Well, Chris and I have been house hunting for several months now. We have a smaller budget, but not terrible; we have a specific location we like, but it is understandable; and we have high standards, but they are not unreasonable. All of these things equal up to a few choices to pick from. We did find an incredible offer thanks to our real estate agent and due to circumstances beyond our control that "perfect house" is now unattainable. *sigh*
Now it is back to houses that are 20 years old, pretty far away from where we want to be, questionable neighborhoods, and a less that welcoming feeling. The houses inhabited by bachelors who have WAY to many hunting clothes and a phone installed by the toilet; the houses with unkempt backyards and above-ground pools that eat up the whole lawn; and houses that share a metal mailbox with the entire street.
My only goal I will set for this adventure is to find a place by the time our lease is up in October. I DO NOT want to resign, I DO NOT want to shell out almost 1k each month with no benefit, no gain. We need more space, we need a yard.
I never understood exactly why people said things like "I want to give my child more" until I had one. I want to give Lorelai a home to call hers. I want her to have more than just a crowded cluster of rooms in a building shared by dozens of other people. I want her to have a fireplace that Santa will use to visit her on Christmas eve...all we have now is a paper and cardboard replica. It is fine for the effect, especially since babies don't understand and won't remember...but she is quickly growing up and giving her a house before her first birthday would be amazing.
I am still actively looking and searching along with the assistance of our realtor. I pray a house is still possible within our timeline.
On a little side note: Lorelai only woke up once last night at 4am, she drank a 6oz bottle and went back to sleep until 9:30am! *cheers* Maybe...MAYBE this is a trend? I hope so...between her and my stress levels, I have been losing too much sleep!
M LEWIS
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Friday, March 18, 2011
Growing Pains and Apartment Blues
So, it is official...starting this weekend at least...it is Spring. My car told me it was 88 degrees yesterday. :-( Blehhhhh, that is not spring, that is summer. I wish Texas would get with the seasonal program! I would love to escape to the mountains now, but no can do.
We have so much to prepare for.
We are house hunting now. We have a meeting with a realtor on Saturday. I am really excited to start the process, and yet very cautious and a bit overwhelmed. I am better than I was a few days ago though...I was a ball of stress. I had to deal with numerous issues: our tax return was "rejected," our problems with the insurance company and our pediatrician popped up again, Hub couldn't get an answer on his new salary; and that is not including household stressers like Phoebe and her potty-training saga and LEL with her refusal on rolling and tummy time. It probably didn't help that I was losing sleep left and right. Thanks daylight savings time. Since then, we have ironed out the tax return and the insurance. Still no answer on the salary issue though. :-(
Now on to LEL: Why does she hate tummy time? I feel I have tried it all. I guess she will do it on her own time, but she is almost 4 months old and she still shows 0 interest! Not to mention she is still no where near sleeping through the night. Maybe I had high expectations, but I was hoping for a little more progress at this point. She is still not in her crib because of her frequent nighttime feedings and restless fits. She will have to move to her room soon though...she is outgrowing her cradle and likes to throw her legs over the side so they dangle out in the room. This is of course, after she has demanded to kick off all her covers and spit out her pacifier or "paci" about 2 dozen times. *sigh* Because of these actions, I have started calling her "buga bear"...because she is bugging the life out of me! ;-)
Life hasn't been all bad of course, I have seen some friends, had some quality family time, and have been enjoying exercising my photography muscles. Still no word on the "good" camera yet. I hope it is fixed soon! I am itching to use it so badly!
As I type, the annoying apartment lawn crew is using their LOUD leaf-blowers against my windows and front door. This scares Lorelai, concerns Phoebe, and serves no purpose besides blowing away my doormat which I will have to fix in front of the door again later. I hate them. I have really begun hating most things about apartment life lately. Maybe it is because being a homeowner is in the near future (fingers crossed) or maybe it is because I have been dealing with their nonsense for over a year, but I am so anxious to get outta here! I hate having my mail 2 blocks away, I hate that I have to leash up Phobes and stand out with her and LEL outside only to have her A) not go potty or B) go potty, but then walk all over picking it up (ick) and disposing it so we don't get fined $50! I hate that our trash pick up system is so picky and if we fudge on the rules at all we get fined, yep, $50 again. I hate that our upstairs neighbors somehow turn into elephants during certain times of day and seriously sound like they may crash through the ceiling. I hate that we have to pay so much for 1 covered parking spot that recently seems to constantly be littered with cigarette boxes and lighters thanks to some obnoxious neighbor. There are more annoyances but I will stop my rant here. You get my point...I want to leave.
Speaking of which, LEL has had enough playtime and is asking ever so loudly to be picked up. Until next time...
M LEWIS
We have so much to prepare for.
We are house hunting now. We have a meeting with a realtor on Saturday. I am really excited to start the process, and yet very cautious and a bit overwhelmed. I am better than I was a few days ago though...I was a ball of stress. I had to deal with numerous issues: our tax return was "rejected," our problems with the insurance company and our pediatrician popped up again, Hub couldn't get an answer on his new salary; and that is not including household stressers like Phoebe and her potty-training saga and LEL with her refusal on rolling and tummy time. It probably didn't help that I was losing sleep left and right. Thanks daylight savings time. Since then, we have ironed out the tax return and the insurance. Still no answer on the salary issue though. :-(
Now on to LEL: Why does she hate tummy time? I feel I have tried it all. I guess she will do it on her own time, but she is almost 4 months old and she still shows 0 interest! Not to mention she is still no where near sleeping through the night. Maybe I had high expectations, but I was hoping for a little more progress at this point. She is still not in her crib because of her frequent nighttime feedings and restless fits. She will have to move to her room soon though...she is outgrowing her cradle and likes to throw her legs over the side so they dangle out in the room. This is of course, after she has demanded to kick off all her covers and spit out her pacifier or "paci" about 2 dozen times. *sigh* Because of these actions, I have started calling her "buga bear"...because she is bugging the life out of me! ;-)
Life hasn't been all bad of course, I have seen some friends, had some quality family time, and have been enjoying exercising my photography muscles. Still no word on the "good" camera yet. I hope it is fixed soon! I am itching to use it so badly!
As I type, the annoying apartment lawn crew is using their LOUD leaf-blowers against my windows and front door. This scares Lorelai, concerns Phoebe, and serves no purpose besides blowing away my doormat which I will have to fix in front of the door again later. I hate them. I have really begun hating most things about apartment life lately. Maybe it is because being a homeowner is in the near future (fingers crossed) or maybe it is because I have been dealing with their nonsense for over a year, but I am so anxious to get outta here! I hate having my mail 2 blocks away, I hate that I have to leash up Phobes and stand out with her and LEL outside only to have her A) not go potty or B) go potty, but then walk all over picking it up (ick) and disposing it so we don't get fined $50! I hate that our trash pick up system is so picky and if we fudge on the rules at all we get fined, yep, $50 again. I hate that our upstairs neighbors somehow turn into elephants during certain times of day and seriously sound like they may crash through the ceiling. I hate that we have to pay so much for 1 covered parking spot that recently seems to constantly be littered with cigarette boxes and lighters thanks to some obnoxious neighbor. There are more annoyances but I will stop my rant here. You get my point...I want to leave.
Speaking of which, LEL has had enough playtime and is asking ever so loudly to be picked up. Until next time...
M LEWIS
Friday, March 11, 2011
All Smiles
Ok, first off I just have to say, I love my blog background! Every time I sign on it makes me smile. So cute.
But anyway...
Today I went to one of my favorite places: Hobby Lobby. I went for the intention of taking advantage of their many current sales. That is the best part of Hobby Lobby...every week there are several departments that mark their merchandise 50% off, and this week it was ribbon, home accents, picture frames, and select Easter decorations. I couldn't find just a plain Easter basket for LEL but I did get the basket grass and some pastel plastic eggs. I also found baby bloomer for $5.00! I have been searching for some and no stores carry them. You can order them online...for $17.00 a pair! *ahem* No way. So I was thrilled to find some there.
I also got supplies to make LEL some new and cute hair bows! Ribbon, buttons, flower...it was too much fun.
My Hairbow Creations I look forward to finding new things to make for my baby girl ♥
I wanted to get more yarn to make a baby blanket for my good friend, Jen (she found out she is having a little girl!!!!!) but that wasn't on sale this week...so I will check back soon on that.
On this day of fun and smiles, we can't ignore that seriousness happening around the world. Praying for those in Japan and all effected by the tsunami. You can do your part by texting REDCROSS to 90999, which will donate $10. If everyone does this small task, we can make a huge difference! Be thankful tonight for your blessings!
M LEWIS
But anyway...
Today I went to one of my favorite places: Hobby Lobby. I went for the intention of taking advantage of their many current sales. That is the best part of Hobby Lobby...every week there are several departments that mark their merchandise 50% off, and this week it was ribbon, home accents, picture frames, and select Easter decorations. I couldn't find just a plain Easter basket for LEL but I did get the basket grass and some pastel plastic eggs. I also found baby bloomer for $5.00! I have been searching for some and no stores carry them. You can order them online...for $17.00 a pair! *ahem* No way. So I was thrilled to find some there.
I also got supplies to make LEL some new and cute hair bows! Ribbon, buttons, flower...it was too much fun.
My Hairbow Creations I look forward to finding new things to make for my baby girl ♥
I wanted to get more yarn to make a baby blanket for my good friend, Jen (she found out she is having a little girl!!!!!) but that wasn't on sale this week...so I will check back soon on that.
On this day of fun and smiles, we can't ignore that seriousness happening around the world. Praying for those in Japan and all effected by the tsunami. You can do your part by texting REDCROSS to 90999, which will donate $10. If everyone does this small task, we can make a huge difference! Be thankful tonight for your blessings!
M LEWIS
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Monday, February 28, 2011
It's a bird, it's a plane, it's SUPERMOM
I will only call myself this on the rare occasion...and today fits. :-)
Not only did LEL and I sleep in until 10:30, but we also drank 6oz in one sitting, AND went down for 2 naps both without crying. *cheers*
Now that I think about it, these are more accomplishments for Lorelai than myself. Hmmm...well I still plan on taking some of the credit.
During her morning nap I was quite productive:
Anyway, back to Shutterfly: I received a flyer in the mail advertising for a free 20pg 8x8 album and decided to give a whirl (catch or no catch). It was so much fun. Not only did I get to showcase my pictures of my beautiful baby girl, but I got to exercise my love for design. I had to pick a theme from their predetermined selection, but that's ok...they were cute. I then could place my pictures (up to 4...maybe 5 a page) complete with captions. I had a blast putting it together...even though it took me about a hour to get happy with the final product. And the catch wasn't bad...just paying for shipping and handling. Once I get the book I will look it over, see the picture and construction quality...I may want to use it as a tool in the future for possible clients. I know I ordered a great one from my wedding photographer (not through Shutterfly) and still LOVE looking at.
Back to my day, Lorelai woke up, ate, played, and went down for her afternoon nap a few hours after her morning one. I then was able to get more accomplished.
M LEWIS
Not only did LEL and I sleep in until 10:30, but we also drank 6oz in one sitting, AND went down for 2 naps both without crying. *cheers*
Now that I think about it, these are more accomplishments for Lorelai than myself. Hmmm...well I still plan on taking some of the credit.
During her morning nap I was quite productive:
- I started a load of dishes
- I washed and dried a load of laundry
- Created and compiled a photobook for LEL using Shutterfly
- And I cleaned all LEL's bottles
Anyway, back to Shutterfly: I received a flyer in the mail advertising for a free 20pg 8x8 album and decided to give a whirl (catch or no catch). It was so much fun. Not only did I get to showcase my pictures of my beautiful baby girl, but I got to exercise my love for design. I had to pick a theme from their predetermined selection, but that's ok...they were cute. I then could place my pictures (up to 4...maybe 5 a page) complete with captions. I had a blast putting it together...even though it took me about a hour to get happy with the final product. And the catch wasn't bad...just paying for shipping and handling. Once I get the book I will look it over, see the picture and construction quality...I may want to use it as a tool in the future for possible clients. I know I ordered a great one from my wedding photographer (not through Shutterfly) and still LOVE looking at.
Back to my day, Lorelai woke up, ate, played, and went down for her afternoon nap a few hours after her morning one. I then was able to get more accomplished.
- Folded the laundry from earlier
- Cleaned up the livingroom
- Dusted
- Put up the dishes from earlier
M LEWIS
Saturday, February 26, 2011
*Snap*
I am researching cameras.
So much to learn, I am intrigued yet intimidated at the same time...mainly over money. I want a awesome camera to take beautiful pictures of my baby and then branch out to my friends for their needs. I just am incredibly cautious on the price. I don't want to pour in hundreds of dollars on a would-be hobby only to discover I don't have the passion for it like I thought.
Maybe I should just stick with the camera I have now? Maybe I can get photo software in the mean-time to satisfy my urge to create? Decisions, decisions.
I did already design my name logo for the pictures...man, I love seeing my name on photographs.
So much to learn, I am intrigued yet intimidated at the same time...mainly over money. I want a awesome camera to take beautiful pictures of my baby and then branch out to my friends for their needs. I just am incredibly cautious on the price. I don't want to pour in hundreds of dollars on a would-be hobby only to discover I don't have the passion for it like I thought.
Maybe I should just stick with the camera I have now? Maybe I can get photo software in the mean-time to satisfy my urge to create? Decisions, decisions.
I did already design my name logo for the pictures...man, I love seeing my name on photographs.
To any photographer out there: any advice, suggestions, encouragement, experience, etc are welcomed and appreciated.
M LEWIS
Friday, February 25, 2011
Sleepless and Restless
My title is not LEL this time...it is me. :-(
I am wide awake after feeding the baby...sad thing is I was only asleep 1 hour. That will come back to bite in the you-know-where later. I did get a fair amount of sleep last night after I over-came my migraine. People throw the term "migraine" too easily in my opinion, but mine was definitely one for the record books. To me, a migraine is so excruciating that you have to sit in the dark with a pillow over your head just to get the slightest bit of relief. Every sound and trickle of light is enough to make you pass out...that is once your intense nausea has subsided. Anything less is just a bad headache. A migraine sucks out your ability to function...which is why I had to call my mom over to help. She brought serious medication and much-needed assistance to Chris concerning LEL. She was super unhappy and was making sure we knew it. Poor thing...I couldn't even be in the same room with her screaming without thinking I might vomit. Yeah...more than you wanted to know I'm sure; just trying to paint you a picture that was our night last night.
Tonight was much better, and I am incredibly thankful for that. Now I just need to wear-out my brain so I can rest. So many things I want to do creatively. I want to cut my hair (it has been bugging me with its boringness lately), I want to finish crocheting LEL's spring blanket (the small but oh-so-soft yarn is taking FOREVER), I want to decorate a house...painting mostly, and I want to get a better camera and investigate my interest in photography. The latter I really want to accomplish! I am pretty jazzed about it really.
I did feed my need for design a bit earlier...I bought a bag I can use for a diaper bag AND a purse. It is ivory, has 2 different handles (one braided shoulder strap and one cross-body strap), and it fulfills my desire to be trendy again.
So much more I want to say but since my laptop glow is waking up my lil' one, I should go.
Goodnight for now...I hope!
M LEWIS
I am wide awake after feeding the baby...sad thing is I was only asleep 1 hour. That will come back to bite in the you-know-where later. I did get a fair amount of sleep last night after I over-came my migraine. People throw the term "migraine" too easily in my opinion, but mine was definitely one for the record books. To me, a migraine is so excruciating that you have to sit in the dark with a pillow over your head just to get the slightest bit of relief. Every sound and trickle of light is enough to make you pass out...that is once your intense nausea has subsided. Anything less is just a bad headache. A migraine sucks out your ability to function...which is why I had to call my mom over to help. She brought serious medication and much-needed assistance to Chris concerning LEL. She was super unhappy and was making sure we knew it. Poor thing...I couldn't even be in the same room with her screaming without thinking I might vomit. Yeah...more than you wanted to know I'm sure; just trying to paint you a picture that was our night last night.
Tonight was much better, and I am incredibly thankful for that. Now I just need to wear-out my brain so I can rest. So many things I want to do creatively. I want to cut my hair (it has been bugging me with its boringness lately), I want to finish crocheting LEL's spring blanket (the small but oh-so-soft yarn is taking FOREVER), I want to decorate a house...painting mostly, and I want to get a better camera and investigate my interest in photography. The latter I really want to accomplish! I am pretty jazzed about it really.
I did feed my need for design a bit earlier...I bought a bag I can use for a diaper bag AND a purse. It is ivory, has 2 different handles (one braided shoulder strap and one cross-body strap), and it fulfills my desire to be trendy again.
So much more I want to say but since my laptop glow is waking up my lil' one, I should go.
Goodnight for now...I hope!
M LEWIS
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