Are we just dense?

So, consider the scenario: Nice suburban couple, two kids almost 5 and 3, both own their own businesses. The house they bought 10 years ago is not ideal for kids, it's designed for a couple,which they were, before the children. Now, alas, the couple has morphed into a family of 4 and has a dilemma. They love their neighborhood, but the house isn't working. It's space is poorly utilized and both of the businesses can't operate out of the house. And the wife is tired of writing at the kitchen table. And no, they can't share an office. Trust me on this.

So, of course, the couple begins the age old debate: sell, remodel or do nothing? For us, the debate began two years ago. The opening statements were made about three weeks after Maggie arrived home, and it's been point, counter point ever since. We almost bought a house down the street last year, but it didn't work out. So the debate continued. Finally, I believe we have an answer. We're heading hard down the remodel path.

This is no ordinary, "let's spruce up the kitchen remodel". This is a "rip out walls, add a second story and get a whole new kitchen type remodel". The master bath might get tossed into the remodel too, just because why not? But that topic is still under discussion.

I've lived through a kitchen remodel before, and it was no fun doing dishes in the bathtub. And I didn't have children last time. I just can't imagine what it will be like with them. In fact, when I really think about it, this could be one of the dumbest things I've ever done. Truly. It's going to be expensive and painful, dirty and dusty. But alas, it'll be marvelous when it's done. (Remind me I wrote this half way through the project.)

Here's the conversation I keep imagining:
"Mommy, can I have a waffle for breakfast?"

"Sorry, honey, even if I could find the toaster, there's no outlet. How about dry cereal, no milk again?"

"I wanna wafflllleeeeee!" Tears! I hear the tears now.

Yet, we are plunging ahead despite the threat of tears, the kids and mine. Our plans for the second story are due back from engineering any day, we spent Saturday looking at appliances (For those who thought they'd see us on Saturday, we were at Expo and Western Appliance in Dublin. We missed being in SF very much) and Sunday we spent way too much time on the consumer reports web site deciding which range was best, which refrigerator most spacious, which dishwasher most silent. You get the picture.

We're doing our best to get this project kicked off by May 1, so may be, just may be, we can wrap up by year end. Anyway, I'm sure this process will be fraught with bloggable moments. And from now on, I'll keep everyone posted on the milestones.