How I "Nest"

Playing on the "swingset"
[subtitled: the lumber is here!]

Mike claims it is the impending arrival of Mini V3. He’s probably right - in part. But I really do get the itch each spring to shake out every corner of our house, remove the dirt and dust that accumulated during the winter lockdown, and declutter our lives (or at least pack ALL the winter gear away!). His house projects list sitting on the counter says that he also gets the “spring into action” itch. (Did you see what I did there? Pregnancy takes away none of my sharp wit)

We have our standard “big house project” in the works. Everyone does a major house project during pregnancy – right? With Fiona, Mike (and his dad) ripped up the entryway and replaced the banister. With Quinn, Mike (and his dad) built the shed. For V3, Mike (and his dad … and my dad) are planning to build a swingset in the backyard! The blondes are beyond excited. The lumber has been delivered, the piece parts are in the garage. We just need the ground to thaw … and time to work.

That’s a glimpse at Mike’s list. But it still doesn’t clean the nooks of the inside. So this week, we've been tackling the kitchen. One small step at a time. On Tuesday, Mike pulled out the fridge and oven for me. Let’s be honest – even at “not pregnant,” I wouldn’t be pulling those out on my own. Unfortunately at 30+ weeks pregnant, the belly basketball made bending over to vacuum back there a bit difficult. So while it was “my” project, Mike did the majority of the work. He’s a good sport. And the nasty balls of fur, dust, and charred french fries (ew!) behind the oven would convince even the strongest doubter that this was a worthwhile endeavor. I also tackled the spice cupboard and found THREE jars of celery seed. Celery seed! What family possibly needs three jars of celery seed!?!? It could have at least been something useful like cinnamon.

We’re chipping away, making lists, and finding space for another family member. The house that seemed so huge when we bought it has shrunk 7½ years later! But we still love it – and enjoy working every year to make it our own. Our family continues to evolve in many ways. My goal in the next few weeks is to see if we can shape that evolution with a few more storage bins … and a few less fur balls in the corner!

PS - HAPPY BIRTHDAY, AUNTIE EMMY!