New and improved

Here is are two recent pictures (taken with my cell phone so not the best quality) of the deck and patio. The steps are complete, and the left hand side hand railing is done, but the right still needs the in between posts to be installed). Soon we're going to put down grass seed, and hopefully have more grass than dirt surrounding the new deck and patio. The deck is 20x30, and fits lots of people and chairs well! The patio is a great space for the fire pit and a few chairs.

Spring and summer hang outs....here we come!

Then and Now

The forms show where the concrete patio will be. The section of the deck with no railings and posts is where the steps will be going down to the patio and grass.

The old deck- goodbye!

A lot has been going on home improvement wise the last few months. We took a pretty big break from working on the house around the time Avery was born, and then John started back up again around Christmas time.

We had the deck torn down (it was in pretty rough shape from the time we bought the house), and he and a guy named Ronnie built a new deck. It's been a bit of an on and off again project because of weather, and the holidays, but it's pretty much done and looks amazing! It's a much smaller deck than what had been there before, but that's fine. The deck that was there was an awkward shape, poorly built, and dangerous to be on. Like I said- it had been in rough shape when we bought the house, but then it got pretty beat up when the contractor installed the new windows, and siding on the house last Spring. John decided that he wanted a concrete patio off the deck, as a place for our fire pit to be and sort of an extension off the deck. Now there's lots of room for patio furniture, the fire pit, and friends...I'm even thinking of getting Avery a little kiddie pool for this summer to put on the deck!! I tried to find a before picture of the deck, but I couldn't. The only ones I could find were from when the back of the house was getting new siding last spring.

John has also been working a lot on the garage. He tore out some of the old sheet rock, and put up new sheet rock and closed in one of the beams to the garage. He also installed six can lights, which really brightens the garage, and gives it a much more 'finished' look. I don't have pictures, but trust me- it's looking much better than it was before! It's a much more functional space now, instead of a dumping ground for tools and whatnot.

Of course there's always a laundry list of things that need to get worked on and fixed when you own a home, but I'd say we're making great progress for two people who work and have a 4 month old baby! I'll post more pictures in a week when the rest of the patio is completed.

4 months

Avery turned 4 months old today- and seriously...I cannot imagine her getting any cuter, or more fun than this! But here's what's cool...I know this is only the beginning! She's sure to become more alert, more chatty, more giggly, and her personality is just beginning to blossom! She is so in love with both me and John- and she's a joy to come home to, whether it's after a few hours at work, or just getting her from a nap.

At her 4 month appointment, Avery weighed in at a whopping 16 lbs 9 oz, and is 26 inches long! She is in the 95% for both her height, and weight! She was a champ when she had her shots today, and only cried for a few seconds- you go girl!

You are dearly loved and adored little girl! Thanks for being the source of endless smiles and laughter the last few months!!

New discoveries

I totally forgot my brother and his wife passed on this cool play mat to Avery. She really likes it, and seems to have a lot of fun checking out the rings that hang from above her. She's still discovering them, and figuring out that they move. It's really cool watching her learn, and watching her play. Here's a short clip.

Change of scenery

At around a month old, the doctor started telling us to put Avery on her belly, and let her have 'tummy time'. This is where the baby lays on his/her belly, and it kind of forces them to lift their neck and head. It strengthens those muscles, which are imperative for holding their head up, sitting, up, and much more. Avery hates tummy time- it's hard work! She fusses, and usually face plants at least once each time.

Up until yesterday that is!

I totally forgot that my sister-in-law passed on to me a play mat with bright colors, flowers that make noise, and hanging rings for the baby to reach and play with. I brought it down from the man cave, and Avery LOVED it! Maybe it was the change of scenery- but there was no fussing, and a lot of laughter!!

I can see so clearly how her mind is developing, and how she;s becoming much more aware of her surroundings! She reaches for toys, holds onto things, and will laugh and smile when toys make noise. What an amazing thing to witness!

Ch-ch-ch-Changes...

Yesterday was a big day, but not as bad as I expected!

John and I have decided within the last few weeks that I'm going to return to teaching part-time. I contacted my principal last week, and we worked out a pretty sweet schedule: 3 days a week., from 12-3:30 as a Math Interventionist. I'll be working with 3rd grade students who are struggling with Math in small groups. Yesterday was my first day back, and it actually went really well! I think there are a bunch of reasons it went well: I know in my mind this is not a full-time job, I know in my mind that it's only a few months til the end of the school year, and last but not least...I have an awesome lady from church watching Avery! I was expecting to be really emotional, but I was kept so busy at work, I didn't have time to think about it. When I picked Avery up, Kristi said she was wonderful...music to every mom's ears! If you feel led, please pray that it continues to go well, and that my time back at work would be productive, and fruitful and that Avery would continue to do well with a babysitter.

Monica's day of celebration- FINALLY!!

The day has finally arrived- Monica's baby shower! We've all been waiting for this day for a very long time, and it was an awesome day of celebration! Rob and Monica had a difficult time getting pregnant, and after many years of trying- found out they are pregnant with TWINS due the end of April!!! I was so glad to share in Monica's day, and am even more excited to meet sweet Hayden and Reese!!