2013 Challenge: Completed!

As you may recall, Husband and I issued a challenge at the beginning of the year to see which would be accomplished first; getting pregnant or finishing painting the kitchen cabinets. I'm not sure how to score this. Technically, I did become pregnant while the final doors were still in progress, but I was no longer pregnant when I completed my last clear coat. I'm going to declare it as a draw, as there were times when I doubted either event would be completed before the year's end. Here's a look back at the progress leading to the final product.

Message to our embryos: You could be coming home to a kick-ass kitchen! This is a Price Is Right showcase showdown kitchen completely tricked out with a microwave drawer, retractable exhaust fan and a wine fridge (remind me to get a lock for that). I've applied two coats of sealant to the cabinets anticipating projectile puking. I have all the original paints, so if you draw on the walls, we'll just get out the rollers and brushes. I may be a little more tolerant that other mothers -try not to take advantage of that. Maybe a kitchen doesn't mean that much for you, but your parents are pretty skilled. Think about the possibilities for a tree fort, or a bunk bed loft... all you have to do is defrost, implant and grow...

Before...

Demo begins...

Installing the hard wood floor

The Island is erected! 

Granite installation

Finished at last! (forgive the poor light)

Finally,  Amanda from Beloved Burnt Toast posted earlier this month about her decision not to put up and decorate a Christmas tree this year. Several other bloggers commented that they were also forgoing a tree, myself included. A few others notes that they had stopped exchanging gifts with their spouses and some family and friends in order to save money for infertility treatments. I'm included in that category as well. It angers me as I feel that this is just one more thing that infertility takes from you. However, I received a beautiful humming bird ornament from Teresa at Where the *Bleep* is our Stork? Teresa also arranged an ornament exchange, and I received a Disney themed ornament from Heather S. at I should B.... I like to think that whatever happens in the future, I can unpack these ornaments each year and remember all the amazing people I met during this journey; and with this simple action, I can feel like I'm taking something back.