The Fryers

Quick Update

2011-12-01T13:05:00.000-08:00

Evie & Grandaddy Bobo

Evie at 2 months old

I guess its time to update, haven't had as much chance to get on here as I'd like. Evie is almost 4 months old now (how time flies!) and Will and Wyatt turned two in October. Wyatt just knocked his front tooth out and had to get both front teeth pulled. The boys also had their first trip to the barber last week. Evie is the best baby ever, good eater and sleeper. She weighs around 16 lb. She just started laughing a couple days ago and seems amused with her brothers. The boys LOVE their little sister and giver her kisses as often as they can. We had a fun Thanksgiving with our family and look forward to going to Cincinnati for Christmas. Hopefully I will post pictures of all this soon. Until then, enjoy these few pictures of Evie:)

Our New Arrival

2011-09-05T18:03:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone! It's been a while since I've updated the blog and now that Evie is almost one month old, it's about time I get on it! More frequent blog updates are certainly in order now that the fatigue and drama of pregnancy is passed!

Evelyn Claire was born August 11, 2011 in Sebring, Fl. She was 7 lb., 14 oz. and 20 inches long! As you can see, she has a full head of dark hair... almost more than her (nearly) two-year old brothers have. So far she has been a dream. She sleeps and sleeps and has given us no trouble as far as temperament or feeding issues go. She tolerates her brothers' noise extremely well, and also their well-meaning attempts to include her in their play. The boys don't quite understand her yet. I even found pieces of peanut butter and jelly sandwich in her pack-n-play the other day. She had peanut butter on her cheek. "Thank you for sharing your sandwich, Will" I said, "but Evie isn't hungry. And we don't put things in her pack-n-play." It wasn't the first time he's tried to put things in there with her. Wyatt is very sweet with her and seems to understand the concept of "gentle" a little better than Will does. Whenever Wyatt sees Evie he comes over and leans his head to the side, smiles really sweetly and says,"Baby". Then he gives her kisses.

We can't quite decide who Evie looks like. She does have blue eyes so far and definitely inherited the Bone toes....aka "nanner toes". In any case, she's adorable and we are having so much fun with her. What a blessing!

Here We Go!

2011-05-06T18:05:00.000-07:00

It's been about three weeks since we arrived in Sebring and I think things are off to a great start! Wyatt and Will couldn't be happier getting to play outside so much. They're getting to play in the dirt, help pick fresh vegetables, see all kinds of tractors and trucks around the farm, and take several gator rides a day! (for you who don't know, a gator is a john deere vehicle that is kind of a cross between a golf cart, four wheeler and small truck). They get to see cows, squirrels, cranes, lizards and alligators every day. They'll probably be a little sad when we actually get moved into our own place here soon, but I won't mind sending them out often to their grandparents' house to play. I imagine it will be a favorite place of theirs.

Happy Mother's Day to all you mothers out there, especially to my own Mom and Jason's Mom. You're the best! I have a whole new appreciation for the hard work that moms do now that I'm a mother too. NEVER had a clue until I experienced it myself. Mothering is HARD WORK that takes a lot of patience, love, fortitude... and singing and praying. Of course, it's also a high and worthy calling and I wouldn't give it up for the world!

On that subject, we found out a few days ago that we're having a GIRL!!! Evelyn Claire is due to arrive August 28 and so far she's looking healthy and strong, praise God. We are so thankful for all our many blessings. Life is so good because of Him.

Jason has started work and is getting right into the swing of things. He's working at the hardware store owned by my parents and also doing some work on the farm as they're currently in the process of harvesting and shipping watermelons. He's been fishing just about every evening he's not working and I can't help but think he's reliving some of his childhood days, when he used to spend hours on the Louisiana bayou catching fish.

We're hoping to be moved into our own place by the end of this month. The search for a church home is also under way and we are confident God will guide us to our place among this wonderful community of believers that exists here in the Sebring area.

Last but certainly not the least, we have a new sister-in-law! My brother, Brian, and his beloved Amanda were married early last month. I couldn't have picked a better wife for him myself. They are perfect together and we are so happy for them. Amanda is fitting in just fine and right away it feels like she's been a member of the family forever. We love her!

I'll try to keep this updated more often. Enjoy the video and Happy Mother's Day!!!

Discovering Puddles

Brian and Amanda

Amanda with my Dad and the boys

Jason and one of his fish

Daddy's little helpers/first visit to the hardware store

Will and Wyatt

Will's Turn

2011-04-12T18:50:00.001-07:00

After posting the previous video (below), my Dad made it clear that he was not happy that I took the toy from Will. So this is for you, Dad, to prove that Will did in fact, have plenty of time with the toy. Don't let his moping fool you, he's not been mistreated.

Videos

2011-04-03T10:14:00.000-07:00

Finally posting a video like I keep promising my mom. Enjoy:)

Spring Please Come Soon!

2011-03-18T17:12:00.000-07:00

So as most of our family & friends now know, we are expecting our 3rd little blessing August 27. That is the reason I have not kept up with the blog lately. I'm 17 weeks along now, and we will definitely opt to find out the sex at our appointment a month from now. I'm starting to think it is another boy but no one agrees with me! Jason and both my sisters are certain we are getting a little girl. We'll see!

We are wrapping up our affairs in Cincinnati in preparation for our move to Sebring, Florida on April 11. We are excited about what the future holds for us but we have a lot to miss here in Cincinnati!!

Will & Wyatt are 17 months old now and what can I say? VERY active and strong-willed (especially Will, aptly named). I was reading a book on parenting that was comparing your toddler's temperament/activity level to a traveler: most children's temperaments can be categorized as either "sightseers", "explorers" or "trailblazers". Of course ours boys, being identical, happen to fall into the same high energy category of "trailblazers". They like to explore constantly, and if there isn't a clear path to where they want to go, they invent one. Today I spent what felt like almost the entire day taking one toddler off the dining table only to turn around and find the other one there. The moment I got him down, here the other one goes climbing up the chair to get on the table. And don't think I didn't discipline them every single time, I did! It just didn't seem to have any effect on these two stubborn little boys. Non-stop, these two. At least they nap well. We all do:)

As you can see, the boys were SO happy to finally get some time outside yesterday when the weather warmed up. (Will in brown, Wyatt in yellow)

Will

Wyatt

Mischief in action (Will in brown)

It's about time you guys start pitching in around here!

Will, Daddy's little helper

Is this not the sweetest thing? They were determined to both sit in the diaper box despite the tight squeeze. "This is nothing, Mom. We once spent 9 months like this!"

Will, looking ever so much like his Daddy.

Wyatt and that thumb! It goes in his mouth whenever he doesn't get his way or he's tired.

Help, Mom! We're stuck!

17 Weeks

Two Little Monkeys and Another One on the Way!!

2011-01-15T09:54:00.000-08:00

Mischief is written all over their little faces:)

Wyatt & Will

"Cool guys"

Wyatt

Crazy, I know. Will and Wyatt turned 15 mo. old this week, just days after we found out we are pregnant for the second time:) We're looking forward for our first ultrasound to confirm there's just one in there! I'm about 7 weeks along and should be due around Sept. 2. So far I'm feeling pretty good compared to the first time around. I have slight nausea all the time but it's very slight and I don't even notice it if I'm busy, which I usually am. But I'm VERY tired and already looking pregnant:( Sometime in April we should find out whether we're having a son or daughter. At that point we will start thinking about names. The move to Sebring is still in the works, and if all goes as planned we should be on our way down there towards the end of February. I can't wait to be near my mom & sister and enjoying all their help with the boys!

Wyatt and Will are very active. They've recently discovered a talent for climbing and are now playing on the couches and trying to climb out of their cribs. When Will is told "No" he now shakes his finger back and forth and says, with a very serious face, "Na Na Na!" Wyatt is displaying a blossoming temper, flailing his arms around when he doesn't get his way and roaming around the room to find things to hit and bang on. Uh oh! So we certainly have our work cut out for us but I think 2011 is going to be a very fun and exciting year. By the time our next little one arrives, the boys should be almost ready for potty training and will hopefully be able to use more words when communicating with us.

We spent Christmas with my family in Sebring and had so much fun. I won't post too many pics of that since Meredith has some on her blog. I'll post more pictures as soon as I have a little more time!

Jason, Will & Nick after a little dove hunting

Will, Beck and Wyatt. "The 3 Amigos"

I love my family!

Happy Thanksgiving!!

2010-11-28T08:23:00.000-08:00

Enjoy some recent pictures! Also, BIG NEWS!!: We're planning on moving to Sebring (FL) soon! Yaaay!

Will & Wyatt in their Reds shirts they got from Mimi & Bobo on their 1st birthday.

Did you miss something, Wyatt?

"That's Ok! I'll get it!"

Our friend Dani (from Sebring) lives near Columbus, OH with her husband Ike and their son Ben. We got together a couple weeks ago to do a little shopping and let our boys play together. Ben is a few months younger than Will & Wyatt but he's big enough to stand up for himself around our rambunctious two!

Apparently Will doesn't love the tire swing as much as he thought he would.

Ben, Wyatt and Will

Papaw with the boys on his birthday

Will, Grandmother Polly, Wyatt, Grandaddy Clyde. Thanks for coming to see us!

Grandaddy taught the boys how to say "Touchdown!" with their hands up. Very impressive!

Thanksgiving morning (Wyatt).

(Will) First time having chocolate chip pancakes. I think we've begun a new Thanksgiving tradition!

Wyatt insisted on having his foot on the counter last night during dinner. Yesterday they not only figured out how to open the front door but also how to climb out of their high seat as well.

Will & Wyatt Turn ONE!

2010-10-25T06:37:00.000-07:00

Liberty Babies!

Help me!

Wyatt showing off his crooked smile

Having fun with Mimi & Bobo at Target

Trying on hats at Gap

Will doesn't like it!

Don't have time to post much, but as you can see, the boys had a wonderful first birthday party. Not only that, but their Bobo & Mimi came for a visit, as well as their Aunt Meredith and cousins Reese and Beck. Party time! The boys also got to go to their first Reds game a couple weeks ago (lasted 3 innings). Fun!

We've Got Walkers! 11 Months:)

2010-09-21T10:15:00.000-07:00

Wyatt

Will

Wyatt

Will

Wyatt

Will & Wyatt

Will

Wyatt

Will

Wyatt

It's true.... they're on the move! Not only are they walking (albeit clumsily), they have also tried to run a few times. They've discovered the kitchen cabinets as well, as you can see. Will & Wyatt have got us busy and we're having a ball! I keep saying, "where have my little babies gone?!" They're also newly waving bye-bye and clapping their hands. Enjoy the pictures!

10 MONTHS OLD!

2010-08-17T17:23:00.000-07:00

Our little boys turned 10 months old on the 13th! They really are becoming less like babies and more like little boys! They are changing by the day and they love entertaining us.

Will has been standing alone a lot and cruising around the furniture and walls. I predict we will have a "toddler" within the next couple of weeks! He has 4 teeth now and just loves to smile and laugh and is very vocal (that is, he screams) when he sees something he wants. Will, aptly named, is quite willful and focused on whatever he is doing. He also laughs hysterically when refusing to allow me to change his diaper- squirming and crawling away and giving his mother a fit. When Aunt Abigail was here recently, she discovered that the boys are mesmerized by the "Wheels on the Bus" song, so I've been wearing that one out since she left. It sometimes helps when trying to change diapers or when the boys get fussy.

Wyatt is also cruising and climbing on everything in sight. He has 4 teeth as well and loves to make all sorts of noises - his favorite being the "roar". Wyatt roars a lot in a whispery voice. I often speak baby roar back to him and he loves it! Both boys say Dada and Mama but we're not sure how purposeful they are in their speech yet. However, we do think we've heard Wyatt say "Dog" and "All Done". The boys will stand at the sliding glass door to look at the neighbors' two huskies every day, and yesterday Wyatt sounded like he was saying "dog" over and over again. I was taken back a little but I have said that word often to them so I guess I shouldn't be surprised. Then this afternoon, after they finished eating, I said "all done" several times and Wyatt sounded like he was repeating it back to me! "Ahh - Duhh!". I'm so excited that they are trying to talk a little and I just can't wait to hear what's on their minds when they're finally able to speak! Both boys get so excited when they see their Dad walk through the door... it is so sweet.

In other news, we just listed our house! We are hoping to move to Andrews, North Carolina once our house sells, but we're just taking it one day at a time. We plan to continue following the Lord in full-time ministry, and feel that this is the next step He has put before us. We appreciate all prayers said on our behalf:) We are SO excited about all God is doing here in Cincinnati at our church, New Life Chapel, and we are excited about what God is doing in Andrews, NC. We will be very sad to leave our church family at New Life Chapel! We will also be leaving the dear family we have here - Jason's parents, Jim & Janet, his sister Jamai and her family, and Jason's brother, Jeremy and his family. We have been SO blessed to live near them these past 3 years... having many family get-togethers and getting to watch all the children grow. We will certainly miss being so close to our loved ones! The good news is, if Andrews is to be our destination, we will only be about 6 hours away, which should enable us to visit Cincinnati often.... and hopefully Sebring as well!

Enjoy the pictures!!

9 MONTHS OLD!! CAN YOU BELIEVE IT?

2010-07-13T17:58:00.000-07:00

Wow! Today the boys are 9 months old. I guess time flies when you're having fun! They are recently crawling, climbing, taking their baths like big boys and learning to drink from a sippy cup and feed themselves finger foods. They are so much fun! They play and laugh together and fight over toys. When Daddy walks through the door their faces just light up and they can barely contain their excitement. Their favorite things to play with are naturally the things they're not allowed to play with...shoes and electrical cords...so it seems like I'm constantly picking up the house.

9 months after having the twins, I'm finally feeling (not looking, but feeling) back to my old self again. No more chronic back and knee pain/soreness, and I have the strength & energy to make it through a typical day. SO now I'm thinking I have no excuse to not be exercising:( We'll see.

Here are some more pics of Will & Wyatt. Enjoy!

8 MONTHS:)

2010-06-14T11:51:00.000-07:00

Wow! Hard to believe we've already made it to 8 months! Will & Wyatt are starting to look less like tiny babies and more like little boys. I didn't realize it would happen so fast. They are both usually sleeping now 11-12 hours straight at night, so our lives have drastically changed for the better. Jason & I have even gone out for the evening a few times in the last month or so! Although usually the smaller of the two, we think Will has maybe surpassed Wyatt in size, and has also been asserting himself more when it comes to fighting over toys. He's giving Wyatt a run for his money! Wyatt is active and curious, Will is relaxed and focused. Both are trying to scoot a little...won't be long before they are running all over the house!

7 Months!

2010-06-02T06:42:00.000-07:00

I got a little busy I guess, and forgot to post the boys' 7 Month Pictures. So here they are! The news this month is that Will has gotten his bottom two front teeth in within the last couple of weeks. Wyatt's first tooth appeared this yesterday morning! We are so proud. Also, they are both proficient at saying, "Da Da Da Da". I'm certain they believe this is my name. They are very vocal and happy babies, and are finding more and more opportunities to talk and laugh with each other. On Memorial Day, they took their first dip in their baby pool. The outing went much better than expected, and after they got used to the water they sat and played for quite a while (will post pictures of that asap). They weigh around 20 lbs now and are eating like college athletes. Neither have much hair yet but I think it will be dark blonde when they do. Most important of all, they are sleeping great! I rarely get up more than once during the night now, and sometimes not at all. They are in their cribs from 7 pm to about 7 am. It's amazing!

As usual, Will is on the left, Wyatt on the right:)

"We're tired of pictures, now, Mom."

Happy Mother's Day Mom!! From ALL of us:)

2010-05-11T18:50:00.000-07:00

6 Months Old!

2010-05-01T05:16:00.000-07:00

The boys were 6 months old on April 13! I didn't post because I was relaxing (sort of) in Florida at my parents' house. It was so nice to see my family and friends and everyone was so helpful with the babies. Thank you!!! Now I'm just adjusting to normal life back in the "'nati". Most of the pictures we took are on my mom's camera but I will post just a couple of the ones I have now. The boys are getting SO big and SO active. They aren't crawling yet, thankfully, but they sure wish they could. They smile and laugh and play, and try to grab and touch and taste everything in their reach. It is such a fun time. They are also newly sleeping through the night, thanks to the doctor assuring me that they do not, in fact, need to be getting up to eat every 2 hours (their Mimi tried to tell me the same thing but I didn't listen). The first night we let them cry Wyatt slept 11 hours straight. I almost cried!

The pictures below are from our trip to Sebring.

"BoBo" and the boys

Will loves bathtime!

"The Boys": Will, Beck, and Wyatt. I call them the Three Amigos!

Aunt Meredith & Wyatt

Uncle Brian with two of his nephews

Buddies!

Aunt Julie & Will

GiGi & Wyatt. This is the first time the boys met their Great Grandmother Edith!

Time to say "Bye for now". Sad!!

Family picture on Resurrection Sunday. What a beautiful day to celebrate Christ!

Wyatt, Jawan, Matthew, Alivia, Maquailla, Briana, Joshua, Kevin and Will

Family picnic at the park!

5 Months Already!?

2010-03-19T06:52:00.000-07:00

The 13th was the boys' 5 month birthday. Can't believe it!!! I feel like it was just yesterday that we found out we were pregnant. What an amazing year we've had!! A roller coaster of new experiences and surprises, ups and downs.

Lately I'm starting to feel like we are settling back into some sense of normalcy. We've been taking the boys to church now every week, and since Jason's truck is out of the shop and the warmer weather is here, I find myself getting out much more often. I'm so excited for Spring!! The boys and I like to go on trips to the gym or to the mall. It's interesting to learn that I'm apparently more approachable with twins in tow. A lot of people stop to talk or look at the babies. It's a lot of fun, especially since I'm the type to not even make eye contact with people when I go out in public. I'm hoping this helps me make a permanent change in the way I interact with those around me. (It's actually not that scary talking to someone I don't know!)

Will and Wyatt are growing like weeds and beginning to really interact with us. They think its funny when I pretend to eat their feet, they will grab each other's hands and faces if they're near one another, and they are getting pretty good at playing with toys and sitting up in their bumbo seat. It's amazing to see how much they've learned and changed since they arrived in October. My favorite thing is when they smile at us (which happens a lot) and when they laugh. Will's little eyes just light up when he sees something that makes him smile, and Wyatt has the biggest grin I've ever seen, I just love it!

I've been a little anxious about the idea of getting them back into their cribs (they've been in decked out car seats for a while because they needed the coziness to sleep). They're at the point now, though, that I feel they're ready for it. But they haven't slept on their backs much lately and I've feared that it will take many sleepless nights before they get used to it again. Well... I remembered I had those infant sleep positioners... so we pulled those out the night before last and the boys have now spent the last 2 nights back in their cribs! I am so relieved. Not that its been cake, I was up pretty much every hour during the night with them and this morning they both ended up in bed with me from about 5 am on... but they did better than I'd expected. I was hoping to have them transitioned back to their cribs before I start them on cereal soon. I have the idea that they will sleep like bears once they're on solid food and I really hope I'm right! Ideally, I'd like to have both feats accomplished before we head to Florida for a nearly 3 week stay. Its a lot of change so I'm hoping they handle it well.

In other news, they are both teething, moving around more (though still not rolling over all the way), and starting to show signs of attachment to each other. They weigh about 16 lbs. and their little ears are beginning to stick out (they definitely have their mom's ears...but they are far cuter on them than on me!) Will has proven to be less social than Wyatt. Will gets overwhelmed by too much noise or attention while Wyatt loves to see and talk to people all day. Everyone has a different opinion of whether or not the boys look alike or not...and who they resemble most.

I can't wait to take Will & Wyatt to Florida, it will be so much fun to see family and friends and get to spend a lot of time outdoors. Mom is flying up here so she can fly home with me and the babies. Jason will come a week later. So there's a lot to look forward to!!! I hope you're resting up, Mom & Dad & Aunt Abigail!

Before church a few weeks ago. Thankfully the snow is all melted now and warmer weather is on its way!

Will loving the swing

A few pictures from when my Uncle Russell and cousins Kyle & Heather visited last week. Thanks guys for coming to see us! It was so much fun!

4 Months Old!!!

2010-02-14T14:03:00.000-08:00

The boys turned 4 mo. yesterday, the 13th of Feb. Now usually sleeping 5 to 8 hours a night at a time. Their little personalities are starting to show a little more...lots of smiling, talking, starting to interact with each other a little. We're having fun!

I've been asked a lot if I'm getting cabin fever. I'm really not, although I do enjoy getting out when I get the chance. Being cooped up since September, I've had time to get used to it and I think its just my new normal. At least I get to kind of skip winter! That's always a plus. Spring is on its way... sort of... and I'm looking forward to getting the boys out then. I think they'll be at an age to appreciate it a little more too.

Will and Wyatt's personalities are just coming through more and more now. It should be interesting to see if they continue to differ so much. We like to make predictions as to how they'll be once they start moving and talking. Mind you, we did this when I was pregnant and we were way off. We predicted Wyatt would be headstrong, very active, wild... and that Will would be laid back, fun-loving, etc. As babies, Will is actually more temperamental and Wyatt is more laid back and fun-loving. Lately Wyatt has actually been a little more demanding but it may just be due to him teething. My predictions now are that Will is going to be more mischevious, active and physical, while Wyatt will be a little more easy going and more of a communicator. I think Will is going to be the leader of the two and Wyatt will be happy to be along for the ride. What am I basing this on? Mostly a hunch but a couple of the examples of how they behave differently now: Wyatt is usually glued to my face (or Dad's or whoever is holding him) and eager to talk and smile..while Will is glued to a toy or the mirror-he loves to look at himself! Also, Will is a squirmer and a mover constantly, seemingly more interested in figuring out how to move those arms and legs than how to communicate. He does smile and talk to us but just not as much. He often seems to be in his own little world. Wyatt likes to observe his surroundings more. So anyways, those are my predictions... we'll see what happens. In any case, it is definite that they each have their very own way about them. They are perfect!

Some more recent pictures:

Daddy & Wyatt

3 Months Old!!!

2010-01-13T09:15:00.000-08:00

Difficult even for me to tell them apart in this picture!

Tummy time for Wyatt

Earlier this morning:

(Can you tell who's who?)

Will showing off his smiley face

Today is the boys' 3 Month Birthday. Happy Birthday Will & Wyatt! They are doing great-usually sleeping a 5 hour stretch at night plus a couple more 2 or 3 hour stretches. They are both smiling and communicating with us, cooing, paying attention to toys and objects more, and trying to use their hands a little. Tummy time is something I've been trying to be more disciplined about and I think they are getting used to it a little more. I predict they will be rolling over in the next couple of weeks.

Being a twin Mom is intense, but I'm starting to finally feel like it is going to be manageable. I'm trying to get the boys on some sort of schedule - they get up for the day at 9, eat, get changed, and then play in their crib for 20 minutes or so while they listen to music. Then we go to the living room and play some more until they fall asleep. They sleep for about an hour usually then eat again at 11, then stay awake for about an hour, then fall asleep (hopefullly). So this cycle continues in some fashion through the day, with the babies eating at least every 2 hours. We try to get them down for the night between 9 and 10 but sometimes its 11 before they decide they're ready for bed.

In the first few weeks of being a mom, I started to worry that I wasn't bonded with the babies like I should be.. I had read that sometimes twin moms have a more difficult time because there are two babies instead of one. To compound the problem, the birth experience was far from what I'd hoped for. After laboring for hours I was unable to deliver them and they were born via emergency c-section. I was barely coherent and don't remember much. I remember hearing them cry and asking Jason, "Is that the babies?" They were taken immediately to the NICU and it was a while before they asked me if I wanted to go see them. I don't even remember thinking about them or being anxious to see them. I was just glad they were born and the whole ordeal was over with and that we were all okay. I went to sleep around 4 or 5 am and it wasn't til later that day that I was even able to hold them for the first time. I don't remember that much either. It still upsets me to think about it. My whole life I've looked forward to seeing and holding my child for the first time in the delivery room, and it just didn't happen that way-probably never will. For the first 12 days of Will & Wyatt's lives I wasn't even responsible for taking care of them. When I wanted to see them I had to walk or drive to the NICU and felt like I needed permission to care for my babies, to hold them or touch them. I will never forget how good it felt to finally bring them home and have them all to ourselves. Now it's been three months and we have bonded, it just wasn't instantaneous. It has been a process and that is okay. Although I don't love the way things happened, I have to be thankful for the doctors and the technology that helped us through the pre-term labor, the preeclampsia, the passing out, the babies' falling heart rates. A hundred years ago the boys probably wouldn't have made it, I might not have either.

Much of the pregnancy and all of the labor & delivery was an experience foreign to all my hopes and dreams. Different than what I had envisioned - a surprise. This has been the hardest thing for me to work through. Surprised to find out we were going to have twins...surprised to not enjoy pregnancy...surprised to have the boys so early in such a way. But it comes down to this: the Lord knew it all along. It wasn't my plan but it was His plan. Would I give one of them back to have had things happen differently? No way.

It is an incredible feeling to know I'm not in control and sometimes big things can happen in our lives that are wonderful and surprising and not in our plans. God is so good.

Some other pictures:

Naptime:)

I've got my hands full

Just watching a little tv (that's Wyatt)

The boys enjoying the rocking chair we got for Christmas from Nick & Meredith, Jason's parents and my parents. Thank you soooooo much!!!

A visit from Grandmother Polly & Grandaddy Clyde. So much fun!

Morning Playtime (this consists mostly of looking around)

Wyatt in his bumbo seat

Will

2 Month Birthday!

2009-12-14T15:44:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, the 13th was the boys 2 month birthday, I can't believe it! They are going through less diapers and sleeping a little better at night (but still only about 3 hours at a time, sometimes 4). At our dr. appointment last week Will weighed 9# 14 oz. and Wyatt weighed 11# 4 oz. I think Wyatt may be teething early. Lots of slobbering today and I think I can feel his little two front teeth bumps - not sure. Both have been very fussy and hungry in the evenings the past couple of weeks - hope to get through this stage soon. I will try to post some videos as soon as I figure out how!

Will & Wyatt

Naptime!

The cutest Razorback ever (this is Will - the hat is too small for Wyatt)

1 Month Birthday!

2009-11-14T16:23:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, the 13th, was Wyatt & Will's 1 Month Birthday. They are fattening up just fine!

The Boys

2009-11-12T18:49:00.000-08:00

At 1:20 am on October 13, our baby boys finally arrived! After over 12 hours of induced labor and 3 epidurals (the first two didn't work), William Alton and Wyatt Brooks were delivered via emergency c-section. Will was born first, 5#, 2 oz. and 17 in. long. Wyatt was 5#, 12 oz. and 19 in. long. Although big and healthy, they had to stay 12 days in the NICU until they were able to eat enough on their own. We brought them home Oct. 25. My Mom has been here since a few days before delivery and is helping tremendously!! She will leave the 17th of Nov. to go help Meredith with her new delivery, Beckham Grant Floyd, expected on the 19th. Although sleep deprived, we are enjoying every moment with our little ones, and are so thankful that they are healthy and happy! Thank you to everyone who have helped us through prayers, meals, gifts and encouraging words!!! Enjoy the pictures!

Pregnancy Journal

2009-07-01T09:01:00.000-07:00

SEPT. 21 (Mon):

Funny story...sort of: so Saturday my wonderful friends threw a baby shower for me at our house (since I can't leave)- it was wonderful and so much fun getting presents and eating all the yummy food. I thought I did a pretty good job of staying put on the couch. Well later that night I started having contractions again. I thought, "Oh, no. I don't want to go back to the hospital and have to stay days or even weeks!!!" So I said some prayers in between my contractions, which were coming about 10 or 12 minutes apart. Well Jason picks up my medication and discovers I've only been taking half the correct dosage, all week. I'm supposed to be taking 2 pills every 6 hours instead of just one. Not rocket science, it says it in bold letters across the bottle. I've read it many times, not sure how it didn't register. I think it's because the nurse told me one pill which is what it is I think if you're taking the actual name brand Procardia but since I'm taking the generic it's two smaller pills. In any case, I started taking the right amount and it seems to have helped a lot. I just feel really stupid and guilty as well. Still getting a contraction here and there but nothing to worry about I don't think.

Anyways, I am almost 31 weeks along now and I've been on bed rest for a little over 1 week. It really hasn't been that bad. I'm told that I won't have much opportunity to lay around once the boys are here so I'm trying to enjoy it. I'm confident I can do this for a few more weeks (providing I take my medication correctly). Jason and my mother in law, Janet, are out and about right now spending our gift cards on baby stuff (stroller, baby tub, diapers, crib, bouncers). I'm so excited! Thank you to all our wonderful family and friends who have blessed us with gifts and money to get the baby stuff we need!! There are a few pictures below of the shower here at our house on Saturday and one of the shower in Sebring (I will post more of the Sebring shower as soon as possible).

SEPT. 15 (Tues):

Well, we had an eventful past few days. After my appointment last Wednesday, we went home and later that night I started having contractions. I wasn't positive that's what I was feeling because they weren't very painful, but I started timing them around 2 a.m. and then called the doctor around 3. Jason didn't believe me that I was having contractions. I described my contractions to the doctor, reported that they were 5 minutes apart, and she told me to go on down to the hospital. When they hooked me up to the monitors in triage, they said my contractions were 2 to 3 minutes apart. Told you so, Jason! (Still 1 cm dilated, 50% effaced). So they admitted me, put me on magnesium (to stop contractions) and an IV, and gave me another shot of steroids for the babies' lungs. By Saturday morning they were able to let us go home, after taking me off the magnesium and putting me on a pill called procardia. It never felt so good to be home! That was a crazy whirlwind of anxiety, uncertainty and emotion. We didn't know what was going on, wondering if we were going to have our babies right then, and knowing we're not ready for them yet! So, now that I've been back home for a few days I feel like things are sort of returning to normal for now. I'm 30 weeks along today, the goal is for us to make it to 34 weeks. The medicine I'm taking is helping to prevent contractions, I have to take it 4 times a day, and I have to be on bed rest. Jason is doing such a good job taking care of things that its starting to make me feel a little insufficient. I really don't want him to be better at cooking dinner than me.

Yesterday (Monday) we saw our specialist again for our monthly appointment. The boys are doing really well. Will is 3lb. 5 oz. and Wyatt is 3lb. 12 oz. They are both head down, way down in ready position! Wyatt is still lower. They were practicing their breathing like pros, for some reason they seem in a real hurry to be born. Hold your horses guys! Mom and Dad are NOT ready for you yet!

SEPT. 9 (Wed):

Went to the doctor again today for my weekly appointment (I'm 29 weeks). Sonogram showed the babies still looking good, still in same basic positions. However, when we saw the doctor we found out that I'm "a little dilated". What?!! SO, we have definitely changed our mindset, realizing that even though just a few days ago we were still in our 2nd trimester, we could have these babies in just a few more. Hopefully though, "go-time" won't be for a few more weeks. The doctor ordered two steroid shots to my rear to help the babies' lungs develop faster just in case. The most painful shot I've ever had and I have to go back tomorrow morning for another one. Anything for my babies! I was practicing my breathing, as if the pain I was experiencing was anywhere close to what actual labor pain would be. Ha ha!

Different emotions, Jason actually seems a little excited, I guess to know this is real and he could have his sons very soon. The doctor said to rest and drink a lot of water. Jason didn't let me go grocery shopping, clean the kitchen, do the laundry, or cook dinner as I had planned - he took care of all of it when he got home from work. Thank You, God, for such a loving husband!!! For me, it is just difficult to grasp the reality that we could have our babies within just days from now. My main concern is being separated from them for weeks or even months if they have to be in the NICU. However, I feel very blessed with our hospital, Good Sam. They have all the necessary facilities and technology to handle the worst-case scenarios and their NICU is wonderful. They encourage parents to be with the babies as much as possible. There are apartments available if needed and they also have a program called Kangaroo Care that allows the parents to come visit the babies and hold them for hours at a time, even though the babies may be hooked up to stuff. They put the babies on your chest, in just their diapers so they can be skin to skin, and they can feel your heartbeat and your voice. It is supposed to really help the babies, but I'm wondering if I wont need it more! It seems to me that at this point the babies will be in the NICU for at least a little while, I'm just hoping for days or weeks instead of months. After the news today, I can't imagine carrying them past 35 or 36 weeks. The doctor said our goal is 3 more weeks, to make it to 32 weeks. I will try and stay horizontal as much as possible for as long as possible. I must be having contractions but I still don't really know what they feel like or how long they're lasting so that is something I'm going to work on figuring out. Any tips from you Mothers out there? I guess if nothing else, I will eventually definitely know I'm having them once they get painful! Please pray for our little ones and for us as well. I know we are all in God's hands and that is a great place to be!

SEPT.1:

Had another appointment yesterday. Both boys still head down, Wyatt still first. Saw Wyatt yawn, didn't know babies did that in the womb! My weight: a whopping 167. Had a wonderful time in Sebring, will post pictures soon. Abigail had two volleyball games while I was down and I was also given a baby shower by Mrs. Braswell, Mrs. Brooker, Mrs. Hill & Amanda. It was so much fun! Also got to see family and my Aunt Julie brought a car load of hand-me-downs from my cousins Jaime & Jessica. I now have lots and lots of baby clothes! Working on the baby room and washing all the baby bedding & clothes I've received. Fun!

AUG.17:

TWINS!!! Yes, it's true. We found out about a month ago that we're expecting identical twin boys. This was at our 22 week appointment. What a surprise! I think it may be finally starting to settle in now. Our plans are to name the first born William Alton and the second baby Wyatt Brooks. However, this may not happen. We found out today that the baby who I've been calling Wyatt (Baby B), who is always very active, larger, and usually positioned high in my belly, has usurped his brother's position. He has turned head down and pushed his brother out of the #1 spot. So now I'm puzzled as to what to do, mainly hoping that he moves back up... because even though I know it will make no difference to him, I know him in my heart as Wyatt. I keep saying he's the one who is going to be asking for all the attention and he's acting true to form!

The babies as we saw them this morning at our appointment. They're starting to finally put on a little baby fat! "Baby B" is 2 lb, 4 oz. and "Baby A" is 1 lb, 15 oz. as of this morning.

We broke the news to Jason's family right after our appointment but waited 2 whole weeks to tell my family in Gatlinburg. It was a lot of fun surprising everyone, no one had any idea. Here are some pictures of our trip. Meredith and I were both 24 weeks along at the time. Hard to find pictures of me that I don't just look HUGE in but I guess I should just accept it for now.

On the sky lift. Scary!

Again, I look huge... and somehow Jason looks thin. Isn't he supposed to be gaining weight with me?

A few pictures I took with my good camera when we went to Cade's Cove. Many of the photos I took didn't turn out because I had the wrong exposures but here are few of the better ones.

Us... happily unaware of the chaos that will soon overtake our lives.

The cousins. I like to call them the Three Amigos.

These next two are some of the pictures we got at our first specialist appointment at about 23 weeks. Not much fat on them yet, they look like little chickens! In the first picture you can see the side of one baby's head (top part of photo) and the other baby's body (bottom part of photo).

"Baby B" at 23 weeks

The remaining sonograms below are ones we got at our 22 week appointment, the day we found out we were having twins.

Both babies' hearts next to each other.

So... actually, the two pictures below are of two different babies...I knew we were having twins at the time of the previous post but had to keep it a secret until we could break the news to our family in Gatlinburg. It was so much fun! Since Meredith already wrote about how we broke the news on her & Nick's blog, I won't do it again. Their blog is www.NickMeredith.blogspot.com.

Baby B profile

Baby A foot

We finally got our ultrasound on Monday, the 13th. It was so amazing!! Baby is healthy and really moving around. The first picture is the profile and the second is Baby's foot. So cute! Definitely has the "Fryer Feet", looks like a little bear claw!

Me at 19 weeks (July 1)

Belly pictures have been requested. Therefore, when Jason gets home I will take some more and put them up. I tried to do it by myself just now but it didn't really work out. I am 19 weeks along, feeling overall much better. Still very very hungry, hence the 25 lb weight gain, and still having bad indigestion. Exercising and trying to eat better now that I'm not getting sick. Feeling the baby move all the time, and already ready to just have the baby. I can't believe I'm only half way there. Oh-and I finally did my registry at Target & BabiesRUs with the help of Meredith, who made me a very long list of things I shall need, and my friend Angel, who is a Mommy 3x. Jason had little desire to be involved in the registering, he probably remembers registering for our wedding.

We went to Panama City Beach a few weeks ago with our friends, the Humphreys. I was 16-17 weeks along and starting to feel a little better. It was such an amazing, relaxing trip. I was really hoping to accomplish two things while we were there: settle on baby names and also feel the baby kick for the first time. Evelyn Barrett if it's a girl, William Alton if it's a boy. And on the way home in the car I got two solid kicks from our little one! The trip was a success. I'd put some pictures up of me in my swimsuit but I don't think ANYONE would benefit from that.

I got to go to Chicago with Amanda and her Mom & Grandmother in mid-May. I was 12 weeks pregnant, still feeling pretty sick, and not fitting into my clothes! I took a dress to wear to the broadway show that was normally pretty loose fitting. I didn't expect any problems. But when I tried to put it on it didn't fit ANYWHERE, especially my hips. We improvised and had a great time at the show. Thanks Mrs. Wise for the wonderful trip and all the wonderful food!!!

Mom came to visit in early May. I was about 10 weeks along. It was SO NICE having her here! She cooked & cleaned and bought me lots of maternity clothes. I love you Mom!

As my belly grows I will try to update this post. The first picture is of Jason & I at our friend's wedding when I was 3 weeks pregnant but didn't know it. Jason had a hunch though and kept saying so which was driving me crazy! It's ironic to me that after so many months of crying wolf and thinking/hoping I was pregnant it would be Jason who would really know when it had happened. He called it way before it was time to even take a pregnancy test. Huh. According to him I had been acting a little overemotional. In any case, we were both beyond excited when we took the test and it confirmed that, indeed, there was a baby on the way. That's probably the last time I'll be looking that slender for a while.

Baby on the Way

2009-05-21T06:21:00.000-07:00

Well I figured its about time to put some posts up here. If you haven't already heard, we're expecting our first baby November 26th! We are so excited and feel so blessed to be experiencing this miracle (morning sickness and all). We have decided not to find out the sex of the baby but to wait to be surprised. Sorry Mom & Meredith! I am about 14 weeks along now but still not over the nausea quite yet.

In other news, Abby came to visit for a few days on her spring break in March, then Mom came to visit a few weeks ago for an entire week. Last week I went to Chicago to see Amanda, Mrs. Hill & Mrs. Wise who were there celebrating Amanda's graduation. So eventually I will have pictures of all this. Brian recently moved to Gatlinburg and is now only 4 hours away from us!

To keep everyone updated, I quit my job at Mass Marketing in March and am now working part time as a photographer for Michael Bambino & Co. I am really enjoying having more free time!

Jason is still at Landmark Baptist as the Singles & Outreach pastor.

The Holidays (cont.)

2009-01-25T18:07:00.000-08:00

2nd Anniversary Dinner (in the cow pasture...courtesy of Jason but with the help of Abigail & Meredith & Mom's fine china...); Also a couple of pictures of the New Year's Eve party. Kat, Steve, Jenna, me, Mrs. & Mr. Taylor. It was soooo good to see my friends!

The Holidays (cont.)

2009-01-02T08:11:00.001-08:00

One big happy family!...Also notice the hunting picture...the boys take it very seriously. The bounty wrought by eight nights of stealthy hunting? A raccoon. I decided not to post that picture.

The Holidays (cont.)

2009-01-02T08:03:00.001-08:00

The Holidays

2009-01-02T07:50:00.001-08:00

We hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! We certainly did. We had Christmas on the 23rd with Jason's family and then traveled to Sebring, FL to spend the rest of the holidays with my family. I was informed on several occasions that I need to put more pictures up. Apparently some people are tired of the cats.

2008-11-06T19:35:00.000-08:00

Our friends T.J. & Lindsey were married a few weeks ago in Louisville, KY. Jason & his good friend Brad were the best men, and Jake sang. So Ashley (Jake's wife), Denise (Brad's wife) and I had some girls bonding time at the Super 8 while the guys stayed in the "nice" hotel across the street. Thanks, guys.

2008-11-06T19:26:00.000-08:00

A few pictures of my visit with Meredith & Nick & Reese in September. Meredith bought me this weird cake because it was on clearance.

2008-11-06T18:34:00.000-08:00

Here are some recent pictures...these are from our family Labor Day picnic. Jamai, Kevin and their kids Kevin & Jawan (Maquailla couldn't make it); Jeremy & Amy and their kids Alivia, Josh & Matt (twins) (also, Vanessa couldn't make it either); Jason's parents, Jason's Grandmother, and us.

2008-10-30T18:11:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone! This is the new Fryer family blog spot. We are excited to have a place now that will enable family & friends to keep up with us. We've been living in Cincinnati now for almost a year and a half and will be celebrating 2 great years of marriage in December. God has been great to us and we are excited about following Him with our future. We can't wait to see what He has in store. Stay posted!