I'm still alive. Sorry for my absence of late, just been up to my eyes with packing and getting ready to move.
I suspect I'll remain quiet for the next few weeks whilst we get settled in our new place.
Since my husband is working more than full time hours right now, the responsibility of all the packing and moving preparations have fallen squarely on my shoulders. Not that I mind, I'm a bit of a control freak about this stuff anyway. But I gotta tell you about this mathematical equation that I've recently discovered:
PACKING + CLEANING + LOOKING AFTER WEE BABY = YOU GOTTA BE KIDDING IF YOU THINK YOU'RE GETTING ANYTHING DONE FAST
It's been reeeeeaaaaallly slow going around here. But nonetheless, things are happening, I am turning this mutha out albeit at molasses-like pace. The BC SPCA donation van came round to my front door today and hauled off a cubic buttload of crap, so that's something. Our furniture was all sold on Craigslist (I'm sitting on the floor as I type this, we couldn't bring any of our old furniture because it just wouldn't fit in the new place...). Mostly everything is in boxes, but the place is still a mess (how is that even possible?). We're getting there. Painfully slowly, but yeah, we're getting there.
Anyway, just wanted to let you all know that I'm still here. And even though I haven't been updating, I most certainly AM reading all of you guys (thank goodness for the iPhone, I can read blogs while standing in line at the grocery store) but just not commenting much.
Still here, just busy busy.
Monday, April 20, 2009
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
teeth times two!
The title says it all - Miss Maya is sporting the beginnings of her first teeth! They're coming up right in the front on the bottom. At first I thought there was only one, but then, a few days later, I saw the other one working its way up. They're sharp and jagged little things, and I'm so excited to see here sweet toothy grin when they finally arrive in full force.
I was so surprised to find them one evening when I was washing her mouth out with a washcloth. Sure, she's been drooling like crazy for last last few weeks and really chewing on all her toys, but she's been in fine spirits and hasn't complained for a second. I've heard nothing but horror stories about teething - the crying, the sleepless nights, the misery. So far, we haven't seen any of that. I'm not sure if we're getting off easy here or if the worst is yet to come.
Of course, it should be noted that Maya now knows how to bite, and she kindly lets me know that she's done nursing with a gnashing little chomp right on my nipple. Not so fun. I have a feeling this is going to become quite an issue in the days to come.
Speaking of biting, the challenge of solid food continues. Maya still doesn't really like eating per se (she prefers the boob on every occasion), but we are getting better at it. It was a real battle there for a while, even getting her to have a couple of spoonfuls of anything was like pulling teeth (pun intended). I have pureed and mashed everything under the sun, hoping to find something she likes, all to no avail. Then I decided to just relax, celebrate what she does manage to eat, and not get frustrated or force her. Mealtime has been much better since. We just keep trying at it, twice a day. I was pleased that today she ate quite a few pieces of banana and some Veggie Booty. And when she shuts her mouth tight and turns her head at the very sight of the spoon coming at her, I just have to keep reminding myself that no child has ever willingly starved themselves and that Maya will eventually "get it". So we just keep trying.
In other news, I've been (slowly) getting my shit together with regard to packing. It's been really hard and very, VERY slow, but I've now got something that resembles a "take" pile and a "give away" pile. I try to get as much done as I possibly can while Maya takes her naps, but it generally doesn't amount to much and I really need to get cracking if I'm going to get all this stuff packed in time. I'm no good at doing the dirty work, I'm definitely more of a supervising kinda of gal. In other words, I need a staff.... and while I'm dreaming, anyone wanna make me a cup of tea and give me a foot massage?
I was so surprised to find them one evening when I was washing her mouth out with a washcloth. Sure, she's been drooling like crazy for last last few weeks and really chewing on all her toys, but she's been in fine spirits and hasn't complained for a second. I've heard nothing but horror stories about teething - the crying, the sleepless nights, the misery. So far, we haven't seen any of that. I'm not sure if we're getting off easy here or if the worst is yet to come.
Of course, it should be noted that Maya now knows how to bite, and she kindly lets me know that she's done nursing with a gnashing little chomp right on my nipple. Not so fun. I have a feeling this is going to become quite an issue in the days to come.
Speaking of biting, the challenge of solid food continues. Maya still doesn't really like eating per se (she prefers the boob on every occasion), but we are getting better at it. It was a real battle there for a while, even getting her to have a couple of spoonfuls of anything was like pulling teeth (pun intended). I have pureed and mashed everything under the sun, hoping to find something she likes, all to no avail. Then I decided to just relax, celebrate what she does manage to eat, and not get frustrated or force her. Mealtime has been much better since. We just keep trying at it, twice a day. I was pleased that today she ate quite a few pieces of banana and some Veggie Booty. And when she shuts her mouth tight and turns her head at the very sight of the spoon coming at her, I just have to keep reminding myself that no child has ever willingly starved themselves and that Maya will eventually "get it". So we just keep trying.
In other news, I've been (slowly) getting my shit together with regard to packing. It's been really hard and very, VERY slow, but I've now got something that resembles a "take" pile and a "give away" pile. I try to get as much done as I possibly can while Maya takes her naps, but it generally doesn't amount to much and I really need to get cracking if I'm going to get all this stuff packed in time. I'm no good at doing the dirty work, I'm definitely more of a supervising kinda of gal. In other words, I need a staff.... and while I'm dreaming, anyone wanna make me a cup of tea and give me a foot massage?
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
my action pants must be in the laundry
I am completely frozen in my tracks here. I have no idea how to surmount the overwhelming task that lies before me.
My to-do list:
-Pack my entire house
-Separate out all items for the Salvation Army and for selling on Craigslist
-Take pictures of all stuff for sale and attach prices
-Clean, organize, downsize
-Empty our storage locker (which is currently packed to the gills with C R A P)
-Many, many trips to the garbage room
-Purchase necessary items for the new place
-Manage contractors who are renovating the new place
-Clean the old place once empty
-Clean the new place before we move in
-Do our taxes
-Change our address
-Oh yeah and look after my wee baby girl who takes up about 95% of my time and attention
Help!
All I can do is just sit here and stare at everything. I have so much to do I literally cannot even figure out how to begin. So I just keep staring. Doing nothing.
Any ideas on how to get started? And how to get it all done efficiently? I have about 4 weeks to complete all items on my list.
Any help/ideas/suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Oh yeah, and as promised, here are a few pics of the new place! (Note that none of the furnishings and decor are ours - the place was still occupied by the previous owner at the time of the photos.)
That guy pacing around is my husband. The other guy (on the stool) is my boyfriend. Haha kidding, that's the building inspector. Although he was kinda handsome. Also, note the exposed beams. Love it! They date back to the first growth forests of the area. Chic AND historic!
This is our view
And of course, my sweet little girl...
More photos to come after we move in...
My to-do list:
-Pack my entire house
-Separate out all items for the Salvation Army and for selling on Craigslist
-Take pictures of all stuff for sale and attach prices
-Clean, organize, downsize
-Empty our storage locker (which is currently packed to the gills with C R A P)
-Many, many trips to the garbage room
-Purchase necessary items for the new place
-Manage contractors who are renovating the new place
-Clean the old place once empty
-Clean the new place before we move in
-Do our taxes
-Change our address
-Oh yeah and look after my wee baby girl who takes up about 95% of my time and attention
Help!
All I can do is just sit here and stare at everything. I have so much to do I literally cannot even figure out how to begin. So I just keep staring. Doing nothing.
Any ideas on how to get started? And how to get it all done efficiently? I have about 4 weeks to complete all items on my list.
Any help/ideas/suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Oh yeah, and as promised, here are a few pics of the new place! (Note that none of the furnishings and decor are ours - the place was still occupied by the previous owner at the time of the photos.)
That guy pacing around is my husband. The other guy (on the stool) is my boyfriend. Haha kidding, that's the building inspector. Although he was kinda handsome. Also, note the exposed beams. Love it! They date back to the first growth forests of the area. Chic AND historic!
This is our view
And of course, my sweet little girl...
More photos to come after we move in...
Monday, March 16, 2009
pack it up pack it in let me begin
I am so happy to report that after an insane crux of real estate madness, the subjects have been officially removed on the sale of our current place AND - even more exciting - we are the proud new owners of a sweet and gorgeous new loft!
Hooray!
Of course, this did not happen without a few hiccups along the way. First off, there was a glitch with the subject removal. The appraiser didn't get his report into the bank on time and long story short, the bank dropped the ball and subjects were not removed when they were supposed to have been. This little detail meant that either we (the sellers) or them (the buyers) could back out of the deal. Fortunately the realtors jumped in and created an addendum to the purchase contract thus buying some extra time. I just got a call from our realtor a little while ago - it's finally official now: this place is as good as sold.
But that wasn't even the stressful part. When we put our offer in on the new place, we didn't realize that we'd be dealing with a total ass-hat. The current owner of our new place fussed and quibbled over every single cent, to a ridiculous degree. She was totally unreasonable and highly insulting to do business with; D and I almost walked away from the deal a few times during our numerous countering sessions with her. To illustrate how insane this woman was, her OWN realtor very nearly quit during this process because she was being so unreasonable. In the end, we decided that a few thousand dollars wasn't worth the risk of losing our dream home so we just ate it and appeased her ridiculousness. Five years from now, we won't remember the extra cost, but we would have remembered losing a great loft because our pride got in the way.
The good news is that the papers are signed and the Papaya family is movin' on up! Yeah yeah to a deluxe apartment in the sky.... (c'mon you knew that was coming...)
So now the fun part - coordinating the renovations and the move... Oh yeah, and did I mention I also take care of a wee baby 24/7? This month is going to be busy. Like really, really busy.
But worth it! We are very, very excited.
Oh how about some baby details? You know, it's only the reason I started this blog. Let's see...
-Maya is sitting up on her own now
-Maya does not like eating solid foods but we're working on it; mummy's boobs are still her #1 fave
-Maya "dances" when she hears music (by dancing I mean kinda rocking and bobbing up and down...OMG it's beyond adorable)
-Maya gives hugs now
-Maya is mastering cognitive reasoning; if you hide a toy underneath something, she knows it's there and looks for it
-Maya is really getting good at babbling. Her sounds are getting more and more complex every day.
She is such a little joy. And what a fun age she's at now. I am really enjoying this kid more than ever.
Hooray!
Of course, this did not happen without a few hiccups along the way. First off, there was a glitch with the subject removal. The appraiser didn't get his report into the bank on time and long story short, the bank dropped the ball and subjects were not removed when they were supposed to have been. This little detail meant that either we (the sellers) or them (the buyers) could back out of the deal. Fortunately the realtors jumped in and created an addendum to the purchase contract thus buying some extra time. I just got a call from our realtor a little while ago - it's finally official now: this place is as good as sold.
But that wasn't even the stressful part. When we put our offer in on the new place, we didn't realize that we'd be dealing with a total ass-hat. The current owner of our new place fussed and quibbled over every single cent, to a ridiculous degree. She was totally unreasonable and highly insulting to do business with; D and I almost walked away from the deal a few times during our numerous countering sessions with her. To illustrate how insane this woman was, her OWN realtor very nearly quit during this process because she was being so unreasonable. In the end, we decided that a few thousand dollars wasn't worth the risk of losing our dream home so we just ate it and appeased her ridiculousness. Five years from now, we won't remember the extra cost, but we would have remembered losing a great loft because our pride got in the way.
The good news is that the papers are signed and the Papaya family is movin' on up! Yeah yeah to a deluxe apartment in the sky.... (c'mon you knew that was coming...)
So now the fun part - coordinating the renovations and the move... Oh yeah, and did I mention I also take care of a wee baby 24/7? This month is going to be busy. Like really, really busy.
But worth it! We are very, very excited.
Oh how about some baby details? You know, it's only the reason I started this blog. Let's see...
-Maya is sitting up on her own now
-Maya does not like eating solid foods but we're working on it; mummy's boobs are still her #1 fave
-Maya "dances" when she hears music (by dancing I mean kinda rocking and bobbing up and down...OMG it's beyond adorable)
-Maya gives hugs now
-Maya is mastering cognitive reasoning; if you hide a toy underneath something, she knows it's there and looks for it
-Maya is really getting good at babbling. Her sounds are getting more and more complex every day.
She is such a little joy. And what a fun age she's at now. I am really enjoying this kid more than ever.
Friday, March 13, 2009
wheeling & dealing
OK here's all my updates...
House Sale:
Tomorrow (Saturday) is the purchaser's inspection and if all goes well, subjects will be removed and it's a done deal!
House Purchase:
We put in our offer today. Now just waiting and wondering...
For better or worse, all should be buttoned up by the end of the weekend, possibly by the end of tomorrow.
I'm a nervous wreck. I really hope everything goes smoothly and it all works out. I'm scared to get excited but too riled up to just sit still. The worst part is that there is absolutely nothing I can do to affect the outcome on this.
I think I'm going to go eat a pint of soy ice cream now.
Keep ya posted!
House Sale:
Tomorrow (Saturday) is the purchaser's inspection and if all goes well, subjects will be removed and it's a done deal!
House Purchase:
We put in our offer today. Now just waiting and wondering...
For better or worse, all should be buttoned up by the end of the weekend, possibly by the end of tomorrow.
I'm a nervous wreck. I really hope everything goes smoothly and it all works out. I'm scared to get excited but too riled up to just sit still. The worst part is that there is absolutely nothing I can do to affect the outcome on this.
I think I'm going to go eat a pint of soy ice cream now.
Keep ya posted!
Sunday, March 8, 2009
signed sealed delivered
Guess what I just received?
(insert drumroll here)
A signed copy of the accepted offer of purchase and sale on our home!
Yup, we got an offer. A darn good one too. We couldn't be happier with the way this deal is working out so far. All looks fantastic, but of course, we wait to pop the champagne (or the sparkling apple juice for those of us who are breastfeeding) until subjects are removed - which is happening this upcoming Saturday following the inspection.
So now, you may be asking yourself: Where oh where is the Papaya family going to live?
Well my friends, we have had our eye on an ridiculously awesome place. Even better that the first place we tried to buy. It's a warehouse loft conversion in the heritage district of Yaletown in downtown Vancouver. Oh yeah baby, we're talking exposed beams, brick walls, reclaimed wood floors, a REAL warehouse loft. It is soooo sweet and just my taste. Can't show you pictures of the inside yet but you better believe if this all works out I will post the shit out of some pictures of our (*hopefully!*) new place...
Just to whet your appetite, here is a picture of the outside of the building...
Anyway, gotta run, it's nearly 9pm and because of all today's excitement I am now just getting dinner on the table.
So nervous. So hopeful.
So excited.
(insert drumroll here)
A signed copy of the accepted offer of purchase and sale on our home!
Yup, we got an offer. A darn good one too. We couldn't be happier with the way this deal is working out so far. All looks fantastic, but of course, we wait to pop the champagne (or the sparkling apple juice for those of us who are breastfeeding) until subjects are removed - which is happening this upcoming Saturday following the inspection.
So now, you may be asking yourself: Where oh where is the Papaya family going to live?
Well my friends, we have had our eye on an ridiculously awesome place. Even better that the first place we tried to buy. It's a warehouse loft conversion in the heritage district of Yaletown in downtown Vancouver. Oh yeah baby, we're talking exposed beams, brick walls, reclaimed wood floors, a REAL warehouse loft. It is soooo sweet and just my taste. Can't show you pictures of the inside yet but you better believe if this all works out I will post the shit out of some pictures of our (*hopefully!*) new place...
Just to whet your appetite, here is a picture of the outside of the building...
Anyway, gotta run, it's nearly 9pm and because of all today's excitement I am now just getting dinner on the table.
So nervous. So hopeful.
So excited.
Saturday, March 7, 2009
family portrait
Believe it or not, I think this is the only picture of the three of us together (I'm usually the one taking the pictures). This photo was taken today, when we ran into a friend in the lobby of our building. She took this picture on her iPhone (sorry it's a bit grainy) and sent it to me this evening. Just had to share!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
