New post!!

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He talked about the weather...

The realtor called this morning to say that the sellers had countered our offer. We expected this, so we countered at what we thought was reasonable. He called back three hours later and started talking about the weather. Naturally, this seemed to be a sign that bad news was coming. But then he proceeded to say that our offer was accepted and we now "own" a townhouse. Strange delivery method, but good news nonetheless. We're so excited.

We've got some papers to sign tomorrow and we'll need to schedule the inspection. After that, it's the appraisal. As long as those two things go well, we'll be in settlement (whatever that means) around March 16th and we'll have keys in hand April 16th. I'm fighting off the urge to pack. Nothing is really final until the bank inspects the house and deems it worthy of our loan. With the type of loan we have, they are super picky about the condition of the houses they finance. Everything appears to be in almost new condition, so we're not foreseeing any problems. Until I've got keys, though, I think I'll be hesitant. We're definitely going to begin the organizing and cleaning out process to make it easier when we're ready to pack. We've got a lot of stuff sitting in our basement not being used, so we're hoping to get rid of some things. It would be awesome if there was a nice weekend before then for a yard sale. Then again, it's still February.

It's an exciting time around here!

It's been a while...

It's been a couple weeks since I've blogged here, but we've been super busy! We're on a house hunt, and we think we've found one. We're hoping to put in an offer this afternoon. It's a completely renovated townhouse with 3 bedrooms, 2 1/2 baths and a fully finished walk-out basement. It's got all the things we want plus the space to continue hosting our teens. We feel really strongly about it and we're making the move. If it's in God's plans, it'll work out. I can't wait to see!! There's all new Kenmore, energy star appliances in the kitchen. The carpets are clean and the walls have been repainted white. There's a dishwasher! The bathrooms are nice. There are a few light fixtures that I'd like to replace eventually. Someday, if we get it, we'll replace the kitchen and bathroom floors and put in a deck and patio to add to the property value. It's been appraised recently at well above what we're going to pay for it, so that's great. We're very excited and very nervous. We could use all the prayers we can get!!

Other than that, things are great!! Just about 4 weeks until we find out the gender of baby #2!!

Change, change, change

Well, it's official. We're looking to buy a house. Our lease here will go month-to-month in May, and we'd love to be out by then. The loan papers are in process and we should have our pre-approval letter early next week. I talked to a realtor today, and we're scheduled to meet with him once the paperwork is done and we have a good idea of our price range. I can't wait to get out there and start looking. We're praying that we find the right house, at the right price and that we can move before the chaos of a youth minister's summer begins. We're very excited about it! Rental prices in Winchester are outrageous, so we can't wait to live somewhere we can afford more comfortably.

My cold is still going full force, but I have a little more energy today than I have had in a few days. I'm thankful for that, since we're hosting the teens Super Bowl party on Sunday and my house has been a mess! I've made a lot of progress today, though. Now if I could just get caught up on laundry!

Pregnancy #2 is going well, I think. I have my first real appointment on Monday and we'll finally get to hear the heartbeat. I'm very much looking forward to hearing our little one for the first time.

Kate's doing well. She's finally over her cold and is back to being her normal, mostly happy self. That makes my life easier. Kraig's slowly recovering from being sick. He's still on antibiotics, but he's getting there. After taking care of two sickies and being sick myself, I'm going to need a vacation. There are definitely no sick days for moms!

Dear Energy and Motivation-

Please return. There is work to be done.

Thanks,

Stacy

P.S. If you're not planning to return, please send a maid and a cook.

Kate's 18 month checkup

Kate had her 18 month checkup today. Besides the screaming that began immediately upon entering the exam room, it was a good checkup. She weighs 25lbs 11 oz, 31 3/4 inches long. Just above 75th% in weight and just below 75th% in height. Her head circumference (which I can't remember) is, and always has been, off the charts. Big brains. And she had her final round of shots until kindergarten. While I should be rejoicing about that, I can't help but feel a little sad. She's growing up. I know kindergarten is a few years away, but that made the reality of it feel so close. Too crazy!! She's going through some serious separation issues right now, which is resulting in bad dreams/nightmares that are keeping her from sleeping well some nights. It's especially an issue if we've been around strangers or if new people have been in our home. We had life group here last night and a new couple joined us. Kate didn't sleep well last night. Not so fun, but it's just a phase!

Kraig's doing well. Our youth ministry is constantly growing. We're nearly maxed out on space right now, so we're trying to decide how to solve that problem. The ladies that were teaching the junior and senior high life groups quit last week, so my friend Sara and I are taking over. It's kind of intimidating, because there are some big issues going on with the girls right now, but it's nice to finally be a little more hands on. Hopefully, things will go well and we'll be able to handle the situations that arise.

I'm feeling well. I'm 10 weeks 2 days today. I'm anxiously awaiting our next appointment when we'll finally be able to here little one's heartbeat. Only 19 more days! I can't wait! It'll be nice to really hear it and know there's a little person growing in there. Pregnancy is such an adventure.

We're pregnant!

As those of you who read this have already figured out, we're having a baby!

We're due August 15, 2011. I've started a new blog to chronicle my pregnancy. Feel free to check it out here!

I'm so antsy!

I'm antsy and I can't tell you why. On Sunday, we have an announcement to make, but not until Sunday. And it's driving me crazy. I hate secrets and surprises. And the only reason I feel safe writing that I even have an announcement is that there are very, very few people that read this. So, sorry for the cliffhanger, but you'll just have to wait!! I just needed to get that out there!