Where does the time go? (huge update)

I can't believe it's been 4 months since my last post!  Where does the time go?  Summer faded away, and Fall has graced us with her presence, Winter is knockin'...  I don't mind the colder weather.
So what have we been up to?  hmmmm, lets see...

SEPTEMBER:
I attempted a Fall garden.  I planted lettuce (sproutlings and seeds), arugula, beets, radishes, spinach, carrots and beans.  I can't remember what order I planted them in, except my carrots are on the right.  My tomato plant grew out of control & kept sprouting so I left it in-tact - it's a monster!  We did enjoy a couple beefy tomatos (Oh, I even harvest 2 baby cucumbers from the summer garden) Aislynn and I really enjoyed crunching them. 

 A couple of my lettuce plants spiked up in a weird way and nothing seems to be progressing (my fault, I'm not really tending to it like I should).  We did pick one radish a couple weeks ago, but never ate it.

It's okay though b/c I'm starting a community garden with a few of my neighbors!  We are doing lots of work now to prepare some lovely Spring beds!  I can't wait.  I'm blogging about that separately (as we progress) but need to update that blog as well :)

We also went to "Coca-Cola employee day" at Six Flags.  The whole park was rented out just for Coca-Cola employees.  We brought The Mareaus with us and had a great time!  Aislynn enjoyed the rides and time with her cousins.

 Log Ride w/ Mommy

OCTOBER: 

My boox (aka Aislynn) turned 2 1/2!  I remember when she was 2 1/2 months.  She's so big and even more adorable.  I fall in love w/ her every day.  Her "isms" and personality are the sunshine in my life.  Here's some of her stats:

Height (at 2 1/2): 

Weight (approx):  28 lbs

Waist & Chest:  19.5" (I only know this b/c of Halloween costume measurments - she's a tube!)

Wearing:  very few 24m & 2T, we're buying 3T for her now, size 7 1/2 shoe, size 4 diaper (hopefully not for long)

Current sayings and 'isms':  "to infinity & beyond" (buzz), She sings the happy birthday song ALL THE TIME.  It's always someone's birthday "coming up in 2 days" (not really), "I (fill in the blank action) all day", ---for some reason, when she's trying to describe a length of time, it's always "all day".  Ex:  "I saw mommy all day" "I played play dohs all day" "I watched woody all day".  "Okay edybody..." (when she's about to direct me & Michael).  "I da play your phone just one sec", "So..." (she starts all her sentences out with 'so'), "FINE!" (when she's sassy), "You wanna color wis me?"  "yeah yeah? okay yeah?", "I can't want to" or "I can't like it" (everything is "can't" instead of "don't"),  "Okay, first time..." (then she procedes to do something like dance, or pose), "On your mark, get set, go!",  Very expressively, she says "Oh I love you so much" or "Oh thank-you so much", She still says "I would" instead of saying "I do" or "I did",  "I da see daddy! - or No, I need mommy!!!" when she's mad or doesn't want to do something we're telling her to do. (like bedtime).

(crazy hair)

She's really into:  Tinker Bell (still) and sings all the songs.  She's also watched all 3 Toy Story movies and loves them (She loves Buzz & Woody of course).   She also likes Nemo, and is really into the 2 Curious George Movies (especially the Christmas one), and Mickey Mouse "Scrooge".  Generally, she loves to watch movies in the "big bed".  Aside from movies, she loves to color & write with pens.  She's always grabbing a stray pen and scrap of paper, envelope, card, newspaper... She's also starting to color a bit different, more big fast strokes like she's trying to focus her coloring to one section.  She loves to play with Play Doh, she likes to dance and she jumps/hops a lot.  She always wants to play with our phones.  She loves the foam soap when it's bathtime, She's NOT interested in the potty.  We've really dropped the ball on potty training - (guilty) - but starting to pick it back up.  When you ask her if she needs/wants to go potty, she yells NO.  When we do coax her to it, she goes.  We've let her wear her tinker bell and dora underwear on occasion, and she' has done really good.  I have a potty training book calling my name and I need to just read the darn thing. (sigh)

Personality:  She's a girl who knows what she wants.  She's wanting to try things all by herself (don't help mommy), she likes to direct me and Michael, but she's got such a sweet spirit, she's very expressive and affectionate.  She hugs & kisses on us, her babies, and zeus.  When she sees another crying child or baby, she's genuinely concerned and even tries to comfort them (or us "it's okay" when we stub a toe, etc...).  She's discovering her sassy side, but she's always such a good girl in public or at social events.  Still a little shy when she's in a new surrounding or crowd, she warms up really quickly.  I just LOVE this little girl to pieces.  I never knew I could love that much.  I think of her all day, and am beyond grateful that God gave her to me.

CAMPING!  We went on a multi-family camping trip earlier in October.  It was a blast.  We went to Jacks River Falls right on the GA/TN border.  It's a very remote area, with TONS of hiking trails and fishing.  It was Aislynn's first camping trip and I think she liked it (Until about 8:30 pm when she was saying "mommy, I want to go home).  She hadn't napped our first day up there, and she was so tired.  She slept good though. (Toasty warm next to mama).  She had fun playing w/ the big kids. 
We really enjoyed ourselves and the nice cool weather (Fun times w/ the Littles, the Mareaus, Mike Brown & his bud Faris).  Our last day, we went on a mile+ long hike along Jacks River.  We were hoping to make it to the waterfalls, but it was just too far for us and Ais.
(will have to add pics later!)

Fab 5!:  Me and the Fab5 girls and friends got together and did a "surprise" congrats party for Chelsea, our friend who (was) expecting and moving forward positively with the adoption of their foster-son.  All the little ones dressed up, we had some yummy food and made a craft :)  I'm always excited to get together with these gals

Ais & her best pal, Alaina

Let's not forget - Michael's Birthday!  We had a nice BBQ lunch after church on the 30th - just nice & relaxing...

HALLOWEEN!  This was Aislynn's official 3rd halloween, but 2nd for trick-or-treating.  I was more excited than she was.  My mom made her the most adorable Tinker Bell costume (wings and all) to look just like "the lost treasure" costume. And I will say she was the most adorable Tinker!  We all got together at our friends house, The Littles, joined by the Addingtons & Mareaus - such a fun bunch.  Most of the kids were fast on their feet, while our little Tinker Bell carefully visited each house.  This year, she was old enough to say "Trick or Treat" by herself, and even stand at the door by herself.  As soon as one door would shut, she'd say "Lets go to the next house" (every single time).  The girl made out on some candy!  It's December, and we still have some.  

 

NOVEMBER:  

My fingers are out of breath! So many updates, and I still have 2 months to go...

Aislynn had her first Dentist appt! I had been talking about it for 2 weeks, explaining that the Dentist is her friend who will count her teeth and make sure they are clean and healthy.  Luckily, I found an AWESOME children's dentistry (Dentistry for Children).  Their office is like a theme park!  Murals all over the place, an arcade, a wooden ship to play on, all kinds of toys, not to mention TV's on every wall and above every chair.  Then, lots of toys and goodies for the kids during their visit.  Aislynn literally "gasped" when we walked in b/c it was so cool.  And she did awesome.  It was like she knew what to do and she wasn't afraid.  Success!

The other highlight of November was Taryn's birthday party at the ice-skating rink.  Unfortunately, I only snapped a couple of pictures.  Daddy allowed Ais to try on some skates and go out on the ice (after some pleading).  Ais is 1/2 Canadian, so of course she needs to try out her skating feet as early as possible :)  She loved it!  Daddy was the perfect instructor

DECEMBER:

I can't believe it's DECEMBER!!!!!  Hello 2011, you were very short lived!  When you think of December, you pretty much JUST think about Christmas.  It really feels like it was just a couple months ago that we were in Canada celebrating Christmas with our Adamski fam.  This year, it's going to be difficult.  This whole year has been difficult.  Life isn't the same without my mother-in-law, "Nanny"- she's missed every single day.  So this Christmas is a little bitter-sweet.

However, it is my FAVORITE holiday - not just b/c of the festivities and decor, but truly b/c of the birthday of Jesus.  What a miracle - our Saviour was sent to earth.... our SAVIOUR!  I'm just so thankful that we are loved beyond what we can imagine - that we all have the chance to know Christ, and live with him forever, despite our sin.  I'm excited to help Aislynn learn about why we celebrate (she sure loves birthdays) so we are having a birthday party for Jesus.  She's already so into all the decorations, the lights, trees, and Christmas movies! :)

So, even through the heartache of missing our mom - we can celebrate and be happy for all this LOVE.  I am also excited b/c we'll be going to CO this year to visit my mom, brother & fam.  It's been 2 1/2 years since we've been there!  Ais was only 2 months old.  I'm just so excited to see everyone, get to play in the snow, spend time with family, and just RELAX for a week!  I will also get to see my step-sis, her fam, and some old friends.   We have so much to do still, only 13 more days till we leave!

The most exciting thing about December has definitely been the EXCITING NEWS we shared with everyone... I'm sure you can figure it out by the picture below:

Yes, we are going to be a family of 4 (this time, not counting Zeus).  We found out in October, but shared the news earlier this month.  1st trimester has been typical - no energy, major heartburn & acid reflux, just generally not feeling good.  But it's all for a good reason, and I'm about to be 13 weeks!  I'm just so thankful that I'm getting to experience this again.  I pray for a healthy pregnancy, delivery, and baby.  I pray that God will help our family adjust - and have full faith that we'll be doubly blessed!

Here's our little gummy bear. I'm kinda feeling boy, but the heart rate would indicate girl?  Either way I'll be perfectly pleased with  whatever God gives us. 

Ais is also excited to become a big-sister.  She knows mommy is expecting a baby, that it's in her tummy, and that it's really little.  She's so adorable when we ask her about it.  I just can't wait to see how this new baby changes her life.  I can't imagine life w/out my brother (bruises/fights and all), and personality wise, I know Aislynn was meant to be a big-sis!  Just can't wait!
So.... THAT is what we have been up to!!!  I fully intend on keeping this blog updated, primarily for the sake of documenting my journey, remembering all the blessings along the way, and - keeping a few of you updated.



Kitchen Renovation

While Michael was out of town earlier this month, my mom had come out to visit and help me with Aislynn.  I had been poking around bloggersville and seen some caaa-uuuute play kitchen ideas! (here, here & here) Aislynn has been so into her play food, and loves to follow me around the kitchen.  I got such a bug to do my own "kitchen renovation", and knew my mom would be the perfect partner in crime.

We made an impulse shopping trip to a few Thrift stores, and didn't find anything quite worthy of re-purposing.  Just as we were about to leave the last Goodwill, my mom spotted these two gems!

 These were actual play kitchen pieces - straight from the 80s (but made really well).  One was marked as a washing machine, and the other was just a cabinet w/out a top.  They were $8 & $10/each, and the perfect size for the boox. (aka Aislynn)

My mom whipped up some sketches of what the pieces would like after, and we started making our plans & supply list.  Next trip: Home Depot.  We bought a small sheet of plywood and 1/4" thick mdf board.

We took measurements for what would be a back piece to the sink, as well as a new top insert.  I had HD make the cuts for me - and OOPSIE - their saw was "off" and the measurements were a little uneven.  As a result - they discounted the wood :) (I'm all about a bargain).

I found our drill, sander, and this cool multi-purpose oscillating tool that the hubs got several months ago - we had what we needed to do some damage!  We sanded & secured the back piece, and somehow hacked/sanded away at the top insert enough to make it fit.

(weapons of choice)

The next day, we sanded & finished priming everything. I had some leftover teal paint from Aislynn's room - and some very light green oops paint that we've had for about 8 months (never used)... mixed the two together for the cabinet paint color.

I built a shelf inside the oven and spray painted it silver. I also cut a square hole in the door (it was round before) and cut a round hole for the kitchen sink using my dad's rusty jig saw. (Very happy that all my digits are still in-tact)

We bought round knobs, popsicle sticks and 2 round wooden soccer ball decals to use for the oven knobs and burners.  My mom worked on those details while I painted the cabinets & added a little shelf to the backpiece.  Also painted the inside of the oven gray (also w/ oops paint)

(knobs/burners in progress)

(mom spray painting the popsicle sticks & me distressing the sink)

Almost there! (excuse the messy background - there was no 'picking up' until our kitchen was complete!)

I decided to distress the cabinets after we painted them and I loved the way it looked.  Gave it a vintage-country charm.  The last thing we had to do was add all the knobs, burners, doors and then  accessorize!

Aislynn couldn't WAIT to get her hands on her newly renovated kitchen. - but it needed some finishing touches!

The last thing we needed was a faucet.   My mom had my step-dad ship me an old sink faucet they had laying around which I added a few days later (who doesn't love free stuff?)  When my mom went back to CO, she took some extra fabric I had and made these little curtains.

Instead of making a wooden shelf, I bought this one from Hobby Lobby in a pack of 3 shelves for $11.00

(Play drinkware from Ikea) The decorative wood trim was only $3.00 for a yard - so cute at the top

I did have a little glass canister of sprinkles ("prinkles") but Aislynn kept opening them & dumping them out.  I wanted to get little salt & pepper shakers w/ white sprinkles & dark sprinkles in them for 'pretend' (just need to glue on the lids so my sprinkle-snatcher can't get them.

 

We used an old goldfish bowl to hold her cooking utensils, and bought a cheap picture frame from the Dollar Store (painted), added a pic of grandma's backyard, and stuck it up to look like a window.  The sink was just a dog bowl from PetSmart. 

 

We added scrapbook flowers to the middle of the knobs, with scrapbook letters & gemstones for some 'bling'.  We got the kitchen timer from the Dollar Store (I was going to mount it to the back of the oven)

 

I thought some old CD's make the perfect size burner and offer some shiny light effects :) (glued on top of the painted wooden soccer ball decals)  I decided to only have 2 burners b/c I knew she wouldn't need more than 2 and wanted her to have some prep space :)

 

Grandma made a matching dishtowel & pot holder (or "my hand" as boox says)

 Aislynn's goodies baking

 Push LED light inside the oven for a lighted effect

 

Her favorite thing to make is "soup"

 Cutting a 'mater

 Washing her hands like a good little chef

 Aislynn loves her play kitchen & loves to make us "tea and snacks".  I couldn't be happier with the way it came out, and everything came to under $50!  I probably should've saved this for a Christmas gift - but it was the perfect weekend project to do with my mom and a nice little surprise for Aislynn.  I already want to do another one!