South of the 49th

We've done it!


We are finally south of the 49th parallel and into American territory, with a short layover in Albany, New York after driving past the beautiful warm reds, yellows and browns of the changing fall leaves.  Our rented SUV was packed so tight, the latch on the trunk only closed with special MacGyver techniques and there was barely room for any of us to sit.   

We are in our new place.  Special shout out to my amazing husband who picked the most lovely townhouse, part of an series of row-homes nestled into a green, treed area which backs onto a park and walking trails.   We are really close to everything--less than 10 km to downtown Washington, DC., a 10 minute walk to lovely posh shopping boutiquey area, about 10 km to Old Town Alexandria.  I feel like we have the best of all worlds!

Our place is settled, most things unpacked and furniture arrived this past Friday. Much to my surprise and delight, the furniture was actually quite nice, and our lovely coordinator, Kathy selected items as if she were in our house!   The colours actually coordinated.  So my fears were for not and I am extremely thankful that we didn't have to go through the hassle of moving everything NOR did we have to buy all new stuff.  Thanks Uncle Pete for the year loan!

There have been a lot of unknowns in this adventure which has been the root of feeling like there is a crazy person living in my head sometimes, but finally, pieces have come together.  I definitely felt a lot more calm and positive about coming to Virginia when we were were able to plunk ourselves down on the newly rented sage green sofa and breathe a sigh of relief. 

After months of on the road sleeping, sleeping in a baby cot or sharing spaces, Gabriel now has his own crib and room again.  Wedensday, in our hotel, we sat and watched the presidential debate, while Gabriel slept in the cot next to us in the hotel, lulled to sleep by the white noise maker app on my iPhone that disguised our whispers, the TV volume on the lowest setting possible and the clicking of the computer keys as I typed.  I started counting down the hours to having our own space!

(The debate seemed all the  more exciting now with life in Virginia/DC in our futures. Now with internet, we have started streaming CBC live, mostly so we can get a good dose of Canadian life but also so I can follow the Justin Trudeau hype.  Not sure how he'll do, but it will be interesting to watch.  Fascinating times in politics!)

Thursday, after nine hours of travel, we have arrived at the hotel only three blocks from our new pad.  Gabriel must have slept about five hours today. (What else was there to do?) So we had a very late dinner with him at the Barnside Diner in Annadale where he wolfed down a de-breaded chicken finger and a heaping of mashed potatoes in addition to his baby "banana-blueberry smoothie."  Man, that kid can eat!  As an aside, did you know that he ate an ENTIRE rotisserie chicken this past week (among other things, of course--three avocadoes, pears, banana, blueberries, rice cereal, yogurt and cheese).  We even ordered him his OWN dinner Thursday night.  I have a feeling this is only the beginning.  I am going to have to start making bread, I know.  And then he'll eat the whole thing plus a carton of milk in a day by the time he turns ten.
 
We are safe and sound and now have connection to the outside world.  Pictures and further updates to follow!