I just realized it's been 3 weeks since my last post! It's been full-on holiday celebration here at the Archer house. Annika is growing and changing every day. We've taken some pictures, but need to take some more. I'll post them soon. We're looking forward to Aaron being off from work this week, although the time is pretty much all booked up already. Among the highlights are a New Year's Day brunch at our house, and perhaps an excursion out of town for a night or two later in the week.
And as I tend to do, I'm sure I'll get nostalgic about 2008 as it's drawing to a close, and will wax poetic about it here on Icon when the spirit moves me. More to follow!
12.28.2008
12.07.2008
After a Bath
Though not a big fan of being naked or cold (really, who is?), Annika does seem to enjoy the bath. As long as I don't get too much water in her eyes when I wash her hair.
My Girl, Awake
Annika is very patient with all the clicking and photographing, whether asleep or awake.
My Girl, Asleep
Taken in the afternoon on Saturday, December 6, 2008. She's not quite a month old yet. Fortunately, she's a great sleeper.
My Talented Husband
Here's Aaron with his drawings of the snowman and girl playing the flute. I watch him draw all the time, but to see him work in this scale was very illustrative for me. I'm always learning from him.
Girl with Flute
All summer long while I was pregnant, Aaron filled his sketch books with drawings of a dark-haired little girl who lived in a vaguely-Japanese wintery land. I swear he conjured our dark-haired daughter with these sketches. Aaron drew the girl here in a large-scale, and she's currently on display at the haberdasher's downtown.
Aaron Drawing a Snowman
Here's my talented husband hard at work on some large-scale drawings, which are currently hanging in the display window of a Providence haberdasher this holiday season.
Jess & Liz with Cabbage Patch Dolls
My cousin Liz and me, circa 1985 or 1986, with our Cabbage Patch Dolls. Oddly enough, I remember the names of my two dolls, given to them by the good people of the Cabbage Patch: Diandra Pamela is the preemie in the middle, Suzette Isabel is the blonde on the right. I don't know Liz's doll's name, but I should ask her if she remembers it.
12.02.2008
Four Generations 2008
Great-grandmother Ann Colagiovanni Tipton,
Mother Jessica Beagan Archer, holding Annika Tipton Archer,
Grandmother Katherine Tipton Beagan
November 29, 2008
Annika & Mama at the Reunion
The newest member of the Colagiovanni Family and her mother at the 3rd Family Reunion. 11/29/08
Annika Peering Out
Taking cover under her awesome Virgin of Guadaloupe blanket at the Family Reunion, 11/29.
Annika's Homecoming
Daddy and Annika right after she came home from the hospital on 11/23. As I'm posting this picture, she's passed out on a pillow on his lap. It has become a pretty common sight during the evenings around here.
One Hour After Delivery
24 hours after checking in to the hospital, I gave birth to Annika. Aaron shot this photo of us in the labor and delivery room a little after 9 pm on Thursday, 11/13. Annika was only about an hour old, and had long since been whisked off to the NICU. We had no idea what that meant when we took this picture. What we did know is that all three of us had survived bringing Annika into the world. And we were proud of what we had accomplished.
Nemschoff Sleepover 1-2-3
My poor husband spent the first night at the hospital with me while I was in labor. He slept on this contraption, the Nemschoff Sleepover 1-2-3. Of course the hospital provides no pillows or blankets, but I was able to finagle another one of each. I think a pine plank might have been more comfortable. Look at how flat that thing is. There was no padding. I sent him home to sleep each night after that. I missed him, but I love the guy too much to have Nemschoff ed him for more than one night.
Off to Become Parents
The flash was too close, so the exposure is strange. But otherwise I like this picture of Aaron and me. We had no idea what we were in for as we took this picture on our way out the door to go to the hospital the night before Annika was born.
About to Deliver
Really? I was this big. Yikes. Should have busted out the measuring tape. Aaron took this picture of me as we were leaving for the hospital on Wednesday night, 11-12.
12.01.2008
11.28.2008
11.21.2008
The Price of Miracles
I found this article, ironically, in the Providence Journal online this afternoon. It's about premature babies at Women and Infants, something I've suddenly experienced very closely in the past week.
It's been a hard week with Annika in the hospital, but we are realistic about her condition. There are many reasons to feel blessed, despite her illness. She will be home Sunday or Monday. She is strong and in good health. In the NICU, this is great news.
I saw more than a few families immediately confront a fragile newborn and weeks or months in the NICU. The parents of these babies must make critical and wrenching decisions daily. They must also endure a slow vigil in which progress is measured in grams and milliliters and days, during which the setbacks are often greater than the successes.
Before this week with Annika, I'd never seen babies so small as some of her neighbors. By comparison, she's fat, pink, and alert --- and still spent more than a week in intensive care. It's a hard place to be, to have to return to every day. This article provides a little window into it.
It's been a hard week with Annika in the hospital, but we are realistic about her condition. There are many reasons to feel blessed, despite her illness. She will be home Sunday or Monday. She is strong and in good health. In the NICU, this is great news.
I saw more than a few families immediately confront a fragile newborn and weeks or months in the NICU. The parents of these babies must make critical and wrenching decisions daily. They must also endure a slow vigil in which progress is measured in grams and milliliters and days, during which the setbacks are often greater than the successes.
Before this week with Annika, I'd never seen babies so small as some of her neighbors. By comparison, she's fat, pink, and alert --- and still spent more than a week in intensive care. It's a hard place to be, to have to return to every day. This article provides a little window into it.
11.17.2008
Annika Update
Good news! Annika is recovering very well from her initial breathing problems. She's out of the hood and in a little enclosed crib, breathing now through a nasal tube. Her breathing has improved to the point that I was able to nurse her today, which is a big step. The kid has been dying to eat, and enjoyed it so much she gave herself hiccups. So, we're making progress. She will remain in the hospital to finish her course of antibiotics before being discharged at the end of the week.
Five days ago I had no concept of what a hospital was like. I hadn't spent a night in one since I was born. Just the process of labor and delivery was educational. Now, I have had a newborn in the NICU, and I have seen more than I ever could have fathomed.
The NICU is a difficult place to be. After a few days, I've seen a pattern. At first, you're in shock, numbly reoounting the horrible details of what you've been told is wrong with your baby. The second phase is the spontaneous sobbing. Provocations great and small prompt you to weep senselessly. Ultimately, you accept what's going on, and you rise and fall with your child's condition. A good report is an exultation, while a rough night or bad news undoes you completely.
Fortunately, saints be praised, Annika is going to be fine. Not being able to hold her for the first 30-something hours was hard, but her prognosis is excellent. And although it's exhausting to be recovering from the delivery and schlepping to the hospital, I'm able to be more of a mother to her every day. The circumstances this week could be better. But for what they are, it could be so much worse, and I feel blessed nevertheless.
Five days ago I had no concept of what a hospital was like. I hadn't spent a night in one since I was born. Just the process of labor and delivery was educational. Now, I have had a newborn in the NICU, and I have seen more than I ever could have fathomed.
The NICU is a difficult place to be. After a few days, I've seen a pattern. At first, you're in shock, numbly reoounting the horrible details of what you've been told is wrong with your baby. The second phase is the spontaneous sobbing. Provocations great and small prompt you to weep senselessly. Ultimately, you accept what's going on, and you rise and fall with your child's condition. A good report is an exultation, while a rough night or bad news undoes you completely.
Fortunately, saints be praised, Annika is going to be fine. Not being able to hold her for the first 30-something hours was hard, but her prognosis is excellent. And although it's exhausting to be recovering from the delivery and schlepping to the hospital, I'm able to be more of a mother to her every day. The circumstances this week could be better. But for what they are, it could be so much worse, and I feel blessed nevertheless.
Metal Hands
This is not only a very touching photograph of my lovely daughter Annika. It's also an inadvertent flashing of the universal heavy metal hand gesture by me. According to heavy metal legend, the origin of metal hands is an Italian gesture meant to ward off evil spirits. We'll take it. But make no mistake. My kid also rocks.
Annika & her Mama
It's a challenge with the tubes and wires, but we both rather enjoy it when I can hold Annika. Her breathing rate becomes completely normal, which also helps. I find that I am relaxed and happy, despite the setting. The NICU is exhausting, overstimulating --- too many alarms and noises like an arcade. You can hear the alarms in your head when you're not there. If we can kick it there, we can do it anywhere.
11.15.2008
Annika Has Arrived!
Annika Tipton Archer was born on Thursday, November 13, 2008 at 8:15 pm. She weighed 8 pounds, 2 ounces, and was just shy of 20 inches. She is gorgeous, strong, and healthy, with a full head of dark hair and a very sweet face.
Annika, unfortunately, aspirated some meconium in utero, and has suffered from some lung problems since she was born two days ago. Her breathing rate is 2-3 faster than it should be, and she has some fluid in her lungs. She is in a breathing hood in the NICU at the hospital and will be treated for pneumonia for the next 6 days.
The hood is dreadful, with a collar that is going to make my daughter loathe turtlenecks, chokers, and doublets. It's also terrible to see a monitor on a foot and an IV in her hand, and little sensors all over her chest.
But the good news is that she is strong and healthy, and is already showing signs of improvement. She had a small collapse in her lung, which happens in about 1 in 10 kids (and more so if meconium is involved). Fortunately, it resolved itself overnight. The doctor is going to begin to wean Annika off the oxygen in the hood and down to a nasal tube so I can nurse her.
Annika should be home on Friday. In the meantime, I will be going back and forth alot between home and hospital. I was discharged this afternoon and I'm back home with Aaron and the cats.
To those who have called or texted, I'm sorry I've not been in touch. The prognosis is very good for Annika, but I'm going to be occupied. I love you all. I'll keep updating the blog with her progress. Aaron took some pictures, so I'll definitely get those posted soon.
Annika, unfortunately, aspirated some meconium in utero, and has suffered from some lung problems since she was born two days ago. Her breathing rate is 2-3 faster than it should be, and she has some fluid in her lungs. She is in a breathing hood in the NICU at the hospital and will be treated for pneumonia for the next 6 days.
The hood is dreadful, with a collar that is going to make my daughter loathe turtlenecks, chokers, and doublets. It's also terrible to see a monitor on a foot and an IV in her hand, and little sensors all over her chest.
But the good news is that she is strong and healthy, and is already showing signs of improvement. She had a small collapse in her lung, which happens in about 1 in 10 kids (and more so if meconium is involved). Fortunately, it resolved itself overnight. The doctor is going to begin to wean Annika off the oxygen in the hood and down to a nasal tube so I can nurse her.
Annika should be home on Friday. In the meantime, I will be going back and forth alot between home and hospital. I was discharged this afternoon and I'm back home with Aaron and the cats.
To those who have called or texted, I'm sorry I've not been in touch. The prognosis is very good for Annika, but I'm going to be occupied. I love you all. I'll keep updating the blog with her progress. Aaron took some pictures, so I'll definitely get those posted soon.
11.12.2008
Baby Update!
Five days after her due date, we have an update on Annika's progress. I had a doctor's appointment this morning, and it's time! I will be admitted to the hospital this evening, space permitting, to be induced. It could be tomorrow if there isn't room, or if there are emergency patients ahead of me. We're waiting on a call from the doctor's office to find out one way or another.
Either way, it looks like Annika's been waiting for the full moon, which is tomorrow. She'll be here by the weekend! Aaron and I are excited, nervous, and very much looking forward to our daughter's safe arrival. I'll post photos ASAP.
Thanks again to all of you who've been checking in with us. We appreciate all the love and support from everyone, and can't wait to introduce you to the newest member of our family. Stay tuned!!
Either way, it looks like Annika's been waiting for the full moon, which is tomorrow. She'll be here by the weekend! Aaron and I are excited, nervous, and very much looking forward to our daughter's safe arrival. I'll post photos ASAP.
Thanks again to all of you who've been checking in with us. We appreciate all the love and support from everyone, and can't wait to introduce you to the newest member of our family. Stay tuned!!
11.09.2008
William Eggleston at the Whitney
I discovered yesterday that the Whitney has an exhibition of William Eggleston's photographs. I greatly admire his work, and have been inspired by it for years. I would love to get to New York to see it. Alas, it runs only until the end of January, and I won't be able to be there until mid-February. So instead, I ordered the exhibition catalog and can't wait to devour it.
Eggleston is considered to be the first fine art photographer noted for his use of color. His quality of light, and the everyday "snapshot aesthetic" of his images, are two of the best known attributes of his work. Check out his website.
11.08.2008
Republican High School (Part 1)
Part 1 of 2.
I just read on Daily Beast an article from the New York Times about how Sarah Palin is firing back at the anonymous "jerks" in the McCain campaign who made fun of her clothes and said she's dumb.
When did the Republican Party turn into the "Mean Girls"? Is this how far they've fallen? Read this article through the lens of, say, a high school newspaper audience. Or younger! This is really more of a situation on which you should be counseling your tween daughter on the way home from the Hannah Montana concert. Adults, grown men and women -- who have just been on the national political stage -- really ought to know better. On both sides.
To the McCain campaign leaks: Yes, it's titillating to hear the gossip about what a bitch Sarah Palin is. I don't like her either. I'll admit I kind of like bonding with you about what a bitch she is. But you need to own up to it if you're going to call her out anymore. Grow up.
To Sarah Palin: You too. Grow up. And I mean that in all the best possible ways. There are things you need to learn, sister, before a lot of us are going to take you seriously. And when you choose to be baited by petty bullshit, it doesn't help. Calling these guys jerks because they rightly pointed out some flaws in your game makes you look like a child.
Truth is, kid, they're right. You've got things to learn. You need to travel. Read some books. Find out what's going on in the world, other than from FOX News. Consider other points of view. The person you will become as a result of your work might actually help you live up to your ambitions. I might not always agree with you, but I'd respect you a hell of a lot more if you did.
I just read on Daily Beast an article from the New York Times about how Sarah Palin is firing back at the anonymous "jerks" in the McCain campaign who made fun of her clothes and said she's dumb.
When did the Republican Party turn into the "Mean Girls"? Is this how far they've fallen? Read this article through the lens of, say, a high school newspaper audience. Or younger! This is really more of a situation on which you should be counseling your tween daughter on the way home from the Hannah Montana concert. Adults, grown men and women -- who have just been on the national political stage -- really ought to know better. On both sides.
To the McCain campaign leaks: Yes, it's titillating to hear the gossip about what a bitch Sarah Palin is. I don't like her either. I'll admit I kind of like bonding with you about what a bitch she is. But you need to own up to it if you're going to call her out anymore. Grow up.
To Sarah Palin: You too. Grow up. And I mean that in all the best possible ways. There are things you need to learn, sister, before a lot of us are going to take you seriously. And when you choose to be baited by petty bullshit, it doesn't help. Calling these guys jerks because they rightly pointed out some flaws in your game makes you look like a child.
Truth is, kid, they're right. You've got things to learn. You need to travel. Read some books. Find out what's going on in the world, other than from FOX News. Consider other points of view. The person you will become as a result of your work might actually help you live up to your ambitions. I might not always agree with you, but I'd respect you a hell of a lot more if you did.
Immaturity and the Youth Vote (Part 2)
Part 2 of 2.
The problem is, they're both right. McCain's people are being petty, yes, and it reflects poorly on them. But they're also right. Africa is not a country, William Ayres is not relevant, and neither is the fictional character of Joe the Plumber. Sarah Palin may just have been unprepared. But she might also just be dumb. Either way, we've just endured 8 years of George W. Bush, and we're all set with dumb for a while. To paraphrase Chris Rock, it's not so hard to imagine a Black President. We've just had a retarded one for the last 8 years.
Taken in combination, this is why the country has swung the other way and chosen the Democrats. Ironically, the Republicans' childish behavior seems to be costing them with the youngest voters. Another Daily Beast article discusses what the electoral map looks like, based on just the votes of the 18-29 year old demographic:
Yup. Here's a clue for the Republican Party. That's 455 electoral votes. Do you see how blue that map is? It's gone from well-known to glaringly obvious that you need to engage the youth better. Clearly, acting immature doesn't give you street cred with the sophisticated constituency of the youth vote. It lost you an election, and yet the behavior continues.
The American voter must be 18 years of age or older. Therefore, he or she has likely graduated high school, and is ready to have outgrown it. We are adults, and we want to hear solutions and ideas about actual issues. We are not interested in fighting over boys and clothes and who's smarter and who's prettier and who's a loser and who's hanging out with who. Grow up. We have real problems, adult, big-boys-and-girls problems in the world. And these are the things that are important.
The problem is, they're both right. McCain's people are being petty, yes, and it reflects poorly on them. But they're also right. Africa is not a country, William Ayres is not relevant, and neither is the fictional character of Joe the Plumber. Sarah Palin may just have been unprepared. But she might also just be dumb. Either way, we've just endured 8 years of George W. Bush, and we're all set with dumb for a while. To paraphrase Chris Rock, it's not so hard to imagine a Black President. We've just had a retarded one for the last 8 years.
Taken in combination, this is why the country has swung the other way and chosen the Democrats. Ironically, the Republicans' childish behavior seems to be costing them with the youngest voters. Another Daily Beast article discusses what the electoral map looks like, based on just the votes of the 18-29 year old demographic:
Yup. Here's a clue for the Republican Party. That's 455 electoral votes. Do you see how blue that map is? It's gone from well-known to glaringly obvious that you need to engage the youth better. Clearly, acting immature doesn't give you street cred with the sophisticated constituency of the youth vote. It lost you an election, and yet the behavior continues.
The American voter must be 18 years of age or older. Therefore, he or she has likely graduated high school, and is ready to have outgrown it. We are adults, and we want to hear solutions and ideas about actual issues. We are not interested in fighting over boys and clothes and who's smarter and who's prettier and who's a loser and who's hanging out with who. Grow up. We have real problems, adult, big-boys-and-girls problems in the world. And these are the things that are important.
Still Waiting
Many thanks to those of you who have been calling and texting to see what's up with Annika. My due date came and went yesterday --- so much for Mama's intuition that she'd be early. I wonder if punctuality is going to be a problem for this kid. I will find out early next week how things are progressing. I'm not sure what day I'm meeting my midwife yet, with Tuesday being Veterans' Day and a holiday in Rhode Island. But I'll certainly keep the updates coming. And I'll return those phone calls too. Needless to say, I'm not feeling all that sociable at the moment. But it's good to know folks are thinking of us while we wait. Can't wait to talk to you again, with the good news that our daughter has arrived and we're all doing well.
11.04.2008
President-Elect Obama
I'm grateful to have had a unique perspective on the rise of Barack Obama to be the President-Elect tonight. I voted for him for U.S. Senator in 2004. It seems like he's been on this road to the White House since not long after that. It's been a long campaign, and it's been hard fought. I'm happy tonight for the turn our country has taken. The problems we face are global problems, and we have elected the best possible ticket to lead the US. I respect McCain, but I'm relieved he's not going to be President. More than anything, I'm glad for everyone that this is over. And that it ended the way it has.
Waiting for the Polls to Close
With Annika's due date on Friday, I think I know how Barack Obama and John McCain feel right now. I'm waiting for the inevitable. Just as it's clear (but by no means yet certain) that Barack Obama will win, I'm also somewhat sure of the outcome of the pregnancy, labor, and delivery. I have good reasons to hope for an Obama victory, a good delivery and a healthy baby. Though I also have to be realistic that anything could happen.
I can empathize with the candidates: they are tired, but still keep going. Like me, pregnant and due, they know it's about to end. But when? The results will take an undeterminable amount of time to be known. So, pregnant and president-elect, we wait.
And just as there are lots of loved ones checking in on me, perhaps the candidates' phones are ringing too. Only they can tell you if they feel like talking. I don't particularly. I'm alright. Just trying to make sure I have my life in order. Got the car seat installed, made a baby supplies run. Compiled paperwork, made some lists. It's not visiting 7 rallies in 7 states in one day, but it's similar.
Like the election results, Annika's birth is imminent. Every hour it all gets a little closer. The Presidential candidates and I are doing everything we can to come out ahead. Before long, the long process will be done, and a new era will begin.
I can empathize with the candidates: they are tired, but still keep going. Like me, pregnant and due, they know it's about to end. But when? The results will take an undeterminable amount of time to be known. So, pregnant and president-elect, we wait.
And just as there are lots of loved ones checking in on me, perhaps the candidates' phones are ringing too. Only they can tell you if they feel like talking. I don't particularly. I'm alright. Just trying to make sure I have my life in order. Got the car seat installed, made a baby supplies run. Compiled paperwork, made some lists. It's not visiting 7 rallies in 7 states in one day, but it's similar.
Like the election results, Annika's birth is imminent. Every hour it all gets a little closer. The Presidential candidates and I are doing everything we can to come out ahead. Before long, the long process will be done, and a new era will begin.
11.02.2008
Rodeo Girls on Horses
Polaroid Transfer, Maine, 1999.
Probably my favorite of the Transfers I did back in the day. It's been years since I've used the technique, going back to the lamps in 2002. I always liked the idea of illuminating the transfers, and might pick up on that idea again.
I've posted a few of these old Transfers to get me motivated to start doing them again.
Vatican Doorway
Polaroid Transfer of a slide I shot at the Vatican in 1999. I've been flirting with doing Transfers again for ages. The current project is getting together a batch of digital files to have slides made so I can do a new round. When I have time.
archermonster & archerzombie
Even though I've not been blogging much lately, all has not been quiet on Blogger at the Archer house. Aaron has started not one, but two blogs recently: archermonster and archerzombie. The former is his journal blog of whatever's going on. The latter is where the years of zombie preparedness are beginning to shape themselves into a narrative.
You can check them out via the links above, or in my links section in the right hand column.
You can check them out via the links above, or in my links section in the right hand column.
800th Post!
Tonight we reach a milestone on Icon: my 800th post since January 2005.
Sorry I've been away. I'm not feeling very sociable these days. The baby's due date is Friday, November 7. So we're working and nesting. And resting. And while I'm waiting, there's not a lot to report. We're making progress toward delivery. I'll spare you the details.
So I've not been in a talkative mood. I'm bad at returning calls, I never blog, and I'm ignoring Facebook. And I'm sorry. I think it's part of nesting.
I do expect that I'll get back into a photography mode once Annika is born. Perhaps there will be a lot of photographs of the kid soon to come. I'm leaning toward pictures more than writing. But my computer situation vis a vis photography is still tenuous. I'll do my best.
If you've been reading for a while, thanks for staying tuned. I don't think I ever thought I'd hit 800 posts when I started this. I'm confident there is more to come soon.
Sorry I've been away. I'm not feeling very sociable these days. The baby's due date is Friday, November 7. So we're working and nesting. And resting. And while I'm waiting, there's not a lot to report. We're making progress toward delivery. I'll spare you the details.
So I've not been in a talkative mood. I'm bad at returning calls, I never blog, and I'm ignoring Facebook. And I'm sorry. I think it's part of nesting.
I do expect that I'll get back into a photography mode once Annika is born. Perhaps there will be a lot of photographs of the kid soon to come. I'm leaning toward pictures more than writing. But my computer situation vis a vis photography is still tenuous. I'll do my best.
If you've been reading for a while, thanks for staying tuned. I don't think I ever thought I'd hit 800 posts when I started this. I'm confident there is more to come soon.
10.19.2008
High-Maintenance Home Day
My house is being very demanding right now.
It's really cold, low 40's, and time to suck it up and turn on the heat. It's a Maine thing I picked up in college, that turning on the heat is somehow a surrender. Most people I know from up there wait as long as possible before turning on the boiler or lighting the stove. You know who you are.
Knowing that the time would soon come, I recruited my brother a few weeks ago to help me figure out the relatively-new oil burner and forced-hot water heating system. It took a while, largely due to an annoying digital thermostat, but eventually the system kicked in and the baseboard heating units warmed up. We had heat at the Archer house.
I shut off the thermostat, confident that all I'd have to do is turn it back on when the cold finally won. Well, when I turned on the heat before going to bed last night and it was just 55 degrees in the house this morning, I realized something was wrong.
We still don't know what the problem is with the burner. Could be the oldest electrical switch I have ever seen, the one that appears to have been manufactured the year after electricity was invented. The one that powers the oil burner. Could be something to do with the burner itself, or maybe the lock-outs, the relays, the oil line, the damned thermostat. Really, could be anything. And I don't want to pay for an emergency Sunday service call. So I called to leave a message to make a service appointment with the oil company for non-peak hours.
So the whole heat thing really frustrated me today, as I feel like I always live in houses that are too cold and I'm really tired of it. Aaron brought up the space heater for the living room. It was when he tried to vacuum off the same outlet as the space heater and the TV's surge strip that we blew a fuse in the living room and had to figure that out. It was a simple fix, but after the oil burner not starting I just didn't care any more.
The fuse was pretty easily sorted out. Not so much with the heat. So we have the space heater and blankets, as well as the dubious heat-producing abilities of a few Dura-Logs. It's not going to get below freezing, so we'll survive until the oil guy can come over. Cold doesn't win just yet. Though I can promise you that if there were a newborn in this house, we'd have sucked it up and paid the emergency service rates to get some heat in this house.
Part of my frustration was that it's been on my to-do list to have the damned oil furnace serviced and I just haven't gotten it done. I also regret not having paid attention during the home inspection. I wasn't feeling well that day and spent most of the time on the previous owner's couch.
Speaking of the previous owner, we realized today that they actually did have a water purification system, but the filter hasn't been changed in 3.5 years. They're supposed to last 3 months. No wonder the water tastes like moldy ass and we go through a Brita filter a month.
I take comfort in feeling like they weren't malicious about neglecting things in this house, but they just weren't totally forthcoming. Not that I blame them. Or maybe they just didn't know how to cope so they didn't. There are a lot of things that have turned up in this house that are just little issues. Nothing terrible, just an accumulation of stuff the last people probably inherited and couldn't be bothered with fixing either. I can understand that. I resent having to be surprised by it, but I bought this house and have a responsibility to figure it out and fix its problems.
It's really cold, low 40's, and time to suck it up and turn on the heat. It's a Maine thing I picked up in college, that turning on the heat is somehow a surrender. Most people I know from up there wait as long as possible before turning on the boiler or lighting the stove. You know who you are.
Knowing that the time would soon come, I recruited my brother a few weeks ago to help me figure out the relatively-new oil burner and forced-hot water heating system. It took a while, largely due to an annoying digital thermostat, but eventually the system kicked in and the baseboard heating units warmed up. We had heat at the Archer house.
I shut off the thermostat, confident that all I'd have to do is turn it back on when the cold finally won. Well, when I turned on the heat before going to bed last night and it was just 55 degrees in the house this morning, I realized something was wrong.
We still don't know what the problem is with the burner. Could be the oldest electrical switch I have ever seen, the one that appears to have been manufactured the year after electricity was invented. The one that powers the oil burner. Could be something to do with the burner itself, or maybe the lock-outs, the relays, the oil line, the damned thermostat. Really, could be anything. And I don't want to pay for an emergency Sunday service call. So I called to leave a message to make a service appointment with the oil company for non-peak hours.
So the whole heat thing really frustrated me today, as I feel like I always live in houses that are too cold and I'm really tired of it. Aaron brought up the space heater for the living room. It was when he tried to vacuum off the same outlet as the space heater and the TV's surge strip that we blew a fuse in the living room and had to figure that out. It was a simple fix, but after the oil burner not starting I just didn't care any more.
The fuse was pretty easily sorted out. Not so much with the heat. So we have the space heater and blankets, as well as the dubious heat-producing abilities of a few Dura-Logs. It's not going to get below freezing, so we'll survive until the oil guy can come over. Cold doesn't win just yet. Though I can promise you that if there were a newborn in this house, we'd have sucked it up and paid the emergency service rates to get some heat in this house.
Part of my frustration was that it's been on my to-do list to have the damned oil furnace serviced and I just haven't gotten it done. I also regret not having paid attention during the home inspection. I wasn't feeling well that day and spent most of the time on the previous owner's couch.
Speaking of the previous owner, we realized today that they actually did have a water purification system, but the filter hasn't been changed in 3.5 years. They're supposed to last 3 months. No wonder the water tastes like moldy ass and we go through a Brita filter a month.
I take comfort in feeling like they weren't malicious about neglecting things in this house, but they just weren't totally forthcoming. Not that I blame them. Or maybe they just didn't know how to cope so they didn't. There are a lot of things that have turned up in this house that are just little issues. Nothing terrible, just an accumulation of stuff the last people probably inherited and couldn't be bothered with fixing either. I can understand that. I resent having to be surprised by it, but I bought this house and have a responsibility to figure it out and fix its problems.
10.15.2008
Wary of the Invisible
Aaron picked up on something I said that sounded like "wary of the invisible", then used it his mood on MySpace. I thought it was a good line. I asked him if it came from the faulty carbon monoxide alarm we discovered this morning. The light had turned red and switched to "move to fresh air." Had we been slowly poisoned by an odorless, colorless gas? I did just fire up the oil furnace last week.
We opened a couple windows and I stopped to pick up a new CO detector this morning before my doctor's appointment. It's plugged in now and working fine. No CO in the house.
I also had on in the background the "Haunting" dramalogues on TLC this afternoon while I worked from the sofa. It's daytime TV, therefore full of baby commercials. Ah, welcome to a new demographic, Mrs. Archer.
Schlocky though they are, I kind of like those "Haunting" stories. Talk about wary of the invisible. Ironically, even the baby commercials are about the invisible -- my very squirmy full-term baby daughter. I know she's there, I can't ignore her. And I can't see her, other than in small quakes rippling in my prominent belly.
And yes, I'm a little wary of that invisible too. I'm ready for her to get here. I don't know what to expect once she does. I'm not sure exactly when she'll arrive, or how challenging it's going to be. All I know is that it's coming. I'm getting things done/keeping busy/resting until I get a better idea of exactly when, unmistakably, that one invisible will show up.
We opened a couple windows and I stopped to pick up a new CO detector this morning before my doctor's appointment. It's plugged in now and working fine. No CO in the house.
I also had on in the background the "Haunting" dramalogues on TLC this afternoon while I worked from the sofa. It's daytime TV, therefore full of baby commercials. Ah, welcome to a new demographic, Mrs. Archer.
Schlocky though they are, I kind of like those "Haunting" stories. Talk about wary of the invisible. Ironically, even the baby commercials are about the invisible -- my very squirmy full-term baby daughter. I know she's there, I can't ignore her. And I can't see her, other than in small quakes rippling in my prominent belly.
And yes, I'm a little wary of that invisible too. I'm ready for her to get here. I don't know what to expect once she does. I'm not sure exactly when she'll arrive, or how challenging it's going to be. All I know is that it's coming. I'm getting things done/keeping busy/resting until I get a better idea of exactly when, unmistakably, that one invisible will show up.
10.06.2008
Sore Hips
I'm 36 weeks along now, and my hips are killing me. I'm down to working from home part time these next couple weeks, because sitting upright at a desk all day is now not possible. I'm easing my way into bed rest.
But first, I'm finishing things and preparing things. I'm putting things away and gathering up my resources for a major change. My sore hips are not helping. But it makes sense that there must be physical stress around having a baby. It's a big life change, so it must feel as big, right in your gut, commensurately.
There are two distinct conditions about being at this point physically in a pregnancy. One is that I have discovered physical weaknesses that I cannot wait to address. I need to get in shape, especially if I think I'm having another baby ever. This is not easy on a girl, my friends. I think the combination of having to eat a little better for the diabetes, having to worry about Annika's nutrition, and having had to just physically BE pregnant will help motivate me to exercise and eat better. Nothing else has so far. Maybe sore hips will be the final straw.
The other condition at this point is that my body is trying to get me to wind down. That's what the sore hips are about too. My body has known things about pregnancy all along, things my brain had to go catching up on. My body has changed precisely as it's needed to. My intellectual reactions haven't always been so tolerant. It's no different now with the sore hips. It's not what I want, but I don't have much of a choice. Walking is difficult. I can't bend down and pick things up off the floor very easily. If my will must keep me going, fine. My body is even more determined to get me to stop.
Cold weather helps. It's definitely fall now, and cool outside. I still won't turn on the heat, but it's getting colder. So I'm preparing to hibernate. I'm nesting, and it's a gradual process. Getting laundry done and beds made. Stocking up on supplies. Closing up summertime and getting ready for fall and winter.
I've been seeing Annika's birth as an alarm going off when she's done cooking. I have x-number of weeks to get all of this stuff done, because the bell is going to ring and then it's done. I really wanted to schedule and plan the birth itself, so I knew exactly how much time I had. But along the way I let that go, remembering that some things just have to happen. I only just found out that the birth might have to be planned after all. That means my daughter and I have been on the same page this whole time after all. As I suspected.
But as soon as you plan one thing, something else -- like sore hips -- surprises you and makes sure you are doing only what you need to be doing in order to be ready. It also reminds you that no matter what you do, you can only be so ready.
But first, I'm finishing things and preparing things. I'm putting things away and gathering up my resources for a major change. My sore hips are not helping. But it makes sense that there must be physical stress around having a baby. It's a big life change, so it must feel as big, right in your gut, commensurately.
There are two distinct conditions about being at this point physically in a pregnancy. One is that I have discovered physical weaknesses that I cannot wait to address. I need to get in shape, especially if I think I'm having another baby ever. This is not easy on a girl, my friends. I think the combination of having to eat a little better for the diabetes, having to worry about Annika's nutrition, and having had to just physically BE pregnant will help motivate me to exercise and eat better. Nothing else has so far. Maybe sore hips will be the final straw.
The other condition at this point is that my body is trying to get me to wind down. That's what the sore hips are about too. My body has known things about pregnancy all along, things my brain had to go catching up on. My body has changed precisely as it's needed to. My intellectual reactions haven't always been so tolerant. It's no different now with the sore hips. It's not what I want, but I don't have much of a choice. Walking is difficult. I can't bend down and pick things up off the floor very easily. If my will must keep me going, fine. My body is even more determined to get me to stop.
Cold weather helps. It's definitely fall now, and cool outside. I still won't turn on the heat, but it's getting colder. So I'm preparing to hibernate. I'm nesting, and it's a gradual process. Getting laundry done and beds made. Stocking up on supplies. Closing up summertime and getting ready for fall and winter.
I've been seeing Annika's birth as an alarm going off when she's done cooking. I have x-number of weeks to get all of this stuff done, because the bell is going to ring and then it's done. I really wanted to schedule and plan the birth itself, so I knew exactly how much time I had. But along the way I let that go, remembering that some things just have to happen. I only just found out that the birth might have to be planned after all. That means my daughter and I have been on the same page this whole time after all. As I suspected.
But as soon as you plan one thing, something else -- like sore hips -- surprises you and makes sure you are doing only what you need to be doing in order to be ready. It also reminds you that no matter what you do, you can only be so ready.
9.16.2008
What Does She Have to Hide?
After originally agreeing to fully cooperate with the bipartisan committee investigating some messy potential abuses of her power as Governor of Alaska, Sarah Palin has once again enlisted her cronies to do her bidding. Now, 5 Alaska Republicans have filed suit to block the investigation.
Is this how she operates? Is this what America needs one step away from the Presidency? WHAT DOES SHE HAVE TO HIDE? I'm sorry, but if she's not been involved in any wrongdoings, she needs to get out of the way and let the investigation proceed. She's all but declaring her guilt about firing Monegan over Wooten by this new behavior.
I loathe Sarah Palin and everything she stands for, so my mind has long since been made up. But how much is enough before the rest of the electorate can see her for what she is? She's unprepared, unqualified, and dishonest. Do we need this in a Vice President? I pray that the case against her, and McCain by proxy, is only growing and gaining momentum. America, we are SCREWED if this woman and what she stands for are in charge.
The sad thing is that I think John McCain is a good guy. I don't want him to be President, as he's too old and too out of touch and too Republican for my taste. As disappointed as I would be if Obama were not elected, I think we could do worse than John McCain. But I can't stand his choice of a running mate, and the idea of him being elected in his early 70's with that bimbo the heir apparent is terrifying.
The bottom line is that we're voting for a ticket: Obama AND Biden, McCain AND Palin. She's clearly abused her power as Governor of Alaska, so we're going to give her more power? Please, for the love of God, THINK before you vote Republican. Now more than ever.
Is this how she operates? Is this what America needs one step away from the Presidency? WHAT DOES SHE HAVE TO HIDE? I'm sorry, but if she's not been involved in any wrongdoings, she needs to get out of the way and let the investigation proceed. She's all but declaring her guilt about firing Monegan over Wooten by this new behavior.
I loathe Sarah Palin and everything she stands for, so my mind has long since been made up. But how much is enough before the rest of the electorate can see her for what she is? She's unprepared, unqualified, and dishonest. Do we need this in a Vice President? I pray that the case against her, and McCain by proxy, is only growing and gaining momentum. America, we are SCREWED if this woman and what she stands for are in charge.
The sad thing is that I think John McCain is a good guy. I don't want him to be President, as he's too old and too out of touch and too Republican for my taste. As disappointed as I would be if Obama were not elected, I think we could do worse than John McCain. But I can't stand his choice of a running mate, and the idea of him being elected in his early 70's with that bimbo the heir apparent is terrifying.
The bottom line is that we're voting for a ticket: Obama AND Biden, McCain AND Palin. She's clearly abused her power as Governor of Alaska, so we're going to give her more power? Please, for the love of God, THINK before you vote Republican. Now more than ever.
A Month, A Purpose
I seriously haven't posted here in a month. I spent some time today working on a presentation about blogging, which I will present tomorrow to my team members at work. One of the major themes that kept emerging (and making me feel slightly guilty) is that blogs should be updated frequently. I've spent so much time building this site (nearly 800 posts in less than 4 years) that it seems a shame to let it languish now.
But there's another angle I learned in my blog research today too. Blogs are personal, like a diary. But they also need a purpose. The common denominator for this blog has been me: words and photos, the record of what I've been up to over time. But is that a purpose?
Unfortunately, the metaphysics of blogging, and my role as a blogger, have not been foremost on my mind. We're down to about 7 weeks, now, give or take, before Annika arrives. For 32 weeks pregnant, I feel great, but I'm tired by the end of the day. The focus now is on getting my tasks done at work before my maternity leave begins. My computer situation has also been a hassle. I've entirely given up on the laptop for dealing with photos, but the Mac isn't quite upgraded yet. Plus, it's upstairs, and not accessible from the cozy new sofa.
So, blame the sofa, the laptop, the third trimester, the preoccupation with work. I suspect as my life purpose shifts --- this time as a new mother --- I'll be back online to work through all of it in my blog-journal here. Complete with pictures.
In the meantime, I do need to post a picture of me with this belly. Annika is growing, weighs about 4 pounds, and as she grows I feel her moving more and more. I can't believe she's going to be here soon. And I can't wait.
But there's another angle I learned in my blog research today too. Blogs are personal, like a diary. But they also need a purpose. The common denominator for this blog has been me: words and photos, the record of what I've been up to over time. But is that a purpose?
Unfortunately, the metaphysics of blogging, and my role as a blogger, have not been foremost on my mind. We're down to about 7 weeks, now, give or take, before Annika arrives. For 32 weeks pregnant, I feel great, but I'm tired by the end of the day. The focus now is on getting my tasks done at work before my maternity leave begins. My computer situation has also been a hassle. I've entirely given up on the laptop for dealing with photos, but the Mac isn't quite upgraded yet. Plus, it's upstairs, and not accessible from the cozy new sofa.
So, blame the sofa, the laptop, the third trimester, the preoccupation with work. I suspect as my life purpose shifts --- this time as a new mother --- I'll be back online to work through all of it in my blog-journal here. Complete with pictures.
In the meantime, I do need to post a picture of me with this belly. Annika is growing, weighs about 4 pounds, and as she grows I feel her moving more and more. I can't believe she's going to be here soon. And I can't wait.
8.14.2008
Butterball Turkey Timer
Not to gross anyone out --- but seriously, suck it up because it's only going to get gorier from here folks. As I was saying, I don't want to gross anyone out, but the ol' belly button is about to go from an inny to an outy. Any day now. I'm thinking of starting a pool to see when it goes. Unfortunately, unlike the turkey, when the button pops, it doesn't mean the baby's done cooking.
The Sugar
I found out early last week that I have "the sugar" --- also known as diabetes. Sometimes just referred to as "having sugar." Family history and a childish love for Pop-Tarts caught up to me, and I developed gestational diabetes. The good news is that it goes away with the placenta, which is what's blocking my body's effective use of insulin. The bad news is that I'm a milk-and-cookies kind of gal and along with smoking, sushi, red wine, and various other vices, I'm now off the sweets too. And I have to test my blood sugar 4 times a day.
However, the difference with having to change my diet now is that I felt miserable. No sooner did the aggravated back injury start to mend did I fall into a sugar stupor. I knew for a couple weeks before the diagnosis that I was diabetic. My thirst was insatiable, and a butterscotch-chip muffin during a morning meeting literally had me hallucinating. I was tired all the time, peeing all the time, and simply out of sorts.
Now, I feel better. Cheating last night and eating both Pop-Tarts and a huge glass of milk caused me to sleep poorly last night, have a hard time waking up this morning, and have a too-high fasting blood sugar reading of 109 when I woke up. Despite my sweet tooth, it's just not worth it.
Beyond even how I feel is the impact on Annika. High levels of glucose in my blood cause high levels in hers, but she can't benefit from my insulin and has to make her own. All that extra insulin is like a growth hormone for the fetus in utero, and she can pack on even more weight than she's already going to in these final weeks.
And honestly, that was the hardest part of finding out about the diabetes. I know I'm going to be fine, but I felt this tremendous guilt about not having eaten better, and having potentially put her at risk. I barely held it together that first day at work before coming home and crying bitterly, and I couldn't talk about the baby for a couple days without choking right up. With everything that's gone on this year, I seriously felt like I couldn't handle one more thing. But it had to be managed, and managing the condition is making a difference for both of us.
However, the difference with having to change my diet now is that I felt miserable. No sooner did the aggravated back injury start to mend did I fall into a sugar stupor. I knew for a couple weeks before the diagnosis that I was diabetic. My thirst was insatiable, and a butterscotch-chip muffin during a morning meeting literally had me hallucinating. I was tired all the time, peeing all the time, and simply out of sorts.
Now, I feel better. Cheating last night and eating both Pop-Tarts and a huge glass of milk caused me to sleep poorly last night, have a hard time waking up this morning, and have a too-high fasting blood sugar reading of 109 when I woke up. Despite my sweet tooth, it's just not worth it.
Beyond even how I feel is the impact on Annika. High levels of glucose in my blood cause high levels in hers, but she can't benefit from my insulin and has to make her own. All that extra insulin is like a growth hormone for the fetus in utero, and she can pack on even more weight than she's already going to in these final weeks.
And honestly, that was the hardest part of finding out about the diabetes. I know I'm going to be fine, but I felt this tremendous guilt about not having eaten better, and having potentially put her at risk. I barely held it together that first day at work before coming home and crying bitterly, and I couldn't talk about the baby for a couple days without choking right up. With everything that's gone on this year, I seriously felt like I couldn't handle one more thing. But it had to be managed, and managing the condition is making a difference for both of us.
The World Loves a Pregnant Woman
At 29 weeks, I'm looking rather pregnant these days. In the past several weeks, I've moved into the realm of the obviously pregnant and away from the maybe-she-just-had-a-large-meal look of the early days.
Of course, I've had the last 5 months to get used to my state, so it came as a surprise when people started to react to me as a pregnant woman. I remember very clearly the first day when it hit me, which was June 27, the day of the double closings, the move, and the escaped cat debacle. I went to Petco that evening and a salesgirl literally yanked a 21-pound box of cat litter out of my hands and carried it to the front for me. Immediately afterward, at Whole Foods, a bagger insisted on carrying my groceries out for me, and seemed incredulous when I declined.
The kindness and goodwill has only increased along with my girth. People fall over themselves to hold doors for me. They comment on my pregnancy, ask how I'm feeling, and smile a lot. Some can't resist the urge to pat my belly, then seem a little sheepish for having done so.
For my part, I don't mind if people touch the Buddha. Typically independent to the point of being to my own detriment, I'm alright with people diving in front of the closing elevator or hauling my groceries. More than anything, I'm grateful for the repeated demonstrations of humanity that my pregnancy has engendered. I only wish that that were the rule, rather than the exception.
Of course, I've had the last 5 months to get used to my state, so it came as a surprise when people started to react to me as a pregnant woman. I remember very clearly the first day when it hit me, which was June 27, the day of the double closings, the move, and the escaped cat debacle. I went to Petco that evening and a salesgirl literally yanked a 21-pound box of cat litter out of my hands and carried it to the front for me. Immediately afterward, at Whole Foods, a bagger insisted on carrying my groceries out for me, and seemed incredulous when I declined.
The kindness and goodwill has only increased along with my girth. People fall over themselves to hold doors for me. They comment on my pregnancy, ask how I'm feeling, and smile a lot. Some can't resist the urge to pat my belly, then seem a little sheepish for having done so.
For my part, I don't mind if people touch the Buddha. Typically independent to the point of being to my own detriment, I'm alright with people diving in front of the closing elevator or hauling my groceries. More than anything, I'm grateful for the repeated demonstrations of humanity that my pregnancy has engendered. I only wish that that were the rule, rather than the exception.
7.31.2008
Home Inspection at the New Pad, 2nd Edition
Original post, 5/20/08
Aaron and I had the inspection on the new house on Wednesday afternoon. Here he is waving to me from the kitchen while I was outside shooting pictures of the backyard.
I shot 160 pictures, documenting damn near everything in it.
I originally posted pictures of the yard, bathrooms, and kitchen, but the current owners found them and have asked that I not post any pictures of the house while they still own it. Fair enough. I feel like I was extremely careful to respect their privacy by not mentioning the address, their names, or showing any of their personal belongings. But privacy is by no means an absolute concept, and different people have different thresholds.
Once we own the house (and only if we do ultimately own the house), will I restore the original posts.
Postscript, 7/31/08: Well, we own the house, so back online go my posts. I promised to take them down, and I promised I'd post them again once the damned closing was all done. So here we are. Each post from May 20 is reposted here with a postscript in this format. Once the house is ready, I'll post before-and-after images. First priority, Annika's room.
Aaron and I had the inspection on the new house on Wednesday afternoon. Here he is waving to me from the kitchen while I was outside shooting pictures of the backyard.
I shot 160 pictures, documenting damn near everything in it.
I originally posted pictures of the yard, bathrooms, and kitchen, but the current owners found them and have asked that I not post any pictures of the house while they still own it. Fair enough. I feel like I was extremely careful to respect their privacy by not mentioning the address, their names, or showing any of their personal belongings. But privacy is by no means an absolute concept, and different people have different thresholds.
Once we own the house (and only if we do ultimately own the house), will I restore the original posts.
Postscript, 7/31/08: Well, we own the house, so back online go my posts. I promised to take them down, and I promised I'd post them again once the damned closing was all done. So here we are. Each post from May 20 is reposted here with a postscript in this format. Once the house is ready, I'll post before-and-after images. First priority, Annika's room.
Heinous Pink Bathroom
Original post, 5/20/08:
I'm very excited about the new house, but I'm really worried about the stupid pink bathroom. I feel like I'm inside a stomach whenever I turn the light on in there. Aaron assures me that we can gut the damned thing at some point, but I'm torn between trying to make it work, and trying to figure out the exact quantity of plastic explosives it would take to obliterate the pinkness without damaging the adjacent rooms.
This room reminds me of the old adage about taking one thing off before you leave the house. Pink floors, pink walls and shower and tub, pink sink, pink toilet. W.T.F.??? Here are the "highlights", God help us.
These built-ins are really the best feature.
The sink is so old it's actually interesting, with a built-in faucet spout between the hot and cold water taps. But it's too close to the color of the walls without being close enough. Again, if it were just the sink, or just the walls, it might not be so offensive.
Bad lighting, yes, and my computer is being a douche-bag so I can't edit anything in PhotoShop. But seriously, no amount of PhotoShop could diminish the pinketude.
The fish cover on the toilet seat indicates the decor is geared more toward a kid than an adult. But if an 8 year-old girl needs to tone down the pink, there's clearly an overdose going on.
The floor is actually not so terrible, but it's got a big crack in the middle of it further into the room so it's gotta go.
A detail of the Pepto-Bismol-on-Salmon two-tone tile goodness. It's actually a very professional tile job.
That said, we might actually keep the wall tile, which extends into the shower surround as well. A white tub cover, a new white toilet, white pedestal sink, small white hexagonal tile on the floor, and some new wall color might just work. Believe it or not, I'm thinking chocolate brown. I know pink and chocolate brown are ultra-trendy right now, but seriously, if you can think of something better, I'm totally open to ideas. The advantage to doing brown paint and accents like towels or a shower curtain is that it's easily changed later. The fixtures will be neutral enough and the wall tile keeps a reference to the 1950's vintage of the house. We'll replace the light fixtures and the medicine cabinet too.
Postscript, 7/31/08: God help me, I've made the pink bathroom work. I need to snap some pix and post once it's done, but the brown is REALLY helping. Brown valances, brown shower curtain, wooden bathmat, brown towels, large natural dark wood woven trash can, etc. I think we'll hold off on brown paint, as the white is working. Just need some art on the walls and I can handle it. For now.
I'm very excited about the new house, but I'm really worried about the stupid pink bathroom. I feel like I'm inside a stomach whenever I turn the light on in there. Aaron assures me that we can gut the damned thing at some point, but I'm torn between trying to make it work, and trying to figure out the exact quantity of plastic explosives it would take to obliterate the pinkness without damaging the adjacent rooms.
This room reminds me of the old adage about taking one thing off before you leave the house. Pink floors, pink walls and shower and tub, pink sink, pink toilet. W.T.F.??? Here are the "highlights", God help us.
These built-ins are really the best feature.
The sink is so old it's actually interesting, with a built-in faucet spout between the hot and cold water taps. But it's too close to the color of the walls without being close enough. Again, if it were just the sink, or just the walls, it might not be so offensive.
Bad lighting, yes, and my computer is being a douche-bag so I can't edit anything in PhotoShop. But seriously, no amount of PhotoShop could diminish the pinketude.
The fish cover on the toilet seat indicates the decor is geared more toward a kid than an adult. But if an 8 year-old girl needs to tone down the pink, there's clearly an overdose going on.
The floor is actually not so terrible, but it's got a big crack in the middle of it further into the room so it's gotta go.
A detail of the Pepto-Bismol-on-Salmon two-tone tile goodness. It's actually a very professional tile job.
That said, we might actually keep the wall tile, which extends into the shower surround as well. A white tub cover, a new white toilet, white pedestal sink, small white hexagonal tile on the floor, and some new wall color might just work. Believe it or not, I'm thinking chocolate brown. I know pink and chocolate brown are ultra-trendy right now, but seriously, if you can think of something better, I'm totally open to ideas. The advantage to doing brown paint and accents like towels or a shower curtain is that it's easily changed later. The fixtures will be neutral enough and the wall tile keeps a reference to the 1950's vintage of the house. We'll replace the light fixtures and the medicine cabinet too.
Postscript, 7/31/08: God help me, I've made the pink bathroom work. I need to snap some pix and post once it's done, but the brown is REALLY helping. Brown valances, brown shower curtain, wooden bathmat, brown towels, large natural dark wood woven trash can, etc. I think we'll hold off on brown paint, as the white is working. Just need some art on the walls and I can handle it. For now.
Cranberry and Blue Master Bathroom
Original post, 5/20/08:
Despite my misgivings about the pink bathroom, I really love the color combination of our tiny master bathroom.
The toilet may get an upgrade to a more water-efficient model at some point, but you really can't find any quarrel with the white toilet and white vanity.
We'll replace the shower fixtures, light fixtures, and medicine cabinet. I sort of wish there weren't grab bars drilled into the tile all over the place, but an elderly couple owned the house before the current owners, so it's hard to complain. You never know when they might come in handy.
It's tiny, but it's a master suite, which has been hard to find, given the ages of the houses we've looked at.
Postscript, 7/31/08: I still love the bathroom, but I have yet to use the shower. The old fixtures are too hard to turn, and it hasn't been cleaned yet since we moved in. Because Aaron and I sleep as late as is humanly possible, we've been using the pink bathroom for getting ready in the morning so as to not disturb the one still sleeping. But we'll get there, especially once we have guests. Unfortunately, this room like the others fell victim to the matchy-matchy painted trim. Pink trim in the pink bedroom, blue trim in the blue bathroom, etc. Need some white paint in this house. Oh, and those grab bars I maligned in the earlier post? They were a godsend when I hurt my back and couldn't move. I still can't move very well, but I'm much improved. Having something strong to hold on to really helped.
Despite my misgivings about the pink bathroom, I really love the color combination of our tiny master bathroom.
The toilet may get an upgrade to a more water-efficient model at some point, but you really can't find any quarrel with the white toilet and white vanity.
We'll replace the shower fixtures, light fixtures, and medicine cabinet. I sort of wish there weren't grab bars drilled into the tile all over the place, but an elderly couple owned the house before the current owners, so it's hard to complain. You never know when they might come in handy.
It's tiny, but it's a master suite, which has been hard to find, given the ages of the houses we've looked at.
Postscript, 7/31/08: I still love the bathroom, but I have yet to use the shower. The old fixtures are too hard to turn, and it hasn't been cleaned yet since we moved in. Because Aaron and I sleep as late as is humanly possible, we've been using the pink bathroom for getting ready in the morning so as to not disturb the one still sleeping. But we'll get there, especially once we have guests. Unfortunately, this room like the others fell victim to the matchy-matchy painted trim. Pink trim in the pink bedroom, blue trim in the blue bathroom, etc. Need some white paint in this house. Oh, and those grab bars I maligned in the earlier post? They were a godsend when I hurt my back and couldn't move. I still can't move very well, but I'm much improved. Having something strong to hold on to really helped.
Indoor/Outdoor/Indoor Living Spaces: Sunroom, Deck, Mudroom, Kitchen
Original post, May 20, 2008:
One of the big selling points for me with the new house was the sunroom and the yard. The old hippie in me needs a place to walk around barefoot in the grass in the summertime, where I can plant flowers and vegetables and enjoy the warmth and sunshine outdoors. The sunroom reminds me of the porch at my grandparents' house on the lake, where we spent lots of time during the summer when I was growing up. This is a more finished version, with windows and a slate floor.
The sunroom is off the den. Here's the view when you first enter the room:
To the right is the doorway to go outside:
We also want to be able to entertain, and there's a great spot for a platform deck off the sunroom.
The doorway from which I took the picture is off the sun room. The doorway straight ahead leads to the garage. The doorway to the right is off the mudroom, which is separate from but adjacent to the kitchen.
Here's the mudroom, which may or may not get absorbed into the kitchen at some point:
There are hook-ups for a washer and dryer to the left, and a second sink AND dishwasher in the mudroom. For a woman who doesn't cook or entertain much now, these seem like extravagances. But something tells me we'll be happy to have them. It's the presence of these items that first allowed me to imagine taking down the wall and expanding the kitchen.
This is the wall that would be removed, were we to expand the kitchen. So the fridge would need a home. Here's the whole kitchen, currently. The fridge is behind the open door on the right (you can just see the door handle)
I think we could put the fridge where the stove is, and put the cooktop and ovens in an island in the middle. The kitchen really is small, and opening up the wall between the two spaces would really help that. But it's also a shallow space, so we'll see once we've spent some time there. With buying the house, getting married, and having a baby this year, a kitchen renovation is hardly at the top of the list.
Postscript 7/31/08: The Sunroom has become Aaron's studio, the deck has been postponed until next summer, the mudroom is full of empty cardboard boxes. But the kitchen is clean! Sort of. Got a few things to unpack in there, but it's looking good. Need to set up the eat-in area. We're throwing a housewarming party later in August, so we have a timeframe for getting it all together. And it's getting there.
One of the big selling points for me with the new house was the sunroom and the yard. The old hippie in me needs a place to walk around barefoot in the grass in the summertime, where I can plant flowers and vegetables and enjoy the warmth and sunshine outdoors. The sunroom reminds me of the porch at my grandparents' house on the lake, where we spent lots of time during the summer when I was growing up. This is a more finished version, with windows and a slate floor.
The sunroom is off the den. Here's the view when you first enter the room:
To the right is the doorway to go outside:
We also want to be able to entertain, and there's a great spot for a platform deck off the sunroom.
The doorway from which I took the picture is off the sun room. The doorway straight ahead leads to the garage. The doorway to the right is off the mudroom, which is separate from but adjacent to the kitchen.
Here's the mudroom, which may or may not get absorbed into the kitchen at some point:
There are hook-ups for a washer and dryer to the left, and a second sink AND dishwasher in the mudroom. For a woman who doesn't cook or entertain much now, these seem like extravagances. But something tells me we'll be happy to have them. It's the presence of these items that first allowed me to imagine taking down the wall and expanding the kitchen.
This is the wall that would be removed, were we to expand the kitchen. So the fridge would need a home. Here's the whole kitchen, currently. The fridge is behind the open door on the right (you can just see the door handle)
I think we could put the fridge where the stove is, and put the cooktop and ovens in an island in the middle. The kitchen really is small, and opening up the wall between the two spaces would really help that. But it's also a shallow space, so we'll see once we've spent some time there. With buying the house, getting married, and having a baby this year, a kitchen renovation is hardly at the top of the list.
Postscript 7/31/08: The Sunroom has become Aaron's studio, the deck has been postponed until next summer, the mudroom is full of empty cardboard boxes. But the kitchen is clean! Sort of. Got a few things to unpack in there, but it's looking good. Need to set up the eat-in area. We're throwing a housewarming party later in August, so we have a timeframe for getting it all together. And it's getting there.
The Yard
I cannot wait to get my hands dirty out in the yard at the new house this summer.
Here's the outside, which has a bit of grass but mostly shrubbery and garden beds:
Backyard view of the house, where the deck will go (see next post for the walk-through view from inside the house):
Here's the overgrown maple tree in the backyard that will soon be getting a bit of a trim:
Once the tree is trimmed, the yard will hopefully be a bit less shady. I'd like to see some grass grow, and I think I'll plant something along the fence here. Suggestions welcome.
There is a lovely area along the far side of the house that's already got planting and some pavers:
And a bench and what appears to be a little terraced area. I'm curious to see what's planted there:
Postscript, 7/31/08: The yard is yielding many happy surprises, like the raspberries (see below), lilies, echinacea, roses, onions, etc. Unfortunately, time and the physical limitations of my old back injury combined with my advancing pregnancy have conspired to keep me out of the yard. It's okay though. I'm happy to see how it evolves and see what's out there this season.
Here's the outside, which has a bit of grass but mostly shrubbery and garden beds:
Backyard view of the house, where the deck will go (see next post for the walk-through view from inside the house):
Here's the overgrown maple tree in the backyard that will soon be getting a bit of a trim:
Once the tree is trimmed, the yard will hopefully be a bit less shady. I'd like to see some grass grow, and I think I'll plant something along the fence here. Suggestions welcome.
There is a lovely area along the far side of the house that's already got planting and some pavers:
And a bench and what appears to be a little terraced area. I'm curious to see what's planted there:
Postscript, 7/31/08: The yard is yielding many happy surprises, like the raspberries (see below), lilies, echinacea, roses, onions, etc. Unfortunately, time and the physical limitations of my old back injury combined with my advancing pregnancy have conspired to keep me out of the yard. It's okay though. I'm happy to see how it evolves and see what's out there this season.
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