Weekend Wrap Up

Just a few quick sentence highlights from our weekend b/c it's late and I need to wind down from a busy weekend and mourn the thought that it's back to another work week tomorrow.

Friday night, we spent some time with friends celebrating Mitsie's milestone birthday.

This big kid made his oatmeal completely by himself on Saturday morning b/c he was tired of waiting for me to get out of bed.

In preparation for a friend coming over on Saturday, Miles made a list of all the things they were going to do. The last one is color :)

Even though Miles' eyes are closed, such a cute picture with his buddy Nathan. They were on the same baseball team and I'm so glad we got to know his family.

Play dates in our house are going to start beginning around 7am b/c waiting until 10ish is torture for Miles and therefore painful for me.

We had a fun outdoor movie night with our small group.

The kids at church made a surprise appearance to perform one of their VBS songs.

Miles took the moves very seriously.

A good friend from Martin, Laura, and a former volleyball player, Mandy, visited us at church this morning.

Keeping in touch with former players and watching them mature is such a fun part of Darrin's job.  

We also managed some work around the house and a little rest.  Hope everyone has a great week!

Kitchen Before, During, & After

This picture popped up on my Time Hop today on Facebook, which reminded me that I've never shown before and after pictures of our kitchen.  This picture was from the most overwhelming moving day I've experienced, and I've had plenty.

When we looked at the house, the kitchen was definitely the highlight of the house.  The homeowners had remodeled it within the last year.  The only things we didn't like were the wall color and the dark trim, which didn't match the trim in the rest of the house.  I also didn't like the light fixture in the dining area.  It's kind of hard to see here, but it was brushed nickel and everything else was bronze or dark wood.

The granite was really pretty and the appliances were all very nicely upgraded.

The floor was a little dark for my taste, but I knew that a lighter wall color would help lighten up the room.

Not long after we moved in, I painted the kitchen Muslin Tint by Farrell Calhoun.  We had that in our last kitchen and I really liked how light and clean it was.  We asked our contractor to change the trim in the kitchen to white as he was added trim to the rest of our addition.  Normally I would have just painted it white, but it was a very intricate trim and painting it would have been a nightmare.

That's all we planned to do to the kitchen until our ice maker leaked.  This lead to a major remodel.  Thankfully it was covered by insurance, but it added a lot of time and stress that wasn't planned.  We were without a kitchen for several weeks.  It was toward the end of our remodel b/c we had to be worked into the contractor's schedule since this wasn't planned.  I was completely done at this point.

They had to remove the cabinets, counter tops, appliances, and floor.  To make matters worse, when they were removing the granite one piece broke, so we had to replace all of it.  Again, it was covered by insurance, but still.  That was not in the plan.

One difficult thing about this is that you had to walk through the kitchen to get from our room to Miles' room. That was tricky for Miles if he needed us during the night since it looked like this....

All the inconvenience has been so worth the finished product.  We went with a lighter granite and removed all the decorative rounded edges to make it a little more streamline.  The island is a slightly smaller, which I think opens up this area. They were able to save the back splash.

The same cabinets were able to be reinstalled.  The previous owners installed really nice cabinets with slow close doors and drawers.  We did get a new sink.  We had a brown ceramic sink that didn't have a divider that went all the way up in the middle.  We just couldn't get used to it.  We installed a basic stainless steel sink. The new sink alone might have been worth all the trouble.

This is our only dining area.  Our house doesn't have a dining room and a breakfast nook, only this area and the island.  We used our dining room furniture from our old house and all the decorations from our old breakfast area.  I had to order a larger rug but I ordered the same one.  I also purchased the same curtains b/c the old ones stayed with our house.  We eat dinner here every night, unless we are eating on the patio.

I love how much lighter the kitchen is.  The new white trim helps so much.  I love to cook and this kitchen makes me happy.  We changed the floor from a dark vinyl to a light ceramic tile.  That was a hard decision b/c we had to pay for the difference.  And, the tile extends all the way down the hall to our room, in the office area, and into the kitchen.  It was a rough expense to deal with, but I am so, so glad we did it.  I couldn't be happier with the floor.

We replaced the old light fixture with this one.  I bought it on a Facebook resale shop for $20.  It matches our island pendant lights almost perfectly.

More decorations from our old dining room.  I'm not a great decorator but I like the way this wall turned out.

I bought two of these chairs for $20 each and spray painted them a cream color.  I saw the idea on a blog of putting them beside the hutch with the pillows. 

A few other random things that I like in the kitchen are, this coffee mug tree from Pottery Barn...

The view from our dining room table, especially in the morning when the sun is coming up...

The ice maker that the previous owners installed in the island...

And, the double trash cans also built into the island...

Overall I couldn't be happier with our kitchen.  I love that it's in the center of the house.  We love cooking here, eating here, talking here, and playing games here.  I missed our old kitchen so much at first, but I am finally happy with this one now that it's decorated and functioning so well for us.

His Coaching Debut

Miles' team had their first playoff game tonight so we went to show our support.  The coaches called Miles their assistant coach.

He took his job seriously by helping his teammates in the dug out. I looked in once and he was helping a younger kid put on his hat and helmet.  He said he helped other kids find things and told them when it was their turn to bat.  I was so pleased with how he handled himself tonight.  It's so reassuring to see glimpses of kindness and resolve.

Unfortunately they lost by one run in extra innings.  After the game is was time for the dreaded participation trophies.  I heard collective sighs and groans from several parents.  Can we all just agree to stop this madness???

One last team cheer...

Miles sure did enjoy playing with his best buddy, Tyler.  

Coach Steve did a really good job with the team. They all improved so much.  At the first practice, they didn't even know how to run the bases.  By the end of the season, they were hitting and throwing so well.  There were several assistant coaches that were so helpful too.  It takes an army at this age.

Miles brought a Sharpie to the game for a couple of his friends to sign his cast.  He was much more selective this time.  On the way to the game he commented that Tyler wrote big, but he didn't care :)

 

He also let his friend, Nathan, sign up.  Miles was quite pleased with both of their autographs.

It's been a fun year of baseball.  I'm sad to see it end, but thankful to have made some new friends.

Less Words Wednesday

Poor OCD child of mine was DISTRAUGHT b/c someone signed his cast and messed up other people's "work".  He wrote "too big" and it was "sloppy".  He wanted an entirely new cast, but we settled on a little repair artwork. 

A Day of Doctors' Appointments

Our morning started at an appointment to check on Carson.  Miles has been looking forward to this b/c it was his first ultrasound to see Carson.  I explained how it would go before got there and he said, "That's exactly how I imagined it."  He loved it and soaked up every minute.

The appointment went well.  He's still on track with his growth.  Right now he's in the 39th percentile.  I was a little concerned b/c that sounded slightly undeveloped to me, but the tech, who is a friend from college, said that they are only worried if the baby is under the 10th percentile.  The tumor hasn't grown from the last visit, so that was great news.  I had my second glucose test and will receive the results tomorrow.  I go back in 4 weeks for another check up and an ultrasound to monitor the baby's growth, as well as the tumor. 

Darrin and Miles left right after the ultrasound to head to the orthopedic doctor to see about his wrist. I called right at 8am to get an appointment and they were able to see him at 9:30am.  I hated to miss it, but I still had blood work, some shots, the glucose test, and a visit with my doctor.  I told Darrin to send pics.  This was the first one I received.  You would think that he would learn what kind of pics I like for the blog after 7 years of this, but not so much...

I was hoping to finish with my appointment and meet up with them, but their visit went pretty quickly, so I walked into the building just as they were walking out.  Miles said it didn't hurt and he likes his new red cast.  He chose red for Darrin's team.  It is so much smaller and lighter than the temporary cast, so I think he feels very relieved at this point. Darrin redeemed himself with this pic...

I was hoping for a waterproof cast and a recheck in 3-4 weeks, but neither of those happened.  They don't offer waterproof casts there and the doctor didn't like them anyway b/c of skin irritation.  We can order a waterproof cover to work for water days at daycare and anything else that might come up in the next several weeks.  Unfortunately, we don't go back for six weeks.  That's a bummer, but I'm sure time will pass quickly.  Praying that it's completely healed at that point and they don't have to put another one on.

Next stop, a dentist appointment for Miles.  This was already on the books and since I had to reschedule once, I really wanted to keep this appointment.  He was happy to show everyone his new red cast.  His check up went well and the dentist really bragged on his teeth.  Always good to hear that he/we are doing what we are supposed to in that department.

I ended up taking the day off.  Just too much going on to get anything done at work.  Miles has been a champ today.  The cast isn't slowing him down at all.  We managed to squeeze in a trip to the library.  I really want to him to continue reading this summer since he progressed so much during the school year.  He really does a good job with reading and he seems to like it.  It always amazes me to see him enjoy reading, even when he has to struggle through, b/c I do not like reading at all.  When he comes to a word he doesn't know, many times he will say, "Don't tell me" while he works hard to sound it out.  He figures out about half of them on his own.

He also worked outside with Darrin.  He asked to cut the sleeves out of the shirt b/c he "wanted to be just like Dad."  Be still my heart.

The cast isn't slowing down some baseball practice either.  He can't throw or bat, but he & Darrin figured out that he can catch and then throw the balls down.  Thankfully we have a large bucket of balls that I bought on Craigslist, so they can throw for a while and then pick them all up.

It's been a busy day, but extremely productive.  I'm so thankful that we were able to get Miles into the orthopedic today so we can begin this healing process.  Tomorrow, he starts day camp at a church right beside my office.  We've never had to worry about someone to watch him during the summer b/c he's always been in daycare.  Since he went to afterschool this year at the school, we didn't have anywhere for him to go this summer.  The day camp is for ages K-5th grade.  It's basically daycare with a lot more activities.  This will be the first time, between daycare and school, that he won't have to take a nap.  He hasn't taken one at home consistently for a couple years, but day after day of endless activities and no nap will probably catch up fast.  I'm expecting one tired kid tomorrow night.

28 Weeks & Miles' Second ER Visit

Hello 3rd trimester!  I am 28 weeks today & feeling pretty good. I randomly have a bad day, but for the most part they are good.  Bad days may consist of contractions, back pain, fatigue, insomnia, or heartburn.  Not all at once, but those are my only issues and I think they are fairly mild.  I had a few hard weeks around the 20 week mark but I think I've learned how to pace myself and it's definitely helping.

This pregnancy has been much easier than Miles'.  I think I'm in better overall health b/c I've been treating Lyme for 6 years and before we didn't know I had it, and also it's just a different perspective this time.  I feel blessed to be having this baby and I also know that pregnancy is a means to a wonderful end that is incredibly worth it. With Miles, I felt like I was pregnant for years.  This time, I've tried to just carry on with life and let the days pass by.  That's much easier to do with a good pregnancy.

A couple things that are getting me through this pregnancy are Zip Sox.  Ummmm these have been a game changer for me.  I've been able to completely cut out the swelling by wearing these while I'm at work. Bonus...they were $4.99 at Bed, Bath & Beyond.  I really think the lack of swelling has made everything else better.  I only wear them while I'm at work.  You can't see them with my dress pants unless I sit down, and usually my feet are under my desk.  No swelling = still rocking my heels. 

This is a crazy one, but Sonic water.  Drinking a lot of water is the only way to cut down on the contractions.  It's been a little challenging b/c water gives me heartburn, but I've been trying to drink as much as possible.  It just tastes better from Sonic...the cup, the straw, the ice....it's just better.  Whatever works, right?

If you know me well, you know I'm not a fan of pregnancy.  I've tried hard to embrace this one and be joyful. I'm not stressing about the weight gain this time or an occasional bad pregnancy day.  This too shall pass and what a blessing we will have.  Breathe by Jonny Diaz is my new theme song.  The Lord has taught me so much during this pregnancy about slowing down. Not everything has to be perfect and there is more to life than my 'to do' list.  I love the line in the song that says "Lay down what's good and find what's best".  It's not that my things are bad, but there might be something more important, such as spending time with boys that will grow up way too fast.

Speaking of boys...this one had an eventful day.

At the very end of our church service, someone came in to get Darrin.  They didn't say why. I was hoping they just needed his help with something, but I was a little concerned that something happened to Miles.  It didn't seem too urgent and I always try to let Darrin be the great dad he is.  No reason for me to run and inspect the situation.  I don't claim to be an expert on parenting, but I will say that way too many women dismiss dads as if to say that moms are the only capable parent.  Not true and in my opinion, it's an injustice to dads and for children to witness!  Church ended in five minutes and I was just on my way to find Darrin when he came to get me.  

The kids went to the playground during church today.  Miles jumped up to get on the monkey bars and fell on his wrist.  He was clearly in pain when I got to him.  Everyone had taken good care of him, but some nurses that go to church with us said that we needed to take him for x-rays.  There was a time just a year ago that I said we wouldn't ever be able to tell if Miles was hurt b/c he cried over everything.  Those days have been over for a while and it was clear today that he was hurting. 

To make a long story short, when we checked into the hospital, a nurse took one look as we were checking in and called to the back to say that it was broken.  They got us back quickly. X-rays confirmed that he has a greenstick fracture, which is apparently painful, but the best kind you can have.  We've been reassured by the ER doctor, some nurse friends, and another mom that has dealt with this....so we are super hopeful that we are facing a quick recovery.  We have to follow up with an orthopedic on Tuesday. 

I have to say, he was a trooper.  He was in pain and scared of what the ER visit might entail, but he was brave.  Even just a year ago this would have been a travesty.  He sure has grown up.  It's so nice when little people develop reasoning skills!  He was in a pain after we got home. I think he was bored and reality set in a little. The three of us played some games and then he was fine.  He's just going to need extra attention until he gets a hard cast and can move a little more freely. 

The biggest disappointment is the end of baseball season.  He made it through the regular season, which we are very thankful for, but he will miss the tournament.  Also, he was selected for the All Star team and he'll have to miss that too.  Minor in the scheme of life, but sad nonetheless for all three of us.

We've not dealt with any broken bones or long illnesses with Miles. After today, I have a new appreciation for these types of incidents.  It was a hard day. It was sad to watch Miles in pain. It was scary to wonder if he would need surgery for a bad break.  It was heartbreaking to know that his little dreams of All Stars and a fun summer have changed.  It was just a sad day. In my mind all day, I kept thinking about how much worse things could be. We made it through the regular season of baseball, we don't have a vacation scheduled, Carson's not here yet, and so many other things that could be terribly wrong.  Even knowing and believing those things in my head, it was still a sad day.  I've always seen kids with broken bones and such and never really gave much thought to the parents. I have a new empathy.  Miles is asleep now with the help of some pain meds.  Hopefully we will all get a sufficient amount of sleep.  Good night, all!