And we’re off! After a little over 8 months living here at the Vale (that’s East Coast Lyman for Mom & Dad’s place), we’re packing up and heading even further south. While I never imagined myself as a southerner (and I don’t suppose I ever really will be - ask Courtney about this), I couldn’t be more pleased to be a resident of North Carolina.

While we are very excited to finally be moving into our new home, I can’t help but reflect on what a wonderful season it’s been here since moving from Philadelphia. While I never would have planned it this way, I am so glad to have had the chance to bring Reese home to a household FULL of family, with grandma and grandpa, aunts and uncles and cousins always being near at hand. I only wish that Reese could have had as much access to Meg’s family as well, but we are looking forward to a visit from Janet and Kevin this summer.

My dad keeps mentioning (with some sadness) that even though this has been such a great time for the family, Reese won’t remember any of it. But what I keep reminding him is that everyone has played such a huge part in helping Reese to be the wonderful, content, secure, and sweet little girl that she is. Maybe it’s been crowded at times, but there has certainly been no shortage of love for our little girl, and for that we’ll always be grateful.