Before the Dust Settles

I know what y'all really want to see is pics of the new place, but it is still under construction! We've been homeowners for a little over three weeks now and have been hard at work ripping out wood paneling (really, if you are considering putting paneling in, just don't), tearing down walls, putting up drywall, spackling, putting up moulding, caulking, sanding, painting, etc. We've had the amazingly generous help of both Brian's mom and grandpa - which means we are nearing the end of destruction/reconstruction.

But, until then, I thought I'd share some pics of our soon-to-be-old apartment here in Wheaton. We've loved living here, and it is fun to reminisce on all the good times we've enjoyed in these rooms. Hope this will tide you over until we get some pics of the new place up and running!

Our Little Boy

So, for those of you who haven't heard the news yet--we are having a baby boy!! Brian took some pictures (crafty fellow even snuck into a few of them!) of me that we thought you'd enjoy. I'm about to complete my 24th week which puts me at 6 months pregnant. Just a few more months to go . . .

Becoming Homeowners

This little charmer may be the future home of the Gee Family!
We've still got a little ways to go until closing, but we are well on our way to buying this bungalow and making it into our first home!

A Weekend Getaway

A few weeks ago we decided to take a breather from our busy schedules. We spent one night in the Hyatt Regency in downtown Chicago. We took the train after Monica got off work and checked into our hotel. Our room was on floor 36 and had a great view of the backside of Millenium Park.

We enjoyed a fabulous dinner on Rush St. at Carmine's Rosebud Restaurant. Then went to the Signature Lounge on the 96th floor of the John Hancock. After a fabulous view of the city skyline and some s'mores we headed back to our hotel and had a good night's rest in our King Size Bed. Saturday was just pure fun! We went to Lincoln Park and enjoyed the free conservatory . . .

. . . the zoo . . .


. . . the Chicago History Museum, a movie, and then dinner with a dear friend. Brian took some fun photos of the Chicago night and then we headed back home.

Short but sweet!

Competency Exam

A few weeks ago Brian faced several hours of Competency Exams to complete his MA program. We just found out yesterday that he passed!

Now just two more final papers and three more weeks of class and Brian will officially graduate. Congratulations, honey!