success

Sometimes even the most insurmountable obstacles in life become moments of success, then they fade into the background of memories. And one day you look back on them and think, why was that so difficult? But it was, and you were brave and everyone was so, so proud of you! I love you!

My loopy little trooper at the dentist

the dentist...

Unfortunately, the treasure in my life just doesn't have the best teeth. Extended nursing and probably a lot of genetics helped create a couple of cavities in his little mouth. I felt so bad for him when he had to get his first filling as a preschooler and felt so responsible as his mom. But with the help of a great dentist and a little medicine to help calm his nerves at the appointment, he did just great. (Without said medicine, there would have been no hope for any work being done!) Well, fast forward to this year and one of those cavities is worse and it's such a small tooth (with such a big cavity) that the dentist has recommended an extraction. :( My child is terrified and the first attempt at this procedure didn't go well at all. In fact, the fear of taking the not-so-pleasant medicine that helps relax him was so enormous for him this round that no amount of gentle coaxing, tricks, bribes, or help from mom, Grandma, the dental assistants or the dentist put an end to the tears, the screaming, the huge fit that ensued that morning. He just wasn't going to let it happen. So, attempt #2 is scheduled for tomorrow and this time Daddy is going to take him and work his magic. We've all done a lot of talking with Marek about it and his attitude is much better about it this time. I think he'll be strong and get through the medicine just fine this time. Here's hoping... I hate to see him have to go through this. I just love that boy so much!

bathroom remodel

The family room is complete (minus final decorating details) and the kitchen is 99% complete. The final tile work and the light rail for the under cabinet lightning will be installed this week. This weekend I began painting my bedroom, too. I settled on using "vintage linen" from Behr paint. This was after trying out patches of several shades of gray, "milk paint" blue, and green. The bathrooms are about halfway done at this point. Final cabinetry, flooring, lighting and plumbing still need to be installed. Here are some photos of the midway point. (The coloring is a bit off with my camera's shots.)

Bathroom #1:

 Bathroom #2:

this one's for jake

the little things

A Mexican restaurant we have gone to over the years offers a coloring contest for kids. The winner each month is awarded a free kids meal and ice cream. Marek has really wanted to win this contest. He's entered the "contest" every time we've eaten there, but never won. And then, lo and behold, his drawing was selected recently and he got a surprise in the mail from the restaurant. It's a very little thing, but such a big deal to him.

So proud.

snow day

It snowed a few weeks ago and Marek just loved playing outside.

Seattle

We recently toured Daddy's new office in downtown Seattle.

The view outside his office.

Way up high.

Afraid of heights?

Awesome modern, open office plan.

Check out the 17th floor observation deck. Wish my workplace had this view!

About a month ago, we caught the Go, Dog, Go! show at the Seattle Children's Theatre.

Then we visited a train show at the Pacific Science Center.

We played at the Seattle Children's Museum.

And we headed to Pike Street Market.

the stuff that is life

In between all of the remodeling chaos, we've had a lot of fun lately. We're busy putting on puppet shows,

playing Star Wars (the obsession has finally hit our house this year), volunteering, making new friends, and seeing old ones.

I visited one of my very best friends, Kari, last weekend and fell in love with her two daughters all over again. I really wish we lived closer!

Remodel update

The family room, laundry room and kitchen. The kitchen is almost done now, so I'll have to post completion photos soon. The final tile work and cabinetry finishes will be done this coming week. The bathrooms are now gutted and progress photos will be forthcoming. What a process!