Officially Summer!

Because I have a tan line!! Yes we got some much needed Vitamin D at the Lake this weekend with our friends. We had a great time spending the night and day at the Allens Lake house. Etta Kate enjoyed a lot of firsts with her friend Emalyne. J and I can't wait to watch our girls grow up to be friends and EJ will be such a good role model for the girls. We started the weekend off with a quick trip to the outlets. Oh the polo store, I could have bought EK it all! We did start our fall/winter wardrobe! Then we headed to the house and went out on EK's first boat ride. She loved it so much she went right to sleep. It was a hot evening but the boat ride had a nice breeze. We then attempted stopping at a restraunt on the water for food. We were not thinking it took longer that expected and the non-moving hot and sticky air was a lot the 2 babes, the 2 year old, and the 4 adults. We all can laugh now but during the wait for the food to go we all thought ..we are those people with kids at a bar!! The breeze once the boat started moving has never felt so good. Today we went on a earlier boat ride, us moms got to lay out while everyone else slept, we grilled out, we made cookies and the best apple treat ( I will share the recipe), and then headed back home to coMO! It was a fabulous weekend that ended with sun kissed skined, a clean and happy fam and a root beer float!

8 Weeks Old

Etta Kate is 8 weeks old today! Where has time gone. She has grown so much over just 8 weeks. The above picture was last week so technically 7 weeks but look how much she has grown since the below (3 days old). Etta Kate is so much fun!! She is smiling a lot lately and really working on making lots of noise. She loves her new stroller as much as her mom and dad. She seems to really enjoy our morning runs...right to sleep! She loves watching things go round and round. This week she started sleeping in her crib to start off that night and then after her feeding goes in the bassinet. She likes to make a lot of noise when she sleeps! Mom is also getting in practice of getting up for work in the am. We had a few mornings this week and they went well. She also loves to sleep with those arms up by her head. She is starting to really love her pilates on the play mat and really likes to try to use those legs to push up. Can't wait to see her in the johnny jump up! We had our first babysitter this week while I worked in the morning, Erica was fabulous and EK loved her! She still LOVES the bath (we can't get over her on the water). She is sleeping decent, not through the night but 3 to 4 hour stretches this week. Her cheeks continue to grow and we just love the chub....chubby babies are so lovey!! Monday is the big 2 month check up, we are not looking forward to the shots but we will make it. Etta Kate we love you so much!!

Water Baby!

Splish, Splash....EK was in the bath but outside!! Had to break out the swim suit so we took the whale outside last week! This was before the extreme heat this week. I just can't get enough of that belly!!!! She loves the water so much. She can't stop moving from the minute you put her in. Bathtime is her favorite time of the day! She enjoyed it outside as well. Next year I think you will find the girls at the pool!!

Project Love

PROJECT TIME!! One of my favorite things as you know but when you add TILE its not my favorite. I just don't have a feel for tile. I really think its all ugly and I just can't picture it. So after the bathroom disaster we decided that we would pick a back splash for the kitchen last. By last I mean complete the kitchen and then decide. So after a lot of looking we have a back splash. It was a long process and we went with the classic and timeless white subway tile. I LOVE it! It adds a clean and fresh look!!

EK approves! About a week ago she has decided she likes her bouncey seat. It vibrates so who would not enjoy that comfy seat!

I have pictured this completed in my mind for a long time and I love the result!! I did have to make a few adjustments after ordering the valance and not realizing I have a double window. oops! But the result has been even better. I went with a two tone, white and pink. The valance was put to good use for the applique. Of course without Builder it would not have been possible, he made the frame and covered it in the white fabric.

Not the best light but the finished product!! I am so pleased with the results. The Nursery is almost done. Few final detials to complete.

I have always wanted black and white tile. We were going to tile our kitchen floor at Katy Lane black and white and then talked about it for Waterside. It is such a statement and just did not feel it was a good fit. I was so happy to find a good spot for this look. The back splash in my mud room! Super fun and adds to the room. This picture is before the grout. We went with a black grout which will be nice for a mud room sink. Lots of paint brush washing happens here!

I hope to complete a few more house projects in the next few weeks! And put the finishing touches on the kitchen. Always love a project!!

SUMMER!!

LOVE Blackberries!!  Favorite dessert from the local ice cream place...blackberry concrete!  Got one this week and thank goodness because they were sold out tonight.  Yes went 2 in one week.  We also got the best blackberries from a farm stand last week.  The berries were big and sweet!!

Poppy Special...always a must when poppy is around.  We enjoyed these last weekend with everyone! 

Mr Mater (this is not our mater but looks similar).  This year we planted Mr. Mater and he has produced some great tomatoes!! I have enjoyed the Kiawah Summer Special...Grilled cheese with tomato. I may have this everyday for lunch lately.  I imagine getting it after coming in from the beach.

I think I eat a whole melon a week...love when Builder cuts it in perfect square chunks.  But I eat it any way!

Big Grasp

It was a first and I am of the mindset we will celebrate all firsts, big and small.  We had just returned from our run.  Yes, a run that can be explained in its own post.  After our workout I usually lay Miss EK on the play mat for her as I call pilates.  She usually stretches out, kicks those legs, smiles, and looks at the toys.  Today I was just talking to builder and then looked over and she had a hold of the elephant ring!!  I gave her a GO GIRL GO!!  Many more moments like this ahead of us.  We will celebrate them all.

Also hard to believe she turned 7 weeks yesterday.  At 7 weeks she has changed so much.  They really do grow like a weed.  She has really filled out and is more chubby.  I love it!  Her cheeks are the best. Everyone comments on them!  She still LOVES the bath.  She gets quite angry when bath is over.  She is sleeping really well in her bassinette.  She goes 4 to 5 hours and then eats and goes back down for another stretch 3 to 4 hours.  I hope this continues!  She is starting to smile...my favorite is the morning smile she gives when you say GOOD MORNING!  She has very good control of her head and is very alert.  She has those eyes wide open and likes to see what is going on in the world....Watch out world here she comes!!

HELLO etta katherine

We are so lucky to have the talented Tootie. She did a fabulous job on these annoucements. We and everyone else just LOVES them. Of course there was no detail missed. We have to thank A for the photography. She is great!! She has started her business in Dallas! Way to go A! I really did not have that much to do with the pictures as we took them on the first day home from the hospital. Stairs were still a no so Pappa and Tootie helped A with the clothes changes and the positioning. I obersved from the deck with lulu. I also did not design the annoucement. Thanks to the creative Tootie! We lined the envelope with the pink gingham for that extra touch. We had a smaller opening on these envelopes but decided it was still needed. After Pappa did lots of cutting we realized with these envelopes and the way people may open it, it may not be seen at all! Oh well it looked cute! We also added the label with the monogram for the finishing touch! Now if they only made a stamp in the coordinating pink! We are so happy to welcome this little pea and the sweet annoucement will be a keep sake forever!!

This Moment

I want to remember this moment forever....  This time of night has become my favorite time with Pea.  She is all snug in her pjs after a bath (she LOVES the bath!) and has a full tummy.  It is now time for her and I to catch up on the internet world.   As I type she is laying on my chest so content just hanging out with me and her pacie.  I love her little eyes looking up at me and all her sweet little noises. She is snug as a bug in her little cocoon position as I call it.   This has become our nightly ritual and then she will lay in her bed cooing some more and then off to sleep she goes.  I just love it!!  She is the best!!

Before and After

Kitchen when we moved in Waterside

Kitchen Round 1

Kitchen Now!

Yes we made it!

With all the attention on Etta, I have not updated house projects. They have continued and our biggest project yet is almost complete.  All the majors are in!  We could not have been more excited to cook once we got home from the hospital.  It was fabulous to cook with an oven and stove and best of all our dishwasher for clean up.  No more bathroom or hose to clean the dishes. I will do a before and after next. We love everything about our new kitchen. The design and vision came together and we are pleased with the outcome.

The look is  completely different then before and we feel we have so much more room in our kitchen. 

We loved our chalkboard and had to bring it back.  Builder had a decorator idea to trim in the brown and I loved it!  It has been so nice to have our menu back and a place to cook our food!!

The table was black and now white.  I should say it was a brown natural wood first.  We did not mess with painting the chairs.  With chair details we could not make them look good and I love the mix of the brown with the white. We did however start to sand them down, what a project!  This was right before Etta was born, no wonder loud noises do not phase her!

My big risk.  I wanted to create a different look in this space.  I decided to go with the gut on 2 colors and it turned out great!

4th of July Weekend in KC

Etta Kate's first trip to KC was a CELEBRATION weekend! We celebrated the birth of Luke, Mimi's Birthday, and the 4th of July. I love the 4th of July weekend... the summer vibe, the colors, parades, fireworks, parties, decorations, bomb pops, flags...I love it all! Also makes me feel like we are half way through summer. Oh how my life has changed, 1/2 way through and have not made it to the pool. I would not change it for a thing but I may have to change that and hit up the pool. Mimi made Etta Kate and Luke matching outfits, a dress and jon jons. There is history behind the outfits. Mimi had made them for Builder and his brother and sister and cousins when they were younger. I am not sure but builder may have been 4ish. We loved the history and the outfit!!

We had a great weekend celebrating. We spent lots of time with family and friends. We were also able to get in some shopping. My new favorite spot to shop in KC the last few visits has been Town Center. This visit to Town Center was unique as we were joined by Oh Bother. It was Midwest hot, hot, hot and humid. Not sure what to do with Oh Bother we quickly run into Jcrew and I see a man with his dog. Who knew??!! So Oh Bother quickly became a shopper, he loved it of course! With no leash backed we had to use Builder's belt, normal right?!! Oh Bother even scored water in PBK from our favorite worker there.

It was a great trip and Etta Kate has a new first from this trip....she likes her pacie!! The like may be more of a love!

One more fun thing to note July 5th was the 1 year mark for my blog!!  So much has happened in this year and it will be so fun to look back over all the posts.  Remember when Builder did not even want me to blog...oh how that has changed just like his love for tomatoes and even facebook! He has brought good change in me as well.  We are even starting to prepare for a race...it was our deal to get rid of the prego weight.  Never say never!!

2 Little FireCrackers

On June 30th we welcomed the newest member to the Manda Family. Lucas Ames Manda!! We are so excited to welcome this healthy little one to the family. Mom and baby are doing well (they were out and about and at the party on the 4th!! Go Susan Go!!)  Matching outfits were thanks to Mimi, loved them!!

STL Trip in Pictures

Etta Kate made her first trip to STL last weekend! It was a great weekend! She was able to meet just about everyone on both sides of the family and some friends. Very busy but fun weekend.