We've arrived, obviously, and are surviving camping-style with much borrowed goods from caring friends.

Truth is, though, we're in hiding. I can't put my finger on it, but I'm not too keen yet on reconnecting with local friends, especially those who do not have an infant or toddler.

Our lives have changed that much.

I have no time. We have no nanny as of yet, we have a million things to do around the house. We've just as of yesterday been connected to the internet (but no wireless router or printer/fax/scanner/copier as of yet). And the little one is ill. Waking up 3 to 4 times a night. And giving us a heckuva time trying to put her down for her naps. We are not in full working mode, and any additional complexity, such as seeming gracious and having reasonable meals available for friends who may come over, may make me keel over.

But also we have two secrets, one of which is hard to share without inviting pity upon myself, which I'm not interested in receiving, particularly from those who have not gone through something similar.

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I was deeply stressing out about going back to work, then as I was about to write 'call work' on my day planner, I realized that I was about to jot down "call MSFT" instead of the caring, deeply-supportive and flexible women's organization I now work for.

I am so grateful that the location of our new home means generally not having to drive by the campuses and revisit that past.