Wednesday
Jul122006

because kids and house closings go together like milk and cookies

my whole body shivered with excitement and disbelief, enlightened by a sense of growth and achievement, just like the first time I drove my mother's car when I was 19. we clinked champagne glasses and giggled with delight like 7-year-olds. I knew that I would learn a lot, but I hadn't planned to learn most about love. unconditional, playful and patient.

on Monday, my husband and I signed the final papers and closed the deal on the house. a ten day delay has allowed us to write this new chapter of our life together. it's officially ours now.

a lot of things are waiting to be packed, cleaned, organized, bought and assembled. and my husband is leaving again. but the simple things I now foresee, like growing cherry tomatoes on my balcony or watching Sean and Will bounce on the new bunk beds, fill my heart with gratitude and are telling me not to hasten and to be more contemplative this time. to hold on to that exhilarating feeling. and bask in the moment.

Reader Comments (35)

Yipeee!! Congrats!! I got a little run of chills when I read the part about you signing the final papers. So wonderful, I'm really happy for you.
Jul 13, 2006 | Unregistered CommenterHeather
Congrats new house owner! What an exciting feeling that must be!
Jul 13, 2006 | Unregistered CommenterAimee
Yay! I would love to give you the nijntje golden statue that you loved on my Flickr as a housewarming present, but obviously 1. I can't afford it, and 2. it's not on sale!
Jul 13, 2006 | Unregistered Commentereuphrosynely
Hooray for you! I'm so very happy for you!!
Jul 13, 2006 | Unregistered CommenterVanessa
Awesome news! Good luck with the move, we'll be waiting right here... trying to lend moral support since we can't pack boxes!
Jul 13, 2006 | Unregistered CommenterElaine
How absolutely wonderful, Irene! You deserve it! Isn't it absolutely the BEST feeling in the whole world to know that you OWN your own home? I cannot wait to see pictures!
Jul 13, 2006 | Unregistered Commenterchristina
What a great feeling huh?! CONGRATS to you and your family! I know it's tough having a hubbie who travels for work, I'm in the same boat as you. But we just do it, right?!

Pls let me know how the boys like their new bunk beds, we're thinking of getting one for our boys as well.
Jul 13, 2006 | Unregistered CommenterWaya
Congrats Irene, that is so awesome! You sound so happy and delighted!
I'm so happy for you.
Jul 13, 2006 | Unregistered Commenterbella
congratulations! I know that it shouldn't be like this but I was so much happier once we were in our own home. There seems to be more security and permanence about it. Enjoy!
Jul 13, 2006 | Unregistered Commentertracie
Congratulations! I can hear the champagne cork from here.
Jul 13, 2006 | Unregistered CommenterNicole
Congratulations!! A wonderful new chapter of your lives awaits. :)
Jul 13, 2006 | Unregistered CommenterChris
Hooray!!!
Jul 13, 2006 | Unregistered Commentermelanie
I love this post, I. You are so thoughtful and reflective and just plain cool. Light a candle, dance a waltz and enjoy--you all deserve it.

I can't wait to see it. When's the party?
Jul 13, 2006 | Unregistered CommenterRonica
I am happy with you...
and cannot wait to see some pictures!
Jul 13, 2006 | Unregistered Commenterblackbird
Great! I wish you and your family a bright future in your new house:)
Jul 13, 2006 | Unregistered Commenterannelog
Congratulations! I'm so happy for you. And I'm glad it sounds like you celebrated a bit. Hire some strong people to help you move. Irene, it's worth the money. And the sanity! Can't wait to see pictures.
Jul 13, 2006 | Unregistered CommenterCharmaine
Many congrats, friend! I'm so excited for you. xxoo
Jul 13, 2006 | Unregistered CommenterNinotchka
This is so awesome! What a great adventure you are embarking on. Sorry that he's leaving again. Hope he's there long enough to help you move in.
Jul 13, 2006 | Unregistered Commentercarol
such wonderful news, irene...i love new beginnings ~ oh the possibilities! congratulations to the whole momster family :)
Jul 13, 2006 | Unregistered Commentermy pink sky
Yeep! How exciting and wonderful! And champagne, oh how perfect - and just those words, "it's officially ours, now." Hopefully you'll share a few pictures and we can oooh and aaahh.
Jul 13, 2006 | Unregistered Commentersamantha

PostPost a New Comment

Enter your information below to add a new comment.

My response is on my own website »
Author Email (optional):
Author URL (optional):
Post:
 
All HTML will be escaped. Hyperlinks will be created for URLs automatically.