We've arrived!

Leaving the east coast

This has been perhaps one of the craziest weeks we've ever had.  We left the east coast on Sunday.  Arrived in Portland.  Cars shipped and arrived at the hotel that day.  Immediately (as in, within an hour of landing), we went to see our top 3 favorite homes.  Wrote up an offer with realtor for our favorite home Sunday night.  Checked into temporary housing apartment on Monday.  Found grocery store, spent forever finding needed groceries, settled in to apartment that we'll be in for 30 days.  Then we found out that our offer was accepted on Monday night!  Boxes of a few necessary items to temporary housing arrived on Tuesday morning.  Finally, I unpacked boxes of baby toys, diapers, work clothes, shoes.

It was so nice to be here for a week before Bryce started work.  We were able to hang out, get a few things done regarding the house and paperwork, and explore.  First stops in Portland: Stumptown Coffee and Powell's bookstore.  We also went to look at Pittock Mansion which has a great overlook over the city.

Rose garden at Washington park

Then on Saturday, we ventured east of Portland to go hiking at Multnomah Falls.  It was beautiful!  It was our second hike with Madison.  She did awesome.  I had her in the Ergo carrier.  So proud of her lately.  She's been very easy going and naps almost anywhere.

Many people have said we're lucky because there have been quite a few nice sunny days.  The Pacific Northwest is known for rainy/overcast weather, especially in the winter.  I see it as God's little gift to us in the midst of the craziness :-)

And a sweet view of Mt. Hood from Portland!

We have experienced rain

Bryce started work yesterday.  In March, he already has travel plans to go to Switzerland for 12 days :(  He isn't going to travel very often, maybe once every business quarter.  I'm hoping my Dad can come out for at least a few days so I'm not by myself with Madison for that long!

Madison and I went out on an adventure to a thrift store yesterday in downtown Portland.  Madison picked out a wood pedestal table for the breakfast nook in the new house.  While Bryce works, I'm just trying to have 1 thing a day that I do to get out around the area, even if it's just going for a run.  Other adventures: TJ Maxx down the street from our apartment (dangerous!), finding an alterations place, finding the post office, checking out a couple different grocery stores, trying out a gym.

Speaking of, our apartment is nice, but definitely interesting to be back in an apartment.  I think we have heard 2 domestic disputes above us...one at 3 in the morning, another at midnight.  Aaand we have been going to bed around 9pm, waking up at 6am, so those extra wake up calls (in addition to Madison's night feeding) are not appreciated.  Plus, I feel not so comfortable letting Madison cry loud since I can hear other babies crying around us (and people yelling).  Glad it's only for 30 days!

We tried out a church last week and are excited to try a few others in the area.  Hoping to meet people and get some friends to hang out with!  I may also try MOPS (a young mom group) in our area.

Today I just made Madison's 6 month appoint.  How is she already almost 6 months old?!  What would a post be without a photo (or 2) of our sweet girl...

"Who, me?"

"Oh, stop it!"