More Progress on Kitchen

Johne came over today on his day off to help Scott with the opening and installing the header...needed to keep the roof up! He pretty much worked all day by himself getting ready before Scott could break free from work. Then they knocked it out from 5-9pm. It looks so great. I'm so thankful Scott has such a vision for things. Also, the electrician has started on the electrical and it should be done tomorrow. The pictures are a little messy, but thought I'd pass along the progress.

Tyler and I spent the afternoon at Johne's house and Tyler took a nap on a big boy bed! My little man is growing up! We then spent the rest of the night at the grocery stores...yes, I go to 2 grocery stores to help save on certain on-sale items! Tyler was such a trooper and we had a good time...the space jam tape is on constant repeat...yes, I said cassette tape and repeat...which means I rewind the song over and over again. I think he's trying to memorize the words. He dances to the beat, and mumbles and talks to himself throughout the song. Everybody get up, it's time to space jam...get your chance, do your dance at the space jam...alright! His terrible 2's really come out if I try to turn the volume down or eject the tape. He also tells me the moves he wants me to dance...such as "get low mommy" or "raise the roof" It is quite cute, until he screams for more.

Great Grandma is here...and she brought snow!

My grandma made it down to visit last week, she was stuck in Des Moines one extra day because of snow and wind in Iowa and Chicago. Everything worked out though and the airline gave her an extra day in Savannah. She will be here until Friday and we are really having a great time, and I'm definitely keeping her busy (and Tyler too!) She's already babysat for me 2-3 times now as I went to the dentist, took Chance to the vet, and a doctor's appointment. I think Tyler is really getting used to having her around and always asks, "where she go?" when she leaves the room. I sent the itinerary to her before she left and we've pretty much stuck to it. We have wiggled around Johne and Jenny's schedule to fit in dinners and time together. Grandma cooked us all a lovely dinner of meatloaf, au gratin potato's, and corn Friday night. Savannah was also getting excited about having SNOW for the first time since 1986! Grandma, however, was grumbling for hours, not wanting to look outside. Too bad though because we had to drive home in it. We stopped at the movies to get tickets for the next night and the people at the theater had just gotten out of their movie and were just going crazy taking pictures and loving the sight of snow! Grandma was still grumbling. It didn't last long and did not stick. The next morning the evidence was pretty much gone. Saturday night Johne and Grandma watched Tyler while Scott and I enjoyed a Valentine's Date night, dinner and a movie (a gift from Grandma). Sunday we spent the whole day at church it seemed, bible study with the pastor's wife, service, and then small group that night. Scott took off yesterday to go to Michigan for his cousin's funeral, he died of cancer last week, so grandma is staying with me a few extra days and then with JJ the rest of the week. We went to story time today and have been to soft play a few times to help tire Tyler out. She got some pictures developed today at Jenny's store. We've both enjoyed quite nap times and grandma spent the afternoon with Jenny yesterday looking and thinking about garden stuff for their yard. Johne has tomorrow and Friday off and Jenny has Thursday off...so it's good timing for grandma to move out of our house into their house for a few nights. The days go fast and it's so nice having the extra hands and eyes around the house to help with Tyler and all my crazy nesting projects for the past week. So far I've cleaned out all of Tyler's old clothes, blankets, and some stuffed animals, sold the rocker and his old crib bedding set...all going towards the purchase of Myla's new bedding! I've obviously changed my color selection for the nursery...uh um...Amy. Amy gave me quite the lecture on how her niece was not going to have a red wagon boyish room. Who knew red was for boys??? Anyways, after pages and pages of crib bedding this caught my eye. It's light and fresh, some pink and lots of white...and it's all handmade. It's not official yet, but I think the plans are in the work to get this ordered from the company that makes it through Rob and Amy's store. Still trying to figure out and color for the walls....any suggestions? Anyways, I've given most of the clothes to friends that have boys or going to have a boy. I'm trying to sell a few other things and if not...knowing that they are out of the house is a great feeling. Today and tomorrow I'm going to work on donating old books to the library and organizing old pictures and keepsakes (it's so hard to know what to keep and what not to keep!!!) I'm in a clean out mode, less is more, but battling the Bowers side of Scott is tough, who wants to keep everything. Good thing he's gone right now...heehehee! J/K.

We've been having quite a bit of computer issues the past week or so...with viruses and at one time didn't have any computer working. Also the last couple of weeks have been pretty busy, with the kitchen renovations, interim kitchen set up (dishwasher and homemade sink base, griddle, and old range in middle of kitchen floor). But we are getting by, a little frustrated cooking at times and a little cluttered, but I'm trying to be patient so we can get everything done correctly and save as much money at the same time. I am very excited about the kitchen getting done and the opening into the living room is so nice, I love being able to look out into the living room and see the view. More on all that another time!

Kitchen Progress...Phase 1

Many things were done this weekend for our kitchen project while Tyler and I hung out with Grandma and Grandpa all weekend...staying out of the mess and out of the way. Friday night Scott removed everything from the kitchen and after a long days work Johne came over at 10pm to help remove the 1952 Beauty Queen Porcelain sink! VIDEO.

Saturday morning Scott continued to remove the tile and plywood from the floor to get ready to tile. We decided on the faux travertine that we have in our bathroom...I love it because it looks clean when it's clean and clean when it's dirty...he he.

Saturday our neighbor Dennis came over to inspect the progress and encouraged Scott to use some of the beautiful solid 1inch thick floor to replace the the hole in the living room where the oil burning furnace used to be. Then when Scott said there is no way I could do it...he offered to do it! He spent all day removing floor from the kitchen and around the patch in the living room. The result was quite amazing and we are speechless really!! We are so grateful for his talent and wiliness to use his whole Saturday to help in our little project! Johne and Scott continued to get the floor ready to tile. There was a lot of water damage where the sink was so they had to replace some of that floor and other patches where the pantry wall used to be. Sunday morning tile, mortar, and spacers were purchased and the first tile was laid! Scott discovered these new spacers that space perfectly AND level the tiles! Scott and Johne worked all day Sunday and tiled the whole floor. We had some debate as whether to tile the whole space or leave some of the hardwood showing in the dining table area. We are happy so far with the decision to tile everything and make it all one surface. It makes the kitchen look like a big spacious kitchen, then again there are no cabinets or appliance in there yet.

Next on the list is to Grout, set the electrical, drywall patch, paint, wall oven cabinet, dishwasher installed, new sink base and sink hooked up (still have to figure out the how and what), refrigerator and pantry back in the kitchen. The rest will have to wait piece by piece as it comes...especially the tough and expensive decision on coutertops.

All in all I am very excited and have lots of HOPE that it will be close to complete before Myla comes in May! Some say I'm nesting already...well, there is a lot on my list...still need to paint and do Myla's room, I'd like to re-do Tyler's room AND get the living room painted. We need to replace the big windows in Tyler's room and the Living room too. So much to do. I guess I will have to be patient, we've only been living here for 3 years now...I could wait on a few of those things for another 3 years....I guess!

Kitchen Project

My dad came down to Savannah with a mission...to help us with the kitchen and that's what he did! The pantry is GONE! I'm happy, but also wonder how long it will be before I get a functioning kitchen again. We are only hoping to do Phase 1 (meaning...no new cabinets) but new floor (do ourselves), paint, and arrange kitchen to be what it is going to be once we get cabinets and new countertops. I'm hoping to get everything back in the cabinets and out of the living room tonight.

Patience!

We are having a blast with my dad here in town, we are putting him to work with trim at Johne's and the kitchen at our house. They did go golfing on Saturday! Otherwise just hanging out. I think he is a little hesitant on going back to -2 below Iowa weather. But you know how it is...you have to go back home sometime!

Half way there!!

We've passed the half way mark and can't wait to meet our little girl in 4 1/2 months! I'm really trying to take it all in and enjoy feeling her little kicks! I can't believe how exhausted I get picking up Tyler's toys makes me as my belly grows more and more (I'm only 1/2 way there!). Tyler has been so great and so much fun. He is talking more every day and is so proud of himself. Nap and bedtime with Tyler is quite the process...the same 4 books consisting of 3 train books and Clifford book. And then he always asks me to sing to him. So while he stands in his crib he puts his head on my belly and I sing He's Got the Whole World and use mommy and daddy, tyler scott shippy, and little tiny baby in his hands. He really loves it. Sometimes when I point to my belly and ask him to say goodnight to the baby he points to my "other bumps" and says baby baby. It's so funny and sweet!

Anyways, I thought I'd humor you and document my belly shots:

Here is the 20 week belly shot of me with Tyler (above July 2007) and 21 week belly shot with baby girl (Jan 2010). I think the belly's look pretty similar...but I feel so much bigger faster this time around. I was surprised to compare the two pictures. This is my first belly picture I've taken this pregnancy! With Tyler I had one at 12weeks and 16 weeks by now. Oops, I guess that's the way it always is with your second! Scott has helped me finally make a solid decision on our name for our baby girl. It's been tough because one of the criteria I try to accomplish is that it can only be spelled one way. Everyone I ask spells it wrong the first time until I tell them how I would spell it. Scott really likes it and that makes it really special. So.....here it is (and some already know)....

Myla Jo Shippy

It's a ......GIRL!

This week has been a crazy week! Starting with the news that we are having a little GIRL! We told the lady that no one would believe us, so she took some extra "proof" pictures. We are so thrilled to bring a girl into the Shippy side of the family...first since Scott's uncle Leonard had Sara...who I think is Scott's age. Anyways, my mom likes to remind me that my brother was the first boy in her moms side of the family in like 100 years...so I'm sure she shares some of the excitement for the Shippy's. After dinner on Monday night (when we found out) I insisted we go to Target to buy our little girl her first outfit. It was so much fun looking at all the girl stuff. I found this outfit! She is going to be a little Mayflower! I had trouble deciding whether to get newborn size clothes or 3M...Tyler was 9lbs 9 oz...I was 7lbs 13 oz when born and Scott was like 9lbs 15oz. So, being that it is a girl and she is measuring right on schedule she will probably be more my weight...but I want her to wear the outfits longer than Tyler wore his newborn outfits. The up to size on Newborn is 8.5lbs. Also, Aunt Jenny already added to her wardrobe with these cute onesies and my friend Sarah gave her the ice cream onesie and little shorts. I'm a little worried about getting bombarded with pink...but I've decided that we are going to decorate her room in Red, White, and Mocha. I'm going to keep everything basic solids and maybe stripes.

I also found an ITZBEEN at Target that night for a great deal! It's a timer system/night light that helps you with breast feeding, diaper changes, sleep times...etc. So excited! As you can tell...it definitely made for some excitement in our home!

Scott was really moved by the realization that he was going to have a girl. Today he said, while watching Tyler run crazy back and forth across the living room jumping on the 2 chairs, "what is a girl going to do?" I replied, "follow her older brother around and do whatever he does!"

Later that week...I was struck down by the cheeseburgers at McDonald's...or something. I ended up going to the ER to get some fluids pumped in me because I knew I was getting too dehydrated. I'm not usually one to go to the Dr. or ER, but this was for our baby girl. Everything was fine and I was feeling back to myself later the next day!

December and Resolutions....

Where did December go...and why have I been such a slacker on blog updates? First, time just never stops, and second, I guess facebook keeps me distracted....oh and Tyler.

Thanksgiving was great with my parents in town and Johne and Jenny hosting...it was fun hanging out cooking, bickering, and being lazy...until Tyler threw a tantrum that is...first couple days without a paci was pretty traumatic. We had a simple meal with few leftovers. Mom, Dad, and Bert the dog stayed with Johne and Jenny...but visited our house often when Johne and Jenny had to work their retail holiday rush. We just loved having them here...they got to see Tyler play with his new fishing pole (which was accidentally dropped in the river 2 days later), get a family photo taken...with the dog, dad went fishing with Scott, the girls and Tyler went shopping at the outlets...we had a great visit.

December 11th and 12th Scott and I went to Charleston for the weekend for his high school buddies wedding. We had a great time sleeping in, watching real cable TV, and of course attending a beautiful wedding, rehearsal dinner party, and send off brunch! Jenny helped with Tyler on Friday and Grandma and Grandpa had him Friday night and Saturday night.

Tyler's family stocking is done!!! And as you can see I am the only one left to get one made for me...I've heard Mom Shippy has started on it already this year! So exciting...aren't they gorgeous!

Our main gift this year for all of our family was a Weather Stick. We got one last year and love it. It really reacts to changing weather. Go here is you want to learn more about them. I hope they hang them up soon...or already have...let me know!!!

Christmas was so much fun this year with Tyler. He really enjoyed all the opening and chaos of Christmas. It was tough to keep him focused on opening more presents because he was so into the one he just opened. Christmas Eve at Scott's parents was like a whirlwind from dinner to opening presents chaos. I really don't know who got who what this year...and it was especially confusing helping Tyler open all of his gifts and keeping track. We ended up taking pictures and even putting some of the unopened toys in the closet for a rainy day...to spread out the fun. On the top of Scott's wish list was a framing nailer (Lord help us), fishing poles and supplies, lots of tools, and a shovel...that Santa brought him. My wish list granted was a label maker, electric skillet, $ for our kitchen, fruit bowl (awesome wooden one from Jenny), and pyrex glass storage dishes with lids. Tyler got a train set, little people car set, 30 some hot wheels, a Dr. box gift set, train table from Santa, another fishing pole (which he will not let go of...it goes on car rides with us), a little TYLER step stool, a bag of balloons, look and find book, fishing game, and so much other stuff, I can't keep track.

We were so blessed this Christmas and I had a blast shopping for everyone...maybe too much! I loved having a get together with my nephews right before Christmas to get any last minute requests and learn about what they are up to. Matthew mentioned the Flat Stanley chapter books he's reading and a scorpion lego kit he wanted. I finally found what I thought he might be talking about and sure enough right after he opened it he ran over to me and said....I'VE BEEN WANTING THIS!!! I was so excited that I got the right one! James says he loves football so I got him and Tyler matching Football long sleeve shirts and he is reading Stuart Little books, and Andrew loves the CARS disney theme so I got him a CARS race track.This was really the highlight of my Christmas this year...besides making Tyler so excited and happy. and Scott was like a little boy when he saw a shovel next to his stocking.

We had Christmas lunch at Johnny and Jenny's house with her parents and brother who came down again this year for Christmas. We had ham, roasted red potatoes, corn, cheatin bread, and strawberry spinach salad. 2 of the items came from Scott's side of the family and the roasted red potatoes from Aunt Carla in Iowa. Gifts were fun too...Scott got a new small shop vac, $ for the kitchen, a coffee cup and pen with Tyler's picture on it, and we got Johne an air compressor with brad nailer (within 3 days Johne called and said he almost has all the trimmed nailed in!) We really searched for this item...taking 3 of them back trying to find the best deal...lots of effort for 1 gift for him!)

Later that day we went to Rob and Amy's for yet another Christmas dinner. It was really amazing food and it was fun seeing Tyler play with his cousins and follow them around for a few hours. They are so good with him and love playing with him and making him laugh.

We had company to bring in the New Year from Atlanta. Jan, Clete, and 4 month old Chloe came to visit. Clete wanted a Low Country Boil (1 pot=red potatoes, sausage, shrimp (and corn) and 1 can Old Bay Seasoning). It was pretty good actually...usually it weirds me out everything cooked in one pot of bowling water. We had great desserts as well. Scott's parents joined us and brought Chess Bars, I made a chocolate pudding pie and cookies. By 10:30 Scott's parents had left and we all were ready to hit the bed...with kids...sleep is just a little too precious these days. We were all out by 11pm. It was 12:00am somewhere though!

And now to Resolutions:

1. Blog once a week...so I don't feel I have to do my monster blog updates anymore...that take an hour or so...the time really adds up.

2. De-Clutter...with baby coming in May...we need some room.

3. Weekly meal menu...this one is to please Scott. I know it's not that hard and they don't always have to be big huge meals...but a plan is the plan. I know I can do it!

Happy New Year Everyone!

Christmas Card 2009

Christmas 2009­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­

Tis the week before Christmas and lines are slow;
The fed raised the rates at the Gov. P.O.
As the stamp prices soar the walls go bare
As more and more families send Christmas e-mail-air.

For us this year passed many momentous occasions
Each more outrageous and with more fascination.
…Month #1 we had Granddad in town;
No snow to show so Granddad had to go.
Took Tyler on a trip to the big city from small town
The A-T-L aquarium was one to astound.

Soon after, a Spring break trip to Myrtle Beach!
with Grandma and Grandpa S. we leached!

In June our 4 year ticker came.
A sound reminder of our love and Scott’s game.

For our home this year, a brand new bathroom.
No more avocado green, mold, and gloom.

Tyler, of course, we cannot keep up.
From nursing to the bottle to the sippy cup.
From just steps to a straight out sprint;
This kid can hit a ball, throw, bunt and kick!
His words have escalated from one or two;
He now converses, shakes hands and hugs you.

No year complete without a wedding or two;
Jenny sealed the deal and made Aunt Jenny for real!
With Tyler the ring bearer all was well
Until someone let Scott toast them swell.

Down south we love to get visitors to see;
And this year Cousin Jimmy came to see me!
Even Aunt Carla and Uncle Chuck made it by
So we cleaned up the house and she whipped out a pie!

Soon after, off to Iowa I went
With Tyler, his 5th free ride on a Jet!
Great Grandma threw Tyler a GREAT BIRTHDAY PARTY!
With Fire trucks and friends he turned two alrighty.

No turkeys were spared for Thanksgiving this year.
From Iowa, Grandma and Granddad A. came here.

….and this just in COMING SOON! COMING SOON!
Tyler in May will be a big brother…KABOOM!

This year we are spending Christmas in Savannah
With our new tree, gifts, and Tyler might seek Santa
The forecast is 64 degrees and a chance of rain…oh boy
Not like the white Christmas many of you will enjoy.

We hope your year has been as blessed as ours has been.
Remember the true reason for the season.
God sent His son for YOU!
Cherish this gift and share it with a few!

Merry Christmas!

Love,
Scott, Carrie, and Tyler
(and Chance, the cat)

Happy Birthday Tyler! (25th!!)

I can't believe I missed Tyler's birthday post! Well, we've celebrated in Iowa and Savannah now. We went to Grandma and Grandpa's here in Savannah for a taco/Mexican dinner, presents and cake/ice cream! Tyler got so many more great things including a new giraffe pillow and blanket embroidered with his name on it from Grandma S.! A 3 hole putting golf course from Uncle Rob, Aunt Amy, and cousins. A Lego dump truck from Matthew. A new Little Einstein Tub toy from Grandpa S. A Hot Wheel's Big Wheel from us, and a bubble blower lawn mower from Uncle Johne and Aunt Jenny!!! He go to wrestle with his 3 cousins and no one got hurt! His cousins love him so much and were gentle...at least for now!Yesterday on his actual birthday...mom took Tyler to the Outlets!!! Oh, and we forgot snacks and a stroller...oops! Grandma treated him to a rental stroller that was a CAR and he had a blast!!!

I am so proud of my 2 year old! He has developed into such a sweet fun loving boy that never ceases to amaze me and make me smile. He gets cuter and cuter every day! He has gone almost 48 hours without the sight of a paci. Last night was a little tougher to get him to sleep. My strategy is to get him really tired...let him stay up a little later so he'll just sleep. Last night we might have pushed that button. I've decided, even though Scott thinks it's unreasonable, to just go cold turkey and out of sight out of mind. I'm really hoping today's nap goes well though...cause I need a nap...we may just have to snuggle!

He's saying more and more words everyday.

doot=coat
sssss=snack or sucker
um=cat (don't know where that came from but it may be him saying meow backwards??)
calls all animals by the sound they make (ruff, moo, neigh...etc.)
Loves Little Einsteins...
Loves books
book=book (we got that one right)
unc=uncle
dadada=granddad
bish=fish
mulk=milk
shoes=shoes

He LOVES to Fish and go on the boat with his daddy. Play golf around the yard. He is still loves to torment the cat on a daily basis. He loves to watch Curious George in the morning. He eats banana's, grapes, applesauce, green beans, shrimp, fish, chicken, hot dogs, CHEESE, milk, apple juice, yogurt, chips, fries, chips, suckers, mac n cheese, bread, crackers, short bread cookies, cake, raisins, pizza, anything with cheese on it...hmm...that's about it. I feel like he eats the same thing everyday, but at least i give him a daily vitamin.

Happy Birthday my little boy.
I will love you forever,
I will like you always,
as long as I'm living,
my baby you'll be. (from a book but I sing it to him pretty much every night!)

Love,
Mom

Tyler's Birthday Party

Tyler's Great Grandma threw him a firetruck birthday party yesterday. It was so much fun. His friend Karly was there and her little sister Brooke. His cousin Arianna was there along with all his Great Aunt's Carla, Chris, and Debbie and uncles Chuck and Tony, Grandma and Granddad, and Uncle (cousin) Jimmy and Ginny. Greatma's friends Mildred, Gertrude, and Dorothy even came! Gertrude made Tyler his birthday cake! It tasted so good! We had party music going such as Great Balls of Fire, The Electric Slide, and the Twist.I read the kids a firetruck book complete with real life effects (fire truck noises). We blew up 15 balloons for the kids to bat around and boy was that a hit! We danced, sang Wheels on the Bus, sang happy birthday, ate sloppy joe's, chicken nuggets, and yummy homemade cake.Then we opened some wonderful birthday gifts that included books, firetrucks (remote control, push, little people w/legos), a fishing pole, coloring mats, new footy PJ's, a nice collared shirt with jeans, candy land shapes game, and $5!!!!

We really had fun being with family and friends.

We even revealed some exciting news...........Tyler is going to be a big brother in May 2010. His t-shirt says, "My mom went to the OB....(a picture of 12wk ultrasound) and all I got was this stinkin' t-shirt." On the back it says COMING SOON MAY 2010. Rated G.

Tyler even points to the shirt and says baby. Although he has really no clue what all of that really means! May 25th is the due date. We've had 4 ultrasounds and even heard the heartbeat on Doppler at 10wks. We are very excited!

Still here!

Wow...where does the time go? We have been having a blast here in Savannah and have enjoyed visitors from Iowa the last few weeks. My cousin Jimmy and his girlfriend Ginny came down and we entertained them with a taste of Savannah, some fishing, Tybee Beach, a Ghost Tour and of course River Street. A week later we did it all again with my Aunt Carla and Uncle Chuck (soon I will post a link to Carla's article about the trip) nothing like pawning off some writing to someone else. We even took a trip to Oatland Island (natural zoo) in Savannah for the first time. Tyler really liked it! It was a lot of walking though. Now Tyler knows what a wolf says....(hoooowwwwl at the moon). It's really cute to see him do it!

Last night we went to Patchville Halloween Event at Savannah Christian Church. There was WAY too much candy...but I really wish I would have stocked up on suckers though...seems to be Tyler's new favorite thing! We borrowed a fireman costume from his friend Coen (it was too big for him this year) and it is perfect on Tyler. At first putting it on was a little traumatic...but after I put a hose in his hand he was LOVING it!

Tyler is talking more and more each day. He finally says milk and more (he used to only sign those two) He still only signs all finished and thank you. We are working on it. He is really a sweet natured loving boy. Scott has been working really hard lately, always close to his phone anyway (addictive crackberry!) Scott and Tyler spend a lot of time together outside batting around balls, in the yard on the tractor lawn mower/sweeper and on trips to Lowe's of course. Tyler and I have many scheduled playdates, do errands together, push the elevator "butt" as he calls it. Pushing the button is a great thrill to a 2 year old! We hit the mall softplay at least once a week and we are still a regular at Kroger!

I can't believe he is going to be 2 in less than a month. He is at such a fun stage and I just love being his mom! Tyler and I are headed to Iowa in November and his Great Grandma is throwing him a fireman birthday party! Hence the fireman Halloween costume...why not double up? We are really looking forward to celebrating with friends and family. We are also getting his first haircut when we are in Iowa. Both Greatma and Grandma will be there to watch. Daddy has to stay back and work (plus I got my ticket with sky miles and Tyler is free until he officially turns 2 on Nov. 25th!) so he will see all the events via video camera!

Any questions?