tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12412518383646166832024-03-12T18:25:36.427-04:00A Little LaudaciousInspirations. Treasures. Wishes. Ideas. Ramblings. Mostly- me.Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00475661986064269794noreply@blogger.comBlogger91125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1241251838364616683.post-37889273411077553492011-12-09T10:08:00.001-05:002011-12-09T11:54:05.126-05:00How I Became a Mommy- Birth Story: Part 4<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://laudacious.blogspot.com/2011/11/how-i-became-mommy-birth-story-part-3.html">With time to talk over our final concerns with each other</a>, J and I decided to follow our gut. Our baby would be delivered via c-section. I knew deep down that no matter what I did to move around, change positions, etc. that this baby was not going to come out the traditional way. I did not want to risk putting baby's safety in jeopardy or cause it any more distress and then have to do an emergency c-section sometime in the middle of the night. I felt in my gut that I had played the waiting game long enough, and something was telling me that it was in God's plan to bring this baby into the world by c-section. When I told J my feelings on it, he agreed.<br />
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Moments later, Michelle came back into the room and I said "I think we're gonna do it." She smiled, asked if I was really sure and then said "okay! Let's get this baby out!" The next hour or so went by quickly. J went out to the waiting room to tell our parents and my sister that I would be having a c-section. Michelle prepped the area as best she could in my room, gave me a sexy blue hair cap and sent J to change into his scrubs. I remember laughing when he came out of the bathroom with pants, shoe covers, a cap and no top! She had handed him two pairs of pants! As promised, she got him ready for kangaroo care (skin-to-skin contact right after birth) with two gowns- the bottom layer opened in the front and the top layer opened in the back. She had him put the camera in his pocket and then we were all set!<br />
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We waited for the team to finish up another delivery in the OR before it was my turn. My parents and sister had one last chance to come back to my room to give us one last kiss and hug before the delivery team took over. I was wheeled down the hall and around the corner. I remember feeling such anticipation, and the "this is it!" feeling that I thought I'd feel at home when my water broke and it was time to go to the hospital. Turns out I could still have the excitement, just in a different form. Love how things work out that way sometimes. </div>
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I arrived in the OR and was blinded by the bright lights! I remember being amazed at all of the gear in that tiny room. There was a lot to look at- shelves of equipment everywhere, machines for which use I had not a clue, etc. I remember spotting the big clock on the wall and thinking "that's what they'll look at to tell me what time the baby is born!" J had to wait outside with our families for a while as they got me ready for surgery. I was moved onto the operating table and the anesthesiologists got to work. They upped the epidural and hung that annoying blue drape in front of me. I was surprised that the drape actually gets taped to your belly! The one lady kept poking my belly and then my arm asking if I could feel the poke on my belly. I felt a sensation, but not as much as the one on my arm. Guess that means the epi was turned up enough. She poked around my shoulder area, put my arms out to the side, propped my head on a pillow making sure I was comfortable, and put the oxygen tubes in my nose. At that point I just had to wait for the "man behind the curtain" to do his final preparations, so I laid there staring at the bright lights and listening to the LOUD country music station that they had on the radio. Then it was time to call J into the room. </div>
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J came in and I got very anxious (but in a good way) because the big moment was fast approaching. He sat at a chair by my left shoulder and rubbed my left arm and shoulders as we waited. He asked if I was okay and we talked for just a minute. I could hear the excitement in his voice when Michelle said "okay, Dad, do you have your camera ready?" I couldn't believe things were moving so fast! I heard the physician's assistant say "Oh, they don't know what it is?" and the excitement was building... They told me I might feel some tugging, but I felt nothing at all. Suddenly the P.A. exclaimed "IT'S A BOY!!!" and at 10:26 pm, just one hour and 34 minutes before my own birthday, the sweetest sound I've ever heard came into the OR canceling out all other sounds in that room. My son's first cry. A boy. Strong thoughts suddenly made me realize that I somehow knew it was a boy all along... I have a son, I thought. A baby boy. I couldn't see what was happening next, but they held the baby up and over the drape a little so I could see him. I saw this little hand, then an arm and the right side of his face. I'll never forget the site of that- his tiny face, that little hand, the crease in his chubby little wrists... They took him over to the warmer to clean him up. I laid there listening to everything going on around me and said out loud "Aww..." as I heard him crying. A wave of emotions came over me, and I started to cry. I was so happy that everything went smoothly, that he was healthy and here! His cries came quickly and loudly after he came out; the meconium didn't appear to be an issue at all! I listened to him cry, and could hear J saying to the nurses "he's so big! I can't believe how big he is!"</div>
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They asked J if he wanted to cut the cord and he said yes (he didn't think he'd want to before he saw him). I heard them giving him instructions, and J just kept saying "Hi buddy" and "I can't believe how big he is!" I started to wonder "geez, how big IS he?!" At one point J even said "it's like on TV how they deliver a newborn but it's like a 3 month old baby." haha</div>
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The nurses finished cleaning him up, and put him on the scale...</div>
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9 pounds 6.2 ounces! The nurses said "good decision on the c, Mom!" Doubt there was any way a 9 pound baby would have come out otherwise. Michelle took the camera from J, and handed him his son... </div>
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Our little guy snuggled up to his daddy, and mommy watched over them admiring her two boys...</div>
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The doctors worked to close me up, and had to ask J to leave the room as they were almost done. J went out to spread the good news, and I laid there listening to more country music. The lineup that night: "I Love You This Big" by Scotty McCreary at the moment of his birth, "Back to December" by Taylor Swift, "Don't Even Know His Last Name" by Carrie Underwood, and "She Thinks My Tractor's Sexy" by Kenny Chesney. Classic. Michelle put a diaper on our little boy who was yet to be unnamed. (I told J and the P.A. that kept asking that I wanted to hold him and get a good look at him before we officially chose his name). They laid him in the bassinet as they transferred me back to a hospital bed. This moment was hilarious to me. Due to the awesome epidural, I couldn't move at all when they asked me to scooch over. I said that I couldn't because I had no feeling in my legs. (In my head now I'm picturing that scene in Can't Hardly Wait. I can't feel my legs...I CAN'T FEEL MY LEGS!" Anyone?). So, in true transporting-a-sea-mammal style, three nurses lifted up the blanket I was laying on, and scooped me up and over to the bed. </div>
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Michelle said goodbye to me and wished us luck. I thanked her for everything she did for us, and then for the first time, they placed my baby boy in my arms and wheeled us off to the recovery room as I said "Hello. I'm your mommy and I love you..." J met us in the recovery room where we spent some quiet time together as a family trying to get baby to latch on (a story for another day...). We held him, started to fall in love with him, and decided to name him Julian Finlay (nickname Finn). J confessed to me "I wanted a boy. I didn't realize how much until he was born," and I knew that in my heart I knew it was meant to be for I wanted him too...</div>
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The End of our birth story. The beginning of many adventures to come. Thanks for reading.</div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">In case you missed it:</span></i><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://laudacious.blogspot.com/2011/10/how-i-became-mommy-birth-story-part-1.html">How I Became a Mommy- Birth Story: Part 1</a></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://laudacious.blogspot.com/2011/10/how-i-became-mommy-birth-story-part-2.html">How I Became a Mommy- Birth Story: Part 2</a></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://laudacious.blogspot.com/2011/11/how-i-became-mommy-birth-story-part-3.html">How I Became a Mommy- Birth Story: Part 3</a></span><br />
<br />Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00475661986064269794noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1241251838364616683.post-15329886450518959622011-11-21T13:38:00.000-05:002011-12-09T11:54:35.515-05:00How I Became a Mommy- Birth Story: Part 3After what seemed like the longest hour of my life, the team of anesthesiologists finally arrived in my room to give me the epidural. I was so relieved to see them that I didn't have time to be nervous about getting the epidural <i>at all</i>. My threshold for pain was just about at it's maximum and I was having a hard time focusing. I read somewhere that to manage the pain during labor, you're mentally supposed to let each contraction be in the past after it is done, and just try to focus on one at a time. I did not have the mental clarity to think this way at the time, and just knew I needed <i>relief</i>. The contractions were too intense and coming too quickly to be able to clear my head in between them. So it was decided. Epi it was. No natural child birth for me and this baby.<br />
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Nurse Sarah helped me to the edge of the bed- no easy effort when you feel like a whale, are gushing amniotic fluid, and your uterus is cramping/contracting every 20 seconds. I could barely brace myself enough to maneuver into position. I dangled my legs off the side of the bed and Sarah handed me a pillow to put in my lap. She stood across from me and held my hands. She would speak to me to let me when a contraction was coming or almost done, and otherwise just stayed very quiet with me and let me squeeze the crap out of her hands. I remember thinking that it was taking the anesthesiologists FOREVER to set up, clean the site, etc. They were explaining each step to me and I really could not have cared less what they were doing as long as it was in and the pain was gone. The one guy was very chatty and was talking to his co-worker about his kid's softball team. This was the point that I wanted to scream out loud "SHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUP!" It was hard enough to focus and this dude was just carrying on about all kinds of nonsense. At one point I remember him asking me if I had history of scoliosis. I was beyond irritated with him and couldn't muster up enough breath or energy, so I ignored him. I looked at Sarah and I'm sure she was able to read my expression so she said "she's in the middle of a contraction. Give her a minute." I finally just shook my head no and prayed that he would hurry up. He finally told me that I'd feel a little bee sting as the local anesthetic went in, and then some tugging as they inserted the catheter. I felt the sting but it was nothing compared to the pain of the contractions. Moments later he said "okay, it's in. You might feel one more contraction and then some relief." He was right. The last contraction passed and then the clouds parted, the sunlight streamed in and the angels sang "Hallelujah!" It was the sweetest relief ever, and I have ZERO regrets about asking for the epidural.<br />
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The team left my room and Sarah helped me get comfortable. J came back into the room to find a whole new wife. I felt great! I could see the contractions on the monitor but felt nothing. It was glorious! My parents and sister stopped in for a bit, followed by Jeff's sister and two nieces. I didn't feel like sleeping much so we just hung out for awhile. Sarah came back after awhile to do another exam. Again- felt nothing. I hadn't dilated any more so we just waited.<br />
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I think it was about three hours later when a nurse came in to check me again. I hadn't progressed since I got the epidural and the contractions were slowing down. The baby's heart rate was fine as it had been all day, but essentially my contractions had fallen off the labor curve. Not a good sign... Since they had turned off the Pitocin hours earlier, the nurse called my OB who recommended that they hook it back up again to try to move things along a bit to see what happened. I remember the nurse mentioning that the doctor had mentioned potentially needing to do a c-section if this didn't work. We talked through our options and decided to try it. The nurse turned on the drip and within about 20 minutes I was feeling VERY queasy. I threw up a couple of times and felt pretty sick, but still didn't feel contractions. I sent Jeff down to get some dinner because we knew it would probably be awhile before anything happened.<br />
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At some point around this time, 6 pm in the evening or so, there was a change in shifts and a new nurse named Michelle came on duty. She didn't really introduce herself like the others had, just sort of appeared. For some reason she made me a little nervous. She was in the room talking with me at one point and suddenly the baby's heart rate dropped a bit and some scary beeping sound was coming from the monitors. Michelle put the oxygen mask on me and I took some deep breaths. After the heart rate went back up, and things looked okay she left me alone in the room for a little while to let the Pitocin do it's work. I was pretty scared about the heart rate dropping and began to get pretty nervous. I had just reached for a cup and was vomiting when an OB that I had not yet met came into my room to introduce herself. She saw I was sick and said she'd come back. A little while later my parents stopped back in to see me and same thing- cup in hand, puking, dry heaving, something unpleasant. They walked back out to give me some privacy. The OB came back in, apologized for meeting me for the first time during such a moment, and examined me, and announced "it feels like you're about 4 cm. and the cervix is hardening a little."What? I thought it was supposed to be softening, not hardening. And a FOUR?! What happened to my almost 6? It had been hours! I've gone BACKWARDS? How can that happen? The doctor informed me that most likely the baby's head was bearing down against my cervix with every contraction, and that the head was probably too big to fit and was thus causing my cervix to swell and close. She told me that she recommended a c-section. And there it was... The exact statement I had been dreading...<br />
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The OB left the room, and I was alone with Nurse Michelle. She began to ask me questions and wanted to know what I was nervous about. I answered her a little hesitantly because I got the sense that I was being judged and written off as a pain in the ass. I started to open up to her about my concerns. They had seen some meconium staining. Will the baby be in more danger if it doesn't have a chance to go down the birth canal to squeeze the fluid out of it's chest and lungs? And breastfeeding?! If they can't put the baby directly on my chest when it's born, it won't have a chance to find it's way to the breast to eat and regulate it's blood sugar and all of the other good stuff that comes along with skin-to-skin contact directly after birth. Would I have to have all of my future children this way too? Did I really NEED a c-section or did this doctor just want to get things over with and go home for the night? We talked through a lot of this and I came to find out that Michelle had a baby just five months earlier via c-section after 50 some hours of labor. She said she wanted to hold out as long as she could and make sure she did everything she could before consenting to the c-section. She told me about her experience and said "Amy, this is your decision, not theirs. Do not let them pressure you into it. Make the decision on your own and do what you feel is right." It was then, that I realized she was on my side and that I was very, very lucky that she was on duty as my nurse. She really "got it."<br />
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Jeff came back from dinner and we gave him the recap of what the OB said and talked with Michelle for a long while about the pros and cons of having the c-section. Jeff wanted to know why Michelle personally had held out so long and what the risks were for me having it, and what they were if I didn't have it. As we talked, the Pitocin kept dripping away, and my contractions were still very weak. It wasn't working. The OB came in to check on us again, and the anesthesiologist came in to prep me for a c-section. Michelle quickly said "she hasn't decided if that's what she wants. We will let you know if we need you." She was like our own personal bouncer. Jeff and I ultimately came to the conclusion that if we agreed to do a c-section now, that we had to be at peace with the possibility that any future babies most likely would have to be delivered that way too. I know it is possible to do a VBAC, but feel that the chances are slim. I told Jeff that I just had a feeling that this baby was supposed to be born by c-section. We sat there quietly and discussed it for awhile (in between my dry heaves) and kept debating the pros and cons.<br />
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Michelle came back in the room soon, and we talked with her a bit more. She had been talking it over with some other nurses, and said my other option was to keep trying the Pitocin and just wait it out, changing positions very frequently, moving around as much as I could in that bed. She kept reminding me that it was my decision to make, and shared some more about the experience that she had just months before. She agreed to go find out what time my OB was back on the schedule, so that if we did decide to deliver via c-section that she was the one to do it. We waited for Michelle to come back, and it was while she was gone that we finally came to a decision...<br />
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">In case you missed it:</span></i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://laudacious.blogspot.com/2011/10/how-i-became-mommy-birth-story-part-1.html">How I Became a Mommy- Birth Story: Part 1</a></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://laudacious.blogspot.com/2011/10/how-i-became-mommy-birth-story-part-2.html">How I Became a Mommy- Birth Story: Part 2</a></span></div>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00475661986064269794noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1241251838364616683.post-35546130357614853602011-10-25T21:28:00.001-04:002011-10-26T08:28:34.712-04:00How I Became a Mommy- Birth Story: Part 2<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4q0_YFGg3IM/Tp7pnFwSkhI/AAAAAAAABH4/UXy2GgUDWGg/s1600/IMG_5985.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4q0_YFGg3IM/Tp7pnFwSkhI/AAAAAAAABH4/UXy2GgUDWGg/s400/IMG_5985.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://laudacious.blogspot.com/2011/10/how-i-became-mommy-birth-story-part-1.html">After a quick drive from the restaurant where I had my last pregnant lady meal</a>, we arrived at the hospital in the rain. J and I grabbed the bags and walked into the main doors of the hospital. On our tour, they told us to come in the emergency entrance and pick up the "Stork Line" phone to call the birthing center and let them know we were there. We weren't sure what to do since it was a planned appointment for induction, so we just went in the emergency room doors and were greeted by a security guard. He showed us the phone and quickly offered me a wheelchair; I don't think he realized I wasn't actually in labor!</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">After announcing our arrival on the "Stork Line" and making our way through the hospital we arrived in the birthing center at about 5:30 pm. I was late for the 5:00 pm appointment, but figured it didn't really matter because the baby would come out one way or the other even if we were late. We waited for about 15 minutes before being escorted down the hall to Room 9. It was surreal walking in and seeing the little warmer in the corner thinking our little one would be born in this room! We got settled, I changed into my own pajamas to be as comfortable as possible that night, and then we waited for the nurse to come in for the initial exam. She checked me out and confirmed that I was still 0 cm. dilated. Sigh. It was going to be a long night... </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">The induction got started. I was strapped up to the he monitors and the nurse put the Cervidil in place. The monitors showed that I was having some contractions that I couldn't feel too much, and the nurse said they were about 3 minutes long. Because they were most likely due to mild dehydration, they gave me a bag of IV fluids. At this point there wasn't much to be done since the Cervidil had to stay in place for 12 hours unless active labor came during that timeframe. J hung out with me for awhile, and my parents stopped in for a visit. I ate my little bag of pretzels with peanut butter and sipped on some water. I did not want to have to get up to use the restroom since it meant unhooking the monitors and dragging the IV pole in there with me, so I stayed put and watched some tv before sending J home to get some rest. I'd like to say I slept well that night to save up some rest, but I was much too anxious. I kept listening to the baby's heartbeat on the monitor, the sounds in the corridors, and the thunderstorm outside. Worst of it all was that everytime I rolled over due to a leg or hip cramp, the monitor would move and the nurse would have to come in to readjust the straps. I must have slept about 1.5 hours total in between episodes of the Real Housewives of New Jersey. It all seems a blur now, but it was a very long, tiring night.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">The sun came up and my nurse came in to say good morning. After an exam to see if the Cervidil had done it's job, she said "well, you're still at 0 cm." The good news is that I was having regular contractions on the monitor. I still couldn't really feel them but she could tell that something was going on so I was a little hopeful. She gave me exactly 30 minutes to shower, change into a gown and get back in bed before the Pitocin started. I got ready and snuck a granola bar for breakfast. I knew it would be a long day and I didn't think a liquid diet was a huge deal since I was still at 0 and would have plenty of time to digest it. What a rebel, huh? Nurse Lauren wished me luck and introduced Nurse Sarah who would be with me on the day shift, and hopefully for the birth of our baby!</div><br />
J arrived for the day looking excited and nervous. I filled him in on the lack of activity overnight and we waited for the show to begin. After I got settled they started the Pitocin and explained that they would increase it slowly in increments of two to see how I would respond. We got started at about 7:15 AM, as I sat and waited to feel the contractions come on. Around 8:45 AM my OB arrived, and did another exam. She was excited by the progress on the monitors and said "I think you were ready to go. This baby just needed a little nudge." She told me that I had dilated to about 1.5 cm. and that she was going to break my water to speed things up. It surprised me when she said this and the gravity of the moment didn't really hit me until later. Once she broke my water there was no turning back. I'd be leaving this hospital with my baby in my arms! I remember the gush and looking at J after the doctor left the room. It all seemed so surreal... I got a little nervous because they saw some light meconium staining and at first weren't even sure if that's what it was. The OB said she wouldn't be surprised given that I was a week overdue, but it didn't seem bad. Some more contractions and fluid confirmed it, and I was told that they'd need to carefully suction out the baby's mouth when he/she was born in case of any ingestion. Sarah told me that some babies inhale before that first cry which can make things worse, and in some cases would need to be monitored in the NICU if anything got into the lungs. I hoped for the best and tried not to worry about this. My OB talked to me about pain management and told me to speak up when things got intene, because Pitocin is known to create some aggressive contractions. She left and told me she'd see me later.<br />
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Over the next two hours things really picked up. I started to feel the contractions getting stronger and stronger. I was talking with J and watching tv. J called my parents to tell them that the OB had broken my water and that I was having contractions now. I was able to manage them laying in bed for awhile, but was getting uncomfortable. Each contraction would cause another gush of fluid. I remember wondering how much could possibly be left in there and also wondering how some women say they didn't notice their water breaking. To me it is a completely different sensation than peeing your pants and there is no possible way to confuse the two! Soon the contractions became a lot more aggressive. J helped me get out of bed and unhook the monitors for a minute so I could walk around the room a bit dragging my IV pole behind me. The first contraction that hit after I got out of bed showed me that this wasn't going to be easy. I pretty much had to stay at bedside if I didn't want to leave a trail of amniotic fluid all over my hospital room. I made one last attempt at getting into the bathroom when I realized that my mucous plug had come out (ew!). I knew I was dilating even more and that things were working. <br />
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Sarah helped me onto the birthing ball after cleaning up the messy trails I was leaving around the room, and I spent the next hour or so rocking and swaying my hips through each contraction. The contractions were becoming stronger to the point that I didn't want to talk very much and just had to focus. J sat in the corner and waited for me to ask him for help. He busied himself by playing on his iPhone and taking pictures on my camera. I hooked up my iPod and started the hypnobabies track and just tried to focus on that instead of the pain. Hypnobabies was like magic; I was able to tune everything out for awhile and really manage the contractions for awhile. And then I felt a sensation I hadn't felt since the first trimester and yelled "hand me that cup!" Enter nausea...<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aaHjLOAY7bE/Tp7rFEYmN0I/AAAAAAAABIA/Pp4WhXI_s1k/s1600/IMG_5986.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" ida="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aaHjLOAY7bE/Tp7rFEYmN0I/AAAAAAAABIA/Pp4WhXI_s1k/s400/IMG_5986.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the birthing ball, puke cup in hand. Glamorous.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Sometime later, I was back in bed trying not to puke. Contractions were coming much stronger and closer now. I really didn't have much time to warm up to this whole labor thing like I pictured. I thought I'd be spending time at home managing the small contractions before it was time to go to the hospital. I had to face them head on in Room 9 at that hospital. It had only been about 2 hours and I went from no pain to very intense pain in that small window of time. My parents arrived and came back to the room to see how things were going. J and my mom were sitting on one side of the room hanging out, and my dad was in the armchair on the other side of the room. I think my dad was nervous and uncomfortable seeing me in pain, and kept asking questions about the monitors beeping, what the birthing ball was for, etc. I recall that as much as I wanted my parents to be there, I really just wanted everything to be totally quiet and not have to talk to anyone or be distracted. I couldn't really talk much at this point and was trying to get back into my Hypnobabies trance, but was in a lot of pain. I couldn't focus knowing that there were people in the room just staring at me even when I had my eyes closed. J could sense that I was uncomfortable, and was about to speak up when I was able to muster "Mom, I think you guys need to leave." They kissed me and left me to relax.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">The nurse came in a little while later to check things out and asked if I had thrown up. I told her I almost did and that had I eaten something probably would have. She said "I'll bet your five. Most women start throwing up around five." They told me that they were going to check things out again, and I remember this exam being verrrrrry uncomfortable. My contractions were about 2 minutes long with maybe 30 seconds between them and I was in <em>pain</em>. She couldn't quite reach my cervix to tell, but thought I was about 5 and 1/2 to 6 cm. I'd gone from 0 to 5 1/2 in just about 3 hours. Because of the intensity of the contractions at that point, they turned off the Pitocin since I was progressing pretty well. She told me to try to relax, but the pain was intense. In my mind, I knew that a natural child birth was out of the question for me once that drip got started due to the instensity of the contractions it is known to cause. I made it a goal to get to 5-6 cm. before getting an epidural, so when I heard her say that I was only at 5 1/2 and not the 8 or 9 that I felt I should be given how strong and fast these contractions were I asked for the epidural. I didn't want to get it any sooner than 5 cm. for risk of stalling labor so to me "almost 6" was good enough. She asked if I was sure and I said yes. I knew without a doubt that there was no way I'd make it to ten cm. without one...</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Nurse Sarah went off to order the epi and another nurse that was helping out on the busy floor that day told me they were finishing up one now and then had to do a c-section first, and would come to me as soon as they could.. The next hour or so was a blur of pain. Every second felt like minutes. J didn't know what to do since not much could comfort me, so we just waited there together quietly until the team of anesthesiologists wheeled in the big old epi cart and Sarah asked J to leave the room... </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><strong>Related posts</strong>:</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://laudacious.blogspot.com/2011/10/how-i-became-mommy-birth-story-part-1.html"><span style="font-size: x-small;">How I Became a Mommy- Birth Story: Part 1</span></a></div>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00475661986064269794noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1241251838364616683.post-9440795552549918812011-10-12T17:04:00.000-04:002011-10-12T17:04:22.871-04:00How I Became a Mommy- Birth Story: Part 1<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VjaM7mFFkHE/TpXiNcK3dgI/AAAAAAAABHw/tke28ml25pY/s1600/2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" oda="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VjaM7mFFkHE/TpXiNcK3dgI/AAAAAAAABHw/tke28ml25pY/s400/2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>It is hard to believe that our little boy is already 8 weeks old. You hear everyone say "enjoy them while they're little. It goes by fast" and know they're right, but have no idea how much so until you see it before your very eyes. I am enjoying every day with our wee one and am loving this mommy thing! Before time gets away from me, I wanted to reflect on those last days of pregnancy and the adventures of bringing this baby into the world. Our birth story was not exactly what I pictured it would be like, but it is ours and perfect in it's own way. Here goes...<br />
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My due date was Monday, August 8th. I tried to work as long as I could up to the due date. I started to get the stares from co-workers and the comments like "you're STILL here?" when I would show up for work every morning, and it started to wear on me. I finally got the okay to work from home for week 39 of my pregnancy, but wasn't getting much done because I just could not focus. I had an OB appointment on the 2nd, and my doctor said I was slightly effaced, but not dilated a single bit. She did say that the baby's head was "right there" and that the late ultrasounds I had were probably right- this was going to be a big baby. Because of the size (they estimated baby was 8 lbs. 10 oz. at almost 39 weeks), she talked to me about the need to schedule an induction. This was a topic I really wanted to avoid, but due to some minor complications I had during pregnancy I knew that an induction would probably be likely. The doctor took a look at the calendar, her on call schedule, and went to her office to call the hospital. She came back in the room and announced "August 10th at 5:00 pm. Unless baby comes before that, we'll see you at the hospital at that time." She was hopeful that things would change over the course of the next few days and told me to stay at home and take it easy.<br />
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I went home and sent out a few final e-mails, activating the official "out of office" notice. I got busy nesting. I cleaned each nook and cranny of this house, and then cleaned them again. I finished up some projects that had been on my to do list for awhile, and even did some leftover wedding scrapbooking from our wedding almost 3 years ago! I was ready for the 8th and for this baby to come. I went for long walks every morning while the August temps weren't TOO bad, and caught up on the DVR. J and I went out for what we thought might be our last weekend dinner out as a twosome, and just enjoyed the quiet before the storm. <br />
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Monday, August 8th came and went. I woke up that morning and thought "well, baby will either be born on it's due date or officially late." I had been having some minor crampinng and tightening across my belly, but wondered if it was just Braxton-Hicks contractions and nothing to speak of. I waited for some new sensations to come over me, got excited with each trip to the potty that a sign of my mucous plug would indicate some dilation, etc. But as you may have guessed... nothing.<br />
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I started to really get nervous that week about the possibility of an induction. I heard lots of things about Pitocin making contractions unbearable, complicating breastfeeding, and leading to a higher chance of c-sections in the case of a failed induction. Each day that week I woke up in the morning feeling a little disappointed that nothing had happened overnight. I was getting more and more worried when baby wasn't showing any signs of showing up and that probably didn't help things. I felt as though scheduling an induction for 2 days after the due date wasn't giving Baby enough chance to come on his/her own, and felt that he/she would show up when it was "time." Aren't due dates just a best guess anyway?! I ended up calling the doctor and telling them that I would need to schedule another weekly appointment because I wanted to give the baby another week, and that I did not plan on showing up for the induction on the 10th. I was met with a bit of resistance from the nurse who answered the phone, but I didn't care. It's my body, my baby and my decision and something was telling me to wait.<br />
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I had an OB appointment the next morning and happily climbed up onto the table expecting my doctor to tell me that I was at least 1 cm. dilated. Unfortunately, this wasn't the case. My doctor told me I was still at zero, and we talked about my wanting to hold off on the induction. What I learned that day was that she would have to induce me no later than the start of my 41 week mark. Because of the complications I was having, it was safer to induce me than to leave the baby in there- not to mention this baby was just going to keep growing. I really wanted to try for a normal delivery, and that probably wouldn't be possible if the baby got much bigger. So, I left the office with a new induction date, Sunday, 8/14, with my doctor and I hoping that baby would come well before that.<br />
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That is when the days started running together and my life started to feel a bit like "Groundhog Day." I continued my walks around the neighborhood, drank my red raspberry leaf tea, and watched a lot of crappy daytime tv. I'd go to bed hoping to feel something overnight, and wake up in the morning only to start the cycle over again. By Friday, I had it. I got in the shower that morning and cried my eyes out in frustration. I just had a feeling that the baby wasn't going to show up before Sunday, and that an induction (and likely a c-section) might be in the cards for me. I let that idea sink in a bit, and tried to make peace with the possibility deciding that maybe it was meant to be. I tried to let go of the disappointment I felt that I wouldn't be able to call my husband at work or wake him up to tell him "it's time." I wouldn't have to use those towels or extra pair of shorts I had put in the car on the 4th of July in case my water broke while I was out somewhere. There would be no calls to my parents telling them to hurry up and pack the car, and I wouldn't feel those twinges of pain across my belly realizing that I might actually be in labor. I figured if baby was to come on his/her own, than so it would be and if not I'd just pack my bag and show up on Sunday. <br />
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Saturday came and went...Nothing.<br />
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Sunday morning I woke up, got showered and dressed for the day, went to one last breakfast out at my favorite little creperie, and came home to pack up the car. Later that afternoon, my parents pulled in the driveway (a perk to scheduling an induction is that out of town relatives have plenty of time to get here), and we reviewed a few housekeeping items before heading out the door to grab one last bite to eat before it was time. After a quick bowl of soup at the restaurant, J and I got in the car and were on our way to Fairview Hospital. It was official - I would not go into labor on my own but the joy and anticipation that I would soon meet this little baby inside me was all I could feel...Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00475661986064269794noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1241251838364616683.post-78348155628665262792011-09-14T11:36:00.000-04:002011-09-14T11:36:11.993-04:00The day our lives changed forever...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Our little bundle of joy has arrived! Julian Finlay was born on Monday, 8/15 at 10:26 p.m. 19.5 inches long and 9 lbs. 6.2 oz. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vNiJsoSKCXY/TnDJYQ8BccI/AAAAAAAABHk/wg3mgtiTe2I/s1600/Picture+10.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="254" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vNiJsoSKCXY/TnDJYQ8BccI/AAAAAAAABHk/wg3mgtiTe2I/s320/Picture+10.png" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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We have survived the first month of parenthood and live to tell the tale. Now that our little one is starting to take better naps, I finally had a chance to post! More to come on the birth story, and our adventures so far...<br />
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We love him to pieces. This mommy stuff is amazing.Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00475661986064269794noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1241251838364616683.post-34064842518547151212011-08-03T10:16:00.000-04:002011-08-03T10:16:18.376-04:00Respect the BumpWell, here we are at just 5 days until baby is due to arrive. I am officially on disability from work now and am relaxing at home - the calm before the storm. But a happy summer thunderstorm- the kind we like. I am using the time to catch up on some organizing and little projects that I probably won't have much time for after our wee one arrives, and just reflecting on my first pregnancy so far. I really can't complain, and think I have said before that I'm one of those women that enjoys being pregnant. <br />
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J and I got some photos taken in late June to commemorate the baby bump. Not sure we'd do this for all pregnancies, but we thought we should respect the bump and get some documentation of it's presence these past few months. :) The lovely <a href="http://genevievenisly.com/">Genevieve Nisly</a> set up our gallery for us just yesterday. Here are our favorites from the shoot:<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vjGMAygFM9Y/TjlUmwgjLII/AAAAAAAABHQ/ORVXZnWNarQ/s1600/I-4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vjGMAygFM9Y/TjlUmwgjLII/AAAAAAAABHQ/ORVXZnWNarQ/s400/I-4.JPG" t$="true" width="267" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HGckE_ptuoU/TjlUhN2DLAI/AAAAAAAABHE/N1twvvPqhyU/s1600/G-2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HGckE_ptuoU/TjlUhN2DLAI/AAAAAAAABHE/N1twvvPqhyU/s400/G-2.JPG" t$="true" width="265" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OndjHoP-2A8/TjlUiofn1NI/AAAAAAAABHI/XOg0A2M-F-w/s1600/H-4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OndjHoP-2A8/TjlUiofn1NI/AAAAAAAABHI/XOg0A2M-F-w/s400/H-4.JPG" t$="true" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xdwMA3to73Y/TjlUk4pfZdI/AAAAAAAABHM/cYPjA1BSe1U/s1600/H-19.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xdwMA3to73Y/TjlUk4pfZdI/AAAAAAAABHM/cYPjA1BSe1U/s400/H-19.JPG" t$="true" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>What do you think? It is hard to believe that my belly has gotten even bigger since then! Respect the bump, people. <br />
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We had the photoshoot at our home and in the historic area of our town too. Genevieve will be coming back in the wee bean's early days to do a newborn shoot. I think it will be fun to see some very similar shots but with baby on the outside of my belly and growing up through the years in some of these same spots.<br />
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I plan to spend the rest of my time in between walks around the neighborhood just chillin', eating eggplant, pineapple and thai food and drinking some red raspberry leaf tea. Come on, Baby! It won't be long... Wish us luck for a smooth delivery!Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00475661986064269794noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1241251838364616683.post-11254361604392696292011-07-25T21:26:00.001-04:002011-07-25T21:28:51.000-04:0038<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SrcwIUwh_Qk/Ti4XM638gnI/AAAAAAAABGc/YfNmRfmOyhI/s1600/38+weeks.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SrcwIUwh_Qk/Ti4XM638gnI/AAAAAAAABGc/YfNmRfmOyhI/s400/38+weeks.JPG" t$="true" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My view of a belly at 38 weeks. Almost showtime!</td></tr>
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Officially full term and only 2 weeks shy of The Due Date. Trying hard to be patient, and enjoy these last few weeks (days?!) of pregnancy and the anticipation of the adventures of parenthood to come. Yes, It's hot outside. Yes, my belly is big and it bumps into things. Yes, I get cramps in my hips and legs while sleeping and have to constantly rearrange myself and a pile of pillows too many times each night. Despite all of these things, I'm enjoying these moments in between. We cannot wait to meet our little one and while I'm feeling major ants in my pants and have the looming question of "WHEN?!" running through my mind, I'm in a good place. I know that baby will come on the day meant to be his/her Birth Day and that it's all part of a plan bigger than any of us. This post is just to say that I am thankful that I've made it through 38 weeks in good health and only a few issues that I've been able to manage pretty well. (And we could use a few more days to pick out your name, Little One, so no pressure to come out this week.). :)Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00475661986064269794noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1241251838364616683.post-49592377798236586612011-07-18T20:05:00.000-04:002011-07-18T20:05:37.464-04:00Spoiled Already<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A few weeks ago, my parents threw our wee one a baby shower in Pittsburgh (my hometown). Because it is summer and we already had the frou frou bridal shower a few years ago, J and I just wanted to hang out with our friends and family and enjoy their company cookout style. We didn't want a big fuss- just a fun day for all of our friends (male and female, adult and child) to come hang out with us before the baby makes his/her debut. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My parents worked hard for WEEKS cleaning the house, tidying up the yard, and making preparations for their third grandchild's shower. They even had some work done on the house just in time for the shower- new floors, painted half of their first floor, got a new deck, etc. It wasn't all for the shower, but we'll tell baby it was. haha</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My mom set up a cute little buffet. On the menu: yummy chicken, salad, cheesy potatoes, mini sandwiches, and even eggplant rollatini from our wedding venue. Very casual and delicious!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nQIicxRS46U/Th6wlQNtrfI/AAAAAAAABGI/7W4i41_mTbQ/s1600/IMG_5793.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nQIicxRS46U/Th6wlQNtrfI/AAAAAAAABGI/7W4i41_mTbQ/s400/IMG_5793.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">For dessert, brightly colored cupcakes and cookies and some of that awesome jello pretzel salad- have you ever tried it? Yum. Wish I had some right now.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ulsMQXHqSyo/Th6w4fJHAXI/AAAAAAAABGQ/7tA0jC3NJWU/s1600/IMG_5790.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ulsMQXHqSyo/Th6w4fJHAXI/AAAAAAAABGQ/7tA0jC3NJWU/s400/IMG_5790.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1jnrznnYHtE/Th6wvv9mWMI/AAAAAAAABGM/AQxAq-vnmyU/s1600/IMG_5791.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1jnrznnYHtE/Th6wvv9mWMI/AAAAAAAABGM/AQxAq-vnmyU/s400/IMG_5791.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Decor was minimal, but we did set out a photo matte with baby's first ultrasound photo for our guests to sign and surrounded it with baby photos of J and I. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6iXgh_YfsVE/Th6xC2BnoaI/AAAAAAAABGU/qBi6ircq1x0/s1600/IMG_5788.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6iXgh_YfsVE/Th6xC2BnoaI/AAAAAAAABGU/qBi6ircq1x0/s400/IMG_5788.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">After dinner, we opened up all of baby's gifts. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TQndkqv-q3Q/Th6xLyKR3rI/AAAAAAAABGY/qC2qJwsNw9c/s1600/IMG_5787.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TQndkqv-q3Q/Th6xLyKR3rI/AAAAAAAABGY/qC2qJwsNw9c/s400/IMG_5787.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It was nice to have J up there to help me, as my lap seems to have gotten smaller over the past few months and I was having a hard time hanging on to the bigger boxes!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HmjDB8ftJsA/Th6twu-QuRI/AAAAAAAABFE/gkGMFIHbEoc/s1600/IMG_5854.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HmjDB8ftJsA/Th6twu-QuRI/AAAAAAAABFE/gkGMFIHbEoc/s400/IMG_5854.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Mr9dximU4uo/Th6ua_cKH9I/AAAAAAAABFU/8EBS4Vt0ELk/s1600/IMG_5819.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Mr9dximU4uo/Th6ua_cKH9I/AAAAAAAABFU/8EBS4Vt0ELk/s400/IMG_5819.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Baby is already spoiled and got so many great things from our generous friends and fam!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">After we opened gifts, we just hung out and enjoyed the hot summer evening. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PH4iopMWT9s/Th6slqgv9jI/AAAAAAAABEo/dXvW7F0WQCw/s1600/IMG_5884.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PH4iopMWT9s/Th6slqgv9jI/AAAAAAAABEo/dXvW7F0WQCw/s400/IMG_5884.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From left to right, my younger sister, mom, soon-to-be mommy Laudacious, and my sister-in-law</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-khiHj2r1lHo/Th6tP3PN67I/AAAAAAAABE4/QV3EXdO2fGQ/s1600/IMG_5862.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-khiHj2r1lHo/Th6tP3PN67I/AAAAAAAABE4/QV3EXdO2fGQ/s400/IMG_5862.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of my lifelong friends with her husband, cutie pie baby girl and I</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5O9xAkCTcNg/Th6vkVqqx_I/AAAAAAAABFw/0A87V4djobA/s1600/IMG_5801.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5O9xAkCTcNg/Th6vkVqqx_I/AAAAAAAABFw/0A87V4djobA/s400/IMG_5801.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My besties from forever ago. Some of these girls I've known since elementary school</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Of particular excitement was being able to introduce my baby bump to the baby bump of my dear friend from 3rd grade. She is expecting her third just a week before me! She is my favorite because I can call her up or e-mail her after experiencing a weird pregnancy symptom and ask "is this normal?" Everyone needs a friend like this during pregnancy. Love you, Kate!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UdxcT8AZMOw/Th6wSTZ8PeI/AAAAAAAABGA/jClwj3nItGw/s1600/IMG_5796.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UdxcT8AZMOw/Th6wSTZ8PeI/AAAAAAAABGA/jClwj3nItGw/s320/IMG_5796.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My bump appears bigger and I think it's because she's got a good 6" of height on me and more room to spread out that belly!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Another friend from high school is about a trimester behind me. Her baby bump may not look so impressive from this shot...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1pOHMd7exMs/Th6v6HoxOUI/AAAAAAAABF4/Fud-2h_oS7o/s1600/IMG_5798.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1pOHMd7exMs/Th6v6HoxOUI/AAAAAAAABF4/Fud-2h_oS7o/s400/IMG_5798.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">so we were sure to capture it in all it's glory with an aeriel view! I am so short that my belly tucks right underneath theirs!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9cnu-F7rvVk/Th6vt1uSoDI/AAAAAAAABF0/v9dinif0qUg/s1600/IMG_5800.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9cnu-F7rvVk/Th6vt1uSoDI/AAAAAAAABF0/v9dinif0qUg/s400/IMG_5800.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Baby L. did his/her best to provide entertainment and show off it's kicking skills. My nephew was checking out his soon to be cousin here...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-s9OBc22amBg/Th6swtI2B2I/AAAAAAAABEs/GqUYtu12ciw/s1600/IMG_5880.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-s9OBc22amBg/Th6swtI2B2I/AAAAAAAABEs/GqUYtu12ciw/s400/IMG_5880.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">and my niece wanted to feel "Baby Cousin" moving too.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-14_coTOG6X8/Th6sO8mF5HI/AAAAAAAABEg/moOaqHtV_nE/s1600/IMG_5892.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-14_coTOG6X8/Th6sO8mF5HI/AAAAAAAABEg/moOaqHtV_nE/s400/IMG_5892.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Love these pictures and can't wait to show Baby L. someday.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Thanks to my parents, family and friends for making it a special day for us! So many people came from afar just to celebrate baby's upcoming debut, and it meant a lot to be surrounded by our loved ones as we get ready to become parents. We love them all and know that Baby L. will too!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
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</div>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00475661986064269794noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1241251838364616683.post-79531641270565614512011-07-05T09:26:00.000-04:002011-07-05T09:26:26.372-04:00A Nest for our Wee One<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">Now that we have about 5 weeks to go until our wee one makes his/her appearance (eek!), I figured it was time to show you what we've been busy working on around the house. A room fit for our wee one!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">If you recall from <a href="http://laudacious.blogspot.com/2011/03/its-showtime.html">this post</a> from the house tour just after we moved in, the soon-to-be nursery was a rather blank slate. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WzKYx2A4NR0/TY3LqfPqhUI/AAAAAAAAA_Q/lR_vetcAFeM/s1600/Nursery.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WzKYx2A4NR0/TY3LqfPqhUI/AAAAAAAAA_Q/lR_vetcAFeM/s400/Nursery.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">We had the builder paint a soft gray on the walls, but in new construction we didn't have a chance to test swatches and the color came out a bit more blue than I pictured for the nursery. I gathered up some swatches of Olympic's no-VOC paint from Lowe's and chose a different shade. J painted the room, and I put up some decals after it dried. Soon after, furniture was delivered and things started falling into place. We wanted something that was gender neutral (obviously), but still bright and happy. I tend to have more modern taste and wanted furniture that would flow with the rest of the house. I daresay that all furniture (minus the crib of course) is usable in another room later on. I am not really into the typical "theme" room, so we did just did some colorful art and some cheery accents here and there. Here is how it turned out:</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0ocUeUBsrLM/Tg2GyASnbpI/AAAAAAAABCw/CJXBOYcGO6c/s1600/IMG_5940.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0ocUeUBsrLM/Tg2GyASnbpI/AAAAAAAABCw/CJXBOYcGO6c/s400/IMG_5940.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view from the doorway</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KuxtYguqvUw/Tg2GfBifTZI/AAAAAAAABCo/4ThTXa80Dd0/s1600/IMG_5943.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KuxtYguqvUw/Tg2GfBifTZI/AAAAAAAABCo/4ThTXa80Dd0/s400/IMG_5943.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A closer shot of the glider, side table, curtains and pendant lamp</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lxSFikOnOZ8/ThMIY_nvRNI/AAAAAAAABD0/cT_dWihGyPY/s1600/IMG_5958.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lxSFikOnOZ8/ThMIY_nvRNI/AAAAAAAABD0/cT_dWihGyPY/s400/IMG_5958.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baby's crib and the brightly colored pomanders<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: left;">Baby's Aunt Erin told me to take down the pink pom if a nephew arrives. haha. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Next, a close up of the crib with Dwell crib skirt and sheet and the breathable bumpers. You can hardly see the light gray dots and squares printed on the bed skirt and sheet, but they are there. One of these days I'll upgrade to a better camera- still relying on the old point and shoot. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9PUm7A3HoOY/ThMIP9a9onI/AAAAAAAABDw/VNCNQu77KlM/s1600/IMG_5959.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9PUm7A3HoOY/ThMIP9a9onI/AAAAAAAABDw/VNCNQu77KlM/s400/IMG_5959.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">My mom and dad hosted a lovely shower for us in Pittsburgh a few weeks ago (post to come on that), and in lieu of cards they asked guests to bring a book. Baby's bookcase was filled in no time with some great stories that we can't wait to share!</div><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tIsWr7Kphek/Tg2FjMsrVNI/AAAAAAAABCQ/lDrzLBAjl-k/s1600/IMG_5955.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tIsWr7Kphek/Tg2FjMsrVNI/AAAAAAAABCQ/lDrzLBAjl-k/s400/IMG_5955.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">We had framed some baby photos of J and I for our shower so I decorated with those for now. On the left you'll see baby's own color changing iPod dock which we can't wait to use, and I LOVE the Stinkerpants Alphabet print hanging above the shelf. I couldn't get a great shot of it, but J's favorite letter is the S for "Super Seahorse" and mine is H for "High up Hippo" (a little hippo in a tree). So cute!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">On the wall to the right as you walk in, we set up the dresser which we're using as a changing table too. We added the Wish Tree print (love me some Stinkerpants), and some little shelves for books and misc. decor, toys, etc. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EbKJqcB88NU/Tg2F3wD5TkI/AAAAAAAABCY/7GuTw1kDWD4/s1600/IMG_5952.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EbKJqcB88NU/Tg2F3wD5TkI/AAAAAAAABCY/7GuTw1kDWD4/s320/IMG_5952.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x9ywCCJIzA0/Tg2FrCKCQMI/AAAAAAAABCU/GpaUxiSACBc/s1600/IMG_5954.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x9ywCCJIzA0/Tg2FrCKCQMI/AAAAAAAABCU/GpaUxiSACBc/s320/IMG_5954.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And last, the little art collection on the back wall of the room. I ordered two prints online, and had some fun with Microsoft Word and some free fonts for the others. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DyGQasuQMHw/ThMH8Z5wilI/AAAAAAAABDo/gt41CElCNlo/s1600/IMG_5961.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DyGQasuQMHw/ThMH8Z5wilI/AAAAAAAABDo/gt41CElCNlo/s320/IMG_5961.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">From top to bottom and left to right:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">-Little Feet, Little Hands, Little Baby (baby will know that mommy LOVES her some Dave Matthews Band soon enough!)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">-You are My Sunshine</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">- L O V E</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">- Every little thing is gonna be alright (a shout out to some reggae from Jamaica where we honeymooned)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">- Just some cute little birds </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">- Somewhere over the rainbow/What a Wonderful World medley lyrics </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Gotta love some free art!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We had a maternity photo shoot a few weeks ago with the ever talented <a href="http://www.genevievenisly.com/">Genevieve Nisly</a> who will come back to take some photos of baby after his/her arrival. We plan to add to the photo collection then and hopefully post some better pics of the nursery with baby in it!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So, what do you think? Will baby love it? Mommy and Daddy certainly do. </div>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00475661986064269794noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1241251838364616683.post-9042452051280631152011-06-09T06:33:00.001-04:002011-06-09T10:18:05.443-04:00Sweet Escape<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Just before the start of my third trimester, J and I escaped to the beach for our "babymoon." Since we had only been to the Caribbean one time before for our honeymoon in Jamaica, we thought we'd try it again. The flights aren't too long, we knew what to expect as far as my comfort level was concerned, etc. So, off to Antigua and Barbuda we went!<br />
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After a relatively uneventful plane ride with one connection, we arrived on the island of Antigua and made our way to the resort, Sandals Grande Antigua. We were greeted with beverages (champagne for J and water for the mama-to-be) and taken to our room. We didn't wait long before heading to the beach to see the white sands and blue waters.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xmppcvCwdGc/TetmF_xZsqI/AAAAAAAABBo/zOjJay7LeIE/s1600/IMG_5754.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xmppcvCwdGc/TetmF_xZsqI/AAAAAAAABBo/zOjJay7LeIE/s400/IMG_5754.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our view of the Dickenson Bay beach</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This resort felt twice as big as the Sandals where we stayed at our honeymoon. Lush gardens, more restaurants, bigger pools, etc. </div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wyArNqWLw_0/Tetl0J1aDgI/AAAAAAAABBg/aYJg0BeylJU/s1600/IMG_5745.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wyArNqWLw_0/Tetl0J1aDgI/AAAAAAAABBg/aYJg0BeylJU/s400/IMG_5745.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Open air restaurants and beach side bar</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Aysd44JwNOQ/TetiodO0YHI/AAAAAAAABAY/5jR3w5NKCjI/s1600/IMG_5593.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Aysd44JwNOQ/TetiodO0YHI/AAAAAAAABAY/5jR3w5NKCjI/s400/IMG_5593.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful courtyards</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N9XDLuO3LtU/TetiUeMUR4I/AAAAAAAABAQ/ut-fVkj2zGg/s1600/IMG_5567.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N9XDLuO3LtU/TetiUeMUR4I/AAAAAAAABAQ/ut-fVkj2zGg/s400/IMG_5567.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Local critters- they were EVERYWHERE!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QbAcn8-iraw/TfCfM11tYLI/AAAAAAAABCA/FCouccBTxZE/s1600/IMG_5568.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QbAcn8-iraw/TfCfM11tYLI/AAAAAAAABCA/FCouccBTxZE/s400/IMG_5568.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">J on the porch of our little cottage</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Since we only had about five days to enjoy the island, we booked a "Best of Antigua" tour. Even though the resorts are beautiful, we are the kind of travelers that want to really get a feel for the island and spend some time off resort too. The tour was great for this. Antigua is a very tiny island- only about 10-12 miles across. It ended up being just the two of us with our tour guide. He drove us around the perimeter of the island starting at the resort up north, and we headed down south stopping along the way to check out a lot of beaches, pineapple farms, and cricket stadiums.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ikfzH7QIPhU/TetjHnCxg7I/AAAAAAAABAk/KNqMc0BZZIA/s1600/IMG_5646.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ikfzH7QIPhU/TetjHnCxg7I/AAAAAAAABAk/KNqMc0BZZIA/s400/IMG_5646.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The ride down there was BUMPY and I started to get a little nervous for the wee bean bouncing around in my belly. Since the island is only about 10 miles by 12 miles wide, it didn't take us long to get to the historic Nelson's Dockyard near the English Harbour area. The dockyard was used by the Royal Navy during the 18th/19th centuries, and is home to some quaint old buildings- officer's quarters, tiny cottages, etc. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BlHaMyfozrk/TetjUhUeMDI/AAAAAAAABAo/lpfP8XaECzs/s1600/IMG_5656.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BlHaMyfozrk/TetjUhUeMDI/AAAAAAAABAo/lpfP8XaECzs/s400/IMG_5656.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R9HCV--8ArA/Tetjhdikh4I/AAAAAAAABAs/YMddTbVdPRM/s1600/IMG_5663.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R9HCV--8ArA/Tetjhdikh4I/AAAAAAAABAs/YMddTbVdPRM/s400/IMG_5663.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EJBaNE6m93k/TetjrtXS41I/AAAAAAAABAw/fIV45rUwjEo/s1600/IMG_5669.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EJBaNE6m93k/TetjrtXS41I/AAAAAAAABAw/fIV45rUwjEo/s400/IMG_5669.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Check out my hair- it was HUMID!</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-B84y4ZxDMl8/Tetj78ik-NI/AAAAAAAABA0/ldmGEr-YMe8/s1600/IMG_5671.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-B84y4ZxDMl8/Tetj78ik-NI/AAAAAAAABA0/ldmGEr-YMe8/s400/IMG_5671.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VPKs-O_GH_U/Tetk0OLO8bI/AAAAAAAABBI/eFDNIJwOOkg/s1600/IMG_5688.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VPKs-O_GH_U/Tetk0OLO8bI/AAAAAAAABBI/eFDNIJwOOkg/s400/IMG_5688.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ruins from a lookout fortress<br />
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<div style="text-align: left;">We took a ride up the hill to Shirley Heights for some AMAZING views. It was national sailing week the week we were there, and we saw tons of boaters out on the water. This is a little inlet area not far from where the Caribbean Sea meets the Atlantic Ocean. </div></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6puaoKCghmI/Tetk_-jkw9I/AAAAAAAABBM/kPBXaOQ6iVc/s1600/IMG_5709.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6puaoKCghmI/Tetk_-jkw9I/AAAAAAAABBM/kPBXaOQ6iVc/s400/IMG_5709.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful beach and island topography</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-25XlBjN5zKE/TetkQfnr8vI/AAAAAAAABA8/8kFPVqapWbo/s320/IMG_5680.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="240" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look closely under the yellow blooms on the left for the little hummingbird</td></tr>
</tbody></table>J found some funky looking cactus-type plant. It was kinda gross looking.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-daHhsSiu6Zs/TetlNGNGwAI/AAAAAAAABBQ/DbW09LTAlpw/s1600/IMG_5712.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-daHhsSiu6Zs/TetlNGNGwAI/AAAAAAAABBQ/DbW09LTAlpw/s400/IMG_5712.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Other than our tour of the island, we spent most of our time here:</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wOchRMoikxs/TetlXiN_tMI/AAAAAAAABBU/Q4aOlFzokpI/s1600/IMG_5715.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wOchRMoikxs/TetlXiN_tMI/AAAAAAAABBU/Q4aOlFzokpI/s400/IMG_5715.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I couldn't get just one photo of the pool because it was HUGE. Since the beach got HOT by lunchtime and was a little too uncomfortable for me, we were better suited at the main pool. Every day we camped out on some lounge chairs in the shade, and enjoyed some fruity drinks - virgin for me of course but still delicious! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">On our last full day, we took a 10 minute ride into the capital, St. John's. If you've ever gone on a cruise to Antigua, this is where you would've stopped. We walked around town for a bit and checked out the town. St. John's Cathedral was gorgeous, but is in the process of a $12 million restoration project that will take YEARS. We walked around the grounds, but no visitors could get inside. </div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D31-QTvBEHs/TetlqJ2lX4I/AAAAAAAABBc/BjPVz40iwsg/s1600/IMG_5728.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D31-QTvBEHs/TetlqJ2lX4I/AAAAAAAABBc/BjPVz40iwsg/s400/IMG_5728.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">St. John's Cathedral</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o6u36rMqHLE/TettEIryDqI/AAAAAAAABB4/xO36Mo7Dhuc/s1600/IMG_5737.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o6u36rMqHLE/TettEIryDqI/AAAAAAAABB4/xO36Mo7Dhuc/s400/IMG_5737.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Colorful buildings on narrow little streets</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Other than laying by the pool and sightseeing a bit, we just relaxed in our cottage, enjoyed some island sun and sand, watched some cricket on tv, ate some yummy meals and I got to try out all of my summer maternity clothes for the first time.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qVsQivuVt5A/Tetsvw9xn2I/AAAAAAAABBw/Qij7aNG9Ds4/s1600/IMG_5616.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qVsQivuVt5A/Tetsvw9xn2I/AAAAAAAABBw/Qij7aNG9Ds4/s400/IMG_5616.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting ready for the beach party at sunset<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d3w-4GeKBU0/TetizADa1CI/AAAAAAAABAc/xed7T24GLUM/s1600/IMG_5618.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d3w-4GeKBU0/TetizADa1CI/AAAAAAAABAc/xed7T24GLUM/s400/IMG_5618.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Belly doesn't look too big from this angle</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DVfdNXQj8eE/Tetl8vTA15I/AAAAAAAABBk/Tfvz3wwv_8c/s1600/IMG_5753.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DVfdNXQj8eE/Tetl8vTA15I/AAAAAAAABBk/Tfvz3wwv_8c/s400/IMG_5753.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here is the belly! Almost 27 weeks here</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div>Don't mind the sunburn and chub that is taking up residence on my upper arms. I think it's boob spillage from these pregnancy hormones- oy...</div><div><br />
</div><div>We got up early on the last morning and spent some time on the beach while it was still cool. I took one last swim in the blue waters and packed up to head home. It was a quick trip, and more low key in general when compared to the vibe in Jamaica on our honeymoon, but but just what we needed. I am thankful for my husband taking us on a getaway and to have added one more to the list of "countries visited" this year before baby makes his/her entrance into the world. Goodbye, Antigua! Babymoon complete.</div><div><br />
</div>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00475661986064269794noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1241251838364616683.post-27138390686607638482011-06-05T07:37:00.000-04:002011-06-05T07:37:53.699-04:00Where things start getting realI am 30 weeks pregnant.<br />
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(Just wanted to let that sit there for a minute).<br />
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J and I went to our all day birthing class yesterday, and I came home and thought a lot about this whole pregnancy thing. In the early months it was more about getting used to the idea that we, in fact, are going to become parents. We started registering for gifts, toying around with name ideas, collecting things for the nursery, looking at doctors, hospitals and courses available, etc. I remember thinking that we still had 9 long months to get used to all of this and we'd think more about the labor process after we went to birthing class.<br />
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Fast forward 7.5 months and here we are. Things are getting REAL. I'm starting to transition some of my work duties to the people that will be handling them for me while I'm on leave, doctor's appointments are picking up frequency, and I'm feeling PREGNANT. Even on cue this week, the wee bean's movements have started feeling a lot more like big rollovers and crowded maneuvers when compared to those early "popcorn kicks" and tiny jabs. I used to see one little spot on my belly moving as baby kicked in it's favorite spot, and now I'm feeling 4 body parts move at once from my pelvis to my ribs- seeing whole sections of my belly move and become positively lopsided looking. It is such an adventure!<br />
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I've gotten to the last few chapters of all of my pregnancy books, and am starting to read a lot more on the process in which this baby actually makes it's exit from the womb and entrance into the world. All of the information I've been reading and from birthing class yesterday is swimming around in my head, and I'm starting to realize that it's just about time to pack the hospital bag and get ready for the big show. I'm getting so anxious and excited to meet our little one, but am starting to get pretty nervous about the labor. My goal is natural child birth which I'd expect is what a lot of first time mom's want. You always hear about people wanting to avoid the epidural because of the associated risks on your body and the effects it has on the baby. After class yesterday, I realized that even more importantly your options for staying comfortable and getting into positions to get through contractions are so much more limited after that epidural - you get stuck on your back like a turtle and sometimes labor progression can even slow down as a result. Top this all off with some complications my doctor discovered this past week, and it makes me nervous that natural birth won't be an option. I'm hearing a lot about the potential to need a c-section in cases like mine, and am trying to come to terms with that reality. I know that they've come a long way with delivering via c-section in recent years and that the end result is always getting to meet your baby, but it is just not what I pictured when I think of having a baby for the first time. I want to be able to have that baby put on my chest right away, and don't want to be strapped to a hospital bed being stitched up for 45 minutes while my baby is off in the corner or in someone else's hands. I know some people don't agree with me and that the birth experience is no less thrilling via c-section (me and my two siblings were all c-sections, so I have my mom's personal account of this after all) but my goal and dream is to get through this without needing one. While I know I have no idea of the pain that labor has me in for, I am praying every day that I find the strength in myself and it is God's will to let labor happen naturally for us. Still, I'm working each day to get used to the idea that a c-section might be necessary so it's not a shock or disappointment if the time comes for it. Only 10 more weeks, and we'll find out, won't we?<br />
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On a lighter note, our baby showers are coming up the next couple of weekends and the nursery is just about done! I plan to make one last trip to Ikea when I head to my hometown next weekend to look for a bookshelf and some other small accessories (and hope that a friendly salesperson will help the pregnant lady load it into her car!). I'll do the final reveal once we get all the gear in place. It's looking so cute! It is my favorite room in the house, and I already like to go in and just sit there looking at everything and imagining a little baby in the crib.<br />
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Any of you moms out there have similar "reality checks" about labor at this point or am I late in the game?Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00475661986064269794noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1241251838364616683.post-53473475565513613912011-05-25T08:00:00.017-04:002011-05-25T09:19:01.996-04:00April showers bring May... Showers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>It's nearly the end of May and that means time is FLYING by. We've been in the new house for about 2 and a half months already, and it's keeping us busy. We are finding time to have some non-house related fun too. What we've been up to the last two months:<br />
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1. Getting fat- well, me at least, not J. I'm 29 weeks now and this pregnancy is going so quickly! I can now identify little body parts work their way across my belly as I watch the movements from the outside. It is so fun! I've been feeling pretty good- baby is being good to me so far. Now that trimester three is here, the sleepies are catching up to me and I'm a little more achy but I really can't complain. I think I am one of those women who enjoy being pregnant. Just 11 weeks or so until we meet our little one! Here is the current state of my baby bump:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RSRKiak6Xec/Tdy3vZ974TI/AAAAAAAABAE/9vRs0LF9opk/s1600/Almost+27-side.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RSRKiak6Xec/Tdy3vZ974TI/AAAAAAAABAE/9vRs0LF9opk/s400/Almost+27-side.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br />
Yes, definitely growing. I've been slathering on the Mamma Mio like it's my job.<br />
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2. Nesting-We've been working on the wee bean's nursery a lot and it's come a long way. I'll do a big reveal as we finish things up - not too much more we have to do before our shower when we get to wash and unpack everything.<br />
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We also got the tile backsplash installed in our kitchen and have been decorating a bit more as funds allow. In case you forget what the "before" looked like, you can see that <a href="http://laudacious.blogspot.com/2011/03/finished-product-part-1.html">here</a>. Check out the "after":<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gpwSIAz4WlA/TduWBPA6tCI/AAAAAAAAA_8/pAWgipTQdHI/s1600/IMG_5764.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gpwSIAz4WlA/TduWBPA6tCI/AAAAAAAAA_8/pAWgipTQdHI/s400/IMG_5764.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lfhnAlyTcSg/TduWMPbaZVI/AAAAAAAABAA/OPB9T4UrKOI/s1600/IMG_5765.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lfhnAlyTcSg/TduWMPbaZVI/AAAAAAAABAA/OPB9T4UrKOI/s400/IMG_5765.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
We love it. Just what I pictured. I would love to say that we were brave enough to DIY the tile job, but we didn't. We still get builder pricing at a flooring and tile business here, and with glass tile I didn't trust us enough to do the cutting. Glass tile is pricey and I didn't want to waste a bit on trial and error!<br />
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On my wish list, I have some gorgeous stainless steel pendant lights for above the sink and island to replace the builder issued standard lights but there are more important things to save for first so we'll have to stick with this for awhile. The deep gray glass tile we chose really breaks up the white in the room. At some point we may paint, but we have to choose one color for the kitchen and family room since they share a couple of walls. I figure we'll live in it for awhile and work on the other rooms and eventually something will inspire me.<br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">3. Babymooning- J and I took a relaxing vacation to Antigua and Barbuda the week after Easter for some couple time and fun in the sun while I was still able to fly. It was just what we needed. I'll be posting on that as soon as I get a minute to organize my photos. The wee bean is sucking the energy out of me the past few weeks. By the time I get home from work, cook dinner, clean up, etc., I find little time to sit at the computer. Soon though, now that the baby's room is almost done. A preview:</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G4zvazHUfxM/Tdy50OCSAQI/AAAAAAAABAI/cuJv_arMefg/s1600/IMG_5709.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G4zvazHUfxM/Tdy50OCSAQI/AAAAAAAABAI/cuJv_arMefg/s400/IMG_5709.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">4. Waiting for the rain to go away. Seriously- I now know why Noah built the ark. MAN, has it been rainy here in Ohio! Our yard is still mud. We signed a contract to have our lawn put in back in January and the landscaper is waiting for the yard to dry up enough to rock hound and seed. We have a huge pile of dirt in our front yard begging to be turned into beds, but there it sits. Just when the ground gets dry, another shower comes our way. April showers haven't brought any May flowers our way- just more rain!</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">5) Reading- I have SO MANY books to read. Both hard copy and on my Kindle. I know I won't have much time after baby arrives, so I'm reading up on fun stuff like breastfeeding and birthing and also trying to squeeze in some non-baby related reading material too. I started the "Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest" on our vacation and am going back and forth between that and Stephenie Meyer's new Twilight guide- team Edward!</div><br />
So, that's what I've been up to. Stick around for some more fun as the official countdown to parenthood starts the "less than 10 weeks to go" countdown.Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00475661986064269794noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1241251838364616683.post-73947094299355240262011-03-26T07:57:00.000-04:002011-03-26T07:57:48.367-04:00It's Showtime!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This is it, folks. The one where the house becomes a home. Because I think most of you would much rather see rooms with furniture in them then the blank canvas that we started with on move in day, I've decided it's time to show you House with Furniture. I took these photos about one week after we moved in, so you'll have to excuse some of the boxes still lurking about. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Up first, our family room:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-nse6AssAAzM/TY3KzrNoMpI/AAAAAAAAA-4/FANpmR2FlSg/s1600/Family+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-nse6AssAAzM/TY3KzrNoMpI/AAAAAAAAA-4/FANpmR2FlSg/s400/Family+1.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
This room is begging for an area rug and that mantel is feeling rather naked. We'll work on that- don't worry. I'll show you the other wall once our nice tv stand arrives- you don't want to see the temporary solution we have there in the meantime.<br />
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Let's walk down the hallway to the living room, shall we?<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1fH0s4HsnKs/TY3MpsJLeiI/AAAAAAAAA_s/13opCSPPYSA/s1600/Hallway.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1fH0s4HsnKs/TY3MpsJLeiI/AAAAAAAAA_s/13opCSPPYSA/s400/Hallway.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here we are! This is the room where our <a href="http://laudacious.blogspot.com/2011/03/theyre-hee-ere.html">cute little chairs</a> now live. I think I'll be getting rid of those book cases ala Craig's list in the future, but a good fix in the meantime. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-zOOhY_yHLdM/TY3MW_irxfI/AAAAAAAAA_k/8c_FSLjVzTI/s1600/Living+Room.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-zOOhY_yHLdM/TY3MW_irxfI/AAAAAAAAA_k/8c_FSLjVzTI/s400/Living+Room.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Now for the dining room- a somewhat sad state of affairs: </div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-gxpHsuxk24s/TY3Mg_mF3vI/AAAAAAAAA_o/h6t7bn7ZN8k/s1600/Dining+Room.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-gxpHsuxk24s/TY3Mg_mF3vI/AAAAAAAAA_o/h6t7bn7ZN8k/s400/Dining+Room.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Note puny builder issued chandelier and hand me down dining room table. I can't wait to get my hands (and wallet) on this room. It's begging for attention. My dream is to get some of it done before August when the wee bean arrives, but we'll see what time and money allows. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Quick look at the powder room with mirror and one last peek downstairs at the laundry room now that we have appliances and some shelves:</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Ql3TFss92XA/TY3K8Se7XsI/AAAAAAAAA-8/OjPJZvtX5Rg/s1600/Powder+w+mirror.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Ql3TFss92XA/TY3K8Se7XsI/AAAAAAAAA-8/OjPJZvtX5Rg/s400/Powder+w+mirror.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-4LTTgMzFva0/TY3MypHJ2WI/AAAAAAAAA_w/JTVJPKxqngU/s1600/Laundry.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-4LTTgMzFva0/TY3MypHJ2WI/AAAAAAAAA_w/JTVJPKxqngU/s400/Laundry.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">You are probably not very excited by this room, but I am. Did you know that I've never owned a washer and dryer?! I've been part of the laundromat scene (or taking it to mom and dads when I go there into my 30's) until now. What you see here, friends, is my joy. We got the fridge, washer and dryer at a great discount from GE thanks to the fact that I have a supplier discount from my day job. Nice!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We'll skip the kitchen since there isn't much else to look at but a few utensils, coffee pot and toaster. I'll catch you up on that after our backsplash gets installed. Heading upstairs the first thing you see is the main bathroom. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In all bathrooms, we decided to take a credit from the company that supplied our mirrors and closet shelving. In lieu of the big plate glass mirror that they'd normally install, I upgraded our closet shelving and furnished our own mirrors. I think the framed mirrors make the bathrooms look so much more finished.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-O9D9S1HxCs0/TY3MEZOF3qI/AAAAAAAAA_c/ZcfODfQA_W8/s1600/Main+bath+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-O9D9S1HxCs0/TY3MEZOF3qI/AAAAAAAAA_c/ZcfODfQA_W8/s400/Main+bath+2.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Heading down the hallway to the guest bedroom...</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-HQpvALsYofQ/TY3Lz4fRqII/AAAAAAAAA_U/g6fpvSEGF7Y/s1600/Guest+bed+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-HQpvALsYofQ/TY3Lz4fRqII/AAAAAAAAA_U/g6fpvSEGF7Y/s400/Guest+bed+1.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">and then our Master bedroom:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-9gyQQsZEdjc/TY3LREgLuwI/AAAAAAAAA_E/PkxrnmlweLE/s1600/Master+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-9gyQQsZEdjc/TY3LREgLuwI/AAAAAAAAA_E/PkxrnmlweLE/s400/Master+3.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1V3WkV1mIPM/TY3LG7tmrAI/AAAAAAAAA_A/3viRgcYuqco/s1600/Master+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1V3WkV1mIPM/TY3LG7tmrAI/AAAAAAAAA_A/3viRgcYuqco/s400/Master+2.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The bed and dresser were from our rental and part of a set that my husband bought. This room dwarfs them compared to the master in our rental. I got some cute little white nightstands to break up all of the dark wood. I can't wait to find some art for this room, and get some furniture for the sitting area in the opposite corner. Someday...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In the photo above, you'll see the hallway with our closets that leads to the master bath (the walk-in is to the right but you can't see it here).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Z7P10_fIWeM/TY3SluVLmwI/AAAAAAAAA_0/iIFFReSTzng/s1600/Master+hall.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Z7P10_fIWeM/TY3SluVLmwI/AAAAAAAAA_0/iIFFReSTzng/s400/Master+hall.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The bathroom closeup:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/--IGTtoqoJfU/TY3LZ_XxA8I/AAAAAAAAA_I/6Fn90h0AfTw/s1600/Master+Bath+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/--IGTtoqoJfU/TY3LZ_XxA8I/AAAAAAAAA_I/6Fn90h0AfTw/s400/Master+Bath+1.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-qJJ7id1JIlA/TY3LhjyIskI/AAAAAAAAA_M/IttYK5w3nRI/s1600/Master+bath+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-qJJ7id1JIlA/TY3LhjyIskI/AAAAAAAAA_M/IttYK5w3nRI/s400/Master+bath+2.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I am really glad we didn't do the big plate glass mirror in here, because these give the room so much more character!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Finally, I will show you the one room that's left and the first one that we'll be working on feverishly through the next few months... </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-WzKYx2A4NR0/TY3LqfPqhUI/AAAAAAAAA_Q/lR_vetcAFeM/s1600/Nursery.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-WzKYx2A4NR0/TY3LqfPqhUI/AAAAAAAAA_Q/lR_vetcAFeM/s400/Nursery.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The soon to be nursery!!! You may only get one more peek at this room until the big reveal closer to my due date, so keep this picture in your mind of how it all started. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Ta-daaaaaa! This concludes the grand tour. Thanks for joining me on the journey of dirt-pile-becomes-home. More to come as we decorate and make it more "us." Hope you liked it!</div>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00475661986064269794noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1241251838364616683.post-76457310132251053082011-03-24T18:36:00.001-04:002011-03-24T18:38:52.473-04:00They're hee-ere...O.J. and Mr. Lime are back in their new skin! You recall <a href="http://laudacious.blogspot.com/2011/02/makeover.html">this post</a> in which we said goodbye to two of my husband's grandmother's armchairs. They used to spend time on our back sunporch and weren't fit to be sat upon. Here's O.J. ready for his close up:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-DN2hXzhJRfc/TVyKAqPq55I/AAAAAAAAA8I/NykqsfiMcJ0/s1600/O.J.+the+Armchair+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-DN2hXzhJRfc/TVyKAqPq55I/AAAAAAAAA8I/NykqsfiMcJ0/s320/O.J.+the+Armchair+.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
Now here they are in our living room. There are so many rooms in our house that could use this lovely pair, but we'll leave them here for now and see where the years take them. Ready?<br />
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Oooh...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-WWwBZ_gFis8/TYvChy2DjPI/AAAAAAAAA-0/GSeMxQ1acj8/s1600/armchair.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-WWwBZ_gFis8/TYvChy2DjPI/AAAAAAAAA-0/GSeMxQ1acj8/s400/armchair.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br />
Ahhh...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-ViNHCMn9wyg/TYvCMChaPAI/AAAAAAAAA-s/en19HzlEWhU/s1600/2+armchairs.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-ViNHCMn9wyg/TYvCMChaPAI/AAAAAAAAA-s/en19HzlEWhU/s400/2+armchairs.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Check out those legs...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-skt9Z3Qh2X4/TYvCX5erYaI/AAAAAAAAA-w/TM0pxGGd6Oc/s1600/close+up+of+feet.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-skt9Z3Qh2X4/TYvCX5erYaI/AAAAAAAAA-w/TM0pxGGd6Oc/s400/close+up+of+feet.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
I heart them!<br />
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If you can tell from the first picture of O.J., they used be skirted. We opted to have the skirting removed and repainted those legs with some glossy black paint before sending the chairs off for their makeover. I think it updates them and gives them a more contemporary look.<br />
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So, there you have the finished product. If you're in the Cleveland area and need a piece redone, check out Select Upholstery. They'll completely repair and restore your pieces too - even the guts of these chairs got a much needed facelift.<br />
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What do you think?<br />
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(And if you caught the Poltergeist reference in the title, 10 points to you).Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00475661986064269794noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1241251838364616683.post-33766170384794775292011-03-23T15:14:00.000-04:002011-03-23T15:14:48.378-04:00The Finished Product (Part 1)After almost 6 months to the day that we bought a piece of land and <a href="http://laudacious.blogspot.com/2011/01/can-you-dig-it.html">started the process of building a home</a>, we arrive here- late February and the day of our final walkthrough. Care to join me for a tour? Let's start with the first floor, shall we?<br />
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When you walk in the front door, you find yourself in our foyer. I love all of the light from the sidelights and the windows in the living room (to your left) and the dining room (to your right).<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-E8ZVDSsEqh0/TYo8cw3xTFI/AAAAAAAAA-A/Nrp0iJ6oJQw/s1600/House+Build-+Trim+and+Cabinets_9_1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-E8ZVDSsEqh0/TYo8cw3xTFI/AAAAAAAAA-A/Nrp0iJ6oJQw/s400/House+Build-+Trim+and+Cabinets_9_1.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The coat closet and powder room are the doors on the right. Don't mind the lack of light fixture in the foyer- it was on backorder and came in just a few days later.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-e9KuWQy6GLg/TYo9f-mN-AI/AAAAAAAAA-g/CptNpn6bipg/s1600/Living+Room.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-e9KuWQy6GLg/TYo9f-mN-AI/AAAAAAAAA-g/CptNpn6bipg/s400/Living+Room.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This is our vacant living/sitting room. Lots of potential in this room down the road- just have to brainstorm some decor ideas first...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-3agYgV0yX70/TYo9X_SgtXI/AAAAAAAAA-c/NVB2k6A_-dY/s1600/Living+Room+into+hallway.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-3agYgV0yX70/TYo9X_SgtXI/AAAAAAAAA-c/NVB2k6A_-dY/s400/Living+Room+into+hallway.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ZMC9PeJw_Tc/TYo8schgTBI/AAAAAAAAA-I/NIb-ZuvBC8I/s1600/Dining+Room.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br />
</a>Looking through the foyer, you get a peek at our dining room. I LOVE how the paint color turned out in here. The top photo is a more true representation of the actual color. It looks closer to navy in dim lighting and a dark royal blue when the sun shines (but not quite the peacock color it looks here on my little point and shoot). </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ZMC9PeJw_Tc/TYo8schgTBI/AAAAAAAAA-I/NIb-ZuvBC8I/s1600/Dining+Room.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ZMC9PeJw_Tc/TYo8schgTBI/AAAAAAAAA-I/NIb-ZuvBC8I/s400/Dining+Room.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Oh, and did I mention the hardwood floors? Love those too. :) We went for a natural red oak floor- barely a stain on it at all. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">If I walked straight down the hallway from the main foyer, I would be standing in my breakfast area of the kitchen. Since our table doesn't get delivered for a few more weeks, I'll save those shots for later. I will give you a look at the kitchen though. I'll have to post pics of the kitchen from our rental so you can just imagine my excitement...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Pi-77rb82oE/TYo8-jUxwtI/AAAAAAAAA-Q/eIWCDnRN614/s1600/Kitchen+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Pi-77rb82oE/TYo8-jUxwtI/AAAAAAAAA-Q/eIWCDnRN614/s400/Kitchen+1.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-7HDoZLX6ZY0/TYo9HbkinOI/AAAAAAAAA-U/OVCvJgZ3nqc/s1600/Kitchen+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-7HDoZLX6ZY0/TYo9HbkinOI/AAAAAAAAA-U/OVCvJgZ3nqc/s400/Kitchen+2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">See that window in the top photo? It overlooks the backyard and a pasture of horses that live on a rescue farm right behind us. I dig all of the storage and counter space! The counters are very dark gray- nearly black. If you ask me, that island is begging for some barstools which will arrive with the kitchen table in just a few weeks. We plan to add our backsplash and upgrade the lighting fixtures with some better pendants too. These are okay for now, but not "the vision." </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-culmDs_P6mE/TYo81O8bs-I/AAAAAAAAA-M/OGX90veOGzw/s1600/Family+Room.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-culmDs_P6mE/TYo81O8bs-I/AAAAAAAAA-M/OGX90veOGzw/s400/Family+Room.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Turning around now, you get the view of the family room or den as some folks call it. We love how the fireplace turned out! We had to pay a bit extra to upgrade the tile to a smaller 2" size in an offset pattern and it turned out handsomely. Nice and neutral- a blank slate for the decorating adventures to come!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Some less than exciting shots of the laundry room.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Y7qll7wC8OI/TYo9P0fSieI/AAAAAAAAA-Y/hYMRCofJaUo/s1600/Laundry+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Y7qll7wC8OI/TYo9P0fSieI/AAAAAAAAA-Y/hYMRCofJaUo/s400/Laundry+2.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-S4Dvno3TTms/TYo9uc3I-hI/AAAAAAAAA-o/Fasc0a3-Yzk/s1600/Utility.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-S4Dvno3TTms/TYo9uc3I-hI/AAAAAAAAA-o/Fasc0a3-Yzk/s400/Utility.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And the powder room that can't WAIT to be painted or wallpapered with something fun and funky:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-xaEaZ0SH2iE/TYo9m9gWbyI/AAAAAAAAA-k/0f1rUSGacZQ/s1600/Powder+room.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-xaEaZ0SH2iE/TYo9m9gWbyI/AAAAAAAAA-k/0f1rUSGacZQ/s400/Powder+room.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A view from the hallway looking at the pedestal- the other view is the, um, royal throne. And we've all seen one of those, right?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">That concludes the first floor tour. Be back next time with the second floor and FINALLY the house with furniture in it. YAY!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00475661986064269794noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1241251838364616683.post-6702820809415665922011-03-20T09:07:00.000-04:002011-03-20T09:07:21.893-04:00Take a Walk on the Trim Side<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Hello! First celebratory post from New House! We've been in for just about two weeks now and are finally feeling settled. Everything has been moved, keys turned in at the old place, utilities (mostly) taken care of, and not too many boxes left to be unpacked. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A little more catch up before the big "we live here" reveal, and as for my post title - there aren't many puns for what was called our "Trim walk," but I did my best. Our trim walk as the builder calls it is the opportunity for us to see the house with all drywall and trim in place before the final finish. This includes all woodwork, cabinetry and doors. The stuff that fancied up what was most recently a bare drywall only structure for some time. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The first thing we saw when we visited this day was that the primer and stain were finished. If you look in the top corners, you'll see the color we chose for the foyer, "North Star" by Sherwin Williams. We had to pick paint colors out of a swatch book without being able to test them in the actual house, so I held my breath and hoped for the best. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-A7n8x0wCD9E/TYXwnayhtnI/AAAAAAAAA9g/a6TaCkPOd34/s1600/House+Build-+Trim+and+Cabinets_9_12.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-A7n8x0wCD9E/TYXwnayhtnI/AAAAAAAAA9g/a6TaCkPOd34/s400/House+Build-+Trim+and+Cabinets_9_12.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In our family room, the trim carpenter had installed our mantel and hearth. The white area inside and the little gaps beneath the mantel's "legs" as they call them would soon be filled with tile. Normally, when this particular builder does a tile surround there would not be much of a hearth - just a rectangular tiled area set into the carpet. We liked the idea of having a raised hearth so you could chill on the floor and lean against some pillows, so we designed something simple with the carpenter. Also, see the yellow wire sticking out the top of the mantel? That's going to be a hidden outlet so I can plug in some festive Christmas lights or whatever at some point in time. Wee!</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-IrSdCF73wbY/TYXwX8U9s1I/AAAAAAAAA9Y/hmscbGl_3cs/s1600/House+Build-+Trim+and+Cabinets_9_3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-IrSdCF73wbY/TYXwX8U9s1I/AAAAAAAAA9Y/hmscbGl_3cs/s400/House+Build-+Trim+and+Cabinets_9_3.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The most exciting part of this walk through was by far the cabinets! The layout of the kitchen on paper became a reality. No countertops yet, but you'll get to see those soon. We chose a maple cabinetry. While I LOVE white, I thought I'd be happier with these long term to hide any potential dirt and wear and tear. The hole is where the dishwasher goes. You can see the island sticking out on the left a bit too. </div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-qun4WSd4dzI/TYXwPm9sVOI/AAAAAAAAA9U/zMph5vccFxU/s1600/House+Build-+Trim+and+Cabinets_9_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-qun4WSd4dzI/TYXwPm9sVOI/AAAAAAAAA9U/zMph5vccFxU/s400/House+Build-+Trim+and+Cabinets_9_2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">The lighting was a little dim in the corner from where I took that shot. Here's a better view of the color and another angle - this is where the fridge, range and over-range microwave will be. LOVE the cabinet space- we literally had four cabinets in our rental and that included one that was used as a pantry. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ZUp-l4ls0DI/TYX5XfEmwhI/AAAAAAAAA98/lOx3BYcrJTE/s1600/House+Build-+Trim+and+Cabinets_9_10.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ZUp-l4ls0DI/TYX5XfEmwhI/AAAAAAAAA98/lOx3BYcrJTE/s400/House+Build-+Trim+and+Cabinets_9_10.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Right next to the kitchen is the laundry room and entry area from the garage. We're using a darker gray color in here- this is just primer for now. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yu7ID1xGos0/TYXwfTDo9II/AAAAAAAAA9c/se9iuqJdlG0/s1600/House+Build-+Trim+and+Cabinets_9_7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yu7ID1xGos0/TYXwfTDo9II/AAAAAAAAA9c/se9iuqJdlG0/s400/House+Build-+Trim+and+Cabinets_9_7.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Moving upstairs, we saw the little railings at the top landing. Our master and the linen closet are right behind it. The stain color is a pretty close match to our hardwood floors. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-BzUMm3QVFao/TYXxF2DbOsI/AAAAAAAAA9w/MWt5zI6jwgY/s1600/House+Build-+Trim+and+Cabinets_9_22.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-BzUMm3QVFao/TYXxF2DbOsI/AAAAAAAAA9w/MWt5zI6jwgY/s400/House+Build-+Trim+and+Cabinets_9_22.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">J checking out the primer in the master bedroom. His closet and the little hallway to the master bathroom are in that back corner.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-AOKTw2gfUsE/TYXw2F-LNOI/AAAAAAAAA9o/LNGRSh7KO7c/s1600/House+Build-+Trim+and+Cabinets_9_18.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-AOKTw2gfUsE/TYXw2F-LNOI/AAAAAAAAA9o/LNGRSh7KO7c/s400/House+Build-+Trim+and+Cabinets_9_18.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And the master bath takes shape! They installed trim around the soaking tub, and obviously the cabinets. We picked a deep color called "ebony" in oak for the bathrooms. It's very dark brown- nearly black (and still have lots of dust on them from the install in this pic.). You can also see they're getting ready to install flooring in here. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-LE08WqyaT2s/TYXw9bn_ZGI/AAAAAAAAA9s/l41-w9qSk3g/s1600/House+Build-+Trim+and+Cabinets_9_20.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-LE08WqyaT2s/TYXw9bn_ZGI/AAAAAAAAA9s/l41-w9qSk3g/s400/House+Build-+Trim+and+Cabinets_9_20.JPG" width="300" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The main bath was just starting to be primed- same cabinets as the master bath but the vanity in here will be 6 feet instead of 8. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TtJnbqIh67k/TYXwu9OWZrI/AAAAAAAAA9k/w40Yfg6Z6IE/s1600/House+Build-+Trim+and+Cabinets_9_17.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TtJnbqIh67k/TYXwu9OWZrI/AAAAAAAAA9k/w40Yfg6Z6IE/s400/House+Build-+Trim+and+Cabinets_9_17.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br />
And last but not least, we have SHUTTERS! I was much happier with the darker gray stone when I saw the black shutters. They kind of tie it all in. The front door will be painted black as well, but we have to wait until Mother Nature brings us some warmer temps before finishing up the exterior paint.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-oskaDn1X6XE/TYXxVmkZ7HI/AAAAAAAAA94/h3Ves9_njjY/s1600/House+Build-+Trim+and+Cabinets_9_28.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-oskaDn1X6XE/TYXxVmkZ7HI/AAAAAAAAA94/h3Ves9_njjY/s400/House+Build-+Trim+and+Cabinets_9_28.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A closer look at that second story center window to show you the soldiering work that they did with the stone. If you recall, this wasn't done with the original stone installation and they had to come back to reset it. I'm happy with it and think it adds a nice touch. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-fzQySqt3PZs/TYXxN1aTMNI/AAAAAAAAA90/ZefXLpXGKi0/s1600/House+Build-+Trim+and+Cabinets_9_27.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-fzQySqt3PZs/TYXxN1aTMNI/AAAAAAAAA90/ZefXLpXGKi0/s400/House+Build-+Trim+and+Cabinets_9_27.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">That's all for the "trim walk." More goodies to come this week from the final finish work that was done before the final reveal. Can't wait to show you all!</div>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00475661986064269794noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1241251838364616683.post-39316937434423132882011-03-02T20:02:00.000-05:002011-03-02T20:02:06.798-05:00The (Somewhat) Drywalls<div>I last left off with some photos of the final framing and the addition of our roof and windows. As promised, I'm skipping over the month or so that was spent on not so blogworthy but necessary steps in the build - the installation of our plumbing lines, electrical systems and the many inspections and meetings we had with contractors like the "low voltage guy." So, onto the fun stuff- drywall! The rooms finally take their final shape...</div><div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-jGX4gULRiIU/TWr6dtm7CfI/AAAAAAAAA88/ZnJ4tUU4g04/s1600/Family+Room.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-jGX4gULRiIU/TWr6dtm7CfI/AAAAAAAAA88/ZnJ4tUU4g04/s400/Family+Room.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">J peeking at the fireplace in the family room. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here's a view of the family room if I were standing by the fireplace looking into the kitchen. Those boxes are right about where the island will be. The door on the left is the laundry which leads to the garage. On the right you have the pantry, entry to dining room, basement door and hallway. I love the 9 foot ceilings and all of the light in this room!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-GEyb9j2IB2U/TWr60OB99UI/AAAAAAAAA9E/HgKUT5NdFlU/s1600/Kitchen.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-GEyb9j2IB2U/TWr60OB99UI/AAAAAAAAA9E/HgKUT5NdFlU/s400/Kitchen.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here is the foyer and the coat closet and powder room on the right wall. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-hA-eQlFFO6A/TWr6or30FmI/AAAAAAAAA9A/zVg8wuqr824/s1600/Hallway.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-hA-eQlFFO6A/TWr6or30FmI/AAAAAAAAA9A/zVg8wuqr824/s400/Hallway.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Now I'm in the dining room. Kitchen doorway is to my right.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-5XRahfW8zfI/TWr6SJBJdZI/AAAAAAAAA84/t_kLkUe4QoA/s1600/Dining+and+stairs.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-5XRahfW8zfI/TWr6SJBJdZI/AAAAAAAAA84/t_kLkUe4QoA/s400/Dining+and+stairs.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Upstairs in the main bath we spotted some lovely lavender colored drywall. The field superintendent told us it's special mildew resistant stuff- not just for looks. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_OhChF6HkgE/TWr6_sHeYZI/AAAAAAAAA9I/VqdjOkxfc8A/s1600/Main+Bath.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_OhChF6HkgE/TWr6_sHeYZI/AAAAAAAAA9I/VqdjOkxfc8A/s400/Main+Bath.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Recognize this view? The bonus room with drywall! Won't it be cozy?!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IokeikeLPjA/TWr6G6W9SkI/AAAAAAAAA80/nXWlnFk-yH0/s1600/Bonus-drywall.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IokeikeLPjA/TWr6G6W9SkI/AAAAAAAAA80/nXWlnFk-yH0/s400/Bonus-drywall.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Same room, different view. Straight ahead is the linen closet which is just outside the master bedroom. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-FJRNlollFPg/TWr7XltNBpI/AAAAAAAAA9Q/VUslMbnGlQc/s1600/Upstairs+Hallway.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-FJRNlollFPg/TWr7XltNBpI/AAAAAAAAA9Q/VUslMbnGlQc/s400/Upstairs+Hallway.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And to spare you any more pictures of drywall, the grand finale- we have an exterior! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-BnpByPQEgqs/TWr7NIbduBI/AAAAAAAAA9M/N-b0raRYgGA/s1600/Siding+and+Stone.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-BnpByPQEgqs/TWr7NIbduBI/AAAAAAAAA9M/N-b0raRYgGA/s320/Siding+and+Stone.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The siding came first and the stone just a few days later. I was a little upset when I saw the stonework. First, you have to take a chance on color. We ordered based on pictures we saw in a sample catalog and they can never guarantee color when it comes to stone. The grout looked weird (still wet) and the stone color looked a little off to me. I think it's the white snow on the dark gray/almost black room, and how the siding looks a little bland with no shutters. We chose black shutters to tie in some of the darker tones and grout color there. The main thing was that we spotted the first oops in the build process - they forgot to do some detail work around that center window up top (soldiering if anyone is stone-savvy). After a call to the builder, they assured us it was something that could easily be fixed- sigh of relief. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And after this point, things slowed down a bit... It was so frigid here in Ohio in the December months that the drywall took FOREVER to dry. It caused about a two week delay, because the painters were scheduled next. Wet drywall + paint don't mix. I was getting more and more antsy in the early weeks of January but here we are... we get our keys at 9:00 AM this Friday! With just 2 days until we move into our new home, there is so much packing to do that I won't be able to do the final reveal until after the move. Don't worry - it'll be worth it! ! We are SO excited! Even Baby L. is excited and has been making his/her presence known with little somersaults and nudges this last week or two. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Stay tuned!</div>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00475661986064269794noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1241251838364616683.post-19170958426299990492011-02-23T18:11:00.000-05:002011-02-23T18:11:52.493-05:00Tear the Roof off the Sucker...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Or rather, put on one.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aBpPIIzii0U/TWQ9dpTdDiI/AAAAAAAAA8Y/E78BHz9u9EA/s1600/Front+framed+with+roof.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aBpPIIzii0U/TWQ9dpTdDiI/AAAAAAAAA8Y/E78BHz9u9EA/s400/Front+framed+with+roof.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1Pc9z7EkP-Y/TWQ9PoMbvtI/AAAAAAAAA8U/_OXir-hJCzM/s1600/Rear+framing+with+roof.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1Pc9z7EkP-Y/TWQ9PoMbvtI/AAAAAAAAA8U/_OXir-hJCzM/s400/Rear+framing+with+roof.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">See the room over the garage? I was relieved that they remembered to add it. I kept waiting for something to go wrong. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Full framing was soon complete and in no time the shingles and windows followed. (One was broken when it was shipped thus the big hole upstairs).</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uY6F8uMKEfs/TWRAXsIAcGI/AAAAAAAAA8c/2VX2KyMLJKU/s1600/Full+frame+with+roof+and+shingles.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uY6F8uMKEfs/TWRAXsIAcGI/AAAAAAAAA8c/2VX2KyMLJKU/s400/Full+frame+with+roof+and+shingles.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Seeing the house take it's final shape was exciting, but when I went inside the front door I was even more excited because these were in too...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PKjs5oeZ-1A/TWRDok6x22I/AAAAAAAAA8g/0N2_Ln-lqtg/s1600/Stairs.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PKjs5oeZ-1A/TWRDok6x22I/AAAAAAAAA8g/0N2_Ln-lqtg/s400/Stairs.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">With the stairs in, we had our first chance to check out the upstairs to see how the framing and room sizes shaped up. We were surprised to see that they had already installed the shower/bath combo in the main hall bathroom as well as the shower and soaking tub (that I insisted upon) for the master bathroom. I had assumed they'd be put in much later in the build. I dig the transom window above the bath here. It's the room right at the top of the steps and even though we had to pay a tad extra, I think the light it brings in will be well worth it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x9UjBDFw0eg/TWREh_mqNGI/AAAAAAAAA8k/jnNVFjS5BHQ/s1600/House+Build-+framing_9_15.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x9UjBDFw0eg/TWREh_mqNGI/AAAAAAAAA8k/jnNVFjS5BHQ/s400/House+Build-+framing_9_15.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9PDwXev4wnk/TWRE9Cdc93I/AAAAAAAAA8o/McZMTgz3Y7E/s1600/House+Build-+framing_9_21.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9PDwXev4wnk/TWRE9Cdc93I/AAAAAAAAA8o/McZMTgz3Y7E/s400/House+Build-+framing_9_21.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I can picture my first bubble bath already. I haven't lived in a house with a suitable bubble-bath-worthy tub since before my college days! (I'm weird about taking baths in our rentals when I don't know who else has lived here. Anyone else?!)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The other excitement upstairs was how the bonus room turned out. I was standing in the corner of it looking out into the hallway where J is standing. I like the sloped ceiling as it adds a bit of character. Not sure what we'll use this for (5th bedroom, playroom for our little one on the way, etc.).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hzM8d-If9-M/TWWOb5jBvDI/AAAAAAAAA8s/iI0EWTErLKc/s1600/in+bonus+room+to+hallway.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hzM8d-If9-M/TWWOb5jBvDI/AAAAAAAAA8s/iI0EWTErLKc/s400/in+bonus+room+to+hallway.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">See that black thing in the closet area? It's a sweatshirt! In "Where's Waldo?" fashion J and I would look for it everytime we were in the house. It was always in a different spot and, while a little nasty, it was our own little game to play. haha</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And last but not least the master bedroom. This is the view from the corner. The door to the hallway is out of view in the left corner, and I'm standing near the entrance to the master bath. See where that little bit of wall sticks out between the two windows? That was actually supposed to be where the master room ended. We had them close in what would have been a 2 story foyer. While those are gorgeous and airy, I'd rather use the space in our bedroom. Another thing I loved about being able to design our own floor plan!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v9DD0t7QpBA/TWWOrVq0uCI/AAAAAAAAA8w/as-EGS6nrFE/s1600/Master.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v9DD0t7QpBA/TWWOrVq0uCI/AAAAAAAAA8w/as-EGS6nrFE/s400/Master.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So, the next time you see pictures of our house-to-be there will be walls! (I'll spare you the month or so where the only excitement was HVAC and electrical as I'm sure most of you don't really care about wired and vents). </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My goal is to get the posts up so you see the final reveal the day we're moving! Until next time...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00475661986064269794noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1241251838364616683.post-65840991626809168132011-02-22T17:40:00.000-05:002011-02-22T17:40:21.305-05:00#99<div style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;">I haven't done a recap of where I am in my <a href="http://laudacious.blogspot.com/2009/04/101-in-1001.html">101 in 1,001</a> list in awhile, and some new developments have taken place. Specifically, I will be able check # 99 off of the list this August when I BECOME A MOMMY! So excited to announce that J and I are expecting a baby! :) :) :)</div><div style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"> </div><div style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;">SO, with the move in 9 DAYS (OMG!) and a baby on the way, it is safe to say that I'm not going to achieve all that is on here by November. I'm okay with it because such happy things are on the horizon! I will hold myself to # which is putting money in savings for each item that I don't complete. I may even cut the list off early and make a master to do list of things we need to get done before the little lentil bean arrives- a brain dump if you will.</div><div style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"> </div><div style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;">We couldn't be more excited for the blessings on the way! See- I told you things were about to get more interesting 'round here.</div>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00475661986064269794noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1241251838364616683.post-85035724845455286742011-02-20T08:00:00.001-05:002011-02-20T08:00:07.219-05:00The Packers<div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">And no, I don't mean the Green Bay variety. We won't talk about that certain football game in which they beat a certain team... I mean J and I. The Packers. </div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br />
</div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">We've been spending all of our spare time cleaning, sorting, and packing up all of our belongings. Our place is an absolute trainwreck right now. I'll start a packing project and then poop out halfway through it. Boxes...everywhere! You don't realize how much crap you accumulate until you have to move it. Since our wedding in November, 2008, we have only unpacked about 5 wedding gifts (kitchen utensils that I didn't own and a dustbuster). We were in search of a new house and I didn't want to unpack it all just to move it a short time later. That short time ended up being over 2 years! Everything else is still piled in the closets and corners waiting for the new house- I am so excited to unpack it all b/c I probably forgot what is in all of those boxes! I really hope there is not a fire or power outage in the middle of the night, because we do not have safe exit paths established at this time. :)</div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> </div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">To make the packing more exciting, I channeled my college days by making a mix tape playlist for the special occasion. (Am I the only one that made mix tapes just for random occasions in college?). The theme: we're moving, we're getting our own house and good riddance to the apartment and crap landlord playlist for my iPod. Highlights include:</div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br />
</div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Movin' Out- Billy Joel</div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Bust a Move- Young MC</div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Bye Bye Bye- 'N Sync</div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Movin' on Up- The Jeffersons theme song</div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Old Apartment- Bare Naked Ladies</div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Our House- Crosby, Stills and Nash</div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Hangin' Around- Counting Crows</div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">We Gotta Get out of this Place- The Animals</div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Coming Home- Cinderella</div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">I Like the Way you Move- etc. </div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br />
</div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Quite the mix and oh so fun to dance around to. I enjoy playing certain songs loudly so as to alert my upstairs landlord of our current state of emotions. Anyone have any songs we should add?!</div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> </div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Until next time...</div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br />
</div>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00475661986064269794noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1241251838364616683.post-492316043534803662011-02-18T09:00:00.005-05:002011-02-18T09:00:15.652-05:00Makeover<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>My husband has lived in our current rental for about 6.5 years now. From the day he moved in this chair and it's lime green companion have been sitting out in the 3 season room (which is really only a 1 season room and/or storage closet here in Ohio).<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DN2hXzhJRfc/TVyKAqPq55I/AAAAAAAAA8I/NykqsfiMcJ0/s1600/O.J.+the+Armchair+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DN2hXzhJRfc/TVyKAqPq55I/AAAAAAAAA8I/NykqsfiMcJ0/s400/O.J.+the+Armchair+.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />
Pretty dreadful... It was his grandmother's chair and the mismatched pair of them lived at J's mom's house for years. They were going to get rid of them right around the time that J moved into this place and he couldn't bear to part with them. He is a sentimental guy when it comes to hanging onto stuff, so I couldn't blame him for wanting to keep something around to remind him of his grandparents.<br />
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Still- and call me crazy- I couldn't quite see the orange and lime green duo fitting into the color scheme at our new house. I have had an itch to do something with these things for years now, and after being inspired by some great furniture makeovers I've seen out on the blogosphere I had high hopes to reupholster these things. When J and I started making a list of the things we'd need for the new house, we quickly realized that we were seriously lacking some seating options. Because we have a living room which is the first room you see when you walk in the front door, we needed something cute. I'm also a believer that you should fill your house with things that tell a story about who you are, and after a little persuasion J agreed that O.J. and Mr. Lime (as I've come to call them) needed a facelift. After getting some estimates (too afraid to DIY these!) and scouring the web up and down, I finally settled on this fabric.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LeU5JRPtMok/TVyKoLPTuwI/AAAAAAAAA8Q/7vmUfS2hLjA/s1600/Waverly.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LeU5JRPtMok/TVyKoLPTuwI/AAAAAAAAA8Q/7vmUfS2hLjA/s1600/Waverly.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Waverly-Cross-Section-Charcoal-Fabric/dp/B003D7FR96"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">Waverly Cross Section in Charcoal</span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
We are debating on whether to have them reskirted or to "show a little leg" and maybe paint the legs black (or another fun color, even!). What do you think? Any suggestions for pillows to go with? I'm thinking a bright, solid color. <br />
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In a few days, O.J. and Mr. Lime will be packed on a truck and sent in for surgery. They'll leave our rental and will be coming home to a brand new house. Bonus- two less pieces of furniture for us to move since they'll be at the shop for a month or so. I can't wait to see the outcome!Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00475661986064269794noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1241251838364616683.post-22585554125793117182011-02-16T21:08:00.000-05:002011-02-16T21:08:00.202-05:00The Framing Begins...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"> We left off in <a href="http://laudacious.blogspot.com/2011/01/can-you-dig-it.html">my last post</a> when a big ole' pile of dirt starting looking a little more like the future foundation of our house. In just one week's time, we started seeing the blueprints turn into something a little more real. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xApq6Hb80mM/TVx3Wvhe-NI/AAAAAAAAA8A/78nCydtlh84/s1600/August-+Oct+2010+Photos_9_1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xApq6Hb80mM/TVx3Wvhe-NI/AAAAAAAAA8A/78nCydtlh84/s400/August-+Oct+2010+Photos_9_1.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The foundation walls were poured and we started to see the "guts" of our home take shape. Funny how the little things excited us at this stage. See that little black hole in the wall below? That's the other end of our garage drain and it thrilled us! We're easy to please. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mTKpdyq6ONE/TVx24VdgnDI/AAAAAAAAA74/EnvYVed5ink/s1600/August-+Oct+2010+Photos_9_4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mTKpdyq6ONE/TVx24VdgnDI/AAAAAAAAA74/EnvYVed5ink/s400/August-+Oct+2010+Photos_9_4.JPG" width="300" /></a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>We left town for a weekend and didn't get the chance to drive by, so when we returned you can imagine our surprise when we saw this:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HtYCpE2gCb8/TVx2Ypqyh6I/AAAAAAAAA7w/XN4RQQS7DEM/s1600/Framing+from+front+yard-+2+stories.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HtYCpE2gCb8/TVx2Ypqyh6I/AAAAAAAAA7w/XN4RQQS7DEM/s400/Framing+from+front+yard-+2+stories.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Whoa! We have a second floor! And a garage! And a chimney and window holes! It wasn't exactly safe walking around the lot at this point, but we did manage to get a few shots of the framing that was happening inside. If you walked into our garage and through the laundry room, you'd arrive in this area below. I was standing in the kitchen area looking to the opposite wall where our fireplace would soon be. That big hole on the back wall is for the sliding doors that will eventually lead out to our patio.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JPfZUgsUbRM/TVx15Soe4ZI/AAAAAAAAA7o/v2Zcs0_ZbG4/s1600/Kitchen+into+Family.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JPfZUgsUbRM/TVx15Soe4ZI/AAAAAAAAA7o/v2Zcs0_ZbG4/s400/Kitchen+into+Family.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
And here is the view from the sliding door area. Dining room to the left, basement steps straight ahead and hallway to the right. Aren't those ceiling beams sexy?<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z9kHX9A9l0g/TVx2JAKY0fI/AAAAAAAAA7s/e2GoEdaAgYA/s1600/Sliders+looking+into+front+hall.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z9kHX9A9l0g/TVx2JAKY0fI/AAAAAAAAA7s/e2GoEdaAgYA/s400/Sliders+looking+into+front+hall.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ke4T092KNmk/TVx1aFTiDPI/AAAAAAAAA7g/VcY_j5-KRCU/s1600/Dining+into+kitchen.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ke4T092KNmk/TVx1aFTiDPI/AAAAAAAAA7g/VcY_j5-KRCU/s400/Dining+into+kitchen.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And one more angle from the dining room. The front door/foyer area is to the left. Our future living room/someday maybe office is on the far left wall and you can see the family room area in the back right corner. Our builders put up some protective boards around the huge hole in the floor where the steps would eventually be. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SzgQpcNf_0U/TVx1pMtiZLI/AAAAAAAAA7k/z5Hq_r2Ksz4/s1600/Dining+into+hallway.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SzgQpcNf_0U/TVx1pMtiZLI/AAAAAAAAA7k/z5Hq_r2Ksz4/s400/Dining+into+hallway.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And last but not least. Baby's got back!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-u7Av1npM-fg/TVx1Ki3UbHI/AAAAAAAAA7c/ZtRNWp8pKvA/s1600/Rear-+2nd+story+framed.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-u7Av1npM-fg/TVx1Ki3UbHI/AAAAAAAAA7c/ZtRNWp8pKvA/s400/Rear-+2nd+story+framed.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
See the sliding door area and three windows in the family room area? To the left of that we have a kitchen sink window and another for the laundry room. Upstairs from left to right- bedroom 4, the transom that goes above the main bath shower and the two on the far right are bedroom 3 and our master bath. WEEE!!! Looking good! I must admit that I got a little worried when I came home and checked out the photos from this angle. See that big blank spot on the second floor to the left? We worked very hard with our builder to draw up plans that really maximized the square footage we had available. I wanted to add a "FROG" (Finished Room Over Garage) or bonus room over the garage/laundry area which could serve as a fifth bedroom. future playroom or even my own she-cave (I agreed to let J claim the basement as the future man cave. We've gotta have SOMEWHERE to hide all of those mini football helmets and old Star Wars collectibles, right?!).<br />
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Hope you're enjoying the progress of our build! I promise we'll get into more fun stuff like decor and lighting fixtures and all of that soon. More to come!Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00475661986064269794noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1241251838364616683.post-47066810952679614452011-01-31T19:31:00.000-05:002011-01-31T19:31:26.859-05:00Can you dig it?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>Sneaks in and pretends it hasn't (again) been weeks since she last posted...</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So, back in August my husband and I bought a little piece of land that was once a field full of daisies. The daisies were cut down, and some random bits of building material started to appear in their place. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JuUgLMa1rFo/TUdP9eVGZTI/AAAAAAAAA7Q/n36fMrkHh0U/s1600/Grass+Lot+-+A+and+J.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JuUgLMa1rFo/TUdP9eVGZTI/AAAAAAAAA7Q/n36fMrkHh0U/s400/Grass+Lot+-+A+and+J.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A day later, most signs of green were gone and the field became a big old pile of dirt and gravel. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JuUgLMa1rFo/TUdNs_Bcl7I/AAAAAAAAA60/bJGuTUu9TGU/s1600/Dig+Day+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JuUgLMa1rFo/TUdNs_Bcl7I/AAAAAAAAA60/bJGuTUu9TGU/s400/Dig+Day+2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
A peek inside the big hole where all of that dirt used to be, and you find the area that will soon become our basement.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JuUgLMa1rFo/TUdOaH-Ce7I/AAAAAAAAA68/iRQcqX22LKA/s1600/Footers+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JuUgLMa1rFo/TUdOaH-Ce7I/AAAAAAAAA68/iRQcqX22LKA/s400/Footers+1.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Footers were all in place and our little front porch staked it's claim in the former daisy field.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JuUgLMa1rFo/TUdM2Dpr_uI/AAAAAAAAA6o/cpxkWFGp894/s1600/Dig+day+2-+patio+area.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JuUgLMa1rFo/TUdM2Dpr_uI/AAAAAAAAA6o/cpxkWFGp894/s400/Dig+day+2-+patio+area.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Not to be outdone, the garage area also marked it's territory and proudly displayed it's original earth (which was left in tact to better support the two cars that will someday sit upon it. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JuUgLMa1rFo/TUdO_RLWKdI/AAAAAAAAA7E/oVCaYyCzQmw/s1600/Footers+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JuUgLMa1rFo/TUdO_RLWKdI/AAAAAAAAA7E/oVCaYyCzQmw/s400/Footers+3.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div> J inspected the plans carefully and made sure all of dirt was where it was supposed to be.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JuUgLMa1rFo/TUdOuYbmvSI/AAAAAAAAA7A/cAqhbzMvcxs/s1600/Footers+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JuUgLMa1rFo/TUdOuYbmvSI/AAAAAAAAA7A/cAqhbzMvcxs/s400/Footers+2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
And that, my friends, is how our lot began it's journey toward becoming a home. With a few set backs due to the cooooold temperatures we've been having here, the drywall took a little longer to set than our builder planned. We will be in the house the first week of March. I am going stir crazy trying not to scratch the itch that is wanting to pack up every last bit NOW. I figured it was a good time to show you some photos on the progress. Promise that the pictures will get more fun as the house takes shape and the decorating begins. Stay tuned!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00475661986064269794noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1241251838364616683.post-25505898321355884952010-12-30T15:10:00.000-05:002010-12-30T15:10:01.704-05:00A Belated Big Apple PostWhy, hello there! I hope you all had a great holiday and are gearing up for New Year's Eve! I am personally looking forward to the many good things that 2011 will bring!<br />
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I am off work this week to enjoy some family time in Pittsburgh with my side of the family and to get some things organized for the upcoming move in a few weeks. When going through some photos, I realized that I never posted about the fall getaway that J and I took to NYC for our second anniversary! This marked our second road trip to the Big Apple in our 2 years of marriage (<a href="http://laudacious.blogspot.com/2010/02/its-amore.html">see the first one here</a>), but we love the city and are always planning our next trip back there.<br />
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We were extremely lucky weather-wise. It was in the 50's and 60's for most of the trip- rare in mid-November! We stayed in the northern Times Square area and found it was a great location for us this time.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JuUgLMa1rFo/TRzmlmPlNgI/AAAAAAAAA6k/YnmMtC0Oktw/s1600/IMG_0472.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JuUgLMa1rFo/TRzmlmPlNgI/AAAAAAAAA6k/YnmMtC0Oktw/s400/IMG_0472.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crap iPhone pic but you get the idea. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>Our first night in the city, we set out on foot to explore and take in all of the madness that is Times Square before checking out "In the Heights." It was part West Side Story and part Rent (less heavy), and we loved it! Jordin Sparks from American Idol was the female lead, and it was fun to see her perform in person.<br />
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We set out early the next day to explore the Upper West Side. In all of the trips I've taken to New York, I hadn't been able to explore this neighborhood much and I really enjoyed it! We started off the morning with brunch at Cafe Lalo (those of you that have seen "You've Got Mail" will remember it as the place where Kathleen waits with the book and the rose for her internet friend to arrive, only to be greeted by mean Joe Fox). It was the cutest little place to spend a Sunday morning and drink a <i>yummy</i> mocha.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JuUgLMa1rFo/TRzVkFrC1QI/AAAAAAAAA5w/q70MNuClPOU/s1600/Picture+14.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JuUgLMa1rFo/TRzVkFrC1QI/AAAAAAAAA5w/q70MNuClPOU/s400/Picture+14.png" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Picture Tom Hanks hanging on the fence- "She <i>has</i> to be!!!"</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JuUgLMa1rFo/TRzVcgP90DI/AAAAAAAAA5o/zStzos9MJj8/s1600/Picture+12.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JuUgLMa1rFo/TRzVcgP90DI/AAAAAAAAA5o/zStzos9MJj8/s400/Picture+12.png" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JuUgLMa1rFo/TRzVgHX94JI/AAAAAAAAA5s/ZTF9Ln5hOjM/s1600/Picture+13.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JuUgLMa1rFo/TRzVgHX94JI/AAAAAAAAA5s/ZTF9Ln5hOjM/s320/Picture+13.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">DEE-LISH!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>After brunch we took our time walking through the neighborhoods and came across a Crumbs bakery. I had it on my list to try Magnolia, but after hearing so much about Crumbs we had to give it a try. I could not believe my eyes when we saw those huge cupcakes in the case! We each got one to enjoy a little later.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JuUgLMa1rFo/TRzlWBXPWpI/AAAAAAAAA6c/YjroIxMwdSc/s1600/IMG_0477.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JuUgLMa1rFo/TRzlWBXPWpI/AAAAAAAAA6c/YjroIxMwdSc/s400/IMG_0477.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JuUgLMa1rFo/TRzldZicTDI/AAAAAAAAA6g/gjDO30zjuxQ/s1600/IMG_0492.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JuUgLMa1rFo/TRzldZicTDI/AAAAAAAAA6g/gjDO30zjuxQ/s400/IMG_0492.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My selection- a coffee toffee concoction!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>We hoofed it over to Central Park West, checked out the Dakota and the Strawberry Fields memorial to John Lennon.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JuUgLMa1rFo/TRzVYe5y35I/AAAAAAAAA5k/FSKUmG6uWV4/s1600/Picture+11.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JuUgLMa1rFo/TRzVYe5y35I/AAAAAAAAA5k/FSKUmG6uWV4/s400/Picture+11.png" width="298" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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The gorgeous weather invited us to take our time in the Park. We walked around for a few hours and ended up in Sheep's Meadow. GORGEOUS Fall day and some great photo opps...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JuUgLMa1rFo/TRzVKcEJLzI/AAAAAAAAA5Y/6X73gCZezmQ/s1600/Picture+8.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JuUgLMa1rFo/TRzVKcEJLzI/AAAAAAAAA5Y/6X73gCZezmQ/s400/Picture+8.png" width="298" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JuUgLMa1rFo/TRzV3uBHW_I/AAAAAAAAA6I/cmaO_W7XHCA/s1600/Picture+22.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="307" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JuUgLMa1rFo/TRzV3uBHW_I/AAAAAAAAA6I/cmaO_W7XHCA/s400/Picture+22.png" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And my favorite shot of the day:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JuUgLMa1rFo/TRzV3uBHW_I/AAAAAAAAA6I/cmaO_W7XHCA/s1600/Picture+22.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JuUgLMa1rFo/TRzVGm7UUII/AAAAAAAAA5U/O4bKRMr9H_s/s1600/Picture+4.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="280" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JuUgLMa1rFo/TRzVGm7UUII/AAAAAAAAA5U/O4bKRMr9H_s/s400/Picture+4.png" width="400" /></a></div><br />
On the way back to our hotel we went to check out West Elm for some goodies for <a href="http://laudacious.blogspot.com/2010/11/most-money-ive-ever-spent.html">the new house</a>, and accidentally stumbled onto the set of a movie they were filming called "Tower Heist," an action/comedy about some Madoff-type scandal. Ben Stiller was on set filming- it was fun to watch for a few minutes! Here is the only shot I could get:<br />
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After a full day we headed back to the hotel to refresh before heading out to see another show. This time we saw Mary Poppins and it was delightful. We got half price tickets at the TKTS booth in Times Square, and it was well worth it. We both liked it much more than we expected! The best part about this night was the phone call I got on the way into the theater letting me know that we had scored two of these tickets for the next day:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JuUgLMa1rFo/TRzk6u8mcII/AAAAAAAAA6U/jjvhHzwLKII/s1600/IMG_0494.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JuUgLMa1rFo/TRzk6u8mcII/AAAAAAAAA6U/jjvhHzwLKII/s400/IMG_0494.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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YAY! I'm a fan of the show (although I pathetically fall asleep before it's on anymore) and it was such a fun way to spend our actual anniversary! Turns out it was Sweeps Week, so they did a lot to prep the audience to be energetic. We got to see Dave interview Emma Watson (Hermione!), Scott Caan and Rascal Flatts. A great lineup!<br />
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We spent the rest of our day shopping on Fifth and wandering around the Upper East Side. I made J take me to the Alice in Wonderland statue so my butt could be in the same spot as R-Patz's butt. See?<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JuUgLMa1rFo/TRzVvYRIeAI/AAAAAAAAA58/kVQplujBS4I/s1600/Picture+18.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="275" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JuUgLMa1rFo/TRzVvYRIeAI/AAAAAAAAA58/kVQplujBS4I/s400/Picture+18.png" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JuUgLMa1rFo/TRzePyaPO_I/AAAAAAAAA6M/kb0DRTQ-C2g/s1600/remember-me-robert-pattinson-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="308" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JuUgLMa1rFo/TRzePyaPO_I/AAAAAAAAA6M/kb0DRTQ-C2g/s400/remember-me-robert-pattinson-5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo found </span><a href="http://www.altfg.com/blog/movies-431/robert-pattinson-remember-me-box-office-alice/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">here</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">.</span></div><br />
I heart you, Edward! : )<br />
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For our anniversary dinner, we booked a reservation at Nougatine at the recommendation of <a href="http://wifeylifey.xanga.com/694097407/storming-the-nyc---day-2/">this lovely lady</a> from her trip to NYC and it was fantastic. If I hadn't neglected to bring my camera and appear like a total tourist, I would have photographed our meal to share with you. The best part was the candle-lit molten chocolate cake that the chef brought out for us in honor of our anniversary- a nice touch! I would definitely recommend this place to anyone looking for a great and reasonably priced meal in the city.<br />
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We ended the night with a walk down to Rockefeller Center to see the tree. Just a few weeks later and we'd have seen it in all it's glory, but it was still fun to see the work in progress.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JuUgLMa1rFo/TRzVz12VDaI/AAAAAAAAA6E/jwg7o8jzs_U/s1600/Picture+21.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JuUgLMa1rFo/TRzVz12VDaI/AAAAAAAAA6E/jwg7o8jzs_U/s400/Picture+21.png" width="305" /></a></div><br />
So much to do there in so little time. We had to leave the next morning with lots that we didn't have time to do, but can't wait to get back! If you have any tips for our next trip to NYC, please share them with me!Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00475661986064269794noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1241251838364616683.post-4271713173637456032010-11-15T09:15:00.006-05:002010-11-15T09:15:00.426-05:00730 ago<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JuUgLMa1rFo/Sv11ZKpQ6CI/AAAAAAAAAf4/nb7re4ReAf4/s1600/ajdance1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JuUgLMa1rFo/Sv11ZKpQ6CI/AAAAAAAAAf4/nb7re4ReAf4/s320/ajdance1.jpg" width="212" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #404040; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px;">"I don't get many things right the first time</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #404040; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px;"><div style="text-align: center;">In fact, I am told that a lot</div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #404040; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px;"><div style="text-align: center;">Now I know all the wrong turns, the stumbles and falls</div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #404040; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px;"><div style="text-align: center;">Brought me here</div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #404040; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #404040; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px;"><div style="text-align: center;">And where was I before the day</div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #404040; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px;"><div style="text-align: center;">That I first saw your lovely face?</div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #404040; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px;"><div style="text-align: center;">Now I see it everyday</div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #404040; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px;"><div style="text-align: center;">And I know</div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #404040; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #404040; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px;"><div style="text-align: center;">That I am</div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #404040; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px;"><div style="text-align: center;">I am</div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #404040; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px;"><div style="text-align: center;">I am</div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #404040; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px;"><div style="text-align: center;">The luckiest</div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #404040; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #404040; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px;"><div style="text-align: center;">What if I'd been born fifty years before you</div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #404040; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px;"><div style="text-align: center;">In a house on a street where you lived?</div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #404040; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px;"><div style="text-align: center;">Maybe I'd be outside as you passed on your bike</div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #404040; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px;"><div style="text-align: center;">Would I know?</div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #404040; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #404040; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px;"><div style="text-align: center;">And in a white sea of eyes</div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #404040; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px;"><div style="text-align: center;">I see one pair that I recognize</div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #404040; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px;"><div style="text-align: center;">And I know</div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #404040; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #404040; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px;"><div style="text-align: center;">That I am</div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #404040; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px;"><div style="text-align: center;">I am</div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #404040; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px;"><div style="text-align: center;">I am</div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #404040; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px;"><div style="text-align: center;">The luckiest</div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #404040; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #404040; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px;"><div style="text-align: center;">I love you more than I have ever found a way to say to you</div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #404040; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #404040; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px;"><div style="text-align: center;">Next door there's an old man who lived to his nineties</div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #404040; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px;"><div style="text-align: center;">And one day passed away in his sleep</div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #404040; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px;"><div style="text-align: center;">And his wife; she stayed for a couple of days</div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #404040; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px;"><div style="text-align: center;">And passed away</div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #404040; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #404040; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px;"><div style="text-align: center;">I'm sorry, I know that's a strange way to tell you that I know we belong</div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #404040; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px;"><div style="text-align: center;">That I know</div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #404040; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #404040; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px;"><div style="text-align: center;">That I am</div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #404040; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px;"><div style="text-align: center;">I am</div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #404040; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px;"><div style="text-align: center;">I am</div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #404040; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px;"><div style="text-align: center;">The luckiest"</div></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #404040; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px;">- Ben Folds</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #404040; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #404040; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px;">Happy Anniversary, Sweet Husband! Our second year of marriage has been amazing, and I know the years to come will bring even more blessings. love, laughter, and much happiness. I truly am the luckiest. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #404040; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #404040; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px;">XOXO,</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #404040; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px;">Amy</span>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00475661986064269794noreply@blogger.com2