Friday, November 12, 2010

To Paint, or Not to Paint... THAT is the Question

I've never bore my own children - I find maternity clothes dull and the thought of eating healthy for 9 months to be some small form of torture. (What do you mean I can't have sushi and peanuts?)
What I have previously done before is own a home. Granted it was a condo, about 975 sq. ft, but it was my first. (Said condo is now being rented, which is a whole other story in itself.)

After having my first, I put all of my time and love into it - the same way new mothers do with their first born. You know, those first babies get all the swag - the expansive wardrobe in which each item will only ever be worn once since the baby grows too fast; the well-decorated new room with brand spankin' new (just assembled moments before said baby was delivered) crib; multiple strollers - one for jogging, one that easily collapses, one that matches mommy's new coat; all of the plugs are covered for safety; doors and drawers properly latched to protect baby from contents; and photos, thousands of photos taken and posted of the new little wrinkled wonder.

Then comes baby number two (should mommy be brave enough to go there). That kid gets all of kid number one's cast offs. By this time, #2 comes along no one cares if they are protected from sharp knives, poison or electrical charge. When that child turns 18, they realize there are only 6 photos of them. Don't deny it - you know this is true...

Our new house is like baby #2. In the first two weeks of our condo we: painted custom colors everywhere; purchased furniture; installed flooring and carpet; replaced all outlets and wall switches. As our condo matured we: painted cabinets; replaced counter tops and appliances; added recessed lighting; replaced bathroom cabinets and fixtures; and photographed everything along the way. We had a housewarming. We christened every room. You get the point.

We nurtured it into the condo it is today.

Now we have a house. A fairly large house. We moved in four months ago. We're still unpacking boxes. We have a yard that needs raked. The basement needs finished. The garage needs an opener. The interior is white, very white. We still have yet to paint.

I fear for our second child.