How did we get here?

It occurred to me that many people do not know how we have arrived at this point. Let me tell you the story...

We had started visiting open houses in October just to see what was out there and start educating ourselves, and we were having a great time. After my initial dread, and after learning how to have a bit of a poker face (shockingly, very difficult for me) it turned out to be totally fun! There was this old farmhouse--so fun to dream, soooooo much work, so far from civilization--and another grand piece of land with a stream and winding granite stairs--needed all new windows, oh and floors, and walls, and do I really want these to be my neighbors?--but it was so fun to visualize life in this place or that place and play house in other people's houses. I looked forward to Sundays and our little property-hunting game.

We had seen a house in this neighborhood of Ipswich that we had liked, but had decided for several reasons that it wasn't quite perfect for us. And we weren't planning on buying a house until spring/early summer, so what was the rush? So when we went to see our Lafayette Rd. home in December, it was just a fun run through a house in that same neighborhood.

When we pulled up to the front, I hated the backyard. In fact, I believe I said, "I hate that backyard. I'm going to hate this house." And Chris, kindly, said "We're just looking." And there were lions on the front steps and that seemed silly. And a parking lot next to our house and who wants that. And then we walked in the front door and I sucked in my breath and tried not to comment on the beautiful front door

and the built-in in the dining room

and the crown molding in the living room

and when we got to the kitchen the realtor said "Obviously this kitchen needs some updating" and I thought, stop insulting my kitchen, and I just nodded and said, "mmmm" and continued holding my breath. And by the time we got to the attic I couldn't talk or look Chris in the eye for fear I would burst.

And then we walked into the backyard and I loved it. I had a vision of what it could be, and I loved it.

And we made it all the way to the car and shut the doors before bursting.

In short, it's the perfect house for us, and we couldn't resist it once we walked through the door, and even though it was Christmas and six months too early and who buys a house in December? it was just right and good and right.

And parking lots come in handy for Christmas parties and the like. Just sayin....