Counter Intelligence

Today is the day we've been anticipating for the past week because today our new countertops arrive.

The first step was to install a plywood base. Next the skilled workmen cut out the sink template, carefully adhered our Eco by Cosentino countertop in place and dropped in the sink.

Ta Da! Our sparkling new countertops, sparkling literally because they are made using 75% post consumer recycled mirrors. We were motivated to make our kitchen remodel as eco-friendly as possible given that we want to create a sustainable future for our boys.

Fiesta La Ballona 2009

Every year Culver City hosts Fiesta La Ballona, a weekend of carnival rides, food booths and live music. Spencer, wide-eyed with excitement, seemed a bit overwhelmed at first by all the attractions. Although he was not quite tall enough for the majority of the rides, we did give him an overview of the carnival experience starting with the ferris wheel. It was so much fun to soar over the treetops with my arm wrapped around Spencer, waving at Mike and Nico as we whirled by. Next we headed over to the fun house maze of mirrors.

Then it was Mike's turn to take Spencer on the windjammer. Hold on to your hat Daddy!

There's no height limit on the carrousel. Spencer loved riding his white horse.

Nico patiently kicked back in his stroller. It will be a couple of years before he's old enough to partake of the festivities but by then, his older brother will be able to show him the ropes.

To Nana's House We Go

Having spent the last few days eating in restaurants -- it turns out preparing meals in a kitchen without a countertop is more challenging than expected -- we welcomed Nana's offer to visit for a couple of days. The timing was impeccable as it allowed us to lounge in air-conditioned comfort during this Southern California heat wave. Most importantly, it gave us all time to relax and enjoy Nana's company.

Nico surprised us all with his ability to sit at the table in a booster seat. He has been until now either sitting in a bouncy seat or on one of our laps for meals. Nico definitely wants to be part of the action. Whenever Spencer is around, he has eyes only for his big brother, laughing at whatever he does. He's delighted by Spencer's mere presence.

Spencer, this photo notwithstanding, was thrilled to be listening to records on a turntable, so very retro for a 21st century boy used to CDs and ipods. He's listening to music that I heard as a child. I think this selection is Songs that Tickle Your Funny Bone which features such classics as "On Top of Spaghetti" and "I Don't Know Why She Swallowed a Fly."

Nana loved spending time with both her grandsons and vice versa. We can't wait to see her again in a few days when she comes for her weekly visit.

The Kitchen is Bare

Where there once was a sink, there is now only an empty space. Where there once was a switch for the garbage disposal, there are only wires (to the right). Only the wall faucet remains, but not for long.

The wall faucet is no longer.

The tile by the utility sink is going...

going...

gone. Spencer eyes the debris and wishes he could help.

Inch by Inch

Work progresses on the kitchen remodel. As reported previously, we had some water seeping underneath our cabinets however the water appears to have completely dried out leaving no lasting damage. The new board replaces the old, damaged lumber. Once painted, it should blend in with our existing cabinets.

The new side of the cabinet is bolted to the wall stud with steel and covered with drywall. Eventually this will be the space where our new dishwasher will slide in. I can't wait!

The Underneath

To say our house was a flurry of activity today would have been an understatement. A five man crew came to install our new plasma tv above the fireplace. What a difference! It brings a whole new dimension to our media experience. In addition, demolition continued in the kitchen of the cabinet where our new dishwasher is to go. This is the way our cabinet looked at the start of the day...

And this is how it looked at the end! Removal of the cabinet revealed a puddle of water caused by a corroded pipe under the sink that dripped down onto the subfloor and pooled under the cabinet. I suppose it's good that we discovered this now before more damage was done.

The damage to the wood was not revealed until the molding along the bottom of the cabinet was stripped away.

This is the corroded pipe in question. Years of hard water lead to the rusting of this galvanized steel pipe. It's amazing that our sink was draining at all.

Demolition Day

Demolition began today on our tile countertops. Roger, our experienced and thorough contractor, used a hammer and crowbar to pry off the old tires and mortar bed. Spencer was fascinated by the process and proceeded to act out tile demolition on his play kitchen.

Very soon our kitchen will never look the same.

Part way there. With the countertop removed, only the wood rough top remains.

The countertop and tile backsplash have now been completely removed.

The remains of our countertop. Out with the old, in with the new.

Oh No, Time to Go

We had not one but two park play dates today. Spencer had a blast running, climbing and using his imagination. When it came time to go, Spencer did not want to leave. Although I gave him reminders that departure time was approaching, Spencer cast a mischievious glance in my direction before darting off, looking back to see whether I would give chase, something quite difficult to do when I'm holding Nico or pushing the stroller. It was frustrating to say the least. I used humor the first time to encourage cooperation but at the end of the day when I'm tired and less patient, it's harder to have a sense of humor. Three year olds are a potent mixture of independence and defiance.

Play-Doh World

One of Spencer's new favorite activities is shaping playdoh. He spends extended periods of time pressing the playdoh through a tube into different shapes as demonstrated above. Then he slices the long string into pieces and repeats the process again. Making playdoh pasta also ranks high on the list. The best part is that Spencer keeps me company while I wash dishes or make dinner.

Top Dog

This lion is none other than our friend Sam who was celebrating his 3rd birthday along with his brother Nate who was celebrating his 1st.

The party was so much fun! First Silly Sally made this incredible balloon hat for Spencer which he proudly wore while playing at the water table.

Then Spencer had his face painted to resemble a dog, his favorite animal of the moment (although squirrel is a close second).

Party aftermath.

Such a Happy Baby!

Nico greets us with a big smile every morning. It's a wonderful way to start our day, even though sometimes we wish our mornings started a bit later. Here he is enjoying time with his Nana.

Nico is raising his upper body higher and higher these days, reaching for toys and grabbing everything in sight. Time to switch to ponytails because more than once, Nico has grabbed my hair with his iron grip. All I can say is ouch!

Tummy time! Nico rolls both ways easily now and spins in a circle using his little feet to scoot around. Mobility is around the corner. Time to babyproof!

Nico is starting to sit up for brief moments before tipping forward or slumping backwards onto to the boppy.

Oh So Sad

Nico is such a good natured baby that I thought I would capture one of his rare sad moments.

Oh, there goes the lip. Doesn't it just break your heart!

Old House, New House, Blue House, Yellow House

Home sweet home!