Something good, something not so: Worrying + a little creative juice

(Source: http://www.purpleleaves.de/blog/creative-photography-queenie-liao/)

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My daughter, our darling Elle, has turned 7 months only five days ago. And I'm starting to worry for her. She hates tummy time, she hasn't crawled yet, although she's kicking her feet, but she hasn't learn how to pull herself up with her elbows and knees. There were times when she was able to hold her upper body while sitting down, but more often than not, she would lean and look for support. She's able to stand up though, since she turned 3 months, with someone holding her on her waist or arms. And just a month ago (or even earlier), she was able to stand up on her own with her body supported by the sofa. I don't know if I should worry, but we all have observed how Elle doesn't like to hold up and would always lean, and how she just wouldn't take that first step! Even when someone's holding her, forcing her even!

Anyway, if you like the pictures above, then you should visit the link I included. I only chose three to keep this post tidy, but I would definitely put all the pictures if I can! If this is not creative photography, then I don't know what is! It was hard to choose my favorites; they are all too cute! Now, I hate myself; why didn't I do this, or something similar at least, with my kids? It's not too late though. I still got my baby -- my 7 months of pretty.

building the house, turning it into a home: baby steps go a long way

I am so happy to announce! That we finally made progress with the house! Same goes for the construction! Which is paint and stairs away! Oh, and windows and doors and kitchen and bathroom installation. But other than that! Just paint and stairs away! So excited to see the house alive! And so excited to create our home! (Because we all know a house isn't home -- and all that)



(Here are photos from Saturday's visit.)

Last Saturday, we officially adopted this baby. Only in white and blue chevron pattern.

It was from Mandaue Foam, which holds the most affordable stuff for the house. This baby damaged our wallets in the amount of PHP9,000, or more or less USD225. Originally, we wanted this baby in white, the fabric was soft, and it had peacock feathers the size of my hands, only longer because of the tail. It was eye-catching, breath-taking piece. But then we noticed how easily it stains (OMG I remember my son when he stayed in with my SILs for 2 weeks or so, and he had ruined their beautiful sofa!), so we immediately threw that option away and chose another pattern. That is! The chevron with a sort of burlap texture, which is perfect, not only for our theme (i.e. nautical x nature), but also for the kids, since it made cleaning a lot easier.


(Here's the baby in peacock feathers print. Lovely, isn't it?)

We also got ourselves a 3-door cabinet for PHP5,650 or USD141.25, and a 7-feet tall Christmas tree for PHP1,850 or USD46.25. But the tree was on sale, a 25% discount. I wanted a small tree for the kids (I want them to be able to reach up and put or fix the star), but the husband convinced me they'd grow taller in a swift, and it would save us money to invest when that happens. We are rooting for "The White Christmas" as this year's theme, just to mention.

Then, we went to a "wood" shop and asked for a quotation. We are deciding on whether or not we should get (just) the wood, or let them do their job and just pay for the labor fee and whatnot. It will save us probably PHP2,000 to 3,000 (or USD50 to 70) if we go the DIY route. BUT! It probably won't look as "finished" as it would, since we don't have the right equipments (sander and such). We also have to consider the costs if we'll buy our own brushes, sand paper, paint, and gloss finish (or something). Still a big decision to make! Well, at least we've decided on designs. We want wooden crates for the coffee table, wooden planks for the dining table, and wooden pallets for the bed frame and headboard.

Here are price ranges that we got from the shop. Pallets are PHP180 or USD45 per piece. These still need dusting and paint. Wooden crates are PHP250 just for the wood, not yet assembled, and no paint, not yet sanded. While planks sell for PHP50 or USD1.25 each. For the dining chairs though, we are sure we'll hunt for two thrifted chairs, which is still in progress. But I had found us a wooden (I think it was mahogany) steering wheel mirror for PHP150 or USD3.75, and a wicker suitcase for PHP450 or USD11.25; both will DEFINITELY be in our house. Also, a few wicker baskets (at PHP250 to 500 each -- USD6.25 to 12.5) and a wooden toy box (PHP1,160 or USD29). Husband thinks we should get the box for the coffee table, rather than building our own. I don't know; the crates look amazing, but it would definitely save us money and time (and energy).



(Source: 1, 2, 3 and 4: These are not the actual items, by the way, but they look close to what we're going to have.)

I am extremely anxious, in a good way, to have everything come together. Especially that Christmas is just around the corner. Hopefully, we can be consistent with the plan and deliver, if not very well, then at least decent.