Hey friends!
I’ll be honest; I’ve been a little MIA around here the past few weeks (if you haven’t noticed!). I’ll share with you exactly what has happened;
LIFE.
Life has gotten SO busy lately, and this post is all about the why. While there is definitely lots of good news, I also have some bad news to share, too. They always seem to go hand in hand, right?
I’ll start with the good news. I know, usually people start with the bad news and end with the good, but all the good news sort of leads up to the bad news. Anyway. On with it.
First, about two months ago I found out we are expecting our second child! Woohoo!! We knew we wanted to have another one and this was about the time we were thinking, so that worked out perfectly. I’m only 13 weeks, so it’s still too soon to know the gender, but we will definitely be finding out. I’m such a planner! My due date is May 21st. Yay spring baby!
Little miss Jade doesn’t quite understand, but she does like to rub my (already big) belly and say, “there’s my brother or sister in there!” and then asks to see the baby. I tell her she can’t quite yet, and she gives me a perplexed look and then is on to somthing else. She’ll get it soon enough! 🙂
And, for news number 2.
Before we found out we wee expecting, David and I were throwing around the idea of selling our house and moving. The market was doing reeeeeally well, and we just thought, what the heck! We had had a “5 year plan” when we moved in our current house, and it’s been exactly 5 years. We knew we wanted to have another baby soon and wanted a little bigger of a house and yard, so we threw the idea out on the table.
Two weeks(ish) later, I found out I was pregnant. We decided selling our house right now was perfect timing, as we wanted to sell, buy, and be settled in well before the baby came. We worked our tails off getting our house in order, and finally last week it went on the market. We’ve had a few showings already and we’ve looked at some other houses, but for now it’s just a waiting game. Phew! I gotta say, getting a house ready to sell and having showings is not so fun with a toddler running around taking out the toys you’re putting away. It’s a good thing she’s so cute! 😉
That all was the “good” news and why I haven’t been posting as much lately, either.
On with the bad news.
While I absolutely love blogging and sharing all my crafts and creations with you, I’ve made the super hard decision to take a break. Moving and this pregnancy has consumed us right now, leaving virtually no time for projects, crafts, or blogging. I say break because I WILL be back. I don’t know when next year, but after our little bundle is born and we get into the routine of two kiddos, I’ll have the time (and maybe energy?!) to “get my craft on.” yeah, I just said that.
You don’t know how sad this makes me, as I’ve truly loved every bit of this past year and this journey I started. I’ve made some fabulous “bloggy” friends and have learned a ton about blogging in general. I’ve gotten to chat with and “meet” some of my amazing readers (that’s you!!). But my family comes first, and these big changes going on in our lives needs my full and undivided attention (and if you have any tips on moving with a toddler, OR how to handle two kiddos, I’m all ears!!).
So, until further notice, I’ll no longer be posting on Dwelling in Happiness. Everything will still be here exactly as it is so I can pick right back up when I’m ready. However, I do still plan on posting pictures and updates of our move and the baby on social media, so if you’re not already, you can follow me on Instagram and Facebook to stay up to date, and I’ll most definitely still be pinning my favorite things on Pinterest (because let’s be honest, who can stop??). I’d still love to keep in contact and hear what’s going on in your lives while I’m away, so please don’t hesitate to shoot me an e-mail me, either!
This isn’t goodbye, my friends, but “see you later.” Like I said, I will be back; so don’t go too far! I’ll be thinking about you all!
Until then… 🙂
What exciting news! Good for you Amanda!
Prepping to sell a house is a huge amount of work and that’s just the beginning, so you are making a smart (but tough) decision.
Take care of yourself during your pregnancy. I look forward to seeing your updates on IG!
Karen
Thanks Karen!! And it’s so true, prepping to sell is SO. MUCH. WORK!! I just want this all to move quickly so we can get into a new house and be settled before our new little one arrives. I know taking a break is what will allow that with the least amount of stress, so a break it is! I look forward to see all your updates on your FB page as well! 🙂
Hi, Amanda ~ I’m so excited for you and your family! I also have a huge respect for you putting your family first. Enjoy focusing on the big changes in your life, and I look forward to seeing updates on social media. :0) Take good care and good luck!
Tiffany recently posted…Create & Share: Whimsical Stenciled Skull Pillow
Thank you Tiffany!! We are so excited with what’s to come, but know it’s going to be very, very busy! It’s already next to impossible to get our house cleaned up and ready for showings with a toddler running around taking out everything I’m trying to put away. 😉 I’m bummed to be leaving blogging for awhile, but know it’s best. 🙂
First of all … Congrats on all the excitement!! How wonderful for your family!! Second of all, I think you’re making a great choice about blogging. I love your stuff, and we will miss you, BUT …. You don’t want anything to compromise this time with your littles. I’ll be following along on FB and IG, and we’ll see you when you come back!! Good decision and best of luck!!
Katie recently posted…To the dark side {One Room Challenge … week 3}
Thanks so much, Katie!! I really didn’t want my lack of time to blog lately to compromise my content, and I decided a break was the best way to advert that. I’d rather take this break fresh and come back ready to go! I’m really bummed because I totally love blogging, but I know it’s what’s best for right now. And you’re totally right, I don’t want to compromise any time with my babies! The time flies way too fast and they grow up so quickly! Thanks for your sweet words. I look forward to continuing to follow you on social media! 🙂
Amanda,
First of all congrats to you and your family!! That is very exciting news. All I can tell you about adding to your family is just roll with it. I was way more chill with my second. If you haven’t already, you can let go of your pregnancy study materials. I was all on top of reading what was happening week to week with my first, not so much with #2. Lol I’d say that I was a little nervous with #3 because I suddenly realized that my husband and I will be out numbered. The bottom line is that you adapt and when you look back on your feelings and fears, you might giggle a little because it’ll be hard to imagine life without that little angel. They just fit right into the family unit as if they’ve been there all along. 🙂
Under these circumstances it is SO understandable to take a blog break. I’m happy that you’ve allowed yourself that grace. You will be missed for these next few months for sure! I look forward to “seeing” you on FB and Instagram.
BTW There must be some baby juju in the air… we are expecting #4 in January, my brother and SIL #3 in February, & my sister and her husband #2 in April. I’m surprised my mom’s head hasn’t exploded. Lol I’ve also seen a lot of bloggers announce baby news on FB too. 😉 Would you believe with all this I’m prepping a blog launch finally… I’ve lost my mind I think.
Best wishes to you and yours over the coming months!
xox Roxana
Hi Roxana! Thank you so much for your kind words and advice!! And you’re totally right, I already see being way more chill with baby #2. I was a complete anal freak with my first, reading every book there was about everything. I just don’t time now, and I sometimes forget I’m even pregnant. Ha!! We totally feel that way with Jade though, how we can’t even remember what life was like before her or imagine life without her, and I know it’ll be the same for the next. We’re so excited!
Congrats to YOU as well!! And you’re amazing to have 4 kiddos AND be starting a blog. Now I feel lame for taking a break for only having 2. 😉 Best of luck on your new adventure too, can’t wait to see your blog when you’re up and running! E-mail me a link so I can check it out!! 🙂 Hope you take care and have a great rest of your pregnancy!
Congrats and good luck! What big changes! I’d probably take a blog break too. In fact, I did a few years ago and it we just what I needed. I hope all goes well with the pregnancy and the move!
Valerie recently posted…Kitchen Makeover- Progress So Far
Thank you, Valerie! I’m so glad to hear I’m not the only one. I bet a break did you well and you were able to come back refreshed, which is what I’m hoping it will be for me, too!! Thanks for the well wishes! 🙂
I will miss you! And, your baby’s due date is the same as my son’s birthday! That is a GREAT month to have a baby and for birthday parties! I am glad you are just taking a break for now!
Carrie
curlycraftymom.com
Aw thanks Carrie, I’ll miss you too!! I’m so thankful for Facebook so we can still keep in touch. 🙂 Aw yay! I’m so glad to hear May’s a great month for a baby, we had planned for a spring baby so this is perfect. 🙂 I’m looking forward to a break but will miss blogging for sure!
So excited for you!! You have so many amazing changes happening in your life right now! While we will miss you in the blogging world, I do still look forward to seeing pics of your new place when you move and when your little bundle arrives!
erin recently posted…Decoupage Pumpkin
Thanks Erin! I’m excited for these changes and to really be present during it all, too. My little one is so active right now and it’s totally a full time job chasing her around! 😉 I’m excited to share pictures of our new home (when we find it!) and baby! 🙂
Congratulations! And give yourself a pat on the back for knowing what is right for your family and following through. Very commendable. I don’t know how you all do it with young children. I have one in college and one in high school so they are all pretty self sufficient. (And a make a point to drop everything if they need me.) But that is more and more a rare occurrence. I’ll keep following you along on your journey and be praying for everything to go smoothly. Take care!
Leslie recently posted…One Room Challenge: Week 3 Master Bathroom Lighting
Thank you so much, Leslie!! And I agree, it is definitely not easy having a little one, especially a busy toddler! It was a lot easier when she was a baby still and not mobile. I have a ton of respect for those moms who have little ones, a full time job, and still run a successful blog. My hats of to them! Thank you for your kind words! 🙂
Lots of exciting things happening!! Enjoy them! Look forward to when you’re back on the blog!
Meg @ Green With Decor recently posted…A DIY fall pillow
Thanks Meg!! We will most definitely enjoy all these exciting things, and even more so now that I’ll be on a little break! I don’t want to miss a thing. 🙂 Happy Sunday!
Hooray for you and your family!!! I’ll miss your beautiful inspiration and creativity in the near term and think it’s terrific that you are taking some time off. Blessings as you prepare for a new baby and a new home!
Thank you so much, Michele!! It’s definitely what we need during this time, though it was no easy decision to make! I can’t wait to get back to it next year! 🙂
You are and will be missed! I’m awfully excited for you and your family. Congratulations!
Marjie@HomeAgainJiggetyjig.com/wp recently posted…BEST FRUGAL BUYS FOR OCTOBER
Thank you so much, Marjie!! So many happy things happening! 🙂
Congrats on the new baby and making the decision to put the house on the market! And good for you for making the very hard decision to take a step back from blogging. Most people have no idea how time consuming blogging is but it’s hard to give it up!
Best wishes and hope to “see” you again soon!
~ Ashley
Ashley ~ 3 Little Greenwoods recently posted…Summer Spotlight: Katie from View From The Fridge
Hi Ashley! Thank you!! It really was a hard decision, but I think it’ll be best for my family right now. And my sanity. 😉 Selling a house is SO. much. work. Ah! It’ll be so much fun sharing our new house though when I come back. Take care!! 🙂
Congratulations oneverything. Very happy for you my friend. All the best while you take this break. I’ll be seeing you over on IG and know you’ll be getting your craft on soon 🙂
Thank you, Deborah!! And you’re so right, I’ll definitely be getting my craft on soon enough. I can’t stay away! Ha! See you on IG! 😉
Congrats on the new baby and selling your house. Such a busy time for you. Good luck with everything and I will defiantly keep following along with the updates on FB!
-Shonee
http://www.hawthorneandmain.com
shonee recently posted…Gather Here with Grateful Hearts Free Printable
Thanks, friend!! Busy time indeed! I’m looking forward to following along with your baby journey as well!! 🙂
Congrats on the addition to your family! A new baby, a new house- 2 big, wonderful life changes happening at once! I wish you a happy pregnancy and good luck on the selling and buying of your home! I look forward to your updates on IG!
Thank you, Kay!! Lots of changes, but all good and we’re so excited about it all. A break will be nice, and I’ll be back refreshed and ready to craft! 🙂
So excited about your new adventures! Sending you love , hugs and prayers for your journey. Can’t wait to see all the updates on IG! CoCo
coco recently posted…Moist Beet Brownies with Peanut Buttercream Frosting
Thanks, Coco!! I’m so excited too! I think I’ll come back with lots of share with a new house AND baby!! 🙂 Happy Sunday!
I’m so happy for you in all your big adventures, Amanda! Of course, we’ll definitely miss your posts and will look forward to your return, but it’s definitely understandable.
Best of luck to you my dear!
Rebekah || Charming Imperfections recently posted…A ($30) Budget Fall Home Tour
Thank you so much, Rebekah! Definitely some big adventures ahead for us, but we’re so excited! Can’t wait to get back to it though next year! 🙂
Really happy for you and your family. Sounds like you’re definitely making the right choice in this season. I know its hard, but we’ll all be looking forward to your return 🙂 God Bless you guys in this new chapter!
megan @NoSmallLife recently posted…Eclectic Home Office Reveal
Aw thank you, Megan!! It was definitely a hard decision, but one I had to make for my family. I’m sure I’ll be back before I know it! 🙂 Thanks for your sweet words! Take care! 🙂
Have a happy and healthy winter. I will be excited to see to pictures of your fabulous new home and your beautiful family. Enjoy your time off!
Thank you, Chris!! SO far this fall hasn’t been super healthy for us, we’ve had terrible head colds already… here’s hoping we stay healthy the rest of the winter!! 😉 Will definitely share updates!! 🙂
Congratulations on the great news! I don’t blame you for taking some time off. Family should always come first and to be moving and dealing with your pregnancy all at the same time is a wise move on your part. I wish you the best and maybe you’ll be able to share photos here and there.
Carol @ The Red Painted Cottage recently posted…Making A Pumpkin Pie From Scratch
Thank you so much, Carol! It’s going to be a crazy busy time, but a break will definitely do me some good. I’m really hoping to be sharing some pics as we go along our journey! 🙂 Take care!
Hi Amanda! I just found your blog today.. so am totally disappointed that you won’t be posting anymore! : / Buuut, I can definitely understand having a lot on your plate.. I have a 16 month old son and we are in the process of putting our house on the market too! Yeeeahh.. it’s been challenging enough to take the pictures.. can’t yet imaging showing it.. haha Anyway, super congrats on the 2nd kiddo on the way! You’re way braver than me girl!! 😉 LOL See ya on social media!
Ciara @ Favored Mom recently posted…Weekly Goals October 26
Hi Ciara!! Ah!! So glad you found my little blog, but bummed that I won’t be sharing anything for awhile! Girl, you’re in for a treat soon when you start showing your house. 😉 Ha! It’s actually not too bad, once your house is cleaned and ready to go, it’s pretty easy. I think I’m more worried about the having to move part! Thanks for your sweet words! I’ll be so ready to come back I’m sure once both kiddos are driving me crazy. 😉
Congrats on your exciting news! I’m so thrilled for the 4 of you! 😉 Sounds like God’s timing was perfect. And while of course I’ll miss seeing you in my inbox each week, I think you are making the exact right decision for you and your family, and I admire you heaps and heaps for that. It takes courage. But that’s the beauty of blogging. It’s yours to pick back up again when the time is right. And we’ll be right here ready to soak it all up again. In the meantime, I’ll be stalking you and your pregnancy / home updates on social media. Great things ahead for you, girl!
Lauren @ The Thinking Closet recently posted…12 Months of Pre-Planned Dates: Creative Wedding Gift Idea
Thank you so much, Lauren!! God’s timing was definitely perfect, as it always is. 🙂 And you’re so right, blogging is so amazing and forgiving that it’s easy to take a break and come back later on without missing a beat. Thank you for your encouragement and support, and for being a such a sweet friend! And yes, please do stalk on FB, I’ll try to share as much as possible! 🙂 Take care!
This is such sad news. I hope all goes well for you. I took 7 months off when my second was born. I had only been blogging for about 5 months anyway so it’s not like it made an impact on many people. Haha. But it’s the best thing I did. It gave me time to consider if I wanted to blog and if so what I wanted out of it and where I wanted to take it. Now my blog is much bigger and doing well compared to before. I’m so happy with the decision and it’s not worth stressing out over. If it’s something that you love, are passionate about and makes you happy you don’t want it to stress out or be a chose 🙂 Look forward to your return to blogging 🙂
Maria @ Pastels & Macarons recently posted…Woodlands Forest Cake Toppers
Hi Maria! That’s so reassuring and encouraging to hear your experience with taking a break. While I’m really sad to do it, I know it’s just what’s best. I think you’re right; it’ll give me time to evaluate where I want to take my blog and help me in the future when I come back. I definitely love it and don’t want it to be a chore, and I know that a break will help that, too! Thanks Maria! 🙂
I am so excited for all the happy things to come in your life, Amanda! Good for you for putting your family first… you’ll never regret it! xo
Thank you so much sweet friend!! I followed in your footsteps. 😉 It was just the right decision for my family at this time. So much going on! And so far, I’m so glad I made this decision! Hope all is well with you and your family@
Just found your blog and signed up – good luck on both accounts and look forward to seeing you when your back 🙂
Jam Jar Gill recently posted…RECIPE JOURNAL: Meatless Mondays {week 18}
Thank you so much!! So glad you found me! Sorry it’s not at a time where I’m posting much, but I’ll be back with lots more to share. 😉
Congratulations on the future new arrival! Hope all goes well with your move.
Thank you so much, Noreen!! 🙂
Hi Amanda, I stumbled upon your Liquid Laundry Soap, which I am making today!!! As I was reading what you have to share I felt a strong connection to you. Maybe it’s the mommyhood, you talk like a real living woman who wants to share what she learns. And thank you for that, because I had to subscribe to your blog and I look forward to learning more. I know you are taking some time off to care for your newest addition, Congrats!!!! I hear ya’, I’m do at the beginning for August 2016 and this pregnancy is way different with having a 2 year old as well. I’m glad you are taking the time you need and not to worry about coming back to us. We will be happy when you return, you just take all the time you need!!! Motherhood is First!!!! And most Important!!! Anyways, I think you are amazing!!!!! Big Hug!!
Hi Cheryl!! I’m so sorry for the slow response, but thank you so so much for your sweet comment!!! I love “meeting” other mommies who can relate and are in the same fun stage in life. Congrats on your baby coming in August!! I just had our little boy two weeks ago, and it’s definitely an adjustment with two, but so much fun! I’m hoping to come back to blogging in a few months when the baby is bigger, but we’ll have to see when the time comes. I sure miss it! I’m SO glad you found me, happy to have you following along!! 🙂