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Friday, May 29, 2015

#MyMomMakes: Crafting with Innovation with Brit + Co/General Electric

I'm all about arts and crafts that let me celebrate my creative DIY side in my downtime. And being a new mom, we know those moments can be fleeting.


Finding DIY projects that are super easy to complete, not time consuming and innovative appeal to me since I like to work on projects that result in me actually using what I just made. Luckily, such an activity exists thanks to uber resourceful Brit + Co teaming up with General Electric for the #MyMomMakes DIY Shibori Tote and Pouch Kit, along with a littleBits Kit filled with technological goodness! The kit combines creativity and innovation so moms like me don't skip a beat while on the go.



Lugging around my daily essentials just got artsy as the Shibori Tote and Pouch Kit gives you step-by-step instructions on painting a canvas tote and matching pouch to create a watercolor-inspired feel. Everything I need to get my craft on was included - from the color dye paint to the paintbrush.

Once the tote is complete, I can amp up my mommy resourcefulness by assembling a fully-functional, battery-operated littleBits circuit to illuminate the inside of the bag! The kit also has other bits that magnetically snap together to create a variety of other clever do-dads that light up, dim, buzz, unleashing my inner engineer!




I loved putting together different components in the littleBits kit like a mad scientist to see what operating parts I could create. Since all the pieces fit together easily, I can reuse the kit for other projects as well!



Check out more about the Brit + Co and General Electric collaboration to learn how you can become an innovator, too!




Thursday, May 21, 2015

How Sweet It Is: Minted.com

I'm always looking for new wall art and decor to breathe new life into my home. Whether it be a quirky print with motivation or funny typography art, or, a cherished photograph, I find that a simple change like taking down old artwork and putting up something new invokes a new sense of coziness at home.

If you're looking for a site that let's you channel your inner artist with a little help from professional artists, Minted.com is it! Minted.com allows users to create custom photo gifts, prints and more using artwork created by talented artists, or, to shop from their extensive online assortment of artwork in a variety of categories.

My image of Nathan and Landon's 1 week photo looks adorable on this Stealing Hearts poster, don't you think? Since I'm a new mom, my twins are the focus of every image I snap, capturing their growth, smiles and moments daily. I can't think of a better way to decorate my home than with my favorite picture of my boys.




The site's templates and user interface are easy to use, and it's fun to play around with all the creative options available. I loved this Birds and the Bees Welcome Baby graphic that I was able to personalize for my nursery!



The site allows you to choose preferences for a truly unique work of art for your home - from fonts, to colors, and even a selection of frames are available for a complete look.




I love this idea of being able to put my personal touch on a piece of artwork that I'll have for years, and that will have special meaning to me.

But if photos aren't your thing, Minted's Art Marketplace category is set up like a well-curated collection of art that you'd find at a craft fair. Abstract art, photography, baby and kid's arts, illustrations, mixed media - it's all there for the picking. What's also cool about the category is that you get a glimpse into each artist.




And even after I'm done donnig my walls with photos of my little dudes, I can take my proud mama pride a step further by designing birth announcements or invitations. Although I've already walked down the isle, Minted's selection of wedding invitations feature whimsical themes such as florals, chalkboard, destination, letterpress or abstract interpretations. Brides-to-be, you will not be disappointed!

Check out Minted.com, and have fun creating your very own piece of artwork... or, to find new decorative inspiration for your home!

*DISCLOSURE: I was provided compensation in the form of store credit for this post. All opinions and written content is original and my own. Photos taken from Minted.com.


Wednesday, May 20, 2015

Strolling through Spring

Landon and Nathan will be 1 month old. I really can't believe that a month has gone by and the boys are a month old. I don't know where the time went. I probably lost some of it during the hours I wake up in the middle of the night for feedings, the naps, the diaper changes and the moments I get to hold them and just enjoy their smiles and sleeps. Being a parent is exciting and a learning experience. While there are many times I find myself searching for a mommy answer in the non-existent baby manual, I think it is absolutely true that your maternal instincts kick in, and you just figure it out...

Another aspect I'm still getting used to is not having a pregnant belly. Sure, I miss carrying the boys, and now I truly get to carry them in a whole new way. But, I will admit it's nice to have my body back and to return to wearing my non-maternity clothes. I always felt like I dressed like "me" when I was pregnant, but after a while, I did miss my old clothes.




On our first walk around our neighborhood, I put on this flower print babydoll dress I bought at H&M while I was pregnant. It's comfortable enough to spend the day in with the boys, yet, it's really feminine and can be dressed up with heels or flats.





Luckily, the weather has been on my side, and I've been able to not only dress myself in my best spring attire, but give the boys' daily outfits some adorable baby flair, too!



Details:
Floral Print Babydoll Dress - H&M / Blue Aviator Sunglasses - Urban Outfitters / Pink Flats - Old Navy / Baby Jogger City Select Stroller

Tuesday, May 5, 2015

My Birth Story

Hi all! Well, I'm happy to report that the boys arrived safely! As you can imagine, I've been busy tending to the twins, which doesn't leave too much time for myself at the moment. But when I can catch a couple of minutes in between their snoozes, I'm trying to fit in the things that were part of my pre-mommy routine - like blogging.

I wanted to share the twins' birth story with you today as I just can't get over the fact that I carried around two children in my belly... and that they're finally here.

But it's amazing how your life can change in an instant.

For me, that day was April 20, 2015. 
My husband and I arrived at the hospital at 5:30 a.m. knowing that in a few hours, the life we shared for the last 5 years was going to change. I thought to myself, "I'm going to the hospital, and leaving with two little humans." Just amazing.

After checking in, the nurses hooked me up to monitors to hear the heartbeats of my two sons. I watched the numbers go up and down as my own heart rapidly. It was part nerves, part excitement, part fear... But in the best way. Nonetheless, I was completely scared to be wheeled into the operating room. My scheduled c-section was set for 7:30 a.m. Knowing that after carrying them to 38 weeks (which is considered full-term for twins) I was going to meet them made me nervous. I'd no longer have the bump I looked down at everyday. But, I had dreamed of what they'd look like. Would they cry when they were born? Would they be born with hair? I thought about the past months and wondered if I did as much as I could in order to bring two healthy boys into the world. Luckily, all my tests and ultrasounds were on target so at this point, I'd done all I could. 

Finally, I was wheeled into the operating room, and my husband was asked to change into scrubs. I had a planned c-section, and leading up to it, I'd done my research in anticipation to what to expect. A childbirth class also helped prep me, so I wasn't in the dark either. I guess you could say I was "prepared". 

Experiencing something like a c-section is probably the scariest thing I've endured. Knowing you are being operated on while awake, even though you can see what's going on, is without a doubt terrifying. I shook uncontrollably on the table as the room was very cold. First, they placed a shower cap on my head - bangs exposed. Then, oxygen at my nose. I received a spinal block, which is slightly different than an epidural in the sense that the needle wouldn't be inserted in my bag and left there - I'd receive the dosage and the needle would be removed. I'll admit it was comforting knowing I wouldn't have to lie down with a needle in my spine. I can't say I was overly scared about this part b/c honestly, there's a lot of hype around epidurals and how terrible they are. But, it really wasn't that bad. The anesthesiologist is so quick about it, and they do it all day long... The biggest trip is to feel your legs go warm and absolutely numb.

After the spinal, I laid down on the table, and the curtain was drawn over my chest. Mike joined me back in the OR and sat right at my head. I was still shaking due to the cold of the room, and the nerves, but he did an amazing job of keeping me focused as as calm as possible. He really has been my rock in so many ways - picking up the slack for me and making our home ready for the babies' arrival. No words could really do justice for all that he's done for me...

After the medication set in, the doctor started the procedure. I had read that you will feel "slight tugging and pressure". I can't say it was slight... Sorry. It's not the doctor's fault, it just comes with the procedure. But, with all the movement going on, I can say that I was getting a little freaked out. While I didn't feel a thing, the thought of what was happening was probably causing my nervous to jump off the charts. 

After a couple of minutes, the doctor said, "Okay, Jen, here comes Baby A."

At 8:27, Landon Phillip Jeffery was born at 5. lb, 11 oz. - crying! 

Immediately after at 8:28 a.m., Nathan Samuel Jeffery was born, weighing 5 lb. 12 oz. Following suit, he made his appearance just like his brother - crying and screaming. Best sound ever.



I started to cry and just couldn't believe that my sons were now finally here to be part of our world. I didn't get to see them immediately as the nurses rushed in and whisked them off to be cleaned and checked. After some time, a nurse brought the boys to me and I remember just looking at their faces in awe. Instant love. Unbelievable. 

Now, as I'm home, my recovery has been good with moments of some pain. It can be difficult to take care of the boys at times when I'm having pain, which can be frustrating because I want to be able to be at my best for them. Luckily, my family and husband have been a tremendous help and have been very patient with me. 

Becoming a mother has been scary, rewarding, amazing, a learning experience and beautiful. I had waited for so long to finally experience this moment and everything that I've endured, it was worth it. I now get the privilege of being their mother. I cherish every minute with them and love that each day, there lies an adventure with them - big or small. 

In the meantime, I've been busy as you can imagine, so blogging will have to wait for the moments when I can get to it. But I'll be checking in I hope weekly.

I'd like to thank everyone for the love and support on Instagram! If you'd like to see more photos of the boys, you'll find them on my House Of Jeffers account