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.