Whitney goes to school (ACC)!

Today was Whitney's first day at Asbury Children's Center (ACC). She was so smiley, when we dropped her off and immediately went to her new teacher, Yvette, and started playing with a drum and drum stick.  Aaron and I reviewed our questions and dropped off all of our supplies.  It finally came the time to walk out the door, which I had been dreading, since we arrived.  I wanted to give Whitney one last hug before I left her for the first time, but she wouldn't let go of the drum stick. I finally got her to let go of the toy and gave her a hug and a kiss good bye.  She was so happy and immediately went back to playing.  Miss Independent was content and ready for a fun filled day.  Me, on the other hand, was a complete wreck.

I maintained my composure until I got to my car and then the tears let loose.  Whitney is growing up so fast, I cannot believe she is starting school. Everyone says time flies, but it really does.  We have been so blessed to have my mother watch Whitney for the last three months.  Now, I look forward to seeing Whitney interact with other infants and continue to expand her experiences.  Even though I know this is the right thing to do, I couldn't help, but struggle with letting someone else watch over my loved one.

On my way to work I bought donuts for the team to help with my sadness.  Nothing makes you feel better than a glazed donut on a Monday morning.  It helped!

You'd be proud of me, I only called once today.  Yvette reported she was doing great.  She had napped, drank a 7 oz bottle and was enjoying playing.  I picked up Whitney a bit early today.  Mommy couldn't stay away.  When I arrived, she was sleeping peacefully in one of the teacher's arms.  I am pretty sure she had a fun filled day.

Whitney's note from her teachers(Yvette and Cathy) read: "Whitney had a great first day in the infant room. She enjoyed feeling the soft texture blocks and watching us stack them up. Whitney was also full of big smiles as we played peek-a-boo. She had fun meeting lots of new friends too. We are so happy to have Whitney in our class!!"

I look forward to tomorrow and all the adventures that Whitney is going to have with her new friends and teachers.

Last Day with Mommy!

We had a breakthrough!  After a very unruly day, Whitney surprised Aaron and I both and slept from 10:30 pm until 5:10 am!  Yesterday, was one of those days where she would not let me put her down, she cried more than she ever had before, wouldn't take naps, and ate poorly.  I kept thinking to myself, tonight is going to be crazy.  To my surprise, my little lady slept amazingly.  I woke up at 4:30 am and had my "motherly moment", jumping up out of bed and towards her room, wondering if she was alive and breathing.  I thought to myself that I hadn't heard her all night.  I tip toed into Whitney's room, and there she was sleeping so peacefully.  I think my jaw hit the ground.  Then, I picked it up and smiled proudly.  My baby girl is growing up. She slept 6 plus hours.  Success!

The mornings are always my favorite time with Whitney.  She usually greets me with the biggest smile, and today was no exception.  She was in such a great mood.  Knowing that this is my last day of maternity leave, I couldn't have asked for a better day with Whitney.  She took amazing naps and woke up happy each time.  We played and took photos, and smiled at each other.  I did let her snuggle with me during one of her naps.  I know, I needed to put her in her crib, but it was my last day at home, and I wanted some loving.  She ended up sleeping for 2 hours on me.

Tomorrow, I go back to work.  I am definitely anxious, a little excited, but extremely sad to be leaving my baby girl.  Fortunately, I am leaving her with Aaron tomorrow.  That will help.  I really just don't know what to expect. I want Whitney to know that she too can have a career and a family.  I hope that I can make her proud and also find balance in all my responsibilities at work.  I had to dress Whitney up in this hilarious onsie.  She is my official cheering squad.  Our friend Missy McQueen had this made for us.  Too fun!

Whitney is officially 12 weeks old today.  I have cherished every moment with her, and cannot imagine life without her.  I look forward to many amazing memories to come and will be able to reflect on all the wonderful memories we created, during my time away from work.

 

4 Generations of Ward Women!

My Grandma Beverly Ward, Grandpa Bill, and Uncle Mike came by for a visit today.  They were in KC for a doctor's appointment.  Whitney and I loved catching up with them.  While they were here, we decided to take a picture of the four generations of Ward women!  I would say we are looking pretty good!  I have such fond memories of my grandparents.  Even though they lived a couple hours away in Northwest Missouri, they always made time to come and visit.  I can remember many basketball, softball, volleyball games, etc. that they drove to Olathe to watch.  They have always been so supportive.  I am so glad Whitney is getting the chance to meet them.  Hopefully, we will get to take her to the farm soon!

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!

February Snow!

Wow, have we had a ton of snow this February.  We have had 2 consecutive 12 inch snowfalls (February 21 and February 25).  It is absolutely crazy.  Maybe the drought of 2012 will officially be over.  The snow has been absolutely beautiful, and I have LOVED having Aaron work from home, since the roads are so terrible.  For the first snow, we burned a fire in our fireplace for 2 days straight.  It was awesome.  However, for the next one, our firewood stock was pretty well depleted or buried in snow still.  Several people lost power for the second snowfall.  Fortunately, we only lost our cable and Internet.  I do have to admit, Aaron and I weren't sure what to do without these two conveniences.  What on earth did people do before these technologies were invented!

Here is a picture of Aaron scooping the massive snow.

 

 

 

We were very fortunate that Amy's friend Mark had a Bobcat!  He made cleaning the drive off both times so easy.  While Mark was plowing the driveway, Amy was snuggling up with Miss Whitney.  We have been keeping her indoors to avoid any winter flu.  Oh how excited we will be for Spring to come!

Happy 1 Month!

Hip Hip Hooray!  Whitney is 1 month old today!

Aaron and I can barely believe that our baby girl has already reached her one month milestone.  She is becoming much more animated with her smiles and eye contact.  We just can't get enough of Whitney.

Her first month has been filled with many new lessons and adventures for us as first time parents.  It is crazy to see how fast each day goes.  Aaron and I have been learning a ton.  We really are very lucky to have each other to share in this journey.

During Whitney's first month, she experienced many firsts including:

• 1st car ride
• 1st pediatrician visit
• 1st walk in the park
• 1st photo shoot
• 1st bath
• 1st mommy and me outing
• 1st smile
• 1st tummy time
• 1st and 2nd snow
• 1st blowout in her diaper
• 1st grand baby loving from Grammy and Grandpa Dix and Aunt Amy
• 1st Valentine's Day and mail
• 1st President's Day
• 1st visit with her cousins, Aunt Marcy, Grandma and Grandpa Pennington
• 1st Daddy and me babysitting
• 1st Grammy and me babysitting

We cannot wait to see what adventures are yet to come in month 2.  Hold on tight Whitney!  We are going to take you on your first road trips!

1:53 am...so worth it!

My baby girl gave me the best present of all at 1:53 am this morning!  How can anyone hate early morning feedings, when this beautiful face is staring back up at you.  I love this girl!

Whitney meets her Aunt Marcy and Cousins!

This past weekend Aaron's Sister Marcy, three children (Vincent, Samuel, and Laura), and Grandma Pennington came to KC to meet their new cousin, Whitney.  It was so nice to see our nephews and niece.  It is quite the trek from Meade to Kansas City, so we were glad they took the time to come and visit. 

We had a great time catching up with everyone.  The boys, Vincent and Samuel, were completely enthralled with the iPads and who can blame them?  They are 7 and 5.  Uncle Aaron even loaded some new games on the iPads for them.  I think they could have played the iPads all weekend and been totally fine. 






Laura was so cute around Whitney.  She was giving Whitney kisses and hugs the entire time.  While I was nursing, she would pat Whitney's head and just love on her her.  It was so priceless.  I really think Laura and Whitney are going to have so much fun growing up together. 





Saturday, Aaron let me escape with Marcy and his Mom for a couple hours.  Marcy's birthday is February 20th, so we needed to check out some birthday shopping for her.  Aaron was great, signing up to watch 4 kiddos, while the women headed out for a few hours.  I was super impressed.  I texted him while we were out, to just check in on how he was doing and he texted, "Babysitter of the year over here.  Take your time!"  Aaron is such a great father and uncle.  Whitney and I are so lucky. 



Sunday afternoon, the crew headed back to Western Kansas.  Aaron and I did a little picking up of the house and then just crashed.  It is so nice to have visitors, but it is also so nice to just relax with the three of us.  We look forward to heading out West with Whitney for her first trip to Meade over Easter.  This will be the biggest adventure yet, for our baby girl.  Get ready for 6 hours in a car with a newborn!

Happy 1st Valentine's Day Whitney!

Today we celebrated Valentine's Day.  It was extra special, because it was Whitney's very first Valentine's Day.  For only being 3 weeks old, she is already a popular little lady.  She has a mantle full of Valentine's cards and presents to boot.  We have to say thank you to Grandma Pennington for the super cute Valentine's outfit.  Also, a big thanks to Grammy Paula for her cute red booties and book!  We had a fabulous day enjoying all the love and chocolates.  Well, Mama enjoyed the chocolates!   

Aaron did a great job making me feel extra special this Valentine's Day too.  He brought me a soy chai tea latte from Starbucks and a cinnamon roll from Dolce Bakery.  I had been telling him how much I was craving a Starbucks, and how they needed to really consider delivering.  It is quite the process to take a newborn out for just a craving.  Basically, you can cross those off my list of to dos these days.  It was such a wonderful delivery this Valentine's Day after being up with Whitney during the night.  He knows me oh so well.  He also surprised me with flowers and chocolates.  I do have the very best husband ever!

I treated myself today to a haircut for Valentine's Day.  Grammy Paula came over and watched Whitney all by herself.  It was a little weird to leave Whitney.  I felt like I was missing something the entire time, but it also felt great to get out of the house and get a little pampering.  I have been a bit of a slacker lately on this whole getting ready thing.  I was glad I could get dolled up for Aaron, when he came home from work.  I had dinner and chocolates waiting for him.  It was so great!








Aaron and I have so much love this Valentine's Day.  Not that we didn't have it last year, but this year, Whitney has given us even more love to share with each other.