That's a big deck

Oh my hubby. He gets in his brain to start these insane projects, and it's like the world stops until they're done. Some things, I am perfectly okay with hiring out and saving my sanity for. He could not do the same. I will give him credit, though. This masterpiece went up in about 3 weeks.

With only the help of his dad most days, and a few friends on a weekend here and there, he persevered like nobody's business. Yesterday he finally put the siding back on the house and trimmed everything out. I think we're just waiting for one or 2 more posts to dry so we can put the light cap on. My one demand was that the deck light up at night, so we opted for these solar lights
from Home Depot. They don't really make it so you could read a book out there, but they at least make it so you don't fall overboard or on to your face if you aren't paying attention. I'm smitten. It's like a Christmas tree on the back of my house every night. I do find that there's one rogue light that shines right in my face while I sleep, though. Thank goodness for heavy duty curtains in our room.

I have to say it was a bit scary for a while with no railings, and my gem of a dog decided he'd kamikaze right off the edge one day. Thankfully no one was injured, just a little rattled, and by someone, I mean me. Look at this face.

I know. Right? Let's not go deck jumping anymore, okay?

Thankfully, the project is done. Well, for now. There's talk of adding rocks underneath and making a little patio space. *edit - the rocks have been delivered and are being shoveled in. The work never ends.

Now...now it's on to the next project...finding a shed so we can clear out our garage to add an actual car in there. Shocking concept. Oh, and maybe for me to start attacking our bathroom so it's not all wallpapered and molding. Who wallpapers a bathroom? Don't they know that steam generally peels that stuff right off the wall?

A letter to my son

I started writing this well before the bub was about to turn 2. I kept choking up and having trouble finding the words to say. I just can't believe how much changes in the blink of an eye.

To my sweet boy,

I never knew how much my heart could ache for someone until I had you. The way you smile and laugh makes me believe that there really is a light at the end of every tunnel. The amount of love you show the world is contagious. I know you're going to grow up to do great things some day, and I'm so excited to see what those things will be. However, I find myself wishing time would stand still so I could just enjoy every minute. People don't lie when they tell you that time flies. Some days I can't even remember what happened that day, because I blink and you're already being tucked into bed.

The journey for you to be in my arms was a tough one, but I'd do it all again, knowing what lies ahead. I'll never forget the first time they wheeled me up to the NICU to see you for the first time. Your daddy's smile melted my heart almost as much as your beautiful baby blues. He was so proud to be a dad, so much that he was willing to wake up every 2 hours to bring you my pumped milk from our hospital room and spend a few quiet moments with just the two of you.

You make our lives so much greater than I thought they could be. Here I was in disbelief that a child could change things so much, but you really do. I hope some day you realize that all the things I've told you have been for your own good. It took me a very long time to realize that about my own parents, but all in good time my love.

Be courageous, be smart, be silly, and be strong. You never know what life is going to throw your way, but when all else fails, put on a helmet and dive in head first. Trust your gut and stand up for what you believe in.

You are my everything, and I love you more than words will ever be able to say.