Sugar and Spice: Week 13

Wow! I can't believe I'm writing my 13th Sugar and Spice. You know what that means? I've been on bed rest for 13 weeks!! But people, I can see the end in sight.

Let's get on with this. Because I'm sure, you don't want to hear all about my bed rest, pregnancy aches and pains, and all that other good stuff. So here we go....

Sugar:

*Thanksgiving with family and friends! Hello! It doesn't get much better than that. :)
*Lots of yummy food. Specifically, my mom's stuffing. And my momma-in-law's sweet potatoes. We're not going to talk about the weight, I'm sure I gained. We're just going to blame it on the pregnancy. Even though we all know, it was probably the 5 servings of sweet potatoes!!
*Super stretchy, maternity leggings. Because hello, this belly is HUGE!! Add in all the food, and heck, I don't know how my clothes fit!!
*James going "Black Friday" shopping with our mommas. It was for our girls. So he was all in! And came home, with some really good deals. :)
*Thanksgiving with my hubby. Being that he's a fireman, we usually don't get to spend the holiday together. He's usually working.
*Pumpkin brownies!! Hello!! I LOVE Mrs. C! And she is welcome anytime. Especially with those brownies!
*Teen Mom 2. I know. But I'm ridiculously addicted to this show.
*Buying the girls, their first ornaments. Yes, I managed a fairly quick run to Hallmark. With James. This is definitely something, that I've wanted to do for a while.
*Christmas decorations going up. I didn't get to put them up. But boy, they are gorgeous! And getting me into a festive mood. :)
*A warm Thanksgiving. The weather was so nice, that we spent much of the day, on the back patio. It was beautiful!

Spice:

*I can't move. I'm positive that I've become a beached whale. I need help to get up. There are even nights, when James has to help me roll over. Hello!!
*This itchy belly. Why must it itch so much?? Dry skin is the worst!! I swear to you, I almost feel like I'm basting a turkey. You know, every time I slather on the moisturizer!
*Cankles. Hello there!! Didn't know that you would want to hangout. But apparently, we're going to be BBFs!!
*I couldn't stand cranberry sauce this year. Usually, I eat it all. This year, I didn't even want it near me!
*Still no Wons Upon a Time. What else can I say? I miss the cute little Isabelle posts. I just hope all is well with the family.
*Literally, 12 bathroom breaks a night. Hello!! Didn't think that was possible.
*Staying on that note, I miss sleeping through the night.
*Missing "Black Friday." I usually live for the day. Planning out my shopping trip. Knowing exactly what I'm buying, from each store. With all my ads highlighted, written on, and ready to go!
*Missing church. Yes, I still miss it so! Although, my friend, got our priest to come for a visit. I didn't know that they did "Home Visits." But it was nice! It definitely lifted my spirits as we prayed together. But I still miss going to church.
*Saying "goodbye" to our family. I really wish they lived here!

That's it folks. At least that's all I can think of. But then again, I'm sure I'm still in a "Turkey Coma." And we're already missing our family!! Glad that they came. And cooked us so much amazing food! But I really do wish, that they could stay longer. Have a Blessed Sunday!!

Pregnancy Update: Week 35

How far along? 35 Weeks!! Can we all say "Wow!!"
Total weight gain: 35 lbs (Pre-pregnancy weight: 115 lbs). Y'all notice that? I'm 35 weeks along. And I've gained 35 lbs. Wonder how much more I'll gain.
Babies are the size of: A honeydew melon. That's pretty big y'all!
Babies' development: The twins' are like their momma. They're starting to get ready for birth. And now, should be "head down." I say, should, because Melia was "head down" last week. At this week's appointments, she's been "head up."
Estimated length of babies': About 18.19 in
Estimated weight of babies': Around 5.25 lbs
Maternity clothes: I'm sticking to maternity leggings. I will admit this. I may have cut out the waistbands of 3 pair, just this week. The waistbands are really starting to bother me. But I do enjoy, dressing up for outings. You know, our appointments and such. But yesterday, was just a comfy day. It's the only way, I could get through Thanksgiving, being this pregnant.
Stretch marks: Nothing yet. But this line is still going strong!
Sleep: I'm exhausted! And I've started to nap, multiple times a day. As in, a few hours up, a few hours asleep. Y'all is this normal??
Best moment this week: Having our family here. They don't live near us. So it's nice, when they can come for a visit. Man have we missed them! It just made our Thanksgiving so special. We even managed to hang the Christmas decorations. And by "we," I mean my mom and momma-in-law. :)
Miss anything: Eating without feeling like a "stuffed turkey." I also have to admit this, I miss my pre-pregnancy clothes. And the way I felt in them.
Movement: The girls move around all the time. I just adore watching, and feeling them. James and I just LOVE to watch them at night. They get so active, right before bedtime. It's wonderful to watch them. Making all their cute movements. Hiccups are becoming a regular too! Which I just adore!!
Food cravings: Anything pumpkin. But this might have something to do with the season. And these 2 wonderful ladies, that are cooking for us. But really, I can't get enough of it!!
Gender prediction: 2 beautiful little girls!!
Anything making you queasy or sick: Heavy perfume. I discovered that Wednesday. At our appointment. When this lady walked in. With such strong perfume. I had to wobble on out, of the waiting room.
Labor signs: Braxton Hicks contractions are becoming more regular. My Dr. told me, that I'm starting to "prepare" for the birth too! I'm thinning, and have begun to dilate. Apparently, my body thinks we're at 40 weeks.
Symptoms: Tired all the time!! My belly also itches like no other! And feels like it could be on fire. I've also noticed, my appetite is going away. Very quickly!!
Belly button in or out: Oh. Emm. Geee!! She is out!! As far as one could get. You can even tell through my clothes.
Wedding rings on or off: On. But I have to admit, they are getting tighter.
Happy or Moody most of the time: I'm a "happy camper." But also quite emotional. After everyone left this morning, I cried. Like a big 'ol baby. Because everyone else, went "Black Friday" shopping. Who does this? This very pregnant lady!
Looking forward to: The holidays with our girls. I just can't wait! We've all got our Christmas pjs. James bought so many presents today. Our decorations are up. We just have to wait for our beautiful girls.

Christmas PJs

A few weeks ago, I ran into a Dr. that I work with. I was at the hospital for a checkup. And he was there, having dinner with his wife. By the way, when James and I are old, I hope to be just like Dr. and Mrs. C. He still call his wife, "My Bride." They've been married over 60 years!!

James and I ran into them, as we were leaving our appointment. We were on "Cloud 9." My belly was leading the way. And Dr. and Mrs. C, invited us to sit with them. The fact that she had brought a homemade pie, and was offering me some, was a total bonus! Mrs. C makes dinner every day for them. And brings it into the hospital to share. Most days, they eat alone. It's so cute! Some days, they invite Dr. M and Dr. S to eat with them.

This was a total treat for me!! I NEVER get to eat with them. Although, Mrs. C has brought us plenty of yummy, baked goods. My schedule usually doesn't "match up" with Dr. C. But this day it did. Can you tell how much I enjoyed the pie?? Oh, and I also got a meatloaf sandwich out of it. :)

Dr. and Mrs. C happened to have 4 kids. Grown of course! With tons of grandkids. But they never get to see them. They live in NYC area. And we live in the southwest. Instead, they spoil the Drs., interns, and such that work in the hospital. Take all of us in, like their family. :)

We were all chatting about the girls. How potentially, I could be induced on December 12th. How the pregnancy is progressing. Mrs. C asked if there was anything else I was needing. Or wanting. Before the twins come. Honestly, there is not much left to do. We've been so blessed!! By our friends and family.

But I've been wanting some Christmas pjs for the girls. I haven't found anything online. James hasn't found anything in the stores. He's so cute! I send him out, looking for random things like this. Or tights with polka dots. Anyway, Mrs. C stopped by yesterday. To bring us some yummy treats. And 2 sets of these....

Aren't they adorable!! Not only did the girls get pjs. They got the slippers, and hats too! So sweet. I can't believe Dr. and Mrs. C did this for us!! I'm sure the girls are going to look adorable. Simply adorable!! I'm tempted to order James and I, a pair of these. ;) So we can all match!! Too bad they're not our size. But wouldn't this be a fun tradition to start? New Christmas pjs, for Christmas Eve!!

Anyway that you spin this, we're going to be so blessed this Christmas. We're going to have 2 of the most precious gifts, that we could ever ask for. Totally styling, in these cute outfits. Thank you Dr. and Mrs. C!!

Sugar and Spice: Week 12

How's every one's week been? Me? I think I might have forgotten what sleep is. I'm exhausted! But I'm getting it together. And I'm just grateful, that I can nap whenever I want. Let's get this week's Sugar and Spice underway!

Sugar:

*Once Upon a Time! Hello, it's so good every week. Clearly, it's becoming a favorite of mine. What in the world am I going to do, when I go back to work. I usually work Sundays....
*Dove's dark chocolate and raspberry candies. Thank you Lola for sharing them with me!! Life changing. People you must try them!!
*Long phones calls, with good friends. Sometimes, you just NEED to talk it out. Glad I got this girl, and this one, and this one....to talk to!
*Cranberry juice. Unexpected for sure! I've never liked it before. But all of a sudden, I NEED a glass during breakfast. Every day!!
*A hubby that brings home beautiful flowers. Just because. He's definitely a keeper. Y'all don't be jealous!!
*Beautiful gift wrap. Just sitting here, waiting to be used up! The ribbons are pretty gorgeous too! Christmas, you can't come soon enough!
*My hubby's "All Day Chili." Heck ya! He cooked it twice, in 8 days. Love this man! And his chili. :)
*Online shopping. It's helping me get through the day. And not go nutso! I MISS shopping. But I'm finding out, online shopping can be fun too!!
*Carrot cake cupcakes. Thank you Lola! You know the way to my heart. The girls say Thank you too! Let's just say, we were all happy campers!!
*Most of all, this week I'm grateful for growing babies. My girls are both gaining weight. And doing well. We've even begun talking about potential delivery dates!! :)

Spice:

*Watching Orphan. It scared me to death!! Literally, I couldn't sleep on Wednesday night. Because of this movie. I had to wait until James got home. Don't watch it!
*The smell of burnt toast. It takes forever to go away! Ugh!!
*"Pregnancy Brain." I can't remember my name at times.
*I miss getting my hair done. It's just a "Hot Mess" at the moment! I consider it a total success, to wash it. And throw it in a messy knot. Lame. I know!
*Fighting with Blogger. There are just some days, that I want to blog. And it doesn't let me. Or I want to add something cute to the 'ol blog. Blogger, just let me do it!
*Hearing people say, I look like I'm at 42 weeks! Really, you're not helping me out here. And all the "Bless your little heart," makes me cry.
*On that note, all this crying. When did I get so emotional? I cry for everything. Simply everything! Including when James killed a bug last night.
*All this "Holiday TV" interrupting my regular TV shows. Don't get me wrong, I love me some holiday movies. But I really do miss some of my favs right now.
*Our mail system. Why must all of our mail come back? Or get lost? Ugh! And the USPS is wondering why it's crumbling.
*Politics. Period. I'm so over them! Just get it together. Get our country back on track. Remember the average American. And how hard we work. Please protect us, and our families.

That's it! Oh, I'm so excited!! Our family is coming for a visit this week. Yes, I'm so excited!! Not only am I happy to see our family. But I'm also glad, that James will have some help. I know he's been doing a lot lately. Have a Blessed Sunday!!

Colorful Monkeys

I'm pretty darn sure, that by now, you know about my love of monkeys. It didn't really start until I was pregnant. That first time. And it has only "peeked out," while I've been pregnant. Believe me, I don't usually have stuffed monkeys hanging around.

But now that the girls are almost here, I find myself drawn to little monkeys. We bought some larger stuffed monkeys. At Babies-R-Us. And I asked my friend to decorate them. So that we can hang them on our hospital room door. After the girls are born. I seen this years ago on YouTube. But I can't find that video. :( My friend also made something similar for another friend of hers. But with a baby sheep. So cute!

James already knows, if there's a monkey on a onesie, blanket, or pair of pjs....were buying it. Times 2!! We're not all crazy here. Just a few stuffed animals, a set of Christmas ornaments, and some cute clothes. You know, with monkey faces, on the bums!!

Who knew that my hubby would join in, on all this madness?? I know! Shocking!! But one afternoon, I was cruising through Pinterest. Drooling over all these pictures. Am I the ONLY one that does this?? It proved to be too much for my pregnant self. I fell asleep. And when James got home, he noticed the last picture I was looking at....

Yes, I know! Shocking I tell you! But James hunted down the pattern on Etsy. From what I was told, by the firefighters, it took a few days. And a few of them. And maybe a few of their wives. Who knew it was that hard to find??

In case you're wondering, I don't have a "crafty bone" in my body. But my friend, is beyond talented!! Beyond folks! She did our entire nursery. And I'm thinking, I might need to put in some overtime, this Summer. Just so she can decorate our entire home!! I hear the nursery is AMAZING!! In case you're new around here, James and I, aren't going to see it until we bring the girls home. But I know Lola's work. And I know, it is gorgeous!!

Well, to make a long story short, Miss Lola outdid herself. And recreated this fun outfit. Just for our girls! In about a 3-6 month size. Because my dears, the twins' closet, is overflowing at the moment. With all these teeny, tiny clothes. And this will definitely be something fun, to dress them up in. You know, when it's warmer out.

I still can't believe James. He's "Mr. Wonderful" I tell you! And Lola, for making the cutest little things, just for our girls. I can't wait to dress them up. And take loads and loads of pictures!! Yes, I'm positive, that I'm going to be "that" mom!!

Won Family, Where Did You Go??

One of my absolute favorite blogs to read, is Wons Upon A Time. I don't remember how I originally found it. But I remember that night. Sitting up, for hours past my regular bedtime. Reading all the posts. There is just something about this blog, that pulled me in.

 

Part of the intrigue is the realistic writing. How this couple's life, is not perfect. They have marital issues. Parenting is not perfect, or planned. More like, "Learn as you go." But not everything on this blog is a "downer." Not that "real life" is. It's just nice to know, other wives have fights with their husbands. You know, over the everyday stresses. That not everyone is happy 24/7. Basically, it's nice to know, I'm not the only one, that doesn't have a "picture perfect life."

The stories about Jane and Alex's kids, are hilarious! Isabelle cracks me up. Really, you must read this blog, to get it. I'm not lying. I sorta wish, that in "real life," I could run into this family. As Isabelle, is riding her favorite ride, outside Toys-R-Us. Let's not forget about Isaiah. He's a cutie!

I adore that this family takes regular trips to Disneyland. Yes please! If I lived closer, you could bet your bottom dollar, I'd do the same thing! Jane has such a love for Disneyland, that Alex proposed there. Doesn't get much more "fairytale" like. Oh, and their tips to Hawaii. Yes, I'd like to do that as well. I adore the Won family! All of them. And this blog.

But today, I'm sad. This regular read of mine, has gone dark. Well, at least for me. The blog is now set to "private." And it's been over a month, maybe longer, since I've read a post. Not going to lie here, it makes me sad. When I'm having a tough day, I used to like to read a story about Isabelle. Instantly, my day was made better. She's such a sweet soul. And has the best convos with Jane! When I'm having a struggling time, I like to read one of the inspirational posts. You know, to let me know, that I can make it through it too. Just hope the Won family is OK. And that the blog goes public again. I know you'll love it too!!

If Only I Could Stand Up....

There is something going on with me. Something that even James, knows not to mess with. I'm not sharing my sweets. From the beginning of my pregnancy, I've craved sweets. All sorts of them. But in the last few days, it's been all about this candy bark. It started 2 years ago. My friend Lola, brought some candy bark to work. I stole it. Ate it all up. Then begged her to make more.

Let's fast forward to last Fall. When I spotted this post at Mix and Match Mama. Immediately, I printed it. Didn't matter that I had just started my shift at work. I knew, I MUST make it. When I got off of work, 18 hours later, I headed to Walmart. Picked up my supplies. And went home.

Yes, I made it. Didn't matter that it was 6am. I made my bark. Put it in the freezer. Took the world's fastest shower. And ate my bark. It wasn't completely hard. But I couldn't wait any longer! Boy, since then, I've made this candy bark so many times!! Well, maybe not with the candy corn. But some variety of candy.

Today it's all I can think of. If I wasn't on bed rest, I'd be all over it. ALL OVER IT PEOPLE!! But apparently, even melting some candy, to make candy bark, is too much for this pregnant lady. I wonder if any of my friends are reading this? Lola? I'd really adore some candy bark. Pretty sure the girls agree with me! :)

Christmas Perfection!!

This past weekend was one of those, that pre-bed rest, I probably would have enjoyed. Because I would have had time, to meet my friends for lunch. Or go shopping. Maybe have a "spa day." You see, James hasn't worked an entire weekend, in almost 2 months. Not from Friday afternoon, to Monday morning. But this weekend, was his weekend....

And I knew, that I was going to have a ton of hours, to fill up. My friend Rachael offered to hangout with me on Saturday. She's a "firefighter wife." So she gets it. Besides, Rachael was bringing her darling 3 kiddos with her. Total score!!

James had stocked the fridge. With my favorite foods, and snacks. He also was very thoughtful. And got me a lot of things, to occupy my time. Hello new nail polish! I told you ladies, don't be jealous of my hubby. He's just a doll! My friend Sarah, was going to come over, for dinner on Sunday. And I was really excited about this. Because she was bringing over our favorite take-out! All the plans were made.

But it still left me with hours, to fill. Yes, I had my stack of books, magazines, a movies to watch. But I also had Pinterest. An entire weekend, and Pinterest. I don't think I've shared this with you. Since being on bed rest, I must spend 3 hours a day, drooling on Pinterest. Boy, I could get myself into trouble there! If I followed all the links. Instead, I pin the pictures. And this past weekend, I found so many ideas. But nothing, and I mean nothing, as cute as this!!

I know! Christmas is 3 months away. But folks, that's just 3 months. What did I do, the minute I seen this on Pinterest? I followed the link here. Oh ya, I don't know how to crochet. But this lady does. And I just might have, emailed her the link, and begged her to make me 2.

Now my friend doesn't want to charge me. And I don't have a way to get the supplies. But I'm going to do something for her. Because this is just too much!! And honestly, it didn't take more than me asking, "Can you make this for the girls?" Lola said yes immediately. She is too sweet. And after a long talk this morning, we agreed that she'd "girl up" this little outfit. Maybe make a skirt, for the diaper cover.

I just can't wait to see the outfits! And to see my girls, in these outfits. Lola is going to make them in a newborn size. And I've already dreamt up, ways to take the girls pictures. Newborns at Christmas. Who would have thought! But it sounds like so much fun!! Just 3 more months.

First Dolls

Now that we know our twins are girls, let the spoiling begin!! I've ordered a mass amount of bows and headbands, from Etsy. LOVE that place!! I've got my eye on some blankets. But the one thing, that James and I really wanted to do, was buy them something special. Perhaps, that something special, that will become their "buddy."

I don't know about you. But growing up, I had this stuffed doll. She wasn't a plastic doll. No. Something that my parents had picked up. I think my mom said, that she bought it at an arts and crafts event. But my doll is a rag doll. That became my BBF.

Even when I moved out, and went to college, my doll came with me. I know! I was 18 y/o. But she was my doll. The one thing I slept with, until James and I got married. :)

I want my girls to have something special like that. Something, that will get them through illnesses, and that they just adore. A little friend that they can turn to....and love. Something, that when they are 30 y/o, they will see. And it will flood them, with memories of a happy childhood.

Before we knew that our twins were girls, I'd looked at many things on Etsy. I'd saved the various shops. That had cute stuffed toys. But I kept coming back to one shop. And silently, in my heart, I prayed that I could order 2 of these....

Not going to lie here. They are pricey. But some things in life, were meant to cost a little more. Because they have meaning. And were made with love. James and I immediately contacted the seller. And ordered 2!! We might not know, what our girls will look like. What color of hair, or eyes they will have. Or what colors and patterns, they will like most. But, we ordered something, that we both enjoyed.

Yes, it was a team effort here. That's a lot of money to spend. So we wanted to make our purchase, something that we'd both enjoy. The girls very first dolls, will be something very special!! With dark hair. I'm almost positive, our girls will have dark hair. They will be half hispanic after all!!

I'm most excited about this purchase. And the delivery. Is that nuts? I hope not. Because this was a "Big Day" for us. You know, after finding out that our twins are both girls!! I just can't wait to surround them with ruffles, bows, lace, pink stuff, dolls, and lots and lots of girly things!! This is going to be so fun!!

A Summer Must!!

I adore Summer! Almost a little too much. Especially, because I live in the southwest. And it's hotter than heck! Let's just put it this way, we've got more triple digit temps, between June and August, than double digit temps. Many of those days, you can feel the soles of your shoes, melting as you walk across a parking lot. Yes, it is hot!!

Your AC, never gets turned off. Ever!! Not during the Summer. You don't plan activities, between 11am and 6pm. Not outside. And you ALWAYS carry around ice cold water. ALWAYS!!

If you are my friend Lola, well you are crazy. Because she has no AC. Relies on fans, that do little to bring down the temps in your home. And finds any excuse, to eat ice cream. Maybe even drink it. Because this is her favorite drink....

What is it, you ask? An "Orange-sicle Float." At least that's what Lola calls it. And just about a month ago, she introduced it to me. Oh. Emm. Geee!! It is delicious! And the perfect drink to quench your thirst. Even in the desert.

I know. It sounds odd. But really, you must all try this. Take some vanilla ice cream. Or a heck of a lot in our case. And your favorite orange soda. Scoop up the ice cream, into a tall glass. Add in some ice cold, orange soda. And enjoy!

If you happen to be "slightly" lazy like me. Head to your favorite Sonic. As for a Root beer float. With orange soda. And maybe a spoon. You are going to thank me and Lola. Hurry and try this!