Simple Damask & Polka Dot Baby Shower on a Budget.

As promised my ever so easy tutorial on a damask & polka dot themed baby shower. Around this time last year i was supremely busy planning my baby shower ( My mom hosted,used her home due to weather , and budgeted the shower. While i came up with the design and concept for the event. I choose to know every detail due to obsessive personality and wanting it to stay true to my personality, I despise surprises.!)

Since i was having twins a boy and girl. I researched different Shower themes
  and realized the ideas were so boring,cliche and pretty played out! Sorry not my style!!
So as the miraculous mommy that I am, I came up with my semi-own original
theme (reason i say semi original, Because it was actually two ideas melted into that was influenced by many events I saw on pinterest.)

After combing the two patterns that I love damask and polka dots. I knew i had to keep it neutral use Hot pink and Lime green ( Girl and Boy). After discussing my crazy idea to my mom, we then started the hunt to for all the unique things to use for decorations and assembling a deliciously inexpensive menu.

 Our Game plan started by shopping everywhere and anywhere since there 
was no theme, we had to use creativity to try and make a cohesive design with ever party supply we bought.
We purchased most of our decorations from local stores and few online online stores like amazon.com and orientaltrading.com

Tips for doing any event is to first decide on a budget and try to stick to it.
Pick a unique theme, it makes it easier to find items and to stick to a budget.

Sometimes prefabricated themes can be expensive, over used and limits the abilities to make it a unique event

Pinterest is an amazing website for inspiration, and easy do it yourself (DIY) tutorials for decorating or recipes.

Shop smart, use coupons and don't over do it, remember its more about coming together and celebrating the new mommy to be. sometimes bigger isn't always better. 

Again DIY can be your best friend, can make a shower more cohesive and elegant.

Come up with a menu that fits the mood and time up your shower, brunches are a great idea for any budget. It also gives you the option to be creative with your menu and smaller portions. (women love the intimacy of brunches.)

Ask for help everywhere and anywhere. You'll surprised how many people are willing to help.

!!!Look out for my highly anticipated post, where i thoroughly explain how to host a baby shower and keep it with in a respectable budget!

Here are some pictures and ideas of my Damask/ Polka Dot Shower, Feel free to comment or ask any questions about creating your own unique shower.
I've also included where you can purchase supplies i used.

An example the appetizer table we dressed with a damask table runner from amazon.com 

We re purposed many of our home decor to fit the flow of the layout and make the furniture

  fit the shower and make it more company friendly.

Closer look to the damask sever-ware we purchased from

marshall/homegoods. We used them for our appetizers

Hummus and Chips

Antipasto and Saltine Crackers

Brushetta and Bagel Chips

 I made custom food labels from hot pink and lime green card stock ( from Michael craft store) it added a sense of personalization. 

Also used  mason jars filled with hot pink and lime green gumballs randomly around my the house

( Gumballs Purchased at Party city 15 for $1)

It was an easy inexpensive way to add some more color, and all the little children who came with their parents loved them.

party city offers plates in almost every color imaginable, bought a couple of each color and set them out for people to grab and serve themselves.

Bought the polka dotted napkins at Target

This photo displays the entrance . We had placed advice cards for everyone who entered to fill out and were later used in a game.

Also placed our Favors on this table which where Two Chocolate Brownies and small thank you message 

for the guest to take home as a treat.

( Bought the yummy brownies at our local bj's and the polka dot favor bags are from party city.)

My moms a florist  she designed a couple different arrangements around her home, added a sweet touch.

(she hot glued black feathers to the vases to tie in the theme.)

We created a desert bar with the help up some great bakers in my family 

We offered assorted cupcakes with hot pink and lime green frosting and Oreo crumble bits

Individual servings of flan

Individual servings of Peach custard (Hispanic recipe amazing!!)

Rice Pudding

Chocolate mouse Cake

Hot pink Raspberry Torte

Cafe con leche in personalized latte cups

For decoration around the dessert station were re-purposed frames with the baby's name to be in them 

(Mia & Jacob) 

Also used around the home damask, hot pink, and lime green balloon bouquets to add more of the theme.

Damask cupcake trays are from Walmart

found great small utensils and individual cups at party city

a personalized quote was printed onto every label for each desert cup

( labels are from Party city come in assorted colors.)

Water bottle labels were ordered from oriental trading.com and added to small bottles.

Baby shower menu

Appetizers

Hummus and pita chips

Antipasto and saltine crackers 

Brushcetta and bagel chips

Cubanitos ( all home made) 

Main Course

Avocado, bacon Basil pasta - pinteterest recipe

with Greek salad

Dessert Bar 

Drinks- Water , Coffee & Hot pink lemonade

 Approx 40- 50 guest and we used a $450 dollar budget for all the decor, food, invites, favors and shower games and gifts. ( Most of the server ware my mom gifted to me, and was able to use in my home, a great bonus.)

Also did some damask bunting ( bought in the wedding section at party city)

It had cute sayings Twin joy Twin baby Shower Twin Blessings.

I sat in an all black rocking chair that my mom owns from pier one imports.

As for baby shower games, that part i wanted to keep classic and allowed my mom to surprise me with the games, had tons of fun with my guest!

Remember Miraculous Mommies to Be Enjoy this day to the max! Its a memory you will cherish forever. Look for my future post to hosting a baby shower and my diy nautical baby shower on a budget!

Emergency Room Blues.

Its been a couple of days since I've written a post for all my miraculous mommies. But one of those unfortunate, inevitable event just happened to me for the first time! As a new mommy I've had my fair share of experiences doctor visits,  But nothing comes close to that a scary moment when you have to your child to emergency room!

My Twins were born at 33 weeks and were in the hospitalized for 10 day after their birth, you'd think id be used to the hospital by now. But shockingly i'm not and was completely caught of guard when I had to take my son this past Monday to the emergency room.

As usually my children woke up to they normal daily routine, breakfast, play time and a bath. After bath time my son which is a very, very active, happy little boy. Started to behave so oddly he became extremely sleepy, mellow, very flushed in the face and warm. ( just look at his poor face) Since his demeanor changed so drastically i knew it was time to break out the thermometer his temperature had spiked to 103.5. I was in disbelief because I didn't know what had randomly caused this sudden fever.

 Next i called the pediatricians office. My doctors office has a very great feature, they have a 24 hour nurse advice line, Where you can call at anytime and ask questions about any symptoms your child may be experiencing. After speaking the nurse in the office explaining my sons strange behavior they analyzed that fever and change in behavior it would be best to take him to the emergency room to be evaluated. I was shocked i thought it could be him just teething, or a side effect from spending the day at the pool. I entered my very usual anxious self since. Since my husband was at work i called good ole' grandma to come and help me with my daughter so i could make my way to the emergency room.

Now I've been to the emergency room before never to take my kid this was a feeling so completely different, Now its my child who in that position felt. I felt defenseless because as a mom there was not much I could do for this child who is helpless and cant not explain to me what hurts or how he feels. 

So this is when my miraculous mommy extincts kicked in. I overpacked my bag with all the things i could need to ensure his comfort at the hospital.  I brought his favorite blankie, his favorite toy, my ipad (stocked with Disney junior shows.), my cellphone charger, diapers and milk and then headed over to the E.R. 
Once i reached the hospital ( Gotta thank my fantastic sister for coming along with me to help, Gotta love family.) We checked into the E.R. to my surprise the process was quick and effective and soon after where taken too a separate waiting room designed for children filled with toys and a TV turned on to cartoons. It made it easier on my son to feel more comfortable being in the emergency room. 

After only minutes of being in the waiting room they called us back to the Peds Unit to get my sons vitals, the fever had again spiked even higher 104.3 and we should try to maintain him as cool as possible. Over packing really came in handy, I was able to make the hospital bed feel like a bit more like home and he was really entertained watching videos on my iPad. I must admit and say my son was very brave and aloud the nurses and doctor do their thing to make him feel better. The Dr. finally diagnosed him with a viral infection and would let him go home after the fever went down about. They sent us home with instructions to give him Motrin every 6 hours as-long as the fever was present, drink plenty of fluid and to follow up with the pediatrician.
(If your child's symptoms worsen don be afraid to rush back to the E.R!)

The doctor also told us its almost inevitable for viral infections to be passed along to the rest of the family members but taking preventive precautions may help the other twin to not get sick. As of today i must say my ocdness in prevention has helped no one else in the home get sick including myself. 

These are some of the preventative measures i took to avoid spreading the infection to keep the sickness at bay.

 - Wash all toys, sheets, blankets, clothes.
  - Try to keep the children apart as much as possible. Designate each child the toys they area allowed to play with so the germs do not spread.
 ( A good day to hang out with nana & papa.) 
- Wash your hand as much as possible ( kill all the germs from the infected baby to passing to the other baby or yourself.)
- Constantly check both children's temperatures and diapers too see if any changes of occurred ( keep baby as cool as possible. Light clothing and pajamas.)
-Spoil them ( Its a perfect excuse to allow sick baby to sleep in your bed, its easier to monitor him and he will feel more comforted being with mommy and daddy, we try not to make a habit of our kids sleeping with us but this is an exception.)
- Be patient with baby, sometimes babies may get cranky or very possessive of mommy this shall pass once they feel all better again.
- fluids, fluids and more fluids i suggest making everyone in the house drink tons of fluids, helps keep the system clean.
- Try to serve your family lots of fruits and veggies to boost their immune system.(Having a sick baby can always limit your time on getting things done in the house,  Its okay go ahead call out for take out the hubby understands or call nana i doubt she wont might baby sitting the other baby for a little while.)
- Don' force the food  or formula sometimes with a sick baby they loose their appetite, just make sure their drink tons of fluids.

- Lastly don't panic getting sick is out of our control mommies and a trip to the er may be a scary experience but keep calm, pray and let the doctors figures out whats wrong. Its much easier do our job of comforting and nursing our children back to good health if we know whats wrong and what we can do to help them feel better. (I Hope all your families stay supremely blessed and stay in good health, but if you ever find yourself in this position remember always put it in God's hands first the rest will work it self out miraculous mommies.!!)

Everything Baby Shower.

 Woo Hoo you have a bun in the oven or know someone who does? 

How exciting! Now comes the fun event of having a baby shower.

 But what is a baby shower really? why have one? is it a must ? does it have to be a surprise?  what do I do? what do i wear? Can i make suggestions?  When to start planning? Who hosts the baby shower?  

 So many questions right? Well hopefully i can help ease your mind and answer some questions, I myself encountered during my pregnancy.

  Although I've attended my fair share of baby showers , i guess i never really paid attention to all that details that went into one. I would showed up eat and bring a gift. However i soon realized(when my turn finally came.) Theirs  a lot of conditions and etiquette to a baby shower and I was completely clueless as usual (I hope im not alone on this boat.) After much self educating, asking questions and hosting my fair share of showers. Now i know what to do, how to act and how to answer these question Miraculous Mommies.

First things First What is a baby shower? A baby shower is a way to celebrate the pending birth or recent birth of a child, by presenting gifts to the parents at a party. 

Why have one? The intention is for other women to come together and share  their wisdom and lessons on the art of being a mother. Most friends and family take this time to bless the new parents with some type of baby related gift (This is why we register mommies.)

Who plans this event? Now this one is really a tricky one to answer, because baby shower etiquette states that a family friend should host the shower, because it is considered rude for a family member to beg for gifts. However i believe its really up to the new mommy's culture, and beliefs. 

Example Some cultures like mine ( Hispanic Background)  Its very usual for a family member ( LIKE GRANDMA OR A SISTER/SISTER IN-LAW) to host the shower in honor of the relationship you share with them. 

They're are also cultures and beliefs were new moms have no baby shower because its believed that if the parents make a deal/celebration or buys to many items prior to the baby's arrival it might cause something bad to happen to the baby. (Its really all up to mommy to be and what she feels comfortable.) 

 

What if no one throws me a baby shower? Personally i think its even better, because the ball is in your court now ( I LIKE TO ALWAYS HAVE CONTROL SORRY not SORRY, BUT I HOPE THIS HAPPENS TO NO WOMEN EVER!! AND YOU GET SUPREMELY BLESSED WITH A GORGEOUS PARTY IN YOUR HONOR.)  But if not you no have all control in choosing your babies needs, and if your on a budget you will now know what you need and can start searching and saving for the new arrival. 

But i still want a party? Throw a gender reveal party, so many cute ideas to do! ( look  out for tutorial on ideas for a gender reveal party.)

Does it have to be a surprise? This one really depends on the host. If your host is a close family member or friend they might let you know when its happening so you can be ready. but most host will leave out the details on whats happening so you can be surprised. or if your like my mom who allowed me to help plan my own baby ( Due to my OCD with event planning) you'll be a part of it at every step and you might just encounter that host who surprises you completely! (Tip: if you don't like surprises or would like to have a say, hint around and let them know you'd like to help or know some information about the shower.)

When to start planning? Well as soon as you find out what your having tell the world! ( If you want.) With time you or your host can carefully plan, budget and have a really creative shower. I noticed many friends and family members seem to be pregnant around the same time, so set a date that is convenient for everyone attending and doesn't clash with someone else event. (Spoiler alert ill be adding a blog post for hosting a baby shower and some great diy's.)

I'm so big what do i wear? Honestly the outfit is the best part of it all. The day of your shower your belly will be rubbed and posed with a million times by all your guest. So i suggest accentuate and show that baby bump off!  its a great reason to shop. Also pamper your self before, you deserve a nice trip to to the salon and Get a Mani + pedi or splurge a little on a prenatal massage or cute photo session.  Enjoy this time my miraculous mommies ( hope i was able to answer some questions or concerns. (Look out for my Miraculous maternity fashion post and how to keep it comfortable, fashionable and friendly on the pocket.)

 

Married or Engaged to a sports fanatic?

Scared or worried that the love for specific sports team might come before your relationship or marriage? 

Worry no more, chances are your partners love for sports is completely healthy and a normal part of being a man.

Just how Miraculous Wives Or Mommies need some sort of outlet (SHOPPING!), So do all those Miraculous Husbands and Daddies. 

My opinion is just let him enjoy it and even indulge it. Indulge it? but why? All he wants to do is rush home and watch that dumb game, or spend ridiculous amounts of money on tickets and jerseys? 

Truth is id prefer my husband to be obsessed with watching a soccer game then to be addicted to watching pornography or another type of perverted show. Yes i said it Porn!! Oh NO! Do not get me wrong, being a sports fanatic doesn't shelter you from those shows or that temptation. But as a Wife we have to be wise and i prefer him to spend money on tickets and jerseys then on another women or guilty pleasure, After all he works hard for his money he deserves to enjoy it too! 

 

I know there are many cases of men who are completely obsessed with there sports team and that can cause conflict in a marriage. As wife we often seem to take the high road on many things to avoid a fight. But this a fight ladies is one I believe can be easy to win. The key is balance , try to level with him the amount of time he spends watching his team or the amount of money he spends. Also take a look inside and evaluate the things you might be obsessive over and compromise with him. Attempt to share his likes (and if you just cant like it! ) Create a new mutual hobby to share . Coming to a middle ground during any conflict may seem difficult but everything has a resolution with a little patience and wisdom you will get far!

For Miraculous wives like myself, who just happened to marry a man who's having a slight affair with a sports team (REAL MADRID) indulge it all the way! If you have no idea whats going on ( LIKE ME) Google the rules on the games, you'll be surprised how a short article can enlighten you so fast and make watching a whole game more bearable. My husband likes when i ask him questions about the game i silently believe he likes teaching me something new that i know nothing about. 

 Try and make a party out of it, ( I Love any reason to have a party!) making a special recipe or ordering in some junk food just might do the trick to ignite the flame to get you excited for that upcoming game.

Also I've noticed my husband seems more eager to help me out or bond with me after hes had a couple hours to him self, which is a big bonus. 

After not knowing anything about soccer (and still not knowing that much), I've come to enjoy the excitement of the game and even get a little entertained myself (By no means am i athletic this is a BIGGG DEAL!) they're are many ways to bond with your husband take it and run with it!

Let me, Let you in on a little secret being married to sports fanatic is actually a pretty awesome thing when it comes to holiday gift giving. Its actually crazy all the things they sell online, in stores and even at the grocery store with sports logo on it. The possibilities are endless and dads just love all that sport logo stuff.  Literally i'm set on gift ideas for the next 5 years lol! (Thanks REAL MADRID)

So miraculous mommies, Go on and let daddy be miraculous too! 

  

Sunday Morning Sweep!

As It is a beautiful Sunday, I believe its only right to start off my new post for all those Miraculous Mommies who every Sunday wake up and start the sweep to get the whole family ready for church and family outings.

For daddies Sunday typically is a day off to be at home relaxing, spending time with the kids and enjoying a great sermon church.

But for some mommies its just a different ball game. On days like those were the whole family is at home, we attempt to cram every activity possible know to man into one day.

Most of my mornings consist of sleeping in till 8:30 am (if possible), then on to start my daily chores of getting breakfast in the bellies, four people ready and out the door and on the road before 11 am, and off to fulfill our after church outings.

Miraculous Moms get the household ready everyday, It seems as though Sunday mornings are just plain hectic in my household and the hours fly by way too fast. But after so many headaches and minor anxiety attacks I've seem to have stumbled upon a little wisdom on getting us all out the door and ready to tackle on the day.

I want to share the method to my morning madness, and how i deal with this extreme anxiety that enters me on Sunday mornings to get to church.

 ( My husband reads all my post prior to publishing them and believes i should emphasize more on my morning Anxiety.) 

As most of the situations in my life that cause me to get very anxious, They seem to all revolve around the constant stress to have everything in order in my home and to have all we need once we are out and about.

 

Being a stay at home is my Job, My job description is to maintain the household and take care of the kids and wear as many hats as needed to survive!! But along with all my other duties I'm also a women that seeks a personal relationship with Christ. Many times I would arrive to my church service extremely emotional and physically exhausted from the constant stress and anxiety of  running around and trying to have it all together,or just simply trying to find enough time to get myself read!

One of the main reason why people seek to attend Church is to get a dose of an uplifting sermon and hear the word of God. 

But half the time I feel as if the weight of the world was on my shoulders and the constant turning of gears in my brain about all the things i needed to do once the service was over, Was driving me mental, in one of the places designed by God to keep you grounded and you sane. 

So after idk how many anxiety attacks, I made the decision that something had to give about my Sunday , I needed to treat it way God intended it to be and came across in my studies of the word a simple passage that i have heard over and over but never really meant anything to me until now.

The message bible reads the following in Exodus 20:8-11

 "8Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy.

  9Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work:

10But the seventh day is the sabbath of the Lord thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates:

11For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the Lord blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it." 

 After reading this text i realized i was being defiant to the Lord, i should honor the sabbath and respect the way God made Sundays to be, although a Miraculous Mommy never stops laboring because our labor is one of love, we deserve to enjoy and relax in God and appreciate his blessings.  Next i did some much needed soul searching, and concluded i needed to organize and set a more practical routine to getting us out the door all ready to start our day. 

The following are some tips and tricks i used to minimize the stress and maximize the day.

 Seek first God in the morning, and thank him for all he does for you  Ask him for what ever you will need to get threw that week, whether its patience, love or just  a plan nap!

Choose a service time that works best for you, we go to the 11 am service because we have enough time to get ready eat breakfast, and go out afterwards, whether it be the pool or the grocery store.

Pre-Pack, Saturday nights i try to leave the diaper bag ready, and set to just go out the door, it also insures me that i know i packed all i needed for the day.

Try to leave all the clothes out and ready from the night before, so in the morning your not struggling to pick out outfits or iron any dress shirts and pants.

I suggest feeding the kids before getting them ready, i wake up around 8:30 and do breakfast then shower , so they don't stain or mess up any of their cute church outfits. I've also noticed that my kids tend to behave way better when they're full and clean and by the time we actually arrive to church they are usually back to sleep.( EACH KID VARIES I KNOW!)

New mommies do not worry about your time, I have found it the  best to be the last one to get ready, i feed the hubby and kids dress them all and allow myself the last 30-40 minutes to get my self together it works out best cause everyone is content. (Tip to all my new Miraculous new mommies don't worry so much about the appearance, people know you just had a baby and are very compelling just to see you  back on your feet and in church , just be happy your able to get out of the house and 80% of the time you'll probably end up with some sort of stain on you by the end of the day.)

Prepare the way , Throw on some Hillsong in the car and just jam out all the way to church, it gets you in the mood and its just a great way to start your day with family .

Children's Church is the best! The teachers are equipped and ready to embrace your babies at any stage and show them Gods love and teach him his word. ( Look out for my post on when and how to get your children acclimated to children's church every Sunday!.)

 Lastly Enjoy your sermon, and Sunday, relax and have fun with your family! 

Loving yourself first is key.

Oh the sweet bliss of being married forever!!

Love is truly blind, or so they say. But i believe Love is what you make it and part of making it is making it last. 

But how? Well prior to getting married i had my fair share of crazy, weird and just very wrong for me relationships. I will not be that women who just blames it all on the guys i dated, because i must say i could have been a way better women in many scenarios. I loved in all the wrong ways, I now am sure its because i didn't know what Love really was. Not because i was never loved as a I child or daddy issues, or anything like that. It because i never took the time to prioritize loving my self first. Instead i took poor innocent people for the ride of their lives and at the end of each heart break i was in a worse place than before. 

Loving your self first is not a beauty or job title thing, its a self esteem thing all the way! I am truly convinced that loosing weight or being successful wont secure your love or self worth.those things they don't love you back.
 A key to having love and staying in love to a man is to love who you are, what you stand for and what you aspire to do along side your husband or alone. 
A husband may love you to infinity and beyond, and your heart my ache beyond that love.
I believe everyone is searching for love, whether they admit it or not, because we were designed to be loved and to love.
Almost 3 years ago i took a look at my life, and realized i needed love, and not love from a man, but self love, a love that kept me going and prepared me to be loved my someone else. I made the decision to right my wrongs, and love those who have wronged me no matter what, and too always love myself no matter i might feel , or hear. 1 year into that decision i met the man of my dreams who showed me love and respect that i had never encountered before.
Every Love story has a journey, but start writing the one that involves you today!  Remember Love is what you Make it so Make it Miraculous!

Miraculously Mixed Marriages

Any relationship has its ups and downs. Starting a mixed Relationship may be a new journey completely, although no two beings are completely alike and come from two completely different back grounds and upbringing doesn't necessarily mean its a mixed marriage. 

Well then what the heck is a Mixed marriage? the word mixed means put together or composed of different elements.

A mixed marriage is one where two different backgrounds, religions, culture upbringings come together and form a union.

Examples of non mixed marriages. Two American Christians who are engaged to marry are not considered a mixed marriage , although the two may have been raised in opposite parts of the us and have different life experiences, they share more than 2 common characteristics in moral and religious values.

Another example is Two Hispanic immigrants marry in the us, One being Catholic and the other Christian, although not from the same country both share common life experiences and moral values. 

All marriages have a sense of mixture, since we have different life experiences, and family values,  and may be able to relate in some form to this topic.

Miraculously Mixed Marriages, is a current study im researching for my graduate project. I believe their are certain obstacles that contribute to marriages that common marriages do not experience. For Example I am American Born and raised, although i have Hispanic parents, My parents  migrated here many years ago.My mother being a devote Colombian and father being a devote Puerto Rican have raised me and influenced me in many of their cultural characteristics. I have learned to speak Spanish, and how to cook and eat many Hispanic dishes. Yet I'am an American most of my traits and life experiences lean me to say im an american, who has Hispanic parents, doesn't mean i deny any of my roots because i love that i can pass on what my parents have incorporated in and what i have learned into my children. 
Most of my life i have had a cultural identity issue not really knowing what i was, and being stuck with a label as a Spanish kid in high school, but when i got around the Spanish kids, i knew i really was not a "Spanish Kid.?!?" When i met my husband i came to the terms that im a simple GRINGA! yes i said it a GRINGA! Im an american girl who just happens to know Spanish, but why you may ask i use this horrible title?   

Here is why, My husband a 27 year old pure blood,born and raised Honduran man who migrated to the USA in his teens, is what i like to call that real type of Spanish Kid. Coming to america he experienced, moments and memories i  cannot relate with, having always lived in my native country next to family. He adjusted to a whole new system and language, of living unlike me, he was forced to learn English like many others as a means of survival, when i only learned Spanish so i wouldn't be made fun of on family vacations. His childhood friends live in an opposite world, and go threw situations i cannot even imagine. I have always had the privilege of living in a country where freedom and opportunity is a right, and he came here to have that right despite leaving his loved ones behind. Most of his family and friends here also share similar stories and backgrounds. Mine do not, although i'am well aware of these things in my society the truth is i just simply cannot relate, these striving for success quality compels and attracts me to him  but also makes me realize how different we are, and how much we still are learning about each other and our cultures.

Miraculously Mixed Marriages is a topic i will randomly be updating and sharing more personal research and new findings i have encountered.  I believe their are many newlywed like me that experience this adjustment phase and can share or comment on this topic.

Every Marriage is Unique and that what makes the journey worthwhile.

Pre- Baby Shower Shopping, Is an actual thing..

 Above is a picture of me at my baby shower only  two weeks prior to actually going into labor. My mother and i designed a very intimate damask and polka-dot themed baby shower for my close family and friends, ( LOOK OUT!! Miraculous Mommies for my DIY Damask Baby Shower Post)

I was Extremely blessed with tons of goodies for my twins, tons of clothes, items from my registry and lots of repeated gifts which might seem like a hassle at first but turned out to be a great blessing. 

Prior to planning this event, My Husband, Mom and I wanted to get a head start on preparing for the babies arrivals. We made a list of essentials needed for every stage for the first year and narrowed it down to what we thought were the main priorities. This task was a little stressful since as a new mom i believed i needed everything now and fast! But  what i found out was that the saying "Patience is a Virtue." is so very true and patience can also help save a ton of money.. 

 I was extremely blessed to find out that my parents would be gifting us most of our BIG nursery items which took a great weight of our shoulders.

Since we never should bite the hand that feeds us, I didn't want to abuse this gesture and looked for the best combined deal for two cribs, changing table and crib bedding. ( IKEA & AMAZON)

My best advice for those on a budget is organize, organize and organize!

Organization will help you keep track of what you have and what you need. So you don't over buy what you don't need and can buy what you need, Pretty basic huh!

Buying for twins seems to be an endless adventure of fun and money!

But i hope this list and tips for what to shop for prior to baby shower can help make it easier and a little more budget friendly.

Pre-Baby Shower Shopping  gives you the opportunity to choose the things you like, and buy whenever you see a good deal.

Shopping is the fun part, and shopping with a plan makes it even better!

I shopped around everywhere no store left unshopped, from Macy's, Old Navy, Target, Marshall's to Babies r Us. All these stores offer a wide selection of prices and great clearance sections. Shopping clearance often allows you to get name brand clothing pieces for a steal!  Keep a look out for upcoming sales and buy 1 get 1 free deals. After all you have 9 months to shop!

Once your baby shower comes around you will feel even more blessed with all the extra great items you receive, and if you already have it, return/exchange it for something you need or want. 

As promised here is my pre-baby twin shopping list! Hope you find it helpful!

PRE-BABY SHOWER SHOPPING LIST

I suggest creating this list per baby.

Baby Girl or Baby Boy
-7-9 Footsies Pajamas Size Newborn and or 0-3 months ( Tip: I bought the ones with mittens attached, it made it easier for the babies to not scratch there face and they don't fall off at night)
-7-9 Footsies Pajamas Size 0-3 and or 0-3 months

On my registry i only asked for all clothing Sizes 3 months and up, i bought most of my newborn and 0-3 month essentials.

-7-9 Onesies Size Newborn and or 0-3 months ( With Designs for Daily Outings)
-7-9 Onesies Size Newborn and or 0-3 months ( all White for the daily outfit changes or to layer under clothing)
-7-9 Layettes Size New born and or 0-3 months ( Great for Drs outings or cute pictures.)
- 7-9 Pants Size Newborn and or 0-3 months ( Neutral Colors work best with any other clothing items you might receive.)
- New born Socks  and or 0-3 months ( i choose to buy neutral colors to be able to use among both babies.)
- Burp Cloths
- 5-7 Swaddle Blankets
- 5-7 Receiving Blankets
-  Hair Bows
- Hats
- 2 Hooded Towels
- 2 separate baby books ( get started now that you might have some time)

 I also bought diapers or wipes when i saw a great sale, keep in mind twins tend to be smaller then singletons, and newborn and 0-3 month clothing might last a little longer. I STRESSS again!!! Shopping clearance, many items i have bought where such a steal,  i didn't feel as bad when they outgrew them so fast. 
 But Buy what works best, looks best and feels best. the material is key. Shop for your seasons and remember their babies and desire comfort.
 The Best part is now thereare so many stores offer variety,cuteness and comfort! 
Don't forget to copy & paste this list and go shop away! all my Miraculous Mommies.

Twinning on a Budget Part One of many!

Twinning on a budget? whats that?!? Receiving the news that your expecting, whether you expected it or not, can be a shock, so you can imagine my Shock and surprise too find out i was expecting twins, only five months prior to my scheduled wedding!! After the initial aftermath of telling the whole family the news and cancelling the wedding, we went down the very cliche civil wedding route.

Then Came the reality that we now need to get two of everything! My twins are fraternal girl and boy, ( NO!! they are not identical, even though they look alike, Because they have different parts. One of the many questions, I seem to always answer over and over again) As a new mom i went to my local baby store to start a registry and noticed the list they give you for recommended items needed goes on forever and ever. I quickly realized i needed to minimize the items to what worked best for me and my budget. I strongly suggest to create your registry based on your budget and take the time to look online and read reviews on the things you like. 

At the end of this post i will include the list i used to help me plan ahead, if it helps you feel free to copy and paste and add you own items.

I must admit i was extremely blessed by my mom, my family, and friends that attended my baby shower, But I still believe its best to over plan, and Pre and post shower shop. When attending a twin baby shower, the guest often feel the demand to shop for two gifts, although any gift to any new mom is a blessing, I know times are tough and wanted my guest to feel no obligation to bring a lavish gift or gifts. 

So i made my registry budget friendly, because whatever you don't receive on that day, you must indeed buy it yourself! (MY POOR HUSBAND!)

 I want to stress the pre and post shower shop because with twins its always a touch and go pregnancy, I had a pretty healthy active pregnancy, but was monitored closely because of the fetal growth although i was expected to have a planned c section anytime after 36 weeks, i ended up having to have an emergency c section at 33, and was extremely happy that i had been so  prepared already for when the babies arrived a week later.

 My following post ill include a lot of tips on pre and post baby shower shopping and a list i used to help me pre-plan and keep organized!

To all my fellow Miraculous Mommies on a budget, DON'T!! be afraid to browse  craigslist, i have found amazing name brand, brand new or barely used items at great prices ( TIP: ALWAYS TAKE YOUR HUSBAND ALONG FOR THE RIDE) 

When shopping your at your local store,always look for coupons before buying anything! if there isn't a coupon or a good deal you like, but see a better price for it another store or online, most major stores will now price match to online  prices or other store adds. this helps you save even more and you don't have to worry about shipping costs and are able to return in store if needed. 

 The Following is the list i promised on how i narrowed down my baby registry, look out for my post where i post links and pictures to what i actually ended up receiving and buying my self :)

My Twinning Baby Registry 

NURSERY

2 Matching Cribs of your choice

2 Matching Bed Sets ( i choose a gender neutral theme, that included the whole bed set in the bag)

2 Mattresses of your choice ( Most baby stores offer discounts for registries with multiple babies) 

Glider or Rocker ( OPTIONAL)

Mobile ( ALSO OPTIONAL, i opted out on mobiles)

Changing Table (with storage great for toys and books in the future.)

Changing Pad & Cover

Twin Gear

2 infant carriers ( great for sleeping or nursing babies, also OPTIONAL)

Infant stroller ( i purchased a double snap and go , to use with car seats for almost 6 months then sold it and bought a full size stroller.)

2 infant car seats up to 30 lbs, ( My pediatrician recommended to keep them rear facing until 25 lbs, so they worked for over a year)

 Twin Play Yard (Only available online, but works great post c-section and is a bassinet and play pen all in one, great for newborns and easy for travel after they grow out of the bassinets.)

Diapering

Diapers in assorted size ( try to limit newborn diapers, since they grow out of them so quickly.)

Wipes ( try to stick the the sensitive, no smell type, never know if your child will have allergies or sensitive skin.)

Diaper Cream ( i used Burt bees multipurpose ointment, at only $8.99 and last for months, and i use it like crazy, also hypoallergenic and its organic great!)

Diaper Bag ( I used a a large purse style bag with many pockets, since you'll be carrying double the items.)

Travel Diaper Changer

Extra Wipe Cases ( create extra changing places around the house.)

Breastfeeding and or Bottle Feeding

I did not breast feed, due to my children being born prematurely, they were in the NICU so we used bottle feeding, although breast is best, it was easier for dual feedings to use the bottle, if you plan on breast feeding, pump a lot, so you can use a bottle late at night when your really tired.

BREASTFEED BABIES

- Invest in a good dual pump ( Some insurances cover hospital grade pumps, if they don't cover the one you want or like, you can always pay the difference.)

-Look into bottles that are the same brand as your breast pump

- Bottle brushes( if you receive multiple its always great because you will replace them a few times, great to have a couple on hands.)

- Sterilizer ( I used a non name brand one from target, worked great and half the price, also doubled as a drying rack.)

-Bottle warmer (Optional i did not really use mine, because room temperature is just fine and convenient for when your out with baby and cant always warm up your bottle.)

-Nursing Pillow 

Bottle Fed Babies

- 4/ 4 oz Bottles for each baby 

- 4 -6/ 9 oz Bottles for each baby ( many new bottles and accessories out, research the one brand that works for you.)

- Sterilizer

- Bottle Warmer

- Burp Cloths per baby

SOLID FEEDING

 I did not  add any Solid feeding items, on my registry because it takes awhile before your child to actual start solid feeding, i preferred more items i could use to start off, and would slowly buying the items after they out grow other things. ( TIP: if you receive any gift cards, you can save them for future items, like a high chair, or cups, spoons and plates.)

BATHING

Baby Bath Tub with newborn sling ( the more basic the better, 1. For safety reasons,  2. your child will out grow the bath tub sooner then you think.)

2-3 Hooded towels per baby

Body wash and shampoo's ( look into a brands with no harsh chemicals or odors.)

I held off on bath accessories and waited to buy them my self once they got older and could actually play with them.

CLOTHING

Tip for Register for clothing, Limit asking for specific items because the stock varies from store to store, also I've noticed people seem to buy what they think is cute. If anything try to choose items 3 months and older, since the first couple of months they grow so quickly.

Add a lot of neutral clothing, socks, and onesies that can be used between both twins.

I would skip the mittens, and try to get clothing with footies and mittens attached

a lot of outfits come with matching bibs and hats for newborns.

SLEEPING

- 3-5 per baby ( I live in Florida, and my children were born in middle of spring close to summer, they where light weight, and come in great prints, and function as swaddles also.)
- Extra crib sheets
- Mattress Protector or Waterproof mattress pad
- Wearable or Warm blankets 

TOYS AND ENTERTAINMENT 
- 2 Bouncer Seats
- 1 Swing (OPTIONAL)
-  Play mates per child
- Books or soothing music Cd's
- Baby book per child
 Another tip for toys or entertainment things is their are double the items so that means double the mess, and the first few months babies don't really use any toys or are very active yet, you can hold off on buying toys. You will notice the toys will accumulate super fast! 

SAFETY AND HEALTH
- Monitor ( so many different monitors on the market, i chose a basic one for the price, but craigslist has some very good camera ones for decent prices, look around.)
- Safety Kits or First aid Kits
- Grooming Kits for each baby ( for hygiene purposes i recommend one separate kit per baby, also a great inexpensive gift that is always nice to receive.)

Hope it helps, Look out for my next post, with an attached list of pre and post baby shower shopping list!