Dumpling House

Today was our last day with Reuben the repair man. He said that the moisture levels are back to an acceptable level and that the mold killer he sprayed, should keep mold away from that spot, forever! Before saying goodbye, he engaged me in one final conversation. He was telling me a story about being one of the few African American kids in his high school, which led him to tell me about the time he defended a mentally disabled boy who was being picked on, which led to a lesson on how our actions and words affect others, which finally led to his words of wisdom for the day: "You just never know...You could tell a woman she has nice feet, and she may wear sandals for the rest of her life!" Hahaha. Is it weird to miss your repair man? I kinda do!

After saying farewell to Reuben, I went to climb back into bed next to this beauty...

Look at that hair! :)

Once again, we didn't have much extra time to snooze. We had to start getting ready to head to Bellevue Square to meet my mom. 

I put a new diaper on the changing table, and before I could unzip her jammies, Zoey was chompin' on it! 

Once we got to the mall, our first stop was Nordstrom. We had to exchange an outfit Zoey was given, for one in a bigger size. The 6 month pants fit her fine, but the onesie wouldn't even close over her belly (not sure what size chart the makers of that outfit used...). 

After that, we walked over to the Din Tai Fung Dumpling House for lunch. Now, I'm not even sure how to best describe this experience, but it was indeed "an experience"! I gave it 3 strikes and then it was out!

Strike 1: The lavender tea. It tasted like I was drinking a bottle of perfume, mixed with a few blades of grass!

Strike 2: When I received my Pork Chop Noodle Soup, it looked nothing like the picture. I was expecting nice, thinly sliced pieces of pork chop, and instead I got 1/3 meat, 1/3 Fat and 1/3 BONES! The noodles and broth were actually quite good, but I couldn't stomach the meat, which looked like it'd been hacked using the knife skills of Freddy Krueger! 

Strike 3: After exploring (and enjoying) juicy pork dumplings, garlic green beans and some type of chicken, noodle and cabbage dish, against my better judgement, I decided to take one last bite of the pork left floating in my bowl. CRUNCH! Don't know if it was a bone or a tiny rock, but it was immediately spit back into my spoon as I simultaneously laughed and cried! (my lovely mother also laughed until she cried; clearly laughing at me, NOT with me! Rude!)

Yuck! Din Tai Fung...more like Din Tai Fun-ky! It'll be a while before I muster up enough courage to give that place another try. And when I do, no pork chops for me! 

I envied Zoey as she got to snack on a pack of napkins!

Before leaving the mall, we stopped and enjoyed some Top Pot doughnuts. A much needed treat after that adventurous dining experience! 

Trying out her new cloth teether. 

You get it wet, ring it out, put it in a plastic bag and let it chill in the fridge or freezer for an hour. Pretty neat :)

(And yes, I am aware that you can do the same thing with a washcloth...but then it wouldn't have all of the cool shapes and colors! ;)

Accidental Yamaka

Oooh, I am going to be in so much trouble for sharing the following picture! Hehehe

Tonight, after work, Michael met us at Toys 'R" Us so we could get a gift for our nephew. When he arrived, I had to feed Zoey, so he sat in the front seat of my car, while I sat in the back. As he and I were chatting, I started to get distracted by his hair! I asked him if he cut it this morning and he said he did because he needed to look decent for a meeting. The closer I examined the back of his head, the harder it became for me not to laugh. Eventually, I just had to spit it out! As delicately as I could, I said "Babe, I'm only telling you this because I want you to look good. It looks like you have a Yamaka on your head!" LOL

Of course, he tried to deny it and then became defensive, saying "Well, it's not my fault. I can't see the back of my head when I do it myself!" I could tell he was trying to put some of the blame on me for not helping him, but I had no idea he was cutting his hair! He didn't wake me up and ask for help! And boy, I wish he had! I have no idea if the people he was with today were as observant as me (probably not), but if they were, I can guarantee they chuckled a little! I did my best to get a picture of it, but it doesn't really do it justice.

It's longer on the top of his head and much shorter in the back and on the sides!

He said he doesn't like it when it's all one length, but it is clear that he's not an expert at blending the different lengths into each other! My poor Hubbs! I swear, I tried to stop laughing, but I think it went on for at least 5 minutes ;) Hey, at least I promised to help him fix it!

Empathy

More mold remediation with Reuben this morning. I was definitely better prepared today and was actually downstairs enjoying breakfast and a cup of coffee, when he called to say he was running late. Once again, he was in and out in about an hour. He put a second dehumidifier down in the crawl space and is leaving both machines in place until Friday morning. The second machine usually costs $200 a day to rent, but he is giving it to us free of charge! Mr. Reuben will definitely be getting a great review on Angie's List. He said he remembers what it was like; having a young family, a new home and all of the expenses that come along with that! So sweet :)

Zoey and I spent more time in her room today. She has yet to spend the night in there, but at least she's getting some playtime in :)

Some of her facial expressions crack me up!

"Again with the camera...really?

That's better

I can totally see why people envy babies' skin, or compare smooth skin to it.

And look at that super brown hair :)

Humoring Momma; such a good girl

Makin' a slobber/spit mess!

Today was a great day. After Michael got home, we went to Target and then stopped at Menchies on the way back. Now, the last time I went to Menchies, I went crazy with all of the candy toppings. Well, I am happy to report that this time...I did it again! Chocolate and vanilla frozen yogurt with pieces of heath bar, kit kats, thin mint cookies, oreos, almonds, gummy worms, a drizzle of hot fudge and a few strawberries (you know, to make it "healthy"!) It was d'lish!

Seeing Is Believeing

The mold specialist came this morning!! Knowing that he was arriving at 8, I pulled myself out of bed at 7:50. As soon as the clock stuck 8, the doorbell rang! (I hadn't brushed my teeth, washed my face or run a comb through my hair...) I scrambled to get both arms into my bathroom as I made my way downstairs to answer the door. Standing there, extremely chipper, was Reuben. Although I was still in early morning zombie mode, I did my best to impersonate a "morning person" as I smiled and welcomed him into our home. 

After asking me a few questions (which I stood back and answered, seeing as how I didn't want to breath on the poor man!) and explaining what he was going to be doing over the next couple of days, he got right to work. After checking out the moister level underneath the house, he set up a dehumidifier in the garage. He was done in less than an hour and I was so grateful! But, he didn't leave before asking me one last question: "Well, have you seen the movie 'Money Pit'?...At least that isn't you!". Hahaha. Thanks Reuben :)

After he left, I went straight upstairs and rejoined Zoey, who was sound asleep in our bed. I didn't get a ton more sleep before she woke up, but I couldn't complain. Something was better than nothing!

Happy girl, playing in her room

To give myself a break from propping her up, I put Zoey in her Bumbo seat, so she could sit up and play on her mat. Well, she quickly became more interested in the mat's tag, which was just out of reach, below her. As I watched her try, over and over, to grab it, I witnessed her coming loose from the seat. I had always figured that since her legs were wedged in there, she wouldn't ever be able to get loose. Well...given a little more time, I can just imagine her left leg popping out and her falling flat on her face (or, her right leg would stay in and she'd just hand there :( No good!

I didn't think it was possible, with those chubby legs!

As I went through some of Zoey's clothes and accessories, tossing too small items into the box, I came across her Parametrix hat. When the HR lady from Michael's work first sent us the hat, it was way too big for Zoey's newborn head. And since it's summer time, she still doesn't have a need for it yet, but Michael wanted to see her in it. (It's almost too small now; not sure if it's going to make it to Fall/Winter.) 

So Daddy can show his coworkers...Parametrix Pride!

:) 

Paranoid

So, I was under the impression that the mold specialist was going to start working today, but I found out last night that he's not coming until tomorrow morning at 8am. Michael had requested a detailed cost estimate, and didn't receive it until late last night. So, we accepted the price and officially hired the guy today, and I can't wait for him to start! 

I was admittedly still paranoid about the mold all day today. Zoey and I stayed upstairs, away from the hole in the wall, and spent a lot of time playing in her room.

Chomping on a leaf

We were having such a relaxed morning/afternoon and I really didn't want to leave the house, but I had a couple of errands to run. It took us a while to get dressed and ready, and I know for a fact that the box of Mike & Ikes in the car, helped give me that extra push! 

My prize for getting out of the house! :)

I think I should stash candy in the car more often; it's a great motivational tool!

Making Mommy hold her up...apparently, laying down is for babies (other babies ;)

Almost ready to do this by herself...

Allllmost ;)

Laughter

After talking with the mold specialist, Michael learned that the type of mold we have in the garage is not very toxic. The only way it is likely to affect us, is if we have a mold allergy. The specialist said it would be fine to have Zoey in the house and that he'd be available to start work on Monday.

Feeling a little better about the situation, we decided to move forward with our plans to visit Mike's parents on the island, and then all three of us would return home.  

Before leaving for the island, I took this video of Zoey. She has started laughing more and more; sometimes at something specific and other times, for seemingly no reason at all :)

I was trying to clean off the baby view travel mirror that we have in the back seat.

As I wiped it with my finger, it made a squeaking sound. (8/26/12)

*This video is also up on the Life In Motion page*

Exhausted

Today was one of those days that I'm still getting used to having. Zoey was fussy and, after carrying her, rocking her, propping her up (so she could "sit" and play) and taking her on a walk, I was exhausted.

Hangin' out on Granny's bed

(Poor quality camera phone picture)

This afternoon, before leaving to go to an auction, my mom suggested I make dinner out of the chicken in the fridge, vegetables in the freezer and rice in the pantry. It sounded like a good plan, but turned out to be more work than I had time for. 

After nursing and rocking her for hours, Zoey finally stayed asleep when I put her in the Pack 'n' Play. It was 9 o'clock when I ventured down to the kitchen, stomach rumbling, in search of something to eat. I open the refrigerator, looked at the raw chicken lying there, and almost laughed out loud. Yeah right! Like I was about to put chicken on the countertop grill, nuke frozen veggies in the microwave AND boil rice (I didn't care if it was only minute rice!). I shut the fridge door, walked over to the pantry and was delighted to find a bag of tortilla chips and a can of kidney beans. NACHOS! 

I opened the new bag of chips as quietly as a crinkly bag could be opened, rinsed some beans and sprinkled them on, strategically placed some pieces of cheese, and prayed that the microwave couldn't be heard from upstairs! One minute and two clementines later, and I had myself a meal...

Might not earn me the title of "Top Chef", but it sure did hit the spot :)

I love holding my baby girl more than anything in this world, but I was pretty happy to have my arms back, as well as the ability to slouch in a comfy chair as I devoured my culinary creation!

Soggy Bottom Girls

So, on Tuesday, I noticed a wet spot on the carpet near the front door. Not knowing what it was from, I just assumed Michael had spilled some water and neglected to clean it up (wouldn't have been the first time!) Then, on Wednesday night, I noticed a different wet spot, in the same general area. I pointed it out to Michael and after confirming that the dogs hadn't been anywhere near that spot, we knew it was time to investigate. Michael went straight out to the garage (on the other side of the wall that the wet spots were closest to) and discovered a leaking valve on one of the pipes! It had leaked so much, that water was now seeping into the carpet and underneath the tile!! 

Grrr! After tearing the wall apart, it was clear that a plumber needed to be brought in...ASAP. And, not only was there a lot of water (it was creating puddles in the house...HELLO!), but there was also visible mold! :( :( :(

So much for using part of the garage sale money to get a new laptop...

When we woke up Thursday morning (yesterday), I got on Angie's List (such a great website, thanks Mom!) and found a well reviewed plumber; he was at the house within a few hours. That night, I did some reading up on mold and began to panic at the thought of Zoey breathing some of it in. We didn't know exactly how much there was, if it was toxic, or even if it was airborne, but I did know that as a mother, I couldn't risk my child getting sick. It was about midnight when Michael and I finished our discussion about what to do, and we came to the conclusion that Zoey and I would leave for my mom's house in the morning. I packed our bags and tried to get some sleep.

Fast forward to today...

I called my mom first thing this morning and told her what was going on. She didn't even need to hear all of the details; once she heard "mold", there was no question that we'd be coming over! After hanging up the phone, I got back on Angie's List and found a Mold Specialist. Once he and Michael were scheduled to meet at the house, I left Zoey in her pajamas, packed  up the Pack 'n' Play and her jungle mat...and off to Grandmother's house we went :)

Even Twinkle looked sad! :(

Well, even though we weren't at home, we did our best to keep with our normal routine. Tonight was bath night and that meant Zoey was going to have her first "sink bath". She was totally unsure about it at first (as was I; it was super slippery!)

We were cracking up because it looked like she was in a hot tub, the way she rested her arms on the counter!

"More bubbles please! And where are the jets?"

Diaper Ditch

After choosing to use the word "ditch" in the title of this post, I became curious about it's "official" definition. I knew that it's most common meaning did not match the way I was intending to use it. So, after sifting through definitions like: "a small to moderate depression"; "any open passage or trench"; "a long, narrow excavation", I came across the Urban Dictionary's definition. There, "ditch" was defined as "to leave someone or a group of people suddenly, often without their knowledge, making it all the more comical". Yep, I think that accurately describes the following...

These days, when we try to change her diaper, Zoey will often play a game of "diaper ditch" (and Michael and I are her opponents, whether we like it or not)! 

And, she's off!

"I'm playing with my toys, Mom! No time for diapers!"

She even took her pants with her!

Once you finally get her back into position, you better get that diaper on with lightning speed! Because before you know it, she's ditched you again!

Hahaha

As impressed as I am with my squirmy worm, I am also becoming painfully aware that it won't be long before she is CRAWLING away from me! Eeek!

Kicked back, reading one of our favorite books "At The Farm"

(As I was reading to her, she took the book from me and started "reading" it all by herself. And about a minute later, she tried "eating" it, all by herself!)

Race Day

Getting some tummy time in the Pack 'n' Play :)

So close, yet so far!

Tonight was definitely not a typical Wednesday night for us. After work, Michael came home to change his clothes and then all three of us headed to PGP Motorsports Park, in Kent, for some go kart racing! As a part of his friend Micah's bachelor party last month, he and the boys went to this race track, and he hasn't stopped talking about it since. I was definitely excited to try my hand at racing, but was also really nervous. Michael invited about 11 of his coworkers, but fortunately, only 4 showed up (If I was going to swerve off the road and hit a barrier, the fewer witnesses, the better!) 

Trying to show the whole track (picture doesn't really do it justice)

It was legit; each race took about 15 minutes and the karts reached speeds up to 48 mph!

Watching other racers; trying to mentally prepare myself

After signing our lives away and forking over a pretty penny (definitely a "special occasion" activity), it was time to pick out our helmets and race suits. I must admit, I felt pretty "official" once I was decked out in all my gear! :)

Not my best look

The crew

(I told the guys to "Look out"...I was channeling Danica Patrick! Lol)

Despite all of my nerves, I actually did a good job! I didn't crash or spin out, like a few of the guys! We did two races and my times improved on the second go around. The second time, I actually snuck up on, and passed, a couple of the guys! They chose to blame it on the weight-to-speed ratio, or some nonsense like that, but I just call it Girl Power! Hahaha. We all had a blast (I even did my fare share of trash talking ;) and Michael and I decided that we're going to try and go at least once every summer!

Gonna Take Some Getting Used To

Please don't be fooled by the picture of the sleeping baby...after waking up this morning, it was a day filled with squirming, crying, whining, grunting and reluctant napping! 

So peaceful and adorable...

Now that teething appears to be in full effect, Zoey is all about cuddling, nursing and being held, and less about laying on her mat, self soothing and sitting in her car seat. She has had her cranky days in the past, but I have a feeling I'm going to be spending a lot more time with this new, more frequently cranky, Zoey. And the hardest (saddest) part is, sometimes when I pick her up and try to "make it all better", it doesn't work :( I'll give her a teether and she'll use it, but sometimes it'll just cause her to grunt and whine even louder...This is gonna take some getting used to (for both of us). My poor baby girl, I hate seeing her upset!

Much to her dismay, we had to leave the house today and that meant that Zoey had to be in her car seat. She was not happy, but eventually quieted down as I began to drive. My uncle sold a property in Renton and offered to help the homeowners get rid of the remaining items they weren't going to take with them. The home was occupied by their 90 year-old mother, and her kids decided that it was time she came home to live with them. My uncle sent me a picture of some great furniture (couch, chair, ottoman, dresser, dining table, desk, bed) and asked me if I wanted any of it. I was intrigued by the couch, chair and dresser, so today I went to the home to take a closer look. 

(When we arrived, Zoey put on a happy face for her Uncle...all smiles and no signs of crankiness :)

After seeing everything, I decided to accept the couch, chair and ottoman, dresser and a nice side table. At that point, I was given the house key so that I could make a copy and return to the house with Michael, when we were ready to load everything into the truck. Off to Lowes...

"Look Zoe Zoe, that train is carrying an airplane! Isn't that neat?"

(I thought so!)

At Lowes, the "My Key" kiosk was super easy...

and in less than two minutes, we had a key!

(Also pretty neat!)

Before my Uncle left, he told me that pretty much everything in the house/garage was up for grabs. He had committed to getting rid of it and whatever wasn't gone, he had to put in the garage and the homeowners were having it hauled away! So, when I returned to the house to put the original key back in the key box, I took a minute to snoop around. And I'm so glad I did!

Jackpot! 

A full set of beautiful dishes!

(From the moment I took her out of the car, to the moment I put her back in, Zoey was alternating between a whimper and a cry :( I had to make my scavenger hunt quick!)

Gravy boats, serving platters...

Thanksgiving, anyone!? :)

I searched three different cabinets...they just kept coming!

(Don't have anyone to serve tea to at the moment, but the cups and saucers made me feel grown up! Lol)

(Zoey finally slept once we were back in the moving car. But again, don't be fooled by the picture below. Soon after I took this, she was up again! And when we went back to the property, she howled the whole time we loaded the furniture onto the truck!)

Temporary silence :)

Just Because

I think what I like best about this blog and the challenge of having at least one picture a day, is that, some days, I stop and take some adorable pictures...just because. Today was one of those days. Zoey and I weren't doing anything particularly interesting. It was really pretty outside, so we put her sunhat on and prepared to explore our backyard. Once I got the hat on, I was struck by how adorable she looked (happens daily! :) and decided to take a bunch of pictures (it always starts with a few, and next thing you know, you're up to about 30+!!). Now, not only do I have pictures for the blog, but I've got great ones for her baby book. And we'll cherish these "random" pictures, for the rest of our lives!

Check out those big baby blues!

From the nose down is where many people say they see me in her :)

Slobber Monster!

Spotted something interesting; probably a puppy

All she needs is a beer in one hand and a piece of straw sticking out of her mouth.

She'd fit into any number of old Western movies!

Eyes wide, smilin' big...that's Zoey for ya!

Home Goods

I had a hair appointment this afternoon and my mom was able to watch Zoey while I was in the salon. They went for a nice walk around downtown historic Kent and when I was finished, we hopped in our cars and headed to Home Goods. Ever since Michael discovered the Home Goods in Federal Way, while on a trip to Trader Joes, I have been dying to go! 

As we entered the store, I knew immediately that it was everything I had built it up to be in my mind. They had art, furniture, vases, picture frames, mirrors, bedding, bathroom decor, kitchen decor and best of all...kids' bedroom decor! As soon as we walked into the kids section, my eyes went straight to what is now Zoey's new laundry hamper (I had been looking everywhere for a cute one!). I also found a chair that I hope is still available when Zoey is finally able to sit in it. Most of the stuff was reasonably priced and pretty unique (It kind of reminded me of a Pier 1 Imports, but better!)

How cute is this!? It's a mini rocker!

I'm pretty sure Michael now regrets the day he told me that we got a Home Goods. As we were checking out, I asked the cashier how often they get new merchandise. She said a couple times a week. Uh oh, I'm in trouble now! ;)

All the excitement wore her out!

My little anti-theft baby!

"Dear Zoey,

I promise not to let anyone steal your Zebra while you sleep. You can let go of it! ;)

Love, Mom"