hall, bedroom and closet under construction...

Here's a look at our basement during the deconstruction/

construction phase of our water cleanup. When our sump

pump failed during an 8"+ rain storm, we had water issues.

So....we decided to put in new tile flooring, replace some

wall board and redecorate....

new bedroom, closet and hallways

New bedroom, hallway and closet

new bathroom

You may remember a couple of months ago we had water

damage in our basement due to a failed sump pump.

One of the rooms affected was our bathroom. I didn't

take any pictures of the bathroom under construction but

there was green tile flooring, a white counter and sink with gold hardware, striped wallpaper and a tri-fold mirrored medicine cabinet.

Greg replaced a wall, removed the wallpaper, laid a new floor,

put in a new counter, sink, medicine cabinet, mirror and

light fixture,along with freshly painted gray walls and new hardware.

We think it looks great. Not exactly how we

and I mean mostly Greg)had planned to

spend our last 6 weekends, but that's life...

A "typical" week

Andrew likes to control his own spoon.

The result is a pretty messy face and bib.

Everleigh has been struggling with an ear infection

this week, but likes to play with these blocks no

matter what. She really has been such a trooper!

Meanwhile, Andrew is cleaned up and lovin' the jumper....

so many bells and whistles!

So, what's a typical week for me? Really, it changes almost

week to week but basically, I arrive at Andrew's about 7:20 am

and stay til about 12:30 pm on Monday and Tuesday.

Wednesday, Thursday, Friday I arrive at Andrew's about 7:20 am,

take him with me to Everleigh's by 8:30 am. Ben usually picks

him up at Everleigh's about noon on those days and I'm with

Everleigh those afternoons. So I typically have Andrew

5 mornings and Everleigh 3 full days. They overlap

Wed, Thur, Fri mornings so it's very manageable

and I'm really lucky that they are both really happy

babies (most of the time!)and their mommies

and daddies are pretty flexible, too.

What's new?

Playtime is more fun now that Andrew can

sit alone and they can share toys.

Andrew and Everleigh visit Everleigh's "library".

Andrew and new "cousin" Max Docken


Max and me....

We had our first snowfall of the season....certainly pretty, but

always a bit sad, too.

Went to visit my new grand nephew, Maxwell Docken (Josh & Whitney)...

what a sweetie....didn't make a sound the entire time we were there.

I don't understand why his parents look so tired. Actually, they looked great!

(It's hard to be their friend....:)

Everleigh has started called me ga-me or ga-mommy, depending on her

needs. She'll walk to another room and then call to me..."ga'-me"...so cute
and (practically) no coaching from me!

Andrew can return the hug when Everleigh hugs him hello.

Everleigh loves to walk the hallways in her building and greet anyone out and about.

Andrew started eating carrots and seems to really like them.

another year passes.....

Four years ago today, my dad died. Hard to believe it's only four years....

so much has happened...eight new great grandchildren, 4 weddings,

and lots of smiles and tears.....miss you, dad.

Everybody Poops....

...at least that's the title of a rather gross out children's book. So yesterday afternoon I'm making a quick run to Target with Everleigh. I did bring along an extra diaper, wipes, a snack and her sippe cup but wasn't planning to be gone long. It was a mild day so she was wearing a little 3-piece jogging suit. I had the item I stopped for and was heading out and realized she had a dirty diaper so went to the family restroom at Target to change her. Well...she refused (as only a toddler can) to lay down on the cold, hard plastic changing table (who could blame her?) and her diaper had leaked to her first layer. So I changed her while she was standing. Of course, I had to completely strip her down including socks and shoes and try to wipe her as best I could. She was happy as a clam but just didn't want to lie down. Good thing it was a quiet time at Target and no one was waiting to use the restroom and good thing I had plenty of wipes to clean her, me, the table, and a host of other surfaces. (sorry, Target!) We made it home w/o further incident but needed a wardrobe change for both of us.

Then...this morning I'm getting Andrew ready to head to Scott's. He's dressed, changed, in his jacket and hat and strapped in his car seat. Another explosion...I could hear it! So....stripped down (him, not me), made the diaper change and rebooted. Made it to Scott's just in time. (W-Th-F most weeks I bring Andrew with me to Everleigh's house). Again, he was happy as a clam, albeit a bit lighter, but I think I smell like poop....or is it just in my nose and I'm really ok? No one here to ask....

Happy 12th Birthday, Matthew!

Happy 12th Birthday to the best grandson

anyone could want. Through the years you

have blessed us in so many ways. Hope it's

a great day and a great year for you. Love

and miss you....Gma Bunny