I’ve been keeping a major secret for many months now…We’re moving!
I know what you’re thinking: What the heck is she thinking moving during her final weeks of pregnancy?
I don’t have a great answer besides the fact this process has taken way longer than we anticipated thanks to the crazy real estate market here in Michigan. Whomever said it’s a buyer’s market is totally lying. Unless you’re ready to put up your dukes and bring a ton of cash to the table, don’t count on it being easy.
Fate played a role and we got lucky and found the perfect house for us and for less of a mortgage than our current home. Yet, I’m so emotionally torn about moving. First, we’re moving to my hometown. Not exactly what you envision when you’re 17 and hating where you live. But, after much consideration, it’s the perfect spot for us — closer to all of our family, has the lakes and nature we crave and has a sense of community — something I haven’t really felt in our current city.
Photo on the left: Our current home’s view from the backyard = nice, but not ideal. Photo on the right: Although we’re still close to our neighbors, at least we’ll have a fabulous deck – aka my favorite part of our new house – overlooking woods, a pond and a bonfire pit…oh, and a sweet play set for kiddos!
We’re leaving many of our best friends behind, so that’s going to be the hardest part. But, we’re joining the ranks of old friends too, and have hopes of rekindling relationships we’ve had to, in part, forgo due to distance.
What does this mean for my “neighborhood” I claim is in the Detroit area? Nothing. In fact, I see the move as an opportunity. Not only am I still in the Detroit suburbs (anything within an hour’s drive, right?!), but I’ll also be “reporting” more from two other fab Michigan cities I will be very close to – Ann Arbor and Lansing. These are two of my favorite cities in my state, and I look forward to exploring them more and posting about my adventures.
I don’t even blink anymore thinking about how I’ve given up on my dreams of ever moving to a loft in downtown Detroit for true city living. The only thing that matters for the next 18+ years is the well-being of my kids. Right now that means being closer to family — the people who I know will get the most pleasure out of watching them grow — and I couldn’t be more excited for them to share in our joy more often.
Who wouldn’t want to hang with these munchkins more?
Have you ever felt bittersweet about moving?
although I know it’s hard leaving your friends, I can’t imagine that moving closer to your family is anything but good!! Having always lived within 30 miles of my childhood home, I can’t imagine living anywhere else! Hope the move goes smoothly!
Aww, thanks for the encouraging words, Diane. It will be SO nice to be near family!
I think your new backyard is gorgeous. I live in an apartment – so yes, a smidgen jealous 🙂
Good luck! (I also moved when pregnant – was in my first trimester!)
Glad I’m not the only crazy to move while pregnant 😉 At least we now know we’ll have a tad more room for baby!
Best of luck with the move.
I hear you about the real estate market…we’re in the midst of trying to sell my mom’s home and a commercial parcel here…plus my parents’ vacation home in Florida. I think nursing multiple migraine headaches might be more fun.
For my part, I live a block away (as the crow flies) from where I grew up…and my mom is now only about three miles away from me 🙂
Ugh – I don’t envy you on the sales. It’s a royal pain in the butt that’s for sure!
So nice you’re now closer to your mom – I’m sure that takes so much pressure off her as she ages 🙂
Moving is so bittersweet . . . and moving while pregnant even more of a joy! We moved into our first home when I was 4 months pregnant with B. On the positive side, at least you only have to pack things for 1 child. It’s amazing how much stuff little ones have!
We moved into our current home 2 years ago. It was such a tough decision, but we had simply grown out of the old home and we needed a basement. Brent and I built that home and it was our first home. I remember crying as I stood in the garage for the last time.
Your new view is awesome! How nice to be close to family for all of you to enjoy. Good luck in your move! You totally need to post pictures as you fix rooms up. I love to decorate and share ideas with home decor.
Thanks so much for the encouraging words, Erin! I have a feeling I’ll be shedding some tears too in the weeks ahead – we have so many memories here that I cherish.
Appreciate the luck – we’re going to need it! And I will absolutely post photos as I go…If I can even find time to blog after this baby arrives in 8-9 weeks 😉
I know how you feel!! It was a huge adjustment when we moved back to MI from WI. It was great to be closer to my family again, but it was weird to see everyone so much! We went from holiday visits to seeing everyone once a month. I do miss Madison sometimes, or I think it may just be my memories. Rekindling friendships has been fun, though! It’s crazy how a few years don’t matter once you start talking with old friends.
We aren’t quite in my hometown, but close enough! I like the 40 minute buffer zone from my parents in Grand Ledge, it helps us keep our sanity. I am happy for you guys! I think once the adjustment period is over, you will love it! Plus, you have to love a cheaper mortgage.
You’re probably right in that you miss the memories — I feel that way about college too, but have to remind myself moving back there wouldn’t be the same without our friends (or at this age)!
The 40 minute buffer is good. We technically will have a buffer too, just not as crazy as it is now. It will be the perfect medium I think.
And yes! Saving money on the mortgage will be glorious…and maybe I can FINALLY get the van I’ve been pining over 😉
Girl congrats!!! I was not sad at all when we moved to Florida but I have to say since my mom and dad moved down here I’ve been so thankful they are here. You are going to love it!!!
Thanks so much, Amanda!!
Totally. I remember buying our first house, what a huge deal it was for us. Then we brought 3 of our babies home from the hospital to that house. We had to move for a variety of reasons, including the neighborhood took a sharp nose dive & we had outgrown the house. With #4 on the way, we were desperate for more space. I love our new house, but it was kind of sad leaving our first real home.
That’s definitely how I’m going to feel. I really love our house, but we’re outgrowing it quickly and hope to have at least 1 more kid. There’s no time like the present I suppose!
Oh, and I should add congratulations & good luck!
Don’t do too much with the actual move but I hope you enjoy your new home!
I know…Everyone is already baby-ing me. I am taking on the role of task master though, which I have to say is kinda nice for a change 😉
I’m so excited for you guys! Can’t wait to hear how the move goes (and steal some tips!). I couldn’t agree more with the whole ‘community’ – I haven’t felt that where we live either and I’m so excited to have more of that feel (hopefully). Couldn’t agree more on the nature aspect as well. And since I’ve recently fallen in love with something of nature in your area – you may just see a pop in from the Wollborg’s to check out your new digs. Best of luck to you guys on this new adventure! Being so close to family is going to be amazing.
Girl, I know you can relate to this more than most 😉
I would love it if you came to visit! You guys should check out Kensington if you haven’t been there too – the boys would love the splash pad and beach I’m sure.
I moved when I was pregnant…. twice…. but the best part about it was that I didn’t have to do much! Seems perfect to me.
My guess is that new house and location will be perfect and you guys will love it! One of the best parts is that you’re closer to me and I head into Lansing often!!
Wow, you are super crazy for moving while pregnant x2…Thanks for making me feel more sane 😉
I will be MUCH closer to you and Lansing. We can finally cheers in person!!!
The new backyard looks awesome! I never like to move, but each move has given me a great opportunity to explore a new place and find new friends.
Thanks – we’re looking forward to enjoying the yard for sure!
You’re right — every move brings new opportunities. I’m looking forward to a new adventure 🙂