How Else Do You Handle Summer In Texas?

All Smiles And Lovin' Life

Time.

Time to enjoy the artistry of our favorite anniversary hideout, Trois Estate.






Time to be outdoors.


Time to think about swimming in the cold grotto.


Time for two grandmas and a great grandma to get in their "Kallie time."




Time to reconnect.


Time to relax, put our feet up, and read.


Thank you, Babe, for a fabulous time together, just the two of us. Happy 4th Anniversary - I love you more each day.

And, thank you GiGi, GC, and GY for keeping Kallie for us!

El Viaje del Camino a San Antonio

Road trips are so much more fun with a baby...even if that baby sleeps the whole time. We spent Father's Day on the riverwalk enjoying the food, people watching, and the heat. We had to do something special to celebrate the best husband and daddy we could ever ask for.

In Which I Discuss My Mammary Glands

Because I always have the interests of my reader in mind, ya know.

I've had a revelation.

I've discovered that for 32 years I have had the wrong definition of the word "hurt". The online dictionary describes "hurt" as the following: to damage or decrease the efficiency of (a material object) by striking, rough use, improper care, etc. OR to feel or suffer bodily or mental pain or distress.

Somehow, I thought I understood what that meant, and breastfeeding seems to fall under that category. However, six weeks into breastfeeding leads me to believe that I don't. I often hear, "Oh, it takes 2 weeks...3 weeks...6 weeks for it to not 'hurt'." What, pray tell, does the word "hurt" mean to these people? Because, obviously, we have differing opinions on the subject.

I'm far from quitting this thing, though. You see, I'm just a little bit stubborn - I like to call it determined. And, my body is thinking of this as a full blown challenge, like a Triple Dog Dare, in which I won't go down without a fight. I've endured countless blisters (STILL.), cracks, bleeds, creases, pinches, plugged ducts, and fought off mastitis. I pump and feed regularly and have since she was born, I've used every cream possible over the counter and prescription, given bottles to give myself a break and time to heal, and I've tried those darn shields. I've seen and talked with the best lactation consultant numerous times. In fact, each time I see her I have the overwhelming urge to kiss her when I leave because I always feel so much better. I assure you, Kallie has a good latch. She isn't picky about breast or bottle (she weighs 10 pounds now!), she just wants to eat, by goodness. The lactation consultant says she has never seen a baby pinch like Kallie does. Awesome.

If it weren't for My Babe's overwhelming support, I would have quit this thing long ago. So, pray for my mammary glands and that they make it out alive because this war is just beginning. I won't go down easy. I'm stubborn determined. Did you forget?

Normal.

6 weeks is a beautiful age. I feel like we haven't even skipped a beat in our lives. Sure, the first few weeks were challenging (to say the least!), but things are back to normal...just at a little slower pace...which is more than welcomed around here.

We're pretty "on the go", so it's nice to be home more. However, Kallie is quickly becoming a World Class Austin Traveler. She's been on walks through Zilker Park, to stores and restaurants, to her first outdoor concert, and she has sat along the shores of Town Lake. We can't wait to start taking her in the bike trailer, to Barton Springs, and to as many outdoor activities as possible. Thanks to my amazing Babe, mother and mother-in-law, I've been able to go to lunch and dinner with friends, to get a pedicure, to run errands with just My Babe, as well as go on a pizza date with him. To me, showing your children that you have a life outside of them is one of the best gifts you can give. My next challenge is to hit the gym to my beloved Body Flow class.

And, remember all that talk about being afraid of how parenting would change my marriage? It did change. For the better, in fact. Of course, I can only speak for my marriage, but it was nothing like I thought. The transition was so surprisingly smooth and only made it stronger. I think there is something to be said for marriages that struggle through loss after loss, hope, pray, and wish for a baby for so many years. It's a lot easier to not take things for granted.

It's so nice to feel and be normal again.

Slow Down

My sweet baby girl...You are already growing too fast. Your little legs reach the end of the papasan chair. You've already outgrown many clothes and are in the next stage of diapers. You are sleeping so well at night and adjusting to this big world easily. I just want to freeze every moment and keep you as little as you are today. If only I could make the hands of time slow down.

Kallie's Stompin' Grounds

We still plan to add finishing touches to the walls and to incorporate The 12 Gifts of Birth. However, we had to fire the painter so we're on our own, which is a scary thought. But, this is proof positive that My Babe is an excellent husband, daddy, and carpenter!