This post is primarily for updating everyone who wants pictures. We really have no more information to share at this point. Jen and baby are healthy and doing well. We have been very active in preparing for her arrival, checking off several items on our to-do list. Enough talk, on to the pictures!
We’ll start with the shed construction. I had to build one wall completely on the ground and paint it before installing it because it was right next to the fence.
Next, Rob C. came over to help install the wall and bang some nails for rough framing.
You can’t tell me this photo doesn’t remind you of Top Gun!

Since one wall was to be anchored in existing concrete, I borrowed my neighbor’s hammer drill/rotary hammer and put it to good use by drilling holes for the anchor bolts.
After the installation of the first wall, we were very productive with our tool belts and finished the framing in one day.
I installed the siding and eventually worked up to the roof, where Jen caught me one hot Sunday afternoon.
Rob came back for some more work on the door, and here he admires his handiwork.

Finally, I finished painting the walls and trim, and installed the last bit of trim this weekend.

Rob was a big help on this project, and I did get some assistance from one other person. He had lots of great ideas, and was the best job foreman ever!

With the shed completed, we shifted our focus to inside the house and preparing the nursery/former office. This task consisted of moving everything out of our third bedroom: two desks, computer, books, and boxes of miscellaneous stuff that we never unpacked or just tossed in the catch-all room. After that, we painted. Don’t worry; we used the low-VOC paint so the fumes wouldn’t be a problem for Jen and she could help with painting. It’s my least favorite job.
We finished the room off with a chair rail between the pink and green. All the photographers out there: I know the greens look different. I was tinkering with my white balance and ISO settings to avoid using the built-in flash because it’s too harsh.

We also painted our hallway (twice!), but who really wants to see those pictures?
I must say that tackling all these home projects has taught me a few lessons. First, it’s okay to cut the sheathing (that goes underneath the siding) a little big. You can always caulk the gap!
Second, when your air conditioning unit starts making a “whack-whack” noise, it’s best to check it out immediately. Steve vR – thanks for the wiring diagram, it did the trick!
Last but not least, here’s Jen at 29 weeks.
























