With Mother's Day right around the corner I thought I would pull together a few ideas. This is pretty much a list of things I would like since I have such a hard time thinking of gift ideas for my Mom and Mother-in-Law! Father's Day is even more difficult but we've got time for that. ;)

Mother's Day Chalk Printable

Grandma Chalk Printable

Blessed Chalk Printable

Engraveable Necklace

Utility Vest

Fit Bit

Candle

Wreath

Coasters

 

Yesterday I went to the baby shower of all baby showers. It was swan themed with lots of peach, pink, gold, and black and white accents. My pictures don't do it justice but here is some party inspiration for you. It was so stunning!

Funny story... so the champagne glasses that were filled with cotton candy are meant to have champagne (or martinellis) poured into them. It's a sugary dessert drink that is very frou frou. I was just about to start eating the cotton candy out of mine when someone explained to me that you pour your beverage into it. Um, oops. Apparently I am way way behind on this chic trend because I was ready to chow down. Just a little FYI if anyone else attends a shower or party where the champagne flutes are filled with cotton candy! Don't eat it! ;)

 Now that I'm 20 weeks pregnant (likely over half way!) I've had all sorts of new experiences with these twins. And before I jump in let me preface it by saying they are ALL worth it! Varicose veins, translucent skin, getting waxed have all been part of this pregnancy and I'll happily take each one! Because really any pregnancy problem is a good problem to have in my book.

A week ago before we found out our two boys were really a GIRL and a boy (!!!) I was at the doctor because they feared I had a DVT (deep vein thrombosis), basically a blood clot behind my left knee. After getting checked out they decided I had sprouted some pretty awesome varicose veins. Bust. I didn't have these with Blair but then again this time I am carrying twice the baby.

Doctor said it could go away after the twins come and if not then I can get a good old laser treatment to remove them. Just add that to my "mommy make-over" list. ;) In the meantime walking is good and neither standing or sitting for too long helps with discomfort.

And I can't be the only pregnant mama out there who gets fed up with trying to maintain some level of decency down there. I've basically been shaving by braille until last month when I got brave and headed down to the waxing salon. I decided this was a better option than handing over the razor to M.

But holy OUCH! After getting waxed I think M may just be a better option. That freaking HURT! After going through two years of infertility treatments nothing really embarrasses me about people being in my business but the pain was crazy! I was literally sweating on that table and when I got up there was proof of it under my tush. That, I will admit, was kind of embarrassing.

The crazy thing is that I signed up for 6 more sessions! Don't ask me what I was thinking other than the fact that I will be hugely prego this whole summer and I own a pool for crying out loud. Somebody's gotta take care of that for me! I head in again next week and I'm absolutely dreading it. My only hope is that the esthetician said it gets better. If she's lying we will have a problem...

Oh, and last but definitely not least is some good news! Blair got to feel the babies move yesterday. :) She wasn't blown away but kept telling me that "if the babies wiggle, call me!" I just love their bond already!

I can't say that I'm completely "crunchy" or "granola" (sometimes preservatives taste so good haha) but I do like a lot about the crunchy lifestyle. Usually M gives me giant eye rolls when I remind him not to microwave anything that is plastic (whether it says it is safe or not). Sorry, babe, but I love you and our kids and I don't need any unnecessary early cancer in our lives.

Enter Silikids products! Silikids offers silicone and glass dishware for kiddos. I know, it seems like glass and toddlers/babies don't mix but they can! Their glass cups are covered in heavy duty siliskin (silicone) for protection and shock absorption. These cups are perfect for Blair who like to be a big girl. Plus, I'm all about leaving behind the sippy cups at her age (less taking apart and hand washing for me!). She totally digs the bright orange color as well which will also work for our boy/girl twins.

 The other product Silikids sent me are their universal silicone spill proof lid. These things are the JAM. They fit any cup and therefore can change any glass/cup into a toddler cup with a lid and straw. These "sippy" cups are awesome because they only have two parts: the straw and top. So much easier than all the cups with valves that need to be taken apart. These would be great gifts for toddlers. Moms and dads would thank you!

 

Whether you have a toddler or preschooler Silikids products are a perfect fit. Check out their other products here or shop on Amazon!

Thank you Silikids for sending us your awesome products! 

Over the weekend my friend and I went to the Choose Joy conference. It's basically a Christ centered conference regarding infertility and/or adoption. We had a really great time and left feeling very encouraged. It was pretty awkward showing up to a conference on infertility being five months pregnant (and unable to hide it well). But I purchased the tickets before I knew we were successful with IVF. And regardless I still really enjoyed myself and found some tools there to help other women through infertility.

One of my blousiest shirts looking not so blousy... also how awkward did I feel trying to not touch my bump!

Everyone got to take home one of these darling umbrellas!

I'm more motivated than ever to start an infertility support group at my church and feel like this conference will help me get started. Like I've said before, I don't want waste the trial I went through by leaving it behind. I want to help others and have no regrets about doing nothing with my experience. Here goes nothing!

 If you follow me on Instagram then you know we had some crazy news this week! On Tuesday I went in for my anatomy scan and proudly announced to my ultrasound tech that we were expecting boys. We had some small talk and then she sat down and got to work.

After a few minutes the tech asked me, "Why do you think you are having boys?"

Insert all the color draining from my face here. "Because that's what the ultrasound tech told me at our gender reveal appointment..."

She proceeded to ask me how far along I was when I had that appointment. When I told her almost 14 weeks she "tsked tsked" me and then said, "Well I certainly see ONE boy here. But I have to tell you that Baby A does not look anything like a boy."

By this time my head was spinning and my heart was pounding. From the very beginning M and I had always thought that I was carrying one of each. When we found out they were two boys we were surprised (not disappointed) and started planning our life in the near future around that. If I could have chosen the genders I would have gone with one of each simply because I thought it would be fun for Blair to have a brother and a sister. I was eager to have another girl because I have loved raising Blair so much yet I desired to see what it was like to have a sweet boy too.

At this point in the ultrasound I am starting to get excited and hopeful but trying to guard myself because what if the tech just missed it or didn't have a clear view? I had her check, recheck, and double check that Baby A and every time she said, "This is NOT a boy. This is a GIRL."

My mind filled with all the problems that this could mean. For starters I just sold 75% of all of Blair's clothes/girl items. Secondly I'm about 80% done with the nursery. And lastly, my friends had just ordered my shower invites to say "baby boys!"

But then my heart soared! Because I get to have another GIRL! And a boy! God was meeting the deep desire of my heart and I could not believe it! He has already had so much grace with me by allowing IVF to work with not one but two babies. I felt like I was going to burst and I prayed that this lady knew what she was doing. 

At the end of my appointment The doctor came in to review my results and also confirmed that indeed we were having one of each. I quickly thanked them and immediately called M and my Mom. My Mom kept telling me I was lying and M casually said, "That's what I always thought they were." (Like it's no big deal!!!)

Yesterday we returned to the original gender reveal place and they also agreed it was one of each! Needless to say I'm so overjoyed. And I'm not the only one! Blair has been praying daily (with gusto) that God would turn at least one of those babies into a girl. I kept telling her that although God is powerful, I highly doubt this is his plan ( oh me of little faith!). I can't even believe that she got her wish! Clearly, we know that the original tech just made a mistake but STILL! Blair is definitely a believer in the "Ask and you shall receive" mentality. ;)

So there you have it. Our life just got turned upside down in the best way. And if you need anything from the Man upstairs...just ask Blair. She'll put in a good word. ;)

Over spring break we spent the week down at the beach with my Mom and nephew. Blair had SO much fun practicing being a big sister to her cousin and actually cried when it was time for him to go home. I taught her some tricks to getting a one year old to do what you want such as:

When he has a toy you want ignore him and he will drop it in 30 seconds. Then make your move.

OR

When he has a toy you want bring him something else of interest and trade him. 

You gotta be smarter than the one year old, right? Of course we told her that she needs to share and be patient because he is a lot younger than her but a few "outsmart the baby" strategies never hurt anyone. ;)

swim suit: gap

The kiddos loved swimming every morning and had amazing naps because of it! Blair was quite the little fish and really did a good job entertaining herself (which meant I got to relax by the pool!).

It was all fun and games in the wading pool till we noticed some brown flakes floating by. Apparently my nephew's swim diaper didn't do its job. My Mom was mortified and hauled him out of there at lightening speed. We informed maintenance of the mishap and then watched all the other kids go for a swim in there. KIDDING. We threw a chair in the middle of the pool with a NO SWIMMING sign on it. ;) Poop happens.

Towards the end of the week the weather got rainy so Blair and I headed to some outlets for coffee and shopping. It was a fun little date and we got some adorable things for her and the twins. Despite a cold that she got at the end of spring break I would say it was a success!

B.box puts the fun in functional with its colorful and innovative designs for toddler dishware. They were kind enough to send us some of their products to try and they were a hit! I'm definitely going to order some for the boys too.

B.box has awesome dishware that is BPA, phthalate, and PVC free. Bonus is that it is also dishwasher and microwave safe!

 The plate is great because it keeps food separate (unless you have funny syrup) with subtle dividers. It has easy grip sides and a non slip base.

The fork and spoon set were designed in consultation with pediatric occupational therapists and have a unique shape that is designed to fit the size and shape of little mouths. The angled handle encourages correct hand to mouth positioning as well. Pretty fancy for a fork and spoon!

 The snack pack is awesome for lunch time because it has two separate compartments to allow for two different foods. The lid can store the spoon which keeps it clean before use and contains the mess post meal. We filled ours with yogurt and "granola" (organic cereal) for a healthy snack!

Chow time! The fork shape makes it easy for Blair to stab her food.

We were really impressed with B.box and Blair loved that the dishes were in her two favorite colors. These would be a great gift idea for a baby shower or first birthday! Thanks b.box!

Aside from Blair getting sick the last couple days of spring break we had a relaxing time at the beach. We came home a couple days early and over the weekend M's family showered me and his cousins who also have little ones on the way. The shower was intimate, and the food was delicious. I'm blessed to have married into such a thoughtful and generous family!

A couple of weeks ago M and I hit up IKEA in search of a few items for the twins' nursery. I had my eye on some curtains, a sheepskin rug, picture ledges, and a nightstand. Of course we added a few other items to our cart as well. It was M's first time there, and my second, but alas we still didn't eat at the food court.

My only disappointment was the sheepskin rug. Apparently I didn't read the dimensions online because when we got there the rug was smaller than a bath mat. Who buys those things and what do they use them for? It was a rug sized for Barbie dolls.

The good news is that we found some great things for the nursery (I can't wait to show you!) and some more fun things for our house such as this planter turned craft organizer. IKEA advertised them as planters to hang in your kitchen but I knew it would be perfect for all of Blair's craft crap stuff.

The OCD organizer in me LOVED setting this up.

The perfect way to create more space on her table. The bar looks crooked in this picture but trust me, in real life it's as straight as an arrow!

 One of the things I love about this set up is that A. it's organized B. It's aesthetically pleasing C. When adults are helping clean up after play dates they can easily see where things go (less work for me later) D. The buckets are easy to remove for when little friends come over (the ones who color on the walls).

I guess you could say I am in full nesting mode over here. I definitely have a list of projects I want to get done before my life is over the twins are born. That is a joke of course. :) We all know I couldn't be more thrilled about their arrival!

Last week M and I celebrated our 9 year anniversary in style. We ordered take out and ate at home with Blair in our sweats. Real life marriage right there folks! And to be honest I wasn't sad about it. Forget the flowers...give me food. ;) I may or may not have eaten 5 egg rolls...

Next year though is number 10 and I have big plans for that one! Not sure what yet but if it involves diamonds I'm not going to be sad. ;)

This week I'm at the beach with Blair, my nephew, and my Mom. I'll be back in full force after Spring break. If you want to be a part of our shenanigans then follow me on snapchat (nataliebushman) or instagram @natyouraveragegirl. I hoping to come back without my winter white coat. ;)

Also this is totally a random side note but if you are wanting to go to Stagecoach this year we have 4 tickets we are selling. Email me if you are interested! natalieb1219@gmail.com

In all of my crazy internet browsing I discovered a gorgeous line of baby furniture called Micuna. They are Spain based and just now launching in the U.S. 

Micuna is launching in U.S. with their LIFE and HARMONY cribs, Smart Fresh Bassinet and OVO high chair. These items will be available at giggle.com among other retailers. The LIFE crib is really neat as you can customize the crib with different color spindles that you can choose. So fun! 

How beautiful is this nursery?!

I seriously love their modern style. The dipped legs on the high chair are spot on! SO good looking and I love that they can be great for girls or boys. If you are on the prowl for chic baby furniture make sure you check out Micuna!