stressed? who me?

Ok. Just a little bit of life happening around us in the past day. We found the perfect house that we want. Both Dan and I agreed that we wouldn’t change one little thing in the whole house. We saw it last night and it was love at first sight. Perfect layout, perfect decorating, perfect location, almost perfect price…everything. What a whirlwind. But there were just too many variables that I wasn’t comfortable with. I’m such a logistical minded person that way. Here’s a bit of our day yesterday:
· Dan went to work as usual and I was busy getting the boys ready to go over to my friend Dana’s house to drop Natty off for play and a nap as she was babysitting him for me. I had Isaac’s schedule marked out to a T as he and I had to go into the city for a 1:00 app’t that Dan was coming to as well. We made it to Dana’s on time, had a visit, Isaac had a bit of a nap, then we started out.
· We made it to a pre-ordained intersection downtown busy Calgary at precisely 12:15pm to meet Dan. (a miracle in itself) Pick-up was successful and off to the appointment. Breastfed in the parking lot. Modesty? No time. Success at the appointment as well.
· Then Isaac and I waited in line at the Canada Services office to complete his Social Insurance Application that I’ve been meaning to do for the past 4 months. I then breastfed him in that parking lot, all the while watching the clock, as we had to race home to pick up Natty as Dana’s little one had a swimming lesson she had to get to. We pulled in just as they were packing up.
· Got home to a message about an opportunity for Dan to make some money at Nikiska and Fortress ski hills passing out samples on the ski hill (aveeno and crystal lite of all things) with lodging paid for and $100/day to boot. He was allowed to bring someone as well, so he had to call up his friend, Evan, and see if he could go because Dan wouldn’t go away for a weekend alone. That was a barrage of phone calls back and forth and to the original offerer of the job, to Evan, to the point that Dan was still on the phone about it as we were pulling out of the driveway to our VALENTINE’S DINNER!
· In all that time, we had the babysitter come over, we put both boys down to bed (Natty didn’t nap at Dana’s so he was WIRED and cranky), and were on the phone to the realtor (as well) about setting up a viewing for this house that had just listed late that afternoon.
· We finally were out to the Blue Dog (our favourite restaurant here in town) for our special romantic dinner… where we talked finances, etc the whole time. I recognize these things need to be discussed before one shows up at a viewing. We made it out in time and up to see “our new house.” The realtor let us in, we fawned and ooo-ed and ahhh-ed all through, then came back to set up an offer. There was already one “on the table” so we had to come in above list price. (That’s the present Cochrane market—bidding wars…) THAT’S the stressful part. The other agent was calling saying “are you coming or what?” and I was upstairs having a panic attack at what we were getting ourselves into!! Our agent waited patiently downstairs, then we came down and said…yes? And I was further panicked. Then Isaac woke up and started screaming to eat. My mind was racing, my heart coming out of my chest, I felt sick to my stomach, Isaac was wailing, our agent was standing with the phone in his hand ready to make the call. AHHHHHHH!! It almost doubles our mortgage. Do we really need a house that badly? We own this one and are quite comfortable financially. Long story short, our offer was written up, taken away, Dan drove the sitter home, then he came home and we waited for the phone to ring. It did. The seller refused both offers. BOTH! The seller is a realtor and she knows how to play her game. She wanted more money and an offer with NO conditions. Honestly. I felt relieved that we were "off the hook" and we were to remain financially non-strapped, but I felt equally disappointed that we tried our best, but it wasn't good enough. We didn't get our house. What that means, I'm not quite sure. Maybe wait until Dan finds steady gainful employment?! I'm sure that will help in the calmness of my mind. Then I'll just be 100% ripped off that we didn't get the house in these situations. Yeah, that's it. Aim for ripped off. We finally got to bed around midnight. Oh, and happy Valentines day to you too. Right. Right.
· This morning we get the call right away—conditionally sold. More relief, but mostly a very bitter case of sour grapes. I’m sure more will come. As I’m sitting thinking all this through holding Isaac, Natty comes up to him and I think he’s giving him a gentle snuggle when Isaac bursts out wailing!! Natty bit his arm! Left a full set of teeth impressions on Isaac’s arm!! His tiny little arm that I was supposed to be protecting! I was so shocked I didn’t know how to react. I reacted strongly and Natty knew how I felt. He was quite embarrassed and shy himself. But still. What does one do with biting?? I have to do some research and talk to friends who are parents. Biter. Honestly.
· So, that’s me. And tomorrow Dan goes away for the WHOLE weekend. I’m feeling a bit of woe is me, but I’m sure we’ll survive. I believe they boys and I will all go to Paige and John’s for a sleep-over. I’m still sitting in my housecoat and doing absolutely nothing. Good way to recoup, I guess. I’m done like toast. Burnt, crispy toast.