Our New Kitchen

On March 14, we started our kitchen renovations.  According to our contractor, it looked like our kitchen was last updated in the early '70s, and it had been a do-it-yourself job.  There were several places where things just didn't line up or weren't put together quite right.  The coating had long since worn off the floor, so we could never really get it clean - never mind the fact that it was peeling up and pieces were breaking off where the seams came together.  So we were long overdue for an update.

Since we needed somewhere to eat and "prepare" (I use that term loosely) meals during the renovations, we moved our refrigerator and kitchen table to the basement.  We used the washtubs next to the washing machine to clean dishes and an old tabletop microwave that Nathan had from college.  

The food prep area, complete with microwave and coffee pot.
Dishes were stored here, too.

Our fine dining area, also cluttered with boxes full of
everything that had been in our kitchen cabinets.

Eleven long weeks later, our new kitchen is complete!  We had a three-week delay around Week 6 due to a cabinet supplier/manufacturer issue.  However, we got a nice discount on our cabinets because of it, so we can't complain too much. 

Here are some before and after pictures.  I can't believe how nice it is to have a brand new kitchen!  We still need to add some decorative touches, but here it is!

Before

After

Before

After

A new built-in dishwasher.

Before

You can see in this one where the floor started to peel off.
There are three little dark spots in front of the old portable dishwasher.

After

A microwave with a digital timer -
so exciting!

Parade the Circle

Last Saturday, we took Ainsley to Parade the Circle at University Circle.  We had about an hour to kill before the parade started, so I took Ainsley around to all the booths.  Ainsley was especially excited about all the balloons and pinwheels on display. 

After we finished at the booths, we (literally) danced our way over to where a reggae band was playing.  Ainsley kicked her feet and waved her arms to the music.  People were actually looking and pointing at us - I assume because Ainsley is so adorable and not because of my awesome dance moves.  When we got to the stage, even the band members were watching our little princess boogie.  We joined a conga line in front of the stage, which Ainsley thought was hilarious, and we had a great time.

By then, Mommy was tired, so we went back to our seats with Daddy and waited for the parade to start.

I attached the tissue paper flower we made at one of the booths 
to Ainsley's stroller. She's checking out the bracelet we made from a ribbon
and aluminum can tabs at another booth.  So creative at Parade the Circle!

The balloon arches were a big hit with Ainsley.

An awesome float, but a little scary, too!

There were a lot of people on stilts.

Colorful costumes

This guy was the end of the parade and represented Mardi Gras,
along with a small band playing When the Saints Go Marching In.

Ready to head home after a fun afternoon. 
Ainsley fell asleep as soon as we got in the car!

Eleven Months Old

On May 21, Ainsley turned 11 months old. She is 100% crawling now - on all fours, not just scooting on her belly - and she wants to go, go, go!  It was especially difficult to take her picture this month, because she kept trying to crawl toward her toys.  We reached a compromise, and Ainsley is holding a book in her 11 month pictures.

Taking these pictures has also become a two-person job. Daddy provided the entertainment behind me to distract Ainsley and make her smile. I just kept snapping, hoping to get something good.  I think these capture her personality perfectly!  Happy Birthday, Ainsley!

Weekend Fun

I can tell that summer is right around the corner, because our calendar is filling up.  Busy weekends will be more exciting this year with Ainsley in tow. Here's a look at some recent weekend activities.

Ainsley woke bright and early the morning of April 29 - to watch the Royal Wedding of course!  Ainsley and I waved to the Princess on TV. Such fun! Check out Ainsley's Royal Wedding hat.

Pip Pip, Cheerio! Here's to Wills and Kate, ahem, William and Catherine!

Saturday, we went to the Geauga Maple Festival in Chardon. Ainsley got her first balloon (she really hung on to that balloon string!) and watched her first parade. She really seems to enjoy watching all the people and taking in her surroundings. She chattered and giggled the whole time.

It was funny, because I was pointing out to Ainsley the dance teams and local Fair Queens/Princesses from the parade, and they were all pointing to Ainsley saying, "Look at that cute baby!"  Well, she was wearing her Royal Wedding hat. :)

Then we visited Great Aunt Liz for a belated Easter celebration. Ainsley got to meet Rocky, Aunt Liz's 40-year-old turtle. I remember holding Rocky when I was a little girl!

Hello, Rocky.  Nice to meet you!

Whoa!  She's coming right at me!

The Easter Bunny brought Ainsley her own Rocky...which we dubbed "Rocky II". 

Look what I got!

Aunt Liz reading Ainsley a story

Baby's First Easter

We had a very lovely Easter season. The Easter Bunny brought lots of goodies over the course of a few weeks, and Ainsley thoroughly enjoyed every bit of it.  Happy Easter!

Easter basket from Aunt Pat

We visited Egg Shell Land - over 40,000 dyed egg shells in their front yard!

Reading her Easter card while trying on her
new handknit hat (with matching sweater) from Grandma Molnar

Easter sweater and hat, hand knit by Grandma Molnar

Mommy and Daddy "recycled" the Easter basket.
Here, Ainsley checks out her yogurt melts.

And new blocks!

Ainsley's Easter dress

 

 

 

 

Easter dinner - ham, cheese and homemade noodles (with some applesauce on the side)

Sitting on Uncle Larry's lap, watching Cousin Chris pour some Sweet Potato Puffs. Ainsley really enjoyed sitting at the big people table!

Uncle Larry had some silly glasses!

With Cousin Joe

Happy Ten Months!

Our little baby is growing up right before our eyes!  Ainsley turned 10 months old on April 21. Ten months must be the magic number - seemingly overnight, Ainsley has started to clap her hands, crawl on all fours and pull herself to a standing position.  Such a big girl!

We found her like this after her nap yesterday.  :)

Look out world!

Cruisin' Along

Ainsley's favorite place to stand is at the coffee table. In addition to standing, Ainsley is learning to cruise along the coffee table, throwing toys as she goes. She also pulls herself up on the coffee table, as you can see at the end of this video.  What a little monkey!  The pediatrician told us he could tell by her build that she was going to be a climber, but not to worry, because "She'll fall lightly."  As though that is supposed to make me feel better!  :)