WARNING: Hot Sun May Burn Baby

So I guess I have yet to get used to the sunshine here in Washington, as my son was scorched while I was outside overseeing the movers deliver our goods. When we woke up in the morning, it was overcast and chilly enough for pants (okay, hindsight tells me I should always apply sunscreen no matter what, I know...). I had Zac on my back in the baby carrier but by the time the sun came out, I was up to my ears in boxes, totally distracted and didn't realize that he was frying like a little piece of bacon. That night he looked like a little lobster. That can't be good. Anyone know what is the best remedy for a blister on one's face? Yikes.....I'm just not used to this weather, nor have I ever had to really concern myself with sunscreen. I forget that my pastey-white children have irredescent skin that apparently melts when in contact with sunshine. My bad.

Elaine's Baby Shower

Zac and I were able to sneak away for a weekend down in Portland for my cousin's baby shower that I helped plan. I have to admit, it was a tough decision to make the trip knowing Zac would be in the car yet again considering how much he LOVED the trip thru Canada, but it went really well and I didn't even have to use the Baby Benadryl! It was pretty challenging to plan a shower in Portland while living all the way up in Juneau, but was able to do last minute odds and ends with the other two party planners when I arrived Portland (Jay's Aunt Penny and Cousin Annie). Thus, Elaine and I dropped Zac off with Gram, who is staying down in Portland for awhile, and we headed out for some "hands free" shopping. Though it was the first time I'd been away from Scotty for that long, it was nice to only have one child to look after for awhile. Surprisingly, Jay stayed back in Washington and played Mr. Mom with Scotty all weekend, a first for him. They had a good time together doing "man stuff", but I think they were both thrilled to see me pull into the driveway on Sunday. As for the shower, it was a hit and I am really pleased with how everything turned out. Most all the invitees showed, it was a beautiful day in Portland, great food to eat, good company and lots of gifts for Baby Jack. I was especially pleased with how the "Babies at Rest" Cupcakes turned out, being that I had found the woman who makes them online. You never know what you're going to get, so I was biting nails praying that they were going to be what I expected and I have to say, they exceeded my expectations. So cute!! All in all, it was a fun weekend trip and good to hang out with Jay's side of the family for a change.

Demo begins

We love our new house. It was move in ready with new carpet and fresh paint, but we decided to change some things. Thus, upon arriving Washington, the demo began. With the help of a friend who runs a business in remodeling and home projects, dedicated family members (thanks Scott, Nik and Cousin Troy!) and Jay's willingness to get dirty, they dove right in tearing up some of the carpet and linoleum and replacing with tile and wood flooring; painting walls (ahhh, no more white....) and replacing wood trim with white trim. The house was nice before, but it is beautiful now that we added our personal touch to it. As for me, I didn't lift a finger because I had to look after the boys....but I got to say yes and no to the important details - yes, I chose the green in the kitchen. For the most part, though, I just had to stay out of the way. It's been an experience and a welcome one at that. After years of renting, we are so happy to finally call our house a home. Though I grew up just a few miles from here, I never had much reason to hang out in Port Orchard, so it's like a whole new place for us with the convenience of living near family and friends. It's perfect! I've posted a few pics of the chaos and the finished (for now...) kitchen. More pics to come.