First Few Days

Due to all the pain meds and having surgery, the first few days after my boys birth were a blur. Plus they were in the NICU, so I didn't get to see them as much as I would have liked since I was trying to recover. The times I did get to go down and see them we were so in awe that we didn't do the best at taking pics. We are getting better at the picture thing, ha ha. Let's start with Day 2...

Elijah

Elijah and Van Earl 2 Days Old


And let's jump ahead to 4 days old...

Adam feeding Van Earl

We love burping them. We think it's the cutest thing ever!

Feeding Elijah

And on to 5 Days Old...

Seeing each other again for the first time since birth
(Van Earl is on the left and Elijah on the right)



Six Days Old

With Daddy



They like brother time

Van Earl and Elijah Willis are Here!

Well, the moment finally arrived! The past 8 months of preparation and waiting came down to this moment. On Thursday, December 15, 2011 at 11:30am, Van Earl entered into this world and brother was not far behind. One minute later, 11:31am, Elijah Willis graced us with his presence. Hearing those first little cries was the most surreal experience I have ever felt. I really can't put it into words, so I'm not going to try. Just know that this Mommy is very happy. Van Earl came out weighing 4 lbs 7 oz and Elijah was 3 lbs 14 oz. Unfortunately (and fortunately) I was unable to see the actual birth since they were born via C-Section, but trust me that is ok. It really seemed like a world-wind once they were born. Since they are considered preemies and high risk, a whole NICU team was in the room and swooped them over to the side to check them as soon as they were born. I did get to see them for a brief moment before they were taken straight to NICU. Adam followed the boys while I finished up in surgery. All in all things went great! Van Earl and Elijah are fine but still in the NICU. Mommy's surgery went great. Let me just say I was a little more than freaked out about the whole thing. I was probably the most nervous I have ever been in my life. Everything was fine though. I came home on Sunday. Unfortunately the boys have to stay in NICU until they can hold their body temps on their own and take all meals via bottle. We are up to 3 bottles a day, which is good. Adam and I have been going to feed them 2 times a day. They seem to do better each day. We are so in love with these little guys! It really is hard to describe the love you have for them. Here are some pics...

First Pic Together
Van Earl (front) and Elijah (back)

Meeting Van Earl

Meeting Elijah


Mommy and both her boys
(a little out of it here)

It's Go Time

Well ya'll it looks like I'm going to have these babies this coming Thursday, December 15 at 10am. After my doctor's visit yesterday, it was determined that both babies are now on the small side and my placenta is basically tired and running out of steam, ha ha. Baby A is 4 lbs 5 oz and B is 4 lbs 2 oz. We thought it was great that B caught up with A, but apparently A isn't growing now like he should and both are still not where they should be. I will be 36 weeks on Thursday which was the goal: to make it to 36 weeks. I have a C-Section scheduled and if all goes well I will be in the hospital 3 days and the boys should be able to come home with me. Your prayers are greatly appreciated! I am very anxious and want these boys to get here safe and sound.

Of course I have had my bags packed for a few weeks now (just in case, right?). This weekend I moved them out of the closet so they could be more easily accessible. Bear gets nervous anyway when bags are packed because he knows we will be going somewhere. I had to move the bags back into the closet because he was so torn up about it. He can already sense the tension in the air and knows something is up, but the bags put him over the edge. Poor little guy! And yes, he is still as clingy as ever!

Almost Time

We are getting closer to the birth of our sons. These past few days we have been tying up loose ends. Today's doctors appointment will determine when the boys will be born. We are thinking the end of this coming week, but we know for sure it will not be later than the 22. Adam and I have been going to see movies, been having dinner dates, finishing up Christmas shopping and preparations, and house cleaning. I don't think one can ever be fully prepared, but of course me being the planner I am, want everything in order and set to go. Needless to say we took advantage of possibly our last weekend without kids...kinda crazy to think about. We started our weekend off with dinner with our dear friends Kathrina and Jason, which was great! Saturday I got a little overwhelmed thinking about the actual birthing process which resulted in an awful dizzy spell, but after taking a nap and getting off my feet, I felt a lot better and we were able to go out and enjoy one last Italian meal at our favorite spot. I have also started feeling some cramping and pressure in my lower abdomen, so I'm sure that's a sign the time is drawing closer. I honestly feel as ready as I will ever be to do this thing. I will keep y'all posted on how things progress at the doctor today.

Here's the 35 week bump pic and yes I am HUGE!

Daddy to Be and Bear

34 Weeks and Counting

It's getting to be crunch time. I am now 34 1/2 weeks. I went to the high risk doctor yesterday and the boys are fine. The didn't get their weights, but said they will next Monday which will determine whether or not they deliver me then or wait another week or so. I can tell the boys are bigger. My belly has definitely grown and my ribs have become a fun kicking toy for Baby A. Those little feet go nonstop. Baby B's movements are not as pronounced but that may be because he is breech and his legs are down low. I'm not going to lie, I am ready to have these boys. I am not a very patient person and I am so ready to meet them.

Adam and I had a date night Saturday night which was fabulous! We had an awesome steak dinner at City Range. We hadn't been out just the 2 of us in a long time, so we figured we better take advantage of one last "date" night before the boys are born. I have slowed down these days so whether or not I feel up to going out is iffy, but I felt great and had a fabulous time! I cherish our dinner dates very much.

Brother Bear

I just had to post about my sweet Bichon-Poo Bear. He knows something is up. He has been following me around everywhere. When I am laying on the couch, not only does he want to be right there with me, he has to be on my belly. It's like he's keeping watch over his brothers. Poor little guy has no idea what's in store. I just hope he adjusts ok. Heck, I hope I adjust ok, ha ha! Here is Bear protecting his brothers.