Rain Rain Go Away

My to-do list is soooo long, the piles are high and the pouring rain is clouding my inspirations. Nothing too exciting to blog about.

EJ had off yesterday, for Veteran's Day. He and Mason and I spent the morning Christmas shopping! It's an annual tradition. We've been doing it for at least 8 years. It was nice just having Mason to tote around. Owen was bummed to miss out on daddy's day off, but he would have been so bored with our errands.
We don't usually buy much, but just the act of brainstorming and looking really expedites the process later on. Plus, we usually try and bring Christmas presents with us on our Thanksgiving trip to PA. A whole month before Christmas really sneaks up on a person if I am not careful.
Then we had lunch out and EJ fixed dinner. What a treat!

Taking Advantage...

of gorgeous weather,
our good health,
my mobility (with possible bed rest in my future, every walking day is a blessing),
time with just my little one,
and a coupon for the local ZOO.

We went at a very slow pace. No stroller! This zoo is very small, the perfect size for a leisurely morning visit. I totally enjoyed myself and so did Mason.

Chimps in the background

My favorite for the day. Check out this sweet baby. The mama reminded me how exhausting a little one can be. She was very affectionate but never sat up, just let the baby roll and climb all over her as if she had no energy left :)

Mason LOVED feeding the goats, giraffes and deer, straight from his chubby little hand.

We both took naps. The past 3 days have been very busy. My feet are aching! But it's so worth it.

Oyster Festival

Yesterday, we joined my parents in Urbanna for the 52nd Annual Oyster Festival. It's quite a sight to see. And that is all I'll say about it:) We've been several times in the past, but we are fair weather fans. And yesterday was the perfect fall day. If nothing else it was a treat to be outside with my family.

We enjoyed lunched while listening to some very twangy country.

Owen and Sir made a wooden sailboat.

Checking out the pony rides.

Waiting in line for the pony ride.

He agreed to ride (grandma's treat), but only if I walked with him.
Don't be distracted by my very rapidly growing belly (what the heck? perhaps I should have been doing sit-ups between #2 and #3)Grandma keeper of the tickets.Grandma's treat

Watching the parade and loving it!

How much better can the day get? A free ride and ice cream.

At dinner last night it was unanimous. We are so thankful for Grandma and Sir. (for the month of Nov, we are spending time at dinner each night, sharing what each of us is thankful for)
I am loving it. Being thankful takes work. Sadly, it's easier to think of what we want or need, than why we are so blessed. So to verbalize something on a daily basis is really awesome. Plus hearing what others say, helps open our eyes to see beyond our own little world. I am excited to see how Owen's thoughts change.

I am Realizing

It is only a matter of time before Mason and I can no longer sit side by side in the rocker in his room. I'll pretend it's because he is getting so big. It has nothing to do with me :)
While this makes me sad, I am more mindful of it than I was with Owen. So, I am purposefully enjoying every second of his snuggles, songs and stories. Not to mention the elbows I get in the tummy and chest. Two very sensitive spots these days. Hopefully this baby won't come out bruised!
When we brought Mason home from the hospital I wasn't prepared for how my view of Owen, who was 3 at the time, would change. Now, I know. Mason will seem instantly bigger, older and not nearly as darling. And while I am feeding or getting/keeping the baby asleep, he will seem louder and rougher and more annoying. And do to the lack of sleep and just wanting peace, I will mostly likely miss so many sweet moments.
So, I am absorbing as many moments as I can, singing an extra song and sneaking an extra kiss, knowing that soon, very soon he will be in Kindergarten and just a little too cool.
I am thankful for this current perspective. I am really enjoying the time I have during the day with just him. It's almost like being with Owen while we awaited Mason's arrival. Mason and I are becoming buddies, just like Owen and I did. This age is difficult, but oh so fun.

The Reveal

It's really done (well, except for cabinet pulls, which are essential b/c they are almost impossible to open right now, and we still need a mirror and we need to hang up the shower curtain). Okay, so it is almost done. But these are the only pictures you really need to see.
Every time I walk past it (the door has been missing until today) I am still caught off guard. Is this really in my house or a fancy hotel? I truly love it. I think I may kick the boys out. It's much too nice to waste on them :)
We will be open for guests as soon as I can put the guestroom back together. Remnants of tools are still lying around.

Before (as if it isn't obvious)

AfterBefore

AfterBefore

After

BeforeAfter

Before

After (the color looks off)

BeforeAfter

Ignore the rest unless you are curious of the products used. Or feel free to laugh, my husband did! Hey, we all have our interests. I'll pretend I am one of those DIY blogs where they post amazing projects and all the info just in case I have inspired someone :)

• The floor is a 2" Charcoal hexagon (American Olean)- a modern play on the traditional white hexagon.
• The shower tiles are a 2x3 Ice White glossy subway tile (American Olean)- very traditional (I'll let you know if they are a pain to keep clean)
• The cabinet is by Kraftmaid (Maple wood with a burnished ginger glaze) adds a little warmth to the room