Getting Ready for Baby

We have kicked it into high gear, preparing for the baby that is. Lord willing he is coming in June! Just 3 months away.

We are working on selling the house I bought in Kensington.
It has been neat to see God work his miracles in the process.

He truly has guided us through this process. Brought the perfect buyer at the perfect time.
Truly a miracle with the housing market so poor right now.

Yep, and I am back at the sewing machine.

Here is one of many three block strips I sewed into 9 square blocks for the baby's crib quilt.

The Blocks.

They are sewn together now, don't have a picture to share yet. There are flannel sashing and set blocks in between each block. Nice and cuddly for our calm little boy:) (You like how I am speaking calm over our son already!).

I must share that this quilt already has a heritage.
Several blocks are made from an old handkerchief of my grandfather's (who died before I was born) and old shirt sleeves from the family business. Thanks to my grandma who saved all this stuff and passed it on. I also included some fabric from Hubie's clothing.

Isn't fabric Pretty? I love it. Ticking. Batik. Flannel.

Our secret passageway...

We found the workings of our pocket doors behind the china closet wall. Kinda looks like a secret passage way, right? At least our door is squeaking tons less since we oiled the wheel.

Hubie is still diligently remodeling the dining and living rooms. He is my hero.
Doesn't he look good in this picture?


We got the dining room painted this week. It looks great!

Here is my 26 week pregnancy picture, too.
I figured I may as well join in the fun of painting, I am already living in the fumes. lol.

Disclaimer: Hubie didn't ask me to paint...I did the majority of helping while he was sleeping. He had no part in my choice. He takes very good care of me!

Jessica and Andrew just stopped by, they are our friends who stayed with us for a few months. It was great to see them! Thankfully they are settled into their house now, and passing on God's hospitality and love to many around them.

O, and today it was so beautiful out. I went for a walk around the block...in my hooded sweatshirt. How wonderful! All the kids were outside, and I made the mistake of eating a sucker/lollipop on my walk. Of course they all wanted one.

The kids' parents invited me in. They were pumped when I told them I was pregnant. It has been a while since we chatted, as we were all in winter hibernation for the past months. They have a 2 month old little addition to their family as well. Too cute, the new little grandson smiled at me twice! He must have sensed that motherly glow coming over me. I like him already.

This little one we are expecting will be fun to show off to our neighborhood friends. Having a baby is one of those universal things, you know. He will break down barriers of race, economics and background like nothing else. We can just look at him and enjoy the site of new life. How sweet.

Happy Valentine's Day

Happy Valentine's Day!!

Valentine's Day is one of those weird holidays that make some people sick with vomit and other sick with love (or hope for love). In the past I have celebrated with good friends or tried to forget the day. Often I finished out the day saddened by the sight of no flowers, chocolate or a swooning boy at my window.
Two years ago, I wondered what would happen on Valentine's Day. Hubie had asked me on a date in early January, but we weren't necessarily dating. I had to brace myself for a regular night at home, as I did not want to be too disappointed if he did not ask me out. But, of course Hubie came through. He asked if I wanted to go out for dinner "tomorrow night." Failing to mention, "for Valentine's Day," for sake of possible embarrassment on his part. Good job Hubie!! (Thanks to Rich and his brother's excellent advice).

so I was a little nervous with the whole V-day dinner, especially since Hubie and I had not known each other for long. I could tell Hubie was too, hence him not mentioning this dinner was for V-day. I asked PJ, the guy I was co-leading small group with how I could overcome our anxiety about the Valentine's day subject. He suggested that I make a little joke about it. He even demonstrated how I could phrase the joke (he could see I really needed some help). I figured PJ is a guy, and maybe Hubie would respond to his guy lingo.

...he didn't get the joke...more awkwardness endured.

This year Hubie started off Valentine's Day early with red roses and monkey bread (in the shape of a heart) yesterday. Tonight we are going to Vietnam Restaurant. It has been fun!

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Here I am with my new reading glasses. Pretty hip right??


The optometrist said the glasses will make reading easier for my eyes if they get tired. He said I could wear them on the end of my nose for knitting... Talk about GRANDMA!!!
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It snowed in Philly, and we took pictures of our backyard. Hubie and I are so proud to have outdoor space. It is rare in the city to have such a large space.


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Juliana's 29th Birthday!!


Bethany, Juliana and I celebrated Juliana's birthday at Las Cazuelas restaurant on Girard Ave. It is a great place to dine, and no wait to get a table. We got arroz con pollo, saite of some kind and chile relleno. The owners are from Campeche, one of the places I traveled in Mexico.

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I can't wait to take pictures of our kitchen at our house in Kensington. It looks so much better with the back splash tiled and a couple more finishing touches. My dad will be very pleased! He rehabbed it a year ago October.
The porch is almost redone, just need to fill screw holes when it gets warmer. Plus, the new outdoor light fixture really makes the place look better.
Hubie and I enjoy rehabbing together. It feels nice to make a home into something more functional and aesthetically pleasing.

O, and I started to volunteer in a nursing home near our house. It is good for me- I got dressed up- almost like going to work. It felt good to do something outside the house. I haven't experienced that for four months now.

That is what I have been up to in Philly! I do love it here! Come and see this wonderful/crazy/dirty/work in progress city sometime:)