I see the Pretty Lights...

Tonight was Golden's annual Candlelight Walk and Holiday Lighting. We had an AMAZING time. Griffin was 100% TOTALLY into it this year and was screaming for Santa from the second we got there (or in Griffinese, "Deeta"). The weather was perfect so we could actually enjoy ourselves instead of concentrating on the cold. Griffin loved being part of the crowd, checking out all the lights, and seeing the carolers. I love the fact that he gets to grow up with this tradition!

at dinner before the walk. He had stripped out of his sweater & shoes and was SUPER pumped that daddy gave him a sip of his coke.

holding a candle 

on the way downtown 

his & hers

my boys 

right after they lowered the wreath & Santa did the countdown to light the trees 

trying to look tough on the patio

holiday splendor

enjoying the sparkle 

mama & her sweet boy

Santa over Golden!

22 weeks- Go Browns!

I'm wearing my Browns tee today in honor of my Aunt Diane. She was the biggest football fan I knew! I am 22 weeks pregnant with my daughter. My aunt is the one person I desperately WISH I could share the news with and I just can't. She would have been more excited than anyone. She always wanted a girl of her own, but had 3 awesome boys instead! I was the daughter she never had, so she couldn't wait for the day when I finally had a little girl so she could spoil her rotten. Oddly enough, I was also 22 weeks pregnant with Griffin when she passed away. I cant believe so much time has gone by already.

My Girl

We had a very exciting day today! It was my BIG ultrasound appointment where they check all of the baby's parts, and we found out we're having a girl! I KNEW IT!! Drew and I are ecstatic. We would have been thrilled either way, but I am SO excited to be able to have the experience of raising each. She is perfect in every way. Right now she weighs about a pound which is in the 49th percentile for weight and she is right on track for her age. 

GIRL! (there was no mistaking it) 

adorable little foot 

angel face

Here is a 5 second video of her heartbeat! I just thought it was neat:

We're still expecting her at the end of March/ beginning of April and we'll be able to schedule the surgery in January once the doctor's schedules are out. I can't wait to meet her!

Speaking of meeting her, I'd like to introduce you as she does already have a name. Evelyn Matilda (Evvie for short) is currently kicking me in the ribs. She's going to be a pistol, I can tell. So here is some background on the names:

Evelyn- for some reason, this and Griffin were the two names we had picked out at the very beginning of our relationship and we never stopped loving them. The first time it ever crossed our minds was when we met our next door neighbor in Columbus- she was our age & went by Evvie. We thought it was so beautiful, classy and timeless- and at the time, it was still pretty unique (though I know it's gaining popularity now!) It is related to the Hebrew name Eve (which means life) and the old French name Aveline (which means bird or hazelnut)!

Matilda- Ok, so some people may not agree with us on this one and that's ok! We ADORE this name and that's what matters! There are actually several Matildas on the Keefer side of Drew's family tree including Empress Matilda herself, so in a way, we consider it a family name. It is also old German for mighty in battle, and it doesn't get more badass than that! I think it is cool and quirky and tough- just like I hope Evelyn will be herself.

And I was right, this did kick my excitement into high gear and we are plotting the nursery as we speak. I am trying to decide between a slightly woodland fairy-ish theme or a slightly carnival theme. Here is a piece of art I'm considering for each one so you can see where I'm going:

Drew is kinda leaning woodlands, I'm kinda leaning carnival. Of course we needed to find SOMETHING to argue about! Luckily we need to clean out the nursery first which is going to take QUITE AWHILE. Lots of time to ponder. 

The Grind

I love my job. I really, truly, honestly do. I can barely keep a smile off of my face when I talk about it, and while I love my work-life balance, going to work is never something I dread. This is literally the first time in the 12 years since I've graduated college that I can say that, and I feel beyond lucky.

Part of the contentment, I think, is that I am expected to consistently learn, grow, and develop. My opinion is valued now, and it will only be increasingly valued as I broaden and deepen my experience and knowledge base. In addition, I have been given some pretty significant responsibilities in which I am "the boss" as far as crafting, running, and implementing- all roads go through me. While that can mean additional stress (I am the person that gets held accountable!) it is also extremely exciting to see my vision being realized throughout campus.

I'm thinking of this today in particular because my day was such a random snapshot of what I do. I developed a training timeline and content for the 72 Peer Mentors that work for me. I rewrote a job description for the 35 faculty that I employ to teach Freshman Seminar. I compiled and sent survey data to the Core Curriculum board that I sit on. I did fund raising for our annual diversity event. I did an academic coaching session at a sorority house. I worked on a grant proposal that could mean increased retention for our underrepresented students. I attended a seminar on using technology and social media in Higher Education (and got SUPER jazzed up, by the way). I started writing curriculum for the academic success course I develop and teach to our readmitted students in the winter. And in between, I did my "regular" (and most rewarding) job of advising students. It was a lot- but at the end of the day, I leave feeling like I accomplished so much. And more importantly, I'm proud of what I accomplished!

So now, I don't have to look back at my years spent in jobs I hated with any sense of disappointment or regret. Everything- and I mean EVERYTHING- happens for a reason. It was all meant to bring me here! And I have total faith the "here" that I have right now is only going to lead me to bigger and better opportunities in the future. And now I can tell my kids without any hesitation or doubt, that if they work hard enough and they have enough faith in themselves, they will end up finding what they love to do too. What a beautiful thing.

A Boy & His Dog

Griff & Scarlett are totally BFFs. It is a symbiotic relationship in which Griffin gets to hug and pet her, and she, in return, gets most of his dinner. On the way home from school every day, he gets so excited to see her, and it is routine for him to cheer "YAAAAY, SCARLEY!" before he says anything else. When she licks one of his hands (usually in search of food), he proudly shows everyone, saying "kiss! kiss!". Griffin's love comes off as a bit intense occasionally (he chases her a bit too long, or tries to poke an eye as he names her body parts) and she'll get nervous, but she always puts up with him- likely knowing that there is some meat or veggies being thrown her way if she keeps her teeth to herself. I love that he has a furry friend to grow up with, and I hope he always has happy memories of his old cattle dog.

fulfilling Christmas wishes

We had to go BACK to Home Depot today (it has become our home away from home) so I was able to catch some of Griff's awesomeness on camera. He has been SO enthralled with the Depot lately, in fact, that all we have to say is that we're going & he gets creepily excited. It is NEVER that easy to get his shoes and socks on.

hugging and kissing the horses. CUTEST. EVER. I cant wait for his face on Christmas Day!

And here he is dancing to Elmo's version of Jingle Bells. This may be my favorite thing EVER. Kid is freaking hilarious:

Griffin's new favorite thing in the entire world is the movie Brave. We originally rented it from Red Box and he proceeded to watch it about a million times over the next 2 days. He refers to the movie as "my bear" and asked for it so many times after we returned it, that we ended up buying a copy. Then, when we were at Target today, we saw these giant and adorable super soft stuffed bears- that look just like the one from the movie- WAY on sale! He HAD to have it. What could be more fun than this? I love giving so, so  much!!

New Traditions

A few years ago, Drew and I decided to go up to Evergreen around Christmastime to do paint your own pottery. We ended up making a day of it and getting our Christmas tree at the same time. We have awesome memories of that day, and I decided to translate it into a family tradition! From now on, we will go up to Evergreen the weekend after Thanksgiving so that each kid can paint their own Christmas ornament. Then, the following weekend when we go pick up the completed pieces, we will also get our tree! So, today Griff got to do some painting!

on the way up, we saw the buffalo herd!

Griff thought they were very cool. 

Majestic Buffalo!

Griffin picked out the owl ornament.

the art was painstaking at first

...and then he just went for it!

after paining, he went to visit with the friendly ducks at the creek

So we will go to pick up the finished ornament and our Christmas tree next weekend. I CANT WAIT!! Oh, how I love the smell of pine and getting the inside of the house all decked out. And just in time for Grammy's visit to Denver and early Christmas celebration in two weeks! YAY!

'Tis the Season!

What an awesome start to the Holiday Season! We got up early (as per usual), stopped for a gingerbread latte (me) & peppermint mocha (Drew) and then headed to Home Depot. While Drew was stocking up on shower finishing supplies, Griffin and I hung out near the Christmas lights where there was a singing Elmo. Griff was ENTHRALLED and danced along, charming everyone who walked by. That is also where he found a cluster of rocking horses that became his BEST FRIENDS. He huddled in the middle of them, pointed at each one, earnestly telling me "horse"!! and then sweetly saying "neigh" to them. Then, when we had to leave, he petted and kissed each one goodbye!! SWEETEST. EVER. So, of course, we helped Santa with an awesome purchase & we should have one thrilled little boy on Christmas Day!

Later, I put up most of our outdoor Christmas lights so the house is looking extra festive. We had a super yummy Thanksgiving Again dinner, and we watched some Christmas movies. I even got several people crossed off my shopping list! AND Griff had an awesome night going to sleep again. Things are feeling good!!

Let the Holidays Begin!

We are stuffed, tired, and happy. Griffin is sound asleep and Drew and I are about to curl up with a movie. In lieu of an actual post, here are some pics of our day. And tomorrow? I get my Holiday on!

trying to take a nice family photo & the boys kept getting distracted by football

I love this one though

stink eye

another distraction (at least I was amused)

grandpa time 

brothers-in-law

Thankful

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving, and I love it for so many reasons. Our home is always warm, happy, and smelling of wonderful food. We get to see family, a real blessing since not everyone has that ability, even if we do still find ourselves missing our loved ones that are far away. We get to have an INCREDIBLE feast- almost every food that I find to be comforting or part of childhood tradition will be on one table. And then, I really get to spend time thinking about what I'm thankful for.

The thankful part is something I take very seriously. We all slip into taking life for granted occasionally. Little problems (like a sleepless child or a home renovation) start to feel bigger then they actually are. But every now and again, something happens that reminds you of what you have, who you are, and what really matters. I cherish those moments of humanity. I relish in occasionally realizing that I've taken myself too seriously, that I am acting with a privileged perspective, or that I've forgotten for a second what really matters. If you're never given those moments to snap out of it, you never get to fully embrace your blessings. Thanksgiving happens to be a time I can count on every year for bringing me back to myself.

Tonight, I am thankful for the gaping holes in my shower, because it means that we have the ability to improve our home. I am thankful for the child crying by his door because it reminds me that he is healthy and smart and social. I am thankful for my job because although it has its stressful moments, it makes me feel a pride, excitement, and desire to improve that I've never known before. I am thankful for my open and occasionally over-sensitive heart because it allows me to love so many different and incredible people, so very deeply, and I can never hold grudges.

But more than anything, I am thankful for my tiny family. I had no idea when I first met Drew, a starving artist with the most beautiful green-gold eyes and wicked sense of humor, that he would be the man to build my dreams with me. I had no idea I was looking at my partner in crime, my partner in snark, my partner in life. I had no idea that he'd make the most breath taking father. And here we are, 10 years later. He still makes me laugh. He has grown into an incredibly strong and sensitive provider. He has never wavered in his support of me and his pride in what we have made together. This life, this home, our children- are our badges of honor, our greatest accomplishments, our legacy. I am forever thankful for the moments that brought us together, and the others that made us grow up and seize what we'd been given.

When Griffin came into our lives, I thought my heart would explode with the swell of love, pride and responsibility he brought me. He is silly and sweet and gentle. He is creative and intelligent and stubborn. He is absolutely perfect, and he makes me melt with a single look. And now I have this huge gift- the ability to get to know another amazing human being at such an intimate level. I get to give Griffin his best friend and greatest adversary, and the person who will "get it" when he needs to talk about how crazy his parents are. I will get to experience my heart growing even more- to a capacity I've never known. I will get to watch two tiny people grow into whoever they are meant to be, and the whole way, I will see Drew in them- in a look, an action, a certain passion for football.

So I am thankful for so very many things. But especially for the people who make my house a home, and make me laugh in a way that only we do. For my husband, my son, and my little Sprout, I thank you universe. From the very bottom of my heart.

there was something about my boys holding hands as they strolled through Home Depot today that made me swoon, and I was thankful even for that tiny moment.

da-DEE! ma-MA!

Drew and I both thought we had finally learned the Griff Go to Bed trick. I sang him to sleep one night and it was like magic. Drew read him stories in bed one night (instead of in the rocking chair) and he fell soundly asleep. But Griffin will not be fooled! The past two nights have been miserable failures and he is currently shrieking our names next to his bedroom door. This has to be a phase, right? Like one day I'll just be able to put him to bed and he'll just stay there? Quietly? Because that sounds AMAZING.

One day down, one to go

Work was horribly annoying today. I woke up with a splitting headache that never quite went away. It was also the first actual day of registration for our freshmen and I had a barrage of students who "didn't know" they needed PINs or advising and "never got" the 72 emails I sent them before they decided today was an emergency. Then I had to make my hiring decisions, and while I will have a GREAT team, I still needed to turn down 17 other candidates which is never fun. Argh. I don't know why, but for some reason short weeks are always like that. Since tomorrow is my last day before I'm off, I'm sure it will drag on FOREVER.

BUT, after work, the evening was grand! When I went to pick Griffin up from daycare, I found out that they think he is actually verbally & socially advanced so they're moving him up to the next level room early! Then, we had my parents and brother over for dinner (enchilada casserole- MMMmmm) and had a great time!

Brian hugging Griffin goodbye & getting an unanticipated dog kiss

Also: we haven't done any more work on the bathroom, but I forgot to post a picture of the valance I made:

not bad for a fabric remnant , a few hooks & a branch!

I have been Christmas "online window shopping" lately and I'm getting SUPER excited!! My "holiday gift recipient" list is done. Griffin is going to be so fun to buy for, and I already have lots of other gift ideas ready to go! Yay!

Sunday Night Blues

Sunday night came REALLY fast again. I guess it happens every week, but it seems like this weekend flew by especially quickly. I am lucky to be one of the few people that can truly and passionately say they love their job, but even that has its limits! At least it is a very short week (I've been saying that to myself in my head for days).

Griffin has been impersonating more super heroes lately. Today it was Captain America!

he saved Mr. Frog from all kinds of evil doing

My brother is in town for the holiday, so Griff and I went to see him at my parents' house for dinner tonight. It was nice to hang out and catch up, and Griff was a COMPLETE angel. He was super well behaved, ate everything on his plate (though it WAS my mom's pot roast, so who could blame him), gave everyone lots of hugs, and thanked my mom for dinner! He must know Santa is watching...

Phase 4.5

Ok, so I would have waited to post more about the bathroom until after the shower was completed, but I couldn't wait. We're SO CLOSE to being finished and the room is just so comfortable already!

I love the pops of red 

funny the difference a plant & some towels can make!

Drew will probably tackle the shower renovation next weekend, but until then we have a pretty shower curtain hiding the horror of this:

Griffin has been doing a lot of asking us to "hit the rock" which is always a good time. He's also spent most of the day hilariously running around in circles, dancing, and leaping off things like a crazy person, except for when he was being sweet and snuggly. His new thing is laying down next to us and getting as close as he can and then gently petting our hair or the side of our face. *swoon*! He was incredibly well behaved today, including taking a super long nap and then going right to sleep at bed time! It's so easy to love that kid.

I'm trying to keep my holiday spirit under wraps until after Thanksgiving, but it's getting REALLY HARD. I keep plotting Christmas gifts, decorations, and handmade treats in my head. This year is going to be EXTRA fun since Griffin is so active and really loves to play. I can't wait!! Luckily next week is a very short week for me, and then I get my License to Yule!

and now for the "giving" part

It is Colorado Combined Campaign time at work again which is when we re-evaluate our charitable donations. I actually love doing this. It is a time when I learn so much about hundreds of different worthy organizations, and I figure out how my family can help. Having a paycheck deduction seems like the least we can do. This year I have decided to up my contribution a bit, and pick a few new non-profits.

I am donating to the Girl Scouts again! I just love what they mean for female empowerment and education, especially at the local level. I have such positive memories of trips and outings with them, as well vivid recollection of certain things I learned from being a part of the organization. I have also discovered EarthLinks, which captured my heart immediately. This is a local organization that works with homeless and low-income people to teach them new skill sets, all the while creating earth-friendly and sustainable products like urban bee boxes, jewelry, beauty products and locally grown food. Because so many urban homeless are alienated from nature, the company not only connects people to the earth, but they give them a source of income! I may very well be buying some Christmas gifts from EarthLinks too! And, finally, I'm contributing to the Matthew Shepard Foundation. It is such a powerful organization, seeking to increase gay rights, public understanding, and promote change while strongly trying to wipe out hate crimes across the country. So many people I know and love are gay and the fact that they can be targeted in any kind of hateful act is terrifying to me. Contributing to the MSF just seems natural.

The Combined Campaign at work is definitely not the only way our family contributes to those in need throughout the year. We both find worthy causes (such as the Red Cross following the recent hurricane, and local food drives) on a regular basis. I love that giving is a built in ritual for us, though we tend to think about it more this time of year. It's something I really feel good about, and I'm proud that my kids will grow up helping others as second nature.

20 Weeks

This pregnancy is halfway over. HALF. FREAKING. WAY. I thought the last one went fast. This one has been at warp speed. I'm happy, I'm feeling great, I'm excited to find out more about my babe, but I am also 100% UNPREPARED. I know everything will work itself out (it always does) but I just can't shake this slight feeling of unease that has been following me around lately.

Sprout!

I think part of it (if not most of it) is the fact that when I was pregnant with Griffin, all I had was time. I know I was finishing up my Masters and working, but nothing (and I mean NOTHING) compares to parenting as far as consuming time and brain power! So this time around, most of my focus has been on my little boy (and justly so!), and the rest (especially as of late) has been on work... so at the end of the day, there is almost nothing left.

That doesn't mean I'm not thrilled though, because I am. With each passing day I feel more settled in with Sprout, reveling in this incredibly short and blissfully sweet period of bonding where I get to feel her twist and turn throughout the day, or I talk to her in my head at night. It will be nice when we find out the gender in two weeks so I can stop arbitrarily referring to the baby as "her" or "Sprout". Maybe then it will be easier to start planning. The nursery will come together, of course- but we can also start figuring out schedules and daycare and items we need. I think that's when Griffin began to feel a bit more real too.

Drew and I looked back at the picture of me 20 weeks pregnant with G and could NOT believe the difference! I'm much bigger this time around, that's for sure. I don't know if it's the different pregnancy, or if my ab muscles just decided to give up! I find it utterly fascinating to compare the two pregnancies- the differences in shape, size, symptoms, life situations, feelings, everything! I'm so glad I wrote it all down. And, more than anything, I feel so amazingly lucky to have the chance to experience it all.

Phase 4

Drew used the day off on Monday to put finishing touches on the bathroom. He flew through putting up trim, painting the walls, and putting down a floor transition. Yesterday I hung up some art, and I was feeling pretty good about all of it!

I still want to hang a valance & new towel bars and touch up the white, but HOW PRETTY?!?!

TOTALLY different room

So I came home from work today to find Drew went ahead and started "phase 4". Yeah... demolition randomly started on the shower (even though I thought we had discussed otherwise) so my basement is back into a state of upheaval. SIGH.

does ANYONE like seeing this where their shower used to be?

I know it will turn out beautifully & I just need to give Drew the time & patience he's due, but I SO just want us to be able to relax again. One day...

Tonight after story time, Griffin did NOT want to go to bed. He was flailing and screaming and I thought I was going to battle him all night. I've been through similar fits with him SO MANY times before and usually NOTHING works. So I laid him down and smoothed his hair while I sang You are My Sunshine, and the most amazing thing happened. It was like taming a wild beast! He settled right down and let me tuck him in as I sang. I sat there on the edge of his bed singing and rubbing his back as he drifted off to sleep, the whole time Sprout was kicking and dancing in time. It was one of the most incredible "mom" experiences I've ever had. It only lasted a few minutes, but those minutes became this moment with my TWO beautiful, perfect, PEACEFUL kids feeling like things were simply right in the world. Unlike most nights, Griffin never stirred as I got up and turned out the light or closed the door. I can't say it will be like that every night- or maybe even not ever again, but for tonight I was given a special moment filled with bliss and warmth and pride and love.

Potty Humor

This morning as Griffin and I were watching before school cartoons, a commercial came on for this game called Doggy Doo. The goal of the game (I kid you not) is to feed this dog & make it poop. I am HORRIFIED and exclaim how gross and horrible an idea it is, and I look down to see Griff has this GIANT grin on his face. I said "you think that's funny?" and he BURST into hysterical laughter. Which, of course, made me laugh too. So, I guess he's all boy (in case there was any question).

healthy mama

Mines sponsored a health fair last week that included a free blood panel. While I've had my blood drawn a million times before for all kinds of tests, I've never had a full blood work up done with the results sent to me to interpret. In looking things over, I was initially pleased. My blood glucose looks good, my bad cholesterol was low and my good cholesterol was high. All the rest of my chemistry, platelets & other blood-like stuff was fine. And then, I noticed a comment: "Please note. Moderate macrocytosis detected." Whoa, whoa, whoa... what the hell is macrocytosis? I felt a twinge of worry, but figured if there was some issue, I would have known about it already. So, of course, I googled it. Yeah... one should never really do that. I learned that it is basically larger than normal red blood cells with a proportionate increase in hemoglobin. Causes range from benign to malignant. WAIT. What?! Causes can be loss of bone marrow, liver disease, cancer? So, I'm close to full blown panic mode & I call my OB. Turns out, another cause for macrocytosis? PREGNANCY. Every single pregnant woman gets it- its just that most of them don't have labs sent to them for blind perusal. It's completely harmless (and actually helps the baby) and it goes away shortly after birth. So there was my increased heart rate for the day.

My brother texted me today about Thanksgiving plans, and it just hit me that Thanksgiving is NEXT WEEK. I kept thinking it was weeks away. This fall is FLYING by. Insane. But now that I know, I'm super excited about it. My brother will be here for an entire week, I get several days off, and my favorite foods are in my future. Mmmm. Plus, all of this means the kick off to holiday ritual- my favorite time of the year!

And, in Things that Made Jess Cry news, here is yet ANOTHER reason I love my President. Who keeps it more real than this? Just wait till you get to about the 3:35 point, KILLS ME.

random stuff sunday

Today was the perfect mix of relaxation and getting stuff accomplished. We laid around and snacked on mini cupcakes and watched movies, cartoons and football. I worked from home a bit to schedule 22 separate interviews next week (which had to be coordinated with 8 ADDITIONAL people's schedules) so I'm feeling like a huge load has been lifted from my shoulders. Drew installed the new sink, and it looks GORGEOUS!

we're starting to feel very fancy up in this piece

Griffin came down with another evil cold, hence his evilness yesterday. But today it meant lots of naps and snuggles which is, in my opinion, the HUGE upside of him getting colds.

being sweet with daddy

Sprout has been dancing up a storm lately and Drew even felt her kick for the first time yesterday! I asked Griffin if he was going to play with his new sister or brother and all excitedly, he said "yeah!" Still not sure he has any idea what that means though.

In flipping through Pinterest (as I am wont to do when I have been woken up in the night and cant fall back to sleep due to Drew's snoring) I found this:

WANT.

When I showed Drew this morning, we both got all jazzed up about it. We really want a REAL fireplace in the living room eventually (the electric one will only appease me for so long) but we don't want to give up the money or the space for a full size one to be installed. This one seems PERFECT- efficient & cozy, yet compact! So it is on the ever growing list of "one days".

Busy

We've been insanely busy today between errands, cooking, having guests and Drew forcing me to watch spider man. On top of that, Griffin was Captain Evil today (a meltdown an hour) and I am coming down with a cold. Now I can barely keep my eyes open. Here's to getting some extra sleep!

utter exhaustion

Thank GOD it is Friday. Seriously. This has been the longest two weeks EVER. Now that pre-registration advising is finally over, I am jumping straight into hiring staff, and I need to conduct TWENTY FOUR interviews for 6 positions next week. SIGH. But until then, I have the weekend & family to visit with. Though Thanksgiving break is looking REAL GOOD.

Speaking of family, Griffin had a BLAST with his grandparents, great grandma & great aunts! My dad texted me hilarious picture updates throughout the day, and while Griffin WAS happy to see me when I got there to pick him up, he became hysterical when I tried to take him home. That's one sign of a good time!!

Im going to bed early. Here's a cute pic of the boy going on a walk with my mom & grandma!

Little Helper

Griffin was incredibly sweet this morning. He let me change his diaper and get him dressed without a struggle (normally its like an MMA match). Then, he quietly put on his socks and shoes and brought me his coat. Once he was ready to go, he brought me my shoes, coat and purse! Such a helpful little guy. Knowing he can take on small tasks will help A LOT when the baby comes.

The basement floor and toilet installation are DONE! And, even better, no leaks or breaks! WOO! Phase 2 will be new sink installation (ours is 40 years old, rusted out, and creepy). Phase 3 will be new paint and trim. And then Phase 4 (which I am nervous about) will be tile demolition in the shower (the current tile is icky white with bows. BOWS, people) along with new tile and new shower door. It is the never ending project, but that bathroom will be SO badass when it's done. AND, even better, completely our style!

Scarlett approves of Phase 1

Tonight, my grandmother & both of my mom's sisters will be flying into town. They're here to visit all of us, but mostly (as it was made abundantly clear) to see Griffin, since they cant make it for Christmas this year. Griffin doesn't even know the massive spoiling and attention grabbing he's about to endure. In fact, he's skipping school to spend ALL DAY with them at my parent's house tomorrow without Drew & I even being there to deflect his glory. I can only imagine what he'll be allowed to eat and get away with in my absence.