The Basement is FINISHED!

About four months ago, I told Bill I did not want to start trying for our 3rd baby until I had a car with 3rd row seating.  Low and behold my hubby delivered and I have been driving an SUV with a 3rd row seat for a few months now.

I then told Bill I did not want to start trying for our 3rd baby until the basement was finished, so the kids would have a place to go and play and keep all of their toys.  Once again, my lovely husband accepted the challenge.  Bill and I decided we would have the basement finished before Carter's first birthday party.  Bill dug into the challenge the next day and started to rip out the old carpet downstairs, as well as take our first of many trips to Home Depot.

There is a spot roughed out for a bathroom, but because of the time crunch we only finished half of the basement with an open floor plan to eventually put a full bath and another room down there.

The 2x4s were purchased and put to good use.  Bill had one wall up in no time, but because Bill started a new job we looked into hiring someone to finish the basement for us.  To have a contractor finish our basement was out of our budget.  Plus I secretly think Bill wanted bragging rights because he could finish the basement himself.

 

The framing was complete, so Bill and Nolan went to Home Depot to purchase the dry wall, mud, and accessories.  Man oh man was the dry wall heavy!  I helped Bill carry it to the basement because I thought he was going to pass out trying to do all the work himself.  Of course, I had to take a picture of him trying to be the hulk on his own at first.

Nolan had a blast during the entire project.  Bill said not too many two year olds know how to use a tape measure, a screwdriver, a drill, or spread drywall mud.  Bill is an amazing father because he is so patient and explains every little step to Nolan.  Bill also allows Nolan to experience everything first hand!  Nolan loved spending hours in the basement working with Bill and then coming upstairs to keep me updated on their progress.  Nolan also did a wonderful job keeping everyone hydrated!  Nolan kept calling the insulation, "Papa's hay bales."

Like I said, tons of Home Depot trips.  Towards the end, the workers were treating me like family when I walked in to buy something!  Nolan wanted a Home Depot tool belt to keep all of his tools in.

I helped Bill hang most of the insulation, but Papa and Jaron came to help Bill finish hanging the insulation and start hanging the drywall.  Thanks to Scott for lending us all of his fancy tools!

Dry wall is up, now it's time for tape and mudding!  Mark came over and showed Bill some techniques on how to mud and sand the drywall.

When it came time for sanding I did not allow Nolan in the basement because of the dust.  I bought Bill a nice face mask to wear to keep his lungs healthy, but of course he wouldn't use it.   A huge thanks to Boppy for coming down the last few Wednesday nights before the party to watch the boys while I was at work, so Bill could work on the basement!!

The walls were sanded and retouched, so Bill did a few coats of primer.  I did help Bill with some of the painting, but mostly I kept the boys in their nightly routines.

The walls are all painted and Bill is cleaning up for the carpet to be placed the following day.  Thanks to the Kellers for letting us borrow their Shop Vac.  I was so excited to start decorating the basement I forgot to take pictures after the carpet was laid and before I put the furniture downstairs. 

THE FINISHED BASEMENT!  Did my man deliver or what?   I'm so proud and thankful I married a man who can work with his hands!  Bill is an amazing person and does whatever it takes to make sure his family is happy!  Thanks Boo for all of your time and hard work you put into the basement.  I guess now it may be time to start working on baby #3!!