Let’s get you filled in with the progress Sugar Field has experienced since our last update back in week 16. First off, our sturdy walls are now snugly wrapped, bracing against the elements, and ready for what's next. The garage has received its final trim, and I must say, it's really fun seeing some finished materials where it makes sense!

A pivotal moment was the arrival of our windows. Imagine this: a massive semi-truck navigating the frosty path to Sugar Field, carrying precious cargo—our big, heavy, and oh-so-fragile windows. It was all hands on deck as we carefully maneuvered them the 900 feet from the truck to their new home. Our framing crew braved the icy morning with determination and incremental progress, making sure everything was safely and efficiently delivered to the house.

And now, nearly all of them are installed! It's transforming, seeing how windows invite the outside in and start shaping the character of our home. The last few remaining are some of the biggest windows in the house and we eagerly anticipate them getting finished, blocking out the rest of the winter weather.

Plumbing is making strides too. Plumbers have started the rough-in, and Liz got to have a moment in what will soon be our en suite, laying in our new tub. Can't wait for those relaxing soaks!

The HVAC system is shaping up, set to be 2-zoned for optimal comfort upstairs and down. Lots of cool work has happened in the crawlspace. One interesting note is that our access to the crawlspace, which I thought was maybe on the larger side, is now perfectly sized because about 1/3 of it accommodates a large central line of conditioned air.

Amidst all this, we celebrated Christmas and New Year's—festive bright spots in the busy schedule.

However, not all was smooth sailing. The windows hit a snag with delayed fasteners and one stubbornly narrow concrete opening that needed a precision cut. The septic field and final grading were rescheduled for the spring. And on a more personal note, my dad battled RSV over the winter holidays and is currently in rehab. It's been tough, but he's getting stronger every day.

Looking ahead, we're excited for the doors to be installed and to get a first glimpse of our tall 22-foot, three-window stacked unit, which is one of the more central design elements of the house. The electrical and plumbing rough-ins, along with the HVAC, are on the brink of completion.

And here's something neat: after diving into research on ventilation for tight homes, we've decided on an ERV system, ideal for our climate and ensuring our home stays fresh and comfortable. I asked the general contractor who was also JUST discussing an ERV system, recommending it for our house. Great minds think alike!