a grand adventure: April 2020

Where do I begin? I haven't done a decent blog post since... September? With only two posts since the arrival of my baby girl. So much has happened and changed. I really want to get an update down on "paper" for myself. You're welcome to come along if you're interested. *wink*

I wrote here that we were finally moved in to our apartment after living with my parents for... *mom brain* four months? Yeah. I believe it was around four months. We were both so excited and happy and feeling very blessed. It all went smooth for a couple months but then things started happening. Things that made living there very uncomfortable. I'll admit I even had nightmares about it. Maybe it was all the crazy hormones going on inside me. Who knows.
Our landlords became very difficult and as soon as our 6 month lease was up, we were out of there without looking back. I am so thankful God gave us that place for the time that we had it, and I am extremely grateful I was able to give birth in the comfort of my own living room. If you're interested in hearing my birth story, comment down below. Maybe I could manage to get that out for you. *wink* I have to say, it was one of the most amazing experiences of my life. It couldn't have gone better.
The one and only thing I miss about that apartment is the bathtub. Having a bathtub was super nice. At the end of my pregnancy I retained (if you don't know, that means my body held on to a lot of fluid) very badly and my midwife had me soaking in the tub every evening with Epsom salt.
But, we're getting a little off topic.

Anyway, we moved in with my parents when Kate was a little over three months old. Thankfully we knew this time wouldn't last as long as the first round of living with them while I was pregnant.
My cousins were moving across the country (to New Hampshire ironically) and their little apartment (at my great-aunt and uncle's) would be opening up. We lived with my parents about three weeks before moving in to this place we now have. It has been so much more relaxing and I thank God every day that He gave us this place. Especially during this crazy time with the virus and quarantine. If I had been stuck at the other apartment still... *shutter* I don't even want to think about it.

Here are a few pictures of our fourth apartment in 2.5 years.

We need an actual bed someday.

We have our very first dishwasher since we've been married! That's exciting. Also, I love the laundry. No tub but Kate is able to take baths in the big kitchen sink. All in all we are so much happier here and I pray we can stay here for a long long time. Preferably until we can buy or build. Hey, if you're gonna dream, dream big.

After living here for just eight days, we hopped a plane and flew 3,000 miles back to New Hampshire for a friends wedding. Josiah was standing. Because of the virus, the wedding was shrunk to only the wedding party and immediate family. Was a strange day for sure! But still beautiful and I am very happy for Mariah and Gordon. <3

While Josiah was getting wedding photos taken he got a text that our flight home was canceled. That was on Saturday and we were suppose to fly home Tuesday. We spent HOURS on the phone re-booking, having our flight canceled before we even hung up the phone for the second time, and booking another flight. Our new flight meant we would leave Thursday.
Sunday we were hanging out with family when for the third time, our flight was again canceled. Feeling *slightly* panicky that we wouldn't make it home, we went online and bought a new nonstop trip back home from Boston for the very next morning at 5:00 a.m. In a rush we said our hellos to much of Josiah's family, goodbye, threw our belongings together, and loaded up at 3:30 a.m. for the airport.
How grateful I am that we made it home safely! Though I do wish we could have had a more relaxing trip, where we were able to actually do things like eat out and go visiting. Someday we'll go back.

Here are a few pictures from Kate's first big trip!

Baby girl taking a nap on the plane!

Layover in Chicago

Meeting Great-Grandpa and Grandma

Meeting Grandpa E

Auntie Tennille

Grandma E

Cousin Reese

Went for a walk at Josiah's sister's place

Cousin Rose and Auntie Gwen

(great) Auntie Mary

great-Grandpa loved her <3

(great) Uncle Amos

Rehearsal for the wedding. The wedding party

Cousin Emily snapped this <3

My family ready for the wedding.

Auntie Annikka

Headed home!

We made it!

Literally as soon as we landed, our state went on a lock down. Ever since then we've just been living. Day in and day out at home. Josiah can't work because he isn't "essential" so that's been a little stressful. But, God has provided so far and I know He will continue to. <3

I am enjoying the sunshine we are having and even laid in the sun once! Settling in to our little home and staying as busy as we can.

Kate is growing so much. She is now five months old! She can scoot forward, sit up, move around in her walker, and loves eating rice cereal. She squeals and yells all the time, and loves jumping in her "johnny jump up". At the moment she is in her high chair, chatting to herself and playing with her favorite toy. Her "Crinkle Pooh Book". I love watching her grow! It's so fun! But also makes me sad because I realize how quickly the time goes by and she's growing faster than I can grasp.

I can't believe God blessed us with such a beautiful little girl. <3

Well, here are some pictures from my life in the recent months!