Maya's First House

Hey Mai, 

How's it going? Since we returned from Ohio it has been a whirlwind of activity around our move. I can say as of today finally, we are officially moved out of our last place and settled in to our new pad. While this is your third place you will have lived, this is probably the first place you will remember. I think its going to be pretty cool.

Believe it or not, that was a good job by Mama containing you both for that shot. You and Goose just want to go explore, explore and explore your new hood.

While tonight probably marks the dust settling, it has been a journey. We signed the papers for the house the day we got back from Ohio. I think it was an omen that The Mountain was out that day. It seems to come out on pretty important days for us, ever since  you were conceived. It's kinda your mountain. Here is the view from the posh downtown office where we signed the papers.

It's not always out. In fact, this is what morning has looked like the past week here in Seattle. You can barely see the city let alone your Mountain.

Ever since that day, it has been quite a journey. We saw a lot of the Shrader clan as they helped us a lot with the move and painting and stuff. Lorelei was good at keeping you busy too! As a result you can say "Beck. eee" and "SShon" pretty well. You are trying to get Lorelei out but its a work in progress.

Lorelei even built you a little chair and fort!

Yeah, those are 12 pack boxes that your fort was made out of. What? It's hard work painting and going for parents of the year at the same time!

We had many days where we would go visit the house, get a little work done here and there before we actually moved. 

Stella is pretty found of you these days. Especially since you decided it was okay to share your snacks with her.

But when it's all said and done, we did it. We finally finished the move and have our stuff all set up. Happy times for Team Castañeda! Don't Hide Mama, it's happy time!

One of the best additions we have is a little kid's desk that Mama bought for you. You love it and since we've had it you sit in it at least once every day. It's about the cutest thing ever.

One of the things I'm going to miss the most in leaving our last place is my walks to work. On the days that Mommy was off you guys used to walk me to the bus stop in the morning as I left for work. For now, the new bus stop is probably a little long for a little girl and her dog. Don't worry though. I'll never forget those walks. 

And that's about it! We're settled in and ready for our next adventures. Welcome Home Mai!

Love,

Daddy

Best part about moving: Box forts

Dear Mai,

It appears to be that time of the year again when Mommy and Daddy like to move into a new place. Let's hope we settle a bit in our new place but first things first. Getting ready to move.

Last year around this time we had some dear friends not only help us move but pretty much do everything for us. I like to think that Mommy and Daddy were in a state of shock with you being pretty new to this world and us not wanting to leave our last place that led us to be so lazy. That reminds me of more advice for you. 

Make quality friendships. Your mother and I are blessed with some of the best friends humans could ask for. Not only do they physically help us move but they help us spiritually too. Make good friends Mai. I don't know how else to emphasize it. I wouldn't be the same person I am today without these great people around me. People are what makes the world go round. Live in the moment with them.

</soapbox>

So this year we are getting ready to move into our new place with an upcoming Ohio trip in the works. (By the way, we are pretty proud that you can say "Ohio" now. Next up: work on your response to "O H!")

We're trying to be more proactive with moving this year. You're a big help too.


After a few days of casual packing we have our box wall started. With room for a little Maya fort of course.


That's probably about the best we are going to get before we head back east. Look out girl, the next few weeks are about to be a whirlwind of activity. I can't wait for you to get to explore our new house! Soon come... soon come.

Love,


Daddy