Upgrade

He's a tiny little bossy pants who now has a "big boy" bed. We purchased this bed well before Christmas and never had time to set his room up. It also meant we needed to move his chair somewhere else. And at the time, the somewhere else was where the Christmas tree lived.

Before:

After:


Before:


After:


He likes it. He especially likes to push the bed away from the wall and hangout (and sometimes sleep) on the floor between the wall and bed.

And just for fun, here's Jules who refuses to look at the camera but still smiles (from Christmas Eve).

The Fan

When we moved into our house we immediately noticed the bathroom fan was unusually loud. Like airplane engine loud. The second you turned on the light, the fan came on and you couldn't hear anything even with the door open. The plan was to replace the fan before the baby came.

2 1/2 years later and that fan still lives. And honestly, I don't want to get rid of it. Sure it's loud and I hate yelling "I can't hear you!" when Justin asks me a question from the hall. And it's also annoying when I'm taking a bath with my iphone and want to watch something. (What, doesn't everyone do that in the tub?)

But you know what it IS good for? Locking yourself away and pretending the child you just put to bed is actually sleeping and not in his room screaming "READ STOWY MOM-MOM-MOMMMMMMY!" or "MORE WAAAAAAATER!" or just plain screaming because he's over tired and doesn't want to go to bed. Nope, can't hear it.

After hanging out in the bathroom for a few minutes, I'll turn the light/fan off to see if he's still howling. Sometimes he is and sometimes he isn't.

It's the little things that keep you sane.

Now if I could just get the creaking hardwood floors to not wake him up when I'm sneaking in his room.

Themes are Good

*ooh, Looks like I can now "mobile post" - but I'm not gonna.*

May in Minnesota is weird. You have beautiful, sunny days with a high of 75. Perfect, Minnesota! Then you have beautiful, sunny days with a high of 55. She can't help her moodiness.

I'm doing a garden this year. I was with infant last year and couldn't get my act together for many reasons. This year, this summer is the summer of gardening for me and the summer of beverages for Justin. We're nerds and like to theme our summers. One summer was the "summer of socks" the next was "summer of slurpees!" So, once we declare it, it'll happen.

Summer of gardening consists of 1) cleaning up the front and back yard and not be the embarrassment of the cul-de-sac any more. And 2) planting a simple vegetable garden. By not going overboard, I'm keeping it simple and doable. Or else, I'll fail. Corn, potatoes, cucumbers, onions, carrots, cauliflower, and pumpkins - for the kids. So far, so good! I got my starters going and just finished tilling most of the garden. But, Minnesota wants to ruin everything for me and rain. Jerk. While the hard work is 1/2 way done, it really all comes down to how things will taste. I can only hope it's edible.

Summer of beverages consists of 1) brewing our own beer and 2)creating our own pop. Orange, root beer, grape, cream soda, whatever! Plus, we'll need a cool beverage after the long hours of garden time we'll be putting in EVERY.NIGHT.FOR.THE.REST.OF.THE.SUMMER!!

I'll let you know how it goes. What's your summer theme?

Motoring Away

Thanks to all who've entered the giveaway! I think spring is on everyone's mind, huh? Those of you who live in warmer climates, I'm totally jealous! We just got hit with another snowstorm and I ended up with a snow day at work. Almost three years I've worked there, I've never had a snow day. It was that bad!

We're still working on our basement. We're priming the walls today and hopefully get the electrician and contractor back to do the finishing work. Then we can move everything back and I can clean out the guest room. Once that room is done, we're moving to the bathroom. The only real difficult work will be tearing out the laminate floor and replacing it with tile. The rest is finishing work. Just trying to make our home nicer, one room and one project at a time.

If you're a shopper of Ikea, check out this great site, Ikea Hackers, for all hacked Ikea products. I love to see what people use to solve common problems. There are some really creative people out there!

The PROCESS

Why am I showing you my cluttered counter?



Just keeping it real, people.

I hate clutter. But I have it. The mail area in our kitchen is the worst for clutter. THE.WORST. Many times I've cleaned it but never really found what the problem was to begin with. So, I decided to use the PROCESS to deal with this area once and for all.

My Plan: Ask myself, "What do I want this area to be?" I found coupons (expired!), bills, tax forms, instructions to various things, vitamins, magazines, and a sudoku cube. None of these things belonged here! I wanted this area to be the bill paying area and that was all. Not a drop place for random coupons, mail, toys, etc. The plan also meant that I just didn't move things to a new location. They had to have a home. Old bills down to the shredder or filing cabinet, games to the game closet, vitamins with all the other meds, etc.

I Removed everything from the space including cleaning out the container and put like with like.

I Organized into piles. The garbage and recycling bin were close by so whatever I didn't have a home for were tossed/recycled. I was ruthless with the purging too. While I might like to have used a coupon, the reality of it was I probably wouldn't, so I tossed it. Once the space was cleaned and piles were made, I found homes for everything that wasn't tossed/recycled.

My Container works when it's just bills. Anything else and it's just a mess. I keep pens (that work), a notepad, checkbook, calculator, checks that need to be deposited, stamps and anything else that relates to bills and bill paying. My container also has a small section that's perfect for gift cards. I like to keep all gift cards in one area and this makes sense for us.

After a week of this new organized system, I've Evaluated to see if 1) the area was still organized and 2) being used as its real intention. It was a relief knowing that it was still organized and nothing else was being thrown in there that isn't a bill, check or gift card. It works for me!

Right now, I don't need to Solve or simplify anything that I see.

Wanna see what it looks like now?

Come back tonight and I'll show you!

Update! Shazaam! Here's the finished space! Now, I can Sit back and enjoy the clean, organized space.



ETA...again: I'm entering this in the 28-day Organizing Challenge. Here are my 5 answers:

1. What was the hardest part of the challenge for you and were you able to overcome it? Seriously, just doing it. I would look at that pile after the rest of my kitchen was clean and just feel defeated. Turn off the lights, walk out of the room.

Sorting and purging, that's the easy part! Also, who wants to give up a snuggle moment with their little one to do something like this? So, I did it when he went to bed and I didn't have anything on tap for the night. Starting was the hardest part.

2. Tell us what kind of changes/habits you have put into place in order for your area/room to maintain its new order? The rule is deal with the mail as it comes into the house, not weeks (and piles) later. So simple, but it's working.

3. What did you do with the “stuff” you were able to purge out of your newly organized space? If it was a paid bill, I took it to the office to either shred it or file it. Games went to the game closet, etc. I didn't just move it to another space. That was the rule I made with myself. Everything had a home and needed to be there, not moved to another pile.

4. What creative storage solutions were you able to introduce in order to create additional space as well as establish some limits and boundaries? I already had the little storage container (yes, from Ikea Tony!) and it really is perfect for the mail role. And I thought if I put a cute photo of my little one and my pup, I'd be more inclined to keep it organized.

5. Why do you think you should win this challenge? Oh boy, doesn't everyone have this problem with the mail? While this was a small area, I could definitely use help with bigger areas, including simple organizational tools for my life. I want to be that organized spouse/mom/employee!

Cloth Diaper Fashion Show

First up, I owe you pictures of Jules' room!





Awesome chair that we waited more than the 6-8 weeks quoted. It's so nice and comfy. My mom whipped up those curtains while she was here. She's so talented.

I don't consider myself a hippie, crunchy or granola in any way (not that it's bad to be), but I really like cloth diapers. I think the more people are aware of the different types of diapers out there and how to use them, then the idea of cloth won't be seen as something foreign.

Back when I first mentioned we were going the cloth route, I really didn't know how it would go. Justin was all for it, often asking, "can we try it all day today?" I was the one hesitant to go all day. But once I got over the hang ups I had (what if they leak, will they fit him right, etc.) and the fact that he had diaper rash with disposables, the cloth diapers cleared it up in no time, I was sold.

So let me show you my cloth diapers and how I use them.

First up, I have about 8 fitted diapers with 3 covers, 14 All-in-Ones (or AIO's), 2 pocket diapers, one size and 2 pocket diapers, size small, and numerous pre-folds.

Here's a picture of my diaper drawer.


The colorful ones (blue, yellow, green) diapers are bumGenius. These are AIO's and by far, my favorite diaper. Just below those are the fitted diapers called Kissaluvs (light green and yellow). They require diaper covers and worked really well when he was smaller. They have a snap for the umbilical cord and are nice and soft. But once wet, you have to change them pretty fast since there is nothing to pull moisture away from baby's skin. They still fit and I use them when he's awake.

To the left of those, are 4 diapers. Two are bumGenius' one size pocket diaper (fits through potty training) and Fuzzi Bunz size small. Pocket diapers are good because you can add more absorbent layers inside the pocket for heavy wetters or long nap times. Although the Fuzzi Bunz is a small, it's still a little big on Jules. It has two rows of snaps so you can get a good fit. All the bumGenius diapers have Velcro. I personally prefer Velcro because I can get it nice and snug on him. And behind those (really colorful ones) are fitted diapers my mom made. (free pattern online)




The other side of the drawer consists of pre-folds which I use with the 3 covers (again, when he's awake and I can change him as soon as he needs it). Next to those are the "soaker" inserts for pocket diapers. All four came with inserts and a soaker to add for nap time or if your baby is a heavy wetter. Behind those are my 3 covers and then a few disposables. (I keep a few on hand when all the diapers are in the wash or we're going out of town or just when I'm lazy and don't want to do a lot of wash. It happens.)

On to the fashion show:

Up first, we have the fitted diaper, Kissaluvs. Size zero, these should fit him until about 15 lbs. The texture of these actually help contain messes which have never leaked on me, even with the messiest diaper. They are really soft but with such thick material, they take a while to dry. I was worried about staining but after washing, I just let them dry in the sun and it removes the stains. (None of my diapers have any stains on them because of sun drying.)




The onesie test:



Not too bad. A little bulky, but like I said, I only put these on him when he's awake and at home because he goes through them pretty quick.

I paid about $12 for each one. I found most of these on Craigslist new, but there are plenty of used ones for sale too.

Up next, Fuzzi Bunz size small pocket diaper. I purchased two to try out different brands of pocket diapers. I can see why people like these. Super soft fleece that pulls moisture away from baby, easy to stuff and two rows of snaps for a good fit. Size small will fit Jules up to 18 lbs. They dry really fast in the dryer because you pull the insert out to wash (you do this with all pocket diapers prior to washing).







The onesie test:



Jules wasn't too happy. Poor guy. Trimmer than the Kissaluvs but with two rows of snaps it can get bunchy on Jules. Fuzzi Bunz has a higher rise than Kissaluvs, and with elastic in the back for the pocket, it holds in messes. Remember, remove the insert prior to washing. I pull it out when I change him and then drop both in the diaper pail (which I'll talk about in a bit).

I paid about $17 for each one. You can find all sorts of pocket diapers on craigslist or diaperswappers.com. And if you can sew, there are a few good patterns (kwik sew) some are even free. Just do a search online.


Next up, the bumGenius AIO's. These have a built in soaker with an opening in the back to add another one if you need to. The layer next to the baby's skin is a soft fleece so it pulls moisture away, leaving the skin dry. They are nice and trim, much like a disposable and come in lots of cute colors. These are popular with father's and grandparent's because they are just like disposables except you don't throw them away.



The onesie test:



Nice and trim, just like a disposable. Justin really likes these and if these are in the drawer, he'll use them first.

If you're out and about, the AIO can be rolled up just like a disposable:



Then, with the Velcro tabs, you just overlap and it holds the diaper closed.



But when you're changing at home, you don't have to roll it up like that. Just remove from baby and toss in the diaper pail.

I paid about $16 for each one. I've bought from two different sources, Kellyscloset.com and a local place here in Minnesota.

The only problem I have with AIO's, they take a really long time to dry. And because of the type of material used for the waterproof outer layer, they can't be dried on high heat (medium or less). So that's why I hang them to dry for most of the day, then throw them in the dryer and that seems to finish them up. But other than that, I LOVE these diapers.

And, finally, bumGenius One Size Cloth Diaper 3.0. This diaper will grow with him all the way up to potty training.




This is a pocket diaper and comes with a doubler that can be sized to fit as your baby grows.




These fit him the same as the AIO bumGenius (no photo). I really like the concept of this diaper - growing with him, but I find stuffing it is harder than the Fuzzi Bunz. I don't know why. It might just be me. But I really like this diaper too.

You can buy these at Kellyscloset.com and Target.com. I used a gift card I received at one of my baby showers for a two pack at target.com. They run about $15 each. But, since you can use them through potty training, that's a pretty good investment.

The initial cost of cloth can be high. I hate to say it, but I've probably spent about $300 (maybe more?) over the course of my pregnancy and the past month buying diapers. But, I've only bought one small package of disposables since his birth. We were gifted a few packages that got us to the point of using cloth full time. I still have about 40 disposables left and we rarely use them. So, while the initial cost can be high, it doesn't have to. Craigslist and diaperswappers.com are great places to find gently used diapers. And when you're done with diapers and little ones, sell them!

Additional information: You'll need a diaper pail and a Wet Bag. This bag has a liner to help keep smells contained. I also have a smaller one for my diaper bag. It holds about 3-4 dirty diapers. I just throw both bags in the wash with the diapers. My diaper pail is just a rubbermaid garbage container (from Target). I keep the lid open for air to circulate. His room doesn't smell because I wash diapers every other day. Now, regarding really messy diapers, I haven't had any issues with leaks at all. Disposables on the other hand, does "up the back" ring a bell?

Jules is breastfed so messy diapers are treated just like a wet diaper; I throw them in the diaper pail and wash on wash day. But once he starts eating solid foods, I have options. 1) To shake anything that will come out in the toilet and be done or 2) use a liner in the diaper so I can just throw that and whatever it catches in the toilet. Some people have a diaper sprayer attached to their toilet to make cleaning them a little easier. I might consider that when the time comes. But really, messy diapers or not, it's not a big deal.

I wash all diapers, covers, bags, and inserts together. Washing instructions vary by brand but I do a pre-wash with no detergent on cold, then a hot wash with detergent with an extra rinse on cold. Then I hang them to dry outside, with the inside of the diapers facing the sun to get rid of any stains. Once mostly dry, I throw them in the dryer to finish. I could try drying them in the dryer but it would take all day and a lot of power/gas. That's why I hang them. It's free and easy.


That's it! It sounds daunting and complicated. I know, because I was really confused at first. But, remember KISS? Keep It Simple Stupid. I bought only a few different brands, found the best ones and a system that works for all three of us. I'm no expert on the subject, but I hope this helps anyone considering making the switch. And, seriously, they are CUTE! I love taking his picture wearing a cloth diaper!

Good luck and let me know what you think!

One Year Ago

It was one year ago when I went for my first interview. I admit, I lied about where I was that weekend to our friends and co-workers in Las Vegas. But we really thought bad things would happen to both of us if we told everyone I was looking for a job and had interviews with a company out of state.

Looking back, I guess it wasn't that big of deal. But I really hated lying to people about where my new job was. And that "No, we aren't moving." Oops, HI we're moving.

Despite a long, difficult winter (mostly for Justin, even though I spent numerous mornings in negative temps waiting for a bus), we're finally getting used to it here. There are many things we miss about Las Vegas, even Salt Lake City. But with spring finally here and summer around the corner (EEEEEEE!), our attitudes have gotten better.

Our house and all its projects are taking shape and getting done. We didn't have anything to do last night because of a power outage so we finished up some projects that didn't require electricity. And you know what? They took all of 30 minutes. But it feels good to finish them. And it felt good to have the power back on because I needed a fruit smoothie made in my awesome new blender! Because, you know, when you move across country, you don't have room for that old blender.

Still Not Really Counting

Welcome to my 33rd week of pregnancy! Seriously, I forget what week I'm in. I have to look at the weekly email I get saying "Pregnancy: Week XX" just so I remember. I'm close most of the time. I'm excited but mostly stressed out that in possibly 7 weeks (or EARLIER!) this baby will be here.

Not too shabby for 33 weeks, eh?


My butt isn't really shaped like that. It probably didn't help that I used it as a shelf for my arms.


Remember this photo at 24 weeks?:



So ya, the baby moved into the "all fo sho" part. The belly is all baby now. Biology is weird!

We're slowly crossing things off the "must get done before baby" list. But even then, we won't get to everything. And I'm fine with that. Today is the last day the hardwood floor guys are around, applying the last few coats. And let me say, I've never gotten so excited over hardwood floors. EVER. They are beautiful! This is just one small step to liking my dumpy new house a wee bit more.

Justin asked why we didn't do it sooner. Cause we're dumb, that's why. Seriously, I can't wait to move back into our bedroom and get the baby's room set up with beautiful hardwood floors! I'd show pictures, but I want it to be a big reveal because they were beat-the-crap up. Even so, beat up hardwood floors looked better than the hideously green, piss-smelling carpet that was there. And no, I didn't let anything of ours touch that piss-smelling carpet. We pulled it up before we even moved in.

Completely unrelated, but Justin and I are dealing with it now, spring in Minnesota. Minnesota weather, you are seriously f'd up.

One Giant Step in the Wrong Direction

My bed is in the living room. Our clothes are downstairs. The crib is still untouched, in pieces and in the living room. BUT! I managed to unpack the last office box. That room, is officially unpacked.

We're getting our hardwood floors refinished in our bedrooms (ours and baby's).

(BTW, can we say that Justin and I are 100% doing our part to spend money EVERYWHERE we can, including buying a house in a VERY unstable job market. And yet, we owed Minnesota taxes? How the? What the? Dumb Minnesota and your state taxes! Nevada isn't looking too bad right about now. Everybody, move to Nevada - NO STATE TAXES! And I know of some great houses for sale.)

Anyway, that's why I'm camping out in the living room. Scully doesn't care. As long as her bed is by ours, she can sleep anywhere. We knew this day would come - moving out of our bedroom, into the living room. It's just annoying. But, better do it now while the baby's room is empty with no more stinky carpet (seriously, it STUNK) and while I'm able to help move things, we're going for it.

(We could have moved into our spare room but it was downstairs, smelly (think, too many glade plug-ins courtesy of the previous owners leaving them everywhere) and I didn't want to move our bed that far. Plus, there's really nothing in the living room, it was easier.)

Justin suggested I start showing some before & after pictures of the projects we've done. Most have been started, only a few are finished. PLUS! There's random furniture everywhere, which is impressive because we don't HAVE any furniture. So until rooms are completely done, I'll hold off on the photos.

None of this helps because I want to "nest." That's such a silly, dumb, stereo-typical term. I think I'm going to call it "get my house in order before baby arrives." Much better. But for short, I'll call it "unpacking."

So, until further notice, no one is allowed to come over to my home. I'll most likely be in bed, in the living room, or possibly unpacking.

Oh Boy

We celebrated Justin's Birthday on Friday even though it was on Sunday. He's happy being 32. And he's happy with the new Guitar Hero game I got him. You know, the one with the cymbals on the drum set. Now he can be the drummer he's always wanted to be.

And I can be the knocked up wife back home while he's on tour. Good thing the tour is only in our living room.

Oh.this.crazy.house! Every little project we start on leaves us scratching our heads as to why it was done like that in the first place. All the outlets in the house are super old and dingy looking. So we're going room to room to replace them with nice white ones. We started in the kitchen. Apparently, a few of the outlets weren't even grounded! Oooookay.

We replaced the light bulb over the sink with the right size and just used the bulb in the main kitchen light (until we replace that whole unit). It's like a faint purple color! What the heck?! So we've got 2 white lights and this one tinted one. Who buys a purple tinted bulb for their kitchen?

Last night we installed a new disposal unit (the sink didn't have one at all and I think it's a must). But we needed to access the power source for the dishwasher which is behind the dishwasher. First off, the dishwasher sticks out from under the counter like 1/2 an inch. Weird. Justin unscrewed it, pulled it out and there was so much GARBAGE underneath it I just about died. And when I swept it, it was stuck to the floor. I was amazed. It was like their kids had swept and just brushed it under the dishwasher.

So I cleaned that up, got the disposal installed and plugged in, and the dishwasher pushed further under the counter. Now it looks like it belongs there.

We just laugh each time we find something that doesn't make sense or that wasn't done correctly. But we are getting things done in the house. Good thing too because I'm hitting the 3rd trimester soon (like, tomorrow. THAT soon). No, I'm not as big as people expect. No, I haven't gained the typical amount of weight all the books say I should (talk to me at 40 weeks). No, my Doctor isn't concerned about this at all because the baby is measuring fine.

3rd trimester people. This is like Senior year of High School or College. I've been told now is the time to have fun because apparently real life isn't fun for a while and neither is the newborn stage. Justin and I have been having fun for 8 years. I see people with kids having fun. So what's the point of comments like that?

So I'll just keep plugging along with my house to-do list which DOES include get the baby's room done - hopefully BEFORE the baby shows up. I just needed that disposal first. And those shiny new outlets. And the new kitchen faucet that we're installing tonight.

24 Weeks Baby!

I guess if I went into labor, the chances of survival are there. But let's hope I don't. That'd be bad.

Anyway, here's a 24 week photo of 1) some crazy, psycho eyes, 2) how big my belly gets after dinner and 3) located somewhere in the smaller part of the big belly is an actual baby.



So you might have noticed the wonderful light switch missing it's plate and the thermostat (that I've programmed) hanging on by a thread. We're still working on the house. It was a wreck. I can prove it.



Oh, boy. Looking from the kitchen into the living room. That's Joe, he's puttying. Everything.



What complimentary colors, don't you think? Especially with the stencils!



Justin's favorite place to paint. The 2 story entry way. It's now "ultra white" and staying that way. We've also replaced the chandelier - much more up to date.



Looking down the hall, into the bathroom (another work in progress).



Looking into the baby's room. No, that's not an indication of the sex of baby. I think they ran out of color choices and just picked "painter's tape" blue. Looks great with the green carpet, eh?

Everything is primed so no more blue walls. The kitchen and our bedroom are painted and done. Stay tuned for after pics. It might be a while.