House not sold

So, Wednesday we found out that we hadn't sold the house.  The supposed buyer of the house was a member of some branch of the armed services and was stationed in Korea.  He looked online at many houses and his mother actually visited the houses in person.  Then he offered us a contract. He had a preapproval letter and was dependent on getting a VA loan.  After trying to accommodate him multiple times by extending the closing date (once even to may 15 when we would be out of state having a baby), his loan disappeared.  So, we are back to square one.  A bit frustrating but obviously something else should be happening. I also had to call the owner of the house next to my sister and tell him, which we then agreed to end that contract.  So, we have no contracts-to sell or to buy.  Maybe that is best.  The home inspection found multiple problems with the house next to Julie's.  AC/heat only half worked.  Many plumbing and electrical problems.  All of that can be fixed, but would be easily have the money and time with a new baby?  That house is still an option.  We also looked at a house near Joy and it is significantly cheaper.  It appears to be in much better condition, but it will need a LOT of cosmetic work.  The owner right now is Albert Chaffoo, a former conductor with many symphonies, including the London symphony and his (now deceased) painter wife.  Kinda a cool love story.  He is really old and moving to live with his son on the west coast.  Her paintings were throughout the house-beautiful.  And there was a composition in progress on the piano.  Just like the aura that a house of artists has. So, we might put a contingent contract on that house at the beginning of the week.  But now we are waiting for a sunny day to take new pictures of all the fun things that we've done to upgrade the house.  So, I'm optimistic as usual!

Updates

So not only did we get matched last week, but we also accepted a contract on our house AND submitted a contract on a new house for us. This is a 44 year old house two doors down from my sister and her family. It does not have any of the upgrades that many of the houses have, but that's how we are able to get in this neighborhood. Its an old, well established neighborhood with large lots, individually designed houses and Talia will go to Saluda River Academy for the Arts in the fall. So, busy busy!

Few bits of information

So, I found out where the Birthmom lives. Looks like a nice sized city. Also found out in that state the birthmom will go to court 10 days after birth and give up her rights and then the baby is ours-free and clear. No more courts here, etc. So, that'll be our process!

Yippeeeee!

Never has 3 months seemed so short! After all the waiting and the profiles and the letters and the profile-reading, we've been MATCHED!!!! We're having a baby! In 12 weeks.  So much better to say 3 months.  Not scary. 12 weeks. Scary.  So, in the future, refer to the time of delivery as 3 months.  Thanks.

So, we get around to the adoption plan.  She is due May 12.  I vacillate from excited to holy smack, a newborn in 12 weeks-I mean 3 months!  I know almost nothing about her.   She is not mentally ill.  She does not drink alcohol and is not going through some heroin withdrawl.  

So, we are excited and cautious.  She could still change her mind. Not until the baby is born and she signs papers is he/she ours.  He/she.  We have no idea the gender.  Any name suggestions?  Talia has suggested Otis and Duke (Ally and Maddie's dogs) and Lola and Charlie.  So, will be working on others :)

We have the basic equipment.  A May baby will need a onesie and that's it for the summer in SC.  We're good to go! 

Now Mike and I are going to celebrate!

Life Update

So, I'm waiting again for an agent to come show our house. NOT complaining, just noting the facts. Since people are actually venturing out to see houses now, we've had steady traffic viewing our house (since Christmas).  I'm hanging around today to show the folks what I am in the process of doing and which rooms are going to be painted this week.  I am finally caving and painting the red walls in my living room. Sniff.  The red walls are what sold me on this house 7 years ago, but as my friend Ally said yesterday, I'm not mainstream.  So, we'll paint. 

Other news...Guess not lots has happened.  Nanny turned 85.  Half the family had a birthday.  I continue to be true to my challenge-all handmade gifts.  I might have cheated with Nanny's but the only thing an 85 year old woman needs is our enjoyment and she gets that from pictures of her family.  So, I printed pictures (I certainly can't do that by hand) and bought a photo album.  Again, can't make that by hand.  I did write bits of info inside, so I'm (guiltily) calling it handmade.  Next up is my mother-in-law's birthday, which is easy.  

Coming up...we continue trying to sell this house.  Julie and I are taking a photography class.  Valentine's Day.  Another conference.  All rather boring.  Oh, we saw an amazing ballet last night!  Off the Wall and onto the Stage.  It was so fantastic.  The choreographer created the ballet using poses from Jonathan Green's photos.  I didn't really think I liked ballet, but I was wrong.  Gospel and blues and jazz music.  Art.  Movement. Colors.  Ballet mixed with modern dance and popular dance.  Symbolism (I started analyzing the ballet in my head like we use to do in the dance appreciation class--"the choppy movements symbolized the breaking of the relationship...")  Simply devine.  And I want more ballet!