Let's Try This Again!

 It's 2023... I haven't written in this blog for YEARS. 

I am back and more ready than ever to keep up with this thing. I want to document the big events in our lives, my journey to weight loss, the fun adventures and growth that I have working on my Rebel Badges and the updates that I do to my house.

I want to work on me this year. 

In all ways possible.

Come along on what is sure to be a wild ass journey. 

Christmas and First Week of Dieting!

Hiii friends.

Christmas fever is in full force here. I am spending all of my income from the Shop on gifts for those I want to spoil this season. The kids have waaaay too many gifts under the tree so I've been fueling my need for spending by shopping for random people -- for example... I am giving the mail man a gift card because he deals with at least 2 boxes a day from my sales. I hope he uses it to buy something warm :)

As far as dieting. I didn't make it through the week without cheating, I mean, honestly, who can skip the Christmas treats?

My results are:

-8 pounds
-2 waist inches


I would say that is a successful first week! I am heading into week #2 and I am feeling confident and excited. I hope to drop 5-8 more pounds this week by clean eating and using my drops.

My ultimate goal for Phase 2 is 20lbs. Let's go, Kayla, let's go!

I hope everyone is having a nice holiday season. I can't wait to share what "Santa" (aka, myself) brought me!

Xoxo!

Good Things!

Hi friends!

So my last post was about Asa not having a job... well...

Monday, early afternoon, he got a call from an IT department lead for a marketing company and he wanted Husband to come in Tuesday and interview. Husband's interview was for 4pm and the company is located about 35 miles from home. I had taken a nap and woken up to a bunch of missed calls and messages so automatically, I assumed the worst. By the time I realized he had be calling for an hour, he was walking up the steps to our bedroom.

The department lead hired him ON. THE. SPOT.

He started Wednesday, not even a full day after he interviewed.

It seriously could not have been any easier. I cried like a baby when I found out the good news.
He is settling in to his new job fast and they are so pleased with his progress and quick ability to work. He's doing scripting and software development so he keeps finding mistakes that other people have made and making his boss suuuper happy :)

So now I will continue to wish evil things upon the bitch that made up stories and fired Husband (and got his unemployment denied). I hope she has a TERRIBLE Christmas. Karma is a bitch!

Babies are great - we just celebrated Little Miss being home from the NICU for 2 years on the 19th and Little Man gets his date on the 27th!

Stress Overload.

The kids are in bed and I told myself that I would start taking the time to document the bigger moments in our lives -- so here goes.

A few weeks ago, Husband lost his job. It was a bunch of stupid shit that went on that lead to the ultimate firing - but it shouldn't have happened to begin with. He was with his old company for 5 years and he ONLY left because of the chance to work 1 minute from the house and be home every night for dinner, weekends off. We thought it was going to be the best thing ever but we were so wrong, so so wrong.

From the second week, his boss was treating him like shit. He tolerated it because well, he had no choice. He thought once they hired a second person to do the same job as him, that all of the crap would be evenly distributed. NOPE. She continued to treat Husband like shit and let the new kid get away with murder.

I mean, come on. He freaked bonused every 3 months at his old job, had a team of 20 people, barely had any negative feedback, he was a great employee.

Who fires someone at holiday time? With twins. Bills. A family. Honestly.
I have wished bad things upon this lady and I know that I shouldn't but I do. I am so stressed.
We are behind in all of our bills and I had to sign up for WIC. We are fighting with unemployment currently. He had an interview on Wednesday and we thought we would hear from them today and nothing. I am so scared.

So sick to my stomach.

I have 2 year olds!

I started this blog years ago with hopes that I might be lucky enough to have a mommy journey to chronicle. Once the babies came, I knew it was going to be near impossible to keep up with updates. I can't say I am surprised but it also makes me kind of sad because I wanted to turn my blog into a book for them to read eventually.

Anyway! The Monsters turned 2 about a month ago and we gave them a PB&J themed party :)

It went great and we had a blast. I think there were like 40 people in and out the whole day, it was CHAOS in our moderate sized house. Next year, we are renting a hall FOR SURE. I can't handle the mess and the prep here. Nope!

What else? Oh, Husband lost his job last week so we are in a panic. He's been applying for jobs up to 90 miles away but I really don't want him to end up having to drive. I guess we will have to see what happens. We are going to run out of money sometime within the next 2 weeks so dude has to get a job, stat!

I've been working my butt off to promote and get through orders from the SHOP and it has been nuts. I am busier now than I normally am (which is great) and I am trying to be a mommy, wife, friend, daughter, sister AND student on top of it all.

Speaking of student.... I have gotten ALL A's in my courses, except for one! Dammit. She was too much a wench to give me decent grades ;) Nah, I am sure that I deserved the B, because I seriously hated that class more than you can imagine!

Off to put Little Dude down for a late nap becaaaause he's fussing and it is driving me nuts. Oh yes, naps are becoming non-existent. LORD HELP ME NOW!


Xoxo,
Kayla!

My Eyes Burn!

Ahhh, I am exhausted.

We have been saving up to redo some of the exterior of the house... such as painting the siding (because we can't afford to get new this year), refinishing the deck, building columns for the front porch, painting the front door, and adding new fixtures. I am HOPING this makes our house look a little less like an eyesore in a nice neighborhood. We also have everything we need in the garage to put up a new fence but just haven't had the time. We put up the kids' new swing set and playhouse last week :)

So we decided VERY last minute to take a trip to Myrtle Beach and we leave in, get this, 2 days! I am a big ol' ball of stress trying to get the house cleaned, my college course work done (because I'm an idiot and it's FINALS WEEK), all of our laundry done, suitcases packed, things planned, bills paid.... you get the point! Once we are there, I hope it is as stress free as possible (with 2 toddlers and an infant) and fun.

And, hilariously, right before I leave, I get 4 orders through my Etsy store. I am for sure placing that thing on vacation mode because I don't want to keep hearing the email alerts the entire time I'm having adventures with my family and best friend at the beach!

Until next post (probably from sunny South Carolina),

xoxoxo!

I'm BaaaCCckkKKK!

Hello everyone in Blogger land! It's been 7 months-ish since I've written and I decided to write at least once a week. I have a few entries that are private, mostly for my memories, so I want to come back and share new things!


So what's been going on?

I'm almoooooooost at my 5 year mark of being in remission from Melanoma. I can't say I'm cancer "free" because technically, cancer never leaves your body, it's just dormant -- but I still tell everyone I am cancer free ;)

The twins are almost 20 months old - uh WHAT?
They are incredibly smart and so much fun anymore.
Developmentally, from being premature, they are a little behind for kids their age - but not far at ALL. In fact, they're actually amazing the NICU follow-up team with their smart ways. :)

We are still working on the house, as it was far from perfect when we moved in. We are currently putting all of our extra money into the outside. We just bought fencing for the whole backyard, and finally paid off the swingset that I put in layaway back in March. Our next project is closing off the deck railings and priming and painting the siding. We can't afford to pull off and redo the whole house this summer so we are hoping to have a little nest egg saved for siding next Spring. 

My little business is doing amazing! I am busy enough to have an order about every 3 days, now. I am absolutely in love with my "hobby" and I am hoping that I can make enough money to cut back at work and stay home a little more.

Oh and I am taking courses online to finally finish up my degree. I will be done in May of next year but I think I am planning to go on to a Bachelor's with an additional certification in my area of choice. 

As you can see, I have a ton on my plate but I have missed everyone in Blogger-land so I am back and here to stay -- this time I PROMISE!

Can't wait to snoop on everyone's blogs and catch up!

Xoxo -

Kayla

We're Still Around!

I have been Blogger stalking a TON lately but I have had about -12 hours a day to actually sit and write one.

The babies are ONE!!!!!!!!!!!! How did THAT happen?

We are settled into our new house, finally.

I am working a lot more than I should be.... but... this is good because

My business (here) is doing great!! :)

Husband is changing to a new schedule which means we will FINALLY have a day off together - ON THE WEEKEND!



Annnnnnd how did I guess a baby would start to cry when I started to write this? ;)

Happy ICLW!

If you're new here, I'm going to guuueeess you've come from ICLW :)

Well, welcome!

I'm Kayla! I'm 25 years old and I'm a mama to 7.5 month old boy/girl twins. They're preemies - they came 12 weeks early but they're so perfect it's painful ;) I'm a cancer survivor (Melanoma) and a huge advocate. Don't expect me to comment (nicely) on any posts regarding tanning/sunburns because it makes me so sad/angry :) What else? I'm married, I live in a small Ohio town and I take care of old people for a (temporary) living and run a small party decor making business, too (which you can find here)! Oh and we just bought a house - so eventually I'll post before & after photos of the renovations.

Happy ICLW - can't wait to meet new people! <3

Ain't Nobody Got Time For That!

And by that, I mean blogging. :( Sadly.

I LOVE writing in my blog but with two 7 month old babies, my life isn't suitable for writing as much as I used to. I am going to take a vow to update at least once a month, I miss hearing from all of you (and as I type this, Little Man is next to me beginning to stir from his nap, crap!!!).

Anyway, I cannot believe I haven't updated since February. What the heck has been going on? Well...

*My Monsters are 7 months old, today! They're rolling, laughing all of the time, sleeping through the night, eating solids, intently playing with toys, and they are SO much fun.
*We closed on our house in March 1 and moved in at the beginning of April. It has been a construction zone since then. I'll be posting before & after pictures once it is all done *chuckles to self* -- whenever that will be!
*I've been looking for a new job, until then I've taken on making headbands. If I ever feel comfortable sharing my personal info, I will link my soon-to-be Etsy store and hope that you beautiful ladies might buy. :) I plan to make it a full time income for myself, selling party decor, tutus, photo props, etc - just have to get the idea launched. Thankfully, Husband doesn't think I'm bat-shit crazy for wanting to do this. I have my own room in the house to craft so maybe it'll actually be put to use!
*I donated my embryos (as mentioned previously) and that beautiful woman (whom I met in March!) transferred 2 of those embabies. Sadly, she miscarried after getting a BFP. They are having her do a blood panel to see if it something genetic going on but until then, we keep in touch and she WILL be transferring a 2 more embabies later on this year. I just love her and I cannot wait for her and her husband to be blessed with amazing little people like I have!

I'm going to try to get Husband to let me have a peaceful few hours in his "man cave" in the next few days so that I can read and reply to blogs. I'm dying to join an ICLW and some blog hops! Until next time... here's a picture overload =)

Little Man :)

Little Lady

Our HOME! <3

Both of my shitheads are in a spitting phase.

After her hospital stay. :(

He loooves his sweet tatoes!

Embryos, Weight Loss, and House Buying.

Sooo... I'm going to try to type out a REAL update. Let's hope the babies will keep their peepers shut long enough for me to get this finished up!

First things first:

I mentioned in my last post that we've donated our embryos to a great couple. Husband and I have done our part of the process and she is coming to Ohio for her consultation and mock transfer next week. I wish I were going to be meeting her then, but it is a quick trip out. We WILL be meeting in March. I feel amazingly at peace with our decision and even more full inside than I ever could have imagined. The soon-to-be Mama and I keep in touch via text/Facebook for now but once HER journey really begins, I hope she is ready for me to bug her daily. :)

What else? OHHH... we are in the process of buying a house. Yeah! No one ever said it was THIS MUCH WORK to buy a house. We get messaged daily with something else we need to turn in. We were told we'd originally close around March 8 but got the call last week that we would have a few week delay and probably wouldn't even get to move in until MAY! Blahhhhh. We have to paint every room in the house and add new carpet to the upstairs. Oh and remove wallpaper in the babies' play room. Wallpaper. Yuck.

I'm on a diet... well, KIND of a diet. I allow myself to eat junk when I have urges (rarely) but I'm drinking some diet shakes and eating healthier. I only drink 1 soda a day (if that, I haven't had ANY today) I got to 220lbs pregnant with the twins. I started my weight loss journey at 202lbst. Today, I am 197.5 (keep in mind, I only started this diet on Thursday). I AM POSTING A BEFORE PICTURE SO IF YOU DON'T WANNA SEE STRETCH MARKS AND DISGUSTING ROLLS, LOOOOOK AWAY!

I've got a long way to go but I know I can do it! My goal is 130lbs. That's the only weight I've ever felt confident being. Wish me luck!

So we've decided to let the babies sleep in bed with us -- big mistake. It is nice because they sleep through the night now....but only in our bed. If we put them in their cribs, they scream and sleep like crap. I'm selfish and I HAVE to get stuff done so I need them to sleep at night. I guess we will have to break them of this eventually.... but for now, our queen size bed is smashed full of 4 people and 2 cats. :)

I had a mole removed from my forehead a few weeks ago and THANKFULLY - it wasn't cancer! Now, lets hope my cancer scan next month warrants results as good as the ones I just got. Keep your fingers crossed.

Ohhh how about a baby update - since I know most of you are here for that :) They're holding their heads up. smiling, (almost giggling), they've both rolled over (out of anger, but IT STILL COUNTS, damnit). Little Man is in 3-6 month clothes and size 2 diapers. Little Lady is in 0-3 month clothes and size 1 diapers. Ready for a picture overload? Okay, here goes.

My big 4 month old babies!

Baby Man

Baby Man

Baby Lady

Baby Lady

Baby Lady

Baby Man

Off to read blogs and TRY to get caught up after my month long hiatus! <3

2013!

I am a terrible blogger -- but in my defense, having twins kiiiind of changes everything ;)

I don't have much time (or energy) to update right now either but I wanted to let everyone know we're all doing great in small town Ohio! I will take a few minutes and highlight some of the bigger things that have happened recently.

• Christmas was great! Babies were spoiled (and I'll post pictures later).
• I went back to work part time and I am exhausted.
• The babies have been sleeping in 5 hour increments at night - but wanting to eat every 3 hours during the day.
• B smiles intentionally now :)
• A is on her way to smiling but she is kind of a grumpy baby.
• We found out they both have GERD and medicine has been incredibly helpful.
• We are HOUSE HUNTING! Actually, we think we found one we are gonna put an offer on this week! Cross your fingers for us. 
• The babies weigh 10 and 11lbs now! Huge difference from 2lbs, huh?
• We have decided to donate the embryos and we selected a couple. She will be transferring on almost the EXACT same schedule as I did! I hope she gets twins, too :) :)

Unfortunately, I am going to have to cut this short because my son has decided his swing isn't doing the trick to keep him asleep. Sigh.

Baby Pictures & Growth Spurts.

UPDATED 12-21-12:

Hello! If you're visiting from ICLW, it's nice to meet you. :)
I'm Kayla! 25 years old, mama to preemie twins (that are now '6 days old' adjusted age) and married to a cuuuute, loving, man. I live in a small Ohio town and I'm a cancer survivor!

I will PROBABLY do all blog commenting in one day because I'm limited for time but I comment frequently on the blogs that I follow. Hoping to find more blogs to read! :)


First of all. I will start with the second half of the title.

GROWTH SPURTS!
No one told me to expect these to be SO damn miserable.
My kids have been sleeping fine but when they are awake all. they. want. to. do. is. EAT.
OUNCE AFTER OUNCE!
Little Man ate 5 ounces in an hour recently.
Little Miss ate 7.5 ounces over a 4 hour span.

These are the babies that generally eat 3.5 & 3 ounces every 4 hours.
Now, they're awake wanting to eat every 30-60 minutes.

I don't feed on demand because the NICU has them on a schedule that worked out very well for all of us -- however, I've been HAVING to feed on demand to keep my sanity. Everyone else is like "oh my baby slept more and ate less during a growth spurt". Well, whoopdiedooooo. My babies aren't your babies and my babies are being children of the corn. :)

The worst part is, they aren't both sharing the awful schedule. One day it'll be him and then the next day, it'll be her.

Anyway. I guess I'll post some pictures of their cute faces to remind me that there is a good side to this parenting thing.

Little Man

Little Miss

Little Man

Little Man

Little Man & Little Miss

Little Miss

Little Man & Little Miss

They're both quiet for the next 2 minutes, I'm sure -- so I'm going to close my eyes!