First Week Home

Our first family photo - 4 days old

Elliot & Landon on one of the quilts Grandma Reese made for them

Amerae & Chereese with Elliot & Landon

Brooks did a photo shoot with the boys:) He likes experimenting with the camera and I thought this picture of Elliot turned out so cute!

Big brother is already beating up on his little brother

Precious sleeping boys

Landon's first bath

Elliot's first bath

We came home last Thursday, so we have officially been home for a week. We are still trying to figure out their little personalities. So far Landon has been very alert and is not much of a sleeper in the middle of the night. He likes to sleep during the day and enjoys being held. We are all working on adjusting that schedule. His hair is a bit more full and dark than his brother. When he stretches, he likes to pull his head back as far a it will go. Brooks has already taken him on a few "tours" of the house because he likes to be moving and doing. It is fun to watch him look at everything and take in his surroundings. Elliot so far is pretty independent. Because of his size, he likes to sleep a lot. He is pretty mellow and laid back. We find him sleeping with his hands above his head and he looks so relaxed. Elliot makes some pretty funny faces. Both boys are giving me a bit of trouble eating, but we are working on it.

The first night home was rough. Landon did not want to sleep and Brooks or I spent a lot of time up holding him. As soon as Landon would leave the crib, Elliot would start to fuss. When Landon came back, he would calm down. I definitely think he likes his big brother. Since then, things have been much better. We are especially grateful to our families for all their help. The Crandells came out quite a few evenings and helped with bottle feedings and just loving Landon and Elliot. My mom has come out every morning (and dad a few mornings) and taken a turn with the boys from about 3-6 am. I never knew how amazing it feel just to lay down and get a couple of hours of sleep at a time. All the help has been such a blessing! It is so nice to be able to lay down and sleep for a couple of hours and know that your children are being loved and well taken care of. I can't say thank you enough!

When we lay them down by each other, they like to try and reach out to touch each other. Sometimes they hit each other in the face, but they don't seem to mind too much. On Sunday, we spent some time together as a family. Brooks got out the guitar and played primary songs for them. My favorite was I Hope They Call Me On a Mission. They turned their heads and watched him play for a few minutes, and then it put them to sleep. We never could have been ready for what a big change this has been for us, but we are so incredibly happy. They make us laugh and smile everyday.

They Are Here!

Our little boys were born Tuesday May 13 at 8:37 am and 8:41 am. My water broke that morning at 3:45 and then they were here in 5 hours. The nurses were a little surprised when they checked me, and I was already dilated to a 7. Luckily the doctor made it in time. Landon Brooks was born first weighing in at 7 lbs. 4 oz and Elliot Osborne followed shortly behind him weighing 6 lbs. 11 oz. Landon was taken to the special care nursery about 4 hours after birth and did not get to come back to our room until 2 days later. He is doing fine now, but it was so hard to see him with his IV and wires everywhere. Both boys are doing well and Brooks and I are exhausted, but happy. We got to come home all together yesterday evening. If anyone wants to volunteer for a night shift, let me know:)

Nothing New

Well, I don't feel like I have a lot to report. I feel like all I have been writing about in my blog is that we are constantly waiting. That is pretty much the report today. Still nothing. I was adventurous yesterday and actually went to all 3 hours of church. By the end, I was very uncomfortable and a little tired of people saying, "You still haven't had them." Very fun! I was actually thinking the same thing so it was okay. At my doctor's appointment today, there were no new developments. I am still dilated 3 cm and the boys both looked good. We did set up a day to be induced, but that is not until next Tuesday. If all goes well, I won't make it to that appointment, but at least there is an end in sight. I didn't think I would make it this far when I was having contractions 2-3 weeks ago, but I am glad that it gave the boys more time to have their lungs develop. Even though a week seems like a long time now, it will all be forgotten when they are here. My throat has been a bit sore and I have had a little cough the last few days. Hopefully that goes away before they make their grand entrance. I really would prefer not to be even remotely sick when they come. I was able to get a much needed pedicure today. Now my feet will be cute for the big day:)

Still Waiting

I wake up every morning and wonder if today will be the day. Based on the amount of contractions I am having, we are getting closer, but the boys are still not here. Since I went off the medication on Monday, I have been having contractions on and off every day, all day. They get fairly consistent for about an hour, but then they go away for a while. I have almost told Brooks that I think it might be time maybe 2-3 times. Then the contractions change and taper off. Most of them are not really painful, just a little uncomfortable. Two nights ago I woke up around 4:00 in the morning with pretty strong, consistent contractions...then I fell asleep. I guess it wasn't time yet. Timing contractions is getting a little old. I thought I would be more sure about when to go to the hospital. I guess I just have to keep on waiting.

Finally Fixed

My mom and Max will probably be embarrassed that I am telling this story, but it is such a good story. About a year ago, my mom ran into our mailbox as she was leaving our house. It bent the pole a bit and it needed to get replaced. She bought a new post and sent Max over to our house to fix it. The problem was that the post and the mailbox really were not made to go together. I had just had minor surgery and was in no condition to be helping Max with the mailbox. Brooks was at work and so Max was on his own. I watched through the window as he tried to figure out a way to make it work with no success. It was hard to watch him trying so hard and not be able to figure any solution out. I ended up walking outside to look at it for a minute and quickly realized what a chore it would be to come up with a solution. After quite a while of Max working on it and a few mumblings under his breath, he gave up. He ended up tying the mailbox to the post with some wire. For the past year we have driven by the mailbox everyday, but have not been ambitious enough to fix it. Finally on Friday, Brooks bought a new post (which was only like $10...good thing we waited a year to save up for such a big purchase) and then put the mailbox back together over the weekend. He even gave it all a nice fresh coat of paint. Now our mailbox is not wobbly from being tied down with wire. I am sure the mailman is happy!

36+ Weeks

Last night we had dinner and the Crandell's after my doctor's appointment. I think it is pretty obvious that the boys are not here yet. My appointment went well. I am glad they are doing so well and are still growing. We didn't get exact measurements, but we are estimating around 7 lbs. and 6 & 1/2 lbs. based on last week's weight. Ian and Emery were both under 7 lbs. when they were born. My boys may be the biggest of their cousins on that side of the family so far and there are two of them! I am no longer on my medication to stop the contractions. Now we just wait. Today I have had quite a few contractions, but nothing too strong or consistent. I am so grateful that things have gone so smoothly and that we have made it this far with so few complications!

Ian wanted to get a picture with his cousins

I Am Spoiled

I have been severely spoiled this week! Brooks or I have not had to cook dinner one time. On Sunday, we ate dinner at my mom's and had leftovers (grilled meat, rolls, veggies, potatoes and cake) brought home from dinner at the Crandell's. On Monday, we ate out on the way home from the doctor. On Tuesday and Wednesday, Heidi made extra dinner for us. Even though I am not on official bed rest, Heidi has given me an open invitation for dinner every night. So far she has fed me baked potatoes with chili (a personal favorite) and stir fry with rice. Last night she offered dinner again, but my mom beat her to it. We had chicken, corn on the cob, salad and bread sent over from my mom. Yummy! Then today for lunch in between tieing the quilt, we ate Heidi's leftover's from dinner last night...meatball sandwiches. I feel a little guilty, but I am definitely enjoying it! Between all the leftovers and new meals I feel completely spoiled, loved and blessed. Thanks for all the yummy food!

Cars Quilt

I think my mom knew I was bored and so she asked if she could come over and tie quilts for the boys with me. She bought some really cute Cars fabric that Dallin really liked. (He loves anything having to do with cars.) We got one of the quilts tied today. Heidi, Dallin and Steven came over to "help" as well. We had fun visiting, working on the quilt and eating lunch together.

Steven sat in the Bumbo for a little while and played with toys. He is such a cute little boy! It was fun to see him and Dallin playing together. Dallin would help Steven restock his pile of toys when it ran out. While piling toys on his tray he would say, "Here you go baby."