Last weekend we took advantage of some beautiful weather on Sunday afternoon, and took Karson for his first flight. We weren't sure what he would think about the noise and the motion. Turns out...he loved it! He wasn't playing around though, Karson was all business and was pretty sure he needed to help daddy out! I worried he was a distraction and tried to pull him back on my lap. You can see the look I got as a result below...
We may have a little pilot on our hands afterall!
Showing posts with label Justin. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Justin. Show all posts
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Friday, August 5, 2011
Here's what you missed...
We've spent the last day or so moving in. And the last week living in a hotel. So I've been a bit out of sorts and have gotten behind on here. So...as for our move...here's what you missed!
1) The move out went smoothly. Mom and dad helped us get our extra vehicle up to the new house by swinging through IN to meet us.
2) We left IN the same we entered it. All of us spent the last night there on air mattresses.
3) We took the best souvenir ever with us. (Karson).
4) We enjoyed hotel life, and contemplated moving in there permanently.
5) Karson adjusted like a champ to the new day care.
6) I concluded that I either have a short term memory, or some rose colored glasses. This whole unpacking gig is not quite as fun as I remembered it to be!
7) A box of corn starch managed to coat an entire box of pantry items with white powder. And my jeans. And the floor. And the fridge handles. And the sink. You get the point.
8) I moved the coffee maker 6 times.
9) It was a bad day to be a light bulb. We had three break in transit. Of course none of them are normal bulbs that we have on hand.
10) We arrived at a house, and made it our home.
Come see us soon!
1) The move out went smoothly. Mom and dad helped us get our extra vehicle up to the new house by swinging through IN to meet us.
2) We left IN the same we entered it. All of us spent the last night there on air mattresses.
3) We took the best souvenir ever with us. (Karson).
4) We enjoyed hotel life, and contemplated moving in there permanently.
5) Karson adjusted like a champ to the new day care.
6) I concluded that I either have a short term memory, or some rose colored glasses. This whole unpacking gig is not quite as fun as I remembered it to be!
7) A box of corn starch managed to coat an entire box of pantry items with white powder. And my jeans. And the floor. And the fridge handles. And the sink. You get the point.
8) I moved the coffee maker 6 times.
9) It was a bad day to be a light bulb. We had three break in transit. Of course none of them are normal bulbs that we have on hand.
10) We arrived at a house, and made it our home.
Come see us soon!
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
That's how we roll.
Our Rinker family enjoyed quite a weekend! Since it will be our last hectic one for a while, we tried to pack in some fun. As a result, we may have made it a busy one after all, but hey, that's how we roll.
Friday night Justin got in some flying time and then we had taco night with Dan.
Saturday, we had a pool party with some friends from Justin's work as a sort of farewell. Karson was GREAT, and enjoyed splashing around!
Sunday we went to church for a penultimate visit. Then we took in an afternoon movie (HP). Karson did pretty well. We chose the 12:50 thinking it would be sparsely attended. And aside from a few loud sounds startling him, and needing the occasional "stand and bounce" from his mama in the back of the theater...he did great! In fact, he was quieter than most people I usually sit around!
Sunday was also time for lots of playing and reading. Karson really enjoys being read to now. He stares at, touches, ...kicks?... and coos at the books.
He also rolled from back to belly finally! He's been sooooo close for the longest time, but this was the first time he did it totally on his own. He wasn't thrilled about the result...so I'm not sure when he'll attempt it again. :-)
And THAT's how Karson rolls!
Friday night Justin got in some flying time and then we had taco night with Dan.
Saturday, we had a pool party with some friends from Justin's work as a sort of farewell. Karson was GREAT, and enjoyed splashing around!
Sunday we went to church for a penultimate visit. Then we took in an afternoon movie (HP). Karson did pretty well. We chose the 12:50 thinking it would be sparsely attended. And aside from a few loud sounds startling him, and needing the occasional "stand and bounce" from his mama in the back of the theater...he did great! In fact, he was quieter than most people I usually sit around!
Sunday was also time for lots of playing and reading. Karson really enjoys being read to now. He stares at, touches, ...kicks?... and coos at the books.
He also rolled from back to belly finally! He's been sooooo close for the longest time, but this was the first time he did it totally on his own. He wasn't thrilled about the result...so I'm not sure when he'll attempt it again. :-)
| |||
"WHAT just happened?!" |
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Here we go again!
Justin is being relocated for work. We are very excited about the change, the location, and the opportunity. Lots to do in the coming weeks!
Ok, so I somehow made that only two bullet points, but they are BUSY bullet points!
Notice what is NOT on the list? "Find Melody a job."
Because...
I've been hired too!
We'll be sad to leave the current house, coworkers, church, and friends. During our short time, "here" has been good to us. Karson was conceived, (tmi, I know) carried and born here. It was his first home, and it will always be a special place. I do not believe that everything happens for a reason. But I do believe our time here was part of God's plan for us. We could not have asked for a better OB for Karson and me, a more understanding boss for my pregnancy/maternity, or a more perfect home for our growing family.
But we are excited to move on to the new "home", and create lots of memories there as well.
If you're thinking, "Didn't they just move"? "Who would want to pick up and relocate with a baby"? "How many homes are they going to live in?" "Sure seems like a lot of career changing?"
Well...you're right.
But for us...that's just Life As We Know It! And perhaps out of sheer ignorance...we wouldn't have it any other way!
- We have to prep our current house, list and hopefully sell it.
- Find a new house, and in the meantime coordinate the temporary living situation, including accommodating a growing and changing baby.
Ok, so I somehow made that only two bullet points, but they are BUSY bullet points!
Notice what is NOT on the list? "Find Melody a job."
Because...
I've been hired too!
We'll be sad to leave the current house, coworkers, church, and friends. During our short time, "here" has been good to us. Karson was conceived, (tmi, I know) carried and born here. It was his first home, and it will always be a special place. I do not believe that everything happens for a reason. But I do believe our time here was part of God's plan for us. We could not have asked for a better OB for Karson and me, a more understanding boss for my pregnancy/maternity, or a more perfect home for our growing family.
But we are excited to move on to the new "home", and create lots of memories there as well.
If you're thinking, "Didn't they just move"? "Who would want to pick up and relocate with a baby"? "How many homes are they going to live in?" "Sure seems like a lot of career changing?"
Well...you're right.
But for us...that's just Life As We Know It! And perhaps out of sheer ignorance...we wouldn't have it any other way!
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Thursday, April 28, 2011
A week with Daddy!
I'm a little late on getting this one up. We spent Easter in KY, have adjusted to taking Karson outside of the home for care, and have just been busy!
Daddy and Karson had a special week together. They endured a checkup with shots. They did "man stuff" like get my tires replaced. They also drug out the baby carrier so we could use it over the weekend, tried out the Bumbo chair, and had some PJ parties. This was a great opportunity for them to bond and get to know each other better.
Here are some pics from their week together.
Thanks for a great week, Daddy!
Daddy and Karson had a special week together. They endured a checkup with shots. They did "man stuff" like get my tires replaced. They also drug out the baby carrier so we could use it over the weekend, tried out the Bumbo chair, and had some PJ parties. This was a great opportunity for them to bond and get to know each other better.
Here are some pics from their week together.
| "Why am I wearing this?" |
| Looking like such a big boy! |
| Playing is hard work! |
| "Tummy time again?..." |
| Trying out the Bumbo! |
| Happy boy! |
| "Tell me more!" |
![]() |
| "Please tell me you'll shower when we actually use this." |
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| "Recovering" the morning after shot day. |
Thanks for a great week, Daddy!
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Wordless...whatever
So it's not Wednesday, but I am speechless! Look how big my baby boy is sitting up!
I can't wait to show you the full week of pictures of his week with daddy. But I'm too proud and too impressed to keep this one to myself!
I can't wait to show you the full week of pictures of his week with daddy. But I'm too proud and too impressed to keep this one to myself!
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
The Doctor is in!
This is Justin's week at home with Karson. Lucky him, he got to start the week off right with a Monday morning doctor appointment. It was Karson's two month check up, so there were shots involved no less!
Both of my boys did great! Karson was a happy active boy at the doctor's office. Although he HATED the shots, he calmed down as soon as Daddy held him.
Karson's measurements were:
13 lb 3 oz (75%)
24 1/4 inches (90%)
Head size (90%)
He's a big healthy growing boy! They were very pleased with his weight gain. If you consider he bottomed out around 6 lb 10 oz he's basically doubled in size! In fact, she was very pleased with Karson in general! We were told to "keep it up", and we'll see them again in a couple of months.
As for Justin, he handled the shots better than I would have. The doctor added that it's rare for the fathers to come to those appointments, especially alone. And the fact that he could answer all of her questions made him even more unique! Go Justin!
Karson was a little fussy and very tired the rest of the day. He wasn't as hungry either. BUT...he ate well before bed, slept great, and at our mid-morning feeding, he was a happy boy again, smiling and kicking when I picked him up. (Just don't touch his thighs!)
Both of my boys did great! Karson was a happy active boy at the doctor's office. Although he HATED the shots, he calmed down as soon as Daddy held him.
Karson's measurements were:
13 lb 3 oz (75%)
24 1/4 inches (90%)
Head size (90%)
He's a big healthy growing boy! They were very pleased with his weight gain. If you consider he bottomed out around 6 lb 10 oz he's basically doubled in size! In fact, she was very pleased with Karson in general! We were told to "keep it up", and we'll see them again in a couple of months.
As for Justin, he handled the shots better than I would have. The doctor added that it's rare for the fathers to come to those appointments, especially alone. And the fact that he could answer all of her questions made him even more unique! Go Justin!
Karson was a little fussy and very tired the rest of the day. He wasn't as hungry either. BUT...he ate well before bed, slept great, and at our mid-morning feeding, he was a happy boy again, smiling and kicking when I picked him up. (Just don't touch his thighs!)
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Happy Birthday To Me!
What a special birthday! I spent it at home, relaxing, waiting on a baby. I actually slept well (hallelujah), woke up to a goodbye kiss from the hubs, and enjoyed some kicks from Karson to get my morning going. (I like to think he was doing some sort of birthday song and dance for his mama.) I accomplished a couple of work to do's. (That's right, I'm not totally useless here at home.)
My present from Justin was ...a shopping spree! I couldn't come up with anything I needed right now, BUT I'm anxious to do some shopping for new clothes once I lose the pregnancy weight. So for now I picked some stores for gift cards, and I'm pumped for when I'm ready to use them. I saved some Christmas gift cards and monies too. So I'm ready for some serious shopping. That will be my weight loss reward!
He sent me a text earlier in the day saying he would take care of dinner. I didn't know what that meant. But when he came home, I stayed back in our sitting room and had to just wonder at what all of the noises in the kitchen could possibly mean. Putting take out on plates doesn't require that much time. Frozen pizza isn't that noisy...what in the world was he doing in there?!?!?
He cooked dinner. No, seriously, he COOKED dinner. I don't mean he picked up Chinese, popped a frozen pizza in the oven, or made waffles (Eggos). He cooked, like with a recipe and kitchen tools and everything.
He made cheesy potatoes, and Chicken Bundles. He looked up a couple of recipes during his lunch break, made his grocery list, then came home and made it! Please note the "bows" on top of the crescent roll chicken bundles... (could he be any cuter?)
Here's the kicker...it was delicious! The best meal we've had in this household in a while in fact! I'm a lucky gal! I told him he might have just cooked himself in to a job!
When things settle down, I'll post the recipes so you can try them.
In the meantime, I'm going to clean up from breakfast, get a shower, and head to the doctor...gulp. Karson's birthday might be decided today! I'm hoping that one particular option just makes sense and the choice for when and if we induce is obvious. Mainly because I don't want to single handedly choose his birthday. That just seems wrong. Wish me luck!
My present from Justin was ...a shopping spree! I couldn't come up with anything I needed right now, BUT I'm anxious to do some shopping for new clothes once I lose the pregnancy weight. So for now I picked some stores for gift cards, and I'm pumped for when I'm ready to use them. I saved some Christmas gift cards and monies too. So I'm ready for some serious shopping. That will be my weight loss reward!
He sent me a text earlier in the day saying he would take care of dinner. I didn't know what that meant. But when he came home, I stayed back in our sitting room and had to just wonder at what all of the noises in the kitchen could possibly mean. Putting take out on plates doesn't require that much time. Frozen pizza isn't that noisy...what in the world was he doing in there?!?!?
He cooked dinner. No, seriously, he COOKED dinner. I don't mean he picked up Chinese, popped a frozen pizza in the oven, or made waffles (Eggos). He cooked, like with a recipe and kitchen tools and everything.
He made cheesy potatoes, and Chicken Bundles. He looked up a couple of recipes during his lunch break, made his grocery list, then came home and made it! Please note the "bows" on top of the crescent roll chicken bundles... (could he be any cuter?)
Here's the kicker...it was delicious! The best meal we've had in this household in a while in fact! I'm a lucky gal! I told him he might have just cooked himself in to a job!
When things settle down, I'll post the recipes so you can try them.
In the meantime, I'm going to clean up from breakfast, get a shower, and head to the doctor...gulp. Karson's birthday might be decided today! I'm hoping that one particular option just makes sense and the choice for when and if we induce is obvious. Mainly because I don't want to single handedly choose his birthday. That just seems wrong. Wish me luck!
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Just PLANE fun!
If you've been reading, you know that Justin and I picked out some model airplanes to assemble, paint, and hang from the ceiling in Karson's room.
What you may not know is how long we spent on these crazy things. "Assembly required" is an understatement. These little guys were complicated. And painting them took lots and lots of coats, especially since we had to cover up the excessive amounts of glue it took to put them together.
Dee Dee (Mima) spotted them in Harbor Freight before we knew whether we were having a boy or a girl. Being a bit superstitious I decided not to buy them until we knew. But not long after hearing "it's a boy", we started working on these. Last night, our hard work finally paid off we as hung the little suckers from the ceiling.
The final verdict...totally worth it! I will say they look a lot cooler in person than they do in these photos. But nonetheless...here are the long awaited planes!
What you may not know is how long we spent on these crazy things. "Assembly required" is an understatement. These little guys were complicated. And painting them took lots and lots of coats, especially since we had to cover up the excessive amounts of glue it took to put them together.
Dee Dee (Mima) spotted them in Harbor Freight before we knew whether we were having a boy or a girl. Being a bit superstitious I decided not to buy them until we knew. But not long after hearing "it's a boy", we started working on these. Last night, our hard work finally paid off we as hung the little suckers from the ceiling.
The final verdict...totally worth it! I will say they look a lot cooler in person than they do in these photos. But nonetheless...here are the long awaited planes!
| Getting ready to hang. |
| Up they go! |
| (Cords hidden) and a green and yellow guy hanging out in the upper right hand corner! |
| Can you spot four in this photo? |
| Our favorite plane! |
Monday, January 10, 2011
The best laid plans...
**If you haven't already done so, go here to view and then vote on your favorite maternity pictures.**
Well...our weekend did not go quite how I had envisioned.
Our "quick" Saturday task of getting an airplane from Point A to Point B turned in to quite an endeavor. Rather than spending three hours in a car, I spent about six, mostly "pacing" back and forth trying to figure out where the heck I should be headed. Saturday's weather wasn't cooperating, so we had to abandon the task at a mid point, and drive the rest of the way home. Two days, two blankets, and two hairdryers later, we eventually had cooperative weather, and defeated the 2 degree temps to safely start the plane back up on Sunday morning so the boys could get it the rest of the way home. Success!
Lessons learned:
Don't buy planes in January.
Don't say things like "this is going to be such a relaxing weekend".
The good news...we still got most of our goals accomplished. Friday night Justin and I relaxed at the house, played rock band, and got to bed early. (Yes, that was actually a goal of mine.)
Saturday, amidst the random driving around I took advantage of passing by a Target to buy some nursing tanks that no one else seems to carry.
Saturday night, we enjoyed a nice dinner out with Justin's coworkers.
After all of the thawing and chaos ended on Sunday, we enjoyed a quiet but productive afternoon. Karson's hospital bag is packed. Mine is mostly packed. And we hung most of the items on the nursery walls. I need to get some pictures in the frames. And we need to finish painting the model airplanes to hang from the ceiling. Otherwise...his room is ready!
We have our last childbirth class tonight. Unfortunately, Monday is also our small group night for church. And tonight was going to be a baby shower theme! Since we are unable to attend, they decided to postpone that... :-) But we should be available for small group again starting next week. Uh oh, there I go planning again. Now what...
Well...our weekend did not go quite how I had envisioned.
Our "quick" Saturday task of getting an airplane from Point A to Point B turned in to quite an endeavor. Rather than spending three hours in a car, I spent about six, mostly "pacing" back and forth trying to figure out where the heck I should be headed. Saturday's weather wasn't cooperating, so we had to abandon the task at a mid point, and drive the rest of the way home. Two days, two blankets, and two hairdryers later, we eventually had cooperative weather, and defeated the 2 degree temps to safely start the plane back up on Sunday morning so the boys could get it the rest of the way home. Success!
Lessons learned:
Don't buy planes in January.
Don't say things like "this is going to be such a relaxing weekend".
The good news...we still got most of our goals accomplished. Friday night Justin and I relaxed at the house, played rock band, and got to bed early. (Yes, that was actually a goal of mine.)
Saturday, amidst the random driving around I took advantage of passing by a Target to buy some nursing tanks that no one else seems to carry.
Saturday night, we enjoyed a nice dinner out with Justin's coworkers.
After all of the thawing and chaos ended on Sunday, we enjoyed a quiet but productive afternoon. Karson's hospital bag is packed. Mine is mostly packed. And we hung most of the items on the nursery walls. I need to get some pictures in the frames. And we need to finish painting the model airplanes to hang from the ceiling. Otherwise...his room is ready!
We have our last childbirth class tonight. Unfortunately, Monday is also our small group night for church. And tonight was going to be a baby shower theme! Since we are unable to attend, they decided to postpone that... :-) But we should be available for small group again starting next week. Uh oh, there I go planning again. Now what...
Monday, December 20, 2010
A Happy Anny in Indy!
I've mentioned a time or two that I was looking forward to our anniversary celebration. Well...here are some details.
First, on our anniversary night at home, we enjoyed some party snacks (my favorite) and watched New Moon! (Hubs bought New Moon and Eclipse for me!)
And then, Justin and I truly celebrated our 3 year anniversary by taking a weekend trip to Indy. We stayed downtown, and enjoyed being within walking distance of lots of shopping and good eats.
We ate at Bucca Di Beppo Friday night. (YUM!) .:Waistline grows just from thinking back on it.:. We also enjoyed just walking around. Downtown was beautifully decorated for Christmas and it seemed the holiday spirit was in the (crisp & cold) air!
I felt like a 9 year old when I admitted to him that I was excited we could stay up as late as we wanted and sleep in as long as we wanted. However, I was out cold by 10:30. And...I woke up all night but was up for good by 7:00 am. Oh well!
Saturday we shopped a bit. More specifically I bought some awesome boots! We took in an afternoon movie (Harry Potter) complete with too much popcorn. .:Rubs growing belly, realizes that's not all baby in there...:.
After an accidental nap back at the room, we returned out to walk around the decorated and lively downtown including a stop for some hot chocolate from the Chocolate Store at the circle. We then enjoyed a nice dinner at Weber Grill, including a complimentary appetizer and dessert. .:Seriously, did I just pop a button?:. These horse drawn carriages were everywhere. So cool!
Sunday was the big finale when we went to the Colts vs Jags game. Lucas Oil Stadium is HUGE. And a great place to watch a game. We enjoyed watching the Colts secure a playoff spot. I fell in love with an idea called a walking taco. .:Quickly thanks God for stretchy maternity pants.:. (Check out my corner for a link to a recipe. You should expect to eat these at my house at some point...) We were also surrounded by some super sweet fans, and got lots of well wishes as a result of my bulging belly. .:All that eating was good for something?:. Karson seemed to enjoy the atmosphere and was a busy guy much of the game, practicing his own field goal kicks.
All in all, we were happy to have the opportunity to celebrate our last childless anniversary in a way that was fun, romantic...and fit "us"! We couldn't help but have the "this time next year" discussion, and seemed content that for our fourth anniversary, we would likely be scrambling for a baby sitter so we could salvage a dinner out - or perhaps enjoying a night in with some pretty special little company. And that sounds perfect too. :-)
First, on our anniversary night at home, we enjoyed some party snacks (my favorite) and watched New Moon! (Hubs bought New Moon and Eclipse for me!)
And then, Justin and I truly celebrated our 3 year anniversary by taking a weekend trip to Indy. We stayed downtown, and enjoyed being within walking distance of lots of shopping and good eats.
We ate at Bucca Di Beppo Friday night. (YUM!) .:Waistline grows just from thinking back on it.:. We also enjoyed just walking around. Downtown was beautifully decorated for Christmas and it seemed the holiday spirit was in the (crisp & cold) air!
I felt like a 9 year old when I admitted to him that I was excited we could stay up as late as we wanted and sleep in as long as we wanted. However, I was out cold by 10:30. And...I woke up all night but was up for good by 7:00 am. Oh well!
Saturday we shopped a bit. More specifically I bought some awesome boots! We took in an afternoon movie (Harry Potter) complete with too much popcorn. .:Rubs growing belly, realizes that's not all baby in there...:.
After an accidental nap back at the room, we returned out to walk around the decorated and lively downtown including a stop for some hot chocolate from the Chocolate Store at the circle. We then enjoyed a nice dinner at Weber Grill, including a complimentary appetizer and dessert. .:Seriously, did I just pop a button?:. These horse drawn carriages were everywhere. So cool!
Sunday was the big finale when we went to the Colts vs Jags game. Lucas Oil Stadium is HUGE. And a great place to watch a game. We enjoyed watching the Colts secure a playoff spot. I fell in love with an idea called a walking taco. .:Quickly thanks God for stretchy maternity pants.:. (Check out my corner for a link to a recipe. You should expect to eat these at my house at some point...) We were also surrounded by some super sweet fans, and got lots of well wishes as a result of my bulging belly. .:All that eating was good for something?:. Karson seemed to enjoy the atmosphere and was a busy guy much of the game, practicing his own field goal kicks.
All in all, we were happy to have the opportunity to celebrate our last childless anniversary in a way that was fun, romantic...and fit "us"! We couldn't help but have the "this time next year" discussion, and seemed content that for our fourth anniversary, we would likely be scrambling for a baby sitter so we could salvage a dinner out - or perhaps enjoying a night in with some pretty special little company. And that sounds perfect too. :-)
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Three Years!
*Sorry about the photo quality. These were printed and given to me in a book. Then scanned in. Then facebooked. Then robbed from facebook....etc.*
Three years ago today I married this handsome fella:
Wearing this dress:
Among these friends:

Shared these moments:
Held these flowers:
Ate this cake:
Had this toast:
And fled the scene among these petals:
I know we're supposed to feel this way, but it was truly the most perfect day. I had an amazing family helping get every detail to my liking, (and let's face it - I'm a tough gal to coordinate with). My bridesmaids were seriously flawless, and there for me every second of the weekend. I was lucky enough to feel like I think every bride should get to feel on their wedding day. And I happen to think the groom was quite a catch too.
It may be a bit old or cliche now, but to me the words are perfect, and when it's sung by my uber talented cousin and his wife...there's not a more beautiful wedding song...
I love you, Justin!
Three years ago today I married this handsome fella:
Wearing this dress:
Among these friends:

Ate this cake:
Had this toast:
And fled the scene among these petals:
I know we're supposed to feel this way, but it was truly the most perfect day. I had an amazing family helping get every detail to my liking, (and let's face it - I'm a tough gal to coordinate with). My bridesmaids were seriously flawless, and there for me every second of the weekend. I was lucky enough to feel like I think every bride should get to feel on their wedding day. And I happen to think the groom was quite a catch too.
It may be a bit old or cliche now, but to me the words are perfect, and when it's sung by my uber talented cousin and his wife...there's not a more beautiful wedding song...
When I said I do, I meant that I will 'til the end of all time
Be faithful and true, devoted to you
That's what I had in mind when I said I do
Truer than true, you know that I'll always be there for you
That's what I had in mind, that's what I had in mind,
When I said I do
I love you, Justin!
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