Settling In

We bought a house.  Woohoo!  As much as this is exciting, it's also exhausting.  It makes me well up with tears to know that this is where the girls will grow up.  We will leave from here to take them (and Baby Boy) to college.  Inshallah, of course.  Memories will be made and discussed and revisited as we stay in one spot for the next 30 years.  Sigh.

I miss the "landlord" though.  A few hours before our closing meeting, we visited the house to learn the fridge was broken.  And moldy.  On the next floor we saw water damage on the ceiling.  A quick visit from a contractor told us we'd need to have the top floor window re-caulked, the ceiling repaired, and the carpet/floor taken apart on the top level to confirm the cause of the water damage.  Despite frequent calls, contractors don't seem to want our money so right now, Matt and I are living out of boxes in the basement.

While breaking in the kitchen, we learned the stove was filthy beyond repair.  Matt felt guilty we were purchasing a new stove just because of filth.  Well, have no fear, the next night we learned the oven didn't actually work.  A new fridge and stove/oven have been installed and are working great.  Next disaster, the dryer.  It took at least 6 hours to dry a load of laundry.  That took a couple calls and a single check but is finally in working order.  Who know I'd be so excited to be able to cook and wash clothes?  I'm more old fashion than I realized.

The girls' room is fabulous.  They are enjoying the shared space and bedtime/naps have been successful.  Charlotte is resting in "The Library" (a small room with lots of bookshelves) so as to allow Cailin a quiet place to sleep.  The "play room" in the basement is wonderful.  I love having the main floor (mostly) toy free so the house appears tidy.  This has come in handy for our frequent unexpected visitors.  Neighbors keep dropping by to deliver delicious foods and welcome us to the area.  It's like out of a movie.

The girls are transitioning well.  Charlotte embraces change without any apparent struggle.  Cailin is very happy with the house and playgrounds.  She can't fully grasp the permanence of the change but soon enough, she'll understand.  Or at least forget.

We are settling in.  And we are happy.  Albeit a little tired.

-Pictures to come once things are repaired-