Lyndsey's Visit

Lyndsey arrived on Friday morning...first stop: Burgerville! Yum, yum! A Washington native always needs a cheeseburger from that place upon arrival since you can't find one in California.
After lunch we went shopping...check out our new clothes!

Later that evening we met some friends for a few drinks...

We were lucky enough to spend some time with, not just one, but two of the Balholms!

Then Lyndsey started taking pictures...

Here's one on the way to Bonneville Spa where we enjoyed pedicures, and a soothing bath & wrap (there's nothing like a little pampering)...

Here's one of the beautiful Washougal river...

Here's one of my sweet baby boy...


and here's one of the beautiful tree in our front yard.

On Sunday evening Lyndsey cooked a delicious gourmet meal for us...the cooking gene must run in the family!

It was a menu of Caprice salad and apricot marinated pork chops topped with onion, mushroom, leeks, and cranberries...absolutely scrumptious!

We also had a late night visit with Katie who made our bellies ache with laughter!

Bye-bye Auntie Lynney...we miss you already! Come visit us again soon!

Kitchen Renovation

Before

In the middle

After
Over the past five days Jeff and I have been working on our do-it-yourself kitchen renovation. Our home was built in 1972 and the kitchen cabinets, range hood, and light over the sink had not been updated since that era. With tax return money in hand, Jeff and I decided to cut costs and "go green" by painting our kitchen cabinets instead of buying new ones. It was a tedious process of sanding, priming, and painting each cabinet, drawer, and all of the bases. We are so pleased with the results! The kitchen feels more open and airy now. We still have a few things to finish...but it's a huge improvement from our old, dark '70s style kitchen!

Photo Tag

I was tagged by my friend Natalie to post the sixth photo in my sixth photo folder...so here it is! I love this picture of my brother, Brett, holding Nicholas last August. Brett lives in Orlando, Florida so he doesn't get to see Nicholas very often and this was their first time meeting one another. Brett is also Nicholas' godfather so he holds a special place in our hearts.

Love you little bro!

Happy Birthday Lyndsey

Happy 29th birthday bestie!

I love you so very much and I hope you have a wonderful day! I can't wait to see you...I have a fun birthday surprise planned for you that's all about relaxation and rejuvenation and a little bit of luxury.

Enjoy the day that's all about you!

Cute!

I just had to post this adorable picture I found on google today to welcome spring. Nicholas loves The Very Hungry Caterpillar book by Eric Carle. In fact, you can see him reading it before bed in his 9 month photo (below right). So cute!

Nicholas Turns 10 Months

Today Nicholas is 10 months old...only 2 months away from his first birthday! It seems so incredible that our baby boy is growing up so quickly! I am amazed every morning when I get him dressed and realize that the outfit that fit him yesterday just won't quite fit him anymore.

Also, today is the first day of spring...yay! I am hoping this drippy Pacific Northwest weather will clear up soon and that the sunshine will come out and warm us with its rays.

The last thing that I am so excited about is that in exactly one week my best friend, Lyndsey, is flying in from California to spend a long weekend with us. Friday evening we are going to visit some friends from our days at WHS and Nicholas will have his first sleep over at Gramme & Grandpa's. On Saturday I have a fun birthday surprise planned for her, and Sunday will be a relaxing day at home with yummy food, movies, and such. I can't wait!

Sleeping In

Nicholas and I had a very pleasant morning today. He awoke at his normal time-7:15 a.m.-and had a bottle, burped, then wanted to cuddle with mommy. So I laid him down next to me in our bed and sweet baby feel right back to sleep, which is so unlike him! So since we don't have anywhere to be today, I snuggled up next to him and went back to sleep too...until 10:30 a.m! I cannot remember the last time I slept in past 8:00 a.m, but I am sure it was before Nicholas came along. Now Nicholas' nap schedule will be all wacky today, but I think it was worth it for some time to sleep in with my baby boy!

Happy Saint Patrick's Day

Nicholas and I wanted to wish everyone a happy Saint Patrick's Day! Put on some green so you don't get pinched, make yourself a traditional Irish dinner of corned beef and cabbage, and wash it all down with with a pint of Guinness. Don't forget to kiss the blarney stone for good luck, and try to see if you can find yourself a four leaf clover. While searching for that clover, if you spot a leprechaun, you'll have to be smart and quick to catch him so he can share his pot o' gold with you!

May the luck of the Irish be with you today!

One More Thing...

I logged off Facebook for lent. I miss it terribly.... and it doesn't help that Oprah was talking about it on her show today. Only 30 more days until I can log on again! Uggg...This is probably the biggest sacrifice I have made for a really long time.

But it's for a good reason right?!

Guess Who Has Teeth?

I know that this is a terrible photo and you cannot really see Nicholas' teeth in it...but they are there! He has had his two bottom middle teeth for over a week now and I wanted to wait and post a good photo of them, but try as I might, my camera just can't capture those cute little things. It doesn't help that Nicholas doesn't really want to leave his mouth open for too long- he doesn't let anyone get a good look at them!

Yay for new teeth!