The cabinets have been removed. The old plastic tile has been removed. The sink is gone. The fridge is in the living room. The stove is outside on the porch.
And today Hubs and Yei Yei start putting the kitchen back together. Starting with leveling the floor. They also have to level the ceiling. But that's another story.
Only casualty - the kitchen window. Cracked. And probably should be replaced. So far we are only just over the original budget, but with the house across the street, which is smaller (and does not have an updated look) on sale for 100K over what we paid for this house (amazing!) we feel pretty good about spending the money on the kitchen.
Now we're off to confirm the counter top. We found a GORGEOUS piece of soap stone yesterday.
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Friday, August 15, 2008
It's A Girl
That's right, on December 29th (or thereabouts) we will be welcoming our second daughter to the world.
At our Dr. appointment, yesterday, everything looked great - the measurements are right on the mark, all of the tests have come back pointing to a healthy baby, so we're quite excited. I'm halfway through and I've gained 6 lbs. The baby weighs 1 lb. Chase was born weighing just under 7 lbs, so I've got to gain at least another 5 lbs in the next four months (which I'm sure won't be a problem). The most significant difference in the two pregnancies are (1) my diet - alas, no full English Breakfasts here!, and (2) activity level:rest - activity level is very high, rest is very low this time around. With Chase I took 2 naps a day - oh, lovely naps.
Hubs is already planning the girls will play soccer and ski, so that he can do it with them.
SO SWEET.
At our Dr. appointment, yesterday, everything looked great - the measurements are right on the mark, all of the tests have come back pointing to a healthy baby, so we're quite excited. I'm halfway through and I've gained 6 lbs. The baby weighs 1 lb. Chase was born weighing just under 7 lbs, so I've got to gain at least another 5 lbs in the next four months (which I'm sure won't be a problem). The most significant difference in the two pregnancies are (1) my diet - alas, no full English Breakfasts here!, and (2) activity level:rest - activity level is very high, rest is very low this time around. With Chase I took 2 naps a day - oh, lovely naps.
Hubs is already planning the girls will play soccer and ski, so that he can do it with them.
SO SWEET.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Kitchen Remodel Update
We've decided to go with a soapstone counter, as it has no VOC emissions. Slate-colored tile floors (no slate, as it emits radon). Now we're on to lighting, back-splash, as well as the sink and faucet.
Friday, August 08, 2008
Crazy Week
So this crazy guy almost punched me in the face (I'm not kidding) - I was crossing the street and he was coming from the other direction. I could tell he wasn't "all there," so I put as much distance as I could and stepped away from him just as I passed him, which turned out to be a good move, because he just missed me (I felt the wind).
We had our first Tornado experience - but the sirens sounded outside (pretty amazing warning system actually) and we headed for the basement - with Chase, the dog and the cat. We were down there for a half hour, checked the warning and unfortunately I misread the second warning and we stayed down there for another half hour (even though we didn't have to). Ah well, better safe than sorry, right? Good thing I had taken some of Chase's toys downstairs - she entertained us by whacking on her drum set and singing.
And Taggart (the most expensive dog in the world) visited the vet (yet again). He's had a rather large bump that won't go away over the top of his eye and there are three others that seem as though they are growing fast - turns out he has mites (yuck-o). So we just need to give him more meds.
We had our first Tornado experience - but the sirens sounded outside (pretty amazing warning system actually) and we headed for the basement - with Chase, the dog and the cat. We were down there for a half hour, checked the warning and unfortunately I misread the second warning and we stayed down there for another half hour (even though we didn't have to). Ah well, better safe than sorry, right? Good thing I had taken some of Chase's toys downstairs - she entertained us by whacking on her drum set and singing.
And Taggart (the most expensive dog in the world) visited the vet (yet again). He's had a rather large bump that won't go away over the top of his eye and there are three others that seem as though they are growing fast - turns out he has mites (yuck-o). So we just need to give him more meds.
Wednesday, August 06, 2008
Busy Bees
We are heading into another busy streak here... expecting Hubs' parents next week (hurray!) to help us with our kitchen and nursery. From there, Hub's little sister and her hubby will be in town, as well as some friends from Portland (for the Democratic Convention) - and then my mom returns! My dad may be able to come visit in October. And November/December should be nice and quiet, with many a fire in the fireplace - and many a hot chocolate.
Living in Denver has been so great. It is SO nice to have company and see family. We love it.
Living in Denver has been so great. It is SO nice to have company and see family. We love it.
Monday, August 04, 2008
Counter tops
And so the much anticipated kitchen remodel begins in less than two weeks. Hubs' parents will be in town - Yei Yei will help Hubs demo and prep the kitchen for the contractor to install the cabinets, while Nee Nee will play with Chase and help me stay sane.
The custom cabinets have been ordered. We have selected the tile. Now we are evaluating counter tops. Who knew that the counter top would be the hardest part?
We've decided (okay, I've decided) we are going green. I just need something that isn't going to emit radon and radiation (like granite), something without toxic polymers and sealants, and something that is going to be a safe and sanitary cooking surface. Is that so much to ask? Apparently it is.
So being everso slightly obsessive compulsive, I have contacted a number of stone vendors in the area, as well as "green builders." And while they say their stone is safe, they can't actually provide me with recent radiation/radon readings. The green builder wasn't even aware there might be a problem with granite counter tops.
The New York Times recently wrote an article about radon and radiation coming from granite counter tops and noted "The E.P.A. recommends taking action if radon gas levels in the home exceeds 4 picocuries per liter of air (a measure of radioactive emission); about the same risk for cancer as smoking a half a pack of cigarettes per day." So I guess smoking three cigarettes is okay? Whatever. Is that seriously their guidelines for when to take action? Oh and there was no mention of the toxins in the polymers that hold granite counter tops together.
And of course all of the granite people are telling me that the story was placed by quartz people - and then go on to provide me with a tutorial of what PR is (seriously!). It's always interesting to hear what other people think PR is, so I have actually only told one that my background is PR. The others I figured, well, whatever.
So granite is out. Soapstone and quartz are possibilities (if anyone could actually provide me with a picocuries reading from them, which they don't have even though they say it's safe). And then Ice Stone is supposed to be good, but I'm weary of the glue that holds all the recycled stuff together - it clearly isn't water soluble. And did you know they are actually putting antimicrobial agents in counter tops now? That's a little scary too.
But the one on top? Glass. Recycled glass. Pure, simple, non-leaching and easy to clean. It doesn't get better than that, does it?
The custom cabinets have been ordered. We have selected the tile. Now we are evaluating counter tops. Who knew that the counter top would be the hardest part?
We've decided (okay, I've decided) we are going green. I just need something that isn't going to emit radon and radiation (like granite), something without toxic polymers and sealants, and something that is going to be a safe and sanitary cooking surface. Is that so much to ask? Apparently it is.
So being everso slightly obsessive compulsive, I have contacted a number of stone vendors in the area, as well as "green builders." And while they say their stone is safe, they can't actually provide me with recent radiation/radon readings. The green builder wasn't even aware there might be a problem with granite counter tops.
The New York Times recently wrote an article about radon and radiation coming from granite counter tops and noted "The E.P.A. recommends taking action if radon gas levels in the home exceeds 4 picocuries per liter of air (a measure of radioactive emission); about the same risk for cancer as smoking a half a pack of cigarettes per day." So I guess smoking three cigarettes is okay? Whatever. Is that seriously their guidelines for when to take action? Oh and there was no mention of the toxins in the polymers that hold granite counter tops together.
And of course all of the granite people are telling me that the story was placed by quartz people - and then go on to provide me with a tutorial of what PR is (seriously!). It's always interesting to hear what other people think PR is, so I have actually only told one that my background is PR. The others I figured, well, whatever.
So granite is out. Soapstone and quartz are possibilities (if anyone could actually provide me with a picocuries reading from them, which they don't have even though they say it's safe). And then Ice Stone is supposed to be good, but I'm weary of the glue that holds all the recycled stuff together - it clearly isn't water soluble. And did you know they are actually putting antimicrobial agents in counter tops now? That's a little scary too.
But the one on top? Glass. Recycled glass. Pure, simple, non-leaching and easy to clean. It doesn't get better than that, does it?
Sunday, August 03, 2008
Is It Hot In Here?
We have just survived Denver's 21st consecutive day of record-breaking heat - every day has been above 90 degrees. Seriously. And we have no AC. We do, however, now own more fans than I have ever owned in my whole life.
We leave the house first thing and by 10:30 a.m., it's too hot to be outside. The weather guy seems to think it will break this week. Fingers crossed. I would be happy with anything in the 80s at this point. I would be VERY happy if it rained. And I would be elated if we could have a couple days in the 70s - although I think we'd have to pull out our winter jackets and boots because we've become so accustomed to this heat.
And let me say that being pregnant when it's hot is SO UNFUN.
Anyway - on to Chase. Hubs and I marvel at her growth - mental, physical, emotional. At 2-years, 4 months, she is capable of completing a 24-piece puzzle with very little help. She has the concentration to complete 5 puzzles in a row, which seems to prove she has a powerful ability to focus for her age. She has started loving the game of memory (we have a Pooh set). I'm starting her on Dominoes this week and may even buy the game COOTIE for her some day in the near future. Her ability to self- entertain is growing -- she can play for about a half hour at a time before she needs attention. She loves her friends and talks about them constantly.
And her Chinese is coming along beautifully. She can sing songs and repeat Chinese words with ease. And yes, she even plays with her dolls in Chinese. Speaking of which, we have decided to have Chase's latest tutor give us 6 hours a week once baby #2 comes along and we have also decided to apply for DIS's Fall 2009 class NOW - they just merged with another private school so it looks like it's the best we could hope for! - Now she just needs to get in...
On another note, we took her to the pool and used a swimming aid (not wings, it's this yellow pad that straps to her back. The child really has to work to stay afloat.) and she was swimming short distances, un-aided, by us on the third day.
And she continues to grow. After she gains another 2 lbs she can ride on the volvo booster seats - goodbye car seat! She will be in to 5T clothes (does T go that high?) this fall - and wearing size 8.5 shoes.
She still loves the Einsteins, Clifford, Elmo and Thomas the Train. She enjoys books and being read to immensely. We start a dance class in September.
It will sure be interesting to see what number 2 is like...s/he is already kicking and moving about like mad - much more than Chase. Both Hubs and I have had dreams that s/he is a boy. Hmmm. We'll know in a couple weeks.
We leave the house first thing and by 10:30 a.m., it's too hot to be outside. The weather guy seems to think it will break this week. Fingers crossed. I would be happy with anything in the 80s at this point. I would be VERY happy if it rained. And I would be elated if we could have a couple days in the 70s - although I think we'd have to pull out our winter jackets and boots because we've become so accustomed to this heat.
And let me say that being pregnant when it's hot is SO UNFUN.
Anyway - on to Chase. Hubs and I marvel at her growth - mental, physical, emotional. At 2-years, 4 months, she is capable of completing a 24-piece puzzle with very little help. She has the concentration to complete 5 puzzles in a row, which seems to prove she has a powerful ability to focus for her age. She has started loving the game of memory (we have a Pooh set). I'm starting her on Dominoes this week and may even buy the game COOTIE for her some day in the near future. Her ability to self- entertain is growing -- she can play for about a half hour at a time before she needs attention. She loves her friends and talks about them constantly.
And her Chinese is coming along beautifully. She can sing songs and repeat Chinese words with ease. And yes, she even plays with her dolls in Chinese. Speaking of which, we have decided to have Chase's latest tutor give us 6 hours a week once baby #2 comes along and we have also decided to apply for DIS's Fall 2009 class NOW - they just merged with another private school so it looks like it's the best we could hope for! - Now she just needs to get in...
On another note, we took her to the pool and used a swimming aid (not wings, it's this yellow pad that straps to her back. The child really has to work to stay afloat.) and she was swimming short distances, un-aided, by us on the third day.
And she continues to grow. After she gains another 2 lbs she can ride on the volvo booster seats - goodbye car seat! She will be in to 5T clothes (does T go that high?) this fall - and wearing size 8.5 shoes.
She still loves the Einsteins, Clifford, Elmo and Thomas the Train. She enjoys books and being read to immensely. We start a dance class in September.
It will sure be interesting to see what number 2 is like...s/he is already kicking and moving about like mad - much more than Chase. Both Hubs and I have had dreams that s/he is a boy. Hmmm. We'll know in a couple weeks.
Monday, July 28, 2008
Happy Birpy To You
Chase sang 'Happy Birpy To You" to her little friend, Anna, who turned two yesterday. CUTEST ever. I really have to start using a video camera to capture this stuff!
Friday, July 25, 2008
Testing, Testing
So baby number 2 has tested negative for downs and spinabifita and something else I can't spell or pronounce. We are busy counting our blessings.
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Best Cucumbers Ever
Maybe it's just being preggy and hot, but I have to say cucumbers are the best food EVER. I love eating them they way they do in China. Here's the recipe - enjoy!
Ingredients:
- English cucumber
- Marukan original rice vinegar
- Sugar
- Peanut oil
- 3 dried red small chilies
---
1) Slice English cucumber into 1/4 inch slices
2) In shallow pan, mix approx 2 cups Rice Vinegar(must be Marukan original) with 4-5 TBS sugar (to taste).
3) Add cucumber and arrange so they are all covered in vinegar
4) In a frying pan, put about 5 Tbs peanut oil in with two small, seeded red chilies (the kind you buy dried and are hot, hot, hot). Fry those chilies until they are crisp - a dark brown. The smokier they are, the smokier the cucumbers will taste.
5) When oil and chilies are smokin, pour over the cucumbers in the rice vinegar
6) Chill in fridge until desired coolness/hotness (the longer they stay in the fridge, the hotter they get because the chilies leach their heat into the marinade).
AMAZING
Ingredients:
- English cucumber
- Marukan original rice vinegar
- Sugar
- Peanut oil
- 3 dried red small chilies
---
1) Slice English cucumber into 1/4 inch slices
2) In shallow pan, mix approx 2 cups Rice Vinegar(must be Marukan original) with 4-5 TBS sugar (to taste).
3) Add cucumber and arrange so they are all covered in vinegar
4) In a frying pan, put about 5 Tbs peanut oil in with two small, seeded red chilies (the kind you buy dried and are hot, hot, hot). Fry those chilies until they are crisp - a dark brown. The smokier they are, the smokier the cucumbers will taste.
5) When oil and chilies are smokin, pour over the cucumbers in the rice vinegar
6) Chill in fridge until desired coolness/hotness (the longer they stay in the fridge, the hotter they get because the chilies leach their heat into the marinade).
AMAZING
Schools
So I've made up my mind (finally). For this year, we are already on two wait lists - JCC and Children's Garden Montessori. They are the the only programs I've been impressed by, and as I see it, there is no reason to send Chase to something I think is only okay - seriously, what's the point? If she doesn't get into either of these schools, she'll stay home with me for another year.
Next year is a little more difficult, which is what I've been trying to figure out now so that I don't (a) miss out on any opportunities and (b) feel like my back is against the wall - deadlines for applying for Fall '09 are in December. So here's the larger question. Do we want Chase to go to public, private or a charter school? The reason why we need to decide this now is because it's important to get into the right "feeder" school.
And so after pulling my hair out, trying to figure out what school I want her to go to, what school is right for her and what school we can afford, I think I've decided we're going to try to get her into Denver International School - and go the language immersion route with her. Reason being, it seems that we're going to have to supplement her education no matter what - with schools cutting back on arts, music, sports, we're just going to have to do some stuff on the side - no matter what. And after thinking it through, the hardest thing to supplement on the side is a language, if we really want her to be fluent.
Whew! Now all we have to do is actually get in to one of the three spots available at DIS. I wonder if I just went there and wrote a check if they'd say, "Welcome to the school."
Next year is a little more difficult, which is what I've been trying to figure out now so that I don't (a) miss out on any opportunities and (b) feel like my back is against the wall - deadlines for applying for Fall '09 are in December. So here's the larger question. Do we want Chase to go to public, private or a charter school? The reason why we need to decide this now is because it's important to get into the right "feeder" school.
And so after pulling my hair out, trying to figure out what school I want her to go to, what school is right for her and what school we can afford, I think I've decided we're going to try to get her into Denver International School - and go the language immersion route with her. Reason being, it seems that we're going to have to supplement her education no matter what - with schools cutting back on arts, music, sports, we're just going to have to do some stuff on the side - no matter what. And after thinking it through, the hardest thing to supplement on the side is a language, if we really want her to be fluent.
Whew! Now all we have to do is actually get in to one of the three spots available at DIS. I wonder if I just went there and wrote a check if they'd say, "Welcome to the school."
Butterflies
A couple days ago Chase put her nose on my shoulder and made a big sniffing sound.
I said, "Are you smelling Mommy?"
She nodded.
I said, "What does Mommy smell like?"
"Butterflies," Chase answered.
I said, "Are you smelling Mommy?"
She nodded.
I said, "What does Mommy smell like?"
"Butterflies," Chase answered.
SO HOT
So it has been high 90s/low 100s for weeks. And I am so tired. The heat, combined with pregnancy, just takes it right out of me. I was lucky enough to get a nap - and sleep in - last weekend (thanks Hubs!) but already it feels like I've been on a transatlantic flight, with no sleep for 25 hours. And it's just been one day. With regular sleep.
And so I'm trying to figure out what to do with my precious girl today. And I'm stuck. No idea. Everything has been "done" - it feels like that anyway. Sort of like days when I just can't figure out what to make Chase for lunch.
And then I started thinking about what it was like living in China. What it was like living in Europe. And while it was quite difficult with a child in tow, we could always go somewhere interesting. And I think we could go somewhere interesting here, too, like one of the many National Parks, but with gas prices being so high, a kitchen to renovate, a new baby to plan for - oh and then there's the kids education, classes, and retirement to plan for ... how did we suddenly get so grown-up?
And so I'm trying to figure out what to do with my precious girl today. And I'm stuck. No idea. Everything has been "done" - it feels like that anyway. Sort of like days when I just can't figure out what to make Chase for lunch.
And then I started thinking about what it was like living in China. What it was like living in Europe. And while it was quite difficult with a child in tow, we could always go somewhere interesting. And I think we could go somewhere interesting here, too, like one of the many National Parks, but with gas prices being so high, a kitchen to renovate, a new baby to plan for - oh and then there's the kids education, classes, and retirement to plan for ... how did we suddenly get so grown-up?
Friday, July 18, 2008
Chase Review: Piolia
So I found out about another woman who has a three-year-old Chinese boy, who is also trying to teach him Mandarin. Chase and I joined their lesson on Thursday. Overall I thought it went pretty well, but the teaching style was a little different from any other instructor we've had. I'm trying to figure out if it was effective - but I really liked the instructors and the little boy and his mom -so I'm thinking it's worth the 30 minute drive to continue.
Here is the instructor's feedback from the lesson:
"I noticed Chase kept smiling. We are glad she was enjoying herself. On our way home we spoke of Chase, we are so impressed by her qualities - beautiful, sweet, and cultured; we are particularly impressed by her great love to learn as she was bold to ask us new words. We, from bottom of heart, like Chase."
Here is the instructor's feedback from the lesson:
"I noticed Chase kept smiling. We are glad she was enjoying herself. On our way home we spoke of Chase, we are so impressed by her qualities - beautiful, sweet, and cultured; we are particularly impressed by her great love to learn as she was bold to ask us new words. We, from bottom of heart, like Chase."
I love you SO much
Chase has started telling us, "Mama, I love you SO much." And "Dada, I love you SO much." And giving us the biggest bear hugs she can give - it is so sweet. So incredibly sweet.
Doctor Appointment
So I've gained 6 lbs since day one of pregnancy (which feels like 20!) and we won't know the sex of the baby for a month. Everything else has been good, except I am so darned exhausted.
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Googly Eyes
While I drank my tea and took a shot at "planning" for the day, Chase became obsessed with googly eyes.
You see, in Chase's craft supply cabinet there is a small pack of googly eyes - in every color - green, yellow, blue, pink. And Chase kept wanting more eyes. Different eyes.
And then she'd run off to the living room. And then, two minutes later, she'd be back in the kitchen for more. And when she had the last two eyes, she ran off again to the living room with a smile on her face.
A couple hours later, I looked over at her while I was sitting on the couch, and couldn't help but laugh hysterically - she had put googly eyes on all of her Einsteins!
You see, in Chase's craft supply cabinet there is a small pack of googly eyes - in every color - green, yellow, blue, pink. And Chase kept wanting more eyes. Different eyes.
And then she'd run off to the living room. And then, two minutes later, she'd be back in the kitchen for more. And when she had the last two eyes, she ran off again to the living room with a smile on her face.
A couple hours later, I looked over at her while I was sitting on the couch, and couldn't help but laugh hysterically - she had put googly eyes on all of her Einsteins!
Wednesday, July 09, 2008
Nana Cris Strikes Back
Here are a couple pictures from Nana Cris' second visit.
Chase really grew very attached.
So much so that she'd say "bye bye, Mama. Chase play Nana Cris."
Chase still asks me to pick-up Nana Cris at the airport every morning.
Here they are at the park...
These pictures were taken at a kite-making party...
Ready, set ...
Go!
Chase really grew very attached.
So much so that she'd say "bye bye, Mama. Chase play Nana Cris."
Chase still asks me to pick-up Nana Cris at the airport every morning.
Here they are at the park...
These pictures were taken at a kite-making party...
Ready, set ...
Go!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)