Twin Talk Blog Feature

I'm honored to have been featured over at Twin Talk Blog yesterday!

Amber & Meredith have created a wonderful resource for other twin moms, and asked that I share our story of how we prepared A for the twins' arrival. I know that this new site will be an invaluable resource for other mom's of multiples - I certainly wish it had existed when I found out we were expecting twins!

I'd love if you went to check it out! You can also follow Amber & Meredith on Instagram (@twintalkblog)

Twins Nursery Reveal

So thrilled to be sharing J&L's nursery! I'm so in love with this room. It's tiny & cozy, and everything I imagined it could be. 

I'll be adding a source list soon, but if you have any questions, please send me an email!

The Twins Are Here (and other musings)

Well, well, well...
Where do I start?

Lots has happened in the last 3 months.

First and foremost, we welcomed our two little loves into the world.
Luca Charles & James Sullivan were born on February 3rd, at 38wks.
Luca weighed 7lbs 4oz, and was 21" long.
James arrived 11 minutes after his brother, weighing 6lbs 7oz and 20.25" long.

I won't be sharing their birth story, not because I don't love you all, but instead because I just think it's something I want to keep private. I will tell you that they were born naturally, and came much quicker than their older brother. I did end up going into labor all on my own (hooray!) and made it to the hospital just before one of February's biggest snowstorms.

These two little boys have filled my heart with so much love. It's true what they say - your love is not lessened for your first, it just doubles (or triples!) when you meet your newest family members. Luca & James have completed our family in a way I didn't know was possible, and I am forever grateful that they were big & healthy and were able to come home with us after a 2-day stay in the hospital.

A is doing great with them. I'm truly in awe of how much a two-and-a-half year old can comprehend, and process, about his growing family. Anthony didn't bat an eye when we left for the hospital bright and early one morning. And when my parents showed him a picture of his new brothers after they were born, he quietly asked "Babies came out of momma's belly?", and continued sledding. I did not believe that he understood that there would be TWO babies coming home (even though he would tell everyone there were two babies in Momma's belly), but as soon as he met them, he loved them, and hasn't stopped. He is a wonderful age to really "help" me - getting a diaper, or pacifier, or finding the sock I managed to drop from the nursery to the living room. Every morning he greets them with smiles and kisses, sings them songs when they're sad, and more recently, tries to get them to smile. Nothing makes me tear-up more than seeing the 3 of them interact...

And I'm choked up just typing that.

January was filled with a lot of waiting around, a few false alarms and subsequent trips to Labor & Delivery. I cleaned the house from top to bottom, willing labor to start on it's own, but these boys were on their own schedule. I spent a lot of quality time with A - loving on him, spoiling him and making sure he knew how much we loved him. I was angst-ridden at the thought of ruining his life by bringing his siblings home (I know - it was the pregnancy hormones - but I'm being honest here). All of my friends came to the rescue and told me that it would all go away the second I laid eyes on the twins. And it did.

taken the day before Luca & James were born

I never would have made it through my pregnancy, or the last 2 months, without my "village". I am forever grateful to my parents, my in-laws and my friends for constantly encouraging me, loving me and picking up the missing pieces when I needed it the most. And of course, Craig. He was eternally patient, loving and level-headed during the craziest of times. Now, watching him with his 3 boys makes me love him even more than I did before. I am blessed beyond words.

I have been home for almost 5 months now, and cannot believe my maternity leave is coming to an end. I'm sad to go back, but also know that it's the right decision for my family. Maybe one day it won't be, but today it is. I hope to be posting more than I have been, but to be perfectly honest, there's not a lot of time in the day. Our days are filled with giggles & tears (from the twins and from A... and sometimes from me), lots of eating and snuggles, and a desperate attempt to get these boys to sleep better than their older brother. Life is crazy right now, but it is also fleeting, and I'm trying to soak it all in.

Hope to be back soon with a few more pictures & updates!

Linking up with Twin Talk Blog for Multiples Awareness Month!

Twins' Nursery Sneak Peek

I won't be sharing the full nursery until the twins' are here. First and foremost, there are zero in-progress shots. And second, one wall is not complete until it contains their initials - which we are keeping a secret until their "birth"day. This thrills my mother to no end (insert sarcasm here) - she doesn't understand why I won't just tell her. Some things need to be a surprise, right?!

Until then, here are two pictures - one is my view from our room, and the other is their dresser & view into our room. Their nursery is so calming and sweet to me - maybe because it's (most likely) the last nursery I'll ever design, but also because it's super cozy. 10'x9' is a small space, but we made it work!

The dresser was a Craigslist purchase, and originally looked like this (photo taken by seller).

It was purchased when she was pregnant with her daughter, 18 years ago, and also used as her changing table. She was thrilled when I told her it would be finding a home in another nursery.

A little sanding, rub'n'buff and some new $2 handles from Lowes, and we had exactly what I had been looking for!


Hopefully only a few more days until our boys are here...  fingers crossed!

Mommy & Me + Pregnancy Update {34 Weeks)

Happy Monday!

This is one of my most recent favorite pictures...

Working from home the last few weeks has meant a little more flexibility in my schedule. And on this day (in a snowstorm), I drove A to preschool and let him sit up front while we were waiting in line. Love these little moments with him... not doing anything extraordinary, just singing Old McDonald (or, "Ol McDaniel" as he calls it) and talking about school. Love him to pieces.

 

 

 

How far along? 34 weeks

Total weight gain/loss: As of my last appointment, up 36 pounds. I have another appointment on Tuesday, so I'm sure it's more. I'm kind of over the weight gain at this point... I know it's what's best for the babies, but geez - that's a lot of weight to lose after they are born!

Maternity clothes? If I'm being totally honest, most of my maternity clothes no longer fit. I remember reading early in my pregnancy that twin moms should buy two sets of maternity clothes - one set for the first & second trimesters, and another (larger) set, for the third. I kind of laughed at that, but now understand why. Most of my maternity shirts are too short, and my leggings & pants are too tight. Since they could come any day, I refuse to buy any more clothing... and instead am doing laundry every.single.day. Poor C sees me in one of two outfits almost every day. Ha!

Stretch marks? Not yet!

Miss Anything?  Really just sleeping on my stomach. And maybe also missing doing anything with ease - sitting down, standing up, walking - normal, every day stuff.

Movement: Yes, but this has changed a lot in the last 10 weeks. Both boys are equally active, and have very distinct sleep & wake cycles. I can almost tell you to the hour when they'll wake up and start moving - its pretty crazy! All movement is now seen from the outside, which has made for some pretty interesting comments at the doctor's office, the hair dresser, etc. 

Food cravings: ICE! Water has to be ice cold for me to drink it, and I'm craving frozen fruit and vegetables. I know, it's weird (and yes, also a symptom of iron deficiency, which I'm now aware of thank you to my dear friend Melissa!). Also have cravings for clementines (we've gone through 5 crates in the last 3 weeks!) and Milano cookies.

Anything making you queasy or sick: Yes, I've gotten sick a few times now from silly things (lets just say having a potty-trained two-year-old who still needs to be wiped could put me over the edge), but, I know my triggers and try to avoid them at all costs. I also never knew heartburn could be this bad - I've gone through more Tums in the last 10 weeks than I care to admit!

Have you started to show yet: See picture above ;)

Babies are: TWO BOYS! And yes, they have names. Coming home outfits have arrived, and their initials for above the cribs are complete. But we're still keeping them a secret until their birthday!

Belly Button in or out? Not really out, but just a strange shape that makes a little bulge in my shirt.

Wedding rings on or off? Off.

Happy or Moody most of the time:  Um.... maybe C should answer this. I'd say its 50/50.

Looking forward to: Meeting them! I cannot wait to see what they look like and have A meet them. He talks about the "tins" all the time, asking if they're coming today, and if he can give them a kiss. I cannot wait to see him be a big brother!

Babies Update: As of my 32 week U/S, Baby A was 4lbs 15oz, and Baby B was 4lbs 12oz. Now that we're two weeks past that, I fully expect that both are well over 5lbs each. Both are still head-down, so we're going to attempt a natural delivery (and by natural I do not mean without meds!), but my hospital requires that twin moms push in the OR, so that if something happens, I'm already prepped for a c-section. I've also reached the multiples "safe zone" - meaning they can come any day now! 

Linking up with Emily & Leah for Mommy & Me Monday!

 

Pregnancy Update: 25 Weeks

Ok friends - a peek inside life at 25.5 weeks with twins! 

(pictures were taken 1 day apart - I just think my stripe maternity top conceals my real "size")

How far along? 25.5 weeks

Total weight gain/loss: As of my last appointment, up 24 pounds. I cringe every time I look at the scale in the doctor's office, but according to them I'm perfectly on track for twins... so I'll just swallow my pride. I gained 28 in total with A, so I'm only 4 pounds away from my 41-week weight with him.

Maternity clothes? Ohhhh yes. There are a few pants that I can still wear with my belly band, but by the end of the day I'm pretty uncomfortable. With only 4 weeks left in the office for me, I refuse to buy anymore maternity pants. And I'd say 80% of my tops are maternity, as well.

Stretch marks? Not yet! I haven't been as diligent about my oil this time around, but I'd be very surprised if I make it through this pregnancy without stretch marks.

Miss Anything?  Wine. Definitely wine. And bending over with ease. Painting my toes. You know, the normal stuff.

Movement: Yes.  Baby A is still much more active than B, as they have been for the last 12 weeks or so. Baby B is in a very strange position (laying across the top of my stomach), and is facing my back, so his movements are harder to feel, too.

Food cravings: I can't say anything with consistency. Last week my favorite sandwich was goat cheese, sundried tomatoes and avocado on a roll. This week I'm loving the left over Nestle Crunch Bars from Halloween. Overall, my appetite is nothing like it was with A.

Anything making you queasy or sick: Still getting sick in the mornings if I don't take my meds. I've weaned myself to every other day, so I'm pretty proud of myself!

Have you started to show yet: Ha! Hahahaha!

Babies are: TWO BOYS!

Belly Button in or out? Almost out. Sad, sad day.

Wedding rings on or off? On. 

Happy or Moody most of the time:  I'd say overall I'm pretty happy. I try not to complain too much, but C hears it all, so maybe he has a different opinion. I have my days, like anyone else.

Looking forward to:  Finishing the nursery - November is Nursery Month in our house, my 28-week ultrasound and deciding on their names (we are so close!). Also really excited to almost be done with work! 

Babies Update: As of last week, Baby A was measuring at 1lb 12oz, and B was 1lb 10oz. Both, according to our doctors, are healthy and very very active (we've witnessed them kicking each other in the head!). 

Nesting

We've been busy bees around here, trying to make room for our two little boys arriving in January.

Every weekend, another room, or closet or cabinet gets cleaned out ... all to make way for the influx of baby paraphernalia that will soon take over our home.

We never expected to have 3 children in this house...
... or to have 2 at one time! And I know that in order to keep my sanity when they both come home, our home needs order, and everything needs to have a place.

So the last few weeks have been about simplifying, and getting rid of the clutter.

We've had to create a new coat closet, since our guest room closet will now be the twins' closet.
We've had to make room for all of my supplies for Bella Carta, since they used to reside in the guest room.
We've had to clean out every kitchen cabinet to make way for all the bottles, bowls, and bibs.... times TWO.
We've had to clean out & organize all the toys, so that we have space to bring the baby toys back out...
and we've had to find space in order to fit two swings, two rock n' plays, and two more high chairs.

I'll share more about all the changes we've made (and I promise the house doesn't look like this anymore!). It has felt SO great to bring huge donations to Goodwill, sell some stuff on Craigslist & eBay, and throw away the rest.

A Little Pregnancy Update {19 weeks}

Last week was a doozy.

Is doozy a real word? Did I even spell it correctly?

It was little A's first full week of nursery school, a full week of work for me, and C was away for 2 nights. Thankfully my parents are always willing to help me out while I'm home alone, especially given that I haven't been feeling so wonderful the last few days.

Just wanted to give a little update on my pregnancy... a "bumpdate" if you will ;)

If you need to catch up, you can read here about our big, big news.... and here about our gender reveal.

Today I'm 19 weeks with our twin boys, and to say I feel huge would be an understatement. My last bump picture is from 17.5 weeks, and I had great intentions of taking one tonight, but crashing on the couch seemed like a much better idea.

And I apologize for the awesome quality of my bathroom belly shots. Real life here, folks.

8 weeks (twins)

11 weeks (twins)

14 weeks (twins)

17.5 weeks (twins)

And just as a comparison, here's my bump at 30 weeks with A.


Yes, THIRTY weeks.

30 weeks with A

Overall I'm feeling OK. Everything feels much more amplified this time around - its harder walking around, picking things up (including my 30 pound toddler), shaving my legs... you know, everyday stuff. I think the biggest challenge is how I'm feeling mentally... I remember feeling this way with A (physically), but in my head, I knew I only had 10 weeks left. But now I know I'm just halfway through, and then I kind of feel sorry for myself, because I cannot imagine how I'm going to feel in another 2 weeks, let alone another 19.

Please please please don't think that last sentence means that I am in ANY way, shape or form ungrateful for this immense blessing that we've been given. That is not the case, at all. But if I'm being honest, this pregnancy is hard. I'm a very active person: extremely independent and self sufficient. And so... sometimes its hard for me to keeping asking other people to help. And knowing that this is just the beginning of how hard this is going to get ... well, that mental challenge is just that - a challenge.

BUT...
There are many many positives about this pregnancy. Too many to name here.

I cannot put into words how enormously blessed I feel to be carrying these two little angels. C and I joked for many many years about how many kids we would have. He was always set on two, and I, was set on three. He used to tell me I'd have to find another husband to have baby #3!

....and now we say that God decided for us - he chose us to be parents of twins, and of three boys, and we feel so honored to have been given this gift. I don't want to wish time away, especially with A growing up before my eyes, but I cannot wait to meet these two little boys in January.


Linking up with Kelly's Korner for SUYL Moms of Multiples

Boys Nursery Inspiration

Just a quick post to share what we're planning for the twins nursery...

... a place where I'll be spending many late nights, and early mornings. I know it sounds crazy, especially considering A only started sleeping through the night in February... but I'm so looking forward to snuggling my boys in their chair in the quiet of the night.

I was looking to create  something slightly different than A's nursery: a bit more rustic & whimsical. The twins room is tiny: 10' by 9.5' tiny, to be exact. Maximizing our space was a top priority, and if the plans work out like I have them in my head, the room will be all I imagined that it could be.

I'll be back to share progress & our purchases!

Twins Gender Reveal

We had our big ultrasound on Friday, and are thrilled to share that we're having....

TWO BOYS!!

I've had a feeling for a few weeks now that they were both boys, and my dream the night before our ultrasound was so real, I felt like it was a sign of what was to come. C would have bet money that it was a boy and girl, but turns out momma is about to be VERY outnumbered.

I'm so thrilled, ecstatic really, at the thought of my house full of loud, funny, sweet, silly boys. A is the greatest blessing, and the funniest kid I know. How could I not be excited about two more boys?!

We'll be keeping their names a secret until they are born (yes, even from our families!), so this is the last "big news" until they make their entrance. We didn't know if A was a boy or a girl until he was born, and I love the idea of a little surprise on the big day.

I will be sharing their nursery inspiration soon (since I've been working on it for oh, probably 3 months now, he he!).

We cannot wait to meet these two little boys, and know they will bring so much joy and love into our family.

Our Guest Room (and the beginning of The Nursery Chronicles)

The only room I've never shared on the blog is our guest room. Aside from paint, molding and new closet doors, this room has been pretty much looked exactly like this for the last 3 years.

For a long time, this room also served as my office. My father-in-law built me the desk (above), and we installed a a shelf to hold supplies for Bella Carta. Last year when it became apparent I'd need a little more room to work, we decided to make a new workspace in our playroom.

The rest of this stuff? That's what we're cleaning out. This little room will soon become the twins' nursery.

Oh yeah, this room is teeny. 10x9.5' to be exact....
And it needs to fit not one, but two babies.

For a long time I thought we'd move A in here, and make his room the new nursery. But after some more thought, I think it makes more sense for A to have the bigger room. For one, we've worked really really hard to get him to sleep through the night, and I'm not really sure I'm ready to risk changing that for the sake of the nursery. Also, A actually plays in his room... which means that once I move the big IKEA chair out, there will be room for some more of his toys...

from the living room...

Because we also need to make room down there for some baby paraphernalia. You know, swings, bouncers, etc.

Moral of the story? Lots of cleaning out & moving around is happening around here. I have some ideas of how to make this room work with two cribs, and a plan for the rest of the changes we need to make (to prepare for the craziness that will ensue in January).

Hope to share some progress, soon!

Happy Monday, friends! Hope everyone has a wonderful week.