Stay-cation #1

Well, having a baby certainly has it perks, perks like getting so much time off from work that we don't know what to do with it all! Because we had Kinley, Matt's job gives him 2 weeks of paternity time off AS WELL as his usual 2 weeks vacation. Matt only took one week off when Kins was born and then my mom came out for the 2nd week. So we have used his second week of paternity time for some extra long weekends. Our first one we've used was this past Friday, Monday and Tuesday. Our original plan was to go away to the coast or something, but after we bought our plane tickets home for Thanksgiving, we decided to do something a little more low key. So we had a staycation!

Friday started off with a date with just Matt and I. We usually still have date night every week, but lately we've had a plus one with Kinley. Some of our friends were so kind and watched her for us so we could have some time alone. We went our for Sushi (YUM!!!!) and then walked around Hobby Lobby to look for frames and get ideas for some upcoming projects. It wasn't anything super elaborate, but it was exactly what I needed. Time with my wonderful husband just talking and laughing and not having to worry about diapers or nursing.

Saturday wasn't really too much fun, we did some things around the house and started a little fall cleaning. I don't think Matt feels the same way, but I love clearing things out and making space. I have vowed since I moved out on my own that I will never be a pack rat, too much clutter makes me tense and somewhat claustrophobic. I think I drive Matt crazy when I feel the need to purge some things and I'll admit sometimes it's hard to make myself do it, but I love the feeling afterward!

On Monday we slept in (as much as you can with a 4 month old) and Matt got a little studying in and in the afternoon we headed to Fort Worth to the Botanical Gardens. Matt was able to go when his family was out here for Kinley's baby blessing, but I was not able to go, so we took a family trip. I'll be honest, I thought it was going to be boring at first, but I really enjoyed it, aside from it being muggy. It was so beautiful seeing all the different trees and flowers and Kinley was such a trooper, we got some great pictures of her!





Tuesday we took off for Granbury. Granbury is a little town with a lot of character. We stopped for lunch when we got there at a little place called the Firehouse Cafe. It wasn't bad, but Matt quickly noticed that we were the youngest people in there by a good 30 years! I liked the atmosphere though, it seemed like all the customers were regulars and their servers were happy to see them. Matt and I joked that we had better high tail it out of there before the "people who usually sit in our booth" show up. ha! Granbury has a little town square with lots of fun and funky shops AND my favorite part is that the town sits right on a lake. Some years ago the city decided to import sand from South Padre Island and made a little beach! The water was low, but I loved having my toes in the sand again and walking down to the water!  The water was extra refreshing on my feet because the sand was SO HOT!! We had a blast with Kinley, as well, putting her little feet in the water. We think she enjoyed it... we know she didn't hate it so that is a win in our book. After that we decided to head home. Kinley napped the whole way which equaled happy parents.

Our staycation was just what we needed a little time together with some mini getaways. Kinley was awesome the whole time! I love that, for the most part, we can take her wherever we want and she is happy to be along for the ride. We love our little roadtrip partner! We have another "staycation" coming up in October, so I am working out the plans for that one! =)

Until next time!

at the Botanical Gardens

We saw lots of turtles

she was always camera shy when I held her!

she loved the aquarium!

trying some cornbread

not quite sure

4 Months

Dear Kinley,

Four months have come and gone! Last month was a big one! You went on your first big vacation! You flew on a plane a total of four times, you took a couple road trips, went on a boat and met lots of new family members and some of mommy and daddy's friends, and you were such a trooper through it all! You also started sleeping through the night, which mommy and daddy are quite thankful for. This month we have also moved you out of our room into your own room! You've only slept there for one night, but you did great! It's so fun to see you in the room that mommy put so much thought and effort into. I can't wait to see what it looks like with the crib in there, which we are getting for you in a week! Other than that things are same old same old. You are still mastering rolling over. You don't like to do it in front of Mom, but you have no problems for Dad. You are getting more comfortable with tummy time and have started grabbing for things. I think you are starting to teethe, but I never can tell. Dad and I are starting to make you laugh more often, and people always comment on how much you smile! You are going to be one happy girl, I know it. You have so many friends and people that adore you, I probably say that all the time, but it is true. You are still a little one, but I have a feeling you will always be petite, you get it from your mom's side, don't worry. We are still in 3 month clothes. The 3-6 range is still quite big, but hopefully soon you'll grow into them. Don't worry though, you have PLENTY of clothes, Mom and Dad definitely did not get a shortage there. Mommy can't get you into everything we have for you before you grow out of them! Hopefully you'll enjoy it now, I can't say that your wardrobe will always be that extensive! Oh my little Kinley, my love for you grows every day! You have turned your mother into an even bigger softy then she already was. You have been such a blessing to your dad's and I's lives and you will always continue to be. We love you so dearly. We can't wait to see what you have in store for us next month!

Love, Mom