We spent the weekend in Lexington, Virginia to celebrate the marriage of my college roommate, Meredith, to her new husband Scott! It was a gorgeous affair full of barns, great food, good beer, lots of dancing and cowgirl boots.
Our day started early on Friday with a pumpkin breakfast and final packing. Thursday may have been crazy, but Friday was calm thanks to all of the advance packing and planning.
I had a leftover portion of Coach’s Oats that I heated up in the microwave with about 1/3 a cup each of milk, pumpkin and cottage cheese. Honestly the microwave/stirring process took me longer than just making oats fresh on the stovetop, but at least there was no pot to wash : )
Served with blobs of pumpkin butter and Sarah’s Birthday Cake Nutty Butter! I LOVED this flavor (as I knew I would) because it was like cookie dough with sprinkles : )
So I added a bit more sprinkles on top to celebrate Mazen’s 4 week birthday!
Happy 4 Weeks Buddy!
We had a little time to twiddle our thumbs….er…eat and nap…before Matt came home from work and we set off on our journey. This is clearly our first time away from home (other than the hospital) and we were unsure how he would handle an hour car trip. Luckily we timed things perfectly and I fed him, we left, and he fell asleep in the car seat. LUCKILY!! Actually, it seems at 4 weeks his fussiness has calmed down – at least for the moment. Maybe he didn’t like his 3 week growth spurt? Or maybe we will be lucky.
In fact, we saw our first social smiles today! He knows his getting older <3
Matt brought home sandwiches for lunch that we could enjoy in the car
Curried Tuna for me!
Along with some chips and an apple.
And when we arrived at the hotel, our welcome bag included a cookie baked by Meredith’s mom! Yum.
We did some unpacking and tummy time before putting on our cowboy clothes and heading to the rehearsal.
A beautiful afternoon!
My boys and their matching outfits : )
We took 1,000 photos with Mazen today!
And we are in love with his pacifier – he is too!
I was able to feed him in the church nursery and then do my bridesmaid duties while the boys played….and then slept….outside.
When the rehearsal was over, we all headed to a family friend’s farm for a barn dance and pig pickin’!
The bride!!
There were shrimp and stuffed mushrooms for appetizers
Good beers for drankin’
Lots of BBQ
And a lovely buffet of Southern sides
Feast! Everything tasted amazing.
I was able to feed Mazen in the back of the room under a cover – no big deal!
We had a lot of fun!
Mazen was decked out in plaid and denim – just like his dad!
Yee haw.
Allie@LiveLaughEat says
Barn wedding! Want. And that mac and cheese, too.
Amy says
I love non-traditional weddings. This theme is so whimsical and wonderful. Congrats to your friend. M and M looked precious! And, girl, you work dem boots!
Amelia @eating made easy says
Everything about this wedding looks beautiful, including the 3 of you!
Amy in Canada says
You look so beautiful! How is it you still get to glow AFTER the baby is born! lol Maze is really starting to look like his daddy. Love a barn wedding.
[email protected] says
What a fun day! Those oats look fabulous!
Molly @ RDexposed says
This looks like a low (lower?) stress type of wedding. Smart!
Andrea says
Yaaaay Maze! Such a cute mini cowboy!
Candice says
Ahhhhh . . . I did my RD internship at Meredith in NC and learn about pig pickins’ and cheerwine. This post is making me miss it so much!!
Kelly @ Foodie Fiasco says
What a gorgeous wedding! Maze is just so adorable. 😉
Christena says
What a neat wedding. The rustic farm theme is really gaining popularity & I love it!
Also, Kath, you look so good!! You just look so fit & slim only 4 weeks out from having given birth! And from what I see on the blog, you are not dieting, just eating consciously. What a great role model for all of us! Also, you definitely have the new mommy glow!
Katherine says
You look so beautiful! I never comment, but I read every day, and i have to say that you look like such a natural and wonderful mom. I love your blog- and the balance you have in your life. As someone who wants kids and a career, I am truly inspired by you every day! Thanks for writing.
KathEats says
Thanks for your comment!
Jen says
How fun! Was this the rehearsal dinner or wedding reception? It’s really lovely either way. And what exactly is pig pickin’?
KathEats says
Rehearsal dinner! Wedding post is tomorrow – a huge one loaded with photos!
Pig pickin’ means that the pig is roasted and people “pick” the meat off for their plates. Although here the cooks did the pickin’ for us. In college, though, we often picked ourselves
Jen says
I’ve been to quite a few pig roasts and have never heard of pig pickin’. We either don’t say that in Ohio or I’ve never paid enough attention. Thanks for explaining it!
Vidya says
Happy 4 weeks b’day Maze!! You are growing cuter and cuter by the day! I celebrated my daughter’s b’day every week for the first few months and then every month until her first b’day!! Crazy! But could’nt get over that beautiful day for a long time! Actually won’t be able to get over it forever! Kath as always, you make everything seem very smooth and hassle-free! Congrats for making a successful first road trip. You all look amazing.
Megan @ Megan's Munchies says
What a fun time! You look amazing! Maze looks adorable in his plaid!
NurseJulie says
Kath you look great! Love Mazen’s little outfit too!
mariejs says
Love all of the family pictures!
Have you ever done a blog post on skincare or makeup? Your complexion is so beautiful and I would love to know your secrets!
KathEats says
Thanks, no I haven’t. I use Bare Minerals and Alba Sea Minerals and don’t wash my face at night : )
NurseJulie says
You leave your makeup on to go to bed? Do you wear eye make-up? Just curious! 🙂
KathEats says
Yeah, but it’s pretty much all gone when I get in bed. If I wear heavy make up (like last night’s wedding) I take it off.
Jenifer says
What’s the Alba Sea Minerals? I use their Coconut face wash and am in Love!!
Susan H. @ The Food Allergy Chronicles says
Wow! What fun! I love a pig roast with all the fixins! Yum! Love the matching plaid of your boys! Fixin up a feast myself to celebrate our Canadian Thanksgiving and my husband’s birthday tomorrow…trying to get it all finshed so I can go watch my youngest son’s hockey game at 6pm. My hubbie is assistant coach this year…so far so good…1 win, 1 tie and no losses! I will finish up the meal when we get home…dinner will be worth the wait!! Enjoy the wedding!
Nagore says
Your baby looks adorable, I like the photo where he has one eye closed and is showing the tongue.
On another subject totally different, it surprises me that you use a cover to nurse your baby. Here (in western Europe) its something totally accepted to see women nursing babies everywhere! I’m not judging or giving an opinion, just telling.
KathEats says
It’s just me – I’m not totally comfortable showing because people here would probably stare (or so I would feel even if they weren’t)
Laura says
You are absolutely glowing in these pictures!
Jess @ JessieBear What Will You Wear says
gooooooodness these picture are precious.
Lousi says
You look amazing in these pictures. Happy 4 weeks to Mazen too! I hope you all have a great time and good luck juggling baby and bridesmaid duties tomorrow. If anyone can do it, it’s you… Looking forward to tomorrow’s post.
the 3volution of j3nn says
All of the photos are gorgeous! They came out so well. Perfect lighting, and everyone looks so happy and vibrant. The matching outfits are just adorable! It’s awesome that the first time away from home has gone off without a hitch. Yay! 🙂
Ashlee says
I cannot believe you gave birth 4 weeks ago! You look awesome!
Alisha @ Alisha's Appetite says
beautiful pictures, as usual! What awesome food- especially for the rehearsal dinner! I’m excited/curious to see what they served for the wedding meal.
Aja says
Mazen is so cute!
Jennifer says
Looks like a great time! Did you think about just having Mazen stay with Karen for the weekend? I feel bringing a newborn to a wedding would just be so hard! And sometimes those weekend get aways are nice as new parents 🙂 Just curious.
KathEats says
There’s no way I could be separated from him right now 🙂 First, emotionally, and second, I could never have pumped enough milk to supply him for a weekend. This was a laid back weekend – had it been really formal I don’t think we would have been able to go.
Erin says
My “baby” is going on 3 (years!) and I still haven’t spent a night away from him. ???? just can’t do it yet.
natasha says
My “baby” turns two this week and when she was 11 months old I left her with my spouse for a weekend to visit my brother in another state –it was too early. I decided there’s plenty of time to leave her later! Can’t imagine leaving a four week old! Seems like you managed with him very well at the wedding.
Priscilla says
You look so beautiful Kath! 🙂
Emily says
What a beautiful family!!! And I cannot get enough of Mazen’s button nose!! So so cute.
Lee says
This looks like a really fun weekend! Mazen in plaid is adorable.
Emily @ www.main-eats.com says
Looks like a beautiful weekend-what a unique wedding! Glad you had fun!
L says
Kath, You look great! You can’t even tell that you just had a baby!!! Thanks for all the posts and updates. I love them!!!
Averie @ Averie Cooks says
Kath, you look radiant in the last few photos…and in some of the pics Mazen’s eye are so blue! Just like yours!
Love the pink boots as beer holder and the food pics and overall vibe of the barn dance. How fun!
Mom says
So glad Maze enjoyed his first trip! Maybe he will come to Grammie’s next!
Alex @ Raw Recovery says
I love the pictures! You all look great and it looks like such a fun time. That nut butter sounds really good too and I have to order some for myself! By the way, I’ve loved reading your blog the past two days (I’ve been going through your old posts since I’m new to your blog) while I’ve been in the hospital for an appendectomy. Your mobile app was a lifesaver and saved me from so much boredom! Thank you 🙂
KathEats says
Welcome! And hope you’re feeling better!
Alex @ Raw Recovery says
Thanks Kath!
Katie @ Talk Less, Say More says
Oh my!! Little M in plaid is just too precious! I can’t wait to see photos of the wedding because the photos in that barn are just beautiful.
Jessica says
We have the exact same paci! My son is 11 weeks and likes it only sometimes! Other times he spits it out and makes a face. 🙂
Mazen looks So much like Matt!!!
theresa @ aspoonfulofsunshine says
Aw that beer coozie is ALMOST as cute as Mazen! I think barn weddings are the perfect combination of elegant yet rustic. Looks like you guys are having tons of fun!
Cher @ Weddicted says
On the subject of your breastfeeding with a cover, I say good for you for doing that even. Where I’m from (small town in Canada) people judge even for nursing, covered. An acquaintence nursed her baby (covered) at a fair (but still in a somewhat secluded area) and was talked about all evening! Ridiculous. That being said, I would be totally uncomfortable being exposed while nursing.
Also Mazen looks way too cute matching with Mattt!
Sarah @ The Smart Kitchen says
What a GORGEOUS wedding! It looks like so much fun. 🙂
[Glad my Nutty Butter could help celebrate Maze’s birthday!]
Emily says
You look so wonderful, Kath! Maze looked soooooooooo darling.
Pam says
What a cool setting for a rehearsal! Can’t wait to see the wedding photos.
I love some good southern bbq, yum!
Happy 4 weeks little one! I love the pic of you and Mazen (where he is half yawning) completely adorable 🙂
Jenn@slim-shoppin says
That looks like an awesome wedding – so fun!
Amy @ Foodie4Healing says
Kath, you look amazing! And Mazen is so stinkin cute! Mommyhood looks good on you. 😉
Elisabeth says
Awwww! The boys look adorable in their matching western gear! The rehearsal dinner looks like a lot of fun – is the wedding western/barn themed as well? Love your boots, by the way 🙂
Elise says
Is the bride and/or groom a Texas expat? I spot a TX flag and shiner!
Jun says
I think your blog is complete with mazen’s pics in it, so is your life for sure. While I must admit your eats are very well balanced, I find myself wondering if you actually fuel yourself adequately judging by the portion of your food. on top of tht you’re also breastfeeding! I’m rather curious than trying to make an issue here ‘cos I’d have expect more mini meals perhaps? Or is it that different bodies response differently?
KathEats says
My meals are quite large andI I just don’t like snacking very much. I’d rather eat more per meal than lots of snacks that don’t fill me up.
Sarah (The Simple Dietitian) says
Mazen is such a doll!
And all of the pictures are just stunning. I love the idea of “barn weddings.” They’re so quaint and hold so much charm to them. 😀
Fran@ Broken Cookies Don't Count says
Looks like fun!! The baby looks so cute!
Hope @ With A Side Of Hope says
Beautiful pictures! 🙂 Such a unique rehearsal dinner. I love it!
Donna says
A half a sandwich for lunch is not a large meal, especially for a nursing mother! I’d think you need lot more calories than that to produce enough milk for a growing baby!
KathEats says
On bread that is super dense? Along with a bag of chips and an apple? It was more than enough. I’m eating by hunger, and my supply seems fine. I don’t want to be rude, but I think I know more about my body’s needs than anyone else.
KathEats says
And what’s ironic is the half that doesn’t think I eat too little thinks I eat too much!
Melissa says
You can’t please ’em all…you know your body – after all, it is yours!
Jenica says
Can’t believe he’s already four weeks–he’s just so cute. That looks like it was a lovely, laid back wedding. Hope you had lots of fun.
Lindsey @ Goldilocks and the 3 Bodies says
Cute wedding– what a fun idea! Love Great Harvest….mmmmmm! (yes, it is quite dense!)
The birthday cake nutty butter looks spectacular
Meredith says
Now THAT is my kind of wedding – laid-back, casual, no itchy-fussy-frilly dresses required! Mazen looked ridiculously adorable in his wedding outfit.
KathEats says
This was the rehearsal but the wedding was also in a barn : )
Rachel says
You have a beautiful family!
Tami@nutmegnotebook says
What beautiful photos! Love the guys in their western shirts. Maze is adorable!
Katie @ Peace Love & Oats says
What a gorgeous location for a wedding! I’ve been to a barn wedding before and I think they are just beautiful, especially with the countryside view!
Jeri says
You just got me motivated again! Plain black tee and jeans with boots is like a southern closet staple. I will have that in my closet ready for next fall! Timeless casual and beautiful!
Erika says
The beer koozies are so fun!
BTW – have you seen Call the Midwife on PBS Sunday nights? I really think you would enjoy it – it’s only been on twice so you have time to catch up.
KathEats says
Yes, loved it!
Lauryn@Cupcakesandkickboxing says
Aww Mazen is PRESH~!!!!!!
Jordan @ Eat for Health, Eat for Fun says
I have a quick photography question, on pictures (such as the shot down the food table) where your forefront is in focus and then it blurs out would you say this has more to do with your lens or the setting? I have a Canon Rebel T3 and have been wanting to invest in a macro lens but also wonder if I need to do something different setting-wise to achieve that effect?
KathEats says
Which lens do you have? The effect is with a low aperature such as f/2.5. Most stock lenses will go to about f/3.5 and you do get some blur there. Try your camera on AV mode and change the aperature down as low as your lens goes and see what happens. If it doesn’t give you the effect, you probably want a prime lens that does – this one is cheap and a good lens: http://www.amazon.com/Canon-50mm-1-8-Camera-Lens/dp/B00007E7JU but if you don’t have a full frame camera (which you don’t!) I would really recommend investing in this one (which never leaves my camera): http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00009XVCU/?tag=hyprod-20&hvadid=15469392579&hvpos=1o1&hvexid=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=2103478296664290086&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&ref=asc_df_B00009XVCU
Jordan @ Eat for Health, Eat for Fun says
My lens is the 18-55mm, macro .25m/.8ft. Mine is not a full frame either. I have actually been looking at that 35mm lens! I think a wide angle might be part of what I need to capture the shots I am looking for. My aperture is always in the mid-range (do you adjust yours per shot?) and so I took it down to 3.5 (my lowest) and it did produce a little bit more of what I want but I feel it may have lost a bit of quality? Guess it’s time to invest in a new lens…at least Christmas is around the corner… 🙂
KathEats says
Definitely get the 35!! It’s awesome! You shouldn’t have lost quality at all – just less of a focused area with the wider aperture.
Lauren @ Educated Mind, Healthy Body says
The pictures of Matt and Mazen are absolutely precious!! And I can’t get over how beautiful this wedding/rehearsal is! The barn, the food, the people- it just looks like a dreamland 🙂
Angel7 says
Looks like you all had a fun time!
Amazing array of foods!
http://faithfulsolutions.blogspot.com/
Ellen @ Wannabe Health Nut says
Happy 4 weeks, Maze! And wow your weekend eats look delish, love the lil koozies, too!
chris says
Jess called me when she smiled and we both cried a little. Don’t you love it! ps You are a rock star nursing mom, love how you can always find a spot to snuggle up and get it done. I’m hoping your generation will make nursing in public a normal, everyday thing, not something to regulate or write about.
Brittany says
So how about a recipe for Matt’s pumpkin beer???
KathEats says
Sorry, here it is: https://www.katheats.com/drinkable-pumpkin
Brittany says
Great, thanks!
Angel7 says
The food looks delish!
Mazen seems like such a happy & content baby!
Cait's Plate says
Mazen in his plaid and jeans is just too stinkin’ adorable. Also love the pictures of him with one eye open/tongue out and then just completely conked out. Haha