THE LONG AWAITED POST!!!

FINALLY!!!

IT IS FINISHED!!!!! 

OUR NEW BATHROOM!!!!!!!!!

So it all began a little before Christmas- I know FOREVER ago!!! But Keith and I realized with our growing zoo and adding another person to the "potty trained" list came the need to finish our second bathroom. When we moved in 6 years ago it was an unfinished room that we used for storage. But with a little savings and some Christmas money we decided we were going to get started. 

The Blank Slate

Our first step was doing some insulation, some dry wall and a little framing for the new tub. We are fortunate to know some wonderful people who could help us with this project. Our friend Pat was the first to lend his services.

We also had to do some adjustments to the floor to make it more level

Cohen was also eager to help too

We decided to add a little more light and Keith added a "fart fan" 

Next came installing the new tub

 The kids testing out the new tub

We also had another friend come do some electrical work. Carlos was great!

We also had to call our friend Chris to run some water lines for us

Our next project was the worst part - MUDDING and SANDING!! WHAT A MESS!! This step felt like it took the longest and with dust everywhere I was soooo anxious to get this step done ASAP!!!!

Are we done yet? I look like I have aged 40 years with all this grey!!!

The next step was my favorite: Painting!!! First the primer then some color. I had found a shower curtain online that I absolutely fell in love with so we went to Home Depot and matched the paint.

I was out with a friend when Keith put up all the color. So here is the picture Keith texted me while I was out.

I was SOOOO excited!!!

Our next step was the flooring. We went back and forth about what we wanted to put down. But I am soo glad we went with what we did. It is laminate squares that look like stone tile. WE also had to go back and forth on what color worked best. After several trips to Menards we finally came to a decision. I must say it looks great!!!

Laying a sub floor

Taking measurements

Laying the flooring

Next came the baseboards

My technical husband and his measurements

We called Chris back to install the toilet and the vanity and hook up the shower

We are getting soooo close!!

At work the other day Keith came across some wood that the employees were allowed to take. Just so happens that it matched the wood of our vanity PERFECTLY!! We decided to use them for shelves and keep the closet exposed. It turned out soooo perfect!!!

Taking more measurements

The best shot yet!!

Or maybe this one :)

The Closet!!

Then came the finishing touches! Enjoy!!

Panoramic view

Wall stencil I found online that I think matches soo well!! 

The little touches!

So that's it!!

Thanks to all our friends for your help!

Also an amazing shout out to my amazing husband for all his hard work!!

with love from the zoo

1st day of Spring?

Well the calendar says it's Spring. Not so much in Grand Rapids!!!

I think in the past 48 hours we have gotten about 4-6 inches! I am soooo done with the snow!! Even Cohen said today "Mom, can the snow go away now?" I soooo wish buddy!! 

Our day started with Kirsten's 7 month dr appt. She is now 17 lbs and 27 1/2 in tall. Our pediatrician said she is doing great. He was however surprised at how much stranger anxiety she is already showing and the fact that she is still waking up at least 2x during the night. He said we really need to let her start "crying" it out. I told him we have tried but unlike our other 2 kids, Kirsten could seriously scream for 2 hours straight! He told me that was fine - we just want to stop her complete dependence on me now before it gets to bad. I agree with some of that but part of me likes that she needs me - they grow up too fast and I want to spend this time snuggled with my baby :)

Kendall loves the toys at the dr office and holding Kirsten's hand when she gets her shots.

After picking up Cohen from school, I realized that today was going to be one of those days that my to- do list was going to have to be put on the back burner. My kids needed me.

To play dragons

To snuggle in bed

To give lots of kisses

After nap time, Cohen asked if we could go outside and ride in his yellow car. He has been really missing his car this winter. Especially this last week. He and Kendall have fallen in love with the movie "Wreck it Ralph."  The movie involves race cars and I can tell it has given Cohen the itch to race his yellow car. So once again I went down to the basement and found a box. I told Cohen I would make him a race car. He didn't believe me at first but as it started taking shape he started giving me things he wanted for his "super racer."

Cohen said we needed wheels and lights

Cohen asked for 3 pedals like in the movie - Stop, Go and Super fast

Cohen asked for doors that opened

As a last request Cohen asked to have it "Go, Go Blue colors."

All in all it was a good day. My laundry still needs to be done, floors and counters are still dirty, bathrooms need to be cleaned but I made memories with my kids and that is so much more important!!

with love from the zoo

Butterflies are Blooming

Today I really wanted to take the kids to see the butterflies at Fredrick Meijer Gardens. It's probably one of the biggest draws to the gardens during the year. Today was no different - IT WAS PACKED!!! But the kids did awesome and stayed close by. Cohen was a little scared at first when the butterflies would fly right at him. I reminded him that butterflies do not have teeth or stingers and they just wanted to say hi. Then he relaxed and kept asking me to take different pictures of different butterflies he saw - so we could show daddy :)

My babes so excited!!

Kendall and Aili

"Look Ms Carrie - a butterfly"

In awe of all the butterflies

With love from the zoo