Outback Newhouse
We have a backyard now. I’m literally sitting in it as I type this. With a cup of coffee as Fable naps away in the room she shares with her brother.
I am here. Outside my office. Listening to birds and sirens from the busy streets that surround our cozy little nook. The last few weeks have been an amazing collaboration of excitement and anxiety – me rushing around busily to various places trying to make this house a home – nesting in the way I never was able to when I was pregnant with Archer in 500 square feet, or even Fable.
But today, after posting this and reading it embarrassingly two-mornings after, I’ve pushed myself out into the yard I haven’t allowed myself to fully enjoy and appreciate yet and just. Sat.
Happy, again. Relieved. Breathing.
When I ask Archer what his favorite part of our new house is, he says, “the backyard!” I think Fable, who wanders after Archer, setting up cones to kick his soccer ball through might agree. Even Hal who comes home from work on his early nights to shoot hoops as the kids run around him – and the dogs, who have spent the last eight plus years of their lives in apartments.
We keep joking that this is their retirement home – the place they have come to die. Where they can lie around in the grass and chase squirrels toward the fence and sleep on the sidewalk under the sun.
But for me, probably the most fun has been having friends come over. We didn’t have the space in our old place for playdates. We do now and this week will have had four in five days – friends of mine, friends of Archer’s, friends of Fable’s too – who can comfortably wander and eat snacks at the table under the umbrella, get nice and dirty among the lemon trees.
Watch everyone happily run around until an injury, exhaustion or darkness reminds us its time to go inside.
I used to think people were crazy for giving up city living to move to the country, or even the’ burbs. I told Hal the other day, I totally get it now. Kids need space to run around.
What a blessing to be able to provide that for them, here.
Without getting into a car every day to seek it out.
Next Sunday we will celebrate Archer’s birthday at home – a first for us. We ordered a bounce-house to put in the backyard and invited all of Archer’s friends from school and beyond.
Archer can’t wait.
Niether can I.
***
What a fabulous space ^_^ And that umbrella is so fun!!
That back yard is truly epic. Soooo pretty.
“The last few weeks have been an amazing collaboration of excitement and anxiety” – I relate to this statement so much. We’re on the verge of moving into our own house and I’ve coined the term “anxited” to describe the myriad feelings that come with such a transition.
This post made me smile. I love watching my son run around our back yard. It is a wonderful feeling to watch him run free in a place I know is safe. I am glad you found a place that will offer that to your children.
I am in love with your table, where did you get it??
I’m dying over the umbrella! Do you mind if I ask where it’s from?
Table, chairs and umbrella all from Cost Plus World Market (set was on sale!)
http://www.worldmarket.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3602051
http://www.worldmarket.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3928049
thanks!
Backyards are the best. I rent a house in the Chicago ‘burbs, and even though I don’t have babies or even a dog (we foster for a rescue, but nothing permanent), there is something about having your own space. We have a great flower bed and a veggie/herbs garden. I love the city, but yards are pretty fantastic.
Such great pics and your happiness is radiating off the page. Do we get to see the interior? Fingers crossed.
Oooooo! I love the umbrella … Where did you get it? Your backyard is wonderful, I love the green paint & the deck. Fabulous. I grew up with Bostons, so great to see that everyone is enjoying the outdoors!
Ah Fable and Archer, running free in their very own backyard…
WIN!
Love the house! There is something to be said about a huge yard to hang out in. I get why people have to move to the burbs in the US, you only have one home. One of the things I love most about where I live now is that I get to live in the city because we have access to a family summer house, something most families have here. It’s the best of both worlds!
I am a New Orleanian who is now living on almost 5 acres in South Carolina. This transition so intruiged me that I took to my little blog to sort it out. Yay for wide open spaces and playdates galore. Congratulations…I’m a huge fan.
Congratulations! I’m so pleased you’re happy.
We bought our house specifically for the “treehouse” tree in the backyard.
(I wanted to make a comment over at your site, but it isn’t letting me. So, here will do!)
First of all LOVE your umbrella. It shrieks Summer. It’s fab.
I am so excited for you for Archer’s party! About a year ago my husband and I bought our first house (a total fixer upper that has taken way, WAY longer than a few days to set up), and we just hosted this past Christmas Eve-our first holiday hosted by us as a couple. During the party, I had to run into one of the rooms and close the door so I could cry I was so happy. Enjoy every second! There is nothing more wonderful than being able to take care of the folks you love so much.
I love ….Fable’s chubby thighs! Both my daughters have stick legs (that they did NOT inherit from me, BTW) They never had those thigh rolls that you just want to squish….
Love all the pictures and the new home…I can totally relate…we had an apartment with no backyard and no space for years, and just bought our house 2 years ago…I love it! I redecorate and repaint all the time, because I can!!
We don’t have a backyard, we have a pool and I HATE it. HATE. We don’t have a front yard, we live on a cliff. Not literally but we may as well. Our driveway is so steep that if my 18 MO were to get going on it, she’d end up in never never land. We’re talking about selling our house, we’d lose our shirts but I’d give up that shirt for a great yard where my girl (and kid to be) can play. At 18 months, she LOVES to be outside. LOVES it. Driving to the park all the time is SUCH a pain.
I’m so happy for you guys, and just a wee bit (read: hugely) jealous.
As someone who grew up in the burbs, I often contemplate moving “into town”. How cool would a loft apartment be? But then all the things you mentioned come rushing to mind. And I relize that though it is a love-hate relationship I am where I need to be. I’m glad you have found that place and so have the kids and the dogs
. Happy Retirement pups!
I am happy to see your family happy in a house you love! When I read your book I was so sad for you when you just barely couldnt afford the place you so desperately wanted. Not because there is anything wrong with having a baby in an apartment, and not because where you live has anything to do with who you are, but just from reading I could feel what you felt wanting to give your child every thing you possibly could and feeling like you couldnt.
I know the feeling firsthand as well. I just..Im happy for you guys!
I am so glad that you made it out to the backyard. Enjoy!
Now that it’s finally spring up here in the far north, I remember why we bought a house that is a 45-minute drive from my office: So that I can be happy just walking out the door in the morning – hear happy birds chirping, smell trees. So that my daughter can play outside in the grass – not on the 3-foot by 4-foot balcony we had on our condo. I grew up in a small town, and I almost forgot how different it is to have even just a little bit of nature outside my windows.
That is awesome! I cannot wait to have my own backyard. I have a question, in the fashion of Fable’s section (so cute) you have these tights on her (http://www.flickr.com/photos/girlsgonechild/3541097484/in/set-72157617959355273/) I was wondering what size you bought? I love them but I have NO IDEA what size to get because they just say small, medium, etc. Thanks so much!
In that picture, C, Fable is wearing a size Small
And Bekah – the house of which you speak? Hal and I talk about that place ALL THE TIME. I even drove past it recently. Crazy how much good… all the things that change.
Thanks so much! I love them :. Congratulations to all of your success and new home, that is great!
So awesome that you’re able to provide this for your children and for yourselves. I’m very happy for you all! Beautiful house you have there. Love the backyard and what a very pretty umbrella.
I can’t believe it’s already Archer’s birthday again (The BIG “5″)! How time FLIES! Have a great time celebrating it. ;D
I totally get it. We have lived in the hustle and bustle of NYC for close to 10 years, and with number two on its way we have decided it is time to vacate. We need some space, a place for kids and parents and dogs to run free. We need some quiet where kids and parents have a moment free from sirens. I love the city but I miss my sanity. We are definitely not moving to the country but a smidgen outside of the city will be brilliant.
Congrats on your beautiful retreat!
I live on 4.8 acres. I would NOT change it for the world!
My daughter spent the first years of her life in an apartment downtown Vancouver. My husband was recently transferred to Calgary, Alberta – a smaller city. We were able to buy a house in the inner city with a big backyard and it’s been magical to watch her play in a backyard without having to escort her down in the elevator. She has no concept of private space though (everything is public space in a downtown) and I keep having to apologize to neighbours when she’s off picking flowers in their gardens.
You have such a beautiful space! Love the Spanish revival house too. It’s the most homey feeling architecture.
Oh, how I understand your anxiety post. I’ve been in the thick of that churning horror for the last ten months (where you just. can’t. sit. down.), and I recently turned the corner. Looking at it from the outside, in you, I can see how lucky you are and how wonderfully sunkissed and precious this new life is. Thank you for giving me perspective on my own transition, and for making me cherish my wee shingled cottage for the space it affords us. Beginnings always make me cry with the weight of possibilities, and yours is especially poignant. What can I say? I am just so gal durn happy for you!
congrats you guys – seems like now that you’re unpacked you really can enjoy it all. Good on you, sister. I am just so happy for you rebecca – this next chapter is going to be fanastic – i can feel it!
Ohhhh, I totally get it now, also. I moved away from city life, and I thought I missed it. I thought the noise, the crowds, and the never ending awake-ness was eutopia. so I moved back to the city…after 4 months, I am going back to the quiet. My dogs are really happy, too:)
We just moved into a backyard-house too. Going nuts with the weedwacker and the compost and the veggie starts, and the kids are taking care of the chickens. And my daughter says “We really are farmers now!” It is a very small urban backyard. But good enough.
Ahhh. This post spells: HAPPINESS. So glad you finally found your happily ever house after. x
Kids + Outdoors = Good times!
So glad you found it!
I’m in love with that umbrella. Finally off to order one for myself…thanks for having good taste.