Mother's Day

Mother's Day rocked. We slept in (we all had minor colds and I was coughing quite a bit, so I skipped the group ride I had planned to attend). Then we took Elliot out for his first ride in the trailer. This is a Chariot Cougar that Ed has been taking Elliot out running in for over a year, so Elliot got really excited and pre-boarded before we had even changed into our bike clothes.

Our first stop was the bike shop.





Then we stopped for yummy sandwiches and coffee at True North. It is far cooler than that awful web site would lead you to believe.



Our final stop was the park near our house. I'm sure none of the other people there thought it was weird that we were playing with Elliot while wearing lycra and bike shoes.





Inspired by this article in Real Simple, I got some nice stitch-bound sketchbooks for Elliot to fill over the years for us. Here's the first page of my "mom book."





My first thought: Wow, this is the best thing ever!! My second thought: How will I ever match this for Father's Day?

Big House Project: Part 9

At the end of April, Ed hired a stone mason (the same one that dug and poured the footings for our sun room/deck) to redo our front steps. They were concrete and were just a little lopsided, with a small platform that would make it difficult to install railings to bring it up to code.



First, the crew jackhammered away part of the original steps. (And prior to this, David's crew had finished up their remaining tasks, including putting up the shutters. The porta-potty and dumpster were removed. It took me two days to notice.)



Then they put in New England fieldstone and bluestone treads.





Mortar.



It makes a huge difference, but it will be easier to see the overall effect once the columns. railings, new front door, and storm door have been installed (probably by Ed).



Everything takes longer than planned, which my project manager experience has taught me to expect. :) In the meantime, our fireplace bumpout is proving to be an excellent place to store Elliot's stroller and tricycle.



(That adorable little Adirondack chair was something Ed found in someone's trash while he was out running when I was pregnant. The previous owners painted "Edward" on it.)

Big House Project: Part 8

Sometimes, things go wrong. Sawzall happens, folks.

After a long winter's break, Bob's crew (working on the addition) returned in early April to reroute the ductwork from our microwave/hood. Fortunately, Ed was home. I called him that morning to let him know that Elliot had a fever and we needed to pick him up from day care. Ed said, "Bob's dad just accidentally cut through some wiring."

So I took care of the little guy and Ed spent his day repairing the wire between two sockets in our bedroom (above the kitchen). Then, later that night, Elliot and I were in the living room and I heard some yelling from the kitchen when Ed noticed that THERE IS A HOLE IN OUR MICROWAVE.



Long story short, Bob was super apologetic and his father later dropped by to apologize in person (and pay for the microwave). The model we have has been discontinued, but I found a new old stock one from an appliance store in Buffalo (via eBay) that will match our other appliances. A happy ending. :)

Grammie's birthday

We spent last Sunday in Connecticut celebrating Elliot's Grammie's birthday. Elliot's Auntie Liz and Uncle Brandon drove from Brookilyn to meet us.

Elliot helped make the cake.



He blew bubbles with Auntie Liz and fingerpainted with Grammie.







Grammie's cake!





Elliot loves to spin in chairs.



Auntie Liz and Uncle Brandon have a little doggie, Micah, who is just the right size and temperament for Elliot to "walk."



A very fun day was had by all. Elliot was so tired that he slept the whole way home, which is quite unusual.