Not too, too long ago I negotiated my way to Mr. Prevention agreeing to a kitchen remodel. This, coming from the man who still complains that we actually furnished the formal living room of our home…because we don’t use it EVERY day.
When we moved into our home just over 4 years ago, the kitchen was a nice “upgrade” (primarily in space – square footage and pantry, as well as gas vs. electric range). However, I despised the ROYAL BLUE quartz island counter tops. You guys, they are literally BLUE (you can see them here and that is with no thanks to a filter on Instagram)…and they are simply not my style.
Next Monday, we go to pick-out our cabinets. I really have no idea what to expect and if history tells me anything, I’ll probably like the most expensive ones best. I have good taste like that (sigh). We’ve got some preliminary quotes and while it’s a bit more than I anticipated, I’m much more uneasy about living through the kitchen remodel that footing the bill.
The company initially estimated 6 weeks in which we’d be completely without any kitchen amenities, including running water to the kitchen. We can move our fridge and get a stand-alone microwave to put into our formal dining room (or living room…), but everything else (food, dishes, pots, pans, utensils, etc) will be all over the place. And of course, no dishwasher.
When I think of all of these scary facts, 40% of me wants to shelve the idea all together and the other 60% of me just fears how it will all go. Certainly, Mr. Prevention and I could survive (albeit unpleasant and inconvenient), but with a messy toddler who isn’t even provided lunch and snacks at daycare? I’m having trouble picturing what this will all look like. NIGHTMARE.
But, we’re doing it. The question is…when?
Do I suffer through this during my maternity leave and have my dream kitchen ready for the holidays? Or, do I push the project back until early November when I’m back at work? I really have no idea. Neither is ideal, but there has to be some pros/cons that can help lead me to a decision…I just don’t know what they are exactly. If you’ve survived a kitchen remodel, please weigh in! As a side note, the contractors are all managed by the remodel company, so there is no issue of me needing to be available much in order for the project to move forward. That is a silver lining! Please advise!
In other news, we got at least one GORGEOUS photo from our family/maternity photos last week (see above!). You know, the photo shoot that was a complete and total disaster. My little Shea bug and I had the candid moment above that the wonderful Kitty Lee captured. We’re going to do a little mini re-shoot next Friday, however…because those memories worth capturing were far and few between 😉
Next random! Shea and I started parent-tot gymnastics yesterday afternoon! She loved it…I was exhausted and sweating by the end. Being a 35 1/2 week pregnant spotter is hard work, guys. When Mr. Prevention and I were talking about how many kids would be in the class (ages 18-36 months), he guessed a handful and assumed it would be all mom + tot. However, it was all dads + tots with the exception of me. I thought that was wonderful! We’ll have to have him attend with Shea one of these weeks! While Shea doesn’t know what’s ahead as far as a new baby, I am somewhat mourning the loss of having all of my attention directed towards just one little girl. I know things will morph quickly into a new normal, but I think this is something special for she and I to do together before the baby arrives.
What else? I’m going to a chiropractor for the numbness and tingling in my left thigh. It’s not getting any better and unfortunately, I’ve really slowed down due to the symptoms. With any length of standing, walking, or even sitting bent over too far (think gymnastics stretches!), the symptoms get much, much worse. It’s nothing debilitating, luckily, but I’m hoping the chiropractor can provide a bit of relief (appointment #2 in just a few minutes here). Some of the other un-fun pregnancy stuff is popping up, too – a bit of carpal tunnel and swelling, but I can still wears my rings most of the time. Weight gain to date: 17 lbs. I’ve definitely plateaued and I’m not sure why – retaining less fluid without the workouts? I’ve also noticed that just like with Shea, my eyes get bigger than my stomach. I’ll go from starving to unable to finish what’s on my plate…stand up, walk a moment, and I can usually continue eating comfortably. I’m just running out of room in there!
I’ll mention the ever-popular LulaRoe for just a moment because I’m fairly obsessed with my Irma in recent weeks. I purchased my first few clothing pieces, including these LOUD leggings, and I’m a fan. The leggings are nice, but I don’t know that I’d gush as much over them as most people seem to do. Maybe I’ll love them more on my no-longer-pregnant body. The Irma, however – it’s probably just my body (perhaps only my pregnant body, at that) – it’s the perfect balance of comfort and style and I am definitely looking forward to getting a few more. The recommendation to size down at least 1, if not 2 sizes is 100% correct. At 35 1/2 weeks pregnant, my medium (down 2 sizes) Irma fits me perfectly. Without a belly, it will simply be a different, looser fit and I like that. I couldn’t size down further because the arms would be too tight. But, yes, the LLR bug bit and I’m a fan. Some of the patterns are hard for me to envision on, but some of the consultants pair these BEAUTIFUL, fun patterns together and I’m totally jealous of their stylish sense (exhibit A of my gorgeous friend Jessica)!
Okay, that’s all the randomness I’ve got for today. For some fun, you can read this blog post on the Love Your Spouse Challenge (which resonated with me) or for some really fun-fun, watch this video of a game called “Balloon Hump” – I laugh every time.
Happy weekend, everyone!
Be well,
I did a kitchen remodel last summer. Was supposed to be 6 weeks, was much longer. My biggest advise is to get an electric skillet. Between the grill, wok, and crockpot we still ate pretty good. Also use paper plates. Not exactly environmentally friendly but better then doing dished in the bathroom sink.
We did a total kitchen remodel last year, took about 6 weeks. I had lots of plans for using the electic skillet, crock pot to prep meals, but neglected to factor in where to actually prep food to go into said skillet or crockpot. I just couldn’t bring myself to be peelling carrots or potatoes, chopping up food in the bathroom. I also had boxed up everything from the old kitchen, so finding utensils to prep food was an adventure in box diving. We did grill a lot (remodeled in May/June), but ended up eating out a lot too. (was just my husband and me thought0. In the end it all made me appreciate my new kitchen even more and we certainly made up for it with almost all home cooked meals afterwards.
I haven’t had a kitchen remodel but I can sympathize with you living in a renovation zone. Our bathroom remodel started yesterday and when I got home BOTH showers were gone. Luckily, my husband’s aunt lives the next town over, so we’re going over there to take showers. Thank heavens for dry shampoo!
It’s going to be messy and loud, so I’d say wait until you’re back to work post-maternity leave. Having a newborn and a toddler is going to be a big challenge, period. Adding in construction chaos might be more than you can reasonably deal with. If you have a good prep space, you’ll be okay especially with a crock pot, electric skillet, outdoor grill. Sandwiches and salads require no heating :). Good luck, it will totally be worth it.
My two cents, wait for your kitchen remodel until after your leave. There is such a rare chance in life for us working gals to be home for a few months, you don’t want to share that with a bunch of construction guys clonking around.
We had a kitchen remodel, see if they can set up the sink somewhere else( they put ours in the living room!), it’s not so bad to get by with microwave, electric skillet, toaster oven – but not having a way to wash dishes is a pain
Since you are looking for opinions, and having lived through a kitchen remodel (without a toddler or newborn at home), waiting might be the best option. There’s a lot of noise, chaos, and daily cleaning up after the crew. Fine dust everywhere, not confined to the kitchen. Plan your maternity leave for snuggles and love, figuring out a new daily routine that includes two kiddos, and rest up for going back to work. Consider putting this project off perhaps for several months even until you have your new daily routine(s) down pat and have full energy restored. Other tips: freezer meals, paper plates, plastic utensils and cups! Sincere best wishes with the upcoming birth and your eventual remodel.
I agree with the above – I would not want all the fine dust etc around with a newborn at home all day. We did our kitchen remodel pre-baby and have a camper we ate out of (as our table, prep area). We used lots of paper plates to avoid dishes and since it was summer we grilled almost all meals. I also like the electric skillet idea and of course eating out is an option too. Just remember, simplicity is best 🙂
Oh and label your boxes very well – this will help when you inevitably misplace something 🙂