Happy Easter!

This Easter we headed out West to spend time with Aaron's family.  It normally takes us about 6 hours to drive to Meade, KS, but with Whitney, we added about another hour.  As with the Branson trip she did pretty great.  I keep hearing that traveling with a newborn is actually easier, than with a toddler.  We'll see about that. 

We stopped half way in Wichita and ate lunch.  I tried to feed her a bottle in the restaurant, but she was just not having it.  Therefore, I went ahead and nursed in public.  I don't know if it was my motherly instinct, or need to get her fed so we could get back on the road, but I whipped out the nursing cover, and Whitney and I got straight to business.  She did a great job, and I didn't get too many looks from others.  I always find it funny how nursing in public, especially restaurants, can be so controversial.  I think it is funny, because all that babies are trying to do is eat, which is exactly what adults do in restaurants.  Go figure.

We had a wonderful time in Meade.  The weather was so warm.  It nearly hit the 80s on Saturday, so we had lots of outdoors time. Whitney got to meet some new faces too.  She met Great Grandpa Mike and Great Grandma Betty Hunt.  She also met Great Grandma Wilma Pennington.  In addition, Uncle Tony, Great Aunt Janice, Great Uncle Steve Wiens and many other Meade friends. 

 Whitney and Uncle Tony

(Whitney is impressed with the ceilin

 

 Great Grandpa Mike, Great Grandma Betty Hunt, and Whitney

4 Generations of Hunts

Great Grandpa Mike, Aaron, Whitney, Great Grandma Betty, and Grandma Brenda

 

 Great Grandma Wilma Pennington & Whitney

 



4 Generations of Penningtons

Grandpa Gary, Great Grandma Wilma, Whitney, and Aaron (Daddy)

 

 

Easter Sunday, Whitney did an AWESOME job in church.  She fussed when we first got there, becuase she had a wet diaper.  Yes, I did change her right before we left, but she managed to get some more out on the car ride.  During church she slept the entire time!  Hallelujah!  She was so cute in her Easter dress!

Mommy, Whitney, and Daddy all dressed up!

 Cousins!

Sleeping peacefully!

  
After church we had a wonderful Easter meal and then headed home!  We look forward to going to Meade again this August!

Happy 2 Months!

I cannot believe Whitney Ann is two months old today!  It is so crazy to think about all that has transpired, since our little angel joined us.  We have had so much fun, during Whitney's second month.  She is very animated, and we are loving all that she is doing.  During this month, Whitney had the following adventures...

• Met my cousins, Vincent, Samuel, Laura, and Aunt Marcy
• Went on 2 more stroller rides through the park.
• Rolled on my side, while playing with my toys.
• Started cooing and making all sorts of fun sounds.
• Became much more intentional with my smiles.  Oh, how I love to smile!
• Cheered on the K-State Wildcats Men's Basketball team in my Purple Wildcat dress and bow!  This year they tied for first place in the Big 12 league.
• Had another visit from Grandpa and Grandma Pennington.
• Had a play date with Rebecca and Landon.
• Celebrated Daddy's 31st Birthday and St. Patrick's Day.
• Traveled to Branson, Missouri for my first vacation.  We stayed 5 days and 4 nights with Grammy and Grandpa Dix in their condo. 
• Went shopping with Mommy and Grammy!  I was so good and found tons of cute outfits to wear!
• It snowed again (8 inches) on my 2 Month Birthday!  Crazy!

We love you so much, Whitney!  Happy 2 Months!  You are too sweet!

Nursery Find!

I was so excited today, when I went to Hobby Lobby and found the perfect chest for Whitney's nursery.  I was actually buying some picture frames, but I am sure many of you know what happens, when you enter a Hobby Lobby.  My gosh there are so many distractions.  The chest will go right next to her rocking chair.  Mommy can "get organized" with all of the storage that this chest offers.  I even got the sales man to give me 40% off, because there was superficial damage on the inside of one drawer.  Love it!

Branson Vacation and Happy Birthday Aaron (Daddy)!

It's spring break in the Kansas City area for all of you teaches and kiddos out there. For us mommies on maternity leave, spring break is a great excuse to head out of town with the parents for a few days. For the employed, and actively working (aka my husband), time to cash in some vacation!

Aaron, Whitney, and I went to Branson, Missouri with my parents for a nice Spring get away this past weekend. My parents have a condo in Branson, so the accommodations were great, especially with a newborn. The weather was okay, but for a mommy bound to the house during this winter, it didn't really matter. Whitney and I really enjoyed the change of scenery and some time with my parents.

This was Whitney's longest car ride yet. It takes about 3.5 hours to get to Branson, so as new parents you can only imagine our anticipation to see how she did. Our little lady was pretty much a rock star the entire car ride. She slept great and only stopped to feed and change her diaper once.

We spent 5 days and four nights in Branson and had a great time. The boys spent most of their time fishing on Taneycomo. This is a fly fisherman's toy box. Mom, Whitney, and I did some fishing too, but our stream is called the Tanger Outlet Mall, and our fish are clothes, shoes, etc. I think you get the picture.

 

While in Branson, we got to celebrate Aaron's 31st Birthday and St. Patrick's Day. It was pretty rainy most of the day, but that didn't dampen anyone'sspirits. The guys went fishing all morning and my mom whipped up Aaron's favorite: fried chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy, etc. I also baked him a double chocolate cake. I have to admit it was pretty amazing. As Aaron would say, it was off the scale on my moan test. Yes, when I really like food, I apparently moan. I just love to eat!

I would say Aaron did pretty well for his birthday! He got some new fishing gear and some clothes. It is crazy to think he is 31. I always give him a hard time about being so much older than me for an entire month. Even though we  are another year older, I am loving every minute of it. I never have the desire to go back to a certain age, or period of my life, because I think that life just keeps getting better. We are so blessed to have such a wonderful life. Happy Birthday, Aaron. I love you lots!

If you can't read Whitney's shirt, it says...

"I'm cute,

My Mom is cute,

and my Dad is LUCKY!"

I think that pretty much sums it up!

Play Date in the Park!

Today was ABSOLUTELY GORGEOUS!  The temperatures hit the 80s, it was Friday, and my house was getting cleaned by Hilda, our cleaning lady!  What more could I have asked for?! 

If I haven't told you already, Aaron and I officially got a cleaning lady.  Thanks to my sister, Amy, she eased us into bi-weekly customers.  For my Christmas and Shower gift she purchased a deep cleaning of the house before Whitney was born, plus two additional cleanings.  It was so nice to have the house cleaned, while we were in the hospital with Whitney and again, once we were settled at home.  I highly recommend this gift to any expecting mom.  It was absolutely amazing.  There is so much to do with a little one, that is nice to have someone responsible for giving the house a thorough cleaning every couple of weeks, and that someone not being me.  Now, we can't imagine going back.  At least I can't!

Anyways, while Hilda was cleaning the house, Whitney and I left for a stroller walk.  We went all the way to the Prairie Village shops, so I could pick up my beloved soy chai tea latte from Starbucks. Thanks, Whitney!  Mommy was made in the shade, once she sipped her fabulous drink.  Then, we strolled to "Tiffany Town" (aka Hallmark) to pick out some birthday cards for Daddy.  Whitney did fabulous.  I mean she pretty much slept the entire time, but who cares about the details. 

 

Later that afternoon our friends Rebecca and Landon Runquist (Whitney's friend) had a play date in the park.  Rebecca and I strolled with the kiddos around Porter park and along the PV trail down Tomahawk.  It was so wonderful.  I think I may have gotten a little sun kiss on my skin.  Again, Whitney was snoozing the afternoon away in the stroller, but Landon was having a grand time swinging and going down the slide.  It was so fun to see what I have to look forward to this summer.  I can't wait.  I really enjoyed some Mommy time with Rebecca.  We definitely will be planning another outing soon.

Play Date with Grammy!

Whitney and I headed to Olathe today to hang out with Grammy Paula.  Mom and I had some baking to do in order to prepare for our vacation to Branson this weekend.  The weather was AWESOME, so we of course had to get out the stroller and cruise around the neighborhood.  It was a great afternoon.  Mom got to put all of her Grammy supplies to use too.  Whitney made it official and urinated on the pack and play changing table.  This definitely won't be the last time that happens.  Oh how we love going to Grammy's!

We be rolling!

Oh my goodness, you will never believe what Whitney did today.  Well, maybe the post title gave it away, but I was so giddy with excitement.  I layed Whitney down on her play mat so that I could do some quick chores in the kitchen.  When I walked back into the living room, she had rolled onto her side and was playing with her toys.  It was absolutely precious.  She is growing up so fast! 

 

 

Go Wildcats!

This weekend Aaron's parents, Gary and Brenda, came to Kansas City for another visit.  I think they needed another Whitney fix.  Gary had not seen our little munchkin, since the day she was born.  He was definitely long overdue.

Needless to say, Whitney had a great time hanging out with her grandparents.  While they were here, we watched the K-State men's basketball game.  Whitney got to wear her new Wildcat outfit and celebrate some purple pride.  Unfortunately, K-State lost to Oklahoma State 76-70.  Whitney still was cheering loud for her Wildcats!  Go Cats!

Whitney goes to Missouri

Okay, so Whitney has officially traveled to a new state!  You may laugh that I am referring to the state of Missouri, which is just across the river, but it still counts.  We took Whitney on a little road trip Saturday evening to visit our friends the Londquists.  Just after Whitney was born, Molly and Trent bought a new house in Liberty, Missouri.  We wanted to go and check it out and catch up with them.

First of all, their house is gorgeous.  I told them both it feels like we are growing up!  I feel like they are definitely in an adult house.  Not that their old house wasn't an adult house, but this one has all the characteristics to support an amazing family and many years to come.  Congrats!

Whitney had a great time meeting Taylor and Payton (Molly and Trent's two girls).  She also got to hang out with Coen and Clay (Michael and Tarryn Hickman's two sons).  The Vaccaro's were also there for a little while with Sophia.  The guys watched the K-State and Iowa basketball games, and the girls just chatted.  It was so nice to get out with Whitney and socialize with our friends.  We are so lucky to have such wonderful people in our lives.  I look forward to many more play dates (parents and kids) to come in the future.

Lunch Date!

Aaron and I went on our first "lunch date", since Whitney's birth.  It was so nice to have just Aaron and I share a meal, drinks, and just catch up with each other.  Grammy Paula and Grandpa Randy volunteered to babysit Whitney, which was so nice. 

For lunch we headed to Blanc Burger and had a great time!  Blanc Burger is a Kansas City local burger joint.  They have gourmet burgers, shopping carts of fries, and just heavenly drinks.  We both enjoyed a burger and shared some sweet potato fries.  Aaron had a beer, Lagunitas Sucks, and I had my very first glass of wine, Shiraz.  Oh how I missed my friend, the glass of wine.  Now, don't get me wrong, the last year has been amazing as we prepared for Whitney; but it was nice to know that I could sip some wine and just reminisce with my honey.  I do have to admit that for the first time in years, I couldn't finish the glass.  I think my tolerance levels need to regain some strength after an extended sabbatical.  Oh well!

Aaron and I enjoyed talking about recent happenings, and thinking ahead to the adventures we want to have together with Whitney.  We both decided that we are going to plan a trip with Whitney to Hawaii in the next 18 months.  Aaron and I have always wanted to go, and we think it would be so much fun to take Whitney.  So, everyone on this blog better hold us to this.  We also decided that Mommy and Daddy, yes that is Aaron and I, are going to take a long weekend this fall somewhere.  I proposed Napa Valley.  We'll see if that happens!  Nonetheless, it was just so much fun to dream and think of all that is in front of us.  We didn't have worries, fears, stresses.  We just had each other!  It was a perfect lunch on a lovely sunny Saturday!

Mommy Pampering

So, I got a little stir crazy on Friday.  Yes, after 2 weeks of back to back 12 inch snowfalls (total 24 plus inches), I was dying to get out of the house.  Aaron was so sweet to me.  He left a little early on Friday to come home, so that I could go and get a manicure and pedicure.  Wow, what a difference it makes just to leave the house for an hour, get pampered and come back home.  I love my baby girl, and my house, but not leaving for 14 plus days could drive anyone stir crazy!  Thanks, Aaron.  I am looking like one put together Mama with my nails all done up!