Double Stuff Plus 1

This Blog Moved

2011-05-31T13:40:00.000-07:00

Hey Double Stuff Plus 1 fans, we moved our family blog. To continue following our family, click here.

Mommy Deals: Free American Girl Doll Dress Pattern

2011-05-29T06:28:00.000-07:00

Get a Free American Girl Doll Dress Pattern from Designer Micah Caitlin, for your favorite American Girl. All you have to do is go to the page, once it loads click the "Alternate link to download free dress pattern" to get your Free Doll Dress Pattern.

Homemade Nutella Recipe from Kidspot Kitchen

2011-05-27T09:24:00.000-07:00

I found this cool homemade nutella recipe, while browsing for new family friendly recipes to try at home. This recipe caught my attention because I thought of the money that could be saved by making homemade products, instead of always buying reliable store brands. I haven't tried this recipe yet, but it seems like an easy one to follow. I guess it's time for me to invest in a food processor soon, so I can try cool recipes like this one. Check out the recipe below:

Homemade Nutella Recipe:

2 cups of roasted hazelnuts without the skins
1 cup of caster sugar
1/4 cup of cocoa
1/4 cup of almond or vegetable oil (I wonder if coconut oil would work)
1/2 tsp of vanilla extract

Method:

In a food processor, process the hazelnuts until they turn to powder and then liquify. Add the sugar, cocoa and vanilla to the bowl. Slowly drizzle in the oil with the food processor running until you have a smooth consistency.

Notes:

The natural oils in the nuts activates to make hazelnut butter in this recipe.
Make sure that you only add the oil half a teaspoon at a time and you stop the food processor to check the consistency.
You can use this to fill yummy cupcakes or just spread it on fresh bread or brioche.
Your end product may be a little grainy. No matter how much I processed this I couldn't make it entirely smooth.
This recipe was created by Jennifer Cheung for Kidspot, Australia's best recipe finder.

For more family friendly recipes, go to http://www.kidspot.com.au/index.asp.

if you have any family friendly recipes to share, please send them to Doublestuffplus1@gmail.com, and I'll be happy to post them.

Mommy Deals: Free Portrait Offer from The Picture People

2011-05-26T08:30:00.000-07:00

Just in time for Father's Day, The Picture People is currently offering a free portrait along with 20% of a portrait package. To get your coupon for this offer, click here.

Mommy Deals: Free Samples of GoodNites

2011-05-25T06:44:00.000-07:00

Hey moms, here's a cool freebie if your little guy or girl is potty training. GoodNites is giving away samples of the overnight underpants for boys and girls. To take advantage of this offer, click here.

Time Flies!

2011-05-24T11:31:00.000-07:00

It's been a long time since updated this blog. It's not because I don't enjoy blogging about all things in Mommyville, it's just that life has kept me way too busy to keep up. As you can see, the children have grown too much and too fast over the past few months. When I browse through some of their pictures over the past, I can't believe how fast time flies by.

It's like the twins went from newborn to 18 months overnight, and my baby girl is three and a true social butterfly. She has no problem with making friends at the park, and teaching her brothers new things. I love to hear them sing their ABC's in unison, it's the cutest thing ever!

Being a student, and being home with the kids everyday can have it's frustrating moments, but I'm aware that it won't last forever. That's why I'm trying to enjoy it, even though I'm currently looking for a job in my field. I'm sure that I will miss these days when the time comes for me to punch in on somebody's clock everyday, that's why I'm cherishing the time that I have with them.

Freebies and Coupons: Nutrition for Kids

2010-10-09T23:46:00.000-07:00

The Cancer Project’s new free booklet, Nutrition for Your Kids: A Dietary Approach to Cancer Prevention, provides information on how diet affects cancer risk. It also includes nutrition information for children in every age group, delicious recipes, and tips on how to instill healthful eating and exercise habits in kids.

To request you free booklet, click here.

Product Recalls: Fisher-Price Toddler Trikes and Tough Trikes

2010-10-03T19:41:00.000-07:00

Fisher-Price has announced a voluntary recall of their Trikes and Tough Trikes toddler tricylces. The popular trikes, which encourage a toddler's motor skills, are being recalled due to serious injury concerns mainly to little girls.

About 7 million Trikes and Tough Trikes have been recalled due to risk of serious injury after 10 injuries were reported. 6 injuries required medical attention. The injuries were to little girls between the ages of 2 and 3 due to them falling on the plastic pretend key that is sticking up out of the trike. Some of the children also experienced genital bleeding from their falls. The recall includes trikes with a plastic disc shaped or D shaped pretend key. The key is located about 3 inches from the seat. Model numbers of the recalled toys are J72633, 72639, 72642, 72643, 72644, 72792, B8775, B8776, K6672, K6673, M5727, N6021, T6209, V4270. These models include some featuring popular characters such as Barbie, Dora, and Diego. Model numbers can be found under the seats in the storage compartments. Models that include flattened D shaped keys are not included in this recall. Models with numbers higher than 1670Q2 are aslo not included in this recall. The trikes are intended for ages 2-5. The models that are being recalled were manufactured between January 1997 and September 2010. The trikes were sold in Raleigh area Target, Walmart, and ToysRus stores for about $25.Parents can contact Fisher-Price at (800) 432-5437 between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. ET Monday-Friday to obtain a free replacement key. Parents can also visit the firm's website at www.service.mattel.com for more information.

Source: Examiner.com/Raleigh

Freebies and Coupons: Free Beech Nut Next Step Kit

2010-10-03T18:57:00.000-07:00

Beech Nut is offer a free next step kit for moms. All you have to do is fill out your basic mailing information, and sign up for their newsletter. By signing up for the newsletter, you will receive coupons for Beech Nut right in your inbox. You will also be up to date on the latest Beech Nut products.

To sign up for the newsletter and get your free next step kit, Click Here.

Product Recalls: Sorrell Brand "Prescott" Cribs

2010-09-28T08:32:00.000-07:00

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.

Name of Product: Sorelle brand "Prescott" fixed-sided cribs
Units: About 130
Retailer/Distributor: Albee Baby, of East Rutherford, N.J.
Manufacturer: Simplicity Inc. (firm is no longer in business)

Hazard: These cribs are re-labeled fixed-sided Simplicity cribs that contain tubular metal mattress-support frames recalled in April 2010. The mattress support frames can bend or detach, causing part of the mattress to drop, creating a space into which an infant or toddler can roll and become wedged, entrapped or fall out of the crib.

Incidents/Injuries: In the April 2010 Simplicity recall, CPSC reported the death of a one-year-old child from Attleboro, Mass. who suffocated when he became entrapped between the crib mattress and the crib frame. In addition, CPSC has received reports of 29 incidents involving the Simplicity cribs where the cribs collapsed due to the metal mattress support frame detaching or bending. These include one child entrapment that did not result in injury and one child who suffered minor cuts when his head struck the broken mattress support bar. CPSC has received one report of a consumer who, in April of 2010, removed the Sorelle Prescott label from the crib and found a Simplicity crib label underneath. (The consumer purchased the crib in July of 2009, prior to the Simplicity mattress support recall.)

Description: These are full-sized fixed-sided cribs sold in an oak finish, as 3-in-1 or 4-in-1 convertible cribs. "Sorelle Furniture" along with the company's address, the crib's model number and a manufacturer's code are printed on a label attached to the headboard or footboard.

Sold at: This recall is limited to Sorelle "Prescott" cribs sold online by AlbeeBaby.com between July 2009 and October 2009 for between $180 and $210.

Manufactured in: China.

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled cribs and contact Albee Baby for a replacement crib, store credit or refund. C&T International/Albee Baby is attempting to directly contact known consumers who purchased the recalled crib online from July 2009 through October 2009. In the meantime, find an alternate, age appropriate, safe sleeping environment for the child, such as a bassinet, play yard or toddler bed.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Albee Baby toll-free at (877) 692-5233 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit the firm's website at www.albeebaby.com

Important Message from CPSC:

CPSC reminds parents not to use any crib with missing, broken or loose parts. Make sure to tighten hardware from time to time to keep the crib sturdy. When using a drop-side crib, parents should check to make sure the drop side or any other moving part operates smoothly. Always check all sides and corners of the crib for parts separating. Disengagements can create a gap and entrap a child. In addition, do not try to repair any side of the crib. Babies have died in cribs where repairs were attempted by caregivers. Crib age is a factor in safety. At a minimum, CPSC staff recommends that you not use a crib that is older than 10 years. Many older cribs may not meet current voluntary standards and can have numerous safety problems.

Source: Baby Products on About.com

Get a Free Child Safety ID Kit from Gerber

2010-09-28T07:49:00.000-07:00

Gerber is offering free child safety ID kits for parents. It's really easy to get your free kit. All you need to do is fill out your basic mailing information, and your kit should arrive in 4-6 weeks.

To request your free ID safety kit from Gerber, click here.

Teething Twins

2010-09-23T07:51:00.000-07:00

The past few nights have not been fun for me at all. The boys are teething again, and this time it's their top front teeth coming in. Omg! Malc started first about five days ago, with both front teeth coming in at the same time. Needless to say, he was not a happy camper at all. He was super cranky and super fussy. He ended up with a fever that was pretty stubborn for a few hours there, but it eventually went away. As a parent, it's tough not being able to help your baby when they feel pain. Yes, the Anbesol and generic Tylenol works, but it doesn't take away the fact that I felt powerless as a parent.

After a day or so of TLC and occasional meds, Malc returned to his normal happy self. The fever was gone, and all he wanted to do was play with his brother and sister. One day goes by, and the next thing I knew, Marc was feeling warm. I took a peek into his mouth, only to find out that his front teeth were starting to come in as well. He was not a happy camper like his bro, but he was no where near as fussy as his brother. Marc was still trying to play, still trying to smile, and was happy with a little TLC from mommy and daddy. The only time that was tough for Marc was during the night. he had a real touch time catching some z's.

After a few rough days, the boys are doing fine. They feel better, and I feel better as a parent knowing that my boys are not in pain. Maybe I'll finally be able to get some good sleep, oh I forgot, that won't happen again until they're grown.

The Single Parent Double Standard

2010-09-22T08:39:00.000-07:00

There is a double standard in single parenting that is unfair to both male and female single parents. I am lucky enough not to be a single parent, but I can't help but recognize the double standard that exist. Whenever my partner is out and about with the children, and I'm not with the crew, people want to give him the gold medal for "Dad of the Year." Now, I'm not downplaying the fact that my children have a great father, what I am saying is, single mothers don't get same round of applause.

The funny thing is, when people see me out and about with the kids, they assume that I am a single mother. Especially, when they see that I'm not sporting a wedding band. Then, when they see both of us with our children, they respond differently in a more positive way. Now, I'm not one to get shook up by other peoples judgments because I don't have to explain my life to anyone. We are responsible for our family, and we decide when and how we do things. We have just started to plan our wedding that will take place, after I finish school in two years. This post is not about me or my situation. It's about the stigmas attached to seeing a woman with children alone, and the judgments that are made on said woman.

The first news flash is, just because you see a man or woman alone with children, does not mean that they are a single parent. The other news flash is, every single parent out there is not mooching off of some form of public assistance. For example, my bestie is a single parent who worked her way through undergrad, grad school, and finally law school, all while being a single mom. I have so many friends that have done well alone, while raising their children. These friends are both male and female, and none of them are walking around begging for praise.

I hate to make this about race and ethnicity, but most negative assumptions are made towards minority women with children. When people see a Caucasian women alone with children, no one assumes that she is a welfare mom living off of all kinds of assistance. Those type of judgments are reserved for African American and Latino single moms. Just like African American and Latino men are judged not to be in their children's lives. I guess that's why people make such a big deal about seeing a minority man with his children, single or not. The sad thing is, some of us have lowered our expectations to believe some of the same stereotypes about ourselves.

Now, I'm not glorifying children being raised with one parent or out of wedlock. What I am saying is that people can be less judgmental because they don't know each persons individual situation. Besides, there are single parents that exist in all races and ethnicities. No one is immune to single parenting, even it your married. The skyrocketing divorce rate in this county tell us that. Let alone the fact that, a spouse could die and leave a widow with children behind. Before you throw stones at the next single male or female with children that you see, make sure your not living in a glass house.

Freebies and Coupons: Free Potty Training Kit From Pampers

2010-09-20T18:02:00.000-07:00

Check out this cool freebie from Pampers, for moms with potty training tots!

Potty training is a major milestone and is a big step for parents and kids alike. When you decide it's time to begin potty training, set your child up for success.

This free potty training kit from Pampers will make the whole potty training process easier for the parent and fun for the child.

Here is what your potty training kit will include:

A free sample of Easy Ups Trainers
High-value coupons
Fun stickers & coloring pages
Step-by-step potty training tips
Potty Progress Chart
Dora or Diego training trophy

To request this free sample, simply click the button posted below and provide your shipping information. Please allow plenty of time for delivery.

To get your free potty training kit, Click Here

Made for Multiples: Huggies Natural Care Baby Wipes

2010-09-09T07:20:00.000-07:00

The best baby wipes that I have ever used, has to be Huggies Natural Care. I started using them after my daughter was born two years ago, and I continued to use them when the twins were born. I like them because of they are the thickest baby wipes out of the three major brands, and they have the perfect amount of moisture for cleaning up messy little ones. Any busy mom can tell you that it sucks to have a baby wipe break in middle of cleaning up a mess.

When I compared the texture of Huggies baby wipes to the other brands, I could clearly see and feel that Huggies wipes are more cloth like. I have found myself using the wipes to clean wipe up anything, if the wipes are the closest thing I could grab. Most of the time my hands are full, so you know that I use these wipes pretty often.

Huggies Natural Care Wipes have the following features:

Aloe
Vitamin E
Fragrance Free
Hypoallergenic

Huggies brand baby wipes come in several types, from natural care to gentle care. Try them out for your babies, and see how you like them. What kind of baby wipes are you currently using for your babies, and why?

Product Recalls: 11,000 Baby Bottle Warmers

2010-09-08T22:55:00.000-07:00

By: Colin McDermott

A recall is in effect for baby bottles warmers that can burn babies and their parents.

Williams-Sonoma is recalling about 11,000 Beaba Express Steam Bottle Warmers. They were sold at stores nationwide, online, and through catalogs from June 2010 through July 2010 for $65.

The company has got 10 reports of bottles overheating. In one case, an adult got a finger burn from touching a hot bottle.

The Beara Express Steam Bottles Warmers are used to heat baby bottles or baby food. The warmer is green with an orange temperature dial. “Beaba” is printed on the base and model number 9602 is printed on the underside of the warmer.

Customers should stop using the bottle warmers and call Williams-Sonoma to learn how to return the product for a full refund. Customers who return the product will get a $25 Williams-Sonoma gift card.

For more information, call Williams-Sonoma at 877-548-0850 or visit their website at www.williams-sonoma.com.

Source: newsnet5.com

Made for Multiples: Pampers Pocket Bibsters

2010-08-30T17:12:00.000-07:00

Have you had a chance to try, Pampers Bibsters? Being that I have two babies and a two year old in the house, these disposable bibs have saved the day more than once. I used to pack what felt like a million bibs in my diaper bag, and I've always hated having to separate the dirty ones in a plastic bag. I was randomly searching for baby needs on Amazon.com, when I came across these disposable bibs from Pampers. At first, I was a little skeptical about the bibs because I know how messy my little ones can get. I couldn't help but wonder how they would hold up to my two year and her infamous spaghetti disasters.

When I received my order, I was anxious to start using the bibs on the children. I fed the twins their usual dinner of Gerber Green Beans and Bananas, only to be surprised at the easy clean up that followed. Once I saw that Bibsters were strong enough to stand up to my two year old, I knew that I would be purchasing them again.

Bibsters Features:

A large pocket to catch any falling food.
A cloth like top sheet
An absorbent mid layer
A leak proof barrier underneath

Until my daughter decides to spill some juice on herself, I won't know how well the leak barrier works. I'm sure I'll find out in due time. For more information on Pampers Bibsters, check out our sponsors at Amazon.com.

Random Twin and Toddler Pics

2010-08-24T12:29:00.000-07:00

Here's a few random pics of the twins, and my two year old toddler (who thinks she's a photographer already). The last two pics of her at the bottom, were taken by her. She even yells out cheese, before she takes her own snap shots. These pics show how much the kids have grown, over the past two months. As much as I love playing, singing, and dancing with the three of them, I can't help but feel like they are growing way too fast!

Skinny Jeans for Tots

2010-08-14T18:32:00.000-07:00

First it was denim diapers. Now, providing your baby is watching his or her carbs, can toddle around in skinny jeans.

Luckily, these trendy tot pants are stretchy enough to accommodate a diaper.

The jeans are turning up in stores like American Eagle and J. Crew’s Crewcuts, according to the Wall Street Journal. Gap, denim maker True Religion Apparel Inc and Levis are also embracing the trend by stocking skinny jeans for the tiniest fashionistas.

Gap is reporting that skinny jeans now comprise 40 percent of its jeans for infant and toddler girls. For children’s apparel makers, kids’clothing sales are a positive sign in an otherwise dismal retail period. While parents have reduced the amount they spend on their own wardrobe in the recession, they’re still shelling out for cute outfits for their kids.

"People tend to put their kids first," GapKids and Baby Gap’s executive vice president Mark Breitbard told the Wall Street Journal. "They’ll pass on something for themselves to make sure their kids are still looked after."

Why skinny jeans rather than rompers?

"It’s more fun," Ava Lane, a mom who snagged four pairs of skinny jeans for her two year old, told the Journal.

The skinny jeans for babies are designed a little bit differently than the ones for grownups, though they do feature pocket details and criss-cross stitching like the adult version. Skinny jeans for babies may have an elastic on the back of the waistband, though they don’t have inseam snaps for diaper changing that most baby outfits do.

Prices for skinny jeans range from $19.50 to $39.50 at babyGap and GapKids. They come in sizes as small as zero to 3 months.

To get ideas, Old Navy sent teams to playgrounds to watch consumers, Old Navy senior vice president Michelle DeMartini told the Journal."“We talked for a long time about how much stretch, what should that feel like?” she said. "Adults might want to forgo comfort for fashion, but children will not."

Gap took note of the tremendous popularity of adult-styled kids clothes after the chain debuted a kids and baby collaboration last fall with Stella McCartney. The line was so well received that a second one debuted in March.

"People love trend take-downs," Breitbard told the Journal. "Fashion-right clothes are really adorable the smaller they get."

So what’s up next?

The latest mini fashionista item to hit the GapKids stores is a hybrid of jeans and leggings. The name: Jeggings for babies.

Source: NYDailyNews.com

Will you be purchasing skinny jeans for your tots and bubs, or do you think skinny jeans are a bit much for tiny tots?

Product Recalls: Baby Monitors and Wooden Rattles

2010-08-14T16:56:00.000-07:00

Wooden Toy Rattles

P. Graham Dunn of Dalton, Ohio, is recalling about 500 wooden toy rattles because the wooden dowels can be installed at an angle, allowing the metal rattle inside to become exposed. This poses a serious choking hazard to young children.

The firm is aware of four incidents of the metal rattle becoming exposed. No injuries have been reported.

This recall involves a wooden toy rattle with light brown stain, eight wooden dowels and a gold-colored metal rattle inside. The toy rattle is circular in shape, measuring 2 3/4 inches by 2 inches.

They were made in China and sold at gift stores and book retailers nationwide from June through July 2010 for about $6.

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled product and contact P. Graham Dunn to receive a full refund. For additional information, contact P. Graham Dunn at (800) 828-5260 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday or visit the firm's website.

Baby monitors

About 800 Levana wireless video baby monitors are being recalled because the wiring can overheat and emit smoke, posing a burn hazard.

Distributor Circus World Displays Limited of Ontario, Canada has received two reports of the camera portion of the monitors overheating and smoking. No injuries have been reported.

The recall involves Levana wireless baby monitors with model number LV-TW300. The receiver front is white and green with six round buttons and the printed word "Levana.” It is 7 inches tall and includes a stand/base. The camera is all white, about 5 inches tall and is attached to a 3 1/2 inch long white base. The camera can rotate and swivel. The camera and receiver each have their own A/C adapter.

The monitors were made in China and sold at BB Buggy and Health and Safety stores nationwide and on the Internet between February and May 2010 for about $200.

Consumers should immediately stop using and return the baby monitor directly to CWD for a refund or replacement with a different model. For additional information, contact Circus World Displays at (866) 946-7828, by e-mail or on the firm'swebsite.

Source: L.A. Times.com

Made for Multiples: Diapers.com Brand Diapers

2010-08-09T20:30:00.000-07:00

If your a mom of multiples like me, your probably looking for ways to save a buck on the things your family needs. One of the ways that I found to save some cash, is by ordering diapers in bulk. When Diapers.com introduced their own premium brand of diapers, I was reluctant to buy them at first because I was a loyal Pampers customer. Huggies was always my second choice in diaper brands, and off brands were completely off of my radar. What intrigued me about the Diapers.com brand, was the number diapers offered for $40.99. A box of size 3 diapers comes with 200 diapers in the box, and the size 5 box comes with 156 diapers in it. I had to try the diapers out because if the diapers were good, my monthly diaper budget would be cut in half.

After completing my first order, I was nervous about how good or bad the diapers would be. I was worried about sacrificing quality for quantity. The package arrived pretty quick, I ordered on a Saturday, and my diapers arrived by Monday evening. The first thing I did was open the package, and feel the texture of the diapers. The pampers felt like the quality would be okay, but there was only one true way to test them out. I had to starting using them on my children to see how the diapers would hold up, especially during the night.

The first few diaper changes went well, with no complaints. As I continued to use the diapers on a daily and weekly basis, I had no doubts about buying these pampers again. My twins are almost nine months old, and I still order the same Diapers.com brand Premium Diapers for my all 3 of my children. When I went on the website to re-order a few weeks ago, I noticed that the major diapers brands are offering extra larger boxes of diapers as well. Of course their extra large boxes are a few dollars more expensive than the Diapers.com brand, so I know who I'll be sticking with.

Malcolm & Marcus, The First Weeks

2010-08-06T10:27:00.000-07:00

I would like to introduce our twin sons Malcolm Valentino and Marcus Raymond to the world. These two little guys were born on 11/24/09, exactly 10 minutes apart at 12:16 and 12:26pm. Malcolm weighed 5 lbs. 1 oz. at birth, and Marcus weighed 4 lbs. and 7 oz. at birth. My full birth story and hospital pics will be posted soon. In the meantime, here are some random pics from their first few weeks at home.

Malcolm and Marcus 1st & 2nd Week

Marcus and Malcolm 3-4 Weeks

Marcus and Malcolm 4-6 Weeks

Twins and More Twins!

2010-08-06T10:08:00.000-07:00

I hate aging myself, so I'll use estimates within this post when it comes to years. My bestie and I have been friends for a super long time. We have been through so many stages in life together, and we've always been supportive of each other. I remember how shocked she was, when she found out that she would be having twins. I never thought that I would experience the same shock myself some years later. My bestie delivered two beautiful twin girls, and I delivered two adorable (if I must say so myself) twin boys.

During my pregnancy, it was nice to have someone so close that had prior experience with twins. Even though we live in different states, her advice helped me to prepare for labor and those first few months at home. I remember calling her several times, feeling like I couldn't get a grip on new motherhood. Yes, I had prior experience and plenty of it with my four daughters, but no single birth can prepare you for a multiple birth. The basics of what to expect goes right out the window, when it's more than one newborn coming. A support system is necessary just to keep your sanity.

My bestie was a huge part of my support system, along with my doctors and nurses from the hospital. It was very tough to have twins, while having a young toddler without any family living in our neighborhood. I eventually got the hang of it, and it no longer takes me two days to get everyone ready to leave the house. My days of calling the bestie in tears are gone as well. Every now and then, I still have the "I can't believe that there's two of them" thought. I guess that's all part of the transition. Now, the boys are at an age where I can have lots of fun with all three of them. One of the best part of being a mom of multiples, is having something so special in common with my bestie. It gives us plenty of chances for cool photo ops like the ones in this post. We both never thought that we would share twins in common. I guess that's an example of how funny life can be.

Family Visits and a Happy Birthday

2010-08-06T08:33:00.000-07:00

Summer always brings good times with family. Last month, my mom and my brother came to visit me and my family, as well as my sister and her family. We all met up in Jersey, and had an awesome time! My sister threw a great birthday party for my two year old that was also a family BBQ. We held the party a month or so after my daughters birthday because we wanted mom to be there. My mother got to meet all three of her new grandchildren, see how much her older grandchildren grew, and enjoy some quality time with her children. We had a great weekend overall, and Mima had a great birthday party! Check out these pics.

There's nothing like a family visit and a birthday party, to bring everyone together. I miss having my mother and my brother close by. Did you have any cool family gatherings this summer?

Black and White Newborn Twins?

2010-07-15T23:46:00.000-07:00

I'm all about seeing the beauty of your babies, looking at them and thinking they are the most beautiful and unique and special beings in this world. But one mom -- Carole Fraser -- might be treating her twin babies like the oddities they are not. They are twins. Rejoice! I love twins -- I have twins. But get this (drum roll please): One is black and one is white.

OMG! How could this have happened? Oh I know. The mother is black and the father is white. So you have fraternal twins who don't look a lot alike.

This isn't that unusual and Jezebel agrees. My twins don't look a lot alike. In fact, Penelope is more olive skinned with brown eyes and looks a lot like me. Hunter is fair and blond and has blue eyes like my husband. We're both white but even white people come in different shades (though some orange people are just white people wearing really bad fake tanner).

Carole, her husband Brian, and her twins -- Martha and Daniel (nicknamed Salt and Pepper by mom) -- are being treated like a circus sideshow and she seems to like it. She even said Japanese tourists stopped her family so they could take pictures with them. (Gasp! No stranger danger there, I guess.

“For us that takes some getting used to because we just see them as our babies, and we’re used to one being black and the other white. We sometimes forget that it might look strange to other people," Carole said.

She lives in Bearsden, Glascow. Perhaps they are stuck in another time?

The Mirror did a big feature on the family and both that paper and Carole call her black and white twins a million-to-one miracle. Maybe they wanted some free family photos? They should have went to People magazine -- they would have dressed her in a fancy dress and $300 earrings and perfected her hair and makeup and then placed the twins in her arms. (Oh wait, that was Jennifer Lopez.)
All this makes me feel bad for the couple's 2-year-old daughter who looks just like the dad. There's always going to be fuss over a new baby (or babies), but this is over the top.

I don't want to poo-poo all the excitement this mom has about her babies -- they are adorable and I do believe babies are miracles (all babies). And the fact that one is like mom and one is like dad is fantastic. I get this excitement, I have it with my own twins, but it isn't an OMG I cannot believe this moment. Now if her twins were anything like the twins born in the movie V (you know, one looks human but has an alien tongue, the other is a green monster baby), then I would say WOW! Or if the twins had two different dads, then I'd say WHOA! But to me, it's just two really adorable twins born to a black mom and a white dad.

Source: The Stir
Photo Source: The Mirror