Wow wow wow. Remember me? I feel like I’ve been running a marathon. So last time I checked in, I told you that Cullen was sick, I was starting to get sick, and I still had a whole house to pack. Yikes.
Unfortunately, things went pretty far downhill from there. Thursday was one of the worst days I can remember in quite some time. You know sucks worse than feeling like you have the flu? Feeling like you have the flu and nursing/taking care of a baby.
On any other day, Casey would have stayed home to watch Cullen so that I could crawl into bed. But my sickness happened to land on the day he was taking a 9-hour exam (for work) that they only offer twice a year. Double yikes. So as I continued to feel worse and worse, I knew I wouldn’t be able to get ahold of him.
I pretty much spent the day laying on the floor or couch and throwing toys at Cullen while he played.
When he napped, I napped. When he was awake, I counted down to the next nap. I knew it was mastitis again – my whole body ached and it hurt to even carry Cullen against my chest. I fluctuated between being freezing cold and drenching my clothes in sweat. By the time I finally tracked down a thermometer and took my temperature, it was close to 103. A call to my midwives got me immediate antibiotics, and Casey rushed to go get them the minute his exam let out.
When we started planning our move a few months ago, my mom offered to fly out to help with Cullen so that Casey and I could focus on packing and moving. Her flight got in late Thursday night, and I have never been so happy to see her. We needed her help even when I was at 100%, but with me feeling terrible, we needed her more than ever. Cullen was pretty happy to have here here too.
Unfortunately, all week I had procrastinated packing because I found it hard to do while watching Cullen. Instead, I had told myself that I would do it in the last few days once my mom arrived. But me being sick sort of derailed those plans, and we started out Friday morning with all our boxes pretty much empty.
My mom was completely amazing, and somehow managed to watch Cullen while also packing up my entire kitchen. Casey worked at home so that he could help move and pack boxes, and keep an extra eye on Cullen as well.
For some reason, I found packing up Cullen’s room to be much harder than I anticipated. There was so much love in that nursery. I know stuff is just that – stuff – but I spent a lot of my pregnancy working on his room, picking out his things, and rocking in the glider just thinking about his arrival.
I bought my baby home to this house and this nursery, and I found myself very emotional as I took down his pictures and packed up his toys. I know his new nursery will be (very similar) and even better, but this was his first, and that made it tough.
Mom and I spent about 30 minutes trying to figure out how to save the wall decal. We got about halfway through before I gave up and said forget it. I’m going to get another one for his new room, but this one just wasn’t realistically salvageable.
By Friday evening, we still had a lot to do and I could tell I had probably overdone it during the day. Casey and my mom stepped in and let me rest while they packed up our entire master bedroom and closet. Casey drove all the clothes over to the new house in several car loads. I think packing and unpacking closets might be the worst job!
We ended Friday night with the house (mostly) packed, and all of us totally drained and ready to crash.
And we shared one last Friday night takeout order from Revel. I’m sure I’ll still be eating there plenty, but it will be very different from when it was literally around the corner. Probably much better for our bank account.
Saturday morning – moving day! – came early. Cullen hung out in the jumperoo with Grandma, while the movers emptied out the space around him. Casey and I tied up all the loose ends and packed up the last minute boxes.
And before I knew it, it was empty. Sniff.
We moved into our little townhouse in Fremont almost exactly a year ago (next week!). I arrived that day in Seattle by myself. I remember taking a cab to our empty townhouse, and thinking it was so strange to be in such a far away city all alone. Shortly after, Casey and the dogs arrived in the car, and our life in the northwest began.
We celebrated that night, which happened to be our wedding anniversary, with dinner out in our new neighborhood. I was 18 weeks pregnant and still sick as a dog.
And here we are just one year later, but with lives that are so drastically different and full
It was a great starting home for us as we figured out life here in Seattle. Our first home as a family of three. It certainly had both pros (so walkable!) and cons (so loud!), but it was Cullen’s first house, and I know I’ll always have special memories of his first days, weeks, and months here.
Scenes from the other side – the new house – to come!
60 Comments so far
Leave a comment
What a great story! I can’t wait to see how you like your new place! I’m coming up to Seattle on Su/Tuesday this coming week, so I’ll be right next door!
[Reply]
What an ordeal! You must have been so happy to see your mom :-). Can’t wait to see how you set up the new place!
[Reply]
So Sorry to hear you had to do all that being sick! How great to have your mom there. I wish we had family that could come out and help. Blessings on your next home adjustment!
[Reply]
Glad to see you got a little extra help with your crazy weekend. I can’t believe the misfortune of being sick while all of this was going on. You guys are just the cutest family and I can’t wait to see the new house!
[Reply]
Moving is horrible…I can’t imagine having to do it sick AND with a baby. You rock!
[Reply]
What a week you’ve had! What doesn’t kill us makes us stronger, I guess? Enjoy coming out the other side – in your new house!
[Reply]
I bet it was so nice to have your mama there! We just bought our first house. I love our new house and am so happy to be living here, but it was a little sad leaving our old house. We brought two babies home there, my water broke there with my son and I had 18 long and painful hours of contractions there with our daughter. Bittersweet.
[Reply]
Wow, I can’t imagine trying to pack up my house with Molly hanging around, let alone doing it while being so sick! Props to you for making it through all that.
I got teary eyed reading this as I think about moving from our first home as a family of 3 next year.
But so many great memories to come! Hoping the unpacking process is better than the packing. Congrats on the new place!
[Reply]
Congrats on making it through packing! I hope you feel better soon and that you love your new house!
[Reply]
It’s truly amazing all the changes that can happen in a years time! I am excited to see your new house!
Hope you continue to feel better :)
[Reply]
What a precious pic of Cullen & grandma! Grandma’s are the BEST! :)
[Reply]
Ugh, how awful to be sick while trying to pack up and move! Hope you’re feeling better now and can get some rest.
[Reply]
You are so right; its SO much harder being sick and having to care for a little one. I have very vivid memory of lying on the floor when my son was a baby. I was sick as a dog as was he. In fact, I just laid a shower curtain on the floor for the vomit. I shudder just to remember it. I felt very alone and sad not to have family in town. You DO get through it though. You did a great job!!!
[Reply]
time sure does fly, I cannot believe it’s been a year!
[Reply]
Hi Emily, I don’t even know how I found your blog, but I really am happy I did. I had a son a few weeks before you (9/29) but was unsuccessful breastfeeding, but really have found your blog so very relateable. We are hoping to be able to move soon but are not sure if it’s financialy possible… but our fingers are still crossed! Good luck to you all in the new house, I imagine it was hard to leave the old nursery but I’m sure you’ll have photos to look back on for years to come… and I’m sure Cullen won’t care nearly as much as you. haha! Oh boys… Good luck! And I hope you feel better soon!
[Reply]
Yikes– moving saga from hell!!! So sorry your mastitis returned, and with such awful timing. At least the move is over and done with– and now you can enjoy your new digs!!
[Reply]
What a tough move! But I’m sure you’ll be so glad to get settled in your new home. The picture of your new kitchen is basically what my dream kitchen would look like. Hope you feel better and enjoy the excitement of your new place!
[Reply]
Hope you’re feeling better. Congrats on the new house! That picture of your mom holding Cullen is sooooo sweet.
[Reply]
I am a Grandma now yet I nursed my youngest child for two years. He was a preemie and it was fitting.
I have never heard of Mastitis nor did I ever get it. Sounds like I would remember even though it was such a very long time ago.
I admire you for pushing on and I love watching your Son grow not to mention your food.
[Reply]
Ugh, as if packing isn’t stressful enough! Sorry you had to go through that, I hope you’re feeling better now. Looking forward to seeing pics from your new place!
[Reply]
Oh boy, you got the double whammy! I’m glad the worst part is over. And thank God for Moms! They always know just what to do to get things done! Enjoy your new house!
[Reply]
My mom always says that moving is one of the great stresses in life. You are so fortunate that your mom was able to come help you out! I’m sure you have many exciting adventures ahead! I hope you’re enjoying the new place!
[Reply]
It sounds like you’ve all had quite the week. As if moving wasn’t bad enough on its own? Thank God for moms! So nice that she came to help you out. :) Hope you are feeling better soon and the rest of the unpacking goes a bit more smoothly.
[Reply]
I could just feel the emotions in the beginning of this post. I was only sick once during the time that my son was an infant and it was horrible. I can’t imagine having to move on top of it. My eyes welled up when you mentioned that your Mom was there. I was hoping for at least a babysitter or a friend, but there is nothing better than Grandma. I hope you feel better and the moving process is uneventful. Best of luck!
[Reply]
That had to be bittersweet to leave, but I hope you’re loving your new home!
[Reply]
I am not usually such a softie but this post made me tear up. My husband and I have been looking for a new house too. Our boys are only a few weeks apart and I know I will feel the same way you do about moving someday.
[Reply]
Gah you got me all emotional! I know you’ll make many more great memories in your new house. And hey, at least Cullen will have many many pictures to remind him of his first home. =) I’m so glad to hear you are doing better.
[Reply]
I had to hold my tears twice while reading this post. First the nursery, I can relate to this, I have to move in 6 weeks and I am not looking forward to packing my son’s nursery. Second the picture at the front door, just you and then the 3 of you. How much have your life change…
[Reply]
Can’t wait to see the new place!
[Reply]
Such a good post! Almost made me teary – I can’t wait to have that feeling with a little one some day (hopefully soon)!
Welcome to our neck of the woods! Hopefully there’ll be some sun here soon so you can see how pretty it can be :)
Janine
[Reply]
Now you get to make even more amazing memories in your new house. I am sure it was bittersweet leaving your old house but I am sure your new house will be fantastic. Can’t wait to see it!
[Reply]
Well…let’s just say you’ll never forget this move!
[Reply]
I just have to say that in the family pictures at the bottom of the post – adorable family! And you look beautiful!
[Reply]
Sorry to hear life’s not been so fun lately. :( I hope things get better and that the adjustment to the new house goes well! What an exciting time and what a cute family! :)
[Reply]
Ugh, it’s never a good time to get sick, but wow, what a horrible time to get sick. I’m glad you’re feeling better.
I wanted to say that the picture of your mom with Cullen snuggling her is just the sweetest. Between the love that shows on her face and his contentment, it’s just beautiful.
[Reply]
Good luck in your new house. Cullen looks like he’s on the mend and I hope you are too. My kids always got very sick just before a tooth came in. I know that doctors will tell you no but I swear it happend with them both, especially the first few.
[Reply]
Bless your heart. That sounded so hard. PRAISE THE LORD FOR MOMS!!!!!! Even I wanted to cry and hug your mom and just look her in the eyes and say “thank you”!
[Reply]
This really puts my moving woes into perspective. I guess I shouldn’t complain about moving the ginormous coach next time lol
[Reply]
i am so sorry to hear about you getting sick during the middle of your move! i am glad to hear that all ended up well and that you are in your new house.
we also moved this last weekend (madison valley to ravenna), and boy, i hate moving! we don’t even have children, but didn’t have movers, so maybe that is an equalizer. :) i am tired of living out of boxes, but since this is our very first house (eep!) i want to unpack slowly(ish) and do it right (so we don’t end up with crap outside of the boxes and all over the house).
i can’t wait to see your new place!
M
[Reply]
Awww, you have such a great momma! I’m glad she was able to help you pack up and help out with Cullen. The picture of him doing some kind of downward dog in the beginning of your post is so cute! He is such a big boy. Enjoy your new home and I hope you are feeling better!
[Reply]
Moms are the BEST!!!
[Reply]
Oh wow, you are a woman warrior my friend. I cannot imagine how difficult that must have been and without family help for part of it. I’m glad your mom was able to come out and help. Moving is always really hard for me, and I’m sure with the memories of Cullen’s birth and first 6 months it must be difficult but I’m sure once you are settled in your new place, you will be glad to make new memories there. Hope you are feeling better and that Casey’s exam went well!
[Reply]
We moved into our current home in September when I was 20 weeks pregnant and my husband had just been diagnosed with a very serious medical condition which required surgery the day after we moved. Looking back on that week now I can’t believe we all got through it but I’m also proud of how strong we were. Good luck to you and your family–I’m sure you’ll look back on this difficult time and realize that it brought you closer and made you stronger as a family.
[Reply]
I am SO sorry to hear that you had such a terrible time! You are amazing and I am so happy for your family and your new place!
[Reply]
I love the pictures of y’all at the front door when you moved in and now!*
[Reply]
Moving – one of life’s many joys. :) We moved when I was 5 months pregnant and I thought that was bad enough… and we are going to be moving again it looks like. I am so eager to get in one place and stay there (especially being 36 weeks pregnant – moving with a child seems like it might be a bit more work)! Stay positive!!!
[Reply]
Those family pics of you outside your house, the 3 of you, are so gorgeous :) congrats on the move! sounds like a huge drain. yay for it being done!
Heidi xo
[Reply]
Like a few others have mentioned, that picture of your momma and Cullen is simply the most spectacular picture, my goodness. It actually made me gasp and then smile :)
I can imagine packing up Cullen’s room would be difficult. At my next move, I plan to have a company pack and move my stuff (thank goodness for my job offering that as part of the relocation deal!) so that I can avoid such reminiscing and saying goodbye.
I hope this is the last you see of that nasty infection.
[Reply]
Picture of Cullen with his Grandma is so sweet!
[Reply]
Hope everything is on the upswing and you are feeling better now.
[Reply]
love the homegrown t-shirt!
[Reply]
I’m so sorry you felt so icky. I can’t wait to see pictures of your new place though and how you’ve decorated!
One question that has NOTHING to do with your post… I just bought a pair of Toms, 2 pairs, 2 different sizes actually. I know you have several pair, soooo… how much do they stretch?? I got a 7.5, my actual shoe size, and they are a teensy-bit loose because my feet are so slender. I also got a 7, and they are a teensy-bit short, but fit nicely width wise. Thanks for your advice :) I hope you are back to feeling 100% if not now, very soon!
[Reply]
Emily – I have been waiting for this post to hopefully hear it went better than this! I prayed for you on Fri, afraid that you might be getting mastitis. And actuary tests are so difficult – I am sure the whole thing was hard for you both!! The bright spot is that your mom came. If I were in Seattle I would have introduced myself as one of your many blog readers and pitched into help.
PS Love the pics in your front door one year later. A lot happened in that year!
[Reply]
Congrats on the new place! What fun, sweet memories :)
[Reply]
I am sorry the move was so stressful, but so glad you all are feeling better and that your mom was able to come.
That picture of Cullen and your mom LITERALLY made me weep. So sweet.
[Reply]
Can’t wait to see the new place.
Thank god for mom’s. :)
[Reply]
That picture of your Mom with Cullen is wonderful. I remember those days with my mom and my Kids. Now it is Great Grandchildren for her.
I always settled our Kitchen first upon a move. We were a military family and moved quite a bit. My Kids room were next then the rest of the house.
You remind me of memories in my own life. I really pray that you are feeling much better at this point in your life. Your new Kitchen is to die for. All I want is a Kitchenaid mixer. Lol!
[Reply]
I am so glad that your Mom was there to help!
Our house was a temp rental as well to give us a bit of time to settle (moved from CA to MN at 22 weeks), have the baby and start a new path of life. Our move time is approaching and the idea of leaving Wrigley’s first home makes me so sad!
Hope you are feeling better!
[Reply]
would casey ever do a followup post on the curious case of casey malone? i just read it and LOVED it!! I want to know how the heck he was able to pay for 2 people in college (you two?) and build savings! Also, his thoughts on fatherhood? You both mention getting your finances in gear and as a 26 year old myself i would love to hear how its done ;-)
[Reply]
Hope you are feeling better soon! Moving is hard enough without being sick during the process.
[Reply]
Leave a comment