third time's a charm

looking for a new house is crazy. the first time we went house shopping, it kind of was fun... we'd grab a coffee and get in the car and meet our realtor and go look at people's houses. we had a little red leather journal that we wrote notes in, clipped pictures and added/deleted from our "non-negotiables" list. and after 23 house tours, we found this house - our lovely, crooked, quirky city house.

but now we're moving on. i didn't write much about this house search because it was sort of stressful. it's a lot harder to look when you have a toddler in tow - who really doesn't care where she lives as long as mommy and daddy are there. plus there is the added stress of putting this house on the market and selling it. thank goodness the toronto real estate market is booming!

anyways, after one failed offer (it was a 3 bed, 2 bath), and one failed house inspection (a 4 bed, 1 1/2 bath - it was SO close to my parents'! - but needed a LOT of work), we finally have our (probably) forever house. it's a 3 bed, 4 bath two storey detached (2 of those are half baths, thank goodness!) and only 10 minutes away from my parents' house. it's pretty much perfect, with a finished basement, a little backyard, and a sun-drenched living/dining room that the mini will love.

now we're busy packing up our house so that it can be staged and shown. and hopefully, by may, it will be sold to someone/someones who will love this house as much as we do. i am a little sad to be leaving, because this is our first house, but even good change is emotional, right? (don't even ask me what happens if this house doesn't sell. i don't wanna think about it.)

(thanks to kimage for this beautiful photo of the three little birdhouses - it couldn't be more perfect!)