New lights - new walls

It's hard to tell in this photo, but the walls are very close to what they were in our old house now.  A deeper yellow/orangeish color.

I have been replacing the old, ugly brass light switches along the way.  I just replaced the 6 in the hallways today.

The picture turned out more yellow than the light actually is.  These new ones really make the house feel less dated.  We replaced 5 of the old brass and glass lights in the basement, main floor and upstairs.  These lights are sold in double packs so it only cost us $60 for 6 lights.

Yes.... the ugly "bullet" light is gone.  Our friend Jared came over yesterday and helped me replace 6 brass and glass lights in the house.  This one was a pain... the "bullet" light is SUPER heavy!  This chandler was only $160 and worth every penny.

Replacing the light fixtures was pretty easy and it gave the house an instant update.  I'll be working on the basement and the yard next!

1980's lights

Say goodbye to these old, ugly, 1980's lights.  We are replacing them today!!!

Painting the living room.... again

Monday night I repainted the living room to a light cream-yellow.  Yea.... you can't even tell I did anything.  Soo.... I will be taping off the room AGAIN and painting tonight.  ARGGG..... 

This time I'm going a deeper creamy-yellow.

18-month checkup

Niko's 18-month checkup was yesterday.  He spent the day home with me today afterwards.  I usually spend the day with him after his shots since he has had bad reactions to the chicken pox vaccination.

We spent the day at the park and cleaning the kitchen..... so much fun!

He is in the 75% for height, 65% for weight and his massive "Uncle Donnie" head is in the 99%.  I'm just glad that we made it back on the chart.  At his 1 year checkup, he was off the charts.

Messy

This is one of Niko's favorite meals - it's a tomato beef dish that my mom used to make us.  He usually shovels it in as soon as he sees it!  Clean plate club!

New Job

This post is about mommy this time.  

I have officially accepted a new position with the City of Blue Springs, Mo.  My new position is the Public Information Officer/Communications Manager for the City of Blue Springs, Mo.  This will be a promotion for me, but more importantly it is a more stable environment.

Leaving the City of Kansas City, Mo. is the hardest thing I have ever had to do, but it's the best move for my professional career and my family.  I look forward to the new challenges and professional growth!

Weekend with Croup

It may not look like it... but Niko is sick.  Niko has croup which is an infection of the vocal cords and throat - it is usually combined with a cold.  He has them both.  Neil took him to the doctor's office on Saturday and we have a list of things we have to do and medicine he HATES taking.

Aunt Shelly and Godfather Mark came over to watch the Oscars last night.  As soon as Niko sees Aunt Shelly it's time to play the piano.  I'm sure that will change when he actually starts taking lessons... 

18 month old height

Niko turned 18 months old on Tuesday - time is really flying by.  We did his height chart last night.  I would say this method is not the most accurate... Niko squirmed the whole time.  It's pretty amazing how fast they grow though!  :)

Jamming

He likes wearing headphones... even when they are not hooked up to anything.

Mommies shoes

Wish I had grabbed the camera faster - not the best photo.  Niko likes wearing my heels around the house - he's pretty good at it!

Parents as Teachers

Last night was our first Parents as Teachers meeting with our educator, Dana.  Parents as Teachers is a great program in Missouri that bridges the gap between birth and kindergarden.  The program is facilitated by the school district you live in.  The educators meet with you 4 times a year and keep track of your child's progress and gives you tips on how to further their development.

The program also has an early childhood center that has playgroups, events and even a toy/book checkout center!  Way cool!

She said that Niko was on target for his age group of 14-24 months. She left us with a bunch of handouts and new activities to do.

We plan to go to the toddler romp that is later on this month.

Potty training

Let the great adventure begin.  Niko has been bringing his diapers to us when wants a new diaper so I'm thinking it's time to start putting him on the potty.  He is just hanging out on it really.... nothing exciting yet.

I'm hoping to have something more to report in the next couple of days.