projects

Having about a month off of work from the middle of December to the middle of January gave me some time to think about (and start to execute :)) some of the little projects I want to get done before baby #2.

Top of the list was repainting our bedroom.  For some reason we picked a carmel brown when we first moved in.  No offense to brown, but it is just not pleasing for my eyes to look at everyday.  The color darkened the room and I was ready for something fresh.
The new color of choice:  gray.  Of course.  How does one get away from painting every room in their house some shade of gray/blue?  Only the bathrooms in our house have escaped that color palette.  But I like it, so I'm good with my gray house.

Here is a before pic of our bedroom:

blah, brown

And the much improved newly painted walls:

love, love, love it!

We did stripes on just the wall behind our bed and the rest of the room is the color of the gray stripe.  I didn't go about making the stripes the most practical way... but then Chad intervened and got me on the right track.  It still took about two hours to draw the lines (Chad got the whole room painted gray in the time it took me to do the stripes :)).  At the end Chad thought of using chalk lines.. oops.  We'll have to remember that for next time.


Another little project I wanted to do is make a alphabet book out of pics of Beck (an idea I saw on pinterest).  I got a coupon from Shutterfly and decided to go for it.  I hadn't thought about it for long and didn't have great pics planned out, so some of the letters were a little tricky to match up with words.  But it was really fun to make!  I was pretty proud of my creation until Chad pointed out yesterday that I forgot "J"!  Really?  How did I forget a letter of the alphabet?!  I went over the pages and letters many, many times.  Hum... I don't think I have a picture that works for "J" anyway. :)
Beck likes looking at the pics of himself and his family/friends, all while reinforcing his alphabet... a couple positives about the book.  I also thought it would be a fun gift, if you had enough pics of the right people to use.

Here's a couple sample pages:

30 week bump and baby carriers

I need some advice in the world of baby carriers.  After I had Beckham, I borrowed a couple from friends/family, but I only used the Bjorn a couple times and all the carriers have all been returned.  It must have been a combination of Beckham being content in his boppy, or I could always push him in a stroller that I didn't feel the need to put him in a baby carrier very often.  I know I used the Bjorn once when I went on a hike with a friend, and it honestly wasn't that comfy - kinda hurt my back.

I think that's the other reason I didn't use a carrier if it could be avoided - my low back is my weak spot and I always figured I would end up with a sore back.  I definitely was not a mom that carried her baby around the house in a baby carrier...

So, now that baby #2 is coming along, I'm trying to decide whether to purchase a nice baby carrier... but have several questions on which I need some input:

1.)  Am I more likely to use a baby carrier with kid #2, since I only have one set of hands and 2 kids?  

One in a stroller, one in a carrier?  Or is Beck going to just want to walk as he gets older and the baby can have the stroller?  

2.)  Forget the carrier and just use a stroller that they can both ride/stand in?

3.)  What is a good brand of carrier that doesn't hurt your back?  I've read about Ergo's some, but really haven't researched any brands too much.

4.)  Is it worth buying, or just try to hunt down another used one? (probably depends on the brand I would want?)

Any input would be great!

And since we're on the topic of babies, I figured why not post one pregnancy picture before the baby comes... just so that I don't feel quite so lazy about never taking any pics. :)  So here's my lovely 30 week shot of boy #2 (oh yes, it is a boy... I meant to take a cute pic of Beck holding some sign saying it's a boy but never did :)).

30 weeks

just because

.. just because he's cute and can get away with wearing sun glasses in the grocery store if he wants.  I think he already understands that he will attraction more attention from the female race the cuter he looks.  :)

the funny things they say...

Having a little 2 year old around can lead to some frustrating moments, but mostly we find that Beck brings us smiles and joy.  I wish that I could remember and capture all the funny and smart things that he says, but of course I won't since I haven't written them all down.  With the new year, I'm going to try to start recording more of the little conversations we have and things he says during the day... so here's one from today:

After a not-so-great experience with Beck at the mall, we were on the way back to the car and I asked him if he should have a punishment for not being obedient in the store.  "Yea!" He piped up eagerly.  Hmm... not the response I would've thought, although he does on occasion say that he needs a time-out.  While waiting for the elevator I tried to explain to him what a punishment is and that it isn't a fun thing. Not catching on, he began to cry and started asking over and over for a punishment.  This continued for a little while after we were in the car, but he finally calmed down after he had his blanket.  It was a rather interesting and confusing experience trying to convince him (in what felt like a scolding tone!) he didn't need to be crying and upset about wanting a punishment!  Still not sure what he thinks a punishment is... I assure you that he has experienced them first-hand on multiple occasions. :)

... In other news, we moved Beck to what used to be the guest room (in preparation for the baby) and he is now sleeping in a "big boy bed."  The first day/night didn't go great and he ended up in his crib for his nap and night time, but the next day he was fine - just had to remind him a couple times not to get out of bed.  Of course we had to play it up and gave him an enthusiastic "good job!" each time he woke up after sleeping in his big bed.  Now the first thing he says Every time he wakes up is "good job!"  I think he's ok with congratulating himself. :)

snow everywhere!

Indy got hit with piles of snow throughout the last week, leaving us with what Beckham calls "snow Everywhere!"  With all the snow, it was only fitting to let Beck play in it and experience it for the first time.  I played the pregnancy card (can't be falling on the ground and rolling around in snow, right?!) and bundled up just enough to take pictures and videos.  It's pretty funny to see such a little guy waddle around in the snow and try to get up after falling down. ;)

Needless to say, Beck loves the snow and would play in it as much as we let him... or should I say, as much as Chad is willing to to play in it with him. :)