TV Is A Perk, Not A Right

Most parents take our kids for granted.  Admit it. You know you do.  I'm guilty of this, too.  So, don't worry. I'm not claiming I'm the perfect mother.  But, lately I've noticed that my kids are branching out on things to entertain themselves.  While they do love their Pixar and Disney movies, they LOVE colors, shapes, numbers and letters.  The day I brought home foam letters and numbers that were to be used in the bath, they wanted to play with them (and, chew...lol) even outside bath time.  I love seeing them share the pieces with each other (twins LOVE to share, at least mine do) and tell each other what each piece is.  So, with that in mind, here are some fun FREE ideas to get your kids learning and loving it!  Remember, it's better to have a child that knows Sesame Street characters than the latest gossip queens.

Enjoy these TV-free and fun filled ideas any day or night of the week:

*Puzzles
*Card Games
*Books
*Building Blocks/Legos
*Painting
*Coloring
*Collecting
*Walking the family pet
*Cleaning (yes, my kids love to whip out the kid vacuum)
*Cooking (the non-dangerous stuff)

Some things my twin boys love to play with:

Beating The Odds

Hello my lovely readers,

I was recently contacted by a woman by the name of Heather Von St. James.  After reading her story and watching her video, I was reduced to tears.  This is the type of woman who we all should model after. I love when I can share someone's inspiring story. Please take a moment to read her story and watch her video and feel free to pass this on. We all have this one life to live. Why waste it on things that are not beneficial to making us the good people we were born to be? I love you all!

Hi there Andrea!

Thanks for getting back to me! I am 44 and a mother to a quirky little 7 year old, Lily. She is my only child, and my whole world. When Lily was just 3 1/2 months old, I was diagnosed with mesothelioma; a type of cancer that kills most people within 2 years. As I’m sure you can imagine, the first thing that came to mind when I was diagnosed was my baby girl and how I wasn’t going to be able to watch her grow up.

After intense treatment and recovery, I’m still here 7 years later and cancer free! My journey with cancer was a terrifying one and I'd like to turn my pain into purpose and become someone that other people can look to for guidance, inspiration, and hope in situations like my own. My husband and I recently participated in a short video about my experience with cancer and I contacted you because I feel that your blog would be an excellent place to share. I’m hoping to use this video as a tool to raise awareness of this horrible little known cancer that is such a deadly killer (and sadly, 100% preventable).

Beauty and Your Body

 My journey of weight loss begins in August 2012. I delivered my beautiful twin boys January 5, 2012. Pre-pregnancy I weighed 131 lbs. By the time I was in the delivery room, I weight 181 lbs. I had a relatively healthy and near perfect pregnancy. Twins do not run in my family so I hadn't the slightest bit of clue what was about to happen and how much of an impact it would have on my life. Because I was a M.O.M. (mother of multiples), I was considered a high risk patient and I saw two doctors throughout the course of my pregnancy.  I had ultrasounds done weekly for the 37 weeks I was pregnant.  Some people are against this but I trusted my doctors and felt a peace about this in my heart that we were in good hands. I found out I was pregnant Memorial Day weekend, found out it was twins at 7 weeks in June and in August 2011 I found out they were identical twin boys.  In September, I was diagnosed with stage one of Twin to Twin Transfusion Syndrome.  If you don't know, there are 5 stages with 1 being the less severe of the 5.  Five results in the loss of one of the twins.  Needless to say, as a first time mom, I was nervous and scared.

   

I knew I wanted to name one of them Logan, but it wasn't until I was watching Sleepless in Seattle one night when the unnamed boy kicked me right as Tom Hanks' character was calling out for his son Jonah in the movie. Alas, I had my second name.  I also liked the brave Jonah in the whale story-the biblical man of courage and determination. 

Within a week's time, we had prayed for this illness to disappear without a trace and by the time we returned to the doctor, it had. We were given blessings from above and after that day, it never surfaced again. Not one trace of TTTS was found. I was considered full term when I was induced at 37 weeks and delivered the boys were delivered, Logan first at 9:29 a.m. and Jonah at 9:30 a.m. Logan was laying vertex in my belly but, Jonah was laying transverse. That was the reason behind the induction. I was fully prepared to deliver this blessings naturally.

Fast forward to sixteen months later and my sons are thriving beautiful handsome little future heart-breakers getting into anything and everything and making mommy and daddy proud.  The reason for this post is to show that you don't have to be afraid to let your body change and give in to the beauty that is within.  Too often we judge a person by their status in society, the clothes on their back and the physical overall appearance.  Beauty is interpreted in many ways. Learn to embrace it all.  Another reason for this post is because I read a rather disturbing article that described one couple's anger towards being pregnant with twins. As you can imagine, that article broke my heart. It's one thing to think about aborting a baby let alone both because of your decision to try IVF. 

As a mom, I couldn't think of anything better in my life than those two little men.  They've enriched my life as a person, as a mom and as a woman.  Following my clearance from my doctors, I was in the gym working on my next mission-getting my fit dream body and competing for my pro card in the bikini division of the bodybuilding world.  Today, I am a fit 118 with nothing but determination and drive to get on that stage and proudly show what I have sacrificed for.  Everything I do, I do with my kids in mind. I want them to be proud of me when they get older.  I want to inspire women every where and more importantly, the moms who think they have to use their kids as an excuse to not get into shape.  If anything, having kids should motivate you even more.  Work hard so later you can play harder. Don't quit. Don't ever give up. Keep going until you meet your goals then set new ones and conquer those.  I hope this helps you all! I love and believe in each and every one of you. This isn't just for the women. I want men to know the same applies for them.  There is nothing more attractive and honorable than a daddy in shape with his kids. So, find your inner inspiration and hold on to it. I promise it's worth it all in the end. And, your kids and family will thank you for it.

Love,

Andie

Are Women Really The Weaker Sex?

If you've ever doubted that you are a good mother (like me at times), print this out and take it with you everywhere you go or post it on your fridge or bathroom mirror. Hopefully, this will keep you smiling and reassure you that yes, you are indeed a good mom!

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      Mom and Dad were watching TV when Mom said, "I'm tired, and it's getting late.  I think I'll go to bed."  She went to the kitchen to make sandwiches for the next day's lunches, rinsed out the dessert bowls, took meat out of the freezer for summer the following evening, checked the cereal box levels, filled the sugar container, put spoons and bowls on the table and started the coffee pot for brewing the next morning.  She then put some wet clothes in the dryer, put a load of clothes into the wash, ironed a shirt and sewed on a loose button.  She picked up the game pieces left on the table and put the telephone book back into the drawer.

     She watered the plants, emptied a wastepaper basket and hun up a towl to dry.  She yawned and stretched and headed for the bedroom.  She stopped by the desk and wrote a note to the teacher, counted out some cash for the school outing, and pulled a textbook out from under the chair.  She signed a birthday card for a friend, addressed and stamped the envelope and wrote a quick list for the supermarket.  She put both near her purse.  

     Mom then creamed her face, put on a moisturizer, brushed and flossed her teeth and trimmed her nails.  Hubby called, "I thought you were going to bed."  "I'm on my way," she said.  She put some water into the dog's bowl and put the cat outside, then made sure the doors were locked.  She looked in on each of the children and turned out a bedside lamp, hung up a shirt, threw some dirty socks in the laundry basket, and had a brief conversation with the one child still up doing homework.  In her own room, she set the alarm, laid out clothing for the next day, and straightened up the shoe rack.  She added three things to her list of things to do for the next day.

     About that time, the hubby turned off the TV and announced to no one in particular, "I'm going to bed." And he did.

     Men have a lot of wonderful strengths, but we are definitely not "the weaker sex".

~Except taken from 'The Confident Woman' by Joyce Meyer

It's TWO-sday!

Hello fellow mommies and mommies-to-be!

     I apologize for not having written sooner.  It's been a crazy few months and the boys are getting so big so fast!  How is everyone?  What's new with you and your little pumpkin(s)?  It's that time of year when the leaves change colors, the weather cools down and pumpkin EVERYTHING is in full force.  I've decided to dress the boys as little T-Bird greasers for Halloween.  It seemed just effortless and cute for their first Halloween.  I have their little white onesies and denim blue jeans.  All I'm missing is to iron on the letters and get some new shoes.  They have such long locks I'll actually be gel'ing it into the classic John Travolta/Danny Zuko curl.  Can you tell I'm excited? :)

     A few updates:  Both boys are 9 1/2 months old weighing in at 20 and 22 pounds with 7 teeth each; 4 on top, 3 on bottom.  Jonah loves to climb and do baby chin-ups like a little monkey and can't go anywhere without his silk baby blue blankey.  Logan loves to laugh, fake cry and doesn't take any crap from Jonah when Jonah tries to steal his toys or snacks.  Both boys say "dada" but, I'm still trying to teach them "mama" and "nana".  Logan does this geature with his free hand (when he's drinking a bottle) that looks like he's trying to start his Harley. Lol...I love it! Jonah loves to cuddle when he's tired.  The twins still love Mickey Mouse (hence, the theme for their 1st birthday in January), but the also love Mater from Cars, Handy Manny, Rugrats, Scooby Doo, Sesame Street, Veggie Tales and Pecola.  They love cheese puffs and cookies from Nana and Cheerios with mommy on Saturday mornings.  And, they love dancing on the back porch on weekend mornings to Selena. :)

     I can't believe I am already planning my sons' 1st birthday.  Seems like just yesterday when they were in my tummy and I was as big as my home state of Texas waddling everywhere.  Some days I still miss that feeling.  Other days I miss them being tiny newborns.  But, not a day goes by I don't thank God for blessing me with two beautiful, blue-eyed handsome princes.  I feel overwhelmed with joy and compassion that He chose me to be their mother.  I have the best support from both friends and family.  I couldn't have asked for a better support team.  But, my mom is, by far, my biggest supporter, fan, role model...my everything.  Without her, I cannot tell you what I would do or who I would be.  I learned everything about being a good mom from her.  And, if you're reading this mom, please don't cry...I know you! :)

     I leave you with a few recent pics and much love and blessings from the Kincaid's to your home.  May God continue to bless you and your sweet pea(s) for all eternity.

xoxo,
Andrea

Sorry, Mommies!

I know it's been a few weeks and I'm terribly sorry, but seeing as how my schedule is starting to pick up dramatically and the boys are becoming quite the handful, I will try to post as much as possible.  I'll still be posting on Two's Day, just not every one.  Anyways, if you guys want a specific product review or have any topics you'd like me to discuss, let me know.  I'm always up for new and fun things. Here are some random pictures of the boys to fill y'all in.  Hope you guys are enjoying the last bit of your summer.  Have a safe Labor Day! Love y'all!

 

It's Two's Day Again!

Hello mommies out there,

So sorry for my absence. It seems like between me working on my own book and a book based on the twins, time has been scarce to write on anything else.  But, alas, I have not given up on this blog and neither should you.  Things have been pretty normal lately. Took the twins to Toys 'R Us which just might be the cheapest trip there until they get big enought to want everything in it. All the wanted to do was be pushed around whilst they chewed on their toys. I was a happy mommy in heaven. Any alone time I get with the boys I don't waste it.  I love watching them interact with each other.  They are finally understanding what it's like to have a brother and best friend along side all the time.  It makes me tear up just watching them play with each other.  They are growing up so fast.  At the last visit, Jonah weighed in at 19 lbs and Logan at 17 lbs.  I call them my little chubbs and chuppa chupp.  :) Don't ask me why. I just love it.  Being a mommy to these boys is the greatest gift God could've ever given me.  When I kiss the goodbye in the morning before I leave for work and when I kiss them as soon as I get home, it's like my whole world stops for that moment.  I love that feeling.  Lately, they've been watching the olympics with me.  We watched Michael Phelps swim his last historical race of his career and the boys were thrashing around all excited.  It was very sweet. 

Hope all is well with you all.  Feel free to send me anything: pictures of your little ones, questions, comments, or just share stories of your little ones.  Maybe I'll post them as a means to share with the world.  Take care and God bless 'til we meet again!

xoxo,
Andrea