We ARE moving to the UK for a bit ... we leave tomorrow!

[LCBride2007]

Hey all ... we're here, and somewhat settled. Here are the emails I sent out to friends and family a couple of days ago, and then today ... I am too lazy to type them up again!

 

 

Email sent Sunday

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We're here. The flight wasn't great, I'm not going to lie! Gwen screamed on take-off, I'm assuming because of her ears (she has a cold). She slept off and on, probably for about 2 hours total. Paul and I probably slept for about 20 minutes each. But when we got "home" Gwen went down for a "nap" at 5pm, woke at 9pm, then went back down around 10:30pm, and slept until midnight. She then went back to bed around 2am and I had to wake her up around 11:30am. And now today she went down for a nap at 2:30 and is still sleeping (it's 4pm, a 6 hour difference). So she seems to sleep pretty well here, in her pack -n- play, which is good.

 

We're pleasantly surprised with the flat, it's pretty nice. It's a 3BR, 2BA - though the 3rd bedroom is really a closet (her pack -n- play would fit, but not much else) and we're using it for storage, which is handy. There's a bathroom up and downstairs, which is convenient. And we have a nice "backyard" complete w/a slate patio area, plants, and a patch of grass.

 

 

Email sent Today

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We haven't called because we don't have very good cell phone plans yet! Right now we're just doing a "pay as you go" plan, so when we call internationally (or anywhere, really) it takes up so much of our minutes and gets very expensive. Once we get a local form of payment (credit or debit card) we can get on some monthly plan that will give us more minutes for less money.

 

On the upside, things are going well here. Gwen has been in a great mood and is sleeping like a champ. I'm hoping it's not just her still adjusting, but rather her new found love of sleep! She went to bed Sun. night at 9:30pm, and woke at 10:20am (she did get up at about midnight and I nursed her, and she went right back to sleep). Then last night she went to bed at 8:30pm, and is still sleeping (it's 8:15am) - again, she did wake up around 1am and talked to herself for a while, but I never went in there and she never fussed. She's also only been taking one nap because she's getting so much sleep at night. Fun for me.

 

Paul leaves for work about 7:30am, and gets home around 6:30 - or at least that's the pattern in the 1.5 days we've been here! It's a ~6 minute train ride for him to work, so it can't be too far away. I haven't braved the train system yet, but I haven't had the need. I think I'll wait for Paul to come with me.

 

We're walking distance to a big mall, and I guess what would be considered some sort of downtown area. There are like 4 grocery stores in that area - plenty to choose from, and a ton of other shops. I did get stuck up there yesterday when it started pouring rain, but Gwen and I just hung out at the mall. I've already found what seems to be a mini Babies-R-Us that has all of the essentials for Gwen, she already has a new little high chair - I got tired of chasing her around the flat to feed her. I've also already signed us up for a baby/toddler music class (at Gymboree, imagine that?!) - it's like we never left home! And there are more clothing stores, electronics stores, pharmacies, etc. than I could ever hope for - so we're in a good area. It's also where the train stop is, so once I learn Paul's schedule we can meet him up there as well.

 

And the internet connection we have here is S-L-O-W, but I do plan on uploading some pictures/video so you can see our place. Like I said, it's pretty cute. We got lucky and got a TV and cable with the place (we're hoping we don't get a bill!), whereas most people have to get this on their own.

 

 

 

 

 

 

So that's it ... like I said, the connection here is SLOW, so I won't be as active ... but I'll be around!

[*Heather*]

That's awesome Ann! I'm glad that everyone seems to be adjusting well so far. Hopefully you can upload the pics soon...you know we love those!

 

P.S. I love your new siggy pic! Gwen is the cutest!!!

[Ana]

yey Ann! I'm so excited for you! you're going to have such an amazing time in the UK! I'm glad to hear that everything worked out well, and that Gwen is settling in alright.

 

I can't wait to see pics!

[DanielleNDerek]

Gwen sounds like she's adjusting well. I'm sure you'll be a train system pro soon. The new flat sounds like its in a great location. I cant wait to see pics of your new place.

[Spazz]

Glad you got there safe and sound. It seems like you're in a great area. I can't wait to hear about all of your London adventures, I'm so excited for you!

[boscobel]

Ann, so exciting! Sorry I missed the official you are leaving posts though. Glad to hear that Gwen is enjoying her sleep! Sounds like my kinda kid!

[Alyssa]

Wow Ann it sounds like you have a great setup! i can't wait to see the pics. and seriously how cool that you, Paul and Gwen can have dinner together? hello!

[edna]

Ann I am so glad you make it and now the beautiful Gwen is sleeping like a princess, keep in touch and enjoy your stay at UK!

[TATrisha]

So glad you made it safely and that things seem to be going well! I hope Gwen keeps sleeping like a rockstar! that's pretty awesome!!!

Take care and take LOTS of pictures. Eventually you'll have fast enough internet to share!

[Helen_S81]

I'm so glad that you arrived safely and seem to be settling in well! Take care and have fun!