Yes, we are expecting or second child!!
And yes, I am still alive. After almost a year of posting on my blog multiple times every week, even while travelling, or packing, or moving across the country — I suddenly fell off the face of the internet. My last post was at the end of November saying I would be back in a week. Yeaaah, that didn’t happen. There has been a lot of difficult things going on lately, and added on top of that, we just moved into a new apartment, Tim had to start working both an overnight job and a day job, and I have been very sick.
BUT – the good news is … Tim was able to quit both of those draining jobs and is now, for the first time ever, able to put his masters degree to work, and is officially an engineer! So happy for him – and so happy that we get to have more family time now that he only has to work one job. And, super happy news for us, the reason I’ve been so sick is that I’m expecting! I’m due in August, and I’m currently 16 weeks along. Our 5 year old is SO excited to be becoming a big sister. :) And a lot of the other difficult things are simultaneously getting better and making us stronger in the process. We are so thankful to God for his provision and seeing us through some dark days.
And sometimes in life you have to say “good-bye” to things that are, perhaps, nice and fine, in order to make room for something better. And so, I am officially closing down my graphic design business and shutting down my Etsy shop for good. We are no longer dependent on it financially, and while I’m grateful that I was able to help our family while still staying at home with our daughter, I am SO much looking forward to being able to devote more of my energy to our family and to more important things. I was, in fact, also planning to shut down my blog, but various family members and friends (including my husband) really urged me to keep it going. And I think I will – it is nice to have a creative outlet, and one where I can chronicle and look back at later and (perhaps) write something that someone else will enjoy, is worth it to me. I will not plan to post 3 times a week, like before, probably more along the speed of once a week. And the focus will be much more on the home and not on business … which was, after all, my intention in the first place with this blog.
But my Etsy shop … it’s going. I’m planning to close in about a week. So if there’s anything you’ve wanted to buy from my shop, now is the time to grab it. I’ve got some inventory I’m looking to get rid of, so starting today until I close, with any order I will also include 3 more prints for free (of my choosing from my inventory.) But very soon it will be closed for good. It feels a little bitter sweet, but I’m also really looking forward to the first time in 3+ years to not be shipping out orders anymore. :)
Anyway, I know I kind of abandoned my blog for a couple months there, and I’m not sure how many of you are still around. If you ARE still around … thank you for your patience. :) I’m so excited about this new phase of our life, and I’m also looking forward to writing here on the blog again.
Onward!
Some of us ARE still around! Welcome back, and congratulations!
Wow!! Congratulations! What a huge, happy, stressful, amazing upheaval!! I am so happy for you, especially because you seem so happy and firm in your decisions. I wish you the best, hope you keep writing here, and am now going to go wander around in your shop!
April, First, congratulations! Very excited for you and sorry that your first trimester has been so challenging. Glad to hear you are feeling better. But beyond that, I want to thank you for your brilliance, creativity, and inspiration every time I visit this site. I know how much dedication and hard work it takes to sustain a blog–let alone the business and family that’s behind it. No matter how fast or smart or creative or brilliant a person is, there’s no getting around the kind of discipline it takes to accomplish this. Deepest thanks for the inspiration you’ve provided. And kudos for making a decision that must have been difficult–or perhaps not so much considering you’re a God-led person who has the faith to realize that all things come together for good in your life. Many blessings to you and your family in the next chapter. I’ll look forward to your weekly posts!
Congratulations! What wonderful news.
Congratulations –on the baby and new job for your husband! I’m still reading :)
I’m sorry it’s been a hard season, but encouraged to hear how you are trusting God with it all.
CONGRATS on the new baby!!! I pray the rest of your pregnancy smooths out and that you and your family can focus on the beauty and wonder of this new family member getting ready to make his/her grand entrance in a few months. I have two August babies!
Congratulations on your wonderful news!
Congratulations April for all the blessings, new baby, hubby’s new job, and a new direction. Sometimes we have to walk through the desert to see where God wants us to go, to be, and to do. It sounds like He’s leading you on a wonderful family journey. Wishing you all of God’s best!
Congratulations! I did miss you!! An I have been praying for you. I am so sorry that you’ve struggled but Ipraise God with you that you have come through your struggles stronger in Jesus.
I will look forward to you posts any time you write them! I am so very happy you plan to continue!
Patti
Congratulations! So many exciting changes for you guys! Wishing you and your lovely family all the best!
Congratulations!! On the new babe of course but also on your new decision :) It’s not an easy one to step away from a successful business but you seem so confident and happy about it! I’ve been in a similar place where I took a step back from regular blogging and social media and I’m feeling SO relieved… instead of missing it like I thought I would! I’m glad you won’t be disappearing completely though :)
Congratulations! I am going to miss your graphic inspirations on etsy, but I’m excited that tings are going well for you and your family. Huge thanks for the series on how to set up a blog – without it I don’t think I could have started one of my own. Wishing all the best!
Congrats April! I’m so happy for you. Best of luck with whatever you pursue from here out. Closing up shop is bittersweet, but sometimes it’s the best option. I’ve enjoyed getting to know you. Glad to know you’ll still be blogging here a bit! Let me know when your little one is close! I’d love to send you some Growing Up Herbal goodies for your tiny one!!
Well congratulations. I guess moving to Boston in the long run has been a positive thing on many fronts. It sounds like it was challenging in the beginning but things seems to be working out for you. That’s wonderful. I’m glad you’re going to keep the blog going. Best wishes!
congratulation April! i’m so happy for you! your little one seems so excited about that
Congratulations! Babies are so wonderful!
Congratulations on the baby! How exciting :)
Glad you will be back to post – I just recently found your blog and have enjoyed looking through older posts and look forward to getting to know you better through upcoming ones.
Congratulations! Baby news is always wonderful news :0)
I look forward to future posts.
Blogging really is a fun and creative outlet – enjoy!
So happy you’re back!! You and your family have been on my mind for a long time now. Congratulations on the great news! I will always be one of your biggest fans; whether you post once a week or once a year.
Congratulations! <3 I'm glad you plan on continuing to blog – Your posts have been a huge encouragement to me (even though I seldom comment ^^;)
And it's nice to know I'm not the only one who vanishes off the face of the internet occasionally! :D
I know I’m late-congrats on your marvelous news. Praying for the best-be blessed!
YAY!!! such great news! we are in a similar boat here, due in October and have been pretty sick here :( looking forward to that getting better.
Congratulations!!!!!! Yes, we’re still around and glad you’re back to stay even if not so regularly :). May God continually bless you and your family!!
There you are! I had been wondering where you were. :) Congratulations on the new bambino, hoping your sickness is coming to an end. Hoping, as well, that any heaviness you’ve been experiencing lightens up. I’m glad you’ll keep blogging, I really have missed reading your posts. Blessings to you and your family!!
Congratulations to you and your family. Such a lovely blessing.
Wishing you a beautiful day.