I'm in hardwood heaven...

Last Friday, we had hardwoods installed in our living room and dining room. We needed new carpet (that lovely builder's grade carpet just wasn't making it), so we decided to suck it up (moneywise) and get hardwoods. Jason wanted to install them himself, and I would have loved that for wallet reasons; however, time was an issue, and I couldn't have the house torn up with two boys and a baby on the way for very long. So, we hired someone to do all of the work, and I have to admit, sometimes that's just nice. I've included some before and after pictures. We're very happy with it. We've decided to take the house off the market and enjoy the floors before we try again. It's hard for me because I'm just not happy with our location (I need to get back on the west side of the city). However, nothing is really selling right now with our awesome economy, and we haven't had much activity lately, so it's okay. At least I'm happier with the house, and I figure I've been here for four years--I'm sure I can handle another year or two. :)

The "before" pictures of the living room:

The "after" pictures of the living room (Halloween decorations and all):

The "before" pictures of the dining room:

The "after" pictures of the dining room (we need to add some color since we took the rug out of there, but I don't know what I'm going to do quite yet):

Watching a movie with Dad.

Noah's Pumpkin Patch Field Trip

Last Thursday, Noah's preschool went to a pumpkin patch for the day. We got to go on a hayride, walk through the corn maze, and the kids enjoyed playing on the playground and the "corn box".

Another amazing shower

This past Sunday, my sister, sister-in-law, and mom threw a wonderful shower for me and baby Seabolt. The "theme" was ribbons and bows, so the house was decorated with different bows and ribbons that became gifts for our little girl. My sister and mom also made ribbon/bow holders that match her bedding. They will hang on our walls and help complete her room--I LOVE THEM! The house looked amazing and the food was yummy! I can't even explain how much we got at this shower. I was overwhelmed by everyone's generosity! I haven't even unpacked all the gifts because I'm not sure where to start. Besides being surrounded by family and family friends, I had a friend come from South Carolina just for the shower. Julie, a girl I worked with before we moved, drove from Columbia to spend the weekend with us. We had a great time catching up, and I feel so blessed that we can go 4 years without seeing each other, yet it was like we still talked and gossiped every day! Thanks for making the trip, Jules!

Thank you to everyone who attended and a special thanks to Sally, Edie, Morgan, Hannah, and Mom. I can't tell you how much this meant to me. You all made me feel so loved. I'm happy to be bringing a little girl into a family of strong women! :)

Mom, me, Sally, and Edie

Me and my girls (Hannah and Morgan--my nieces)

The table of food (before the hot dishes)

Me and Julie

Debra (my mother-in-law) and Me

Nothing like a trip to the zoo

On Friday, Noah and I joined Heather and Avery for a fun day at the zoo. The kids loved it. My favorite part was when one of the goats decided it was time to do his business and just let it all come out. The kids were right next to him and were absolutely fascinated by this act of nature. As Heather said, the goat was like a pez dispenser. After that, both Avery and Noah went from goat to goat seeing if they too, would give us all a surprise. I laughed so hard. The little things in life make me smile, I swear!

We're friends, right?

Noah looking at the giraffes.

Noah looking for a surprise from the goat.

All aboard the choo-ch0o train!

Sunglasses even on rainy days.

What you don't get more of while pregnant...

When you're pregnant, you gain many things. There's the whole weight thing, the bigger booty, water gain, massive boobies, and bigger circles under your eyes. You get a healthy glow (well, so they say), a unique experience of feeling a baby move inside you, thicker hair (appreciated by those of us with fine hair), help from strangers, and an excuse to get out of things that maybe you just don't want to do. What you don't get is more patience for the little ones that are already in your life. It's been one of those weeks. I have zero patience for my little guys this week. Landon seems to feed off of that and tortures me. I also feel overwhelmed by the things that never end--laundry, a full trash can, dishes, cleaning, etc. When Jason got home last night, I told him I was leaving. He kind of chuckled and said "really?". Yes, really. I finished folding two loads of laundry, emptied and reloaded the dish washer, and then I said "Goodbye. The boys need a bath/shower, and I won't be home until they are in bed." I didn't really know where I was going to go until I realized why not satisfy that craving for beef nachos that I've had all week. So, I went to a Mexican restaurant, ordered some beef nachos, and read my book. ALL BY MYSELF! So, if patience doesn't come with pregnancy, then I'm entitled to a hot plate of beef nachos, a coke, chips, salsa, and time alone to read my book.