Kitchen Renovation

When we bought this house, we knew the kitchen would be one of the first things that needed updating. The cabinets were falling apart, the counter tops disgusting, the sink barely functional and the refrigerator blocked the doorway. For four weeks, the wonderful crew of Kitchen Solvers occupied our home and transformed our drab old kitchen into my dream kitchen! Here are the before and after pictures (for those of you not on facebook).

Happy 3rd Birthday Maggie!

Three years ago a tiny 8lb, 12oz baby burst into our world! Now our little girl has turned 3! Maggie continues to gain independence every day. She is doing most things herself , like getting dressed and taking a bath, and doesn't like any help! She loves to count, help cook, play dress up, build with blocks and legos, and play pretend with her animals and lego people. Maggie is learning about separation and socialization, twice a week at preschool, and is navigating the change in her own way. On her birthday, I took some cookies we made to her class and got to observe her in school. Her job was to pass out the cups to all the other kids at snack time and I beamed with pride as I looked on.

We celebrated her birthday in grand Sesame Street style! It was a perfectly sunny day and we set up the bounce house in the back yard. The kids had a blast. Maggie even blew out her candles all by herself! It was fun to have family and friends with us as we celebrated our growing girl!

My first attempt at a two-flavored cake - yummy, yummy!


Making a wish!

Sharing cake with our friends

Our new matching aprons I made for Maggie's gift.

The word on the street

At almost 17 months, Claire's language is exploding lately. I can barely keep up with all of her new words. Today, she had three new additions to her vocabulary - video, (pronounced "vidi"), llama, and Farwig which is surprisingly clear. She has been trying to say her big sister's name for a few weeks, but in the past couple days, her version of Maggie's name has become very distinct. When the sisters are reunited after a separation, most often due to naps, Claire is overjoyed! She runs toward Maggie shouting, "Mani! Mani! Mani!' Some mornings Maggie sleeps in, and as Claire and I quietly tip toe out of her room, she'll look at Maggie's closed bedroom door and whisper ever so softly, "Mani?" It's the most adorable thing I've ever seen! I don't think she's close to saying her own name though. When I ask her, "Can you say Claire?" she just looks at me blankly and says "Me!" Maybe this means she won't refer to herself in the third person!

Time for Preschool

Maggie is starting preschool this fall! She will be going two days a week, in the morning, at the local Methodist church. We had a "Meet the Teacher" event on Monday and I was very impressed by the teachers and the school. Maggie wanted to wear "a pretty, pretty dress" on her first day. She was so excited about her backpack, she didn't take it off when we got home. Of course I had to document this major milestone! The first picture I took was a straight-on view where you could only see the straps. Then Maggie turns to the side, poses, and says, "Take one this way!" It was precious!

Visiting The Bixster

The girls and I got a reprieve from kitchen construction last week and headed to Michigan to visit Uncle JJ and cousin Beatrix. The girls had a great time playing with their cousin and Claire especially liked Bixie's cat Stanley. We really enjoyed Jay's neighborhood where we could walk to the park and out to brunch. It was Maggie and Bixie's first official sleep over, meaning they slept together on the futon in the basement. They loved it! It was wonderful to spend time together and enjoy some home cooked meals.

"Say cheese"

Snack time

Ice cream treats

Fun on the slide

Claire and the kitty

Pillow case for Claire

My first sewing project is "Mommy and Me" aprons for the girls and I. My apron is completed, although I need to make an adjustment before I'll call it done. I'm about half way through with Maggie's apron, which I plan to give to her for her birthday. Since this is my first attempt at sewing outside of class, it is taking me a painfully long time to complete this project. I wanted some instant gratification the other night, so I made a pillow case for Claire's toddler pillow. I used the pillow case my Mother-in-law made for Maggie as a template and was pleased with the way it turned out. I loved the birds on the print and the fabric is soft and cozy, great for resting a little head. Only 20 days left to finish Maggie's apron. The pressure is on!