Saturday, February 20, 2016

Introducing MOOSE!

IT'S A BOY!!

We are so excited to introduce "Moose Valentino Coughlin"…



Our little fur baby arrived last weekend, just in time for Valentine's Day. Moose was born December 17, 2015 and we got to pick him up at 8 weeks old, weighing in at 10 pounds!


Moose is my first pet. EVER.  If you don't count the hermit crab "Rainbow" I had in 4th grade that died in 3 days and left me scarred. Or the 5 gold fish we still have from Andrew's birthday party that seriously will not die. That party favor backfired on us…And never having a pet, I have been a little unsure about getting a dog at all - the cost, the commitment and the lack of being able to just "go" without any ties.


Andrew on the other hand has had lots of pets in his life and if he hadn't gone to boat building school, he would have gone to school to be a vet. I knew when we started dating that it was only a matter of time before we got a dog. And not just any dog. A BIG dog. Andrew's dream dog is a Newfoundland. I said absolutely NO. Stories of drool on the ceiling and hair covering the floor had me running for the hills. We settled on the next big dog that has a little less fur and drool - a Bernese Mountain Dog. We love this breed - everything about their looks, coloring, well-mannered, sweet personalities had us in agreement.


This first week of parenthood has been a big learning experience for me and went beyond my expectations. I didn't expect to love this little guy as much as I already do. Despite the peeing and pooping on the floor, 2am wake ups and all consuming days, Moose has already taken a piece of my heart. I mean, how could you not love him? Look at that face!

At 9 weeks, here is what Moose is loving and hating and skeptical of…


We are LOVING Dad's boots with the fur…in fact we are pretty sure they are our brothers; every meal especially those that include raw chicken wings; our hedge hog and moose toys; Mom's shoelaces, and nipping at Dad's feet.






We are HATING the sound of cars, being put in the crate at night, and the yippy dog in the yard behind us (you and me both kid…).


We are SKEPTICAL of walks with a leash, steps, bath time and new places that aren't home.





After 2 years of breeder lists and multiple let downs, we finally have our sweet MOOSE home! I'd say he was worth the wait...




Wednesday, February 3, 2016

Living Room Reveal



I honestly can NOT believe the day has come. The day where I can admit that my living room is more or less complete (ok, 1/2 the molding is painted, but who's counting!). It has made many transformations over the years - gone are the days of yellow sponge paint, fogged out windows, and textured ceilings. It's been almost 3 years in the making, but my passion for all things navy, white and green have come together in this great space.



This living room has become one of my favorite rooms in our house. I crave the natural light that floods through those four windows each morning as I tip toe downstairs to grab my first cup of something hot. The soft dreamy morning sifts in and awakens our house.  I like to sit in our stuffed arm chairs and gather my thoughts for the day. We are so lucky to have this room - a place where memories come together. The classic navy & white arm chairs that were a wedding gift to us from my dear godmother and were passed down from her loving parents. The side table that was my grandmother's small kitchen table that I remember eating hard boiled eggs from as a child in my slippers. And the paintings that I've received as gifts in the last few years that remind me of my love for the sea and the beach.




In the evening I can sit by the windows and watch the sun melt away with the day - it usually rewards me with shocking pinks and purples and a bursting sun setting over the rooftop of the street's gazebo. It is magical. Every. Single time. I think that view alone could sell our house when the time comes.



When Andrew and I moved to a life ashore, I never imagined we'd put our duffle bags in a closet and pick up a hammer for 2 1/2 years. Some days (ok most days!) I have cursed this house and prayed someone would take it back. I have been weary and tired and doubtful that all our hard work would be worth it in the end.  But days like today, these are days that I have smiled and thought, "we did it".








Sources: 

Roman Shades | Windows By Melissa on Etsty

Navy & White Arm Chair Fabric | U-Fab in Richmond, VA 

Monogrammed Pom-Pom Pillow | Pottery Barn Kids

Green & White Pillows | Home Goods

Rope Knot Lamp | Pottery Barn

Small Coffee Table | Consignment at Chateau & Bungalow

Artwork | Meadow Brooks Studio

Wall Paint | Sherwin Williams "Navy Blue"

Trim Paint | Sherwin Williams "Pure White"








 
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