I'm just wasting time online, and I have been finding so many gorgeous inspiration pictures for my upcoming master bedroom/bathroom redo that I just had to share.  Now that we are 99% done with the screen porch (new ceiling fan and ottoman for the loveseat remains), I am on to the next thing!  The great room is still an ongoing project, as we await the new curtains and debate over paint.  I have picked a paint color for G's bath, so on to the next thing!

Now some of these just have certain little aspects that I like, but they are all gorgeous!  I am seriously loving the idea of some of these color combos for a future nursery too, but I digress...
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We are putting off "officially" PTing Grady until we get back from our trip, since I really did not want to be making 100 trips to the bathroom at Sesame Place and searching for a public bathroom while out and about in Manhattan or Boston.  But we have been encouraging Grady, and he has been using the potty for quite a while (since he was not quite 2).  He usually goes every night before his tub.  He'll sit there, read a book, and go pee or poop (very happy about the poop part since so many kids struggle with that one).  Anyway, the other day, in anticipation of when we return from our trip, I got him the flushable wipes, a PTing book, and a PTing sticker chart.  Well now he is just SO super excited about it, he is using it all the time, and he is thrilled to get the sticker each time.  I really want to avoid giving him candy each time he goes (as some of my friends IRL do) so this sticker thing is great.  He is still in diapers, but we will switch him to either pull-ups or underwear when we get back (probably underwear - I may let him pick some fun ones).  I did get one of those little potty seats that folds up really small and fits on top of the regular toilet, so he can still use the potty while we travel.  I figure it will also be good for once we get back and we want to leave the house.  I can take that along, and he will have a clean surface to sit on.  Anyway, I am just finally feeling like he is super "ready" and like it will be relatively easy once we get back.  I hope I am right!  Meanwhile, when we are away, I am going to read up on all my PTing info so I have a really solid plan in place.  But I really think we are already well on our way!

Several people asked me to post the recipe for the dinner that was in my pictures of the screen porch, so here it is.  It is soooo delicious, especially if you have nice fresh tomatoes.

Avocado, Tomato, and Mozzarella Pasta Salad with Pine Nuts

ingredients:
-1.5 cups pasta bows
-6 ripe red tomatoes (I usually use a little less)
-1/2 pound fresh mozzarella
-1 large ripe avocado
-2 tablespoons pine nuts, toasted (bake at 250 for about 5 minutes)
-1 sprig fresh basil

dressing:
-6 tablespoons olive oil
-2 tablespoons wine vinegar
-1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon whole grain mustard
-pinch of sugar
-salt and pepper
-2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil

directions:
1. cook the pasta; drain and cool
2. slice the tomatoes and mozzarella cheese into thin rounds
3. halve the avocado, remove the pit, and peel off the skin; slice the flesh lengthwise into pieces
4. whisk all the dressing ingredients in a bowl
5. arrange the tomato, mozzarella, and avocado in overlapping slices around the edge of a plate (do this for however many servings you need - this serves 2-4)
6. toss the pasta with half the dressing and chopped basil; pile into the center of the plate; pour remaining dressing over it and scatter pine nuts; garnish with a sprig of basil

I had a few really cute videos, and I know I haven't posted any in a while, so I thought I would share.

Reading - or not:




playing in his pool:

Well Grady and I just got back from World Market where we got Eric an early Father's Day gift (since we will be travelling over Father's Day, it's not like I can give it to him then anyway).  I got it today because it was on sale and I had a coupon that expires soon.  So I got it 40% off!  It matches the new furniture we already have and will go in that little nook that is currently empty.  Here it is:



but with this cushion (the stripe), which matches the cushions on the dining chairs:



The dishes and tablecloth are that floral material, and we will be getting throw pillows in the floral material for the bench too.  Now we just need the matching ottoman.  I didn't have enough $$ to cover it, so I figure we will just get it whenever I get another coupon.

He was very excited, as he has been really excited and working hard on the screen porch project in general.  Now I will still have the photo book to give him on the actual day.  Grady was really cute and even said "Happy Father's Day!"  when we pulled in the driveway and he saw the stuff.

We had a really fun morning!  It was already about 90 degrees and very sunny, so we headed to the pool with two of my friends and their kids.  Neither of them live here, so they both drove over.  Both of them have a daughter Grady's age and a daughter under 6 months old (2 months and 5 months).  It was so nice to visit and cool off.  We have been at the pool a lot, and Grady is really getting comfortable with the big pool (he's always loved the baby pool).  He will blow bubbles, hold onto my shoulder while I swim around, and use a big tube (somehow he feels safer holding onto that than using swimmies, which he still doesn't like).

This afternoon we are heading to World Market to look for Eric's other Father's Day gift (besides the book).  Since we are leaving to go on vacation in about 10 days, I need to give him his larger gift before we leave.  I can give him his book on Father's Day.  I think I'm going to just get him to loveseat for the screen porch.  He loves to relax and nap, so I know he will really enjoy it.  Either that or I may get him a console/bar that can go where the bar went at our party.  All the outdoor furniture is on sale and I have a coupon, so I have to go check things out.

I am getting very excited about our trip!  We leave next weekend and will be gone for 15 days!  We are going to do so many fun things!  I am currently doing a packing list on the computer so I can be really organized about this. There is so much to remember since we will be staying 3 different places and doing so many different activities.

Other than that, I should be getting my great room curtains any day now.  We also need to finalize the green for the paint in the kitchen.  Then we can start on our bedroom.

As far as travel stuff, after this trip we will be looking forward to a week in Hilton Head in early August.  I cannot wait for that.  Other than that, there is some chance we will go to Milwaukee to see Eric's brother this summer.  Then we are going to do something with G in the fall - maybe Florida?  And I am getting excited about planning our "babymoon" of sorts (assuming I am PG by January/February).  We have thought about Mexico, but maybe we will do the Caribbean?  I'm not sure but either way Eric and I are going to take our couple trip for next year very early in the year since we will never get away alone with a new baby around.  We will be going to Aruba with the ILs next year, but that will be with Grady and (probably) child #2. 

OK - off to work on the packing list!

Today after Grady's nap he had his stuffed penguin wrapped up in a blanket that was mine when I was a baby (he has recently started wanting to sleep with it).  I asked the penguin where he got it (expecting Grady to say "from Grady's Mama") but he told me "Penguin Target".  How funny is that?  I asked Grady where he got his blanket (the other one he has always slept with), and he said "regular Target".  It was the Gap, but either way - how funny is that?

I'm about to order this book for Eric for Father's Day. I think he will really like it. What do you think?   It's hard to see the text unless you view it in full screen.  It really doesn't make as much sense unless you can see that.

Click here to view this photo book larger

The weekend was pretty good.  The party was great, and Grady had a blast.  The downside is that he got bitten by another fire ant.  I think he may actually be allergic because it didn't bother him at all the first day, but then the second day his whole thigh swelled up.  I called the doctor on call and they have him on a regimen of Bendryl, Motrin, hydrocortizone cream, and neosporin (to prevent infection).  I may have him tested to see if he is allergic because the reaction could get worse, and maybe I should have an epi-pen.  Not sure.  Either way, we have to try to avoid the fire ants, which is VERY hard around here - they are everywhere. 

So on to the fun stuff...

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Last night we went out to dinner at Joe's Crab Shack with a guy that works for Eric's company.  He works in the VA office, so we haven't seen him in forever, but he was the one that originally hired Eric as an intern!  So it's pretty cool for him to now see Eric as a regional manager.  Anyway, Grady was on his best behavior.  He was really funny too.  When we walked into the restaurant there was music playing and he just started breaking it down dancing.  Hilarious.  He was super nice to our friend too - he even shared a fry with him :)

This morning we went to Sam's Club to get some stuff for the party - lots of fruit, which is much cheaper there than at Publix.  Then we hit B&N (we go there so much because Grady always asks to go there).  We bumped into some friends from Gymboree but we are no longer in their class, so we exchanged email so we can get together to play soon.  Then he picked out a book to read.  He picked "The Giving Tree", which I had as a child and have always loved.  I practically cried reading it to him.  Yes, I'm ridiculous like that.  It is quite hot today, so when he gets up from his nap we may go to the pool if we have time.  I have a doctor's appointment at 4:30, so we'll see if we can fit it.  Otherwise Eric can take him while I go to the doctor.  I just have a check-up since I had so many sinus infections this winter.

I'm in my last minute freak-out mode for the party!  I have so much to do, food-wise, but I really can't get started on much yet.  So I just fret and stress.  But it will be tons of fun and so worth it.  Grady is super excited.

I'm working on a Father's Day gift for Eric from Grady - a Shutterfly book (free with my Pampers points) that will be like a personalized version of the "Why a Son Needs a Father" book.  Each page will have a reason Grady needs his dad, and it will be from Grady's perspective.  Then there will be photos from them that illustrate it.  It should be cute.  We'll be in Mass for Father's Day, so I'll have it sent there in case it takes forever.  I also have been secretly stashing away $$ from Craigslist sales and stuff, and I would like to get him something nice from me, but I can't decide what yet.  He wants a flat screen TV for the bedroom, but I don't have quite enough for that.  So I'm not sure if I should get him a GC to Best Buy (to go towards that) or just do something else.

I'm eagerly anticipating cycle #2 on the TTC mission!   I think we need to DTD more than once in the first half of the month this time. :)

OK - off to find a good kids punch recipe for the party - I still haven't found an all juice one I like.

So Grady is two and a half today - this year is flying by, which really makes me sad.  Anyway, I do have to say that I really don't understand why they call them the "terrible" 2s.  I LOVE this age!  I think I had a somewhat difficult one-year-old because he is so active, and he didn't yet understand that he couldn't just throw himself off stuff, etc.  But now he really listens pretty well and is just generally quite good.  He basically never throws tantrums either.  At this point, we don't spank (well, we never will be doing that) or do time outs (jury is out on that if we find that he is not listening well).  We basically just use consequences, and it works quite well.  I try to give a quick explanation, and it often works very well.  Like several months back he didn't want to hold hands in the parking lot.  We had recently read a book about a dog running in the road and almost getting hit by a truck.  I just brought up that story and told him that since he is small some cars can't see him, so to be safe he needs to hold my hand.  Ever since then he will actually hold out his hand for me to take it or say "hold hands in the parking lot!"  So that's good.

As far as verbal/reading skills, he has learned several letters - I would say there are about 6 that he knows consistently.  He is also asking "what does that say?" all the time now.  His language in general is very very strong.  He speaks in very long sentences, carries on conversations, and has a very big vocabulary.  He is really funny and has a great sense of humor.  We laugh together a lot. He loves to sing and will sing in his crib in the morning after he wakes up - "Twinkle Twinkle" is a favorite.

His physical skills are good.  He's a great runner - so fast and he never stumbles.  It's funny to watch his friends his age run after him because they can never catch him.  People comment on it all the time - "oh my goodness he is fast!"  He can kick very well too and will kick a ball all over the place.  Because of these skills I say he is going to play soccer some day.  He does not like to throw/catch a ball though.  I say "doesn't like to" because I don't even know if he CAN since he won't even try it.  He FINALLY learned to jump with both feet off the ground about 2 months ago.  Another strength is balance.  Just this morning at Gymboree he walked along a skinny balance beam by himself the whole way without falling off (I just spotted him in case).  So the physical skills are a mixed bag - some strengths and some things that he is slower on.

His social skills amaze me too.  He loves to go over to people and say hi and start up conversations with them.  He is also very empathetic. If he sees someone sad (in real life or a book) he will often get sad or say he is sad.  He is really good about saying "I'm sorry" if he hurts someone, even by accident.  He is extremely gentle, which makes me think he will be a good big brother.  He pats little babies soooo gently.  He just loves small babies and will often say things like "hi little baby - you are so cute tiny little baby".  He is very very affectionate with me and other people too.  He gives LOTS of hugs, kisses, and pats. If I get hurt or say I have a headache, he will insist on kissing the spot, hugging me, and saying "that feel you better Mama?" which means "does that make you feel better?"  It's so sweet.

His "likes" right now are trucks, coloring with markers (finally! I thought he would never like to color), and playing "pretend" games endlessly.

His sleep is pretty good, I guess.  We put him in his crib at about 7:15 PM, and he is asleep by about 7:45-8PM.  He wakes up about 7AM.  He takes a 1.5-2 hour nap.  He loves loves loves his crib and has never shown signs of wanting to climb out, so he will stay there until about 3 years old (per my sleep guru - "The Sleep Lady").

As far as PTing, he is very ready, but I just need to bite the bullet.  He goes (both kinds) on his "teeny tiny toilet" almost every evening before the tub.  We are going away for two weeks in about two weeks, so we will PT full-time after that.

OK, I'm sure no one is reading this, but I am glad I put this all down for my own records.  I just want to remember what a great little guy Grady was at this time.  He is, as I say, "Pure Sunshine".  I feel so very lucky.  Love you, G-Man!

My "teeny tiny boy" (that's what he calls himself) is getting big so fast.  I'm so excited to watch him grow, but it also breaks my heart.  In some ways, I just want him to be like this forever.  But he's really doing great!  I know I just posted about 100 pictures, so that's taken care of, but I'll do a little post about Grady at 2.5 later.  He's just the sunshine that brightens up every day for me.  I'm so lucky to have him.  Off to get him up now!

Just wanted to post some cute ones from the weekend.

( too many pictures, as usual )

After our work this weekend, I finally feel like I can share some pictures of the screen porch.  We still have a bit of work to do though.  We need a new outdoor fan (the one in there is the boring white kind), we need to buy the loveseat and ottoman that will go in the "nook", and I need new outdoor placemats (though I got a cute tablecloth that matches, which I will use for the party since it will be a food table).

Here are the pictures...

( check it out! )

So I posted me old patio set on craigslist today.  It is 6 years old, though it is in great condition.  I asked $85 for it, and within three hours I had almost 20 emails!!!  A few people emailed me several times.  Geez - what's the deal?



I suppose I could have gotten more for it, but it really doesn't bother me.  We got 6 years of use out of it, and I just want to get it out of here now.  I just cannot believe that response!

Despite some rain off and on yesterday (which stopped in time for the pool party) we have been having a very nice and super productive weekend.  Right now Grady is taking a mega nap (after sleeping super late this morning - got to love those days!) and then we are heading to the pool since it is really hot and sunny today. 

It was good that we had a mellow weekend though because we got tons done for our party for next weekend.  Plus we leave for 15 days of vacation in three weeks, so we have a lot coming up.  We got Grady's sandbox all cleaned up and put a ton of new sand in it.  We scrubbed the floors of the screen porch and deck to get all the nasty pollen off it (about time - it's been there since about February).  We hung the outdoor curtains and artwork in our screen porch.  I planted new annuals in the my boxes and hanging baskets in the front of the house.  I ordered our Roman blinds for the great room (opted for just a valance on the back door to the porch and a Roman on the front door).  I got a haircut.  I posted our old outdoor stuff on Craiglist (and now, about 20 minutes later, I already have 2 emails about it!).  We also did fun stuff like the pool party and dinner out at On the Border (G was great for both).  So I finally hear Grady, and I'm of to enjoy the last few hours of my long weekend.

Be back with pictures soon!

Oh, and AF came today, so I'm definitely not PG.  I'm really really fine with it.  In fact, I'm a bit relieved as we always planned on starting in June.  I feel more ready now and excited for this month.  Anyway, though I said I might be PG, it really would have been unlikely, as we only DTD once before I ovulated.  I know it only takes once, but that would have been a bit ridiculous.  On to cycle #2!

Here are my thoughts on the kitchen.  I think I have chosen green!  I may do something like this (not my kitchen but similar cabinet color):




And I think I have chosen this fabric for my Roman blinds (99% sure)



But one more question for you all...  I will do fabric Roman blinds on the 3 windows in the breakfast nook and the one regular window in the living area.  But what about doors?  Our living area has a french door leading out to the screen porch.  I want something on that.  Do I do a fabric Roman blind or a bamboo blind with a valance in this material?  It's just that bamboo looks nicer from the outside too, whereas this would just look white from the outside.  The valance would still tie it together.  I'd do an inverted pleat valance - very clean.  Ditto on the front door.  The foyer is very open to the living area, so I want to tie it together with the same material.  The front door is all windows, so we need something - do I do a bamboo with a valance in fabric or just do a fabric Roman blind?

When I went in to get Grady after his nap, we were still in the dark, sitting in his big chair, and he hugged me and said "I love you mama.  I really really love you!"

He will also ask us to play the "no no no - I love Grady the most" game.  One of us runs around with him saying that and the other chases them saying that too.  It was a random thing that happened one day but now he asks for it every night before his tub.  It's so funny.

He also told me "I LOVE babies.  I love girl babies." yesterday.  He always talks about how much he loves babies.  It's so cute.  The other day at Kindermusik, when we got there, the babies were still in their class.  He asked to peek in and said "look at all the cute little teeny tiny babies!"

So now I am really torn between green (mossy color) or orange (spicy terra cotta type orange) for the kitchen.  But you all are so helpful and I sooo appreciate the input.  Just because I am picture crazy, here is one more picture that shows how the kitchen/hall/dining room are situated.  The kitchen and hall do not actually directly open to each other.  There is a hall (that leads to the laundry room, garage, and guest area) in-between.  That will stay gold.  You can see the dining room beyond that (where the wainscoting is) but it is now red, as you can see in the picture.