Moving Day!

During a previous and very stressful move, Philip and I took a break from the chaos and played Super Mario Brothers for a few minutes. It was a sweet 15 minutes that we shared together to be silly and smile during a very stressful few days. We had a very adult like argument ;) over who got to be Mario and who was stuck being Luigi. After play time was over, we went back to packing. We had been debating for several days over the size of the moving truck we would need. We would find out the next day as it was the big moving day. We decided that whoever was right about the size would be Mario. We found these T-shirts and decided they were a must for this move!

This is as far as a Chinese XL T-shirt goes on a 6 month pregnant American.

As far as moves go, the move this past week into our new apartment went pretty smooth. It helped a lot that we were only moving about 15 minutes down the street and had almost no furniture to move. We LOVE LOVE LOVE our new apartment. It is totally toddler friendly (specifically our mountain climber / gymnast Bella)! We even have a nice patio that over looks a little play ground out back. Most of all, we are so thankful to get rid of our make shift baby gate which was a wall of suitcases blocking off the stairs to the split level.

It is in an older and much smaller apartment complex. We have already met so many new neighbors and friends! Our first look at the new place we met a boy around 8 years old. He ran around like the town cryer announcing to everyone that there were foreigners! He was shocked to find out that we actually spoke some Chinese. When we told him that we were Americans. He then started yelling to everyone saying (in chinese of course) "We have Americans. Not English. Not Australian. They speak Chinese." He was very cute. Bella already charmed the head of the neighborhood grandmothers. They all keep a close eye on her. And we have many opportunities for play dates with other moms and new friends. We are thrilled about the possibilities of new relationships at our new place.

Pictures of the new apartment coming very soon! As soon as we get settled in, I will post! 

We definitely have a long ways to go on getting completely settled. But we have most of the important things done. I was explaining Bella's closet to our AiYi. After I was finished, Philip walked into the room. "Aw man, husband you missed the tutorial on Bella's closet." To which he said, "Yea... I heard something about 'you put the colored socks here and the white socks there' and decided not to come in." :)

Bella was a little confused by the transition. We recently traveled out of town for our visa. We started moving the next week. But there was a problem with the bed in the new apartment and a delay in getting some necessary components for living, so for several days all of our belongings were at the new place but we needed to sleep at the old apartment. We got things worked out and slept at the new place for two nights before heading out of town again. Definitely potential for confusion. But she handled it wonderfully! 

In fact, Bella has had quite the life on the move so far. In the past year, we have lived in two countries, three states, and a two month period where we were nomads traveling around to visit family and say good-byes. Its been a lot of transition. In the past, we have had people criticize us for not providing a stable home for Bella. I would be lying if I said there weren't moments where that that criticism is used to whisper thoughts of doubt to our hearts about following what we know is right. But we continue to find that His plans are sovereign and we are covered in grace. I have learned that the stability that we provide Bella is not four walls and a roof, but lots of love. 

For us, lots of moving around means lots of extra hugs and kisses. It means taking time out of a very busy day for a tea party with Bella Bella, Big Bird, Elmo, and big puppy dog. It takes a little effort and "living and learning mistakes" to view things from her perspective. For example, in the middle of our move, I left our sleeping girl with a friend so I could make a trip to the new place. She woke up in a strange apartment with no mommy or daddy. Not my best move. And we paid with a sleepless and restless night that night. We also have decided to let her indulge in comfort items. Bella loves her binky! There have been some insecure moments during the changes where Bella wants one binky for her mouth and one binky for each hand. Overall, having been through so many changes Bella has become a very adaptable and well adjusted little girl. The latest move, was no exception. Emma also did great. I am one tired Mama - that is for sure! But we are both doing great and healthily growing.

Thank you for those of you who have been thinking of our family during these changes and our most recent move! Apartment pictures coming soon!