Some people renovate their own kitchen...

We, apparently, just renovate our little ones' kitchen.  Three Christmases ago, we got Anni a little play kitchen.  We kept it small, because we were living in an apartment, on a budget, and figured her imagination could make up for what it lacked in size.  Throw in some ikea pots and pans and we were set.

For most of the time we lived in the apartment, it lived in a variety of angles in a corner by our kitchen/eating area (I'm still completely unsure as to why apartments feel the needs to put carpet in the dining area, but that's neither here nor there).  At some point (a point I, of course, have no photos of) I bought a stack of ikea spice racks and we managed to get one hung before we moved. 
 

When we moved to the house, it took a few months, but we finally got that one lonely shelf back up.

 
It was good, but it definitely wasn't quite enough.  We had added play food, dishes, and some empty spice bottles since the original purchase of the kitchen, and I got really tired of finding places to stuff everything.  I had had other simple organization plans for awhile, but it took a day of Daniel's parents coming down to help us with other, more important, things (mainly a leaky kitchen pipe) to get our rears in gear and get it done.
   

Ta-da!  It's one of those things that the girls really don't care about either way, but this mama is very happy that there is a place for everything.

We added a second shelf, and, on the first shelf, we added a row of hooks for the tea cups and hot pads.  Then, we (I say we, but Daniel and his dad actually did the work... I just directed) added several "s" hooks the the little bar over the sink so that the pots and pans had a home of their own.  Maybe I should start thinking about some upgrades to my own kitchen now...

Seven Quick Takes: Volume X

--- 1 ---

Our (very competent) electrician was  here for six hours... he texted a photo of the wiring in my office to his boss just out of pure disbelief. I heard the words "I've never seen *that* before" several times today (knowing he has worked at this job for over 10 years).  Poor guy was visibly frustrated (not at us, just what previous owners had done quite badly to our wiring) and exhausted by the time he left.  I'm very grateful he figured all the craziness out, but more than a little nervous to see the bill.

--- 2 ---

  
I started watching Downton Abbey couple weeks ago.  Let's just say I've seen the first three seasons, now.  I'm a believer!

--- 3 ---

I've been working on these little St. Colette's for a wooden saint doll exchange I have coming up.  I was in a little bit of a panic earlier this week as many of other ladies were near done and I had barely begun.  I took some guidance and inspiration from a very helpful friend's blog.  My sticking point came in that there aren't many examples out there of the Saint I'm painting, only a very beautiful, elaborate one that I'm trying to simplify a bit down to my meager skills (art degree or no, I've never been much of a painter).  Another friend in the exchange (who is amazing and completing three whole sets by herself!) sat down and helped me get a head start.  I am oh, so, grateful!  I feel like I might actually pull something lovely off! 
 

--- 4 ---

I came out with my brand-spankin' new business website on Monday.  Every time I open the new page, it feels like a crisp breeze through the window... so lovely to have something fresh and new!  If you'd like to pay it a little visit, you can head here: voborilphotography.com

--- 5 ---

We had a lovely trip to the zoo this week.  It's so much nicer in the fall when we're much more likely to feel a little chilly rather than roasting in the hot, hot, hot sun!  Colette's happy place was sitting (for longer than I've ever seen her sit!) on the picnic blanket with a slice of apple to chow down on. 

These three were adorable!  Holding hands, pointing out the animals and just being generally darling.  There were no meltdowns until the very, very end... which is pretty wonderful for three toddlers and a baby!

--- 6 ---

This little one, oh, dear, she just melts my heart.  I watched her wake up from a very cozy nap the other day, so sweet!

--- 7 ---

And then there's this one.  Her preferred place right now is absolutely, exactly where I am (as in, sitting on me) and she's given up on naps.  Oh, my, three-year-olds.  I love mine!

For more Quick Takes, visit Conversion Diary!

Seven Quick Takes Friday: Volume VI

-One-

Hiked at Red Rocks last Friday.  It claims that the trial is only 1.4 miles long, but with Colette strapped to me (happily sleeping very peacefully despite forgetting the pacifier), very little wind and, apparently, being incredibly out of shape, it felt like at least five miles.  You wouldn't know that I once walked across the country by how relieved I was to have made it through that little hike!  Still, it was a blast, and Anni yelled as we neared the end (and ice cream and water!) "I did it all myself!"  Never mind that her Aunt Tinie and Grandma did have to take a few turns carrying her near the end... she really was a little trooper.

-Two-

After several weeks of sad, limp ponytails as I tried to figure out what to do with my postpartumly suuuuper thin hair (I have pretty thin hair anyway, so it's just bad right now), I finally dashed out one night and got it cut.  I haven't decided how I feel about it yet (apparently I need to invest in a blow dryer, especially if I want to come close to what it looked like after they cut it... one step at a time, people!)

Bad cellphone photo, sorry!

-Three-

After having family here for so long... I miss them!  While I'm not super excited about the 8-10 hour drive with road-trip hatin' Colette in a few months, I can't wait to see our whole family together again!

-Four-

Anni is loving the views in our house.  She can actually watch for Daddy to come home through the big window (yes, she sits perched either on the top of the couch or in the window) and wait, giggling hysterically, at the door. 

-Five-

I am very tired.  Poor Anni spent way too long watching Daniel Tiger yesterday afternoon (evidenced by the repeated use of the phrase "meow meow" in conversation last night) while I passed out on the bed as baby napped.  Today is going to be all about sucking it up for the good of the family.  Now if I could only get my body to understand that determination. 

-Six-

You can tell Aunt Tinie has been here, because Anni keeps asking for ice "to eat".  Then she licks it and looks really confused as to how in the world Aunt Tinie bites it.  

-Seven-

Happy Friday!  I think I'm going to go indulge in Anni's recent favorite activity when the house is quiet: lying on the couch and reading the cooking magazines Aunt Tinie left... the best!

Find more Seven Quick takes at Conversion Diary.

Family photos in the new house

Photos!  The lovely Jenny Hanlon of Jenny Hanlon Photography took some pictures of us in our new house the morning after we got keys.  Enjoy! 

Pregnancy Questionnaire

I decided I'd round out my due date week with one last silly little pregnancy questionnaire.  Really, I'm just too lazy to form enough thoughts of my own for a well put together blog post.

How far along: 40 weeks, 4 days

Total Weight Gain/Loss: It has ended up being around 30 pounds - a number I'm totally okay with :).  It's stayed pretty steady the last couple of weeks, though, and I'm just glad that my little gal has gotten relatively good nutrition this pregnancy (although my occasional obsession with pizza in the last trimester may beg to differ...)

Maternity clothes: Honestly, I only wear my maternity pants when I go out now, because the elastic bands tend to slip down now that my belly is, well, huge :).  I'm loving my comfy sweat/yoga/pj pants and my hubby's big t-shirts.  As you can see by the photo (which I'm a little embarrassed by, but also love at the same time), I don't even own a coat that fits me (maternity sweater, yes, which I wear whenever I won't be out too long).

Stretch marks: Oh, yes!  I had several already from my first pregnancy, but the last few weeks I've added some new ones... lots of itchiness, but I know they'll fade somewhat and be much less itchy once this little one comes along :).

Sleep: I've really hit the "it's really hard to sleep" stage in the last couple of weeks.  Between having to go to the bathroom often and needing to switch sides as each one starts to get sore after an hour or so (rolling over is a big production now), I'm definitely feeling a little sleep deprived.

Best moment last week: hmmm... I think just anticipating.  It's been a bit of an emotional roller coaster as our doctor mentioned that he would like to induce when I reach 42 weeks (or before, but, despite my timidity with doctors, I was able to get across that I would really like to give her as much of a chance as possible to come all on her own).  We also thought we had found a house on my due date (the sellers apparently really wanted us to have it for a variety of reasons), but then lost it in the same day when another bidder offered far and above the asking price (to the excess that we definitely couldn't compete).  I have loved Anni loving on her baby sister.  Today, I was putting some things away in her room while she worked on her breakfast and she called out, "Mommy!  Can I say 'I love you, big sister?"  (She mixes up who is the "big" sister and who is the "little" sister.)  I came out and she gave big kisses and hugs to my belly... I just love it!

Movement: Oh, so much!  This little girl is a squirmer.  I can tell she's a little restricted on space, but she makes the most of it.

Food cravings: Fresh fruit and pizza-like things :). 

Gender: Sweet, sweet, baby girl!

Labor signs: Lots and lots of pre-labor, even a night of consistent contractions where we thought "this is it", but hasn't advanced enough to head to the hospital. 

Belly button - in or out? It's sooooo close to being out, we'll see if it makes it out before this little one does!

What I miss: Mobility, sleep, and my patience :).

What I am looking forward to: Holding this sweet girl and officially giving her a name!

Milestones: It's time!

I wasn't planning on joining Daniel and Anni in the snow yesterday... but then decided I better just do it while I could!  So, here I am in sweats and a winter coat that doesn't fit, coming in from the snow with my chilled little girls!