best reward ever

My husband and I wanted to have a baby really bad.  But of course it wasn't easy for us because we were "trying to hard."  A lot of people told us to "stop focusing on making a baby and it will come when the time is right."  Not exactly sure what that means, but apparently we weren't ready for a long time.  However, since "God doesn't give you anything you can't handle," he gave us two babies.  I guess I was ready to be a mom, and have double the fun!

From the beginning I had a fairly easy pregnancy.  No morning sickness, no dizziness, no throwing up, no cravings, no nothing! I was actually a little worried about that, because I didn't feel "pregnant."  But, week after week my babies grew inside me and I had no issues.  Except for being small, 35 years old and pregnant with twins, so considered high risk.  I had ultrasounds pretty much every other week.  I didn't complain because that reassured me I was not dreaming, I was really having twins!

On October 18, 2010 I had a doctor appointment.  The doctor said I looked good and even though I was having slight contractions (not just Braxton Hicks like I thought) I was not in labor and told me to try and hang in there a few more weeks.  He was hoping for at least 35 weeks, and I was just 32 weeks. 

Well, my babies had other plans.  I went to bed that night and woke up around 2:00 a.m. with contractions.  I monitored the contractions for an hour or so and the pain was getting worse.  I was trying to breath to calm myself when my husband woke up and the chaos began.  When I got up from the bed I realized the pain was strong and might actually be labor.  After speaking to the doctor, we rushed to the hospital.  When the doctor examined me she said I was in labor and we were having the babies "as soon as the operating room was ready."

About an hour later, at 5:10 a.m. and 5:13 a.m.  my babies arrived.  Natalia is the big sister, weighing just 2 lbs 14 oz and Sebastian 3 lbs 15 oz. They were small, but healthy babies.  I knew they were ok when they allowed me to take pictures with both babies before whisking them to the NICU.  I was so thankful it was all over and my babies were healthy.

I had no idea what having a preemie meant until I had them. They had to stay in the NICU for 3 weeks until they learned how to eat, swallow and breathe all at once.  Most preemies hold their breath while eating because they don't have the coordination skills it takes to do it all at once. 

Leaving the hospital without my babies was probably the saddest day of my life.  My heart literally hurt having to go home without them.  I always pictured the day I would take my babies home from the hospital, and this was not the picture I had in my mind.

Three weeks later Sebastian came home.  One day after, Natalia came home.  My husband and I had no idea what to do with them now that we were 100% responsible for them.  Somehow, we managed.  Sleepless night after sleepless night we fought through to stay awake during the day to give our babies all the love and care they needed.  Honestly, I was so excited to have them that sleep wasn't that big of an issue.  Some nights I actually looked forward to them waking up at 3:00 a.m. so I could spend some quiet time with them.  I learned to feed them at the same time, which kept them happy.  After about 5 months, both babies were sleeping through the night and mommy and daddy had the rest they needed.

Even though everything I just told you about takes a lot of energy, patience and love (among other things) I wouldn't change it for the world! Still to this day, I put my babies down for the night and as soon as I do, I feel empty without them.  I can't wait for morning time so I can play with them again.

I can't tell you about the joys of motherhood without telling you how thankful I am to have my wonderful mother.  I have always loved, respected and admired her, but I sincerely have a new found respect for her now that I have my own children.  She is an amazing woman and I owe everything I am to her.  I love you mom!

Being a mom is not an easy task, but it has been the best reward ever!

my mom and I

simple summer style

Summer is almost here! I love warm weather and enjoy dressing for it.  Once summer kicks in, it will be really hot and humid here in Charlotte, so I took advantage of this nice 70 degree day to wear a maxi skirt and layered tank.  Bright colors are all the talk this season, so I wore a neon yellow tank with a bright blue one under.

Don't be fooled by thinking you have to spend a lot of money to look fashionable.  I tend to mix inexpensive pieces with others that are a little pricier.  But not always.  The outfit you see in the following photos is from forever 21 and old navy.  The skirt, earrings, ring and bracelet are from forever 21, both tanks from old navy, sunglasses Marc by Marc Jacobs and the sandals are from the Jessica Simpson shoe line.

Use the hot weather as an excuse to braid your hair.  Braids are so in right now and are super easy to do.  Since messy braids are a total hit, you don't need to worry about your braid being perfect either. 

This outfit is childproof also! LOL...no wardrobe malfunctions here!  All you moms out there know what I mean.  Hope you like it!

 

ten years

Yesterday was our 10th wedding anniversary. It seems like it was just yesterday we met.  Some people find our story fascinating, so I will share it with you.

Sal and I met in Las Vegas. I was in Las Vegas for spring break with two other girls.  It was our first time in Las Vegas and we were super excited to be there.  We went to pool parties, fancy dinners, clubs, did some shopping, a little gambling and lots more! We were there five days and wanted to take advantage of our time there so we did as much as we could.  We went to bed very late and got up early.

One night, we went to a nightclub which was then called "Ra." We left Ra and were walking through the hotel lobby when we first locked eyes.  He was with a few other guys.  They immediately approached us.  I can't remember all the details because all I could see was Sal.  I don't know what it was, but I really liked him.  He tells me he felt the same way.  He was on the phone with his brother and told him "I think I just found my wife".  Our group joined and we all hung out together for a few hours.  While all our friends drank and partied, Sal and I drank water and had a very long conversation.  It was amazing.  It was then we named our son Sebastian.  We found out we both loved that name and really wanted to use it when we had a baby boy. Crazy coincidence!

Bad news was I only had one day left in Las Vegas.  He didn't hesitate to ask me to dinner that evening and, of course, I said yes.  That was our first date.  He also offered to drive us to the airport, which I also accepted.  He walked me all the way to the gate!  As we said goodbye, not knowing what the future held for us, he stared at me until i blushed and said "i want to remember this moment perfectly." Tears filled my eyes as I got on that flight.  My friends joked "you will be over him by the time we land in New York." To which I replied "I don't think so, this is different."

I was right. We dated long distance (he lived in Las Vegas, I lived in New York) for a year and 2 months.  It all happened very fast.  We met in March, he met my parents in April, I met his in May.  He asked my parents for my hand in July and proposed in December.  We got married 5 months later, in May 2002.  Our wedding was in Long Island, New York, with 200 of our closest friends and family joining us to celebrate.  A few days later I moved to Las Vegas, and a few days after that we departed for a week long honeymoon in Hawaii.

Our marriage has been great.  Like most marriages, we have had our share of ups and downs, happy times and sad ones, struggles and lots of kissing and making up. But most of all there has been mutual forgiveness.  Yesterday, lots of people congratulated us and then went on to tell us we should be proud because 10 years is unheard of these days.  It seems people get married for the wrong reasons and end up being part of the statistic we all want to avoid.  Yes, 10 years is a long time but, it is very far from the "til death due us part" we promise when we decide to get married.  It takes hard work from both sides to make it last that long.

If I could give a few words of advice, I would say communication is #1.  If you don't tell your partner what's bothering you, how will they know? Second, I think you should always have a solution available to the problem you are bringing up.  It is way easier to fix a problem if you can tell your partner how you would like it fixed.  This does not mean you are making all the rules.  Be open to your partner's suggestions and come to a mutual solution.  Don't just say "i hate that you take your clothes off and leave them on the floor" instead try, "next time you undress, can you please put your clothes here? That way I won't trip on them".  Hopefully that will work and avoid an argument.  Third, never go to sleep angry at each other.  Pillow talk is probably the best uninterrupted conversation you can have with your partner.

I'm not saying you will never argue or that my husband and I never argue, that is close to impossible.  I'm just saying these tips may help in a few unimportant situations that may cause unnecessary arguments and lots of stress to the relationship.

So now that I am done playing marriage counselor (LOL), here are a few pictures from our wedding day I would like to share with you...

blankey anyone?

Everyone has a "security blanket". 

Some children find comfort in that one special item.  They love it so much they can't ever leave it behind! Usually, as soon as they realize they don't have it, they will let you know.   Children that are old enough may tell you nicely.  If you have a toddler, you might get crying, kicking or screaming, which usually works faster.  Once you make the object available to them, they are "all better."

Well, I think we all have that one thing.  Sure, adults may not call it a "blankey" or a "lovey" but, let's face it, we all have some item we keep close to us just for comfort.  The purpose of a "blankey" is really to support psychological comfort to a child.  But, if you think about it, that is also the purpose it would serve an adult.  Like I said, not a blankey, but maybe you have your grandmother's hair pin or your grandfather's watch, or an old picture of the one person you run to when you have a problem.  I would consider any of those items a comfort object.

In my opinion,  there's nothing wrong with carrying an item around if it makes you feel better.  I'm all in for that same feeling.  I have a religious prayer card in my wallet, which somehow makes me feel safe, even though I don't read it that often.  I probably should.  Anyway, back to my security blanket subject...

Sebastian got a plush duck from his aunt and uncle when he was a baby.  Natalia got the same one.  Sebastian is totally in love with this duck and has taken ownership of both.  Natalia doesn't seem to mind.

I wish adults could look this cute holding our comfort item...

meet "quack"

chillin with quack

watching tv

ready to eat

dinner for 2

car ride

arm candy

I rarely leave my house without arm candy.  No, I'm not talking about my husband...lol...I'm talking about my bracelets.  I have been collecting bracelets of all kinds for years and love mixing them to create a unique look. I have purchased them everywhere from Soho NYC to Dominican Republic to Forever 21 to Bloomingdales. They all work wonderfully together!

Over the weekend I went to a baby shower lunch for a friend.  I wore a feather printed brown dress and paired it with wedges and, of course, a stack of bracelets.  I mixed lots of mint green, brown, pearl and rhinestone bracelets.  I also wore a ring with a giant mint green stone.  When I wear a busy print outfit and so much jewelry, I like to keep the earrings basic, so I wore a pair of diamond studs.

I would describe my style as comfy, boho chic and sometimes classic.  Basically this means I am able to run after my twins without having a waredrobe malfunction!

Let me know your thoughts. Hope you like it!

fun & modern toys

As a huge fan of a modern and simple way of life, I am always on the search for some cool toys for my twins, Natalia and Sebastian.  I hate clutter and prefer toys that fit into our lifestyle. 

People constantly ask where we got that "cool toy".  Well, if you enjoy my style, then I have good news for you.  Finding modern toys is not as difficult as it once was.  Cool looking wooden/organic/funky toys are now available in most toy stores, even in stores like Target.  Of course, there are also the lines that are a little pricier which are found in more exclusive boutiques.

As much as my husband and I enjoy this style, we also want our little ones to enjoy the toy they are playing with.  We always let them play with the toys and see their reaction.  So far, they haven't rejected any of them.  Kids are very easy to please!

Here are a few pictures of some of the toys they enjoy:



Rubbabu cars, $10 - $20 shown



Plan toys, $12 - $24 shown



North American Bear Co. for Pottery Barn Kids, $40



Pintoy car, $12, available at Nordstrom



Melissa & Doug puzzles, $10 - $20 shown



Wheely Bug large bee and cow, $70 each 



Ikea, $20 each (I added felt heart stickers to Natalia's)



Ugly Dolls, small, $10 each



B. justb-byou, available at Target or online



kidO, $10

sewing project #1

Recently my mother-in-law was in town.  Let me tell u about her.  She is an awesome little Italian lady with all the qualities you expect to find in a little Italian lady.  She knows how to do everything (old school entrepreneur!). So I asked her to teach me how to sew and she couldn't have been happier! Of course, I also asked her to show me how to make her amazing tomato sauce and home made bread, which she also did.  But that is not as easy as sewing!

I have had an old sewing machine sitting in my garage for years and decided it was time to put it to use.  I have a little sewing background inherited from my mother, who made me plenty of dresses growing up.  Eventually,  I got sick of her dresses (whinny teenage voice) and refused to wear them.  She then stopped sewing for me out of "revenge". LOL!

Then I grew up and finally realized I could have had my own personal designer and all my clothes could have been "custom made"...

Anyway, those days are over and now its time for me to sew for my kids.  Ok, I'm starting small so bare with me.  I used a vintage mickey mouse tee shirt for this project.  I cut the sleeves off, shaped the neckline, cut the shoulders open to tie at top, and sewed both sides of the tee to fit my 18 month old daughter a little snugger. 

Here's the final outcome.  Let me know what you think!