December 31 is a special day for us. Three years ago we got engaged on this day. Since then, we have come a long way—finishing degrees, being geographically separated, getting married, living apart, lohts (with a capital H) of paperwork, and now restarting life together. This year has been one full of laughter but also of tears. We feel so lucky to be where we are today and are excited to see all of our friends’ and families’ journeys unfold along with us. We are much looking forward to 2016 for many reasons. For a recap of our year and a sneak peek at what lies ahead, read below.
TL;DR? Happy New Year to you from the both of us. Proost!
Separated No More
At the beginning of July, the U.S. State Department decided enough was enough and that we didn’t have to be separated any more. Pia stopped by the embassy, picked up her immigrant visa, and hopped on a plane for America. Our two-year separation came to an end.
If only it had been that easy…
There were delays, technical difficulties, and logistical issues standing between us and our flights home. After weeks of stress, waiting, and calling we were approved for the green card but without passport in hand. We cancelled flights and rebooked at the last minute. We called the post, then the embassy, then the post trying to figure out who had what when. We read every bit of social media about the database crash. And every time a truck grumbled down the street we bolted to the windows like children eager for Santa.
Finally we had tracked Pia’s passport to a shop in Amsterdam and arranged for a flight home the next day. Pia called her family and threw an impromptu “Emigration Day” party. We packed. Then bed for an early drive the next day. But on the way to Amsterdam, the car broke down. We left Pia’s mom on the highway with a mechanic while we took a taxi the rest of the way. By the time we got to the terminal we were both pale and shaking from all of the stress. It’s no wonder that I was pulled aside twice for extra questioning and swabbing. It wasn’t glamorous, but we made it home. Together.
Growing Expectations
Yes, it is really true! We are expecting a mini-Greiner-Davis to join our loving home in July. We are so very excited to meet this little wonder and can’t wait to see how this journey unfolds.
The journey so far:
My mom came to visit at the end of October and sensed it quite quickly—that nightcap of port is never refused without reason in our household. Jamie’s grandmother called it outright while we were visiting their farm with my mom, but she promised to keep it a secret.
Our first ultrasound was at the beginning of December and all is well. Now that we have passed the first trimester we are happy to announce it to the world. There’s starting to be just the slightest bump these days, and I can no longer hide it by sucking in my belly.
Right now I’m eagerly awaiting the days when nausea doesn’t come, biding my time by drinking plenty of fluids and keeping a rather bland but healthy diet. Yoga has definitely become more ‘interesting’ as I can feel my muscles softening and reconfiguring while this little storm rages inside.
Meanwhile we keep busy finding a new apartment, applying for jobs, coming up with beautiful and not-so-beautiful baby names, knitting a wardrobe for the babe, meeting old and new friends, and of course lots of work. I couldn’t be more excited to visit the Netherlands the first two weeks of March to see everyone, do plenty of yoga, and buy all the baby things!
For now we’ve adopted the nickname Beanie for our little one. Welcome Beanie, you are much loved.
Pia: Week 1
Sailing the High Seas
This summer we discovered a new shared passion: sailing! Pia had always loved sailing, having gone on many trips with her aunt and uncle in the Netherlands, but it was a completely new experience for Jamie. Our great friends, John and Mary, own a small but seaworthy sail-boat that made it into the water this year and once we came back to the USA, we joined them for many afternoons of sailing on Whitmore Lake. John and Pia went on some separate, rather adventurous, rides on a few stormy afternoons while Pia was waiting for jobs and students to show up. John is a great teacher, and we are eager students. We can’t wait to have the boat back in the water, learn more, and eventually—maybe—owning our own little boat some day!
So Much Yoga
Pia has been continuing her journey to becoming a yogi. She completed her first phase of teacher training in Groningen before leaving for the U.S. Along with Marianne, Pia launched NoMatYoga as a platform for them to share their journey with yoga and it has already gotten some nice attention. Otherwise, we continue to load up our hard drives with photos as often as possible. #YogaEveryDamnDay
And Much More…
Here a just a few photos taken this past year with family & friends.
