Well the first pic is Rina in a Sunday outfit. Yes, I think she looks too cute in it 🙂 Love the shoes, Lori. The second pic is of the first and only time in my life that I will probably ever think of making cloth diapers and the result. I did put on her plastic panties but apparently I didn’t put them on correctly and about an hour or so later her whole left leg was soaked with pee. Lord-willing my next trial will go better. No, I’m not making anymore cloth diapers I am buying some pre-folds from my sister-in-law’s older sister. A whole lot cheaper, easier, and might actually work. I’m waiting for one more part (they’re called snappies and they hold the diaper together) and then I’ll be able to try them on Rina for awhile. I’ll let you know how it goes.
So, we are starting to look at buying a house. EEEEEEEEEEEEK. We are/have been praying for confirmation. Sometimes the desire to move back to GR is strong and at other times it’s hard to think about leaving grandparents here. You GR people should just move to Ludington and then we’d be all good. We can start a commune or something 🙂 That includes the friends in Holland and the IN group, soon to be OH group. Is OH the two letter thing for Ohio??? Sorry, I don’t know 🙂
Anyway, we’re going to meet with the realtor this Thursday and a bank this Friday to start looking into different loans and financing and all that junk. ANY recommendations, suggestions, helpful tips????????????????????????? Please send them our way.
Look at those chunky thighs on Rina!! I love it! I can’t believe how much bigger she is since we saw her in what, November? But I guess newborns tend to do that GROWING thing. 🙂
Advice on buying a house?! Make a list of the things that are important to you in a house. And stick to that list when you are looking. And look at a ton of houses. And DO NOT get emotional about a particular house. Pray long and hard when you find one you both agree on. And then have peace about it. 🙂 GOOD LUCK house hunting…it can be stressful but also a TON of fun!
PS…we’d love to move to Ludington, can you get Pete a job? 😉
PPS…definitely look for a house w/ beachfront property…you’ll never have a shortage of visitors!
Finance stuff… our philosophy is don’t sink too much into a down payment. Yes, a large down payment cuts down on mortgage payments and prevents PMI, but keeping more cash liquid is wise on your starter home that you may not be in more than 5 years or so. Investing that extra cash another way can be more profitable. The housing market does not always have that high of a return- as we are finding out first hand.
We did a list with two parts: Must have and would like to have. And I agree with the previous post about not falling in love with a house (though this can be hard). And don’t rush. There are plenty of houses out there. Good luck! Hopefully, we will be joining you in “the hunt” soon.
okay, so i’m not 100% clear… did you decide on Ludington then?
oh man we’re looking at house stuff too and while it is fun it is also a bit stressful! what are you guys looking for?
i really don’t have any words of wisdom. but i’m going to take julie’s advice and pray about it a lot more. we’re actually doing some preliminary hunting this weekend. just checking out areas and such.
keep us posted!
And yes, OH is correct for Ohio! 🙂
house hunting…the joys. we’ve bought 3 houses in the last 6 years or so. Not fun. Though, that being said, we’ve learned a little. Unfortunately, as great as the house seems, there will be disappointments along the way. Not to rain on your parade, but just being realistic. I totally agree with spending a lot of time looking and doing the lists. I highly recommend at least a 3 bedroom, at least 1 1/2 baths, and a garage. There is a lot that goes into looking, so enjoy the adventure and again, take your time. I’m sure there are lots of choices. Its a buyers market out there!!
Have fun. We may be in that “boat” again sooner than later…keep you posted