Then.
We knew that we wanted to move, but didn’t know where. So, two months before we took the leap, we looked on a map, followed our hearts and decided on a new place to call home. It was a leap of faith, and an act of hope. But we just knew. It was one of those things, when you just know that it will be OK.
The car was packed and we were ready to go. It was an entourage of sorts; Ma, myself and Lacey first in one car and then hours later the truck with our furniture and our other car with Hubby would arrive. On that chilly June morning, we drove off. I said my goodbyes to the home where all my favourite memories were made, with a huge lump in my throat and a battle of fighting back the many tears. And we were off.
Thirteen or so hours later when we arrived in our new home, the enormity of the move hit me. We sat in our empty shell of a home waiting for the furniture, and the emotions rolled in. “I don’t know if I’ve made the right decision…” I sobbed to my Ma.
It didn’t feel like home. It felt like it was filled with other people’s memories. The people that decided on the flooring, the paint colour, the children that once lived within it and filled it with laughter. It didn’t feel like home. I don’t know why I expected it to immediately, but I did.
Now.
On a chilly June morning, a year on, I write this post. We know, without a doubt, that we made the right decision. It’s home.
As soon as our furniture started moving in, and as we collected more over the past 12 months it’s become ours. Lacey is happier than she’s ever been, and has already collected a gaggle of beautiful little friends. Our neighbours are all kinds of wonderful.
We’ve made handfuls of trips back to Sydney for work, play and to see family… and we’re always busting to get back home. I miss the vibrancy of living in the city, the constant inspiration and that hive of excitement. But to be honest, I’d lived there so long that I stopped seeing it. It’s only when I go back for a few days that it hits me with all it’s amazingness… and that’s something that I can look forward to a few times a year; getting a dose of my Sydney.
Earlier this month I went and got my licence, as I do every year, and I thought back to last year. I was aching for a baby but had a few things to get out of the way first. This year, I waited in a different office, with a baby kicking away in my belly. Back then a year seemed to long away, but on reflection it passed so quickly. And here we are.
Its amazing how things change and sometimes so quickly. This time last year I was a stay at home mum of two, now Im working full time and juggling it all, but with the support of my wonderful husband we are adjusting to our new normal.
Beautifully written Chantelle. Life is all about change but sometimes the hardest decisions are ones when we make a change. 1 year ago I was in NZ today I’m in the Kimberleys, next year ……
A year ago, I was at the tail end of six months maternity leave. And by leave, I mean self-funded non-employment period because my previous contract ended two months before I gave birth and I chose not to take on another until the baby was six months old. A year later, my baby is a walking, talking BOY. So different from the hungry little caterpillar that was just barely rolling on the floor.
Life is so much brighter than one year ago. We were engulfed by the loss of my father-in-law. A wonderful and amazing man. Thank god time helps and heals and soothes. Like with you I love when you can look back and know your instincts were right. Great to hear love and happiness abounds.
Much like you 12 months ago we were baby dreaming. And now, the to-do list is growing while the baby arriving date looms ever closer!
A year ago I was studying Certificate 4 in Auslan (Australian Sign Language) hoping to become a sign language interpreter and planning my wedding with 3 months to go. Since then I have finished Cert 4, completed a Diploma of Auslan and am currently studying a Diploma of Interpreting with only 6 months to go. Oh, and I have a wonderful husband too 🙂
Chantelle, I am so glad you move worked for you! It’s a huge step to move away from the ‘known’- I hope it keeps getting better and better for you all!
A year ago I was preparing to enter a small regional competition to represent people living in my area, wondering how I was going to choke out a speech in front of 100 people and thinking I didn’t have a chance in hell in winning!
Now, I am not only Rural Ambassador for my region but also my state and am preparing to travel to New Zealand for the Trans-Tasman Finals! I have spoken in front of the WA Governor, the Premier and so many other people! I am lucky enough to travel around the state taking about rural issues!
I think it just goes to show, taking a leap and being a bit brave can pay off in a multitude of ways!
I found your blog a year ago.
You had just moved.
i had just had a baby.
your blog was my saviour! You helped through those long all night feeding sessions.
Thank you
From Nowra x
A year ago I was still in a newborn faze, having just had our second baby waiting to turn 23. Today that baby is 1 & I am almost 24.
A year ago I was still in a newborn stage the 2nd baby had been born 2months prioir, I was on my way to being 23 yrs old, today there is no longer a new born just a cute little baby/child that is 14months old & me who is about to turn 24 eek.
A little over a year ago we moved too – from one side of the country to the other. It takes some getting used to but for us, like you, it was absolutely the right choice 🙂
A year ago – gosh we were in QLD. And now we are in NSW 😉 {Opposite to you guys!!} and loving every moment of exploring a new area.
We grew up in NSW – both David and I – and we took it for granted. Now that we are back here we are exploring new area.
A year ago I was super close to my family then we went on vacation and they treated me worse than a dog so now we don’t really talk. It was VERY traumatic but I’m ok now, nothing like having flight benefits that take me to foreign cities so I can explore.
In the past year I’ve been to Russia, Ecuador, France, Canada, and several cities in he States and I’m going to the South of France today.
A year ago this week I was getting ready to turn 25, I was still reeling from the loss of 3 very dear people in our family, I was studying for my final test to become a Certified Public Accountant, and my husband and I had just closed on our first house and were packing to move. 2012 was a whirlwind of emotions; a roller coaster of highs and lows but I learned a lot about myself during that time.
A year ago I was living in IL, with my 2 beloved dogs and married to someone I thought I knew after 22 years. Today I live with my parents and no dogs and no husband – when I found out he liked men more than women. A year ago I thought I was happy, today I AM happy. A year ago I was looking for a job – TODAY I started a new job, which so far, after 5 hours, I think I’m going to love! A year ago I was hopelessly hopeless, today I know God does take care of me! A year ago was a year ago, and today I’m trying to get over it… but without the year ago valley, I can’t enjoy today’s mountaintop… and today I have enjoyed a post by someone I have come to enjoy! A year ago I didn’t know her, but today I look forward to reading what she has to say! Thanks Chantelle!
It’s funny how quickly things change whether its your decision or not. If the changes were your decision you’re left wondering if you’ve made the right choices.
Last year my house was filled with the noises of myself, my husband, my 3 year old son and our brand new fresh out of the oven little boy. The house was so full of love and laughter (and the occasional new mummy tantrums).
This year, my two little boys and I have just settled into our new home, just us three, on our own little adventure. I have to get used to my now 4 year old talking about going to ‘his daddy’s house’, all new, all foreign, a little bruised but not broken.
This time last year I wouldn’t have dreamed of being here, but I am, we are, and we’ll be ok 🙂
Then:
We were Day +82, still in isolation after Master S’s stem cell transplant, having a pyjama day at home. We were nearly at the all-important Day +100 mark, and we were starting to see the light at the end of the long tunnel. We were even daring to think about adding to our family. We were blissfully unaware that we would end up back in hospital again in 2 days’ time, for a week-long stay that was both traumatic and exhausting.
Now:
At 2.5, Master S is your typical strong and healthy little boy, full of mischief and giggles and fun. We only see the doctors once every 2 months for Master S’s check ups. And we are THIS close to seeing if we can add to our family.
The past 12 months have made each of us stronger and wiser, and taught us that we can never take anything for granted. We share a stronger bond and our love for each other grows every day. I didn’t think I’d come out the other end of the tunnel and feel “together”. But I am, and I am so proud of me and my boys for facing the hardships and still smile and laugh every day.
Just Beautiful.