Just to say that we’ve made the decision. It’s happening. We are moving.

It feels scary writing this down for real. Saying it out loud, in words that exist somewhere outside of my head, makes it feel permanent in a way I’m still getting used to.

I’ve told a few friends and spoken to my dad about it. They’ve all been very supportive and have understood why this feels like such an important step for us as a family. With it being Christmas, I’ve decided to wait until after the festivities to speak to my mum. I know she won’t like the news, and it feels kinder to leave that conversation until things are a little calmer.

We’ve spoken to my husband’s mum and dad too. They’ve both been incredibly supportive of the move and genuinely want it to go well. They’ve given us the impression that they’re willing to help and support us in whatever way they can, which has meant a lot.

Every day that goes by, I find myself feeling more and more excited. The fears I have around the move haven’t disappeared, but I’m learning how to calm myself when they surface. My husband has been very reassuring throughout all of this, taking the time to help me understand how our lives will work and what this new chapter could look like for us. That has put my mind at ease more than anything else.

I’m especially excited about the life we hope to provide for our girls after the move — in terms of schooling, social life, and a better sense of family life overall.

In January, I’ll need to complete my Life in the UK test so that I can become a British citizen. It’s important to me to know that I’ll always be able to return to the UK easily if necessary. Even as we prepare to leave, that sense of security still matters.

This is the beginning of the next chapter.