28 Weeks - Third Trimester!

As you can see I pretty much live in my maternity leggings. I have a few different pair but thought I would share with my pregnant friends the link to my favorite ones. These are thick, great support, and the belly goes up all the way and doesn't show the big indention middle of your belly. For size reference I have a Small.  I think they do run a bit big, so if you have a smaller lower half with your hips/butt, I bet an XS would work.   

HERE is the link for Target!

They might actually be in store, but I'm lazy and didn't want to dig to find them since I got the recommendation offline from someone else! :)


How far along: 28 weeks - 7 Months

Size of baby:  Head of Cauliflower (16in, 2.5lbs)

Sleep:  Hm, that would be awful! ha Between constant bathroom breaks, insane vivid dreams ALL night, and broken hips.. not happening. I have reached the point of extreme, extreme pain when laying down.  This is definitely the point I actually prefer the crazy newborn wakeup nights over painful  nonexistent sleep!

Symptoms:  The worst is definitely the hip, back pain I mentioned above.  This belly grows by the minute is seems.  Anything like putting on shoes or socks, painting my toenails, etc is a whole ordeal.  Lance came into the bedroom Saturday and I was on the floor so out of breath and he asked what happened.. oh ya know, just trying to get my socks on! lol The one plus about being big in the spring/summer last time was I lived in maxi dresses and flip flops.  The heartburn is also here and can be INTENSE.  Tums are my new best friend.

Miss anything:  My body!

Movement:   He moves mostly in the morning and at night.  He is still pretty calm during the day which isn't good.. that baby needs to get his days and nights figured out NOW. Yea, right.  A girl can dream. 

Food cravings:  Still loving carbs and sweets here.  No specific food as always. One thing I do really enjoy that is the same as Tilly's pregnancy is the Hershey's white chocolate peppermint bars that come out for Christmas. Yum!

Best moment this month/looking forward to:  Just getting closer and closer to meeting this baby and feeling human again! I have my 28 week apt on Friday, which is the glucose test. Fingers crossed all goes well and I pass the first time around like I did before.  We are also getting everything all ready for Christmas and then I'll be having my baby shower for this sweet boy early next month.  Can't believe it's all coming together so fast. The holidays will definitely make the next month or so fly by and then it'll be SO CLOSE! ah!

Tilly's Christmas List - 2.5yrs old

I thought I would put together a fun little Christmas list for anyone searching for what to get their girl toddler.  I know this year was pretty hard to think of things because the girl has EVERYTHING.  And when I search and look at toys, so many are the same type thing she already has- just a different character or colors maybe. Plus, I am THAT mom that avoids toys with 900 million pieces that I know will just get thrown everywhere at this age.  With that being said, here are a few things either we have purchased or ideas I have passed on to grandparents that they purchased.


Anything baby dolls is a hit with this little girl.  She LOVES anything baby. Baby baby baby!

 

Baby doll set found HERE

Cradle found HERE 

 

It shows unavailable now but I think updates daily

 

 

 

High Chair found HERE

 

 

 

 

 

Castle found HERE

 

This item goes back and forth between unavailable, around $50, and as low as $18 which is what my mom ended up getting it for! Another one to add to your cart and watch daily!

 

 

 

 

This next gift is a practical one.  We are moving Tilly into her new room either by the end of the month or first thing January. I have heard rave reviews on these type of clocks and got this specific recommendation from another blogger.  I realllllly  hope it works some magic with her being out of the cage.. aka crib! haha

 

 

Clock found HERE

 

 

She is very into a few certain shows right now and Sophia the first (which she calls 'Dresses' haha) and Doc McStuffins are the top runners.

 

Sophia doll found HERE

 

 



 

Book found HERE

 

 

 

 

 

HERE is a link for Amazon, but I actually found this for $10 at Big Lots!

 

 

 

 

 

Hospital bag found HERE

 

A few other things I know of she will probably end up with is other random baby doll accessories, Doc McStuffins doll, cookie monster doll, big sister and potty (oh the dreaded potty) books, etc.

Stocking wise so far I've just picked up little items here and there- a digital Minnie Mouse watch ($4.99 find last week at Aldi! They also have other characters), character socks from Target's dollar spot, candy, her own chapstick - long lid only of course (girl is obsessed!!!), bath paint, etc

I hope this helps some of you girl moms out there!  Soon enough I'll have some boy ideas too! :) 
 

 Merry Christmas!!!

24 Weeks - 6 Months

 

Finally fitting into some maternity jeans even though these are too long and baggy down the legs. Oh well. And barely stretching into my non maternity sweaters. I'm sure those days are numbered!

I can not believe I am already 6 months pregnant. This second pregnancy definitely seems to be going so, so much faster.  I felt like I was JUST at my 20 week doctor's appointment and here I am having my 24 week one later today. The bump is so big and uncomfortable now. I feel like I have a 30 week belly already, whew.  All the normal tasks are becoming harder and harder. Bending over to do anything is so painful and a hassle. I forgot what an Olympic sport it was to shave your legs.  It's also wearing on me picking up and toting a toddler around. Luckily I don't have to pick her up TOO much, but ouch. My lower back kills me all the time and the past few days my stomach muscles have been so sore, like I have been working out. And no, I have not been. ha.  Every thing else is just moving right along. I bought the décor for the nursery walls this weekend and since it's already painted gray and we are keeping all the furniture in there, it should be an easy switch.  We got Tilly's new room (the current guest room) painted about a week ago and the plan is to move her in there in her big girl bed (the full size bed that's already there.. ah!) in January. That'll give her 2 months to HOPEFULLY be all adjusted and used to that being her room.  I already have her new bedding purchased and will switch her décor with her, so all that's left for her room is a new chest that I am stalking Ikea to get back in stock.  I really hope to have her room and the nursery 100% done in January that way the last 2 months I am not rushing to do anything. Crazy lady over here does not believe in last minute for anything! :) ha

Here's a little update for this month!

How far along: 24 weeks - 6 Months

Size of baby:  Ear of corn (8.5in, 1.5lbs)

Sleep:  The sore hips/back pain is here to stay. I flip and flop like crazy which in itself is an ordeal.  I also still have quite a bit of bathroom breaks so I have just accepted I'll never be comfortable again until this baby is here. And then I'll still be awake.. just not in pain! ha

Symptoms:  Well I mentioned most of this above I guess.  My body is completely in full blown pregnant mode! The nausea has actually popped back up here and there at night sometimes too.  This mama is ready for MARCH!

Miss anything:  Feeling like a normal human being :) haha

Movement:   Oh yea. This little boy is a mover and a groover just like big sister.  If yall know Tilly in real life, you know that girl is the most active little thing ever.  If she is awake, she is probably running or spinning in circles. She NEVER STOPS MOVING. And since she started off that way in my belly, I think I am just destined for super active kids. They 100% get that from Lance. I could lay on the couch all day long with a blanket and some good TV and be perfectly happy not moving. Oh, not those 2. Lance is the person who paces the house like a maniac when he is on the phone and can not for the life of him sit still. If he is sitting, something is shaking on him.  It's hilarious to see Lance and Tilly sitting on the couch together.. both of their legs are bouncing like crazy.  Drives me insane! I have a feeling there will be a 3rd little shaker sitting right there with them soon enough.

Food cravings:  I just never get cravings really when pregnant. I am definitely loving sweets more, but never HAVE to have anything.

Best moment this month:  Just continuing to grow and feel this sweet little boy get stronger and stronger in my belly. We can't wait to meet him in a few months! :)
 

 

And a little update on Ms. Priss. She is still as sassy and girly as ever. She is talking up a storm now saying full sentences and copying the funniest phrases. One of her favorites is when she sees new clothes and says, "oh my gosh, that is so cute!" haha! She is constantly talking to my belly and wanting to hug and kiss "baby Ivor".  She is so obsessed with her baby dolls and any show that has babies in them. I really hope she'll be this excited about a new baby that is here and never leaves! haha

 

Tilly's 24 week update-
http://mrsaliciarowland.blogspot.com/2014/03/24-weeks-bumpdate.html

 

4 Years

4 years ago today, on the coldest day ever, Lance and I said 'I do'. Along this journey we've had so many huge life events.  We had our sweet little Tilly, I left the "career" world to become a stay at home mom, we bought a new house, and now are getting ready to welcome a little BOY in a few months.  I couldn't imagine living this journey with anyone else.  I am so glad I made that random trip to NC 5 1/2 years ago where we just happened to meet and begin this whirlwind adventure.

 I love you Lance Rowland, to the moon and back!

20 Weeks - It's a BOY!

 

It's a BOY!

  

 

 

We found out about a week and a half ago we were having a boy this time, and boy were we shocked! Obviously you know there's a 50% chance either way and neither of us really felt 100% this baby was a girl but.. we both always deep down saw ourselves as a family of girls.  We were both speechless when it popped up, and I definitely saw it was a boy right away! I think the biggest shock was because all of my pregnancy symptoms were IDENTICAL.  So basically my body hates pregnancy no matter what the gender! lol  I know Lance is excited to have a boy to do "guy stuff" with, but he was even like, "wait what? I thought I would be Lance and his 2 girls!" haha  Surprise!!!

 

We had our names picked out before we found out (if you know me, this is no shock on the planning side! ha) and we actually had the boy name picked out since before we had Tilly. And his name is...

 

 

Ivor Hinton Rowland

 

 

Pronounced I-ver.  Ivor is Lance's middle name and Hinton is my mom's maiden name.  I loved the thought of using Lance's middle name since it has been passed down a few generations, and yall know I love to use "different" names.  Who knows what comments we'll get on this, but I don't care! :)

 

Here we go with a little monthly update!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Whew, hello bump!

How far along: 20 weeks - 5 Months

Size of baby:  Mango (6.5in, 10oz)

Maternity clothes:  I mainly wear maternity tops because I like how much longer they are and show more of a bump than just a fat  belly! Ha I still can't wear most of my old maternity pants yet because they are a size or 2 too big. I do have a few pair that can work and then basically living in my leggings.  Comfy and practical.  I still can wear my regular jeans with hair tie trick, but they aren't very comfortable that way.

Sleep:  The peeing has died down SOME so I am sleeping longer stretches.

Symptoms:  My sciatic nerve pain is FULL FORCE on my right side and it's deadly.  I got this around the end with Tilly and can't believe it is here so early.  Some nights it's so bad I can barely walk.  I am trying to do stretches and keep it manageable, but yikes. No more nausea at all thank goodness.  And of course big ole growing belly!

Miss anything:  Pumpkin beer! haha

Movement:   Yep! Definitely feeling lots and lots of full blown baby movements.  The most is at night when I lay down on my back.

Food cravings:  No cravings really, but I will always say yes to a good sweet treat or dessert! :)

Have you started to show yet:  I guess I can take this question off after this month since that's a big YES and will be from here on out.

Best moment of this month: Seeing our baby and learning it's a sweet little BOY!

 

Tilly's 20 week update-

http://mrsaliciarowland.blogspot.com/2014/02/20-weeks-bumpdate.html

16 Weeks - 4 Months

Wow, here we are again! At first this pregnancy felt sooooo slow.  I think maybe because I basically found out the second I was pregnant from being impatient, but now it does seem to be going by very quickly. I had my 16 week appointment today (at 16wk4d) and everything was great! Just a quick checkup of weight, urine sample, and a heartbeat check!

So earlier this week my friend who goes to the same OB and is only a few days ahead of me texted me to let me know she had her 16wk checkup, and when she went to schedule the next one which is the anatomy/gender scan.. they were super backed up and couldn't get her in until October 17! I was hoping to get in right at 18 weeks again this time which is the week of October 3.  Apparently our practice which has 3 offices and HAD 3 ultrasound techs is suddenly down to 1.  One left and one is on maternity leave, so all patients are going to the main office to be seen by the one tech left. AH! Luckily today I saw my regular doc who delivered Tilly and I love, so as we were in the appointment I mentioned to him I heard they were backed up and basically went on to BEG him to get me in somehow ASAP! haha He said he didn't think it should be too long and said he would walk up with me and see what he could do.  Well... when we go to the scheduler she said now the ultrasounds were backed up until NOVEMBER 3 at the earliest.. what?!?!?! Even he was shocked! So he told me to hold on and he would see what he could do.  He came back and said he couldn't squeeze me in there but he would write a referral to let me get my scan at the hospital so I wouldn't have to wait. Hallelujah! I would've hugged him right there in the hallway if it wouldn't have been weird haha!  Sadly with referral appointments there is one referral lady who has to call you to make that appointment, uh! The checkout lady did say the hospitals normally only have a 2 week wait at the most, so we'll see. She said I probably wouldn't get a call until Monday, so I am very impatiently waiting!!! If for some reason there is still a super long wait there, I guess I will just end up going to an elective place for the gender because I am dying to know! Lance would LOVE to wait until birth to find out but I would die.  Full on fall over dead from anxiety. #dramaqueen

As far as my prediction I am still thinking girl.  I think mainly because of such a similar pregnancy along with just knowing all things girl. Honestly though I know I am going to walk in there completely unsure and not really be surprised either way.  Lance said since he has no idea either this time he will pick boy just to be opposite of me! lol  Guess we'll see who is right soon enough!

Anyways... here we go for a little monthly update!!!

16 week belly!

How far along: 16 weeks - 4 Months

Size of baby:  Avocado (4-5in, 3-5oz)

Maternity clothes:  I pulled my tote out and starting washing a few things right before 15 weeks.  I tried to wear a pair of the jeans one morning, but after walking around in them in my room they were just too big.  I actually started out about 10lbs less this pregnancy than I did with Tilly and also have gained weight A LOT slower.  Once I was in maternity with her, around 18-20 weeks, I was quite a bit heavier on the scale so I guess that's why nothing fits yet bottom wise.  This is the first time I actually have an issue with my bottom half being "too small" haha! I can still wear my regular clothes, they are just super uncomfortable where they dig into my waist. Luckily I can bust out the hair tie trick for a few weeks until I can fit better into the maternity clothes.  I did get a new pair of skinny black jeans (maternity) from Old Navy that fit perfect. I'll probably live in those and leggings for a bit.  Sadly since those fit so well now, I am not sure how long I will be able to wear them. My butt and legs blew up last time so I'm assuming it'll happen soon enough. Thankfully I have a huge supply of maternity wear, so I really shouldn't need to get anything this time.  But honestly with my free Old Navy shopping (I've blogged about this before) I probably will add a few things here and there. I have about 5-6 maxi dresses that I plan to live in at the end when all restrictive clothing is the enemy.

Sleep:  Ah. Awful.  I still pee a million times a night and in between all that, I have the CRAZIEST dreams.  I never feel rested now and am constantly exhausted.

Symptoms:  Well well.  I really thought the nausea was getting better when I updated at 12 weeks. Wrong, wrong, wrong.  I stopped the Diclegis cold turkey at 13 weeks and that was a HUGE mistake.  The nausea came back even worse, plus the 3 days I was off I had the most horrific headache of my life.  Once I did some Google research, I found that apparently some people have a hard time getting off this medicine and it should be weaned very slowly.  Great.  So back on it I went.  I did 2 pills for about 3 nights to feel human again, and then I went down to 1 pill a night for 4 nights.  By this time I still felt OK during the day and thought I was ok to try and stop now. Ugh.  It was bad, but not AS bad as before.  I suffered through (at this point I was ending out 14 weeks) and it slowly got better. I did have one really bad afternoon where I had to call my mom over to watch Tilly until Lance got home so I could go lay down in misery and get some sleep.  Thankfully since 15 weeks each day the nausea seems to get a bit better.  It's definitely not 100% gone but no where near where it was.  I also have this overall feeling of just feeling bad.  I swear with Tilly I thought right at the second trimester I felt so much better.  Nope, not this time. So maybe it is a little stinker boy in there?? haha  My dry hair/skin is still full force (same as before) and also my leg hair grows so much slower (same as before).  My belly is still staying way bigger than last time, which is crazy since I gained the weight so much faster then.  Pregnancy is definitely an interesting thing.  Now at 16 weeks the nausea only comes randomly and sometimes still pops up pretty rough at night, but hallelujah for mostly relief!

Miss anything:  Still gonna say alcohol here! ha Is that bad? Oh well.

Movement:   Crazily, yes! Around 14 weeks I felt the baby. But it wasn't so much movement, but the hard mass of the baby moving around.  Now I feel more like flips than kicks or what I felt at first with Tilly.  I am definitely ready for the swift movements to come though!  Lance actually felt the baby this week at 16 weeks, which is crazy because it took him so long before.  I could feel he/she rolling around like crazy so I grabbed his hand really quick and sure enough he felt it!

Food cravings:  Still carbs and unhealthy foods! ha I do pretty good during the week since I always eat at home, but weekends I tend to be "bad".  I also can now stomach my coffee again.. woohoo!

Have you started to show yet:  Still way large and in charge here.  It's baffling how big this belly gets at night and then balances out more in the mornings. It definitely is starting to stay more on the bigger/pregnant looking side.  I am for sure ready to get out of the "Is she fat or pregnant?" phase and get the round belly! haha

Best moment of this month: Slowly getting rid of the nausea and hearing the sweet little heartbeat going to town.

Tilly's 16 week update-

 http://mrsaliciarowland.blogspot.com/2014/01/16-weeks-bumpdate.html

 

Sneaking Veggies to your Toddler - Quinoa Muffins

Ok, so if your child is anything like mine then they basically hate all veggies for the most part.  She will eat a few things every now and then, but her main source of vegetables still comes from pouches.  I looked up a few different recipes on Pinterest and decided to give this a go.  They were super easy, actually tasted really good, and she did eat them! Now she didn't just scarf them down in excitement like I had hoped, but whatever.   I thought I would share with my other mommy friends to give it a go!


Ingredients:

• 1 1/2c cooked and cooled Quinoa
• 1 1/2c shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 1/2c chopped  vegetables (steamed, roasted, etc)
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 eggs

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees and spray a muffin pan with cooking spray
2. Add all ingredients into a large mixing bowl and mix well
3. Divide evenly into the pan and press down to pack in firmly
4. Bake for 15-20  minutes until brown and crispy

 

For some reason I can not get this picture to flip.  Anyways I just used a steamable bag of vegetables and this steamable bag of Quinoa, both from Target.  The Quinoa was the whole bag and the veggies I just measured out.  Also, I got a seasoned flavored of Quinoa, but you can always do plain or whatever flavor you want!

 

 

It does look a bit gross in the making..

 

 

 

 

Ta-da.. veggie "muffins"

 

 

Not so sure, but she did eat them.  Like I said before, they had a great flavor and I actually ate a few myself.  Hope this helps some other veggie fighting toddlers! Enjoy! :)

Baby #2 Update!

 

Tilly is going to be a BIG SISTER!

 

 

 

 

Surprise! It's baby time!!  Thank you so much for all your congrats and excitement on Facebook/IG! :) We are so excited to go along this journey again and see Tilly as a big sister.  It does make me sad she will no longer be my 100% attention and the baby, but I know like all second time moms I will adjust and everything will be fine.  But girlfriend has no idea how much her world will be rocked in the next few months! ha  We have such a great little routine down now and things are always getting "easier" in their own way.  I am hoping this OCD mama can keep things chugging along how I like them! haha

I feel like the second you have your first baby, everyone feels the need to harass you about baby #2.  It's insane! And they must tell you their opinion on you when the 'perfect' time is.. aka the age gap they did! ha You do you, and I'll do me. Thanks!  I said from the get go I did not want back to back babies.  Nothing wrong with that, just not what I wanted at all.  If you know me, you know I am a planner/scheduler so of course this would be planned too! ha I always said 2.5-3 years apart and here we are.  I really, really wanted a spring baby this time because being 9 months pregnant at the end of June was MISERABLE.  I was cooking from the inside.  It took 5 months to get pregnant with Tilly so I had no idea how to try and "plan" this. I just decided we would start trying around when I wanted the baby, and whatever happened, happened! Well.... good thing we were ready because this baby was ready the first month!   We found out on June 26, the day after Tilly's 2nd birthday party. That seems like so long ago now! I feel more comfortable sharing our news after the 12 week visit, so it always seems like we know for a lifetime before we publically announce.  We did tell most all of our friends and family after the 8 week ultrasound this time.

With Tilly I just KNEW right away up until the anatomy scan that it was a girl.  I would have seriously been shocked if they said boy. This time, I just don't know.  My pregnancy is basically the exact as before, so that makes me lean more towards girl.  Also, I can't imagine having a boy since our life is 100% all things girl.  I would love either way, but I do have reasons for wishing each gender.  No, we don't 100% want a boy just because we have a girl, and no, we will not be having a 3rd if it's a girl.  I have seen the insane comments people make when you have 2+ of the same gender. Whew.  I think people have zero filter when it comes to other people's babies/pregnancy/family planning.  End hormonal rant! :)

Speaking of symptoms, I still am not the biggest fan of being pregnant this time around either! This doesn't mean I am not so thankful and appreciative.  I am so glad to be pregnant and given this blessing, but boy oh boy that doesn't mean I enjoy the process.  As soon as my body hits 6 weeks I get deathly ill with morning sickness.  And by morning sickness, I mean 24/7 no relief worse stomach virus vomit pain you have ever felt.  I ended up on Zofran with Tilly, but my doctor doesn't prescribe it this time around so I started Diclegis around 7 weeks.  You take 2 pills at night and it time releases for the morning.  You can actually take up to 2 more pills during the day, but I stay with the lowest dose I can to make it through the day.  It makes the symptoms go from a 10 to about a 4.  Then around 2-3pm it wears off for the day. Blah.  I can say the past day or two I THINK I am feeling better so I really hope to wean off the medicine in the next week or two.  It went away around 12/13 weeks with Tilly, so fingers crossed!

I did weekly bump dates before, and I definitely want to track and compare this pregnancy as well.  I use this blog SO much to go back and remember things about my pregnancy and also Tilly's different stages.  This time I decided to cut it back to just monthly since not a whole lot changes week to week.  And I doubt I would remember to sit down weekly anyways.

I am so curious how similar and different our 2 children will be. I am hoping for the amazing sleeping to pass on and hopefully not the constant 6 month reflux puking! A girl can dream :)  Also, will I have another tiny tot or a random chunky baby??? haha I'm sure another miniature babe is in my future, and that's a-ok!  I am also curious how the pregnancies will compare the further I get along.  I am showing SOOOO much faster this time around. It's insane.  I was also in so much pain at the very end, and I am hoping my body will be a bit more used to things.  Also hoping to not gain quite as much since that was a pain in the butt to lose! haha  Oh well, eating for 2 is hard work! :)

Here we go with the first official Bump Date! :) :)

 

4 weeks vs. 12 weeks

 

 WHAT a difference! The second is not sucking in what-so ever. Gotta keep it real! :)

Somehow I have only gained 1 lb at my check-up even though it looks like about 10!

How far along:  12 weeks - 3 Months

Size of baby:  Large Plum

Maternity clothes:  Not yet, still wearing all my old clothes.. for now! I am looking forward to those pants though. I might even pull them out sooner than necessary!

Sleep:  Starting to have the crazy dreams every now and then and I wake up to pee A TON! As in 5-6 times some nights.

Symptoms:  As I mentioned above, the nausea is horrible but I really think it's starting to go away. Really tired still and sore back.  My sciatic nerve on my right side is already starting to bother me by late in the day.  I also have very dry skin/hair this time like before. That is such a difference from my normal crazy oily self.

Miss anything:  Alcohol! :) haha

Movement:   Not yet.  I am curious how much sooner it will be this time.  I think with Tilly it was right around 17 weeks I first felt her.

Food cravings:  Carbs and grease.. give me all the bad stuff!  I eat so healthy when I am not pregnant and the second that nausea hits, I eat like a cow! Oops! I also can really only drink water without feeling sick.  I miss my coffee so much and hope in the next few weeks I can stomach it again. Hello pumpkin spice latte! #basic

Have you started to show yet:  Oh yea, so early! I think the bloat/bump really started around 10 weeks and would go down a lot in the morning. Now it's pretty much full force all the time.  Thank goodness I don't have to worry about looking pregnant anymore since I wouldn't be able to "hide" it much longer.  Mama's of 2 or more- did the bump slow down some once you went along? I feel like I was huge at the end before and can't imagine it being bigger the whole time!

Wedding rings on or off:  On.. Swelling started the last month or 2 before so I would think it would be around the same.  Or maybe less since it won't be so hot.

Best moment of this month: Having our 12 weeks checkup and hearing the strong heart beat! :)

 

Tilly's 12 week update--  http://mrsaliciarowland.blogspot.com/2013/12/oh-baby.html

 

See ya in a month for another update.. and the gender not too far after that, ah!!!

 

 

From Wood to White

We just got done doing one massive overhaul on the inside of our house. We moved in last April (2015) and immediately dived into project mode.  Luckily someone before us "flipped" the house, but sadly didn't 100% do it.  Our house was built in 1979 so it definitely had been changed along the way.  Before we moved in all the flooring was updated- tile, real hardwood, and new carpet, kitchen and bathroom countertops had been updated with granite, and all new modern light fixtures.  The one HUGE update that wasn't made? The interior trim and doors.  We are talking full blown crappy 1970s wood, THIN doors and wood trim. Oh, it was so bad.  I'm not sure why they would update everything else so nice and leave this.  I guess they knew it was enough to make people still buy the house.. insert us! I had been dying to tackle this project since day 1, but obviously it was going to take LOTS of time.. and money.  We slowly started working on other projects such as painting a lot of the rooms, and updating the cabinets in the bathrooms.  There is also lots of work and upkeep outside since we live in the "woods" and these woods are in great need of some TLC. 

A few months ago Lance finally agreed to set the deadline to be finished by Tilly's party (June 25) and we set to work in April.  Man oh man was this a project.  The wood was stained so instead of sanding like we should've, we used some heavy duty primer and then a coat of white paint over, which some areas needed 2 coats of white.  I've never painted more in my entire life.  Then we set off to order all new doors and had them custom fit length, and also the door knobs cut out.  We didn't get the hinge grooves pre-cut because we wanted to make sure they matched the old ones exact.  And good thing we didn't... When you live in an older house things settle, so that means ordering doors to the exact length of the old ones doesn't mean they will necessarily fit.  I think of the 13 doors we ordered, 4 of them actually went in the first try.  Poor Lance was ready to kill me very early on in this project.  Not only did he cut out each hinge down all the doors, but also had to trim and put on (and take off) each door about 5 times until they fit correct. Whew.  We finally finished early June and it looks AMAZING! The house is so much brighter and I am so in love!!  A huge thank you to my mom as well for watching Tilly so much during this project. 

Now for some before and after pictures.  Yes, they are all from my cell phone because I am too lazy to whip out my nice camera, but you get the idea! I also didn't take the before pics until we started taking the doors down and everything was a mess.  Oops.


BEFORE~

Down the hallway

Entry way

Kitchen door

This is how SO many looked on the bottom. Frayed and pealing off!

Bedroom closets

Into the front guest room

Lining up each old door with the new to line the hinges up EXACT

This handy tool was a lifesaver as I scooted along the carpet and had to shove it down to get the wood good and covered!

AFTER~

We also updated the front bathroom cabinet with a gray paint, but the light over the mirror is so bright I couldn't get the best picture. It really looks quite a bit lighter in person.  I also forgot to take any before pictures, but the trim was all wood and the cabinet was an old orangey wood color.

Also, the living room and hall had NO baseboards for some reason so all of that was added along the way as well. That along with all new vent covers.

We decided to leave the crown molding around the living room and hall wood for now.  We left the front door and living room doors wood, along with the beams.  Lance thought the white molding would clash with that, and since I was SO over painting, I said to leave it wood for now and it would probably grow on me!  We also left the windows and window trim wood.  We have very nice, fairy new windows, and I was not spending another year trying to paint every little detail of those real wood windows and trim.  It actually matches better than I thought and keeps some character in the house.

A look inside the living room. 

The gate I blogged about before Lance built around the fireplace is a lifesaver! We used the fireplace so much in the winter and had zero worries about Tilly getting burnt.  The whole black piece gets so hot, we sit a pot of water on top to boil to help with the dry air.  The gate leaves enough room to open the doors and everything. Good job hubby!

And last here is a peak inside our kitchen.  I have no idea if we'll ever update the cabinets one day or not.  They are completely flat, so I definitely do not want to paint them unless we add some texture to the front.  This would be another HUGE project, so for now the kitchen is staying exactly how it is! ha I don't hate the wood, but I also don't love it.  We'll see how we feel in a few years! :)

Walking in from the living room.. Tilly's table in the corner :)

And the view looking in from the dining room/front den

I didn't share any details of the dining room, den, or bedrooms, just because I am sure we'll be changing things along the way.  Eventually I'll share some more updates on the other rooms.  Mainly it'll just be painting and some new furniture.

Now.. time for a break!