House Projects Part 1

Quick story- Some of you know the story about me always wanting a two story house. I grew up in a sweet ranch in Homewood and for some reason always wanted a two story house. People would say that I had a basement so it made the house two stories, but basements didn't count in my mind. Alot of you found out about the story when my brother busted me about it at our Rehearsal Dinner. I can still remember my Aunts, Uncles and cousins cracking up at Trent's joke. I remember the first time my aunt heard ab//out Bradford, her first question was: "Does he have a two story house?" Anyways, silly me and always wanting a two story house. Well, my dreams have come true. As my dream has come true, so is my husband's. He is finally getting the man room that he always dreamed of. That is the next project, to paint and get a door to his man room. I have tried to help give advice on what he should do but he is taking none of it. I can't wait to see what he comes up with! Here are some of the first projects we did on our house.

Before

During

After

Before

During

After

We are getting a door made for the bottom of the loft

I forgot to take a before picture- so this is the best one I could find

During

After- we took down the victorian things and painted the railing and floor

We plan on adding shutters, new front door, and bigger columns

Dining Room before...

Dining Room After

You can see the Bay from this window...I love looking out this window while cooking and eating.

Mirror gone!

Foyer Before- Woo!

After

Painter Bill did an awesome job. Painting the entire house inside made a huge difference. Lon who did the fireplace and loft is great as well. We are thankful to have found honest and hardworking people. I am having fun with all of the house projects- the house and little B are keeping me busy. Lots more to do!

For the grandparents

It is hitting us and our families just how far away we are. My parents drove from Bham to Tampa a few weeks ago and it took around 10 hours. I think we are realizing just how spoiled we were having family 2/12 and 5 hours away. We are so thankful for modern technology that they can see their grandchild still grow up and enjoy videos and photos. If only the great grandparents had a computer... So I apologize if it looks like we are obsessed with our kid- and we are- but some of these photos and videos may be boring to you...but we know who they aren't boring to! Soos, Pops, Ma C and Ranger! We love you and think of you everyday! Looking forward to visits from you guys in a few months!

Yes mom, that is the 12 month shirt that you made! It is a little big so it will last a few more months

We are thinking about crawling..

but we move backwards instead of forwards..

but we never stay still.....

I feel like he is starting to figure out the monitor.

Video of waking up from nap time

6 months!

Well it is here! The boy is 6 months today! I feel like months 5 month-6 month have been drastic! He is becoming a big boy! Our routine is sweet and I look forward to each part every day. Right now my favorite time is when we get ready for naps. We go upstairs and read Goodnight Moon- he loves it and grabs for it before I can even sit down to get it. He looks at every page and doesn't try to eat this book. When we finish I sing "Come Thou Fount" He sucks his thumb and we cuddle. Then I put him in his crib and he squeals and holds my thumb while I turn on his noise maker and get him his binky. Then he plays and talks in his crib until he falls asleep. I am going to try and get it on video as I don't want to forget this sweet moment that I get 3 times a day! Here is what we have been doing the last few days! Big things now that we are 6 months!

Bike time!

Moving on from oatmeal and rice cereal- sweet potatoes!

Have I mentioned how much he loves to eat?

And lots of squealing..see video!

PS- This is what our master bedroom looks like- we have moved into our guest room for the time being! The loft in our room is getting closed off to be Bradford's office!

Let's hope little Bradford can nap during this process!

Five years of Fun!

Today is our 5 year anniversary! We have tried to take a trip each year but it is sad to say there will be no official anniversary trip this year due to a number of reasons(bfeeding, new move, new fabulous home, no close babysitters-aka- grandparents) We are making the most out of our special anniversary by eating at the famous Bern's steakhouse and getting a fun present that we will take many trips on- bikes! From our house is a sidewalk that leads to Bayshore Blvd so we hope to take many bike trips along the bay!

Sorry- no post expressing my undying love for my hubby- he is getting that in a journal that I gave him this past Christmas- words are his love language as service is mine- so I made a commitment to him to journal to him. It has been a neat process and I have noticed that words of affirmation come much easier now. I love going back and reading what I have said to him during special times. My favorite entry so far is when Bradford Jr. was 6 weeks old- it was a sweet time in our marriage where we bonded over new ways of handling our middle of the night awakenings from our new baby. Bradford Sr. was such a trooper during those nights as he would hold crying boy to pass time for his next feed- and more time for me to sleep! I look forward to many more entries and a way to show my husband my love, respect, thankfulness and importance to our family! Below are some of my favorite memories with Bradford over the past 5 years! (8 years if you include dating)

Anniversary trip to Vegas! This is what picked us up from the airport!

Hawaii

N. Georgia trip- rented a cabin for a weekend with Bailey!

Homeowners!

First trip to meet Bailey

Anniversary Trip to San Fran

Anniversary Trip to Biltmore

Boston Marathon! What a stud!

First Anniversary Trip to Chicago

Best moment of 2010.

Giggles

I could watch him laugh over and over- it is contagious. My heart sure is full.

Couldn't send this in email so I am hoping this works on the blog!

Hello Tampa

Well we have made it! We have been here 2 weeks and so far so good! We are settling into our new home and neighborhood. Bailey is in heaven as she swims in the bay daily. Bradford Jr. is enjoying the walks along the bay. We are so thankful for the house we decided on and are confident that Bradford Jr. will have many friends in the neighborhood. Below are some pics of our amenities!

Sitting on the doc of the bay..

Bailey's heaven

Bradford saw some sting rays last time out there but the neighbor assured us she is safe..

Some ducks just snuck up on Bradford as he was painting the porch

Some of our neighbors out on the pier setting out crab traps. They caught 7 in their trap!

A peak out of our window- lots of little boys playing! Can't wait until Bradford Jr is out there playing!