A New Dwelling

Realizing we would need more space with the impending birth of our daughter, we started our house hunt last summer. When we got word of possible instability at Matt's work, we decided it was best to end our search without buying anything. Losing his job did not happen. So with this new year came a new search for a bigger place. We looked at around 15 houses this time before finding a few we really liked. Taking a second look at them with the help of my family, we made an offer on one not too far from our apartment. After a couple counter-offers, we got it and we are beyond excited! Whats funny is that its on the same street that we currently live on, just at the other end. We are set to close at the end of March, but have lots to do between now and then. The inspection is done and went well. Next step, finish financing and get the appraisal. Then we wait. Meanwhile, I'm making lists of what I want to do in the house, where furniture should go, what colors to paint the few rooms that need new coats, and what we need to buy for it. Ahhh! I can't wait to move in and make that house a home!

The Newest Addition

12 weeks ago, our lives changed forever. Our precious baby girl was born. On November 29th, at 9:57 in the morning, Amelia James made her debut. 23 hours of labor and I'd do it all over again in a heartbeat. She is absolutely beautiful and quite the handful. She is so much like me, temper and all. Everyday is a ball of emotions, even still. Being a mom is such a hard job, much harder than I ever imagined. I lived the first few weeks of Amelia's life in an exhausted haze and swore I'd give up breastfeeding at least a hundred times. Leaping into motherhood has proved to be the biggest adjustment in my life so far. We are learning this gig together and what a journey it has been. It has its ups and downs for sure, but no matter what, when I see her smile, my heart melts. I thank God that when the timing was right for us to have a baby, the timing was also right for a bunch of friends to have babies as well. Trekking this new terrain alone would be so, so hard, but as it turned out, we had 1 of the 10 babies due at our church last year.
Presently, we live in a 2-bedroom apartment. It's not tiny, but its certainly not big enough to fit all that comes with bringing home a baby. Our living room is stuffed full with our regular furniture, but a baby swing, her bouncy seat, a changing station, and toys galore have been added to the mix. There's barely room to walk in this place. Her nursery is just as full and what's funny is that there is still more stuff, unopened and stacked in her room, and at my parents' house. It's crazy how much stuff a baby requires, but I wouldn't change the crowded nature of our apartment for the world. I can't wait to see her grow and change, which I know happens all too quickly. Before I know it, this nearly 3-month old will be 3-years old. I'm gonna enjoy every moment!