As we cautiously anticipated, we closed on our new home yesterday afternoon. I know, blah blah blah, it probably sounds all dramatic that we didn’t know when we would close for so many weeks on end, but much like the first time I bought a house, we didn’t actually get the final word that it would happen yesterday until mid-morning, same day. I’ve basically chewed away all of my fingernails as I hovered in this ongoing state of anxiety, I’m so glad it’s over. The closing itself only took 45 minutes, a miraculous feat of hand-signage on 100+ documents.
If anyone was as excited as we were to have the house, it was Julia. She hadn’t seen inside yet, given that we did our initial viewing, inspection, and final walk-through during the school day. We were only able to show her the perimeter of the property in the weeks prior to closing, taking quiet moments to sneak around and let her explore the yard with us. We didn’t mention to her that we would be closing yesterday, even though we had been pretty transparent about sharing information and timing as we learned about it. She asked us often when we would be moving in, but because we didn’t mention anything about it in the day before we closed, we had the unique opportunity to surprise her after school with the keys. Her reaction was priceless, almost speechless with joy, I almost cried, maybe I’m too emotional lately. We took her straight to see the house.
I had planned to do a walk-through tour for you guys, but the 7-minute video that I captured instead is way better. Pete and I watched it together several times last night, and we thought you’d like it too. Audio is necessary, it’s just cute to hear a candid 6-year old’s reaction to this new experience, or at least we think it is. Completely unedited, it’ll definitely give you a sense of our new home’s layout and design on Day Zero. Pete claims that he didn’t know I was filming the whole time (assumed I was snapping photos), and I’m sure Julia had no idea, so it’s candid videography at it’s finest. I’m just happy the camera auto-focused correctly.
Notes:
- All of our closets are like refrigerators.
- All of our appliances are old.
- Doc Martens are an accurate measuring instrument.
- I told you our master bedroom was big.
- Somewhere towards the end is a reflection of a 17-week me, baby spies.
- Sometimes sneakers are hard to remove.
- No basement footage. I took a second video of us exploring down there but it didn’t focus.
- The tub “IS BEAUTIFUL.”
- I tried to keep the camera at waist level while filming, Julia’s eye level.
- It’s my favorite family home video ever.
Today and tomorrow, we move. Enthusiastically! Hurrah! Follow me on instagram (and #merrymove2013) for more throughout the day.
17 Comments
Maybe it’s just me, but I LOVE the kitchen cabinets (I know, I know, I’m weird!)….the round metal handles are awesome. Just sayin’. Place looks awesome in it’s 1950s style – can’t wait to see what you do!!
I waver back and forth on the knobs! Initially I thought they had to go, but other days I wonder if we could live with them by neutralizing the rest of the cabinetry… There’s so much beige!
Ahhh look at your little bump! (And the house is beautiful too) ;-)
Thanks Steph :)
Beside myself with vicarious excitement! Julia is SO CUTE–I love her exclamation over the beautiful tub, and the way she wanted to measure the closet herself (just like dad).
Those rooms truly are humongous! The planter by the front door is so cool, too! I could go on and on!
Good luck with the move!!
Those are my two favorite parts of the video – the foot measuring and little bounce in her step made me so happy, I’m glad I caught it on video. I can’t wait to figure out what to do with the cool planter! It still has fake greens from the sellers in it, I’m not sure if I could manage to get houseplants to flourish!
Congrats! And agree with Strep cutest bump ever.
I love those corner windows in Julia’s room!
Love the video – love the house – congrats! So exciting, isn’t it? And a new addition coming soon ….!
That little lady was on a mission. Very cute. :)
Well, besides the nice size of this house, lot’s of very cool features – property, sun-porch, windows, huge garage, clicker light in the closet (makes me think of the motion sensor I’d like to install for our stairway leading from first floor to second), cool bathtub (and shower). You done good :) Congrats on the closing and good luck with the move.
That is an amazing house! And Julia is just precious! And your baby bump is SO ADORABLE! Congratulations!
You guys definitely have your work cut out for you in updating the style (l had to laugh at the kitchen cabinet knobs), but the “bones” are great! Very cool. Congratulations, and welcome home!
Oh, Emily! This is so exciting for your family – a new home and a new baby. So excited for you guys! :)
Thanks Erin – WE ARE SO EXCITED TOO, I CAN’T WRITE THAT WITHOUT SHOUTING.
The video was great. I like the house tons!
Congratulations on your home and your little one! So much potential in the home — I’m even finding myself liking the red (or is it a burgundy?) tile in that bathroom! I’ll admit the kitchen knobs took me back. Screen porch, room sizes, step down living (with that awesome stone planter), and your daughter’s bedroom windows are all fabulous. I know you guys will have a blast putting your signature on it. So happy for your family!!
So excited to see what changes you will make with all this space! I truly enjoy seeing the projects you have completed in your prior home. I appreciate that your work is truly do-it-yourself, and within reasonable budgets. So many times the “DIY” actually turns out to be “I hired someone to make my vision come true, after spending exorbitant amounts on materials”! I am inspired by you, and will soon be embarking on my first major DIY project, which is staining my oak cabinets JAVA… keep up the good work.