The "Before"

Dear Baby,

I thought it prudent to show you some “before” pictures before we go to town on what used to be Uncle Eli’s apartment (and prior to that Uncle Ben’s apartment).

Also, we received some sad news, especially for you—Uncle Eli is moving to Florida. Apparently the house he had lined up in Alexandria fell through, and he has some prospects in St. Pete with college friends. I can’t say I am happy about this move, but as your father says, “It’s his journey.” I am truly disheartened that he will not be as present for your early years, but maybe eventually he will make his way back to Virginia. It seems both brothers have run off to another state on me. Maybe this will prepare me for when you finally make your journey onward and upward, but I feel like I am too young for this sense of abandonment at the moment. Oh, well. We move on.

There's Uncle Eli standing in your empty bedroom, waving goodbye.
I think your Dad will miss his play station BFF, but it's best we keep you away from that sort of thing anyway.

Anyway, in cleaning out the apartment, I decided that it has been occupied by males for entirely too long. When we got rid of the hideous ginormous leather couch that I hate, and rolled up the rug, the floor was filth like… well like you would expect from an apartment occupied by 20-something year old boys for the past two years. I can’t tell you how happy I am to have it cleared out and looking somewhat clean again. Your father may be even happier. He eyed that couch like it was a foul smelling dead rodent he was forced to leave in its place in the middle of the living room (as you know, Dad is more of a “Danny Tanner” type in terms of cleanliness than the typical male stereotype. God help me if you are a boy you will take after him that way).

Look at this mess. TOTALLY a boy's apartment.
Bottom left is the infamous couch I spoke of.
Upper right is Uncle Eli's bedroom.
I will never allow your bedroom to get to this sorry state.

We are now in fairly good shape for Grandpa Steve and Jimmy (Dad calls them “Stimmy”) to come and work their magic. They are scheduled to arrive in June, and will spend several weeks beautifying the place. We have a few more things to take care of prior to their arrival, but we’re happy with our progress at the moment. We will replace the kitchen with a small wet bar unit, with a giant farmhouse sink (I stole this idea from my friend Emily after seeing her and her husband Jordan use it as a baby bath for their daughter Olivia. Pure genius). Jimmy is going to redo both bathrooms, and we are expanding the size of the downstairs bathroom. BUT… the most exciting item of all this will be… your bedroom! I can’t wait for that to start looking more and more like yours and less of a sad empty room. Wherever you end up later in life—and I’m sure it will be someplace grand and great—guess what? You’re stuck with us for the next 18 years!! HA!

Love,

Mom

Looking better already.
Since Uncle Eli is leaving us, we put him to work.
He helped Dad take down the kitchen cabinets, after which Dad had severe back pain.
He's just in for more heavy lifting though if you end up being as big as your Uncle Bart.