Gioia

Sofia

I hope you look back at this photo and remember today. Many things will change over the coming years but you are our greatest joy.

The Pocket

Sofia

We drive two hours north and arrive at our new house at the same time as Billy the real estate agent. You shyly say hello, we inspect the property, receive the keys and then get started on a quick clean while Daddy unloads equipment into the shed. 

Carmen mops the floors while I clean spider webs and window frames. There isn't much to do as the lovely vendors have already cleaned. They have also charmingly left us a welcome note and freshly cut flowers and home made jam. 

You insist on helping, claiming the mop and pushing it around with great gusto. Then you focus your cleaning attentions on me and I ask you to wipe down the door to your new bedroom. Earnestly wiping and swiping, you stop only briefly to instruct me that when the door is closed we will not be allowed to come in as you will be sleeping. 

Your bed is yet to arrive. In fact it will be two days before we strip the sheets and load the frame and mattress onto the back of the moving van. But you are already planning the rainbow curtains and I'm pleased that you are happy to be moving. In fact, you insist that we stay at the new house all day but it cannot be. 

We pack up the cleaning supplies, enjoy a quick picnic lunch under the warm winter sun and then head back to Brisbane for your last swimming lesson with Anne. As we drive the two hours south we receive news that the settlement has taken place and we are now the proud owners of rural acreage and a blue and white Queenslander perched on a hill.  You are sleeping in the back seat, but Daddy is very emotional and we hold hands as I drive, breathing in as the news reaches my heart and I know life is about to change for us all. 

The Pocket adventure has started. 

June 23rd

Sofia

It's a big day. You spent last night tossing and turning in our bed, waking daddy repeatedly. I abandoned the big bed early on and slept solidly under your pink doona and one of the patchwork quilts Nana has lovingly made for you. 

My alarm wakes me and I tip toe into the shower and rouse myself while you both continue to slumber. 

Dad is up and dressed. I whisper in your ear that today we are going to the new house again. Your eyes flash open and you sit up, sleep slipping from your face. You skip down the hallway and appear back in the kitchen dressed in an ensemble that warms my heart. Pink and gold animal print Hello Kitty high top sneakers all the way from Germany (thanks Esther), pink leggings and a denim skirt that kicks out charmingly. A pink top and a hand knitted cardigan in variegated pink, blue and cream that your great great Aunty Vi knitted. 

The fridge and cupboard are a little bare as we have been running down supplies in preparation for our move so we make a pile of cheese on toast for breakfast and stand in the kitchen discussing the coming day as we eat. 

It's a big day....June 23rd. 

Change

Sofia

Change is coming. I watched you snuggle up with Daddy this morning, and felt a pang as I realized that our days in this house are coming to end. It's been a manically busy time, packing up, juggling work and childcare, travelling, endless to-do-lists.

This morning in the car you went through all the things in your head that need to be done. 

Go to school today - check

Two more sleeps - check

Pack my painting - check

Pack my playdough - check

Take my dolls and toys - check

Put my clothes in a bag - check

Go to the new house - check

A to-do-list of your own. My heart exploded with pride. 

It's been a busy few weeks and it's only going to get busier but you are the catalyst that has made this change a reality. A dream that Daddy and I have shared for many years, and we are more than excited to be sharing it with you. 

A change is coming...and while you grow and change just a little every day, the joy of you remains the same.