House updates (or "The many ways I torture my husband")

The internet can be a wonderful thing.  Without the internet, how would I have been aware of this estate sale where I could purchase items in an auction from the comfort of my own living room?  That's right.  I wouldn't.  

Right before Easter, I scored this great faux bamboo dresser/hutch/bookshelf thing.  It was less than $70, only catch was that I had to drive to Highland Park to pick it up.  Kevin agreed to go with me - such a good husband!  And Jane agreed to watch the kids - such a great grandma!

A few cans of rustoleum spray paint later, and this beauty is sitting in my living room!

To be honest, it could use a little more of the brush on enamel in a few spots.  However,  I ran out of paint and I was NOT up for another trip to walmart.  It sits in a darkish area of my living room, so I decided to just go with it.  And I love it! 

We also got some new lamps. I am afraid to admit I love these just a little too much.

I also picked up this new wing chair, and I have no wear to put it!  It was such a good deal that I couldn't pass it up.  Ideas??

Maybe it will sit in the attic until I have a master suite.  Then I will have space for this chair....where I can spend hours reading books and drinking coffee...ahh wishful thinking. 

Finally, we had our basement hall paneling painted.  I have no idea why we did not do this years ago when we remodeled the basement.  I really wish I had gotten a "before" picture.  It was very dark and looked like you were walking into a very scary place.

Now it ain't pretty, but it looks a whole lot better than it did before...trust me!  Whoever put up the paneling, covered up the original wood doors with the fake paneling.  However,  the original hardware remains.  So I have this funky painted paneling with these beautiful glass door knobs.

Ahh the charm of an old house!

Life with Andrew

Yup, that would be my little buddy running in the (very public) front yard of my parents house...without pants.  

And here we have Andrew demonstrating some impressive nose picking skills.

Mae is thinking, "Jeez, have a little pride Andrew."   Look how Mae is eating licorice in my bed!  I am clearly picking my battles lately.  Or not really fighting any battles at all.

Mommy Mommy Mommy!!!!

       

Little Mae is totally embracing her new 2 year old status.  

She throws toys, laughs and says, "No throw!"  

She pushes her kind and patient big brother, "No Andrew!"

To her best playmate, Grace, she says, "You!  Go away!" 

And we have lots of conversations that go like this...

"Mae, do you want water or milk?"

"Milk!"

"Okay.  Milk."

"Water!"

"Water or milk?"

"Milk! Water!"

Very familiar...like a reoccurring bad dream. Pointless conversations with a toddler that you can never win.  Guess what?  Mae gets milk and water. 

Mae has also started to hate daycare. "No daycare!  Mommy!  Mommy!!!!!!  AHHHHH!"

This picture is after I picked her up recently.  She cried for 2 hours straight, so I came and got her.  (I get extra mom points since I was at home with the stomach flu.). Surely there must be something wrong with her?  Nope.  She immediately smiled when she saw me, smug little stinker.  See the smile behind that pacifier? 

                                         

She also had a trip to the doctor recently for a well visit, which she screamed through.  Then she got a shot and a blood draw.  For a week all she said was, "Hurt Mae Mae!  Ouch!  Awe Mae.  Hurt me." and pointed to her finger and thigh whenever the doctor visit was mentioned.    

                 

Her language has exploded in the last few weeks and her favorites stories to tell are about puppies she sees, people that have wronged her in some way (imagined), and things on her body that hurt.  

If the sun is in her eyes - "Eyes hurt me! Ouch!" 

She saw a puppy on a walk a few weeks ago, daily she says, "Puppy lick Mae. Ouch! Awe puppy." And of course, the lies. "Andrew push-ed Mae Mae."

 

She is still incredibly sweet and cute and smart!  I am loving (or trying to remember to) where she is learning her own voice, asserting herself and discovering the world around her. 

 

Happy Easter

After the harsh winter, we were rewarded with a beautiful Easter Sunday!