And I am really back....

AND I'm back....

After several months (too long, I know), I am back at the blogging.  In short, we have been living at Dave's parents' house for the last three months as we have tried (3 times) to purchase a house.  The first, was secretly a dump.  The second, we lost out to another bid (which was my FAVORITE).  And finally, the third, we are having inspected today.  This one (the third) has a HUGE back yard and TONS of cosmetic potential.  It needs to have the wallpaper stripped, fresh paint, new counters, and some new carpet.  We plan on painting the cabinets in the kitchen, replacing the lighting, and eventually redo-ing the tile.  It will be a work in progress, but thankfully, the outside isn't that bad (compared to our last house).  Take a look:

http://www.trulia.com/property/3086020185-9326-Woodchime-Ct-Fort-Wayne-IN-46804

If you have ideas or suggestions, they are greatly appreciated.


 Dave's job is going well.  He is very busy and doesn't so much enjoy his commute to work.  I did a longer commute before G was born, and it wasn't that bad.  I didn't, however, enjoy it when the weather was bad.  The Woodchime house is about 40 minutes from work, as opposed to Dave's parents' house, which is about 60 minutes away.  Living with Dave's parents has been great.  I am incredibly thankful that we've been able to stay here---Greta has been completely spoiled.  She loves two extra adults to entertain her when I'm trying to clean up or do something else around the house.  She has tripled her toy inventory, thanks to the fall garage sale season.  Here's what we are talking about: 

 

 

 

The playhouse and structure were purchased for $20.

The smaller playhouse, powerwheel (behind the playhouse), and play food was purchased for $45.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The powerwheel, tent, and yellow tub (filled with toys) that accompanies other tubs and an organizer were purchased for $25.  The tent comes with companion smaller tents, and two tunnels.  Greta's mullet, however, is priceless.

Her new car?  Yep, it's a Volvo 300, it runs on unicorn dust (which is free), and is powered by flatulence and swift foot movement.  Cost?  $5.  

Her new chopper?  Yep, a vintage Fisher Price Little People starter bike

It should also be noted that these photographs DO NOT include the countless assortment of clothes she's acquired.  Fortunately, Fort Awesome is garage sale heaven.  I am now way too cheap to pay for new clothes, toys, or other children's treasures.

I'm trying to get all my girlfriends to hop on the bandwagon.  Trust me, it's cool.

As I mentioned earlier, Greta has been very happy living with Grammy and PaPa.  She gets tons of snuggles, hugs, kisses, and other forms of loving to make her day go smoother.  Grammy is great in the morning, allowing me to sleep an extra 20 minutes while she changes Greta, and makes her bottle (BaBa). 

Greta has also restarted her physical therapy and occupational therapy after her MRI results (which was read in early August).  As Dave and I predicted, the MRI detected extensive brain damage from hypoxia (lack of oxygen) and trauma (from the vacuum).  We were glad we had answers to some of her "quirks," but I would be lying if I wasn't about the future for her schooling.  She looks and acts like a normal 16 month old, but there are some developmental delays that are still present.  Hopefully with therapy, she'll be where she needs to be by age 3. She started wearing high tops that help keep her ankle and leg from pushing inward.  They help a great deal.  The therapy is also helping her to build strength on the right side of her body, while also working on her balance and coordination.  Puzzles and fine motor toys at home have helped her hands get stronger.  Touching her ducktail has helped me relax and ease indigestion. 

Two months ago, I was able to go on an incredible girls trip with my Bloomington Mommies--Irene, Kristel, and Mackinzie. 

We had a wonderful time in Florida and I can't wait to go back!  It was fabulous--filled with tons of laughing, relaxation, great conversation, and amazing friendship.  I am truly blessed to have such amazing women in my life.  They are like my sisters from another mother.  I miss them dearly and it makes me teary eyed to think about their pups growing up.  Kristel welcomed a new boy, Marlo, two weeks ago.  Irene is expecting in the spring.  I hope it is a girl so I can find girl clothing treasures at garage sales.  Again, I am SO blessed. 

And finally, Jennie had her baby.  Beau Decker Willis was born on August 16th---the night before I left for Florida.  He is fat and porky and delicious.  I love him and I miss his baby bird spikes and noises.

Beau at 7 weeks.  I think he looks like his Pepe.  His hands are blurry because he was busy doing infant sign language because he is just that awesome.