Santa Pics 2011

I know I've mentioned that I'm behind, but this extended to every facet of my life this year. So much in fact, that as of a week before Christmas, I had still not taken KT to see Santa and take her yearly pic. Terrible Mother. Terrible.

The Wednesday before Christmas weekend, Jeff and I planned on going to Bass Pro Shop to take the FREE (good word) photo with Santa. No where in my recollection did I see "get a pass" or "come early for a pass" mentioned ANYWHERE. So we get KT all dolled up, we talk about Santa non-stop on our way to the Rim, and we head on in to the store and get in line. No problem, right? I mean I even asked an employee at the front "Where's Santa taking pictures?" and he directed me.

So, after about 5-10 minutes of standing in line, you'll understand my irritation when the lady came up to us and asked us for our "Bass Pass" - Come again? My what? You mean I can't just stand in this line? Oh no, you have to come early, get the pass, that allows you to come back later and stand in line to see Santa. *rage* And guess what, ma'am? Santa's all booked up for today, but you can come back tomorrow morning to get one for tomorrow afternoon. *double rage* No thank you, MA'AM. Do you not see my kid, all dressed up, ready to see Santa? Ma'am? I'm doing this now or never. So fine. The end. Bass Pro Shop, you lost my business today. I'm headed to 'ole faithful - known as the Santa Claus at La Cantera Mall - where we took her pics last year.

Luckily when we got there, the line wasn't too bad, but of COURSE Santa was out "feeding his reindeer" and still had another 20-30 minutes left. Breathe in. Breathe out. This is your own damn fault, Colleen. So we waited. And waited. And truthfully, the time passed faster than I imagined. After a few walks around the food court and outside into the "rainin'" - it was finally time to see SANTA! Yay! Right? You thought....

Rewind 5 minutes before hand. KT sees Santa and shouts "Santa! Santa!" I hold her and tell her look at the little kids talking and laughing with Santa. Look how they smile for the camera. Look, KT, look how fun it is to talk to Santa! And she continues with "Santa! Santa!" So I'm excited! Maybe, just maybe this would go smoother than the shots a few weeks earlier at daycare in which she was the ONLY kid in her class that would NOT go near Santa. So I got a picture of her back to the camera, she's messing with the Christmas tree and Santa is just looking at her. Oh wait, here you go:

Maybe you're not surprised to hear that things didn't go so smoothly then? Or maybe you've met my kid enough times to know she's got quite the personality and things never go according to plan. I'll spare you the rest of the deatils, because I think the photos speak enough for themselves. Enjoy! and Merry Christmas! Maybe 2012 pics will be better?

At least Santa is smiling here. But notice, KT is missing a shoe.

Now Santa has had ENOUGH. But this was the winning shot!

Here's the shot that is driving Santa to retirement. And I somehow made it in to this one too! ha!

One Thought

Dear Blog (and readers, if you are out there),

Merry Christmas (Eve)!

I should probably update this thing. I'm sorry. I've been so busy! I know, I know, you've heard it before, but I'm telling you, it's been ridiculous. RIDICULOUS!

Soon. Soon. I promise.

Until then, here are some random pics that I just took. You're welcome. 

School Picture

This was taken back in September 2011. Figured I'd better get it up here before she changes even more. KT Koenig at 19/20 months.

Upgrade

This past weekend someone took another step toward big-girl-dom. On our long drive back down from Fort Worth, we discussed KT's recent sleeping issues and trying out something different. Anything different. We'd been talking about getting her a bed, but sometime near Christmas or her birthday. You know, near her turning 2 years old. But, she's been having trouble going down at night lately, and she's been waking up frequently during the nights, so at this point ANYTHING would be a great change.

As we drove through Round Rock, we decided to check in at IKEA to see what they had. We debated on single vs. double, back and forth, back and forth. We tried KT on a few beds. I really wanted a wrought-iron bed for her, but once we got there, seeing how high that sucker sits off the ground, I changed my mind. Then we saw a king version of the bed we ended up with. Classic style, lower to the ground, but not too low, and something that will age with her for awhile at least!

So we got the double version of it, a mattress, some sheets and a duvet. And we set it all up in her room on Sunday. Wow, it totally changed the look of her room, but I'm loving it. I know we are only 4 nights in, but I must tell you, bed times have been so pleasant these past few nights. I say, "Do you want to go night night?" and last night she replied "Yes!" worked herself off the couch and headed to her room. We read books in bed and turned off the lights and less than 5 minutes later, my kiddo is snoozing.

She's only woken up once in these 4 nights. And I think I found the issue. She doesn't like nightlights on all night. She can fall asleep to them, but I have to turn them off. Otherwise, she's guaranteed to wake up in the middle of the night. I've been testing this theory on subsequent nights and I'm pretty sure that's the issue.

I can't believe we are already at this stage. I'm happy that we're here, but a bit nostalgic as well when I saw her crib disassembled in the spare room. It was a quick transition. Probably a good thing I didn't dwell on that too long. Onward and upward!

Side Note: I also rearranged her bedtime music. We've been jamming Rockabye Baby! for well over a year now. I put on some sweet Jack Johnson to lull her to sleep now. I'm liking the ambiance.

Finally hung this awesome print from Uncle JR and Aunt Ash above KT's bed. LOVE it!

Mr. & Mrs. Seamster

This past weekend we headed to Fort Worth to see my beautiful cousin Emily get married to one awesome Aaron Seamster. They are such a cute couple and I can't wish them enough happiness. I had some fun snapping some pics throughout the whole ceremony and afterward. Once I got them up on the computer, I have to say I was pretty pleased with how they came out. The full set can be found here: http://flickr.com/gp/kckoenig/p04HcH/

Aunt Kathy looked gorgeous

Uncle Mike and Emily {stunning}

Ready for the aisle

They did it!

Sarah looked gorgeous!

Love this one

Loved the back light here

My tired baby. She danced her heart out. <3

Happy Halloween 2011

KT was Olivia the Pig for Halloween this year. If you know anything about KT, then you know she's never separated from her precious pig(s) doll. I knew she wouldn't have anything to do with wearing a pig snout and she rips off any headbands I put on her, so this was our interpretation. I loved it!

KT is 21 Months!

October 29th, KT turned 21 months. Two will be here before we know it! And then... 18. Wait. Hold up! 

Click to Enlarge

Decisions

I've made a few decisions lately. Trying to keep up at my own self-prescribed pace on top of trying to keep up with everyone else's pace has worn me down as of late. Big time.

I'm sure you can assume I've been busy, judging from the last time I've actually blogged on my site. I know. I tried to sneak these all in without turning on the "FAILURE" light, but it's hard to swing.


One of the most impacting decision I've made of late is to not pursue the RnR half marathon. I'm sure I'll feel a twinge of regret on the day of, when I see so many of my friends post pictures and accolades on their success that day, but I've thought long and I've thought hard, and this is the best decision for me.

Having Jeff and I both train for this was a constant drain on our time over the weekends. With both of us working full time during the week, this cuts in to major KT time. And this mileage is beyond KT's patience level (I can't blame her) to sit in a jogger and amuse herself. Yes, I felt awesome when I completed 7.0 miles (the longest stretch I made), but my day was used up and then it was a "tag you're it" situation with Jeff and I.


Another reason is that, yes, I've enjoyed running, but these long distances - I was not having fun. Aren't I supposed to enjoy myself? The term is relative, I know. No Pain, No Gain, and all that. But I really wasn't enjoying myself. I think my limit is 4.0 miles.


With all this exercise, I was finding excuses to eat whatever it was I wanted. Which, not surprisingly, led to weight gain. Something I have been committed to for the past year since having KT. The goal. MY GOAL is to lose the weight. To focus on my health. That is my marathon. That is my focus. So it's time to refocus on that. And do things the way that was working before.


I still want to run a half marathon one day. But it's not in my cards this year. And I'm okay with that. I feel like my body is at peace with it, and my mind is too.

In Which You Cast Judgement

Okay, go ahead and cast your judgement on us, because I have an "i-can't-believe-you've-been-doing-it-like-that" moment to share.

Since moving in to this house almost 4 years ago, we've not done much of our dining at the table. And, sadly, this floorplan didn't come with an eat in kitchen. For space reasons, our dining room is being used as 1/2 office, 1/2 dining room.

Since KT's arrival, we've done almost every meal in her highchair, which is in the kitchen, but can also arguably be called in the living room as well. Yes, I know. You see the issue. I know, I know, I can hear you now. Hold your tongue.

I am done with the highchair. It's presence in my kitchen (living room) is a constant mockery to me telling me that I need to graduate my child to an actual chair (read: stop eating in the living room and move to the kitchen, you lazy butt).

So we did. Last weekend, I said "enough is enough" - it's time to be responsible parents and sit this family down at the table. And you know what? I've learned a few things.

I always thought KT was a great eater. She has her "picky" issues, but overall, if I give her what she likes, she'll go to town. But guess what? She's an even better eater at the table. In front of us. With no other distractions.

Because tonight... tonight, I saw my kid eat chicken nuggets for the first time. Do you know how many times I've tried chicken nuggets? (clarification: not mcdonald, this is the store bought kind). She wouldn't eat them. Cause I wasn't showing her how it was done. *slaps forehead audibly* Then the other night, she asked for some lettuce off my plate, and munched down on several pieces. That's when I looked Jeff in the eyes and he looked back into my eyes and we non-verbally communicated that "We are DEFINITELY going to be eating all our meals at the table from here on out."

I knew I was wrong, but boy, was I wrong.

The Great Hill Country Pumpkin Patch

KT Koenig (20 months)

Family Shot

As has become tradition, we took a drive out to Medina on Saturday, October 15th to check out the pumpkins at Love Creek Orchard.  Aunt Jenny and Taylor came in to town to visit and to head to the pumpkin patch too! Nene just had surgery :( so unfortunately she wasn't able to make it (feel better soon, Nene!). It's fun to watch KT and Taylor grow together. They are 4.5 months apart, and it's cute to watch them interact every time we are together.

I am certain that you could probably find a pumpkin patch closer to town, but most of the appeal in visiting the one in Medina is that it's in a beautiful part of Texas. The drive out there is one of my favorites, and if time had allotted, we would of had some lunch at one of the local restaurants (only a handful in town). Medina is a beautiful town. If jobs weren't an issue, then I wouldn't mind living out in the neck of the woods.

The girls had a great time visiting the petting zoo and all the animals, walking through the pumpkin hay maze, and my favorite, painting a pumpkin (ooh la la!).

KT & Taylor painting their pumpkin

KT & Taylor painting their pumpkin

Afterward we headed back to my parents so we could let the girls run around until they were exhausted! It's hard enough entertaining an (almost) 2 year old, but TWO two-year-olds? I had to pull out the big guns. I asked my Dad (Grumps) if he could hook up the trailer to the tractor so we could have some "tractor rides" - and boy, what a treat! Even the adults had fun on this! Note: Incorporate into KT's bday party.

Taylor and KT running off some energy

Trek Tri

Beautiful views

I competed in my 2nd Triathlon on Sunday, October 2nd. The Trek Tri Series is very similar to the Danskin Tri series that I competed in back in June. One difference though...significantly less people. While the Danskin had somewhere in the thousands compete, the Trek only had about 400 women compete. I'm wondering if the summer time and school had any influence on that number. I'm thinking yes.

Awesome husband, beautiful daughter (inspiration) and myself

Calli & Dave (great job, Calli! proud of you!)

Calli and I (my guns were out of ammo)

When I first signed up for the tri, I was stoked. I was coming off of a major high from the Danskin and I was ready to do another one. So ready. Then I decided to pick up training for the RnR 1/2 marathon. Couple that with an extremely busy and stressful work over the past few months and throw in there the pressures and "burn out" of workouts and basically you have the recipe to set yourself up for failure.

Okay, not complete failure. But this tri definitely did not goes as planned. The week before the event was a nightmare week. I'd go so far as to say it's one of the worst weeks of work I've had in a very long time. I came home, relieved on Friday evening, only to start feeling nauseated around 7pm. For 4 hours, I had the chills and had rolling waves of nausea. I think it was the stomach bug, but it could of been my body just dealing with the stress. Who knows. Regardless, the amount of food I put in my body for fuel those next 24 hours was not good.

Calli, Annah and I

The event was held at a park out in Spicewood (close to ATX). The morning was gorgeous. Cool, which was slightly intimidating for the swim, but enjoyable for the bike/run. My goals turned from kicking my Danskin time's butt to just plain finishing without embarrassing myself too bad.

In the water

My swim started out horrible. Too many women pushing and shoving and kicking and I couldn't find my stride at all. It was a mess. So finally I just let a group go in front of me so I could catch my stride. And I did. I thought I had loss time here, but actually improved my time 1:00 from the Danskin.

on the road

My ride however.... such a shame. Cycling is my thing. Well. In the fact that out of the three, that is my strongest. But, after my swim, I was out of juice. The hills killed me (even though they could of been way worse) and even after telling myself five times over to kick it in to over time Colleen, I just could not perform. I lost most of my time here. Almost 10 minutes slower than Danskin.

My run, it was meh. More like my run/walk. Egads, that last hill was brutal, but obviously doable. I was so ready to finish, I could taste it. My time was 4 minutes faster than Danskin, but.... do to a long transition from swim/bike, distance was cut off.

final results

All in all, my total time was 2:06:00 - I really wanted to be under 2:00 - ah well. With all the circumstances, I'm happy I finished, even if it leaves me a bit disappointed. By no means am I turned off of tri's. I love them. But, next time I do one, I'm focusing on it alone and making sure I put in the time/commitment that it deserves.

A huge shout out to my friends Calli, who kicked some serious ass on her first tri! and as always, Annah killed it. The girls got wheels!

Till the next one....

KT is 20 months!

Click to enlarge

La Familia

KT's school asked if we could bring in a family picture for a "Family Tree" board they have on the door. We don't have any recent snaps of the family so we set up shop in the backyard and fired away. Of course there were too many outtakes, but here's the good-ish ones:

But this is how it really went down. Not flattering for me at all, but Sonny was not being cooperative and KT was laughing SO HARD at him, Jeff was struggling. It was HILARIOUS.



Early Anniversary Present

Jeff and I celebrate 6 years of marriage on October 1st. I told him it feels like longer - but in a good way! We've been dating since 1998 - so 13 years later, here we are.

To celebrate, Jeff attempted to surprise me. He knows he can't ever get one past me, but he was oh so close. The only thing that he did wrong was leave a receipt on the printer that said "YOUR TICKETS" in 72 point bold black font at the top. Can I help it that it caught my eye? Of course not. 

The "surprise" happened to be tickets to see one of our favorite comedians, Jim Gaffigan. You may recall his Hot Pocket skit? No? He's second, or maybe now equal now, to my other favorite comedian, Eddie Izzard. I was so excited. But I had about 4 months to wait. So there they sat, pinned to our refrigerator until last Friday.

I took an entire day off work. For FUN! Not to clean my house or run errands. But for F-U-N!! And it was fun, the whole day. We started it off with a run, because we both wanted to indulge a little while in the ATX. After we cleaned up, we headed to Austin. 

I put out an SOS out on Facebook for some good eats off of South Congress. In all honesty, I put the SOS out while we were already IN the area, so I was looking for fast responses. And I got a few. The food trailers seemed the easiest, and trendiest, and most interesting of the suggestions, so we decided on that route.

The Mighty Cone it was! And what a fine choice - de-freakin-licious! (Thanks, Lisa!)

Jeff and I both ordered the Deluxe Cones - aka: Fried Chicken with Fried Avacado - heaven.

Jeff got a banana snow cone (gag!) from one of the trucks....

And I enjoyed a cupcake from Hey Cupcake!

 

We even enjoyed live music, at 1:45 in the afternoon. This guy was awesome.

Afterward, we decided to go walk off some of our guilty conscious and headed down to Town Lake. (Or Ladybird Lake, I'm not sure what they call it anymore).  I took this opportunity to take some photos. It was nice, just relaxing on the park bench.

We spent awhile just watching the kayakers and paddle boarders sunbathe. The weather was perfect. And it was nice not to worry about anything.


Afterward, we headed to IKEA to kill some time before the show and to grab KT a chalk easel, which she absolutely loves (worth all $15 we spent on it). Then we headed back to the UT campus and where STILL early. We took a mini tour of the campus, walked around the stadium then sat on one of the walls and watched all the students and reflected on our time in college. It was really nice.

Gaffigan packed the house, no surprise. His performance was completely fresh, new material and worth the price of the ticket and then some. He had us rolling. It's sure nice to laugh hard every now and then. His encore was his Hot Pocket skit, which is still hilarious even though I've heard it over 100 times.

Afterward, we headed back to San Antonio because we had to head to Houston early the next day for our niece's 2nd birthday party. Mom and Dad watched KT for us during the day and night and brought her back early a.m. Saturday. She had fun going to the zoo with them! In fact, I'm pretty sure she wore them out.

Happy Early Anniversary to the most awesome husband ever. Thank you for the wonderful day trip. It was awesome. Let's do it again soon, m'kay?