Two Weeks and Two Gallons of Paint

Click for more Before & After

Adam and I hate to paint. I mean we really hate it. The only thing we hated more was our kitchen. With a lot of paint, way too much time and new granite countertops, we were able to transform out kitchen on the tightest of budgets. We are so happy with the results! The kitchen, dark and narrow before now looks bright and open. Because of the money it saved to do it ourselves I have no regrets, but I do swear to never again take on the task of painting cabinets (especially without a garage to work in). Our living room acted as our work space and with two kids this was not a good idea. The process took longer than we expected and our house was in shambles for way too long. My parents remodeled their kitchen when I was in high school and it took nearly a year to complete. I remember having to use the camping trailer as our kitchen during that time. Mom, you are amazing for making it through it without killing any of us or the contractors. It is rough not having a kitchen with kids (and mine was never completely out of commission). We plan on enjoying our "new" kitchen for the next few months. Adam will get another break from school in July during which we plan on pulling up the carpet in the living/dining room and vinyl in the kitchen and installing pergo in it's place. Stay tuned for more townhouse b&a....

Happy Mother's Day

Two kids into Motherhood = a few more wrinkles, many ponytails, moments wondering when I last washed my hair, finding peanut butter on my butt and puke on my shoulder (while grocery shopping), thanking the Lord for Noggin, being fluent in "Toddler", knowing all the Eric Carle books by heart, singing along with the Backyardigans, a million kisses given everyday and wondering if my heart is capable of loving more.

I LOVE being your Mama Isla and Jack! Thank you for a wonderful Mother's Day (and everyday)!

One month down...

Life is busy. Diapers (sizes 1 and 5). Feedings (every two hours on the dot). Laundry (at least a load a day). Cooking (from Everyday Food...great cookbook). Cleaning (how many toys does one two year old really need?). Staring into this perfect little face (as often as possible). Life is good.

I only have eyes for you

Isla has spotted her big brother and it's love at first sight.

Having two children born on the same date is an amazing thing. Looking at my beautiful baby girl moments after she was born and then seeing my big two year old boy really put into perspective just how fast the time goes. Before Isla was born I thought about this "time-flying" phenomenon and made a pledge to myself to take more pictures (especially video). Unfortunately, timing was not on my side and our third (yes, third) camera in two years quit working. No second story drop, no toddler toss in the toilet, no negligence whatsoever. It just quit. We promptly took the camera to the camera ER in the mall and sadly signed away on a 6 week repair voyage for the Canon. Mind you, Jack's birthday was a week away and the baby was due a few days following. A few days before The Birthday, Adam was talking with a neighbor about our ill camera and the crappy timing and as luck would have it she had just purchased a new one. She offered us her "old" camera to use so that we had something to document this eventful time. I am so happy we had a camera, but I can see why she needed to buy a new one ;)

Kitchen: Before & After

Granite: Kashmir White
Faucet: Moen Anabelle
Cabinet Paint: Valspar White
Wall Paint: Sherwin Williams Tradewind

Isla Evelyn

March 27, 2009
8:41 am
7 lbs, 7 oz
20 1/4 inches

healthy. happy. beautiful.

New Threads

Last week we celebrated the near completion (and survival) of the first year of dental school...aka "The White Coat Ceremony". We think Adam (er, Dr. Stephens) looks pretty handsome in his new coat!

Potty Time

The idea of two in diapers (in just a few short weeks-YIKES) terrifies me! Will I have time for anything else?! Adam and I decided that though we hate the idea of double diaper duty, trying hard to get Jack trained in time for baby would be a mistake. We think that any progress made would be reverted once baby came home. We did however purchase the potties (one for each floor-yet another reason never to buy a 2-story home with kids)so that Jack could get used to the idea of them. To our delight and surprise, Jack started using them on his own. He by no means is consistent, but he has made progress. He especially likes "potty parties" (pottying with Daddy). Keep your fingers crossed that by Summer we will have added underoos to the laundry!

Cutie Patootie

Just so cute I had to share!

Puppy Love

Four years ago today I brought this guy home...and our lives have never been the same. I thought I was pretty slick when I "conned" Adam into getting him. I used the "we won't need to have a baby for a couple years" argument. It worked. But the con was on me. We had Jack a few years later, and I quickly realized that having a baby was a MILLION times easier than having a dog. At least our dog. Now that the movie Marley and Me is out, you can get a glimpse of what our day to day life is like with "Crazy Carl". He is exactly like that dog. But for all the times I've screamed, "I'm going to kill you DOG," I've whispered twice as many, "I love you dogger." And I really do. I could not imagine life without him. It has been a crazy four years for our family- career changes,a baby (and one on the way), a cross-country move, and Carl has been there through it all. A late night study partner for Adam, a comforting friend for a tired mom, a daily playdate for Jack and co-pilot on the road. That dog truly is man's/mom's/boy's best friend.

Snow Day

We woke this morning to SNOW! Snow is not typical here (I'm not sure I would have agreed to the move if it was). But how is it, that the Winters I have spent on the East Coast have been unusually cold?! Back in 2003 when we lived in Virginia, the area saw the lowest temps and largest snow storms it had in a decade! Chapel Hill sees very little snow, but unlike Virginia-the town stops to enjoy the winter weather surprise. Schools close (not Adam's school-of course), and many business delay opening until later in the day. Luckily I am not expected to be anywhere (got to love working from home) and can enjoy the white stuff from the comforts of my living room window with a cup of hot cocoa. This was, of course Jack's first snowy experience so I bit the bullet, bundled up and took him out to play. This morning was more of a lesson in learning to walk in it - later today, snowballs and snowmen!

Big Boy Room

FINALLY! We got the whole house painted! FINALLY! Pictures are going up on the walls! FINALLY! The place is starting to feel like home! The only completed room is Jack's, and boy is he proud of it! My favorite part is the white case that houses all the kid crap you obliviously accumulate the minute you have a child. Of all that you see on the shelf, the shelf itself is the only thing I can honestly say I bought (oh, and the lamp too). The lamp. What a god-send. Jack is fascinated with turning it on and off, and in the mornings that he wakes especially early, he takes it upon himself to hop out of bed, turn the light on and play for a bit. This simple accomplishment has allowed up to 45 minutes extra sleep time on more than one occasion. Bless the lamp!

Ba Humbug

Jack is not a morning person-not even on Christmas. Even the great 49er football from Santa was slow to lift his spirits. It took a little while, but eventually Jack got on the Christmas train and had a good time. Not to our surprise, most everyone ignored our "no gift" request (don't you people watch TV, airlines charge an arm and a leg for extra baggage)and Jack was flooded with tractors, balls, clothes and a few great books. He is at such a fun age. He understands Santa (and loves to say "ho, ho, ho") and was even into 'twas the Night Before Christmas and leaving cookies and milk out. This Christmas was 10 times more exciting than last year- I can't wait to see what next year has in store with two little bugs running around!

I'll be home for Christmas

We had such a great time in California for Christmas! We kicked off our holiday trip with the Williams Light Parade. Jack was so excited to see his cousin Lynda. The two held hands throughout the entire parade...it was the cutest thing ever!

What up, Crush?

While visiting friends and family in Virginia over the Thanksgiving holiday we took Jack to the National Aquarium in Washington DC. He especially loved the turtles. Thanks Jaime and Brooks for the wonderful idea! It was so great to see you two!

Happy Holidays

We are off to Virginia for Thanksgiving and in a few weeks California for Christmas!

Saturday's Game: Wolfpack or Tarheels?

Though we've only been in NC a few months, we've been here long enough to know about the rivalry between State (NC State in Raleigh)and Carolina. Many of Adam's classmates are either State or UNC undergrad alums and group dinner gatherings often turn into "my team is better than your team" debates. The degree of the rivalry is best described by this local boy...

Bun in the oven

Everything looks great and we are still on schedule for a 03/31/2009 debut! It looks like Jack isn't the only Tar Heel!

Halloween

After much bribing (before we even hit the pavement for yet more candy) we got Jack into his costume. He was terrified of having it on his body! How do you explain to a one year old that you spent hours (not really) hand stitching and dying fabric to make him the sweetest little chicken? You can't; and therefore licorice will do the trick...or treat. I think terrifying a young boy was worth it. Doesn't he look adorable?