And just like that, our baby is one…
It has been a beautiful, emotional week (at least for mama) celebrating our sweet girl. I don’t know how my heart could be any fuller, and yet each day I love her even more. Does it ever slow down, or will this overwhelming love continue to grow?
She’ll never fully understand this unbreakable bond (except maybe once she has her own children), but her dada and I wrote her a letter so she’ll always know what she means to us. Cue the sappy video…
As this milestone birthday passes and summer draws to a close, I can’t help but reflect back on this past year and where we are now. 2020 has been a strange, challenging and uncertain time. It has given us pause to re-evaluate both our daily lives and the bigger picture, focusing on our goals and what is most important.
Since settling down in Florida 2.5 years ago, life has thrown us a few curveballs and didn’t exactly unfold in the way we had planned. Our real estate goals have shifted, timelines adjusted and our focus has become clearer. We never imagined we’d be living in a home we dreamed up and built from scratch. We also didn’t think it would take us two years to finish our first investment, and that Covid would shut down the travel industry just as we were launching two AirBnbs.
Through it all, Lucas has also held down a full-time sales job. Our real estate and renovation hours are largely nights and weekends, and we don’t have a team of contractors to rely on. We were prepared to dedicate our lives to this from Day 1, and that’s what we’ve done. Apart from taking a week off for our wedding and babymoon we’ve been here working non-stop. Two trips in 2.5 years compared to a different city every two nights for the better part of a year… that’s quite the adjustment!
But there’s one thing I know for sure—change is good. Change is necessary to live a full and rich life, and challenges are catalysts for growth. This year has brought challenges for many of us, but with that comes an important reassessment and shuffling of priorities. For us, that meant prioritizing what was best for our family, and what truly made us happy.
We realized it was more family bike rides, more beach outings, more morning snuggles, more time to DIY and finish projects around the house, less stress over work deadlines…
And so we’ve made the decision for Lucas to leave the corporate world (hopefully for good this time) to focus on our real estate goals and family life. To be completely honest, this was not something we thought would be possible at the beginning of this year, especially after Covid hit. There’s still a lot of uncertainty, and no one knows how the markets will be impacted in the near future. It’s risky to walk away from a full-time career right now, but we’d rather live a full life instead of predictable one.
After ten years of blogging I feel like I’m finally at a good place in my career, and I’m really finding my niche. I stay up at night dreaming about new projects, wake up excited to work on and share them with you. Lucas has also found a passion in DIY and would love to spend his days in the garage building, and spend more time with his daughter. Success is measured by happiness, not money. While it may not be the “safe” choice, we know it’s the right one for us.
Have the events of this year brought any big changes to your life? Have your priorities shifted? As difficult as may be to see through the fog right now, this year will become a blessing for many of us once the dust settles. All challenges are opportunities if you allow them to be. I hope you seize the ones that come your way this year ❤️
janice kirwan says
Absolutely Beautiful video of Esme`! Somehow I missed this important notice! She is one lucky, adorable little sweetheart.
The wonderful news of this new turn of events, must feel like a dream, a breath of new life and excitement!
All of us following are anticipating waiting for your new projects, especially now that you will have have more time!
Have you ever done video photography for a living? Could be your next business, but honestly I love reading and watching and following your story, your designs and your tutorials!
Many wishes for the future and happy dreaming!
Jenna Sue says
That is so sweet of you to say, Janice! We feel so fortunate to be in this position. And videography is something I’ve always enjoyed as a hobby and way to capture our family’s memories 🙂
Kristen Eff says
I’m gonna go hug my kid now, after I stop sniffling.
Kristine says
That’s so exciting! Job changes can be scary, but it will be worth it! I made a job change last year, and it’s been wonderful but it was scary at first. I have 2 kids including an 8 yo daughter named Jenna ?, and I have to say my love for them continues to grow…not even sure how that is possible, but it is. Your daughter is adorable! ❤
Alex John says
I can’t wait to see all the beauty you will create together.
Change is good!!!
Angela Bohl says
Congratulations! I think it’s an amazing decision for Lucas to be following his heart and leaving the security of his job, especially during a time of such uncertainty! Nothing like a global crisis to make us realize how short life is and how important it is to spend each day doing what we love. It’s courageous and inspiring. And I’m sure it’ll be for the best- you are both so talented, creative and hard-working. It’s been so fun to follow along with your progress and I can’t wait to see what’s next for you two.
Sandra P says
That video melted my heart, goose bumps and all he feels! You guys are amazing and truly inspiring!
Denise says
Never realized Lucas had (past tense) a full time job! What the two of you have created (besides Esme) is all the more incredible given the part time ability! Happy Birthday to Esme and much luck in all your future endeavors.
Lila says
You are both so lovely and talented. Your daughter is beautiful. You e got this! ❤️