Gilbert the Painter

On Tuesday Gilbert painted our master bedroom. We had the master bedroom painted by professionals a year ago, but they used a sponge instead of a rag - and it has driven me crazy ever since! Gilbert's friend John, who is a contractor, brought us a 5 gallon bucket of paint and another 5 gallon bucket of primer. So re-doing the room was free - and there was no way I could turn that down!!! John didn't think he could come over and help on Tuesday, so Gilbert started the primer by himself. Luckily John was able to come over and help him finish the job - and also let us use his fancy sheepskin roller and expensive brushes. Boy, those sure make a difference!!!

We also decided to re-arrange the furniture to really make things feel new. I am super happy with the results and very thankful to Gilbert and John for making it happen.

I would have to agree with Gilbert's Dad - friends are better than money!

Painting the Nursery

On Sunday Gilbert and I decided to paint the nursery. I have never painted before - and was reminded why I hate it so much. I am really not into all the prep work. It took us a good 2 hours of taking down pictures, caulking, taping, putting down paper, etc. I painted for about 20 minutes before one of Gilbert's friends showed up to help. Then I was released of my duties:) While they painted, I went to Home Depot to get another gallon of paint (we underestimated, big time) and get new light switch and electric outlet face plates.

Before - Blah

After - Ralph Lauren Verona Pink Satin Finish

After the painting was done, Gilbert assembled our new chair and changing table (Amy, you would have loved assembling that changing table!). The rest of the furniture should arrive in a month or two, but it feels great to already have the room painted and a few things in there!



As the paint was drying, Gilbert did yet another home improvement project and hung a Roman shade on our backdoor. It is much better than the towel that we hung over the window to block the sun!

23 Weeks

Robby's Fear Factor Birthday Party

On Saturday Gilbert and I drove to Bastrop for Robby's 11th Birthday Party. The theme was "Fear Factor" - and needless to say - it was gross:)


First they had to run down with a raw egg in their hands, then a sardine, and then pigs feet. After they dropped the item in a bowl, they had to kick a goal. Some of the boys decided to put the sardines and pigs feet in their mouths. Way to go the extra mile!!


The next challenge was to find gum in a melted Rollo inside of a diaper. These faces are priceless!

The last challenge was to find 5 gummy worms amidst vienna sausages and gravy. We thought Robby looked a bit like his Grandpa Aguilar in this picture!

Happy Birthday Robby!

The BEST butter cheesy garlic bread (on the grill)

Last night for dinner, Gilbert and I made Bobby Flay's Open Faced Steak Sandwiches on Garlic Bread with Provolone and Parsley Oil. They were delicious - and what really made them wonderful was the garlic bread. Here is how to make it.

Heat grill.
Put 2 cloves of garlic in the food processor and puree. Melt a stick of unsalted butter. (I know that is a lot of butter, but you don't have to use it all...). Mix the garlic and the butter and add a little salt and pepper.
Take a loaf of french bread and half it lengthwise. Brush the garlic butter mixture on top.
Put the bread on the grill, butter side down, and grill until golden brown. Turn over and top with your favorite cheese and leave on the grill until the cheese melts - about 30 seconds.

It is really the perfect treat - and tastes wonderful topped with some grilled steak or chicken - or would be the perfect complement to any pasta. Enjoy!

Dinner and a Movie

On Saturday night Gilbert and I joined our friends Jenny and Jorge for date night. We had dinner at Hyde Park Bar and Grill and then went to see 27 Dresses. It was a good movie, although I expected it to be a little funnier. Very girly and predictable - but isn't that what romantic comedies are made of? The guys didn't hate it, so that is always a good sign!

On Sunday morning Gilbert and I tackled our garage. For anyone who has seen our garage, you know what an undertaking this was!! We spent 4 hours straight working on it, but we now have a very clean and organized garage and the nursery is cleaned out and ready for baby furniture! Next Saturday Gilbert and his friend John will be painting - I can't wait to see it all come together!!

It's A Girl!!

Gilbert and I went to the doctor today for my big UltraSound. I was so anxious and excited that I could hardly sleep last night. Poor Gilbert had to wake up a million times with me last night as I thought that I heard all kinds of different sounds! I think that I just didn't want to be the only one awake!
I took the advice given and had a small hot chocolate before the appointment. Most of you know that I don't ever drink any caffeine. I drinks lots of water and some orange juice. So that hot chocolate made the baby dance! There was no problem seeing this time that it was a girl.
I was so happy. Gilbert was a little in shock. He was still holding out for a boy. But both of us were happy that the doctor said it was a healthy baby - all the measurements were normal as well as the heart, lungs, brain, etc.
I am still on cloud nine. Yeah!!!

20 Week Belly Pop

Sometime in the past week, my belly really started to pop out. I am slowly learning how to adjust to it - like the fact that I have to open both of the french doors to our bathroom because my belly ends up hitting the other one - or that I need to push the grocery cart with both hands because my belly will end up hitting it. Good thing Gilbert hasn't been around to see my belly bumps - as I am sure it would cause him to go into a complete panic attack!

Nursery

On Sunday Gilbert and I ventured to USA Baby to select our baby bedding and baby furniture. I went on Saturday to ask all my questions and narrow down the options so that Gilbert wouldn't miss too much football while shopping!

We ended up selecting Capretti furniture and a bedding set called "French Cuffs". The furniture will be in "rubbed black" and should be in within 12 weeks. What is so great about the crib is that it will convert into a toddler bed and then a full size bed. This particular manufacturer sells all the conversion parts with the crib, so even if they discontinue the model we have, we will still be able to covert it down the road. The bedding set is black and cream - and we will use red as an accent color. We are hoping that the baby will cooperate next week at the ultrasound, but even if it doesn't, I can still start the decorating process!!

We also ordered a black and cream checked glider with ottoman, a black changing table and a crib mattress that will also be the mattress for the toddler bed. We still have a lot to do, but it feels great to have some of the bigger purchases checked off our list!

French Cuffs

Love the polka dots!