Our New House

We finally bought a house! We had to wait 5 months after putting in our offer, but it was well worth the wait.

(This is a cell phone picture and it's rainy and cloudy today so that's why it looks a little dark.)

The yard (front and back) is in pretty bad shape. We'll have a lot of work to do (and we've already done some) come spring. But the rest of the house looks great! At least, it will after I can get everything unpacked. It's such a great house for us. Three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a bonus room (the BEST playroom), and an unfinished basement for us to grow into.

We were staying at my parent's house while we found and bought this house. We didn't want to waste money renting while we looked and we knew it wouldn't be too long. Drew LOVED living there! There was always someone to play with (besides boring old mom :) and I loved watching him get to know his grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. When we first moved into our house 2 weeks ago, he was pretty confused. The day after we moved, we had to go get some stuff from my parent's house. Drew walked up to the front door, and as my mom opened it, he said excitedly, "We're home!!" Another night as I was rocking him before bed, he asked where Grandma and Papi were. (Drew came up with calling my dad Papi on his own. I love it. It started as Pa when he wasn't talking so much, then turned into Pape (pa-pay), which was my favorite, and now it's Papi.) We had a long talk about who lives where. :) Such great memories were made living there and we're so grateful for the time we had there.

As soon as I can get my house looking somewhat organized and decorated, I'll post more pictures. And maybe a better outside picture. One day we'll get there. We're just happy to be in our own house again!

On an unrelated note, HOW and WHEN did my baby get so big??!! He is SO much fun! He's hilarious. And he is SMART. I'm so grateful for my little boy!!

Drew's Favorites

I had a fun conversation with Drew tonight while I was trying to distract him as I was clipping his nails.

Me: How old are you?

Drew: 2!

Me: What did you have for lunch?

Drew: A ham-a-burger (hamburger)

Me: Where's your favorite place to go?

Drew: Outside

Me: What's your favorite food?

Drew: Um, ham-a-burgers, cheese, cold noodles, and ham-a-burgers.

Me: What's your favorite show?

Drew: George! (Curious George)

I think there was more to this conversation, but I can't remember it all. Oh how I love this boy of mine!

2 Year Anniversary

On this day, two years ago, we were sealed with our sweet little boy. I can't believe how fast time has flown by!

I still remember every detail so vividly. It was such a happy, special day for our little family. I'm so grateful we were chosen to be so blessed to have Drew in our lives. He has been our greatest blessing and we love him more and more every day.

I can't wait until he's old enough to understand the special story of his special day! One that we will forever celebrate!

Missing Oregon

I haven't posted anything about Eugene or leaving Eugene because I haven't let myself think about it much because I miss it so much. I'm so grateful to be living by family again and that's ultimately what we wanted, but it doesn't make leaving Eugene easier.

I miss our house. I loved our house. Our old, quirky, ugly-on-the-outside-but-beautiful-on-the-inside house. I miss our wall of windows along the back of the house. I miss sitting on my couch, looking outside, and feeling like I was outside. I miss Drew running around the "circle" in the middle of the house.

I miss our yard. It was big, fully fenced (which was a dream with an active toddler), had a big, covered deck, and it was beautiful. Full, green grass. Gorgeous, tall trees that provided welcome shade on those hot summer days.

Of course I miss living close to these two amazing people. Drew's birthparents are so strong, so beautiful, so wonderful, and we love them so much. (And yes, I have a more current picture of them with Drew, but this one is my favorite. :) Luckily, Oregon isn't too far away so we'll still be able to have visits with them.

But quite possibly the thing I miss most are the friends we made. So many wonderful, amazing, FUN friends! Countless dinners, play dates, walks, parks, lunches, everything.

My girlfriends planned a girl's night the night before we packed up the truck to move. I wish I could've packed them all up and brought them with me. :)

My oh my, how Drew loved his friends! I'm so grateful we moved before he could figure out how to say any of their names because I know he'd still be asking to play with them.

Yes, I love it here in Utah. I love being close to family. And Drew loves his cousins - all 17 of them.

But that doesn't mean I won't have sad days where I miss Oregon so much my heart hurts. Hopefully we'll get to go back soon to visit!

Happy Birthday, Drew!

I can't believe my baby is 2! I know it's so cliche, but the time has gone by way too fast! Since we celebrated Drew's half birthday in June, yesterday we just did cake and ice cream. Drew's favorite things in the world are balls, specifically basketballs. I made him a basketball cupcake cake. It kind of looks like a flower, but he's 2 so he didn't mind. :)

We're so grateful for Drew's amazing birthparents! Without them, we wouldn't be so blessed to have our sweet Drew. We love them so much!

Happy Birthday, Drew! We love you!!