I'm sure some of you have been wondering what is going on with our house. I mean... we listed it for sale about a month ago, and I have been pretty quiet about it since then.
The great news: Our house is sold!
The scary news: Our house is sold! And this is scary because the closing date is August 7th, and we still haven't found a new home.
Let me first tell you how things went down. We actually got the offer on this house shortly after listing. However, it was conditional on the buyers selling their house, which ended up taking a little while in this finicky market. We are happy because the buyers are really in love with the house and neighborhood, and we also got what we hoped to financially.
It is becoming a bigger and bigger possibility that Joe and I won't be able to find our downtown home before this house closes. We knew that this might happen when we decided to sell before buying. That being said, we hoped that the right house would come up. I know, there is still almost 2 months to find that home... but we are definitely not going to settle for any old house.
We decided going into this that we would wait for the *perfect* home - for us - and that settling for something else was not an option. We settled for the wrong house a year and a half ago when we bought our current home, and you know what happened there! Needless to say, we don't want to make that same mistake again.
The tricky thing is that in the month since we've listed... there have been NO houses of ANY interest in our desired location. And quite honestly, there have been very few of interest in the couple of years our eyes have been on that area.
We definitely need to make some decisions in the meantime about where we will be going if we ARE homeless on August 7th. We are fortunate enough to have had a few different offers of places to stay (with family). If we do have a place lined up and some overlap, we would consider this option.
However, being vagrant vegans with a young baby doesn't make us the easiest house guests, so we likely won't take this option without a definite timeline, or at least not for too long. That being said, we may be entering back into the renter's world for a little while. Although this is not ideal, we are definitely ok with that if need be! We have our eye on one apartment currently. It is strange to think about renting after owning for a few years. So it goes. Wish us luck!
Monday, June 17, 2013
Friday, June 14, 2013
Summer in Ontario
Since Joe and I are both teachers, we have the luxury of having a long, scheduled time off together each summer. As many of you know, we have taken full advantage of this the past 2 summers by going on amazing trips. Right now, the count-down is definitely on with only 2 more weeks of school before summer holidays.
Our first big trip together was two summers ago to South America. We travelled through Peru, Bolivia and Argentina over 6 weeks. It was amazing, and intense, and took up most of our summer. We saw Machu Picchu, the Bolivian Salt Flats, did a bunch of hiking and much more. It was incredible.
Last summer we headed to Europe (Joe had never been!). We spent some time in France, Belgium and Germany. We even stayed a few days with my host family from my year in France. It was the best! I was also in my first trimester of pregnancy at the time, so an easier trip was perfect... although it was hard to pass up the beer and wine!
Our first big trip together was two summers ago to South America. We travelled through Peru, Bolivia and Argentina over 6 weeks. It was amazing, and intense, and took up most of our summer. We saw Machu Picchu, the Bolivian Salt Flats, did a bunch of hiking and much more. It was incredible.
Last summer we headed to Europe (Joe had never been!). We spent some time in France, Belgium and Germany. We even stayed a few days with my host family from my year in France. It was the best! I was also in my first trimester of pregnancy at the time, so an easier trip was perfect... although it was hard to pass up the beer and wine!
This summer, we are not going on a big trip. A few factors made this decision. First, obviously, is that we have a baby. Don't get me wrong, we had dreams of one last trip while Henry is easily portable, but it just didn't make sense in the end. Secondly, with selling our home, it just didn't make financial sense this year.
All of that being said, I am SO EXCITED to spend the summer in Ontario! Traveling is great, but there is almost nothing better than a summer spent here. I love the long days, patios, cottages, camping, barbeques, hiking, campfires, warm days and cool nights. We are going to attempt camping with Henry. I think we'll start with a 1-night trip and go from there, depending on how it goes. And it'll be nice to enjoy our pool for one last summer :)
What are you looking forward to this summer?
Sunday, June 2, 2013
Henry at 4 months
Henry is 4 months old!
This has definitely been a big month for us. Henry is starting to do so many neat things!
Top of the list: Sleeping through the night! I know... we are so lucky. He still wakes up a couple of times a week, but most of the time he goes down at 8:30 and sleeps until almost 6:00. He just started doing it on his own.
He has also started doing a lot of other fun stuff; rolling over, laughing, grabbing at things, sitting in his high chair, playing with toys, and actually enjoying walks in the stroller. It has been good. (If you watch the video below... feel free to stop watching after his first roll. Unless you want to watch the entire thing... but it is kind of repetitive. Ha.)
Of course, it isn't always easy... there are days that challenge me big time. But I am starting to feel like I'm getting the hang of things, and starting to trust myself a little more in this "Mum" role.
Henry is getting cuter and cuter. I love my little guy!
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
Life Lately
Since we have put our house up for sale, blogging has kind of taken the back burner. Obviously, I'm not currently doing any house projects (beyond constantly cleaning and wiping bathrooms, kitchens and floors!) and life has just been busy with showings.
Selling our house is exciting, don't get me wrong. But it is already getting old needing to have a squeaky clean home at all times. We have had showings, usually more than one, every day since we put our house up except one. Yes, this is a good thing. Not so good? The fact that we still don't have an offer in our hands. While I originally wasn't going to talk about the selling process at all, I think I need to be real here: selling a house kind of sucks! That being said, there has been some interest in the home as of late... So I will keep you posted. And send your good vibes our way.... Because cleaning and leaving home with a 3 1/2 month old on a daily basis is less than fun and definitely throws off any kind of routine. (Parents... You know the importance of a routine!)
Anyway, I thought I would share a few other things about life as of late. Just because.
1. This past weekend was the Victoria Day long weekend. Despite being busy with the house, Joe and I got out for a couple good hikes. We also bought (and used!) a new carrier for Henry called the Onya Baby. It is from MEC. So far, so good. It is much better for our backs than the Baby Bjorn... Which was great until Henry weighed, oh, 10 pounds, and then it was just lacking support. Our new carrier has a waist belt that takes most of his weight. It also makes sure that the baby's hips and legs are aligned properly. Plus, it is good up to 45 pounds. (although I wouldnt be caught dead carrying a 45 pound child in there... Just sayin'!) Here are a few photos from our hike in Dundas this weekend.
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| Tired Henry |
2. And on the topic of Henry...dare I say it out loud? He has started sleeping through the night! Amazing! Joe and I have also been sleeping much better, obviously. That was sooooo needed. I am very aware that this could change at any time. We are enjoying it while we can, and so far it has been a whole week. Before you get too jealous, let me tell you that along with it has come a bit of colic. Yep, with every battle won appears a new one. But it's easier to take on when you've had enough sleep :)
3. I have started doing Yoga! Joe and I bought a WagJag as a way for the two of us to get out without Henry. The great news is that there is also a postnatal yoga class at the studio, where I can actually bring Henry! Pretty awesome. Also... Yoga is hard. But I think I like it!
4. I've just started following this blog. It. Is. Hilarious.
5. We have been attempting to use the BBQ as vegans lately. Of course, grilled veggies and kebab's are a given. We even found this recipe, which makes the best veggie burgers (lentil bulgur burgers) that we've ever made. The best part is that they stick together reeeeally well, so they don't fall apart on the barbie. I didn't take a picture of them... but let me seduce you with some other vegan BBQ visual treats!
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| Joe's chickpea burgers |
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| Tofu kebabs |
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| Yum! |
7. Lastly, let me leave you with a few photos of our backyard. Isn't it glorious this time of year? We have been loving the nice weather and eating outside. I will definitely miss this... if only we could take our house and yard and plunk it downtown.
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
Buying and Selling - Here we go!
It is official. Our house is for sale!
Now, we nervously enter into showing our house. We had two showings yesterday and at least two tonight. No news yet. The biggest challenge will be maintaining the cleanliness of our house. Especially with a newborn whose schedule is erratic, but we knew that going into this. My strategy so far has been to simply clean as I go. If I have a tea, I clean up everything involved immediately. If I take out a toy for Henry, I put it away when he is done. And of course, I buzz around during his naps to tidy anything else I've missed, and to straighten and re-straighten beds, picture frames and the like.
I've had a few people ask why we didn't try to sell privately this time. The truth is, it is too much hassle with a baby. And to add to that, we just wanted to keep the sale impersonal. It will also hopefully make the house sell quicker, too!
With our house for sale, we are also officially looking for a home!
Luckily for us, we have lots of connections in the downtown area where we want to move. That means a lot of people who are keeping their eyes and ears open for any upcoming homes for sale. We are also scouring MLS, although not much has been up this past week.
We have decided that we are going to be veeeery picky when it comes to which home we choose, since we are hoping that whatever home we buy will be a permanent one. Joe and I are still in the process of deciding what exactly we NEED in a home (vs. what we want!) Amazingly, this has changed since we bought this house a year and a half ago (that list can be found here).
Some of the "must-haves" on our list are:
- The perfect location (We have specifically decided where we want to live already. No exceptions!)
- A garage and/or large shed (at least room for our bikes!)
- At least 3 bedrooms
- At least 2 bathrooms (and preferably -almost certainly - a main floor bathroom)
- Adequate storage (more can be added in time!)
- A decently-sized backyard
- Good layout
Some of the things that are the "good-to-haves" would be:
- Finished attic and/or basement
- Fireplace
- Nice flooring (wood/tile preferred!)
Our list is actually much smaller this time around. However, most of the homes in the area we are looking at are older, and often don't have things like a main floor bathroom, or storage (period!). So, we may need to be flexible in some ways in order to get a good house in the location we want. For example, we might let something slide if it is something can be added fairly easily and within a reasonable budget.
Some days we feel like we are up for the challenge of re-doing another house... maybe even a complete overhaul! Other days we dream about buying a house that is perfectly finished. I guess it depends on what comes up.
Send good vibes our way and wish us luck!
Now, we nervously enter into showing our house. We had two showings yesterday and at least two tonight. No news yet. The biggest challenge will be maintaining the cleanliness of our house. Especially with a newborn whose schedule is erratic, but we knew that going into this. My strategy so far has been to simply clean as I go. If I have a tea, I clean up everything involved immediately. If I take out a toy for Henry, I put it away when he is done. And of course, I buzz around during his naps to tidy anything else I've missed, and to straighten and re-straighten beds, picture frames and the like.
I've had a few people ask why we didn't try to sell privately this time. The truth is, it is too much hassle with a baby. And to add to that, we just wanted to keep the sale impersonal. It will also hopefully make the house sell quicker, too!
With our house for sale, we are also officially looking for a home!
Luckily for us, we have lots of connections in the downtown area where we want to move. That means a lot of people who are keeping their eyes and ears open for any upcoming homes for sale. We are also scouring MLS, although not much has been up this past week.
We have decided that we are going to be veeeery picky when it comes to which home we choose, since we are hoping that whatever home we buy will be a permanent one. Joe and I are still in the process of deciding what exactly we NEED in a home (vs. what we want!) Amazingly, this has changed since we bought this house a year and a half ago (that list can be found here).
Some of the "must-haves" on our list are:
- The perfect location (We have specifically decided where we want to live already. No exceptions!)
- A garage and/or large shed (at least room for our bikes!)
- At least 3 bedrooms
- At least 2 bathrooms (and preferably -almost certainly - a main floor bathroom)
- Adequate storage (more can be added in time!)
- A decently-sized backyard
- Good layout
Some of the things that are the "good-to-haves" would be:
- Finished attic and/or basement
- Fireplace
- Nice flooring (wood/tile preferred!)
Our list is actually much smaller this time around. However, most of the homes in the area we are looking at are older, and often don't have things like a main floor bathroom, or storage (period!). So, we may need to be flexible in some ways in order to get a good house in the location we want. For example, we might let something slide if it is something can be added fairly easily and within a reasonable budget.
Some days we feel like we are up for the challenge of re-doing another house... maybe even a complete overhaul! Other days we dream about buying a house that is perfectly finished. I guess it depends on what comes up.
Send good vibes our way and wish us luck!
Thursday, May 2, 2013
Why we plan on moving. Again.
Wait... What?!
Yep, you read it right. We are planning on moving again.
We have been spending the past few weeks doing a few little things that needed doing in order to list our home. And Monday, we are having a realtor in to take a look. Considering we just moved in a year ago, and probably paid a high price... we are hoping the news is good. Especially after giving the entire house a facelift.
What caused this, you might ask?
Well, let's go back to the beginning.
Back when we decided to move last time, what we really wanted was a home that we could raise a family in. As in, not a home with killer steep stairs and a scary basement like our first house (which we loved for so many reasons...but those two were a bit less child-friendly). Since we knew we were eventually going to try for a baby, I feel like we rushed into purchasing our current home. This, of course, is all in hindsight, since we fell in LOVE with this house. We just had to have it!
To be honest, this house has everything a family would want. It is solidly built, has large bedrooms, lots of storage, a finished basement, is great for entertaining, is on a quiet crescent, has a garage and two sheds, has a huge, private, beautiful backyard (with a pool! And a hot tub!) and feeds into a great French Immersion school. And of course, it is in a good location. Well, according to MOST people.
Yes, location. What we didn't realize when we bought the house (but which we really did realize deep down) is that to us, location is everything. (If only I had listened to my own wise words, here.) Probably our favourite thing about our first house was it's location. Downtown. Walking distance to EVERYthing. Yes, I say everything. Except for some family members. However, our entire existence basically takes place downtown. It is where we work. It is where we go to the market. It is where we go out for food, it is where we like to walk, some of our family lives there. And to top it all off, Joe's parents are going to be Henry's care providers when I go back to work. We used to walk everywhere and loved it.
A few months ago, Joe and I had to have that honest conversation. We both admitted that we missed being downtown. It is like something was missing. (I felt a HUGE sigh of relief when I learned that Joe felt the same way!) Fingers crossed that everything works out in our favour!
Yep, you read it right. We are planning on moving again.
We have been spending the past few weeks doing a few little things that needed doing in order to list our home. And Monday, we are having a realtor in to take a look. Considering we just moved in a year ago, and probably paid a high price... we are hoping the news is good. Especially after giving the entire house a facelift.
What caused this, you might ask?
Well, let's go back to the beginning.
Back when we decided to move last time, what we really wanted was a home that we could raise a family in. As in, not a home with killer steep stairs and a scary basement like our first house (which we loved for so many reasons...but those two were a bit less child-friendly). Since we knew we were eventually going to try for a baby, I feel like we rushed into purchasing our current home. This, of course, is all in hindsight, since we fell in LOVE with this house. We just had to have it!
To be honest, this house has everything a family would want. It is solidly built, has large bedrooms, lots of storage, a finished basement, is great for entertaining, is on a quiet crescent, has a garage and two sheds, has a huge, private, beautiful backyard (with a pool! And a hot tub!) and feeds into a great French Immersion school. And of course, it is in a good location. Well, according to MOST people.
Yes, location. What we didn't realize when we bought the house (but which we really did realize deep down) is that to us, location is everything. (If only I had listened to my own wise words, here.) Probably our favourite thing about our first house was it's location. Downtown. Walking distance to EVERYthing. Yes, I say everything. Except for some family members. However, our entire existence basically takes place downtown. It is where we work. It is where we go to the market. It is where we go out for food, it is where we like to walk, some of our family lives there. And to top it all off, Joe's parents are going to be Henry's care providers when I go back to work. We used to walk everywhere and loved it.
A few months ago, Joe and I had to have that honest conversation. We both admitted that we missed being downtown. It is like something was missing. (I felt a HUGE sigh of relief when I learned that Joe felt the same way!) Fingers crossed that everything works out in our favour!
Wednesday, May 1, 2013
Henry at 3 months
Happy May 1st! Today marks 3 months of Henry! You know what that means... time for my monthly photo-bomb! I must say, he is adorable!
It has been the longest and quickest 3 months of my life...is that possible? I mean to say that it's strange to think about life before Henry. It seems like he has been around forever! At the same time, I feel like it was just the other day he was born. I think I say that every month...
We think Henry weighs in at around 14 1/2 pounds these days (according to our scale), although he hasn't been officially weighed for a month, and we likely won't have him weighed again until his 4 month appointment. He's a big guy!
Henry loves going for walks in the carrier these days. We have been enjoying the nicer weather. He loves getting fresh air and checking out the neigbourhood. Although, he does get tired sometimes! We are very excited about the forecast for the next few days! It looks like it is going to be summery!
He also LOVES his Daddy. He is so happy every day when Joe gets home from work. They're a pretty cute pair!
We have been adjusting to life with a baby. I'm definitely feeling the lack of sleep and lack of "me-time". I did go out with my sister, Erin, the other day for a girls night and it felt so great. I am realizing I need to do that more often! (Thanks, Erin! I'm still feeling refreshed!) That being said, Joe and I bought a Yoga Wag-Jag and we are excited to book in some time away from Henry together.
All-in-all, he's a pretty great dude, and we love him, even when he's cranky!
There you have it!
pssssst... don't forget to check out his month-by-month photo here!
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