What a Whirlwind!

Quinn was born over two weeks ago and I've been terrible at writing and posting pictures! I hope that I will get better. In my defense, it's been an insane couple of weeks. Sure, I expected the first couple of weeks to be a little crazy with a newborn... but, I didn't expect to plan a MOVE on top of it all!

The day we checked out of the hospital (June 24), Pat had a phone interview with Bungie Studios, a company based out of Kirkland, WA. Apparently the interview went well, because by Friday (June 26) he was sent offers. This is the company that makes the Halo series, for those who follow video games. For Pat, this is a dream job. It will enable him to work for a company that will truly push him as an animator, making games that he would enjoy playing himself (although, he won't be able to share his work with Quinn as long as he's working there, or until Quinn turns 18)! In addition, one of his greatest friends, Will, is working there. He has always wanted to be able to work with Will, and now he will get the chance.

The company knows that we just had a baby, and is trying to accommodate us in terms of the time it will take to move. However, they do want Pat working by August 3. This gives us about one month to figure everything out.

The decision to take the job did not come easily for us. I have the PERFECT job here, with incredible benefits, particularly now that Quinn is with us. I would have been able to have him at work with me as soon as I went back in an infant care room with only a few other babes. Not to mention, I absolutely love the school. My boss is truly one of a kind. She has always taken care of Pat and me and treated us like family. The families at the school are kind-hearted and caring, and they have truly spoiled me the past three and a half years. I just switched grade levels and loved teaching third grade and put a lot of work into the curriculum to only get to teach it for one year.

In addition, I work side-by-side with one of my closest friends, Jamie. We challenge each other as teachers, brainstorm together, and just truly enjoy spending time together. There is nothing better than knowing each day that you go to work that you will be spending time with such a close friend. The Lincoln family (Jamie, Ritchie, and their parents) have been incredible. They, too, have treated Pat and me like family. The only thing that I hold onto is knowing that our friendship does not have to be hindered by a move. I had to leave great friends after college and we are still close to this day. I expect nothing different for Jamie and me.

However, Pat and I have always known that we will not live in the Bay Area forever. While we absolutely love it here (perhaps me more than Pat), we are just too far from our families. Quinn makes this realization even more clear. We want our son to know his grandparents, aunts, uncle, and extended family. Moving to the Seattle area will enable us to drive to any family member on a weekend (and will enable people to come to us as well)!

So, after careful consideration and weighing the pros and cons, Pat accepted the position. We feel as though we are taking a huge leap of faith (seeing as how this is a contract position that will only give him work through next June... for now), but the timing is probably never going to be more appropriate.

I will miss this area, but I am excited to get to know a new place and meet new friends. I am excited to live near Heather, and I am excited that Ryan plans to move to the area after he finishes graduate school at Purdue. I am excited to be back in the Pacific Northwest.