Yesterday I had a few house-y goals I wanted to accomplish, so I made a little mental list of things I knew I could finish, and then I took the first step forward. And would you believe I got everything done that I wanted to? We have been taking it a bit easy around here. It’s been a full week since we moved in to our new house, and while there is a lot to be done, I know it’s important I don’t over-do it with the projects (and stress). The kids need space (and time) to be kids. I need to be resting while they’re napping. There are meals to prep and make, baths to give, boxes to unpack, and decorations to be hung. All while we cheer Zack on in Los Angeles. So, I’ve been taking it a bit easy — especially because I celebrated 30 weeks pregnant on Friday! :)
Something I find myself doing with each move, that I don’t necessarily like, is re-hanging all of our wall art the exact way it was before. This time around I’m wanting to be more intentional with how I decorate our walls, which is why they’re naked.
With our move we have tripled our living space, and honestly it feels amazing. Our new Detroit-metro home isn’t large, it’s about 1,000 square feet (plus a finished basement), but it definitely feels spacious for our growing family. Because we spent over three years living in Los Angeles, we now have empty closets, cupboards, and floor space — and it’s super refreshing! While in Los Angeles we for sure had to maximize every cabinet and nook for storage. Now that we’re back in the Midwest, the space under our bed is totally empty, and I have no intention of putting anything under it :)
When I’m standing in front of our kitchen sink, I can see Bauer outside in the backyard, and it’s seriously the sweetest thing. Multiple times a day I watch him lay down in the sunshine, chase squirrels, and chew on sticks. He’s so happy, which doubles my happiness!
And quite honestly, every morning I wake up feeling absolutely elated to be living here in this home. It is so perfect for our family. I love how the three bedrooms are laid out. I love the open living and dining room concept. I love there are two different entrances into the kitchen (the kids love riding their little cars around & around). I love there’s a large, covered front porch. I love there are hardwood floors throughout. And, I love our quiet neighborhood.
A big part of me is totally fine with the slow process of unpacking and making this house our home. It’s so good to have something to look forward to, I am even more encouraged by this fact :)
Our first week here has been wonderful, and I’m really looking forward to upcoming home projects and the fun that’s waiting to be had.
Congratulations! You’ll have it arranged exactly like you want it in now time and it will be lovely.
Max looks so big in that first photo! 10 weeks! Eek!
They both seem to have grown up so much. Every time I pick them up and feel where their feet hit me, I realize this. ♥
I’m so happy for you!!! It’s smart to take time to get your nest settled. I hope Z will be home sooner than later so you aren’t by yourself ❤️ Can’t wait to see more pics!
Oh man. We recently moved from San Francisco to Tempe, AZ. We had 460 sq ft in SF and moved into a 1100 sq ft house here. It felt like we moved into a mansion! I def feel ya!
I went through the same thing this year. We went from 800 sq ft to 1500 and I feel like I live in a castle. I have empty closets and simply decorated rooms and I love it. It feels free to have empty spaces knowing they will probably stay that way. My walls are still empty and our spare room still contains a few boxes. I am taking my time and I love it. Enjoy this season as you prepare for your newest little bundle. It is a joy to see your family moving into this new stage of life. Many blessing as you navigate!
Thank you, Stacey. On one hand I feel like we have so much stuff, but then I look at all the empty space within our home and I feel differently. We’ve definitely learned so much living in Los Angeles. Our time there was truly life-changing for our family. xx
I am so incredibly happy for y’all! You really made the most with what you had out in LA, and girl, I give you mad props for that, because I’m pretty sure I would’ve lost my ever-loving MIND in an apartment with 2 littles and a dog! ;)
Doesn’t a yard make all the difference in the world? When we moved from Chicago to Michigan, I prayed that God would give us a big yard, and boy did He ever! Now, we live in a small house outside Denver with a teeny yard and have had to make the most of it. Thankful that another move (across town) is on the horizon, so I’m praying again for that yard space. :)
Oh my word, that is SO awesome! We made a command decision to get in our house as soon as possible… it means that we’ll be living without everything being finished, but it also means that I’ll get to see Hubs (and the kids will get to see Daddy!) WAY more often. I’m so excited to start packing! (And I’m leaving our walls bare, too… until I really figure out which artwork we want to hang!)
oh my gosh, HOORAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :) I wish I could send you our empty boxes, we have so many! haha
I am so excited for you!! I have been craving a new space, though mostly out of boredom. Our apartment still serves us well, but perhaps I need to think about how I might subtly change it or give it a bit of an upgrade. We are getting some reno’s done (finally! It’s been a hassle with our landlords.) so hopefully that will be a big help. I just love your kitchen and living space though. It’s so cute! Happy decorating!