Archive for December, 2010

Merry Christmas from DC (or the Couch)

Posted by brittanydyan on December 28, 2010

Merry Christmas everyone. It was merry for the Bramletts–although quiet. For the first time in 4 years, we did not travel. This was a huge plus. We missed seeing our family and friends in Georgia, but staying put has been a relief. Thanks to “modern” technology, we Skyped with both sets of parents on Christmas Day.

How did we spend our holiday weekend? We watched movies, drank a lot of hot chocolate, played games, and took care of a lot of neighborhood pets. And, we took care of our pet:) We keep telling Moses that he should cherish these last few days/weeks as an only cat. He definitely got some love with both Will and I planted on the couch for much of the weekend.

And, Moses is eating up the attention as Nola has yet to arrive. I know it’s still early, but (without coming out and saying it) the doctor gave me the impression that she would come early when I saw her last week. Or, perhaps that was my optimistic interpretation. So, I return to the doctor tomorrow for an update. One of my many personal flaws is practicing patience, so as you can imagine, I’m on edge. Will keeps having to bring me back down. I almost kind of wish I was this pregnant in the midst of a busy semester–almost. I would like the distractions, but I would miss the all day pajamas.

Note: The following captions are from Will.

Nothing says "Christmas" like a big brown box stuffed with inflatable packing.

Looking through the scrapbook that was fondly put together by Mom (Gail). The scrapbook itself contains elephants and elephant by-product (the paper is crafted with dung!).

After months of putting on the full-court French press, Will can finally capitalize on the modern wonders of technology. It was like the 10 Commandments ... but less important and divine.

O Christmas tree / O Christmas tree! / How are thy leaves so rosemary!

Since we have already broached the subject of "poop", here is another shining example of "pooped".

I don't mean to brag but after years in the Scrabble Loser Winter of Discontent, a new day arose as I finally defeated Brittany by a mere margin of 2 points. Yet, this game will live on with controversy!

1 Comment on this post | Published in General, Photos

The Nest is Ready (Whereupon I Also Gloat Upon My Cousin)

Posted by Will on December 21, 2010

Probably one of the questions we have fielded the most is to the tune of “Where is Nola going to be?” Meaning, in some variation, where will she lay her sweet head down to rest (and scream) at night?

When people ask me, “Is her nursery ready?”, well, I just have to chuckle.

Our place is probably a little south of 500 square feet. Sure, it is probably not a big place compared to the places our friends live. We have worked pretty hard, over the past three and a half years, at mastering the arts of reduction and space maximization. In some regards, having less space, which therefore forces you to own less possessions, can create a sense of satisfaction and exhilaration. These times mostly occur when it is time to clean (tasks seem much less daunting when the ground you have to cover is small).

The little basement we call home works for us. I do kind of wonder what we are going to do when we actually have more than one bedroom someday. It is pretty safe to say we are very happy where we are and we will make what we have work. Sure, it might seem unconventional, but we have a wealth of insight from friends, especially those in D.C., who have paved the single-room with baby road before us.

So, the following is a small peak at the small corner that, for now, we will call Nola’s nook.

The mini-crib. Bumpers are going to be removed later this week. Apparently they're dangerous.

After a bit of hand-wringing, debate, and duels, this is the print for Nola's bedding.

We have been very, very blessed to have family, friends, co-workers, colleagues, and even people we don’t know who have given us a multitude of gifts for Nola. So, I don’t think we can say it enough but again, thank you, thank you, thank you (again) to those who have given us things in preparation of our child’s external arrival.

One of the special things, for us, was to receive a hand-crafted hope chest from my cousin Andrew. Now that I think of it, his family also gifted us the mini-crib so 2/3rds of Nola’s nook suite came from the Timms.

But, back to Nola’s gift. This thing is completely superb. As Andrew had been out of the country the previous year or so, Brittany and I had been the benefactors of some of his other small pieces of furniture. Also, through conversation and first hand experience, we have been privy to his other work and processes so we know the time, thought, and skill put into everything he makes. Much to our delight, Andrew created a piece that Nola will hopefully carry through her entire lifetime.