Nursery

When we first started thinking about how to set up the nursery, we weren't sure how to proceed. We thought about keeping the boys in separate rooms to minimize the chances of them waking each other up throughout the nights.

We did some research, however, and found that pretty much everybody with an informed opinion agreed that it is best to keep them in the same room, at least for the first year. After spending all the time in the womb right next to each other (and frequently grappling for position, as the constant movement in Erin's belly would indicate), they grow accustomed to each other's presence, and wind up having a calming influence on one another. We decided to set up one nursery, and reevaluate later on if they insist on keeping different sleep schedules.

This is the room that we started out with. As you can see, selecting paint colors wasn't exactly the easiest process. Sorry boys, your college fund went to paint samples:





The first step was installing a ceiling fan. Unfortunately, this room is in the back of the house, and gets the afternoon sun. The house is pretty energy efficient, but it is still warmer on that side in the summertime, when these boys come along. The fan should help. Miraculously, I managed to install it without electrocuting myself.




Next, I put up chair rail molding around the entire room. This was a serious undertaking for someone with no handyman skills whatsoever. My left thumb paid a serious price. I then painted different colors on the top and bottom, which would ideally match the boys' bedding. For some reason, I didn't take any more pictures throughout the creation process, so instead you just get the final product.
























Obviously, we have a few more steps to take. The walls are still devoid of any decoration, for example. But, this is pretty much what the room will look like when we bring home the boys!

Easter in Chucktown

With the impending arrival of the babies, Erin and I decided that we wanted to take a fun weekend trip. I suggested to her that it would be our last chance to have fun for the next twenty or so years. She didn't quite agree with my phrasing, but she did think that a trip was a good idea. Our original plan was to head somewhere in May, over our anniversary weekend...make it a two-for-one getaway.

Once we found out that we were having twins, however, that idea quickly got squelched. I don't think she's going to be entirely mobile by then. Instead, we decided to head south to Charleston over Easter weekend. Erin is an Easter nut anyway, plus I had proposed to her on Easter Sunday in 2006.

We left early on Saturday morning, and made the 200 mile drive in relatively good time. Granted, we had to stop about once an hour to accommodate potty breaks, but it was still an easy drive.

We headed directly to the piers to take a two hour harbor cruise.






From the water, we could see these church steeples, which have been up since before the Revolutionary War.






This is Fort Sumter, which was home to the first battle of the Civil War (or, as the announcer called it, "The States War"). The flags you see include the SC state flag, and the first and second flags of the Confederacy.










I was highly amused by the birds (pelicans and seagulls). I am a simple man.








We came upon Patriot's Point, and got to see the USS Yorktown, and it's assortment of WWII and Korean War era aircraft.












I like this picture.




After the cruise ended, we checked into our hotel and wandered about Charleston a little bit. We checked out some of the historic areas, and settled in for a fine dinner: ribs, macaroni, cheese biscuits, and a few other sides that I can't remember.

The next morning (Easter Sunday), we drove back through some more of the historic areas, just checking out the architecture. We took a stroll along one of the rivers, and generally enjoyed the absolutely perfect weather.












In all, it was a great trip. I look forward to my next bit of fun in 203o.