Better Than The Dream

The dream use to be graduate college, blast into corporate America, make lots of money and buy stuff.  Sounds fairly shallow once you put it on electronic paper.  When we had Palmer I knew I was going to stay home, but I had a nagging feeling I was missing out on my dream.  I found myself hurrying through things with Palmer.  I felt his feedings took sooo long, his naps weren't long enough, and I didn't have time to DO anything.  It took months to realize I was doing something.  I was raising my son.  I was building a bond that will keep us strong through all life's ups and downs.  I was living.  Sharing sweet snuggles and exasperated cries.  And it was better.  Better than the temporary satisfaction found in making money and buying stuff.  That's Palmer's gift to his week old little brother, Tripp Martin.  He's given me the ability to not rush through a feed or get him down in his bassinet as soon as he's asleep.  I don't have to rush anything.  I can bask in every minute of his itty-bitty-ness because now I know it truly is only minutes that he will be itty-bitty.  Palmer hasn't realized his role as big brother quite yet.  Tripp is more of an accessory in the room.  I, however, have realized how BIG Palmer truly is.  Miraculously, overnight, Palmer has become more mature, beefier, and just plain big.  It was only last week I still oohed and awed over his little baby feet and how I can't believe one day they will become big, stinky man feet.  Now I look at his feet and think - WOW - those are some monster toddler toes!  Funny how perspective in life can change instantly.  So here he is, Mr. Tripp Martin.  The newest man in my life.

Fresh out of the oven

No denying he is such a little man

And as snug gable as they come

Here are Palmer and he getting acquainted on our first day home.  Melt my heart.

Here's the crew visiting in labor & delivery.  Palmer was way more interested in the wheelchairs and rolling bassinet.

We managed to get him to take a quick peek.

I'm already starting to feel space in-between my toes again and something that resembles an ankle.  Swelling is going down at rapid pace since removing the almost 8 lbs baby and nursing having commenced.  I'll save the 16 hour birth story for it's own special post, but let's just say it was a dream compared to Palmer Doyle's 42 hour birthing adventure.

And in less than 2 weeks we will be moving our new family into Hipworth.  I am beyond ready to start setting up my nest.  And I think Palmer is way past ready for some grass to run on and space to explore!

5 Days & Counting

To say living in a 3 bedroom apartment while 39 weeks pregnant with a toddler and Grandma has been "rough" living would be total bologna.  Does this look like a rough morning?

Sweet Cheeks

I told Pete we are going to look back at this time in 10 years and it's going to seem somehow romantic.  Living in cozy quarters with no real agenda except waiting for a new baby and our home to be complete.  While I hear a lot of "I don't know how you are managing a move, the baby, pregnancy, etc, etc.  I'd be pulling my hair out!"  All I feel is a sense of excitement and thankfulness over the endless blessings.  Our family is here together.  We get to go on another leg of the journey of life together.  I love the bit of encouragement I received from a neighbor right before we left Florida that this life is a journey, not a destination.  I want to enjoy as much of this journey together as we can.  Who knew not being able to turn your head without seeing a naked bum would be what truly filled my days with happiness.  

And designing a house...that has filled my days with exhaustion frustration complete joy;)

They placed the microwave in it's designated space before building it in.
Palmer showed quickly how that design was not really thought through.

The kitchen has really come together with the counters and backsplash

I dream of herringbone.

Can you be excited about a laundry room?

With the countless hours of my life I dedicated to selecting light fixtures, I find
extreme satisfaction in seeing them become a part of our home.

Grey back doors

Grey front doors

And last night we had what might be our last Friday night date in a while.  Trying to fit in as much adult time as we can before our days run out!  Tonight calls for Thai with friends.  Spicy food is supposed to get these babies out, right!?

Somehow I manage to make Pete look slight in this picture.  Swollen much?

Or maybe it's cupcake and cappuccino dates with my mom that are the problem? 

The Waiting Game

I've hit 38 weeks plus some days.  Leaves about a week and a half until life takes another sharp turn.  Less than 30 days and we take our new team here...

Landscaping really makes it feel like home

Outdoor light fixtures

Mud room aka where all the junk will fall

Laundry room - digging the black and white
There's marble tile hiding under the paper on the floor which will bring it all together

Master

Master bath.  Feel like I just did this.  And good thing I did..have been able to
catch a couple plumbing fixture problems (like those handles up there)

Kitchen.  Again...about to change the drawer handles.  I have a hardware problem obvi.
Or just a real keen eye for details;)

Have you ever tried to dress over 20 second floor windows in woven woods in one morning?
Laura Ramsey Interiors had.  And she did.  Fantastically.  Next up...drapes!

Dirty, but the oak floors have been stained.  Success.

It's not just the house that requires a lot of work.  In the Atlanta office, there are plenty of emails and phone calls to make in a day.

Sometimes his work just devours him.

But we are finding time to squeeze in plenty of play.

Parkin' it in the city.  

These fast paced city kids really can wear ya down.

But we're doing our best to keep up.

***Editor's note:  That Mickey Mouse shirt has yet to be washed.  It was bought in Nordstrom's and immediately demanded to be worn.  As in, this 38 week pregnant momma sat on the floor of the kid's section to undress and redress her 20 month old after he ripped it off the hanger.  He proceeded to rip off the tag and took my wallet with him to go pay the cashier for his newest fashion.  I'm going to need help.  Lots of it.  Thank God Gra-Gra is here (that's Grandma Judy in the world of Palmer Doyle.)