Project organize the kitchen

This weekend was a bear.  It was my first full weekend back at work.  Granted I only worked two eight hour shifts (and both days were fairly easy as far as patient load goes), it was tough to be away from Austin and Nate all day.  This is one of the big reasons we have our house on the market: so that we have the opportunity to spend more time together as a family.  Maternity leave was amazing!  We had so much family time that we have never had before.

Speaking of, our house is still on the market if you are interested.  We did have two showings and 5 groups show up at our open house this past week, so you better get in gear and put an offer in.

No, but seriously, do it.

Since our house has been on the market things have been pretty darn clean but I am kind of an organizing mad-woman and am taking addiction to "a place for everything and everything in it's place" a little too far.  I have signed up for weekly home organization challenge emails.  Last weeks challenge: countertops and sink.

Become a organization mad-woman like me

Now, let me just say I pretty much skipped this challenge because our counters are clean.  I mean clean, clean.  There are two towels, a coffeemaker, toaster, knife block and kitchen aid mixer on the sink.  And that is it.  And I keep my kitchen sink pretty well cleared of dishes.

Although I am already ahead of the game, there was one point that made me think: "we need to consider how we currently use our kitchen-either intentionally or unintentionally."  The blogger at home storage solutions 101 listed several different functions of a kitchen and I pretty much use the kitchen for food prep and storage and family control and planning center (AKA: calendar!).  My husband, on the other hand, uses the kitchen as a dumping ground-he drops papers, keys, books...just about anything and everything on the first horizontal surface he can find after entering the house and this happens to be the kitchen counter.

So, since I have identified that (unintentional) function of my kitchen (which happens to drive me crazy), I am going to do something about it.  I'm not sure what, but perhaps I will create a dish or a bowl or a drawer for this purpose: anything to get the junk off the counter!

Another thing that I have taken away from this weeks challenge is to declutter by getting rid of all of the things that are either old, broken, are duplicates or that I haven't used in the past year.  I have not gotten to this yet, but I plan to.  Decluttering always makes me feel wonderful!  For some reason it's freeing.

Well, I don't have a picture for this post and I feel like its super lame to have a post without a picture.  Because, let's be honest...you really just want to see another picture of Nate:

Nate's first time in the johnny jump up!  What a big boy!

More holidays. More pictures.

I have been meaning to take the time to update you, but it seems that at the end of the day the list of things that didn't get done (including a blog post) is so long I can't seem to rationalize getting on the computer and getting lost in blog-land.

Oh.  And another reason why I haven't had time to update my blog is because I've fallen in love with a new internet sensation: Pintrest.  I have found that it is so easy to spend an hour or more searching this website and getting great ideas for things I will probably never have time to do (because instead of actually doing these things, I just continue to surf the web for more great ideas...)

Here is my Pinterest pin board (or whatever you call it).  I am mostly using the site to store recipes that I have tried and those that I want to try.  Check it out...I have found some great recipes!  And as I type, I have the chicken enchilada soup cooking in the crockpot.

But enough excuses.  Here's the update:

Nate's first Christmas was fantastic!  We had my family over on Christmas eve for a pizza party, cookie decorating, and a showing of Austin's new favorite animated film (which we have watched 6 times this month) A Christmas Carol.  The weather was so great that the kids took Jag on a walk to the park, played football and even stood in our front yard and serenaded our neighbors with Christmas carols.

Here's our packed house on Christmas Eve

Nate chillin' with Grandpa, getting tons of attention from his Aunts, Emily and Sara-Anne

Lovin' the attention

And this is Christmas morning:

Santa's little helper getting a little nap in before brunch.

Coffee with daddy on Christmas morning!

And my favorite.  Adorable.

We had Austin's family over on Christmas morning for brunch and presents.  Nate was so tired from an exciting, fun-filled Christmas eve that he slept through present-opening.  Though we saved a few gifts for him to open up after his nap:

Opening gifts

Look at the chunk!  He's adorable!  (I'm so sorry if I over-use that term...but it's so true!)

Well, I think that's all I have time for tonight.  I would post more if it wasn't for Pintrest.

And my long "to-do" list.

Holidays mean lots of photos!

Wow, it was so nice to have a long weekend with Austin.  Although he had to work Thanksgiving night, he had Friday, Saturday and Sunday off, so we got a lot of house-cleaning for up-coming open houses and tours, football watching and lots and lots of black Friday shopping.  (If you know us, you know we didn't set foot in a store at all on Friday.  I did have to pick up diapers for Nate on Saturday and it was still too crazy for me!).  We did however do lots of cleaning and football watching.  

On Thursday after Austin went to work, Nate and I went to Gma Cordes' house and Nate got to spend some time with Great Grandma Cordes, Grandma and Grandpa Kettelkamp, a couple Great (and I mean that in two ways) uncles and lots and lots of aunts and uncles.  Here are a few pictures:

Grandpa Kettelkamp with sleeping Nate.  I was hoping to get one with Grandma too, but didn't get the chance.

Uncle Nick and little Nate passed out on the couch after too much turkey.  How cute!

When Austin was off work on Friday we relaxed at home and watched some football.  You may not believe me, but Nate already loves football.  (I think it's all the movement and colors on the TV).

Definitely NOT sleeping when it's time for some football!  (Look at the double chin!)

Watching the pre-game.  He's going to be an amateur commentator, just like daddy!

I'm loving these next two pictures!  Nate looking up at his daddy.  Isn't that sweet?

And that gorgeous smile!

After a leisurely day at home, we went to his Uncle Pete's house where he got even more attention:

Finally! A picture with him awake!  Nate movin' and groovin' with Grandpa and Grandma Oates

I suppose I could add even more pictures, but I think I've already over-done it!  But it's easy to do when you have such an adorable subject (and yes Nick, you're cute, but I was talking about Nate... :) ).  Hope you enjoyed a little update on the family and I promise next time there won't be quite so many pictures!

Giving thanks

I will not be blogging tomorrow since it is Thanksgiving.

I will also not be joining the crazies who are going to spend their Thanksgiving in line for Black Friday deals or, even worse, actually shopping on Thanksgiving.  This year many stores are opening at midnight, 10pm and even 9pm.  So after Thanksgiving dinner you have a few short hours to digest your meal and chat with family you haven't seen for months before tearing off in your SUV to the nearest shopping center.  (Who am I kidding.  How many people actually chat with their family members in person anymore.  People are more likely to be text-messaging their cousin or facebooking (via smart phone, of course!) their brother who is in the other room watching TV, listening to their I-pod and reading their Nook or Kindle (Or both. At the same time).

Really, how far is that from the truth?

Thanksgiving is a day when we are suppose to be giving thanks, not getting things at the mall.  I am going to spend my Thanksgiving with the people I am thankful for: my family and friends.

And now, in spirit of Thanksgiving, which seems to be as dead as the true meaning of Christmas, I will share with you a few things for which I am thankful:

1. Nathaniel David Oates:  I am thankful that God has blessed us with him.  He has grown up so much since the picture below.  Now he is smiling, cooing and laughing...it's amazing!  He is truly a gift from God and I am thankful for him everyday.  On a lighter note: I am so thankful that he is sleeping through the night- I got 8 straight hours of sleep last night!

Nathaniel David, 1 day old

2. My wonderful husband and our soon-to-be 4 years of marriage: It's hard to believe that it's been that long!  We've had many great memories already and so many more to come.  Austin is such a hard-working and loyal man.  He is so tender and sweet with Nate, but also so strong.  He is a wonderful husband and a great father.  Nate and I are so blessed!

This engagement photo was taken over 4 years ago!

3. Our families-the Bill Oates family and the Kettelkamps.  We have such an amazing and supportive family! 

4. Austin's job, especially his new schedule-weekends off!  We are loving all of the family time!

5. The opportunity for me to go to part-time so that I can spend more time with Nate and we can maximize our time together as a family. 

Well these are just a few of the things I am thankful for, there are many more.  Enjoy your Thanksgiving with your family and not with the retail workers who are missing their family on Thanksgiving!

Two-in-a-row!

Wow...I'm actually making a post everyday so far.  Ok, I know, it's only day number 2, but it's progress.  Especially considering how busy I've been.  Cleaning, sorting, organizing, washing windows, scrubbing grout and going crazy while I'm at it.

It's a little nerve-wracking to know that complete strangers (and maybe some not-so-complete strangers) will be coming into your home and scrutinizing everything from your color choices and decor to the dirty laundry sitting in baskets in the laundry room.  (Actually right now I am trying to finish up the last of the laundry in the basement...).  I am an avid HGTV-watcher and during the day they play TONS of episodes of house-hunters and there are a lot of really, really picky home-hunters.  They complain about EVERYTHING!  It makes me look at my house and wonder what people are going to complain about when they get here.  We have painted cabinets in the kitchen and the painting on the trim in the house isn't perfect.  The backyard isn't as beautiful as it used to be when everything was green and flowering and some of the trees need trimming.

But I love our house.  I fell in love with it the first time I toured it.  In fact, I brought my mom back that day and toured it again.  So I trust that there is a family out there that will fall in love with this house.  Maybe at tomorrow's open house, maybe on Sunday.  Maybe in two weeks or maybe next spring.  And I'm sure that there will be people who don't like our house at all, and I have to be ok with that.  I probably wouldn't like their house (So there!).

Here are a few more pictures of the inside (sorry about the small pictures, they are from the realtor's website):

Dining room

Kitchen

Family Room

During my quiet time I prayed about the journey the Lord is taking our family on and I read a passage from 1 Timothy 6 that it meant a lot to me.  The Lord has blessed us in so many ways and I want to be sure that we are not so concerned with material treasures but things that really matter, like investing in our family, serving and sharing.  It also makes me realize that when the Lord blesses you, he gives you the responsibility to be a good steward of those things.  I want to make sure that my family is a good steward of what he has blessed us with, creating a firm foundation for the future.

 ¹⁷ Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. ¹⁸ Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. ¹⁹ In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.

On another note, here is a picture of Nate from the other day.  Austin always talks about what a strong boy Nate is (even the NP was amazed when he was three days old and fighting to hold himself up the day we got discharged from the hospital).  In this picture Austin is holding him and commenting on his big biceps.

Nate and daddy "flexing" for the camera.  Don't tell Austin this, but I'm pretty sure Nate is sleeping, not flexing!

I'm not seeing the muscles.  I say, "let's count the rolls!" (Oh and check out that sweet little double chin.  Love it!)

Trusting in the Lord

So...after spending a few hours exploring the blogs of other women, I've been encouraged to make my blogging a more regular thing.  I'd really like to carve some time out every day to blog a little.  But at the same time I find myself so busy that I have a hard time finding time for my quiet time (which should definitely come first) or even a  quick shower.  (Just in case you were wondering, I have showered today!  In fact, I even did my makeup and hair.)

So the reason for my blog today (in addition to becoming a more regular blogger.  On a side note: although I said I wanted to be a more regular blogger, I don't want to blog just to blog.  I want to actually be saying something.  Something important.  Something that matters and will maybe resonate with one of my few readers.  And let's be honest, I may not even have a few readers.  Not many people know this exists.  But whether they do or don't it doesn't matter.  Even if I am writing this just for myself, I want what I say to matter).

Now that we've got that explanation out of the way:

So the reason for my blog today is to say "it's official."  There is a "For Sale" sign up in the front yard.  We have open houses scheduled for Saturday 1pm-2:30pm and Sunday 2pm-4pm.  It's hard to believe.  Here is a picture of the house sans "For Sale" sign.  (It's too dreary out to run out and take a picture of the house with the sign up, but you can imagine)

Isn't it pretty?  We did a lot of clean-up this past weekend.

Back of the house. 

Wow, looking at those pictures make it hard to believe that we really put a "For Sale" sign up in the front yard.  We really love the place BUT...

I love this guy way more:

My precious baby boy!

So the reason the sign is up is because Austin and I would like for me to have the option to stay at home and only work PRN.  When I go back to work, Austin and I will be working opposite shifts.  He will work evening shifts Monday through Friday and I will work night shifts Friday, Saturday and Sunday.  And although this works out GREAT for childcare (we will only need someone to watch Nate for 6 hours a week), we won't have a lot of family time and that is really important to us.  We have LOVED these past 10 weeks when we have been able to spend time together as a family any time that Austin is not at work.  It has been great.  Even though having a newborn can be stressful and frustrating at times, these 10 weeks have probably been the best 10 weeks when it comes to family-togetherness.

The sign is up and the listing is on-line, but we don't have another house that we are looking at right now.  We are trusting in the Lord and in his plan for us.  If our house sells soon, great.  If it doesn't, that's okay too.  I will just return to work and continue working until something changes.  The Lord is good and his plans for us are too.  He desires to bless us.  And he has.  Big time.  We desire to be good stewards of all the gifts that He has given to us.  And when I think of the gifts that He has given to us, I think immediately of Nathaniel.  He is such a wonderful, amazing gift and I want to be able to spend as much time with him as possible. I want to do the job the Lord has blessed me with (being a mom) to the best of my ability, and to me that means being able to spend as much time with him as possible; doing my best to raise him in a way that honors the Lord.

So, the sign is up and we are trusting in the Lord.  His plans for us are good and we look forward to the journey the Lord is taking us on.

Date night

Austin and I made a few changes to the country song, "Just another day in paradise" by Phil Vasser.  And here it is:


Nate screaming, phone ringing
Anna barking at the squirrel and they're bringing
That stack of bills - overdue
Good morning baby, how are you?
Got a half hour, quick shower
Take a drink of milk but the milk's gone sour
My funny face makes you laugh
Twist the top on and I put it back
There goes the dishwashing machine
Baby, don't kick it.
I guess we just won't wash it
even though there's many things...

Well, it's ok. It's so nice
It's just another day in paradise
Well, there's no place that
I'd rather be
Well, it's two hearts
And one dream
I wouldn't trade it for anything
And I ask the Lord every night
For just another day in paradise

Thursday, cat hate (*I'll explain that one later*)
Guess we'll never make our dinner date
At the restaurant you start to cry
Baby, we'll just improvise
Well, plan B looks like
Pancheros burritos at your parent's house...



So Thursday night Austin and I had arranged for my mom to come over and watch Nate for a couple hours so that we could get out, grab a bite (without it being interrupted by a nursing session) and chat.  It wasn't going to be anything big.  We were going to go to Pancheros or Panera...nothing fancy, but I was looking forward to a little Austin and Cailey time.  Things had been hectic at the Oates house lately.  Nate has been more fussy after eating, Anna (our dog) is feeling a little left out and has been going CRAZY in the backyard (thankfully both of our next door neighbors are gone for the week), we got a few unexpected bills, and the dishwasher started making strange noises.

On the evening of our date night we decided to do a little housework and tear up the carpet in the basement because we were thinking that the cat had started peeing down there.  So Nate and I are upstairs eating again and Austin is in the basement.  Before long I hear him calling up the stairs and to make a long story short, we had to vacate the house for a few hours to let things air out.  The problem was alot worse than we thought.

So I called my mom and cancelled our date night and Nate and I left the house and went to Austin's parents' house.  Austin hauled out all of the old carpet, bleached the floor, opened all the windows, ran the furnace for a few hours and joined us at his parents' house.  Austin picked up Pancheros burritos and we ate our dinner on his parents' couch by the light of a football game on tv.

Just another day in paradise!

But seriously, even though something always seems to be going wrong, life is beautiful.  I am reminded  of that every time I look at my sweet little boy.

I wouldn't trade it for anything!

Where have I been?

You may be wondering what I have been up to this past month (actually, you probably haven't, but in case you have been wondering), well I have been busy laboring, birthing and learning to be a mother to this precious little boy.  Introducing Nathaniel David Oates:

Nathaniel David, 1 day old, in Daddy's arms

Little Nate was born August 31, 2011 at 0133.  He weighed a whooping 8 lbs 3 oz (that's whopping when you consider that my doctor told me that my baby was going to be small- "maybe 6 lbs") and was 20.5 inches long.  I won't go into the details of labor and delivery, but I have to say it wasn't that bad.  It definitely wasn't what I had expected.  When you are pregnant (and I am learning it doesn't stop when you have a child) everyone has an opinion and a story to tell, and it seems like a lot of people enjoy telling their "horror stories." I was expecting labor to be like in the movies, but mine wasn't.  Not that it is something I want to do often, but things went pretty smoothly for me this time.  I worked an 8 hour shift through what I now know were contractions (I thought it was just back pain....and yes, I am a nurse.  I think I was in denial) and didn't go into the hospital until I was 6 cm dilated and 90% effaced.  Part of that was because as the back pain continued throughout the day I called labor and delivery to ask them if they thought that my symptoms sounded like labor and they said (twice, in fact) that "you will know when it's labor."  So I stayed at home alone (Austin was working an evening shift) until I was 6cm and 90%.  First thing I told the nurse that was checking me in was "I'm sorry I came in.  I'm probably not in labor; you will probably send me home, but my husband is at work and is making me come in to get checked out."  And low and behold, a few minutes later the nurse says, "you are going to have a baby tonight."  (I actually didn't have Nate before midnight, but I would have if I had let them break my water sooner...but I wanted to wait for Austin to get to the hospital).

So, to make a long story short.  Nate was born.  And life has not been the same since.  It's amazing.

Fast forward 4 weeks (time really does fly).  Nate is getting big (last week he weighed 9lbs and 5 oz.), and I wish I could say that we are on a routine and I am getting a full nights sleep, that he is nursing perfectly and that I love nursing him.  That is just not the case.  The first two weeks were actually pretty good...Nate slept most of the time and I actually had to wake him up to eat but now it's a different story.  He seems to have a routine, but it's just not the routine that I would like.

Well, that's all the update I have time for right now.  I've got so many things that I should get done while Nate sleeps, but I almost feel guilty for not spending every single moment with him.  This weekend I am throwing my sister a bridal shower and I have lots to still get done for that AND the laundry needs to be done AND I think the dishwasher may have broke, so I may be handwashing dishes now...

But I will leave you with a couple of more recent pictures of Nate:

The picture I took for his birth announement.  About 1 wk old.

Going on his first walk with mommy and daddy (Doesn't daddy look proud?)

Look at those cute rolls...

Taking a break after some fun playing with the activity gym

And I feel bad for posting this, but this is a picture of Nate getting mad during tummy time and lifting his head WAY off the ground.  And when he was only 13 days old!  Must be the protein shakes Austin keeps sneaking him...

Maternity pics

So a few days ago my sister Emily came over and took some pictures of Austin and I (and Baby Oates) with my new camera.  I was hoping to have photoshop by now, but that will have to wait, so I edited the photos with Picasa.  I will post a few of the pictures, but Austin and I have decided on a name and a few of the pictures have the baby's name in them, so those will have to wait...sorry!  :)

Growing baby bump at 35 weeks

Austin doesn't like this one, but it matches the decal we are putting above the crib in the baby's room

I'm being serious and Austin is being a goofball

This is me telling Austin he better shape up....or else....

That's better!

What a small onesie!

Close up

The three of us against our new cedar fence (that we put up for Austin's other "baby," our dog Anna

Austin can't even get his arms around my ginormous belly!

Basketball belly!