Hallelujah! We are all moved into our new place. No, we didn’t buy…just renting for now. Actually, the husband ended up landing a job somewhere that was completely unexpected, so we had to alter our plans just a bit. Originally, we were hoping to end up in one of three big-ish cities in Michigan, cities that were very conveniently located near lots of great farm land. Our plan was to purchase a house with at least 3 acres (but more like 10-15 ideally) so that we could slowly make it our own and grow closer to the land by growing our own crops, getting some chickens again, and maybe even a goat or two. But…we didn’t get that lucky just yet, so we decided to rent a house in a very cute neighborhood in Southeast Michigan.
While I’m disappointed that we don’t get to start our farm, I’m not totally bummed because I know that day will come eventually, we just have to wait a bit longer that originally anticipated. That’s okay, I’m patient. Or I pretend to be anyway. The area we are in has a cute downtown, lots of restaurants and a hopping night life. Not that we’ll be taking advantage of the night life all that much seeing as we usually go out around 4:00 so that we can enjoy ourselves and get back in time for Monkey to go to bed around 7:00. We’re exciting, I know. The best part is that there is a Farmer’s Market close-by, walking distance in fact! I am very excited to visit the market weekly and purchase our fruits and veggies from local farmers. Next best thing to growing our own food, I say. In fact, we hit it up today for the first time since moving and came home with some tasty treats! I picked up some beets with Monkey in mind as he has yet to try beets – I’ve heard that they’re a favorite among babies, so I’m excited to cook them up for him. Although, I have a feeling he’ll need a bath after consumption.
Speaking of, how’s the Monkey doing? Well, he’s loving the new place. We’ve got all hardwood floors (on the main floor anyway) and he’s enjoying crawling all around. He’s regularly pulling himself to standing, and he’s even walking along couches a bit. I’m betting he’ll be a regular walker in a just a couple of months now. I can’t believe he’ll be a year in just over a month – my how times flies. He’s also taken a huge fascination in cats. Whether it’s in real life or in a picture, he absolutely adores them. I swear I’ve even heard him try to say “kitty” a few times. Check out this video and watch his excitement when he sees the kitty on the bag of cat litter.
So yeah, moving is what we’ve been up to lately. The husband starts his first job after graduating law school this week, and I’m going to start my new full time gig as a stay-at-home-mom. So here’s to our new normal and getting into a new routine! I have a hard time staying motivated without a schedule on my own, so here’s hoping I’m able to create a nice routine for the Monkey and I. I’m thinking daily walks are in store, and I’ve already signed us up for Music Together classes that start in a couple of weeks. I’ve got to admit, I’m a bit worried that I’ll become a shut-in. Are you a stay at home mom? How do you plan your week so that you feel accomplished? And talk to me about meal planning…I’ve really got to get on that.
August 25, 2012
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Hi and welcome! I'm Jenny - a green living new momma, adoring wife, and MSU fan.
I live in the bustling South Florida suburbs so reading about your ACRES (I can’t even imagine!) of land and raising chickens and goats just made me so excited! I’m sorry it has to happen farther in the future than you planned, but I know it will be worth it when the time comes! So, so, SO very cool!
I’m a stay-at-home mom and I’m a stickler for schedules so I’ve got us on a pretty decent one. Do you have a Kindermusik near you? I wasn’t a fan of our local Music Together class (but that was because of the teacher, so that won’t be a problem with yours!) and we’ve been doing Kindermusik — about to start our second session on Tuesday and it’s been great! We also do My Gym on Wednesday mornings. It seems like a lot, but really, it’s a half an hour (My Gym) or an hour (Kindermusik) once a week and they’ve both been lifesaving for me. It’s great to get out and meet new moms, have adult conversation, etc. Plus, Ethan (my 14 month old) loooooves going to his classes and it’s been a great experience. I also do Stroller Strides (a mom and baby fitness class) in the mornings a few mornings a week, so that’s been nice. I’ve noticed that we HAVE to do things outside of the home or Ethan and I get cranky as all get-out. With the temperatures being in the 100′s here, it’s been hard to do a lot outdoors, so these classes and playdates have been essential. Even just a drive in the car to Starbucks to sit in their plush chairs for a while has made a huge difference.
I got a dry erase calendar at Target and made our monthly schedule. I like to plan things ahead of time (checking the local museums for kid-friendly exhibits, etc.) if I can. Every Saturday evening when Ethan is in bed, I clip coupons and make a meal plan and grocery list for the week. Sunday morning I go grab what we need at the grocery store. I also include Ethan’s lunches in my meal plan, since I like for him to eat healthy, organic whole foods and nothing processed, so I like to make sure I have everything on hand. I want to add growing our own veggies to our plans when it gets cooler out! But definitely utilize naptimes and weekends for schedules if you’re anything like me! :)
Oh my gosh thank you so much for your post, seriously! I love all of the kinds words, thoughts, and encouragement. I actually took you up on your advice and ordered a dry erase calendar. I’m excited to put it to good use! Thanks for the suggestions about getting out too. I’ve been pretty busy lately as we got settled into our home, but now things are slowing down a bit. I’m going to try and make sure that I at least go on a walk every day so that I’m getting out of the house. Also joining a local mom’s group so that will be good! Thanks again for the thoughts :)
Hi, I found your blog on the Michigan Bloggers United FB page. I have been a stay-at-home for 11 years. My kids range from 3-11, & it’s definitely a lot different as they get older and have lives of their own…friends, activities, etc.
But…when my oldest two were babies (they’re 18 mos apart) and life was simpler, I always made sure to get out of the house with them regularly. I went to a moms group for a couple years that was wonderful, story time at the library (free), mommy & me classes, and toddler classes offered by our local parks & rec. I also tried to make time for myself with things like exercise classes & the occasional evening out with a friend.
Even now I’m a horrible meal planner, so I can’t help you there! Have fun being a stay-at-home mommy, and good luck at your new place!
Thank you so much for your kind words and thoughts. I really appreciate the support and ideas. It’s just tough becoming so independent! But, we’re making it work, and it’s getting easier as I find my new ‘rhythm’.
I know all about waiting for that dream, we all do. I know my husband wants us to eventually live on some land and that’ll be a great goal to strive for, I’m down for it! Keep working towards it & it’ll happen : ) Try waiting to TTC lol, we’re so anxious & ready for #2 but have to wait : / It’s good that you get out & do activities in your community or just to go outside and play. Also to be frugal, you can always do things that are free (besides maybe the gas to get there unless you can walk or ride a bike there), but check out programs at your local library, go to the park, do playdates with othe rmoms & kids, town or community activities/festivals, arts & crafts at home, etc.
Thanks so much for the suggestions and kind words – I really appreciate it. We are definitely trying to get involved in local moms groups, etc. It’s hard being new, but we’re figuring it out. Good luck with waiting to TTC – just keep telling yourself that it will be worth it once you finally get to that point, I sure do know how hard it is to wait though! While I’m not ready to TTC for #2 just yet, we are definitely waiting until we are more settled in a more permanent home, if we can help it. Thanks again for your thoughts!