Perks of Raising Twins

I stumbled upon this article from www.babble.com that lists down 7 Perks of Raising Twins. It was such a highly amusing read as I find myself nodding in agreement in almost all points. I want to share it with you guys as you might appreciate with me the joys of having my girls. 

1.  Your kids HAVE TO Share. 

I have often regaled about this perk in my posts as it is quite the obvious one to notice right? I also love how the article stated that your twins will not automatically WANT to share but would know the concept of sharing. "A forced consciousness that the world does not revolve around them" This is so true! I have broken numerous fights that resulted from wanting the same thing. ( Usually its the Ipad, you will not get me to buy them one of each of that ). But I know for a fact that they are also keenly aware of the concept of the other. How, you say, do I notice with my almost two year olds? Well there will be times when one would be extra fussy and clingy with me. I hold my gaze with the other as my way of assuring her that I am with her too. And I would see the understanding there. I SWEAR IT. She would wait her turn as if understanding that her sister needs me more now. 

2. You can't helicopter parent. 

Of all things I think I would be most guilty of this! HAHA You cannot do anything about it since there's only one of you and two of them! You cannot be obsessively watching every move. This of course results to more bumps and bruises. We have had plenty of those!!! I think this is also a testament on why my twins are feisty little things. I have mentioned this before, linking to needing to be more assertive of their wants, but thinking about it now, it may be because of this as well. They are often left to their own devices resulting to more adventurous and outgoing personalities. 

3.  You have a black belt in dealing with strangers.

Of all the things in here, this is the one I cannot completely agree about. Although we do get an onslaught of attention and bombarded with questions, I do not think I have my social black belt as yet haha 

4. You have little free time

I think this also applies to any moms out there not just for multiples.  But of course its true. Even if we are lucky enough to have help, each step we take requires twice the amount of time, planning, executing and the logistics! My goodness. How to begin. Each simple trip out for church is a circus what more for an out of town vacay! So yes that leaves pretty much very little time for anything else. So when it does give you free time you kinda take advantage of it too much ahaha

5.  You're only a kind of a "first time" parent

"Parents of more than one child often marvel at how different their children are at some point in their development. As a parent of twins, you’ll probably marvel a whole lot sooner. Parents of multiples tend to realize very early on that their kids are completely different people, with often opposite desires, reactions, and inclinations. " 

This is my favorite of all!!! I get to marvel at their uniqueness and wonder in amazement on how this can be! It is as if I am witnessing a miracle every single day!  They also go on to state that we parents realize that what our children does is "hard-wired". Something inherent to them already that  we had no hand in. They are just simply unique in their own! It is simply beautiful!

6.  You learn to say "NO".

"Parents of twins learn to pick and choose what their family is capable of achieving and which events they can reasonably attend." 

I have now the reason to say NO! The least favorite of perks especially of my husband but it is true. It is just not as easy to carry around two babies everywhere meaning we also have to accept that there will be times when we cannot make it to all events! This was where much of my sadness comes from. I have been so down since I see families taking trips everywhere with their babies. I was quick to realize that it will simply not happen for us just yet.  Soo off to no. 7

7. Your tolerance goes up

So until I have completely accomplished such, I will not be saddened by the fact that my twins are more homebound than others. It is true though that slowly but surely I am finding myself not quick to scream and get mad. I am learning to let some things go, a spill here , a broken toy there. You just pick your battles and it will be fine.  

I think I will often be writing about my tales of mommahood of twins and how extremely blessed I am. I am sorry for this is, if sometimes it will be in your face. It is just that - we are often (as a parent/parents of multiples) tired, over wrought and maybe on our wits ends - so allow as to bask in this glow and be reminded too. That there are of course so many things to be grateful for - times two even! 

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much love

Happy 7th Birthday My Carlos!

I just realized, going through my blogposts that we have been giving C budget parties since he was 4! I actually thought his 7th would be the time where we go for the whole kaboom. However, practicality bested us again so we decided to go at it differently. Of course I will not do away completely from giving him a party that will be too cruel. So his dad and I decided to speak to him about it. We bargained and made him see the beauty of our plan teehee

What he got instead is a McDonald's Birthday and a beach trip with the fam bam! We scheduled his party at the last day of school for everyone's convenience. This worked so well that we got a full attendance from all his classmates, past barkada and even his teacher. Made it so special for C all the more. It became a celebration for all of them too! The kids surely let off all their pent up energy and excitement for summer!

C shooing off his classmates from having a go at his cake hahahaha Coz' seriously who can keep their hands off from this goodness! Thanks again sister for making this for C despite extreme nausea and fatigue from your pregnancy! It was delish!!! 

Boys going wild over such a simple game! Its really all about the company that makes parties special. Hoping to instill that on C!

Our beach trip was again an advance celebration! After much tears and frustration over not being able to book, everything fell into place. It was a lovely 2 day stay over at Pico Sands Hotel which I must say is very family friendly! It was such a special gathering since we haven't had a family trip for such a looong time! 

My lil gwapito ootd-ing !

Best part for C was having his cousin Rafa and the girls with him =)

Sandra having a go at the beach!

The day of C's birthday was also his first day at football club! And we capped it off with a dinner at Project Pie since he loves pizza!!!

All in all it was a great series of events! Hopefully a memorable one for our boy. I seriously do not regret having decided to do this for him instead of blowing off all that moolah for one huge bash that will only last for 1 day. I am glad he agreed with us too and saw the benefits of celebrating his birthday for several days instead!

To my dearest Carlos -Happy Happy Birthday! This boy has grown into this wonderful lil man, exceeding all our expectations. Thank you for being how you are! You make it so easy for your mommy and daddy. Your presence in our lives have made it all the more meaningful and worthwhile. Thank you too for straightening us out!!! WE LOVE YOU ALWAYS!!

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much love

Special thanks to our sponsors! Our parents and siblings made sure we get to give C the best birthday ever. THANK YOU for helping us all the way! ;D

Easter Bunnies and a few realizations

Decided to play around since it was Easter! This is the only one in the series of shots that I've got them to sorta stand still. I think they will need to get used to props around them still. I remember their monthly pictorials and how that was such a pain haha I think we just need more practice again!

I have said before that despite the obstacles and clear challenges of having twins, I have been pacified by the greater side of things. I often said that at least my girls would first and foremost learn, very early on, the essence of sharing and giving. I have now recognized that this is not the only virtue that they will acquire in the first stages of their life, among other things. With much observance, I realized that they are now also feistier little things, since one clearly cannot be the only princess in this castle. They know how to fight for what they want and get it in anyway possible. Often to my dismay or of the other, since as a result, one would surely get hurt and cry. But I guess this is something I also want my GIRLS to develop.  

Sandra wanted to take photos too! She loves using my phone as camera and going around the room taking pictures. 

Together with, I pray with all my heart, the kindness too. What brings tears to my eyes (I am not exaggerating) is how they pacify the other. At first it was through my order that they hug as an apology after one hurts the other. Now they are doing this on their own with additional actions too! One would hand the other water if the other is coughing, a kiss to make a boo boo go away, a pat on the back to make the other stop crying and the list goes on. THIS IS WHAT I AM TALKING ABOUT! This is what makes having twins so special.  Besides being able to parade two cuties around, I get to witness this! It so beautiful to see two small beings loving each other. 

Sandra was still concentrating on the phone grrrr Lila was all smiles and was ready even during our practice shots

And just like that I lost them...

I also want to share my joy on seeing how these two are developing into such unique individuals. You know how they say that it is best never to compare and allow them to grow into a separate identity from the other. So in the beginning what I thought as the most perfect and simplest way to do this is to dress them differently. Then... ok, this proved to be not so convenient. Now that they are growing up though I love that they already have a preference as to what color they want to wear! It is starting!! YAY!  I love listing down their idiosyncrasies, small representations of how their minds work gets me so excited to see how they will be when they grow up!  

Added all the necessary props and accessories and removed the phone from Sandra --- the drama starts!

To say that these two are a handful is an understatement. However this challenge really reaps great rewards. They teach me to be a better mom everyday. I think nothing beats that. 

And I thought it will all go well since Sandra was all excited we let her play with lippies haha She loves make-up! 

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much love

A Twist On a Classic

Why not turn it up a notch and update a classic? 

A play on silhouettes, tailoring and lengths create such a lovely twist on an old favorite. 

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much love

From Crib to Daybed

My twins have outgrown their crib and really did not use it pass 6 months, when they can no longer BOTH fit! It has been there in our nursery not serving its purpose. We actually dumped all the toys in there once. It was starting to get to me that it is just taking up space.

This idea came to me when I wanted to do something about our nursery/playroom situation. It was really just starting to look like a dump. No longer the way I envisioned it to be in the beginning. So I just unscrewed one side of the crib and tada! Instant day bed! A simple upcycling made me so happy and I think the girls loved it too! Even C, my eldest loves this nook. 

The monogram pillows I ordered from Adamant Eve completed this area! Pillows, I think are the easiest ones to start with when adding your personal stamp on a space.  The kids loved having one each to call their own!

* Pillows cost php280 each regardless of print design

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much love

Twirl with Tulle

I think I can never ever get enough of tulle in all shades of pink.

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much love

Mara's Cuaki-ly Ever After! A Bachelorette Party.

Sooo on a mad dash to come up with a witty title for our dearest friend's bachelorette - we came up with "Mara's Cuaki-ly Ever After". A play on her then fiancé's last name, what we thought was just funny then, actually made so much sense. 

Ironically we decorated the place for a bridal shower and had games and "entertainment" for a Bachelorette! All in all I must say I was so proud on how it turned out and everyone had such a fun time! 

Paper poms are a must! So cheap and so easy to do! Love how it can fill up a space yet appear airy and dainty at the same time. We had these in the closest shade of mint green as possible which is one of her wedding colors. =)

Cut out letters dipped in silver glitter! Mara loves here sparkles and glitter is the cheapest way to accomplish that! HAHA Of course if you do not mind it sticking all over too!

Dainty ribbons fo just an added depth to this sign =)

And of course this look won't be complete without the hanging frames on the wall!!! These frames are made of plastic so they are pretty light weight enough to just hang onto the wall with the string. Oh and we removed the glass too. 

Our loves notes corner is my favorite! Best idea from one of Mara's HS friends to have a jar filled with notes/letters/one liners for Mara. Decorated this area with flowers, candles and this cute white iron wrought birdcage. 

An Ode To This New Type of Woman

I have been on a blogging hiatus for the longest time. My mom turned 60 last December and this post was for that. I am glad though that the words have flowed in the same earnest way I was hoping for even if this is a very delayed post.... 

Growing up, I have fond memories of my mom and how she was always present in all our moments. She was a stay-at-home mom that drove us to school and extracurriculars, joined school committees and was very good in the kitchen - cooking and even baking for us her yummy treats.  If you would think that we were brought up to be domestic goddesses.. well you will be mistaken. It was so important to my mom that we, her daughters earn a degree and have great careers. So lo and behold my sister became a lawyer and I pursued International Relations in college. There were no cooking lessons happening in our household that goes beyond the normal frying and my mom's pasta. I was exposed to baking and handled that department well but really did not think of excelling.  Never mind the household chores. I can handwash and iron if I have too but I have never been the expert. I can only tell you to separate your whites and your delicates and that is it! We stumbled when we, my sister and I started living separate from home. I think she fared way better than I did as I am still trying to grasp how to run my household. 

Funny how our lives have turned out now. Both my sister and I have careers that would allow us to be at home with flexible schedules, allowing us to be on top of our household, husband and kids' lives. I am also happy to observe that our generation now have embraced a different type of womanly strength. The one that no longer aims to only be at par with men at work but really the one that balances career and family life. We already have proven to the world what we are capable of! Now I see my friends raising their children with no yayas or very minimal help. We are a new breed of women that embraces our womanhood fully - that have accepted that we are mothers and wives and there is nothing wrong with being good in just that. Our careers are now the plus.

So mom I know how you say you are so proud of us, but let me thank you for being the example that we needed. We may have missed a few opportunities that could have propelled us in our careers. What we did not miss instead, are the milestones our children made that can no longer be replayed. Thank you for that. Now I think it is not too late to get you to teach me how to cook yeah?  =)

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much love