42 hours, 45 minutes and 12 seconds

Until we close on our new house.... but really, I'm not counting ;) I remember being crazy-excited to be home owners for the first time, but for some reason this time around its all magnified. Maybe it's because we are very proud of our purchase and all the hard work it took to get this house? Maybe it's because it's not really about us anymore.  The decision to buy this house was driven so much by our little girl, and the future of our family.  Maybe it's because this house has a lot of reno possibilities and ways that we can make it really us. At least that gets me really excited :) Lastly, I think it's the space, the flow and the character of the new house, and that fact that it soon will all be ours! I can (still) hardly believe that we are moving into this house. So with all the excitement, jitters and anxiety that I am feeling, I'm feeling even more blessed.

Since it's so close to the highway and not really out of the way, I have made numerous drivebys over the last few weeks. So many so, the neighbors might be ready to call the police to report the grey Acadia creeping up the street :) The trees have grown in a little and the house looks so cute, nestled along the street.

 

Brian and I have both have Friday off, so once we get the keys on Wednesday night, it is on! Those that know me well, know that I am planning on painting most of the rooms, all the trim, ripping out the wallpaper, moving in and decorating fully over this long weekend, and next weekend. So weeknights, early mornings, and these weekends will be very busy. In my head, it seems doable, but I realize I'm probably being too optimistic. I'm not good at waiting, taking time to see if I like it, sleeping on it, or anything like that. Since its been someone elses home for more than 40 years, I want to jump and make it smell like us, look like us and feel like us as soon as we can. Not for anyone else but us, because then it'll feel like home sweet home and we can relax and enjoy.

 

Stay tuned for pictures and wish us luck! Hope you all have a great Memorial Day Weekend!

Recent steals

Since we've been living in New Canaan over the last 5 weeks, I have hit up 2 different tag sale type events in town and scored big! The first, was our first weekend in town. I was going to grab coffee early Saturday morning when I saw our church was having a tag sale. I normally would just drive by, especially since Q was along for the ride, but I decided to stop in.  The tag sale was for a local Boy Scout troop and it was taking place in the church gymnasium. The gym was mostly filled to the brim with knick knacks and chotchkis.  There were a few lamps, rugs and kitchen chairs.  But I hardly noticed these things because as soon as I walked in, I saw this chair:

I didn't even think it was for sale because it was so nice, and the only really nice piece in the room. I'm not wild about the print, but it is super comfy and we have the perfect corner just calling for it, in our new house. For $50, it was a no-brainer! So my coffee run, cost me a little more than the normal $6 but I'd say it was worth it :) 

Last weekend was New Canaan's Annual May Fair. They bring in probably 10 - 15 different large carnival rides for kids of all ages, have lots of food tents and in the church gymnasium, yet again, another tag sale! My mom and I got up there first thing in the morning to check it out. We don't really need much for the new house, but I was hoping I might find a new dresser for our MBR. Instead, I found this huge, beautiful craftsman style hutch, and I fell in love...

It was the day before Mother's Day, and this was the LAST thing I should be spending money on before moving into our new house. But, she was just too pretty to pass up. So I basically begged and pleaded with Brian through texts (while he was at the gym!) - please?! please?! And he agreed. What do you think would be a steal for a huge hutch like this?? It was marked for $550 but I asked what they'd take for it. $400? Uh, YES, DEAL!  I am SO excited to move in and put this in our dining room - it is beyond PERFECT!

This is the overstuffed chair and we got along with our new sofas for our living room. 

Doesn't it just scream, get cozy and lay down, or what?! LOVE!

Our sweet pea is 18 months!!

Time is flying, plain and simple.  I started this posted on May 1st, and now it's already the middle of May. Since moving in with my family, we are getting to spend at least 1 more hour a day with M.  That extra time together with her, and as a family, has been SO nice!

I never, in 1 million years thought that I could love someone as much as I love my little munchkin.  I was overcome with emotion at her birth, and with each passing day, that love has grown into something so special. Being a mom, but not just any mom, her mom, is the best.thing.ever.  Just when I think her age is so fun, she changes a little and it gets better! 

Madelyn's 18 month, has brought more words and singing, a love of trucks/cars and balls, LOTS of hugs and kisses, walking up small steps by herself, a feisty independence, and last but not least, some tantrums :) Madelyn doesn't mind getting dirty, but when she's had enough, she'll tell you she's dirty and ready for washa-washa. One of the neatest things M has caught on to, singing.  I vividly remember listening to Raffi as a kid, so his songs often come to mind when she and I are playing/singing. One day I started signing "Baby Beluga" to M, and i swear, within a day or two, she was singing it herself (even in her sleep!)When she spots an iPad, she'll say "baby beluga?!" Because she wants to watch the video. On the same note, one night on the way home from daycare, I turned up Mumford and Sons "I Will Wait" and belted out my version.  Sure enough, the next time M was in the car with me and it came on, there was a murmur from the back seat... "Ah-wil-way, ah-wil-way" I couldn't believe it, she was literally "singing" the song, in tune. She's definitely our little girl :) 

As we get ready for phase 2 of our move, I am really looking forward to getting settled into our new home with our little family. This will be the home that Madelyn will remember growing up in, and making memories in. I can't wait for the summer, playing in our new yard, taking M to town for doughnut outings, walks through town, trips to the park and more. So far, this age has really been a blast, but I know it'll keep getting better and better!

Some recent pics of our little love!