Settled

The question we've been asked since arriving in this country is "how are you settling in?" or "are you settled?" The answers to those two questions were usually "good" or "yes" depending on which question exactly was asked. In my mind, getting settled was about setting up shop and everything in the house having a place. Now I'm really starting to understand the significance of the question. It's much more than a physical settling, but one of the heart as well. After almost reaching the 1 year anniversary of our arrival, I can now honestly answer "good" and "yes" to the questions. My emotional heart has begun to catch up with my physical one and has finally seemed to arrive. No doubt it will be troubled from time to time with the distance from family, but it is so refreshing to finally feel like the key has turned and opened the lock and we've crossed the threshold and Northern Ireland is now home. Now that makes me happy.

We've got loads of photos on the camera waiting for the upload, ones of pregnancy, ones of travel and other fine moments, but until then you'll just have to settle for a couple that were taken by granny and grandpa when we were visiting them...

Cousin Lauren so graciously teaching Gwyneth the ways of a princess


Gwyneth catching her first fish with her tutor Uncle Colin looking on


P.S. Eight more weeks until baby is due!!! I'm looking forward to having full ownership of my body again, but am slightly reluctant to welcome the sleepless nights and added responsibility of having an additional baby. Sure, it will be lovely, but it's best to be honest with oneself and just admit it will often be challenging.