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 ❤️
Toni says
You’ll never regret the choices made to make your family a priority. Good for you both in recognizing this while Esmee’ is young!! God bless your family.
Jane Flynn says
What an exciting time for your family. I can’t wait to see all the beauty you will create together.
Change is good!!!
P.S. Your girl is a doll!!
Jenna Sue says
Thank you so much, Jane! ❤️
Suzi says
Happy 1st Birthday to your adorable daughter! You will never outgrow this incredible full, loving heart. My 5 children are in their 20’s and 30’s and when I hear them call me mom, to this day, my heart melts. Only 5 people in this big ole world could call me that! Now, as of June, I have a daughter-in-law and she calls me mom…and so the joy expands!
I wish you well with the changes in your life plan…”safe” can be overrated. ?
Jenna Sue says
Congrats on your large and growing family! I can’t imagine my heart growing any fuller but this perfect girl of ours makes me want to have ten more ?
Lisa says
Beautifully said! Enjoy every moment because they do grow super fast!
We’ve been contemplating moving to central Florida from Pennsylvania. Are you happy you made that move?
Jenna Sue says
Thank you Lisa! We were just staring at the neon sunset the other night talking about how fulfilled we are here. For me, a lot of it has to do with the climate–I am a tropical weather girl through and through and don’t belong anywhere else. If you don’t love the humidity and storms, don’t love the beach/water lifestyle and need mountains, it might not be your jam. And of course every city/neighborhood has a different vibe, so you can find a place that feels like home to you. Just my two cents 😉
Bernadette Leahy says
This is the unexpected fork in the road you’ve been traveling towards all along. You’re talents are infinite as a couple and the results you produce in every aspect among the best out there.
There is a market and need for your creative and inspirational Designs. The affordable tips and how to tricks that you share make it real for your followers to have design within our reach.
Congratulations on your decision. Hoping you will succeed beyond your wildest dreams. Best wishes
Jessi says
That’s so great for you guys! You’re both so talented and hard working…you’ll nail it. Yup, that pun was absolutely intended. You’re welcome. I’m so happy for you making this opportunity for yourselves and your birthday girl. Time together (especially in the baby years) is an amazing gift and worth any risks you take to get to it! I’d wish you luck but I know you don’t need it ?
Tai says
This is so great! I left my job as a physical therapist to be a stay at home mom and it’s THE BEST! I’ll go back to work someday but for now family is the list important thing. You and Lucas do amazing work and I can’t wait to see what you all come up with when not distracted! Congratulations!
Tai says
MOST IMPORTANT
Jenna Sue says
Congratulations to you for taking the leap mama! I’m so glad you found what works best for your family ❤️
Sandie says
You are the sweetest family!
In the words of Bob Marley “ Every Little thing gonna be alright”.
❤️
Jenna Sue says
Aww thanks Sandie! And yes, it’s always gonna be alright 😉
Charisse says
What a treasure the video will become for your daughter! Thank you for sharing such tender thoughts, it made my day. The family photos are beautiful, and Esme’ seems like she is such a happy baby.
My favorite poem is a Robert Frost one, and in part, it says, “two roads diverged into the wood, and I, I took the one less traveled, and that has made all the difference”. Best wishes for success in the choices you are making.
Jenna Sue says
One of the truest quotes and one we try to live by! I’m so happy you liked the video Charisse. Our girl is the happiest, we are so lucky.
Erin Prohaska says
Good for you guys! Seize the day! Your talent should cast a wide security net…you deserve it! ❤️
Jenna Sue says
That is so sweet of you to say Erin, we truly appreciate the encouragement! ❤️
Rebecca says
Cuteness overload! I can’t believe it’s already been a year; no doubt you say the same. Happy birthday sweet Esme’. I’m looking forward to your continued inspiration here on the blog.
Jenna Sue says
That means a lot Rebecca! Thank you for being here and following along ❤️
catherine says
Happy first Birthday, sweet Esmé ?
your parents have a beautiful soul, and I have been happy to know this blog for un very very long time.
I kiss you Esmé, from Brittany in France.
Jenna Sue says
Aww you are too sweet, Catherine! We feel your love from France ??
Brie says
Happy birthday to your sweet girl, and best wishes as you take your next step! You are inspiring. 🙂
Lilly Thomas says
These are fantastic news!! I’m SOOO happy for your little family. I got worried you would not be blogging anymore but instead it was the opposite and I am so excited for this new chapter in your lives. Congratulations on making that huge decision and wish you much success! You’ve got this!!!! <3
Naomi says
Great news for you. You won’t regret the change. Follow your heart. During my preschool years, my mom BBC and dad were both home. It was a precious time.