I’ve written this post in my head a million times but I knew that getting down to it and actually typing it out would be the tough part. I can’t believe I was so anxious, so ready to move, but here I sit feeling a little nostalgic about what we’ll be leaving behind.
Sure we’re leaving our little starter home for something much nicer but our house is cozy and I’m left wondering if we’ll be able to feel the same in the next house. This house has so many memories. Allen and I put a ton of work into it when we first bought it and completely changed most of the rooms.
We were young and childless and staying up all night to paint didn’t even sound crazy to us. We tackled projects both big and small and we did them together. We learned a lot from each other and about each other in the process.
It was in that kitchen that I had some major disasters and some huge successes. In that kitchen I showed Allen a thing or two about cooking and he showed me a thing or two about making homemade biscuits.
And then our family grew. It was in the living room where I had Allen sit down while I presented him with a tiny wrapped package with the smallest onesie tucked inside.
It was in the kitchen that we set up an elaborate Chinese food buffet all so we could have everyone together as they opened their fortune cookies and were surprised to read, Allen and Jennifer are having a baby. Arriving in April.
It was the place the Braylen Kate came home to, where we spent so many hours and days figuring each other out. Where she really taught me what it was like to be a mom. And beside our bed where she slept in her tiny bassinet for so many nights.
It was on the living room floor we sat one Saturday morning as Braylen took her first steps and we scooped her up and danced around the house.
It’s now the house that she runs and plays in, where she plays hide and seek, she knows the place so well.
While I sit here and think fondly on all of those sweet memories. I know it was in this house that we built the foundation for our family and it’s strong enough to take with us where ever we go.
I know this isn’t a sad time. But I would be lying if I didn’t tell you that it’s a little bittersweet. I know that we’ll go on to make new memories. I know that we’ll eventually make the new house cozy and warm and inviting just as we did this one. But I won’t be able to think back on our first years of marriage or BK’s earliest days without thinking of this house that we’re leaving behind.
To me it will always be the house that built the us that we are today.
Tiffany says
Such an amazing post. Congrats on the new home! Just remember that you are taking the most important part of that house with you.. the memories you spent years making. π
Heather says
Well said! We moved into a new home about 18 months ago, and I felt the same way! Didn’t do a post on my blog, but wish I had. We celebrated our big milestones in our other home, bringing all 4 children to that home after their births. Very bittersweet!! We do love our new home tho and are making great memories each day! I know you will too!
Happiness Is... says
I totally know how you feel. We were renting when Thatcher was born, and so many of his earliest days were in a home we will never return to. Even though the home we bought only has 3 bedrooms and I am quite certain we will outgrow it, I imagine us sending kids to college from here. Because, well, sometimes being where memories are made is more important than a dream house. We’ll see how it plays out!
Britt β₯ says
Well said, but coming from a very frequent mover, you and your family will have memories no matter where you go, because it isn’t the house that makes them – it’s you. I am so glad you’ve had so many wonderful days and memories in your first home and I look forward to seeing all the new ones you make in the new place!
Shae says
I completely feel what you’re feeling. As bad as I’m ready for a new (bigger) house, the memories in our little home keep me saying “maybe next year.” With the addition of our new little one in just a couple of weeks, though, we may go ahead this coming year & get something bigger. I’m still undecided, though.
I love, love, love your new house & I’m sure you’ll make plenty new memories there. Just think about all the holidays coming up & all the things you can do. π
Congrats & enjoy you new home!!!
Ashley says
I remember when we moved out of our first house, it was very bittersweet!~!! Be sure to take lots of pictures of it!!! I made an album of it!
Blue-Eyed Bride says
So, so sweet! Here’s to many more memories in the new house!!
Taylor says
What a beautiful post!!
{annie_loo} says
Sweet sweet sweet! Well writen love. Bittersweet indeed, I’m right there with ya!
Laura says
This is so bittersweet. I can see where you’re coming from, and we haven’t even sold our house yet. We are so eager to get it sold, but I know when it finally is, I will feel nostalgic, thinking of all the memories we’ve had here…me especially, since it was my parents’ house before we bought it. So, I’ve been in it about 16 years.
Your new house looks great, and you’ll have so many great, new memories there!
Mrs. C. says
Very moving… all the great memories you have of your first home. what a sweet post.
Amy @ Forever 29 says
I know exactly what you mean! We moved out of our little starter house when our oldest was 9 months old. We had painted every wall and replaced every floor in that house! For the longest time our new house felt like we were just visiting, but now I really can’t imagine still being in the old house. If I ever have a sentimental day it’s just across town so I can drive by π
Rebecca @ The Reluctant Housewife says
we’re moving in 2 days, and while I hate the layout/functionality of the house that we’re living in now… it’s the house where I fell in love with my husband, our first 3 years of marriage, where we brought Zoe home, watched her grow… I know exactly what you mean by bittersweet. I didn’t expect to miss this house at all, but I’ve cried a few times thinking of the memories.
Perfectly Imperfect says
what a sweet post! When we left our home in Savannah, I teared up a bit as I said goodbye to E’s nursery and the home we became a family in. Now when we move again, I’ll be saying goodbye to the home she learned to walk and talk in. Not sure it will be any easier. But the good thing is, no matter where you go, you’ll make amazing memories π
Katy says
That wAs beautiful!! I got teary eyed reading it. I know you will make lots more memories in the new home. I hope the transition goes smoothly. Here’s to many more great things…:)
Katy says
That wAs beautiful!! I got teary eyed reading it. I know you will make lots more memories in the new home. I hope the transition goes smoothly. Here’s to many more great things…:)
Cajun Cowgirl says
What a poignant post! I haven’t been in your situation so can’t completely understand but I imagine I’d feel much the same. Those beginning days of everything–dating, marriage, new life with a baby–are all so special. BUt you will have so many more memories to come in a new place and those you love will be right there helping you make them.
Best of luck with the moving!