Hello there! Sorry for such a slow week. Things have been anything but slow over here, and moving preparations are ramping up and actually starting to feel real.
We’re in that weird transitional pre-move period where our current house is trashed, but I have no motivation to pick up or organize everything since it is all just going into boxes in a matter of days.
Even the dishes have been embarrassingly neglected.
Our living room currently has no coffee table. Our space is really cramped in our current townhouse, and I moved it two weeks ago when I hosted moms group at my house (to make room for babies to play!). Since then, I’ve enjoyed a little more carpet space for my now crawling baby. It is amazing how much smaller our home felt the minute he became mobile (not to mention all the stairs – yikes!).
And so our bedroom is hosting a coffee table covered in junk. It is most definitely time to go.
It’s strange that our move is actually finally here, as we’ve been house hunting and planning for months. Of course in those months, Cullen has become much easier to manage and get out with, and we’ve discovered all these great things to do in our neighborhood – and now we are leaving it!
I’m excited about our new place (which is about 25 minutes from where we are now), but I’m also nervous about learning a new neighborhood, and all that comes with being a new space. Funny that I’m such a creature of habit, but change has sort of been the theme of my life these last few years. Hopefully I’m getting better at it.
I am most definitely looking forward to having a lot more room for Cullen and the dogs. That was the big motivator for us in finding a new place. We absolutely love living right here in the heart of the city, but the cramped quarters and teeny backyard have been tough on our big pups. I hope they love their new yard!
I’m currently trying to figure out how to pack our entire house, while also taking care of a little monster who has decided that naps are not fun. Do not be fooled by this innocent face.
He has grown bored of crawling and is now working on figuring out how to stand. Downward dog is the new favorite trick.
I think he’s going through a big growth spurt – both developmentally (although I’m obviously joking about him standing anytime soon) and physically. He is noticeably taller this week than last. And because of that, sleep and naps have been very unpredictable, and virtually nonexistent.
Keys to the new house in hand tonight, and moving boxes arrive tomorrow! I have seven days to get us packed and ready – wish me luck!
74 Comments so far
Leave a comment
Luck!
[Reply]
Compared to the labor you went thru to have Cullen, this is the proverbial piece o’cake! Girl, you CAN do this!
[Reply]
Moving with a baby is so hard. We did it a week ago. Toward the end of unpacking I realized my little guy was big enough to go on my back in the ergo. I wish I had realized this sooner. Hopefully you can benefit from my experience. Also made squatting down to get things a meaningful workout. And don’t be surprised if he does stand soon—mine did just shy of 6 months. Every baby is different but it does happen.
[Reply]
Emily Malone Reply:
April 20th, 2012 at 12:03 pm
Good idea! I’ve never tried it! Can you get him on your back by yourself?
[Reply]
Emily Reply:
April 20th, 2012 at 12:16 pm
Yes, I can get him there myself-its a little tricky (there are definitely videos out there). I do it next to a bed and a full length mirror: start with the bottom of the ergo on and the baby on your hip. Lean forward at the waist so your back is parallel to the floor and sort of scoot him over into piggyback position, pull on straps, then stand. To get off, I lean back on the bed so he is laying on it gently and unstrap him because the reverse of above is too hard for me. My son didn’t love it at first and I kept having to show him both of us in the mirror, but he got the hang of it. I also make sure to talk to him the whole time. Seems like it takes a while to figure out the different view of Mom. Its not my favorite for outside the house but it sure is convenient for getting things done sometimes.
[Reply]
Jane Reply:
April 22nd, 2012 at 6:30 pm
What age group is the ergo for? How old does a toddler have to be before you stop using it?
[Reply]
Elizabeth Reply:
April 23rd, 2012 at 8:45 am
I have a Becco but I think they’re very similar, and noticed yesterday that it holds up to 45 lbs!
[Reply]
Good Luck!
[Reply]
Good Luck! What neighborhood are you headed to? Will you still be able to walk to things like you can in Fremont? I’m a fellow Seattle gal and am just curious. :)
[Reply]
Emily Malone Reply:
April 20th, 2012 at 12:03 pm
We’ll be over in Kirkland! It’s a lot more residential than what I’m used to, and I’ll admit I’m struggling a little with that. Definitely not the walkability that I’m used to. Still near things but not quite like what we have here. But we still plan to drive back to Fremont for markets and things. :)
[Reply]
Janine Reply:
April 20th, 2012 at 12:43 pm
HI Emily!
I live in Kirkland and actually LOVE it – i’m a previous Fremont gal myself and it IS different, but the waterfront in Kirland is so great for jogging and there’s still kind of an artsy feel to it. Maybe I’ll bump into you sometime!
-Janine
[Reply]
Diane Reply:
April 21st, 2012 at 1:01 pm
I too used to live in Fremont and now live in Redmond. Life is so much easier on the eastside! I go into Seattle at least once a week and it’s such a quick drive. I like the yoga studios and the trails much better on the eastside. If you need movers, check these guys out: http://www.cantstopmoving.com/
We’ve used them twice and they are professional beyond words.
[Reply]
Alexa Reply:
April 22nd, 2012 at 10:25 pm
We’re in Redmond too (and oddly enough have moved twice with http://www.cantstopmoving.com :) Good luck with the move!
BTW- Kirkland is WONDERFUL in the summer. There is a PCC in Houghton and two WF (Redmond and Bellevue), and Costco is up on 85th.
[Reply]
Emily Malone Reply:
April 23rd, 2012 at 7:59 pm
Really? That makes me feel better. I’m pretty nervous about the switch from city life to the Eastside. It’s going to be very different! What trails do you run on on the Eastside??
[Reply]
Diane Reply:
April 24th, 2012 at 7:19 pm
I run and bike on the Sammamish River Trail. Last week, I saw a bald eagle on the trail! It loops through Marymoore Park and connects to the Burke Gilman.
[Reply]
Emily Malone Reply:
April 23rd, 2012 at 8:02 pm
That makes me feel better. :) I’m worried about leaving the city vibe and walkability. Was it a weird transition?
[Reply]
Meagan Reply:
April 22nd, 2012 at 12:26 pm
HOW cool! I may live in/near the Kirkland area one day, since I am applying to Bastyr University’s ND program. But we will see. Fremont is GREAT though. Were you close to the chocolate factory? :)
[Reply]
Emily Malone Reply:
April 23rd, 2012 at 7:57 pm
Two blocks away! Sniff.
[Reply]
Meagan Reply:
April 23rd, 2012 at 9:27 pm
WOW! I was so close to where you live then. I visited Theo and Flying Apron and Bastyrs Clinic over in Fremont/Wallingford. ALSO per your recommendation we went to PORTAGE BAY and holy cow you weren’t kidding. It was seriously so incredibly delicious. One of the first menus where I had such a hard time order simply because the selection was SOO good! AND for glutenfree soyfree too!
[Reply]
Did you guys buy? how exciting!
[Reply]
Elisabeth Reply:
April 20th, 2012 at 11:37 pm
I was wondering if you bought a place, too!
[Reply]
I love moving for some odd reason. I like that it’s a great time to weed out things and start fresh. Although I can’t say I’ve ever moved with kids. I’m sure that makes things a little more tricky!
I love when babies do downdog! They are trying so hard to move!
[Reply]
love the downward dog!
[Reply]
Oh my goodness you have a baby doing downdog!! That is SO adorable!!! Good luck with your move. I’m sure this change will be a good one for all of you and the dogs will love having room to play too. Best of luck with moving! I know it can be very hectic and stressful so I’m sending good vibes your way! Can’t wait to see pictures of the new place :)
[Reply]
Not surprisingly given his parents, you have an arhlete on your hands … He’s an early crawler! M is trying but not yet!
[Reply]
Smooth move! We’ll probably be in your shoes during the summer we just do not know where we are going and we have a almost 6 month old. Trying not to panic.
[Reply]
I can’t believe how much you move! And you made that house SOOO cute!! I don’t know how you’d have the energy, considering all that’s happened the past few months, to do it again. I have a lab so I can only imagine TWO and how much space they need – glad you’re all going to get it! Can’t wait to hear what area of town you’ve gone with (I live in Northgate).
[Reply]
Emily Malone Reply:
April 23rd, 2012 at 8:02 pm
Haha I know! We move way too much. I don’t really mind it though.
[Reply]
I actually recently learned that we may be moving to Seattle next year (my husband is Army and we’re currently stationed in Hawaii, but looks like Ft Lewis may be happening in 2013. I work in international nutrition, so there are tons of opportunities there for me (Gates Foundation is my dream!) but they’re all deep in the city, whereas Lewis is 45 mins south. Also, we have 2 large dogs, like you, and baby making days are getting closer;) though I’d continue to work full-time. My career is very important to me. Are there areas you’ve looked at that you’d (or any readers!) suggest that are more in the southern part of Seattle?? We are city people so we’d choose him having a longer commute over being further from the city. Walkability is also very important to me, I like to walk to get dinner, drinks, etc.
We’re actually both from DC, so I enjoyed reading your blog when you were there and I was so far away and missing it!:)
[Reply]
Alexa Reply:
April 22nd, 2012 at 10:28 pm
It might be a bit far out but I adored living in West Seattle (its walkable to restaurants etc). But I’m not going to lie, I pulled the Tacoma commute from Seattle for two years, though its a reverse commute its tiring for sure. You might also check out Gig Harbor (you’ll have a toll), Des Moines, and Old Town Tacoma (its close to the waterfront which has a great running path.
[Reply]
Alexis Reply:
April 22nd, 2012 at 11:24 pm
Thank you Alexa! I’m saving this message in a doc so we know where to look next year:)
[Reply]
Emily Malone Reply:
April 23rd, 2012 at 8:02 pm
I dont know much about South Seattle, unfortunately. I’m in North Seattle, and we’re moving out East! I’m sorry. :( Hope to meet you if you end up out this way!
[Reply]
Alexis Reply:
April 26th, 2012 at 11:10 am
I’m keeping notes of all the restaurants you recommend:) I hope we meet if we end up there next year!
[Reply]
Don’t joke – my little guy pulled up to standing ONE week after figuring out how to crawl! It might be sooner than you think!
[Reply]
I love reading your blog! I have a son who is 4.5 months old and I look forward to your blog posts because it seems like he follows in Cullens footsteps! It’s amazing how babies seem to follow a similar pattern.
Good luck with the move!
[Reply]
Are you continuing to rent or are you buying?? Just curious. Good luck with the move! You have so much energy, it sounds exhausting, especially with a baby in tow now :)
[Reply]
Good luck! So glad you are going to move somewhere with more space, I’m sure that’s a relief :)
[Reply]
Yeah, I bet he’ll be pulling up soon, mine crawled around 6 months, pulled up a couple weeks later and started cruising. It’s so fun but a little bittersweet because all of a sudden you don’t have a little baby any more.
Good luck with your move.
[Reply]
Good luck! Moving is exhausting, but it sounds like you will be really glad to have a bigger space. Hopefully this means that all the work you are putting into moving now will pay off very quickly!
~Emily~
[Reply]
Best of luck with packing and moving! We are on a very similar schedule as we close on our new house in one week and are moving next weekend -yikes! I can’t wait to see the new place once you guys are settled in.
[Reply]
I feel your pain. I also have a 6 month old and have 7 days to pack and get ready for the big move. Add in that both my husband and I work out of the home full time and I am a little more than stressed. Good luck with your packing and your move!
[Reply]
oh goodness. we just bought our first house and have been moving in and getting settled all week. it’s been an exhausting week doing it all with a 2 year old and a 5 mth old but we are getting there! you will definitely appreciate having more outdoor space once the baby is running around. hope you can find some help and good luck!
[Reply]
Oh man, good luck with the packing!! I always get so stressed out when it comes to moving, but that’s always because I am known for leaving everything until the last minute! 7 days??? You got this!!! :)
[Reply]
We have to move this summer and I’m totally dreading it. Good luck with everything! It will be nice to be settled in a new and bigger place! I have family in Kirkland and they love it (I still haven’t been).
Cullen’s down-dog is awesome!
[Reply]
Hey I’m over in Kirkland as well! I just moved here from Montana so I look forward to hearing about all the fun things you find here. I’ve been too busy with work and school unfortunately. >.<
[Reply]
I wish you the very best of luck with your move! We just did that without a baby and it was a tough job. But more space is so worth it!
[Reply]
That is quite the innocent face! Good luck with the move and the packing. It will be over before you know it!
[Reply]
Good luck on your move! I can’t wait to see how you decorate the new place. Will you be able to put up Cullen’s alphabet tree that you did for the nursery?
[Reply]
Emily Malone Reply:
April 23rd, 2012 at 8:00 pm
I hope so! Going to try to save it. :)
[Reply]
Good luck! I can’t wait to see your new place! A new house of your own! So exciting!
I’m really hoping to buy myself a house (my first!) next year, as soon as I go back to work after my maternity leave. Having a backyard for my baby boy to play in is very important to me. :)
So fun! Congrats! Sending positive energy your way. :)
[Reply]
Kirkland is wonderful! The great thing about Seattle, is where ever you go, you are surrounded by beauty and bodies of water. Downtown Kirkland has it’s own things going on, but definitely not the hippy vibe we all love Fremont for!
Be sure to check out Cafe Juanita & Cactus is always a great Mexican standby!
[Reply]
Cullen’s downward dog is adorable!
Good luck with your busy week; you’ll manage just fine!
[Reply]
Oh my goodness good luck on the move!!
We want to move some day but I don’t know when we’ll have the courage to put it on the market. I feel like it needs some work first.
[Reply]
Yay! Congrats on the house. You’ll love having a yard with the baby!
[Reply]
so excited to see the new place! although PLEASE don’t feel any stress or pressure to get a post done on all of that because moving is tiring and you need to give all your time and energy to your family not us! we can wait:) but excited for when you DO get around to it!
[Reply]
Good luck!!!! My sister & I just moved last weekend and having movers made all the difference in the world.
[Reply]
Emily Malone Reply:
April 23rd, 2012 at 7:59 pm
We have movers – thank goodness!
[Reply]
Wow, look at Cullen go w/ his yoga pose! It’s so amazing how quickly a lot of boys (and some girls, but always seems like mostly boys) develop in the gross motor dept! He’s such a cutie :)
[Reply]
Good luck with the packing and moving! I’m sure the dogs will love having a bigger yard. Try not to stress too much about packing and moving – it’ll all get done. Promise.
[Reply]
Oh good luck! We’re getting ready to move too and I’m dreading it. Trying to figure out how to pack and move everything with a little monster and 8 months preggo and its hot here ugh! Hopefully the transition will be smooth and the move worth it! Good luck again!
[Reply]
Kirkland is a good spot! It’s a good location- you are still central to a lot of stuff. Your pooches are going to LOVE having more of a yard!
Wishing you luck on your move!
[Reply]
Good luck and YAY for the dogs! It’s so weird how differently you look at how you’re living once the thought of a mobile baby hits you ;-)
[Reply]
Good luck with your move!
[Reply]
Good luck with the move! You can totally do it in 7 days. It will feel so great to be settled into the new house. Cullen is adorable!
[Reply]
Oh Emily, don’t think Cullen won’t be walking anytime soon. My son walked at 7 months – yes alone. My daughter walked at 8 or 9 months and my grandson was walking about 8 or 9 months. They were ready to get on their own and they just did it. So your immobile baby will soon be mobile!! What fun.
[Reply]
I forgot to add- a lot of the vendors who hit the Fremont/Ballard markets also go to the Bellevue and Redmond markets on Saturdays. So hopefully you’ll see some of the same vendors you guys like!
And when you get settled check out Marymoor Park in Redmond. They have a GREAT dog park and wonderful running trails (and concerts in the summer).
[Reply]
Emily Malone Reply:
April 23rd, 2012 at 7:57 pm
Great to know!! Thanks!
[Reply]
That is so exciting for you guys! Good luck packing everything up :)
Can’t believe Cullen is almost standing, he’s growing like a weed!
[Reply]
Good luck, Emily! Congrats on the new place!
[Reply]
The best of luck to you all! Congratulations on your new space.
Message to Cullen–Sleep so your mommy can get some work done :)
[Reply]
Mom is on the way! See you Thursday!!
xxxooo
[Reply]
It’s definitely fun living vicariously through you. Good luck with the move, but I know you’ll do fine. Can’t wait to read all about the new place and see photos.
[Reply]
Don’t be shocked if he does walk…my son wasn’t much of a crawler – he was pulling up and walking along the couch by 7 mths – 8 mths he was walking!!! He never did the normal ‘sit up’ either – it was more like a grown-up doing actual ‘sit ups’….crazy!! Good luck to you!! Don’t fret – my son or daughter hated naps :-( some children are just like that!!
[Reply]
Emily Malone Reply:
April 23rd, 2012 at 7:48 pm
Eeek he’s getting closer every day!
[Reply]
Leave a comment