Well, in case you didn't know, we moved to Austin. Its official. We're here!
Let me first pay homage to our amazing friends Kenny, Teresa and Evan Trice. Kenny is one of Daniel's closest friends from growing up... more like brothers than friends. We are living at their house. We have taken up residence in Teresa's Office. During the day Henry naps in our room and at night sleeps in a travel crib in the bathroom. It didn't exactly work, him sleeping in the same room as us. So Kenny and Teresa have lost their office, their second bathroom beginning at 7 pm each evening and any chance of having a peaceful, early morning sleep-in. Henry is awake and asking for Evan (his new best friend in the whole world) bright and early. Us being here hasn't even fazed them. They are unbelievably laid back and have totally allowed us to make their house our house. I can honestly say that so few people are really capable of doing that. I know that I certainly wouldn't be so cool. My neurotic self would certainly come out in full force if we had an entire other family living in our home. The dish washer is running constantly, food is constantly out and being cooked, there are dogs running around. Its chaotic, but fun. They are amazing.
I wouldn't be telling the truth if I were say that our landing in town was seamless. Our first few days here we had moments of shear terror "What have we done", "Atlanta was so amazing", "We had it so good." Luckily, those moments were usually balanced by excitement and a realization that Austin really is super cool. It reminds me a lot of Seattle. The minimalist approach to landscaping (called xeriscaping) and the hilly neighborhoods make me recall the early days of our Seattle life. The city is SMALL, certainly compared to Atlanta. And, the real estate market is OUT OF CONTROL! There was never a real estate recession in Austin, the houses go like hot cakes and they cost a fortune (literally).
So, although discouraged by the house hunt and without a job (yeah, i need to get going on that) Henry has landed in a great daycare. I am SO impressed with his teachers, he is talking more, acting more independently and just a total sponge - he LOVES school, Austin and Evan. Our little man is having a blast.
We are getting there.. slowly but surely. It helps that we've been invited to friends and our cousins for dinner and are really being welcomed with loving, open arms. Central Market rocks (the main grocery store in town) and I ate at Uchi two nights ago. Uchi is one of the best and hottest restaurants in the country. The chef was recently runner up on Bravo's Top Chef. It was GOOD.
We'll keep you updated on life in our new City. So far so good. Come and Visit!
