May 2012
31 posts
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Happy Memorial Day!
“I have no illusions about what little I can add now to the silent testimony of those who gave their lives willingly for their country. Words are even more feeble on this Memorial Day, for the sight before us is that of a strong and good nation that stands in silence and remembers those who were loved and who, in return, loved their countrymen enough to die for them.
Yet, we must try...
One Year Old.
My child.
Today you are one year old.
My mind has gone blank a little bit and I just can’t get this letter going. What is there to say? How do I say it? I really don’t want to cry today, but I feel like my hormones and profound love for you will get this best of me anyway. Geez, I can’t even look at your old pictures without getting weepy!
Daddy wanted to watch old videos of...
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Damage Control
I swear to you, Tinsley is getting hurt once a week. Not just “OOO I bumped my head,” but “Um, that’s a lot of blood…should we go to the ER?” I wish I was kidding. All this coming from one of the most baby-proofed houses you’ve ever seen. What gives?
Here’s the thing: Tinsley is into everything. This is probably true of most one-year-olds, but my mom SWEARS we were never like that. According to...
Babies + Babies
Hanging out with Bud:
Reading my Baby Monthly:
Making friends with baby Leanna at Jimmie’s Restaurant:
Tinsley is 100% fascinated with other kids. I’ve mentioned this before, but it’s something you really have to see in person. If it’s just us, she is clingy and whiny until I sit on the floor and focus 100% on her. FINE…it’s fine.
But if another baby...
In the Garden (part three).
On The Lawn.
The second night of our Biltmore trip, our group was scheduled to have dinner at the restaurant adjoining the house (mansion, palace, whatever). There was a private tour beforehand, cocktail hour, and dinner/dancing until 10pm.
10pm doesn’t work well for a baby.
So, we opted to use the Biltmore Inn babysitting services (like we did in Atlantis). We skipped the tour and cocktail hour in...
In the Garden (part two).
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Down on the Farm
If you live within driving distance to Asheville, you MUST visit the Biltmore Estate - at least for a day. I blogged about this back in December (during our anniversary trip), but it was even more fun this time around. Not only was everything in full bloom with the Spring weather, but Tinsley was older and able to really enjoy herself!
The estate is HUGE. They created a little...
In the Garden (part one).
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Mother's Day
This Mother’s Day was really special for me because, well, I am an official MOM! We pseudo-celebrated last year, but this this year I was a totally legit mama. It’s funny to think that we get a day to ourselves…to celebrate all the things we do for the family. It was nice seeing it from the other side. For years, I’ve given my own mom gifts and cards…gone to brunches and celebrated with my...
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We Weaned.
We Weaned!
It randomly happened. I have absolutely no tips or tricks for weaning your baby. There was no trauma, no drama, no swollen breasts, or fussy baby. While I was hoping to go a full year, I’ll take 11.5 months. That’s pretty good for EBF!! Go me!
2 weeks ago, we skipped a night feed for some random reason I can’t even remember now. The next morning, Matt got up with T and let me sleep in...
On my preggo wish list:
Pregnancy stool. No, this is not for childbirth or yoga or resting my haunches. Why do I need a stool? I need a stool to put Tinsley in her crib for sleep. This belly of mine in ABSOLUTELY in the way and it’s terribly uncomfortable. Baby boy is getting annoyed each time he’s smooshed. My only solution is to get a stool so the belly can go OVER the railing. What other choice do I have??
Bola Bell...
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Saving the best for last.
The Saturday of Mother’s Day weekend, my beautiful cousin and her fiancé tied the knot! The ceremony was small, intimate, and simply beautiful. Honestly, it was my kind of wedding…just relaxed, easy, and full of love. Their ceremony overlooked the waters of Lake Norman while close family and friends looked on.
They lucked out with an absolutely perfect weather day. Not hot or cold (Matt...
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Freedom
The days after the Amendment One Disaster of 2012 brought unexpected freedom to me. Sure, there were accusations thrown, mean things said, and lots of drama…but I was able to see the GOOD fairly quickly. I’m not a roses-n-butterflies, bubblegum optimist, but I am definitely a positive person with enough perspective to see the bigger picture. My freedom came in two forms:
Freedom from blogging....
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Time Out.
Well, here I am on a password protected, totally me, no one else can read this, private blog. There’s so much SPACE. So much room to stretch and move! I can finally hear my own voice.
“So where did you go?” might be the question on your mind.
Most people already know. Start with this and it will catch you up on my disappearance (much love to this blogger, btw).
I posted the following statement on...
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Our Weekend
I know this is a day late, but thought I’d share some photos from the weekend.
(OK, I really just want to share this embarrassing video of Hollin, but we’ll pretend it’s a weekend post…)
Let me start here: Tinsley busted her lip on Thursday. THIS SUCKED. We aren’t exactly sure what happened. I saw her fall (we were outside) and it might have been her teeth that...
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Nom Nom Nom
I’ve received a LOT of emails and messages about weaning, what Tinsley eats, etc. I am absolutely no expert and often find myself consulting mom friends, books, doctors, and other resources when I start to doubt myself.
Breastfeeding is simple when it comes to nutrition. Then when you start to move into purees and then…REAL FOOD…it becomes a little confusing. What foods? How...
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Boy Things.
shoes!!
sleep sack
cashmere hat & bootie set
tri-fold birth announcement
pirate wash cloths
wooden fishing set
graphic tee
neck tie bib
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Anonymous asked: Hi Kristin, hope you are enjoying your vacation. Love reading your blog! I was wondering if you have any advice for couples moving to a new city, away from family, while expecting baby #1? Any advice on finding daycare, play groups, or other moms with children the same age?
Anonymous asked: What kind of high chair do you use with Tinsley???
Anonymous asked: Hi Kristin! I have been reading your blog since you were pregnant with Tinsley and I just love reading about your family's adventures :) I'm about to have my first baby and am always looking for baby toy ideas. I saw the awesome looking toy you all just got for T on your twitter acct and I was wondering if you could tell me what it is and where you got it. Thanks!
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Derby Girl
Even though Tinsley didn’t attend the Queen’s Cup, she still dressed the part! Matt pieced together this ensemble all by himself…and OMIGOSH the cuteness. And how did she keep this hat on her head?? I have no idea. Magic.
…Southern belles love their mamas, but will always be Daddy’s Girl…
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Thrill of the CHASE!
Last Saturday, Matt and I attended the Queen’s Cup in Mineral Springs, NC (just outside Charlotte). It was an overcast day, but NO RAIN! YAY! I specifically reserved spots with tents just in case it decided to storm…you know my luck.
The Queen’s Cup has been a fun tradition in Charlotte since 1995 and is a major social event for this area. Little kids, college students, old...
April 2012
38 posts
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20 weeks....sort of.
Can I be honest? People ask me how far along I am and….I’m never really sure. With Tinsley I knew my gestation down to the minute. But this time it’s different because I’m preoccupied with motherhood (…trying to find spare time for sleep and showering). It’s kind of nice not being as “obsessed” with this pregnancy, I’m much more relaxed, but...
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11 months old.
(I had a reader recently ask me which family photos are my favorite. It’s difficult to answer that one…we have so many great memories and moments captured on film. But I have to say that these are some of my most FAVORITE pictures of Tinsley. Something about the water + the light + my girl…)
Tinsley,
We snapped these pictures just moments after your run-in with Mr. Ugly...
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Sun & Sad
Our last full day in the Bahamas was spent soaking up the sun, swimming, looking at more fish, and enjoying a slice of pizza. Matt even booked me a mommy-to-be massage for that morning…it was nice to have some peace and quiet for a couple hours. Of course, all I wanted was to rush back to my family!!
(PS: the spa lady pressured me into buying some fancy Japanese oil for my belly to...
Anonymous asked: Hi Kristin! A few qu's today. I'm thinking of starting a blog but I'm worried about plagiarism and people potentially stealing pics/content. Have you ever had any trouble with this? Any advice for a newbie blogger? Would you ever put a watermark on your pictures or do you just prefer to take that risk? How do you make sure your/your family's privacy is protected? LOVE your blog...
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Anonymous asked: Hi Kristin! I wanted to know if you had any suggestions for a "diaper" beach bag. I am going on a couple of vacations this summer and am looking for a bag that will hold everything we need for days by the pool or beach. I'm such a huge fan of your blog and totally envious of your wardrobe! Thanks so much!
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The Dig
“The Dig” is a series of tunnels under the Atlantis Royal Towers. It is a showcase for the HUGE aquatic tank in the middle of the resort that is home to hundreds of species - including the biggest freaking sting ray I have ever seen in my life.
The Dig allows you to walk through the tank to see the creatures from below. The tunnels are also home to smaller tanks featuring...
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Flipper (aka: Kelly)!
The other morning, we had to opportunity to visit Dolphin Cay here at Atlantis. Dolphin Cay is a 14 acre marine habitat for manta rays, sea lions and rescued Atlantic bottlenose dolphins. It’s one of the largest and most sophisticated marine habitats anywhere in the world!!
So what do you do there?? PLAY WITH DOLPHINS! We were excitedly surprised that the resort allowed infants to join in the...
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Island Time
Well. friends, the Timmermans are off exploring another part of the world. A much WARMER part. We are in the Bahamas! I’m getting a tan and rocking the bump all the way.
We’re here thanks to Oxford Life - one of the companies we work with. Matt qualified for their reward trip this year and we couldn’t be more excited to be here in…wait for it…ATLANTIS! Nothing like...
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Anonymous asked: What are your feelings on dying your hair when pregnant? I'm 7 weeks, and I need a touch up BADLY but I hear so much conflicting information!
akollmer asked: Hi! Love love love your blog! I love following other young mommys that remind me of myself! Except your wardrobe far outdoes mine, and im totally jealous of your hair! Anyway, any advice on what you did to prepare or help out with breastfeeding? Did you ever use mothers milk or anything like that? Im having #3 in a few weeks, and i never made it longer then 3 months with the first 2! Thanks!
WatchY’all were right.
This just happened.
It took only one week.
And now my kid is walking.
There is no going back.
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