The past week has been very tough, and I apologize for my absence. The babies are growing quickly, as is my uterus, and my body is not handling that too well at the moment. The weight of my uterus is causing quite a few medical issues for me, and it is at the point where daily activities are now difficult. I will spare you the details, but just say I am very thankful my husband is a nurse! Our furry child Billy has been extra cuddly and concerned about his mommy, and the love from the two of them is amazing. I heard the babies heartbeats again yesterday which gives me strength, and one kicked the mic! It’s as if they are saying “we’re ok mommy, hang in there”! We are looking forward to another ultrasound next week…seeing them is so incredible and uplifting. If any of you have pregnancy health issues to share or advice for me, they are welcome…and please bear with me if I am absent this week.

Wishing you all a very Happy Valentine’s Day…filled with love! This image is of a custom piece by Sarah & Bendrix…one of my favorite online shops! Beautiful anywhere in your home, including a nursery!

Being an interior designer, I have a tendency to focus on decor. However, I have recently fallen into the dangerous habit of looking at baby clothes, and have gotten lost in all the cuteness. Many of you may also get the Mini Boden catalog, and if so, I’m sure you can agree with me that they know cute. I was happy to learn that Nordstrom is the exclusive U.S. retailer for the baby/kids line…I shop there often. I love both boy and girl clothes, but have always been drawn more to boy clothes. I can’t resist a tiny sweater or mini loafers…I don’t agree with those who claim baby boy options are not as cute! What are your favorite baby clothing lines…do tell!

I’ve been doing a lot of reading lately, and would love to know your favorite reads and suggestions! Obviously we are reading some twin specific books, but also some very well known “classics”. My husband is reading The Expectant Father, and he is enjoying it!

lalltwelve weeks…two babies in utero…one in my arms!

Ok, I have a confession…I love Bugaboo…I am unabashedly, in love, with a brand. It all started in 2007 when I began to sell the line at the Nesting store in Charlotte. With Bugaboo reps visiting the store, I learned just how much this stroller could do, and I was hooked! Not only are their products the best looking and most streamlined, but they are extremely practical and multitalented. The practicality justifies the price completely, in my opinion. With the addition of the Donkey in 2011, those of us who patiently waited for their double stroller option were pleasantly appeased.

Since we recently learned we were expecting twins, I instantly thought of the Donkey and knew it would be a great option for us. Since I am biased, I also decided to give other double strollers a chance too…but it didn’t take long to realize nothing was going to come close in terms of practicality and, well…beauty. We went to a local boutique to test it out in person, and were sold. In case you don’t know about all of the Donkey features, I encourage you to check out their website and videos. I promise you will be impressed! Keep in mind…the Donkey works just as well for one baby, and then will grow with your family if you have more children. Form and function on equal footing!

The latest addition to the oval crib market is coming this spring, from Bratt Decor. The J’Adore crib is a traditional iron design, with a less traditional shape of course. I have to weigh in on this trend, I can’t help myself. As interesting as it is, most people don’t realize that everything you will need for the crib is semi-custom or custom. The brands that sell these shapes do offer oval selections, but they generally cost a little more than usual shapes, and it can be difficult to find other options. In conclusion…I am not a big fan. However…if you are, and like more modern designs, check out the Stokke Sleepi Crib. Just keep these issues in mind when making your selection.

Have you nominated your favorite brands for The Cribsie Awards? Support your top products and businesses with a nomination! Is Nesting the best online destination for baby & child interiors? If you think so, please tell them…your support is much appreciated! Finalists will be announced and voting begins February 21st.

It seems Sprout is one of the most popular pregnancy apps out there, and I myself have become addicted to it. I especially love the fact that it is available for the iPhone AND iPad. My only complaint is that there is no option for twins! So I am using the timeline and week by week guide, but imagining two babies in my mind. Ahem, developers…

After much research and thought on how to go about it, we decided to surprise my parents for Christmas! What better gift could we give them?! Right before seeing them, I took two new Clearblue pregnancy tests, the ones that say “pregnant” in the window (the text lasts for about 24 hours). I tied their soon to be nicknames to each one, labeled, and lovingly wrapped them. We put them under the tree, and waited for their arrival. Almost as soon as they walked in the door, we ushered them into our den and told them we had an early present for them both. We made sure they opened them at the same pace, and upon unwrapping them, their reaction was…blank stares! We had not realized that when my parents got pregnant with me, (in the seventies, ahem) there were no home pregnancy tests, and they had never seen one! So, after a minute or so (which seemed like an eternity), they finally saw the word PREGNANT. There were tears, laughter, hugs, and pure joy…in the end, it was perfect.