One Room Down...

We've been living in various states of mess and upheaval in our house for the last month or so, but tonight we put the kitchen back together with a fresh coat of paint on the walls and new hardware on the cabinets. Very small changes, but it makes a big difference, in my opinion. At the very least, it makes me feel like it's finally OUR kitchen, as we hadn't previously done anything to that room since we moved in. Two more rooms to put back together after this: our bedroom (can't wait to sleep there again!), which will probably happen this weekend, and our bathroom (really, really can't wait to use that again!), which will be another week or two. And then, of course, we have to START the baby's room. But at least 1 room is done!

Weekend Antics

Belly Shots

My mom has been suggesting, frequently, that I should post some pictures where you can get a better look at the current size of my belly. So here you go, mom!

By the way, I went through all the baby clothes that we have last night, and between what we kept from Carter and what Park & Ashley gave us, I'm pretty sure it will be impossible for this new little guy to wear everything even once. So, grandparents, you're off the hook for baby clothes buying this time around!

10 Weeks to Go, More or Less

I had an ultrasound last week and got these photos of our boy.

He's very active and is mostly treating me nicely, though I most certainly feel the 5 years older that I am this time around. Part of that is probably actually due to the fact that I was in much better shape 5 years ago thanks to all the NYC walking I did. But, I really have few complaints (today).

Carter is SO very sweet about his baby brother these days. He's taken to kissing and hugging my belly, and to talking to his little brother. Just the other day, baby brother apparently informed Carter that he likes Sponge Bob and that his favorite color is orange - just like Carter!

Frequently, when Carter gives me a hug and I say, "Thank you!", he says, "No. that wasn't for you. That was for [points to my belly]." So now I just keep my mouth shut and enjoy.

Faux Father's Day

I'm going to be out of town on Father's Day, and I didn't want Thomas to miss out on having a dad-centric day. So, yesterday, we had a Fowlkes Family Faux Father's Day celebration.

Breakfast in bed

Homemade cards presented to Dad on a homemade tray

Headed off to see a Braves game with Cart Cart

"Happy Faux Father's Day, Dad!"

More Birthday Pics

Here are a few more pictures from Carter's birthday festivities - opening presents the day after his party and on his actual birthday.

He's superman suited AND cowboy booted.

For Mama Helen

Thanks.

Quick Garden Update

When this guy does your watering, look at those results!

Happy Birthday, Carter!

Carter is 5 today! We celebrated on Saturday night with a pajama party -- an idea borrowed from the Kimbro's (thanks!). Here's a short slide show of the fun.

Pre-K Graduation

Friday was Carter's graduation from Pre-K. They had a whole program including a procession, displays of knowledge such as counting to thirty in English and French, spelling the numbers o-n-e through t-e-n, and performance art (or recited poetry). Finally they had the diploma presentation.

As Elizabeth was out of town unfortunately, I was instructed to take lots of photos. Due to my proximity to Carter (very far away), his proximity to a very sunny back lit window (very close), and my apparently very shaky hand with the zoom on our little digital camera, I got very few good pictures. What I did do was take video of Carter's part of the presentation.

This video is as much for E as anyone else, note I think it is the first video I have ever edited. I did get editing assistance and advice from the aforementioned E, so now I know why Director's Cuts exist. "If you're going to have a hit, then you got to make it fit, so they cut it down to 3:05..." (extra credit if you know this reference).

Enjoy.






UPDATE for mobile readers: The video appears to be restricted from mobile devices (I assume due to copyright issues with the music I used), but it works on desktops so I encourage you to watch it from one, I think it's worth it. Thanks, T.