Baseball, Blood Pressure, and Baby Basics.

After you finish reading this post I want you to leave a comment telling me, on a scale of 1-10, (1 being absolutely no cooler and 10 being, "You are such a joke, my life is the bomb.com compared to yours!") how much cooler than me you are based on my life activities over the last 10 days. 

But, before you get too excited, you must know that I have plans to watch the results show of Dancing With the Stars, serve a riveting baked chicken dish for dinner, and take my blood pressure tonight. So there's that...

Be careful...your envy is showing. :)

In the hustle and bustle of the month I haven't even mentioned baseball. That is so unlike me. This guy left for Spring Training almost a month ago. 

Source

Pretty soon, camp will break, he'll have his assignment for the season, and it will be time to suit my dad up in his straight jacket for the next 6 months. I'm excited for him and what this season holds but I'm also so bummed he won't get to meet his niece and nephew for several months. We'll have lots of Skype dates with Uncle T! Speaking of Uncle T...he's contributing to a blog called thecupcheck.com which was recently written up in the Wall Street journal. Big time, Uncle T! It's really funny and gives insight into the world of minor league baseball.

Meanwhile, back in Texas we've been enjoying baseball of our own. We've had some beautiful Texas evenings and enjoyed watching the Longhorns. Last weekend Texas played Tech so we were a house divided. Texas squeaked out the series 2-1.

And because I'm 95 (or pregnant with twins...) my blood pressure has been fairly high as of late. I've been flirting with "nervous" numbers so I have to take it at home all the time. If it gets higher than a certain number I have to call my doctor. Well, last Sunday we were there. It was neato. I took my blood pressure at home, at the grocery store, then about 18 times at CVS, then "officially" with the pharmacist at Walgreens - just to be sure the other 3 places' machines weren't crazy. 

The best part is that the photo below was taken when one of my best friends happened to text me at this very moment and said, "Just checking in! How's your blood pressure?" Haha. We are so cool. Next thing we know we'll be talking about insurance at our next dinner party. 

Oh...wait...that's already happened.  

Finally, we attended our Baby Basics class last week and it was fairly hilarious. Dave has never changed a diaper in his 33 years of life. How is that even possible? So he got to diaper and dress our baby. Afterwards he said, "This is a piece of cake." I took the opportunity to praise him for his mad skills and then gently reminded him that the baby hadn't pooped or peed and didn't move a single muscle while he contorted her arm through that tiny onesie. Not to mention the lack of head support while dressing her. But hey, those are just details. With two little ones coming in less than 4 weeks...yes, you read that right...we've got plenty of practice heading our way!!

Oh, and the beard...someone is a Disciple in our Easter drama at church. He's been instructed to grow his beard to be more realistic. You can bet your bottom dollar I'll take pictures!

Happy Tuesday, friends!

"Life is What Happens When You're Busy Making Other Plans..." ~ John Lennon

We have been busy-busy attempting to prepare for these two wee-ones to make their big debut. I've been reading blog posts on what to pack in my hospital bag and theirs, it dawned on me I should order baby books, and I was (thankfully) "reminded" that we need a pediatrician. Oh, and their nursery isn't remotely close to done. This wouldn't normally be an issue at 32 weeks but my doctor likes to remind me that twins tend to come whenever they're good and ready. Which, statistically, could be any ol' day. I like to think mine are slow cookin' and I've still got some time. Eeek!!

I'm doing my best to be as prepared as one can be, but like John Lennon once said, "Life is what happens when you're busy making other plans!" Here is a little bit of our life lately...

I turned 32. Mom and I decided a trip to the spa for a completely gratuitous pedicure was in order. It was one of those spoiling moments when you realize just how much you're spending for a pedicure but you don't care because it's more luxurious than going to a place called "Great Nail". Anytime you can get a pedicure, in a robe, while drinking citrus water out of wine glasses, while eating dark chocolate covered pomegranates  and leave with your very own "vegan" polish because they open a new bottle each time, you can consider that a win. You can also expect to see me back at "Great Nail" for my next treat. :)

Rookie had a sleepover. Mom and dad skipped town so we dog-sat. It's nice to know his friends feel right at home! 

I have ZERO trouble finding darling clothes for Caroline and I always feel so guilty because I am never as tempted to buy-buy-buy for Parker. And then there were these...are you kidding me with this cuteness? It's a given that he will need these. 

Our weekend was full of surprises. Not the least of which was finding out we have to get a new car. We did our "trial run" with the car seats only to find out my seat had to be pushed up so far that my stomach was touching the steering wheel. My feet were so close to the pedals it wasn't safe to drive. Not great news for team Mendenhall. Put it on our tab...

In other news, my co-workers threw me a very sweet baby shower. These cute kisses were on the table. It still hits me at random times that I'm having 2 children. Mind = blown!

I always have my trusty helper when I'm working in the nursery. He tends to get his paws on some of P&C's stuffed animals. He loves to play fetch- it's pretty much our nightly ritual, so the babies' toys throw him off. He doesn't understand why he doesn't get them. I like to think he's saying, "Who in the world are these Parker and Caroline people? Why are we making such a fuss over them? And why do I get the feeling that my world is about to be rocked?" I think he's going to be a great (and pouty) big brother :)

Keeping with the baby theme...we've decided our house in like Noah's Ark. 2 by 2! 

It's absolutely hysterical and it's also completely humbling. The generosity of our friends and family in helping us prepare for P&C has been overwhelming and such a blessing!

And here's the belly as of today- 32 weeks. I officially cannot see my toes, tying my shoes is about to be a task for Dave, painting my toenails is officially the duty of "Great Nail", I walk upstairs and I sound like I just crossed the finish line of a sprint, I need someone or something to brace to get myself off the floor, and you don't even want to know the state of my ankles. Or lack thereof. It's like nothing you've ever seen before. But in all, I'm still feeling well! 

These 2 beautiful babies are still growing and doing their thing on the inside so I am thankful beyond measure. After all, Mama's got plenty of days to see her ankles! These ultrasound pics were taken 2 weeks ago at our 30 wk ultrasound (Parker-L and Caroline- R) and we get to see them again this afternoon! 

Life is good! XOXO

A Very Good Day...

Today is my birthday. I'm 32 years old....holy moly. I guess time flies when you're having fun! Last year, on my birthday, I didn't feel like there was much to celebrate. I was spending my last few weeks with my Papa, we were dealing with the disappointment of failed fertility treatments, and I saw 31 as a reminder of another year going by that I wasn't a mother. But in the midst of the heartache I had hope in my God who loves me and who is faithful.

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper and not to harm you. Plans to give you hope and a future." ~ Jeremiah 29:11

It's amazing how life can change in 365 days. God has answered our prayers in abundant ways and we are so excited to spend these days working towards the impending arrival of the Little Mister and Miss Priss! Family and friends have surrounded us to celebrate these two miracles and that is the best birthday present I could ever ask for! Their love for me is shown in their love for these babies and it's overwhelming!

Don't kid yourself, I got a yummy dinner out on Saturday night, some bubble bath, a spa gift certificate, a really pretty gown for the hospital, a candle, and some lotion for my incredibly dry skin, so I've been shown the love. :) But I wanted to share some of the gifts the babies have gotten at showers or otherwise that I just adore! And P&C got so many darling things...these are just a few of the lovelies that made me squeal with delight! Lucky babies!

Several pillows, lovies, and animals have been given to P&C and they are so special! David's mom got Parker and Caroline those precious pillows with their name on it. I got Miss Priss the "P.S. I love You" pillow, and a sweet family friend gave me the soothing bears. Caroline's says, "Jesus loves me this I know" on it's paws and plays "Jesus Love Me". Parker's says, "Now I lay me down to sleep" and plays that when you press it's paws. 

My mom gifted Parker with this pillow. It says, "Now I lay me down to sleep, I pray the Lord my soul to keep". I love it because I had that same prayer in my nursery when I was a wee one. 

Aren't these blankets beautiful? Y'all...my mother in law hand made these. They are so beautiful, so precious, and I just can't wait for her to see her grand babies in these blankets.

Mom and dad gave me these precious outfits that I might use as their coming home outfits. My mom has the gown I wore and the tiiiiiiny foofy shoes I wore! So that might be what little miss comes home in. I just can't wait for these sweet clothes to be worn by sweet babies!

How fun/funny is this...Dave's sister, Kate lives in NYC and gave us this fun NYC book and these super cute rattles. A metro card and a taxi...are you kidding me? My sister, Kristen, and Brad gave us this Texas book and BOOTS!! Are you even kidding me? Stinkin' adorable for these Texas babies!

Get this- those red pajamas were Dave's!! His mom and dad gave us this book, the stuffed llama, and Dave's 32 year old pajamas! I literally cannot wait to get P-money in the PJs!

We have gotten so many books and I just love it! But what I love the most are these bookends that my Nana got. They are so sweet and she picked them out personally for her great grand babies. LOVE.

You'll be shocked to know that this darling outfit is from Zsa Zsa! I needed no card to know those shoes came from my mother! ADORE. 

Y'all, the dog's ears flap on that sweater for Parker. And a smocked dog for Caroline? I die. You know that in about a year or so you will see a photo of C, P, and Rookie in these duds! 

Pool time! Do you die?? Ruffles, a swim cap, sun glasses, navy leopard...anchors...no words.

Parker has a letter jacket!! He WILL have a photo with his Uncle-T wearing this!

Easter 2014?? YEP! Thanks, Aunt Bradley! Adore. 

So much fun! I just go upstairs and look through everything over and over. I'm praising God for a healthy twin pregnancy and for them to keep cooking as long as possible, but I simply can't wait to meet them and kiss their beautiful faces!