Happy 6 Months Kix Baby!

Kix Baby 'turned' SIX MONTHS this past week.
Where is time going?!

My baby is getting big. I still can't make time pause...(a battle I've been fighting since Kie was born) nonetheless, it is JOYOUS to watch them learn and grow :)

As for Kix, he still hasn't had any solid foods yet. We're teetering close to 20lbs...still wearing the same size clothes (9-12months typically) and size 3 diapers.

We also don't do bottles.  But that's because I've not pumped a surplus of milk like I did with Kie.
That's something I need to work on.
We will be seeing the doctor next week--and I may start introducing him to a few solids. But, since our weight is good--and we have no teeth--I am not in a rush.

Speaking of teeth, we have none as of now. However, I am sad to say I thought I saw two small white areas on the bottom of his gums popping up. So, we could wake up tomorrow with teeth!

Kix loves his brother still (Kie is everyone's source of entertainment!) and he loves standing (while being held) his bouncy chair/jumparoo thing...and he loves being held.

Like I've said, he is the true baby of the bunch.
And, yes...he still is in our bed.
But--he does go down by himself now--and he takes a morning nap alone.
By the way, this is ALL because I've yet to let him go down alone.
 I am having big issues letting go of my baby time.
 I think because I realized this go around HOW fast time flies!

We still do baby wearing (and I love it so) when we go shopping or out for groceries...Or, if I am taking Kix for a walk sans Kie.

Kix also loves to talk--and he screams and squeals as well.
His -word- he says over and over is 'BA BA BA BA'...
He did say something that sounded like DADA the other day, but I am not counting it.
I need one of my babies to say 'mama' first ;)

Anyway, sweet baby Kix is 6months-and though time is FLYING by--I could not be more happier with him being added to our family.
I feel like he was always here with us!
We're so blessed to have a sweet wild, angel baby :)

my handsomes

I say wild, because he literally doesn't stop moving or jumping.
Love you sweet 'lil dimpled boy!

AND for a few updates....

Last weekend turned out to be pretty nice weekend.
Friday, J-Me and the babies met with our friends for dinner and happy hour.
They're trying to find a home in the South Austin area--and have been looking for months.
The market is insane right now!
We're hoping they find something soon so we can be closer. We love them so :)
Saturday, Kie had his second weekend with the Soccer Shots! It is so much fun to watch him play.

And it's also pretty hilarious. 
The little boys kept interrupting the game and drills to play an impromptu of 'Ring Around the Rosie'.

little blurry @ Red's

Seriously, can you imagine anything cuter than a soccer game being paused for 'Ring around the Rosie?'

Later that day my oldest bestie (oldest--as in forever friends) came in town and we had a fun early evening at Red's Porch and then went to watch the Round Rock Express game.*
We being me, my hubs and the two boys* to clarify! 

Sunday-we went to church and had a lovely weekend catching up and relaxing some. Something we rarely do. We never just sit!

As for this week, we have been busy! Tomorrow our friend's are getting married--and we're taking the babies--so, I'm crossing fingers all goes well.
Then Saturday is our anniversary :)
I'm sure Justin has something up his sleeve...he always does.
(I, on the other hand, need to get on the ball!)

Speaking of getting on the ball...
I'm about to hop on my stationary bike for an hour of riding!

PS-Stay tuned on my HOT MOM POST...

Until next time,

Express Baseball game! So fun!

Does this purse go with this baby?

getting the boat out for this weekend
crossing fingers it gets warm!

Rants, Raves and Recents

Ahh, I've been wanting to write.

But, in order to write I've had to wake before the crack of dawn to do so.

Truth be told, I woke because of a headache--and my headache, I believe has been caused because of annoyances I've been holding on to. (That and the previous day I stayed up late and woke up early to prep and prepare for a 'fun day' that never occurred...which is what I'm writing of.)

Sometimes, it's hard for me to be truthful on here.

I know that sounds weird. But, as a Christian woman--I don't want to turn others off by complaining. 

It's not that I am NOT truthful--it's just I rather omit the complaining and negativity that sometimes I feel.

Sure, if you're my best friend--YOU will hear me rant and vent.

(Hey best friends and sweet husband!) Lol.

But for the most part, I won't complain to others (unless I'm comfortable with you). I just don't believe in doing so--because I feel I need to be Christ-like at all times. 

AND because my 'issues or annoyances' are n-o-t-h-i-n-g in the BIG comparison of life and all things important.

However, my heart and my head sometimes hurt because I am human.

And sometimes, my emotions do get the best of me.

I don't feel like going into it too much--but what I'm referencing to is flakiness.

It's a pet peeve of mine.

I understand in life that there are times when things don't work out and that's understandable and I also know we should NEVER put stock in other humans.

I've learned this lesson SO many times.

So I don't know why I seem to still get hurt or upset when others let me down.

God has been teaching me this lesson for decades. it seems.

I already feel better just getting this out.

So, maybe that's what I needed to do.

I also want to be a better friend to all MY sweet friends--and to call me out (gently) if I tend to not be there or flake on them.

I know with two kids, there are excuses at times.

 But, I've had friends with way more kids than me--be there for me in the past. 

So, I know I can at least do the same!

 And I always want to be a good friend to those who love and need me too!

*Ok, not my typical posting. But, it was on my heart this am!

Alright, now for my usual updating!

Besides the flakiness, 

LIFE has been GREAT and FLYING!

Last weekend we went to Kie's first soccer game.

So, that technically makes me a soccer mom ALREADY!

Where is time going!?

To be fair, it's not much of a game..

It's more like these adorable little 2 and 3 year olds kick around a soccer ball, attempt to kick it in a goal and do drills.

Now, I am SO not being partial here, but Kie was the best.

I don't know a thing about soccer besides you try and aim for the goal. But, Justin (former soccer player) has been working with Kie and he is just a natural.

I knew he would be athletic because Justin and I are athletic--but, considering Kie started half way through the season and was out kicking the other kids was pretty impressive.

Go on and cringe a bit at that sentence...

I would too if I wasn't his mom.

But, I'm just being truthful. Kie is outgoing and athletic at a young age--and I am grateful for it.

baby wearing at TownLake

I could care less if he was an athlete or if he was into music or art or whatever--but I'm just glad he has confidence to try and do new things at such a young age--and I hope no one ever crushes that in him.

Later that day we went to the UT baseball game with my parents.

Kie and Kix were so well behaved for the entire game.

UT beat West Virginia 12 to 0. OR, 13 to 0.

Whatever the score, it was a BLOW OUT! 

Hook Em!

The day was perfect, sunny with a little chill in the air!

That night Justin and I got to have a mini date.

We headed to the boat docks to have a few ales and to sit on a blanket and watch the dinner cruises gliding on the dark waters of the lake. 

 It was just an hour or so...but it was nice to get out.

This week we have been spring cleaning a bit and working in the yard.

Our backyard is looking more and more like the tropical oasis I've always wanted.

Our yard now is nicer than most parks or garden I've ever been to. 

I love walking in the soft grass, sans shoes.

(I take that back, Claude Monet's garden in France is pretty amazing--I'm striving for a yard like that!)

We're also excited to set up all the pools for the summer.

I ordered Kie and Kix both their own little pools (each one age appropriate for them)

and we can't wait to splash and play.

Also this weekend, we're so excited to see my good friend Rachel, it's been too long!

She's coming in this weekend and we're going to the Round Rock Express game---and to meet up with our other good friends, Amanda & Warren.

Then it will be May! And the next two months will be flying by!

May is full of weddings, wedding anniversaries, Mother's day, Ranger games, graduations and more.

Our weekends are nearly booked straight to July--which brings us to the beach!

So, basically, I have a short amount of time to whip myself into beach shape.

And that brings me, LASTLY--(this is a random rambling post)

to my HOT MOM segment.

Since I took a small sabbatical from blogging, I've had ups and downs in the weight department.

Mainly a stagnate, plateau.

I wasn't trying to lose--because I was content with life.

I didn't see the need for a long time to try and lose. I was comfy in my yoga pants.

However, my husband got me a really nice double jogger stroller--and I had no more excuses...and lake season is basically upon us!

So, I guess after Easter with all the bad (good) eating and dinners out--and Easter bunnies I consumed...I decided I needed to stop and get it together.

Since Easter..I've been doing a bit of Paleo eating--and just cleaning up my extra indulgences. I still do eat bad things here and there--but I try to limit it and not do it DAILY like I had been. I did Paleo for two weeks or so---and then started doing a more 70-80% paleo eating. 

So far, I'm nearly 10lbs down! (Roughly 8ish-9 lbs)

I still have about 14lbs to get back to pre-pregnancy weight (I gained 50lbs total) so I'm excited to be getting CLOSER to where I started pre-Kix days.

What I do, besides eat a bit better--is try and walk/jog daily.

Most times, I take the boys out to a park or trail--or those rare nights I get to have 15-20 minutes where I run either right before dinner or after diner--depending on Justin's schedule.

I just run around my neighborhood before it gets dark.

And since it's getting darker later, I have a little bit bigger window.

I also switch it up some with Wii-Fit or a little Yoga to stay stretched and flexible.

And lastly, I have been doing some weight lifting.

Kie riding his truck

I have a new medicine ball that I love--and I do reps with it---and sometimes I do fast/enough reps to get an aerobic exercise too.

I still have a LONG way to go (toning and losing 14lbs) but I'm glad I finally got off the plateau I was on for months and months!

Alright, well this post has been a bit everywhere...

I know I said I was going to talk about our classroom we're building on--and I WILL!

In fact, I was going to write about why we are homeschooling--

but that will have to wait.

Ps, I feel eons better about my 'annoyance' pre-writing this.

I guess that's why I love to write, helps me get everything out...

And now to start my day soon with my two sweet boys.

Until next time,

HK

PSS-Here's to being a HOT Soccer Mom soon!

And enjoy some random shots from my cell phone.

Intently watching the game
*wearing his new Baltic amber teething bracelet

two of the three loves of my life

 my little Longhorn!

beautiful day for some BASEBALL

Kix and his Baltic amber bracelet and necklace...
My inner hippie is showing :)
Hoping to help with any future teething issues

Joshua and Kie, love them both

Kie's helmet, his Dad special ordered.
Now we have the perspective of a two-year old during his adventures on his bike and truck!

my handsome babies and Big Daddy, Easter Sunday

I have not gone into hiding!

hello readers! Do I still have any?

Forgive me for taking such a long leave of absence. I have been living life...
We all are reminded on a daily basis by the news online and on our TVs that life doesn't stop or slow down, or even last long.

So, instead of taking the time I use to blog...I have been, well living and being present.

Do I miss writing?
Yes, I do.
But sometimes, life takes over.
Instead of using the time at night to write, I do my chores. Or, I sit for the first time all day.
Or, I just hold my baby.

My big ole baby is nearing the 6 months mark!
As of right now, he is weighing in at 18.6lbs. He is still exclusively breastfed and we have not started solids. I believe in baby-led weaning and eating. So, I'll introduce him some avocado soon. Probably a bit after his 6 month mark. I don't do baby cereal or oats because I am against introducing gluten to babies this young because of intolerance's they could have. I start with avocados and sweet potatoes. 

As for clothes/diapers---He is wearing a size 3 diaper.
 They're a bit big, but the size 2 were getting too small. He also still wears a 6-9, 9-12 onesies and pjs.
His favorite things and people are still his brother--and me (because I'm the 24hr buffet) and he loves his silly dad. Justin makes the funniest faces.
He also LOVES his feet and his bouncer.
Kie never tried grabbing his feet! So I love to see the differences between the two babies.

We will be starting our first swim lesson in the following weeks...a bit later than we did with Kie. But, we're pumped to get him into the water.
Kie and Kix also bathe together and they both love it so!
Kix spends sometime on his belly playing --and he kinda spins himself in a circle...or scoots.
No crawling yet and I hope he doesn't for a while!
I love the immobile child, makes life easier! lol
Also, no teeth yet...but I think they'll be here soon! (oy)
He also can sit up for a short amount of time, but for the most part he does the 'tri-pod' sitting pretty well.
I can't believe how fast time is flying!

And oh the differences between Kie and Kix.

Kix is definitely a 'baby' in every term.
He is sensitive & cuddly.
He loves to be held and he is spoiled rotten.

I may of spoiled Kie some, but Kix...well this baby is still sleeping IN THE BED with us.
My husband is not too happy, but I can't seem to bring myself to moving him out.
He is so cuddly and I'm determined to have one kid* be a big time snuggler.
*Kie snuggles, but cannot sleep with me. I've tried countless times!
Kix is also SO loud. He screeches and squeals all the time! He gets so excited to be around his big brother...it truly melts this gal's heart!

As for life lately?

Well, we're super busy!
The weather here in Austin has been great!
We spend out weekdays going to parks, hitting up trails and playing outside.
On the weekends, it varies: We have been having lunches out on the patios at all the fun-family friendly  restaurants. We did a fun Easter egg hunt at our church for Easter. Kie has been loving his new nursery class at church. We have done a kite festival, free SXSW concerts, the Austin zoo...and countless trips to the lake already to hike and play at the parks and have picnics.

Some nights we are lucky to go on family walks and those rare cool evenings, we start a fire in our firepit in the backyard and enjoy time together as a family...

Kie also recently joined a soccer league (I think he's a bit young, but this is his dad's doing!)
and so we also do a lot of soccer practicing. Basically, we stay busy!

Also, our new *classroom/playroom is underway. Justin has been working in his free time on the weekends to framing up the new room.
I can't wait to have a space dedicated to our school supplies, crafts, learning items and toys!
*We are homeschooling, that's a post I'll write about in the future.

As for the 'near' future---this weekend we are having my parents in and we are going to a UT baseball game. Kie loves baseball, as do we! And of course I love my Horns :)
I'm excited for Kix to go to his first game as well.
I feel I'm probably leaving out a lot of stuff!

But, I'm going to do better about updating!

I'll leave yall with some pictures--plus I have a 'HOT MOM' post and the building of our 'classroom' to come! Stay tuned!

-hk

Just a vapor

It's been awhile since I've sat down and just wrote.
I wanted a break because I needed to stop and actually live life instead of trying to record it every few minutes.
I needed to soak it all in and live in the present.
I don't even think I can use enough English words to describe these moments I long to box up and keep forever.

Mothers, I'm talking to you.
You know when you wake to a smiling baby, those toothless, gummy perfect grins with sweet squeals that melt any sad away...
Those precious babies that look at you like you're the world's only AND best thing...
Those excited, full of joy eyes--that have yet to witness anything ugly or hurtful in the world.
Or, how about when you take their sweet soft, small hands in yours...feeling the warmth and tenderness of their skin.
The way they grasp tightly onto your chest, your finger, your nose...
Or, when they excitedly pull your face close to theirs to suck on your cheek or to drool all over you.

Or, how about the sweet scents of baby...
The light smell of lavender baby lotion, a little milk smell and the warmth of their marbled skin.
Or, when you watch your children gaze upon one another--the love that can transpire between siblings.
The prayers you whisper quietly in those few seconds to God who made them,
praying that they forever love one another and look after one another.

These moments....the ones where nothing special has to happen...maybe you find yourself in pjs on an early morning, nestled by your child, watching another Mickey Mouse Clubhouse episode---and nursing an ever growing "newborn"---and it hits you how truly lucky you are.
How blessed you are to have known such a love....
yet, a love that makes you vulnerable and scared all at the same time.

I'm still working on living in the moment.
In this age of Facebook, blogs and social media sites---there is a lot that can steal your time and attention away from these moments.

And life, as it is---flies by so fast without these distractions.
Where does it go?

I know I've written about this a handful of times, but I guess because it weighs heavily on me.
Especially in the quiet of the nights, when my children and husband are all snoozing...I find myself awake, full of worries, the "what ifs' and the whys?

Life is fragile.
As humans, we witness a lot of death--or close calls on a daily basis.
(If you watch or read the news, which is the most depressing.)

Or, if you have had a fair share of it in your life.
Maybe someone you loved has died.
I know I don't deal with death well.
I guess sometimes you can be a bit prepared for it---say if a person has been sick for awhile. Maybe you're grateful the loved one is no longer in pain, however I don't think it lessens the heartache.

The deaths that are probably the hardest to understand are the ones caused by accidents, unexplainable or inexcusable things that cut lives short.
Those deaths are so hard to wrap a brain or heart around.

As a mom now, I worry.
I worry about this world we live in.
It's so full of evil and lawlessness.
I feel like no one values life anymore,
Or, the consequences.

Sometimes, I get pulled into this dark downward spiral, 
obsessing about it....
How would my children do without me if I died?
How could my husband manage our children without their mom?
Where would they go, who would take care of them?
OR,
God forbid, how could I ever live life if something happen to them?

I know this post isn't easy to read--so, if you made it this far than this is me hugging ((you))--
Basically, I guess in a rambling about way, I'm conveying a worry of a mom.
Maybe I'm just showing what a mom looks like with little faith?
Or, maybe this is God showing me to always be humbled?
That I should live now--
to continue to kiss my children five hundred and seventy-nine thousand times a day,
And my husband.
Maybe, I should just start now being the best mom and woman I need to be.

Yes, life is short--even without it being 'cut short',
Regardless if I live to see 100 years old or just tomorrow...
I need to live in love--and show Christ's love in everything I do.
Maybe I need to re-think of these feelings I have in the dark hours when I'm tempted to let my patience run out--or when I am quick with my tongue and not with my heart.

Tonight, as I go to sleep--I'll pray that no matter what time I have left on this Earth that God can use me.
That He will keep my family in His hands, my loved ones in His hands and that I can use every trial (or dark period) to learn and grow more in Him.

Thanks lovely readers, for allowing me to 'vent' my fears and with that--God spoke to me and my heart is now in peace with Him.

-hk

"Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes." -James 4:14

"Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do now know what a day may bring." -Proverbs 27:1

"So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom." -Psalm 90:12

few words

Thankful to God....

so, SO very thankful to God.

I haven't been in a mood to blog as of late.

Life has been good--but I am having a moment of not wanting to blog.

I'm sure my writing desires will come back soon...

but, I wanted to check in.

Check in to say, 

life is good,

My God is even better.

And these babies....

oh, these sweet babies---If only I could stop time!

Seriously though,

God has been moving in my heart.

Something is on the horizon...

I don't know what it is just yet.

But He is leading me somewhere.

Maybe it's not to GO--but it's to do.

We'll see....

I hope everyone is doing great and feeling grateful for their blessings.

Thank You God for Today and Everyday You Give to Us!

-hk

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