Number Nine
Janie,
I’m so glad you’ve been able to get out on the water. I’ve missed our time kayaking together, as brief as it was. But kayaking in Missouri mud water is pretty pathetic, so I’m sure you’re even more thrilled with the beauty that Lake Michigan has to offer. It’s really cool that you’re taking Alder and Poppy with you. I know they’re both going to be so adventurous when they grow up. I’ve taken Sunny kayaking once, but we started sinking and Silouan had to come rescue us from a tree that was growing out of the water. We were able to sit rather uncomfortably on it’s roots. He used the inflatable kayak to retrieve us, so I was forced to just sit there, waiting and dwelling on my poor decision (trying to fit Celine, Sunny, AND myself into a one person sit-on-top kayak) while he frantically pumped air into all three sections of his boat. Sunny had a great time though.
We moved into our house this weekend! The transition was relatively smooth, however, the night before moving day, I made the mistake of sanding down the joint compound I had smeared on the walls and didn’t hang any tarps up to block the dust. It went EVERYWHERE and coated everything on the first floor. Fortunately, hardly any made it upstairs where the girl’s rooms are and I was able to get a lot of it cleaned up. But it’s still not ideal for living in. I’m definitely learning about DIY renovating, mostly from my mistakes. So if I ever have to install board and baton again, I’ll know exactly how to not do it. The rest of the walls are simple at least, just plain white with a tiny bluish hue in it. I never realized just how many shades of white there were so I picked one as quickly as I could so I wouldn’t over think it. It actually turned out great! I got the color “Radisson” semi-gloss by Glidden Diamond. It’s zero VOC and Greengaurd Gold certified. Toad has been helping me a ton throughout this whole renovation process and it’s been super helpful since shes flipped a few houses basically all on her own. Ginny and Yulia came over to help too. We had a painting with wine night and splattered and plopped ridiculous amounts of paint all over the floors haha we’re replacing the floor next week anyway so it didn’t matter. It was way more fun not having to worry about ruining it, but if I’m totally honest, I’m very into the splattered floor look. I guess you could call it “Los Angeles Squatter Chic” I could see it catching on, it’ll be trending in a few years I’m sure. Well anyway, I’m about to wrap up the whole project with some paint on the board and baton (“Baritone” semi-gloss by Behr) and then I’ll show you the before and afters. I think it’s actually going to turn out okay. But as for the rest of the house, we’re mostly settled in. Still some odds and ends to unpack. I was intentional about setting up the kitchen so it was functional before the official move day. It was really nice to have at least one fully functioning room in the midst of all the chaos. Everyone seems to be very happy with the house so far, but we’re all very tired. Our schedule has been pretty whack the past week so I’m excited to get back into a routine. The kids definitely need it. Fall is creeping in, and with the school year having just started, I’m itching to do some more structured activities with Sunny. The change in season always has me wanting to make plans and get reorganized. I think this is the most excited I’ve ever been for Fall. Which is saying a lot because it’s always been my favorite season. So many fun activities are ahead of us.
I haven’t mentioned the Snort in while but she’s currently in my favorite baby phase. Enormous smiles, tons of cooing, and absolutely fascinated by her hands and feet! Sometime I wish I could make her stay four months old for a year, and at the same time, I’m so eager for her and Sunny to start playing and giggling together. This is the most exhausting season of motherhood so far, but thoroughly enjoying it.
-Lydia