By all accounts, Americans are hungering after bigger and bigger houses, while families are getting smaller and smaller. In 2007, the average home is 4 bedrooms 2.5 baths. And, not surprisingly, even though these newer homes are more energy efficient, their environmental footprint is every bit as dramatic, if not moreso, because of the square footage now required to air condition and heat.

Almost 2 years ago, my Honey and I bought our first house here in Bellingham. It’s a lovely Victorian in a cute, older neighborhood. This house has CHARACTER and is such a wonderful change for our last one, which had (you guessed it) 4 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms. The yard is relatively low-maintenance and shady (with a little garden mixed in) and the kids love their flunky and colorful bedrooms.

We bought this lovely place because I missed my sweet little cottage. The small spaces and one-bedroom easy cleaning darling that I lived in with Morgan and Zander. In the end, kids with their forts have it right: There is something comforting about small spaces, with low-ceilings, and white appliances. Something sweet and pure and lovely.

When you have kids, or get older, or both, creating and sustaining a home that feels safe, secure, and cozy, seems so much more important. In my 20s, I could move every 6 months just for the fun and sport of it. Now I want to create a home that feels warm when you walk in the door. Meanwhile, even though I’ve found my home, I can’t break my habit of surfing for real estate all the time…

How about you? What’s home to you? Are you a secret real estate hussy like me?