































My little lady is growing too fast. This months milestone was crawling at lighting speed and standing. She still has her ridiculously cute laugh that vibrates, and she has added even more facial expressions to her ever expanding repertoire. However, I think the biggest one that got me was the two bottom teeth that came in on Christmas day.
Her favorite activity is talking especially when others are conversing around her. She will raise her voice so loud you have to stop and listen to what she has to say. This is especially the case at the dinner table, which or course she now needs to be a part of while munching on Cheerios & yogurt melts. When the day is done there is nothing better than some quick snuggles (she doesn't like long hugs, which I'm determined to change) and some tickles. The best laugh's are right before bed.
With the new house I'm hard at work designing and decorating her new room. I was at Oh Baby yesterday at the Galleria and noticed their adorable clouds hanging from the ceiling. That's a must. A cute little reading nook, since she can't get enough of her books. Honestly, these were her favorite this Christmas. The gifts she got most excited about. The Pinterest page is filling up with ideas. Can't wait to share the progress once I get started. So until then, here's my baby's 9 months photos. :)
This cute little 1940's house is now ours.
I can't wait to make this house our perfect home.
Here's the story ... well it really starts back in 2009 when I purchased my first fixer-upper. I was ready to own, not rent. So I started my search and by luck and the knowledgeable skills of my real estate agent I landed my first home in South Minneapolis. It was a blind auction and I won the bid. Holy cow! It was a beautiful 1910 home, original wood work, hardwood floors, a nice city size yard, and so much potential. The house was scrubbed from head to toe, painted inside and out, completely re-wired, remodeled the basement, kitchen & bathroom, and refinished the floors. I'm sure I'm forgetting something but this gives you a idea. The whole remodeling over a few years probably came to under $15k and the house sold for double what I paid. Yup! For my first property this home was a land slide and I loved it to pieces.
Fast forward to 2016 and I'm on the hunt again for my next property. I set a budget and had a rough idea of what I wanted. 3br, 1 ba, in the cities or close by with lots of potential. About 30 days into looking I was starting to feel like it would never happen. From August - November I looking at over 50+ homes and made 5 offers that were outbid! For every home I liked there were 10 others that were horrible. Not just icky, but, "please condemn this home and tear it down, the neighbors will thank you." Then finally one night, at 10pm, I'm searching the MLS and spot this perfect home...
Of course it was out of my price range, but they had a open house next week so I told myself if it was still on the market I'd go, "just to look." Of course I loved it and saw all the potential this home had. I call my agent and told her I needed to make a offer, even if it was low. My letter to the sellers told of our small family, our dog Potatos, and how much we loved the home. After a stressful few days over the weekend we got the good news we needed, they accepted our offer! It turns out the letter I wrote brought the owners to tears. This had been their family home and they loved the idea of a new family moving in.
So 30 days later ... this little gem is ours. Let the remodel begin!
Living room :: Imagine the far window & wall gone, and instead a opening that leads into the family room.
Living room looking into the dining room :: Imagine the wall 1/2 gone and instead a beautiful open staircase . This will create a open feel which will let you see through into the kitchen when you enter the home.
Dining Room :: Imagine the wall dividing this from the kitchen gone, an now the kitchen extends all the way across the window wall. A small cafe table for breakfast tucked against the mural wall.
Kitchen :: Imagine all new appliances, white cabinets and white/grey granite counters. Double the counter space & cabinets once the wall between the dining room is down.
Breezeway :: Imagine the ceiling vaulted with a beautiful chandelier and the room extended to the front of the home. This will now be the formal dining room with a attached family room leading into the living room.
Bedroom :: Imagine a new door, not a bi-fold one ;)
Bathroom - Tinest bathroom i've ever been in. Seriously. :: Imagine the wall/closet gone. This will add 1/4 more space to this room. Add shower plumbing. New marble floor and shower tile surround.
Master Bedroom / 2nd floor - Ahhh wood paneling, how I love thee. Good thing this house has 2 full rooms of paneling! :: Imagine new sheetrock and recessed lighting. A 1/2 bath added and built-in closet space.
I have to give a huge thanks to my realtor Lisa Leicht. This home would not have happened had it not been for her knowledge and hard work. I can't thank her enough. If you are in need of a realtor there is no one else I would recommend more than her!
Congratulations to Matt & Kayla on the exciting engagement. I can't wait to see what their vineyard wedding has in store for them!
I hope you enjoyed looking through their fun engagement photos taken at Silverwood Park in St. Anthony / Minneapolis, MN. The fall colors were great for engagement pics. See more creative engagement portraits by looking through these samples here. Or check out some beautiful wedding photos by Brio Art photography, click here.
Someone got a big surprise today, he's going to be a big brother!
I can't believe it's been six months already. She is half way to one year old and becomes more amazing every day. All her little milestones and accomplishments blow me away.
I love you sweet heart! xoxo Mommy
Babyhood Video :: First Food
Babyhood Video:: discovered hands and toes