Monthly Archives: October 2017

Ashford Acres Inn bed & breakfast: our stay

Posted on by under baby, Bed and Breakfast, Kentucky, Motherhood, Travel, Uncategorized

IMG_5976Our very first B & B was in Savannah, GA where we stayed in a beautiful historic house overlooking Forsyth Park. At some point, we decided that for our anniversaries it would be fun to stay at different B & B’s. Our stay at Ashford Acres Inn was our third one, despite being married for 5 years now. Life gets in the way: things like deployments and babies 🙂 And I forgot my nice camera so excuse the less than perfect quality photos with my Iphone. I was really looking forward to bringing it, bummer!IMG_5954IMG_5978Our main reason for choosing Ashford Acres Inn was its close proximity to Lexington (about 50 miles) and the pictures and reviews online. Once arriving, it lived up to our expectations plus more. The main house was gorgeous and our little honeymoon suite was no exception. We stayed in a little detached house, our own little private retreat. This was my first night away from Savannah so it was much needed but at the same time I missed her.IMG_5956IMG_5967Upon arrival, Caroline checked us in and showed us around the property. Tucked away on a beautiful tree filled property, we felt at home and very relaxed. I made sure to turn on the Keurig in our room and enjoy a coffee (toddler free!)IMG_5966IMG_5959IMG_5957IMG_5964IMG_5974We then headed out to downtown Cynthiana for dinner. We decided on Bianke’s, a historical little diner style restaurant that had been the staple there for 122 years. For you UK fans, we saw the mural of Joe B. Hall close to the restaurant.IMG_5985IMG_5983

Then we headed back to our room where we enjoyed our alone time. The room had a large master bath with a walk in shower, beautiful tiled floor, robes, and a large soaking tub. IMG_5958tub editbathIn the morning, we were greeted at the main house with a 2 course breakfast which included a strawberry parfait and apple cinnamon pancakes. We then walked around the property enjoying the historic and beautiful nature of the house. IMG_5987IMG_5988IMG_5989IMG_5990IMG_5992My favorite area in the house was this quaint little sitting area: Magnolia leaves adorning the fireplace, all the mason jars and books, and the big comfy chairs.IMG_5995IMG_5996IMG_5997And here we are right before checking out. My pregnant belly and all! I would highly recommend this B & B for a quiet, relaxing retreat. Not much else to do in Cynthiana but there are beautiful country roads getting there. And maybe next time we will try to do the ghost tours. And the creator of The Walking Dead is from Cynthiana too! Very SPOOKY!!! (That’s for you Brooke!)

Thanks for reading!

Kim

A letter to my husband on our 5 year anniversary

Posted on by under baby, Kentucky, Military, Motherhood, Uncategorized

36530_10100846168957635_847935253_n(Above photo by Dolce Vita Photography)

Dear Dan,

It seems like just yesterday we were saying our I do’s and heading out for our honeymoon. We have come a long way with multiple moves, a new city, deployment, a beautiful baby girl and sweet baby boy on the way. It hasn’t always been easy, but I wouldn’t trade it for the world.547619_10100846163129315_40045342_n59674_10100775689803425_581663631_nThe day to day makes it often hard to keep everything in perspective. Being pregnant and chasing a toddler is not the dream job, but somehow it suits me. And I couldn’t do it without you.

This letter is for you, about you. I see you.

I see you getting up every morning and changing our baby girl and laying her next to you so I can get some sleep.

I see you going to work everyday and staying late often so we can have ALL the stuff. And it is ALL the stuff. We have everything we need and more! We are very spoiled all because of you.

I see you not only going to work everyday, but working two jobs. I see you as a strong leader in the Army and how people look up to and admire you. So do I.

I see you going to all the places with us on your weekends off. To the mall, to breakfast, to baby stores, to the zoo, to the horse park, to family stuff. And you do it all without complaining. You do it with love and you make it look easy._MG_6754(Above photo by Amanda Hacker Photography)IMG_5463I see you driving me to the hospital on your Sunday off when we have a small scare so I am not alone. (although I thought I would be fine) I see you chasing our daughter so I can relax and get better.

I see you playing with Savannah. And the love you have for her. I see her face light up when she sees you._MG_6612(Above photo by Amanda Hacker Photography)
I see you confused when I cry for no reason. The support you have for me when I’m an emotional wreck means the world. Through pregnancy and I’m sure beyond. Your patience and understanding with me don’t go unnoticed.

I see you encouraging me. I want to be a better person because of you. I look up to you in so many ways. You are our ROCK. I will never be lonely with you by my side. We are a team and can do anything! (you are going to need this encouragement come March, ha)

I see you. All day every day. Even when I am asleep beside you. I notice. I notice you rocking Savannah. All so I can have a few more minutes. I notice all the things and am so appreciative for you and our marriage. As someone once told me during the newborn phase: This too shall pass. And it’s so true. This is tough. It is so tough. But so worth it. Every sleepless minute and day. Each day I get to call you mine and for forever. I love you and am so thankful for you and your sweet love for us.

To SO many more,

Kim

October 19, 2017

 

Getting ready for our second baby!

Posted on by under baby, diy, exercise, Inspiration, Kentucky, Motherhood, nursery, Uncategorized

It has been about 13 weeks since my last post. Just in time for the first trimester feels to pass. But seriously, it is like a train hit you mixed with all the uncertainties of will I be sick or will I pass out from dizziness?? And then you have a lucky 12 hours of sleep and that’s still not enough! There is bound to be some side effects from growing a tiny human.  Now that I can think clearly I am getting some cleaning done and making preparations for our second baby, a sweet little boy!  Our kids will be about 22 months apart so I will have my hands full I’m sure. If you know me, you know I have been primarily thinking about decorating. Not only the sweet baby’s room, but we are moving Savannah’s room down the hall so the baby can be directly across the hall from us. Our current nursery has off white walls so I couldn’t wait to get my hands on some pink paint for Savannah’s new room! And that leaves the perfect backdrop for sweet baby boy’s room. Got me over here feelin’ like Joanna!

Here is my inspiration for Savannah’s new room. The paint color is Sherwin Williams Intimate white. And our painter is here today so pictures will be coming soon!pure-country-nursery-0216
Image found via Country Living

We will be moving her existing furniture and decor into her new room but I couldn’t resist adding a few new things too. I found a vintage dinosaur poster at Street Scene, a local vintage store here in Lexington, Ky. The muted greens will look great against the blush wall color. And who says dinosaurs are just for boys?! I mean, Savannah can say “dactyl”, her favorite flying dinosaur.

Now for the baby’s nursery! Here are a few inspiration pictures. We haven’t decided yet since we literally found out Sunday we are having a boy plus the whole first trimester thing I mentioned earlier didn’t have me thinking about much.

LukeNewborns-2576Image courtesy of The Sweetest Thing Blog
I am swooning over these light blue curtains and accents. But I also love the below nursery. All the lush greens and nature themes while keeping it very simple and airy!
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Image source here

Another idea I have floating around is incorporating scripture into his room. I absolutely adore this sweet blanket by Modern Burlap and I have to have it! It is perfect for the story of this little guy and how much of a blessing he is. God definitely had a plan for this little guy and knew we needed him this soon. I remember thinking when Savannah was born, “Is this real?” and “Why haven’t we met her sooner?”

blanketWe are also thinking of integrating sports into the design. LOVE these simple vintage baseballs. I’m sure I can find a mason jar laying around here somewhere (wink, wink).  And if you know Dan, we will have some UK and basketball stuff too. So stay tuned for more updates as we get the nursery finished.

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Besides decorating, I have also started a new Amazon baby registry. Mainly so I don’t forget what I need to buy, but also for when family asks about gifts. This mama will not be able to keep all of this in her head! I already have my main needs but need a few new things since we will have 2 toddlers at once! Hello 2 cribs and 2 changing pads. Yikes!!! I have also heard really good things about the book, Simplicity Parenting, so I need to get my hands on this real soon! Have you read this?

The final thing I will mention in regards to preparing is exercise! I exercised throughout my pregnancy with Savannah and it made labor and delivery fairly easy! And this time around I have an amazing village of mamas that I didn’t even know existed until after Savannah arrived. The group is called Fit4Mom and we push our strollers while working out, running, and singing to our babies. This has been a true life saver for my sanity and postpartum recovery. And you can bet I will be continuing this journey throughout pregnancy and beyond!16835715_705232732991594_8958558124395901390_o
Image courtesy of Fit4Mom

What other things did you do in preparation for your second, third, or fourth baby?? I would love to hear your ideas. Please comment below! Thanks for reading!

Kim