Moving.

Moving.

I hesitate to even type the words.

We are moving out of New York City.

Cue the saddest violins.

There are a myriad of reasons that contribute to this decision. Most of them revolve around the fact that Stevie & I want to give our first son Everett, due in August, the best possible first year of his life. After a harrowing winter here in NYC... I just can't imagine being cooped up in such a tight space with a baby next winter. And with the husband's job taking him on the road a bit more over the course of this next year, we decided that it makes the most sense to go back to our roots and embrace the loving support of our family. Our incredibly large, overly affectionate, wonderful, goofy delicious family that makes my heart pound with pride.

Selfishly, I don't want to leave New York. This is the city of dreams, especially mine, and it's been an absolute adventure exploring this town with Stevie over the past year. I relish the fact that he's fallen in love with this place that I've always held dear in my heart. He's found a job that he loves walking to, a wonderful group of work friends that encourage and empower him, and a rhythm of "his own" here. I love that we've made such to-die-for friends for LIFE that are really, far too good for us. I love that I've attempted to GO for a life-long dream and actually experienced the pain, challenge and euphoria of walking out that dream. It's a funny thing. Dreams in your head certainly manifest differently in real life. And yet I'm thrilled that I've had the opportunity to pursue that dream. This has been the city for it. And my husband has been my #1 supporter. How lucky am I?

However, when I try to think unselfishly (it's HARD), and consider what would be best for my little boy-to-be, I ask myself, "What would be the best possible environment for him?" Being exclusively in my care for the first year of his life? Well, that's a given. But anchored to a tiny apartment with limited ability to take the subway (no elevators for strollers), take a cab (no carseat bases), and potentially just us for days on end while daddy travels? Or... would it be best to be surrounded by 4 incredibly invested, loving, healthy grandparents? Along with a bevy of jolly aunts and uncles and a gaggle of precocious, precious, passionate little cousins? Not to mention the wondrous community of friends we have that are also having their first, second, and third children in Atlanta. The easy access to big box stores, quick ability to hop in the car to run by the grocery store, and SPACE for a baby room just adds oomph to the case for the move.

I know that millions of people have children in the city. I'm not saying that I won't have kids in an urban city one day. We are already dreaming of possibly moving back to New York, or another exciting metropolitan hub, at some point. The point is, I know it can be done. And I don't judge anyone for doing it! New York City must be an incredible place to grow up, with so much culture and opportunity for young children. But when faced with my own personal decision on the matter, my conviction stands strong. Stevie & I have such a peace about relocating back to our hometown, and soaking up the warmth and comfort of our family's embrace for this next year as we welcome our first son into the world.

So it is with bittersweet sentiment that I begin to pack my belongings (again!) and prepare for a relocation back to Atlanta for the year. With Stevie's job, we will be faced with another move in July of 2015, and at that point, our little man will be close to a year old. Perhaps then, we will be ready for another city adventure. If you've been following our New York journey from the very beginning, I thank you for discovering this city with me! Over the next several weeks I will be amping up our 50 NYC Adventures as we attempt to see/do/taste everything in sight before we leave! We are open to suggestions on any must-see recommendations before we fly this coop!