Happy Friday

Happy Friday!

I love Fridays for numerous reasons.  Mainly because they are the start of the weekend, which means spending time with J and family time.  However, I'm leaving tomorrow to go to Atlanta...so I'm sad I won't be spending time with him.  

However, I wanted this blog to be about some random things that I'd like to share.

 Here I go (by the way, if I ever blog while Justin is at work then there's a 99% chance I'm typing while nursing) BUT in this rare case, I'm bouncing a Boppy with a baby on it.  It's an interesting sight!

First OFF---I just got a Shake-Weight....yess I know what you're thinking, "Omgosh those are silly, why'd in the world would you get one?!"  Believe it or not I thought they were hilarious too! But someone I know got one, and they testified that it did work.  So the other night when Justin was on baby duty I ran to Academy.   I had a gift card there and I picked up one (along with some new running shoes!).  Anyway, it does seem to work.  It definitely makes my arms tired.  I actually took a BEFORE picture and will do use the Shake Weight 6 minutes everyday for 2 months....(that should give me time!?) and I will post the results! So be looking for that March 7th!

   **I got the 6 minutes/day from their advertising**

Also, in the last two weeks I've eaten two jars of jalapenos.  I have NEVER liked them before.  So I don't know if it's a hormone shift after pregnancy or what?  Luckily I've not had any problems with indigestion from them but I seriously can't get enough of them.  Glad I developed this weird eating habit rather than eating a box or two of donuts or M&Ms

Alas, I'm finally feeling like myself after delivery.  I still have a WAYS to go.  But I am feeling like my hormones have been in check for a while and my body feels like it's 80% healed.

I think by the 6 month mark I will be back to lifting weights (real weights not the Shake Weight) and doing ab work soon.

I am just being real, but I don't see myself looking good in a bathing suit this season.  Since I'm going to be nursing for a year I don't expect to lose a lot of weight (though the myth of nursing and losing is still strong) it isn't totally true.  Yes, you may burn an additional 300 calories a day, but you also have to consume 300-500 kcals to keep up with your milk supply.  So basically you level off.  And I believe I have.  

I am ready to feel sexy again! But Justin is a true gentleman and always makes me feel beautiful and so good about myself. Sometimes though it's not so much how others view you (or your spouse who is generally always loving) but how you feel about yourself.  I know it took me 9 months to completely morph my body, where I GREW and harbored a little human being!  And I know it will take time for it to get back to a semi normal state.  

--Winter Blues?--

So now that Halloween, Thanksgiving & Christmas are over...what to look forward to next?

Usually we have a vacation in the future that I can look forward to--and happily we are in the midst of planning one.  I still want to head to Colorado for some skiing and snowboarding.  Though last year I tore my MCL so perhaps I should avoid the slopes!

I do know we are going to the beach this summer (I think somewhere in Florida) so Justin can scuba dive and I can relax with the little man (under a lot of umbrellas, sun screen and protective clothing --for him at least!)  I also am getting certified to dive,  I'm so excited!  Justin is probably even more excited though.  He loves to dive and he loves sharing his experiences with me.  I am definitely not ready to do 150 feet like he has done previously. But I love the ocean and I can't wait to see all the creatures under the water!

Also we are making a trip to California in the next 6 months to visit Justin's family and friends. 

There is a lot to look forward to--and I'm just amazed how time passes by!

Well I better get some housework done, Lil man fell asleep on me and I'm going to put him down so momma can get some cleaning done!

Tonight we are going out with one some friends to eat Mexican food at a hole in the wall restaurant.  We  don't even know the name we just call it "Our Restaurant."  So we are sharing our little diamond in the rough with our amigos! ;)

I also need to go pump a bottle for tonight so I can enjoy a margarita.

Until next time!

-HK-

Kie's first ever LAUGH was yesterday!  After our walk around Town Lake.

Town Lake

Love my lil Chunky Monkey!

A Year Behind!

 Happy Twenty-Eleven from the Knuths!

I am already running behind on updating my blog.  Seriously, this mom thing is a 24/7 job!  I'm not complaining but I rarely have time for much these days.  And I also feel extremely guilty when I do anything else that is NOT devoted to my son.

Mainly because I want to cherish these days since he is growing up so darn fast!

Anyway--New Year's Eve was great.  We spent it playing games and eating with good friends.  Low key, but fun enough that I needed some extra sleep the next day.  Needless to say, Kie was the center of attention and our main source of entertainment (besides Wii, Catch Phrase and Apples to Apples)!

This week has been FLYING by.  Kie turned TWO MONTHS on the 3rd.  I took him in for his 2 month appointment.  He is 11 pounds, 11 ounces!  My baby is getting so big, it makes me sad!  I want him small forever.  Though, he is learning how to smile.  He has been smiling for awhile but now he knows how to 'control' it.  So I have secret ways to make him laugh, smile and coo at mommy.  I love those times.

This weekend I will be heading home to Atlanta because Justin will be also heading to Atlanta (Georgia) for work.  I didn't want to spend the week home alone and neither did my parents.  So they are meeting us half way to pick me and Kie up!

I'm going to be so sad without Justin around but it will help being home with all the family.

This is Justin's last class to get his masters for Land Rover.  So I'm excited and also really nervous for him.  He's got a big test to take the end of next week.  But I'm sure he'll do good!

Anyway--this week has been good.  Justin has been cooking dinner most nights (so sweet of him) to give me time to hit the gym.  Goodness knows I need it.  And also to run some errands without the Baby.

But basically that's been it.

I do have a few resolutions for this year--

So here they are!

1.  Lose the baby fat!

--So technically the doctor instructed me NOT to diet.  I have to eat 1800 calories to keep up my milk supply.  I plan on nursing for a year.  So, we'll see how it goes.  Losing the weight while EATING that much is going to be hard.  I have a ways to go....and no sleep and little time to workout doesn't help.

2.  Finish our house! 

 We have DONE so much already!  But we are redoing our living room and bathroom and I'm so excited.  We have all the stuff we need and now that I'm not pregnant I can help Justin again with everything.  We should be on Renovation Realities! --We are big DIY'ers when it comes to things around the house.  And Justin is super handy.  He's definitely a jack of all trades.

3. Stop biting my nails.

I went 2 weeks after Christmas and was so excited.  But I bit them off the other day.  I know, gross habit! But I seriously think LONG natural nails are scary.  I love acrylic nails.  But real ones gross me out.  

4. Finish all the books I'm reading.  

I'm simultaneously reading about five books.  I really need to read them all and be done with them.  But like I said the no sleep and little time for myself doesn't help.

5. Become more involved with our church.

 I love our church and I can't wait to be more active in it.  We will be resuming our Sunday School class in the middle of this month once we're back from our trips to Atlanta.

 --Then we are meeting with our preacher (Kie Bowman) to get our Baby Kie dedicated.

and lastly....

6.  Be a better child of God, wife, mother, daughter, sister, friend.

ANYWAY--I have a lot of resolutions for this year.  And I'm hoping for the best!

Well I better do the dishes while baby is sleeping.

Until next (free) time--

-HK-

Daddy swinging Kie around in his blanket singing "Look what the Stork brought in!"

Halley's Highlights of 2010

Wow, tomorrow is the END of 2010!

 Like I've said before...

"It's crazy what a year can do!"

2010 was by far THE best year of our lives.

  And I am posting why it has been....our top 10 moments!

1. I graduated from the University of Texas

with my bachelor's of science in radio-television and film.

2. Justin and I went on our first real vacation together in Breckenridge.

It was amazing and it showed us both that we wanted to spend the rest of our lives together.

Justin and I both love the outdoors and snow.  And we both have family in Colorado so it was the 

perfect vacation of fun, snow, romance and family.

3.  We got engaged!

 It was on the lake--one of our favorite places of them all! And so very romantic.  It was in a lagoon area --there was a full moon and swans swimming around.  I felt like Ariel the mermaid (when she was with Eric and she had legs) I was wondering when Sebastian would pop up to start singing "Kiss the Girl."

4.  We got pregnant!

4. We got MARRIED in Cabo San Lucas!

5.  We went to Kaitlin and Seth's wedding

--and Justin got to meet a lot of my extended family. Plus, it was a beautiful event full of so much love.

6. We found out we were having a BOY! AND--we had our baby shower!

We were so excited! (Thus began decorating the nursery!)

7. We went to the Cowboy's training camp and celebrated my grandparents 60th wedding anniversary!

8. We went to Nikki and Colt's wedding!

Another beautiful event full of love, family and fun!

9. KIE WAS BORN!

By far the most important day this year!!

And what a crazy, CRAZY experience it was!

Life altering experience!

We're soooo in love with our sweet little son!!!

10.

We spent Thanksgiving and Christmas together as a family!

(I had to add those two together!)

Alright, that's 

Halley's Highlights of 2010!

Tomorrow night we're having great friends over for board games and fun!

Can't wait to post about it AND my New Year's resolutions!

Please share your resolutions with me! I'd love to hear em!

Until NEXT YEAR!

-HK-

(Me and Justin last New Year's---Downtown at the Long Center!)

-

Christmas and Last Week of 2010

Christmas was a crazy whirlwind!  

I never realized how special and wonderful the holidays could be once you have your own child!

(I'm able to blog right now because my sweet husband is holding our precious baby in the recliner right now.)

I got to spend a week in Atlanta with my family before Christmas.  Kie and I were spoiled! So many aunts, grandparents and cousins wanting to help out and hold the baby allowed some ME time.  I was able to get my hair cut, colored...a much needed mani/pedi and even a massage! I was in Heaven! (It was also part of my Christmas present from my wonderful parents.) Needless to say, I thoroughly enjoyed that time with family & friends.

Also everyone thinks Kie looks just like his daddy.  Which he does.  He's a spitting image of his father!  I'm sure people question what I had to do with him--other than the 16 hours of labor ha!

Once Justin got into town (he had to stay in Austin until right before Christmas due to work) we had our first date night. It was needed and actually pretty romantic.  Though, I was paranoid about being away from Kie so long.  I made sure to pump two bottles for him and he was in great hands with his grandparents.  

Justin and I went to Jefferson for dinner at Lamaches and then for a drink at Auntie Skinner's.  And as much as I TRIED to be the fun girl I use to be...but it's hard getting out of mommy mode.  

I have literally changed SO much.  My thoughts are strictly of my son.  And yes, I still try to pamper my husband.  But it's so easy to get caught up on the baby.  So I was trying to make that night strictly about Justin. 

(To mommies-to-be, or women wanting a baby--beware!  Your spouse may be your world NOW but once a baby is in it, it's hard to pull yourself away from your baby and give time to your partner and for yourself!)  

I'm sure once Kie is older I will feel better about being away from him....but I don't know.  Even when he's in the same room with me, I can't keep my eyes off him.  Anyway, the night went so great....and it was really special to have the night to ourselves and to focus on all the great changes that have happened from last Christmas to the current one.  I miss dating' my husband.  

---

Back to Christmas....

Justin spoiled me this year.  Even though we talked about not having a big Christmas.  I guess this is our last year really to splurge on one another since the next Christmases will be all about Kie, since this year he wasn't so aware of Santa and such.

Though really this Christmas was all about Kie...

He was the center of attention at all our families homes!

He also got some great presents from his grandparents and from Santa.

Anyway, I'm AMAZED how fast this year has flown by!

Last December I graduated from the University of Texas!

This December married with a baby!

I'm hoping I can find time to make a post of Halley's HIGHLIGHTS of 2010....

but for now I gotta run!

Aunt Kait and Kie

Big Daddy and Kie

Grandmother and Kie

date night!

In a blink

Growing up so fast!

Life is going by so fast! Forgive me for not blogging.  I rarely have the time to brush my hair much less get on the computer these days.  Anyway, things have been going great.

Kie is growing so fast!  I want him to stay young forever.  Tho, I am excited to watch him grow.  He is learning so much, I can see it all in his little face.  (So many new facial expressions, responding to different stimulating things and of course staying awake and so alert during the day!) So mommy has been a good mommy and is SPENDING time with him....so  that means laundry/dishes and showers get put on the back burner.

Last week Justin and I had our own Christmas because this year we are going to Atlanta.  I will be leaving a week early to spend time with my family and for them to all meet Kie.  Justin and my brother will be leaving later this week once they get off work.
--  Dad is picking me up this Saturday (tomorrow) and we are driving to Dallas to meet my new nephew David Archer and for him to meet his new cousin, Kie. Also for Kie to meet his big cousin Amelia! (2 years old) It's an exciting year for our family.  Two new grandsons...plus Princess Amelia means we have three babies in our family.  And what is better than a baby? Nothing!

So anyways me and Justin exchanged gifts last weekend because this weekend I'm leaving and he is working.  I got some great gifts and I know he liked his.  Especially his new cowboy boots.  And, I may add...he looks great in them!  I never saw the day that my Californian, wake-boarding, scub-diving, jumping out of plane man would be wearing big ole TEXAS boots.  He looks like he may have turned Texan officially.

Last Sunday was also a big day for us because we ventured to church.  Our first church service with Kie.  He actually went to the service because he is too young for the nursery (not 6 weeks yet.)  He was so cute in his little outfit, sleeping in his car seat.  He stayed awake for a lot of the service and then when we sang "Silent Night" he appropriately fell asleep soo sweet!


After church we were  excited to go to our Sunday School party at Penney and Jerry's.   We hadn't been to church since Kie was born and it was so nice to see everyone!  And it was a White Elephant party so watching everyone open their gifts and steal them was hilarious.

Justin's chewed gum fridge magnets were a hit. (Or so he thought!)  The guys had to get guy gifts, girls get girl gifts. (Under $5).  So when Justin spotted this gag gift he knew he had to buy it for the party.  Embarrassingly enough, when all the presents were passed out and exchanged...everyone wanted to know where the odd chewed gum magnets came from.  Justin proudly raised his hand!

The party was filled with all the holiday fixings and great desserts and even better company.  I feel so blessed to finally find a great church home.

Here are some pictures from the event.  Which are all from Jerry Malcolm's camera. (Thanks Jerry!)
Party Pics!


Justin and I feel very blessed and gracious.  Life is so peaceful now.  Being a true family, with a son has opened our eyes and hearts so much to many things.  Our lives have meaning and a wonderful purpose.

Justin proves daily how great of an example of a man he is to our son.  Though Kie may be too young to notice now, I'm excited for him to learn from his father.  His dedication and patience is such a great reminder to me on a daily basis how blessed I truly am.  (Sappy, I know!)  But I can't help but just reflect on the positive things this time of season.

Also, all my praying and studying of great books like Love and Respect and doing the The Love Dare has showed me the way I need to love, in the way Christ loves the church.

I'm by NO means perfect and I guess that's why I am so grateful, because an imperfect person like myself is able to have true JOY due to God's love and mercy which  is an amazing feeling.

Anyway--this week Justin and I have been cherishing our time together--and with Kie before this weekend rounds out. Tonight we're going to dinner together (and of course w/baby) and then to 37th street to look at the famous light display.  Then I'm heading to Dallas tomorrow!

It's going to be a great Christmas with so much family.  I can't wait! (Especially can't wait to see you Kait and Seth!) I also can't wait to see what Santa will bring Baby (because he has been one good lil boy--regardless of the nights he keeps me up!)

Gotta wrap this up because there's lots of packing to be done while Kie is asleep....you don't realize the AMOUNT of things you need for a baby until you have to go somewhere.  Diapers, wipes, blankets, spit-up blankets, onesies, nice clothes, socks, beanies, car seat, stroller, toys, boppy, breast pump, bottles, towels...etc!  So much for such a little man!

Hopefully I'll find some time to blog some while I'm home in Atlanta. IF not, there will be a post AFTER Christmas.


Lots of love and Happy Holidays!!!

-HK-

Baby Kie playing with his Christmas gift from his Oma

Kie is little small for his bouncy toy, but he still wanted to try it out!

Christmas is upon us!

I feel Christmas is in the air!  Our house is officially ALL decorated...lights on the house, Santa's and snowmen everywhere, Poinsettia's galore, tree up and presents underneath!  Last Thursday we had our friends over for Christmas cookies, pizza (yea for no cleaning dishes!) and watching The Office.  Of course my husband was working until the sun went down--catching time with him during the work week is basically non-existent.  It's ok, I have gotten use to it.  Besides, it gives me and Kie time to play most of the day and wait till last minute to finish up dinner and cleaning house before Dad is home.

Friday night Justin and I had a quite night in with Baby--and Saturday we had Haley, Dan and Scarlett (the little 4 year old I use to nanny) come over.  They hadn't met Kie and it was so nice to see them.  I definitely felt like the Brust family as a second family for me.  And to see Scarlett such a big 4 year old, compared to tiny Kie was fun.  They also had lots of goodies for him!

Then later that night we had our friends Shon and Nicholette come over.  They had yet to meet Kie too, due to Shon being sick.  Shon and Nic are Kie's adopted Uncle and Aunt!  They have been looking forward to meeting baby since the day we found out we were pregnant.

Nicholette was a natural with Kie and held him the entire night!  At first it was hard to let someone else hold Kie for so long, but I got use to it.  It was nice to sit on the couch and enjoy our friend's company in our own home.  They also brought Kie some precious festive outfits from Baby Gap (pictures to come!) and some delicious wine.  And usually I rather pass a glass of wine (especially since I'm nursing) but also because I'm very picky about wines.  But this one was just perfect!  I want to get a case or two for Christmas to bring home.  It's called Raza Argentina, it's a Dolce sparkling white wine.  It's so good and so light! Justin also made delicious, big Texas burgers with Swiss cheese and sauteed mushrooms!  Way better than any burger at any given restaurant.  

Sunday, Justin spent it Christmas shopping.  So me and Kie stayed home and watched Christmas movies on TV while he was out running errands.  Also Amanda came over to see me while her husband and mine worked.

Basically we've just been entertaining our friends that come over this past week--and I'm excited to see some more friends tonight, Justin's friend, Brett and his wife.  Justin use to wakeboard a lot with Brett.  I love having people over during the holiday season because our house is decorated and smelling of Pine Spruce trees and mistletoe (thanks to great candles from Hobby Lobby!)

Also life with baby is great!  Generally days consist of early morning feedings starting around 4am till 6 am.  Then we generally take a nap around 6:30am (when Daddy leaves for work).  And we sleep till nearly 8am (this is when momma gets her sleep in).  And from then on the day consists of lots of feedings (cluster feeds--every 2 hours) and dirty diapers.  And of course changes of clothes! (We have so many that I want him to wear that it's ok!)  Then we usually take a 30-60 minute walk to a store or grocery store for items we need for dinner or just to look around.  Of course we are all bundled up and we love riding around in the stroller, as long as Momma doesn't stop and look at something too long.  If we're moving we're doing good!  Then we return home to do a feeding before Daddy gets home and maybe take a quick nap so mom can clean house/throw on some makeup...and perhaps change her top because chances are there is milk, spit up or maybe a bit of teetee on it.  And if mom is really lucky she may get dinner started.  

I feel like I'm a single mom from about 12-1am to 6:30-7pm.  Not to say my husband isn't helpful with Kie.  He goes ABOVE and BEYOND.  But, I like for him to sleep at night because he works ALL day long.  So Justin will take the first night shift with Kie (meaning he'll get up with him until his feeding to change diaper/hold him) but after that I TRY not to let the baby wake him and I have him the rest of the night.  There are SOME nights when I let Justin get up for another one of the diaper changes.  But once Justin leaves at 6:30 am or so for work, I have Baby until he gets home which is well after 6pm.  And if he works on side work then sometimes the nights go to 8-8:30 pm.  Which leaves VERY little mommy and daddy time.  

Either way, motherhood is a blessing!  And I love and respect how hard J works....so it's ok that he is gone during the work week...we always make up for time on the weekends.  Being a mommy means you work full time and over time.  Luckily it's a job that comes with lots of love, slobbery smiles and coo's!  And I feel so fortunate my little man is such a lover baby.  He loves cuddling with his mommy.  I definitely am a person that is NOT at all lazy (I always have the house spotless, clothes cleaned/folded/baby bathed and even will walk all over Austin in a stroller just to keep busy) I'm a self claimed busy body-- BUT the thing I love MOST in my days is when I get a chance to lay down in our big bed with Kie curled up with me.  I wish I could lay there forever, but the OCD side kicks in and makes me get up to dust/clean...

Maybe that will subside soon and I'll be able to cherish those moments of big blue eye balls and flailing baby arms instead of dashing to do dirty dishes and dust!

Also we sent off ALL our Christmas cards this week--excited for friends and family to see our lil Angel!  

Oh yes, last night (funny moment) when we put Kie to bed...he laid in his pack & play talking/cooing for an hour.  Since he was so loud and talkative we had to take him out of our room since Justin couldn't sleep.  That makes the second night we've had to remove our BABY from our room for being so talkative (not crying!).  Of course, me being Mother Hen, went to sleep with him in another room.  I just think it's so funny that he's such a talker! 

Speaking of, I'm going to go rescue my lil man from his pack and play and love on him some before we go on our daily walking adventure!  Today we're checking out Christmas lights in the surrounding neighborhoods.

PS, this blog was started a few days ago---just takes me so much time to blog these days.  

Until the next sparing moments....

lots of love!

Mad at mommy

Grumpy I stuffed him in his car seat!

Feeling blessed

I'm just feeling extra thankful and thought I'd share!

Also, today I feel so good because I went for a long walk with Baby and we got some great stocking stuffers!

God has really been working in my heart lately about a lot of things and I feel so happy and grateful that my heart feels like it may burst.  Everyday my love grows more and more for Him, my husband and of course my baby!  I feel so very blessed to be a mommy.  I never knew how satisfied and fulfilled I could feel taking care of Kie.

I wish I could package this feeling and give it to people!

Well I'm going to go read some in my book (Love & Respect) while Kie is napping.

And then to start baking for my friends to come over tonight, Amanda and Warren! I love them!

Such a funny picture, Kie fell asleep in a ball on the couch.  Wearing his sweet infant gown.

Does it seem my husband have the biggest hands in the world?

Yawning!



Until next time <3
-HK-