Time with Family

 ^^^^^

Mother-daughter time.

^^^^^ 

Sister time.

^^^^^

Meeting his Great Grandparents.

^^^^^ 

Time with Gram & Gramps

^^^^^

& family time! 

As I opened my blog this morning to post Zeeks eight month post, I was a little embarrassed when I saw that my last one was his seven month update... exactly one month ago (today)! As most of you know, traveling is my excuse for not blogging (I really haven't forgotten about you)... Twenty days of busy traveling that is. I'll recap by saying Zeek & I flew 4884 miles, drove at least 22 hours, explored four different states (ID, WA, OR, CA), & eleven different cities! Each one of us was sick at least once (if not more), Zeek got his first TWO teeth, Zeek met lots of new people, we marveled at the Pacific Ocean & saw beautiful country we've never seen all while spending quality time with family! It truly was a trip of a life time and  full of memories that will be cherished till death! There's nothing quite as special as spending time with family... (more details on the trip to come...) 

Independent Travels

If you would have asked me ten years ago “what word best describes you?”, I would have said "Independent"! I thought being independent was the best thing anyone could ever be or do for themselves. I continually told myself the lie, “who actually needs other people?” ... I wholeheartedly and stubbornly believed, I knew what was best for myself at all times & needed no one else to chime in to my life! As I went off to college & attended all my psychology classes, I quickly received a huge punch in the face (better yet, a reality check)! I learned that people actually do matter & relationship is extremely healthy and necessary! 

So, now if you’d ask me, I’d say I’m very dependent! And I’ll be honest in saying, that dependence is mostly on my husband... If I feel awkward, inadequate, lonely, helpless, or even happy & excited, I lean to my husband to help bridge any gaps & share in my feelings & thoughts! 

With that said, you may now better understand my hesitation & nervousness for my upcoming trip. Here’s the lowdown... I’m traveling across country for twenty days, just me & my son, to visit & spend time with family! We have three main goals & locations: 

Week one: Fly to Boise to spend quality time with my sister! 

Week two: road trip to Washington so Zeek can meet his GREAT Grandparents.

Week three: (now that the word is officially out) Drive down the west coast with my mom to help my parents move & settle in to Redding, CA where my dad recently received a new job as the Dean at A.W. Towzer Seminary! (& then fly home)

Yes, it’s going to be a BIG adventure. Neither Zeek nor I have ever been away from Jonny this long, I’ve never flown with a child (let alone, been a single parent in the midst of it), Zeek’s never dealt with a time-change (3 hours) or traveled that many hours in a plane or car... I’m praying it all goes well! I’m also constantly reminding myself & reveling in the fact that this family time, the memories, the pictures, & the adventure of exploring country I’ve never seen, it will one day outweigh all the negatives & stresses that may come from this trip! I’m continually growing in my excitement as I make my checklists & my “plan of attack” to attempt the smoothest travels & transitions for both Zeek & I. 

I’m also, starting to gain confidence in the fact that I CAN do this, independently! Well, independently of my husband, that is. Simply because I’m realizing I’m never alone. Yes, I will have the help of my family once I’m there. But oddly enough, my excitement also comes from the fact I’ll be in the path of so many kind strangers who are just as relational as I am, & that I’ll have the opportunity to be vulnerable  with others when in need of help! That's a scary thought for who I once was, but now, a refreshing thought in knowing it's necessary for growth in my life! 

Can't wait to see y'all! 

Ocean Isle

Vacation. This past week I found that that's not really a word used in a mothers vocabulary. I mean, it's used, but not in it's entirety! Vacation to me usually means: relaxation, rest, getting away from your normal routine, & refreshment. Vacation this time, on the other hand, would accurately be defined as, "still on-duty momma hustle-n-bustling around to tend to the little one's needs and trying to please & maintain happiness while attempting to relax at a remote location"! 

This past week we had the privilege of going to Ocean Isle Beach with my husband's family for their annual Family Vacation! I knew going into it that it wouldn't be anything like previous years since it was the first time traveling with Zeek. I tried to be idealistic and only hope for the good, such as a baby who'd sleep his normal routine (not in his crib), who'd love the sandy beach, & who'd be extra happy... Like I said before, all idealistic thoughts, which is totally NOT me. Granted, this vacation was surprisingly pleasant & I greatly enjoyed the special walks on the beach w/ my family, time spent with extended family, watching others love on Zeek, great late night convos on the front porch, & watching Zeek giggle & play with his daddy on the beach! 

But, there was still those little things looming over my head as "mom"! Zeek having his first diaper rash (consistently worsening & trying everything possible to help), Zeek hating sleep anywhere besides his crib causing less naps (cranky baby) & sleepless nights (waking every 1-2hrs trying to calm him so the rest of the house didn't wake), learning how to handle heat rash (on Z's face) & keeping him inside more often than not (not fun when you're at the beach), & as always, learning to become more selfless...

I guess I'm continually reminded that a momma's job never ends, (even when you're on vacation), but nothing could replace the joy it brings day in & day out, making it always worth it!

Charleston

 ^^ Our first night on the beach was for about 45mins since the sun was setting! 

Zeek was intrigued by what the wind was, what the sand was, & by the rolling waves!

 ^^Day two we were able to relax & play on the beach for several hours!

Zeek was able to take a nice nap since he had a natural sound machine, thanks to the waves!

***

My heart skips a beat every time I realize how fast my son is growing up... 

So, as you can imagine, to experience "first times" with him is just as terrifying as it is exhilarating! Knowing that those first time experiences come and go so fast, simply reinforces the (fast) aging process in my mind! As I continue to watch my son transform right before my eyes I have to remind myself that it is a good thing & that I should cherish these fleeting moments that much more...

So that's what I did on this trip to Charleston! There were lots of "first times" for my little man, so I had to be very intentional to not let that worry or sadness of him growing up overpower my joy & excited for what he was experiencing! I will forever cherish that look of comfort on his face as he rolled around on the big white comfy hotel bed (first overnight stay anywhere), and those first squeals & coo's as he stood with his feet in the sand and watched the waves roll in for the first time, and the look of his ever-so lightly tanned cheeks & rosy nose after his first day on the beach! 

It's crazy to think that I'll always remember those moments for my precious son, but that I hardly remember any of my big "first time" moments... It makes me appreciate life as a whole that much more and gives me a desire to slow down & take things in, so that I can remember more of those special moments!

Biltmore in the Fall

 

I'll say it again, just to get it out there... buying a year pass to the Biltmore is one of the best things you can do! It is such a gorgeous, peaceful place and offers so much for both individuals and families! It's the perfect little get-away (day trip for us)... Going during the fall has by far been my favorite time to go because of the scenery, but then again, fall in general is my favorite time of year so I might be a little biased! Of course this trip we had to take some belly photos to document this special time in life... I wish I could have captured more of the amazing colors and atmosphere!

Photo Post: Biltmore Trip #2

The Festival of Flowers at the Biltmore Estate!

 We are absolutely loving our year passes to the Biltmore, thanks to Jonny's parents. 

Our goal is to see the property at least one time each season...

The Biltmore.

The Biltmore Estate is a place everyone should experience at least once! It is so beautiful and peaceful, a great place to retreat to!  It has so much history, along with thousands of acres of gorgeous landscape... We finally had a free weekend to go activate our year passes and to get away and clear our minds. We left the Biltmore so rejuvenated and thankful for such a sweet time together! Quality time with my man always brings me great joy and satisfaction! ... And to top off our weekend, we had the privilege to be apart of this sweet reuniting of a soldier to his family! How priceless.

And updates on the house?!? ... Well, it's getting harder and harder to wait. The more I think about getting the house the more I plan how I'll decorate and what parties I can host. I'm growing more and more impatient. But the good news is the appraisal has been ordered to take place tomorrow! Pray that once it takes place, things will rush along and that our minds will be at ease.

Travels.

These past couple weeks have been "go, go, go" for me and the hubs! We both had amazing opportunities for some traveling... J took off Christmas night with his best friend and another guy for a trek across country to Cali! And while the boys were having fun on their road trip, I took off to Florida with one of my dear friends! I must say these two trips were exactly what we needed and definitely a life long memory that will be treasured! We both had many first time experiences happen for us,  (for him) seeing the country past Tenn. & experiencing the Grand Canyon & Cali life, (for me) exploring Florida, seeing clear ocean water & snorkeling! But, amidst all the adventure and fun there was still the hardship of missing your spouse for two weeks! And for the two of us, it was the first time we've ever experienced being away from each other longer than a couple days! I found this saying to be oh-so true... 

"Absence makes the heart grow fonder" 

 The Boys!

 & The Girls!

 (Opposite sides of the country... seeing the Pacific & the Atlantic ocean)