DIYer in training

The mimicking has really picked up lately, especially with mommy and daddy working so much on the remodel. Such a big helper!

She often drags two or three tools to a certain section of wall, then picks one and goes to town. Here it was a brush, scraper, and cleaned out weed sprayer filled with water that we've used to soak and remove the wallpaper. It also looks like one of her dolls was trying to make an appearance, but didn't quite make it.

Oh, and dancing with the paint brushes was her addition. I'm pretty sure she hasn't picked that up from us. :)

Upstairs remodel!

First, we decided that with another punkin on the way, we should probably change the name of this blog so that it's not Addy specific.

Second, if it's a general, family blog, why not use it to document and share our crazy DIY projects too, right?! We thought it would be nice to have a short and sweet history of the projects we have worked on in our new home. We neglected to take sufficient before and after pics in the old house, and we regretted it. Not this time!

N tackled the landscaping when we first moved in, but before we get to that, I thought I'd share more recent updates: the beginnings of the upstairs remodel. We launched into it right after Thanksgiving, and the to-do list quickly lengthened. We plan to replace everything for the three bedrooms, two baths, and hallway: all trim, paint, flooring, light fixtures, window coverings, light switches, etc. That also includes scraping off all the popcorn from the ceilings and hiring a contracting to spray a new, flat, more modern texture.

First step: prepping all of the rooms. We removed all of the baseboards, window trim, door trim, doors, light switch and outlet covers, light fixtures (including fans), and closet shelves and rods. We had originally planned to paint all of the existing trim, but upon closer inspection it was narrow, faded, and pretty beat up. New trim it is! Oh, and prepping also included emptying the rooms of all of their contents. Don't go near our attic closet - it's packed floor to ceiling with furniture. And I'm pretty sure there are a few mattresses in the basement, and an extra bookshelf or two in the office. We are an unorganized mess.

 Anyway, we removed all of the trim. There was a TON.

While Daddy worked on the trim, Addy and I started tackling all of the wallpaper. Both baths, the hallway, and two of the three bedrooms all had paper. Yippee. Not.

We started with the hallway. Somebunny got really into it - she would stop, point to the wall, and demand "Off!" anytime we walked by. That's Addyspeak for: "Start a piece of paper for me so I can pull it off! And make it snappy!"

 The rooms were left looking rather empty. No trim, fixtures, or covers.

 Prepping also meant removing the giant cover to our attic fan. Creeeeepy.

Popcorn ceilings are next...more to come...

Coffee date

Because what other way is there to celebrate a rainy Thursday than with a chocolate milk date with mama?

Naked goofball dining

Because what fun is it if you can't be silly while you're eating a meal?!

Saturday chillaxin

Lounging in the yard in your sweatpants, munching on a graham cracker. Cause that's what you do on a beautiful Saturday morning!

15 months old!

Monkey swaddle

Daddy resurrected the swaddle earlier tonight, including a crazy above-the-head addition. Despite the bottle distraction, Addy thought it was funny and busted outta there in two seconds flat. :)

Picnicking in the park

It's been a busy morning, and it will be a busy afternoon and a busy Saturday...so we're taking a moment to enjoy the park amongst it all. Happy Friday!

Chillaxin

What do you do when you wake up a bit too early from your nap? You prop up a pillow, throw on some cartoons, and chillax. (Pants optional.)

Sandy girl

Sand. She likes it.

Our closest park is a little less than a mile away, and we stroll there at least a couple times a week. Yesterday she seemed to "notice" the sand for the first time. We are heading to Cabo, Mexico next month...I think she's ready for the beach.

(Except we need to work a little on the "you can't eat sand" thing. Five seconds after I took these photos she shoved her hand in her mouth. I gave her a big drink of water but she was grinding her teeth around for a good hour. :) )

My best gal

The squint

She squints just like her mama - using her entire face. Hers is a little cuter than mine, though. :)

Happy Friday!

Porchin

An overcast but warm afternoon. Taking the opportunity to relax on the porch for a few minutes before the exciting weekend begins. :) See you soon, everyone!