March House update

I feel like we've gotten a lot done since the last house update post. In the last month we were able to Sheet the amount of roof we've completed so far and install the 3 windows that the rear addition has (one bath room window and two Bedroom windows).We were able to reuse the existing windows we removed from the house because they were no longer needed and because they were new vinyl replacements that were installed just before we purchased the house. It took a little leg work to get the windows preped to install into new construction but the amount of money it saves us made that well worth it. Now with the sheeting and windows complete, the rear addition is significantly more weather proof.

The next phase of Construction has now moved over our existing house and definitely the messy part. Not only does our old roof have to be completely removed but so do all the old ceiling joists holding up our ceiling. When we originally had the plans created we assumed that we would be able to keep the ceiling intact, just remove the old roof and replace with the new. WE WERE WRONG!

The plans and structural engineer say no way because the old ceiling was built using 2x4s @ 16 on center (oc) and the roof used 2x4s @ 32oc. The new construction must be a ceiling of 2x8s @ 16oc and 2x10s @ 16oc for the roof. Not only that, but the new joist and rafters must run the opposite direction as the old did. So our dilemma is how do we remove and replace all the ceiling joist, keep the drywall/plaster board from falling and still live in the house? Our solution is to remove only a quarter of the roof at a time, brace the ceiling/drywall from below with 2x8s, put up a few ceiling joist at a time and screw the drywall up to them as we go.

My father and I finished one quarter of this process yesterday (ceiling joist only; roof rafters must wait until the other corresponding quarter is complete) and although it was a lot of work it turned out quite well. Removing the roof was a giant mess because below the top layer of asphalt shingles are another layer of very old, crumbling wood shingles nailed to 1x6s.

To save money I've been trying not to rent any dumpsters but I might break down with the roof removal so I can clean up and clear out my construction site (It's been a mess since day one). Once we complete the roof across the to the front of the house we can finish the overhangs by cutting them to length then nailing up the fascia and shiplap boards. I don't want to get ahead of myself though because we've still got two thirds of a roof to remove.

Fuzzy stuffed dog

This super soft but large stuff dog was given to Baines when she was born by one of the stores that McCall's sells to. Last night we gave it to her to play with and she loved it. McCall placed it on her back while she was lying on the floor and Baines thought it was the funniest thing ever.

Absent

You may have noticed that I have been absent from posting on the blog lately. Well that's because I've been traveling like crazy to Dallas, Vegas, back to Dallas, Houston and Austin. Sadly I've missed most of this last month with B. It's really hard to be away but we're in no position to live off a single income. We've been making it work, and Nicholas is a great dad. Plus the In-laws and my Sister in-Law have been a huge help. I really appreciate all their support and we're lucky to have them.

I have been cramming my weekends with her so I can get my fix and Nicholas has been sending me photos and videos. Of course I loved them all and had to share.

7 Months

My Bubbies turned 7 Months on Thursday. This marks a huge accomplishment for me. When I was pregnant, I set a goal for myself to breastfeed until she was 7 months old. I knew it was going to be hard but didn't know all the obstacles I would have to overcome. For me it was the most unnatural, natural thing I had ever done. She had a hard time latching on in the beginning so it was frustrating and emotional. I was lucky enough to get a great Lactation Consultant that really helped. Once we passed over the first hurdles it was easy.

When I went back to work I almost lost my milk and had to pump like crazy and take herbs that made me smell like maple syrup. Even though the past few months have been interesting with all my travels, I still kept going. I had to pump while driving down the freeway on my way to an appointment in Houston. In Vegas, during the Trade Show I had to duck behind a pillar. I've had to overnight milk home because our milk supply has depleted since I've been gone so much.

I am so proud to say that I am a FULL TIME working mom that is still nursing. Now that I made it this far I'm going to keep going.

B's new thing

B's new daily thing is hold onto the car seat by the caring strap. As soon as I put her into the car seat she grabs on with both arms. I have to pull her arms off, one at a time, to thread them through the belts and she immediately puts them back. This morning when I got to my parent’s house to drop her off I opened the back door and her hands were down; she saw me, laughed and threw her hands back up like I caught her slippin'.

Here she is this morning when I got her ready to leave.

This was her last night. I took the picture from above looking down on her in the back seat of my truck (after I parked, of course) .

Good Pics-redo

B & M

Little B loves Macie so much. Everything she does makes B crack up. Lately B has been fascinated with Macie's feet. It's a good thing Macie loves B back because she is always up in her business.