We have arrived!

So far... so good. We're home in Washington state now! I've already made my first trip to Target and hitting up Costco this afternoon. Guess what else... I went out to pick up pizza and drinks the night we got here... it was a 3 minute drive!!! Woo-hoo! We've gotten a lot done, but there is still A LOT to do. Braden is loving it, his new playroom is on the main floor so he's just playing and playing some more! He's been a champ through this whole process. Chad leaves again for work travel tomorrow so hopefully when he gets back I'll have most everything put together. We were both SO tired last night, we turned in when Braden went to bed, only to stay up for another two hours because we rented the first season of How I Met Your Mother. Cable comes tomorrow... yay for getting Comcast back!

Ok... not much time to write and certainly no pictures yet since things are not camera ready, but sometime this week I'll get to it. We're really happy with this layout, and the house is really nice.

When we were leaving our place in Canada the sun started shining and as it was empty we got a great final look at the amazing view and house. Perfect way to leave.

37 hours...

We're picking up the moving truck bright and early Saturday morning. I'm taking a few moments from packing and cleaning to relax on the couch with a prime seat to the gorgeous views of the Coastal Mountains. It's just 7pm and Braden has already been asleep for 30 minutes. This morning I got a call from one of the other mothers in Furry Creek, she offered to take Braden to the park with her kids for a few hours so I could get things done... and I'm so grateful, I accomplished a lot. Big B had such a great time (he talked about it throughout the afternoon) and was completely tuckered out. But for some reason a super tired kid doesn't always nap, which is why he completely passed out on his own early tonight. Chad has been traveling this week for work (and again next week). Poor guy is coming back to chaos and won't have a chance to rest before he's on the road again. He's done a great job over the past three weekends putting things into order for this move. Especially considering I'm pregnant and really trying to take it easy and not move or lift anything heavy.

I can finally say that while there are still some odds and ends to pack, beds to take down, linens to wash and cleaning to do... I can see the finish line, we're almost there. I should be a pro at moving by now. I've moved AT LEAST once a year since I was 18 (and through college I moved three times a year!). The only time I was anywhere since I started college for two years in a row was our condo in Chicago. I moved around a lot as a kid (my dad was in the Navy) until we settled in Homewood when I was 10 and stayed for the next 8 years. I am very anxious when I finally make a move somewhere and think, I won't have to pack a box for years! Wow... am I getting sidetracked or what?

I just am taking a bit of time to think about the last year, where we've been and where we're going. We're about to end our official "Canadian" adventure, and it's been nice. We've met some really nice people in the area, and it is really a beautiful place in the world, we've been lucky to have this front row seat. With that said... we'll still get to enjoy what Vancouver has to offer, as well as exploring Washington.

We won't have Internet hooked up until Tuesday morning (unless a neighbor has an open wireless connection), so I think this will be the last blog until then, not to mention... I think we'll be a little busy :)

So long Canada, don't take it personally, it's been a good year... it's just time to move on.

Spinning...

WARNING: THIS POST WAS WRITTEN BY A WHINY, HORMONAL PREGNANT WOMAN (who is fighting the craving of chocolate).
Chad and I both are suffering from a bit of whiplash from our heads spinning at top speed with everything that has to be done this week. We're packing, moving, crossing the border (which means that EVERY box, every little everything has to be labeled and inventoried to present at the border where we hope things go smooth), unpacking once we get there - but that alone is ok. It's all the little things, CANADA HOUSE: packing, scheduling cleaners, transferring utilities, and preparing for our CHICACO CONDO tenants that are moving out, scheduling those cleaners, trying to get that place re-rented, making sure those utilities are transferred, then onto the WASHINGTON HOUSE, where all the utilities have been transferred already, deposits made, keys exchanged so hopefully we've got that covered. Maybe it doesn't sound like much, but we're checking off lists, constantly talking to each other about "did money transfer in time from the Canadian account to the US account, what do we need where by what day?" Not to mention the sweet toddler running around, my pregnancy which has been draining all my energy this week (along with providing some really nice afternoon headaches)... and to top it off, Chad's traveling this week for work... fun, huh???
Ok - so enough of my complaining.
Oh wait - I lied. I am going to complain about Canada Post. When we did an address change from our Chicago address to here in Canada, we spent $1.99 a piece, and our mail was forwarded to Canada, that was it - simple. To transfer from Canada to Washington - $110 for 6 months (shortest time they have). Thankfully all bills will be paid and closed out for transfer by Friday and we didn't use this as our "permanent" address for anything but Canadian utilities so we're leaving it be.
And just to not make this post entirely sour - I do know we'll get it all done. We've made great progress packing, Chad is off Friday after his morning conference calls. By Friday night I'll feel good when all the things in Canada are squared away and we're ready for to load the truck. I'm going to focus on looking ahead to one week from today when cable/Internet is installed in the new house and we have made some progress unpacking and settling in. I mean - one week, that will be here in no time!

Updates

So we're 8 days from moving and while Chad did an AWESOME job getting a lot of things packed last weekend... but there is still a lot to do. Hopefully by the end of this weekend we're packed up and just living out of a suitcase and only have our beds/TVs and such to get ready next Friday.

Yesterday Braden and I went to see the new house, do a walk through, sign the lease and get the keys. It was nice to be there again and actually the backyard was bigger than I remembered, as well as Braden's play area. It has a good layout for us and I'm looking forward to that (once the moving chaos is over).

Braden's potty training - the "Big Boy Underwear Boot Camp" worked and aside from a few minor accidents here and there he's got it down pat! Now - we still haven't gotten to handling it once we leave the house, but we'll get there. I anticipate we'll have a bit of a set back for a few days with the move, but I'm confident we'll be ok. So - we're not 100% but we're getting closer each week and so far, so good.

Lastly - I thought I'd share some pics and a video of Big B.

While I'm cooking dinner each night I've looked for creative ways to keep Braden "occupied" but playing and having fun. Here's a look...

What happens when you give Braden markers... well this. He was strapped into his chair and given some markers, paper and stickers to play with. Thank goodness they were non-toxic and washable! :)

Another day I gave Braden the step stool (his new favorite thing) and filled up the sink with bubbles, water and some cups and Tupperware. He has also learned how to say "CHEESE" to smile for pictures and that's what the video is. He keeps saying it over and over waiting for the flash! :) (It's a 9 second video).

Lastly, I'll admit there are a few days here and there lately that Braden has been not too keen on taking a nap... unless I hook him up in Mom and Dad's bed with Mickey and the Musketeers. Maybe it's not my finest parenting example, but some days you just do what you gotta do.

Back to the good ol' US of A

This is a bit wordy, but bare with me...
We have another big announcement... the title of this blog will change from "The Ramsey's Adventure in Canada" to "The Ramsey's Great Northwest Adventure". WHY??? We're moving! Back to the United States! Let me explain...

Chad works in downtown Vancouver (when he's not traveling at least two, but usually three weeks out of the month). We now live in beautiful Furry Creek. It's a 45 minute commute for Chad and it's north of the city. Where we live now is like living at a vacation house... all the time. Things are gorgeous here, people are friendly, the house is wonderful and golf or skiing is right at Chad's disposal. Doesn't sound like we want to move anywhere does it? Well...

The major motivating factor in our decision to move is purely financial. By moving across the US border (near Bellingham) Reasons include:
- Chad will get paid in US dollars, and get his 401K contributions back.
- Rents are a lot less expensive for a house
- I won't even shock you with how expensive it's been to heat this house because it's gas heated by an individual propane tank.
- The conversion rate - We still have financial responsibilities in the US, (difference from the rent we get and our mortgage, association dues, my retirement fund, car insurance and on and on). So, for while we had to convert money each month - and wound up spending A LOT lost in the conversion rate, it made us sick to our stomach (the conversion rate today is 77 cents to the dollar, and that's a better day).
- Simple cost of living - the little things add up - groceries - you've all heard me complain of $42 for a box of 12 chicken breasts, or $18 for a pound of turkey, almost $9 for a bag of shredded cheese, $18 to dry clean one suit, gas is less expensive - I could go on - but I won't because I'm not trying to bash things here, it's been a wonderful experience. And I'm sure as our time here winds down I'll continue to be more reflective of that.
- Bummers - we won't be in the middle of the Olympics action, our next baby won't be a dual citizen, Chad (and Paul too) loved, loved the Furry Creek golf course, out neighbors have been really nice, I'll miss Wednesday morning play dates, and of course.... it's so beautiful here.

So, we were given the opportunity to move back and considering our future long term it's best that we leave.

So... now that you understand WHY? Let me give you the WHERE?

We'll be moving to Ferndale - 6 miles north of a larger town, Bellingham. This commute adds about 10-15 minutes to Chad's total commute time. They have a pass he'll get for crossing the border).
- Ferndale is a pretty small town, about 9,000 people. But it does have a grocery store and I only have to drive 5 minutes from milk or diapers, not like now where it's 20 minutes... each way.
- Bellingham is a larger town, about 75,000 (the size and things they have available kind of reminds me of Bloomington-Normal, but I'll have to actually live there and see if my comparison is way off). It's 6 miles down the highway (10 minutes) and I'll have access to Target (which isn't in Canada - on second thought... uh oh!) and other places I just can't get to from here without driving almost an hour.
- The new house has a nice backyard! Big B is going to LOVE it. And I'm going to love it too.
- The new house is literally brand new, we'll be the first to live there. It's also just the right size for us and we'll use all the space. More all that later once we get there.
- Instead of a 20 minute drive to a playground... there is one in the subdivision (yay!)
- Delivery/Take out - another one that is a pro... but also a con. Here I've been forced to do the cooking since nothing delivers. So it's nice to have that option back, but it's going to take a lot of discipline on my part to stick to limits.
- Paul and Stephanie are only 90 minutes away, that close... hope they don't get sick of us :)

I think you all get the point now... so are you wondering WHEN???

2 weeks, that's right... crazy. March 28th to be exact. The thought of moving makes me ill. But with such a short time, I can only be insane for 2 or 3 weeks and then it's over. It's not like it will hang over my head for another month or longer. I'm trying to look for the positive, but I am absolutely dreading it.

So WHAT does that mean for people that were planning to come and visit???
- Actually I think it may wind up being better. You see, Seattle is only 90 minutes away and flights from Chicago to Seattle you can catch for $200 or so. And it's a very easy drive. And we're still only an hour from Vancouver - so if you come to visit it's the same time if we stayed where we are now. The downside is Whistler is now not an easy day trip, but if that is where you want to go... we'll work it out (and I'm sure Chad would be happy to make a pit stop at Furry Creek for a round of golf!). SO - come to see Seattle, Vancouver and a place to stay in between! Plus, I've been reading about things to do in Bellingham and the San Juan Islands is easy to get to, Mt. Baker is there for skiing (and I'm still looking into Victoria). :) Don't you worry, if you still want to come - invitation is open and we can still do all the same things (maybe more!)

I'm sure I've over explained... that's what I do! I'll try not to be a crazy person the next few weeks as we pack up, unpack and get settled - that's for you Chad... I'll try not to be a crazy, emotional, pregnant wacko while we get through this transition. :)

The view from here...

Ahh.... taken about 6:30 the other night, breathtaking. However since I can't stare out the window all day I have a different view these days. This one of the potty training toddler that is 100% potty trained... naked (no bottoms on). But as soon as I put on the thin cotton layer known as "Big Boy Underwear" (BBU for future reference) all his fabulous potty know how is gone. Why? Why does does this tiny layer cause such confusion??? Well I wasn't stocked up with enough pairs of the BBU and had to revert back to naked. I mean, seeing a kid's bare bottom is cute and all, for a hot minute, then you just want your child to have clothes on again. But we're working on almost two weeks of this naked time (just at our house... and we've been spending a lot of time just at our house) - and I've seen enough! I've got 9 pairs of BBU ready and waiting, so when he wakes up it's BBU potty boot camp!

Without further ado, this has been "the view from here" these days...

And I realize his socks pulled up that way look a little silly, but it's winter and cold... the boy has no pants on!

It makes my heart so happy

As I type this, I turned the TV off to listen to Braden doing my all time favorite thing (aside from snuggles). And he does a lot of cute things. It makes my heart happy and seriously... tears spring to my eyes because it's just so precious.

He has started to read to himself, he's been doing it for awhile, and it's all memorization because we've sat and read all these books ten zillion times already together. But as he's getting a little older and his speech is getting so clear and he's picking up on the small things in the books... it's so... sigh... it just makes me a little speechless.

So... I hear him in his bedroom, trying to fall asleep and "reading", He says "Good Night Moon", "Good Night Kittens", Good Night Mittens" and on and on (and clear as a bell).

Thanks Braden - for giving me something really worth listening in on.

Five and Zero

Five and Zero put side by side = 50! The Barbie Doll is celebrating her 50th birthday today (3/9)... do you know who Barbie shares her birthday with??? My mother... my mom turned 50 years young today and celebrated with dinner at Aurelio's with friends and family (umm... how jealous was I they were eating that? Let me tell you in case you didn't pick up on my sarcasm... I was very jealous).

Happy 50th Mom!

Workin' on a Full House

That's right folks, we're having a baby! I cannot wait for Braden to be a big brother! 12 weeks along (for you that hate the whole "pregnancy weeks" - that's 3 months. Aside from a few weeks of being sleepy, I feel fine. I'm growing quickly (reference picture below) but I swear there is only one in there (reference bottom picture).

A few things to note:

- Yes, I knew when I was in the states in January, we tested and found out the morning I left. I hope everyone understands that after the miscarriage last fall we decided to sit tight and make sure things were progressing well and get past "the 12 week mark"

- The only good thing about that nasty sinus infection I had when I was visiting is it was a great cover when declining adult beverages, it didn't seem like people were onto me (and if you were, than thank you for just letting it be)

- What made the sinus infection worse was that I was pregnant... no medicine relief for me until (after a miserable week) I called my old OB/GYN in Chicago and begged for something safe I could take.

- I totally cheated today - I had an ultrasound a week and half ago and things looked good. However, because of last time - I just wanted some confirmation once I hit 12 weeks - but my appointment wasn't until next week. So - I took advantage of Canada's super health care system, waited at a walk-in clinic for 30 minutes and got a Doppler check for the heartbeat, much to my relief and also because I've been bursting to share the news!

- I got clearance to travel into July - so I will be present at my sister's wedding (thank you to my sister that moved her date up three weeks for that to be possible!) and also Amy and Andy's wedding, where Chad is a best man and Braden will be the ring bearer!

- When you see the picture below... it seems insane right? At three months??? I don't understand. But I've only gained 3-4 pounds while pregnant, so as my body is changing and shifting... it's just sticking straight out front.

- The gender - yes - we will be finding out, we should know by late April/early May

- It's super fun that so many of my friends are PG right around the same time... when I'm back in July it will be Baby Belly Photo Madness

We are relieved and now that we've gotten to this point - very excited!

Risk

Sorry if you're reading this and really could give two hoots about Braden's bathroom habits, I'll try and be brief.
At the risk of speaking too soon... Braden has taken a turn in the potty training process and is doing an awesome job. Now... it's really because he's without bottoms around the house and it's easy for him to take care of things on his own and not be lazy about it like he was wearing the training pants. (Although I think the training pants were useful because it allowed us to get used to the idea of what what going on and he learned all about it how to successfully use the bathroom, without having to be 100% responsible for it at the same time, does that make sense?)
So, it's not like we're ready to leave the house and take a potty break at the mall or anything - but it's moving along in the right direction, very few accidents and lots and lots of success! :) Yay Big B!

That Special Time...

What "special time"? NAKED TIME! We've taken this next step in potty training (it's going really well but I don't want to get too into it for fear I will jinx our progress!). He LOVES to be naked... loves it, loves it, loves it.