But First...

I was hesitating to post building progress because I really wanted to show you things that are done. Final. Finished. But as we plod on, not a single room is done. Each one has something else unfinished: lights, appliances, counters, appurtenances. Stuff.

So here is the one thing in the house that is complete: our kitchen bookcase.

Followed by some captured 'firsts":

First meal

First sleepover

First tandem change

First furniture put together

First fire

Now happily awaiting the First Finished Room. Which will it be?? (And how finished is "finished"?)

At home

With all the building posts, you may think I forgot that I was on maternity leave, as opposed to construction leave or vacation. But no. We're holding our own, Etta and I. It's true that she has learned to sleep with power saws roaring and nail guns blapping, and I have learned to paint exceptionally fast and with a baby on me if need be.

But we have other, cozier moments together too. Those of you who know me quite well may be surprised to find that there are days that I (happily) accomplish nothing at all. We migrate from one blanketed spot to another. I feel a lot like Cricket, looking for the warmest nook in the house to curl up in. I knit, read, and pull meals from the freezer and Etta does too, right there with me, right there on me. We've had some terrific weeks together. It's been a lot like, well, vacation.

Visible progress

We're at a great stage in homebuilding: visible progress. That electrical, plumbing, mechanical, insulation stuff was tough. Lots happening internally, but all invisible (mostly). This stuff? Very aesthetic. It's happening. We keep pushing the move-in date back so we don't get hopes up only to be disappointed. BUT how can you not get excited with all this happening daily??
As of Sunday, we have:

(nearly) completed wall tile in Main Bath

tile going up in the Master Bath (yes, it was worth seeking out all those clearance holdouts at Lowe's across MI and PA. I really love the tile)

Many doors installed, including our closet doors

Kitchen cabinets in, appliances delivered

Scullery cabinets started, appliances delivered

Dining room hutch begun

Cupola floor in (waiting for refinishing)

Basement insulation (ohh so shiny. our plans for wood walls didn't meet code apparently, so this will be finished down the road. WAY down the road)

Entryway done (DONE! well, except for the minutest detail of a doorknob not yet installed)

Up this week: Cupola floor finished, tile floors in bathrooms finished, WC fixtures installed (this means running water and an indoor toilet, although Oliver still prefers the Euphemism), more lights and electrical, water inspection, trim finished, and perhaps countertops installed.

Still at it

Flooring and painting and siding and trimming. Actually, siding is done now. Progress on other arenas:

 Master Bedroom "silvermist"

 Shoe cabinet

 Main bath vanity

 Main bath tile

 Trim and doors and hardware

 Mudroom boot shower (it grew up to be full size)

 Auntie Karleen (and Etta) & "cupola yellow"

 Our vanity Master bed/bath

 Cabinets arrived! Cupola and living room painted

Wood boiler in the fire room, breezeway sided

Power's on and we may have a toilet soon...