This One's For My Fans

Progress; 3 Weeks and Counting!

It has been lots of fun coming home from work everyday to see the progress that's being made. Though the pace has been slower than expected, (or maybe we expected this?) things are coming along. The framing and plumbing are complete, all five new windows are in, we have a new boiler, and the chimney has been re-lined and re-pointed. One of the most tedious jobs this week was raising all the electrical and plumbing to go through the joists so as to create more head room. This was a big job that  we (and our tall friends) will be glad was done.

From the back of the basement, looking through where the double doors will be to the foot of the stairs.

Looking from the back wall (in the future bedroom) toward the front wall.

We had to close in the gas meter (to the left) so that will be where we mount the TV. Another new window too!

Looking into the bathroom, with laundry on the right and shower and toilet on the left. 
The vanity will be straight ahead.

Shower to the left, toilet to the right, facing the back wall of the house.

One of the new windows!

Bathroom windows from the outside.

  Window at the foot of the stairs.

Next week: electrical, insulation, and dry wall. Tiles will be next after that.

Merci, Sassy!

Pendant ses vacances en France, Sassy (la mère de Tucker) a acheté des livres pour Margot. J'attends avec l'impatience l'ocassion de lire ces livres avec elle, quand elle puisse me comprendre, et enfin, les lire à moi!
(Translation: During her vacation in France, Sassy (Tucker's mom) bought some books for Margot. I can't wait to read them with her, when she can understand what I'm saying, and eventually, when she can read them to me!)

Duckling

We went to a pumpkin painting party last weekend on the Hill and Margot went in disguise; I know, you can't even tell it's her. Quite a convincing costume.

 

 One of the most endearing parts of dressing up Margot at this age is that she doesn't even realize she's dressed up. There's something about just that which makes her even cuter!

 

 

At the end of the party she was exhausted. While Tucker and I could have kept "celebrating" into the night, it was time to go home and tuck our little duckling into bed.

10 Months

Our little girl is 10 months old.

 She's WAVING (so cute!), and making all sorts of sounds (ma, la, ga, wa, ra, and some roaring),

 shaking her head "no" when she doesn't want something,

 "cruising" (aka standing and walking from object to object while holding on),

laughing, imitating some sounds, and generally being so cute. AND, she acknowledges that Tenny has a name! She's big time now.

Her Granny and Grandaddy sent her a nice winter coat, pants, and hat. Here she is trying on the coat!

We love her so much!

Growing Up In The Hood

On Saturday, we had a block party with our neighbors. The theme was "Souper Saturday" and we all brought soup to one neighbors' driveway where we stood around, all bundled up, and caught up. 

Most of the kids ran around like maniacs and toasted marshmallows. 

It was great.

The interesting thing about our neighborhood is that none of us is from this area, and very few of us even grew up close to one another. Three families are from foreign countries, and the rest of us are a mixture of North and South, East and West. I'm excited for Margot to grow up in a place where everyone has a slightly different background, and where being "different" is normal.

Here are all of the kiddos. Most of them I see out and about at the playground or riding their bikes daily. In this picture are: Sasha (on Vidiana's lap), Vidiana, Esther, Riley, Margot (on Riley's lap), Alexander, Nico, Martha, Charlie, Zeta, and Tate. (Missing from the pic are Emma, Greta, and Vickianna).

Our yard is often the spot where some of these kids congregate. Tennessee really has a way with the Elementary/Pre-school set. I look forward to seeing these kiddos grow up!

Take It To The Bridge, Joe.

Oh man, this is good.

Malarkey

 

Definition of MALARKEY

: insincere or foolish talk

 

I think I have a new favorite word: malarkey. Thanks Joe Biden. You brought me back to 8th grade history where I also first learned the terms "fillabuster" and "carpet bagger". I'm going to work on adding that into my vocabulary.

After all the mudslinging and the disappointing, counterfactual presidential debate, last night was refreshing. It was lively and yes, I may have enjoyed it more because I happen to agree with Biden's views. Ryan didn't do much for me except convince me that he has a fabulous knack for memorizing talking points. The fact checking segments that followed last night and this morning also supported Biden's views which is why I applaud him for calling out Ryan's "malarkey".

 

If you didn't watch the debate, take a look at the video above. It at least offers some entertainment!

P.S. I should also say that Martha Raddatz did a great job; she moderated as a moderator should.
Nice work, Martha!

DJ Jazzy Margot

Margot and Tucker, hangin' at Buy Buy Baby.

Favorite Pics of The Week

Margot snoozing with her Dad. 

 On Friday night, Margot and I drove up to Towson (a suburb of Baltimore) and had dinner with my aunt Priscilla, her friend and her grandchildren. These boys, Ben, Oliver, and Ronan, couldn't get enough of Margot. It was so sweet!

 Oliver (6 years old) informed me that Margot had, in fact, said each of the boys' names with perfect clarity, uttering her first words (besides the ma, ba, la, ga, wa) in front of his very eyes.  You could say that Oliver wasn't lying, but maybe story telling, just a bit.

 Margot crawled right up to my knees  while we were playing. I love that face! She melts my heart.

 More snoozing with Margot. So sweet.

Earlier in the week, Margot squeezed in a little Buns Of Steel workout. All business, this little one!

Before

Our basement.

I know what you're thinking: what a warm and inviting space! Why don't you spend more time down there?! The cobwebs and dust really add a charming touch.

These photos will soon be side by side with our "after photos" as we're beginning the renovation on our basement tomorrow. When we first moved into this house, finishing the basement was part of our vision. It's taken a lot of planning and saving, but I'm glad we haven't rushed into it. By waiting and finding a good contractor, I think we're doing the job right. 

Double pocket doors will be in this space, dividing the basement into two rooms; one living room and one bedroom, with a large(er) bathroom and laundry room to the side. 

Soon, the bathroom/laundry room will be in this space. Goodbye cracked concrete sink!

The door to the backyard will be replaced with a new solid wood exterior door.

New windows, recessed lighting, insulation, oh my! The floors will be tiled and we're going to install some cabinetry along the front wall. Tucker applied Dry Lok to the walls two weeks ago to add a base layer of insulation.

More to come!

You Know You're In DC When...

You know you're in DC when you mow your neighbor's lawn and in exchange, he gives you a tour of the West Wing. This Sunday, we had one of those days that reminds us how the experience of living in DC can be extraordinary sometimes.

As we passed the the first security checkpoint, we watched Marine I (and its two decoys!) take off from the South Lawn. Everything stopped as we waited for POTUS to leave.

Margot and I at security checkpoint #2. 

While we passed through multiple check points just to reach the door to the West Wing, we also had to submit our social security numbers for background checks last week. Whether you're a visitor like us or going to the White House for a meeting, a background check is always required a few days beforehand. Nothing last minute here!

 Tucker and Margot outside the main door to the West Wing.

As we entered, it was made very clear that we could no longer take any pictures until we got to the Press Room. One other family and one woman were with us on the tour.

 Our gracious neighbor Chris, who is working at the White House (for FERC), arranged the visit for us.

One way to describe the West Wing would be "cozy". On the first floor, the ceilings were very low and the hallways very narrow. There were large framed photographs that covered most of the walls, just like you might see in someone's home. The difference is that the President, first family, and Vice President were the subjects of most of the photos, and they are updated every few weeks to reflect what has happened most recently in the world of the White House.

The Situation Room? Wouldn't you think it might be somewhere hidden deep under the White House? It was just down the hallway from the picture above. It's a 24/7, 365 days a year operation, producing 3 intel reports per day to the President. Shockingly, we weren't  allowed in.

On the first floor, the lighting was very soft, again, like you might find in someone's home. On the second floor, there were Norman Rockwell paintings, turn of the century clocks, centuries old drawings, and shiny, polished antique side tables and coffee tables.  The Cabinet Room had large leather chairs with each member's name imprinted on a metal plate on the back. Apparently, cabinet members have the option of purchasing their chair before they leave their position. Despite tight quarters, secret service men seemed to be at every turn and we actually noticed one who was watching the football game on a hidden flat screen TV. Ha! 

The Oval office looks more like a movie set than a functional office.  There were no papers, staplers, or computers in sight. The only sign that it was an actual office was that there were black corporate style phones stacked inconspicuously off to the side.  The couches were familiar looking; like something you might see in your own home. This was a big change, I was told, from the Bush era. The intention of making the White House feel reflective of the people was palpable; another reason why I'm a fan of the Obamas. 

The Eisenhower building, once known as the Old Executive Office Building from inside the White House gates.

 Walking to the Press Room.

The Press Room, where the President and his staff give frequent press briefings. 

Margot wanted to be a reporter. She was ready to ask her first question! 

"Mr. President, I'd like to know what you think about napping. I want to make sure my rights are protected."

 

Outside the West Wing.

A very happy girl on her Daddy's shoulders.

More White House offices (who knew?) across the street from the White House.

 Tucker, Margot and our neighbor Chris.

Margot was plum-tuckered by the end of the visit.

What a day!