I didn't want a big house

I really didn't. But somewhere along the design process, it got big. And I didn't really realize it because on paper (and even on the 3D model) it still looked sort of quaint. Our architect referred to it as "the cottage". Well, now it is almost completely framed. And it doesn't feel quaint at all. It feels enormous. And I am trying not to be horrified. Because after all, I didn't want a big house. But here it is. And it's ours. So, I'll continue to remember all the things that I love about it and pray that God uses it for His glory somehow.

Here it was on Saturday, when we were able to bring my whole family out to see it! (more to come on Atticus' birthday/baptism weekend soon, I hope)



looking out over the back yard, from the third (bedroom) floor

Standing in the great room. It really did feel much more real with walls & ceilings!

And here it was today.


From the front door, looking into the great room

From the pantry, looking at the kitchen/breakfast room

From the great room, looking back at the kitchen/pantry. We have columns!

The attic!! As if we needed any more space to store stuff! But it was cool to be up there.

View of the front yard from the attic. Wow. Fear of heights, anyone?

:-)

While cleaning up tonight, Ryan made a cross out of two rectangular blocks and said, "Here, Daddy - a cross. That means you love Jesus."

:-)

Quote of the day

Ryan's quote of the day (we were playing in the play room & Kaeden was in the living room - don't worry, I was checking on Kaeden often!):

"Kaeden's playing the piano. That's a good Kaeden we've got there."

Where does he come up with this stuff?

Construction

I'm pretty sure that anybody who actually reads this blog already knows that we are in the process of building a new house. We've spent the last year designing, planning, and nit-picking what will hopefully be the house we live in for a very long time. And construction is now well under way!

I've been a bit slow about getting this on the blog, so I'll do some back-tracking. Here is the land after it had been cleared. Prior to this, we had always been bushwhacking our way through, so it was definitely an exciting change.

from the road, looking down our driveway


end of the driveway, looking to where the house & yard will be


facing the front of the "house" - car is in the "garage" :)


from the front yard, looking back on the driveway


These aren't too exciting, but for the sake of documenting, here are a couple after the foundation had been put in and you could actually see the shape of the house:

front view


garage side view

They started framing last week, and we were there mid-week to see that the first floor had been completed. Our reaction? With two more floors to go, it's going to be a tall, tall house.

view from the driveway - there's actually a house!!!


closer view from corner of the front yard

back of the house

And finally, last night, we met Mason's parents out there for a picnic. It was SO MUCH FUN. Ryan had an absolute blast exploring both the house and the land. They had finished the stairs up to the second floor, so we were able to go up & walk around up there to see what the view will be. It's incredible, but I'm pretty sure that my fear of heights is going to kick in on the third floor - could be interesting since that's where my bedroom will be!

Bojangles picnic in the garage!!


view from front of the house


view of driveway from the second floor (from the future front entryway)


Bunny & Ryan (and Sophie) exploring the creek, which happens to be VERY dry right now


view of the back of the house from the creek

Now that there are actually exciting things to see, I'll try to keep better updated on the status of the house. We are just thrilled and despite all of the stress of trying to prepare for selling our current house, continuing to pick out every little detail for this house, moving, etc., just seeing Ryan there last night makes it all worthwhile. What a blessing!

Burlington City Park

A few weeks ago, we met our friends at the Burlington City Park for a morning of fun. I had no idea this place existed, but it is awesome. There are rides that are just perfect for Ryan's age as well as a playground, picnic tables, etc. Even though it was a hot day, the rides were all covered by tents, so it was really very reasonable. Ryan talked for days afterward about the "park with the rides". Thanks Kristi, Ava & Eli for introducing us to this fun, fun place!

Ryan got to choose the first ride, so it was predictably the train!

Can you tell he was excited?

Ava's not a fan of loud noises, so she plugged her ears in anticipation of the train's whistle. Ryan is a follower by nature, so of course he had to do the same!

Next stop, boats!

and helicopters:

Kaeden was fascinated by all the flashing lights, up and down and around, etc.

Ava loves the carousel. Ryan was not so sure. He hadn't been on one since was about 18 months old when he cried the entire time (even though I was holding him). That was right before we went to Disney World and I was sure that he was going to be a mess the whole trip, but he loved all of the rides there. Very strange. Anyway, this time, he started out okay...

... but the thing did go around pretty fast and he was rather freaked (especially since I had Kaeden & couldn't hold him this time):

For someone who loves rides, rollercoasters, etc, he sure does not like carousels.

Finally, on to the cars/trucks... another favorite of Ryan's!

Kaeden was a good little trooper and enjoyed watching the rides from his stroller.

and while the others rode the carousel one more time, my boys opted for the swings:

We can't wait to go back soon & show Daddy :-)

10 months

Dear Kaeden,

10 months old and you are looking older every day to me now. Before I know it, you won't be a baby anymore :(

(you're also getting more curious every day - I guess you wanted to know who I was sitting you next to!)

You had a rather full month as a 9 month old. We went to the beach for a weekend, and up to Nana & Papa's for almost a week. You even slept through your first tropical storm up there and thanks to Nana's old-school food warming plate, you didn't even notice the lack of electricity!

Unfortunately, you also experienced your worst injury yet, falling & hitting your head on the corner of the train table - this picture doesn't even show well just how big that bump was. It was quite something.

Ryan starts preschool next week and it's going to be an interesting transition, because the two of you are nearly inseparable these days. I think you'll both be a bit lost without each other. At least you will (hopefully) nap for most of the morning while he's gone. Here are some sweet moments captured playing together:

Ryan trying to pass on his love of trains to you

the most common "game" that you two play: Ryan pulling you along on the activity table. It's a good thing you have quick feet!

Most people have rainy days. This summer, we've had HOT days. And HOT days call for measures such as setting up a tent in the middle of the living room!


Your daily routine these days goes something like this:
wake up between 6:15-6:45
nurse
play
eat breakfast (prunes & cereal, cheerios)
play
nap around 9 for 1.5 hrs
snack
play/get out of the house
lunch around noon
nap around 1:30/2 for 1.5 hrs
nurse/snack
play
dinner around 6
play
nurse
to bed between 7-7:30

It's a pretty great schedule, as far as I'm concerned. I hope that our fall activities don't mess you up too much!


These days, you LOVE

... the piano:

of course, you prefer it when I sit you on my lap so you can really reach, but sometimes you just can't wait around for Mommy to help!

... eating!!

Look at how big you can open that mouth when food is on its way. I love it. So far, you haven't turned down many foods. You are doing great with finger foods and your favorite by far is cut up fruit, especially peaches. Oh, and graham crackers. I think you would eat graham crackers all day if I let you. You also still love your prunes & barley cereal for breakfast, and lately, you don't seem to be able to get enough food. I guess it must be time for a growth spurt.

... Mommy's water bottle:

I think you're getting close to cutting your top teeth, and apparently my latest attempt at a water bottle that you boys cannot destroy is the ideal teether. Go figure.

... and of course, Mommy:

You continue to be my little snuggle bug and you are SO loved by your whole family!

Finally, some photos of my sweet 10 month old:

(I thought the teddy bear would be a cute prop. Apparently, you disagreed!)