The Allerton house WIP

We have been so busy trying to get the Allerton house move-in ready that we haven't had much time for much else, besides every day necessities. When we aren't doing that we are enjoying the great weather by staying outside pretty much all day, and enjoying our time together as a family. My Mom and Joe came down this past weekend to help out. Mom watched Gavyn so I could paint our bedroom and Joe painted the kitchen. While Gavyn napped Ma got started washing windows. I am just so grateful for them! We got so much more done than when it is us taking turns going over there. We now have two rooms completely done, trim and all, and our bedroom and the living room are coming close. We will be visiting the Griesbaum family for Easter, but the weekend after John will put the floor in the kitchen. Then we can get a stove and a refrigerator in there! We also got Gavyn's swing all set up, as well as some bird feeders. I'm hoping I can get a garden established. Even if I can get some herbs in to play with making some medicines with them I would be happy. Next summer we'll really go to town! 


In other news...we took Belle to the vet earlier in the week and discovered that she is developing arthritis. She is only 4 but she gets sore after laying down for a while. We are starting her on a glucosamine pill that will hopefully help. She is also going on a diet. I think she was getting a little too spoiled by a certain little someone that likes to feed her his leftovers. 


Oh! Gavyn is also really getting the hang of the whole signing thing. He picks them up so fast and the amount of words he knows is countless now! He especially likes pointing out birds and giving the sign for bird, or dogs too. We both love that he can communicate this way. He is starting to vocalize words such as "up", "bird", "cat", and "uh oh" but when in doubt he will use his hands. 


Lots of pictures!

Eating an apple like a big boy

Outdoor exploration

Waiting for the garbage truck

In his cool shades :)

Having a snack after a long walk and playing with Evan!

Tulip

Gavyn loves picking dandilions

Look Mama!

Out front of the Allerton house

John and Ma checking out the trees John planted

Our back yard!!

The sheds...the one on the left is an outhouse, hehe

The garage

On the front walk

To the left of our house

To the right...you can see the lane leading out to the street

Ma and Joe at work

John frog-taping before painting the trim. 

Nana keeping Gavyn occupied

Swinging!

We did a little Easter egg hunt

Is there anything inside?

Dad and Gavyn found a toad

Nice toad

There is his nose!

Ummm, I don't think I want to kiss it, Daddy. 

Run away!

Spring Break!

Even though I am a stay-at-home-Mom and Gavyn doesn't go to school, the past week has been much like a Spring Break for us. Evan has been staying home with his Mom who is off from teaching for two weeks, and Gavyn and I have been doing lots of traveling and visiting! The weather has been so great that we have also been on lots of walks. On Thursday we went up to the suburbs and had a picnic lunch with my Aunt Dar (lovingly known to little ones as Auntie Dot) and visited her work, which was also where my Dad had worked, and visited Nana at her work too! That evening we had dinner with a friend of mine that I used to work for, Lisa. She is expecting a little girl in May and Gavyn did a test-run of all her toys!

On a walk at Lake of the Woods

On a picnic

Dad was pulling me really fast!

Yesterday morning we went to the first "Farm Breakfast" at Prairie Fruits Farm. This is a farm that makes goat cheeses and had breakfasts and dinners made with all local foods. As an added bonus we get to see all the goat kids, some of which were just born! Last night we had some of our friends over for dinner: Evan and his parents, Mark and Stephanie, and another of Gavyn's friends Madison and her parents Adam and Haley. I love getting the little ones together just so they can socialize and be around each other. Personally I benefit from talking to some adults! Granted we talk about our babies, but at least its conversation. The kids did a great job sharing and playing and eating!

Madison and Evan

Cutie

Gavyn wanted to share his blueberries

Evan!

Goats!

Eating our local breakfast

The goats liked Gavyn too!

Blue eyes

Friday morning we went and saw Vicki and Zack and had a great time playing in their basement and going to the park! While the boys spent a good amount of time doing their own thing, they also played together and Gavyn certainly looks up to his older friend. When we left Gavyn was asleep in two minutes. 

Layin' around

Playing with Zack

I also got one room painted with a third coat and finished yesterday, and started on the kitchen. That is two rooms down, three to go. John is working on finishing up the family room today and next weekend we hope to be nearly done! Hopefully I'll be able to put a before/after post up!

Capturing Perfection

I never though I would be interested in photography. As you all know, I like taking and having pictures. I want to capture memories that may not be imprinted completely to my brain. However, the quality of the picture never really mattered to me before. Turns out, all I needed was a muse. After having Gavyn, I became a little obsessed with taking pictures of him. I became increasingly frustrated with the quality of them. I didn't like the way the flash altered his features, making him look like a different baby. I also didn't like how without the flash, my pictures were blurry. While I really like my little point-and-shoot, it was time for an upgrade. Enter my new DSLR camera. From the very first picture I took, I was amazed. After learning a few things about it, I was even more impressed. I am so happy with this investment. Its not just for me either....everyone gets to enjoy the product it creates.

Some recent news...Gavyn is taking steps! He is not walking yet, as my cautious little fellow hates falling on his bum and is quite content holding someones hand, but he has been standing by himself for some time and I can get him to take a step to me now. When he does decide to let go of our finger, I'm expecting him to break into a run, as he has had plenty of practice.

We have also been working hard to get the Allerton house painted. I absolutely love the colors we picked out and it is really starting to look like our own. John is planning on getting the floor in the kitchen this weekend after I paint it. I can't wait to uncover the furniture and sit down in our living room!

Here are some pictures with my amazing new toy....enjoy!