First House-iversary

One year ago today, we were handed the keys to our first house.

It was a quite a journey leading to that moment.  Exactly two years before, on April 19th, 2011, we found out we were going to have Emmie.

After she was born, we faced a tough financial situation because I was unpaid for my maternity leave.  We decided the best thing we could do to finally settle down would be to save up money by moving in with the in-laws.  Parenthood is a challenge to any relationship, but we had the added stress of learning the ropes under someone else's roof.  Raising baby Emmie has been the most wonderful experience of our lives, but it was also during the most difficult time for our marriage.

But we got through it.  Almost a year later, we moved in here.  And we had to learn how to be a family of three again.  In many ways, everything was new.

Today, we planted a tree to celebrate this milestone in the hopes that as its roots spread and strengthen through the soil, so shall the foundation of our family.  As its trunk reaches higher, so shall our love for one another.  When its branches multiply, so shall our happiness.  Its flowers will reflect our joys, the leaves our blessings.  And when the chill of winter blows against the boughs, we will remember that the warmth of spring always returns.

Wherever my family is, there is my home.