Photo Credit: Picture Book
This weekend we moved to a new home – same town but different neighborhood. My husband and I realized we needed more space (namely, a play room!) as our boys’ toys had started to overflow into the living room and hallway area in a manner that had become intrusive and unsightly. So the last few weeks have been consumed with packing, organizing, throwing things away, and cleaning. Finally, this past weekend, the movers came.
Our final days in our apartment were more bittersweet than I’d realized they’d be. This is the only home our two little boys have known and, for that very reason, it’s very special. Not only that, but I love our old neighborhood – it’s such a kid-friendly area, with many other parents and young children and fun weekend activities. I wondered how the boys would adjust to their new place. I started preparing my 3 year old about a month back, and his anticipation grew each day. “Are we going to the new house?” he would chirp excitedly from the backseat on the way from school each day. “No,” I replied with a smile. “Not yet – it’s not ready.”
The big day arrived and our movers were scheduled to come that morning. The boys watched curiously as we scrambled around stuffing loose, last minute items into boxes. As per our plan, my husband then drove them to my in-laws’ house, where they would spend the day so as not to be underfoot during all the chaos. I also wanted a chance to get their room unpacked and comfortable so that they would have at least one area in the house to feel comfortable and have fun. I was so excited to see their reaction to the decorations. I had asked my oldest son for his opinion on a room theme. He chose a Sesame Street bedroom, while the nursery would be ABC/123-education themed. I was extremely pleased with how both rooms came out!
The move went smoothly and before long my husband and I were in the new place getting settled in. By the time dusk fell he left to pick up the boys. He called me from his mobile phone when he was on the way back, to ask if I was ready for him to bring them home. I finished the last touches on the wall border and told him I was ready. I heard the key turn in the door and the sound of little feet pattering tentatively down the new, long hallway. I bounded to the front to greet the boys. Our 1-year-old looked around curiously, while the 3-year-old shouted out: “We’re in the new house, mommy!”
We ushered them down the hallway and showed them their new playroom. They squealed with delight as they saw all the colorful wall decorations along with many of their toys that had been packed for a few weeks. It was like Christmas all over again for them! My husband and I just turned and smiled at each other. Then we walked them down the hall to their bedroom and flicked on the light. They were so happy to see all the familiar Sesame Street characters as well as the huge, fluffy new Sesame Street rug and comforters on their bed. Our preschooler did ask where his old Cars/Trucks/Plane bed comforter was, and I assured him that it was safe and folded in the linen closet. Without a second thought, they kicked off their shoes and proceeded to play and get acclimated in their new surroundings.
Derek and I are so glad they seem happy and comfortable in their new space. We have a few last items to pick up from the old house, and we plan to bring the boys this weekend for a final good-bye (as they haven’t seen it since the movers came and emptied the place out). Sometimes the thought of change can be so anxiety-provoking, but I realized from this experience just how comfortable with change and resilient children can be. The boys are just fine now and we look forward to many years in our new home!
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