Anniversary Weekend

This past weekend was full of all of my favorite things: sleeping in, a massage, yummy breakfasts and fancy dinners, Christmas decorations, flowers, and sweet treats. It also included browsing cute downtown shops, working out, Christmas songs, and conversations over coffee and wine. Boomer was so sweet to plan a weekend getaway for our anniversary, and it was just perfect. Last year, we took a brief hiatus from our anniversary trips; with a newborn, simply going out to dinner was a feat! But this year, it was nice to go away again and spend time together. Boomer has talked about taking me to Pinehurst, especially after going there the last few years for an administrator conference. He has told me all about the huge breakfast buffet and delicious steak dinners, the nice rooms and beautiful grounds. As we were discussing where to go this year, he picked the location and took over from there, planning everything from the reservations to the meals and activities. And it certainly lived up to his descriptions! 

On our way down to Pinehurst, we made a stop through Star to drop Emmy off at Boomer's parents'. Both Boomer and I have spent a night away from Emmy, either for work or for a Bachelorette Weekend or for that one date night we had in August, but this would be the first weekend (two nights!) that we spent away from her. I really had such a peace about it though, and there was none of the usual anxiety new moms might feel when leaving their little ones. To make for an easy drop-off, they even had a designated spot to leave her :)

After leaving Star, we made the rest of the drive to Pinehurst. We arrived just as it was getting dark, and before checking in, we walked around the Village of Pinehurst, a small downtown area with shops and restaurants. We ate dinner at a local pub called Drum & Quill. Even though we were in a tourist location, it seemed like a favorite for locals. It had great food and a quaint atmosphere. After dinner, we checked in and then walked around the resort and relaxed in the lobby. Everything was decorated for Christmas with multiple trees, each with a different theme, and even a gingerbread replica of the resort. We walked the halls and looked at the photos of the famous golfers that have played at Pinehurst. There seemed to be several events going on at the resort; some sort of military ball, plus a swanky business Christmas party, and a conference, too. It made for good people-watching as we drank our wine. 

On Saturday, we were up around 7AM. ("Sleeping in" is all relative now!) We fit in a workout at the fitness center, then showered and went down for breakfast. Boomer had been talking up the breakfast buffet, and it did not disappoint! Made-to-order omelets, french toast the size of a brick, fresh fruit, biscuits and gravy, bacon, eggs, danishes, pancakes, any breakfast item you could think of. We went back for seconds (and thirds!) while leisurely enjoying our coffee. After breakfast, it was off to the spa. Boomer had never been to a spa before, and I've only been a handful of times, definitely not a regular by any stretch of the word, but I knew enough to help us fit in. We enjoyed lounging by the indoor pool and then getting in the hot tub. There were also saunas and steam rooms in each of the locker rooms, so we tried that out, too. By the time of our couple's massage, we were already feeling relaxed and rested. As you can see from the pictures, Boomer went quickly from a spa newbie to a robe-wearing, cucumber-water-sipping pro!

After the spa, we got changed and then walked to the main clubhouse. We got to see the famed Pinehurst No. 2 and the statue of Payne Stewart after winning the '99 US Open. We also made another quick stroll through the village shops. Then it was back to the Carolina Hotel for dinner in the main dining room. Boomer and I both had steaks, topped off with the Pinehurst Brownie Sundae. Our waiter also brought a special anniversary treat for us. It was one of the fanciest meals I've had, and naturally we dragged it out for over 2 hours! 

On Sunday, we again filled ourselves to the brim at the breakfast buffet. About halfway through the meal, I found myself tearing up and trying to hold the tears in as Boomer and I talked about the past year and just how much has changed. I was especially emotional as I talked about stopping nursing. Last Friday was my last morning nursing, so the weekend, when we first planned it, was to be a celebration for making it to that milestone. Little did I know that I would feel sad when it came time to actually stop. Boomer was a sympathetic ear and was so encouraging about my dedication to nursing and pumping. This morning was a little different as we all got ready for the day, but Emmy seemed unaffected by the change in routine. Instead of spending extra time in the nursery, we went directly to the kitchen for rice cereal. Hopefully the next few mornings will be as smooth as this morning was. I think I've mostly gotten out my tears, and now I am trying to set my focus on all of the fun milestones and moments in this current stage....like artwork from school!

Back to the weekend (I'm almost done, I promise!), after our breakfast on Sunday, it was time to hit the road. The sadness of leaving Pinehurst was dulled by the excitement to see our Emmy. We knew she was in wonderful hands all weekend. Bret and Cathy had sent us updates, and it always looked like she was having fun and generally being spoiled. 

Emmy was loved on all weekend by one set of grandparents, and today she is home with the other set. I got a call pretty early in the day saying that she had a 100.0 fever and that there was a rash on certain parts of her body...her hands, her feet, and her mouth. Yes, we think she has Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease. Boomer and I had noticed some bumps last night and this morning, and perhaps our intuition should have told us to stay home. We are very thankful for grandparents -- grandparents that watch our baby so we can go away for the weekend, that pick her up from daycare when she is sick, and even take her to meet Santa. I'll close with these photos from last week's visit to Santa. 

Hopefully we will have better success next year! 

Let it snow

We are getting closer and closer to Christmas! Little by little, I am checking off my list of Christmas preparations: shopping, gift-wrapping, Christmas cards, and photos with Santa. To add to the excitement of the season, we had our first snow! We got about three inches, and it resulted in an early dismissal on Friday and then a 2-hour delay on Monday. It was so nice! It is not very common for snow in December, so all the students and staff were excited when we saw the snowflakes falling down. Once the Kennedys were all safe at home, we enjoyed watching it from the windows and eating take-out Japanese. Emmy was fighting a small cold so we stayed inside most of the weekend, which was just as well for Boomer and me. Neither of us are big on building snowmen or going sledding -- we prefer to stay inside where it is warm! We did venture out on Saturday to go to Star for Carlin's birthday. The roads were safe, and as we traveled southeast, we saw less and less snow on the ground. In fact, Star didn't get any at all! It sure was pretty in Kernersville though. The temperatures this week have been very cold, so we bundle Emmy up whenever we go outside. She likes her new winter coat (thank you, Grammy and Grandpa!) and she also seems to like her new mittens. Surprisingly, she leaves them on her hands! She likes to wave and watch her hands move. 

Just as a precaution, Grammy took Emmy to the doctor on Monday. I had been worried that she had an ear infection since she often touches or pulls on her ears. With the cold-like symptoms and the ear-tugging, it was worth the trip (and co-pay) to have a doctor check her out. He confirmed that it was simply teething. Her ears, nose, and throat all looked good. It seems our little girl just likes playing with her ears. The teething may also give her some discomfort in her ears, so that may be why she pulls on them. Even despite teething, she has remained very pleasant. Here are a few pictures of Emmy cheesing and also with a new hairstyle -- pigtails!

...and an after-pic when the pigtails come out!

Ms. Tia had put Emmy's hair in pigtails when she was at school one day last week, and when I picked her up, I almost didn't recognize her! I tried to recreate the look myself, but with no such luck. I couldn't gather her hair quick enough to put it into the teeny-tiny elastic bands. For now, we will leave the pigtails to Ms. Tia, and Mommy will stick to the bows and hair clips. Emmy likes playing with them and helping pick one out. 

This week also included a visit with Santa. Grammy and Grandpa sprung all three grandchildren out of school early while Mommy and Aunt Megan were working. They went to a neighbor's business who was doing photos with Santa. Then we all met up at Arbor Ridge for their holiday open house. Santa was there, too. He's a busy guy! Emmy wasn't too fond of him...even when Mommy was holding her. Hopefully by next year she will warm up to 'ole Santa!

This past week, Emmy turned 13 months old, and I officially stopped pumping. It has been such a freeing feeling. I'm no longer looking at the clock or segmenting my day in between pump sessions. The last pumping I dropped was the one on the way to work. While it was a great use of the commute time, it has been so nice to drive, full-clothed, and not worry about spilling milk in my cup-holders. I am still nursing in the morning and giving Emmy a bottle at night. I enjoy the time with her, cuddling and being still. Boomer snapped this photo of us one night during bedtime. It is such a special way to end the day!

In the Christmas Spirit

This past weekend, we went to not one, but TWO Christmas parades! In addition to listening to Christmas music in the car, singing Christmas songs at church, and getting a picture with Santa, I am certainly feeling the Christmas spirit! 

On Friday, both Boomer and I had basketball duties for our schools - I was working the ticket table for the East Surry vs. North Surry game, and Boomer had the big rivalry game between Forbush and Starmount. Thank goodness for Grammy! She watched Emmy that afternoon and put her to bed before I came home. After a late evening on Friday, Boomer and I both were glad for the weekend to spend time with our little girl! On Saturday morning, we went to the Yadkinville Christmas parade. Before the parade, we stopped into one of the downtown shops to see Santa and Mrs. Clause. Emmy had fallen asleep during the ride to Yadkinville, and she was a bit disoriented as we thrust her onto Santa's lap. Needless to say, they aren't the best photos! :)

Just by comparison, here is Emmy with the same Santa and Mrs. Clause last year. 

While I love the memories we have from last year when Emmy was just barely 4 weeks old, this year was better for a lot of reasons. First, Emmy was bigger and able to enjoy the parade a bit more. She liked looking at all of the floats, cars, tractors, and bands. Another positive was that the temperature wasn't so cold. Last year, we were bundled up and you could see your breath, but this year it was mild and in the 50s. The last positive was that we weren't in a hurry to get home to nurse and pump; instead we enjoyed a nice lunch out before heading home for naps. 

On Sunday, after church and Emmy's nap, we went to our second parade, this one in downtown Kernersville. They had closed down a large part of the downtown, and there was a big crowd. Luckily, Grammy, Grandpa, and all of the Houstons saved spots in a prime viewing area. Emmy only sat in her stroller for a little bit; by the time the parade actually started, she was ready to be out and bounced around. Grammy, Boomer, and I took turns holding her. After eating some Cheerios and the last of the Thanksgiving turkey I had packed, we resorted to Puffs to keep her entertained. The last picture is appropriate with Emmy holding her Puffs and looking at Santa -- Puffs are probably the only thing on her wish list this year! :)

Not Christmas related, but a few other things from the week: Emmy's appetite has really taken off! She is eating what seems like adult portions of food! Turkey, green beans, whole sweet potatoes (minus the skin). Then she will even eat a pouch and Cheerios. I am glad that she is liking solid foods. She did the funniest thing at dinner a couple of days ago. Boomer and I were cleaning up after the meal, and Emmy had gathered the last pieces of turkey in to the cup holder on her tray. I guess this was her way of telling us that she was finished eating!

After work yesterday, Megan and I fit in some sister bonding at a local blood drive. While I was at the blood drive, I received a text from Boomer saying that we had received our first 'incident report' from the daycare. Emmy had been bitten by one of her classmates :(  I suppose it is something that is bound to happen in a daycare setting. I just hope she doesn't learn this habit herself and become the biter! For now, our little girl is sporting a small red mark on her cheek.  

Thanksgiving Break 2017

It's back to the grind after five wonderful days with family and friends. It was hard waking up to an alarm again this morning, but the promise of Christmas break in just a few weeks is keeping my spirits up. The Thanksgiving break started for me on Wednesday, and Emmy and I had the day together while Boomer worked a Teacher Workday. Grammy came over in the morning while I got in a run with Megan, and then we worked on a hand-print ornament for each of our trees. That evening, we got together with the Houstons and Williamses. Even though we had pizza instead of the traditional turkey meal, we still called it a "Friendsgiving." The kiddos ran around the living room while the adults supervised and tried to hold conversations. Emmy and Laurel were matching, so we attempted a twin picture, with not too much success. Emmy wasn't too interested in posing for pictures, as you can see! We headed home early to finish packing and to get ready for our trip to Virginia. 

 On Thursday morning, we left around 8:30AM to make the annual trip up to Woodstock. We got about 3 hours into the trip, with Emmy sleeping most of the way, and then we made a pit stop. Funny enough, we stopped at the same truck stop from last year. 

All throughout the trip, we found ourselves making comparisons to last year's trip with a 2-week-old. It was our first big trip as a family of 3. There was so much to bring, and we stopped almost every hour to check on Emmy and to feed or change her. One year later, the packing hasn't changed too much -- there is still a lot to bring! But there were other things that were much easier this year. The feeding isn't as constant, so there is more time to do other things. Also, there aren't too many blowouts these days, so every diaper change doesn't require a total outfit change, too. After the truck stop, we had just a little bit further to go to Harrisonburg, where we had lunch with Granny's brother and his family. The Wakemans had seen Emmy over the summer when they came to visit at the lake, but they were surprised by all the changes since then. After lunch, we made the final drive to Woodstock and checked into the hotel. We relaxed in the lobby and ordered Cracker Barrel take-out for dinner. Emmy was a little low on energy. Luckily Granny had a thermometer, so we were able to take her temperature. 102.1! I had packed the infant Tylenol, so after giving her some of that, we put her down to bed and quietly watched TV until we too feel asleep. 

On Friday, we got together with the whole Kennedy clan at the barn on Boomer's grandparents' property. It is such a beautiful area, and I know it means a lot to Boomer to go back there each year. 

There are probably close to 40 people all together, with the number growing each year. Just before the big meal, we take some group photos. 

Boomer's grandparents are both getting older, and I know it is hard for Boomer and the other grandkids to see them aging. His grandmother is battling dementia and has recently needed assistance with getting dressed and other daily chores. We hope to continue to go to Virginia for as many years as we can, but we know there will come a time that the tradition will end. For now, it was certainly a special time to be together with family. We didn't stay too late, knowing Emmy would need to get some rest. After getting Emmy ready for bed, I stayed at the hotel with her while Boomer went to a local brewery with some of his cousins. 

Saturday morning it was back on the road again. Emmy slept most of the way. When she woke up towards the end of the trip, Boomer kept her entertained!

We arrived back to Kernersville around 3PM, with just about an hour to spare before dinner with my family. On our way to Megan and Zack's house, we were not more than a mile from our house when there was a weird thumping noise from the car. We made it to the elementary school parking lot and discovered we had a flat tire! The tire light had been on during our trip, but it's typical this time of year for the cold weather to trip the sensor, and I had assumed that was why it was on. I just know angels were watching over us! It could have been so much worse if it had happened along our 500-mile trip when we were going 60+ mph. After calling my dad and AAA, we were all back at Megan and Zack's, eating dinner just an hour after we had planned. Whew, just another thing to be thankful for this weekend!

And a few comparisons between last year and this year!

On Sunday after church, we all rested a bit. Boomer even got in a little bit of writing for his dissertation. The week ahead is a full one. Boomer has evening activities 3 out of the 5 nights. I also have one evening of gate duty for a basketball game. We are all hanging in there for Christmas break. Even though it is a busy time, I try to pause to remember all of our blessings: family, friends, health, safety. It is not just the lights and gifts that make this the 'most wonderful time of the year.' It is being with loved ones and being thankful for God's gifts not just during December, but all throughout the year.