We're Done!

Well, my hands are raw, my fingers are cut up into a million pieces - just in time for my best friends wedding  on Saturday.

But,

We are completely moved out. Had our inspection done. I got angry and near tears. My sweet husband took me out for Qdoba, our favorite "special" spot. I started feeling better (food helps when you've scrubbed and scrubbed all day, were just dealing with a minimal low blood sugar and you're completely exhausted because you've done nothing but deeeeep clean, take care of the babies all day for the last week.)

I felt proud for using the numerous plastic bags I accumulated for packing instead of buying packing materials for the dishes that'll be put away till... ....yeah. Heehee.

I feel confident that when I take my precious dishes out of their safe storage spot that no tears will need to be shed on behalf of a few of my favorite things.

I'm happy to be finally done with that. I'm happy to no longer be driving back and forth every day to clean/organize/store/clean. No more juggling baby and puppy with cleaning an apartment. No more spending way too much money on gas every day just to drive back and forth so much.

My best friends wedding is on Saturday. Maid of Honor duties for me. I couldn't be more excited for her. I just hope that I'll be able to make her day as special as she helped make mine nearly 3 years ago now!

Long week

It's been a terribly long week. I hate the company that "Landlords" our apartments and a dozen (or more) others in the area.

It's simply ridiculous how much they expect of their tenants upon moving out. They already require 1/2 the deposit you put down for cleaning purposes. Then they can keep the rest and charge you for every hour their 'special' cleaning person is there ($14.00/hour). On top of that they get to charge per thing that needs extra cleaning.

I'm not talking normal things here, like the stove, refrigerator, dishwasher, washer/dryer... I'm talking insane things to expect people to clean:

The light-switches and plug-ins must be scrubbed clean, there can't be dust ANYWHERE - even on top of the doors and the "door sills." All the lightbulbs, light fixtures, door knobs, grout. The stove and refrigerator must be pulled out and cleaned all around, vacuumed under and scrub every part of the actual appliances.We've gotta take the windows out of their tracks and scrub them all around. There can NOT be ANY streaks on any of the glass or mirrors.

...how do I know all this? Well, of course they provide a handy dandy cleaning sheet to help remember it all.

This would also happen the 2nd time around with this company.

When I was 6 months pregnant with Rylee we moved from a 1 bedroom at this same apartment complex into a 2 bedroom to accommodate our new little miss.  We gave ourselves just a couple days between the move out of the old one to the move into the new one.

It wasn't that bad all in all, my mom, mother-in-law, sister, sister-in-law all came and helped clean. You would think that between the 5 of us we could clean a 640 square foot apartment to a satisfactory condition.

Nope.

Not only did we not get back the other 1/2 of our deposit - the charged us $20 for "ALL" the extra cleaning they claim was needed.

Granted, I didn't really look at the move out list. No normal person would think to wipe down the plug-ins or on top of the door-sills for barely visible dust.

I also know that they check these things. Our land-lady did it right in front of me. I was a little more than angry.

This time I've spent a week on this place. I'm sick of cleaning. I'm sick of driving back and forth. I've driven over 1200 miles just between houses trying to get crap moved and cleaned.

Tomorrow is the 31st, it's our last day there. It's my last day of cleaning. Then I'll be done. I'm getting up bright and early to be OCD one last day to finish the job that will never truly be done. They'll find other ways to charge us. There will always be something wrong for these people. Kenny pointed out today that it's basically like they want to be able to perform surgery in there. Ha! I should be boiling everything! Whatever. I'll just OCD clean the grout with my kitchen knives getting all the little bits of grime and dirt out.

I think I'll be doing a little happy dance tomorrow around 5-6pm. Depending on how the actual walk through goes - it might be a little later than that because I might have to recover from dealing with the evil landlady (we really don't like her as an individual). After this it's on to better, awesomer things!

Spaceships and Cars

My lovely, loving, baby doll playing daughter wears pj's with space ships

She also plays with trucks and cars

Yeah, she's totally awesome like that.

Rylee, Sobie and New Adventures

I promised pictures earlier so here they are!

I thought this was so awesome, with her tongue sticking out

Don't you wish your belly could stick out like this, while having a curvy butt and thighs and still look this cute!?

Aaaaand we have our first diabetes mishap with the puppy.

She gnawed on my super long tubing that I can't keep tucked away properly no matter how hard I try. Oh well. It was actually really funny (or, I thought it was) and it forced me to change my site that was quite overdue. 

That's all I got.

Today is Tuesday

Well well well.

I'm exhausted. There has been much going on and it won't stop till next week after we get the rest of our stuff moved out and the apartment cleaned and we sign the official 'we're gone!' papers.

I may have had 2 teeth (molars) removed yesterday out of the top right side of my mouth. So, I might have a swollen chipmunk cheek.

My Mother in Law was so sweet and took care of our new puppy (the day after we got her, may have been bad timing in the whole puppy purchase, oh well. We're completely taken with her) while I was at the tooth removal appointment.

I gotta say, I'm pretty impressed with my body's resilience in healing. Everyone told me I looked terrible yesterday. I felt fine for the most part. I was 1/2 a step away from crying by the time I got home because I had to stop at 3 stores to grocery shop/pick up prescriptions afterward - I wouldn't take the pain killers until after I got back.  After I got some in my system I was feeling fine, just a little sleepy - though I stilled looked awful.

Kenny let me sleep with the puppy on the couch last night. Haha! It sounds hopelessly pathetic but Sobie is "his" puppy so I appreciated it a lot. She's so sweet and loving. REALLY good with Rylee and Rylee is really good with her. I'm quite impressed.

We got the puppy at just the right age for Rylee. She's not quite to the age yet where she wants to pick up and carry around everything. Had we waited even a month or two longer she'd have been there. So now she does a "rub rub" to the puppy and is happy. Sobie jumped and licked and played allll over Rylee this morning when they both woke up. It was the most adorable thing I've ever seen.

The teeth I had pulled were not my wisdom teeth - I already had those out years ago. They were two that had cavities so deep the could not be root canal-ed or anything to save them (one already had a root canal previously). In the process of getting the root canal-ed tooth out it broke. So they had to take it out in 4 pieces. Also, because they were so hard to get out the bone was completely exposed and they had to file down the bone so there wouldn't be any rough spots or 'bone spurs' to cause me pain afterward. It was quite unpleasant. Surprisingly enough they said I was the most calm patient they had seen in years. I hate dental work and avoid going every time I can. I guess I just figure when I get in there I might as well relax or it will be more unpleasant.

The rest of this week, after another Pilates class tomorrow, I'll be spending the majority of my time at the old apartment - getting the rest of our stuff out and cleaning. Cleaning, cleaning, cleaning. The last time we moved out of an apartment from the same property management we got CHARGED because of "all the extra cleaning" they had to do. Total BS on their part. I had that place immaculate. I know how to clean a house for moving - I've done it with my mom a dozen times. We had my mom, mother in law, sister in law and little sister (and myself) cleaning that little 640 sq foot apartment and evidently it wasn't "good enough" so not only did we not get our deposit back - we got charged.

I'm determined to not get charged this time. I don't care if we don't get our deposit back this time, they'll do everything they can to take us for as much money as they can. Kenny has already stated that if they try to charge us he'll say "screw you" and not pay. I would just rather not having to do that if it can be avoided. Heehee.

Well, I've rambled enough for now. I've got more puppy pictures for later, and a few new Rylee ones too. Now, I'm going to go try finding something to fill my empty stomach with soft foods that don't fill.

In love, again.

We're head over heals in love with our newest family addition. She's precious. So loving. So cuddly and snugglie. She's our SoBe Puppy.

She already waves 'Hi'!

She's as cute as can be! With her bandit eye coloring and white tipped tail.

We're proud owners of the most adorable Chihuahua ever! (Yes, I'm quite biased)

My Baby

I love her

Adjusting

As it turns out *I* am the one having the hard time adjusting to the move.

Me, the one who has moved all across town over a dozen times. Not Kenny who can only remember 2 real moves in his childhood and said the last time we moved apartments that the next time would be into a house of our own. Not Rylee who is the baby who should be having a hard time adjusting to a new house.

"Why am I have such a hard time adjusting?"

Well, not because I don't love my In-Laws. They are great. Kenny's parents have just been awesome. Very accommodating, very easy-going, just wonderful. Kenny's Mom has watched Rylee several times for us while we were moving. So we got to 'go out' and have lunch - sorta a mini-date. Those were definitely cool times for us.

Yet, it's not MY house. That's just the problem. It's not MY house - and being as how we were looking at houses to buy before Christmas it feels like a step backwards. I know all too well that it is NOT really a step backwards. Rather a step forward, for schooling and a "better" life.  Or, whatever God has in store for us.

I know that God's timing is perfect. It's been so clear in so many ways. I'm really excited that we'll actually be able afford a new Insulin Pump for me in a few months (when hopefully the latest and greatest thing will be out). For now I continue to be ginger with mine and hope it lasts so I don't have to go back to shots.

I really don't like getting used to new stores. I LOVE the Northside of town. I don't like the valley. I love the people at the places I shop at on that side of town. My brother, his girlfriend and my nephew are over there and I'm not able to just stop by and see them now. You know what? I'll be fine. I think that once I've finished going through the stuff still back at my old place and have it all cleaned up - turn over the keys and everything - I might be able to actually sit back and relax. It's probably just too much hanging over my head right now to really focus on settling in.

Ramblings

I had something else I was going to post about tonight but I don't remember what it is.

Since we're already off kilter about the whole blogging post thing tonight I'll just ramble on.

Rylee is adjusting well to the move. Her one problem is she thinks she doesn't have to listen to Kenny and I now that we're at Grandma and Grandpa's house all the time. We realized it last night so we caught it early at least, and she's even starting to adjust well to that.

I still have a ton of crap back that the apartment that I need to sort through and clean out. I'm totally not looking forward to that. It's scaring me a bit and making me feel overwhelmed. I know I need to do it, though, so hopefully the rest of the week I'll be able to get my act together.

I started Pilates last week and it's pretty amazing already. I haven't actually even done any real exercising either. My first meeting there (they require you to go to 3 or more personal training sessions so you can handle the real classes and keep up with everyone) the Lady (We'll call her, A) was able to tell that I carry Rylee on my right side more dominantly than my left. I was pretty impressed. She's had me working the rest of the week on my posture and breathing. It's almost like being in an etiquette class except for exercise! Haha!

I've noticed quite the improvement in my posture already, though, and I am thrilled about that. Soon I'll start up my running routine again as the weather seems to be getting nicer again, and I'm hoping that it'll stay that way being as it's actually time for spring now. ...and we won't talk about Friday night when we were in a minor blizzard coming home from our second trip of moving our crap.

I still need to buy curtains for the rest of our room. It's driving me nuts. It's also driving me nuts how much money we've spent in this move. I'll get over it. We'll be saving a lot so it's spend some to gain a lot, I guess.

I ordered a new clip for my insulin pump tonight. 

I'm pretty excited. It's been driving me INSANE. Not just Nuts, but INSANE that my pump falls off EVERYWHERE. It'll be at least a week before I have it in my hands, I'm sure. I'm excited nonetheless.

Rylee's been teething hardcore style too. So it's been a BUSY week! I'm exhausted and I go back to work tomorrow and already have a lot to do there. SO, I'm out for tonight!

Happy Birthday, Sweety!

I've been MIA, due to moving. It's been ridiculous. I didn't think we'd really start until Late Saturday or Sunday but Kenny wanted to start Friday - so that's what we did. It's been a busy busy weekend and Today is Kenny's Birthday! He got a "surprise" day off of work because there was no work to be had in town today and 1/2 the workers were without today, so - he got to lay low. It was pretty sweet.

I think he enjoyed himself, what about you?

Aftermath

Sunday night, after my adorable Nephew was born, we all got home and hung around the house. Rylee got grumpy and it was definitely bedtime. I had been up for about 36 hours with only a 1/2 hour nap amidst the baby being born and my best friends Bridal Shower (that I was hostessing).

I feel I have no reason to really complain about that, so I won't. I've had many of my share of sleepless nights like that with a baby in the house. Evidently I was a lot more exhausted than I thought I was.

Before falling asleep on the couch, Rylee was cuddling and falling asleep with me. She was irritating me because all I wanted to do was fall asleep ( I was practically asleep as it was) and she kept head-butting me in the chin. Turns out after we had both fallen asleep I shoved her off the couch onto the ground (I hope that she just 'fell off' but I feel that wasn't the case....)!

Kenny thought it was too funny and snapped several photos of this precious sleepy moment.

Afterward he tried putting Rylee back up on the couch to cuddle with me. In the process she kind of woke up and started moving all around trying to get comfy again. I, in my sleepy-zombie-like stupor, thought I had JUST fallen asleep and felt quite irritated. So I got up, laid her down in her crib then went and passed out (but not before trying to play with my ipod touch before falling asleep) in bed.

I love my Husband, My baby and Sleep!

A Husband Post

Being the absolutely wonderful guy he is, he tries to keep me always honest. So I have to let you all know that this picture

That I posted a few days ago when I was talking about the endless job of packing was not actually apart of the packing. Kenny took that box several weeks ago (when I wanted to throw it out) and started playing games with Rylee, as he's such a good Papa. He got her diving inside to retrieve toys and pacifiers out of it. Then he cut a hole as you see there, and she started putting things inside that hole - then trying to pull them back out. Or dive inside after the object that she dropped through the hole. It was a lot of work on Kenny's part to get her to do that.

Then he started putting it on her head. She hated it. Kenny tried to show her it was fun.

But she didn't want to do it at first. He finally got her liking it. She walked all around the house in it. Running into things and falling over - it was so freaking cute!

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Also.  In watching The Biggest Loser this evening Kenny decided that we should call it the "Fat Parade." I told him I might use that in the company of each other but not in mixed company. He asked "why? - I didn't have an answer. Then he asked why I wouldn't blog about it. So, here I am. Blogging about it.

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Finally, my SO awesome Husband treated me like such a princess tonight! I was bored and going crazy needing to do stuff on my house but being 'stuck' in the process. We need to get boxes out of storage so I can start packing up our dishes. I need to put another coat of paint on several walls but have to wait for the current one to dry. - I don't like being stuck and feeling unproductive - and bored. 

He sent me out of the house to get my hair dyed and cut!! 

He took care of Rylee and put her to bed. I got a couple baby-free hours without anything else going on like a baby being born, bridal shower, painting.... just time for me!

I LOVE my new wonderfully ammonia-scented-dark-brown-with-slight-red-tones-hair-color!

The last time I dyed it was a few weeks before Rylee was born. It's been well over 14.5 months. My hair had grown out to its natural color and I was ready for a new one. Kenny pushed me into doing all of it.  I was just going to get a trim - as I'm also growing it out. The stylist was awesome and gave me a deal on the color and styled my hair a little bit more for me while keeping the length intact. 

Such a great night. I feel totally pampered and special. I love my Husband. He treats me so well!

Baby Malik!

In the wee hours of the morning we waited.

 

Little baby Malik was born At 3:50am, March 7th, 2010. 

 

  

He's a Precious 9 pounds 2 Ounces at 39 weeks, 5 days. Beat Rylee by 2 ounces at 38 weeks. They already have a lot in common. 

 

  

  

  

  

Even Rylee loved her new (and first!) Cousin!

Yes, he's precious. I'm so SO excited to be an Aunt, and Kenny to be an Uncle

 My Brother and Andrea will make great parents. I'm so excited for them!!

Productivity

After being set back by my own self last night. Having gotten off of work late, went to Home Depot late, got out of Home Depot late.... it was too late to go out to my In-Laws to get started on the carpet cleaning I wanted to do.

Tonight, though, was the night. I got the carpet cleaned. My wonderful Mother-in-Law helped me get started on my painting! She has all sorts of wonderful tools for painting! Step Ladders, a TV Tray so my paint tray doesn't have to be on the ground when I'm trying to paint up high... she's genius!



Yes, I painted that wall a bright vibrant turquoise-ish color.

I'm a bit bummed. I forgot my 2 inch tape at home and didn't tape the ceiling before I started painting. SO... I got paint on the ceiling. Oh well. I'll just have to touch it up. - And not do that on any other walls to save myself the extra work.

It was a pretty productive night. While I was gone away painting our new home, Kenny was at our apartment tearing it apart and re-building his computer.

Yep. It was a busy, busy, busy, productive night. One that isn't over yet. I'm now off to help Kenny finish cleaning this mess before daybreak and Rylee.

Boxes Boxes Boxes Boxes.

What's going on around here these days? Not much, just a lot of this:

All that stuff on the counter? Came out of the drawer you see pulled out there. And there's more - a grocery bag full of garbage came out of there too. How did I manage to fit it all in there? I have no idea. But, I did it. Even though it was the only think I accomplished tonight as far as packing goes - I feel pretty good about it.



Oh yeah, and as soon as I brought boxes home to start packing: Rylee decided they were the best play things. Like every little child should!







Yep, just a lot of fun packing.

A Beautiful Mommy-to-Be!

She's got a beautiful smile and definitely glowing like a mommy-to-be

An old friend from High School allowed me the pleasure of doing her maternity photos today.

Just the most beautiful baby bump at just a little over 25 weeks.

Her Son will be so blessed to have her as a Mommy. Such a wonderful heart and spirit this sweet and so awesome chick has!

Definitely excited for this little boy to come!

Happy to just go out and trapse up and down the hills of one of our best parks all day for a gazillion pictures.

I just can't help but love these photos with such a beautiful Mommy-to-Be.

I had a blast taking them. Even with my own daughter screaming her head off a couple feet away. It was worth it, screaming child, laying on the ground and nearly falling off some rocks to achieve some pretty sweet shots.

Yeah, she'll be an awesome Mommy!