1-year-old repats

While we were skedaddling out of town for the weekend, our one year anniversary of our Portland arrival came and went. Anniversaries always seem to make you stop and reflect. All I have to do is look at Sophie and realize that a lot happened in a year. Here she was soon after we arrived:

And here she is now:

Then: She ran out of her first dance class screaming and would not leave my side for the remaining classes.
Now: She runs over to the teacher at the start of every class.

Then: She would not explore a new playground unless I climbed around on it with her.
Now: Last week, I was chatting with other mommies and daddies while she explored on her own.

Then: I became a stay-at-home mom for one.
Now: I am a stay-at-home mom for two.

Then: I did not know what I would do with myself without my job.
Now: I still struggle with it, but in many ways I'm also finding my groove.

Then: I was blown away with all the marvelous choices here in America (mainly food).
Now: I have a renewed appreciation for how beautiful this country is (and how yummy the food is.)

A year into this new adventure, I don't feel much different. I still catch myself telling people, "We just moved to Portland." And I still say "nej" instead of no. (Although I did bring a towel to the playground last week to wipe down the slide — a sign that this place really is starting to rub off on me.)

Maybe this will be the year for becoming true Portlanders. Which basically means we'll have a chicken coop in our backyard, haul the whole family around everywhere on bikes and get tattoos.

Thanks for coming along for the ride, dear blog readers ...

 

Comments

[Vanessa]

Congrats on your anniversary and a year well done! I see only good things for you guys and Portland. Year two is bound to be even more amazing!

[Rick]

Thanks for sharing.

[Sally]

Thanks for taking us along for the ride. It's been great and such a pleasure to watch Sophie grow!

[Brianna]

Glad your enjoying it!

[Amy (frugan)]

I can't believe how fast this year went! Congratulations on taking an awesome leap.