We're Home!

Owning your house is a pretty amazing feeling.  I remember the first time it hit me when we moved into our condo; the "this is all mine!" feeling.  It was exciting and calming at the same time.  That feeling faded a bit for us rather quickly.  With the noisy neighbours, and kids screaming in the hall, and the 5 minute trek down to the car, and the hassle of trying to get Georgia outside to pee... Now, don't get me wrong,  we  both loved it and made it our own, we just never thought of it as a forever home.  We understood  that that home would have an expiry date for us.  We thought we would be there for 3-5 years.  That was the plan, you see, and then we would upgrade to a townhouse.  After another 5 years in a townhouse, we thought we might be able to afford a small house somewhere.  All we wanted was a safe, quiet neighbourhood with our own little backyard.  We wanted Georgia and Aria (and any potential others, furry or not) to be be able to play safely outside in their own space.  I don't think that it really occurred to either of us that by the time we got that, it would almost be too late.  We forgot that dogs don't live forever, and that babies grow up, and all too soon would rather be at the mall; not playing on a swing set.  Well, things have a funny way of working out for us, and just over a year later we are in a much different home, in a very different place.  And we have our backyard!  And it isn't so little.  Since our first walk through of the house, we have felt like this was our home, and now, after being unsettled for months, we are finally settled in our new home.  And again, I am overcome with a feeling of excitement and calmness, all at the same time.  This time however, I am pretty sure it isn't going to fade away.

Riri helping us unpack!

Aria ~ a.k.a. "Trouble"

Whenever Aria is being particularly difficult or bratty, the running joke is that "she gets that from Mommy".  While, admittedly, I can be challenging at times, I think that is where the similarities stop.  Aria is fearless! I on the other hand, am far from fearless.  I have fear.  Lots of fears actually.  So many fears in fact that Dom is often woken up at night, so that I can discuss my fears, because without doing so, I can't fall asleep.  Dom seems to have very few fears.  He likes things like bungee jumping and sky diving. He likes driving far too fast in bad weather, and thinks that getting the car sliding sideways in the rain is "safe" and "fun".  He loves roller coaster and scary movies and the rush of adrenaline that comes with both.  It is in this was that Aria most takes after her Daddy.  She has no fear...at all.  Now, I know that she has no reason to fear all of the things I do, but at this stage, she has had a few tumbles and bumps and she does understand the concept of pain.  She knows that if she falls on the floor, it will hurt.  She doesn't want to fall.  But her lack of wanting to hurt herself isn't as strong as her desire to explore everywhere and everything, and she can't help but to find trouble...or maybe I should say make trouble.  Her newest naughty obsession is the dog food and water.  She loves to throw them both all around and get the tiles nice and slippery.  Then she laughs and laughs as she tries to balance on one hand and one knee on the wet tile.  The sheer joy on her face is enough to keep me from stopping her.  It isn't everyday that you get to see a person, mini or otherwise, get so much joy out of something so simple.  And even though I am certain she does not get this from me, I can't help but feel a sense of pride as I watch her squeal with excitement.  I do, however, generally stop her from eating it.

Our New Start

September is off to a great start for us!  We have all adjusted to the move and are enjoying a new city.  Dom is loving his new school.  Aria is racing around causing tons of trouble; Dom has actually nicknamed her "Trouble".  Georgia is bratty as always.  And all of us are looking forward to moving to our new house!  Buying a new home is always a stressful event, and this has most certainly been  the case for us.  But now, the countdown is on, and the boxes are getting packed!!

Riri packing!