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

Wraps, Slings and Carriers...Oh, My!

FINALLY! A post on the carriers I've been using over the past two years.

I've had a few and I will post the pros and cons on all four that I've used.

This is just my personal opinion, so use it as you may!

The carriers I'll cover are the Moby wrap, a Hot Slings, the Ergobaby and the Baby Bjorn. (I am a hoarder of baby wearing accessories!)

1. Moby Wrap:

I used the Moby a lot with Kie, initially...
As in when he was first born.

The wrap is essentially a long piece of fabric that you can tie in multiple ways to carry your child. Right off the bat, you kinda wonder why it is so expensive for such a long piece of fabric.  I know a lot of handy moms that could easily buy some soft, organic fabric and make their own Moby.

In fact, I would often times find myself pulling off the Moby and making a 'nest' with it and setting the baby in it.. Sure, it's soft...and a lot of moms in Austin swear by it, but to me, it's just not practical.
You can't throw in on fast--and it's not ideal for when your hands are full.
The first child--can easily be worn in a Moby....the second child? Well, sure they can too, but you won't have the time to try all the fancy ways to tie it. So, practice now before the baby comes!

 Another con, as a germ-aphobe, I don't like how long the fabric is--because you can guarantee if you take it out in public it's going to touch the ground while tying it. However, you can easily wash it!

Pro: It is a good, comfy, soft wrap for lazy, relaxing days at home. It can be tied to worn multiple ways.

Con: It's too long. It isn't fast enough to put on and can get loose. It is not ideal for really active moms. It can be a bit confusing the first few times you wear it. (A lot of different ways to tie it.)

2. Hot Sling:

I also got the Hot Sling, for Kie. My husband actually bought it at a baby boutique that was having a close -out sell.

First impressions, they're super cute! However, if you don't get them fitted just right-- they don't work so well. My sling is cute, however it never fit me correctly. I wore it a handful of times and it never felt comfortable for me or for Kie. I always felt it was squishing us both and that it didn't sit on my hip just right. And, as I lost the baby weight, the sling didn't fit.

Pro: Super cute, fashionable.

Con: I must not be built-well to wear a Hot Sling. They go across one shoulder to the hip.  If you're losing weight after the baby, then the sling will continue to fit differently. (At least this rings true for the sling I have.) So, you either have to have multiple sizes or have a fitted sling and hope you never change weight.

3. The Ergobaby:

The Ergo was the only carrier I bought new with Kix.  I had been 'researching' the Ergo for two years after I had Kie. However, I had 3 carriers/slings and the Ergo was a bit costly.

wearing the Ergo, ignore my face lol

However, after giving it a *test-drive*--borrowing my sister-in-law's at the beach one week, I was sold!

I love, LOVE, LOVE my Ergo!
I have the performance Ergo--and I love it because it is fast to put on, comfortable and it shields the baby from the elements (has a built in hoodie!)

I love it because I truly feel like the baby is secure (there's multiple ways to tighten, adjust and secure the carrier and baby) and I like how I feel Kix against me.

It also has a zipper pocket that can fit a pacifer, car keys or your debit card.
I also bought the newborn insert so I could start wearing Kix early---However, I would advise against that. It is about an additional $20-$25 on top of the already expensive Ergo. I used the insert maybe twice. Kix quickly grew out of it!

The Ergo can be worn a few ways--and I like that there are a few different options of Ergos to choose between. (Organic, Performance, Sport...just to name a few!) The Ergo carrier lets the baby face you.
 For now, I think that is ideal---because the baby seems very supported.  You can also wear the baby and nurse while the baby is in the carrier. Another big plus!

I've used the Ergo to go walking, grocery shopping, hiking and everything in between.
However, here in Texas--where it's hot year around--I'm a bit worried how wearing Kix will go during the hot summer months.  Regardless, I'm excited to get out more with him!

Baby Bjorn

Pros: Comfortable, secure, fast-to-put on---great for Moms on the go--great for active moms! This is my go-to carrier!

Cons: My husband thinks they're a bit bulk looking. (There is a lot of support and straps, but it is light and comfortable on the body.) Lastly, they can be pricey!

4. Baby Bjorn:

The Baby Bjorn has been the most utilized carrier I've had. I used it the most when Kie was younger--and Justin also wore it.  It's simple, sleek and also very secure.  Justin also wears Kix in the Baby Bjorn.  The big plus about the Bjorn is that you can wear the baby forward facing and back to chest.  I think I will probably use the Bjorn more once Kix is a bit bigger, so he can face outwards.

The Bjorn has been around forever--and there's a reason for that.  It's tried and tested to be a great carrier.  However, it can also be expensive. My Bjorn doesn't have all the bells and whistles that the Ergo does (no zipper pouch or built in hoodie). But it's a great carrier, hands down. I also have the original Bjorn, so there may be newer updated ones.

Pros: A versatile carrier, sleek-modern, secure and comfortable. Also fast and easy to put on.
My husband also love its and so I guess I can put that it's uni-sex. Lol *Come to think of it...all the dads I see at the hike and bike trails are usually using the Bjorn!

Oh hey dads, my husband uses the Bjorn to play in the backyard with Kie and Kix. He wears the Bjorn to water the yard---or to pull Kie around in the wagon! Free hands, more productive!

Cons: No real cons! (Maybe the price?)

So there ya have it friends!
Those are the carriers and slings I've used in the past two years!
I love baby wearing!
And with two kids, well -- it just makes sense!

-hk

A typical sight on any giving night at the Knuth's :)