Oh my, this is a big one.
So much has transpired in the last week. It's so bittersweet. While we've been weighing options since well before baby G was born, God has finally led us to some concrete decisions. We knew we wanted to make some changes, but were dragging our heels, just wanting to focus on bringing Graham safely and smoothly into the world. Now having adjusted to the idea of parenthood, here we go again--beginning again. Taking the plunge into a big fat unknown:
We gave 30 days notice to our landlord. We are leaving here at the end of June. Leaving the city. Kissing urban living and the schlepping of 4-5 loads per week to the laundromat. In fact, we are leaving California. Moving back across the country to good old Minnesota. Man, I hope we won't regret this. We booked a big Budget truck for Jeff and a one-way flight for me+G. And in the mean time, there are sooo many boxes to pack.
I mailed off my letter of resignation. It was weird, but not as hard as I thought it would be, considering how long I've been away on maternity leave. I don't think I could have asked for a better, more rewarding nursing job. I already miss my little patients and coworkers. But for right now I am planning to stay home as long as {we can afford} possible with Graham...because being the mama, tickling tiny toes and trolling for smiles is all the job satisfaction I need for now. Maybe this fall I'll apply for a MN license and begin the job hunt again once G is sleeping through the night and transitioning to solids. But 'til then...I am enjoying every minute.
So right now Jeff is feverishly job hunting. We've been pricing out housing, but don't have a definite place lined up yet. It's such a scary time to drop everything and start fresh--with the economy and job market in such a state. But we're trying to be smart about it all. For example {this is lame!}, we're planning to stay with my parents for a few weeks while we make the transition and until we can get all of our ducks in a row. Somehow I don't think that my mom will mind having a grandbaby around for an extended stay.
There's so much to leave behind, yet so much to look forward to. But I think I'm as ready as I'll ever be to leave this gorgeous city. It's officially summer here--that means the forecast is foggy, damp, and 50 degrees every day. We haven't seen the sun for a week and that's making the packing+planning just a little easier. Am ready for some sunnier days ahead, or whatever the road may bring.
Good luck with the move! I hope all goes well & the job hunting goes well...I know that is a stressful situation!
ReplyDeleteI hope that all goes well for you. It's hard to make such life-changing decisions when you know that it doesn't affect just yourself (but Jeff and Graham as well). God will guide you to what He already knows is best for you three and show you how well He knows what you need. Good luck with the stress of packing and dealing with the move! Just remember it doesn't all have to be done in one day:)
ReplyDeleteoh Jess
ReplyDeleteso excited for new things for your family
for the oppurtunity to keep Graham with you during the days..
to be near family
to do so very much
Praying Praying
for you all,
for jobs,
and housing
and excited to see where God takes you.
WOW! BIG moves all around! I hope that everything works out and that you can stay home with that adorable little man of yours for as long as you can possibly afford. Good luck with everything, and thanks for the comment on my quilt! Laura
ReplyDeleteWell, here are my two cents, for what they're worth ;-) I think you guys are making a GREAT decision. When I had my Charlie we weren't around family and it was soooooooo hard and sad. I was just in Minnesota last week (Mankato) and let me tell ya, the weather was GORGEOUS! Can't exactly say the same about the winter months but I"m sure you'll adjust just fine. And I think it's awesome you make it a goal to stay home with him as long as possible. He might not remember your loving sacrifice, but it will make the biggest difference in your baby's life.
ReplyDeleteWhat a very exciting time in your all's life! Praying that this transition too goes smoothly! So looking forward to seeing you through this wonderful journey! A big jump, but sounds so wonderful :)
ReplyDeleteOh wow...big move! It sounds exciting and I know you will love being closer to family now that you have Graham. When I was pregnant with my first my husband interviewed for a job in California and for a job in Spokane where his family is (and close to mine). We obviously took the job in Spokane and we have valued having family so close with our kids like you wouldn't believe. I know we would have been so sad to be so far away. It is so wonderful to see your kids know and love their Grandparents. And how lucky that you guys got to do some fun pre-kid living in such a great place too! Best of both worlds! Hope the move and job hunt and house hunt goes well...praying for you!
ReplyDeleteWow, big news! If you know in your heart of hearts that you're doing the right thing, then you are. Good luck with the move. It will all work out, I'm sure! :o)
ReplyDeletewow! You have alot going on! Where in MN are you moving to? maybe we'll be neighbors.
ReplyDeleteI understand this post well. We are in a similar state of flux, even though I haven't written of it yet. Will be praying that all goes smoothly and God's blessings on everything you set your hands to. <3
ReplyDelete