Constant Beginnings

        Here is a picture of $10,000. Ok, sort of, but not really. After our basement flooded last April, we debated on how to solve the problem and decided to go ahead with a drainage system that is guaranteed to protect the basement from any further water issues. The cost of that guarantee and the system---$10,000. This is far more than we would have liked to spend, but we are hoping our lawsuit delivers. The installation involved removing several studs so a jackhammer could drill out the cement. They fill the trench with a grate, rocks, then add a plastic guide to help steer the water to an outlet. The trench is filled with cement and studs were put back. The system looks much nicer than our previous sump pumps, but again, NOT the way we'd like to have spent $10,000. Let me see....visions of a new diamond ring or a trip to Europe are dancing through my head. Oh well, the cost of having a dry basement, no worries and the hopes of reselling our home---priceless!

        Here are the photos of our attic after the renovation. It is zoned as a bedroom, but we are using it as an office since our office was previously in our water-filled basement. Just when we think it is all coming together, something else goes wrong...I guess that is what comes with a 80 year old house. It has all been updated now, so we should be good to go for awhile--right?? Anyway, we opened up the attic, removing the door and walls that used to close off the space from the rest of the house. Chris ripped down the walls, removed a few walls to make it one large space vs. three small, ackward spaces and we put in new hardwood floors, new stairs and recessed lighting. We also put in two large closets to help accommodate our storage needs. All in all, it is a lovely new space simply in need of decor. We are pleased it turned out so well, but more pleased that it is finished!! The end of our remodeling days are nearly over. Now we need to get our basement put back together.

#date/2008-02-24/17:31:06 I couldn't upload the video directly on my blog because the file is too large, so click on the link. It will take you to the video. Don't listen to my pathetic play by play. My ND accent is terribly obvious. Enjoy!

      There is nothing like a big, wet, open-mouthed, sloppy kiss from a baby! Claire is a kissing fool! She has been dealing them out like crazy this week, offering them to EVERYONE! It is the cutest thing. We captured some pictures to share. Don't be alarmed at our beauty. We had a very lazy day today that didn't involve changing clothes or showering until 3:00 (yes Lisa, I know it is pathetic, but we love it), SOOO doing hair and putting on make-up was definitely out of the question. Harvest was also a recipient. She loves to share the love, even with her furry brother. Some guy will be soooo lucky!

        Our home has been filled with resounding shouts of "Yaaaayyyyy!!" this week. Claire discovered clapping on Monday (February 19th), but I've been challenged to capture the moment on camera. I finally got some okay shots tonight. Her initial claps were not tied to anything meaningful, so we've done our best to teach her the meaning of clapping. Evidently, we are great teachers. Wednesday morning Claire was a bit fussy, so I had her on the counter in her bumbo (yeah I know, not safe....whatever)and was putting a bottle together. I turned on the water and much to my delight, Claire started clapping! Obviously it was a mere coincidence, but it was too cute. All in all, our home is filled with sounds of encouragement---"Yaaaayyyy!!!" (clap, clap, clap).

        Ok, so I really did not set this up. I was trying to capture Claire clapping, but this is what happened. When I whipped out the camera, Harvest took his place right next to Claire as if to say he was ready. After a couple of pictures, his focus shifted to his bone and Claire's followed. Claire has a ton of toys, but obviously nothing as exciting as a piece of bone?? She reached, I snapped, and then ran for the wipes. End of story. I know what you are wondering---did you let her have a bite. I'll leave that one to your imagination....

So, we went to a wine tasting with some friends a couple of weeks ago. It was alot of fun. We began talking about great restaurants in the area. Chris and I quietly took notes, making a list of our next outings. We decided to try one of them tonight with our friends, Nick, Heather and baby Ethan. The restaurant was Sweet Basil, located in Needham, MA. The food was excellent. I am talking some delicious creamy sauces, homemade pasta and flavors galore. It was incredible! Midway through dinner Chris leaned over and whispered in my ear. Not exactly sweet nothings, but something exciting, none-the-less. It turns out that a star had entered the restuarant and was seated across from us. Not a movie star, but a real rock star!! It was none other than, Joey Kramer, the drummer from Aerosmith! I was going to ask him to sign my b@#*, not that sicko---my baby! However, we decided to let the man eat in silence. We admired from afar. The food was fanstastic, the company was great and the star sight

      This kid has got to start crawling! I was busy killing time on the internet when what do I see from the corner of my eye? Claire stuck under our chaise. What a little schoocher! She started out by the television and somehow made her way back and to the right. She is funny. She didn't seem too upset, but more confused. It is certainly time for some forward movement.

      Happy Valentine's Day! We had a quick photo shoot this morning before we were off for the day. Claire received this adorable shirt from her Auntie Lisa, Uncle Phil, cousins Luke, Olivia and Ava, so we have to show it off. She loves coordinating with each holiday. Such a fashionista! Thanks Lisa!

The mohawk picture is for you, Luke. She still loves them!!

        Claire is seven months old. The time has really flown by. Her personality has really been coming out the past several weeks. She continues to be the light in our lives. We love her more and more everyday. Here is what has changed: 1. Claire has her first two teeth. She actually started to push them through last month, but now we can fully see them. I had to hold her down to take a picture. Not a happy moment. 2. She is now beginning to like baby food. She prefers cereal mixed with peaches. We tried apple juice, but it wasn't as good. Claire also enjoys squash and sweet potatoes. 3. She is drinking 8 oz. of milk per sitting. 4. Claire is babbling often. Now she is stringing dada together, in addition to baba and mama. Chris is thrilled. He tries to convince me that she is talking to him by name. Perhaps I'd believe him if I weren't a trained children's language specialist. 5. Claire loves to play with the dog that is in the picture. She got it for Christmas from

        I have been on a mission this week. I am trying desperately to dig myself out of what feels like a never ending heap of pictures. I finished 4 more 2 page spreads. Yay!! Slowly, I will work backwards and hopefully, by the time Claire is 18, I will have her first 6 years scrapbooked. I used to scrapbook with my sisters. Having another person to chat with, offer ideas to and get ideas from, made the whole process much more fun. I miss them. My friend, Erin, suggested a scrapbooking party. I think it is a fantastic idea and look forward to the company!

        We have a babysitter coming tonight. What's my point, you ask? I have some cleaning to do. Alot of cleaning. To make matters worse, Chris has class all day and Claire is in a different type of routine. One where she doesn't nap. Generally this routine works well for us, but today is a challenge. How do I clean and entertain my daughter?? First, a short, fifteen minute nap, THEN.....it hit me. A seat by the window where she can do what she loves...watching traffic. The pictures tell the story. It was fabulous! I managed to clean the entire downstairs in record time and Claire was happy or at least until she started to turn around, then she got stuck, but still happy. This may be a babysitter I call upon again sometime real soon.