Room remodel

We are working on remodeling one of the bedrooms. It's the one that's straight ahead at the end of the hall way. First, a before picture (though already cleared of furniture and various sundries).

Upon removing the paneling, the true colors of the room were revealed. Literally, in terms of the green, and figuratively, in terms of some of the repair work we'd be in for.
What's most revealing about this picture: there used to be an exterior window on this wall. But when the patio became enclosed to create what is now our "theater", the window was no longer needed. And the room used to have a base-board heater.
Our goal is to get everything done before the Fuller's arrive on July 14. This includes removing the popcorn ceiling and putting up new trim, after the walls are all done. Wish us luck!

Foot cruise

It's been so long since I've posted entries, I thought you'd enjoy a dose of watching Kate cruise around the kitchen.

Earlier in the evening, her hair had gotten wet, so it was particularly curly in the back. I tried chasing her around to get a good shot of that - and below are the results.

Bath in the Sink

Kate's been battling a nasty diaper rash, so among other things we decided to try a baking-soda bath. We hae a nice big sink - which we just might do other baths in! She especially liked picking up the sponge and watching the water drain off.

Bath in the Sink

New Chandelier

Three years ago, when we moved into our house, one of the 'first things' I wanted to do was to replace this chandelier. I just plain didn't like it. While it actually looks okay in this picture, it's not my style. And looks worse in person. FINALLY - we updated the light fixture this week. I'm so happy.

Wipeout on ABC

I don't know how to actually get the video onto the blog, but if you haven't seen the show Wipeout on ABC, you must click on the link below to get a taste of it. Be sure to watch the whole thing.

It's so funny, in an absolutely mindless way. Doug's and my favorite: the big red balls.


Check local listings.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FOYkhF52dUo

Water Toy

Auntie Jennie got Kate this fun water table for her birthday. She alternated between seriously curious to splashy fun. Here's a little glimpse.

In the mail

(editor's note: I'm at work early posting this entry. All the pictures are at home. I swear I'll get some cute Kate pictures up within 24 hours. . .)

Yesterday we mailed off our "Adoption Questionaire" to Catholic Community Services. It was a one page form (mostly name & contact info) to start the adoption process that we have long been looking at.

Even before Kate was born, we were looking at what is known as the foster-to-adopt program. It's for children who are in the state foster system, but are eligible for adoption because their birth parents have had their rights terminated. We both feel called to giving a home to a child who needs one, and are looking forward to expanding our family this way!

I'm also thinking that it will be very intertesting to blog about this experience and process. To keep you updated and to keep a record of the journey.

12 month stats

Kate's doctor appointment went well today. Happy, healthy, and going strong.

21 pounds (about 50th percentile)
29.75 inches (about 75th percentile)

4 shorts. Sobbing crying for 2 minutes. Semi-cranky baby the rest of the afternoon.

I think between the current round of teething and the shots, sleep will be rough tonight.

Birthday Events

Okay. Pictures are not exactly in order, but Bogger is being tempremental about moving pictures around today.

Yesterday we had a little BBQ get-together. And we all got to watch a cute little girl eat cake. A chocolate frosted cupcake, that is. Made by her mommy, who succumbed to sibling-peer pressure around baked goods and childrens' birthdays. It sure was tasty! Okay, I'll eat a little . . . especially the frosting!

Sure like the feel of it between my fingers.

Awwww. I'm so cute!

So many presents, so little time.

Kate was a little bit interested in opening presents. But not too much.

A smile and a laugh for the birthday bear.

I love my new swing. Monica helped me figure out how fun it is!

Watch my happy feet go wild at the end of the video.

12-month self-portrait

Happy Birthday, Kate!