In Other News...

On top of having a second baby, we also decided now would be the perfect time to build a house.  We debated for years, yes, YEARS!  Do we move to a bigger house outside the beltway?  Do we move to a bigger house in Arlington?  Do we put an addition on our current house?  Do we tear down our house and rebuild?  We looked at other houses.  We met with builders about additions.  We contemplated moving to Ashburn (gasp!).  And then we toyed with the idea of rebuilding on our lot.  This is a HUGE decision, guys.  There are risks that come with every scenario.  Would we like where we moved?  Would we run into problems renovating and adding on to our 70 year old house?  Would we be ok tearing down our first house and would we be happy with what we could build on our 1/10 of an acre?  We thought long and hard.  And then we finally settled on Stanley Martin Custom Homes.  We initially met with them in the summer of 2012.  And it took us until June 2013 to sign the contract.  But we did it.  We selected our base plan and then customized it with our wish list.  Earlier this month we finalized our architecture plans and we're now very close to completing the site plans.  Then we submit to the county for permit!  Our move-out date is November 11 and our fingers are crossed that construction will start sometime in December.  We are so thankful that Laura & Jon offered to have us stay with them during the construction.  No decision throughout this process is easy, and we thought long and hard about moving to Stephens City - but in the end, it made the most sense - We will save a boat load of money PLUS get to be around family as we welcome a new little one into our lives. 

Here's a quick glimpse of the house front and the first and second floor plans.  We're also doing a finished basement plus a detached garage.  Yes, we are going to have a garage!  And a basement that doesn't leak water!  And insulation!  (Which our 1940's plaster walls are without.)  Oh yea - and 4 bedrooms upstairs (plus a 5th in the basement) and a mudroom...and a foyer...and a bigger kitchen with an island...and a screened porch!  We are excited.  And scared.  A few weeks ago, Frankie and I happen to be walking by a house that was being torn down and as we stood there and watched, tears flooded my eyes.  How could I do that to my own home?  But then a few days later I went to an open house for a new build and was quickly back on board.   

Let's get this party started...

 

For the Memory Book

I wanted to take some time to jot down a few of Frankie's latest sayings and actions so I don't forget them:

• Sometimes he will get confused and call his boo-boos "boobies".
• Sometimes he'll also mistakenly call his (or my) bum "pum".
• He loves to fake cough, followed by "I need wata".  After a few nights of this happening at bedtime, we just started bringing his water cup up with us - and usually putting it in his crib.
• We've been working on manners - he's pretty good at "please" and "thank you" (immediately followed by "you're welcome") and we've taught him to say "excuse me" when someone is in his way instead of screaming/whining.  My heart melts when he's playing with his trucks and I'll hear, "sku me choo choo".  Or the other night a stuffed animal was in his way, "sku me sheep".  Love it!
• He loves putting his own "cin-min" on oatmeal - his oatmeal, my oatmeal, Daddy's oatmeal (and any spice is cin-min).
• He's started to become very interested in the potty and will sit on it in the morning and before bath, wiping himself and flushing the toilet.
• He's also become interested in himself - as in putting his hand down his pants - or his finger up his nose.
• Has trouble pronouncing his "k" sound.  "I want milt" or "I want go for a walt".
• Thanks to Daddy's teachings, yells "DIN-NER TIME" after washing his hands and running out of the bathroom to the table.
• He knows what he wants - "Come, Daddy.  Sit down - right here" (pointing to the floor) - or "Daddy - Don't do dat!"
• When it's sunny and he's headed outside, he can't leave without his hat and shades:  "I need sunglasses.  I need hat." 

I can't believe Frankie is almost 2 years old!  He is just so much fun and I love being able to talk with him and most of all listen to the little conversations he has.  This boy definitely has my heart. 

Big Boy's first pony ride

Week 24

Dear Baby D2,

 

We're cruising right along...I'm about 6 months already!  Where does the time go?  No big updates this week - I'm still feeling really good - although a good night's sleep is hard to come by.  I keep finding myself waking on my back, which is probably part of my problem.  I need to start propping a pillow behind me to keep me on my side.  But that's boring talk...

 

Now is your time to grow!  Around this time, you should be packing on the weight - and on your way to being almost 2 pounds, which is hard to believe.  Mommy and Daddy have been in discussions about your name - and have pretty much finalized both our girl & boy names, although the boy middle name is up for debate still.  But we have plenty of time, right?

 

Love you little one.

 

Love Always,

Mommy

Weeks 21-23

Dear Baby D2,

 

Let me first start out by telling you how much your Daddy & I already love you.  Here's the thing - years from now, you can't compare the number of pre-birth blog posts that I wrote for you versus the number I wrote for your brother.  You just can't.  That boy keeps us busy.  But here's the silver lining to my more sporadic letters to you - Your Daddy & Mommy are completely engaged in your brother's life.  We are on the floor playing with him, outside going for walks with him, going to the park and play dates.  We aren't on the computer as much because we'd much rather be spending time with him.  Which is totally how we are going to be with you.  We promise.  I promise.  And just because I'm not taking baby bump pics and writing letters certainly doesn't mean that I'm not focused on you and thinking about you.  You also make a point to make your presence known, which I love - kicking those teensy feet and stretching those teensy arms.  I've started to see your movements now, too!  At week 23, we visited the doctor and your heartbeat sounds great - about 150bps.  And despite Mommy gaining about 10 pounds, you are only weighing in around 1 pound, which is right where you should be.  Keep cozy in there.  We love you.

 

Love Always,

Mommy