Easy Fall Crafts For Toddlers: Pumpkin Painting

There was a reason for pumpkin picking with the girls. I love arts and crafts or "activities" as Milani likes to call it. Painting pumpkin is messy but so much fun. Plus, it is really easy.

What you need:

The paint comes in a set of 10

• Pumpkin
• Crayola Washable Paint 
• Old T-Shirts or Smocks 
• Newspapers
• Paint Brushes (Find them at Target, Michael's or any craft stores)
• Paper plate

Instructions 

• Find a large area for the your toddler or toddlers to have room to paint
• Place newspaper on the floor. Even though the paint is washable, who feels like wiping up paint off the floor?
• Place the pumpkins on the newspaper
• Add the paints in circles on the plates
• Put smocks or old t-shirts the toddler(s)
• give a paint brush and let them have at it! 
• Once they have finished (the children), put the pumpkins with the newspaper attached somewhere high so that your little ones cannot reach. 
• Let the pumpkins dry

Below are pictures of the girls painting their pumpkins! SHARE your arts and crafts on our facebook page: facebook.com/thegoodtimegurlz

Pumpkin Picking With Twins; Tantrums and More

Last week, my mother and I went to my families new residence in Virginia Beach, VA. If anyone lives in Green Run, let me know! I love to do activities with my children and now that they are two, it is so much fun to go out and do more things. I was anxious (my mother as well) to take them pumpkin picking. 

I always think that my children are going to enjoy all the activities, that they share in my excitement. In my mind, my children are well behave. In reality, they are well behave, but they also have their moments. 

When we arrived to the Pumpkin Farm, the girls were ubber (yes, ubber) excited just to get out of the car. As we got closer to the pumpkins, Milani was a little frightened by the size of some of them. Mya, was not interested in the sea of orange and was more content walking around the entire farm. I told her that we could not walk around the farm and she threw herself in the grass to have one of her Mya tantrums. 

Mya having her moment

Usually, I would pick her up and console her. This time, I tried a new tactic. I walked away. To the new moms out there, this might seem extreme. But, it was effective. Why? Because at that moment I turned my back, I heard these little feet coming running after me and then in one second, her little hand cupped mine. The reason? I was not feeding into her attention seeking and at that moment, I had full control. 

Meanwhile, Milani picked out her pumpkin and one for Mya. Milani was so excited that she showed everyone her pumpkin, I mean EVERYONE! She even went to the lady selling flowers and showed her the pumpkin. 

It was a quick visit to the Pumpkin Farm but any day with the girls is a great day!

Toddler Mondays: Mya and Milani's Favorite Words and Phrases

Your favorite twins are now 26 months! It is hard to grasp how much they have a grown. When they were infants I always wonder what they would sound like. What words they would say. In a blink of an eye, the girls have voices, they are speaking sentences, saying new words. Here is a list of some of their favorite words and phrases:

1. "I'm Sorry"

2. "Thank You"

3.  "You're Welcome"

4. "Happy Birthday, Mommy, Happy Birthday Gigi, Happy Birthday Daddy, Happy Birthday, Milani, Thank you, Thank you." - Milani

5. "Careful!" -Mya

6. "No, No!"

7. "No, Mya, No" -Milani

8. "Gigi, I'm coloring with crayons." -Milani

9. "I got a bunch of bones inside me!" -Mya

10. "Flowers"

11. "Mama, Mya painting pumpkins too." -Milani

12. "Matoes" -Mya

13. "Nana" -Mya (Banana)

14. "I love you, I love you too" -Mya

I could go on and on. The girls can say all their colors, animals and alphabets. They also love to sing. What are your toddlers saying?

Parenting From A Distance: IPhone FaceTime & My Husband Is the Greatest

First, let me thank those who have taking the time to "like" my Facebook page. It really means a lot. We went from 72 likes to 98 in one day! I am excited to continue to share my journey, tips, advice with you all. I hope you all are eager to read. I also want to take this time to apologize for my previous post, which I have deleted. Now, I don't apologize for what I said, I apologize for not giving more of a back story. I have been called disgusting, disgraceful among other words all because I have an opinion about my family. Let's not get it twisted, I have a relationship with my step children. I don't dislike them nor do I treat them with any disrespect. I am not going to delve much further into this issue. The only thing that matters is that my husband understands where I am coming from and that all that matters. Why did I delete the post? I deleted the post because when it was written, I was  very angry. Not with my husband but angry. The post really didn't express my true feelings, only the feelings that I felt that particular day. For that, I am sorry that you all may have this opinion of me that is completely untrue. If you want the back story, just ask.

Anyway.

A few know because I do not have many friends or any friends for that matter, that my family has relocated to Virginia Beach. What people may not know is that I am still in New York and my daughters are in Virginia Beach. Having them leave me to go down to their new home was the hardest decision I had to make. But, I had to face the facts. The facts are:
1. I live with my mother who lives in a studio apartment, which equals not enough room. She lives in a BEAUTIFUL apartment, in fact is it the same apartment I grew up in. My  mother has lived in the same building before I was born. As nice as it is, there wasn't enough space for me, the girls and my husband.

2. Couldn't find daycare. I thought finding daycare in New York would be easy, but I was wrong. I had better luck finding daycare in New Jersey. The daycare in New York are so expensive. However, waiting to the last minute as I love to do, I applied for childcare subsidy, which I was approved recently. But my girls are going to start daycare in VA next week so, too late.

I miss my daughters every single day. Some days I do not feel like a mother. I use to wake up, my husband and I take the girls to daycare, go to work, come home, pick up the girls and my other job as a mother continues. Now, I have this old familiar freedom that I would trade just to have my girls with me in New York. It is a sad life I have now, which ends in October. I go to work and come to my mothers house. I now have so much time on my hands that I am able to study, watch my favorite shows and blog to you guys about my recent woos. But, I would give anything to have my girls.

For now, I parent from a distance, thanks to IPhones and ITouch, I am able to see my girls all the time. And yes, my girls are pros at using the IPhones and ITouch. We talk, they tell me about their day (most of it is babble), I get to see how much they have grown. It is great I get to see them, but I wish that I could touch them and give them a hug all the time.

Parenting from a distance. Who would have thought that my marriage would start with us living a part. Who would have thought that I had no choice but to have my kids live in their new state, new city, new community? I know they are not with a stranger, they are with their father, my amazing husband, but being away from my children is like a mother lion being away from her cubs.

A piece of me is missing.

This post is also dedicated to my husband. The only man that understands me, even with my faults, even with my "selfish thinking" he doesn't make me feel any less. He gets me. Being away from me and playing the role of mother and father has been rough on him but he has done a great job. Speaking to my girls and my husband tonight inspired me to right this post.

My husband told me that one of the girls did not  take a nap today and when I did facetime, she was IRATE! When one of the twins is having a tantrum, the other takes it upon herself to start as well. My husband had to deal with not one but TWO screaming two year old. And you know what? He did it effortless. He didn't loose his patience, he didn't loose his cool, he cuddle them, cooed, and reassured them that he was doing the best he could. My husband went and got their bottle while holding both of them. As I listened to the girls cry, I felt that anxiety, that feeling to shut them up and quickly start boiling inside. I felt frustrated for him, because when they double team me, that is how I feel. But, my husband didn't loose face. He was not defeated by any means. He got the girls into bed with their night bottle and lights out.

Simply amazing. I don't know any man that can handle two year old twins like my husband. He is father of the century in my opinion.

I get to see the girls and my husband again this weekend, Labor Day Weekend and I am going to enjoy every morsel!

What Does Lee Daniel's The Butler Mean For My Children

As my mother and I left the United Artist theater tonight, we walked in silence. I continued to wipe my eyes and my mother just continued to walk, facing straight ahead. We finally reached the end of the block; waiting for the walk sign, my mother turned to me. "When you were born, I prayed that things would be better for you." I looked at her. "Are they?" I asked. She faced forward again. "I don't think so."

My mother and I went to see Lee Daniel's The Butler starring Forrest Whitaker and Oprah Winfrey. This 2 hour plus film took us on a historic journey of civil rights and changes for African Americans through the 60's, 70's and 80's while telling the story of a butler, Cecil Gaines who served in the White House for 34 years. He saw changes in African Americans during prominent eras. The story was moving, the story was captivating, the story emotional and for me, the story was remembrance.

My mother was born in 1955 in North Carolina. She remembered using the "Colored Only" water fountain, sitting in the "Colored Section" of the bus. She remembered the Sit in at Woolworths and the day the Black students walked into a once White school. I was born during the Reagan era (1986), and when my mother said that she prayed for better, it is the same prayer that I hope for my daughters.

I didn't forget what have overcame, the fight, the torment or the mistreatment, but I forgot how much we endured. The film showed African Americans fighting for equality, what was right, no matter what the consequence was. Of course I was not there, but I admire the fight, the hunger in them. If it wasn't for them, I wouldn't be writing this post today.

Even though things are better for African Americans, they aren't perfect. With the shooting of Oscar Grant, Trayvon Martin, Sean Bell, wrongful judgement such as the women who is doing time for shooting a fire warning, like my mother, I pray for more for my children. I pray that they do not sit in a world where we now just sit still. A world where we rally, shout our frustrations and then go about our day, going to work, school, paying the bills. Continuing to sit still.

The admiration I have for those before us is more than I can express. They didn't sit still, they did more than rally, they did more than shout their frustrations. I wait for the day that we can do the same. I am guilty of this as well. I know that something is wrong, but still continue to go about my life. Not fight for a better life for my children.

What does Lee Daniel's The Butler mean for my children? It means everything; a chance to look at our history, a chance to see our fight, a chance to see us stand up for what was right, a chance to be proud, sad, mad, more importantly they get to know a piece of history that hasn't been told. I never knew that there was a butler that served for 34 years. I find it fascinating because he saw the world change from so many different angles.

I am not going to get into the story or my thoughts about the film. I am not going to decipher it either. I will say that it is a film that you want to take your children to see and it is a film that you want to embrace.

I pray for my children. I pray for my children in a world where racism still exists. I pray, one day, we have the courage to continue to fight. Not physically fight, but the system.

Happy Friday: Silly Questions To A Mom of Twins

Happy Friday everyone! I saw this topic on one of the blogs that I follow and I laughed at the end of her posting. As a mom of twins, I am hit with the silliest questions. However, I never laugh in the person face because they are asking to know what it is like to be a mother of twins. Here  are some of my favorites:

Dressed alike and in dresses!!!

1. Are they twins? *Yes, when they are clearly dressed just alike. I am not that type of mom if I had two daughters a year apart and dressing them alike. 

2. They are so cute, boy or girl? *This question came up constantly especially when the girls had pink blankets covering them. 

3. How do you do it? *I don't have a choice

4. Double trouble right? *Yes, my girls are two are into exploring but they aren't any trouble thanks 

5. Wow they are identical? *I get this question every single day. Each time I get this question I wonder if people are seeing something I'm not. One has a wider face and big cheeks, one is lighter with a narrow face. In summary, my daughters are fraternal twins; not identical

One has a round face the other has a narrow face

6. Who helps you with the girls? *This isn't totally silly, but I want to say I'm married, my husband does! or, I am not alone, I have tons of family support! But, they do not know. 

7. Do twins run in your family? *Not a silly question, but yes, twins run in my family and my husband's family.

8. Which one is the good twin? *They are both good, but they both have their moments, just like you and I. We aren't happy all the time right?

9. Was this natural? *Um yes, no fertility drugs here. I don't like needles

10. I don't know how you do it. *Not a question, but I get this statement followed by a shake of the head. 

11. Which one is older? *Does it matter? 

Don't they BOTH look friendly?

12. That one seems to be the friendlier one right? 

13. My cousins/uncle/daughter/friends/aunt have twins too. *That's nice

14. Do you want more? *No, that means that is another chance to have another set of twin. No thank you. 

Moms of multiples, what are some of the silliest questions you have dealt with?

I Was Meant To Live Down South

My mother was born and raised in Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina. Unlike her friends and family, she never had a southern drawl and she never thought she fit in. In summary, my mother always thought that she was never meant for down south living. At the age of 14, my mother moved to New York with my great-aunt Charlotte. She loved the quick pace, the fashion, the night life, the fast talking New Yorkers. For once, she felt that she belonged, that this city was where she needed to be. Even today, my mother can't imagine living anywhere else.

I am the total opposite. I don't think  I was ever meant for up north living. I do not talk like a typical New Yorker. I cannot stand loud music, I cannot stand loud talking, I hate being pushed, I cannot stand the trains, I hate traveling on the trains and the bus, did I mention I hate noise? I was not meant for up north living, which is why my husband and I decided to move back to Virginia; Virginia, a state I fell in love with at the tender age of 10.

My godmother is from New York but moved to Virginia after she finished her medical residency (she is a pediatrician). My mom and I visited her and her husband in Alexandria, VA (where they were living at the time). I fell in love with the peacefulness, people being polite. Most of all, I fell in love with Old Town, Alexandria. If you have never been to Old Town, get in a car and go visit. If you love antiques, historic attractions, then this is the place for you. Visit: http://www.visitalexandriava.com/things-to-do/ for more information.

I also fell in love with driving everywhere, the mall, plaza centers. There weren't any corner stores, people hanging out in front of the building. Where my godmother lived, was a great place to raise a family. Where my godmother lives now in Woodbridge, is still a great place. I went to Hampton University in Hampton, VA and even though I was aware of the culture, I still had a hard time adjusting during my freshmen year. I was seeking the loud music, the cursing, the fighting that I knew in Brooklyn, NY. All I heard was the sounds of crickets. I also hated that I couldn't get on a bus to get where I needed to go. The love I had of driving everywhere in VA when I was younger had quickly died. Also, Hampton was one big boring ass circle.

Then, I fell in love with my now husband and VA had more to offer. It was nice to go out with him like to Buckroe Beach or Virginia Beach. When I graduated, I still hungered for New York City life. I turned down a job at the Virginian Pilot for a job in New York. I didn't consult my boyfriend, I just left. New York was what I knew and as a young graduate, I felt that Virginia didn't have what I needed.

Boy, was I ever wrong. Nothing went right once I came back to New York. I lost my job, I forced my now husband to quit his job (a great paying job) to move with me to New York. We ended up living in dirty Jersey where we went from nasty apartment to shady landlords to our lives eventually being threatened. The one thing or rather two things that came out of living up north was the birth of the twins. Other than that, I craved the serenity once again that VA had to offer. I missed relaxing and not rushing to go no where.

I think my friend said it best, I am a Brooklyn-Bred who does not like noise. It is crazy I know. I must say, being back in Virginia Beach and almost permanently with my family has been so peaceful. I can't wait for what more is to come.

Learning How to Braid and Natural Hair Care

I am not even going to write this blog over. If you would like to read what I use on my daughters hair and how I learned to braid visit:
http://thegoodtimegurlz.wordpress.com/

Mega HELL Trip: 16 Hours Only To Go To Hampton, VA

First thing first; Do you like our new page? Do you like our new header? More importantly, do you like that we are back? I tried recreating a new blog on Wordpress but frankly, I think blogger is much easier to use. So, I am in the process of moving those blogs to this one or, I will just post the links in individual blogs.

Anyway.

For those who do not know, which is quite a few, for the past three months, my family has been separated. I will not get into detail here, that is for another blog, but due to a recurrent of events, we had to evacuate our apartment in NJ and live separately; I am living in Brooklyn and my husband was living in PA. Due to another event, we decided that this was the best time to pack up, start over and move to VA, more specifically, Virginia Beach. We discussed moving back to the Hampton roads area for years and when ish hit the fan in NJ, we thought now was a great time as any to give our children a better life and that is what we did. We now have a house (rented) in Virginia Beach. My husband and children are there while I am still working in New York, trying to figure out the best way to let my boss know that I have to resign from my position. Several factors come into play:

1. My husband finding a job and soon. This makes it a little more complicated because the girls are with him. Long story short, I kept running into dead ends in regards to finding daycare in New York. They were either too expensive or the last resort, subsidy program, will not start until September. We thought it might make sense to have them go to daycare in the area which they now reside. Of course, I miss them terribly.

2. Me, finding a job. This tough. I haven't had much luck in this area. It may be easier to find a job when I am actually in the location. Human resources see my VA address but notice I work in New York.

3. Money saved. We do not have much saved as a cushion. We are working on that though.

So, that is my life thus far in a nutshell. Crazy right? So, I decided that I would visit my family for a bit until I make the permanent move to Virginia. The most inexpensive option was to take  MegaBus. MegaBus (and I say this lightly now), is a good alternative to Greyhound. It is affordable, free wifi, hence why I am able to write this post, and the people are not too bad. I am sorry, I have run into some ratchet people on Greyhound that has made my journey very unpleasant.

 I know this Megabus UK but the caption summarizes my trip

The only scheduled bus heading to Hampton (not VA Beach), was at 12:40am. I left Friday at 11:00 just to be toward the front of the line, which was a success. The bus was a couple of minutes late, but that was no big deal. Unfortunately, I did not get a sit to myself, I had the "pleasure" of sitting next to this college student who talked to his girlfriend half the night and gave me no room to go to sleep. However, he was the least of my worries.

After I decided to get a nap in, I woke up and notice that we were in the City of Philadelphia. That was strike one. The route to Hampton does not stop in Philadelphia. Even with that in mind, the bus driver had the nerve to take forever in a day to unload luggage and do God no what else.

Strike two and this a a HUGE strike, I decided to take a nap again only to wake up to miles and miles of traffic. I couldn't even tell you how long we were in traffic but by the looks of it, the driver wasn't bright enough to get off at the nearest exit. I overheard customers discussing that they had to change to another bus in D.C. Something told me to check my ticket and sure enough, I too had to transfer in DC. This wouldn't have been a problem if the bus did not leave at 6:30am and here we are STUCK in TRAFFIC nowhere NEAR DC and it is, yup, you guessed it, 6:30am. I was no longer getting to Hampton at 10:45am.

Finally, the bus driver to decides to take an alternate route. Actually, he had no choice because the remainder of the I-95 was closed off.  Rather than let the customers on the bus know what was going on or even apologize, the bus driver decides to keep driving, even though it is apparent, he has no idea where he is going. It becomes more apparent that he lost, when we arrive at a military base.

We arrive in Washington DC at 9:30am. From 12:40 to 9:30am I was on the bus.

I wish my journey ended there.

The next bus was to arrive at 10:45AM. I immediately called Mega Bus customer service to let them know how upset I was. The representative, nonchalant told me to express my complaints via email. I hung up. Then, the Mega Bus employees in the station told us that we would have to pay a $5.00 surcharge to get on the next bus. All hell broke loose which changed the employees mind from us paying $5.00 to nothing.

10:45 came and went. We did not load the almost full bus until 11:44. By that point, my back hurt, my legs were cramped, I was hungry and my lips were dry. With major traffic between DC and Richmond, I did not arrive to Hampton, VA till 4:45PM. So lets recap; 12:40AM Friday Morning, to 4:45PM Friday afternoon. 16 HOURS!!!!! 16 HOURS!! But oh no, my journey did not stop there. I was so glad that my husband and my children were on time because if I had to wait one more second...It wasn't going to be pretty.

Traffic wasn't so bad heading to VA Beach but the only thing that was on my mind was a hamburger and sleep. I was excited, however, to see my new house. FYI, we did not purchase a house, we are renting a house with the option to buy in one year. I might add that I love my new home. It is in a quiet neighborhood and although the kitchen needs some work, I am glad that I do not have anyone living on top of me or below me.

I am glad that we have made the move to VA Beach. I think this will turn out great.

However, I will no longer take Megabus to VA Beach. I am actually flying back home and will make my ticket for the next time I visit, which will be the last time because the final time I am there to stay.

Are Godparents Necessary?

My Godmothers, May 2008 Hampton University. When I graduated college.

I have a confession; I do not have many friends. I know shocking right? How could this cool, try to be trendy, funny mom of twin girls and wife to be not have any girlfriends? To make the long story as short as possible, I trust too easily and I pick the wrong friends. No I do not have girls night out because I do not have any girlfriends and although I am part of an amazing sorority, it is my shyness and my cautiousness that keeps me away of getting too close. Another reason? The friends I do have, we do not have much in common; I am a mom and they are not, which gives them reason to not invite me anywhere but I digress. I just pray that my girls take after their father on this one; a social butterfly.

I have been putting off the girls christening for that simple reason, who would I choose to be their Godmother? I do not have any friends that I would trust with my girls and I don't think any are mentally ready or mature to carry on the role if my fiance and I should pass. I started to wonder if Godparents were even necessary in order for my children to be christened.

I have two Godmothers, my mother's best friend and their husbands automatically became my Godfathers. The difference between my mother and I is that she has best friends. I do not have a best friend. There isn't one person in the world that I can call my best friend. I am so glad my daughters are twins, best friends for life!

The time is coming that I need to get them right with God but I am at the dilemma of who would I trust? I would love for my Godmothers or my mother to be their Godparents, but let's face it, we are looking for someone who isn't going to kick the bucket anytime soon. There is also my cousin who I think would be a good Godmother and there is also my soon to be sister in law and soon to be brother in law that are mature enough to handle the girls I think.

Maybe, the title of the blog should be if Godparents are necessary to have your children christened? I know, too long of a title but there are two questions in one. Godparents role is to be that guardian if something should happen to the parents. They are granted this right during the christening. Is it still a christening if I do not have anyone to take care of my children if something should happened? What would happen if I have not granted anyone this position?

Then, there is the question if Godparents are necessary in general. My father told me recently that I have another Godfather, one I haven't seen since I was 5 months old. Almost a year ago, at my aunt's funeral, I saw him. Godparents are suppose to be a part of the child's life. My Godparents are excellent! They helped me out of financial binds, they attend almost every event. They are the greatest. These qualities are what I want in my children's Godparents, but it is hard when you do not have many choices.


Why is this important? I am a firm believer in Jesus Christ. If something should happen, I want to make sure they will see the pearly gates.

What are your thoughts? Do you have Godparents? Are Godparents necessary?

What is On Your Bucket List?

I remember reading a Facebook post from BabyCenter in which a blogger asked if parent's had a parent bucket list, things they wanted to accomplish for their little ones. I thought to myself; I do not even have a bucket list for myself. I tend to have this attitude that I will live forever, live in the moment. With the recent deaths of Shain Gandee from MTV reality show Buckwild, Jonylah Watkins, the 6 month old baby who was shot and killed on impact, I realize, nothing is promised tomorrow today.

I begin to think what is that I want to do with my life? What do I want for my children, my family? If you know me, and some of you do, then you know that I am the definition of indecisiveness; I can go through five ideas in one minute. Career wise, I wanted to be a journalist (I received my degree in journalism), then a veterinarian, then an author, then a counselor. I always want to do everything, but never accomplish it. I decided to write down my bucket list and a bucket list for my children. This is for me to share but also I find clarity when I write everything down. This isn't in any particular order.

Jamila's Bucket List

1. Get Married: June 14, 2013 is the date
2. Project Bump, Inc.: My nonprofit organization that I need to get the ball rolling. I will use my day off to accomplish as much as possible on this.
3. Go to Paris
4. Find a career I love: I have become quite passionate in accounting and bookkeeping. I am in the process of completing a certificate in bookkeeping.
5. Financial Stability
6. Move down south: Hampton Roads area
7. Buy a house
8. Make new friends
9. More involved in my sorority
10. Take a vacation with my soon to be husband
11. Work for myself: Doing bookkeeping and non profit owner
12. Have another venture
13. Accomplish everything on my list before I kick the bucket

Mya and Milani Bucket List

1. Get them into Gymnastics or Dance
2. Play an instrument
3. New Daycare
4. Learn a language
5. Modeling careers
6. Good college
7. Full scholarship
8. More space for them to run around
9. travel places
10. career that makes money

What is on your bucket list?

My Gym Fun With Mya and Milani

You know what is great about having children? All the fun things you can do with them and you as a parent are able to relive some of your favs for your childhood. I am a hands on mom, hence why I did not rest while my girls were babies. I would carry them, interact, always had them doing stuff. My mother called me a drill sergeant. My girls (as some may know) were born at 32 weeks and I wanted to make sure that they were hitting each milestone. I soon realize that they will hit each milestone at their own speed.

I am a mom that likes to go places, I hate staying in the house. The more my girls grow, the more active they have become. This only means one thing, gym!! I attempted to take them to the gym when they were 12 months and that did not go so well. Finally having a free weekend, I decided to take them to My Gym in Westfield, NJ; pretty straight ride. I will not bore you with a lot of words, the pictures speak for themselves. In other words, I need find an extra $200.00 so that my girls can enjoy.

I realized I have a lot of pictures of Milani and that is because...Mya was running around so much!! Next trip, Liberty Science Museum!!

19 Month Old Update: Mya and Milani

Time is truly flying. I remember posting my 11 week old baby bump on facebook, telling the world that I was pregnant with twins, being on bed rest, sleepless nights and now, my girls are true toddlers. I am so happy for their progress and sad that they are growing up before my eyes. I am not sad enough to have another however, let's not get that twisted.

 

Mya

What to say about my Cheeks. She is a true sweetheart. Mya still has slight tantrums, but she is a great listener. If you tell her no, she will stop and go on to something else. She doesn't get upset easily. She loves to share, climb on the couch and lay there as if she belongs up there. It is actually pretty cute. Mya still doesn't look where she is running or walking and ends up falling CONSTANTLY. It drives me nuts. She also loves her Nick Jr. shows. I try to cut down on the television as much as possible, but sometimes, when I need a minute, I know her shows will calm her down. Mya, although the bigger twin, is a very picky eater. She still likes her baby food and sometimes will take table food SOMETIMES. She loves to drink her juice and milk, still loves Cheerios and crackers. Mya is still STRONG. This little girl will pick up her ride toy and bring it to the living room. It is so amazing. She loves gadgets and still loves to close doors; then gets upset when she can't get it open again. Mya loves bath time.

Weight: 27 lbs?
Height: 31 1/2
Head: I never know, but she has a big head :)

Gross motor skills: Mya is running, walking, climbing, throwing balls. She loves to jump. She knows what she wants. Mya can focus when she wants to and when she sees a bottle or anything that she wants, she lets us know.

Fine motor skills: We love to watch Mya on her play phone. She starts dialing and places the phone to her ear. She builds with blocks, puts puzzles pieces back (sometimes in the right order). Mya loves to clap and when we say "good job!" she starts clapping. Mya is so helpful, she sticks her arm out to help me put her jacket on, she helps me put her hat on and shoes. She even tries to dress her self by buttoning or unbuttoning her pjs. Mya likes to pretend she is eating a bag of chips. The bag isn't even open and she will place her hand in her mouth as if she gobbled a whole bunch of food. She pretends to put lotion on her body as well. She knows Bye-Bye and will wave. Mya eats with her hands, but not using a spoon yet.

Body Parts She knows: Ear. Mya doesn't have much of an  attention span. She marches to her own beat, when she is ready she will and excel greatly.

Words She is Using: Mama, dada, caaaaaaaaaaaaaar, dooooooooooooog (yes, she sounds it out like that). Ba.

 

Milani

Miss Feisty herself. Milani is not a force to be reckon with. She will tell you off and then make you laugh at the same time. She is such a comedian. Milani only shares when she feels like it and boy does she love to eat! Milani is like a sponge, she picks up habits from daycare and brings it  home. She has tantrums that out of this world and starts doing this piercing cry that makes you just want to put her outside. However, she is full of love and she is a fire cracker. There is never a dull moment with Milani. Milani is always on the move, she doesn't like to sit still.

Weight: 25 lbs?
Height: 31 inches
Head: I don't know

Gross motor skills: Milani is a trip. She runs, walks, walks backwards and on her tippy toes. She loves to spin around and most recently spins with one arm up. It is so funny.

Fine motor skills: Milani is extremely advance. She eats with a spoon and her fingers. She feeds herself, which is one less toddler I have to deal with. She builds and places items logically. She takes items out of the box and put them back and repeat. She loves to give things to her parents and she loves to fee me. She also pretends she is rubbing herself with lotion. Very cute. When Milani wants something SHE WANTS IT. She points to it and she whines...a lot.

Body Part She knows: Ear, eyes, feet, tongue.

Words She is Using: Back Pack, Dog and she points to the dog in the books and our dog, mama, bye, mmmm, uh (that is when she wants you to have something), she sings all the time, hi, she waves bye bye, Car, Good.

Mommy and daddy are so pleased with your progress so far. Until 20 months....

27th Birthday Recap & DIY: No Sewn Curtains

Today, February 17 is my 27th birthday. I know, I am one step closer to the age of 30. At first, I was nervous about turning another year older, but now, I embrace it. First, it is not like I can change the fact that I am getting old and second, I have accomplished and have been blessed in my 26 years. I have no complaints and I know 27 is going to be even better. Third, which is a reason my father came up with, some, do not even make it to the age of 27. For that, I am truly bless to see another year.

My birthday was pretty quiet, which is kind of ironic since I have twin girls. Besides the normal screams, running around and laughter; I enjoyed my birthday at home; with my girls, fiance and dog Snoopy. My fiance drew me a candle lit bubble bath, ordered food and next week my mom is going to watch the girls. It is hard to go anywhere with them these days because all they want to do is run and walk around. The rarely ever want to sit down.

There is a point to me talking about my birthday. I woke around 7AM. Everyone was still asleep, so I decided to get started on the curtains for the girls room. FYI, we moved into a new place, down sized greatly but I feel like it is much better than the place we were before, except the neighbor downstairs has a illegal day care that the landlord did not tell us about but I digress.

As a mom, I have had to learn a great deal, especially with having twin girls. The main lesson was learning how to braid, which I accomplished (thanks Youtube!) and the other is being frugal and being creative. In a previous post(click here), I discussed working on a nursery from ProjectNursery.com that gave me inspiration. The fabric from the curtains, Suzani White (can order at fabric.com), arrived at my job two weeks ago and I finally was able to go to Walmart and get the proper materials to make these curtain panels.

Now, I can sew, but with 18 month old twins, it is hard to finish a project. Using thriftyinspirations.net, instructions, I will share with you how I created these curtains panels and how simple it was to do so.

When I say simple, I mean SIMPLE. Just a little time consuming.

Materials You will Need:

1. Fabric of Your choice 6 to 7 yards will be PLENTY
2. Stitch Witchery or any fabric bonding tape. (I found mine at Walmart.com for $2.97).
3. Scissors
4. Iron
5. Ironing board
6. Measuring tape
7. Wash Cloth

Step One

Before you start cutting the fabric. MEASURE THE WINDOWS!!! You measure from the top of the windows to the bottom of the floor. I did not do that. I used the measurement of thriftyinspriations.net, however I was able to fix it. See below.

Step Two

Lay your fabric out on the floor and measure it to match the measurements of the windows. Because I am left handed, I cut on an angle, which results in an uneven line. If you have the same problem, fold the fabric in half and cut along the fold. Again, I measured my fabric to the measurements in the instructions and in the girls room, there is only one window so I made two panels. If you have more than one window, you use these same instructions, but repeat.

Step Three

Take your iron board and place one of the panels onto the board. Begin to fold 1/2 or 1 inch on whatever side you want to begin hemming the panel. Run your fingers down the fold to make a crisp crease. Plug in your iron and set it to wool. Iron along the fold to make the crease crisp.

Stitch Witchery in Crease

Step Four

Open your fold and place the fabric bonding tape along the CREASE of the fold and fold the soon to be hem over it.

Step Five

Take your wash cloth and make it nice and wet. If it is dry, the fabric will not stick to the bonding tape. The wetter the better. Place the wet wash cloth on part of the fold. Taking the iron, set it on top of the wet wash cloth for 10 seconds. Repeat along the fold. When you tug on the hem, it should not be able to peel back; It should be firm.

Step Six

Repeat along the whole panel, folding 1/2 or 1 inch, using bonding tape, iron the crease, place bonding tape in the crease, fold over the tape, take the wash cloth, place the iron on top of the wash cloth for 10 seconds.

As mentioned twice, I made my curtains longer than needed. No problem! I measured the windows, measured my panels. Cut where I needed and hemmed the bottom.

This is my results! I purchased the rod set from Ikea and the curtain rings from Amazon.com (link). When I went to Ikea to get the rod, I realized they had curtain rings there SMH. If you do not want to use curtain rings, instead of hemming the top of the panels. Take the curtain rod and place the top of the panel around the rod and hem it that way.

I didn't show the other panel, because I did not iron. PLEASE IRON YOUR CURTAINS!!! I am also going to add creases for a drapery look.

These curtains on etsy.com  was $260.00. All of my materials including fabric:

Fabric Suzani White (fabrics.com), but ordered from amazon.com: $44.88 ($748 a yard)

Stitch Witchery (Walmart): $2.97, two pack $4.00

Black Rod (Ikea): $3.99

Black Rod ends (Ikea): $5.99 for set of two

Curtain rings Set of 14: $11.98

Grand Total: $73.81

Savings: $186.19

I think it was so worth it. For my first time, doing a DIY project, I don't think I did so bad. Also, I have so much fabric left to do some other things for the girls room. Stay tune...

Room on ProjectNursery.Com

Girls curtains!

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Inspiration: Moving and Project Nursery

Some of you may know that my family and I are moving. We are not moving far, we are still in the state of NJ and were still in the same city of Elizabeth. I have hated the apartment we are in for the year we have lived in it. The neighbors are noisy like I could never believe, I just hate this apartment. I hated this apartment so much, I never decorated. I left the walls white, I added a few curtains and that was it. Why? Because I gave myself a year to live here and get the heck out. Now, we are moving to a better place, we downsized, but we get so much in return. Now that I am happy with the place, I really want to have a nice space, something like that you would see in the magazines, but not for the price. To start this goal, I wanted to begin with the girls room. Since we lived in this hell hole, I really did not make their room a nursery or a transitional toddle room. I want them to have a nice space. As I researched with Mr. Google, I found this website ProjectNursery.

I was so amazed at the different ideas from other parents, guides and tools they had on their website. Where was this website when I was designing the nursery for the girls in our old place? Anyway, I was inspired by so many rooms but this one I really fell in love with.

Aqua and Pink from Project Nursery

Then I did a Google search and fell in love with the powder pink and aqua.

I don't know if it is the wall decal or the curtains, but this is the room that I am trying to mimic, or get close to. So far, we picked the color that we found at Home Depot.

Rivers Edge

I found the lamp that was in one of the pictures from target. The person originally paid $29.99 for the lamp, but I found it on clearance for $13.98. I just was not going to spend $16.99 on a lamp shade.

Target also had the white picture frames on sale for $2.00!!! I purchased four.

Ikea has the storage unit for $73.00, that I would like to get.


Project Nursery is a very useful site when you need inspiration, ideas, for babies or kids room. They even have ideas for birthday parties. My plan is to take the room that has inspired me and get items for less. I plan to go to the thrift store and find a white dresser.

Mya and Milani: 18 Months

I failed the blog for 30 day challenged, I failed the New Years resolution already. Basically, I have not kept my word on blogging regularly. In my defense, here is what I am working with:

1. Working on my masters
2. Working full time
3. Girls are in daycare and bring back colds, flu's, everything
4. I had the flu
5. Moving
6. Trying to finish the final paper work for my non profit
7. Did I mention working full time?

I have a lot on my plate. However, I do vow to take time during work (when I get in on time), to blog. Writing is my stress reliever. Also, I start to ponder what topics I want to write about. What will captivate my audience? Who actually reads my blogs? Then I thought, Jamila, just write for you. Write anything you want in regards to being a mom, a new mom, and a mom of twins. Write about your obessions, new baby products, what is going on with the twins. So, that is what I am going to do. Anyway, this blog is not about me, it is about my favorite two girls in the world! Mya and Milani. I missed their 17 month report (my bad), but here is their 18 months.

Mya

 

 

Weight: 27lbs

Height: 30 1/2 inches (Find out exact height January 26)

Favorite Toy: Ride on car she got from Christmas

Favorite Show: Dora the Explorer, favorite song "I'm the Map!"

Favorite Saying: "ADADADADAAAAA" or "MAMAMA" or "Yeah"

Anything New? Mya has a total of 12 teeth. She recently got two back teeth at the top and two back teeth at the bottom. She has become more picky in eating than anything else. Mya loves putting objects in my hand for some reason. She loves to dance now and pushes every object across the floor. She now waves bye bye. Other than that, she is still your sweet Mya. Loves to talk, clap her hands and eat her favorite snacks, which are fruit and cheerios.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Milani

 

 

Weight: 25lbs

Height: Find out January 26

Favorite Toy: Puzzles

Favorite Show: Team Umizoomi

Favorite Saying(s): "Hi" or "Car" or "Job" or "Bye-Bye"

Anything New? Milani said a new word "car" she spins around, and dances on her tippy toes. She loves to eat and is now trying to feed herself with the spoon. Milani mimics everything and she even takes my hands and puts them on parts of my body.

 

 

These fun loving twins are growing up so fast! Until 19 months.