So, several people have asked to see pictures of the growing babies, but I didn't want to post the funny looking ultrasound pics until they were recognizable as human beings.  These were taken yesterday at our high risk doctor's office {everything is looking great by the way}.  The babies are stacked on top of each other right now and are extremely active.  Baby A usually spends the entire ultrasound body slamming Baby B!  In the photo below you can see Baby A's hand next to his/her mouth and legs kicking his/her brother/sister in the head.  Oh, and the other big news yesterday...we're 100% certain they are identical!

So, it's about time for me to share a little news from my personal world.  If I've seemed a little scattered lately, it's because I'm answering phone calls and e-mails from my bathroom floor or in between catastrophic sleep attacks that leave me no choice but to take a nap.  I am suffering from what can only be categorized as "baby-brain."  My husband and I are expecting...twins.  My big mouth got me into trouble at the Dr's office.  Just after I declared {quite loudly} that "I could never have twins" the ultrasound nurse asked "Well, how do you feel about twins?"  My immediate reaction...why do you care?  Are you taking a survey?  Then I realized she was serious.

So now we're left with all the excitement, apprehension and morning sickness that two little babies will bring into our world.  Any advice, tips or tricks would be hugely appreciated.  So far, the best help for morning sickness {and I don't know why it's called morning sickness when it lingers ALL DAY} have been preggie pops and peppermints.

I've never seen my husband this sad to leave something besides when he left for deployment.  I am feeling the weight of that sadness today too.  If you have been a military wife or husband, you may know what I'm talking about here.  Today is my last day as a Navy wife.  Ari will still be in the reserves for the next 8 years but active duty military life has been an honor for both of us.  The community of people we have met, the support we felt during his deployment, and the incredible experiences he has had are gifts that we will treasure forever.  He will be transitioning to civilian life for radiology residency at UNC, but those uniforms and memories will still be with us as we move across the country on Monday to start an entirely new life. A few of our favorite memories....

Clockwise from top left: We were married at the Bellagio in Las Vegas on the way to California, the Navy Ball 2006, target practice in Iraq, Ari leading an inspection outside of his clinic at NAS Point Mugu, out with the medical core on a mission, home from Iraq!, Ari's homecoming, me wearing his Marine hat (he went with the Marine's) the day he left for deployment, getting an award for his service while in Iraq.

Thank you to the Bliss girls for being so supportive during my time here in CA.  Without the Navy I never would have met Danielle!  Danielle, thank you for everything.  Somehow, God brought us together and Bliss blossomed while I was here.  A huge thank you to Amanda too, my military wife buddy.  She drove cross-country with me when Ari returned from deployment and I couldn't be more grateful for all the laughter and fun while he was away.  HOORAH! 

 

 

Today, being one of the most popular wedding days of the year, is a big day for me.  As we posted below, we will be coordinating our fourth event for the Babikow/Mietling family.  I am thrilled to be a part of Andy and Kelly's big day and know that it will be a day to remember. 

On a more personal note, my baby cousin (I know you're only a month younger than me, but you're still the baby!) is getting married today in Shreveport, LA.  I have been calling all of my family to remind them to take a lot of photos and their photographer is amazing.

Two spectacular weddings in one day...too bad I can't clone myself!  Check back soon for images from both events.  I know they'll both be blog-worthy!

~danielle

Today is a very sad day for me.  I am under the weather and will miss a wedding I have been looking forward to for a year now... Amanda Shiflet (Wedding Producer with Bliss and Managing Editor of SWS) and Tony Scarcella are getting married tomorrow in Ohio.  Amanda's wedding is going to be phenomenal and I have never felt so sad in my life to have to miss it.  Vendors and friends, if you have a moment, email Amanda some congrats and good wishes-- amanda@blisseventgroup.com.  I am going to get in trouble for saying this but she is going to be the most beautiful bride on the planet!  She and Tony are a match made in Heaven and I have had the honor of spending time with them in FL and CA this year (Amanda and I were transferred to CA thanks to the Navy and Marines at the same time).  And now we are both moving to NC together!  It's like the man upstairs wants us to follow each other across the country forever.  I have so much love for Amanda..she is ridiculously talented and I know will blow everyone away tomorrow with all the details of her wedding that she has worked so hard on this year.  It just kills me not to be there.  So, I send all my hugs and love to Ohio this weekend~  It's going to be a glorious wedding!  Congratulations Amanda & Tony!  Love, Lara

I'm so excited that I get to not only attend a wedding this weekend, but I will be a bridesmaid for one of my dearest friends, Amanda.  Amanda and Mac will exchange vows this Saturday in the picturesque Chapel in the Pines on Lake Martin in Alabama.  Amanda and her mother Paula have worked very hard on all the details (with just a little input from me!) and I'm thrilled to see it come together.  Amanda and I were roommates when I lived in Birmingham and Mac was one of 'the boys' that lived downstairs.  I love that they're getting married because they are just perfect for one another. 

[This Save the Date we created for them]

 

...and here's a very cute idea.  At her bachelorette weekend, one of our activities was decorating a mini-wedding cake.  We had a great time and there was even a prize (I didn't win, but that's ok.  The other girls would have thought it was rigged if the wedding producer won the cake contest!).

I wish you all a beautiful weekend!

~danielle

I had to take a trip to the doc today and they bandaged me up in Bliss pink! I told them that even if my doc's visit was no fun, at least I walked away in style. Now I need to find a way to put the Bliss logo on my fabulous hot pink-ness! ; )

This weekend was such beautiful weather in the Sunshine State.  We took our little man for his first fishing adventure.  Here are just a few pics.  I'm a little biased, but I think he's the cutest ever.  Unfortunately, the fish weren't biting but he had a great time none the less.

This is his very serious face.  Please, don't be jealous of the red crocs and Dora fishing pole.

These are his fishing lures.  When we weren't catching fish, he decided that tossing the lures (not attached to anything) into the water might help.  Sadly, it didn't...but he still thought it was great fun.  Ah, to be a two year old!