Merit at the Pumpkin Patch

My mom and I took our little pumpkin to the Pumpkin Patch by our house. We dressed him in his "My First Halloween" outfit and took lots of pictures. We had so much fun and I think he did too!

New Discoveries!

Mommy put together a new Baby Einstein toy for Merit this week. He is going to be a very smart little boy. He loved watching the lights and listening to the music. He is much more alert now and really watches everything I do. He loves staring at me and Daddy. It is fun to watch him change, but a little sad too. We went to the doctor this week and Merit now weighs 9 lbs. 7 oz. He is definitely growing!

Working Out With Mommy!

Merit has officially started working out with Mommy. Grandma Sarah has been walking with us in the neighborhood almost every afternoon. Merit has been assisting Mommy with lunges, squats, sit-ups and push-ups. His assistance was in the form of weight. I think he weighs 9 pounds now! He is really growing! We are having way too much fun!

3 1/2 Weeks Old!

Merit hanging out in the boppy. He and Daddy were watching some football and he decided to take a little nap.

We really can't believe Merit is almost 4 weeks old. Time is passing too quickly. He is growing so fast. Many of his clothes that were too big almost fit him now. He is awake much more at this point. He slept so much the first 2 weeks. He has big, blue eyes and is constantly looking at mommy and daddy. We talk to him as if he understands what we're saying. Who knows...maybe he does. This past week we started taking him for rides in the stroller around the neighborhood. I think he really enjoyed it. Mommy enjoyed getting out of the house for some exercise and some fresh air! The stroller seems to put him to sleep pretty quickly. We also started having "tummy time" once each day. He is really getting strong. He can lift his head and turn from one side to the other.

2 Week Check-Up Report

Merit went to the pediatrician for his 2 week check-up. He is growing so fast! We were happy with his weight. He weighed in at 7 lb 12 oz. He is 20 inches long now. The doctor checked his reflexes and his muscular development. He is quite fit for someone his age. Must be all the working out his mommy did while he was in her tummy. :) His 2 week check-up was actually a week ago but I forgot to write about it. Oops! It's amazing how quickly the days go by when you are caring for a newborn! We are having so much fun with little Merit. We are taking pictures daily; trying to capture every moment with him. He is truly a gift from God.

Merit's First Photo Shoot!

I had fun taking pictures of our little boy yesterday. I think he had fun too! He is quite photogenic. What a cutie pie!

God is Good!

Merit is truly a blessing from God. We are having way too much fun with him! JP is constantly telling me to grab the camera. He wants to capture everything he does. Merit is eating very well and sleeping really good too. I am sleeping in between his feedings and Daddy says he doesn't even hear us at night. We are having some issues with leaky diapers but I'm sure we'll get that resolved soon. We are thanking God daily for our healthy baby boy. We are also very grateful that I had a complication free labor and delivery and a quick recovery as well. Thank you to all of our friends and family for the constant prayers you have lifted up on our behalf. We love and appreciate each of you!

Merit's Visitors

We have had so many visitors. Many of our friends have brought us meals. It has been really nice not to have to worry about cooking the first few days home. Thanks everyone!

Welcome Merit Cross!

Labor at School!

What an unusual day it truly was. I had not slept at all the night before due to major back pain. I didn't know I was in the early stages of labor. I woke up and got ready for school. My mom and JP told me I was not very smart for going. They thought I should stay home and take it easy. While I was teaching the Reading lesson I noticed that the pain seemed to be coming in frequent intervals. My friends at work told me I should start timing the pain and said they thought I was in labor. At first the pain came at 10 minute intervals, then at 8, then at 6. I called my Dr. T. and he said to continue walking around the room teaching for another hour and see if the pain continued. It definitely continued! While I was teaching the Bible lesson I was holding on to a desk in the back of the room trying to take long, deep breaths to get through the pain. My kids could tell I wasn't feeling well and asked what was wrong. I told them the baby was really kicking. They asked me if I thought the baby might come that day. I lauged to myself and thought, probably so. "What in the world am I doing still at work?" I wanted to finish the Bible lesson with them before I left. I guess that shows how much I truly love my job and my kiddos. I called my long-term substitute, Susan, and asked her if she could come in at 11:30 for me. When she arrived I promptly left. I met my mom at my house, got my bags loaded in the car and headed to Dr. T.'s office. Sure enough I was dialated to 3 cm and he said, "I'll meet you at the hospital". I called JP and told him I was in labor. He left San Antonio immediately and headed to Dallas. My Dad was headed home from Red River and Alicia left Houston as soon as I called. Everyone made it in plenty of time. Alicia was with me throughout the birth. I truly could not have done it without her. She was amazing! She encouraged me, held my hand, fed me ice chips and coached me through 2 1/2 hours of pushing. Merit Cross McLain arrived at 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday night, Sept. 15th.