3rd Floor Apartment Updates

The 3rd floor was a big project for us because it entailed ripping up all the floors and running electrical wires throughout the unit, as well as both stairwells, and lights into the ceiling of the 2nd floor apartment. It’s been something we’ve wanted to do (and needed to do with old knob & tube wires) for some time. With so many other repairs as well as the general cost of the house, the electrical was a big financial investment that we needed time to save up for. We feel so much better now that it’s done with, and the cosmetic repairs really help that apartment look great, too.

Below are pictures of the bedroom. It was painted Revere Pewter by us 4 years ago in an attempt to lighten the space up. We went even lighter this time with Sherwin Williams Mountain Mist and I love how the color along with the floors really warms up the space. Erick planed and refinished the window trim (and insulated the windows while he had them off!). This is my favorite bedroom in the whole house, such a cozy nook especially with the turret!

Next up is the living room. The living room didn’t need too much work, but in a way, it did. The secondary exit that leads to the (beautiful & original!) front hallway had a broken hinge that we couldn’t find a pin for! These old Victorian hinges are really one of a kind, but we ended up having my dad replace the hinges entirely. There was also a wall with water damage that we removed and Erick replaced himself with dry wall! We also had a local roofing company come inspect the roof and found the source of the leak (it had only leaked twice in the time we owned the house 6years). It was a small hole that ever so often with a heavy rain and wind that blew it in the right direction had eroded over time! We were able to fix that which also felt great.

Erick also spent an entire Sunday afternoon stripping old paint off the cool living room window and refinishing it. Makes such a beautiful difference in that room!

Last but not least here’s the kitchen! We brightened up the space with Bistro White paint and new recessed lighting (also in the bathroom). Erick did a great job tiling and adding a butcher block countertop. I switched out the kitchen cabinet hardware and my brother Tim fixed the cabinets above the fridge so that a) they open and close without hitting the top of the freezer door and b) the refrigerator could be pushed back all the way! This kitchen looks so much better than when it had square yellow laminate flooring and yellow walls. Mine still has those but hopefully after we’ve rested a bit from finishing these two apartments in two years we will start working on ours!

What I Use For Postpartum Recovery

when I was pregnant with my first baby I did all the normal research into what I would need. A belly bandit was almost always suggested, but for some reason I searched further and found the newly released Mama Strut system by Pelvic ice..

And I'm so glad I did. It's similar to the typical post partum belly bands in n that it works to cinch your tummy back in. What makes it better is that it is attached to shorts, which allow for pelvic support and  even a hot or cold pack that is included. 

 

Following the birth of my son, it was necessary for me to have mama strut because I had stitches and was sore for weeks. The included ice pack was a lifesaver for me. 

 

This time around I've used it for an entirely different reason, for the pelvic support. Simones birth was fast and furious, and because I felt it necessary to push her out  quickly  (you can read about her birth here) I have felt less strength in my pelvic floor. Once home and caring for myself, a newborn and an active toddler, my pelvic floor felt even more weak. I immediately got out my Mama Strut and have been wearing it daily since. I feel supported in my waist, but also by the shorts and the little elastic bands that I am able to Velcro in place to further support my pelvic area.  I'm 3 weeks into my postpartum recovery and still have a ways to go to recovery frm pregnancy andn childbirth,  but am so thankful for my Mama Strut and can't imagine my recovery without it, both in terms of comfort and physical recovery. When i have it on, it feels like everything is lifted and put back together. If anything, it supports my pelvic floor while I'm not thinking about it, but having it on also reminds me to do a few kegels from time to time, while also being cumbersome  enough in the waist to keep me form bending too much.  

I'm looking forward to getting examined by my midwives at week 6, when I'll also ask for a referral for Pelvic Floor physical therapy. 

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