My First Day

My first day as a stay-at-home mom started out great. Travis and I ate breakfast together: me-coffee and bagel, Travis: sweet potato. He made an absolute mess and loved every minute of it. Afterwards, he needed a bath, so he got one. Then, we headed to Wal-Mart for a few things. I put him in his kangaroo pouch so he'd be close and could look around if he wanted to, which he did! He then played on his mat for a while. So far, he can only go backwards and sideways, so most of the time, he just spins in a circle, but he has fun! He's learning to take the pieces apart, and loves to roll off the mat, so he needs constant watching. No telling what kind of trouble this boy will get himself into!

This afternoon, we went for a walk and the trouble started when we returned. He had only taken short naps, but that's not uncommon for him. He ate, and got very drowsy, but once I tried to put him to sleep in his crib, his little eyes popped open and he started yelling fit to wake the dead. So, I picked him up and rocked him gently. Put him in the crib--boy, those eyes popped open again, the bottom lip quivered, and the tears started. Well, maybe he's not really tired, I thought, and moved him to his swing in the living room, where he happily played until I disappeared into the kitchen to get some work done. He started screaming so loud, I thought he was hurt, but as soon as I came back into sight, he stopped crying....hmm, I thought. All afternoon, once I stepped out of sight, the crying started. Finally, I brought him into the kitchen where he sat in his high chair and happily played while I finished cleaning up. I tried to put him down for naps several times, but then the crying started. Finally, I just sat and rocked him. When he seemed calmer, I put him in his crib, where his eyes popped open and he started to cry. No, I told him firmly. You need to sleep. Then I walked out, and closed the door, hoping it would work. He cried (and screamed) for about 5 minutes...and then there was total silence. So, of course I checked on him. My little man is now sleeping soundly, swaddled up tight like a PF Chang lettuce wrap. All in all, not a bad first day, but tomorrow: longer naps.

New Year's Letter

I'm posting our New Year's letter here -- enjoy!

White New Year Letter 2011.

New Title

You may notice that I have changed the name of my blog. Since this blog is becoming more about Travis, and less about Ken and Krista, it seemed a good idea. :-)

I have decided to try and blog more about life with Travis, hoping that it keeps our far-flung family and friends updated on our joys and trials. I know I keep Facebook updated pretty often, but not everyone we know is on Facebook, so here's an alternative.

Wish me luck, and visit often!
Love, Krista

Staying Home

So, after much prayer, discussion, and budget revision, Ken and I have decided that I will stay home with Travis for the foreseeable future. I have already put in my notice at work, and we have informed the day care. Starting February 1, I will be a stay at home mom!

Though I enjoy my job, I miss Travis more throughout the day and I feel like we never get enough time with him. God entrusted this little guy to us, and it bothers me that his best (and funnest) hours are spent in the company of someone else. We really like the day care we picked, but nothing and no one can take the place of his parents. We decided that I would stay home with him for a year, and then we'll review and make sure we're continuing to do what is best for our family. We've also decided that we will stay in Bastrop, and not move to Austin for the time being. Our neighbors are so wonderful, and we just love living in the country. As long as one of us is here to shop, run errands, etc., the commute isn't so bad.

I am excited to be able to play with Travis throughout the day, and watch his first attempts at crawling and walking. I can't wait to find other moms and other babies for Travis to play with. It will be an adventure for sure, but I feel at peace finally knowing what God wants for us.