It was one year ago this week that I discovered I was pregnant.  Now, my almost five-month-old twins are laughing, smiling,  reaching and rolling over.  What they say is true — the time flies by! The first month in particular is a complete blur.

But I’ve found some ways to document my babies’ first year –  and here’s how you can, too! Check out these four whimsical ideas for re-purposing old calendars to celebrate some of baby’s biggest milestones.

1. Make a giftbox.  Fold a small paper box, origami style, out of the month your baby was born.  Embellish the date with doodles, adhesive baubles or whatever scrapbooking adornments catch your eye.  Use the box to keep something small and sweet in, like baby’s hospital bracelet or a tiny pair of booties.  (Tip:  The center of the calendar page will get the most attention.  Depending on the date you are trying to highlight, you may want to trim the page down, keeping the square shape.  This way, you can center the date as much as possible.)

2. Use old calendar dates to make a handmade envelope. Fold an envelope out of each month’s calendar page.  Don’t forget to make a note on each day where baby did something remarkable, like her first smile, laugh, or babble.  (Tip:  An easy way to make a nice envelope is to unglue a regular envelope and use it as a template to trace it onto the calendar page.  This way, you can customize which part of the design or which dates you want to feature).

3. A decorative paper bunting is a festive touch for baby’s first birthday party. Triangles or flag shapes cut from the months of the calendar can alternate with patterned scrapbook paper chosen to match the color theme of the party.   There are plenty of tutorials available online for both sewn and no-sew versions.

4. Make a shadowbox:  Gather up some mementos from baby’s birth like the hospital announcement, first pair of booties, and maybe a tiny t-shirt or onesie.  Use the calendar page from baby’s birth month as a background and decorate with your favorite embellishments.

How are you celebrating baby’s first birthday?

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Before I got pregnant, you could say I was pretty undereducated about the birth options. I just figured I’d have an epidural and have a baby. I didn’t even realize that my own mother had had two natural (drug-free) births before my youngest sister was born via C-section.  But once I saw that positive pregnancy test, I started reading up on what my options were and psyched myself up for a non-medicated, vaginal birth.

Then, at 13 weeks, I found out I was having twins.  After the initial shock wore off, I was left with so many questions. One of the most pressing: What about my natural delivery? My OB-GYN, a mother of twins herself, said it was up to me, but that if Baby A (the baby closest to the “exit”) was presenting breech, it would have to be a C-section. I would also have to deliver in an OR regardless of my choice, and I would have to have an epidural (because of the chance of an emergency C-section or in case the doctor would have to manually flip one of the babies.)

There are other doctors who have different rules, and I could have looked for one who would attempt a breech extraction with twins, but I felt a rapport with this doctor who was easy going and laid back, someone to ease all my worries and who had actually been there herself.

One concern with twins is the possibility of the “double whammy” or mixed delivery — that is you deliver the first baby vaginally and the second one goes into distress, resulting in an emergency C-section.  The chances of this happening are very low, but I personally know a set of twins who’d been delivered this way, and when I brought this up with my doctor, who I expected to alleviate my worries, she acknowledged that it was a valid concern.

Because I didn’t want to end up in an emergency situation, and because I wanted to plan as much as I could ahead of time, I chose a C-section well before the time the babies were born. I didn’t want to wait and see, and then have my dreams of the ideal birth be shattered. I ignored my mother’s stories of how awful her recovery was,  and instead looked to online forums whose posters called their recoveries “NBD” (no big deal).

My recovery was not NBD, but I had a lot of help from my husband and my family. I couldn’t have done it without them. I was at peace with my decision for a C-section because I really believed I didn’t have another safe option (and Baby A was breech, anyway).

I recently read that studies are saying C-sections aren’t any safer for twin births than a vaginal delivery, and I’ve started to second guess myself. I wonder, if I had sought out more information specifically for twin mothers, and not just hearsay, would I have changed my mind and/or changed doctors?  I wish my doctor would have urged me to do more research, or suggested some reading, or something, anything, rather than just “leave it up to me.” Making this decision can be so scary, and I needed more support — not horror stories, and not someone brushing it off as NBD.

In the end, though, my babies were born healthy and continue to thrive, and I’ve recovered just fine after a few initial hiccups. If I do get pregnant again (someday in the faraway future!) I will have this experience to inform my choices as I navigate yet another decision-making process: VBAC or repeat c-section?

Did you have a C-section? Share your story with us!

Plus, more from The Bump:

Care and Recovery After a C-Section

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Cravings are one of the most stereotyped symptoms of pregnancy, and now a new study shows that they can have real consequences. Australian researchers found that if mother rats consumed junk food while pregnant and nursing, the babies had resulting changes to their brain chemistry, leaving them more susceptible to a junk food addiction later in life.

After the morning sickness of the first trimester, my cravings ranged from broccoli (very garlicky and stir-fried only) to raspberries (even better with frozen custard!) and by the end of my pregnancy, my go-to snack were s’mores with dark chocolate and mini marshmallows. Of course, I tried to behave myself, and once I was diagnosed with gestational diabetes, I had to find new ways to satisfy my cravings.

So what’s a mom-to-be to do when she’s jonesing for something sweet, salty, or fatty (possibly even ALL at the same time)? While I was diabetic and now that I’m breastfeeding, I take extra care with my diet, but that doesn’t mean all treats must go!

Here are some tips I’ve found for battling those cravings:

1. I share my dessert with my husband or a friend instead of demolishing it myself.

2. When baking, I try to use more nutritious substitutes like applesauce, Greek yogurt or even avocado to replace the fat in recipes.

3. When I crave soda, I drink sparkling water (bonus points for yummy flavors like lemon-lime or blackberry!)

4. A thick, blended smoothie hits the spot when I’m in the mood for a milkshake.

5. Above all, I try to eat healthfully as much as I can, so one or two small indulgences don’t throw me overboard.

How do you deal with strange or junky pregnancy cravings?

Plus, more from The Bump:

What My Craziest Pregnancy Cravings Could Mean for Baby

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All the diaper creams, ointments and lotions available on the shelves can be overwhelming., but did you know there is one thing that can do-it-all?

Breast milk is full of antibodies and is a natural antiseptic (score!).  The benefits of breastfeeding your newborn are undeniable, but feeding a hungry baby is not the only thing your milk is good for!

Here are some incredible (and easy!) ways to use breast milk:

1.  Soothe Baby’s Skin Rashes: To help prevent and heal diaper rash, dab a little milk on to baby’s diaper area.

2.  Help Cradle cap:  Apply some milk to baby’s head before combing or brushing to soften stubborn cradle cap.

3.  Cure Cuts and Scrapes:  Squirt some milk on that paper cut!  Breast milk has antibacterial and antiseptic properties.

4.  Ease Teething Pain:  Freeze some milk and use in a mesh feeder for baby to suck on to alleviate teething pain.

And, for the more adventurous types,  try making homemade soap with breastmilk, or how about whipping up some breastmilk cupcakes?

As for me — I don’t think twice about using breast milk on small cuts or skin problems.  I even squirted some into my daughter’s eye when she had a little bit of goo in there!

Have you used breast milk for something besides feeding?

Plus, more from The Bump:

When Does Breast Milk Form?

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As a new mom breastfeeding twins, the first few months were rough for me. I definitely felt like a prisoner in my own body (and home) at times.  Getting out of the house was hard enough, and I also felt pressure to get back home before the next feeding to avoid a scene. I have to say, my life change dramatically when I became comfortable nursing in public.

Here are some tips to help you nurse with ease on the go:

1. Nursing in public really is all about you and your baby.

You are attending to his needs and you shouldn’t feel ashamed or embarrassed for doing so.  Your attitude will color the experience, so try to keep it light.  Relax and enjoy this time out in the world with your baby.

2. Do some recon ahead of time.

Ask friends for recommendations or look around online for family friendly establishments like restaurants or play areas (but beware — there’s a fair share of bad advice out there!).  Some places even have “family rooms” or similar, where you can nurse your baby privately, but some are nothing more than glorified bathrooms.  Don’t feel like you have to use them, especially if they stink of dirty diapers!

3. Dress the part. 

It might sound odd, but part of my confidence to nurse in public comes the right wardrobe — one that will get the job done without a lot of fuss! Personally, I find the commercially made nursing covers to be a big distraction and actually call attention to the fact that I am breastfeeding.  For me, a drapey tee is enough to let baby nurse and still provide coverage.  My favorite outfit for easy access is a nursing tank layered under a lightweight jersey t-shirt with a cardigan on top.

Once you have your attitude, outfit and location sorted out, all you have left is to get ready, get set and latch! All it takes is some practice and you will be able to nurse discreetly and confidently no matter where you are.

How did you get comfortable nursing in public?

Plus, more from The Bump:

A Smart Start to Breastfeeding

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It’s easy to get swept into a buying frenzy when you find out you’re pregnant with multiples.  The confirmation of pregnancy brings a unique and overwhelming sense of excitement mixed with panic for any woman. Add another baby to the mix and the emotions just intensify!

While your first instinct might be to just swipe everything off the shelves, don’t give in.  You can scour the internet and find contraptions you never knew existed as you picture yourself with a baby at each boob or as a pack mule wearing one baby one your front and another on your back — but remember, a lot of these contraptions are unnecessary.

Since I know there are other multiple mama’s out there ready to swipe, swipe, swipe, here’s what I’ve found most (and least!) helpful when it came to my twin babies:

Most Useful Purchase:

Baby Jogger City Select stroller.

Many people recommend using a simple Double Snap n Go for the first few months, since these can be used with the infant car seats, and then upgrading to a more long-lasting stroller choice.  The BJCS, however, takes infant seats, as well as its own bassinets and later on you can use seats for older babies.  It also allows for many configurations once you’re using the seats:  facing towards each other, facing you, facing out, etc.  And, it features “stadium style” seats, so one is higher than the other. Only downside is that you you can’t see baby in the backseat when you’re using the car seats.

Least Used Purchase:

Twin Feeding Pillow. 

There are a couple of different models of this available, but I don’t think it really matters which one.  When I was pregnant with twins, I was convinced that I would feed both babies simultaneously to save precious time, and I bought one of these monstrous pillows to help with that goal. Turns out that for me, it’s easier to feed one baby at a time. Those times that I do tandem feed, I have just as much success using regular pillows as I did using the Twin Feeding Pillow.

Also, finding a winning combination of location (couch, bed, armchair) and position (sitting with legs out, sitting with legs down, sitting completely straight or more relaxed) was difficult for me and I’m sure other moms have similiar issues. If the point of tandem feeding with the Twin Feeding Pillow is to be more efficient, then I haven’t found the right pillow to achieve that goal.  So the search continues!

What baby items can you not live without? Any you wish you didn’t buy?

Plus, more from The Bump:

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It’s hardly shocking that some of the most common New Year’s Resolutions are also the most commonly broken.

Personally, I’ve always treated my resolutions as projects to undertake.  So “exercising” meant adopting a specific regimen and losing X number of pounds, “eating healthy” meant learning certain recipes or incorporating a new ingredient, and “more crafts” became “finish wedding scrapbook before babies are born.” I believed that seeing my resolutions this way is helpful as they are specific, measurable (and sometimes rewardable!) goals.  As logical as it sounds, midway through the year or sooner, my steam would run out, leaving me with an assortment of half-finished projects that I guiltily pushed aside until next New Year’s.  This year, as a new mom to three-month old twins I’m reconsidering what my resoultions will mean to me.

I did my research while I was pregnant.  I read tons of parenting books, from attachment parenting to Ferberizing to making your own baby food.  I learned that as a new mom, there will always be a new project to tackle, and there will always be someone who seems to do it all.  The idea inspires and scares me at the same time, but this year, instead of focusing on certain projects, I know I have to look at things in a new way.  Not only do I not have extra time and energy to waste on half-baked projects, but I am setting an example for my babies, no matter how young they are at the moment.  So this year, my Pinterest boards with hundreds of inspiring ideas may have to wait.  I must choose my endeavors wisely; I may only try one or two of the projects.  This year, I resolve to follow through with my ideas and undertakings.

Of course, if my pregnancy and the first three months of mothering twins have taught me anything (and I think they’ve taught me a lot!), it’s that flexibility is the key to feeling successful and maintaining sanity.  I want to follow through with what I set out to do, but I won’t be guilted into continuing something that doesn’t work for my family and me.  So another resolution I will make is to allow myself the freedom of flexibility, whether it’s discarding a DIY project for the nursery, or adjusting my plans to breastfeed for a one year minimum.

 I may not have an easy checklist of resolutions this year–it’s more about an outlook, an approach to life that started when my twins were born.  Although they may seem like opposites, this year I will strive to find the balance between flexibility and follow-through.

How will you make your resolutions this year?

Plus, more from The Bump:

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It’s three in the afternoon, and your new baby is asleep. How do you spend the time?

• a.  Tackle a pile of laundry or unload the dishwasher
• b.  Pump to build your freezer stash of breast milk
• c.  Nap
• d.  Shower or go to the bathroom

If you’re like me, you may not do any of these things. In the awesome event that both of my twins are asleep or someone else is home to watch them in the middle of the day, I can never decide how to spend my time. Rather, I wander around in a stupor, fretting about all the possibilities of what I could do and wondering how long my good fortune will last. In the end, nothing gets accomplished — clothes are everywhere, food gets burnt, or I may lie down long enough just to close my eyes before someone needs attention.

If you’re like me, then some of the most common advice for new moms may be the most difficult: “Sleep when the baby sleeps” and “Accept help when you get it.” As far as the sleeping goes, I can never feel at ease sleeping when they sleep. At naptime, the longer they sleep, the more likely it is that they wake up as soon as I drift off, so in the end, I stay awake. At night, I’ve pretty much given up on trying to go to bed, and it’s not because their grunts and coos keep me awake. It just seems easier to wait for the crying to start than to be woken up every twenty minutes — right now my twins are in a relay race of fighting sleep and the interruptions are never-ending. And while I’ve had plenty of help from family, I usually have mixed feelings about accepting it. I need the help so desperately, but if someone volunteers to watch the babies so I can nap, for example, I can’t seem to tear myself away.  I feel guilty for having some  alone time, so I kind of hang around watching someone else hold and play with my kiddos.

So what advice do I have for you if you are, in fact, like me? Unfortunately the suggestions that are hardest for me to take are also what I would highly recommend to new moms. It’s what I would love to do. So to make these things easier, I would do these three things:

1. Drop what you’re doing when the baby falls asleep. You never know if she’ll sleep for 10 minutes or two hours.  Don’t waste precious time!
2. If you feel guilty having someone else play with your baby, then ask them to do the dishes instead! Or laundry, or bring over a meal, or any other chore you can outsource while you hold your little one.
3. Also, you could have them take the baby out of the house. You’ll be amazed how quiet it is and it might be easier for you to take a nap or use the bathroom without waiting to hear someone scream.

What’s the best advice you’ve gotten as a new parent?

In high school, I learned about genes by studying eye color. One’s inheritance of big B’s and little b’s determine whether their eyes will be light or dark. It was all so simple!  I assumed my babies’ eye color would be just as straightforward — my husband and I both have dark eyes. But it’s always fun to imagine your baby as the exception to the rule, and I wonder if it’s possible that at least one of my children will defy the oversimplified high school science explanation of genetics. After all, my mother comes from a German and English background and has blue eyes, and while my father’s Mexican heritage shows through in our darker coloring, we both have green and blue-eyed siblings. My husband, however, is also Hispanic and has no light eyed relatives that he can think of — no blue, gray or even hazel.

When the twins were born, baby girl’s eyes were darker and are now definitely brown. Baby boy on the other hand, has humored us with his fickle eye color. At two months old, his eyes are definitely lighter than his sister’s, but the color is very ambiguous and seems to complement whatever outfit he’s wearing. Experts now believe that eye color stabilizes around six months of age, but some people experience changes later on, like my cousin, whose eyes turned from blue to green in elementary school. Of course, both my babies are adorable regardless of their eye color! But it is fun to watch these changes develop as my children grow.

When did your baby’s eyes change color?  Were you surprised by the outcome?

Since my twins were born, I can say that my Instagram feed has one subject and one subject only: babies. And it’s not just me — my mom and my sisters watch and document their every move via some sort of device, whether it’s a phone, camera or iPod. Baby milestones are important! But I have found that it’s important to celebrate mommy’s milestones, too. Here are my top three big moments.

1.  First time out without babies: For some reason, this was somewhat anticlimactic, and I feel like a crummy mom for saying so. I wasn’t devastated or anxious to leave my twins with my mother while my hubby and I grabbed some lunch. I was ready for it! We had just spent four days in the hospital and the following day we went to lunch for burgers and a milkshake. We were gone for about 30 minutes. The weirdest part of being away from my children was thinking that no one around me knew I’d just had babies. I went from being extremely, obviously pregnant to just another girl at Smashburger. I wanted to grab anyone who walked past me and say, “I just had two babies!  I’m a mom now!”

2.  The shoe fits: This was a big one for me. I did something in pregnancy that I swore to myself I would never, ever do. I wore Crocs. But I promise, it was an absolute necessity. And you couldn’t really tell they were Crocs. Mine weren’t the iconic perforated clog, but one pair of black flats and one pair of red strappy sandals. Towards the end, even the Crocs didn’t fit my puffed-to-the-max feet. I had one pair of ugly $2 flip flops from Old Navy that I wore every day. Needless to say, after the babies were born I was ecstatic when the swelling in my feet had gone down enough to put on a pair of real shoes.

3.  The ring fits: I had to remove my engagement ring and wedding band around 27 weeks. They were getting quite snug on my finger, and I didn’t want to wait until too late. Since the babies were born, I’ve tried the rings on each week, and I began to think my ring finger had grown accustomed to its freedom. But finally! Six weeks postpartum, I was finally able to squeeze my engagement ring on. I’m just not ready for the wedding band yet.

What were your most memorable postbaby milestones?