Baby Shower

My friends recently threw me a wonderful baby shower! I can't thank you all enough for all the thoughtful gifts and your friendship! It was a lovely brunch hosted by my good friend, Justine. The hostess with the mostess! My mother even made the trip from Denver...and I can't brag enough about the diaper bag she made me. I'm still shocked at how great it turned out, and frankly I think she is too! Knowing all the hours she spent making it, I will cherish it for a long time to come. Scott also loves it. As we were unloading the car after I got home he said, "Wow, this is amazing," as he threw it on his shoulder and continued to wear it for some time as we brought stuff inside. He'll sport that thing just as much as I will. Who knew I wouldn't have to buy him a camo diaper bag? Apparently, bright colored jungle animals are more cool.

-Sarah

More photos from the shower on Picasa:

http://picasaweb.google.com/scott.templin/BabyShower#

iDog

In case you don't watch the news or get on the internet, ever, then you might be surprised to hear that the iPad has been released. For the rest of you, be jealous in the knowledge that we have one! Porter is demonstrating his new trick called the iDead. Don't worry, he comes back to iLife very quickly. Even though the iPad has made it to Tacoma, I have been away for the past 10+ days flying for the AF Reserves, and because I have the computer, Sarah is unable to initiate the pad and begin playing with it. One of the drawbacks of having what is essentially an oversized iPod touch. No worries, I should be home in a few days and I've been downloading the free applications by the truckload to make sure we can make up for the few days of lost enjoyment.

The house also has been making great progress in my absence. Landmark event of th week - there is now a 23 foot open span room with no temporary support walls! Even though I'm not there to make daily decisions, inspections, or aid with the work, Sarah has been taking photos and emailing me progress reports and other items that require joint decision making. One thing that continues to astound me is the number of decisions that must be made on a project like this. There are literally hundreds of decisions which must be made every day. Fortunately for us, our contractor has spoken with us enough to know what we want and makes most of those decisions for us. There are, however, several questions we must answer each day to guide the building process. Rarely, work is redone - but it happens. Big items of the week: Furnace installed, most heating ducts run, vent holes cut for upstairs rooms, return air ducts run for upstairs and down, tankless water heater installed, all water pipes connected, support walls for installing I-beam removed, framing for all walls nearly complete, new water supply line from street installed, window well complete, and more...

As usual, there are plenty of photos to document the events, and, for your pleasure:

http://picasaweb.google.com/scott.templin/Renovations#