Ava: 6 months

To say that half a year has already gone by with precious Ava into this world is unbelievable. How did this one go so fast? It seemed like Austin from birth to 6 months was a long time and my guess is that being a first time Mom for me was not so easy. This time around, although things are busier, they are easier.

Ava is completely captivated by Austin and what he is doing. He continues to put a 'D' in front of her name calling her "Diva" and it's completely appropriate at times. When she really wants something, she doesn't cry, she does this higher pitched squeal. Doesn't sound so cute, but it's adorable and my Mom and I just look at each other and say "Oh Diva!"

I am constantly saying right now that she was born at the right time. If she had to wear pants right now, well.... it wouldn't be an option. She has rolls and rolls on those thighs that don't look like they are going to fit into anything right now. With the hot summer, we stick with a onesie and that's about it.

She is starting to eat different foods now and she loves squash. We are getting closer to family meals as Jason and I are each feeding a kiddo at the table when we get home from work. With Ava in a bouncer on the table and Austin in a highchair, mealtime can be chaotic, but even if Jason and I have empty stomachs or are eating in a hurry to be with the kiddos, that's just family life for now. It won't be long and this too shall pass.

She is going to bed by 6:45 most nights. She is drooling and chewing on her fingers constantly. There are no signs of any teeth just yet. Her hair hasn't grown too much lately but it isn't quite defined in color (although my Mom would like to say it's for sure brown).

She rolls around and is just starting to sit up better on her own. I am dying to take "6 month photos" but that is one regret I had with Austin's since he wasn't the best at sitting up just yet which made them more difficult. So for now I got just a few since I had the itch.

The Build: Built-ins

Jason has been hard at work trying to finish up a lot of the built-ins so we can move on to the next things (flooring, paint...etc). Everytime I leave the house lately, I have a huge grin on my face after seeing the amazing things Jason has done.

Here is Jason working on the mudroom built-in:

It will have two cabinets on each side that will be closed and the middle will be open with coat hooks. Jason has yet to build a bench on the bottom. He also found baskets (what a story that is if you have time to listen) that fit perfectly in the bottom two squares on each side.

Next is the built-in seating in the dining room. As die hard entertainers at heart, we have been wanting a dining space where our everyday table can push into the corner for more people. There couldn't be a more perfect spot for lots of seating than in front of the beautiful lake view. And yes, that is Austin running around with every piece of scrap wood he can get his hands on.

Here is a closer look at the top where Jason fit MDF in the middle of the framework. We are planning on doing seat cushions but at least people can feel comfortable sitting on this in the meantime.

Next is the built-in at the top of the stairs and to the right. Nothing is worse than wasted space and Jason used this opportunity to fit something in between the stairs and the closet next to Austin's room.  

Last but not least on this list, is the built-in inside the toilet room in our master bath. Excuse the sideways photos as I had a baby in my arms!

I love the squares that are built perfectly for rolled towels. Both the top and the bottom will be cabinets. What a nice place to hide cleaning supplies, linens, trash can, etc.

Soon to come: The master closet update, we finally pick out a paint color for the main floor, work on the master bath, and column details on the main floor.....YAY!

Six

Jason and I just celebrated our 6th wedding anniversary. The funny part was that Jason called up my Mom to see if she could babysit for the night, when she gently reminded him that she was already babysitting. "Jason, you have to go to Abby's 10 year reunion that night!"

I felt bad using a whole babysitter night when we rarely ever get out just the two of us, on a night full of MY friends and MY memories. Needless to say he was a good husband that did it without complaining.

We even joked that night about how Jason doesn't really want to watch our wedding video for quite some time even though I could watch it just about everyday.

Thankfully I had great help in planning our high school 10 year reunion, but I gave more focus to that than I did our wedding anniversary. Jason bought me beautiful flowers and a card.....and I got him nothing. We have never been the kind of gift givers that plan something out and surprise each other, although Jason is much better at surprises than I am. But we sure do miss those anniversary vacations!

Even though the focus is on so many other things right now like the build, our kids, and work, I am blessed with.....
A husband that can pick out the same paint color as me in thousands of choices......
A father that plays hard even though completely exhausted himself......
And a handyman with incredible talent (which I didn't even know about when we got married, I swear!).

The Build: Exterior 98 Percent Finished

With just the front door to go in and a small piece of trim that needs to be placed, the exterior is so closed to being completely finished. The details have been painted and all of the corbels are in their place. I can only imagine what landscaping will do to help the curb appeal but I am so happy with the results so far that I could care less that we have dirt for a yard!

The Build: Master Closet

The Master Closet/Dressing Room is getting started!

When you walk into the room, straight across is this built-in with room for 60 shoes.....really Jason!? Only 60!?

To the left is built-ins that will be made for hanging items

To the right will be for hanging pants that aren't folded. There will also be a dresser along with a bench seat and drawers below but there isn't framing for that just yet.

In the center of the room will be an island with drawers, this is obviously just to give us an idea of what walking room will be like.

I was so excited to see what Jason has already put together. He made it sound like we were going to be moving in with this room yet to be finished but once again he suprises me! Can't wait to see the progress!

A Boy and his Bucket

Austin loves to play with water and he loves to play with rocks....why not combine the two? Throwing rocks in a bucket of water couldn't bring a bigger smile to his face! Oh the joys of being a toddler....

His smile is so infectious!