Sunday, March 21, 2010

two posts in one day!

We didn't install the gutter/rain barrel, but we did dig out the garden! It's pretty cold out, but we made the best of it.

Here's proof:


the beginning


see, I can help, too!


the finished product (needs a bit more soil)

our "Earth Machine" (for compost -- from Freecycle.org!) and rain barrel are in the background. The seedlings still need time to grow, and next weekend we'll be out of town... so maybe we'll be able to plant a bit after we get back.

Spring is here!!

Although it doesn't feel like it! Last week's weather was blown away by a cold front that came in yesterday... so all of our big plans to work on our garden and water barrel may be put on hold. I don't want to be out there in the 40 degree weather, so I can't blame Scott if he doesn't either :)

We went to Lowe's yesterday for some preparation for our newest projects. Here's the evidence:

four bags of garden soil, two plants for our pots, and our previously purchased rain barrel, garden in a box (above ground frame for garden), vinyl gutter and downspout (for rain barrel), gutter parts (who knew there were so many!!)

So, what is a rain barrel? Simply put, it's a trash can with a metal grate on the top and a spot near the bottom. When it's attached to a gutter downspout, it fills with rain water to save for watering plants. You can find more info here: EPA website

Besides saving money on our water bill over time, our rain barrel will allow us to reuse the water that's already coming down into our yard on our potted plants and in our beds. The initial cost was about $100 for the barrel and gutter parts, but for a home with gutters, that cost would be cut in half. We bought our barrel at the annual sale in Baton Rouge for $50.

Remember last year's Oklahoma Redbud tree? It's finally blooming! There are still buds to open, but here's a photo of the tree from today:



Our tree isn't the only thing growing... my belly is! Here are yesterday's photos at 21 weeks pregnant:


and a few diaper cakes I've made for baby showers I've been to recently:


Next weekend we'll be in Miami! Since it doesn't look like many of our projects will be finished today, I'll have to update with the finished product at another time.

Monday, March 15, 2010

20 week belly shot


getting bigger by the day!!

Sunday, March 14, 2010

So, I hired a painter!

When we first moved into our home, we painted one of the rooms (the smallest room, too!) It became Scott's office. We chose a curry yellow, and while we both like the color, it's really loud. Neither of us had a lot of experience painting, so we just got what we thought we needed and went for it. After it dried we decided we weren't too happy with the outcome -- and since the color of the room was so drastically different than the previous color, we had to use 2 coats of primer and three coats of paint for the smallest room in the house. With the cost of the drop cloths, the brushes and rollers and other tools, the job cost us over $200. Not cheap, especially considering we could have gotten someone to do it for us for that job (and we'd be happy with it!)

There are other rooms we have been needing to paint, but I told Scott I wanted to make sure we were happy with the results if we were going to spend the money. If that meant hiring a painter, that's what we'd do -- but I didn't want us to drop a ton of cash and be unhappy, then end up hiring someone anyway. So we made a deal -- he would paint the hallway, and if he did a good job, he would paint the other rooms. If we weren't happy with it, we'd hire someone and just pay to have it done.

With the baby on the way, I've been feeling a lot of pressure to get these things done. Part of me knows it will be harder to do once the baby comes, but a bigger part of me believes that if we wait, it will never be completed! With 20 weeks left in the pregnancy, we decided to get moving.

This week we went to Lowe's and chose a color for the hallway (a bit lighter than the previous color). Scott did a little research and found that we had the wrong rollers, so we went ahead and got the correct ones. Aside from rollers, paint, and tape, we really didn't need anything. Scott spent his time today taping off, edging, and rolling the paint. Now that it's complete I've decided...

I've hired a painter! Fortunately for us, he's cheap -- Scott did such a great job, he's been hired to do the other jobs :)

Scott found that the turtle tape was significantly better than the regular blue stuff. By using the correct tools (and likely by not allowing me to participate!), the job was completed at a professional level, but at a small cost! It only took one coat of paint, no primer (since the colors were so similar) and really didn't cost much.

Check out the man in action:


and the end result:


(color variations caused by lighting in the room)

Very pleased! Can't wait to start the nursery :)

Saturday, March 13, 2010

the ultrasound photos

They're not great scans, but here are the photos!








My back has been killing me today -- not sure if it's regular baby pains or if it's from walking the 4 mile lake and then cutting the grass yesterday. I'm thinking the former was the culprit and the latter aggravated the problem. It's tough because I'm finally feeling up for doing things, but my body doesn't want to keep up!

At my last doctor's visit, I'd gained a total of 7lbs. The doctor wants me to gain a pound a week, putting me around a total weight gain of 28lbs. I realize this may be somewhat out of my control, but I'm still trying to be healthy. Occasionally I crave McDonalds french fries... but I've only indulged twice! Maybe tonight will be #3...:)

A few weeks ago my sister found out she's pregnant! She's due late October and it's so exciting. I've been holding onto the news for a while, but it looks like she's sharing the news now -- so I don't have to keep it secret anymore!

We finally decided against the combined guest room/nursery. Baby Tyler will get his own room -- a luxury I didn't have for many years! Hopefully he'll appreciate it :) There really wasn't enough room for everything we (or, I, actually!) wanted in the nursery and a bed. Now we (or, Scott, actually!) need to get the room painted and then I'll see about ordering the rest of the furniture.

Oh, and I started a registry online! I haven't actually been to the stores to add things, but in case any of you enjoy browsing registries (I know I do!) you can check Babies'R'Us and Target online. There are still a few duplicates, like the jogging stroller... not sure which one we want yet. Also not sure if my extremely tall husband will be able to use either one! We shall see.

Monday, March 8, 2010

it's a boy!

More later...!