Every morning since Monday, Nina has gotten up and opened her door to come and greet us in our bed! Incredible how quickly she begins a new routine! Thankfully she has not realized that she has the ability to roam the house.
Erin told me that at the start of Nina's nap today, Erin was in the kitchen, came out, and saw a shadow moving behind the piano. It was NIna. She had gotten out of bed, opened the door, and sat down behind the piano (which is at an angle from the wall). Fortunately Nina did not put up much resistance.
There are two French language DVDs at the library. I'm looking forward to picking them up. Hopefully they'll be good. Bonjour Les Amis Vol 1 & 2
We're up to 31 house showings. We're praying. I wonder what God has in store for us this weekend!
Erin and I are both excited about the upcoming Harry Potter book (last volume in the summer) and movie (in the fall). We've been fans since just before the first movie and quickly caught up on the books.
I have been consolidating emails to use my Google Mail Account. I'm slowly making the switch.
Thursday, March 29, 2007
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Big girl bed!
Nina has now spent 2 nights in her big girl bed with no problems. We removed the bars from her crib, converting it to a toddler bed on Sunday evening. She loves it! It has a rail on one side to keep her from rolling out and is pushed up against the wall on the other side. She's done great. We bought new bedding with polka dots and animals from IKEA that suits her style. Hopefully, we'll be able to keep her in that small bed while we're in New York because it takes up much less space than a twin size bed! This morning was the first morning she crawled out of bed, opened her door, and rushed into our room with a big, proud smile. I can't believe how she's growing up!The house selling is taking a toll on all of us. Nina just wants to stay at home and play with her toys and walk around in the grass outside, but we have to leave the house every time we have a request. Its been difficult coming up with places to go for hours at a time, but thank goodness we have Grandma and Grandpa only 1.5 hours away. Nina has now started asking every time we get into the car if we are going to see Grandma and Grandpa! It is time for this house to sell!
Sunday, March 25, 2007
Sunday
This morning at church Nina tripped and hit her head on the chair! A big two-inch goose egg quickly appeared. We felt horrible and tried putting an ice pack on her forehead, but with little success. Afterwards at home, she was playing with Milo under our dining table and she rubbed her head under the chair. She managed to rub a sticker off onto her hair! Minutes later we got a call for 4 showings that afternoon from 1:30 pm - 5:30pm.
The feedback from yesterday's showings were quite positive. Erin thought that today's showings would be second showings, so we packed up and went over to Erin's parents place such that Nina could have a nap in peace. When we arrived, we were greeted with the first grilling of the season (pork chops and steaks). Nina loves her pickles and basically had pickles and milk for lunch.
The feedback from yesterday's showings were quite positive. Erin thought that today's showings would be second showings, so we packed up and went over to Erin's parents place such that Nina could have a nap in peace. When we arrived, we were greeted with the first grilling of the season (pork chops and steaks). Nina loves her pickles and basically had pickles and milk for lunch.
Lights Out Nina!
13 sec - Mar 25, 2007
Description: Nina turning the light on and off.
Saturday, March 24, 2007
Latest Developments
Nina's new phrase is "Hi buddy" for "Hi everybody" and of course (I'm biased) but in my humble opionion, it is one the cutest things around. I'll try and capture a video of it.
On the home selling front, we're up to #24 showings. We have not had as many second showings as had been expected. Much of the feedback has had the consistent message of being concerned about our neighbor's backyard. Consequently we got a quote for extending the fence. Today I went over to the neighbor and asked about the history behind existing fence between our properties. It turns out that he put up the fence because the city had requested it to cover the shed in his back yard. Once I told him that we're thinking of putting in a fence he said that he could do it and would not charge us for labor, but only for materials. I was very pleasantly surprised. He'll start on that project on Monday!
This morning we went to MOA (Mall of America) to search for a second suit for me and a sports coat because Erin read that the CBS students dress quite sharply. At Brooks Brothers we saw one sports coat that looked quite good. Next week there's a 15% sale so perhaps we'll get it. We shall see. After going to several stores, I got a new pair of jeans to replace my current ones with a big hole in the left knee. Nina benefitted by learning the word "hole" :D The new pair was on sale at Eddie Bauer for $19.99 (no sales tax on clothing in MN) down from the original price of $59.99.
On the home selling front, we're up to #24 showings. We have not had as many second showings as had been expected. Much of the feedback has had the consistent message of being concerned about our neighbor's backyard. Consequently we got a quote for extending the fence. Today I went over to the neighbor and asked about the history behind existing fence between our properties. It turns out that he put up the fence because the city had requested it to cover the shed in his back yard. Once I told him that we're thinking of putting in a fence he said that he could do it and would not charge us for labor, but only for materials. I was very pleasantly surprised. He'll start on that project on Monday!
This morning we went to MOA (Mall of America) to search for a second suit for me and a sports coat because Erin read that the CBS students dress quite sharply. At Brooks Brothers we saw one sports coat that looked quite good. Next week there's a 15% sale so perhaps we'll get it. We shall see. After going to several stores, I got a new pair of jeans to replace my current ones with a big hole in the left knee. Nina benefitted by learning the word "hole" :D The new pair was on sale at Eddie Bauer for $19.99 (no sales tax on clothing in MN) down from the original price of $59.99.
Friday, March 23, 2007
One week
Our house has been on the market for one week. We've had 20 showings already! Apparently one potential buyer has visited the house three times, but has only "average" interest. We shall see. We are praying that the house sells soon.
Last night we ate dinner at IKEA because of the 6-7:45pm showing times. While eating there, Nina learned "la bouche" :D
We shall see what God has in store for us this weekend for currently no showings are scheduled.
Last night we ate dinner at IKEA because of the 6-7:45pm showing times. While eating there, Nina learned "la bouche" :D
We shall see what God has in store for us this weekend for currently no showings are scheduled.
Thursday, March 22, 2007
Yesterday
We had one scheduled house showing (#16) and one surprise showing (#17). It's always a shock when people knock on our door sans any warning! Of course we gave a call to our realtor conveying the event and she said she'd try and determine where the ball was dropped.
Another showing scheduled for this afternoon (6-7pm #18).
Erin told me yesterday that Nina likes to pretend putting makeup on. I want to see that and hopefully get a video of that.
Another showing scheduled for this afternoon (6-7pm #18).
Erin told me yesterday that Nina likes to pretend putting makeup on. I want to see that and hopefully get a video of that.
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
House Showings
The house went on the market on Wednesday evening. That night we got a call for a showing on Thursday. Quickly the showings snow balled:
Thursday : 2
Friday: 3
Saturday: 7
Sunday: 3
for a total of 15 over the first 5 days! Monday was quiet and Tuesday we had 1. We anticipate the number to increase as we approach the weekend.
This entire process has prompted me to think about potential enhancements to the process, but that's for another time.
Fortunately we decided to go to Erin's parents' place Friday afternoon prior to the showings because Saturday would have been almost unbearable to pack/unpack for an hour at a time.
We hope that Tuesday's showing is a 2nd showing, but our realtor has yet to obtain such confirmation.
Nina noticeably grew since the weekend!
We went to the library yesterday during one of the showings and the librarians commented that Nina is big for her age.
Thursday : 2
Friday: 3
Saturday: 7
Sunday: 3
for a total of 15 over the first 5 days! Monday was quiet and Tuesday we had 1. We anticipate the number to increase as we approach the weekend.
This entire process has prompted me to think about potential enhancements to the process, but that's for another time.
Fortunately we decided to go to Erin's parents' place Friday afternoon prior to the showings because Saturday would have been almost unbearable to pack/unpack for an hour at a time.
We hope that Tuesday's showing is a 2nd showing, but our realtor has yet to obtain such confirmation.
Nina noticeably grew since the weekend!
We went to the library yesterday during one of the showings and the librarians commented that Nina is big for her age.
Thursday, March 15, 2007
Light at the End of the Tunnel
Following three weeks of extreme cleaning and organizing until the early morning hours, our house went on the market yesterday afternoon. The photos taken that day at 11:30am were not uploaded initially, yet we received a showing appointment already for today between 10am-12noon! Wow, I'm amazed that someone wants to see the house without photo previews.
Erin and I cleaned up the house Tuesday night in preparation for the photos on Wednesday. We removed the microwave and toaster oven appliances from the kitchen, Nina's booster seat from the table plus much much more. The appointment was between 10 - 11am. By 11:15am the person was not there. Erin, Nina, and I were getting annoyed. Nina because she was getting hungry, Erin as a result, and myself because they were. It turns out that the lady taking a photo had gone to the house up the street (that was already on sale) and almost completed taking the photos without having looked at to confirm that she was at the correct address. I think that is a new level of ineptness. She had the nerve upon arrival to say that she needed the lights on for the photos and simply stand there, waiting for us to turn all the lights on while Nina wailed for her lunch.
A little bit of venting.
Mom is doing much better during this third chemo cycle! I look forward to speaking with her more now that the house is for sale. There is light at the end of the tunnel, but still much remains.
We have been praying for Popo and that the summer events unfold favorably. We've been leaving all this in God's hands.
As a cute note, each time we pray, Nina always adds, "Popo."
Erin and I cleaned up the house Tuesday night in preparation for the photos on Wednesday. We removed the microwave and toaster oven appliances from the kitchen, Nina's booster seat from the table plus much much more. The appointment was between 10 - 11am. By 11:15am the person was not there. Erin, Nina, and I were getting annoyed. Nina because she was getting hungry, Erin as a result, and myself because they were. It turns out that the lady taking a photo had gone to the house up the street (that was already on sale) and almost completed taking the photos without having looked at to confirm that she was at the correct address. I think that is a new level of ineptness. She had the nerve upon arrival to say that she needed the lights on for the photos and simply stand there, waiting for us to turn all the lights on while Nina wailed for her lunch.
A little bit of venting.
Mom is doing much better during this third chemo cycle! I look forward to speaking with her more now that the house is for sale. There is light at the end of the tunnel, but still much remains.
We have been praying for Popo and that the summer events unfold favorably. We've been leaving all this in God's hands.
As a cute note, each time we pray, Nina always adds, "Popo."
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
House on the Market
Erin and I have mostly finished preparing our house for professional realtor photos on Wednesday! Erin was commenting on how many things we've done, yet we still have many cupboards to clean out!
Sunday, March 11, 2007
Late Sunday Night
Erin and Nina returned back on Saturday in the afternoon for the realtor meeting. We signed papers and we asked questions. Following that we ate had take-out at Hoban (Korean food). This has become a favorite restaurant of ours because Nina loves the bean sprouts that come with the food, Erin loves the bulgogi (along with the thinly cut white radishes and the spicy lettuce/spinach), and I love the bi bim bap!
Each night we worked steadily on the house: tidying, decluttering, collapsing boxes, and tossing trash. Finally we are almost there! The wet bar downstairs really looks great with the lighting, setup, etc. I hope to post some photos after our house goes on the market on Wednesday.
Nina surprised and impressed Erin's parents this weekend. She looked in one of the bags and said, "na" which Erin translated as Nina's word for triangle. Sure enough there were two triangles sewn into the bag bottom. She has learned another couple letters: m. I want to clarify by when I say that she knows the letters, she knows how to recognize them and say the letter only.
At the end of prayers, she always reminds us to pray for Popo if we forget :D
We hope that you had a good weekend!
Each night we worked steadily on the house: tidying, decluttering, collapsing boxes, and tossing trash. Finally we are almost there! The wet bar downstairs really looks great with the lighting, setup, etc. I hope to post some photos after our house goes on the market on Wednesday.
Nina surprised and impressed Erin's parents this weekend. She looked in one of the bags and said, "na" which Erin translated as Nina's word for triangle. Sure enough there were two triangles sewn into the bag bottom. She has learned another couple letters: m. I want to clarify by when I say that she knows the letters, she knows how to recognize them and say the letter only.
At the end of prayers, she always reminds us to pray for Popo if we forget :D
We hope that you had a good weekend!
Friday, March 9, 2007
Friday!
Last night I painted the railing in the entryway. It's amazing how big a difference some paint does! I'm also amazed at how easily paint drips on metal. I will not let this deter me for I want to paint the hot water vents for it will surely improve the look in our master bedroom/bathroom.
Erin and Nina are in New Ulm because we anticipated the entryway removal/painting to take longer than it did. The contractors came back today for some touch-ups. They were good about it. The wall looked good, but to my surprise I discovered that they were ignorantly rude.
Trying to keep my emotional IQ high, I tried expressing my unhappiness in a non-confrontational manner.
On Saturday we'll meet with a realtor in preparation for placing our house on the market. Anyone want to take guesses at what our house will sell for?
In addition, I will be flying out to the big apple to attend the CBS Open House for Admitted Students on April 12/13. I look forward to seeing Bert & Greg plus meeting future classmates.
Erin and I will make a later trip out there to find housing.
Erin and Nina are in New Ulm because we anticipated the entryway removal/painting to take longer than it did. The contractors came back today for some touch-ups. They were good about it. The wall looked good, but to my surprise I discovered that they were ignorantly rude.
Trying to keep my emotional IQ high, I tried expressing my unhappiness in a non-confrontational manner.
On Saturday we'll meet with a realtor in preparation for placing our house on the market. Anyone want to take guesses at what our house will sell for?
In addition, I will be flying out to the big apple to attend the CBS Open House for Admitted Students on April 12/13. I look forward to seeing Bert & Greg plus meeting future classmates.
Erin and I will make a later trip out there to find housing.
Thursday, March 8, 2007
Wall Paper Removal
Today we've hired some contractors to remove the wall paper in our entryway and paint the remaining wall. We've held off on doing this ourselves because the entryway has stairs making it difficult at best, if not dangerous to attempt without the proper equipment.
Yesterday I received an email from the CBS financial aid office about a Gap Inc. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) fellowship. The application is due April 2.
Yesterday I received an email from the CBS financial aid office about a Gap Inc. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) fellowship. The application is due April 2.
Wednesday, March 7, 2007
Destination: The Big Apple!
Yesterday we made the decision to go to Columbia Business School (CBS) for my MBA degree. Both Erin and I are extremely excited to know where we will be and to have the tremendous opportunities to learn and grow!
I am amazed at the number of CBS-related people who have reached out and introduced themselves to me:
- Alumni Interviewer
- Second-year student on a scholarship from the Spanish Government from the Hermes Society
- 2002 alumni employed in NYC at Citigroup
- 2002 alumni from Peru who had a wife and 1 year old son while at CBS and is in NYC employed by Morgan Stanley
- CBS person working in the MBA Program for Healthcare and Pharmaceutical Management
- co-President of the Healthcare Club
And this is in addition to those part of the official departments (admissions, financial aid, housing, etc.)
Much to do. Our goal is to put our house on the market next week!
Tuesday, March 6, 2007
Nina Learnings
Nina has been using the book Chicka Chicka Boom Boom and her mini magna doodle to learn her letters. Earlier this week she learned the letter "f" and surprised us by pointing in her First Bible at the letter "f". Later she followed that with "o" and "p". Today she learned "s" and said peach verbally for the first time. Of course she knew the ASL sign for peach a long time ago (about eight months) because she learned it on Signing Time.
Saying letters and signing peach
27 sec Mar 6, 2007
Description: Nina is learning her letters from her book!
Saying letters and signing peach
27 sec Mar 6, 2007
Description: Nina is learning her letters from her book!
Monday, March 5, 2007
Dashing Through the Snow...
As some of you may know, we had a two day snow storm this past Thursday and Friday. We had some fun playing in the snow in the driveway!
Dashing through the snow...
19 sec - Mar 2, 2007
Dashing through the snow...
19 sec - Mar 2, 2007
Friday, March 2, 2007
All dressed up for church
Here some recent photos of Nina. They were taken on February 21 after evening church. We went to church for soup supper and then to the service. When it was time to go home, Nina had a major fit because she was having such a good time.
Thursday, March 1, 2007
Snowed in.... Again
We had brief pause and a chance to clean up the snow during the week before the snow began yesterday, again. Two days of a winter storm. Schools and businesses closed under at least 6 - 12 inches of snow with the snow finally tapering off tomorrow evening at around 18 inches. The interstate 35 was even going to close down outside of the city due to the snow. I feel like we're stuck in the mountains like the 7 brothers in Seven Brides for Seven Brothers.
On the Nina front, she has been loving the steps, but the big step today was pointing to the letter O in "My First Bible" and saying, "Oh!" We responded with surprise and much praise. She did an encore with pointing to F and saying "efff!" Woooo hooo! She loves the book Chicka Chicka Boom Boom!
I'm looking forward to our juice tonight.
On the Nina front, she has been loving the steps, but the big step today was pointing to the letter O in "My First Bible" and saying, "Oh!" We responded with surprise and much praise. She did an encore with pointing to F and saying "efff!" Woooo hooo! She loves the book Chicka Chicka Boom Boom!
I'm looking forward to our juice tonight.
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