A Look Back: Our Babymoon! {Part One}

Before I get started, let's look at what a babymoon is for those of you who may not know:

Source: Wikipedia, so you know it's true ;)

I explained this countless times when I told people we were taking one, so I thought that step was necessary. We wanted one last trip, just the two of us, before our little Bunny arrived.

Now on to the good part...Last September when I was 30 weeks pregnant, Andrew and I were lucky enough to go on a babymoon. I had previously booked us a flight to Florida to go to the beach for a few days of sun, sand, and fruity (non-alcoholic for me!) beverages, but I was constantly hearing from Andrew how many times we've gone to the beach, he didn't want to go, he was only going because I wanted to go, and blah blah blah..... What kind of person doesn't want to go to the beach every vacation? A crazy one, if you ask me! But at the same time, who wanted to see a pregnant lady on the beach anyways? And I was hot enough as it was from my bun in the oven, no need to add Florida humidity into the mix! So being the good wife that I obviously am, I canceled our flights, hotel and rental car and started planning a new adventure.

The resort I had to cancel :(

At that time, Andrew had a couple of friends that had recently went on mountain vacations to Colorado and Alaska, so I planned us a road trip to Colorado and attempted to cram as much Colorado into our week's vacation as possible. 

We left on a Saturday morning and drove 680 miles to our first destination, the Royal Gorge in Canon City. I want to point out the fact that that's a long trip for a preggo lady! There were several stops just for me to get out and walk around and stretch haha. We arrived right as it was getting dark so we decided just to go to our room and rest for our early train ride through the Gorge the next morning. The train ride was surprisingly educational and the scenery was beautiful!

I failed at getting a picture of the train, so I'm glad it's in this pic!

 

After our train ride, we headed to Colorado Springs, about 55 miles away. Our first stop there was Garden of the Gods. There are no words for how massive and beautiful the park was. It was raining so we just drove through, but I hope to go back one day and get out and explore!

That night we headed to Seven Falls. It's 224 steps up to the top of the falls, but I only made it half way...which I'm pretty sure is awesome for 30 weeks pregnant! I had originally wanted to visit the falls during the day, but I'm so glad we didn't. The falls are lit up at night and are absolutely gorgeous! My camera phone doesn't do them any justice, but does add justification for my need for a fancy camera!

 

Well that's a recap of the first two days of our babymoon. I was completely exhausted after those two days, but I'm so happy we crammed all of the sites in! Stay tuned to see how we spent the rest of our trip in future posts!

 

Mother's Day Gift Guide

Mother's Day is less than two weeks away! Have you bought your gifts yet?! Today I'm showcasing gifts that I would love to receive and quite possibly give you some inspiration for gifts for your mom or wife!

Kate Spade 'One in a Million' Initial Pendant Necklace This necklace is so simple and sweet and would definitely be a staple for my every day wardrobe. Price: $58

Erin Condren Address Book I adore my Erin Condren life planner! It keeps me and our hectic schedule completely organized. Since I love Erin's life planner so much, I of course would love to have her new Friends and Family Address Book too. Like her life planners, the address books can be personalized with names and photos. Price: $45-$65, plus 25% off through May 4th

Nike Zoom Vomero+ 8 Momma needs a new pair of running shoes! I tried these on during a recent outlet shopping trip in Branson, but thought I would hold out and see if I could find them online in grey and mint. No such luck, I should have bought them! Sale price $104.97

Canon Rebel T3 Let me preface this one with, "I know this gift is a long-shot for me." Ok, we have that out of the way...   Now that Robert is moving around more these days, I realize that my iPhone and digital camera may not be able to keep up with him. And they definitely aren't taking the quality of pictures that I desire. A few of my friends have this camera and rave about it. I think it's just what I need to keep up with Robert as he becomes more active. Estimated retail value: $449.99

 

 

What's on your Mother's Day wish list? 

High Five for Friday

Ahhh, it's Friday! I've been looking forward to this weekend for a while. We have a fun-filled Saturday planned with family and friends and then a quiet day at home with my little family of three on Sunday. I love the balance of a weekend like this...lots of activities and lots of relaxation.

Today I'm linking up with:
Lauren Elizabeth for High Five for Friday
A. Liz Adventures and friends for Five on Friday
Meet at the Barre for Friday Favorites
Jennie for Friday Favorites

{one} This happened on Saturday...

 

We stood him up, but he stayed there all by himself. He's been trying to crawl lately, but now I'm not so sure that he won't be walking first!

{two} Saturday night I actually took a little vacation and had a little me time...at the grocery store! Believe me, I know how lame that sounds, but it was the first time I had been alone in weeks! I used to despise going to the grocery store by myself. I would drag my hubby along, telling him that I needed him with me to help keep me sane, but I think that's changed now ;) 

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{three} Family walks! We had planned on going to the gym Tuesday when I got home from work, but we couldn't resist the beautiful weather outside so we went for a walk around our neighborhood instead. Robert absolutely loves being outside! This was his first time to sit like a big boy in his stroller. And he's totally rockin' his new hat and sunglasses that my mom got him for Easter. He's too cool for school, y'all!

{four} Wednesday we had some more fun outside. We took Robert's bouncer out on the back patio and Andrew and I ate dinner out there. Robert enjoyed watching the birds fly around and the wind sway the trees. I'm so happy that we're able to enjoy the beautiful weather we're having right now before summer kicks in and heats things up.

 

{five} These outtakes from Easter are just too funny not to share!

I hope you all have a great weekend!

Thankful Thursday

Today I'm linking up for my first Thankful Thursday with Make Me Up Mia, The Strong Family, Carly Blogs Here and Katie Elizabeth. I love that these girls have created this link-up so that we can share what we're thankful for in our lives, no matter how big or small!

 

{one} Robert isn't sick this week! Two weeks ago he had a cold virus and an ear infection. Last week he had a stomach flu. But so far this week *knock on wood* he's feeling good and back to his normal, happy self!

{two} Sleep! Robert was waking up several times a night when he wasn't feeling well. We had 2+ weeks of only 4-6 hours of sleep, and it wasn't all at once. I was used to getting up with him when he was a newborn...yes I was tired, but I didn't mind it. Now that I'm used to sleeping all night again, getting up in the middle of the night is just plain hard. I finally got a full 8 hours in on Tuesday night and I feel like a new woman!





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{three} I'm so very thankful that I have a boss that understands that kids get sick. I only worked one day last week and I was never once made to feel bad about it. I'm pretty sure that's the definition of work/life balance!

 

{four} You! I just started my blog last week to document my little family of three and I've been welcomed with open arms! I never expected the aspect of community that I've experienced in such a short amount of time. I'm looking forward to the many friendships that will be made!

 

What are you thankful for this week?

Tuesday Thoughts

Happy Tuesday! And it's actually my Tuesday...normally Tuesdays are my Mondays because I only work Tuesday-Thursday, but I had to work yesterday to make up for a day I missed last week because I stayed home with Robert who had a stomach flu. He's all better now, PTL!

Today is a very special day! Four years ago today my first nephew, Daniel, was born! I really can't believe it's been four years. He's so fun and loving and will always hold a special place in my heart. I'm pretty sure he'll be taller than me before he's five. Just kidding....but he'll be pretty close.

In honor of his birthday, I thought I'd share one of my favorite memories with him. Andrew and I laugh every time we talk about this moment. We were at dinner with my in-laws for my 25th birthday and we all decided that Daniel, who was 10 months old at the time, should try a taste of lemon. His reaction was priceless!

Before the lemon...all smiles!

And after the lemon!

Yesterday was my youngest SIL's 16th birthday! Stay off the road!!! Haha jk! She was only 8 when I met her and now she'll be driving....Crazy! She's one of the most artistically talented people I know and she doesn't let what others think or do influence her. She marches to the beat of her own drum and if you don't like that beat, she doesn't care. Simple as that. And I think that's something to be admired!

Christmas 2013

Freshman Prom 4.19.2014

In honor of Olives 'n' Wine's Treat Yourself Tuesday, I purchased these cute earrings from The Modern Tulip! I saw Mia wearing them this weekend and HAD to have them!

I hope you all have a GREAT Tuesday!

Easter

I hope you all had a great Easter! We've had absolutely gorgeous weather this weekend, which made the celebration of Christ's rising that much more beautiful!

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This was Robert's first Easter and it hit me harder than I ever could have imagined. Friday night as I was rocking my son to sleep I was reflecting on what that day meant. God had sent His Son to die for me, for us, so that we may have life. I was only enjoying that perfect moment with my son because God had sacrificed His. Oh how thankful I am for His love! And I hope you know His love too!

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Now on to how we celebrated Easter! Robert and I went to my parent's house for lunch (Andrew stayed home sick, poor guy). My mom is seriously the BEST cook I know! We went for a non-traditional menu of steak and baked potatoes, which definitely hit the spot! I made The Country Cook's Coconut Cream Poke Cake. I had pinned this recipe quite some time ago and it did not disappoint! It was easy to make and was the perfect dessert for our Easter lunch.

 



  

Let's talk about how cute my little bunny was! 

I debated whether or not to buy him a dress-up outfit of khakis and a plaid shirt. I eventually decided that I had years ahead of me that I could dress him like that, but how long could I get away with him wearing a bunny on his bum? This was the only chance I had!

 

And of course he was spoiled with Easter presents from my mom, sister, MIL & FIL!

Easter wasn't the same without Andrew and my Papa at lunch. My Papa is currently in rehab recovering from a broken hip, so we went to see him before we headed home. He sure does love his great-grandson!

Andrew and I finished the evening with dinner with my FIL and finally watching Frozen, which I absolutely loved!


Until next time...

Newborn Essentials

Good morning! Now that Robert is 5 months old, we've developed a love for certain newborn products that we would now consider essential. I thought I would write this post to give recommendations of the products that we couldn't have lived without.

{one} Fisher-Price My Little Snugabunny Rock 'n Play We registered for this after it was recommended to us by a friend and I'm so glad we did! Robert slept in this EVERY night next to our bed until he was 4 months old. It was really nice to just be able to sleepily throw my arm over and rock him back to sleep or put his pacifier back in his mouth...and for the times I was paranoid and just wanted to make sure he was breathing. <---- First time mom right there! It's really light weight and easy to move from room to room and load in the car. It comes in several different animals that you can choose from, including a puppy and monkey, but we chose the bunny since that's what we called Robert while I was pregnant.

{two} Motorola Digital Video Baby Monitor Robert talks a LOT in his sleep, so it's nice to be able to look at the monitor to see if he's actually awake or just talking in his sleep without actually getting out of bed. This monitor has a color LCD screen, infrared night vision and sound indicator lights. It will also tell you the temperature in your baby's room and play music. Recently Andrew has been enjoying the microphone that you can use to talk to your baby. He likes to see Robert's surprised face when he hears his voice over the speaker. It's never too early to mess with your kids, right?

 

{three} Honest Robert has VERY sensitive skin. He had red bumps, dry patchy areas and I was constantly putting lotion on him, but it didn't seem to be helping. We made the switch to Honest products and we haven't had any problems since! Honest products are free from harsh chemicals that can irritate soft, sensitive and oh-so-perfect baby skin. We use the shampoo & body wash for his baths, body oil after his bath, body lotion at bedtime and the healing balm as his diaper ointment.

{four} WubbaNub These pacifiers are the best! The weight of the stuffed animal helps keep the pacifier in. Because we all know if that pacifier comes out there will be no peace until it's back in!

{five} Munchkin Waterproof Changing Pad Liners It's so much easier to change a pad liner than it is to change the entire changing pad cover. If you're having a boy, you will definitely want these! I've also tried the Boppy brand liners, but I like these best and they're cheaper!

 

If you're expecting or thinking about having a baby in the future, I hope this post has given you some ideas for what you'll need with your newborn.  

 

Do you have a product that you loved using with your newborn? Post in the comments below to let me know!

 

Angela