Made in Richmond

So, as you know, we’re getting the house ready to go on the market. After almost a year of consistently working on the house, and about 6 weeks of constantly working on the house (thanks to a certain announcement), we’re almost done. Today and tomorrow are being spent cleaning and taking care of little odds and ends to make this house look presentable - you know, that habitable but “No, no people don’t live here! Picture your own couch here! And see this? Isn’t that a lovely, spacious yard?” look.

Consequently (and unfortunately), the dogs have had to spend much time in their crates during these processes, as they tend to get underfoot. As typical of his way, Shooter will only whimper for a bit and then resign to the fact that he’s not going anywhere, spending his time half-grunting at any unexpected noise outside.

And then there’s Zapp.

She does ok at first. Just a little chirping (sometimes we have a hard time telling if it’s her or the birds). But when she’s ready to come out, boy, she lets you know it. Not with barking. Not with whimpering. But with full-body thrashing and gnashing of teeth. I imagine that if she were a teenage girl (which in dog years, I guess she pretty much is) she would be sighing and angstily applying black eyeliner and nail polish. You know, to really stick it to us.

Now, Zapp and I leave you with a picture that would so go on her myspace page:

John and Nikole finally got to meet their sweet baby girl.

The Lord. He is very, very good.

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My Almay Smart Shade Makeup apparently became stupid this morning as it decided that I have dark brown skin.

My latest pregnancy symptoms include chapped lips, quickly growing hair in various places, crippling exhaustion, and excessive appreciation for all things tart and/or sour.

Oh and my belly seems to have popped out. I hear it’s “cute.” I’m not sure I agree. And I’m not ready to show pictures.

Our house goes on the market on Wednesday. I will be relieved to not spend weekends “working on the house” but I’m kind of dreading the concept of having to leave my house at the drop of a hat so people can come look at it.

I got to eat lunch outside today. It was glorious and made me feel better than I have in a long time.

A fire truck is going by and the dogs are trying to match pitch with the sirens. It’s my favorite thing they do.

Now you…

People who think it being cold outside means that there is no such thing as global warming.

The guy who tried to cut in front of me in line at Lab Corp today. Was he there to get FIVE vials of blood drawn? Hm, probably not. Step off, bucko.

CNN for making the death of Martha Stewart’s dog one of their top stories.

Paris Hilton. I don’t appreciate how as soon as she started dating Benji Madden, she started dressing like him.

Myself. For knowing who the mess Benji Madden even is.

Go Hokies.

I must say, Ross is doing a fabulous job handling the nutrition side of the manufacturing of our offspring. I mean, I guess he should because I’m doing most of the work here. I MADE EARS AND LIPS THIS WEEK, WHAT DID YOU DO?

Ahem.

Let’s look at the food, shall we?

Yes, there’s lots of milk there. There was a good deal at Costco.

Here’s the menu…

Monday: Szechuan broccoli, rice, and tofu

Tuesday: Cheese quesadillas with an appetizer of hummus

Wednesday: Leftover meatloaf, green beans, and mashed potatoes from Sunday

Thursday: Slow-cooked pork loin and salad

Grand total? Around $46. But keep in mind, we got a lot of organic milk and that was factored in.

Here’s your Deal Of The Week:

Two giant pork loins for $15. We’ll get at least 2 meals from each one AND one of them won’t be used until next week. BOOYAH.

And Ye Olde Budget Buster:

This bottle of lemon juice cost over $2, but Ross likes to put them in the smoothies he loving makes for me and the wee one. DON’T SAY WE NEVER GAVE YOU ANYTHING, FETUS.

Here’s an update on the major stats:

I’ll be 10 weeks on Wednesday.

My reaction when I took the test was “OMG.” Like I actually said that.

Estimated due date is November 12. I realize this could interfere with Hokie football. I will do my best to hold things off.

Our ultrasound is next Monday. We were supposed to have it today but it got postponed because God hates me likes to teach me about patience.

We heard the heartbeat. A glorious, thumping heartbeat. It was the most amazing moment of my life. Ever.

I have felt much better than expected. Only a couple throwing up incidents. Much fatigue.

A rubber band is currently the only thing holding my pants closed.

Cumin is a very, very bad thing.

Pineapple? It is wonderful.

We are not finding out.

We are very, very excited.

(You can read Ross’s account of the whole process here. That’s how you know he’s excited - he sets up another blog. Be warned: He talks about S-E-X and lady parts.)

So a few weeks ago, I took some tests. I guess you could say I passed…

Internets, we’re having a baby.

Friday: Long day. Home to in-laws and hubs working hard on the house. Chatting on the back porch. Dinner at Legend Brewery. Very very disappointing dinner, I should say. Home and to bed.

Saturday: Up to greet in-laws for more home improvement. Errands. Off to a church meeting. Home for dinner, lazing, and a quick nap. Never wrote for Zappturday. To bed late.

Sunday: Up to greet in-laws for even more home improvement. Lunch. Church. Home for dinner. To bed soon I hope.

Have a great week!

When we bought this house, we did it solely because we didn’t want to pay rent anymore. We didn’t really know what we wanted or needed. But now, four years later, we definitely have some opinions. Or at least I do. I’m sure you’re surprised.

What I want:

Another bedroom.  We have 2 and kind of a half. That’s great to start off but as we would like to bring little buggers into the picture eventually, 2 isn’t enough.

Basement or utility room. We want these for two reasons. 1) We want the washer and dryer to be out of sight and 2) we’d like to have somewhere for the dogs to be so they’re less stuck in the middle of everything.

New windows. This isn’t a deal breaker, but go through a couple Richmond Februaries with 100 year-old windows and your appreciation for insulation will shoot through the roof.

New appliances. We’ve replaced a water heater, furnace, AC, washer and dryer since we’ve been here. That’s headache I’d rather not deal with. Again, not a deal breaker, though.

What I don’t want, and there is just one thing:
Pedestal sinks. Some people love them, and I’ll admit that they give a bathroom character. But do you know what *doesn’t* come with pedestal sinks? Storage.

What about you? What would make or break it for you?