Kitchen remodel Part 2

Wow, what a long, hard working weekend it was. First, we finished priming the kitchen last week before the in-laws arrived.

Before any real work could start, Patrick needed to try out his wagon(refinished after years of use by Ryan).

On Friday, Paul worked to get a few coats of paint on the cupboards while Linda worked on priming the doors.

The cupboards needed a little work, so Paul and Ryan worked on that a bit Saturday morning.

Finally the new countertops are on! (well not secured, but on anyway!) Paul and Ryan worked on the hole for the sink and showed off their better sides.

Sink is in, along with our new refridgerator. Once again, Ryan shows off his backside, I think there is a trend here.

Patrick wanted to help out too. Here he is showing off his painting skills.

And although still not finished, we have something that looks like a kitchen!


Next up: install the dishwasher, secure the countertops, finish painting the trim and doors, install the hardware and then I think we will be done!

I ♥ faces No Flash Entry

Here is my entry for this week at I ♥ faces

I have a dirty little secret to admit, I suck at natural light since moving to a DSLR. I just can't seem to find the right combination that will give my photos the pop I want without a flash. So for this week's contest I dug deep into my archives to find some favorites from the point and shoot days of my early photography.

This weeks Kid's entry is my niece, Madison. I loved this photo when it was taken and with a couple extra new technology tweaks, I love it even more!


My sister will kill me for this next one, my adult entry, but I love it. It is one of the real pictures I have of her with a "real" smile. She is notorious for doing "fake" smiles when the camera is on her. This one is especially great, because she always lights up when her daughter is close.

Kitchen remodel Part 1

So we have begun our kitchen remodel. Which is certainly an interesting process with a baby! So here is a before look at the kitchen:(ignore the cute butt!)

We started by cleaning out the cupboards so that everything didn't end up with a layer of sawdust.
Patrick helped to pack up the booze. He had to change his pants for the job, so hence the shirt with the monster PJ bottoms!

Taking a break with daddy.


So first step was cleaning out the cupboards, second was taking off the cupboard doors and hardware, next was sanding, then priming and painting.

Here is Patrick helping with the sanding.

Who knew a spatula could provide so much entertainment!

The out-laws arrive this evening to help. They'll help this weekend to finish painting, installing hardware, new countertops, new sink/faucet and new dishwasher/refridgerator. You'll notice the new range already installed above. whew.. this may be the end of a perfectly good relationship between Ryan and I. Wish us luck!

First Steps!

I wanted to get this up today despite being home sick. Although because I was home, Ryan and I both got to witness this amazing milestone. Patrick took his first steps from me to Ryan today. It was so cool to witness as he was so proud of himself and smiling from ear to ear. He has been so hesitant to let go of our hands when he is standing. Today I let go of him and instead of sitting right away like he usually does, he just stood there for a second or two, looked at Ryan and the walked to him. Then he repeated this a few more times between us. So fun!

Sorry, no video as our camera is still in sunny FL!

Nice weather

We finally have nice weather! Patrick and decided to make our first trip to the park this year to enjoy it. He had a good time crawling around and thought the slide was really fun. He also enjoyed the swing.

You can also see evidence of his new tooth up top!(did I mention his eye tooth is also coming in?? ugg, what a week!)

Happy St. Patricks Day!

Happy Patrick's Day!

Happy Birthday Shay!

Shay turned 1 yesterday. Sorry, I'm a day late. Here is a little walk down memory lane for this special little girl in our lives.

Holy Cow!
You are sure a lot like your mommy~ you are on your own schedule and do as you please already! Coming 2 days earlier than expected and surprising everyone. I'm so glad that you are here safe and sound already. I am really looking forward to meeting you as well. (it'll be at least another month yet maybe) Mommy is really excited that I already have 2 friends born only 2 days a part and only 4 oz different! Be nice to your mom as she recovers and enjoy your first moments in this world with your mom and dad!
love lots,
baby bliss

Shay and Patrick on their first of many walks together.

Shay and Patrick enjoying a playdate

Getting ready for lots of babies in a picture

And enjoying a snack most recently.