A whirlwind

It has been more than a little crazy for us lately.  Within the last two weeks we stumbled upon an open house, fell in love, put in an offer, listed our condo, removed half of the furniture and clothes in the condo, loaded them into a storage unit or donated items, had the home inspected, inspected again,  inspected once more, and evacuated the condo during precious nap and nighttime hours for showings and open houses. 

Trying on mommy's shoes,
a favorite from the closet

Last night we took Evie to the library for some wholesome family fun while we waited for a couple to view our condo.  Tonight we've dropped her at the gym daycare while Will works out and I blog.  Something I've been meaning to get to, but oh, you know, it's fallen low on the priorities list.

At a friends - is she turning
into a princess??

Evie has been along for this ride, whether she liked it or not.  She's been throwing more tantrums than normal lately but it's hard to say if they're a result of all the changes or if they're just because she's ever more a toddler.  We are trying so hard to keep even tempered each time she melts down, realizing that at the least we owe her patience in all of this.  We've taken away so many of the routines we'd worked to establish (i.e. enter the condo and remove shoes, coat, and hat and place them in their designated basket.  The realtor said those baskets had to go), and she is resisting the new ones forcefully.  We've moved her toys into the back bed room and created a play space for her but it's not really convenient for anyone because it's so out of the way of where we spend most of our time.  For now she's enjoying digging around in my closet instead, without any desire to put back what she has taken out.  She had previously been making strides toward potty training and now doesn't want to sit on the potty or even take a bath for that matter -- something she used to love.  Moreover she seems disinterested in our trips to the playground, preferring instead to sit in her car or stroller or sometimes play with chalk.  At least she still seems to enjoy the gym and her school.

Washing her hands before school

On that note, school continues to be a highlight each week.  Though her favorite activity when we arrive each Monday is to serve herself snack, she eventually moves on to painting, reading, play dough, and puzzles.  Her most favorite part of the morning is the class circle where we sing songs, dance, and the teacher passes out our folders.  She jumps up when her name is called, collects the folder, brings it to me while I get out the materials, and then eagerly returns it to Ms. Liana.  She so badly wants to help everyone else return their folders too.  And, if someone else spills something in class she's quick to say "uh oh" and pick it up for them.  That's mama's little helper... currently absent from the condo but at least still hidden in their somewhere! 


Two weekends ago we shuttled her from friend to friend while we prepared the condo to list.  The mom's sent me updates on how she was doing and I was so pleased to hear she was a doll.  The first mom said Evie went around cleaning up after her son and putting things away, the next mom sent me a photo of Evie and her son sharing and coloring together.  The last mom sent one of Evie holding hands with her son, something Evie had apparently initiated.  It made Will and I proud to hear she was a pleasure to have around, and helpful to boot. 

Just a good photo: loving
piggy back rides

Anyway, I guess tonight's entry is just to say how grateful we are that considering what's been going on, Evie still remains a delight most of the time.  If the move actually happens, I'm excited for her to have a yard and neighbors and a true "neighborhood" experience.  I never thought we'd find ourselves moving to the burbs, but I suppose there's no ignoring how much you'll do for your family.