Mini Guest Bath Update

Patience isn't one of my strengths.  I know it, and I own it.  Sometimes though, I just.cant.wait. That's sort of what has happened with our guest bath. I don't think I shared any of our bathroom pictures, because, why go there? We're lucky both bathrooms have white tubs and tile surround. So, that's a plus. Everything else in each bathroom is borderline unacceptable  It's funny because when we looked at the house, I didn't shutter the way first time buyers or snobs do, on HGTV when they're house hunting. However, once we were in the house, and these are the bathrooms you have to use every day, it's a totally different story. We can't do any major renovations right now, so it has to wait, and I have to deal.

My mom, the wallpaper stripping queen, graciously offered to strip the wallpaper in the guest bath, which already helped immensely. Then, after a successful outing at Mohegan Sun a few weeks ago, I literally twisted Brian's arm, and we stopped to buy 1 new toilet on our way home. So that at least is a start and makes using the bathroom, a little easier.  Then, I decided some paint and new hardware might be the trick to holding me over for a little while :)

So, last weekend I went to good 'ole Home Depot, picked out some hardware and got to work. I painted the window, door and vanity, and just tonight we finished putting all the new hardware on. I am thrilled with the little update! I think I am good now.... for a month or two ;)

Pretty big difference right?

BEFORE

 

AFTER

Favorite decade?

I started thinking about all of this, this afternoon.  While eavesdropping on two co-workers conversation, my thoughts quickly drifted off.  One of my co-workers, who is a curious -27, was on one of her daily tangents with random quesitons. She was asking a woman on our team, who is 55, what her favorite decade was - 20's, 30's, 40's? I didn't listen to her answer, because my thoughts went right to a baby picture of Madelyn on my desk. Granted my 30's are just barely underway, but so far this is definitely my favorite decade.

My 20's were all about discovery.  Most importantly, I was forced outside of my comfort zone, into a new environment and I started to become my own person.  Most who know me, know my college days, were not your typical college days. They weren't fun.  So, on to bigger and better and the first few years following college, were all about F-U-N, FUN! I essentially did whatever I wanted, when I wanted, and I really enjoyed my independence.  In a nutshell, my 20's were all about me, and having fun. I loved my 20's and I'm so happy I had all of the opportunities I did, that allowed me to make some awesome memories!

I kicked off my 30th year, pregnant. I was looking ahead at the end of the pregnancy and thinking, this is it... just a few more months of being so carefree, spontaneous and selfish.  I wont lie, I was nervous. I mean, there was a point in my early 20's where I swore I'd (maybe get married and) live on a farm with lots of dogs! So, I knew a lot was going to change.  But as I peer down my 32nd birthday next month, I can't be more excited and thankful for where I am, right now. Yes, I know it's still early, but I guess since having Madelyn so closely coincides with turning 30, the impact of this new decade is strong!

So far, my 30's have taught me about perspective and made me not take myself, too seriously.  So far, my 30's have been filled with JOY.  Plain and simple, pure and real, lots and lots of joy. I was lucky to have a great 1st pregnancy, a great 1st birth experience and an easy-going baby in Madelyn.  I have to give myself a little credit though, because (even I can't believe) the natural born stress-er in me, took it all in stride. I was calm and rolled with the punches, and I like to think, I still am.  I don't know what I'm doing, but I also don't read anything, not one thing about what we should be doing, or not doing.  In our house, we simply live.  Maybe that's why almost each and every day I'm awe-struck with joy. I really am one of those women who wishes there house was cleaner, life maybe a little more organized, etc, but I'm too busy living! I linger on Madelyn's laugh with a thread, I cherish when she tells me she loves me and gives me kisses, I beam when she asks me for cuddles before bed, and right now I'm crying because just thinking about all of this makes my heart so full.

Becoming and being a mom, is the best.thing.ever.  Hopefully down the road we'll be lucky enough to expand our family, but I don't want to think ahead or plan too much.... then I wont be cherishing the joy of right now!

Hope you all are well ~ XO

Oh Mmmm Geee - 20 months!!

Numerous times every month, over the last 20 months, I have thought - this is the best, and it can't get any better, but really, I mean it! While M has gotten a jump start on her "terrible 2's" and tantrums are a plenty, I am loving this age :)

Brian calls me a smother-mother, and quite honestly, he's right. I could hug and kiss Madelyn all.day.long, and I try. She's not shy though, so when she's had enough, she gives me a stiff-hand to the face :)  I just can't help it, I love her to pieces! I love her laugh, I love her expressions, I love how she says Mommy and Daddy, I love her spunky personality, and I even love when she throws a tantrum, trying to exert her independence.

In familiar settings, Madelyn is not shy. She loves to have fun, learn new things and play, play, play!  She does really well playing on her own, and exploring but she also loves company. She knows her friends by name, ones that she sees often, and others she many not see as frequently, she really loves her friends! In new surroundings with new people, Miss M is definitely shy.  I haven't gotten the full report about Brian as a child, but my mom tells me, that's just how I was.

Madelyn is in constant motion.  I guess I sort of expected it with this age, and sure she has her moments where she'll sit and hang (for like 30 seconds) but otherwise, we are on the GO! M LOVES being outside and playing in the water - ocean, pool, bath, you name it, she's a water bug. It'll be a fun summer outside for all of us, trying to keep up with her!

Here are some recent pictures of our little girl, looking so much older.  Another month, and lots more changes, we love you so much, pretty girl!!