Around here + Guest Suite

These flowers bloomed the exact same day last year. We moved into this little old house a year ago and I remember these flowers welcoming us to our new home.

Since we move so frequently (and will continue to do so), it's hard to take the time and energy to truly settle in a house. We have decided to stay until Andrew's Residency begins and that will make this stay the longest to date for us. The thought of seeing this spring in the same place, and another to follow, brings me joy. I know what to expect. I know when each tree/plant will bloom. I know when the ants and spiders will show up. I know that come July, our yard will be filled with silly chestnut tree droppings (not sure what else to call them). What a relief it is to be in one place for a while longer.

Our office/guest/craft room has had a recent transformation into a guest suite. As I mentioned in my last post, we look forward to family members and out of town friends staying here- especially once baby girl arrives.

I don't have many photos of the room before- but sure wish I did. Just picture a room with 2 cluttered desks (one Andrew's, and one mine for craft/clutter) and a bed. Add in some random boxes on the floor. Below is all that I have of the BEFORE. 

 AFTER

 

Ignore the fact that the mirror needs a good cleaning in the above pic ;/

The furniture was purchased from a friend who is moving and the rest of the decor is simply moved from other rooms in the house. It's convenient to stick with the same color scheme throughout the house in order for items to easily be moved from room to room. I still want to get a few special old-timey family photos printed and framed. A few ideas are floating around in this brain of mine.  We look forward to visitors! The guest bed has also been my favorite napping spot the past few days... it's cozy!

Baby Girl's Nursery Inspiration Board

Nursery Inspiration by jreyna featuring grey throw pillows

I put together this little board for some nursery inspiration. I'm hoping for more of a gender neutral feel except for a few pops of peach here and there or some wall art. Though I like a little pink, I'm certainly not a fan of tons. Especially not baby pink. Anything we can use for future children that I sure hope we are blessed with, the better! 

We've had a navy and white rug for quite a while along with a crib and the little rocker. The only remaining big things are a dresser and comfy chair (which we hope to find on Craigslist).  

A good friend suggested that a nursery be done by 28 weeks before you start feeling more crummy in the third trimester. That will be my rough goal, though we don't anticipate needing to do too much. Simple and clean is key! 

Around here

Our home is happy around here these days. It's a nice change from what seemed like a very long and dark summer. Perhaps it's happy because I woke up this morning with the craziest boost of energy for which I used to deep clean the house. Windows, floors, and all. Whew! I'm liking these 2nd trimester little bouts of energy. When it comes, I run with it!

 

Perhaps it's happy because we've had a few loved ones as visitors over the past month.

My sister and nephew stayed with us for a few days in early January. What a joy to have little Reid around. His smile is contagious. His little baby cheeks are irresistible. I wish you could see this child eat real food. He's quite the patient & polite little fella. He sits with his mouth wide open, ready. What a sweetie. We also learned that baby-proofing the house needs to happen asap. This little guy is quite the explorer and got into everything. Children truly are a gift. I love watching my sister delight in her son. And I love being Auntie.

 

 Perhaps it's happy because little bits of life surround us. From photos of favorite spots, to each of our baby ultrasounds on the fridge, to a few lively plants, to the above meaningful painting of "Rock Gabriel" from my Dad. The day Andrew and I told my family we were expecting our first baby, Dad and I took a daddy/daughter date, chased the light, and painted this view as the sun was setting. What a meaningful little gift this was to me. A day to be remembered, a moment frozen in time. Dad, thank you  for this beautiful piece that livens our home.

Perhaps it's happy because Andrew always seems to be happy. He even wakes up happy. Sweet, giddy, and happy. Every morning, it still catches me off guard. I can't help but start the day with a smile waking up next to him (a nice change from the past 2.5 years of working nights and not being on the same sleep/wake schedule). 

Andrew is currently in the middle of his Psych rotation. This means that he spends his work days on the inpatient psych unit. As you can certainly imagine, it's quite the interesting place. He continues to keep a positive attitude and amazes me with how he takes each rotation and tries to find every way that it can apply to his future as a family practice physician. Andrew is already planning his next (& last!!!) year's schedule. It's exciting to think that the light is in sight and that this med-school journey is nearing an end. This week's sermon addressed the idea that besides salvation, people are the best gift God could give us. I couldn't agree more and am thankful every day that God gave me Andrew. What a gift.

Chestnuts falling from the sky...

Boom... Boom!... Thump!... This is what we have been hearing on our roof all day and night for the past few weeks. If we dare walk in the yard, we must be prepared to cover our heads for protection! These spiky chestnut balls have been falling from the sky; it's rather exciting around here. 

I woke up for work to find that Andrew had gotten off early and was outside collecting these chestnuts. This house is just full of surprises. For the past few weeks, any time we look out the window, there is a good chance that we will find someone in our yard collecting these apparent treasures. Many knocks on the door asking if they can come in our gate to collect, etc. Some people say they have been coming to this tree for the past 20 years! On more than one occasion, we have found someone outside at 6am (in the pitch dark & pouring rain) collecting. Creepy? I think they were more creeped out that we were coming/going at that time. With all of the hype going on in our yard, we figured we were missing something by not collecting these. So, collect he did! 

... He delicately cut and roasted them. This became his little project for the night. He says they were roasted a bit too long (and we later learned that you should wait 3 days before roasting after picking). So, we'll try again soon! I just love seeing him find joy in the little things surrounding us every day. His heart is so gentle, curious, and kind. 

Growing

 Much is growing here. In many ways. The plants are sprouting up like crazy; the tomatoes are getting close (much further along than in this photo from a week ago). Andrew takes his Step 1 licensing board exam this coming weekend and then transitions into solely the clinical setting for the next 2 years. My mental list is growing with all of the things I want to accomplish this summer. Yet, everything is just the same. Our house is still not fully unpacked and settled, there are still always loads of laundry to do, weeds to pull, walks to be had, little Isaac to spend time with,  friends to grab coffee with... Life.

The squirrels still love my bird feeder more than any birds do. I still love what I do at work, yet get worn out and tired at the same time. I have yet to finish looming DIY projects... but things are growing. Life continues. Rolling with it...loving it.

Flowers & Craft Space

Flowers, flowers, flowers... so many flowers in our yard. I'm loving it. Some that we planted in pots, others that we woke up to one morning- they literally just appear and disappear  (planted by past renters). I had no idea that I would enjoy "gardening" of sorts. Never had an interest in it, never the least bit intrigued- until now. And, I love it! I must clarify though; I'm not sure I would call it true gardening. Yes, there's dirt, gloves, shovels- but nothing like my impressive neighbors who seriously work magic in their yards. It's more like a number of potted plants and veggies here and there and some sprinkled wild flower seeds. It's a start!  PS- I found out one of my flowers (Larkspur) is poisonous! Yikes!

'The earth laughs in flowers.'  -Ralph Waldo Emerson

In other news, I constructed a very rudimentary shelf out of a 2x8 piece of wood and L-brackets. It does the job and cost us less than $10! It was created in mind for my little craft wall in our office. Andrew has generously shared his office space with my craft craziness. It's turned out very well as it feels like we are spending time together while working on our own things in the same room. Unanticipated bonus for sure! I anticipate some changes with this wall (I need a "bill" & mail station), but it's a happy space for now and will do!

 When not at work, running errands, with family or friends... this is where you'll find me! Right where I want to be... Home ;)