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| He put down a cover to keep weeds from growing through the sand. |
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| Everything is there but the sand! |
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| Although you can't tell by this picture (for some reason he looks terrified), Sawyer loves it! |
Sawyer sure does LOVE having such a handy Daddy!
Monday, April 29, 2013
Sawyer's Sandbox
Sawyer LOVES the sandbox at school, so we decided it was time he had one to play in at home. I thought it would be a lot easier to go to Walmart and pick up a generic little sandbox, but Steven saw an opportunity to use his woodworking skills.
Sawyer sure does LOVE having such a handy Daddy!
Sawyer sure does LOVE having such a handy Daddy!
New Cabinet Hardware
I think one of the easiest changes a homeowner can make that packs a big punch is cabinet hardware.
For example, our new (to us) home in Thomasville has been through a few additions and cosmetic changes throughout the years, but it seems that no one ever took the time to update the kitchen from its original 1970's glory. For the most part, I like my humble and homey country kitchen. It suits me and my family well because we like things to feel warm, cozy, and "lived-in". However, there were some changes to be made. For example, we would like to retile the floor, update a few of the appliances, get rid of the massive built-in wine rack, and change out the cabinet hardware.
Before we began tackling the black "feux-marble" tile (which we hope to get to by summer), we decided to first do a mini-update on the cabinets. We started by getting rid of the wine rack that took up a lot of valuable space above our double oven. After Steven cut out the wine racks, I repainted the cabinets white to match the others.
Next, we changed out the cabinet hardware. Before the change, the cabinets were white with white knobs and black hinges. I was not a fan. In order to better match some of the newer hardware throughout the house, we chose to add more modern brushed silver drawer pulls and brushed silver knobs for the cabinet doors. Also, we switched out the black hinges for silver to match the updated look.
I really think these small changes make a big impact for not a lot of money. Next up, new tile and backsplash!
For example, our new (to us) home in Thomasville has been through a few additions and cosmetic changes throughout the years, but it seems that no one ever took the time to update the kitchen from its original 1970's glory. For the most part, I like my humble and homey country kitchen. It suits me and my family well because we like things to feel warm, cozy, and "lived-in". However, there were some changes to be made. For example, we would like to retile the floor, update a few of the appliances, get rid of the massive built-in wine rack, and change out the cabinet hardware.
Before we began tackling the black "feux-marble" tile (which we hope to get to by summer), we decided to first do a mini-update on the cabinets. We started by getting rid of the wine rack that took up a lot of valuable space above our double oven. After Steven cut out the wine racks, I repainted the cabinets white to match the others.
Next, we changed out the cabinet hardware. Before the change, the cabinets were white with white knobs and black hinges. I was not a fan. In order to better match some of the newer hardware throughout the house, we chose to add more modern brushed silver drawer pulls and brushed silver knobs for the cabinet doors. Also, we switched out the black hinges for silver to match the updated look.
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| BEFORE |
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| Steven working on the first few cabinets. (Please disregard the chaos in the kitchen.) |
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| AFTER |
Our Little Garden
Every year since we've been married, we have discussed how much we both want to plant a garden and see how things turn out. However, our life has been crazy for the past few years. During our first summer, we moved moved to North Carolina and lived with Bryan and Bridget (so no gardening there, although Bryan did have an awesome one and I picked up a few helpful hints). The next summer, I was 5 months pregnant and was no longer excited about being outside in the hot southern climate unless it included a raft and a pool. Last summer, we moved back to Alabama and lived in a rental house, which again meant we would be purchasing our veggies at the grocery store.
This year, we are finally feeling settled. Although our backyard isn't as big as the one we had in North Carolina, it has enough room for us to plant a small garden. Neither of us wanted to pull weeds all summer, so we opted to plant in raised garden beds, which should make this whole process easier. You can find the plans we used here if you are interested. I am and obsessed with Anna White (the plan creator) and would love to be as handy as her someday!
We are very happy with the way the raised beds turned out, and I cannot wait to cook some vegetables that we actually grew. I will keep you updated on the process!
This year, we are finally feeling settled. Although our backyard isn't as big as the one we had in North Carolina, it has enough room for us to plant a small garden. Neither of us wanted to pull weeds all summer, so we opted to plant in raised garden beds, which should make this whole process easier. You can find the plans we used here if you are interested. I am and obsessed with Anna White (the plan creator) and would love to be as handy as her someday!
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| Sawyer was the "supervisor" of the project. |
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| Again he is "helping" Daddy put some dirt in the beds. |
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| the finished product! |
Thursday, April 25, 2013
How we spent Easter morning...
The week following Sawyer's tubes were rough to say the least...
After his tubes were implanted and his adenoids were removed, the doctor told us that nausea and vomiting would be a normal side effect. However, after a few days, I called the ENT's office to let him know that Sawyer was still throwing up after every meal. The nurse said that she didn't think it had anything to do with the surgery and advised us to take him to our family doctor. This all happened Thursday afternoon. I took him to the doctor in Thomasville who said that she believed he must have caught the stomach bug from someone at the hospital. She said that there was really nothing they could do for a baby his age other than make sure they stay hydrated. I took him home with the thought that this "bug" would be gone in the next 24 hours. The next day, we left to go to Moulton for Easter weekend. Sawyer did not feel well on the trip. Finally after throwing up everything he ate all weekend, we left early Sunday morning and took him to St. Vincent's ER in Birmingham.
The doctor told us that Sawyer didn't have the stomach flu, after all, but instead was having nausea due to infected adenoids. He prescribed him to Zofran. I was so relieved to have an actual diagnosis for what was causing the problem, but I hate that we waited so late to take him to the hospital.
He has been perfectly fine since we got back home....AND no more ear infections!!!
After his tubes were implanted and his adenoids were removed, the doctor told us that nausea and vomiting would be a normal side effect. However, after a few days, I called the ENT's office to let him know that Sawyer was still throwing up after every meal. The nurse said that she didn't think it had anything to do with the surgery and advised us to take him to our family doctor. This all happened Thursday afternoon. I took him to the doctor in Thomasville who said that she believed he must have caught the stomach bug from someone at the hospital. She said that there was really nothing they could do for a baby his age other than make sure they stay hydrated. I took him home with the thought that this "bug" would be gone in the next 24 hours. The next day, we left to go to Moulton for Easter weekend. Sawyer did not feel well on the trip. Finally after throwing up everything he ate all weekend, we left early Sunday morning and took him to St. Vincent's ER in Birmingham.
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| Isn't his face just pitiful... |
He has been perfectly fine since we got back home....AND no more ear infections!!!
Friday, April 5, 2013
Tubes
This poor little boy had no idea what was about to happen to him...
On the Monday of my spring break, we scheduled Sawyer to get tubes in his ears, his adenoids removed, and an allergy test run. He has been having a really hard time over the past few months because he was plagued with chronic ear infections. After the seventh infection, we were recommended to an ENT.
The surgery only took about ten minutes, but let me tell you NOTHING and I mean NOTHING could have prepared me for Sawyer after the surgery. They told me when he woke up from the anesthesia he would likely cry and be disoriented, but I felt like I was literally wrestling an alligator. He was screaming, writhing around, and wiggling like a worm, which wasn't good because he was still hooked up to his IV. This lasted for about 20-30 minutes, but felt like an hour. After he finally woke up, he was fine and slept the whole way home from Mobile.
We are praying that he has no more complications from the surgery, and that our little man will feel a lot better!
Wednesday, March 6, 2013
Family Weekend :)
This weekend, both of my sisters, their husbands, my niece, and my parents all came to Thomasville to stay with us for the weekend. Chris, Whitney, and baby Amelia arrived late Thursday evening. I could not get over how cute Amelia looked. I just wanted to cuddle with her the whole time!
The following night, we all went out to eat at Old Mexico while we waited on the others to arrive. We let the babies take a late nap, so that they could stay up to hang out with everybody. We had so much fun talking and playing with the babies that evening!
On Saturday, I had to go to class and give my final project presentation for School Law. I hated missing out on all the action at the house, but it is just not the type of class you can skip and get away with it. However, we weren't there for the full day, so I was back at the house by 2:00 that afternoon. We took everyone on a tour of the "Success Story of Southwest Alabama" also known as Thomasville. The tour did not take very long... Later we grilled out, talked, and watched a movie before calling it a night.
After church and lunch on Sunday afternoon we said goodbye to everyone. I am always so sad to see everyone go because I love the excitement and the action of having family around. I wish that we could all live in the same town and that our kids could grow up together...who knows what the future holds.
\The following night, we all went out to eat at Old Mexico while we waited on the others to arrive. We let the babies take a late nap, so that they could stay up to hang out with everybody. We had so much fun talking and playing with the babies that evening!
On Saturday, I had to go to class and give my final project presentation for School Law. I hated missing out on all the action at the house, but it is just not the type of class you can skip and get away with it. However, we weren't there for the full day, so I was back at the house by 2:00 that afternoon. We took everyone on a tour of the "Success Story of Southwest Alabama" also known as Thomasville. The tour did not take very long... Later we grilled out, talked, and watched a movie before calling it a night.
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| Reading time with Nana |
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| the boys doing what they do best |
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| doing a little engineering with Uncle Michael |
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| Reading with Aunt Whitney |
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| The nurses had to study and do paperwork...nerds. |
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| Grilling out on a REALLY cold afternoon! |
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
Sawyer at 14 Months
Sawyer will be 14 months old in a couple of days. He is learning so much everyday. I love to see all of his new developments and study him as he grows!
14 Month Highlights:
- Lots and lots of language development took place this month. He is starting to understand more and more about language being powerful, mostly because it is easier for him to get what he wants if he can tell me what it is. For example, when he is thirsty he says "baba" (meaning his sippy cup). When he is hungry he walks over to the refrigerator or pantry and says "ca-cuh" or "mmm" to let me know that he wants food. It's just so incredible to see him develop. Other fun words this month include "rawh" (to answer the question, "How does a tiger sound?"), cack-cack (to answer the question "What sound does a duck make?"), mow (to answer "What sound does a cat make?"), bah (for ball), dada (for everything, including his Daddy), and mama (to melt me heart).
- I always heard people refer to their children as little monkeys, but I never knew quite what they meant until now. Sawyer truly is a little monkey. He is climbing and crawling on everything, which has meant lots of falls, bumps, and bruises this month. I cannot turn my head for one second because he will be on the top of the couch and trying to climb up the window or perched on top of the coffee table ready for flight (both of these circumstances took place this month).
- Sawyer experienced his first burn this month. On our engagement day anniversary, I decided that I was going to do something special and grill out steaks for dinner. Steven was supposed to be home any minute, so I put the steaks on while Sawyer and I played in the yard. He had not paid a bit of attention to the grill the whole time we were outside until the worst possible time. While he was playing on his playplace, I walked over to the grill to get the steaks off. I was holding my plate in one hand and the tongs in the other as I lifted the lid. Just as I was putting the last steak on the plate, Sawyer ran over to me, lept up, and grabbed the grill. I immediately dropped everything, and got him inside. At first, I thought that he must not have touched very hard because he wasn't crying, but I'm pretty sure he was just in shock because the tears came out in a fury after a couple of minutes. After a trip the pharmacy and lots of love, he calmed down and never really seemed bothered by it. Although, he still blows on his completely heeled hand all the time (I guess he formed a habit after watching mommy do it so often).
- Another day, another ear infection. This month he experienced his sixth one in about six months. We have made an appointment to see an ENT about tubes. Steven had to have them as a child, so I think this might be the best thing for our little man. I HATE to see him so down and out, and an ear infection seems to suck the life right out of him. The only good part was that his infection gave us an excuse to have Mr. Steve and Mrs. Theo in town to take care of him while we were at work. We are so thankful to be a part of such a loving family.
- Sawyer still LOVES animals, although every animal he encounters is called "doh" (for dog). Our neighbors have three huge cats that nap on our front sidewalk every afternoon, and Sawyer loves them, although I'm pretty sure they do not feel the same way about him. However, one of them is pretty friendly, and tolerates his "petting" (which looks a lot more like hitting; we are trying to teach him to be gentle, but that is easier said than done). The others immediately run away as soon as they see him get out of the car...
- Lots and lots of language development took place this month. He is starting to understand more and more about language being powerful, mostly because it is easier for him to get what he wants if he can tell me what it is. For example, when he is thirsty he says "baba" (meaning his sippy cup). When he is hungry he walks over to the refrigerator or pantry and says "ca-cuh" or "mmm" to let me know that he wants food. It's just so incredible to see him develop. Other fun words this month include "rawh" (to answer the question, "How does a tiger sound?"), cack-cack (to answer the question "What sound does a duck make?"), mow (to answer "What sound does a cat make?"), bah (for ball), dada (for everything, including his Daddy), and mama (to melt me heart).
- I always heard people refer to their children as little monkeys, but I never knew quite what they meant until now. Sawyer truly is a little monkey. He is climbing and crawling on everything, which has meant lots of falls, bumps, and bruises this month. I cannot turn my head for one second because he will be on the top of the couch and trying to climb up the window or perched on top of the coffee table ready for flight (both of these circumstances took place this month).
- Sawyer experienced his first burn this month. On our engagement day anniversary, I decided that I was going to do something special and grill out steaks for dinner. Steven was supposed to be home any minute, so I put the steaks on while Sawyer and I played in the yard. He had not paid a bit of attention to the grill the whole time we were outside until the worst possible time. While he was playing on his playplace, I walked over to the grill to get the steaks off. I was holding my plate in one hand and the tongs in the other as I lifted the lid. Just as I was putting the last steak on the plate, Sawyer ran over to me, lept up, and grabbed the grill. I immediately dropped everything, and got him inside. At first, I thought that he must not have touched very hard because he wasn't crying, but I'm pretty sure he was just in shock because the tears came out in a fury after a couple of minutes. After a trip the pharmacy and lots of love, he calmed down and never really seemed bothered by it. Although, he still blows on his completely heeled hand all the time (I guess he formed a habit after watching mommy do it so often).
- Another day, another ear infection. This month he experienced his sixth one in about six months. We have made an appointment to see an ENT about tubes. Steven had to have them as a child, so I think this might be the best thing for our little man. I HATE to see him so down and out, and an ear infection seems to suck the life right out of him. The only good part was that his infection gave us an excuse to have Mr. Steve and Mrs. Theo in town to take care of him while we were at work. We are so thankful to be a part of such a loving family.
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| so sick :( |
- Last but not least, Sawyer has a lot of new teeth. He cut six teeth this month, so there were quite a few moments of irritability. Steven (endearingly) calls him gap-tooth because of his gappy smile, but this momma loves it!
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