Wednesday, September 08, 2010

Cha-Cha-Change

This song has been stuck in my head for days now, and while it seems to speak of a relationship, to me, at this time, it speaks of changes in relationships with places, and situations, and knowing when to move on. And make a change.



A year and four months ago.....

Joel graduated from law school and a week later we got ourselves hitched and moved our new little family of two from Salt Lake City to the Northwestern land of Portland, OR. And man, we just love this city.

So it has been a year and four months of exploring our favorite bridges (and book stores, and food carts, and vintage stores, etc)

And the growing of beards while studying for the bar (Joel did this, I remained clean shaven)

And the visiting of coasts (both Oregon and Washington) as we planned for the future and looked for work in this sad sad economy.

The funny part was that none of that planning for the immediate future included ultrasounds and growing bellies.....

Because my belly sure seemed to get bigger...

And bigger....

And bigger...


This economy (bad) and this baby (good) were not in our plans, but then again, what in life seems to ever go exactly as planned? So after a year of stress, but also a year of love, and enjoying our new marriage, and learning lots, and spending time with the extended family here in Portland, and the immediate in-laws in Seattle, and Joel being a superstar teaching Primary at church, and good friends that have been made, and a sweet boss that I love more than words can say (she has been so good to us) we are moving on.

Again, this wasn't the plan. But what I can tell you is what I have learned. And that is that we are so blessed and loved that it is absurd. While there are definite disappointments, the Lord has looked out for us. We are surrounded by angel souls that are so giving that it just fills my heart. And my husband is one such angel soul as well. He has worked so hard during this time and against such odds. He is a strength to me in more ways than just the amazing fact that he cooks good food for me daily. And while we aren't set for life quite yet (that happens overnight, right?) we have loads of perspective and hope for the future. It has been hard not knowing what we were going to be doing the entire time this baby has been growing inside me. And now 5 weeks before he is due to arrive, we have definite plans (barring a surprise dream job showing up tomorrow elsewhere) to move ourselves here:



We have gone back and forth on the possibilities for so long. What we could make work. And have felt strongly about moving close (is living in the same house considered close?) to my family in Vegas. And now that we have made the decision, it is almost as if the stress of these last eight months has been lifted. While circumstances won't be much different, and we are so sad to leave this place, I am at peace and excited for the future. And the birth of our son. And we know that as long as we keep working at it, that the Lord will provide what is best for our small family. It's as if we have done all we can here and it is time to move on, melancholy as that may be.

And we owe a huge thank you for all the people that have touched our lives during this time. We are indebted to so many in so many ways. (Harris and Mellor clans, I'm looking at you).

Things I am looking forward to? Well having my excellent mother around during the newness of my own motherhood for one. And being able to spend time with the the Jones part of the family that isn't limited to a quick weekend trip (I swear it's been years). And a winter that doesn't consist of solid rain.

So it is off to another adventure (probably about 2 weeks after the baby is born-fun) in another locale. And now we just have to get ready for the baby what we can. And cleaning, and packing, and all that entails. Wish us (and my big belly) luck.

15 comments:

Charlotte said...

2 weeks after the baby is born? Wow! Best of luck to you with that adventure...

christina said...

i guess this is what happens when i don't answer or return phone calls...i find out about big events in my sisters lives via blog. my heart aches for you for having to leave portland, i know you guys have loved it there, but i am so happy that so much of the stress will be lifted, especially during this time, so you can just enjoy your baby kai, and have mom there to help you. AND...this means i can come visit. I had been looking at fares to oregon, and they were expensive, and i was really bummed. Loves you both, and can't wait to see you (and Kai!) in a month or two!

Anonymous said...

Moving is so exciting! It will be a fun adventure for you guys. If the economy wasn't so blah right now we'd sell our house and move too. Can we come visit you in Vegas? I am an excellent baby holder and I promise to leave my babies at home...:)

Ambam & Pants said...

So sad, but super happy for you guys! Man, I wish I had had a live in Grandma for the first 3 months...come to think of it, I may call her now and tell her to move in.

Sarita said...

Nina- Yep...that is what happens when you NEVER answer your phone. Loves! And I am looking forward to seeing you guys more often.

Des- You are welcome anytime. Kids and all. In fact that goes for anyone who wants to come visit us. I don't guarantee that I will be up to go explore the Strip for the hundredth time though.

Amber- Going to miss you guys. Come visit us! Also, Im sure we will be back at the very least to visit.

Anonymous said...

Such a great song having to play during reading the post and seeing the great pics.

New baby and a move wow - good luck :-)! But it will be sure amazing to have your Mom around.

Moving has always blessed my with such good friends, so this is worth it definitely.

Chelsea said...

OMG, this will be such a fun adventure. And having your Mom there will be such a huge blessing.

You guys are just too cute. I like Joel with the beard and your wedding photos are super adorable.

Can't wait til you're here and I can hold that baby!
I will squeal with delight and get to hang out with you! I already count you as a dear friend.

*hugs*

KirstieBirstie said...

Of course I love the Stars song--and boy do I feel you on the changes thing! We are going to miss you guys so much here in Portland. I was talking with my mom about it and as she said--you guys fit in perfectly here!

I am excited that I at least get to see baby Kai before you leave, and I'm sure you will be back again soon!

suvi said...

I love your big belly! that baby will be one lucky kid, despite growing up in vegas ;)

good luck with the move!!

Rachel said...

kind of strange that I used the same title for my most recent blog post. We must be sisters or something.

I'm glad you get to have mom around with the new babe. You're still welcome to come visit us (and Chicago) anytime . . . please? Once things settle down of course.

I love the song. I danced to it with my new babe.

Molly Page said...

"is living in the same house considered close?" made me laugh!

Glad that you'll be so close to family through this huge transition!

yourstrulydear said...

i just found your blog and you are so cute!! change is hard but you can do it! vegas is fun, and it's always nice to have family around. especially with that huge belly of yours! best of luck. xoxo.

yourstrulydear said...

oh ps, i love stars!

Adrianna said...

Reading this made me hopeful. Thought you should know. :)

The Wi Family said...

This post made me teary eyed. I'm sitting here waiting to hear good news (you are in the hospital now :) and just thinking it's been forever since I've read your blog (or anyones for that matter).
You have a beautiful way with words!!! I so wish that things had worked out better for you in the NW--but am so excited for you guys to have a new adventure with your new little one!!! We have LOVED having you just a car trip away and getting to see you often! I'm so grateful that my big brother married so well!!! LOVE YOU!