Happy beautiful FOUR months, Kix!

Wow, where is time going?!

 (I wrote this a few days ago)

Kix is FOUR months old!

I am amazed how fast time is flying.

Kix is changing every day.

It is crazy how I feel like a new mom experiencing everything again.

That's what I love about motherhood.

Everything is beautiful, new, exciting and wonderful.

Today we were suppose to have Kix's 4 month wellness check-up--so we went in, only to find out my doctor was on vacation!

They scheduled us wrong!

Thank goodness my husband was there otherwise, I may not of been as nice as he.

(Thank the good Lord for a husband that is opposite of me in areas---he is the calm in the storm while I'm the raging sea!)

Anyway--we won't know Kix's official weight until next week.

But, I weighed him here and he is hovering around 16-17 lbs!

(Still exclusively breastfeeding! AH, it's some of my most favorite times during the day!)

As for his mile-stones and things I'd like to remember:

• We LOVE being on our tummy now. In fact, he is even trying to ARMY CRAWL! (WHAT THE HECK!) I don't even let him on the ground most of the time because I want him to forever be a baby. But, I think he is so intrigued by his brother and his toys, so he is ready to move!
• We hold our head up like a pro with great control!
• Kix has THE BEST LAUGH EVER! His biggest source of laughter comes from watching Kie. He is so in love with his brother.
• He loves to stand with assistance. I really think it's because he is the second child and watches his brother. Kie was advanced in many ways but not like his little brother.  
• He loves to talk and coo. It's the most precious of sounds, next to his laugh :)
• We're still wearing size 2 diapers--and we wear 6-12 month clothes!

Some of my favorite things about Kix:

• He is a true momma's boy! No one can make him happy or soothe him quite like I can. And I love it. Sometimes it can be tiring when I want a break or a shower at night--but for the most part I love that when I take him when he is crying he calms down.
• We love to dance and sway together. He laughs and smiles so big when we dance.
• We love playing airplanes (I lay on my back and fly him overhead.) Smiling/drooling baby and all!
• We love reading bedtime books with brother. Kix listens better than Kie most of the time.
• I love it when Kix pulls my face closer when I go in for a kiss. Like he is holding me to kiss longer. It melts my heart every time.
• I also love it when I go in for a kiss he tries to eat my nose. That boy tries to eat everything in sight!
• He also loves having a 'BB' over his face. (A cloth diaper) Just like when I was a baby I loved to have a diaper (formally known as Mr. BB) over my face to nap or sleep.  --Of course we don't put him down with a blanket over his face--but he loves having a blankie to cover his face and to chew on during playtime.
• We are BIG time droolers! I am hoping that does not mean teeth are around the corner! (Big Brother got his first teeth early in life too)
• We love being outside!
• We also love finding our thumb--and if we can't, the whole fist will suffice!

As for life with two boys...

it's GREAT! Sometimes I can't understand why God gave me such wonderful blessings.

I also sometimes find myself daydreaming of times when the boys will be playing t-ball and soccer. And I'm loading up my boys and all their equipment in my SUV...

Dirty little knees and messy faces with big smiles!

Or, I think of the days when we're cruising on our boat--and Kie and Kix are being pulled around on the tube or learning to wake board with their handsome father....ahhhh :)

*I definitely am NOT wishing the time away because I personally love the baby stage best (since it's really all I know) but I do love that one day I'll have two little dudes to taxi around to all their many activities.

As for me, I enjoy getting out with Kix and Kie.

For the most part they behave really well and it has made it easier than I initially thought it would be super hard (it's not easy because there is a lot of prepping and preparing....LONG gone are the days of leaving the house quick but it's still very doable!)

I'm also loving that SPRING is right around the corner and we will always be out and about when it's consistently warm.

I'm still baby wearing my heavy man---

but also still researching double strollers or even bike carriers for the day we transition him to that.

But for now, I love strapping him on and loading Kie in his stroller and going for a walk.

AND we're still co-sleeping!

Kix is the most cuddly sleeping partner....LOVE waking up to his dimpled smiles :)

I have a lot of posts to share---

we've been busy! We just got back from our second successful road trip with the babies--6hrs to Atlanta--and back! I'd say it went pretty darn great!

Kix sleeps great in the car now and Kie loves watching Thomas the Train--and eating snacks. (Or singing songs by request!)

I also have a HOT MOM post update!

And some other updates!

We're slowing getting into SPRING here and Justin and I have another new bed of plants.

I told him that one day I want our backyard to be a jungle of beautiful plants! I love, LOVE plants and trees! Thankfully my Uncle is very sweet to us and gives us a lot of his extra plants from his nursery.

I just want a little piece of green heaven in my backyard :)

AH, well this momma is going to go love on her babies and kiss some squishy cheeks!

until next time,

hk

this picture of Kix makes my heart so happy
Credit: Cristi Hoyt @ Cristi Starr Photography
She's pretty much amazing!

Heaven on Earth

Some of the best times we have all day are in bed.

Most days I can always steal a few minutes with Kix.

Snuggling, holding, kissing...and enjoying that sweet baby smell.

But, that's because we co-sleep still.

Kie, well...wrangling him to cuddle is a challenge....

Most days, I can get him to lay down to read a book or maybe just sing a song or two (at Kie's request) and we soak it in.

To clarify,

I soak it in.

Because I know it won't be forever that I can have my two baby boys lay in bed with me.

I know there will come a day when I can't pick them up...

or pull them into my chest to coax a few more minutes of sleep.

I know Kie won't always ask me to sing certain songs over and over.

And a time will come when they won't spend their days with Mom.

I know these are fleeting moments.

But you better believe I thank God for each of them.

I know I have one amazing Father, who let me

a sinner, so far from grace...

be blessed to love two pieces of Heaven on Earth.

-hk

Updates and House Pictures

Small update and some pictures.

Hey friends, HAPPY Wednesday! (I had this post for yesterday, which was FAT Tuesday) sooo let's just pretned I posted this on time.

This past weekend was a great, productive weekend.

Justin and I have settled into a Sunday tradition (or Saturday, depending the weather) on doing a family hike.  Normally we do family walks around the neighborhood (maybe once or twice a week if he doesn't work late) but we wait until the weekend to do some 'off-roading'.  

Justin likes to hit up the trails in Sunset Valley--

I don't mind them, but I'll always be partial to the trails downtown around the lakes...and plus, I love to people watch.

I felt we had the best of both worlds on Sunday...a little bit of country and urban life! 

We took a near two mile hike in the rocky trails in the woods--then we walked to DSW--where I got some cute (on sale) boots and then we walked over to a BBQ spot to load up on to-go BBQ.

(Strollers are basically grocery carts!) 

It felt so great to walk that much...

I seriously would walk everywhere if I could.

It reminds me of my days at UT--where I walked all over the good ole 40 acres. 

And, it reminds me of my times with my sweet friend, Micah! 

I called her a marathon walker! That girl would walk everywhere.  Eventually she introudced me to her way of exploring the city. Plus, it was good for us and got our blood flowing.

Endorphins is God's creation for a natural high! Thank you Lord!

As for this week,

we're busy!

I have work up to my eyeballs and deadlines to meet before I head out of town.

Justin is prepping to take a big test in Atlanta, GA. for work..

Add in packing up two kids and myself to head out on a roadtrip is a small feat in itself!

Our time flies!

Btw, this week is Valentine's week--so we have been doing crafts here at The Knuth's.

I'll share on the next post.

On that note,  Justin and I had our Valentine's dinner/date last night. (Monday)

Our babysitters happened to be available so we took their offer to go out for a late dinner at Vespaio on South Congress.

It was a great spot, close to the house--so in case we needed to get home.

The food was great (Italian) and the atmosphere was rustic/romantic.

It was in a historic building on SoCo...

plus you can't beat the views of the Capitol.

I overloaded on carbs and chocolate and we had a nice dinnner and returned home to visit with Carter and Chelsea.

I love and appreciate them so much!

Well, this momma is wrapping up this post with a few OVERDUE pictures of the house that HGTV built. (Ok, not exactly but they sure did a lot for us and we're forever grateful!)

In case you wanted some BEFORE pictures, check out this post...

A big thanks to HGTV and Jonathan and Drew, the Property Brothers!

 (Buying and Selling) for helping us with everything. 

For more information on our episode check here!

Posts to come,

HOT MOM UPDATE and more!

hk

PS--we're currently working on our NEXT big room reveal--

and also Kie's updated BIG boy room--and Kix's space!

Stay tuned

Justin's aquarium TV that he made

bathroom wasnt redone 

Kie's room was not a re-done room--
love the wakeboard suspended over the windows (future wakeboarder!) 

Kie's room actually has changed some--new pictures soon! 

Office space/guest room 

 Always wanted a big world map. And a reminder of my sorority days! (Zeta Tau Alpha!)

Minimal changes in this room  

double shower 

headboard my husband made

Hot Mom Update

get it gurrrl

Hello friends and loved ones!

A little update on the current HOT MOM status...
I started the Shred again (after finding it in the freezer...check previous post)
and that Jillian Michaels is a hoss!

Between Kie turning on and off the TV, Kix needing to be held, my bum knee and my tendentious elbow flaring up...
It was pretty much a bust.

Seriously, why was my ole softball throwing arm hurting?
I mean, yes I did abuse it for years and years---but why is it hurting now?

The Shred is definitely not good for gals with bad knees....
and the ab work didn't really happen so much because of the c-section.
(Basically I think the OB removed my abs when he delivered the baby)

Oh well, I didn't stick to the DVD long because the kiddos became restless...
so we loaded up the car (this alone is a small feat) and headed to Town Lake for some time in the sun and fresh air.

The stroll was great and there was minimal meltdowns.
I packed plenty of snacks so that we could do at least a 3mile hike.

Kix was great in the carrier and I felt pretty good.
My stamina is not quite where I want it to be...and I have yet to make an entire loop around---but I'm getting there!

The pushing of a stroller and wearing Kix is a lot, especially on all the different terrain and hills.
We were going to go today but it was a bit muddy from the rain and I had plans to catch up on work.
So I decided to lace up my shoes and head to the back yard to attempt some HIIT. (High intensity interval training)

That was also a bust.
Mainly because there was nothing high impact or intense about my sprints.

I just kept scanning the fence line and praying no one would look over to see this momma running back and forth.
lol

Basically all these failing workouts have me more motivated.
I have a long ways to go to be strong again.

Speaking of more motivation....
there's a big chance we will be heading to the beach again this July.
Nonetheless, we spend the majority of the summer on the lake--so I need to keep that in mind next time I make two dozen cookies and decided to eat 17 of them throughout the day as breakfast/lunch and dinner.

So yes, I'm still 'at it' in a sense...
and I am going to step up my game (keep pushing forward) and work towards a stronger and leaner Halley!

Btw, this time last year I had been training for my first half-marathon--and had been doing numerous detoxes.....only to find out I was expecting!

Crazy how time flies!
Oh yes, check out my little friend whose by me as I write this on the floor.

Happy Healthy Wednesday my friends!

-hk

the sweetest love

The sweetest love...

comes from your family.

From 'snuggle nose' kisses from your two year old,

To the hand squeezes, coos and laughs from your 3 month old...

and the already-made coffee you wake to find each morning from your husband.

The sweetest love,

is when we all sit down at the table each night for dinner,

from prayers over our meal----thanking God for one another and for "This day He has made."

The sweetest love...

is slobbery kisses on your cheeks from an excited baby,

pats and hugs from Big brother to Little brother,

and a honest, hardworking husband that proves day in and out that good ethics and a good character make you more of a man than most.

The sweetest love,

Is a dad that takes the babies to the backyard so mom can take a bath...alone :)

A dad devoting his one day off to finishing that tree house,

A dad so in love with his children, that he beams with pride when he sees them.

The sweetest love,

is between two brothers,

A little brother, who, though is small and young--watches his big brother like he is THE best thing.

A little brother that laughs and lights up every time he hears Brother.

A little brother who turns and rolls to be near him.

The sweetest love,

is from a Big brother to a Little brother.

A brother who shares his toys,

who sings to a crying baby during car rides.

A Big brother who runs to get a diaper for Baby brother.

A Big brother who asks everyday to "hold brudda" or to "sleep with brudda."

Love is gentle,

love is kind.

One thing we have in this house is love.

God has blessed us,

and we forever give Him thanks.

It's funny how life goes,

years before I had become a mom....

I wanted and longed for so much in this world.

Now, I want nothing of it.

I am thankful for what I have.

Because it is way better than anything I could of ever dreamed.

As I sit here, humbled and in gratitude,

my house sleeps peacefully,

My two year old, sleeping in his converted crib.

My 3 month old is sleeping in my bed with my snoozing husband---

All is right in my world.

I thank God for the paths that it took to get here.

Some of the roads were long, curvy and dark--

and I don't deserve to be where I am now--but somehow I got here.

Sometimes the days can be long--but the time is short.

Life, it is precious--however, we're made to spend our eternity in Heaven.

I thank God for these moments we do have.

These beautiful moments of prayers and playing,

Of love so gratifying, that I truly have no words I can find to describe it.

I know I could never be so fulfilled if I didn't have my Jesus--

having His love for me,

makes THIS love for my family.....

the sweetest love.

Hot Mom Posts and Update

Hey lovely readers and friends,

It has taken a week to get 'caught up' in life! But, here I am...finally able to sit down for a second and write.

I have this issue with blogging, if everything is not done--then I feel bad for blogging. As in, feel I should be up cleaning, cooking, working, exercising...writing for me is a break! So I sometimes feel bad for taking that ME time.

However, if I wait till EVERYTHING is done (which rarely, if ever happens) then I'll never be able to write.  And truly, I love to write. Plus, it helps me to remember things.

As for the past week, I had a great week and weekend.
LAST weekend...I was very fortunate and lucky to go see a play at the new Zach Theatre on South Lamar.  I got to see 33 Variations and was blessed with the tickets by Mrs. Pam Thompson!  Her very talented son, Lincoln, who I went to school with---was in it!

my bed hog

Small fact, Lincoln and I did theatre in high school together and One Act.  Now, he is a theatre professor at Baylor and has been in dozens and dozens of plays.  It was a lot of fun seeing him in action again after so many years.

Justin was a very wonderful husband and kept the two kids so I could enjoy myself without worrying.  I got to go out with Joshua for the night.  (For those not in the loop, Joshua is my cousin---who I love to the moon and back!)
I wanted to take someone who would appreciate seeing Lincoln perform as well.

The play was really good. It had everything! A love story (which Lincoln played a part in) history, music, drama, tragedy....

All in all, it was a great time! And I was so appreciative of my MOM night out.  So, a big thanks to the Thompson family for making that happen! And to everyone in Austin--go check out 33 Variations. The new theatre is beautiful as well.

--------------

As for the rest of the week...
we've been having a great time enjoying this crazy spring weather!
One of the many reasons I love Austin is that this city is BIG into outdoor events and fitness!
SXSW is right around the corner---Justin and I have already started hitting up the trails with the kids, and before long we'll be out on our boat on Lake Austin.
Oh and spring means garden time!

my new 9mm

We're waiting until March to start planting all our new plants and I cant wait!
-------
Also I've been practicing with a new present Justin got me a few weeks back.
Momma got herself a new handgun!
I know, I know...not exactly a diamond--but, I figure in this day and age I need to be prepared for everything and I have two babies to protect.  
I'm getting my CHL next month and I definitely believe in being a responsible, well-educated gun owner. Oh yea, watch out---Momma hits her mark 9 times out of 10.

----------------

Quick HOT mom update--I'm doing a follow up post on this soon because I have more to cover...
but to note, I've not lost weight in awhile but at least I'm not gaining.
I'm not tracking what I eat and in short, enjoying myself.

Truth of the matter is, I LOVE to cook.
I enjoy feeding my family (we do eat pretty healthy and balanced meals) but I still eat too much.
So yea, there you have it.

However, I DO move a lot.
I have been doing good about moving more....
but it's been hard to squeeze in specific exercise time.

big 3month old

I just make sure to play more--get out more, walk more with the boys--and to park in far away spots when we go out. Little things DO help in some ways.

Also, I went to look for my 30 Day Shred DVD...and couldn't find it.
(Did I mention I did it ONCE! And it went missing...)
Weeks later, I found it in the freezer.
True story.
Soooo, I'm guessing Kie was doing me a favor by hiding it.

Thanks Kie Man!

Well, this momma is gonna enjoy some seven layer dip that Papa J made--and watch Beyonce.
Ya, I don't care for this game.....
I just wanna see how good Beyonce's body looks.

until next time,
hk

Daddy J has his hands full