Wild ONEs : the boys first birthday party

tassle banner, wild ones banner

I had big plans for these two little boys and their first birthday. Because, lets face it, you only get to celebrate your very first birthday once, so Adam and I were determined to throw a good party:) Even though the boys won't remember it, I wanted all of our friends and family there to celebrate our boys and as a huge thank you for all the love and support they've given us the past year and beyond.

I went back and forth on themes. It was their "golden birthday" since they were turing 1 on the 1st but I couldn't get enough gold and boy to tie together. (we still had gold balloons at the party to commemorate). I ended up doing a "Wild ONEs" theme and using Where The Wild Things Are as my base. I LOVED this theme. It was so fun. The invitations were custom by the wonderful Empress Stationary ( I will now be going to her for EVERYTHING!) She does amazing things! 

My mom bought three small stuffed animals characters from WTWTA book and we had them dancing around small pumpkins as people walked in the door.

gold crowns

I ordered a hardcover copy of the book for everyone there to sign and write a special note to the boys. 

I also bought these small gold paper crowns (see top of shelves) and used them for decoration. I also put one on each of the boys floating boats in the pool (again, a take off from the book) We failed to get a picture of those, but they were there, floating away:)

The weather was AH-mazing! It was the best day we'd had in Florida all year. The high was 73, which here, feels like fall. At the last minute we rented some chairs and pulled out our big mexican picnic blankets and set the front yard up for everyone to eat and enjoy the big (sort of) surprise we had for everyone! My brother even hung some hammocks in our trees for guests to enjoy!

We were going to do the boys cake inside, in front of their instagram wall, but it was just too beautiful out! 

Easiest thing (in my mind) to do for a birthday party, is to cater. Easy peasy, no cooking, no clean up,  no worries. We had our local Tijuana Flats do a fajita bar and it was excellent! We served blacken chicken fajitas, with grilled veggies, rice and black beans, and chips with the fixings! (salsa, queso and guac! because lets face it, do you know who their mama is?!)

I also had a mini food bar set up for the littles at the party. Just a few snacks to include: PB&J crown sandwiches, animal crackers, popcorn, applesauce pouches, mini cupcakes, and caramel apples. 

For dessert, the boys did have smash cakes, BUT we wanted something besides just cake for our guests, SO, we had the Yogurtology (froyo) Truck come out and everyone made their own froyo sundaes! It was a hit! and OH SO good! there were 8 flavors and lots of toppings! 

After everyone was done eating and had their yogurt, we brought the boys outside for their cake smash. This is the first time either one of them had an actual cake put in front of them, so there was no telling what either one would do. But, they loved it! And I am pretty sure Greer ate half his cake, an entire half! 

boys shirts

We had such a blast and enjoyed all of our friends and family there. (Especially our surprise visitor, My Mammaw! Best surprise ever!)

I would love to go back and do this whole day again! Next year:) already planning a theme in my head! EEEEEE!!!! 

xo

b

* all images and content are property of this blog and its owner. Do not use without permission.

The boys turned ONE!

Although I had big big plans for the boys actually birthday, they were still recovering from the awful sinus/ear infection plague that hit our house and stayed for 4 weeks. I wanted them rested and well for their party so it was a low key day. (low key as in stay in your jammies all day, which this momma felt guilty about but got over it!)

Aunt KK was in town! After the boys swim lesson, we headed to Dunkin' Donuts to get these boys a donut for their big day! And saying they loved it, doesn't even justify that breakfast they had. They both each ate half a full glazed donut and a few munchkins. whoops! 

then baths were in order after being in the pool and being covered in sugary, sticky donuts.

The rest of the day we laid low. 

that night after dinner the boys got their very first try at cake/icing.We got them cupcakes as not to overwhelm them and they loved them. Had a ball eating them and covering themselves (and us) in icing!

then we opened presents! KK and Uncle Ty bought the boys their first cars, and these two little boys have been in them every day since! 

Happy first birthday sweet boys! 

 and to my sweet adam: this year has been fun, scary, tough, exciting and so much more. And through this crazy first year roller coaster you've remained my rock. Thank you for keeping me grounded and in check when i felt i was being torn to pieces. The boys are so so lucky to have you as a father. and you already know how lucky I am. I hope I tell you too much!

We did it babe! First year in the books! 

i love you!

xo,
b

*all images and content of this blog are property of the blog and its owner. Do not use images without permission.

one year

I know the calendar is how man has chosen to measure time and track life. But a years time doesn't seem to measure all my little boys have brought into my life. That amount of time isn't enough to show what they have done for me and how they have changed me. They've brought me peace, happiness, patience, knowledge, love, so so much love, love beyond measure, and pure bliss.

Grayson and Greer: with all that everyone tells you and tries to explain about the love you will feel for your children one day, it just can't be done. There is no explanation. For all the times I will tell you this in your life, you will not know until you become a parent, and then you will fully understand. It is the most incredible feeling, the love that I have for both of you. You amaze me every day and I am so honored to be your Momma,  your compass through this crazy (and sometimes scary) World, your comfort when you're unsure, your teacher, your leader and your anchor.

You have both made up for so much that this life has dealt me and I will spend the rest of my life giving to you without limits and having the utmost gratitude for your life. I promise to give everything I have, every day, especially on the days I just don't feel like it. You little boys, are worth everything. and I love you both madly.

Grayson - Our "first" baby. You little man, are a momma and dada's boy through and through. You would take being in our arms over a new toy or a new friend. You are so compassionate. Any time your brother cries or Campbell barks, you're the first to run over and see wants the matter.
You are full of surprises. You will one day out of the blue start a new skill like that! With no warning. You just do it. You, most of the time, observe your brother for a few days or weeks and then nail it on your first try. You are swimming so well and despite your torticollis, you corrected yourself and are an absolute champ!
You stack huge blocks, roll cars and trucks all around, bang things together (which i have been told is a 15 month skill) and you love to love. You are a happy little boy and watching you grow has been the greatest joy of my life. I love you.

Greer- our "baby'. You came into our family as the calm, laid back twin. But that quickly changed. You amaze us every day with the things you can do. You were a quick roller and walker. And the things you pick up on and mimic, shock us. You put a phone to your ear when we say "hello?!", you make animal noises at correct animals, you LOVE animals, you recognize peoples faces in pictures, and you pay attention to every little detail.  You floated in swim class right off the bat, and haven't looked back since. You amaze us every time.
You love having fun and being silly and love to rough house with Dada. You are the bright light little boy and it so much fun watching you learn. You make my day, every single day. I love you.

xoxo momma

Blogging update

hi friends!

did you think I forgot about you? Did you forget about me?

This is my confession: I've been extremely scared to blog. Terrified. I have had four sweet blogging/twin mama friends of mine, have their sweet babies pictures taken from their blog and used to make other accounts/blogs/Facebook pages. Disgusting, right? So, being the anxious mama I am, I stopped blogging cold turkey. One part of me is thankful I did it and the other part is kicking myself for not figuring out a solution sooner and documenting my babes lives here, for them, for me and for you.

BUT --- I have figured out a way to keep my babes safe and still blog. A few changes happening here:
1. A new blog layout/design is in the works! Exciting
2. None of my pictures will be able to be copied on her. The right click button has been disabled. So, for all my family members who like to save the pictures off of here, I am SO sorry :( I just can't handle the creeps that are out to mimic bloggers families and lives.
3. There will be legal verbiage at the bottom of each post about stealing pictures from this blog and using them in any other way.

I am so so so excited to start blogging again and having a space to document Grayson and Greer.

So, I will be back here more often now! Updating you on what has been going on around these parts (if you don't already follow me on Instagram) and was is new around here!

Happy to be back and be comfortable once again!

I leave you with a few recent pictures of the littles!

Can you believe they are almost ONE?! I think I have cried every day, at least once, for the past ten days just thinking about it.

xxoo,

b

*all pictures from this blog are property of this blog. Any unauthorized use of these pictures will result in legal actions.

Grayson & Greer Birth Video

How proud of me are y'all for posting twice in one week?! Thank you for all your sweet comments on IG, FB messages and e-mails on my gratitude post! 

So, I've spent the better part of all my nightly pumping sessions at the computer working on the boys birth video the last week. There was so much I wanted to put in it and a lot I wanted to keep extremely private { meaning only for Adam and I } so I battled on what to do. I decided I would make two videos. One for us and one to share with family, friends and followers! 

I'll tell you, this project had me in tears quite a few times. My littles are growing so quick and in a blink of an eye they will be holding their own bottles, walking and talking and I'll want to come back to this day so badly. I know the big thing this year is to have a "word" for yourself. A word describing how you want this year to go. I've been thinking about for a few weeks, and I think i've decided on "present." I want to be present in every moment and not rush through the small things. {i.e.: feedings, night time routine, and just life in general} I believe now, more than ever, it is important for me to be present and soak every little second in with the boys. And even though I want to try and document everything, I need to remember to put the phone/camera down and just live in the moment instead of trying to capture it through media. 

What is your word? Have you thought of one or even heard of this whole thing?

Well here is the boys birth video sans all the gory surgery pictures and other personal shots we took when it was just us. {ya know, skin to skin, pictures with my side boob hanging out:), nobody needs to see that!}

enjoy!

xo

-b

2013

Did Hell just freeze over or is there actually a post popping up on my blog? Yes, yes my friends there is a new post.

You guys, having twins is NO JOKE. I had high, high hopes for myself to keep up this blog on a weekly basis and document anything and everything about the twins…. FAIL! Life with twins has been more than I ever expected it to be. It is beautiful. And challenging. (more on that in another post)

This post is my 2013 letter/review. I wanted to type out a list of things I was grateful for at Thanksgiving, but didn't get around to it and then, wound up sick with two sick babies. So this post is an ode to all the things I am grateful for in 2013….

Dear 2013,

You my friend were a challenge to say the least. It so tough to say that the best day of my life happened in a year I wouldn't call my favorite. The amount of stress and pressure that came along with you this year was insurmountable. As a whole you were not my favorite year, but you do hold my most favorite day in your hands. My beautiful boys were born in your year, and for that I will always love 2013. I am also grateful for the following that 2013 held:

My health - i have to remind myself on a daily basis how truly lucky I am to have this. There are many people sitting in hospitals not knowing when their last day will be, that would LOVE to take my place. I am forever grateful for my health.

My husband- this man has been by my side all year. (except this weekend when he flies to Pasadena for the National Championship game, but hey, he deserves it) I'm not sure where I would be without him. He is my rock. Through every smile, laugh, tear, breakdown and let down, he's been right there to share them with me. I am more in love with now then I have ever been.
I am also thankful for his job, and the way he works his tail off. Because of both of these components, I  was able to make the decision at the end of this year to stay home with the boys. I so look forward to not ever missing a thing and watching their every growth.

My boys - my boys:) I love saying that. These two littles have brought more joy to my life than I ever could have dreamed. My every breath is stolen by them. My world revolves around them. And I will spend every second of my life making sure they know how much they are loved and how very much they mean to me.

My family and friends - these people are the best support anyone could ask for. They kept my spirit and soul up this year and I am forever indebted to them for doing so.

My incredible doctors - my doctors had to make some incredibly tough decisions on my behalf this year. And although I did most of these hard things kicking and screaming, they brought my two happy, healthy baby boys into the world safely. Thank God for them

Hospital bed rest - yes, I said it, I am thankful for the 5 weeks I sat in a hospital bed and cooked my littles just a bit longer. This had a major hand in their health. Their great health. I also made great friends with my nurses and continue with some of those friendships today.
And lastly, through bed rest, I learned a lot about my self. I did lots of soul searching and self learning. Because of bed rest, for the first time in my life, I was fully proud of myself.

Parenthood - parenthood has also taught me so much about myself, it has made Adam and I an incredible team and it is the single best thing that has ever happened to me.

*** my friend Leah gifted me "The Simple Abundance Journal of Gratitude" book. Its dated for every day of the year and you are supposed to write down every night, the little things you were grateful for that day. These things aren't meant to be big things, like family, friends etc… they should be silly things that you take or granted every day. ie: your Starbucks barista had your drink ready and waiting for you when you walked into your neighborhood Starbucks.
I was so excited to receive this, and I am making it one of my goals this year to do it every night. Wont you join me? you can find the book here.

I've listed out some small things below that I am grateful for, some on a daily basis, and some that happen every once in a while:

-my babies crying, screaming crying  - i always make a point to stop and think to myself, thank God for those lungs.
-my pup - poor thing didn't know and still doesn't know what happened to her. She has been patient and very good with the boys. She still craves attention but she keeps her distance while still trying to figure out who these little boys are.

-Instagram/blogging - i know, sounds so ridiculous, but through both of these "places" I have formed wonderful friendships with other twin moms that have quickly become my "pen pals." We swap advice, almost on a daily basis, and without them, I would be lost.

-my pump - not really, but really. I hate my pump, I do. But its the only thing that has made giving my boys the very best milk, possible. (I plan to burn it when I'm through)

-my home - i love my house. I curse it on a daily basis when I have to run up and down stairs 100 times a day, and we are currently looking for a new one. But every time I curse it, I do say "if you were only one level, I would stay in you forever" other than the stairs, its perfect. I am so thankful to have a beautiful roof over my head.

-my car - I am blessed to drive what I drive and feel safe every time I am in it and every time I drive the boys in it. I know it sounds silly to be thankful for this, but my anxiety levels aren't as high as they would be knowing I am in a very safe car.

-my bed - after being in a hospital bed for 5 weeks and then on my couch for 2 weeks, I have never been more thankful for that king sized bed in my life. It is my little slice of Heaven.

reflux - both my boys have reflux. And although it is the bane of my existence, I know these boys could have a lot worse conditions. Being "happy spitters" is low on the totem pole of infant conditions and I am thankful to be there and not dealing with something more serious. (or something that gives me less sleep than I am getting now)

-sleep training/Moms On Call - because of this program my boys are sleeping 9 hours through the night now. Which makes this completely sleep deprived momma feel like a whole new woman.

-Snuzas - the boys wear these little alarms to monitor their breathing. If they have no movement for 15 seconds the alarm buzzes them to get them to move, if they don't move after that buzz, an alarm will sound to let Adam and I know. This helps me sleep at night.

There are countless other things that I am grateful and thankful for this year and every day. I am hoping my new journal will keep my list up to par for this letter next year.

Thank you all for following along, for your endless support, prayers and kind words through this year.
Here is to 2014 being the best yet!

xxoo
-b