A whole new view

I mentioned in another post that we redid our backyard/patio. In the more than four years we've lived in our place, we've never really used the backyard. At first it was too small, and then it just became a minor jungle and riddled with rainy days, a dog and a temporary fence. Back in May, I pulled the plug and started the demolition phase. After we got back from our trip, we put a plan in place and transformed it into one of my favorite places to relax yet. I've longed wanted a European courtyard/outdoor living room space, and thanks to our recent trip, Rob agreed after seeing the concept in action.

While I worked on all the prep and demolition, Rob faithfully helped me spread more than 3000 pounds of gravel and solo, built the most perfect fence, which we stained a dark walnut. In the end, we added 24 square feet by redoing the yard and Mac loves it as he can shovel and spread the gravel over and over. Too bad it's not an Indian Summer this year but thanks to some recent sunny days, we've spent plenty of fun days and evenings with the babes and friends.

The before:

And the after:

We interrupt this program

To breakaway from all baby, all the time programming, here's a little update on the design part of the household. We didn't expect to still be in this house when Macadam made his crib transition. Thus, we are in the process of finishing some last minute touches for his new residence.

You may remember that we were last working on this project whilst waiting for our overdue baby. Well, we completed it last night and I have to say, I love it. And here is why:

1. Rob and I worked on it together from start to finish, and we had fun doing it and figuring out just how to make these branches balance (thank you Rob!)
2. Macadam is already entranced by watching the birds and the branches sway
3. The branches come from the river bank at the house where my mom and aunt grew up, and from where I cherish so many memories
4. How it brings a sense of calm, peaceful movement and nature into the room

Next up are drapes and hopefully, he will be in the crib by the end of the weekend!

Cute overload

Okay, well maybe it's not as good as cuteoverload.com but my latest fabric selection came in the mail and I am in love - it's a great little combination of jungle/farm animals, childlike but not sticky sweet-cute, and gender-neutral, classic colors. I thought I had curbed my fabric addiction but when this popped up online, I couldn't hold back. I mean, come on, I don't want to deprive our child of such finds, do I? Rob doesn't believe me that it was really a "mom knows best" kind of situation but he understands that sometimes I just can't say no to fabric. Luckily, I jumped on it because it's since sold out.

My original plan was for a blanket but now, after seeing the fabric in all its glory, it's hard to say whether it should be made into a wall hanging of some kind, bibs, a blanket or something else. Thoughts?

Update: Wall hanging it is and hopefully a bib and some shoes, we'll see!

A little more ready for little faw

When our plans had to change for the holiday weekend (Boulder and the new Mr. and Mrs. Wilbourn - we wish we were there), I decided to take advantage of the time both by relaxing and knocking out a couple of baby-related projects I had on my list. Below are pictures of my new diaper bag. I adapted this pattern and added a couple of features I liked but didn't want to pay for with this bag. And the second is a nursing cover (aka a hooter hider), which I knocked off from this popular version. (I am realizing there is a trend in my sewing habits:).)




Hope you had a happy 4th! Baby Faw went crazy from being in such close proximity to the fireworks show...we're hoping it was a good crazy and not traumatized in the womb crazy.

We live here?

We've been in the process of getting the house ready to sell and while we knew it would take a lot of work we didn't realize how much work that actually meant. Projects that have been lurking for two years suddenly needed to be done in two weeks, if not two days, and let's just say it was pretty daunting, in particular when one of you is entering the eighth month of pregnancy. Rob did some amazing work and between the two of us, the house is in the best shape we could imagine. As the final wafts of ammonia and trim paint leave the house, it's ready and on the market as of tomorrow.

In honor of our little abode and with fingers crossed that it will sell in prompt fashion, you can check out the collection of photos that were taken for the listing. While some of the staging isn't representative of our specific tastes (i.e. my master vision for the baby's room is currently on hold), it looks, and feels, wonderful and spacious.

Side note, living in a staged house is like living in constant fear that you're going to accidentally leave out your generic, non-lifestyle dish soap, bump a towel into disarray and never, ever get that pillow back into its original fluffy/firm ratio. Seriously, we're scared about living in our own house for fear of mess, which is an entirely foreign concept to both Rob and me. On the flip side, it's teaching us to be more thoughtful when we change our clothes, let alone leave the house since it has to be in pristine shape, just in case someone calls to see the house while we run an errand.

Shameless plug - if you know anyone who is looking to buy a great home in one of the best Seattle neighborhoods, have them call or email us.