Christmas Break

This week M has been taking time off of work and it has been SO nice! We've been completing some projects around the house and making good on some projects we promised for Christmas. He made my mom some shelves and is working on a wood fireplace molding for his mom. He also created a natural wood mantle for us that looks great! But mostly I've just been enjoying having him around and spending time with these nuggets...

Blair looks WAY too big here! :(

Today we are having family pictures taken with M's family...wish us luck!

Christmas Re-cap

We're winding down from Christmas over here...is anyone else still putting gifts away and flattening boxes for recycle?! Everything takes longer with kids! Speaking of kids, don't they make Christmas so much fun!? We had a great time celebrating the birth of our Savior (and Matt!). Here's a little peek at our holiday...

three out of five ain't bad (blair's outfit from gap)

The reason why the extra 12 pounds I was carrying around has now turned into 18... woof! Time to get healthy! It's all fun and games till you get on the scale...

It was such a fun Christmas and I already can't wait till next year when the babies "get it" a little bit more. This year Blair told me, "Mom, next year you don't have to get me so many presents. I'm tired from opening them all."

Be careful what you wish for, Blair! ;)

Merry Christmas Eve, Eve!

Merry Christmas Eve, Eve! I am done shopping and wrapping and will be hanging out at home today with M and the kids. We've been loving the rainy wintery weather and I plan on staying bundled up all day long! Hope you guys have a great holiday!

Footwear for Babies and Toddlers: See Kai Run

There are so many choices when it comes to shoes for babies and toddlers. While browsing online for shoes for the twins I came across See Kai Run footwear for boys and girls and they have the cutest shoes! If you are still looking for the perfect holiday shoes for your little one, or need new shoes regardless, check these out! I picked out my favorites for boys and girls below. 

See Kai Run shoes are stylish and promote healthy foot development. They use the finest materials and have spot on craftsmenship. I just love the patent burgendy ones...might have to snag them for Blair! And you can tell that they are high quality just by looking at the soles. 

I like that these shoes are flexible, go on easily (and stay on!) and have room for toes to move around...no more fits while trying to cram Blair's feet inside. And hello did you notice they don't have laces that can come undone easily?! Winning.

See Kai Run shoes are supportive which is important for early walkers. I'll definitely be checking these out when the twins start walking. (insert link to article on shoes for early walkers)

Do you have a favorite pair of shoes that you love for your baby, toddler, preschooler? If so, please share them below!

See Kai Run is having a sale right now using the code "december20off" so snag a pair now! Before you order make sure you check out the 10 points of proper shoe fit.  They would be the perfect stocking stuffers and would look super cute with these outfits. Happy shopping! 

*This post is a partnership with Nakturnal 

Easy Chocolate Covered Pretzels

If there is one thing that Blair is an expert on it's sprinkles! Even when we make muffins she has to make sure they are appropriately covered in sprinkles. After we made the chocolate covered peanut butter balls we had some left over dipping chocolate. M thought it would be fun to dip pretzels in it and then let B add some sprinkles and hand them out to her friends. His idea was sure a hit!

Such a fun Dad!

Also a little fun fact for you...M and I started dating this very day in 1997!!! Happy dating anniversary, Matt! Um that's 19 years ago. Woah. 

Cal and Evie: 4 Months

Exactly one year ago today Evie and Cal were implanted inside of me. December 15th. I will never forget that day. The long wait in the doctor's office. Not knowing if two, one, or none of our babies had continued growing.  Hearing the good news that we still had two embryos and then learning the odds of them making it (since we chose not to do genetic testing) weren't great. Watching them be implanted inside of me on a little black and white tv and then praying with every ounce of hope inside of me that they would hang in there.

And they did.

By the grace of God they did. And they're here now! They are everything I had prayed for and more.

Last night as Matt was making dinner (I know, I'm spoiled) and I was holding Evie I said, "Having twins is hard. Like really hard. But my heart is also overflowing with love for them. I'm the happiest I've ever been. Exhausted and happy."

They had their 4 month check up yesterday and even though they are small (both only in the 1 percentile for weight), they are mighty! The doctor said they are doing great and I'm doing a wonderful job (yay!) but she does want to see them back on their growth curve. For now that means supplementing them with extra breast milk from my best friend at every feeding (thanks Brooke!) until they catch back up.

Here are their stats:

Evie
weight 10 pounds 10 ounces (1%)
length 22 inches (1%)
head circumference 41 cm (64%)

Evie loves baths, the stroller, and doesn't mind her car seat. She likes to swing, kick at the toys on her play mat, read books, and most of all watch her big sister. She can roll from her tummy to back and often does so in her crib. Then she is like a turtle on her back and never happy about it. She naps for about 50 minutes and then rolls to her back and plays or cries until it's time to eat. She is learning to sleep on her back when she does that...

Cal 
weight 11 pounds 2 ounces (1%)
length 23.5 inches (2%)
head circumference 42 & 1/4 cm (71%)

Cal dislikes the bath, stroller, and car seat. He loves to swing, grab at toys on his play mat, read books, and watch his big sister. He is a cuddler and nothing makes him happier than snuggling with someone. He can roll from his tummy to his back and vice versa. He is an amazing sleeper and will nap 1.5 to 2 hours. He loves sucking his fingers and sleeping on his side. He is incredibly sensitive and always cries when he hears Evie crying.

You guys couldn't be more different and we love you SO much! Happy 4 months!

The Flu Strikes Again

It does not even seem fair that you could get the flu twice in one month. Especially during the busiest month of the year but Blair has managed to pick it up again. :( 

Hoping she feels good again soon!

Dress: Old Navy

Shoes: Gap

Holiday Baking: Chocolate Covered Peanut Butter Balls

Every year my Mom and I make chocolate covered peanut butter balls and give them to family and friends. With the twins taking up so much of our time I wasn't sure we were going to get to it this year but M decided they were worth the time and energy. He spent all day on Saturday making them with Blair while I hung with the babies. They are a labor of love but totally worth it! 

Ingredients

Peanut Butter (4 cups)

Powdered Sugar (3 pounds)

Butter (1 pound)

Chocolate (1 pound Hersheys)

Wax (1 bar parowax)

Directions:

Melt butter and stir it into the peanut butter. Add powdered sugar until the mix is firm, but not cracking. You should be able to roll it into a ball without it being sticky or cracking. It's a fine line. ;) 

Roll all the peanut butter into balls and set on a tray with wax paper. Melt the chocolate and wax in a double boiler but be sure not to allow it to get too hot or else it will burn. Dip the balls into the melted chocolate with a tooth pick. Set back on wax paper to dry. Enjoy!

Let me know how it goes if you decide to try these out! Are there any recipes that you enjoy making with your family during the holidays? 

Gift Guide for Men

Last week we got it HARD with the flu and colds. B had the 24 hour barf bug and did a great job of throwing up in her bed. Then the twins both got colds and shared the wealth with me. I'm hoping this allows me some grace in the blogging department. On to gifts for men...

Does anyone else have an impossible time buying for men? Usually I know what types of things Matt likes but my Dad... good luck. I rounded up some ideas for the men in your life if you are still stumped. And to be honest I have almost everything (in the female version) on this list for myself so you know it's good stuff. ;)

I got the t shirt for my Dad this year and ordered one for me too. I'm thinking it will be perfect for all sorts of outtings. The first one that pops into my head would be the gym... But I'm guessing I probably shouldn't be wearing it to any first birthday parties. ;)

Ugg Slippers

Fit Bit

Chapter Travel Kit

Bose Speakers

Jogger Pants

Down Jacket

Razor Subscription 

Hydroflask

T Shirt

Oh Christmas Tree

I'm pretty sure I title our Christmas tree shopping experience the same thing every year on my blog. But is there a better phrase? I think not.

Anyway, over the weekend we battled the flu with Blair which involved me scraping applesauce off of her sheets (I was definitely dry heaving). We are also still battling a cold with Cal (poor baby). Oh, and we got our Christmas tree! The third item on the list was by far the best experience of the three.

Every year we go back and forth between decided if we want the "experience" of cutting down our own tree or getting the tree that looks the prettiest at Home Depot. I love a good douglas fir but this year the "experience" trumped the fir and we headed out to a local Christmas tree farm.

We were a complete circus as usual and several people asked us if we needed help (um, yes!) which always makes me feel like we are doing something wrong. Or maybe they are just really nice people? Either way I always take them up on help. Don't ask if you don't mean it! ;)

Diaper bag by Lily Jade

My poncho by CAbi, boots from Target. Blair's reindeer top from Carter's and her pants are Old Navy. Moccs by Freshly Picked. 

Went on a dinner date with two other mommy friends and they snapped this awkward picture of me by myself. But I see it as proof that I don't ALWAYS wear pajamas or workout clothes. ;) 

Tiny Prints Christmas Card

This year as I was scouring Tiny Prints for the perfect card to complement our Christmas pictures I stumbled across one that read, "The More the Merrier." With the sweet addition of our two little babes I couldn't pass it up! We are so incredibly grateful for them. Just this time last year I was in the middle of the IVF process. If I could have seen a snap shot of this year's Christmas card back then I would not have believed it! And most days I still don't believe it. I am blessed with the sweetest kiddos (most of the time). ;)

I always love our cards and invitations by Tiny Prints. They have SO many choices and their quality is spot on. One of my favorite things is the liner on the inside of the envelope...it makes me smile when I open our cards and see smiling faces back at me!

This year I took the time to upload all my addresses from my address book. Having them printed makes my envelopes look pretty sharp and saves my hand from cramping. ;) 

If you haven't picked up your holiday cards yet do it now! Tiny Prints is still having a cyber Monday sale...up to 50% off all cards! Yippee! 

Finna and Emma Organic Clothing

One thing I really love doing is dressing my kids. I think it is so darn cute when they match and coordinate...it makes my little type A personality soar! Finn and Emma kindly sent the twins organic coordinating rompers that are so cute! I love their unique prints and patterns.

Their garments are made with buttery soft g.o.t.s. certified organic cotton and non-toxic eco-friendly dyes. The garment snaps are lead and nickel free and feature pieces from real coconuts in the center of the snaps.

As a lover of cloth diapers (we used them for a year with Blair) Finn and Emma make their garments extra roomy to accommodate bigger bums.

Finn and Emma also sell darling wood play gyms and teethers. Their wood toys are made from untreated Indian hard wood and finished with vegetable seed wax. They also carry hand-knit toys from organic yarn...only the best for your baby!

They are currently selling a darling gift set assortment that would be a great present for a mama-to-be for Christmas! Or for a baby's first Christmas. Head over to Finn and Emma and check them out!

Elf on the Shelf 2016

Over the weekend our elf, Lily, came back into town. This year instead of bringing snow that left our porch looking like Christmas all year long; she brought decorations for Blair's room!

Oh and this was all after M had to go get a REPLACEMENT elf because we lost the darn thing. So freaking annoying. Enjoy that extra $30, Target.

Many people asked about where to purchase the pinwheels above her bed. I actually made them for a back drop for a friend's baby shower. It's easy! You could totally do it. :) Pom pom pillow Target 2016.

I hoard keep all prior decorations Ive made so I pulled these colors out of my craft closet and strung them together. 

Lit tree from Target (on sale!) 2016. Mini trees Target 2015.

Super old mini tree from when I was in high school. Sequin bow from Land of Nod. Ornaments were added later. 

Glitter wreath Target 2014, blanket Target 2016, grey Christmas tree flannel sheets Target 2014.

And I've had a few people ask how Blair's room is so clean and if that is real life. It actually is real life (for once!). Since I don't keep toys in her room (albeit a basket of stuffed animals and a book shelf with books) it stays picked up. Our upstairs play loft is another story though...we're talking tornado status so don't be fooled! I'll have to snap a picture of it after she's torn through there. Ha ha.

Best Toy Round Up for Babies

Did any of you hit up any stores for Black Friday?! I'm a total sucker for a good deal but I usually do all my Black Friday shopping online. This year I took full advantage of Gap's 50% off sale (nothing excluded!), Carter's $8 fleece jammies found their way into my cart, and I also found some great clothes for Matt at Nordstrom's 40% off fall sale. Needless to say I'm just about done shopping. I also hit up Target and Amazon for great toy deals for B. The twins really don't need any toys because
a. they are too little and
b. they will eventually enjoy Blair's hand-me-downs.

This year I'm going to round up all the best toys/gift ideas for kids ages 0-5. I'll be featuring a different age group every day so stay tuned in!

Musical Radio a great small toy for the diaper bag

Musical Book lights up and sings rhyming songs

Car Keys this was a favorite for B. The keys are made out of metal which she loved chewing on

Fruit Teether it vibrates! perfect for teething babes.

Sophie the Girraffe a classic squeeky teether for chic mamas.

Rain Stick we don't own this yet but my friend has one and the babies LOVE it!

Dinosaur Popper a cheaper version of the elefun popper. 

O Ball the perfect toy for babies to hold onto. they have lots of versions like cars and rattles.

Elefun Popper seriously one of Blair's favorites. 

Activity Table this is perfect for sitters or standers. it grows with your babe!

Activity Cube Blair STILL plays with this!

Walker again...works for sitters or walkers!

Swing self explanatory...all kids love swinging.