Monday, May 24, 2010

Pregnancy: A perfect time for home improvement projects

Shortly after we found out I was pregnant, we started on our home improvement project for this year. Sure, we'd planned on it before that whole pregnancy thing. Sure, we were very much looking forward to the improvements. Sure, we had nixed a couple other projects because they didn't make sense financially with another family member on the way. It seemed like we were being rational.

Problem is, rational and pregnancy just don't seem to go hand in hand for me. For whatever reason (I'm blaming excess testosterone due to this little one being a boy because I do not remember being this way with Sabrina), this pregnancy has made me a tad...bitchy. Now, I'm rather bitchy not pregnant, so you can imagine the hell my husband has been in for the last few months. Somehow, things are always his fault. I don't know why. They just are. And then I find it really cruel that he's picking on a pregnant woman.

As most people are aware, home improvement projects can be a bit stressful. Just a bit. Working with contractors and other people who really don't give a shit if you took off work to meet them can get a little draining. Having to demo your own tile countertops because no company wants to do it (we now know why) or if they will want to charge an obscene fortune for them, is not the funnest way to spend an afternoon. Having your house covered in a thin film of dust from said tile remover can start to get to you even if you aren't having mood stability issues. Living without a sink or counter for a week and having to eat take out all week sounded fun for the first day but quickly (very quickly) got old. And, we got fatter which was not part of the bargain.

But. It really was worth it. Because now instead of gross, cracked and never cleaned (by the previous owners, of course) tile, we have wonderful, sleek, (affordable, we are having another baby folks!) laminate. Our cabinets, that were also covered in grease thanks to the cleanliness of the previous owners are now super clean and painted with new hardware added (this was a naptime project for a couple months, also really fun times for Chris and I). Now we just need to get our floor re-done after destroying it removing tile. (If you ever demo tile counters yourself, they really are serious when they say to protect your floors. Like really, really serious).

The result - before - eeeewww, so much oak, and icky counters (somehow we were incapable of taking a decent before shot)


I think you get the point. There is A LOT of oak. I didn't take pictures of the lack of grout on the counters or the mold in the caulk around the sink. Because some people read this while eating lunch and it was gross.

Are you ready? The after:

Eeeeeee!!!!




We are in love! And even more in love now that it's done!

Note: Projects like the above are (part) of the reason I've been such a bad blogger lately. And commenter. I do read your blogs, I just can't seem to navigate past my reader to actually leave a comment. I'm working on it.

9 comments:

Brakes and Gas said...

Looks fab! DIY can suck the life out of you' it nearly ruined my marraige when we pulled up the tile in the kitchen. A huge PITA! PS: Could not help but notice how nicely fridge farm is lined up in the background. Very impressive!

Alison said...

WOW - I'm impressed!! That looks like a full on remodel. Awesome!!

Maria said...

Wow!! I can't imagine doing this myself with a toddler in tow and preggers. You are a super momma! Looks fantastic!

April K. said...

Ugh...I totally feel your contractors and demolition pain! If I never have to do a major remodel again (OR do a major remodel AND THEN decide to get rid of that house and build a new one) it will be too soon. Your new kitchen looks awesome, though - way to go!!!

Faith, the Authoress said...

Love that!

minivan soapbox said...

LOVE!!! LOVE it! Now come over and do mine before you have a baby....

Bekah said...

wow awesome job! We did so much renovating whil we were pregnant, we finished our last project THREE DAYS before my water broke early!

Unknown said...

And you did this while preggers. Incredible! Love that you extended the counter for a breakfast bar area.

janessa said...

Oh Emm Gee! It looks Beautiful!!!