Babies Make Four: Childhood Home

Saturday I will step foot in my childhood home for what, more than likely, will be the last time. My parents have sold their house and will be moving on to greener pastures (i.e. Candler, NC!) And while I'm eternally excited to have them closer to us, I have to admit a little sadness has crept in.

I haven't lived full time in that house for 12 years. It was a gradual adjustment. When I went to college, half of my stuff remained in the house and half went with me. Then I got my first apartment and it seemed like it was more of a 75-25% split. And then you buy your first house and pretty much all that stays in your childhood room is mementos. As Dillon and I have progressed in our married life and family, it seems like we don't even visit as much. We are lucky to get to Virginia once a month to visit family, sometimes not even that.

But, the home was still there. Waiting with open arms to welcome me back. I've run up and down the stairs in that home no less than a million times. We've put up Christmas trees, sat on the back porch drinking coffee and had uncountable home cooked meals in the kitchen. I've run in the back yard, had sleepovers, gotten ready for prom, packed for college, planned my wedding menu and waddled through that house pregnant. The house has seen my life.

I remember walking through the house when they were building it. The studs in the wall visible, my mom holding my hand walking up the unfinished stairs. I remember the ride from Bluefield with two wailing cats, one which broke free during the hour long trip. We ate Subway sandwiches off of boxes the day we moved in and I slept in between my mom and dad the first night on a bedroom suit they purchased just for me because our belongings hadn't been delivered yet. To my 6 year old self, the house seemed huge. I felt like we were rich. The house sits empty now and it's vastness returns. I feel little again.

As my mom said, though, what made the house a home is the memories and us. We will continue to make happy memories for our family and children only in a new location.

To mom and dad - I know this hasn't been easy for you. This has been your home for almost 25 years and uprooting everything you know isn't an easy (or pleasurable!) experience. But - enjoy your extended vacation and your new home in November. Dillon, Luke and I are so excited to have you here and to be with you on your new adventure!