The Twins Baby Shower #1

On Saturday 

I was thrown a baby shower 

for Harper and Hudson 

by my wonderful friend Holly.

She invited my sweet friends from school as well as my mom and sister.

It was so great to catch up with all of them, whom I have missed so much!

Here is the invitation:

 Before the Shower

How adorable are these banners?

She also had these cute cupcake toppers!

Here I am with Holly, the hostess.

My mom, sister Meg, and I.

Friends chatting and munching.

We played a "baby word scramble name" and I won! Holler!

And the guests played the "how big is the belly game". 

Surprisingly three people were spot on.

I feel like that rarely happens in this game!

I got some adorable baby gifts which I will blog about later!

I had a wonderful time with my friends celebrating the twins!

Thanks Holly for a great shower!

Sunday Social- Food Edition

1. If you could only eat one thing for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Mexican Food! 

It's a good thing I live in Arizona!

2. What's your guilty pleasure/comfort food?

I love desserts. 

Pretty much anything really.

 My go-to's when I'm home are cookies and milk but I could eat frozen yogurt daily!

 Love. Love. Love.

3. What's the weirdest/craziest thing you've ever eaten?

Probably rattlesnake.  We used to take out of state friends and family to a western place that served it as an appetizer. It seemed like an "Arizona thing". I can remember thinking it tasted like chicken- pretty bland.

4. What foods do you avoid at all costs?

Fish.

 I like sushi (the really simple/not-sushi-ish kind). 

But that's about it.

 I wish I liked it because it's supposed to be super healthy for you. 

But it grosses me out. 

5. What meal reminds you of your childhood?

Mac and Cheese with a side of green beans.

6. Share one of your favorite recipes and the story behind it.

I am soooo not a cook.

And everyone in my family knows it.

But one thing that I do know how to make is strawberry/ pretzel salad. 

(except for the one school pot luck where I totally added WAY too much sugar)

And people actually request it at family functions.

Who knew?

There really isn't a story. I think I originally tasted it at a school potluck and thought it was the greatest thing since sliced bread. So boom. I made it.

TV Addict

Since I'm pretty much stuck at home all day 

there has been A LOT of TV (trash TV to be exact) watching going on!

Here are some of the people I've been spending my time with:

Big Brother 14

Wasn't this scene so funny?

 "I picked the brawn and the brains and now..."

 I don't really have any favorite person that I'm rooting for this season, but I love the drama and how it changes each week. Why does Joe scream all the time? I hate him. Frank blinks A LOT. Like an abnormal amount. And is Ashley high or something? She is bizarre. 

Bachelor Pad

I love Ed. I think he is so flipping cute and he cracks me up. His wasted in the pool scenes crack me up. So do his animal sex noises.  I have a hard time with Jamie. All I can think about when I see her is that awkward kissing scene with Ben. Gross.

Real Housewives of New Jersey

For the record, I used to love Teresa and Juicy Joe.Mostly Juicy Joe. I always thought he was so cute. (Don't judge.) But boy has this season changed me. They are a serious piece of work. I'm now on team "everyone else". Melissa and her Joe are a freaking riot. Love them. But I think I would be friends the most with Jacqueline. 

Real Housewives of New York

While I thought this season got off to a slow start, they completely made up for it with the Florida episode. Holy smokes. Aviva's dad was hilarious. I seriously laughed out loud this entire episode. When he talked about "squirting orgasms" and Mario spit his drink across the table- amazing.   

Teen Mom

Okay. So my friends talked about this show for years and I never caved. Until now. I'm addicted. These girls are train wrecks and I can't turn away.  I seriously want to adopt Caitlyn and her bf. They have crap luck for family but def are getting their stuff together. His dad dating and beating up her mom? Seems so incestuous. And Farrah? She is the rudest girl I've ever seen. And honestly seems like she is a bad mom to Sophia.  

Bristol Palin: Life's a Tripp   

I know. I might be the only person in America watching this show. But I like to see her relationship with her family and bf.  I also think it's neat to see Sarah Palin as a mom at home. I like her. Sorry I'm not sorry. 

Keeping Up with the Kardashian's

When the show first started, I loved it. I felt like the girls relationship with their mom was so similar to my sister and my relationship with our mom.   Then I stopped watching for a couple of years.  Now I'm back. And yep. I still think we are like them.  We tell each other everything. I like Kim the best but I think Khloe and Lamar and adorable together. And I like Scott, probably better than Kourtney. But I love her hair right now. 

Trust me. There are plenty more shows that are taking up my DVR. (It's a good think Nick and I have our own DVRs because he hates all of my shows.) I'm just kinda done blogging for the moment. Hope you enjoyed my TV opinions!! What are your favorite or must watch shows?!? 

What I'm Loving Wednesday!

Happy Wednesday!

Today I'm linking up with Jamie to share what I am loving today! 

Enjoy!

(1)

I'm loving that I had an ultrasound today and saw my two little babies!

The pictures of my pictures aren't great- sorry, I wish I had a scanner!

But here ya go:

 Left side is Harper's face and right side is a close-up of her nose and mouth. (Imagine like she is smashing her face against a window- that's what it looks like!)  Harper was weighing 3 lb 15 oz today! My big girl!  She is also a wild and crazy baby.  The ultrasound tech couldn't believe how much she moved- it was pretty fun. Oh, another side note- she is no longer breech. But the tech said the way this baby moves- who knows what she will be tomorrow! 

Left side is Hudson's face and right side is a close-up of his nose and mouth. (Imagine like he is smashing his face against a window- that's what it looks like!) Hudson was weighing 3 lb 5 oz today!

(2)

I'm loving my sweet boy Reagan.

Today was his first day back at pre-school.

He had a great day and was well behaved. He also was super successful going potty. I was a nervous for his first day completely without us or family and the potty. But no accidents! Not even at nap time?!? Whoo hoo! 

Here was his report from today.

(3)

I'm loving how the babies room is coming!

Here is a sneak peak!

(This is the wall over the cribs.)

(4)

I'm loving this sign I made for the front door.

Let's hope it works and the solicitors and neighbor kids stop ringing the bell!

(5)

I'm loving this sweet gift I got from my old friend Ashley in the mail.

People are so stinking thoughtful!

I'm super excited about these WubbaNubs. I've heard great things!

How adorable are these onesies she ordered from Etsy?

I'm thinking maybe coming home outfits?!?

(How fancy were your coming home outfits? How did you decide what to have your baby wear? With Reagan I went the sentimental route and he wore the outfit my mom got us when we first found out he was a boy.)

(6)

I'm loving the Pinterest tutorials on how to make DIY canvas prints. Have any of you tried to make your own canvas prints? I LOVE how they look, but I don't want to spend $$$ on them. I would love to hear your thoughts!

here

(7)

I'm loving my amazing hubby Nick.  He has been such a super dad and husband while I have been pretty much stuck on the couch/bed. I am so lucky! 

Twin Tuesday

Happy Tuesday!

Just thought I would pop in and give you a little update on whats going on with me and the babies!

This might be a little t.m.i. You have been warned! 

This weekend I definitely started feeling like things were happening.

I woke up on Saturday with contractions, a lot of discharge, and a lot of pain down south. I just laid down all day and Nick was super dad.  That night I talked to my mom and told her ( I had been somewhat avoiding her because I knew how much she worries and I didn't want to freak her out for no reason. ) She of course was worried and wanted me to call the doctor just to check in. I on the other hand didn't want to be "that girl" who overreacts. So I said I would wait until Sunday to see how I felt.

I then talked to my friend Megan who had both of her babies early and had been through all of this before. She was really sweet and supportive.  She recommended that I chug a lot of water and change my position to see if the contractions lesson or decrease. If this didn't help she suggested I go to the hospital triage to get checked out- just to be safe.  The water and movement change totally helped. 

Sunday my parents came and took Reagan for the day. I spent the whole day on the couch watching movies and nodding on and off. It was crazy to be childless for the whole day!  I was so appreciative for my wonderful parents.

Monday I had my scheduled doctor appointment. 

My older sister Jocelyn came to watch Reagan and my niece Charlotte so my mom could come with me to the doctor to take notes, etc. So appreciative for Joc and Mom!

Turns out I am 1 1/2 cm dilated and I have lost my mucus plug.  She took a fetal fibronectin test and told me that she would send it out right away.  This test is a great predictor when negative. If it comes back negative, the mom will 99% not go into labor within the next 2 weeks. If it comes back positive, its not as good as a predictor.  I guess like 1/6 women actually go into labor within the next  two weeks.  Next I was hooked up to the machines that monitored the babies heart beats and contractions for about 20 minutes.  The doctor was happy with the results and told me to go home and be on "modified bed-rest".  Basically she wants me staying in bed or on the couch for most of the time, but I am allowed to go to my baby showers and hair appointment, etc. (I did cancel my massage though- boo.) She said she would call my cell phone with the test results when she got them.  If they came back positive I would have to start getting steroid shots to help the babies lungs get ready for delivery and most likely would be put in the hospital for monitoring.  

The test came back negative! 

Thank the Lord.

So if I can keep up the modified bed rest and not over-doing it, I am baby free for 2 weeks!  The closer we can get these babies to 34-36 weeks the better. (I'm 30 1/2 weeks right now). 

My mom is back to watching Reagan and my niece Charlotte all day on Mondays and Tuesdays and Rea Rea is back to school on Wednesdays-Friday. So this will definitely help me to stay off my feet. I've been catching up on my dvr and reading my twin books. 

My sweet Aunt Pat just sent me this book.

 It's interesting to read a twin book written from a mom's perspective (not a doctor's)

My mom got me this book and it has come in handy especially this last weekend! 

I'm off to email the Mothers of Multiple Club Librarian to pick up some more books.  ( I got a great list of recommended books from a fellow twin-mom blogger!  ) I really need to start reading about getting them to sleep and how to feed both babies.  That is starting to worry me big time, since they might be here sooner than I though! 

30 Weeks Pregnancy Update

How far along are you? 

30 Weeks

Total weight gain? 

I have gained 6 pounds.

How big are the babies or any doctor news?

I go to my Dr. on Monday and the twins Dr. on Wednesday, so I can give you more information (and ultrasound pictures)  after that. But according to BabyCenter.com the babies should be around 3 pounds each (like 2 heads of cabbage).

I tested negative for the gestational diabetes test (yay) but tested positive for anemia (nbd- just need to take an iron pill). 

Best moment ?

1) Overall I have been feeling really good this week.

2) I have loved being out and about with Reagan and hearing him tell people all about the twins. "Mama is having 2 babies- Harper and Hudson". He is so proud.

3) I really enjoyed going to my Mothers of Multiples meeting last night.  After the 2 hour meeting everyone went to a Chinese place for drinks and dinner and I got to know some really nice women who shared a lot of advice with me. (I didn't get home until 10:30 - crazy for me, right?)

Worst moment ?

I feel like there is literally no room left in my belly. I either feel like the babies are all tied up in my rib cage or else about ready to pop out of my cha-cha (tmi? sorry)

Movement?

Yes. They both are very active. I will miss this!

Maternity Clothes?
Yes, pretty much all the time when I go out. But when I'm around the house I seriously just put on whatever is comfortable. I've been spending a lot of time in my swimsuit cover-ups.  They are light, cool, and easy around the belly! 

Stretch Marks?
Yes, I have gotten some. I am not as diligent as I was with Reagan when it comes to lotion and such.  I'm always in a rush these days and that is the last thing on my mind.

 Genders?
1 boy- Hudson Brooks and 1 girl- Harper Grace

Sleep?
I am still pretty darn exhausted. But sleep is hard. Just like with any pregnancy I am up to go potty multiple times during the night. The only difference is I need a good shove from Nick because I have a hard time getting up off the bed! (C.O.W!)

Food cravings or aversions?
Not really craving anything lately.  I have officially hit the point of pregnancy when I don't want to eat- there just isn't any room! I am kinda back to the fruit kick.  A plum for dinner is about all I can handle most nights. 

Labor Signs?
My spotting has gotten a lot less since I've been taking it easier. Same with the cramping. I pretty much know I've done too much when I start getting the bad cramps/contractions.  So hopefully these babies will keep on cooking! 

What I miss?

I am missing all of the back to school fun with my team. This is always such a crazy and fun time! Seeing all of you bloggers posting pictures of your room is making me feel pretty nostalgic!

What I'm looking forward to?

I am looking forward to lots next week.
I have 2 dr. appointments, a prenatal massage, a hair appointment, 
and my 2 baby showers!
My sweet friend Holly is throwing me a shower for my work friends on Saturday and my sister Meg and Mom are throwing me a friends and family shower on Sunday. 

Here is my to-do list most recently updated!

* Paint the nursery
*Hang the chair rail 
*Buy a bookshelf and set up

* Order / set up the 2nd crib

* Order the nursery bedding/decor

*Figure out the car situation/ buy a mini-van?

*Pull out Reagan's baby boy clothes for Hudson/wash

*Borrow Charlotte's baby girl clothes for Harper/wash

*Figure out what other clothes are still needed

*Organize baby closet and dresser

*Read the stack of Twin books on my nightstand
*Borrow twin books from my Mothers of Multiples group and read up

*Finish registering

*Find Reagan's bottles and see what else is needed

*Make baby shower guest list

*Finish and turn in short term disability paperwork
* Clean the house
*Pack my hospital bag
*Make Reagan his big brother bag for when it's baby time
*Make a nursing box full of special activities for Reagan
*Do the first couple of pages in the babies books
*Organize pantry and make room for baby bottles and such
*Start making freezer meals for when the babies arrive

What I'm Loving Wednesday

Happy Wednesday!

(1)

I'm loving that yesterday, Nick and my Dad went up to Flagstaff to the Arizona Cardinals Practice Camp.  They were in the VIP suite and were able to meet the players, coaches, etc.  As well as get lots of goodies signed.  After they ate and watched practice, they headed back home.  It was like Christmas Day for Nick - he LOVES football.  Reagan stayed up until he got home and Nick loved going through all of his signatures and pictures with him. Gotta love boys.

(2)

I'm loving these blessing rings I found on Jennifer's blog.

After Christmas I made a ring of all of the Christmas cards we received and it was really fun for people to sit and look through them all in one place.  I am excited to hang them on the tree or at least near the tree this Christmas and start a neat tradition.

I also made one for all of the baby shower cards we received when I was pregnant with Reagan. 

It's pretty huge and doesn't hang all that well, but it is still a neat way to look through them.

I also made one for Reagan's 1st and 2nd years.  They include all of his birthday cards and holiday cards.  I plan on pulling them out around each year on his birthday. So fun to look back and see who helped us celebrate.

Here is where I am storing the blessing rings until each birthday:

(3)

I'm loving these Pinterest recipes I found and made this past week.

Chicken Enchiladas

(Not as good as my mom's but still tasty)

Cake Batter Rice Crispy Treats

(Holy deliciousness)

Kool-aid Playdough 

Reagan had fun... but honestly, for the little amount of time he spent playing with it, I might as well have just used the already made kind.  It didn't keep his attention at all!

(4)

I'm loving Pinterest!

I seem to pin school stuff more than anything else.

I'm scrolling through my classroom idea board and pulling a few of my favorite back to school ideas for you all! 

(a)

Have you seen this or tried this yet?

My teammate Cori and I did this last year and it was a great "intro" into our theme each week. 

Babbling Abby's Mystery Box- Inferencing Activity

(b)

I printed this out last year but never did it.

If I were teaching this year I would definitely start the year off with it.

Monthly Goals

(c)

I love this easy to ready reading group planner.

Guided Reading Group

(d)

I've always done a "password" on the door for sight words/frye phrases/vocabulary etc.

I love the way this one looks.

Password

(e)

There are always a couple of kids every year who need their own behavior system. 

How easy does this one look?

(f)

I love this idea of doing a classroom timeline.

What a great idea to generate ideas for writing, oral language, etc.

What are you loving today?