Actually, we will be living in Fairfax County, Virginia.
Here's the story.
In April Karen, like so many other Americans this year, was laid off from her job. Karen is an expert database consultant and teacher. Her career for many years has included lots and lots of travel. I've been used to her being home a week, gone a week, home a week, gone two weeks--you get the picture. At times, it has been really tough on both of us. Her being away from us and me being home by myself with Kylie.
With the sudden layoff, we got to reevaluate our options. Karen's been busy since April doing sub-contractor work. But she's had to travel almost every week. One night she looked at me and said, "I'm sick of the road. I want to see you and Kylie every morning and every night."
The miracle was that days after that conversation the phone rang with a job opportunity in DC. And although it means a huge cross-country move (again!), I know it is right for our family.
There are so many positives to this move: I'll get to stay home with Kylie, we will be closer to family (only an 8 hour drive from TN), it's work that Karen does so well and she's really excited about it, the stability of employment rather than sub-contractor uncertainties, the schools in Fairfax County are all really excellent, the list goes on and on.
The only really big worry is selling our house. Yeesh! Not a good time to try to sell! And paying for a house in Portland and a house in Virginia. Yikes! So please keep our house sale and move in your thoughts and prayers. We've done all we can to showcase our home and make her look as beautiful and perfect as possible. We've got St. Joseph's help. I just hope and pray it sells quickly. In the meantime, we are making plans to move around the end of July/ first of August.
Thank you for bearing with me on making you wait a day. I so rarely have big news. I couldn't resist stretching it out a bit. Thanks for indulging me.
And now, here are some pictures of Kylie.
17 comments:
I have been reading your blog for about a year since our kids are close in age. I'm sure you've seen my comments before. :)
I grew up and live in Fairfax County. There is so much to do with kids here. I think you'll really enjoy living here. Feel free to send me a comment on my blog when the time gets closer if you have any questions or looking for a playdate for Kylie. :)
By the way, Adam goes to the Chantilly Gymboree and loves it! Congrats on the big news! :)
How exciting for all three of you! It will be so nice that Karen won't have to travel anymore. How far will her commute be?
I will definitely keep your house sale and move in my prayers. If you would, please remember my house sale too...funny that they are right next door to each other. :)
From all the pics I've seen your house is gorgeous. It would go pretty fast around here so I hope that you luck out there. Good luck!
Congratulations! What an exciting adventure. Hope the house sells quickly and the move goes smoothly!
I'm a longtime reader (and obviously, lurker!). I used to live in DC/Northern VA, and now my partner and I live in Baltimore (most DCers consider it a distant suburb). If you're looking for new friends in the area, we're just up north. We're planning to jump on the baby-making train soon, so it would be great to compare notes. If you need anything at all, you can reach me at christenbrownlee at gmail dot com.
We're so sad that you guys are moving! But, it does sound like a great opportunity and the right decision. Hope your house sells quickly and that the move goes smoothly. Please let us know if there's anything we can do to help out!
That's wonderful news!! So much to do here!! I too live in Maryland, just across the border from Fairfax, so anytime you are looking to get together, let us all know out here in blog land :) Congrats ladies!!
Kylie is as beautiful as ever!
Congrats on the move! I love the DC area and lived in DC for a semester in college. I have many friends in Northern Virginia too!
Enjoy your new home and good luck!
Oh wow...how exciting. I hope your house sells and you are able to settle into your new life without worrying too much about your house in Oregon.
I can't wait to hear about all your future adventures in DC.
How do you think you will adjust to having cold winters with snow and hot summers?
Congratulations! As a long time lurker who has spent a lot of time in Cannon Beach, I can totally relate to how you feel about leaving the great Pacific Northwest...but what an adventure for you all!
I hope that you will keep up your blog...you really are an inspiring couple/family!
Louise in Canada
I'm really happy for all three of you. I think this will be a fabulous move in so many ways. While I know Portland is an excellent place to be and grow, Washington has a lot of exciting opportunities and is where so many big changes are made in your country. I live in the capital of Canada, and now you'll be living in the capital of the US. It's a cool place to be!
I'll be thinking some quick house selling vibes for you. The market IS picking back up. You can do this! *hugs*
Well, it's not Boston but we could meet in NYC or something?
I'm excited for your new adventure!
So, Dawn asks me tonight "Have you read the Beaverton Moms'(that's how we refer to you) blog?" And her excitement in turn got me excited so I started guessing (like I usually do):
Me: They're trying for #two!?!
Dawn: No, they're not trying for #2
Me: "Not two? Oh, twins...they're having #2 AND #3!
Dawn: No
Me: OH PLEASE don't tell me they're splitting!!!"
Dawn: No
(oh, I'm so relieved)
Me: I can't stand it, I have to read....
WOW! A cross-country move! How exciting! But then I have to admit that I was a little sad 'cause being that Dawn and I want to....WILL live in Portland someday, I always had the feeling that we would meet you guys. So now, I'm sad for us. But so happy for your family in this new adventure. And I guess we'll have to start calling you the DC Moms now??
EAST COAST?!?! ***Sqqqeeeuuuuuu*** Oh. my. gosh. We can have playdates!!!!! I mean... granted you are still like 3 hours away from me but still. My cousin lives in Bethesda and we're down there every so often. AND we could meet up at the Baltimore Aquarium for a daytrip! AND the zoo! And and and... omg omg omg. YAAAAAAAAY!!!!!
I'm back to say Sesame Place!! And the beach! Yaaaaayayaya
Wow! All the best, stress free vibes to you all, what a big and quick move!
I'm so sorry I haven't stopped by your blog in so long. It seems that my life has been so crazy, out of control busy for the last year and a half or so and I regret not staying in better touch with you all.
I so enjoyed spending the little time with you that I did and wish you the very, very best in Virginia. It's a wonderful place to live and I'm thrilled that the three of you will be able to spend more time together.
I'm glad that I can check in on you through this blog! XO
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