Oh I am aching to write about so much. About seven essays linger in my brain. About the happiness and excitement of moving to our new home, the exhaustion and sadness of leaving our first home. About our generous, kind community who have helped us out with moving, play dates, food, hugs. About how AMAZING my mom is, about the dozens of metaphors that exist in packing up a life and hauling it across a valley, that even when it is reaching up and out and feels fabulous, it stings and aches like a loss.
First romp at the new neighborhood park!!!!!
We don’t have internet or cell at the new place so I’ve been quite off the grid in that way. Right now I have less than 30 minutes in a downtown cafe. I wrote my mama digs last night in our apartment, just a few feet away from my sleeping family. Really, we are just naturally a few feet away from each other all the time now. When I finished writing it, I was so tired and realized I had no way to post it or send it in so I threw my puffy coat and snow boots on over my pjs and walked about our neighborhood with my laptop open in search of a neighbor’s open network I could poach. Click to read mama digs: anagram.
The new digs! That cocksucker looks nice on the yellow wall, right?
More soon. LOTS more soon.
xo
ps Thanks for all of your well wishes! Your support is always perfectly timed and even if I haven’t been able to respond, know I read and love your emails. Thank you.
53 Comments
Oh my goodness, the image of you walking last night! 🙂 I think that images are a big part of your next days, both in finishing at the old house and settling into the new (and then doing it again later on).
Keep breathing!
SO excited for you, but can definitely feel that aching loss of PLACE.
You’re so funny. I was laughing about you wandering around internet poaching, and then completely lost it with “that cocksucker”. Your new park is beyond amazing. Wishing you more good luck!
The first thing I noticed in that picture, was indeed, the cocksucker. I really do like the yellow, it makes the colors pop!
Aww! The measuring wall so bitter sweet. I can’t wait to see how your story unfolds! You navigate these major milestones with such grace and beauty – so inspiring! You will need to finally post a PO box so I can send you a housewarming gift! But not until you move into the “big” house. That little room makes me crazy claustrophobic just looking at it. (this from an introvert who needs lots of personal space keep in mind…). The outdoor space you’ve gained though makes me ache with longing to move right next door! 😉
The cocksucker looks great and those bunkbeds are awesome! I really love the dressers in the kitchen. Is your mom staying with you all too…maybe the couch? The “big” place will seem like a palace when you finally move in but at least when you get antsy you can walk out your front door. It really is a wondrous feeling.
Yippee!
I’ve missed your frequent updates. I really enjoy your writing & your daily adventures with those gorgeous girls. Wishing you a very happy New Year in your precious new digs. Can’t wait to read more & see your stunning pics!
Looking forward to hearing about it….so much excitement going on!
Happy Happy NEW house, New year, and New Stories!
Haaa…you walking around looking for an internet signal….CLASSIC!!! All the best with the final stages of moving & settling! xx
P.S. New park looks enchantingly perfect!
Love the image of you walking in p.j.s at night.
Whoa! Your new PARK! You traded UP!
Yep, it looks good on the wall 🙂
And a bit jealous of your close quarters.
Sweetness.
My favorite part, besides the new park (!) and the cocksucker (!) is Ruby trying to climb up to the top bunk from that couch (!). xoxo
Seriously, a trade up! The mountains and trails beat playscapes any day. Good luck! I feel your pain, living in a tiny sailboat with 2 girls.
Reading your thoughts and hit that cocksucker. And I kept saying in my mind, “that cocksucker, that cocksucker…” and then before I clicked the link I realized it was the wreath. hahahahha. God I needed that laugh. And yes, it’s in it’s glory on the yellow wall.
Welcome home Nici. Wishing you the best in your new condensed space (yo shrinky dink abode!).
-Jennifer
I stumbled across your blog a few months ago. You are delightful. Congrats on the new neighborhood park!
Welcome home.
Oh, that pictures of the girls’ first romp in the new neighborhood! Breathtaking. Your new digs look lovely. You’re living the minimal lifestyle for real, which in my book is great.
Wow! That is going to be fun! I simply can’t imagine how my three kids would fall asleep if they could still see me. LOL
YEAH for poaching internets.
YEAH for helpful moms!
YEAH for new digs!
YEAH for that postcard worthy park!
YEAH for posting another blog post!
Thanks for sharing.
By the way, you are such an inspiration! I find it hard to get out of the house on a normal day. But I kept seeing photos of you and your kids out and about all the while packing, birthday-ing, moving, holiday celebrating all the while it was winter…well needless to say, INSPIRATION was felt! Thanks for the nudge!
I believe your blog is my absolute favorite to read. Your ‘realness’, perspective, creativity, and love for your family…all of these things speak to me.
I think the new park suits you 🙂
glad to have found your url. for a sec i was very sad my fave blogger was MIA.
Yahoo…I am on the internet in your new digs!!!!!!
All will be fine my sweet daughter!
xo
bwahahaha! you had me at cocksucker…rofl : )
New digs, no problemo…people love your blog and will hunt you down fo sho!
Congrats on getting there. Little details…love the corner bookshelf – it now has the perfect spot for function. I do love that cocksocker on the wall. Beautiful new apartment. I bet there are gorgeous wood floors upstairs and can’t wait (super duper excited) for the spring and summer vegetables, flowers,and fruits you will be creating over there in MT!
memomuse
http://www.memomuse.wordpress.com
Don’t ya just wish you could take that growth chart wall with you!
Scrolling down, I first saw your old neighborhood park, and thought how sweet and fun it looked, and thought it would be really hard to leave a place like that behind. Then I kept scrolling, saw your new park, and my jaw dropped. I may have said “holy crap” inside my head. So, um, yeah, I guess that’s a nice consolation prize. Enjoy the new digs!! 🙂
Random thing but I totally love those bunkbeds – good score!
And, of course that wreath is effing adorable on a yellow wall. You always carry things off so well.
🙂
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This post makes me want to hug you (weird, I know), but it does. Good for you and your family! Cheers to memories made and the adventures that await!
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OMG, Same numbers, different arrangement. That’s an amazing recognition. Kissmet.
I congratulate for seeing, feeling, and articulating this pull to your senses and soul. But moreso, I want to congratulate you turning to the next chapter. Now start planning that garden!
-Jennifer
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“Same numbers, different sequence.” That’s the first thing I saw! Something is telling you it was meant to be! How exciting and I can’t wait to read of your new adventures in a different sequence.
Congratulations on looking forward!
Jaim
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I agree with the above. I was bowed over by the numbers. Definitely meant to be.
Wishing you the best as you start to plant new memories and breathtaking moments with your growing family, as you grow into your life even more.
Congratulations!
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I love how it’s the same numbers, different order. I think there’s a big message there! It’s terribly hard to let go when something has/had such an impact on you. But. Now there’s room for new stories, new memories, and from what I gather unbounded space to grow veggies, kids, love, life. Go and have fun, friend! xo
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Love that the numbers are yours, no matter the order! Moving on is never easy but you are so skilled at paying homage to the past while looking ahead at the new adventures that await. Beautiful words, as always. Thanks for sharing the experience with all of us!
Happy new home,
Kate
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What a beautiful (for lack of a better word) eulogy for 1732. I mean, mama you birthed a babe in those walls! I’m sending a virtual hug, {}, to ease what you’re leaving and to celebrate what’s ahead.
xoxo
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Beautiful post Nici, as always. My parents sold the home I grew up in, and I was so sad until I realized the house isn’t what makes a home. Their new home is filled with the same people, love, and memories, just enclosed in different walls, and it suits our family, and now their grandchildren, so much better. Best wishes and congratulation on the new Digs!
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all the best to your family and congratulations!
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can’t wait to meet the new threshold… same numbers, different sequence… cosmic. loving you
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yes, girlfriend, absolutely! i have been truly identifying with your process–it’s been almost one year since we moved from SF to Berkeley and the whole thing remains a marvel to literally and figuratively unpack.
Your new place looks lovely and it will be such a sweet time for your family to cozy up in there.
All the best from the Bay!
xoxo
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That’s very cool about your house numbers. Best wishes to you and your family!
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I was shocked to see your new address, as it is EXACTLY the same as the one I left this summer. I know exactly what you’re feeling. We left our dream home that we held on to for a year longer than we should have, just because we loved it so.
Good luck in your new place!
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Oh, man. So hard to leave that PLACE, and yet, so much future for the living. I have to admit, as a follower of your blog, my first thought when you said you were moving was, “Oh, but the HOUSE!” I loved seeing your house, chucky-fam full of character, as the backdrop to your blog. But now…I’m looking forward to the next installment.
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I felt the exact same way! I am looking forward to seeing the new house too, though. And that is crazy that the house numbers are the same, just rearranged! Must be a sign ; ) lol
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Yes, totally what I was thinking! I’ll really miss seeing your house and yard, but looking forward to the next chapter.
Oh, and an amazing post as always!
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“But so different as we’ve settled in, grown history, a family, laugh lines and perspective.” THIS.
Told you I would be the stranger sobbing in the corner over you moving and saying goodbye.
I admire your view and position through this – navigating it with grace and poise… I would expect nothing less (even if you don’t feel like it).
You will make new, equally as amazing stories in your new home and neighborhood with your same little family.
Can’t wait to read about it!
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I know great memories will be made where ever you are!
I love you!
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The numbers! That is nutty amazing! Love that.
Moving is so emotional, I’m feeling your joy-grief, Nici and glad you have the space in your heart to embrace it all.
With love,
Rachel
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Nici,
I’ve been reading your writing for a couple of years & you just get better & better. I love that the numbers will still be with your family. It looks like a cozy place to live out the rest of the winter & spring.
I haven’t been able to access your blog the past couple of days. Is it down for maintanance, or has something else changed? I hope that it is just a blip, as you are one of my favorite family blogs!
Sincerely,
Kelli
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I am dealing with some issues with my url right now. You can access my blog at http://digthischick.wpengine.com. I am posting updates about it on http://www.facebook.com/digthischick. Thanks!
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Ok, thanks so much!
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Wow, the address number thing is crazy. I love coincidences like that! Fun to reflect on the past and look forward to the future. Bright and Beautiful.
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Oh my. We’v been in our house for 10 years and I got teary eyed reading your post… knowing that this year we’ll most likely say goodbye to our home. It definitely is a readjusting in our mindset that has to happen even when we know it’s the right decision.
Sending you well wishes and good thoughts as you transition and resettle.
Happy New Home Making.
~Ang
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You have brought tears to my eyes with this post. Thank you. You always help me come out of my funk to FEEL and KNOW what is most important.
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Same numbers! FREAKY!!
Oh sister, I feel your pain. Reading this now has me torn on my decision to move from the house that made my family a family. We have baby #2 coming along in the next couple of months, and somehow we have outgrown the home that we thought we would live in forever. I love all the renovations we’ve made to this old house, I love my neighborhood & the group of mama’s I have become close to, as well as my daughter to their kids. This is going to be a challenging step…
Thanks for pouring your feelings out onto this space… I’m preparing myself for the upcoming chaos of moving and the grief of leaving my beloved house. I wish you and your family all the best in your new home. ~hugs~
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Congrats on the new home. This post made me feel sad for you, but also excited for you! Think of all the new memories you’ll get to make in the new house! Your girls still have a lot of growing to do and I’m sure they’ll love the new space.