Baby K is on the way!

That's right. a little more than 3 months down. and hopefully a little less than 6 months to go! Garrett and I couldn't be happier. We are expecting our first child (although Hadley could definitely be considered a child) this coming November. This is a dream come true for both of us as we have always wanted a family together. We found out on St. Patrick's day that we were expecting - so St. Patrick's day definitely has a new meaning for us, other than just 'the green beer day". We've had four doctor's appointments now, and each time we feel so blessed. After three different doctor's we've finally decided on THE ONE. Relief. We are tentatively due on November 27, but have been told that our due date will move to November 19. The sooner the better. I can't wait to meet Baby K! We've decided not to find out the gender of the baby, so that's definitely keeping us on our toes! I think it will be one of the best surprises ever! So, for now, you can cast your prediction on the blog.. Boy or Girl? Only time will tell! This also means the basement has a 'due date'. So, this fall should be an exciting time around the Konen household! For now, while Garrett works on the basement, I've been spending my time designing the baby room and reading baby name books (if you can call that reading). I'm obsessed with names, so this will be a task for sure. So, for now enjoy the baby 'bump' pictures below! We're growing, and we LOVE it! We are so blessed.

a little more than 3 months

3 months

10 weeks - on Mother's Day!

8 weeks

This is the cake we had made when we told our parents. Garrett's Dad, his wife Kathy, My Mom, Dad and brother all were planning to have a small watch party for the KU game that night. We surprised them with a KU cake, a baby Jay cake that is! And, yes, the picture is sideways.

Weekend Projects

 I have a feeling there will be a lot of these in the coming months, since we will be painting and completely refurnishing the (almost) entire house. This weekend, my mom and I made several stops around Wichita. By the way, weekends with the Mom are the BEST! We stopped at Babies R' Us, Sofa Mart, ate at Old Mill Tasty Shop, took a peek at Traditions, Juliana & Daniel, Foggy Bottoms and ended up at Hobby Lobby. We found some cute ideas at the stores we had visited and decided to make a few of our own home projects instead of spending a fortune on the upscale look-a-likes. I'm loving the spring/summer home additions! Take a look!

Centerpiece for the Dining Room Table

Spring Wreath for My Favorite RED Door 

We're BLOOMING!

 It's my favorite time of the year! Garrett and I spent the past couple of weeks picking out flowers for this year. It's crazy to think three years ago, when we bought our first home, our house was baby blue, with no grass (only weeds!) and zero landscaping! It's so awesome to see the progress we've made over the past couple of summers. The flower bed in front of the tree was last year's summer project. Garrett and I hand dug and built the bed ourselves. Yes, of course, I usually come up with these crazy projects and Garrett usually does most of the work, because I always think it's going to be easier than it really is. He's a trooper. I just bought some peony bushes that we are going to add around the sides of the house. I can't wait! For now, here's what's blooming around the Konen household!

Baby Steps...in the basement.

For almost five months, Garrett has been working tirelessly in the basement. We are beginning to see lots of progress as the framing is completely done - 1 bedroom, 1 TV room, 1 living room, a bar and a full bathroom - and the electrical and plumbing stages are mid-complete. Feeling a bit overwhelmed with so many decisions, we decided to take a trip to Klein Construction and nail down some flooring options. Needless to say, we picked out carpet, tile for the bar, counter tops for the bar and tile for the bathroom floor and shower. Check. Check. Check. Check. We were also able to match paint colors to the carpet and tiles we picked out. Check. Check. I finally feel like we are moving forward and the basement is coming together. I cannot thank Garrett enough for his dedication to getting the basement done - in a timely manner, that is - he's given up just about every weekend since January trying to please me :) Go basement, go!! Below are the updated basement pictures!

 Above: The Bathroom and THE TUB!

 Above: Standing at the bar, looking at the living area, hallway and bedroom.

 Above: The TV room and the Bio Force (someone please take this!)

Above: Some of the carpet, tile and paint decisions we made!

my fav party planning web sites.

Paper products can definitely be costly, especially when you are trying to plan a bachelorette party, shower or graduation party. Skip the pack of 25 napkins at Party City. Visit http://www.mypapershop.com/ for your next paper order. They have a great selection of paper plates, napkins and tablecloths.

If you're looking for something a little crazy, a little unique and a great price visit www.shopwildthings.com. This Web Site offers a wide variety of unique pieces that will add personality to any planned event or even to your home!

Crafty? http://www.save-on-crafts.com/ offers everything you need to get started on your next project. This is a go-to Web Site for wedding planners. They have every type of flower, vase, or decor idea that will make your wedding all that you want it to be.

What are your go-to Web Sites?

The AI obsession.

I'm not even sure what season we're on, but I know one thing, I've watched them all. American Idol: it captures an audience and pulls you in and I just can't stop watching. So far, I'm liking the new judges, change can be a good thing, although I do think the show misses Simon, I'm digging JLo's outfits and Steven Tyler's raspy voice.

So, I'm going to go out on a limb and make some guesstimations for this year's winners and their future in the music industry. I'm sure I'll change my mind when Scotty McCreery is forced to sing R&B. I still hate that the show picks the type of music they sing week after week. Let's change that!





Lauren Alaina- Next Miranda Lambert/Carrie Underwood.



Pia Toscano- Next one to have hits on the Top 40.



Scotty McCreery- Has recording companies waiting to sign. He's an obvious standout with his low voice and will be making country music albums as soon as the show is over.

Paul McDonald - Favorite Guy. He should hook up with Haley Reinhart and do a Sugarland kind of duo.




Haley Reinhart- One of my favorites, unique and confident.

Casey Abrams- Most Unique. I think he'll go far, but not to the very top. Always fun to watch and has an interesting way of connecting with the crowd.

mr. handyman

After more than 2 years of basement talk, Mr. Handyman G-Man has started framing the basement! This is a cause for celebration!! Whoooooo Hooooo!!! I would love to claim that I am part of this work, but this is all G. He's put in several weekends and long hours of labor downstairs, and we're seeing progress!  To keep him motivated and me patient, I've decided to post our basement's progress. Here's what we got so far!

Before - bedroom/office area

Before - TV room

  

Bedroom Closet

The bar will be in the corner on the right.

Bedroom

TV room 

Bathroom- and our new tub!