Landscape Project

The Karamesic household does not buy anything on credit (with the exception of our home).  This is really the way to go, but I have a hard time patiently waiting for home projects to get done.  A major project we were waiting for was finishing the patio.  We usually accomplish one large home project a year.  This year it was finally time for pavers and landscaping!  Here is what our patio looked like before:

     

A lot of dirt!  We thought pavers would look nice, provide a space for Bean to play, and a space for Amel and me to relax. On the recommendation of one of Amel's coworkers, we went with Outdoor Lifestyles Landscaping.  The owner told us it would be a two day job.  We thought he was being over enthusiastic, but he was right!

Take a look at the end result!

lemon tree goes in the corner in the right

                                       
There are still a few things in the works for the patio: A lemon tree, more flowers, a little garden space, maybe a fountain, and a chicken coop (yep, you read that right).  I think the pavers turned out beautifully and look forward to hanging out on the patio.  Patience pays off in the end!

First Father's Day

Today we celebrated Amel's first father's day.  I think he had a good day!  Bean and I woke him up early with Mr. Bean handing Tata a card.  Bean and I had a couple other surprises for Amel.  We made him a hand print and foot print that we put into a shadow box.  We will add a photo later.  Getting a hand and foot print from an eight month old was no easy task! We also gave Amel a Mike's Hard Lemonade keychain.  Anyone who knows Amel, knows this is an appropriate gift for him.

After a leisurely morning, we headed to brunch at Phoenix Palace for some delicious dim sum.  We met four other couples who were also celebrating father's day for the first time (actually one couple was celebrating for the 2nd time).  For dessert of course we had ... cheesecake.  I think the cheesecake made Amel's day.  He has been avoiding sugar and enjoyed the special treat!

Bean also gave Tata the gift of taking two good naps today. I napped with him, which gave Amel some time to relax.  This evening we spent a little time out on our newly done patio.

I am thankful to have a loving husband who works hard for us and looks out for us.  Maika and I are very blessed.  I know I don't tell my husband often enough how much he is appreciated and loved.  Today I want to make sure he knows we love him with all our hearts.  Not just today, but everyday!

Mr. Bean turns Eight Months

My little Bean is 8 months today!  Honestly, when I say I have an eight month old, I can't believe it!  This has been the fastest eight months of my life.

The past two weeks, Mr. Bean has become more aware of his body.  He discovered his "male parts" and checks to make sure they are still there during diaper changes.  He also likes to pat his chest.  Occasionally, he tickles his own belly and laughs, which cracks me up as well.  Mr. Bean is a character!

Mangoes and pears are Bean's favorite foods right now, as long as they are pureed very smooth.  He is not into chunks.  I am pretty sure he is teething, which has turned him into a crazy person! I see two white bumps on his upper gums. Bean has been very fussy and kind of aggressive (for him, at least). The amber teething necklace he is wearing doesn't seem to be helping much.  I am wondering if it is a fake? I bought some homeopathic teething gel today.  We will see if that helps. Last night he was reaching for a roll of paper towels.  I gave him one and he ripped it to shreds.  Watching him reminded me of a cat on catnip! Hehe.

It has been taking a long time to get him to sleep the last couple days.  I have decided it is really not worth wasting energy complaining or being upset about my lack of sleep.  Bean will sleep through the night someday and I will miss this time.