Nourish US - our new family recipe blog

Dear Family and Friends -

Here is a Christmas present for you all from me and my dear cousin Meliors. 

Nourish Us, a new blog at http://nourishus.blogspot.com/ is a gift for all members of our far flung extended families to have a place to share family recipes, stories and photos.  We hope that it will help family members stay connected, ensure that family memories and pictures are shared and recorded, and provide many delicious dishes for us to remember or try.

This was designed as a space to post and find favorite recipes. It was inspired by our maternal grandparents - Ada Ruth and Jess Kellerman - who shared a love of cooking and large meals shared by family and friends alike. Their house rule was one visit you were company, but on the second visit you became family. (Being family also meant you had to do dishes...but that was an easy price to pay after enjoying a delicious meal at their table).

We would love to have you post to this website to share your favorite heirloom or new favorite recipes.  You can either send me or Meliors your recipes and we will post them.  Or - if you would like to post recipes yourselves - let us know and we'll add you as an author for the blog.  

Please keep in mind - we are still working out some of the setting-up kinks across our different time zones (with me here in Colorado and Meliors in Melbourne, Australia).  However...please hop on board and send us your recipes!  Also - please send this to family or friends who I've missed or who you think would enjoy the blog!!

Meliors and I hope that this will be such a lively family meeting place that eventually we can plan fun activies like a virtual family reunion dinner, where we nominate a dish or menu to all cook on the same day, then each share our photos and stories - it could be the next best thing to sitting down to eat around the same table.

Lots of love, and Merry Christmas!!

Kimberly & Meliors

She's perfect

Ruth Lorraine arrived on November 7th at 5:14pm.  While she was "late" or past the due-date guesstimate...when she decided it was time to be born she came pretty quickly.  

She was 7lbs 13.5 oz, 19.5 inches at birth.  It is almost a month later and she's 9lbs 2oz and 21.5 inches.  So, she's growing!

Ada-Ruth Lorraine is named after both John and my maternal grandmothers - Ada Ruth was my dear grandma and Lorraine is John's feisty and wonderful grandma who lives in Wisconsin.  

We are very lucky and feel very blessed.  This past month we've been able to introduce her to both sets of grandparents, her uncles and aunt...and we look forward to Ada-Ruth meeting many more people who love her.  The outpouring of love from our friends and family has been overwhelming and heartwarming and we thank everyone for the warm thoughts, cute gifts, prayers and love you've been sending our way.  We all appreciate it.

And now...I have to go feed the baby...:)

Chaz's new digs

October 24, 2008: No Chaz yet.  However, as consolation prizes the Carpal tunnel and heartburn are still here.  Sleep seemingly wisened up and has not really been around (at least at night) for many weeks.  Wheee!

So...since I'm just sitting here waiting...I've resorted to taking photos of the crib.

Here is the beautiful crib!  Uncle and Aunt-to-be David and Melissa gave the baby the crib and mattress - and we're excited to start using it!! 

Babyclothes!

These are gifts from the great-grandparents.  The (very dusty) cradle was made for me by my Grandpa Kellerman when I was a baby.  My mom and dad have saved it and I'm very proud our baby will be able to use the cradle as well.  We'll be using this cradle on the main level for baby naps.  And, the white blanket with color strips was made for the baby by John's grandma Lorraine.   

The baby has a 3rd bed...it is the co-sleeper in our bedroom.  Chaz will be spending nights next to us so the initial wakings, feedings and comforting is easier on all of us.  We have also learned that having the baby sleep in the same room as the parents may teach the baby better breathing patterns and regulation possibly preventing SIDS.  So, it seems to be good all around!

Last but not least, here is the view out of Chaz's window. 

In the distance are the mountains - with Meeker and Longs clearly visible.  I think it is the best view from inside the house.  Only the  best for our baby.

Ouch, ouch, ouch...that hurts

Ok- so no one told me that I could get carpal tunnel. I was expecting the swelling, the sleeplessness, the strange emotions, the strong need to "nest", the food cravings...but I wasn't expecting any carpal tunnel nonsense. For about the past 2 weeks - I no longer wake up with leg cramps because I wake up with hand and arm cramps. What the heck?

Now, I don't mean to complain too much. I have been really blessed so far with this whole pregnancy thing. But, I now understand why the last couple weeks are not so much fun. Movement is restricted, food is unappealing, sleep is difficult...ah well. The joys of mother-to-be-hood. I'm in the home stretch and I'm ready for the baby to come home. The nursery is painted, crib is put together, linens and clothing is washed and hanging, bag is packed...now we need a baby and many sleepless nights.

Today I was treated to a baby shower lunch by my fellow women co-workers here in the Denver office. We had a great time- I need to get the pictures back and I will post. The lunch was wonderful and the cake was spectacular! I also got some lovely gifts to help welcome Chaz. It was so sweet of the ladies to host a lunch for me & babe- and made me feel very special, especially when these ladies have only known me for a couple months. Thanks to Melissa S, Melissa L (aka cake goddess), Karen, Melanie & Jenn - not to mention all the guys who stayed back in the office (understandably...for it was a very estrogen heavy lunch). Again- it was a really fun time - I was really touched.

So...now my time is taken up with working from home, creating "to-do before baby" lists, doing my prenatal exercizes and trying to convince Chaz that this week is as good as any for Chaz to join us. I'm trying to use some logical reasoning: the sooner Chaz arrives, the easier it will be on everyone involved in the labor process; Chaz's daddy is REALLY tall...so...it's ok if Chaz wants to come out a little bit early; once Chaz arrives, there are SO many gifts Chaz will get to enjoy all to her/himself; the middle of October allows Chaz to have a birthday party and also take credit for Halloween...instead of having to blend them into one event; um...and if Chaz comes in the next week or so then I don't have to buy any more pregnancy clothes...cause I got nothing to wear when the weather dips under 50 degrees. So...send your "induction" vibes along to the little one - we're ready to go. Hopefully Chaz is, too.

I'll try to post again before the big day and I don't mean the election... :)

It's all about baby Chaz...

We're at 34 weeks and counting. Today is all about baby - so it is only appropriate that I post a little bit about the little one. Besides, it's about time I post something!

The baby is growing - I can tell because I have started to feel like a beached whale. Moving around has become more and more difficult. The heartburn, backaches and restless sleeping aren't much fun. I hear that the heartburn will go away as the baby drops...which should be happening very soon.

And...today has been all about the baby.

First- we had a photographer over this morning for a maternity session. We had a lot of fun and laughs...and she's already posted a few of her favorite shots - take a look at them here. They look great. I can't wait to see them all. I am having a bit of difficulty accepting how large my face looks...but knowing that this is "baby fat" and that it will go away after Chaz joins us does help. *sigh*

Second- we went to our birth class and learned all about the "transition" period and the second stage of labor. We talked about and practiced labor positions. We talked about how vaccinations are good and bad. We talked about local produce and farmer's markets. Good times.

Third- we met with Abby- our labor doula. We talked about the pregnancy and how we've been doing, how I'm feeling, what we're hoping for in the birth, etc. More good times. We really like Abby and I feel she's going to be a great coach and support for us while I endeavor to deliver little Chaz.

Tomorrow we go in to Mountain Midwifery, where we are going to deliver, for a checkup. I'm looking forward to meeting another of their 4 midwives and hearing Chaz's heart beat on the doppler. That's just the best sound in the world - I can't wait.

So- in the next 6 or so weeks...we have to put together a nursery, pack a bag for delivery, buy all of the stuff we're supposed to buy for the baby (onesies galore, diapers (!!!), little hats and socks...so cute), drink a lot of raspberry leaf tea, do my Kegels, sqats and pelvic tilts...and just get ready for this baby who will be here sooner than we realize. Nevermind the continued need to unpack, hang art, wash and put away clothing, organize paperwork...yikes. Bottom line is...baby will be here whether that stuff gets done or not!

Exciting times ahead! We'll be keeping you posted. :)

Dwell meets Fine Homebuilding...

Here is a post with photos. The original MLS listing for our home stated it was "Dwell meets Fine Homebuilding." After an inspection and a much closer look...maybe it is a bit of an exaggeration. (I won't get into the HVAC issues...) However - I'm hoping you'll enjoy the photos. Last night we were both struck with some disbelief that the home we wanted (and don't have to do any work to immediately) is the one we actually bought!

As soon as we get out stuff moved in (hopefully Monday) we'll start taking photos with our stuff. These were photos from the original listing. I will also begin to investigate the other hilarious claim that was in the original listing..."The large corner lot is VERY private with lots a mature landscaping and laced with edible treats." Edible treats??

Front:










The front railing part of a wrap-around deck. It's kind of a widow's walk meets deck- with more width and decking in the back. There will be major changes in the front - we're contemplating how to landscape instead of having the circular driveway in front.

Living Room:












Here is the sunken living room - this is in the front of the house. The fireplace is a wood burning fireplace - and it opens to both sides of the wall. The dining room is in the back of the 1st photo. John thinks we will need a flat-screen to hang on the limestone wall...funny coming from a guy who didn't have a TV in his apartment just 4 years ago.

Sitting Room/Kitchen











Ok- the fireplace you see behind the chair- that is the other side to the living room's fireplace. The floorplan on this level is one big open circle (or donut) around this center stone wall. While you can't see through the middle of it - it does at least remind me of Wright organic architecture - very open and I could run laps around the floor.

Sunroom/Backyard:















Here is the sunroom. Right now it is empty - we will probably have a table both in the sunroom/3 seasons porch/solarium (haven't decided quite what to call it yet...) and outside on the patio. The backyard shot are the sunroom windows.

We'll be posting additional photos as we get them...for now the only work "we're" planning to do is paint the nursery. Now we have to decide which bedroom is the nursery...

We have a winner!

Hello, Folks!

Quick status to bring everyone up to date:
-We drove from Chicago to Colorado
-We arrived safely with few mishaps
-We are staying in a Residence in here in Longmont
-We found a house
-We found a place to deliver our baby
-We're doing pretty o.k.

So, this afternoon, John and I just threw all caution to the wind...and closed on a house here in Longmont, CO. We may take possession tonight or tomorrow...but without furniture until Monday. No phone until next Thursday. But we have electric, gas, trash, recycling, water and sewage set and ready to go tomorrow.

So- we're pretty excited here in Longmont. The above picture is our new kitchen. I'll probably be posting more photos soon.

As for settling into Colorado - it takes about 15 minutes to drive around our new town...probably less time than it took me to drive around Roger's Park. There is one movie theater, no Whole Foods, a handful of Pedi/Mani shops...and thank god there is a Chili's. And, it now has our home - Villa S-W West.

We hope everyone is doing well. We'll be sending out address and phone info soon!

Just a couple things are stressin' me out

We are in Colorado. Exhausted but in relatively good spirits...considering our adventures in the past 24/48 hours. I'm still on Chicago time and I only have 5,000,000 things to think about right now...


The final days spent in Chicago were so wonderful and bittersweet. I watched all of our stuff get handled and packed - very strange to have all of our stuff there with us and yet not be able to use or touch any of it. It was heartbreaking to leave the city. We packed up our remaining items on Wednesday morning, did a final walk through (or 12) through the condo, saw Venus and almost lost it completely...and then we drove from our place down to the Robie House and then back up out of the city. I am pretty sure I'm dehydrated from the crying...and I'm still in disbelief that I won't be jaunting around Chicagoland within a couple days.


We arrived safely in Colorado with no incidents. Sadly, though, last night my iPod looked REALLY good to someone who was walking by our car on my parent's street...so they broke in and grabbed it. So - now this morning John and Dad took the Volvo to a glass place to fix the broken driver-side window before we head up to Longmont this afternoon. It was strangely reminiscent of my 1st night in Chicago - my first and only break in while I lived in Chicago. 8 years and one burglary...not so bad odds. I guess it was a good reminder that crime lurks even in the relative saftey of Colorado Springs. Ah well.

And then...this morning...Tycho saw an open door to the free world- and went leaping outside. This led to about 15 minutes of agonizing stress (that felt like an hour) for all of us humans as Tycho thought we were all playing the best game in the world - keep away from Mom and Dad. John followed him as he sprinted around my parent's neighborhood. He gave me quite a good scare...and I want to beat him mercilessly...but know that won't help anything. So- we now know that Tycho is a flight risk with the door open. And I'm a bit more dehydrated after the scare that he gave me. What a friggin jerk. Lesson learned - Tycho will be spending a lot of time on the leash and in the crate during our move-in process in Longmont.

Lastly- the house. It looks like we've come to an agreement with the seller. This was only after the seller refused our counter and basically said we were making stuff up to get a credit, offered us $1000 to mitigate about $20k in home repairs, relisted the house as "Active" while we were still UNDER CONTRACT...but it looks like they are finally realizing we weren't BS-ing them and they're ready to move. We should close on the 14th assuming there are no other dramas to speak of.

So- there are a few things stressing me out right now. I still need to figure out issues regarding staffing, driving, hospital & midwife. I am hoping that we've had our adventures and now we can settle into some peace and quiet while we finish closing, moving and getting to know our new home.

Please, please, please keep us in your thoughts and prayers at this time. While we're ok...it's been pretty stressful and crazy. We truly appreciate all of your thoughts and good energy right now - we can certainly use it.

Much love,
Kimberly (& John) (& Chaz) (& the pooches)

It's about that time...

I am sitting on my couch and I am actively practicing denial. I'll be gone from Chicago in three short days. There is so much I have yet to do and see and explore here...and sadly those adventures will have to wait until I visit my adopted hometown again.

On the bright side- this has been a great last few weeks in Chicago. My mom has been here visiting for over a week now - she was here taking care of me while John was in Colorado. It's been lovely having her here - and it illustrates how much I need to find a wife to take care of John and myself. I saw a couple plays - including Superior Donuts at the Steppenwolf. I can't say enough good things about that show. The weather has been pretty good, work wasn't bad...all in all it's been a good time. And now I have to leave.

This past weekend a handful of my friends threw me a baby shower. A huge thank you to Chandra, Patricia, Steffie, Jackie and Betsey! We had a great turn out - though I missed everyone who wasn't able to be here. We received many lovely and heartfelt gifts including three handmade blankets, lots of clothing, books galore and the best breast pump ever. :) I can't wait to use them all with Chaz. It was overwhelming how much love was swirling in the room with us...I had a wonderful time. That evening we had a going away party - also a wonderful time had by all.

I have tons more details to type...but sadly and scarily - the movers just showed up. Yikes yikes yikes.

Please keep all of us in your thoughts and prayers!!!

This is my 'Dependence Day

Happy Birthday, America! Here are the 20 week photos of Chaz - finally scanned today. We're spending our 4th eating BLTs and watching the John Adams miniseries. Hope everyone is enjoying their holiday!

Huge...tracts of land

Hello there.

Here's how things are shaping up...

John and I will be on a househunting trip next week. We'll be looking at Longmont. Keep fingers crossed.

We had an openhouse and were underwhelmed by the number of visitors. The weather wasn't that great...and I don't think people are in an open-house sort of mood these days. Keep fingers crossed.

I am growing along with the baby. Stretch marks have begun to appear with a vengeance. I am also being kicked a lot.

John is moving to CO at the end of the month. My ma is coming to stay with me to make sure I keep eating and maybe to help me pack (?) and do things around the condo as we prepare to move west.

And, lastly, seems as if there will be a baby shower thrown for the baby and myself August 2nd, as well as a "Going away" party...should be a good time. I'm pretty excited for the festivities. Sad to be leaving. We won't be outta here until probably August 7th - when the movers load up our stuff.

Crazy how fast it is all moving...

T-minus 20 weeks...and counting

Here are the things we found out at our 20 week sonogram -

• Baby S-W (heretofore referred to as Chaz) is doing very, very well
• Chaz has a little nose and big feet
• Chaz is currently hanging out upside down
• Chaz has a great looking spine! (I was fascinated with the spine - way to go Baby S-W)
• If you don't want to find out the sex of the baby, the technician gets real quiet towards the end...

So- it was a very successful trip with 5 photos...that I need to scan and post. And, I have pictures of me and my growth - but I don't have cords to connect the gadgets to the computer...hopefully this week I'll be able to take care of posting some photos.

We are now past week 21...19ish to go. I have about 30,000 books to read, a condo to sell, a move to make, a house to buy...and I need a pedicure. Job stuff will come in time - thankfully we both have employment on the other side - we're just not sure when John's will begin.

We also took the time to do a baby registry...and I think registering for a baby was much more exhausting than wedding registry. At least with wedding registry- everything is a known quantity. You should get 10 placesettings...you need a few changes of good sheets...you shouldn't register for toilet paper. But with a baby - it is all brand spanking new. How many bottles do we need? No idea. What kind of stroller? Not sure. Anal or ear thermometer? Yikes. It's all so new and unfamiliar - very exhausting. We also decided to hold off on everything to give ourselves the chance for some Consumer Report research to pick the best car seat, stroller, baby bouncer seat, breast pump, et cetera. Good stuff.

The other observation we had is - babies get gendered assigned sooooo early. It seemed to me that once we know the sex - all choices are being made for you on what they'll like. No one waits to ask the baby what they want. Everything was either blue or pink - and tons of baseballs for boys and butterflies for girls. Not really that many choices for the "we're not finding out" crowd. Don't get me wrong - we love green and yellow...it just limits your options. Though, I can't say if we knew the sex we'd have a different set of clothing or bedding - John isn't thrilled with the sports bedding/clothing motifs and I've never been a big butterfly person. Ah well.

Also, little Chaz has started to kick. It's not a really obvious feeling. More of a displaced digestion feeling...at first it is unsettling but I'm getting used to a few kicks every couple hours. Usually at 6pm at work when Chaz is thinking "let's go home" or after meals that have garlic. Chaz is currently saying hi...probably poking me to go make dinner. Good idea, Chaz, good idea.

So this is 30

For the past few years, when people ask me what I do for a living, I reply that I am a Change Management professional. Personally, this is a good thing- because this year is now officially the year of "Change." During the course of this year, I'm weathering a ton of changes - from changes as small as new glasses to changes as large as becoming a mother (look out October!). And last Friday, I marked "Turning 30" off my change list. I am officially 30.

With this latest change, I thought a new title would be appropriate for the blog - something that better reflects where I am right now in my personal life. Little Miss Pregnant seemed to capture it best - especially with the rate my belly is growing these days.

The past week has been a great one. As announced, the 30th birthday was celebrated at Moody's Pub. I had a great time celebrating - the highlight was when my "table" (which took up half the restaurant) began serenading me with "Happy Birthday" and it caused the entire restaurant to sing along. That, my friends, was pretty cool. I took a few polaroids of the event, and fewer digital pics...but I'll try to scan and upload on my flickr - you may have to check back later. Thanks to everyone who showed and we missed those of you who weren't able to make it.

Also on my Birthday: John's new job was confirmed. It still has to be rubber-stamped by the powers that be in Alberquerque...but John is employed in Colorado! Yea! Now we have to sell the condo...and, fitting of the busy day, we had our 1st showing on my Birthday. No call backs yet...but we're forumlating a new strategy for the MLS. I'm planning on surviving yet one more Chicago summer and heading to CO sometime in August...and I'm very hopeful our Condo sale will fall in line with this plan. Again- keep your fingers crossed.

So - in the parade of "things to do before I leave Chicago" we went to the Chicago Botanic Garden this past weekend and had a great time walking and gathering inspiration for future gardens. We still need to hit up the Chicago Architecture Boat Tour, Taliesin East, the Shedd...maybe even the Leather Museum. Who knows. Let me know if you have suggestions.

One step closer....

Just keep sending your good vibes, positive thoughts & prayers... we're one step closer to Colorado.

May Flowering

Things are pretty good here in Southern-Weberville. We were on vacation last weekend to the Smokies of Tennessee so we could celebrate the wedding of my friend Andrea to her beau Dana. It was a beautiful ceremony and a very fun time. I reconnected with her family, met many extended family members and tons of friends- it was a great time had by all. I felt honored to be her guest and her Matron of Honor. She did get a bit of a deal out of it since I was carrying a little "Fetus of Honor" as well. :) While in TN we got to visit the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Biltmore....all the while we stayed in Cosby, TN - "Moonshine Capital of the World." Good times...if you stay away from unmarked mason jars.

Back in Chicagoland - here we are at the beginning of week 16 - almost 4 months of being knocked up. I am still feeling pretty good - occasional nausea, not as tired, sleeping somewhat better. I've had 2 doctor appointments get canceled on me this week, so I am a bit irritable having expected to again hear the baby's heartbeat and instead getting "the doctor had something come up...we have to reschedule..." Grrr.

In condo news...the condo is now officially on the market. Whoo hoo. Please send out your good real estate vibes into the universe, send up a prayer, send over a buyer...anything. We think the place will show well - we just need to get some showings. So...send some good thoughts our way.

And, I turn 30 in less than two weeks. It is kind of freaky, kind of exciting, kind of a non-issue. However, I'm planning to try and get people together for dinner at Moody's on my birthday in the outdoor Beer Garden. Moody's is one of my favorite Chicago haunts...the menu has about 4 items on it - which is perfect because their burgers are about as far as you need to go. So- if you're in Chicago on Friday, May 23rd - come on down for a burger and a beer (or soda if you're me).

Now I'm off to clean and garden. Hope the baby pitches in...

And the ClearBlue Easy said...

I have mentally composed this email a half dozen times, but finally today - 6 months from the predicted "due date" I am finally writing to share our big news...John and I are expecting a baby on or around October 28th, 2008! So...I am officially preggo, knocked up, with child, in the family way, the bun is in the oven and we are proud parents-to-be.

So I figure the best way to tell everyone (pardon the mass email) how we're doing is to answer commonly asked questions...and here goes:

Q: How are you feeling?
A: All said and done, I am feeling great. I get tired. I get very cranky and light headed if I haven't eaten. However, I have been thankfully free of morning sickness, I've just had all day nausea especially when I don't eat. I feel very lucky and am trying not to take it for granted.

Q: Was it planned?
A: Yes, John and I decided to start in January of this year. We maybe didn't realize it would go so quickly. Again- we feel very blessed.

Q: Are you showing?
A: I was showing in week 8. I had to buy all new pants. It's been...an interesting time for me clothing wise. I'm now wearing 100% maternity clothing. (Hint for the Ladies- getting pregnant is a good way to get a whole new wardrobe if you're tired with your current clothing choices...)

Q: Are you still moving to Colorado? (Alternative Question: What? You're moving to Colorado?!?!)
A: Yep! We are still planning on packing up and heading west...sometime this year...before the baby is born. We just have to sell the Condo. So, there are a few things we have to do...and we both understand how bad the market is. We're staying very optimistic and positive. We are planning to relocate to a town somewhere between Denver and Boulder. (That's about all I can say w/o getting too emotional...I'm very happy to move back to CO...VERY sad to leave my Chicago...)

Q: So, do you have jobs for when you move?
A: Yes and no. John has a few good leads on fire jobs and so we're staying positive. I will be able to transfer to Denver with my company - so I'm very excited to have that opportunity.

Q: Do you know if it is a boy or a girl?
A: While I have a feeling for what the baby is...as far as sonograms - it is a bit to early to know. I'm only 13.5 weeks/3 months into this process. Week 20 seems to be the magical time when many questions can be answered. However, John does not want to find out while I do. So, I am going to respect my husband's crazy desire to be surprised and not find out.

Q: Have you seen/heard the baby yet?
A: I have had 3 sonograms and have heard the baby through a doppler heart monitor. The first sonogram was waaay too early to see the baby. The second one at 8 weeks revealed a cross between a tadpole and a baby. The last one at 12 weeks was amazing. We got to see the baby jumping and moving around. It also looked more human. The baby moved and jumped so much the technician got a bit frustrated. John and I both noted that this is obviously our child - stubborn and a pain in the ass...but very cute. The sonogram tech wished us much luck in the future.

Q: Have you felt the baby yet?
A: Again, it is too "early" but I have begun to feel the "gas bubbles" that is supposedly the baby kicking and moving around. Sometimes it wakes me up. I think it is an active little buggar.

Q: Any names picked out?
A: Yep - we have names for both a boy and a girl. Right now we call the baby either "Baby" or "Chaz" (ok John calls the baby Chaz) but no other nicknames have surfaced yet.

Q: Any weird cravings?
A: The weirdest things for me is I am hungry in the middle of the night - so I usually have a bowl of cereal around 2am. Otherwise, desire for food has just intensified (Especially for milk, red meat, all kinds of fruit and cherry-flavored candy). The only aversion so far is chicken- but that's not consistent.

Q: Are you excited?
A: EXTREMELY!

Q: Is John excited?
A: Yes - of course John is excited. He is also being a very supportive husband and is being very nice to me. He makes me pancakes or cheeseburgers, tells me I look beautiful and not fat, he's reading parenting books and he even brings me candy when I ask him to.

Q: What about your parents/John's parents - are they excited?
A: This is perhaps the funniest question of them all because the answer is also "of course." My mom has recently emailed indicating pictures and news of the baby is now more important than news about us. My mother-in-law has sent me some great maternity clothing and fun books. My dad carries a laminated copy of the 1st sonogram picture in his wallet. My father-in-law is refinishing a high chair and sent us news of this invention...just in case it is a boy. So, yes, each of them is excited.

Q: Do the dogs know?
A: I think they know something is up. They are both very sweet with me - Tycho (the boxer) is extra cuddly with me these days. Sometimes he rests his head on my tummy. It is very endearing.

I think I've exhausted most of the frequently asked questions. My apologies for not getting out the word quicker and for not being able to tell all of you individually. I do hope this email finds each of you well and enjoying the spring time.

Much love,
Kimberly, John & Future Baby Southern-Weber

Extreme Home Makeover, Chez S-W Edition

We're nearing completion of the changes to the condo. It's our own little version of my Reality TV guilty pleasure. Below I've posted some pics of the before and after - I think we've made some great changes to the place and I hope it sells quickly and for our desired price! My fingers are crossed.

Kitchen - Before
This was previously my most used/least enjoyed room. It was cramped and very closed it. It took no time for the room to overheat and then no one wanted to hang with me. When we moved in the appliances were caked with some unknown brown gummy substance, left behind by the previous owners for our enjoyment. I used lots of elbow grease in cleaning it - but it never felt like mine.

View from the entrance:


View from the door:


Kitchen - After
Now this room I can't get enough of. I'd move the bed in here if it could fit a California King. We replaced the wall with a breakfast bar, installed new granite countertops, bought all new GE Stainless Steel Appliances anout the wall and removed a pocket door, replaceWe replaced the crappy counters with black granite, painted it a lovely green. The opened wall has completely changed the feel of the kitchen. No more overheating, and it now flows with the rest of the condo. I am typing this from the breakfast bar- which is a convenient place to work or eat all of my meals.

View from the breakfast bar:


View from the door (we're waiting for cabinet doors under the breakfast bar):


View of the Fridge/Oven:


And then the Master Bathroom...

Master Bath - Before:
This bathroom was the epitome of an "eye sore." The color was overwhelmingly bad. While it was original tile from the 50's...the salmon pink was just not cutting it. The vanity had been "updated" probably in the 70's...it didn't quite match the tile and was generally awful. Look for yourself...


The vanity was slightly newer than the tile, but probably more hideous.


Master Bath - After:
We love subway tile. So we replaced the 50's salmon pink with a cleaner look of white subway tile. We changed the vanity and updated the cabinets adding more storage space..and overall I am quite happy with how this bathroom turned out. Now we just need to get new towels.

View from the door:



New cabinets!


Lovely vanity with the apron front sink...



So there you have it people. We have redone our kitchen and bath. Now we need to box up a lot of crap we don't use, clean the condo and finally put it on the market. Keep your fingers crossed...I'll try to keep you posted on the progress.

merriment

HAPPY 2008!

It's been a fun winter season - with plenty of time at home and with family. We've had a Thanksgiving feast, a Christmas party, a Drake alumni event, a Christmas in Chicago, a "tweener" weekend in Wisconsin and a very relaxed welcome to 2008. Looking back on the past month+ of activity - it feels like one big extended return to childhood. Ok, childhood with a few perks...but it has been a fun month. I'm sad to see it end as it has been a very happy time for me and the family.

Here are some pictures chronicling our adventures.

Our work "Holiday" Party. Ole!

Drake Alumni Event...Sara and Stephanie came in for the weekend
- and we enjoyed a really fun dinner and comedy event. However -
the best part of the weekend was seeing my Drake girls. (note: Sara left Des Moines to come to Chicago for a Drake alumni event...there was no end to jokes about that).





If this doesn't capture "laid back Christmas" (carhart's and a santa's hat)...I don't know what does.

Wisconsin...how we love you. In our trek up to Wisconsin, we were able got to see John's ma and pa, as well as spending time with John's cousin Jim, his sons Jeff & Carl, his lovely grandma Lorraine, the always engaging Uncle Bob and his incredible hostess of an aunt Ann. I wish there would have been more time for snowshoeing and snowshoes... but alas we have to return to the world of being an adult. One of the best experiences was having Tycho off leash and enjoying the big wide world, without leaving us too far behind.

Here is a shot of me in Natarajasana (Dancer pose). I can't explain how balanced, free and strong I feel in this pose - and I hope to carry this feeling with me throughout 2008. Balancing in snowshoes was pretty fun.

Here is little Tycho, pooped after so much snow and running.

And, while no photos were taken this morning, we had an awesome laugh-fest of a brunch with the lovely, charming and beautiful Chandra & Venus. Life is made so much richer having these wonderful women in our life.








So - again, I wish everyone a very happy 2008. May this new year be filled with love, life, strength and joy.