Harmon's Haven

Meet amazing dad Robbie, mother-in-training Jesika, 7 year old best big sister Bree, 5 year old boy in every way Gabe, 3 year old who thinks he's 10 years old who makes us all laugh McKay,
and 9 month old sweetest Quinn Marie...the Harmon Family!

Thursday, May 15, 2014

I am surviving!

As I pulled up our family blog tonight and saw that my last post was the birth of our sweetest little Quinn...9 months ago...I was not really surprised :) Life has been an absolute whirlwind, or shall I say snowstorm, since then! Two days before she was born Robbie was offered a job...in Chicago. The offer came unsolicited, but it felt SO right. When our house sold in four days our feelings were confirmed that this was indeed the right move for our family. So with our four children in tow, the tiniest just two months old, we made the move halfway across the county to join the Midwest.

At this point I feel like a short list will describe the next 7 months:

-Drastic change in weather...from intense heat to intense cold!
-Bree successfully acclimating to a new school. She loves everything about it. Gym, lunch, friends, teacher...
-Robbie transitioning into his role as a Regional Vice President at Surgical Care Affiliates. He loves it. They love him. Perfect fit.
-Bree, Gabe and McKay loving the snow.
-Quinn growing and being overwhelmed with kisses and adoration by her five biggest fans. Getting her up in the morning and after naps is the HIGHLIGHT of her siblings' day!
-Learning why they call this the "Windy City"...I don't think it stops! (Which is great on a warm day though!)
-Getting to know members of our new ward (congregation) and loving how wonderful our church is at making people feel welcomed and loved. We are meeting some wonderfully amazing people!
-Joining Lifetime Fitness has saved us this winter! Have made some great friends and love having such a fabulous place to work out!
-Surviving being a mother of four. While it has been wonderful and so rewarding watching how sweet these children of mine are, the planning, laundry, meals, dishes, siblings fighting, cleaning, teaching, listening and lack of sleep have almost put me over the edge a few times. Ok, several times :) But I am learning so much and honestly am loving this motherhood thing more than ever.
-Celebrating birthdays...We are now at a nice 32, 7, 5, 3, and 9 months...my favorite ages so far!
-Missing family...my parents serving in Australia, my little sis serving in Taiwan, my other siblings in CT, TX and UT and my in-laws in UT and CA...too far away! We are realizing just how much we LOVE being around family and hope that someday we can be closer! BUT, even if this isn't "where we are going to settle," it is the perfect place for the Harmon Family right now. Spring is coming and we could not be more excited.

Each month here we have only loved it more, so let the Chicago adventures continue...hopefully with better documentation of our journey!     

3 comments:

Jill said...

Believe it or not those survival modes will fade all too fast. Here I sit doing what I want, when I want with no diapers to change or science fair projects to manage. You are a beautiful young mother that four little cherubs will forever be lucky they are under your wing. Love to read about your life and adventures. Make every moment a memory!

Phyllis Bestor said...

Hi to our favorite Mid-Westerners. It is fun to have 2 grandchildren families trekking to the MidWest, our former stomping grounds. We miss you all and hope maybe to see you this summer.

Lisa said...

What part of Chicago are you living in? I actually met my husband out there. We had random summer jobs. I lived in Bucktown and attended at first the Logan Square ward and then transferred the the Singles Branch on the south side. I'm coming out in August with my hubby and would love to meet up with you if you are in town and have time.