We found out Tuesday that we passed our driveway compaction test (praise God!) and now just have two more tests to go: the fire department sign off and the final inspection. Please pray that all goes well, so we can be in before the end of October!

We spent last weekend moving all our nonessential items into our house. Bookshelves, books, couch, rugs, dishes — basically everything except our dressers and beds. The house is full of boxes and bubble wrap and items that aren’t quite sure where they belong. I feel like I’m wrestling chaos into order, especially in our kitchen as I try to utilise our small space to the best advantage. I found a minimalist pot rack that doesn’t crowd the kitchen too much, and also gives me the farmhouse vibes I love. Plus, it’s a great place to dry homegrown herbs.

The only time I ever utter the blasphemous phrase “I have too many books” is during the moving process. I’ve emptied several boxes and am currently sorting them into their genres (my favorite way to organize my home library) but we still have quite a ways to go. We also have to keep the bottom shelves empty so a certain book-loving baby doesn’t rip them from their places.

I’ve also been working quite a bit on Michael’s room. I’ve spent a lot of time and energy coming up with a room that feels magical and will (hopefully) nurture his imagination as he grows. I’m excited to reveal the results soon!Until then, here’s a sneak peek:

It’s still not complete, and chaos and dust is everywhere, but it’s starting to feel like a home — our home.

My parents have been incredibly helpful with Michael while we work to move things into place. I love watching his bond with them, and I’m so grateful for their assistance as we chip away at the hundreds of little tasks that go into setting up the house.

In knitting news, I have three main works in progress: a jacket for Michael, a sweater for me, and a birthday/Christmas sweater for Jake. I’m hoping to finish Michael’s and mine by November, but lately I’ve had some wrist pain that’s made knitting slower.

The garden waits for us to put it to bed for the winter, acting as a wild shelter for birds and pollinators in the meantime. I’ve been planning out the garden beds we’ll have around our cottage in the spring, and talking with my mom about the preservatives we want to make next year.

After 15 months of working/waiting/building/moving into this house, it feels surreal to begin to plan for things beyond it. We have a fancy bottle of champagne waiting for us as soon as we get that final sign off.

So we’re almost home! Keep praying for us, dear friends!