Since 2005, I’ve not lived in the same place for more than a year at a time. I just did the figuring, and it seems the average amount of time I’ve lived somewhere has been 7.916666666666(…) months. The low is 2, high is 12, median is 6 and the mode is tied between 9 and 2.

The past 5 months with the Novaks has been perfect. I can’t imagine a better place for Charlie to have been introduced to his new state.

Moving is, of course, trying, tiring, stressful and overwhelming. In addition to that, I seem to have difficulty with change, because my last night in a place I always cry. And my first night in a new place I always cry even harder. So, to know that I’ll be in our new apartment for a minimum of 12 months is a huge relief. Especially since it’s so beautiful and spacious! I’m totally in love with our new home.

One of my favorite attributes of our new neighborhood is the trainyard. It’s close enough to provide wonderful ambient noise and a view of fun trains, without being too close. No rumbling, no horns, nothing bad. Just pleasant entertainment.

No lawnmowers or grandpas out the window, but hopefully trains (which will be easier to see when those leaves disappear) will be a semi-okay replacement for Charlie. Grandma Betty insisted we put this love-seat here so Charlie can look out, and boy, I’m glad she did.

On the nearby bridge over the yard.


We had a small army of loving people to help us move, and we’re so grateful to Grandma, Grandpa, Jim, Emily, Jack, Christina and Zach for doing heavy lifting, and Katy and Colleen for being on Charlie-duty. You all are amazing.

The next day, Christina went on thrift patrol with us, looking for shelving units, queen-sized sheets (because we bought a new bed, and we’re big people now!) and such.

She and Charlie are really bonding. We’re going to have to watch those two, because I caught them playing footsie!

One thing I must warn you of, is that we don’t have internet at our new place. And with Charlie, it’s going to be harder for me to find the time to go somewhere and blog. Gone are the days when he could just sleep in his car-seat at Cahoot’s Coffee. So I’ll do my absolute best to post at every opportunity, but even still, I know it won’t happen as often as I wish. So, apologies in advance, and as a consolation, here are two videos of what you’re missing these days at our house (besides cleaning, unpacking and organizing):

This first video, the sound is wonky until 0:55, but I personally think it’s worth it.  If you can’t handle the crinklies, just skip ahead to then.

Shake shake shake, shake shake shake, shake your boooootay!