I'm pretty sure that's what Caleb was thinking while he blew down every tower he built this afternoon. Our little boy has quite an imagination : )
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Monday, May 30, 2011
The Deck (Part 2)
I posted several weeks ago about the deck Jonathan and my dad are building in our backyard. There has been a ton of progress in the last few weeks. Here's an update on the work:
Weekend 4: completed cementing posts
Weekend 5: installed the runners (beams running from front to back)
Weekend 6: finished the runners on the concrete, installed cross runners (going side to side) and finished the supporting beams on the top deck
Jonathan has been working hard in the evenings during the week so that he and my dad can get more accomplished on the weekends. I don't know how he has the energy to get so much done outside on top of the things he's been doing inside to get us ready for Aaron (and the 40 hours he puts in at work). I'm looking forward to the deck being done so that he can have some time to relax (and so we can enjoy the deck, of course).
In the last week, I've really been able to see how the deck is going to look when it's finished... I can't wait to enjoy it!
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| Weekend 4: putting in posts for the higher deck. |
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| Finishing the posts during the following week |
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| Weekend 5: putting in the main runners |
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| Weekend 5: finished the main runners |
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| Weekend 6: installing cross-beams |
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| Weekend 6: Sunday evening, almost all of the cross beams were done |
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| Weekend 6: (Memorial Day) |
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| Weekend 6: The beams on the left (upper) deck are complete, lower deck just needs a few more support beams |
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| Dad and Jonathan enjoying some ice cream before cleaning up after working all day Saturday, Sunday late afternoon/evening, and all day Monday. |
Weekend 5: installed the runners (beams running from front to back)
Weekend 6: finished the runners on the concrete, installed cross runners (going side to side) and finished the supporting beams on the top deck
Jonathan has been working hard in the evenings during the week so that he and my dad can get more accomplished on the weekends. I don't know how he has the energy to get so much done outside on top of the things he's been doing inside to get us ready for Aaron (and the 40 hours he puts in at work). I'm looking forward to the deck being done so that he can have some time to relax (and so we can enjoy the deck, of course).
In the last week, I've really been able to see how the deck is going to look when it's finished... I can't wait to enjoy it!
Countdown: 6 Weeks & Baby Shower
Yes, that's right...assuming Aaron doesn't come early, we are 6 weeks away from his arrival! WOW!!!
I've been having checkups every other week and everything is looking good. I'm still measuring big (normal for 33 weeks is 31-35 cm and I'm 36), but my doctor really wants me to make it to 39 weeks before we have the c-section so that little boy can have plenty of time for his lungs to develop. I'd love to move the date up, but I understand her reasoning and am willing to suck it up so that Aaron can have as much time as he needs.
I'm still doing relatively well considering I'm 8 months pregnant. It's getting pretty hot, so I try to stay inside during the hot afternoon. Some nights I sleep really well and others I feel like I toss and turn all night while my hips hurt. And the biggest thing is I'm really having to work hard to not overdo things during the day. I have to take lots of breaks while doing easy housework and can only manage a few errands before I get totally exhausted. I'm sure I felt the same way when I was pregnant with Caleb, but I could rest whenever I wanted then... now I have to keep taking care of Caleb regardless of how I'm feeling. But, as I've said before, I know women that have had it much worse during their pregnancies, so I'm just feeling blessed that I only have minor complaints.
On Saturday, Kristen threw me a baby shower to help prepare for baby Aaron. With it being Memorial Day weekend, a lot of my friends were out of town or busy with family events. Even with a small group though, I felt lots of love for me and Aaron while I opened sweet gifts. I am so thankful to Kristen for throwing me a shower and putting so much effort into all the details. Everything was so cute! Thanks also to those that came and those that sent gifts.... we really appreciate the help in getting ready for Aaron!
These are just a few pictures of the shower decorations... mostly for me to look back on a remember! Thanks again Kristen for all your hard work!
I've been having checkups every other week and everything is looking good. I'm still measuring big (normal for 33 weeks is 31-35 cm and I'm 36), but my doctor really wants me to make it to 39 weeks before we have the c-section so that little boy can have plenty of time for his lungs to develop. I'd love to move the date up, but I understand her reasoning and am willing to suck it up so that Aaron can have as much time as he needs.
I'm still doing relatively well considering I'm 8 months pregnant. It's getting pretty hot, so I try to stay inside during the hot afternoon. Some nights I sleep really well and others I feel like I toss and turn all night while my hips hurt. And the biggest thing is I'm really having to work hard to not overdo things during the day. I have to take lots of breaks while doing easy housework and can only manage a few errands before I get totally exhausted. I'm sure I felt the same way when I was pregnant with Caleb, but I could rest whenever I wanted then... now I have to keep taking care of Caleb regardless of how I'm feeling. But, as I've said before, I know women that have had it much worse during their pregnancies, so I'm just feeling blessed that I only have minor complaints.
On Saturday, Kristen threw me a baby shower to help prepare for baby Aaron. With it being Memorial Day weekend, a lot of my friends were out of town or busy with family events. Even with a small group though, I felt lots of love for me and Aaron while I opened sweet gifts. I am so thankful to Kristen for throwing me a shower and putting so much effort into all the details. Everything was so cute! Thanks also to those that came and those that sent gifts.... we really appreciate the help in getting ready for Aaron!
These are just a few pictures of the shower decorations... mostly for me to look back on a remember! Thanks again Kristen for all your hard work!
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| And I had to add a cute one of Caleb and GG! |
First Week of Summer
This was our (Caleb & I) first week of summer vacation. I thought it'd be a slow, relaxed week... haha, I was so wrong!
We started out Monday morning with grocery shopping like we always do, and, while I was walking to the deli counter, I saw GG talking to someone. As I got closer, I realized it was my Mom's cousin Leanne from South Carolina. I had completely forgotten that her family was coming into town for the week! Caleb and I finished up our shopping, went home for nap, and then went to GG's house to spend time with the family. It's been around 4 years since Leanne and her family were able to visit last and her girls have really grown up. I wish I had taken pictures, but it was fun to watch the older girls interact with Caleb.
On Tuesday, Kristen and Eli came down and we went with the family to the Kemah Boardwalk. By the time we got tickets and road the train around the boardwalk it was time for the boys to eat lunch, so we split up and then joined everyone back at the fountain to play in the water before we had to leave for nap. I didn't take many pictures, but I've borrowed a few from Mom.
On Wednesday we took a break from family. I usually spend Wednesday morning up at the church, so I did that while Mal watched Caleb and then I went to get a haircut. I didn't get home until after 4:00, so that was pretty much our day.
On Thursday, Caleb and I spent the morning at home so I could catch up on the housework I needed to do. Caleb helped me do laundry and some light cleaning before nap and when he woke up we went back over to GG's for a fish fry! We had a great time playing and eating. When dinner was done, we all went outside to sit by the water while the girls did some fishing. Jonathan and I hated to leave all the fun when it was Caleb's bedtime. The evening reminded me of the many, many times we have been spoiled by the fact that GG and Papa live on the water. I wonder how many fish we've caught off their pier over the years...
Leanne and her family left Friday morning. I'm sure they were ready to get home so they could rest after their busy vacation! I'm so glad they were able to come down and we had the chance to spend so much time together. If they had come a week earlier, we wouldn't have had nearly as much time with them.
We are so blessed to have such wonderful extended family! A few months ago, Leanne's sister and mom came down with their families and we spent a lot of time with them as well. I love my South Carolina family!
We started out Monday morning with grocery shopping like we always do, and, while I was walking to the deli counter, I saw GG talking to someone. As I got closer, I realized it was my Mom's cousin Leanne from South Carolina. I had completely forgotten that her family was coming into town for the week! Caleb and I finished up our shopping, went home for nap, and then went to GG's house to spend time with the family. It's been around 4 years since Leanne and her family were able to visit last and her girls have really grown up. I wish I had taken pictures, but it was fun to watch the older girls interact with Caleb.
On Tuesday, Kristen and Eli came down and we went with the family to the Kemah Boardwalk. By the time we got tickets and road the train around the boardwalk it was time for the boys to eat lunch, so we split up and then joined everyone back at the fountain to play in the water before we had to leave for nap. I didn't take many pictures, but I've borrowed a few from Mom.
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| Caleb and I waiting for the train |
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| Hard to see...but Kristen and Eli were at the front, Caleb and I were behind them and in the next car were Leanne and her family. |
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| The boys playing in the fountain with Leah. |
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| Leah playing with the boys, Sierra in the background. |
On Thursday, Caleb and I spent the morning at home so I could catch up on the housework I needed to do. Caleb helped me do laundry and some light cleaning before nap and when he woke up we went back over to GG's for a fish fry! We had a great time playing and eating. When dinner was done, we all went outside to sit by the water while the girls did some fishing. Jonathan and I hated to leave all the fun when it was Caleb's bedtime. The evening reminded me of the many, many times we have been spoiled by the fact that GG and Papa live on the water. I wonder how many fish we've caught off their pier over the years...
Leanne and her family left Friday morning. I'm sure they were ready to get home so they could rest after their busy vacation! I'm so glad they were able to come down and we had the chance to spend so much time together. If they had come a week earlier, we wouldn't have had nearly as much time with them.
We are so blessed to have such wonderful extended family! A few months ago, Leanne's sister and mom came down with their families and we spent a lot of time with them as well. I love my South Carolina family!
Saturday, May 28, 2011
Fun Projects
I'm in craft heaven this week with some fun projects I've been dying to do!
My first project was a sign for our front entry way. I've wanted a "family" sign for quite some time, but the personalized ones I've found online are $30 or more and I can't justify spending that much! I had painted the board while waiting for my new machine to arrive, so I just had to do some playing to get the vinyl cut right. It took me a few tries to get it just right, but I learned a lot in the process and LOVE the way it turned out!
My second project was another that I've been wanting to do for a while. I've seen some really cute big brother/little brother shirts on Etsy, but (again) I can't justify spending $20-$30 on shirts that my boys will outgrow quickly! I bought the shirt and onesie from Target and used my machine to cut out the letters. I've ironed them on, but still need to sew around them. That part will take a little more time, but I wanted to share my projects now!
One of the great things about having projects to work on is that I've had motivation to get my housework done early in the day so that during nap time and after Caleb's bed time I can work on projects without feeling guilty! I promise I won't constantly post about projects I'm working on, but I'm really excited about having a little time for my creative streak before Aaron gets here!
My first project was a sign for our front entry way. I've wanted a "family" sign for quite some time, but the personalized ones I've found online are $30 or more and I can't justify spending that much! I had painted the board while waiting for my new machine to arrive, so I just had to do some playing to get the vinyl cut right. It took me a few tries to get it just right, but I learned a lot in the process and LOVE the way it turned out!
My second project was another that I've been wanting to do for a while. I've seen some really cute big brother/little brother shirts on Etsy, but (again) I can't justify spending $20-$30 on shirts that my boys will outgrow quickly! I bought the shirt and onesie from Target and used my machine to cut out the letters. I've ironed them on, but still need to sew around them. That part will take a little more time, but I wanted to share my projects now!
One of the great things about having projects to work on is that I've had motivation to get my housework done early in the day so that during nap time and after Caleb's bed time I can work on projects without feeling guilty! I promise I won't constantly post about projects I'm working on, but I'm really excited about having a little time for my creative streak before Aaron gets here!
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
I Have the Best Husband!
I have a WONDERFUL husband! There are many reasons I could say that (he's thoughtful, caring, puts God first and his family second, etc etc etc). I hope that I brag about him as often as I should, or, at least as often as I can without him getting too embarrassed. Even with all that, there is a specific reason he ranks as the best husband right now!
I got it onto the counter and realized, since my husband lovingly let me get it, I should probably finish what I needed to get done for today before I started playing! (I knew once I started, I wasn't likely to stop!) So I folded the last load of laundry, made the bed, picked up the living room and did some general straightening before I took anything else out of the box. I was extremely glad that I had decided to prepare dinner this morning and have it ready to go from the fridge to the oven when Jonathan was on his way home, I think we would've been doing take out tonight if I hadn't done that!
Once those things were done, I went through the "getting started" manual and made a simple card for Jonathan to say thanks!
For months, I have been contemplating buying a Silhouette craft machine. (for those of you that don't know... this is a machine that connects to your computer and cuts designs out of paper, vinyl, fabric and other media) It's much more expensive than anything I would normally purchase and I've had other things to buy with my "allowance" so saving up hasn't been a possibility. My sweet husband gave me permission last week to order a machine and just take the money out of our family account rather than continue attempting to save for it (which would have taken me many more months). He knew it was something I really wanted and graciously let me get it now. I am so lucky to have such a wonderful husband!
I've been watching for packages every day since last Tuesday, anxious for my box to get here. Well, it finally arrived today! (It only took a week from ordering to delivery - but I'm slightly impatient when I really want something!)
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| The box made me super excited : ) |
I got it onto the counter and realized, since my husband lovingly let me get it, I should probably finish what I needed to get done for today before I started playing! (I knew once I started, I wasn't likely to stop!) So I folded the last load of laundry, made the bed, picked up the living room and did some general straightening before I took anything else out of the box. I was extremely glad that I had decided to prepare dinner this morning and have it ready to go from the fridge to the oven when Jonathan was on his way home, I think we would've been doing take out tonight if I hadn't done that!
Once those things were done, I went through the "getting started" manual and made a simple card for Jonathan to say thanks!
See how pretty the letters cut out and the little heart!
I can't wait to begin some super fun projects! I've already got 2 projects planned.... 1 is started, I just needed the machine to get here and the other I'm still figuring out exactly what I want. I can't wait to share my fun homemade projects!
Until then, I just want to thank Jonathan again for allowing me to get my Silhouette! I'm an incredibly blessed wife! Thanks Jonathan for encouraging me to be creative! I love you so much!
Sunday, May 22, 2011
2nd Best Sunday Morning
We couldn't go to church today because Caleb's been running a fever for a few days, so my boys spent the morning doing the 2nd best thing...
(Let me conclude by stating we really don't let Caleb watch that much tv... maybe an hour of cartoons in the morning and some in the late afternoon/evening before bed... having two tv related posts in a row makes me feel the need to let you know!) : )
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| Watching Wall-E |
(Let me conclude by stating we really don't let Caleb watch that much tv... maybe an hour of cartoons in the morning and some in the late afternoon/evening before bed... having two tv related posts in a row makes me feel the need to let you know!) : )
Friday, May 20, 2011
Mean Face at Cookie Monster
Tonight at dinner we had Sesame Street on and we noticed a REALLY cute reaction from Caleb when Cookie Monster started to eat a cookie he wasn't supposed to eat. We decided to replay it and see if he would react again (with the camera on, of course).
The beginning of the video is a bit slow, but if you hang in there, around 1:05 you can see Caleb's reaction to bad Cookie Monster. By the way, the letter of the day was M and every time they make the mmm sound, he makes the duckie lips... I guess he thinks that's the best way to make the sound! (The tv noises didn't show up very well on the video, but just wait for it and you'll see his reaction!)
Thursday, May 19, 2011
End of the School Year
Caleb completed his first year of preschool this afternoon! On Tuesday, we had an end of the year program for all the kids in PeeWee School complete with a graduation ceremony for the kids going on to kindergarten next year (my class!). It was so fun to see all of the kids on stage together! After the program, we (the parents) received books for our kids. Teachers had saved cute projects and pictures throughout the school year and put it all together. I have looked through Caleb's book several times since then...it's hard to believe he started school not walking and still looking like a baby and now he's my big, energetic, running toddler! He was blessed with two amazing teachers that made my Mommy heart happy to know he was in such good care.
This morning/afternoon, we had a water day for all PeeWee School families. It was so nice being at a peewee event as a parent and not just as a teacher! Caleb played from 9:30 until around 1:00, by the time we got home at 1:30 he was passed out in his car seat and at 4:00 he is still sleeping! He had a ton of fun playing in the two kiddy pools (literally going from one to the other over and over again), eating a hot dog and cheetos, quickly playing on the big toys, and helping mommy eat an ice cream sandwich. I love that he's at the age where I can watch him at the kiddy pools but don't have to hover! It was a fun day for us both!
We have loved PWS this year and, while we are ready for a summer break, can't wait to start up again in the fall!
(Random comment - don't you love his 12 month swim outfit that fits perfectly now that he's 19 months old!?!)
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| From left: Ms. Autumn, Caleb, Samir and Ms. Kelly |
This morning/afternoon, we had a water day for all PeeWee School families. It was so nice being at a peewee event as a parent and not just as a teacher! Caleb played from 9:30 until around 1:00, by the time we got home at 1:30 he was passed out in his car seat and at 4:00 he is still sleeping! He had a ton of fun playing in the two kiddy pools (literally going from one to the other over and over again), eating a hot dog and cheetos, quickly playing on the big toys, and helping mommy eat an ice cream sandwich. I love that he's at the age where I can watch him at the kiddy pools but don't have to hover! It was a fun day for us both!
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| Checking out what Ms. Kelly was doing. |
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| In the pool with his buddies! |
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| Hmmmm.... that looks interesting! |
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| Ms. Rachael went down the slip 'n slide with him a few times. He had a HUGE smile on his face until I snapped the picture, of course! |
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| Ice Cream Face! |
(Random comment - don't you love his 12 month swim outfit that fits perfectly now that he's 19 months old!?!)
Sunday, May 15, 2011
A Lovely Spring Weekend
It's May here in Texas (and I would assume everywhere else too)....but that means it's starting to get hot already. We've been inching into the 90s the past few weeks, but this weekend God provided a beautiful break for us! Friday, Saturday and today started out in the 60s and we've only gotten into the low 80s.... lovely!
We've been taking advantage of our "spring" temperatures by playing outside as much as possible (well, Caleb plays...I watch him...and Jonathan works!). On Friday, we got Caleb's new water table set up and let him start discovering that. My goodness - we had over an hour of total peace while he played! Between the water table and his climber/slide he's in total heaven outside.
On Saturday, Caleb and I spent the morning inside while Jonathan and my dad worked outside and Aunt Katy painted upstairs. I worked on a few organizational things, but mostly kept Caleb happy...he has a hard time when Daddy is outside and he can't be with him. Yesterday afternoon, Jonathan, Caleb and I went to a "going away" party for some close friends. They are moving to Saudi Arabia on Thursday, so we wanted one more time to get together. I hate that they're leaving, but am excited for their opportunity. (and yes - if you're paying attention this is the second couple we're sending to Saudi... no fair!) We got a few good pictures of the kids playing together. We'll miss the Acords, but I know technology will allow us to keep in touch.
Between my organizing and then spending around 3 hours outside (mostly in shade), I completely overdid it on Saturday and paid for it that night. Last night I had major leg pain, some swelling and woke up with leg cramps. We decided it would be best to stay home from church so I could keep my legs up. We spent part of our morning calmly playing inside and then went outside (where I could still keep my feet up) while Caleb played and Jonathan did a bit more work. We were outside until lunch time and now Caleb is napping, Jonathan is changing the oil in my car, and I am keeping my feet up on the couch.
I'm so thankful for our "cooler" weather this weekend and all the time we've gotten to spend as a family.
We've been taking advantage of our "spring" temperatures by playing outside as much as possible (well, Caleb plays...I watch him...and Jonathan works!). On Friday, we got Caleb's new water table set up and let him start discovering that. My goodness - we had over an hour of total peace while he played! Between the water table and his climber/slide he's in total heaven outside.
On Saturday, Caleb and I spent the morning inside while Jonathan and my dad worked outside and Aunt Katy painted upstairs. I worked on a few organizational things, but mostly kept Caleb happy...he has a hard time when Daddy is outside and he can't be with him. Yesterday afternoon, Jonathan, Caleb and I went to a "going away" party for some close friends. They are moving to Saudi Arabia on Thursday, so we wanted one more time to get together. I hate that they're leaving, but am excited for their opportunity. (and yes - if you're paying attention this is the second couple we're sending to Saudi... no fair!) We got a few good pictures of the kids playing together. We'll miss the Acords, but I know technology will allow us to keep in touch.
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| There were two other boys around Caleb's age there too...but Caleb had fun with the girls : ) |
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| Playing with some side walk chalk |
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| Sliding with Peyton - our child is fearless... he didn't even hesitate to go down the big slide! |
Between my organizing and then spending around 3 hours outside (mostly in shade), I completely overdid it on Saturday and paid for it that night. Last night I had major leg pain, some swelling and woke up with leg cramps. We decided it would be best to stay home from church so I could keep my legs up. We spent part of our morning calmly playing inside and then went outside (where I could still keep my feet up) while Caleb played and Jonathan did a bit more work. We were outside until lunch time and now Caleb is napping, Jonathan is changing the oil in my car, and I am keeping my feet up on the couch.
I'm so thankful for our "cooler" weather this weekend and all the time we've gotten to spend as a family.
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Thanks Grandmuzz and Grandpa!
Grandmuzz and Grandpa sent Caleb an Easter gift in the mail several weeks ago. Jonathan and I have been wanting to get Caleb a play set for outside and this seemed like the perfect opportunity. Thanks Grandmuzz and Grandpa for Caleb's new toy!
Jonathan put it together in the living room this evening and Caleb had a blast playing ALL evening! It has now been moved outside and I'm positive it will get tons of use very soon!
Sunday, May 8, 2011
30 Weeks
Only 9 more weeks until Aaron will be here! WOW! That's so exciting!
I'm now going in for doctor appointments every two weeks (which means lots of reading time in the waiting room!). It's really hard to believe I'm already at that point in my pregnancy. I know I've said it before, but where is the time going?
I started to type that not much has changed since my last post, but I paused to read it and realized A LOT has changed!
Movement: 4 weeks ago I said that Aaron doesn't move much. HA - he's already making a liar out of me! For the past week or two he has been extremely active. My belly is constantly dancing, moving, making sudden movements, etc. While I LOVE the feeling, it's beginning to get really uncomfortable! Earlier today I would poke one spot and I could swear he was poking back at me! My Dad even watched my belly move for a little while!
Weight Gain: I've now gained around 10 lbs. I'm still at a net loss, but I'm glad I've started to gain more again. I don't know why I only gained 1 pound last month, but I made up for it with 5 this month!
Me: I'm definitely getting more tired now. By mid-afternoon, my right leg and my lower back start to hurt. I'm also have braxton hicks contractions pretty much daily (but not painful and not with any kind of regularity). I'm not complaining, this is all part of being pregnant, but it's interesting how different the second pregnancy is compared to the first! I guess chasing after a toddler all day really makes a difference in how my body is reacting!
Preparation: After setting up my craft room upstairs last year, we decided that would be the best room for Aaron! So, we have to paint the empty room, move my craft stuff into that room, paint what is currently the craft room and then set it up as Aaron's nursery. My sweet sister came over on Saturday and completed step one of that process (painting the empty room)! We are incredibly grateful to her and she has offered to come over next weekend to paint the other room! Jonathan will work this week on moving the furniture so that it's ready for her when she comes. Isn't it so sweet that she has offered to paint two weekends in a row!
Well, that's really all the pregnancy related updates I can think of! We're slowly getting ready for Aaron even though time isn't moving slowly at all! I'm sure we'll be ready by the time he gets here though!
Caleb really isn't old enough to comprehend that there's a baby in Mommy's tummy and that's his brother..... but we've said "Aaron" and pointed to my stomach enough that he at least is making that connection. Today I asked him to give Aaron a kiss and this is what he did:
I'm now going in for doctor appointments every two weeks (which means lots of reading time in the waiting room!). It's really hard to believe I'm already at that point in my pregnancy. I know I've said it before, but where is the time going?
I started to type that not much has changed since my last post, but I paused to read it and realized A LOT has changed!
Movement: 4 weeks ago I said that Aaron doesn't move much. HA - he's already making a liar out of me! For the past week or two he has been extremely active. My belly is constantly dancing, moving, making sudden movements, etc. While I LOVE the feeling, it's beginning to get really uncomfortable! Earlier today I would poke one spot and I could swear he was poking back at me! My Dad even watched my belly move for a little while!
Weight Gain: I've now gained around 10 lbs. I'm still at a net loss, but I'm glad I've started to gain more again. I don't know why I only gained 1 pound last month, but I made up for it with 5 this month!
Me: I'm definitely getting more tired now. By mid-afternoon, my right leg and my lower back start to hurt. I'm also have braxton hicks contractions pretty much daily (but not painful and not with any kind of regularity). I'm not complaining, this is all part of being pregnant, but it's interesting how different the second pregnancy is compared to the first! I guess chasing after a toddler all day really makes a difference in how my body is reacting!
Preparation: After setting up my craft room upstairs last year, we decided that would be the best room for Aaron! So, we have to paint the empty room, move my craft stuff into that room, paint what is currently the craft room and then set it up as Aaron's nursery. My sweet sister came over on Saturday and completed step one of that process (painting the empty room)! We are incredibly grateful to her and she has offered to come over next weekend to paint the other room! Jonathan will work this week on moving the furniture so that it's ready for her when she comes. Isn't it so sweet that she has offered to paint two weekends in a row!
Well, that's really all the pregnancy related updates I can think of! We're slowly getting ready for Aaron even though time isn't moving slowly at all! I'm sure we'll be ready by the time he gets here though!
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| Me (and Aaron) at 30 weeks. |
The Deck (Part 1)
Jonathan has begun his first MAJOR project for our home. He's painted, done a few minor repairs, and fixed things up a bit but he is now working on a long term project! He is building what I'm positive will be a beautiful deck in the backyard!
When we first moved in, we knew we would eventually like to have more than the tiny concrete slab back there, but weren't sure when we would be able to afford to do anything big. We realized this spring was a good time to do the project and I am trying to patiently wait as progress occurs!
My Dad has been a huge help in this project and has spent many hours talking things out with Jonathan and helping with plans. (As well as several hours of physical labor - thanks Dad!) They are working things out and taking the time to plan, measure, measure a second time (and sometimes a third and fourth) so that everything comes together in the end.
I want to document the project, so as work is accomplished, I plan on posting pictures so that we can remember the work that went into this deck for years to come!
The work so far has been:
Weekend 1 - remove grass
Weekend 2 - A LOT of planning, digging holes
Weekend 3 - cementing in around 1/2 of the post holes (I forgot to take pictures of the work this weekend)
Like I said before, I'm working on patiently waiting for the deck! The planning and time going into it are sure to pay off in the end... until then, I'll keep updating the blog as work is accomplished!
And to finish off this post - a video of Caleb "helping" Jonathan clean up around the holes!
When we first moved in, we knew we would eventually like to have more than the tiny concrete slab back there, but weren't sure when we would be able to afford to do anything big. We realized this spring was a good time to do the project and I am trying to patiently wait as progress occurs!
My Dad has been a huge help in this project and has spent many hours talking things out with Jonathan and helping with plans. (As well as several hours of physical labor - thanks Dad!) They are working things out and taking the time to plan, measure, measure a second time (and sometimes a third and fourth) so that everything comes together in the end.
I want to document the project, so as work is accomplished, I plan on posting pictures so that we can remember the work that went into this deck for years to come!
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| Weekend 1: First physical step - remove grass! |
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| Weekend 1: Jonathan had a viewing audience for this part! |
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| Weekend 2: Digging holes for the support posts. The first few holes were done with a post hole digger (lots of manual labor) |
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| Weekend 2: Putting in the first support post. |
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| Weekend 2: After a few holes they realized a power tool would make this job MUCH easier! |
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| Weekend 2: The "one man auger" really needed 2! |
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| Weekend 2: Caleb watching from a distance. The auger was rather loud, but Caleb was ok as long as Mommy was close by. |
Weekend 1 - remove grass
Weekend 2 - A LOT of planning, digging holes
Weekend 3 - cementing in around 1/2 of the post holes (I forgot to take pictures of the work this weekend)
Like I said before, I'm working on patiently waiting for the deck! The planning and time going into it are sure to pay off in the end... until then, I'll keep updating the blog as work is accomplished!
And to finish off this post - a video of Caleb "helping" Jonathan clean up around the holes!
Monday, May 2, 2011
Date!
I just wanted to share with everyone that we have an "expected" date for Aaron's arrival! I have been scheduled for a repeat c-section for Monday, July 11th!
Of course, he may decide to come earlier, but he will be here no later than the 11th. I'll share more details later... just wanted to share the exciting news! I was surprised that they scheduled it so early, but my doctor's office likes to plan in advance.
I changed the blog "thingy" on the side of our blog to show how many days until the 11th rather than my due date. Wow - 70 days! I know it's going to go by fast!
Of course, he may decide to come earlier, but he will be here no later than the 11th. I'll share more details later... just wanted to share the exciting news! I was surprised that they scheduled it so early, but my doctor's office likes to plan in advance.
I changed the blog "thingy" on the side of our blog to show how many days until the 11th rather than my due date. Wow - 70 days! I know it's going to go by fast!
Concrete "Ouchie"!
Caleb had his first official fight with the concrete this weekend. He's fallen several times in the past outside, but this was the first bloody ouchie. I wasn't home to witness the event, but Jonathan tells me Caleb never even cried! He's such a big boy!
It's not life or death...but I felt it was important to document the occasion!
On a totally unrelated note - this is how my boys spent their Sunday afternoon. Jonathan dozed for a while. Caleb never fell all the way asleep, but he came very close. You can see his little blonde head at the opposite end of the couch from Jonathan in the first picture.
After the last picture he popped up, put his blanket at Daddy's head and got off the couch. I guess he knew if he sat there any longer he would fall asleep! I love relaxing Sunday afternoons with my two boys : )
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