Albany, a year in review...

We have lived in Albany for a year already. It's crazy to think that a year ago we were pulling up to this house after only seeing it twice before. I remember the night that we moved in- we went out grocery shopping and spent an hour trying to find our house afterwards. Adam and I still get lost from time to time. More Adam than me, as he basically spends all of his time driving the two miles from our house to the hospital. 

It's strange because I'd really like to hate it here. It was hard having to move 3,000 miles away from everything I knew so well. Though, oddly enough, this has been one of the best years of my life. The Northeast is lovely- the seasons are all enjoyable in their own way. I love driving around and exploring new places, each has so much history. Just last night, we drove over to Troy, NY- home of Uncle Sam. Seriously, I'm upping my trivia skills on a daily basis (if only my "mom brain" didn't diminish those skills at a faster rate). It's nice knowing that we have a time limit on this experience, as it makes it feel sort of like an extended vacation. What's funny is that I was thinking last night, "oh, we only have three years left and there is a lot more to see!" 

I have enjoyed slowing life down a bit and having the time to cook and garden. Gardening has become a quick addiction and when we return to the Northwest, I'll be seeking a home with ample sun. I think we'll also need a front porch and lots of maple trees. I can do without the grey squirrels but will miss the cardinals. 

Adam is just a week from completing his internship year and is more than ecstatic about that. Now he will finally be studying anesthesiology and should start to really enjoy his work. He has worked a lot of hours over the past year but it was not nearly as bad as I thought. I have a tendency to build things up to be really crappy, then I'm usually relieved when they aren't so bad. I can't decide if that makes me a pessimist or an optimist... 

When we arrived, Gavin was 9 months old. He could sit up, but could not crawl. Now, he's a crazy little boy that runs all over our house. He provides us with hours of entertainment and continues to surprise us daily. 

The beagles, after some initial struggles, have finally accepted their new home. Thankfully, they have mellowed out and seem to enjoy it here. I'm pretty sure they're west coast dogs at heart. And really, aren't we all? Don't worry, we'll be home soon.

Albany: Summer 2008
Albany: Fall 2008
Albany: Winter 2008
Albany: Spring 2009