House Shopping

We’ve been talking about buying a house to get in on the incredible deals out there right now.  We’d like to get something we could stay in for years to come as our family grows.  (And no, that is not an announcement.)  Our original plan was to own our condo for about 3 or 4 years.  We’ve owned it for 5 years now, but we don’t want to take the loss to sell it, so if we buy we’re planning to just rent it out again.  Might as well have someone else pay the mortgage until the value goes back up. 

We’re looking for something on the east side of Vancouver with more square footage, a yard, no common walls, and no major repairs needed.  Today our realtor showed me a NICE 4 bedroom, 2.5 bath house that was built in the 1990s, is around 2000ft, and located on a quiet cul-de-sac.  I even met one of the neighbors who was very nice and has a son around Desmond’s age.  The back yard could be a little bigger, but there is definitely enough space to run around.  We’ve already been approved for a loan and it’s close to the price we’re willing to pay.  It’s hard for me not to get too excited because Davin still needs to see it, someone else could offer before we do, and an inspection could show something we can’t see.  Plus maybe there’s another house just like it that will post in a few weeks except with a bigger yard and a better commuter location.  God knows, so we’re praying that He makes it very clear on which direction we should go.  Still, I can’t help but feel giddy!  This beautiful sunshine helps everything seem more positive, too.

Outings and Animals

The other day we celebrated Gina’s birthday at Baby Boot Camp.  It also happened to be the first Tuesday class at JJ Jump so that made it extra special.  The kids (and moms) really enjoyed jumping on all the inflatable things.  Desmond’s favorite part was climbing up and sliding down the big slide. 

On Valentine’s Day we went out to Olive Garden as a family.  It was fun, but next time we’ll leave Des with a sitter even if it means going on a different day because once he was done eating he wasn’t willing to sit at the table any more, so Davin and I had to finish up pretty quickly.  Still we had fun at our favorite restaurant.  After the little munchkin was in bed, Davin made us some chocolate covered strawberries.  Yummy!

Desmond loves his bear.  He sleeps with it every night along with his blanket.  He doesn’t carry bear by an arm, leg, or the hat, but rather by the neck.  As a result bear has no more stuffing in his neck and has a very floppy head.  Here Des just woke up from his nap and bear was just chillin’ hanging over the safety rail. Desmond was quite distraught yesterday when I gave bear a “bath” in the washing machine.  He’s much more fresh now so it was well worth the momentary separation anxiety.

I’m starting to refer to Desmond as my little monkey (or as Desmond says, “money”).  He’s excited to discover he can climb up on all sorts of stuff and reach new things he shouldn’t.  He’s been up on the kitchen table, the counters, this little nook, and even climbed up the slide at the park without any help.  Wow. 

Super Bowl Sunday

Side note: Recently I organized the overflowing living room toys into an IKEA shelf with bins. It’s perfect! Desmond can access all his toys easily, and his favorite little trucks don’t get lost in the bottom of one big container.

For Super Bowl we went to Bryan and Rachel’s house. Rachel and I took the kids on a walk to a nearby park where the kids enjoyed burning off some energy on the swings and slide. We made it back just in time to catch the first play of the the second half – which was a good one, by the way. I’m not much into football but I know enough to track the game and Bryan can answer any questions about what’s going on. The best part is hanging out with friends and eating good food!

Just Stuff

Recently life has felt busy at times and slow at others, and I’ve been feeling a little lonely and introspective.  Time to refocus, I think. Last month I took a mini mommy vacation. I went to a nearby hotel for two nights by myself to just recharge my batteries. It had been so long since I just breathed for awhile, spent time with God, drew pictures, and slept in. I also indulged in a massage at a nearby spa, La Bella Mi. It was wonderful!

Davin's parents came down from Spokane to visit us a couple weekends ago which was very fun. They enjoyed hanging out with the little grandson. They let him pick out some toys at Target, and we got professional pictures taken at JC Penny's. It was cute hearing Desmond saying "Gamma" and "Gampa" throughout the weekend.

The other day we walked to the pet store and got a blue betta fish for Des. I get him downstairs in the morning by saying, "Let's go say 'hi' to the fish." He loves to feed it and often pulls the dining room chair over to the counter to climb up and say, "Hi, fish!" Maybe we should come up with a name.

Tonight Davin and I are really looking forward to watching the premiere of LOST with some friends.  So exciting!

Our Handsome Boy

I had lots of fun taking a ton of pictures of Desmond the other day.  We’ve been enjoying the mild weather and it was perfect for an outdoor photo shoot.  I chased him around with our little point and shoot camera (that I sure wish had more features and a better fast action setting) and after more than a hundred pictures I got a few really good ones.  My beautiful baby boy puts a smile on my face!  He loves to laugh, run and be chased.  He also has the sweetest temperament and though he’s timid at times, it warms my heart to watch his kind interactions with others.

   

Green Eggs and… Milk

A recent favorite for Desmond is the book Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss. Feeling inspired and having extra time this morning before taking Davin to the MAX I whipped up some green eggs and milk. Desmond wasn’t phased at all by the color, but some day he’ll get it. Maybe if I always make them green, he won’t like yellow eggs. Hmm…

Desmond is developing more of a little personality with definite opinions. I can see the “terrible twos” on the horizon with his loud squeals of protest, stiffening body, and occasional kicks anytime he has to do something he doesn’t want to. I’m trying to figure out a good way to teach him how to express his emotions appropriately. Not easy for an 18 month old. Also teething and off and on colds and flu have not made it easy on the sleep schedule. He'll sleep through the night again eventually, right?

On the positive side, it’s fun seeing things he really enjoys. His favorite movie is Wall-e, and he likes to talk with the characters saying “Eva” and “Wawie”. I’ve even heard him singing along to the opening song. His favorite snack is fruit snacks which he calls “oodoots.” (Why his word is so far from the real word, I have no idea.) He loves playing “tunnel” where I drape a blanket across the back of a chair to the couch. Then he’ll beg me to “chase oo”. It’s quite a work out and I think I might wear holes in my jeans for the first time ever. A highlight of Desmond’s week is watching the dump truck empty the dumpster across the driveway. Everything is blue if you ask him the color, and he loves to paint and color. We had a fun family dance before his bedtime tonight. He has quite a cute little booty shake he does. It also warms my heart to get an unprompted thank you after I get him something and to hear him say "uh-voo" (I love you).

Now if he would just go to sleep! It's hours past his bedtime.

First Snow this Winter

Quite a different experience with the snow this year!  Last year I bundled up a 5 month old Des to take some snow pictures and he was not happy with me when I sat him in the cold stuff. 

Today when he woke up from his nap it was snowing for the first time this season and Desmond was so excited!  “Noh!” he keeps saying over and over.  I have a hard time peeling his nose off the window for anything.  We did bundle up and head outside for a few minutes to go get the mail.  I think I’ve found someone to love the snow with me!

Christmas Morning

    

Christmas morning we spent together as a family of three.  Desmond slept in until 7am which was nice.  We enjoyed a breakfast of cinnamon rolls, eggs, bacon, and orange juice.  Then we read the Christmas story out of Desmond’s Bible, and he listened to all of it.  Next we brought out the gifts, and this year Desmond knew exactly how to open them.  It was funny when Davin and I moved on to our gifts for each other.  Desmond saw another present, held out his arms and said, “Hey!”  It was so cute!  Later that afternoon we joined up with my family at Aunt Marcia’s house for a few hours.  It was nice to not have to drive far.  Desmond has been enjoying playing with his new toys, and I am increasingly thankful and amazed that God gave us the gift of His Son.

Disneyland 2009

 We just got back from a family vacation to Disneyland with the Lees.  What a trip it was!  Driving 1000 miles in one shot with two small children can be a bit tricky, but driving at night while they’re sleeping sure helps. 

We arrived on Wednesday, December 16th and went into the park for a little bit on our first night.  Thursday and Friday were both full days in Disneyland and California Adventure.  Desmond’s favorite ride was Dumbo, and we also enjoyed taking in some of the parades and fireworks shows.   The new Toy Story ride was also a highlight.   

Saturday morning Desmond got sick.  It was his first time ever to throw up.  Not fun.  We missed most of Saturday but after a doctor’s visit and an obviously feeling better little boy, we went enjoyed some of Disneyland that evening.  Our one goal for the night was to ride Dumbo for Des. 

Sunday was a mostly normal vacation day in the parks.  We took Addison for the evening so the Lees could have a date night.  Desmond was still working on getting back up to par so we didn’t stay out too late.  Unfortunately, that night Davin and I both came down with whatever it was Desmond had.

Monday was our final day at Disneyland.  The Lees took Desmond for the day (thank you so much!), and Davin and I stayed behind at the hotel feeling quite crummy.  We took some medicine to try to feel tolerable enough to go into the park that night for our scheduled date night.  We ate dinner at the Blue Bayou… our tradition from every Disneyland vacation.

Overall it was a fun trip, but I sure wish we could have skipped the flu.  (Poor Addison had it for the day we drove home.)  Davin and I missed going on lots of the big rides since we did most of the kids stuff early on and the crowds were so bad in the evenings it was difficult to just walk around sometimes.  Still Christmastime is beautiful in Disneyland, and I’m already thinking ahead to our next Disney vacation.

      

Big Boy Bed

Desmond is really turning into a little boy, and somewhere along the line when I wasn’t looking he left the baby stage.  When we were at my parent’s house for Thanksgiving we came home with my old twin bed, and I was excited to set it up.  We got a new mattress, safety rail, and warm flannel sheets.  Desmond really likes his new bed, especially the fact that he can get in and out by himself.  We’re working on him staying in bed when he’s falling asleep.  It took putting him back in bed 20 times the first time, 3 the next, and zero the time after that.  I know we’ll have to revisit this lesson from time to time, but I’m proud of how well he’s doing with his big boy bed.