New House...New Look! w/ tonight's picture update

We are officially moving!!! Woo hoo!!! Brian and I both hate the stress of moving, both get a bit uncomfortable about change, and so, are a bit nervous about the upcoming two months (especially since we don't know yet what will happen with our current house). Yet, we are VERY excited nonetheless!

The seller fixed everything we asked for--plus a little more. And, other than an issue with getting a range installed, everything went really smoothly--so well in fact, that closing occurred a few days early & we got the keys on Friday night! YAY!

And so begins the new house getting a new look phase! As mentioned before, the flooring was DISGUSTING and had to be replaced. In addition, there were some various small fixes that needed to be done, along with painting.

Brian & I kicked off this "rejuvenation" process on Sunday, spending a very romantic Valentine's Day at 3 hardware stores! EXHAUSTING! Being that the house was a rental for the last 4 years, it doesn't have the best look--cheap fixtures, the lovely "polished brass" hardware on everything, etc. So, we were out pricing new locks & door handles (we needed to re-key everything anyway), security & patio doors, new fixtures, garage door openers, etc. We decided on new door locks/hardware & Brian was able to change out the important ones (front door, back door, garage entry).

Then, we finally decided on paint--somehow, the hardest decision of all (it's crazy how many different shades/hues of just a simple, neutral "beige" that exist!!)! Hopefully it will look ok!

With all of our stuff picked out & little fixes decided on, our "contractor" began work on the house yesterday, fixing up some things (we had a built-in doggie door removed & some damaged drywall areas fixed), prepping things, and even got a little paint on the walls.

The plan is that he should be done Friday or Saturday & then, over the weekend, we will go in to do some cleaning, install some fixtures, curtain rods, etc. Then, the new flooring project will be starting on Tuesday (when the tile comes in). Unfortunately, our carpet choice is a popular one, was back-ordered, and won't arrive until about March 1st. But, the carpet install is only supposed to be two days. So, the moving date is all set for Saturday, March 6th!! Since on that day I will be 36 weeks (almost full term) & won't be able to lift most boxes, we are hoping to have a "moving party" so we have lots of helpers. And, we are thrilled that Brian's dad decided to come out for that weekend too!

Andrew is becoming more aware about the "new house"; though I don't think he really understands the concept of moving and living there permanently. We've been to the house enough now though that anytime we mention going to the "new house", he says, "want to play at the park!" ;) So, he definitely knows where the new house is! He's been having a good time playing at the park there & in the backyard.

The weather has been GORGEOUS the past week, so between the temperatures and all the rain we had, there are many things growing at the new house--like LOTS of weeds. But there are many fun things blooming too, like some sort of fruiting tree (ideas anyone?--apricot? plum? peach?) and one of the rose bushes. We're looking forward to determining what some of the other trees & plants in the next few weeks!