I am a really good planner, but sometimes bad at following through. Meal planning is such a help in my house though and I love having a laid out plan! It ends the, "What am I going to make for dinner?" fights in my head at 4PM, because who thinks about dinner before it actually happens right? Oh yeah, the mom should do that, I need to be better at my new job you guys! I am afraid I am going to get fired! Just kidding, this house would fall apart with out me. With out further ado, here is my meal plan for this week! I hope you enjoy it! Let me know if you try any of the recipes out. Huge thanks to my Mom for sharing some of these recipes with me! She is a bomb cook and should have paid better attention!
MONDAY: Easy Chili with a secret ingredient!
1lb ground beef
canned beans of choice (I use Great Northern)
tomato sauce
onion
bell pepper or jalapeno pepper
chili packet mix
splash of Coffee
Start out by sauteeing your hamburger with onion and pepper of choice. Drain the excess fat. Then add your chili mix with your beans. I added two cans of beans and didn't drain them, I then added my tomato sauce with a splash of coffee! This recipe is always easy to make because I normally have everything on hand. Plus my husband makes coffee every morning so no extra work for me!
TUESDAY: Chicken Cordon Bleu - Click HERE for the recipe.
The Tatton side of the family has always dutch oven cooked the BEST chicken cordon bleu I have ever tasted! It's not really dutch oven season so I found a recipe with RAVING reviews to cook stove top! Bonus point because there is no cream cheese meaning everyone in the house will eat it! I can't wait to try it tomorrow!
WEDNESDAY: Ham Roast and Scalloped Potatoes- We will use extra ham tomorrow!
Throw your ham roast in the crockpot and let it cook on low for hours! I always add some butter to start out with because I LOVE BUTTER, as well as a little bit of water and brown sugar to sweeten it up! Because I am going to use leftover ham for tomorrows dinner, I will make the glaze on the side! Click HERE for the recipe.
For the Scalloped potatoes I will be honest and say I have a box in the pantry that I will most likely prepare! I found this Mormon Scalloped Potato recipe though that I want to give a try!
THURSDAY: Smoked Ham Alfredo (One of my all time favorite meals from my mom!)
Leftover ham
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
Pint (plus a bit) heavy whipping cream
liquid smoke 5-10 drops depending
12 oz Penne pasta
Boil water for pasta. Cut up and brown ham in a frying pan on medium heat. Remove ham from pan and set aside. Pour heavy whipping cream and whisk so all the juicy goodness in the bottom of the pan is mixed with the cream. Add Parmesan cheese and liquid smoke. Whisk until well blended. Cook on medium heat stirring occasionally until mixture thickens. Top pasta with sauce, ham, shredded cheese, and salt and pepper!
FRIDAY: Homemade BBQ Chicken Pizza
Pieces of chicken
Pizza crust
BBQ Sauce
Purple Onion
Mozzerella Cheese
Follow the directions on the pizza crust for oven settings! Layer the pizza with your sauce, chicken, onion and cheese! It tastes just as great as anything delivered and it will be fun to have friends over for a make your own pizza night!
I hope this helps you think of your own meal plan for the week, or gives you a few new recipes to try! Most of them are family favorites! Let me know if you try any of them and what you think, I cannot wait to eat my bowl of chili soon on this snowy Utah day! Have a great rest of your Monday from my nest to yours!
Monday, February 27, 2017
Thursday, February 23, 2017
Twins TEN MONTHS update!
I am starting to wonder where the last 10 months have gone! It feels like yesterday I had them but it also feels like I've known them a lifetime. The passing of time is bittersweet. Spring is fast approaching and I am feeling all the feelings AGAIN! Last winter I was heavily pregnant trying to fast forward to spring, now I am trying to figure out how to slow it down! I have heard other twin moms say it goes twice as fast, and I have to believe them! But, I LOVE watching them grow up together.
Opposites attract! This is for sure! Auri Anne and Ellie Perry are the greatest duo I have ever seen! I am sure all twin mamas feel that way! And you should! I think their souls mesh perfectly together. That one couldn't leave heaven with out the other! They honestly and truly complete each other! Soul mates for life. Womb mates as I have seen it put! These two though, they are opposites in almost every way! They sleep different, they eat different, they crawl different, they have learned different tricks and prefer different things! It is crazy to me! Auri stores all her food in her cheeks. Ellie swallows everything whole! Auri wants what Ellie has. Ellie will go find something different {sometimes it's a different story}. Auri loves animals. Ellie could care less. Ellie understands no. Auri loves to push it! Ellie will do something first and Auri will watch her mistakes or success! Or vice versa. Ellie did have to learn her dancing skills from sister! But Auri is watching Ellie climb couches, and she want to join too! 
They are small but they are mighty! Both girls are 5th percentile and below in height and weight, But their heads are 50%. I read in an article once that babies with bigger heads are smart. I will choose to believe that one! I'm not the only one who chooses what to believe on the internet right?? These girls can pack away some food though! They eat 3 meals a day, nurse 4 times a day, and eat a ton of snacks! They are busy, busy though! Nothing seems to stick to Ellie bean and what rolls Auri has, well, they are tiny and scrumptious! Just like them!!
They are both still crawling, but Ellie is getting really good at walking! Just yesterday she walked into the kitchen! I turn around to see a two feet tall baby running my way! Please stop!! She sticks her fishy face out still! I can hear the snorts just thinking about it! She is a little sound machine! Motorboats, wet raspberries, loud squeals and giggles! She has even been growling at me if she is impatient. So I will growl at her, then she will growl back! The entertainment with these two! It doesn't help matters that Auri is watching and learning! Auri loves to watch sister walk and she loves to balance. She can stand without any help for long periods of time! She just hasn't taken a step yet. I don't blame her. Keep crawling little one!
Auri Anne also does the silliest things! She has learned to walk on her knees! I think she learned it from pushing her walker that way! It is the cutest thing ever! So instead of crawling she is moving forward slowly with tiny little knee caps, bouncing the ENTIRE time as she goes! It is hilarious! She thinks so too! She always gets this proud as punch look in her, and her daddies dimples get me every.single.time!
Speaking of Daddy. Dadadadadadadadada. That's all I am hearing lately! I care for them 24/7 but they seem to like his name better! I know this phase will be short lived so I won't get upset! Call for dad anytime you need. Especially at 3am!
They both are giving kisses now!! This deserves it's own paragraph because 1. They both kiss different, which I am not shocked about! I swear they choose to do things differently than sister just because they can! 2. They are giving kisses to one another! They both go silent and have to focus so hard on not getting it wrong! I die every.single.time! Auri opens her mouth up wide and it seems like she is rooting around! Which she has always done! She grabs your face and slobbers ALL over you. She even makes the cutest little humming noise as she does it! Ellie on the other hand, puckers up those giant lips of hers and goes in like a professional! It has made for quite the interesting kissing duo! It melts my heart that they have so much love and friendship for one another! They may fight, but at the end of the day they are snuggles up close to one another and sleeping soundly!
Kissing. Dancing. Clapping. Bouncing. Giggling. Knee walking. Real walking. Room exploring. Bath time lovers. Baby signers and big time climbers. Mama cuddles in the morning and 100% daddies girls when he gets home!
I LOVE having twins you guys! Hearing them talk in their crib in the morning is the highlight of my day! It gives me that extra ten minutes where they entertain each other, and I can throw on some decent clothes or finish up what I am doing! One of the few benefits of having two! But oh man, when they get going for the day... they are all over the place! For now, they always run together, you can hear them both playing where they {maybe} shouldn't be. Or fighting over one lone sock. Who knows where the other one is?!?! I am that hot mess mom. But my kids don't see it! At least for now!
These little ones are growing beautifully! I can't believe how smart and ambitious they are. They are silly when they play together and can entertain each other all day! For the most part, they do! Well after I wipe two bums, and feed two babies, and keep two babies from ultimately killing each other! Or at least causing one to lose an eye! But really! How did I get so lucky?? I feel so extremely blessed to have two healthy babies who are growing by leaps and bounds! I sometimes wonder what life will throw at them. What obstacles they will face and why their spirits are so strong! I can tell already that they will not give up. They will not take no as an answer. They will not conform to my way, or anyone else's! Together, they can take on the world! And with how crazy it seems to be lately, I am so glad they have one another!Monday, February 20, 2017
Lipsense: First Impression and Review
Let's talk LIPS ladies! My favorite feature to play with! Something about big sunnies and a bold lips just seems classic and timeless to me. Think Audrey and Marilyn. Never mind LOW maintenance,which is also one of my favorite things. Since I am a mom of twins my whole face is constantly getting smudged, I am kissing babies, and drinking Dr. Pepper like its water; I need something that is going to stay on from sun up to sun down! Lipsense has been on my wish list for a while!
Packaging: Isn't it pretty? Give me ALL the gold you got! It is easy to read, super simple, but still classic and timeless! It somehow looks like I could find it in my Grandma's old Avon bag or in my 15 year old sisters! The packaging doesn't seem too "young" or too "old" and I think they did a great job finding something that appeals to all make up lovers.
Application: When I first applied it seemed cold and slightly tingly. I had heard of the tingling sensation from others, but it was much more minimal than I had expected. If anything it just seemed cold! One tip though: DO NOT PUT LIPS TOGETHER! Until you put on the Moisturizing Gloss that comes with it, it is very dry and tacky. I applied a couple layers of the color Napa, and allowed to dry for just 10-20 seconds! Applied the Gloss and it made all the difference! My lips felt smooth and the dry feeling went away immediately! I haven't had a chance to use the Oops! Remover yet but if it works like any of the other Lipsense products I know it works wonders!
The Color: I applied a couple layers, only because I love a very bold dark lip. I liked that I could control how much color I wanted, and adding an extra coat only took a couple seconds! It lasted from 10 AM to 10 PM. Through meals and messes. Food and drink. Kisses and slobber!
Removal: I use baby wipes for everything. Simply because I always have them on hand. It removed the color so well! I would bet that a makeup wipe would also do the trick. Getting rid of the color was a lot easier than I had expected, which I also LOVED! Because like I said before, I enjoy low maintenance!
First Impression: I used it again the next day! Does that answer your question?
Overall: The product was easy to use. Took 2 minutes MAX to apply. Stayed on all day! I was able to control how much color I wanted and it was easy to remove! I recommend Lipsense for all lip lovers! I may never buy anything else ever again!
Thursday, February 16, 2017
The Breastfeeding Bible
I will start out saying I am not a lactation consultant and am in no way a professional! But, I have been nursing my twins for over 9 months so I have learned a thing or two about breastfeeding! In this blog I will post everything and I mean EVERYTHING I know about breastfeeding. I will talk about how I prepared, how I struggled and how I succeeded. There are so many topics I want to cover so this may get long! I promise it is filled with MUST KNOW information if you are looking to breastfeed your baby!
Before baby arrives
Before baby I would recommend taking a breastfeeding class. There was one offered at my local health department, and I learned a lot! If you can't find a class or don't have the time, don't worry! I will mention all the good stuff!
Invest in a nice padded nursing bra and a couple to sleep in! I know, bras at bedtime are torture! But I promise you it will be better than waking up to soaking wet sheets and breasts that hang and hurt due to milk and gravity!
Nursing pads! Because leaky boobs remember??
I bought lanolin cream for sore chapped nipples. I never used it though! I found that self expressing my milk helped the most.
Breastfeeding pillow! I could not have survived the first 4 months without my GIANT Twins Breastfriend Pillow. I found that same company makes a breastfeeding pillow for singletons too! Shop it here! It will save your shoulders and back, plus give you a little more freedom! At least you will have a free hand to change the channel and drink your water! You'll be thirsty and trapped!
Breast pump! Even if you plan on exclusively breastfeeding, this pump was a necessity! I was able to store milk in the freezer and keep up supply. When I notice supply is dropping I can spend some extra quality time with my pump! Romantic for a Friday night huh?! Plus, if you ever want to be away from your baby for more than 2-3 hours you may want to have some milk on hand!
I didn't buy nursing clothes. I couldn't find any that didn't look like nursing clothes if that makes sense? I bought a few button up tops. (Easy to unbutton) and a dress that had an elastic collar (easy to pull down, even on both sides!) To be honest though, I basically lived in my nursing bras and t-shirts the first few weeks, even though I should've just went TOPLESS! At least I had cute nursing friendly outfits for doctors visits and family outings!
At the Hospital
I brought nursing bras, pads, lanolin cream, and my giant pillow to the hospital. Because of tiny hospital beds and a very sore incision, I wasn't able to use my pillow, and I wasn't able to tandem feed. That's alright! We soon got the hand of it! As I mentioned before, I never used the lanolin cream, but the nursing bras and pads came in handy!
My milk started to come in on the third day at the hospital. We left on the fourth day and my milk was definitely in!! My boobs were massive! Throw on a bra for support and some pads to catch all that extra milk!
First Feeding:
Refresh on your basics if it's been a while since you took that BF class! Remember nose to nipple, this way baby opens nice and wide and has a nice deep latch. Also remember belly to belly. (meaning your babies belly touching yours) Have you ever tried to swallow with your head turned sideways? It's not the easiest especially for a brand new baby!
One of my twins spent a couple hours in the NICU to clear out her lungs, so I got some alone time to nurse Auri. I will never forget the way she nuzzled right into my breast and latched on. She was so alert and her big giant eyes stared at me! It was the most amazing feeling ever! It was weird I will add, the weirdest most amazing feeling ever!
Then Ellie came to the room and tried to nurse. It wasn't the same. I knew they must've fed her. Even though I had asked them not to. If she was hungry and I wasn't there I guess I understand! I wish it would've been different because that magical moment of that first alert, amazing, feeding was stolen from me! I never experienced that with Ellie at the hospital. Not even until a few days into our home did her and I get to successfully nurse! It was so frustrating!
To top it off, none of the feedings after with Auri were that magical either. She was so tired and weak. She wouldn't want to stay awake long enough, and couldn't suck hard enough to let down any colostrum. So there I was, spending 10-15 minutes trying to nurse one. Then 10-15 minutes trying to nurse the other. Then 15 minutes of pumping. Then feeding them both with a stupid colostrum filled syringe which took a while because heaven forbid you spill a drop! There was over an hour gone trying to feed my babies "unsuccessfully". Sure they ate, but they didn't nurse. They will probably be hungry in another hour and we will start the process over again... it was draining to say the least.
I wish someone had told me that even though that first feeding would be magical, that didn't mean it would always be easy! Or that someone would have told me that even though Ellie and I didn't get that wonderful first feeding together, that we would still be successfully breastfeeding 9 months later. So don't give up! The first week was a horror story! The next week a less tragic love story! But it got easier, then it got hard, then it got easy again! Don't be too hard on yourself. Don't give up!
Ask for HELP if you need it
I had the lactation consultant in my room every day. I am sure they were all tired of me and especially my boobs! I wanted to breastfeed so bad I was taking full advantage of any resources while I was there surrounded by nurses (who were also mothers). There should be a lactation consultant in your area if you are struggling with latch or ANYTHING at all! But don't be ashamed to ask another mother you know who has dealt with similar experiences! My grandma, mother in law, sister in laws and my own aunts are all nurses, and they all breastfed their babies! So I would breastfeed right in front of them and ask them to check latch or burp this baby while I feed this one, or help try I different tandem feeding position. I am not shy though and my babies and I only benefited from it! I am grateful because I was given so much advice and offered so much help that I was successful in nursing my twins! (Where's my gold star??) Truth be told, I could have never done it without the guidance and help of these wonderful women placed in my life!
When you get home
Set up a nursing station asap if you haven't already! I had a certain spot on the couch where my giant pillow stayed. Diapers were there too for easy changes. Breast Pump, burp rags, water, snacks, books and TV remote. I spent so much time in that spot that I am REALLY glad we aren't able to use the pillow anymore.. I have freedom to nurse where ever I want! This permanent station really was a necessity the first 6 months though! You don't want to sit down to nurse and realize you are thirsty (because you will be!!) and have no water. Or the remote is across the room and you are stuck for 20 minutes just listening to your baby nurse. Or on second thought, maybe leaving the remote across the room wouldn't be the worst thing in the world!
Give yourself time to get it right
Like I mentioned before, it took Ellie and I a while to establish breastfeeding. She preferred the bottle because it was so easy! I don't blame her! Had I had just that one stubborn baby, I would've wound up pumping and bottle feeding guaranteed. But I was successfully feeding one baby and I was NOT about to go through the torture of nursing one, pumping and bottle feeding. HELL NO! So I remember being left alone with the twins when they were just 6 days old and I had just finished nursing Auri because I couldn't tandem feed yet. It was Ellie's turn and she fought me! Just screamed at my breast for what seemed like hours! In reality it was only 10 minutes. I stood up with her and heated up milk. Got it all ready and let her have a sip, then tricked her into latching onto me! This had to happen a couple times in order for her to accept it, but she finally did! Every baby is different, this I know first hand! Allow yourself more time to try and get things right! I couldn't Tandem Feed until about 4-6 weeks. Meaning I took turns feeding babies for A LONG TIME. I gave myself time to heal and I am so glad I was patient enough to wait!
This is 10000000% the truth!!
Let's talk pumping
After every nursing session, I would pump for 15 minutes! Time consuming I know! I told you before that I am REALLY glad I am no longer stuck in that corner to nurse for 20 minutes and pump for 15 more! BUT I wish I would've kept up pumping for longer! I felt to burned out after that first month of nursing and my twins were successfully breastfeeding EVERY 2 hours. I should've really been TOPLESS because I got about one hour where I could have a shirt on! So between 6-8 weeks I cut back on pumping, only doing it morning and night. Then only when I needed a bottle (Which my girls wouldn't take and I set myself up for that being so stubborn about nursing!) My supply plummeted! I had an over supply just like most women and I though I had more then enough to feed them. And for a while I did!! But come 4 months old, I was having to figure out what worked to boost my supply again! My advice?? Keep pumping and you will keep up supply!
Boosting supply!!
Pump remember?!?!?
Also, drink water and lots of it!! Breast milk is mostly water, so think about it, if you don't have enough water in your body, you won't make enough milk for your baby! I preferred Gatorade because it has electrolytes and actually tastes good! My favorite is the blue and I noticed drinking Gatorade actually helped just like water! Dark beer, which I do NOT like, also helps boost supply. I tried it a couple times, but I can't stand the taste. It did help though!
Oatmeal or whole grain foods will also help. Lots of protein! This was my main focus along side staying hydrated!
If you are needing an extra boost, like I do with my twins, then fenugreek will be your best friend!! The bottle says take 3, and I was a rebel and would take 8! Not at a time though. Take 3 with breakfast, 2 with lunch and 3 with dinner! When you wake up the next morning I PROMISE you will see a huge difference in how much milk you have! It is a difference you can literally feel!
Power pumping: This process is supposed to mimic your baby during a growth spurt! Remember that romantic Friday evening with my pump I was talking about? This is it! Pump for 15-20 minutes or until you have a let down and empty out! Wait 10 minutes and pump 10 minutes! Wait ten minutes and pump again for 10 minutes! Wait ten minutes and repeat! It should take about an hour in total and you may not have extra milk at all, but this will help increase it. Repeat the power pumping another day if you need and see if there is any difference.
Pumping vs. Nursing!
I was wanting to boost supply and thought if I pumped instead of nursed it would help increase it because I could control how long and see how much I had! This wasn't the case for me. I wasn't a great pumper. If I looked at a picture of my babies I noticed it would help! Cheesy I know but something about that release of hormones helped me let down more milk! DO NOT REPLACE FEEDINGS WITH PUMPING! It will only lower your supply because your pump does have the same suck as your baby. Your mind knows the difference and you will start making less milk. Instead, just add pumping session after nursing again, or during their nap, or early morning and night. But don't take nursing sessions away!
Breastfeeding Pains
Like I mentioned before, I did not use any creams for sore nipples. Instead I self expressed and it helped so much! Women swear by lanolin cream though if you need something a little more strong and medicated, and it is safe for you baby!
I was lucky enough to only experience a clogged duct one time! It only lasted a day and I was so glad when it finally unclogged itself! Such a relief! I tried nursing nonstop all day on that side to unclog it, but it never helped. So I got into a nice hot bath, laid my best sucker (Ellie) down on the bed and kneeled over her on all fours... backwards! I did this because I had read that wherever your clog is, you should angle it towards your babies chin. Also, gravity can only help at this point! I realize this is a visual of myself I don't want to engrave in people's minds, so I will just leave it at that! But, it helped and I felt my clogged duct become unclogged and I felt like a (slightly) more normal milk cow! Clogged ducts can turn to mastitis so make sure to try and unclog it right away!
I never had mastitis and I wouldn't know the first thing about it! But, I bet Google does. Or your mom. Or your grandma. Or your lactation consultant. I am sorry that I am not much help in this department, but not really. I DO NOT want to experience that and am grateful I never had to. I hear it is awful!
My babies have teeth and I have been bit a time or two. I will unlatch that baby and put her away from me. After some tears shed and feeling hurt I will let her try to nurse again. Luckily, they normally won't do it again! They associate biting with not being able to nurse and they understand fairly well at almost 10 months! I think the biting comes out of boredom, waiting for a let down or there is no milk left anyway!
Breastfeeding JOYS
Breastmilk is proven to be the BEST source of nutrients for your baby. It offers everything they need PLUS antibodies to help fight off sickness! Every antibody that your body has made to fight off colds and flus will be passed on to your baby! I have heard it referred to as their FIRST immunizations. I have been blessed with two VERY healthy babies. A cold might have hit our house, but nothing compared to the STREP and RSV I have been seeing. I guarantee it is because of breastmilk!
You have to feed your baby anyway. You need to hold your baby anyway (propping up a bottle for a baby is NOT advised and will cause ear infetcions!) WHY go through the extra time of making a bottle? It is the most amazing feeling to grab a baby or two, and cart them right back to bed with me. I remained a zombie and didn't have to fuss around with making TWO bottles at 3 am.
There is such a special bond that you build. They need you! No one else. While at times it felt like a very hard job and a lot of responsibility, kind of like pregnancy, I was the only one who could offer that to my babies and it felt nice knowing that I am irreplaceable to my girls!
If you read clear to the end, you my dear deserve a GOLD STAR! This was a long one and I still am debating whether I left out anything! I hope you found this helpful but remember to take advice with a grain of salt. What works for me might not work for you. Good luck breastfeeding, it is definitely the HARDEST part of being a new mom.
Monday, February 13, 2017
I believe in a thing called love.
I believe in a thing called love and not because some "one hit wonder" band taught me to. This year has been a crazy one. Not only in my own personal life but in the media as well. I feel like there is so much negativity around us. TV, Social Media, the news. It is so easy to focus on all the terrible and negative things. So easy to lose sight of the one simple thing that keeps us all grounded and connected. This is love.
This year I witnessed a marriage of 20+ years end. Divorce is ugly. It shook our family and tested all of us. It shook my own marriage as I started to question what a truly happy marriage is like, if marriages can really last, and wondered if we were on the right path to have a successful and happy marriage. How can couples stay happy together and "in-love" for 60+ years and others end in months? While this may have been a divorce that struck closest to home, it is not the only one I have witnessed since being married only 3 years ago. My husband and I have attended weddings of friends that are no longer married and have seen divorce up close and personal on both sides of our family.
Even while I have watched once happy marriages end, I continue to believe in love because I witness it first hand in my home everyday. I can't NOT believe in it because I feel it in my heart. I see it in our pictures and in the way we reminisce. I feel it when he hugs and kisses me goodbye, or calls me at lunch to see how I am doing. I can't worry about the future or what might be in store for our marriage. All I can do is choose to believe in the LOVE that is right in front of my eyes. I can also continue to make sure that our marriage is our number one priority. Even above our children because I want a marriage that lasts AFTER our children have left the house.
For those of you still searching for Mr. or Mrs. Right, know that I truly believe that love is everywhere and it will find you. For those of you questioning your own love and marriage right now. Are you going to chose to believe in it? I believe unhappy or unloving marriages can be fixed and marriage has seasons of hard times.
To my sweet friend who was sexually abused by a man who didn't deserve her, know that I truly believe in love. This world can be so cruel and I will never understand just how he ruined you. But know that good men exist. Know that LOVE above all else exists. It is real and I choose to believe in it.
Click here to learn more about my friends story.
This year I witnessed a marriage of 20+ years end. Divorce is ugly. It shook our family and tested all of us. It shook my own marriage as I started to question what a truly happy marriage is like, if marriages can really last, and wondered if we were on the right path to have a successful and happy marriage. How can couples stay happy together and "in-love" for 60+ years and others end in months? While this may have been a divorce that struck closest to home, it is not the only one I have witnessed since being married only 3 years ago. My husband and I have attended weddings of friends that are no longer married and have seen divorce up close and personal on both sides of our family.
Even while I have watched once happy marriages end, I continue to believe in love because I witness it first hand in my home everyday. I can't NOT believe in it because I feel it in my heart. I see it in our pictures and in the way we reminisce. I feel it when he hugs and kisses me goodbye, or calls me at lunch to see how I am doing. I can't worry about the future or what might be in store for our marriage. All I can do is choose to believe in the LOVE that is right in front of my eyes. I can also continue to make sure that our marriage is our number one priority. Even above our children because I want a marriage that lasts AFTER our children have left the house.
For those of you still searching for Mr. or Mrs. Right, know that I truly believe that love is everywhere and it will find you. For those of you questioning your own love and marriage right now. Are you going to chose to believe in it? I believe unhappy or unloving marriages can be fixed and marriage has seasons of hard times.
To my sweet friend who was sexually abused by a man who didn't deserve her, know that I truly believe in love. This world can be so cruel and I will never understand just how he ruined you. But know that good men exist. Know that LOVE above all else exists. It is real and I choose to believe in it.
Click here to learn more about my friends story.
Thursday, February 9, 2017
The USA to UK: c-section addition!
Oh c-section! They seem so glamorous right?? No pushing for hours and no tearing "down there". I promise it is not at all glamorous! It is just as bloody and gory as a vaginal birth, and recovery time takes a lot longer! I wanted an all natural-pain med free labor. When I found out it was twins I was told that wouldn't be an option. So I still planned on a vaginal delivery! Up until two days prior where I learned that a size discrepancy and a breech baby would prevent that from happening! I was not prepared and wish I would have been. Although you have wrote down a perfect birth plan, just know that nothing in labor seems to go perfectly. It is so chaotic and a whirlwind of nurses and doctors ultimately making the best decisions for you and your baby (Or babies)! Molly and I have come up with a list of things that will help your c-section recovery! Even if it's not in your plans it never hurts to be prepared!
Go check it out at Molly's Blog!
Go check it out at Molly's Blog!
Monday, February 6, 2017
How to be a SuperMom
I often find myself getting compliments on "being a supermom", and I get it! I walk into a room looking like I need an extra arm, leg and foot, yet always have a mile on my face! But "supermom?? Unless you mean a TOTAL MOM (I mean look at me!) I can't help but laugh at what people might imagine my life would be like. I hope it is far from perfect! If only you guys knew the real world I live in. As I sit here typing this I can see laundry piled on my couch, high chairs that haven't been cleaned all weekend, toys scattered all about, and thank GOODNESS there is not a mirror in front of me. My mom bun is falling out from yesterday evening and I am still in pajamas. I will take being a "supermom" as a compliment any day! I might even give it the title of "The Greatest Compliment Ever"!! But if you are reading this and feeling like you ARE NOT a supermom. Like you have failed already on this Monday; I want to shed some light on my real life and the real expectations you should hold yourself accountable for as a mom.
1. Change your babies bum! First thing I did that morning was change those soggy stinky bums! If you did that today, you are one heck of a mom! It needed to be done and no one else was going to do it. You did it even if you didn't want to because you knew you had to. Because you are someone's provider, protector and MOTHER! That job alone in itself is super!
2. Feed your babies! I nursed my babies this morning, fed them vanilla pudding for breakfast, and then gave them a bottle of formula (or tried) to go to bed. Obviously I can't judge anyone and wouldn't claim to be "supermom"! I did what I had to do in order to survive. Sure, the vanilla pudding was a new one, but they loved it and so did I. It was a win-win! Sometimes for meals I will feed them homemade organic baby food I made myself! On days like that, I give myself an extra pat on the back (or cookie and soda because yay healthier choices right?!) Do I feel any WORSE that I fed my babies pudding for breakfast opposed to the mango puree in my freezer? NO! I will not be hard on myself for WHAT I feed my kids and neither should you! My job as their mom, even as a "supermom" is to feed them. That's it. The breast, a bottle, a pudding cup, or organic baby food. If you fed your child today, no matter what it was... YOU, my dear, are a SUPERMOM!
3. Love your babies! This one is the easiest and sometimes the hardest! It is so easy for me to love a giggling, happy baby. But I can also find myself overwhelmed and consumed by baby cries and needs. It can become hard to comfort, love, and soothe that same sweet angel who now twists and turns and pushes and cries in my arms! It is my job as a mom to check that numbers 1 and 2 are done. Then all I can do is love you!
4. Let your babies love you! For now, I will let them crawl into my lap and play with my hair. I will let them show me new tricks and use me as a stepping stool. I will let them blow raspberries on my arm and claw out my eyes as they examine my face. These are the ways my babies love me! Though, lately I have been getting big sloppy wet kisses and they are my FAVORITE! Someday when they get even bigger, I hope they draw me pictures and want to turn my nap time alone on the couch into a giant cuddle session. I hope they make me breakfast that tastes terrible and homemade cards with glitter left EVERYWHERE to clean. Because those moments are how they show me they care, love, and appreciate me. Let them make those messes and ruin those naps. Try and find the beauty in those moments instead of the burdens.
5. Try (Notice I keep using the word "try" a lot! No one is perfect!) and stay happy all day! I try and always wake up with a smile on face and singing a little song. It makes the mornings feel fresh and new! I have learned as a mom, that kids can ruin great moods and fast! I wanted to be productive this morning and drink coffee. Make us all waffles and write down to-do lists! Sometimes my kids don't have the same mindset. They wanted to snuggle and nurse on the couch for twenty minutes. Then they fought over toys and I had to intervene. Then they get into EVERYTHING all the time and cry when I tell them no. These times though, are fleeting moments of being overwhelmed like I mentioned before. I refer to number 3 or 4, and stop what I am doing to see what I can do to calm the whole house down and lift all our spirits. Sometimes I break and we all end up being mad at each other for a bit because no one is HAPPY anymore. When the twins aren't happy, I'm not happy, and NO ONE is going to be happy. So being the problem-solver that I am, I try and come up with solutions. How can I most easily fix the problem and restore happiness back into the home? If you are a mom who tries to keep her entire house happy (an impossible job), then YOU are a supermom!
I hope that this has shed some light onto the fact that I am definitely not the poster person for "supermom" but I will be damned if someone says I don't do my best! Today's best just happened to be a pudding cup, because it's Monday, don't judge me! I hope you enjoyed a refreshing view on motherhood from my eyes, and accepted the fact that we all are indeed SUPERMOMS! We keep the future of America alive all day... What do you do??
Thursday, February 2, 2017
The USA to UK: Favorite Baby Products Edition! { NB-3 MONTHS }
These are a few of my favorite things...
Breastfeeding Pillow
If you are wanting to breastfeed your baby I PROMISE you will want a breastfeeding pillow. Mine here, is the Twins Breastfriend Pillow, and it worked wonders for us! It made it so I could easily tandem feed my twins! Best part about it, it even has a pocket for water, snacks, and remote! Did I mention the back support? It supports your lower back well but I would add a pillow behind me so I wasn't so hunched over. I promise breastfeeding is back breaking! This pillow is high tech you guys! I seriously had to "buckle" myself in. These will always be moments that I never EVER want to forget! Find a pillow that works for you and baby, obviously this tandem feeding pillow isn't for everyone, BUT they same brand has a pillow for one baby! I HIGHLY recommend! It comes with the back support (it even looks better, WHAT!) and a pocket! I forgot to mention that this fabric is so forgiving with ANY of those pesky milk stains! Lets just do the math and say I used this thing 6 times a day, which I DID, for 3 months, which I DID that means I used this pillow AT LEAST 540 times. Worth every penny spent! Just kidding, it was a gift and like the BEST one ever! Sadly the twins are too big and wild for my pillow now. Luckily I have a recliner that does the trick!
Twins Pillow
https://www.amazon.com/My-Brest-Friend-Deluxe-Nursing/dp/B0032Z81M4/ref=sr_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1486054874&sr=8-1&keywords=twins+breastfeeding+pillow
Single Pillow
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000HZI1R2?ref_=ams_ad_dp_asin_2&th=1
Rock N Play
These are the ones I have used:
https://www.walmart.com/ip/24537736?wmlspartner=wlpa&selectedSellerId=0&adid=22222222227018259028&wl0=&wl1=s&wl2=c&wl3=40331662472&wl4=pla-59280797731&wl5=9029883&wl6=&wl7=&wl8=&wl9=pla&wl10=8175035&wl11=online&wl12=24537736&wl13=&veh=sem
Here is a gender Neutral one I still have in the box!
https://www.amazon.com/Fisher-Price-SnugaMonkey-Special-Newborn-Sleeper/dp/B00N9ZD276/ref=sr_1_1_s_it?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1486055541&sr=1-1&keywords=monkey+rock+n+play
Muslin Blankets and Swaddles
I may just have to buy these for Valentine's!!
https://www.amazon.com/SPECIAL-Blankets-Beautiful-Packaged-Exclusive/dp/B01JBU5XAG/ref=sr_1_11_s_it?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1486055616&sr=1-11&keywords=muslin+swaddle+blankets
Gender Neutral!
https://www.amazon.com/ideal-makers-anais-Piece-Swaddle/dp/B01D52HV4M/ref=sr_1_7_s_it?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1486055792&sr=1-7&keywords=aden+and+anais
Activity Mat
My girls loved this thing! They would both fit under there and play with anything dangling in sight, or just learn how to maneuver their arms and legs! It was so cute to see them both kicking and squealing in delight! I would let them play independently (well as independent as twins get) for as long as they would let me get something else done. Super lightweight, cleaned up nicely after a lot of spit ups, and helped make tummy time not such a chore!
Both of these are UNDER $20!!
Ours is VERY similar to this one, unicorn and all!
https://www.amazon.com/Infantino-Sparkle-Explore-Activity-Unicorn/dp/B00VXMXW40/ref=sr_1_23_s_it?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1486055860&sr=1-23&keywords=activity+mat+pink
Gender Neutral!
https://www.amazon.com/Fisher-Price-3-in-1-Musical-Activity-Gym/dp/B00NFETB9Y/ref=sr_1_2_s_it?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1486055952&sr=1-2&keywords=activity+mat
Bouncer
https://www.amazon.com/Fisher-Price-Little-Snugapuppy-Deluxe-Bouncer/dp/B00CZFAZGM/ref=sr_1_4_s_it?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1486058533&sr=1-4&keywords=bouncer
Graco Glider
This is probably my top life saver product at the moment. Aria loves to be moved. Loves it! Bounced, rocked, patted, anything so this swing is perfect! It has 6 gliding speeds, 10 classical music songs and 5 nature sounds ranging from water rushing (my favourite) to a heartbeat. It also comes with a detachable bar with two soft dangling toys on which I'd taken off for this photo because she was asleep. I put my own rattle toys on it because she likes to reach out and hit them. I bought this swing in the baby sale event at Smyths. I'd definitely recommend this product as it calms Aria right down and she is a difficult baby to soothe.
GroHush Baby Calmer
This is one of the presents my mum got me for Aria and it's amazing. I mean it's from the Gro Company so obviously you can tell it's worth getting but it really is fabulous. It's just a little white noise pebble. It has a super soft comfy cushion holder that you put on it and it rest it by the babies head. You can choose from 3 sounds, a heart beat, rain on a tin roof or ocean waves (which is mine and Aria's fave). It turns itself off after 10 mins which is both a blessing and curse but it's just perfect for white noise to get babies to settle down.
Chicco Rainbow Cube
I've talked about this marvelous creation over on my blog previously so it had to go in the top life saving products for me. She's had this since she was in hospital and it's just got everything a baby needs before they can actually play. It has 4 sides with different shapes for the lights to shine through. There's hearts, stars, clouds and a light diffuser side. On the bottom, there's a dial to either choose one colour or set it to colour change. AND it plays music! It plays some nice classical tunes and some frogs and crickets noises. Again it's another thing that chills her out, she loves these sensory type things!
Little Angels baby products
So these aren't all the Little Angels things I own but at the moment these are the best! They are from ASDA which you guys don't have in America I think you guys have Wal-Mart instead. Their nighttime bath and moisturizer is probably my utmost favourite because it just smells amazing. The vapour bath is also brilliant, it was recommended to me from a friend because her baby gets snuffly and it helps to clear her chest up. Actually this was the product which turned me on to little angels products in the first place as Aria has really sensitive skin due to her prematurity so usually I don't put anything in her bath, but these are just perfect for sensitive skin babies and they smell fabulous. I just can't rave about them enough!
MAM
So the best dummies (binkies) in the world as I've already said are MAM and recently I've tried the MAM self sterilizing bottles which are a god send! I cant believe I put off trying them because I thought she wouldn't like them, I mean when she was tiny they would've been too big for her tiny mouth, but now they're perfect for her. It separates completely into 6 different sections to make it really easy to clean and then you fill the base with 20mls of water, pop the teat on top of the base, screw the bottle midsection over it all and place the lid on top then throw it in the microwave for 3 minutes! And hey presto, you've got yourself a sterile bottle ready for use! MAM have really thought of everything, if only they invented preemie teats.
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