And Baby Makes Three and Other Thoughts

It's been a while since my last post and we've been very busy. Mark and I are expecting our first baby on November 15. We are very excited and quickly approaching our 20 week ultrasound on Monday. We'll finally know (as long as the baby cooperates) whether we are having a boy or a girl. Mark wasn't so sure he wanted to find out at first, but after we talked about it he agreed that we having enough unknown going into this next chapter of ours. Maybe we'll wait to find out if we decided to have Baby Wolff #2. Unfortunately for Mark, it is not twins. He was really hoping to have two the first go around and then we would be done. I, on the other hand, am excited it's just one. I think two would be entirely too overwhelming, especially for two people who will both have to eventually go back to work full time. It's an interesting time for the Wolff's. As you may know from my previous posts, we sold our house back in March and we are still homeless. We sold it in two weeks and had to be out in another six weeks. I must say it was a bit stressful, but we did it with the help of our very gracious parents. Mark and I have been indulging in the basement at his mom and dad's since we closed on our old house. Mark, myself, and our two wonderfully puppies have been taking up residence at the in-laws for a while now. It's been great for both of us really because I have gotten to know my in-laws much better than I think I ever would have (and it's a good thing) and Mark has reconnected with both of his parents. Mark's a very independent person, but I think this situation has allowed him to be more involved with his parents again. His mom and dad are great people and very caring. In addition, we have had a contract on a new house since April 13 and yes, we still are waiting to hear further. We are currently negotiating on a short sale property in O'Fallon and let me tell you these banks require a lot of patience. Every time we turn around the deadline has been extended, 15 days turn into 30, etc. There is no time line or guideline that these banks have to follow, so we just continue to be patient and hope and pray that this will work out. There are 3 phases and we're in the 2nd which could take another week or so to wrap (or so we think) and then it's onto the 3rd phase which we really know nothing about. Please pray for us that this house works out. We have time and there is no need to panic just yet, but with a baby on the way, I need some time to nest before I start to waddle :)

"Home" Sweet "Home"

Well...we've moved out of our house, but unfortunately did not get a new house in time. The last house, as excited as we were, just wasn't meant to be. It needed a heavy amount of repairs and the listing agent wasn't the greatest to work with, to say the least and there was an investor involved, so things got a little sticky in the end and we all decided it was best to back out. So we moved on, we just haven't moved yet. We are currently living in Mark's parent's basement and it is working out great. The dogs are handling their new home quite well. We sold our house so quickly, we were thankful that they were willing to take us in and give us a place to live. Our third contract was submitted today, so we are hoping third time's a charm, so we will keep our fingers crossed and hope that this one works out. Who would have thought it would have worked out like this?? We'll keep you posted...

Movin' on up!!

Well....it's going to be done to the wire, but it looks like we have purchased a new house. There are some odds and ends that we need to finalize, but it is looking VERY positive. We will be moving to St. Peters, a place we never thought we would end up. Our game plan opened up many financial opportunities and areas of St. Louis (St. Chuck) that we never thought we would live. We always said, we would never go "across the bridge," but when you start looking it will suck you in just like everybody else. It's a good feeling to know where will be going for our next chapter. Additionally, we will be closer to our sisters, brother-in-laws, nieces and cousins. Unfortunately we will be moving further away from our parents and some of our closest friends. The house if great and a perfect opportunity to enhance our lives. For many this is a bad market and horrible economy, but fortunately for us it has presented an awesome opportunity for us financially. We will (hopefully) be getting into a house that would otherwise not be able to afford now or maybe ever. So many houses are priced way below market value, one of the reasons we decided to sell now versus wait six months, year or so. That is the latest and I will be sure to post more information (and pictures) as we get everything finalized and move in!!. Jeffy and Lucy are really excited about all the extra running space they will have. I personally am excited about my new walk-in closet!!

SOLD!!

Well, I can't believe I am saying this, but we sold our house and we did so in only 2 short weeks. It was really stressful knowing that we were getting an offer and hoping that it was what Mark wanted. For those of you that don't know, Mark has lived in 281 Ramsey for 12 years next month. I just came into the picture about 5 years ago. I kind of stepped back and let him make the decisions and chimmed in when he asked my opinion, but I knew it was important to him to get a certain amount of money for the house. I was nervous that it wasn't going to happen, but optimistic that it was only our first offer and the house had been on the market for such a short time. At the same time, with the economy as shaky as it is, would he later shoot himself in the foot six months down the road that he had rejected this offer? What it a freak thing that we got an offer so soon? Did we price it too low or did we just find a buyer that quick? It is his house and I wanted the decision to be up to him. Well after a stressful and overwhelming weekend, we finally agreed to terms that we both felt comfortable with on Sunday evening. It's an exciting time as we begin the quest for our next home, but it is overwhelming since we have not pinpointed a location and St. Louis is a big city. It will be our first journey to find a home together. We will end up where is best for us, I know that, but until March 29, I will continue to wonder where we will be next. There are so many factors to consider. It's an interesting thought trying to visualize yourself in a place you will call home and you don't even know where that is yet.

Shout out...it's a short one!

I just want to give a shout out to my husband. He is a amazing and I love him so much!! I could have never asked for a better or stronger soulmate to compliment my life!

It's a New Day!

I wanted to take some time to talk about the inspiration that has transformed in my life since our new President has officially taken the oath to lead our country. I have NEVER been as overwhelmed with emotion in any other election I have experienced. Mr. Obama's patient and calming presence makes me feel safe. The past several months have been overwhelming to so many. As we see layoffs and retirement savings go through the roof, I am just thankful that I am not a retired person or have a job that has me worried about whether I will leave work employed or not. I am thankful. I have been a fan of Barack Obama from the very beginning. I think even more of how lucky I am to be in the situation that I am. I cannot even fathom how much this affected those that were a part of the Civil Rights Movement, as they watch our new President take on the tasks and challenges of this county. Who would ever think that a black man would run this country? I, at only 30 years old, cannot comprehend the racism and overwhelming fears that were present during that time, but I've seen enough and learned enough to know that what was present in our world only 50 so years is completely unacceptable. Could you ever imagine not being able to board a bus, use a restroom or use a drinking fountain without thinking twice about your safety. Whether you are white, black, orange, yellow or green, you should be thankful that the man that has taken the oath to lead this country has promised a better future for all us, now and in the future. As a woman who is thinking of starting her next chapter and having a family, this is all I can pray for. Unity and safety, as a country it is what we need to move forward!! God bless everyone! I only hope that 2009 can be a prosperous year for all!

Why a Blog?

I have ALWAYS wanted to start a blog. As a former English teacher (I used to read a lot of books too), I have always loved to write. It's much easier for me to put my feelings down on computer (I also type much faster than I speak or write). Thanks to our cousin, Lori, I've found a great site and officially started...only 5 days into the New Year. Not too bad for one resolution of 2009.

I wanted a place where I could express my thoughts mostly for myself, but also to share with family and friends. I've created many chapters over the past several years and I am finally starting to feel settled with the exception of one small (rather large, depending on how you think about it) thing. I've moved to a new city after living in the STL all my life and back to St. Louis, changed careers (from teaching to real estate), met my hubby, got married and turned the big 30!!!

This should be a big year for us as well. Mark and I having decided we are ready to expand our family (you will hear a lot about this over the next few months). We've also officially decided to sell our house and move up. It's a sad feeling because this is Mark's first house (bachelor pad) and our first house together, but exciting as it is another chapter in our book.