tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-68962221697384810272024-03-05T14:12:51.872-05:00g squaredbrittany @ g squaredhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00814747602898482851noreply@blogger.comBlogger349125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6896222169738481027.post-49389742280546745162017-06-17T15:42:00.001-04:002017-06-17T15:43:38.154-04:00Things to Remember: Norah (a little over) 2.5 years, Asher (almost) 6 months<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Norah:</b></div>
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You are absolutely HYSTERICAL. </div>
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Any time you want to command your Dad to do something you scream "WILL!!!!" It sounds more like you're saying "whale".</div>
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A funny exchange we had yesterday...</div>
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Me: My neck's been sore.</div>
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N: Where?</div>
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Me: Along the back and left side.</div>
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N: No, where's the dinosaur???<br />
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I wish I had a notebook with my constantly to write down all the hilarious things you say.</div>
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You hate posed photos these days, and make the silliest faces when we tell you to "say cheese". Hence no super awesome photos of you in this post. Sorry kid.</div>
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You've recently entered into the phase where you're obsessed with all things princesses and dress up. It is completely adorable, but you also love trucks, ambulances, etc.</div>
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We have failed at taking away your pacifier, but you do now sleep in a toddler bed vs a crib. Baby steps.</div>
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You're going to start preschool in the fall and I think you're going to love it.</div>
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You are so, so smart. You remember the names of all the people who live in the houses we pass on our walks. The ones we know of course. You know the name of our street, the town we live, the schools you'll go to, and even remember directions on how to get to certain places. You're so curious and you can just tell your little wheels are turning trying to figure out how the world works.</div>
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<b>Asher:</b></div>
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You are THE smiliest, sweetest, baby. Everyone comments on how handsome and sweet you are. I cannot get enough of your sweet cheeks.</div>
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You have really chunked up lately and I think you're going to end up being WAY bigger than your sister comparatively.</div>
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I am honestly in shock that the first half year of your life has gone by. It has been so different than your sisters in so many ways. I love seeing your little personality shine through and we are so happy you're growing so well.</div>
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You LOVE to eat. You take down baby food like a champ, and I can't wait until you can eat solids, as you frequently try and take them from us when we're eating as a family.</div>
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<b>Both:</b></div>
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You two are wildly in love with each other. Norah, you literally have to be dragged out of your brother's room more often than not when we're trying to put him to sleep. You love to help take care of him, share with (and steal from) him, and are always concerned about how he's feeling.</div>
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Asher, you light up every time you see your big sister. She brings out giggles and smiles from you like no one else can.</div>
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Norah, you were sleeping in until 9am or so most mornings, but those days have come to an end. You're both up around 6:30am these days, so our days have drastically changed (and gotten longer). I really think you can just sense Asher and I are up and about and you don't want to miss out on anything.</div>
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You both are truly the lights of my life and make me want to be a better person every day. I can't wait to see all the adventures that are in store for us, and I know the rest of this year will be even better than the first half!</div>
brittany @ g squaredhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00814747602898482851noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6896222169738481027.post-41156591710649591202017-06-12T17:05:00.001-04:002017-06-12T17:05:26.600-04:00checking in<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I have no idea how it's been so many weeks since I last posted. I had (and still have) such solid intentions when it comes to updating this blog, but life keeps happening. Our days are so full of play time, endless snacks, play dates, enjoying the weather, walking around town, and errands. Our evenings are full of trying to cram in quality time with Dad after work, cooking, chores, and the bedtime saga. And our nights are full of the constant balance that is having adult time vs getting as much sleep as possible. And don't forget lots of wake ups to tend to a hungry baby, and sometimes a toddler request.</div>
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By the time the end of the day comes, I am just too beat to write a coherent post. I feel like we're coming into our own as a family of four though, so hopefully my energy level changes soon. This summer has already been filled with so many days I want to remember, and Asher has grown and changed so much in his almost six months of life.</div>
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Here's to hopefully being back at the blog life soon!</div>
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<br />brittany @ g squaredhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00814747602898482851noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6896222169738481027.post-37258405133214600202017-03-14T08:53:00.001-04:002017-03-14T09:18:03.533-04:00Asher 11 Weeks<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Not exactly a normal time to write an update, but here we are. Asher buddy, you are everything my heart needed and more. I have a hard time imagining babies as people until they start to get a little bit of a personality, sit up, etc., but I can already tell that you are going to be so silly and sweet. Just like your sister, except this week, when she is acting like a total (almost) threenager. You are usually so, so happy, and really only cry when you are tired or hungry. I know it's early and so much can and will change, but I genuinely think you're going to be the sweetest little guy.</div>
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You have literally doubled in size since birth, going from the six pound range to the twelve pound range in just two short months. You have the chunkiest little face, huge blue eyes, dark hair, and the sweetest smile. You're an incredibly cute baby and I know you will be the apple of my eye. I always thought of your sister as my best friend, more like a sidekick. I know you will always be the baby. At this point I am 99% confident in saying that you are our last child, and it really feels like you're the perfect completion to this family.</div>
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You definitely get less physical attention (being held, rocked) than I'd like due to how crazy our schedules can be, but it's probably teaching you a little independence, and we are sure to get plenty of snuggles and cuddles when we can.</div>
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You LOVE your mobile, swing, rock and play, baths, being sung to/talked to, mirrors, and being outside. You don't love tummy time, but will tolerate it. Honestly the only things you hate are being hungry or tired, which is all babies, and all people really, so who can blame you.</div>
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You met all your milestones at your two month appointment as far as gaining weight, tracking light, etc. Still measuring on the smaller side of things height and weight wise, but you look like a "normal" size to me, so I'm happy.</div>
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N on the left, A on the right. Two months. Near twins!</div>
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You are taking roughly 4 naps a day, and eating about 5 times a day, and 2 more times in the middle of the night. I think your sister dropped her night feedings all together around this time, so I am hoping you'll drop down to at least one. I know all babies are different through so trying not to expect you to do what she did. Breastfeeding is going much better with you than it did with her and we hope that continues. You sleep in your crib at night, but we've been using the swings for naps. That is honestly because it works and mom is too lazy to deal with another transition right now, but we plan to institute crib naps at three months. Or try to at least.</div>
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We love you buddy!</div>
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brittany @ g squaredhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00814747602898482851noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6896222169738481027.post-76952995549628857982017-03-13T09:38:00.003-04:002017-03-13T09:39:01.067-04:00Fall Pictures<div style="text-align: center;">
These pictures are old news, but I wanted to share them just to have included in the blog, and also because I LOVE them. I found <a href="https://www.facebook.com/sweetthingsphotography/">this photographer</a> randomly on Facebook, and cannot wait to use her again down the road. These photos served as our 2016 fall family pictures, as well as maternity pictures, and Norah's two year pictures. #threebirdsonestone. These are also what we used for our 2016 Christmas card. Here are some of our favorites.</div>
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Cannot get over the beauty in this child!</div>
brittany @ g squaredhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00814747602898482851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6896222169738481027.post-26160553842946003312017-03-10T09:00:00.002-05:002017-03-10T09:01:51.087-05:00what we've been up to<div style="text-align: center;">
For today I thought I'd share a few things I've been up to since basically disappearing from the blog world.</div>
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1. getting involved</div>
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The past year(ish), I've been involved with our city's Junior League, as well as our neighborhoods parenting group. Both have been so rewarding, and really helped me fill my time with meaningful, adult activities, without being too much of a strain on my schedule.</div>
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I love Junior League because service and giving back is extremely important to me, and it doesnt hurt that so many amazing women are a part of the organization. I am truly in awe of most of them. The parenting group also has service opportunities, puts on a Christmas event for our town, hosts several other family events throughout the year, and has a lot of social opportunities. It's been great to always have something on the calendar to make sure we're creating lots of traditions and memories for our kiddos.</div>
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2. working smarter not harder</div>
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Or so I like to think. We not rely on Green Bean Delivery, Click List, and Amazon Subscribe and Save for a lot of our grocery and household items. I actually don't hate taking two kids to the store. What I hate, is lugging 20 bags of groceries into the house, while managing 2 kids. And then putting them away, when it's usually lunch and/or nap time. Hard pass. These services have been a God send. Honorable mention to the OrderUp app which has provided me many a delicious meal when I was too lazy or too tired to prepare anything for myself after handling the kids.</div>
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3. date nights</div>
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We aren't the type of couple who never goes out, but we certainly aren't the type of couple to do weekly dates or anything like that. Lately more than ever Will and I have both realized we were never spending any time alone together. When the kids were asleep we'd be doing separate chores, or one of us were asleep. So for 2017 I wanted to make it a point for us to go on AT LEAST one date night a month, with no kids. So far this year we've managed to watch a basketball game to gather at a bar, go out to dinner to <a href="http://sottocincinnati.com/">Sotto</a>, have lunch at Yard House, and we have tickets to go see a play at the Cincinnati Shakespeare company later this month. Hoping we can keep this tradition going all year.</div>
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4. friend nights (or days)</div>
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Another thing I wanted to make sure we started being mindful of this year was maintaining friendships. I am pretty good about scheduling girls nights, lunches, etc. I actually even have a girls trip on the books in April (hallelujah). I really believe that a) it takes a village and I truly value my friendships and b) parents need time to have fun in order to continue to be good parents. Will however is more selfless and always sacrifices his weekends to do what I want to do, work in the yard, etc. I told him to make a point of scheduling time with his friends as much as he can, even if it's just a quick lunch while the kids are asleep on a Saturday. He's listened and I think it's something that will really improve our lives if we can keep it up.</div>
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Terrible picture, but the only one we've captured from any of our dates. </div>
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5. two two and under</div>
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Parenting two kids is NO JOKE. Two sets of diapers to change. Two baths. Two bedtimes. Two times the crying. Luckily both my kids are generally pretty happy, and I have help most of the times I truly need it. All I can say is I've never been more humbled by an experience in my life. You think you are a level headed, in control person? Come take care of a toddler and a newborn alone for a few days and then talk to me. An entire post on how we've been doing in this arena soon.</div>
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Happy Friday! Linking up with <a href="http://www.smidgeofthis.com/">Smidge of This</a>.</div>
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brittany @ g squaredhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00814747602898482851noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6896222169738481027.post-22073240294952144472017-03-07T09:28:00.002-05:002017-03-07T09:33:12.687-05:00Kitchen Renovation: The After<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>Disclaimer: I am terrible at taking pictures, but you'll get the idea.</i></div>
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The after! I am so, so happy with the way this kitchen turned out. Lets get to some details. I linked as many things as I could remember throughout the post. Before post <a href="http://brittandwill.blogspot.com/2017/02/kitchen-renovation-before.html">HERE</a>, and during post <a href="http://brittandwill.blogspot.com/2017/02/kitchen-renovation-during.html">HERE</a>.</div>
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I mentioned previously I would consider changing two things if I could go back in time. One is the depth of our <a href="https://www.faucetdirect.com/kohler-k-5826-whitehaven-32-1-2-single-basin-farmhouse-cast-iron-kitchen-sink-with-short-apron/p2276018">farm sink</a>. I wish it was deeper so it met the cabinets underneath, rather than there being several inches of space between the cabinets and the sink. We also could have just made those cabinets higher, as they were custom. That was a miscommunication between myself and the builder.</div>
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Our <a href="http://www.bosch-home.com/us/SHP65T55UC.html">dishwasher </a>is Bosch, and we love it. I especially like that it has a red light that shines on the floor when it is running, and that there's no obvious handle or buttons for little fingers and hands to be tempted by. The pendant light above the sink is from Shades of Light. The <a href="https://www.faucetdirect.com/kohler-k-99259-artifacts-pullout-spray-high-arch-17-5-8-kitchen-faucet-with-promotion-masterclean-and-docknetik-technologies/p2612767">faucet</a> and <a href="https://www.faucetdirect.com/kohler-k-5826-whitehaven-32-1-2-single-basin-farmhouse-cast-iron-kitchen-sink-with-short-apron/p2276018">sink</a> are Kohler. Our floors are an engineered hardwood, and they look great, along with being very appropriate for a house with dogs who ruin everything. Our countertops are quartz, and the <a href="https://www.flooranddecor.com/stone-decoratives/bianco-carrara-honed-marble-tile-100105105.html">backsplash</a> is a Bianco Carrara marble tile.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl-woUTfZA8Sgk6r1ZINOt618cBrq4-YegIcSCIzUSD_LZttP1-QhbIdrpxmHXFXlUb0zZKxo5t7fdahvn6cs-vnj2mH1-oud1PPC6KtgSetEpXYwnk_DRRnMnIWnw8a4YrsuHUchMVO7Z/s1600/IMG_5147.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl-woUTfZA8Sgk6r1ZINOt618cBrq4-YegIcSCIzUSD_LZttP1-QhbIdrpxmHXFXlUb0zZKxo5t7fdahvn6cs-vnj2mH1-oud1PPC6KtgSetEpXYwnk_DRRnMnIWnw8a4YrsuHUchMVO7Z/s640/IMG_5147.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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The paint color is Sea Salt by Sherwin Williams. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4iPNsKX__v2_0Yt5O4Pujy4nmOKwOP4YZjYJveDIXRc-wHYjeQ_7N752wxIvc2QVxcXIzVDSdoYKO2LlgzPDVKkh4sffavMBKtvn6derYYyttWDvZjA2RXCDOg5E1scDZoJbCn50b5FOa/s1600/IMG_5152.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4iPNsKX__v2_0Yt5O4Pujy4nmOKwOP4YZjYJveDIXRc-wHYjeQ_7N752wxIvc2QVxcXIzVDSdoYKO2LlgzPDVKkh4sffavMBKtvn6derYYyttWDvZjA2RXCDOg5E1scDZoJbCn50b5FOa/s640/IMG_5152.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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The eat in area <a href="http://www.shadesoflight.com/scalloped-shade-semi-flush-ceiling-light-4-light.html?&variantID=599104&product_id=FM14132GL&adpos=1o1&creative=72522552152&device=c&matchtype=&network=g&gclid=CLznrsTMxNICFVY2gQoduG8HSg">light fixture </a>is also from shades of light. I love how this little nook turned out. Norah loves eating there and looking out the window at the squirrels and birds.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg321HPixxhjt1CsuTmTaMXn9HImOjvoTR_Q43LlxlJBk-drR0eIQWBVQlo_MOMmLt-_blxjPgbsiHbbLDIFASVzuPHtAvg5h6zx8ePfr1iSpAhox5ECKjYyvXLeTOI9FsKIf4HIAVSSpJI/s1600/IMG_5155.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg321HPixxhjt1CsuTmTaMXn9HImOjvoTR_Q43LlxlJBk-drR0eIQWBVQlo_MOMmLt-_blxjPgbsiHbbLDIFASVzuPHtAvg5h6zx8ePfr1iSpAhox5ECKjYyvXLeTOI9FsKIf4HIAVSSpJI/s640/IMG_5155.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.ballarddesigns.com/caf-26-23233-shelf/393988">Open shelving</a> from Ballard Designs. I think this really adds to the room, and provides much needed storage.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinpIBh6KVCh4eTXIloV1_HmSIsQehTWFlg6s8uAjRYFKjEv0cFmQmoQJb2lP1BPoeVOZaSVeY74ViBYulAUNyVlEtys1yw4SxZStyFO65nVSOCtBEts-tBskQavotTeczhk4Bl-mXMZzxP/s1600/IMG_5158.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinpIBh6KVCh4eTXIloV1_HmSIsQehTWFlg6s8uAjRYFKjEv0cFmQmoQJb2lP1BPoeVOZaSVeY74ViBYulAUNyVlEtys1yw4SxZStyFO65nVSOCtBEts-tBskQavotTeczhk4Bl-mXMZzxP/s640/IMG_5158.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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Our <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Polished-Chrome-Cabinet-Southern-Hills/dp/B00ED2FW6S/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1460832497&sr=8-7&keywords=chrome+cabinet+knob">cabinet knobs</a> are from Amazon and the <a href="https://www.restorationhardware.com/catalog/product/product.jsp?productId=prod1166005&categoryId=cat1512023">drawer pulls</a> are from Restoration Hardware. Artwork by Norah ;)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz32ZXi3WaUPRPpqR4NOAeLYZ3SGAP88XvVpSuzBo3SFMeR-ra4qRBQAGtwBXnehoVGsVbdCf_UI6EfJEmDx20vr-nfRB2hN0YWFd9ZpW5PcFWTdRbVdILoNCNNEajyqJiSXJTdYAvb6bt/s1600/IMG_5162.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz32ZXi3WaUPRPpqR4NOAeLYZ3SGAP88XvVpSuzBo3SFMeR-ra4qRBQAGtwBXnehoVGsVbdCf_UI6EfJEmDx20vr-nfRB2hN0YWFd9ZpW5PcFWTdRbVdILoNCNNEajyqJiSXJTdYAvb6bt/s640/IMG_5162.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Lets talk about this <a href="http://www.homedepot.com/p/GE-36-in-22-2-cu-ft-French-Door-Refrigerator-with-Keurig-K-Cup-in-Stainless-Steel-Counter-Depth-CYE22USHSS/206355450">refrigerator</a>. It is a <a href="http://www.homedepot.com/p/GE-36-in-22-2-cu-ft-French-Door-Refrigerator-with-Keurig-K-Cup-in-Stainless-Steel-Counter-Depth-CYE22USHSS/206355450">GE Cafe series</a>, and has a built in Keurig. You heard that right. All products I am mentioning are linked, but I recommend specifically checking this link out to see how amazing it is. It also lets you "brew" hot water for tea, cooking, etc. This has been a huge space saver for us on the countertops, as our Keurig was huge.</div>
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Our <a href="http://www.bosch-home.com/us/HMV3052U.html">microwave</a> and <a href="http://www.bosch-home.com/us/products/cooking-baking/ranges/HGI8054UC.html">range</a> are also Bosch. The other thing I might change is how high our microwave is. Not sure how it rounded out to be this high, but people always comment on it. Will is 6'2 and I am 5'11, so it doesn't bother us. But it might be an issue for a smaller person. I like these appliances too, but it drives me slightly insane that the microwave makes such a loud closing sound when you shut it. This is probably just me being paranoid because there's always a sleeping kiddo somewhere in the house.</div>
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And that's about it! Happy to answer any questions if you've got them. </div>
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<span style="background-color: #bd081c; background-position: 3px 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; background-size: 14px 14px; border-bottom-left-radius: 2px; border-bottom-right-radius: 2px; border-top-left-radius: 2px; border-top-right-radius: 2px; border: none; color: white; cursor: pointer; display: none; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; left: 42px; line-height: 20px; opacity: 1; padding: 0px 4px 0px 0px; position: absolute; text-align: center; text-indent: 20px; top: 5842px; width: auto; z-index: 8675309;">Save</span><span style="background-color: #bd081c; background-position: 3px 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; background-size: 14px 14px; border-bottom-left-radius: 2px; border-bottom-right-radius: 2px; border-top-left-radius: 2px; border-top-right-radius: 2px; border: none; color: white; cursor: pointer; display: none; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; left: 42px; line-height: 20px; opacity: 1; padding: 0px 4px 0px 0px; position: absolute; text-align: center; text-indent: 20px; top: 5842px; width: auto; z-index: 8675309;">Save</span>brittany @ g squaredhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00814747602898482851noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6896222169738481027.post-68253180923203152017-02-28T12:29:00.000-05:002017-02-28T12:37:46.942-05:00Kitchen Renovation: The During<div style="text-align: center;">
The official planning of our kitchen started in January of last year (2016). The contractor took measurements of everything, found out as much as they could about our existing electrical, plumbing, and structure, and then drew up a plan for us. I liked it, but it wasn't exactly what I wanted. We kept all of their ideas in place, aside from moving one section of cabinets and the refrigerator. This caused us to have to close up a window, which most people would probably think is insane, but I really wanted a triangular placement of the sink, stove, and refrigerator. Plus, the space is small and we already have 5 other windows in the room. Honestly, there wasn't room for much creativity in the overall plans because the space is relatively small to begin with, and we had a stairwell, chimney, and back door to work around.</div>
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Over the next couple of months we made selections. I selected the countertops, cabinets, and floors through our builder and their vendors. The hardware, light fixtures, appliances, plumbing fixtures, sink, back door, paint color, and backsplash were all me. I did a lot of internet research, took a lot of trips to visit various stores that sold the above, and watched a lot of HGTV. But mostly, I just picked what I liked. Since all of the selections were made over a long period of time, I was a little afraid they wouldn't all look good once together, but luckily for me they did. In our previous two homes I'd made some design choices that I look back on and seriously regret, but this time, we finally found our groove. Honorable mention to Will who selected and installed the pantry shelving, and who installed the open shelving I bought.</div>
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Demolition began in April, and our kitchen was finished in July, so the whole thing took about 3.5 months. It pretty much went down like this.</div>
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Demolition and clean up. Let me tell you, it was really fun having a napping toddler and dogs that are terrified of loud noises during all of this. #not. Well worth the stress though!</div>
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Leveling the floor (the eat in area was a step down from the rest of the kitchen).</div>
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Making the ceiling one height, drywalling the drop ceiling.</div>
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Fixing the structure below our back door (surprise cost - insert mad face emoji).</div>
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Framing, insulating, drywall.<br />
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Updating the electrical.</div>
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Flooring installed.</div>
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Cabinet installation.</div>
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Countertops, appliances, plumbing, hardware, and backsplash installed.</div>
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Painting.</div>
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Throw in a few inspections and there you have it. I'll post one more kitchen update with more detail on the selections we made, and the after photos!</div>
brittany @ g squaredhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00814747602898482851noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6896222169738481027.post-56642660355145220362017-02-27T07:24:00.000-05:002017-02-27T07:29:04.507-05:00Kitchen Renovation: The Before<div style="text-align: center;">
It's been about six months since our kitchen renovation was 100% complete. We still don't have blinds, so I guess 99% complete. Why we haven't gotten around to getting window treatments after all the other work we put into that room, I don't know. Just one of those things I guess? Anyway, we've had plenty of time to enjoy it and I can honestly say there are only two things I *might* change about what we had done. And even those are fairly minor. It'll take me a bit to document the entire process, so I thought I'd start with the before.</div>
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A little background. We started our home search knowing we wanted to find a place we could redo the kitchen. I would have been fine if we'd stumbled upon a house that already had a great kitchen, but deep down, I really wanted to create our own from scratch. When we decided to make an offer on our new house, we knew the kitchen was a dump, but that was OK, because we wanted to fix it up anyway.</div>
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We didn't account for just how much of a dump it actually was, or for the fact that we'd be living in it for several months before the work actually got started. #contractordelays This was a terrible experience, but on the plus side, we had time to live in the "before" kitchen long enough to really know what we wanted the "after" kitchen to look like. It also made us appreciate the new kitchen A LOT more when it was completed. Which by the way, about 3.5 months from start to finish, 7 months after we moved in. So we spent 3.5 months with a dilapidated kitchen, and 3.5 months with no kitchen at all.</div>
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Here are a few pictures from the home listing when bought our house. To some it may not look that bad, but trust me... it was bad. The cabinets were ancient, and in terrible condition. The floor was made out of what I can only describe as vinyl tile. The appliances were falling apart. Literally. The refrigerator had tape on the inside holding the shelves up, and the oven handle broke off the second time I tried to bake something. Oh, and every single surface was pretty much ancient and/or filthy.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha0kOlHIBzS6TJbdC0OrLoiPEriXd0sGZuQEsY46_im6ZN9d6fDSM4qe8OUKLsO8REmr0KSpgOUfPL5NCjbPY7ZqRIxbZmmSjP98NiHmCgmG4RLhNmTyfPPiK4i9xdzqSsshqtCdhhgAOi/s1600/IS133rls5vj2fu1000000000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha0kOlHIBzS6TJbdC0OrLoiPEriXd0sGZuQEsY46_im6ZN9d6fDSM4qe8OUKLsO8REmr0KSpgOUfPL5NCjbPY7ZqRIxbZmmSjP98NiHmCgmG4RLhNmTyfPPiK4i9xdzqSsshqtCdhhgAOi/s640/IS133rls5vj2fu1000000000.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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No counter space next to the stove, or between the stove or the refrigerator. Weird microwave box area above the stove. Useless soffits.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4YCi_cz794q45tMDU1xR9T28wOyd5vvYSg-RQt_Ws4iTMoY8fa-Hluu7JE0KB6dwkoftk5lYzXsqhd7oUIdUAkxR9WOgNtDcy2BFPRWjCcTytjtXzmbzIZJCjWBmGxx4iUWP6ibBEt7R4/s1600/kitchen+before+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4YCi_cz794q45tMDU1xR9T28wOyd5vvYSg-RQt_Ws4iTMoY8fa-Hluu7JE0KB6dwkoftk5lYzXsqhd7oUIdUAkxR9WOgNtDcy2BFPRWjCcTytjtXzmbzIZJCjWBmGxx4iUWP6ibBEt7R4/s640/kitchen+before+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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This weird nook of wasted space drove me crazy. No cabinets, no furniture, what is the point? And don't get me started on that peninsula.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBopauiNUQTll0D7njhwBQKgq82BEmZtCZEfQjVjxgouSMF92g_SqDEuVNf0Bp3Sd10R0srXPKcqF90xor2WtqcVFt2JQTkj0gy9slygMwUDvnK_q5nSRrWJqqrbGh0DkinZZCfqad9qai/s1600/kitchen+before+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBopauiNUQTll0D7njhwBQKgq82BEmZtCZEfQjVjxgouSMF92g_SqDEuVNf0Bp3Sd10R0srXPKcqF90xor2WtqcVFt2JQTkj0gy9slygMwUDvnK_q5nSRrWJqqrbGh0DkinZZCfqad9qai/s640/kitchen+before+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Former screened in porch turned interior kitchen space. Clearly no one was actually eating in there though, so again, wasted space. Also, this "room" was a step down from the rest of the kitchen. AKA a death trap for toddlers and clumsy people like me. This area was also very poorly insulated and completely FREEZING cold in the winter. And two more words: drop ceiling. Bleh.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNTDkeCMuFYM558CmzwJhCHSliP4D8u6DdsRsyXVt_sf_WNqxa8iqDLhc43pwnTZCk-WVapJgIjDATDz6W6Brk4cRaVDIrV8Rb1s8EhGje-W-PprHc-Sfp-9K9px0KayF47Kq6-jVmnZsp/s1600/kitchen+before+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNTDkeCMuFYM558CmzwJhCHSliP4D8u6DdsRsyXVt_sf_WNqxa8iqDLhc43pwnTZCk-WVapJgIjDATDz6W6Brk4cRaVDIrV8Rb1s8EhGje-W-PprHc-Sfp-9K9px0KayF47Kq6-jVmnZsp/s640/kitchen+before+3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I'd been saving images for months and months of inspiration for our new kitchen. <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/britgalloway/kitchen-%2B-dining/">This pinterest board </a>was my best friend. Here are a couple of the pictures I went back to most when trying to envision how we'd turn the above into my dream kitchen.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilVdn1mTu_72bPgsbPp-_DitKAFqRbwXukfa8VOQ8px2XLC_ahFeky6sY8Ef6YlkyQ7AYZYTn7kYwOxEUGIcuN-y4lCx9V-LEbSQhGTLEb_vS23EnwjIQpnlos1D_K2UHCexPko8TFpK6W/s1600/k+inspo+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilVdn1mTu_72bPgsbPp-_DitKAFqRbwXukfa8VOQ8px2XLC_ahFeky6sY8Ef6YlkyQ7AYZYTn7kYwOxEUGIcuN-y4lCx9V-LEbSQhGTLEb_vS23EnwjIQpnlos1D_K2UHCexPko8TFpK6W/s640/k+inspo+1.jpg" width="526" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidfm4e3LpaBT75BMRes5jxoQezbPcDj5OpZgyOd1E4cGXP5c3XXMdp5Mh5P4Yuy2DPuH2WT1LeDYPNHsv-WOnoq408h_U_yAl7uFAQEkirGhHExyzZ6Y346ncgRoRmUaCMveJ4J8xfySko/s1600/k+inspo+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidfm4e3LpaBT75BMRes5jxoQezbPcDj5OpZgyOd1E4cGXP5c3XXMdp5Mh5P4Yuy2DPuH2WT1LeDYPNHsv-WOnoq408h_U_yAl7uFAQEkirGhHExyzZ6Y346ncgRoRmUaCMveJ4J8xfySko/s640/k+inspo+2.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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I've lived in brand new homes, homes that were over 100 years old, and everything in-between. There is good and bad on both ends. One of the "bad" things about having an older home is that you really don't know who did what when, whether or not they did it right, and what the heck you're going to find behind the walls or under the floors when you go to make a change.</div>
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While we found plenty of surprises, it could have been worse. Next I hope to post pictures of our during, the drawing our contractor worked up for the new kitchen, the drawing after I made changes, and more about our process in general.</div>
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Yes, you read that right. It was never our intent to have our kitchen renovation, basement renovation, and the first several months of my pregnancy overlap. Unfortunately our kitchen got started late, our basement got started early (and took much longer than expected), and before you knew it we were expecting baby number two. Living through a renovation when you're at home all day with a toddler and two dogs is tough, so I wanted to share a few things that helped us get by.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjlnqRax2qWE6Te5QalshMMXIArfnBxz7_ilebOmLGAqgpHIYitH1FRAmqIKNZtoIIptNdpV995E-_woPwTBHFXqZP5Q2NH4kU-T5Ajm_7fQh3aB-HQPXYTyAQXzAkuEKPJnPrJl2RMSl3/s1600/IMG_2564.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjlnqRax2qWE6Te5QalshMMXIArfnBxz7_ilebOmLGAqgpHIYitH1FRAmqIKNZtoIIptNdpV995E-_woPwTBHFXqZP5Q2NH4kU-T5Ajm_7fQh3aB-HQPXYTyAQXzAkuEKPJnPrJl2RMSl3/s640/IMG_2564.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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This was part of the basement waterproofing process. One of MANY truckloads full of yuck that got removed from the house.</div>
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1. Get your pets out of the house.</div>
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Whether this be for a few minutes or a few days, do what you can. Our dogs were surprisingly well behaved considering we had men in and out of the house several times a day, and our yard was monopolized by construction equipment rendering it unusable for doggy bathroom breaks or play time. I made it a point to strap Norah into the Ergo and walk them, even if it was just for a few minutes, as many times a day as I could. When my belly got too big to wear Norah, we'd load up and hit the dog park for as long as I could wrangle everyone. It was a juggling act, but it was necessary. We also bought a daycare package so they could spend entire days away from the chaos. I'd definitely budget daycare and/or occasional boarding into your renovation budget if you have active animals. Or find a friend or family member that will take them off your hands. We completely under-estimated the amount of coming and going contractors would be doing, and how much they'd need our back yard to work in.</div>
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2. Plan to eat out. A lot.</div>
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I was incredibly niave going into our kitchen reno and thought we'd still be able to eat dinners at home. Breakfast and lunch was doable, but dinner was almost impossible. While we still had some appliance use, with no counter space, a tiny refrigerator, and several stints without power, our dinner time meal options were really limited. Not to mention, after dealing with the crazy all day, I just didn't feel like doing all the juggling that it took to prepare a decent meal. I wish I'd done more research and planning to get healthy, affordable dinners out planned for my family. We relied on fast food one too many times simply because my lofty goals of planning out weeks and weeks of crock pot meals weren't met.</div>
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3. Accept help.</div>
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We were lucky enough to have several friends and family invite us over for meals, or just to get out of the house. This is something I said no to a lot just because I hate to be a burden, but in retrospect, that was a mistake. People offer because they want to help, and it really does make a difference.</div>
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4. Have a Plan B.</div>
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I had no clue how much construction on our home would interrupt our routine. Turns out, power tools are LOUD and power and/or water often needs to be shut off during major renovations. This was of course ALWAYS during nap time, which was my worst nightmare. Luckily, we had a crib set up at Will's parents. It wasn't ideal to drive 20 min away just to take a nap, but I was happy we had the option.</div>
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5. Have the right permits.</div>
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This is probably obvious/self explanatory. I won't elaborate, but trust me. When the inspector comes wrapping at your door one morning asking to look around and threatens to shut down your whole operation, you'll wish you were more prepared.</div>
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Those are probably my four biggest nuggets of advice that no one gave me before we started on our reno journey. Hoping to share before and after pics soon!</div>
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<br />brittany @ g squaredhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00814747602898482851noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6896222169738481027.post-85290156947575249792017-02-22T14:07:00.001-05:002017-02-22T14:08:11.718-05:00End to the Radio SilenceIt's been almost exactly one year since I've blogged. There have been several times over the past twelve months that I've considered resurrecting this bad boy. I wanted to track our move and home renovation. I wanted to track my second pregnancy. I wanted to track that pregnancy even more when it became "high risk". I wanted to write about how it felt to find out or second child was a boy, and how we picked his name, and tell his birth story. I've wanted to write about how we've managed to do a lot of the above with me as a one woman show, as Will's job kept him on the road many, many nights. But as each day passed, any time I got a few free minutes, I was too tired either mentally or physically to share any of the above, or all the things that have happened in-between. I hope to eventually (soon) share about everything I previously mentioned, but today, I am just going to share about the right now.<br />
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Right now, it is 2:00pm. I have an eight week old baby boy sleeping on my chest, and I'm taking my first minute to myself to recoup since 7:00am. The big girl is upstairs (hopefully) napping, and the dogs are somewhere probably getting their muddy paw prints all over my floors. The weather in Cincinnati has been incredibly spring like, so along with the warm temperatures, that means rain.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigfCdsQ9odTsCaTtSnWTSC8geYv8UrmDJvq5xVDzzXUbBLCmMKraS9WhA3Hk34udnzPLynSgf8d_q_-ox_F43rKo85bVxpUO_GiXyupNaJYq9StHfswS7ONSB0pyoXSPbZjmxIZH02ELKD/s1600/B72A8237.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigfCdsQ9odTsCaTtSnWTSC8geYv8UrmDJvq5xVDzzXUbBLCmMKraS9WhA3Hk34udnzPLynSgf8d_q_-ox_F43rKo85bVxpUO_GiXyupNaJYq9StHfswS7ONSB0pyoXSPbZjmxIZH02ELKD/s640/B72A8237.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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I feel now that we're about two months into this "family of four" thing, I can speak about it with a bit of certainty. The only question I've been asked more in the last two months more than "How is the baby?" is "How are things with two?". HA. That is hard to answer. It depends what moment you're talking about. It's insane. It's a circus. It's hard, daunting, overwhelming, suffocating, and flat out HARD. But it's also so fulfilling. It is a joy like you can never imagine. It's completing, beautiful, humbling, hilarious, and the biggest learning experience I've ever been through.</div>
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So, so many tears have been shed. I've been peed on dozens of times. Three today actually. I've had to ignore one of my children's cries to attend to the other's needs more times than I'm comfortable with. I've broken down to my husband about my kids, to my friends about my husband and my kids, and to my kids about how I wish I was more like Daniel Tiger's mom. I've felt like an insane person. I've felt like the luckiest person alive. My marriage has changed (for the better). A lot has happened in the last several weeks, and I hope one day I can articulate on this blog what a crazy time in our lives this has been. But for now, just know that two kids is crazy, and hopefully, this blog is back in a action!</div>
brittany @ g squaredhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00814747602898482851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6896222169738481027.post-34446715915864372942016-02-18T08:45:00.000-05:002016-02-18T08:46:18.489-05:00Thursday Confessions<div style="text-align: center;">
Lets get right too it!</div>
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1. I am crazy, crazy excited for this weekend. After an unprecedentedly, unbelievably busy month at work, I feel like I've seen my husband for about a total for 8 minutes in February. And Norah has probably seen him less. So we are pumped that Dad is taking off work tomorrow for a family day of FUN. Also, Nanny (my Mom), and Aunt Paige and Aunt Brooke (my sisters) are coming to visit on Saturday, so we are really in for a treat. Did I mention the weather will be in the 60's? #thankyouJesus</div>
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TBT to my wedding day. I find this picture hilariously unflattering. I am the poster child for resting b-word face. I swear I was having the best day of my life. Ha! Aunt Paige freezing to death and Aunt Brooke who couldn't wait to take off her shoes.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9qTeiH3PyTQlDc7esd6iIMhDVBsojlw96_xIwejCE_bFBrDixoi3TxlMa2TjN2SZQAXhd9u2h9e9QyJjrwDtq_tVoM2q2NBwNpoLRB5YQWCsfvEQ5HDpmMG41McaijCoHuPDbDVImCGjs/s1600/DD3_6008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9qTeiH3PyTQlDc7esd6iIMhDVBsojlw96_xIwejCE_bFBrDixoi3TxlMa2TjN2SZQAXhd9u2h9e9QyJjrwDtq_tVoM2q2NBwNpoLRB5YQWCsfvEQ5HDpmMG41McaijCoHuPDbDVImCGjs/s640/DD3_6008.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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2. I haven't eaten a proper dinner all week. Triscuits? Sure. Leftovers from Norah's plate? Why not. I really need to get better about preparing toddler and mom friendly meals, but it's just so easy to throw something together for her at the last minute and forget about myself.</div>
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3. We've been making some progress with the reno plans and I am so, so ready for them to get started. Basement contractor has been found. Basement waterproofing scheduled. Kitchen cabinets, countertops, and layout is selected. Kitchen demo should begin this month, so fingers crossed that actually happens. The basement will be in March or April. Lord give my inpatient self strength to deal with all of these timelines that are completely out of my control!</div>
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4. I have been shopping like a crazy person. Not in abundance, but just this here, that there. In my defense, I have actually needed most of the items. Some of my favorite finds lately are my <a href="http://www.swellbottle.com/shop-swell-bottle/">S'well water bottle </a>(I have a ton of bottles and this is the best. I got bikini pink from the satin collection), <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BBnkpZlsqbp/?taken-by=pearlandmonroeboutique">this top</a>, <a href="http://www.target.com/p/minnie-mouse-r-c/-/A-14546601">this toy</a> we can't wait to give Norah, t<a href="http://www.potterybarnkids.com/products/fairfax-pink-white-stripe-backpack/?pkey=e%7Cpre-k%2Bbackpack%252C%2Bfairfax%2Bpink%252Fwhite%2Bstripe%2B%2526%7C1%7Cbest%7C0%7C1%7C24%7C%7C1&cm_src=PRODUCTSEARCH">his bag</a> to carry her things in (I'm over my huge diaper bag. Grabbing this and my small cross body purse [<a href="https://www.katespade.com/products/cobble-hill-small-ella/PXRU5514.html?cgid=ks-handbags-cross-body&dwvar_PXRU5514_color=285#start=40&cgid=ks-handbags-cross-body">similar</a>] will be so much easier), and <a href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/socialite-lace-yoke-sleeveless-shift-dress/4223001">this dress</a> that is on it's way to my doorstep. Links included if you are in the market for something new and fun! Almost all of these things are on sale right now, too.</div>
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5. Last week marked our 5th Valentine's Day together. We celebrated with a lazy weekend, play time at the book store, and an awesome steak dinner with some friends and their daughter. 5 years sounds so short, but also so long to me at the same time. Here's to many, many more half decades!</div>
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That's my girl.</div>
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Linking up with <a href="http://the-newly.blogspot.com/2016/02/confessional-thursday-link-up.html">Jess</a>.</div>
<br />brittany @ g squaredhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00814747602898482851noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6896222169738481027.post-43171997523216219522016-02-15T09:18:00.003-05:002016-02-15T09:38:12.324-05:00a day in the life - norah (almost) 18 months.<div style="text-align: center;">
Since Norah is almost 18 months, I decided this would be as good of a time as any to write another day in the life post. She is really changing and growing into her own person, and I feel like she's aged a decade in the past few weeks.</div>
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6:30am - 8:00am.</div>
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Your wake up times are still all over the board. Some mornings you're up and ready to party before 7:00am. Some nights you sleep in your crib until 8:00am. That one is rare, but it does happen. And some mornings, you end up in our bed in the middle of the night, and on those nights almost always sleep until 7:30am-8:00am.</div>
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8:00am.<br />
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Everyone gets fed. Mom gets coffee.</div>
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Regardless of what time we're up, by 8:00am the dogs have been let out, fed, watered, and given their medications. If Dad is in town, his lunch is made. Mom has coffee. Norah has breakfast. That breakfast generally consists of 2 or 3 of the following items: bowl of cheerios and milk, waffle with honey peanut butter, fruit, yogurt, and/or turkey sausage.</div>
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8:30am - 9:30am.<br />
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If we have morning plans, an activity, or errands, we will spend this time getting ready and getting out of the house. If we don't have morning plans, we'll spend this time cleaning up the kitchen from breakfast and the night before, watching the Today Show, and playing downstairs.</div>
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9:30am-12:00pm.<br />
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Morning play.</div>
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We almost always have a play date or some type of activity scheduled in the mornings. Lately though, we've had a lot of contractors and service people in and out that we've had to wait at home for, so we've had to be a little less social. Also contributing to our lack of activities are the freezing temperatures and snow. If we don't get out of the house, we'll spend the morning playing in your room, trying to clean or get laundry done, work on a small project for the house, and probably watch an episode of Mickey. We also have a small snack mid morning, like cheerios or crackers.</div>
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I'm really looking forward to Spring and Summer so we can spend this morning block of time taking advantage of our awesome new neighborhood. We have lots of neighbors to take walks with, several parks to explore, and we're going to join a club this year, with a pool and splash pad, which Mom is super excited about.</div>
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12:00pm-12:30pm.<br />
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Lunch time.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">please disregard the futon and boxes. this picture is pre-furniture delivery/total unpack!</td></tr>
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For lunch we usually have a vegetable pouch, some fruit, a sandwich, and veggie straws or bunny crackers. This is also the point in the day where I realize I'm starving and have probably eaten little aside from your leftovers. I'll eat at this time too, but usually dinner leftovers or something breakfast related.</div>
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12:30pm-2:30pm.<br />
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Nap.</div>
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At 12:30 we start winding down and playing quietly, andNorah is almost always out by 1:00pm. Naps vary a lot, but Norah usually wakes up around 2:30pm.</div>
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2:30pm-5:00pm.<br />
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This is by far, my LEAST favorite part of the day. After being up and at em for 8 hours, I start to get Mommy fatigue. Norah is usually a little cranky due to being bored, sick, teething, or who knows what lately. She's begging to watch TV. I'm saying no. We're out of games to play. Meh. In the warm months, I think I will love this time because we can get back to the park or the pool. But in the winter, I've usually already used up all my tricks. We might bundle up and walk anyway. Or just play inside and try to find new ways to pass the time. On days I need to grocery shop, this is when it gets done. If I'm desperate for something to do or we really need a change of scenery, the library is a always a hit. Sometimes we will watch our first or a second episode of Mickey. Since Norah is literally obsessed with it, I try to keep it to 0-30 min a day of "screen time", but sometimes I'm weak, and it is what it is.<br />
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5:00pm-6:30pm.<br />
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Prepare and eat dinner. Sometimes this includes Dad and dinner is more elaborate. If it's just us girls, dinner is a closer reflection of lunch, just with pasta or a protein instead of a sandwich.</div>
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6:30pm-7:15pm.<br />
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Occasionally we have evening plans or go out to eat, but most nights we're home, and this is our "wind down" time. Read books. Play in Norah's room. Take a bath. Just general end of the day stuff. We try to be in pajamas by 7:00pm and are usually in the crib shortly after, but it's flexible depending on what's going on.</div>
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And that's that.<br />
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Obviously the grown ups don't go to bed at 7:15pm, but honestly we are generally so beat from the day, not much happens after that worth mentioning. A little clean up, a lot of laying on the couch, checking emails, taking care of any bills or correspondence, and watching a show or three.</div>
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I'm almost always in bed by 10:00pm, then the next day, we're back at it.</div>
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This stage is difficult because we are in the throws of "separation anxiety", where N wants me to be holding her or next to her almost all the time, but most of the time, I actually enjoy that :) The days are long and stay at home parenting is not for the weary, but I cannot imagine it any other way.</div>
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<b>Favorite Toys: </b>little people, step 2 slide, mickey mouse clubhouse figurines.</div>
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<b>Favorite Books:</b> lady bug girl and her momma, where is baby's belly button, spot books</div>
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<b>Favorite Activities: </b>library, park, our mom + baby "school" program (basically preschool but the parent stays), thursday morning play group, museum center</div>
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Our activities and play groups have been my saving grace. I recommend all parents, especially stay at home parents, find a network of parents with kids in a similar stage of life. It's been great for my sanity, Norah's social skills, and I've met some of the most wonderful friends.</div>
brittany @ g squaredhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00814747602898482851noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6896222169738481027.post-23757978175792879082016-02-09T08:31:00.003-05:002016-02-09T08:37:30.278-05:00a moving update<div style="text-align: center;">
And just like that, its been over a month. Yikes. I was really hoping to post about each and every step of our move, but turns out there was just no time for that.</div>
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2016 has been off to a great, but also challenging start. Mom is busy coordinating everyone schedule, visiting pre schools, working with contractors, and still trying to keep N in our routine. Dad has been working hard. And Little Bit has been teething and wishing it was warmer so we could actually go outdoors, but thriving besides that. Getting into everything just like a toddler does.</div>
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Life in our new house has been great. Since it's winter, we haven't been able to walk to as many places as I'd like, but the few nice days we had this month did allow us to get in some good walks around the new town, to Starbucks, shopping, etc. I've tried to sneak in work on at least on project a day, but that doesn't always happen. We still have to cook, eat, and clean up three meals a day. We still pray daily nap time and bedtime will go well. We still have our usual play dates and activities. I think the biggest change so far has been having much more around us/shorter drive times places, and having to adjust to a smaller house. Living space here is perfect, as I thought it would be. But the storage is definitely going to be an adjustment. We are getting creative though and I have high hopes that we will soon forget about the abundance of walk in closets at our old house. We'll see!</div>
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So far, on the "project" side of things, we've managed to:</div>
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-Select and install a new mailbox | <a href="http://www.potterybarn.com/products/envelope-mailbox/?pkey=e%7Cenvelope%2Bmailbox%7C18%7Cbest%7C0%7C1%7C48%7C%7C1&cm_src=PRODUCTSEARCH">here</a></div>
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-Update the light fixtures in the entry way and dining area | <a href="http://www.ballarddesigns.com/carriage-house-chandeliers/lighting/chandeliers-pendants/167657">here</a> and <a href="http://www.ballarddesigns.com/delaney-pendant/224857">here</a></div>
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-Paint the entry way, living + dining area, back hall area, bathroom, Norah's room, Norah's bathroom, and start painting our bedroom. We went with all Benjamin Moore paints. <a href="http://www.benjaminmoore.com/en-ca/paint-color/silversatin">Silver Satin</a> for the main spaces. <a href="http://www.benjaminmoore.com/en-ca/paint-color/babygreen">Baby Green</a> for the kid spaces. <a href="http://www.benjaminmoore.com/en-us/paint-color/serenata">Serenata</a> for the bedroom spaces. <a href="http://www.benjaminmoore.com/en-us/paint-color/oc-117">Simply White</a> for the bathroom. I will eventually post before and afters.</div>
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-Buy and build wardrobes to make up for our lack of closet space</div>
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-Decorate approximately 70% of the house</div>
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-Unpack everything besides kitchen items and maybe 2-3 small boxes</div>
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We are hoping to soon be able to :</div>
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-Finish paining which includes finishing our room, and starting and finishing the second downstairs bedroom, all the trim in the house, and maybe the doors</div>
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-Possibly paint the mantle</div>
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-Update shelving in the front closet</div>
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-Replace the bedroom closet doors</div>
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-Finish decorating</div>
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-Touch up some dings in the bathtubs</div>
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A lot of this has been mildly on hold because we're still waiting on our couch, living room chairs, a rug, and a sideboard to be delivered. Thankfully, the sideboard and couch should be here this or next week. After several weeks of waiting, this is music to my ears.</div>
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The kitchen details I think I will save for another post, but long story short, demo isn't even schedule yet. Insert eye roll emoji. We're hoping that will begin at some point this month.</div>
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And that's that! I've moved a lot in my life but moving with a toddler is a whole other ballgame. </div>
<br />brittany @ g squaredhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00814747602898482851noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6896222169738481027.post-80030668313168107962016-01-05T08:58:00.002-05:002016-01-05T08:58:43.438-05:00part of the club<div style="text-align: center;">
Am I the only person who feels like they spend 90% of the day in the kitchen? Cooking, cleaning, dishes, meal prep, three meals, a snack, milk and water requests. Sometimes I wonder why we even have the rest of our house. As much as I love our open floor plan, it sometimes makes me feel like I spend my entire life in one room. While at our new house the living and dining room is combined, the kitchen is separate, (but still has sight lines) and I'm pretty excited for that. </div>
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In other news, I've gone to Pure Barre twice in the past week or so and I think I'm going to keep it up. I'm not disciplined enough to go to the gym and create my own workouts, so classes are my best bet. I love hot yoga but in the warmer months it's kind of a drag to go from hot, to hotter. Pure Barre seems like something I can keep up all year around, and I have a lot of friends that go which makes it more fun.</div>
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This morning's class was at 6am, which meant I had to leave my house at 5:15am to get there a few minutes early. Have I mentioned I can't wait to live closer to the city?! Anyhow, at that hour of the morning, the roads were dead and the drive was actually pretty peaceful. On my way in, I passed a house I drive by almost every day. I've noticed that three toddlers live there. A set of twins, then another. I always think of the parents when I drive by, about how full their hands must be. I also think the house is adorable, so I imagine lots of happy memories there.</div>
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Well today when I drove past at about 5:20am, the kitchen lights were on. Since it was so dark you could clearly see inside the house, and I could see the Mom doing laundry. At 5am! That was a great moment for me. Often times parenting is a thankless job. Kid has 7 blow outs in one day while you have hours of errands to run? No one cares. You did dishes and laundry for a solid 6 hours without peeing or sitting down? Good for you. Again, no one cares. Not that I expect a medal for taking care of my family, but it'd be nice if someone else was around to say "MAN. WHAT a day." Yet here this woman is, hours before dawn, up tackling the day. And I'm sure she might be thinking the same thing as me. Wishing someone were there to say "Wow. 5am and doing laundry? Good for you!"</div>
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The point is is that we're all in the same boat. The grind is flawless some days and awful the next, but every day with kids is really an adventure and an example of what life is all about. There isn't always a thank you, but motherhood really is a tribe of women. And I am happy to be a part of that club.</div>
brittany @ g squaredhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00814747602898482851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6896222169738481027.post-45260172950999124072016-01-02T21:29:00.003-05:002016-01-02T21:36:54.732-05:00toddler life<div style="text-align: center;">
Life with Norah these past four months (she is now 16 months) has been nothing short of remarkable, in good ways and some hard ones. I'll start with the difficulties, because that's a much shorter list.</div>
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The unwavering challenge that we've faced as parents since day one, that we continue to face today, is sleep. Right at her first birthday, Norah went from taking 2 naps a day, for 1.5 hours or so per nap, to 1 nap a day, that lasts anywhere from 1 to 2.5 hours. I think 2 or 3 times we've actually gotten a 3+ hour nap, but generally it's right at 2 hours. This has made it easier to get out and about since we don't have to plan around several naps, but also results in some cranky afternoons because N hasn't gotten enough rest throughout the day.</div>
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And that's really not even the half of it. I can deal with/easily accept the fact that she's just a short napper. What I genuinely struggle with is that Norah still doesn't sleep through the night regularly. She has, and can. But it never happens on a regular basis. I'd say since turning one we average about 1-2 nights a week of "full" sleep. The other 5-6 nights include several wake ups filled with blood curdling screams and insistence that someone be in her room with her, or she be in our bed. And even when we cave out of pure exhaustion, those resolutions don't always lead to sleep.</div>
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We've tried the tricks, we've done cry it out, all of it. Some days I think this is just going to have to be our normal, some days I cry all night right along with her. I feel like in the grand scheme of things, this is a small issue. I try to stay positive and realize that this being my biggest issue in life is a really great life to have. Remember that is will pass one day. Even though that is the case, sleep deprivation for a year and a half has seriously messed with my patience, and overall disposition. I honestly feel sorry for Will sometimes because he travels for work so much and feels bad he can't be here to help at night, then he gets home and I'm cranky and sometimes resentful. Such is parenthood I guess and we know this is just a phase and don't let it ruin our days.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBhmGqCrMjqNtF0ouJRPloCnugt7Ac3FS-q7HnYNdfCpCwWOvQcVXtbSTlkRTQzSiM4aImn9AdIAgJgn6LL-m6uAQdAvFt9vdKx6wyGT4bWX8i8klgvv_RpqV1IAwdZLR04-92NFj2JNns/s1600/IMG_1047.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBhmGqCrMjqNtF0ouJRPloCnugt7Ac3FS-q7HnYNdfCpCwWOvQcVXtbSTlkRTQzSiM4aImn9AdIAgJgn6LL-m6uAQdAvFt9vdKx6wyGT4bWX8i8klgvv_RpqV1IAwdZLR04-92NFj2JNns/s640/IMG_1047.JPG" width="640" /></a>That is really the only challenge I have to report. Of course Norah tries my patience daily. Tells me no. Refuses her vegetables and sometimes meals all together. I can't get her to drink milk from a cup and she loves her paci more than ever. But these are par for the course and I love seeing her turn into a person with her own preferences, even if that means a lot of battles for this or that to get accomplished.</div>
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Now on to the good stuff.</div>
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I think my favorite thing about toddler-hood is the playdates. When I imagined being an at home parent, this is what I dreamed of. My daughter making friends, me bonding and sharing stories with other moms. Her learning to interact, share, discover new places around town, and get invited to parties where we can dress her up and help other families celebrate their milestones. We have been blessed with such a wonderful community of people in the same place in life as us. Neighbors, family, old friends, people I meet on the street... And I am only half kidding about that one! I've taken Norah to classes/story times at the library, a local school, a kid's rec center, The Little Gym, and have things scheduled in January - March at another school and then a church. Meeting new friends at these classes has been a God send and I can't wait to see who we meet in our new classes in 2016.</div>
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Piggybacking off of the above, we have loved all the new experiences. Whether just the two of us, with family, or with friends, we've tried so many new things in the past few months. Different play places, parks, splash pads, museums, restaurants, etc. It's clear Norah really enjoys certain things and I love being able to witness those loves with her.</div>
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I also love how determined she's becoming. This is a fun and also trying thing, but I count it as good. Norah LOVES Mickey Mouse Clubhouse and asks to watch it all day long, and can expertly navigate my phone to find the videos if I let her. She also loves shoes and brings me various pairs to put on her all day long. Usually dress shoes with sweats, cowboy boots with pajamas, that sort of thing. And she doesn't take no for an answer. She calls a few of her family members by name, and has her own language (verbal and non verbal) to get her point across. We are officially in small person territory and out of baby territory.</div>
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Every day that passes with this little one is different than the last. She loves her Momma just as fiercely as I love her, and I can't wait to see that love grow over the years. The adventure of life with this girl is truly the good stuff.</div>
<br />brittany @ g squaredhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00814747602898482851noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6896222169738481027.post-50713213807471174912015-12-16T14:14:00.001-05:002015-12-16T14:14:32.236-05:00new home progress: the living room<div style="text-align: center;">
Lets jump right in. I agonized for weeks over a sofa choice. Norah and I spend a good amount of time in the family room throughout the days, and Will and I love to watch TV together to wind down at the end of the day, so the sofa is a big deal in our house. Unfortunately, since most take several weeks to come in, time was somewhat of the essence. After browsing countless websites like Wayfair, Overstock, Ballard, Ethan Allen, and West Elm, and then actually shopping in person at Crate and Barrell and Restoration Hardware, we (I) decided on this one.</div>
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<a href="https://www.restorationhardware.com/catalog/product/product.jsp?productId=prod540020&categoryId=cat1537080">Maxwell Sofa</a></div>
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This is a mix of stock images + iPhone pictures I took in our local store. It doesn't look particularly special, which is kind of what I was going for. I wanted something modern but classic. Something that would be a good quality, and match different decor if we decided to change other things in the room. It's only shown in the basic Sand, but we ordered Taupe, which is the swatch on the bottom of the picture below. Shadowy phone pictures aren't the best at showing true color, but it's much better than the website mockup.</div>
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The top swatch is a color called Mist which represents the two accent chairs we purchased. These are probably the pieces of furniture I'm most excited about getting. I absolutely love the look and am really proud of myself for ordering something custom that I believe in rather than just picking stock colors and fabrics. Not to mention, I feel like such a bum sometimes when I spend all day on and off the couch. This will give me a comfy place to sit in the living room without feeling like I'm about to take a nap. We bought two of the Lyon Chair the white washed wood in the Mist fabric. I won't even bother with the online version of the wood and our color, because the fabric looks nothing like it does in real life. Any interested parties will just be waiting around until "late February" with me to see the finished product!</div>
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<a href="https://www.restorationhardware.com/catalog/product/product.jsp?productId=prod2490034&categoryId=search#">Lyon Chair</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidhDpq0_37Gp5QNbNr14OTt85CFyOhEOPBXyyJFgcbTVID_VjSGMElSiGOONVFuxguyu-v_w8CtjQrx2y4M1vh6ivVUyJxiuYLPzgE_uh0rF6HMzXyKuxoTchkAWfYMagMB4ixvK7Q_5s8/s1600/111.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="626" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidhDpq0_37Gp5QNbNr14OTt85CFyOhEOPBXyyJFgcbTVID_VjSGMElSiGOONVFuxguyu-v_w8CtjQrx2y4M1vh6ivVUyJxiuYLPzgE_uh0rF6HMzXyKuxoTchkAWfYMagMB4ixvK7Q_5s8/s640/111.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Next on the agenda for this room are a rug and end tables, but we'll most likely wait and buy those things until we're in the house next month. Until next time!</div>
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<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D6896222169738481027%23editor%2Fsrc%3Ddashboard&media=https%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-fQnk65RrLzo%2FVnC6KUmyTNI%2FAAAAAAAAEpg%2FIpuEux4r3V8%2Fs640%2FIMG_1588.JPG&xm=h&xv=sa1.37.01&xuid=51L6Tr9GM86_&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 113px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 1396px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D6896222169738481027%23editor%2Fsrc%3Ddashboard&media=https%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-fQnk65RrLzo%2FVnC6KUmyTNI%2FAAAAAAAAEpg%2FIpuEux4r3V8%2Fs640%2FIMG_1588.JPG&xm=h&xv=sa1.37.01&xuid=51L6Tr9GM86_&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 113px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 1396px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a>brittany @ g squaredhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00814747602898482851noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6896222169738481027.post-14560570079386631432015-12-08T08:58:00.003-05:002015-12-08T09:08:49.308-05:00holiday & house update<div style="text-align: center;">
Where to even begin? We have had so much fun this holiday season already I barley know where to start.</div>
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Thanksgiving was wonderful. Very low key, and everyone had a good time. I'm generally a stickler about Norah's bedtime but decided to let her stay up with the big people for the holiday. She was a little cranky but it made the memories that much more special because she was involved instead of in her crib asleep. On Thanksgiving Day we ate with Will's family, then on Friday my mom and sister came in for a visit. Friday was also my sister's 17th birthday, so it was nice to spend that day with her too. Saturday the families united for a wonderful, long, and decadent dinner at what has become one of my favorite restaurants, Eddie Merlot's. This is the same place we announced our pregnancy to Will's parents last year (with my mom and sister in tow, and no, I'm not pregnant) so it has a special place in my heart. I took 0 pictures of any of this, but that just means we had the best time. I have bought a few here and there of N in some of her holiday outfits.</div>
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Come to think of it this one actually was one Thanksgiving.</div>
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Aside from that, our holiday agenda has included just overall preparing for Christmas. Shopping, decorating, and attending lots of family friendly holiday events. The Christmas cards are being addressed and our annual events like family get togethers and friend dinners are on the calendar. We're also going to see The Nutcracker which I cannot wait for!</div>
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In other news, we're getting a house! It's hard for me to believe these things are really true until they give me the keys, but we're under contract, so it looks like it's going to happen. While we loved our current home, it is just so far out from the things we like to do. We are buying in an area just 15 minutes from Downtown (as opposed to our 30+ now). It's a great school district, the entire village is a historical landmark, and most importantly, it's walkable to so many things. Parks, restaurants, shops, schools. We really cannot wait to start this chapter.</div>
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Along with an older home is going to come a little bit of downsizing and lotta bit of renovations. We are starting with the biggest job of all, the kitchen. I'm terrified, but also excited. We've had our first meeting with the contractor and can't wait to move on to the next steps, which will hopefully happen soon. Anyone that has been through a kitchen renovation, I would love your advice and tips! These are a few pictures of what we're going for. My current must haves are white tile backsplash (either a classic subway pattern or herringbone), white countertops and cabinets, wood floors, farm sink,</div>
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and a classic look. I've pinned a ton of ideas <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/britgalloway/kitchen-%2B-dining/">here</a>.</div>
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<a href="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/25/ad/85/25ad8521858b04122770e03150dd8b9d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/25/ad/85/25ad8521858b04122770e03150dd8b9d.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/202028733262074138/">here</a></div>
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<a href="https://cdn.decorpad.com/photos/2015/09/12/white-mini-herringbone-kitchen-backsplash.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://cdn.decorpad.com/photos/2015/09/12/white-mini-herringbone-kitchen-backsplash.jpg" width="425" /></a></div>
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We've begun looking at furniture, and planning other smaller renovations throughout the house, and I really can't wait to get my Fixer Upper on.</div>
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In other news Norah has been hit with the sickness that appears to be going around. So many "bad" diapers. A round of projectile vomitting. Fever. You get the idea. We'll be quarantined all week it looks like, so wish me luck! Linking up with <a href="http://the-newly.blogspot.com/">Jess</a> today.</div>
brittany @ g squaredhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00814747602898482851noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6896222169738481027.post-47941546836157566902015-11-29T14:26:00.000-05:002015-11-29T14:27:47.084-05:00We're back! life news<div style="text-align: center;">
It has been a ridiculously long time since I've posted, and I miss these updates. With the usual hustle and bustle of life in the summer, working part time, Will traveling, and Norah being go-go-go, there just hasn't been time to blog. While I'm still working my <a href="https://gruber.myrandf.com/">Rodan+Fields business</a>, I had my last day at my part time project a couple of weeks ago, so I'm hoping to have more time to post. I'm honestly not too sad to see that chapter of life close. I genuinely thought I'd enjoy the part time, work from home role, and while for the most part I did, it was just too much on my plate. N only naps once a day now, and the naps were rarely long enough for me to get much work done. I'm glad I gave it a shot but am definitely ready to have that weight off my shoulders. I've said it once I'll say it again, to all the single parents or parents who run business from home while taking care of kiddos- I have no idea how you do it!</div>
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What else have we been up to the past couple of months?</div>
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We sold our house! I blogged about the process of buying our first home a couple of years ago, and boy have we loved living here. The neighbors and friendships we've formed are irreplaceable. This is the home we lived in when I found out we'd have our first child, definitely our biggest milestone yet. We brought Norah home from the hospital to this home. We've hosted several parties and showers. It's been great. I have however felt very overwhelmed by the size, and honestly think it was a little too big for our first home. We're not living in a mansion by any means, but with the majority of the days consisting of just me and a toddler, it's just so much to clean and maintain. Not to mention the yard work. We also kind of fell in love with another community a few miles away. After much deliberation, we decided to list our house and see what happened, and it sold in six days! We couldn't believe it. We'll close in January and are currently on the hunt for our new home. The search has been emotional, but I think we're closing in on something. The community we're headed to has much older homes so we'll likely be doing some renovations, which I cannot wait to post about. It's also walkable and I am so excited to be able to pop out the door with the stroller and hit up Starbucks, the library, park, etc. Here's to new adventures.</div>
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Norah has been growing, learning, and taking over our hearts more each day. This girl knows what she wants, and communicates it with either words or directing you throughout the house until you figure out what she wants to do, eat, etc. She is becoming so sweet and such a little person. It's truly a joy to watch. She never sits still and is always exploring, which is also fun to watch. That said, the learning and growing comes with stubbornness and tantrums too, so by bed time, I'm generally feeling like I got hit by a bus. No matter how tough I still feel I have the greatest job on earth. Some of Norah's current favorites are Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, drinking out of real cups with straws, not eating our food unless it's fruit or yogurt, shoes, Little People toys, and the park.</div>
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We had an awesome Thanksgiving with family that was the perfect relaxing but fun kick off to the holiday season. Unfortunately for us Dad has a ridiculously crazy month at work in December, but we still have a ton of family Christmas activities planned we hope to squeeze in.</div>
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Happy to be back and catch up with all my favorite blogs! I've met some of the most amazing friends via this little page and don't want to let it slip away.</div>
brittany @ g squaredhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00814747602898482851noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6896222169738481027.post-55948381531084933222015-09-22T19:19:00.000-04:002015-09-22T19:19:07.000-04:00Less words, more pictures<div style="text-align: center;">
If I had to sum up today in one word, it would be "ouch". Overall it wasn't a total loss, because we got out and about, saw some good friends, and the weather was awesome. But let me tell you one thing: When your toddler is used to napping 3+ hours a day, switches to 1 hour a day, and then peppers in a day where 15 minutes is literally all she will sleep... just...</div>
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Ouch.</div>
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That's all I can say about that. What have we been up to besides no napping, learning the word "no", and all our other usual shenanigans?</div>
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We've trolled the city getting our fill of warm weather before cooler temps hit.</div>
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We've had playdates with our awesome mom+baby friends</div>
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We've had our first hand at baby modeling at an official photo shoot.</div>
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We've tried to take some solid pics with the DSLR, except certain people didn't want to sit still</div>
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And we've gotten our beach pictures in the mail, and they are amazing. Pics by Heidi Hope Photography in Rhode Island. They were a dream to work with!</div>
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The days are long but the years are short. Hope to be back soon with a better update!</div>
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<br />brittany @ g squaredhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00814747602898482851noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6896222169738481027.post-70693657507280773232015-09-05T17:00:00.003-04:002015-09-05T17:00:47.598-04:00Norah Paige, 12 Months<div style="text-align: center;">
Welp Peatie Pie, you're the big 12 months old. I started to say "I can't believe you're one"… but really I can. That's because I can't remember what life was like before you really, so it's hard to imagine that there was ever a time before you were part of our family. You're truly my best friend. We eat all our meals together. Watch shows together. Go on walks, make new friends, and everything else that best friends do. You are one of a kind sister. You go a mile a minute but still manage to squeeze in plenty of love and hugs and special moments with us throughout the day.</div>
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I could go on and on about how the past year has changed me. About all that I've learned. But the overwhelming weight on my heart that I think about the most is just how grateful I am and how undeserving I am of this life. I do believe no matter how good you have it, everyone deserves time to complain on the really hard days… but I am ashamed of all of the times I've cried to your Dad or my friends about how hard it is when you keep us up at all hours of the night or won't cooperate with our schedules. FIRST WORLD PROBLEMS Peanut, because we really have it good. You are a gorgeous, healthy, active baby and we have literally every resource we'd ever need to give you a happy life. I hope I can instill in your heart how lucky we are but also how hardworking everyone in your family has been to give you the life you deserve. Now to the facts.</div>
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Weight: 21 pounds 6 ounces</div>
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Height: 2 feet, 6.5 inches (30.5 inches)</div>
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Nickames: Nor, Peatie, Peanut, P</div>
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Eating: You will only drink milk from a bottle, and have 3 a day. Always one first thing in the morning and last thing before bed, and the other some time in the afternoon. It just depends what we're doing that day. For "real" food you have breakfast at 8:00am, Lunch at 12:00pm, a snack around 3:00pm and dinner at 5:00pm.</div>
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Some of your favorites are blueberries, greek yogurt, cheese, chicken, mashed potatoes, and the occasional dessert when we left you try them. You still love puffs as a snack or to keep you busy. We gave you a whole cupcake on your first birthday and you at the entire thing, including the icing, plus some ice cream! You are also now drinking cows milk and though it's just been one day, you haven't skipped a beat thus far.</div>
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Sleeping: Slowly improving, but you still don't sleep through the night on a regular basis. We're getting there. Naps twice a day around 9:00am and 1:00pm but you are somewhat flexible. Bedtime is 7:00pm and you wake up between 6:30am and 7:00am.</div>
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Diapers: Still size 3 but I think those days may be numbered.</div>
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Clothing: In dresses or every day clothes you can fit anything from 12 months, to 18 months, and even the occasional 2T t shirt. Just depends on the cut. Pajamas are 18 months. Shoes are size 4 or 5, depending on the brand. You will tolerate most anything we put you in, but I try to keep your clothes as comfy as possible.</div>
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Social: You my friend LOVE to be social. You love when adults talk to you when we're out and about, and seem to really enjoy interacting with other babies. We've still been going to the library on Wednesdays, then a mom + baby play group on Thursdays or Fridays. Sometimes we see the same people on both days so you're really starting to recognize them and get comfortable around them. We were in swim lessons which you liked, but those were just too much of a hassle to fit in our schedule now. We will try again when you're a little older. We start a music class in two weeks which I think you will love.</div>
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You also enjoy walks around the neighborhood to stop by and play with all your neighbor friends. Still prefer Mom in most situations as opposed to other people, but some days you only want your Dad, and you are EXTREMELY fond of your Papa and Aunt Paige too. I think those two are just as good (ok, almost as good) as Mom or Dad in your eyes.</div>
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Likes: ANYTHING Mickey, specifically Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. Being outside. Walking around outside/in public on your own. Water (water table, splash pad, bath, etc), fruit, dogs, Little People toys.</div>
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Dislikes: Diaper changes, most vegetables, being in the car seat or stroller for long periods of time, having things taken away from you that you want to play with.</div>
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Firsts: So many that I am sure I'm forgetting. First cupcake at your party. First "injuries" when you run away from us outside and/or trip on the concrete- you've gotten a couple of (lightly) bloody knees. First time in a bounce house (at your birthday party).</div>
brittany @ g squaredhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00814747602898482851noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6896222169738481027.post-9803391930496686752015-08-25T14:45:00.000-04:002015-08-25T14:45:20.618-04:00Life Update<div style="text-align: center;">
For the past couple of weeks we have been busy little bees. Settling back in from my girls trip to Vegas. A fishing trip for Will. Prepping for Norah's first birthday. The fun just doesn't stop around this joint. That also means the chaos never stops either. We keep our chaos pretty organized, but it still leaves me worn out at the end of the day. Even the days that just consist of trips to Target or playing around the house leave me feeling like I need to be napping right along with baby. </div>
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We hosted a family party so N would have a chance to meet some of her Daddy's cousins. It was a great time and we can't wait to see them all again at Christmas. I also took her to the Children's Museum for the first time, then out for a burrito date alfresco. While exhausting, it was one of our most fun summer days. Throw in some evenings with neighbors, time around the house, and some day time play dates with a group of SAHMs we met, and that about sums it up.</div>
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The saying "the days are long but the years are short" could not be more true. I am so excited that we've reached this milestone: one year as a family of three. It's also bittersweet how fast the time goes, but we are not complaining. Love my healthy, happy, hyper, growing girl!</div>
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brittany @ g squaredhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00814747602898482851noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6896222169738481027.post-87579094593416545522015-08-13T10:16:00.002-04:002015-08-13T10:16:51.694-04:00a trip north<div style="text-align: center;">
Long time no post! We have been traveling, preparing for a family gathering + Norah's first birthday this month, and trying to squeeze in the last bits of summer. Pumpkin beer is out at the stores, and the temps are falling slightly, so this lady is ready for fall.</div>
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I wanted to pop in and share some pictures from our Trip to Boston + Rhode Island. These are a few I snapped on my phone. I have a few on the DSLR that I can hopefully update soon.</div>
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Norah playing with her cousins. It was great for her to get to spend some time with them. </div>
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Lunch at the Union Oyster House.</div>
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Red Sox Game.</div>
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View from our seats.</div>
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Post game.</div>
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Headed to dinner at The Coast Guard House.</div>
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View from our table at dinner. One of the most beautiful places I've eaten for sure.</div>
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brittany @ g squaredhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00814747602898482851noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6896222169738481027.post-85359952651336371232015-07-24T09:20:00.000-04:002015-07-24T09:20:31.512-04:00TGIF<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Happy Friday! Another week on the books. Here's a little of what's been going on in our world.</div>
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1. The dog saga continutes. Our dog Sadie has still been experience extreme storm anxiety. We've tried everything under the sun, and this was still the scene we woke up to after one of the bad storms this month. Ugh. Looks like it's time to invest in a cage, although I doubt that will contain her.</div>
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2. We're in official party planning mode, and invites will go out this weekend. Sigh. As excited as I am, I'm also a little torn up about my baby turning one. Any suggestions for gifts is welcome. Norah loves to play and climb and explore, so I hope we find something up to her adventurous standards.</div>
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3. Babies first doll house. N is starting to really love playing with her Little People doll house and that is a big milestone for me. It's no secret I <i>really</i> wanted a girl (read about that <a href="http://brittandwill.blogspot.com/2014/03/its-a.html">here</a>), and it's so exciting that she's getting older and starting to enjoy the girl stuff.</div>
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4. White cabinets.</div>
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We're doing it. I've officially started getting quotes from local pros to paint our kitchen cabinets. While our cabinets are just a couple of years old, they just aren't what I want. Moving into a house that was brand new, was wonderful. Moving into a house where basically every single surface was a shade of brown, not so wonderful. We're slowly but surely getting there with painting walls and decorating, but these cabinets may just be out of my wheelhouse as far as projects I can take on. Our floors are dark, trim and molding bright white, and kitchen walls a light blue. I am hoping to achieve something close to one of these looks.</div>
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<a href="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/e0/3b/68/e03b68f23935d29eae90b1188d82fa38.jpg">here</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/202028733261068516/">here</a></div>
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5. For once, we have a FREE weekend. Still plenty to do on the to-do list, but there's nowhere we have to be at any certain time. I'm so looking forward to just spending some QT with my people.</div>
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Happy Weekend Friends! Linking up with <a href="http://www.alizadventures.blogspot.com/">April</a> today.</div>
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brittany @ g squaredhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00814747602898482851noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6896222169738481027.post-52546881486578859172015-07-15T09:10:00.002-04:002015-07-15T09:12:41.187-04:00working from home, with a baby<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Now that I'm about 4 months in to my work from home role, I thought I'd post about some things that have helped me figure out how to not only work from home, but do so while watching a baby. Norah was about 6 months old when I started, and she's now closing on on 11 months. I know as she grows and changes, my day will look a little differently, but these tips work for us for now.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE1fEhC9f7sV1ivc9jVTEyLW2xL48RTZUB8W1GGqdXI94pMzXza6yVakE05geSwchYzgD3D4GQYVkYOU-0uCi02TykE4QqQaQYkim58cF5-LVNe_tMczUQCA5njSE3qbDFIDS2fmGOlDXb/s1600/home.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE1fEhC9f7sV1ivc9jVTEyLW2xL48RTZUB8W1GGqdXI94pMzXza6yVakE05geSwchYzgD3D4GQYVkYOU-0uCi02TykE4QqQaQYkim58cF5-LVNe_tMczUQCA5njSE3qbDFIDS2fmGOlDXb/s400/home.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://careervanity.com/best-work-from-home-jobs-moms-language-skills.htm/">source</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b>Keep you work station available.</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
As much as I wanted to (and still may) deck out a desk area
for myself in our office nook in the master bedroom, it just isn’t the smartest
way for me to work. Our main floor living/dining/kitchen area is where we spend
most of our time. It is much easier for me to bang out 30 minutes or an hour of
work if I can just hop on my computer at the island and send emails while the
baby plays, or work at the table while she eats. Dragging all her toys in our
room, or all my work supplies downstairs 5 times a day was just too limiting.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC1iEougmkGep1NfVS_0nT3Q42cDX_DqE441zQSVzftcwcay1a5lSEmGdNZ4bpLOCS_-VnxzGpW0DtiXSuLk9gBbBOCugoAx_GET0Rxmx49kcNBeyW86OJwoGEG7VGBwcGX3rbbZ-6H4J6/s1600/IMG_9564.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC1iEougmkGep1NfVS_0nT3Q42cDX_DqE441zQSVzftcwcay1a5lSEmGdNZ4bpLOCS_-VnxzGpW0DtiXSuLk9gBbBOCugoAx_GET0Rxmx49kcNBeyW86OJwoGEG7VGBwcGX3rbbZ-6H4J6/s400/IMG_9564.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>Be realistic with your expectations. To your employer, and your self.</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Be honest in regards to what you can do in a day. I spent weeks beating myself up because I would stress constantly about working an hour or two less than I had committed to. I finally talked with my employer about my need for flexibility while things are so crazy schedule wise in my household. Luckily for me she was very understanding, and appreciated my honesty. This also led me to enjoying my work more, since I wasn’t so stressed about it.</div>
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<b>Don’t assume nap time is the best time to work.</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
While I do get some work done at this time, I also still
need those 100% kid free moments to do things that are too dangerous or
annoying to do while a keeping a baby busy. I also still enjoy using nap time
to have a few silent minutes to myself to think, rest, plan for the day, etc. I also make sure to schedule my work hours around other activities that are important to me that we fit in, like library story time.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf77ZeJlaEt2sEM0vtzMln5KMJ5yReUAmUzJFysLrVgRNz3XfPqZEv0xIqpcCEt3XxN7imytBo6MVv6rhUZCnSHorPkFMV3tJuowB01kswVVcoLZGhO9gbsobRnoFKw6KpJWResbRHvj2K/s1600/IMG_9619.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf77ZeJlaEt2sEM0vtzMln5KMJ5yReUAmUzJFysLrVgRNz3XfPqZEv0xIqpcCEt3XxN7imytBo6MVv6rhUZCnSHorPkFMV3tJuowB01kswVVcoLZGhO9gbsobRnoFKw6KpJWResbRHvj2K/s400/IMG_9619.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b>Know when your most motivated and productive time of the day
is.</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
When I first started working from home, I was very relaxed
about what I accomplished during the day, because I assumed I would finish up
what I needed to after N went to bed. She’s lights out by 7:30, still leaving
my plenty of time to work before my usual bed time of 10 or 11. What I didn’t
take into account was that in that few hour span I also usually finished making
and eating the “grown up” dinner if we didn’t get to it before, cleaning,
chores, time with my husband, and sometimes time with friends too. My brain was
so ragged and ready to relax by the time even half of these things are done, it
just isn’t realistic for me to expect to get more than an hour (max) of work
done in the evenings.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
I am a morning person. I’m much better off waking up early
to get a jump on my day than trying to squeeze a bunch of thing into the
evening hours. If you’re a night owl, the opposite is true. Don’t expect to
rise super early and work if you know you’re a 10 times snooze hitter.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b>Give yourself a break</b>.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
It's hard being two people at once. Be gracious to your mom self and your employee self, and know that your best is enough! </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
What do you do to stay focussed and productive with little ones running around?</div>
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brittany @ g squaredhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00814747602898482851noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6896222169738481027.post-84506972526221528042015-07-14T20:39:00.000-04:002015-07-14T20:39:20.100-04:00latelyWhere does the time go? Does anyone else's life feel like it's going by at lightening speed?<br />
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We have been having some awesome days lately. MLB All Star Game fun. Little outings around town during my days with N. Parties with neighbors. There's a lot of tough moments when you're taking care of a baby, but for each challenge (STILL not sleeping through the night) there's double the awesome (walking, exploring new things). I just know this season of life will fly by, so were trying to appreciate the ups along with the downs.<br />
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It's certainly snuck up on me, but we're just a couple of weeks away from our next round of vacations! Rhode Island, Boston, and Las Vegas, I'm coming for you!</div>
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All of us will be in Rhode Island, Will and I will be visiting friends in Boston, and Las Vegas will be a trip with my besties. If anyone has any recommendations of things to do, send them my way.<br />
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I'm spending tonight, and with our luck the next several nights, "sleep training". And by training, I mean a certain someone sleeping in her OWN room, ALONE. It's just time. Wish me luck!<br />
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<br />brittany @ g squaredhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00814747602898482851noreply@blogger.com1