Unpacked!

We are unpacked!  Things are definitely hectic.  This morning we had to get both girls to Grandma/Grandpa Moores house at 7am so Nick could go do some work related networking and I could go to work.  We are meeting with a potential home day care provider this afternoon.  Nick hasn't officially started working yet but he will start March 11th.

Bailey took a standardized test at school and it placed her around a 10th grade reading level.  I think she is really proud.  We sure are.  Bailey is already signed up for softball (she is mad) for the spring and football for the summer/fall.

Avery is as sweet as ever.  We haven't gotten her speech therapy started yet, but she is making progress.  She sometimes tries to repeat words.  She can identify mama, daddy, cat, sock and milk.  Her favorite word is "mamadada".  She will sit and play by herself saying "mamadada mamadada mamadada".  It is cute.  She is jabbering constantly which is a sign she is progressing.

I love my job so far.  I have a lot of responsibility, but it is fun for me.  I get to go to the Public Health Preparedness Summit in Atlanta in March!  That sounds like a lot of fun.  My mom is going to come down here to help Nick with the kids that week.

Mama

Avery and I had a nice reunion. When she saw me she immediately said "mama"! She wasn't saying anything a month ago. When I got home from work yesterday she wanted me to hold her so she could point at me and say mama several times.

She also loves Bailey but can't repeat her name yet. She just squeals with joy when you ask Avery about her sister.

Avery is a cutie.

Moving Day

The truck is loaded and moving day has arrived! My father , brother and husband are driving the rest of our belongings from Buffalo to Cincinnati today. They also have to move 2 cats and a toddler. They are driving 2 cars and a Uhaul truck. The weather is absolutely horrible for a move here in Cincinnati.

After a few snags (broken furnace thermostat and no water) we are finally emptying some boxes and we have the house ready for the rest of our stuff.

Looking back, it could have been a horrendous 3 months since Nick was laid off. At times, it was. Stress has almost demolished my ability to sleep and we have had our family split in half for over a month, but I've tried to keep my cool and only freak out when absolutely necessary. Nick and I have both had to freeze our butts off with no one, but 2 broken furnaces in different states. Looking at apartments was dreadfully frustrating. I attempted to keep Bailey from melting down at her grandparents' house and that was a daily struggle. Our house in Buffalo tried to fall apart on Nick several times, but he whipped that place back into shape and it will most certainly sell this week I'm sure!

Going back to work after a 5 year break was just a blip on my radar. I really haven't had a chance to give it much thought, but I am sure I will be an Emergency Preparedness Ninja in no time.

Bailey is adjusting to school and has come home several times chattering about things she learned. She still feels uncomfortable being the new kid, but I'm sure that will be gone next year when she goes to the Intermediate school and everyone is new again.

Avery is fine. She has been reported as being much more vocal this past month and has started repeating words and speaking gibberish. She understands everything you say to her, which is very handy. Although she only has a handful of words to say, she is making progress and we are pleased. I can't wait to see her today.

Yay

We got the keys to our rental house today!!! I'm hoping by this time next week we will be together in our new place.

Update 2/2/13

Our Buffalo house started to fall apart on Nick.  The basement started leaking and then then furnace broke.  This is after he just got the garage door fixed.  Luckily, Nick's father braved a 10 hour Greyhound ride in the snow and is now safe and sound in Buffalo to lend Nick a hand with the repairs and Avery.  He is shocked at how the people in Buffalo leave the house while 6-12 inches of snow falls.  On the other hand, Cincinnati is expecting 2-3 inches and things are getting cancelled left and right.  

I am here in Cincinnati with Nick's mother and Bailey.  My job is going well and I am starting to learn some of the good stuff I get to handle.  I am especially excited about being the Administrator? Leader?  Dutchess?  of the Butler County Medical Reserve Corps.  I can't wait to recruit some fresh faces.  You should look into the Medical Reserve Corps in YOUR area.  https://www.medicalreservecorps.gov/HomePage

Bailey is transitioning well.  No news is good news in that department.  I think she likes it here.  

Avery is fine.  Nick is taking good care of her. 

My best best news is that we found a house to rent.  It is big enough and costs the same as the apartments in the area.  I have put down a deposit and our application has been approved.  It has 4 bedrooms, a garage and a basement.  It is on a cul-de-sac and is 2 miles from Nick's parents.  The homeowner/landlord is really nice and I'm looking forward to renting from him.  Here is a picture of our future rental house.

I would like to publicly thank my friends and family for listening to me whine about this move.  Nick's parents have been awesome by opening their home to us and Bill even took the Greyhound ride from Hell to get up North..  My parents are waiting to spring into action at a moment's notice, they have been very supportive over the phone.  We've needed help here and there from all over.  Amy (although allergic to cats) let Leroy and Cheeseburger hang out in her garage for our open house, Joana and Ana are always offering to help with Avery.  John has been a huge help in the leaky basement situation.  Matt and Rachel went to look at the rental house with me on short notice. Pattie listens to me over email, Elaina listens over the phone, Ana and Joana listen over iMessages.  Everyone else listens over this blog and Facebook.  

This isn't over.  Nick still needs a job, our house needs to sell and we need to move into our own house together.  I'm optimistic about February.