Since 1997, HomeTips has guided millions of homeowners with original, expert advice for DIY home improvement and repair. Founder Don Vandervort, a nationally recognized authority, has written more than 30 books and countless magazine articles, been a host on HGTV, and served as MSN's home improvement expert. MORE
It’s almost a year since I was hugely pregnant, waddling stylishly into the St. Joseph’s Hospital. I had no idea that the baby we were preparing for was this little wiggling 11 month old Lilly on my lap, destroying my office and taking all the caps off my pens. She was just an idea, a bump on the horizon, the big Wait. The opening of the present (the present being me) and she being the prize inside.
With two other kids already scrambling around us, it took three months before we could figure out who Lilly was – she was the living doll lying in the bed and got all the love. The wise old owl - the only smart one who knew that sleeping all the time is a great idea. Then she started sitting up. Laughing at our funny faces. Getting up on her hands and knees. Then crawling right off and she was out of here.
Now our house is a battle zone. She has rock star habits. Eats dog food. Rips up up toilet paper enthusiastically. Opens and gleefully empties cabinets. Digs in trash. Screams. But also old toys are being dusted off and enjoying a second and third life. My policy of never throwing anything away – see? - is coming in handy.
