Get On Your Boots!

There are not many things in life that excite me, but a new U2 album turns me into a giddy little kid. It is 12:30am on Monday, and the new U2 single just premiered on their website. I have listened to it about 7 times, and I love it. I cannot wait until the full album is out; March 3rd. If you haven't heard the single yet, you can check it out here. 

Man Day

We are, once again, asking our friends for a little help with some house projects. We need to dry wall, frame in a door, and add a whole house fan. We have a lot to do and a limited amount of time to accomplish our goals (see creepy floating baby countdown). On Saturday, January 31st, Steve has proclaimed Man Day here at our house. Yes, very sexist, I know. If you are a girl and want to help, I will not be here. Instead, I'll be sewing with my mother-in-law. Yes, very traditional, I know. Anyways, Steve is promising beer, pizza, and a day full of memories. If you are interested in helping out, let us know.

The Boy Who Lived...with us once

This is an old picture of one of my favorite people in the world, Matty. I don't think that he reads our blog, but I came across this picture and couldn't resist. Matty is such a good friend that he even put on my Harry Potter glasses and posed as my favorite wizard (other than Gandalf, duh) just to humor me. Matty used to live in Riverside and even lived with us for awhile, but now he's residing in Colorado and we miss him big time. How could you not miss and love a guy like this? 

The Last Hurrah

For the past 5 years, Steve and I have been proud Disneyland Annual Passholders. I pretty much believe that Disneyland is a magical place and that when I'm there, I have that same magic inside of me. Seriously, a Disney Cast Member once told me that I had a true Disney smile and that compliment sort of made my year. However, keeping in mind that our lives are about to change exceedingly, we decided to let our passes expire this year. Call it growing up, call it a new chapter in our lives, call it trying to embrace reality. So, we ventured out to the Happiest Place on Earth one last time last week or so. Apparently everyone else had the same idea, the park was super busy. So while we didn't get to go on any rides, we did get to people watch, admire the Christmas decorations one last time, and end our trip with a special yummy treat...that's why you go to Disneyland anyways, right?

I look like a gremlin! A hungry, pregnant gremlin, totally excited to eat me some ice cream!

Baby Update

Consider this picture a belated birthday present for my dear friend Christina. She's been asking for an update, and I've been slacking. This picture was taken today, and I'm 29 weeks along. I had my 28 week Dr. appointment last week, and I had to face 2 needles in one day. My mom got to come with me and I was so happy to have her there. My goal was to prove to my mom that I could now face a needle without passing out. I was victorious! Yes, there were tears and numerous warnings by the nurse to calm down and not hyperventilate, but I did it! So, if you're keeping track, the score would be Karen: 2  Needles: 0

When my parents were in town, they got together with Steve's parents and suprised us by taking us crib shopping. We picked out such a beautiful crib, one that we never would have been able to purchase if the Grandparents hadn't intervened! Here are some pictures:

I just finished her bumper. I think it's quite pretty! Thanks again to both Grandmas for helping me cut out the material.

Extreme close up! Camera one...

Camera two

A Christmas Miracle

What I really truly wanted for Christmas was a new kitchen floor. I know this sounds lame, but I have been living with yucky CARPET on the kitchen floor for over a year now. Who in their right mind thinks that putting carpet in the kitchen sounds like a good idea? How unsanitary! Tiling the floor has been on our wish list since the beginning, but as luck would have it, the project kept getting shoved down to the bottom. So, I pleaded with Santa Stevie to bring me a new floor, and he did! Hooray! Again, I am so so fortunate to have a handy husband, father and brother in-law. Merry Christmas indeed!

What a joyful sound! The ripping of carpet...

Just call Mikey "Master Shredder"...of carpet, that is!

Papa Dunlap helping his boy out on yet another Dunlap project...

Steve is getting his grout on

When my family came to visit, they also got to join in the home repair fun. Steve, my dad, and his dad all put their man powers to work and built this shelving unit for the kitchen. Thanks, guys!

Here's another picture of the shelving unit complete with kitcheny items.