Channeling my inner laundress

I never knew an appliance could bring such satisfaction and excitment until the day our washing machine arrived. I have not lived with a washing machine within my four walls since I left for college. I didn't even appreciate the convenience of having a washing machine at one's fingertips because I was spoiled and my first load of laundry was done in my college dorm. So for the last ten years I've been living the life of laundry cards and quarters and trucking the laundry down the hall or across the grass to some sort of community facility - that is until now.

Josh and I have deliberated really since we found out we were having a baby about getting a washing machine. Our place does not have hookups for laundry or the space for one and we aren't allowed to plumb for a traditional washing machine. Since we are in the game of saving money we did some research about the cost of the machine, our average monthly laundry cost ($1 to wash, 75 cents to dry but going up this fall to $1.25 and $1 respectively), our anticipated laundry cost with a baby, and the price of convenience for having a machine in our house and not having to wait for an available machine. We figure within six months we can recoup the cost of the washing machine and start getting ahead from there. A huge factor in the decision to make the purchase was our desire to use cloth diapers - both Josh and I have skin allergies and figure the likelihood is pretty high that patootie might too.

We settled on a Haier model that does 11lbs of laundry, comes with castors and a quick sink adapter, fits into my closet downstairs (easy rolling distance to the kitchen sink), has three different wash temperatures and four cyles (including sanitary, great for doing diapers). So, it arrived Wednesday and Saturday we got the machine set up and ready to function. I've been doing laundry ever since. A drying rack on our patio and a makeshift clothes line have provided the perfect compliment to the machine. Our house has that fresh laundry scent and I love it (can you tell?).

Patootie and I have reached another milestone. We're now in the 8th month (32 weeks) of pregnancy and development. Josh and I have been amazed at how quickly the time has gone and how much more we want to get done before she arrives.

Patootie Poll

I've posted a new poll. Check it out on the lower left. <-- When do you think Patootie will arrive?

Road Trips, Weddings & Runs

It was off to Southern California for us this past weekend. Josh's cousin Cale got married to the lovely Lauren. The Northern California Smiths got to catch up with the Oregon Smiths and extended family.

Our sister in law, Jen, and Lola

Josh competing in the race through the pines, a 5K around Lake Gregory. Josh competed for the first time in this race 20 years ago, almost to the day.
Lola, waiting for Josh to cross the finish line.
Josh and I (what he's lost around his tummy, I've gained - ha ha ha).
Josh and Lola, taking a rest.

Cale and his lovely wife, Lauren.

Josh and his brother, Adam.

Josh and I.

By the end of the weekend, we were all tired. Gary & Lola taking a nap.

Marathon Man

Here's a look at Sunday's marathon.

Climbing Mt. Shasta - Check

Run a marathon - Check

Its been a busy summer for Josh! We were blessed to have the diversion of family and friends during the weekend. That really helped all Josh's nervous energy, he channeled it well, even making us lunch!

Sunday morning dawned foggy and cool (typical for a San Francisco summer). Josh and Nik left for the city at 4:15 a.m. so they could get to the starting line in time and prepare for their 6:05 a.m. start time. Gary, Janice and I waited at mile 20 with Brieanne and Brandon. Brandon joined the guys there and ran with them almost to the finish line for extra encouragement. (What a guy!) We cheered them on and received a sweaty hug from Josh as he went by then hurried back to the finish line (on foot) to greet them there. I'll give a little shout out to the support crew who walked a total of seven miles to cheer him on. Way to go US!

Brieanne gave us a brief architectural tour on the way. (The MOMA, CJM, a building Brandon's company designed, etc.) We got there just as Josh crossed the finish line!

What an achievement. Josh plans to run another marathon but probably not this one again any time soon (too hilly).