My Hardwoods

I'm actually behind on my blogging, but I'm skipping ahead because I've had a few requests to see the new floors. We're currently in the middle of our huge home improvement project: the floors. Monday/Tuesday was hardwoods day. Friday/Saturday will be carpet day.

Here's the dining room "before" pictures.

The piano room "before" picture

After Day 1. They have to remove carpet and padding. Then mix concrete and level the floors. It took 3 bags of cement to get the 2 rooms prepped. The floors set over night. I was so worried about my Steinway. I think I freaked the guys out about it, but I wanted them to understand how extremely precious it is to me! Thankfully they took the time to wrap it well to keep the dust out.

Here's the dining room. We could immediately tell a difference in the acoustics... kind of an echo. And drum roll, please.....

Ta-da!!! This is hand-scraped engineered wood flooring. The color is called Bologna which really means nothing. I just call it a warm brown with a slight gold look.

And the dining room. Suddenly it appears we have lots of wood going on! Next up is a trip to "The Dump" to hopefully find a nice rug for under the table. Hopefully I can talk someone into helping me find the perfect rug.

A look at the piano room from above. It's all just so beautiful! Steve and I just keep commenting on how nice it looks. Of course, anything is better than that builder-grade carpet! Everyone is invited to come see it in person. I really want someone to come and play my piano while I sit in the other room and enjoy the sound. It's amazing how much louder it is!!! LOVE IT!

Lake Waco

My dad has a pontoon boat that is so fun for the entire family. He always wanted a bass fishing boat, but soon learned that if he wanted to have all of his family with him then he needed to get something a bit larger. Caleb and Carter love to go fishing with Nanny and Papa. This time around Nanny stayed back with Brenner and the rest of us went on the boat.

Here's Caleb driving us around the lake and Carter trying to keep the sun out of his eyes.
Caleb caught a bass. It was too little to legally keep- who knew there were laws about the size of fish you keep?? Anyway, my dad knows these rules. Caleb was so proud. He caught this one entirely on his own from casting to reeling him in. And once he caught and released him, he put down his pole and sat down. He was done fishing. He caught a fish. My poor literal child. Next time we'll have to stress the fact that we are fishing for more than one fish. But in his mind.... he caught a fish. Job done.

That's a bald eagle's nest. My parents often see the momma and daddy bald eagle hanging out, but this morning we didn't see them. The next is huge!

And here I am with my boys. Keep in mind I just rolled out of bed and climbed on the boat. I love cruising the lake with my guys. Such a fun morning!

Bigger Brother Love

Caleb loves his baby brother.

Breast Cancer Fundraiser

Our family went to a fundraiser for The Breast Cancer 3-Day. This was the perfect opportunity for Brenner to wear his new outfit!

Wouldn't every guy like to wear a shirt like this?

The Working Man

Steve started his new job Monday at Baylor Health Care System. He is the coordinator for health care improvement. You know when you get a survey after your hospital stay?? He works with that data. I took his picture last week after his suit came back from the tailor. This wasn't his "first day of work" outfit, but the best I could do. I was actually still asleep when he left for work yesterday. He leaves the house around 6:15am! Yikes! But, he's got to trek across the metroplex and wants to avoid rush hour.

The past 2 days have been filled with learning the ropes of the job. The job itself will be something he's very comfortable doing - similar to his Accenture stuff. It's the new office, how things are to be done, and hospital lingo that are the biggest adjustment. There's a huge learning curve since he's moving into health care and out of the general business arena. But, health care is where it's at, right? He's really enjoying his new coworkers and is most excited about the FREE Diet Dr. Pepper provided in the break room. Although the commute is long, he's trying out various ways to get there in hopes of having lots of travel options.

A year ago I never could have dreamed my husband would be starting a new career and we would have a new baby boy! God is so good. He meets my every need.... even when I don't know what it is I need.

2 Months

Weight: 12 pounds, 6.5 ounces
75%



Length: 23 3/4 inches
75%



Head Circumference: 40.5 cm
60%

(the JCPenney Pose)

I'm a week late on this post, but I did go to the pediatrician on time! Our baby boy is textbook healthy- couldn't ask for more. My other boys were 75%-90% on all their stats at this age, so he seems to be growing at the same rate. He mostly has breastmilk, with maybe 4-6oz formula a day as a supplement. He takes the bottle fine and doesn't care if it's formula or breastmik in it. So, this guy is not choosy! He just likes to eat!

Brenner coos and smiles all the time. He's been making more and more noise- kind of finding his voice. And I swear this is true... I was getting ready to breastfeed him. Just as I unhooked my bra and let loose "the bottles" (affectionately termed by C&C), Brenner said, "Wow." It was in this baby squeaky voice, but clearly the word "wow." Steve was sitting right there and we just stared at each other thinking "Did you just hear what I heard?" Steve responded to Brenner, "That's exactly what I think." It was hysterical!!!

Oh, and another funny thing. One night- late into the evening Brenner was contiunually fussy. We were thinking he was gassy. Steve suggested we give him Midol. I just looked at him. And then I suggested, "How about Mylicon? Because I don't think our son is having menstrual cramps." Yes, our brain cells are decreasing with each child.

Our schedule- well, I can't say that we have that totally figured out... especially since he's lugged around in that pumpkin seat all day long. Welcome to the life of the 3rd child. We have learned to use "the miracle blanket" on him in the car seat. Brenner just screams and screams in the car while flailing his arms every which way. Now we actually wrap his arms- picture a straight jacket- and then buckle him in. Amazing! Truly amazing! Once he couldn't hit himself over and over he just gave up and enjoyed the ride. So, yes, the miracle blanket is really a miracle. I highly recommend this product and wish I had it for my other boys.

Brenner is our "hold-me" baby and we just hold him as much as possible. Now he does spend time in his swing, bouncy seat, and playmat, but generally speaking he prefers to be in our arms. And that works fine for now, but I'm sure that habit will change next week once Daddy starts working again! Brenner loves to snuggle and nuzzle up to our necks- it's a great life. He'll take the paci some, but has to be in the right mood. He is sleeping great at night. For the past 2 weeks he's increased from 4 1/2 to 6 hour at night. Last night he went 7 before I got him up because I was dying... all nursing mothers know what I'm talking about. This is working out perfectly because Steve starts his job Monday and I'm almost getting enough sleep to survive.

My Newest Composition

Brenner is Growing!

Newborn

One Month

2 Months

The elephant isn't getting smaller. The boy is getting bigger! And, yes... we had to squeeze him into the same onesie. Steve left for Target today to buy new white onesies. He's put on almost 5 pounds since birth!!

Carter Starts Pre-K

Today is Carter's first day of Pre-K. We are all excited!! He's going back to the school he went to last year.

Brenner is so sad his big brother is leaving him for school. His bigger brother already left and now Carter is leaving too! Can't you see the distress on his face?
Here's the big boy with his backpack and lunchbox. Notice the multi-colored striped socks Carter picked out for the first day. He is always wanting to make a fashion statement.

Here's his favorite part of his school. Every time I picked him up last year, I asked him, "What was your favorite part of school?" The answer is always, "the playground." He loves to play more than anything. This was also a deciding factor in giving him another year before kindergarten. Carter still needs playtime. I'm so glad we made the choice to hold him back. His school year is sponsored by Nanny and Papa and we couldn't be more grateful. At Caleb's school it's a fast-paced, curriculum driven kindergarten program with very little down time. Our sweet Tart still naps in the afternoons most days. Going to Pre-K is going to be such a good thing for him!

And here's Ms. Kim. She's been teaching the Pre-K here for 12 years, I think. There's 12 kids in his class and an extra helping teacher that floats between 2 rooms. So, he'll get lots of attention. He went right in this morning and put away his stuff and headed straight for the puzzles. No real goodbyes or anything. He's not the least bit sad to be dropped off at school. Yeah! Steve, Brenner, and I headed straight to Sonic to celebrate with a route 44. It's going to be a great year!