Chapter 2: In Which We Look At Skeevy Houses And Decide We're Better Off Where We Are

We went and looked at the houses last night. Not quite what we were hoping. Unfortunately, our price range places us in the older side of town in the border-line skeevy neighborhoods and slighty run-down houses. After some talk, we've decided to stay put for the time being. We have to make a decision by Monday so we can let management know whether or not we are staying. We are still debating whether or not to move to a 3-bedroom on the ground floor, but I think that possibility depends on John's ability to talk the rent down by $100 a month.

So after this decision was made, I made another: To leave the apartment at least once a day, unless it is raining. I figure Libby will never learn to not run away, to stay near when we are out, and to go up the stairs promptly if we don't give her the opportunity to practice. John suggested that if Jaina is screaming to be fed whenever we get home that I could feed her in the car before we try to come up instead of trying to rush up the stairs with her in hysterics. I think it's a good suggestion - nothing raises my blood pressure more than a hysterical newborn. I know Mom can relate to that!

I think this is the right thing for us. We really love our apartment, and we really, really love the convenience of our location. As John said last night "You can hit Kroger with a rock from our apartment". Too true.

Going out (and coming back in) with the kids isn't going to get any easier, so I need to figure out what works now. And hang on to that gosh darn postive outlook.