Happy 1st Birthday Emma & Parker

Today marks one year since Emma and Parker arrived in our world! We have been so blessed over the past year. There really is no greater joy in the world than to be a parent.

So many times over the past year, Larry and I have sat back to take it all in. We haven't wanted to miss a moment and we didn't want to look back and wonder where the year went. Well, we still wonder where the year went, but we have so many amazing memories of our two silly kids.

Hopefully, over the next few months, I can update this thing and give you all an idea of what I mean. Until then, these are just a few things about Emma and Parker:

Emma:
Loves to wave, clap, blow kisses and say "uh-oh." She loves mirrors and to touch her hair. She recently learned that everything can be used as a necklace and she's constantly after my purse. Needless to say, she's a girly-girl. Who knew! Her little brother knows that this doesn't mean she's a pushover. This girl can stand up for herself and won't let him push her around. I don't think Parker has ever successfully stolen a toy from Emma! She has the sweetest voice and sings or dances to anything. Her "silly face" is really funny and she loves to put on a show. She's also quite the daredevil. She wants to hang upside down and be tossed into the air. She really has no fear. From the time she opens her eyes in the morning to when she falls asleep at night, she's constantly on the go. This girl never stops moving!


Parker:
Loves to touch things to figure out how they work...wheels, doors, door knobs, you name it! He grunts, scratches, and hates shopping - what a man! He loves to snuggle and give kisses. He points and says "that" and fully expects you to take him where he wants to go. He claps, waves, pats his belly, and makes all kinds of noises with his mouth. This little guy likes to bulldoze everything, including Emma! His smile lights up the room and his giggle makes you melt. Bathtime is his favorite, right behind meal time! He loves cheerios, oranges, and spaghetti. He loves his sister and is so protective of her - look out future boyfriends! His favorite game is chasing Emma around the house and trying to steal her toys. Just like his big sis', he's constantly on the move.

I can't say it enough...we are so blessed! Larry pretty much summed up our feelings in an e-mail this morning: "Unbelievable!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Life is so good."

First Professional Photos

Twelve weeks later, we're doing great. The kids are growing so much. Emma and Parker had their first professional photos taken at 11 weeks (hey, things are a little delayed with twins...double trouble!) and it was certainly worth the wait.

Adrian Hitt, our photographer, is an amazingly talented woman. We grew up together and I knew she was the right person to capture our precious babies. I always knew God had great plans for her. It's obvious He has given her such a wonderful talent. Adrian lives and works in Nashville, TN with her husband and dog, but travels to Fort Smith intermittently to visit family. She usually has some sessions available when she's here. If you're looking for a great photographer, she's your woman!

Here is the link to a sneak peek of the photos: http://adrianhitt.blogspot.com/2008/06/baby-photographer-franklin-tn-emma.html

Of course, we know there is a lot of updating to do to the blog. We're so in love with Parker and Emma that it's hard to take time away from them to crop pictures and update the blog. Hopefully, at least a couple of people are still reading (er, checking) the blog! Hang in there with us until we can catch you up on our lives!

The Rest of the Story

So, you've most likely noticed a large gap between the 33 week update and the announcement of the arrival of Parker and Emma. Now that we are little more settled, I can fill in the blanks.

We had two wonderful showers on March 15! Thank you to Lori, Susan and Teresa for such a beautiful brunch. The food and cake were amazing.

Stephen and Mary also hosted a great evening gathering. The food was amazing and I enjoyed the casual get together!

Just a few days later, my blood pressure started to rise. I knew the inevitable had arrived and I was put on full bed rest. There aren't words to describe how hard it is to lie down all day and night, but I knew it was what was best for Parker and Emma.

Larry was wonderful and I appreciate that his parents and my mom ate dinner in our bedroom night after night so I didn't feel left out. Lori mailed magazines...I especially loved the J-Lo and twins edition. I knew what I had to look forward to, minus the million dollar nursery! Mary loaned me movies and texted all day. Thanks to everyone who played a role, large or small, in keeping me going those last few days!

Here is a pic of what I looked like on Monday, March 24 (at 35 weeks) before heading to my doctor's appointment. This day, my belly measured 45 centimeters...whoa!

At 36 weeks and 3 days, Sunday, March 30, Larry and I decided it was time to pay a visit to Labor and Delivery at St. Edwards because my blood pressure had been high all day. To be honest, I was happy to go on a car ride. Spring had sprung...it's my favorite time of year. Upon arrival to the hospital, we learned that I was having contractions and dilating. We were so excited! I was admitted to the hospital and monitored over night.

On Monday morning, Dr. Bell came by to visit and decided to do a C-Section because of my high blood pressure and Parker being breech. I was scheduled for 9 a.m. Here is the last picture of Larry and I together before we became parents. You can see how excited and anxious we both were.
It has been an exciting time around our house. Emma and Parker are doing great! There's lots more to come, so keep checking back.

Our Little Blessings...Welcome Parker & Emma Ellis

After much anticipation, we finally welcome Parker and Emma Ellis into our lives. They were born on March 31, 2008. We have been richly blessed by God!

Emma Ellis
Born: 9:56 a.m.
Weight: 6 lbs., 1 oz.
Length: 19.5 inches

Parker Ellis
Born: 9:57 a.m.
Weight: 6 lbs., 0 oz.
Lenght: 19.5 inches

Thank you for all of your thoughts and prayers throughout the pregnancy and now. We have been so blessed to have such wonderful and supportive family and friends. THANK YOU!

Here is a picture of our two perfect little blessings. We are thrilled to be parents. I can't remember what life was like without these two!

Here are the links to the pictures of Emma & Parker that were taken at St. Edwards and posted to the web nursery.

Thanks for sharing our joy!

33 Weeks

We made it to the 33 week check...yay! Both Parker and Emma are doing great. They are both practicing breathing. In fact, I think it's their favorite thing to do...right next kicking my ribs! Parker caught up on growth over the past two weeks. He weighs 4 lbs. 10 oz. and Emma weighs 4 lbs. 11 oz.

We actually caught a little glimpse of their faces today. We had to look quickly to dodge the flying feet and legs, but they look pretty cute so far. Aside from the 20 week ultrasound where we found out about them, this was the best ultrasound thus far. We could actually make out hands, feet, legs, and Parker's ear.

I'm doing really well. I grew a centimeter from two weeks ago, putting me at 39 cm. (39 weeks). I feel great and am still trying to take it easy. Larry and I have gotten all of our projects taken care of, so now we just get to enjoy. If I haven't said it, I have the best husband in the world. I certainly would have had a different pregnancy if it weren't for him being such a wonderful man. As if I didn't already know...I'm a lucky girl.

We go back for a check in two weeks. We're keeping our fingers crossed that we make it two weeks. Keep yours crossed, too!

Car Seats...The Final Preparation

The car seats are installed!

We had a good friend show us how to properly install the car seats and how Parker and Emma should fit into them. She has passed the NHTSA's course to be a certified child passenger safety technician and was a HUGE HELP to us. She's had great advice throughout the whole pregnancy and gave us even more good advice about the car seats.

If it hadn't already sunk in that we are having two kids, this certainly brought us a piece of reality. Every time we hop in Larry's car, I catch a glimpse of the two seats. It's almost hard to believe that within the next few weeks, we'll have two little people riding there.

Childbirth Classes

Larry and I went to Childbirth Classes last Saturday to learn about having a baby. What an experience!

Larry had to wear the empathy belly. I actually felt sorry for him because the instructor forgot that he was wearing it and left him in it for a good hour. Here's a great pic...you can see how tired he is from wearing the 25 lbs. of belly while sitting down! Poor thing.

The childbirth video definitely brought back bad memories from 8th grade Biology class!

While we were glad we went, none of the information pertained to twins. We did learn a couple of things, but the most exciting part was the tour of the neonatal unit. We hope that our kiddos don't have to pay a visit, but it was great to see how it's set up and what the capabilities are...just in case.

We were happy to receive a certificate of achievement...we're officially ready to be parents!