Playing Catch-Up

Halloween

Meet Spiderman and Skye (from Paw Patrol). This was one of the best days of the kids lives. Their excitement was through the roof. Of course, we had pizza. I was too tired to stay up watching a scary movie with Andrew. Rats. Penelope and I stayed home out of the brisk temperature and put a bowl of candy on the doorstep which felt like cheating. I secretly loved hiding from the trick or treaters and binging "Heartland." The kids came home with so much junk! They even got popcorn, homemade cotton candy, homemade doughnuts, and Pokemon cards. 

Junior Jazz Basketball

James played his first season of basketball. He spent lots of time practicing dribbling outside and wears his jersey any chance he gets. Ironically, 3 people from James' grade happened to be on his team which was a fun surprise. (Rosie, Jude, and Taft) James plays basketball at recess sometimes with one of them. 

As part of signing up for basketball, James got 2 free tickets to a jazz game. Andrew and James went together on Thursday, November 2. James was very into the singing, dancing, and snacking. Andrew said he couldn't get James to sit still for a picture. Along with the free tickets, the boys also got complimentary drinks and popcorn. James is still talking about his late night out with dad. He might have a new favorite song... "Sweet Caroline." He heard it at the game and continues to ask Google to play it at home. Glad the boys could enjoy this night out together while us girls ate candy and watched the movie  "The Little Mermaid." It seems like we'll be signing up for another season of basketball for Mr. James. He hasn't quite figured out his shot among other things like keeping his eye on the ball, but that's ok. His zest for the game is palpable. Andrew gets to fill in for the coach this week for the last game and James is thrilled. James can't believe the season went by so fast and is sad basketball is ending.

Talk about nose bleed seats

Penelope's Room

Decorating the nursery was exciting for me and I did it for a pretty low cost. It helps that we already had the necessary furniture. Jessica gave me ideas for the space. I never would have thought to hang a quilt on the wall, but it's the focal point of the room. It's perfect. Andrew hung some books on the wall (using spice racks from Ikea). When we purchased our home, the previous owners left a large mirror in the garage. I thought it was ugly and nearly chucked it in the trash countless times. So glad I didn't. Instead, I repurposed the mirror and spray painted the frame gold. I also purchased a gold curtain rod and lamp.

I still can't believe that I kept the first curtains I tried in the nursery. What luck! The curtains are darling, pink, and black-out. Andrew even hung the rod high enough to cover the oddly shaped high window in the nursery. The rug I wanted for the nursery was out of stock, but I found a cheaper, shaggier one and went for it. The room has come together beautifully (says the person who chose the style) and is feminine with all the pink just like I wanted. It is a bright place in our home which is a good thing. I have spent many pitch dark nights rocking and feeding precious Penny in there.

This lamp turns on with a foot switch. It's great because I typically have my hands full holding a newborn.

Photographing this space proved to be quite challenging. The room is so bright.

Layoff

In other news, Andrew got laid off again. GUIDEcx laid off 36 people which is 50 percent of the company. What an extra stressful time for this to happen-- right before the holidays and right after getting large hospital bills for the baby I just birthed. His severance package was by far his worst yet. He did get to keep his new Mac computer though which is awesome! Hoping my next blog post will be introducing his new employer and that I won't have to blog about unemployment again anytime soon. 2 layoffs in 1 year is brutal.

Ironically, right before the layoff, the kids and I went to visit Andrew at work. He showed us the office and we went to lunch after. (Penny is here too.)

Penelope has brought so much joy and been a wonderful distraction during this time. She is a dreamy baby. She has only been waking up once a night and sleeps long stretches (7.5 hours sometimes). We sure do love her. She's already a month old. We're itching to get our newborn pictures back of this angel girl.