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Archive for July, 2009

window love

Monday, July 20th, 2009

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Last week our old blinds from the main living area went out the window with the old windows, which basically makes our corner house open for everyone driving/walking/biking by to see. So, we’ve been searching for replacement window coverings not only for privacy, but to block some of the afternoon sun. My top requirement is to have something that is relatively easy to open and close. We both like the idea of plantation shutters, but aren’t hip on the price, so it is looking like drapes will be the answer. I saw these pictures at Design Sponge and have held onto it for inspiration. I think it would look nice to have the curtain rods to extend past the windows on each side so that when the curtain is pulled to the side, it frames the window. I also think it makes sense to have the curtain on rings (think shower curtain) because I think the curtains will slide easier. Finally, while I have considered window length drapes, I feel that the floor length variety will be more appealing. I’m welcome to any comments or suggestion!

cha ching

Sunday, July 19th, 2009

In an attempt to curb our swearing, whenever one of us utters a cuss word we follow up with a “cha ching”. While I’m not sure how effective it is (since money isn’t involved at this point), it’s worth a try. We can always switch to a swear jar. Or else Haven’s first word may be cha ching.

baby talk

Saturday, July 18th, 2009

No idea what she is talking about? Let me translate. Haven and I scooted up to Matt’s parents house to stay with Matt’s mom while Matt’s dad house sat and supervised the workers installing our new windows. What we were told would be a two day job turned into a FOUR day job due to a misunderstanding between our salesman and the crew. Well, that and the fact we have an old house. Anyway, the job is DONE, and the windows look fabulous. We still need to paint the trim and patch/paint some areas around the windows, but we can tackle that later. In the meantime we are enjoying the fact that the risk of lead poisoning has diminished, we can open and close windows with ease, not to mention aesthetically the new windows are just plain perty. We will fill you in later on what they look like, but we are all happy to be home in what seems to be a more energy efficient house.

afternoon delight

Friday, July 17th, 2009

and if/when my journey ends?

Tuesday, July 14th, 2009

It’s as if the Momversation panelists were reading my mind. The topic of wills, guardians, trustees and power of attorney have been on my mind for weeks now. The sudden gallbladder surgery combined with the news of Michael Jackson’s passing (and the future of his kids) both hit me like a ton of bricks. Matt and I have started to get things in place in case something happens to us.  We asked a married couple if they would be willing Haven’s guardian and they graciously accepted the task, which is a huge relief to know  people you trust are willing to raise and love your child in the event we are no longer able to do so.

I’m curious what other parents of young ones have done?  Any suggestions or words of wisdom on this topic?

and just like that…

Wednesday, July 8th, 2009

birthday

June was over with a fourth of July bang. Where did the month go? We must have slung it back like a shot of Jäger. (And, as a side note, please tell me why on wikipedia they have this picture under shot glassVirginia Tech never makes any of the top party schools list.)

June was definitely the month for surgeries. I personally know of a D&C (thoughts out to the family), a back surgery, a bypass surgery, and of course, yours truly had emergency gallbladder surgery. As if that wasn’t enough excitement, at the end of the month a friend’s mom was admitted because she has a growth on her frontal lobe. We are still waiting on a diagnosis, so her family continues to be in our thoughts.

What made June crazy hectic, other than surgeries?
-  Our beautiful niece turned two, complete with an Elmo birthday party.  Pictures are coming, I promise.
-  Birthday cakes were made, including an Elmo cake, Cookie Monster cupcakes and the infamous coconut cake.  Someone has a raincheck on the birthday cake of her choice.
-  Bought and wrapped birthday presents.  Alas, one birthday TBC (to be celebrated).
-  We spent a week with Matt’s family.
-  A weekend beach trip was planned, then aborted.
-  We had new appliances delivered and freecycled the old dishwasher and refrigerator.  We still have a stove to get rid of, in case you need one.
-  Three doctor’s appointments.
-  A breast pump exchange.
-  Father’s Day.  With gifts.
-  Playdates, whenever we could fit them in.

Next year, I am making a checklist and treating the month of June like it’s December so I am not hit like a ton of bricks with all the commotion.  And, I think that if we have another child, it would be great if their birthday weren’t in June.

(Image from Life photo search on Google.)

plat du jour : july 6, 2009

Monday, July 6th, 2009

ORGANIC PLAT DU JOUR : July 6, 2009

First course
pureed baby food
Chef’s selection

Main course
seasonal finger foods
Currently featuring shredded cheddar cheese, seedless grapes (frozen or slightly chilled), cereal, baby puffs and diced cooked carrots

Apéritif
Milk
spiked with non-alcoholic breast milk (optional)

first fourth

Saturday, July 4th, 2009

sparkler

We are celebrating Haven’s first Fourth of July hanging out at home, mostly being lazy.

Today’s agenda included:
Bourne Identity and Bourne Supremacy.
Haven’s first taste of cheese.
Catching up on correspondence.
Brushing the dogs.
Picking up and organizing the downstairs so that we could…
…sweep, vacuum and mop.
Clipping Haven’s fingernails.
Chocolate chip scones.
A daddy walk around the neighborhood.
Big Gulp fountain drinks.

We just put Haven to bed and are going to dine on grilled pork tenderloin and roasted potatoes while we listen for the fireworks in the distance and think of how lucky and blessed we are on Independence Day 2009.

(Image from Life photo search on Google.)


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