.

My big ol' bump has impaired my ability to swing my leg over for some much needed pedicure TLC. Typically, I would go to the professionals for this type of emergency. However, given our new state my "professionals" are limited to my hubby, my cat, and my dog. I have been begging Michael for weeks to trim my toenails and give them a paint job. My little feet are the things I stare at the most right now as they are propped up. Today he took the clippers and found 10 little innocent victims.

Watch out! I now have the slanted toenail "do." They are cut at the perfect angle to be a sharp little spear. Michael thinks maybe it will be the new "it" look.

I think the troops will be invading my home any minute looking for these new

Weapons of Mass Destruction!

The Okra Store

When I was a little girl, this was one of the first things I could "read." At two years old, I knew the star meant gas (Texaco) and this meant Okra store. After church every Sunday we would visit the "Okra Store" and on the child's plate I would have my favorite:fried okra. We grew from a child's plate to a Luann to a Vegetable plate and okra would always be on it.

The boys will never know the "Okra Store." We have cut any fried food from our diet to avoid heartburn. So they haven't tasted the delicious batter around the perfect bite-size veggie! Wednesday they are closing the Luby's in Abilene. :( If I could get out, I am sure Michael and I would make a stop by "The Okra Store" for some turkey and dressing and of course...okra.

Goodbye, Luby's.

Notes From Leah's Belly

Tonight I caught "Notes From the Underbelly" and the first 5 minutes were straight out of Leah's Belly Diary. LOVED IT!

1. Belly Update: We are still at a 1! Good Babies! ***** 5 stars for you guys!

2. We have never had "cravings." Lots of aversions, lots of puke. However, we do always enjoy hot chocolate or Apple Jacks when we have it around.

3.As of 33 weeks (almost) we have had no swelling of the feet or hands. It makes me feel good to still wear my jewelry when I can wear nothing else of my own.

4. Belly Swelling-oh, BOYS! I thought I was big in November. I thought December was uncharted territory. Now...I am a host home for 8lbs of kids plus the other good stuff.

5. Sleep-Last night was the first night in 3 nights I was able to sleep for 2 hour intervals! Oh, it was nice.

6.Kisses and Love-We miss our daily belly kisses from my sweet class at school. I miss teaching like crazy and am looking forward to being back at work one day.

7. Mr. Mercer-My superstar hub set up my classroom for this week. He put away all last weeks centers and materials, dressed the room for this week, stuffed my daily bins, and rotated the job board. I was on his earphones for 1 hour and 15 minutes telling him where and how. Impressive time, Mr. Mercer.

8. You've got Friends-We have have been so blessed by all of our friends and family bringing us food, activities, or helping hands through this pregnancy.

Thank you.

*More notes coming soon*

Sgt. Leah's Bedrest Band

(Beatles LOVE Cirque De Soile Show-Leah and the band-they are in this picture. Just 5 weeks new!

Move Over, Ringo!

Mama's got a brand new band. I think we have some drummers getting lots of practice on this tum-tum of mine. This morning they were playing, flipping, fighting-something with lots of movement. Lefty got the hiccups first. Then Righty got hiccups. My tummy was a one body band. The left side went "boom" and then the right side went "boom." I felt like I was in the middle of a rock n' roll concert or the paddle of an intense game of Pong. Those little guys. ;)

We are doing well. Friday was AWESOME. I hadn't felt that good in 4 ever! Saturday was not awesome. Today is good. The belly is growing and changing shape. It is a lot easier to carry "the wide load" to the bathroom vs up and down the halls of school. I really hope this rest slows these little determine ones down. I have been super nervous about standing up and my water breaking or something like that.

The painter has a couple of touch-ups on their room and then the walls are done. Michael has built some fabulous shelves just by my description of what I wanted. I know, SUPERSTAR HUBBY! My mom is almost finished with the bedding for the first crib. We are learning how to share early and using 1 crib for the first little while. So next week I will be able to call in my helping hands to come help decorate and organize.

I guess we can put 2 stickers on their obedience chart for listening to me and staying in the tummy for 2 days so far.

Thanks for all your thoughts and prayers.

Time to Listen to Mommy!

Ok, boys! This is the first lesson of your little lives. And a VERY IMPORTANT one.

STAY INSIDE MOMMY'S TUMMY!

and don't think about coming out.

We went to the Dr. on Thursday and I had dilated to a 1 and was thinning. "To bed, to bed!" the doctor said. So I am here at home, praying those boys listen to me. I have lots of helping hands everywhere buying last minute things for the babies. Thank you helping hands. Tuesday we will go back to the doctor. We are praying the rest will keep us holding at the 1. She told us if we were at a 2 we would go to the hospital. So boys, it is not time for your birthday yet.

Keep roasting.