While looking up a recipe today that I knew I was on my blog, I remembered just how much I like this blog. It was incredible to scroll through the history of our lives over the past six plus years (my first entry was when I was pregnant with Kai). The kids could have spent all day squealing in delight over the memories and the photos of when they were younger. It is their baby book after all. And, I was feeling relieved that I had a record of our life at least in one place (I think you all know I'm certainly not a scrapbook kind of a girl).
I knew today was the day. Today is the day I start writing in my blog again.
I also knew that a major thing was missing in my blog. It was the thing that made me stop writing and the thing that if I don't mention will make this blog not nearly as authentic as I would like.
I don't think I need to write it for the five of you who read this. You already know it. But, when, someday I get around to publishing this blog through one of those cool websites that will print a book of all of your blog entires and my kids read it when they are in their 20s, I'm guessing someone will say, "Hey, Mom, what happened in 2012? Why didn't you write?"
Well, here it is. I stopped writing when my life, well, our lives got really tough. I decided posting photos of the good times (and, my god, there were many good times!) without including some narrative of the bad wasn't my vision for this blog. So, until I could get nice and honest, I just stopped writing. And, honestly, I was too overwhelmed to even have time to write.
Last Spring, we were forced with a lot of scary truths: unemployment, depression, financial stress, anxiety, big time worry about Kai and stress that could move mountains.
Now, I'm happy to report that our stress has eased and we are in a better place than a year ago. A perfect place? No. But, we have taken some drastic huge steps to invite happiness, peace, and ease into our lives.
And, for the five of you who are still reading, we are forever grateful to you and your support as we start Chapter Three of our lives (see, our blog tagline has been "Chapter Two" but with this big of a change, I think we've entered into stage three).
First, we moved! Yep, hello, IOWA!! We are in Grinnell, Iowa (population: 10,000). It's in between Des Moines and Iowa City.
Second, I'm working full-time (well, even more than full time) at Grinnell College as the Associate Director of Alumni Relations. I'm working still in volunteer management and event coordination, but now just with some of my favorite people- Grinnellians.
Third, Kai started Kindergarten at our neighborhood public school, Fairview School, in Grinnell- just a few blocks away from our house. After a year of touring tons of schools and agonizing over our decision for Kai back in Minneapolis, we ended up going old-school (like when I was a kid) and moved to a town where we only one choice. How refreshing.
Want more?
We moved into a college rental house and live just 3 houses from campus. We live in a house that was built in the 40s with plenty of space for us to stretch out a bit.
Joe has transitioned into the parent with the flexible schedule- he does drop-offs and pick-ups for school, he works part-time at the local bike shop working on some new business ideas with the owner, he swim coaches, does 100% of the cooking and grocery shopping, and plays with the kids with more energy and patience than I could have ever imagined.
Ruby June has had her first babysitters that we have paid (saying good-bye to Nonny (my mom) watching the kids has been one of the HARDEST parts of this decision) and is smitten with our NEW DOG!
Yes. We have a dog! Maizey came to us December and she is exactly what we were looking for without even really knowing we were looking or what we desperately needed. She is an amazing dog and even Maxie, the cat, wants to keep her around!
Ruby June has probably had the hardest time with this transition (this was completely unexpected! Ruby has struggled and Kai has flourished) and I am convinced now more than ever to follow my gut. We put her in day care for the first couple of months here, part-time, and I knew in my gut it wasn't the right place for her. But, I spent a couple of months trying to convince myself it was a fine place, until one day I realized we couldn't take anymore (well, she couldn't). Now, we have a college babysitter and RJ has gone from miserable most of the time to happy and full of gusto most of the time now. Whew. What a HUGE relief.
I love this photo from the fall when we first got here- I will start off the blog with it. I think it captures the excitement and fresh energy this change of scenery has given us. I'm going to write more, I promise, but for now, at least, I've said "Hello" once again. So happy to see you!
xoxoxo
