I’ve been a bit slow with updates here the blog recently…and there’s been lots of big life changes over recent months! If you happen to follow me on Instagram or Facebook, you might have seen some of these updates. But for those of you who haven’t, here’s what’s new in my world…
My husband and I are expecting a baby! It won’t be long now before she’ll be making her debut. 🙂 
Knowing that Baby was on the way, my husband and I decided it was finally time to make work of relocating closer to family. We’ve been living in Ohio for about eight years now, ever since he began a Masters Degree program in English here. After graduation, my husband found employment in marketing and communications in Toledo, Ohio before landing a marketing position at University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Michigan — an hour’s drive from home. We decided he’s been making the long daily commute long enough!
My husband’s family lives in the Ann Arbor area. Moving to Ann Arbor would also bring us a bit closer to my side of the family, on the other side of the state, in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Hopefully, this will be a longterm home for us!
So, we began house hunting.
In November, we finally found the right house. It was important to us to find a suitable floor plan that would allow space for my piano studio operations to run smoothly while allowing living spaces for family life.
We are happy to be just outside Ann Arbor, in a super family-friendly town called Saline. I’m excited to enjoy the small town feel, while also benefitting from the amenities and events that an artsy town like Ann Arbor has to offer.
I decided I wanted to continue teaching my students in Ohio as usual through the end of the year. And so, we set our moving date as the Saturday before Christmas.
[Here’s a sneak peek at my new piano studio space!]
It’s official: we are Michiganders once again!
Yes, this means building my piano studio again in a new town. Yes, this means adjusting to motherhood and experiencing how that impacts my other roles. I’m sure I’ll be talking more about these topics here on the blog in upcoming months!
As for the present, we are excitedly awaiting Baby’s arrival. 🙂
Happy New Year to you, my dear readers!
Dear Joy, Congratulations as you start on this new chapter of your life! Love your new studio space.Sending warmest wishes!
Thank you so much, Maryjane! I appreciate the well wishes!!
Well, first of all congratulations and second of all, welcome back to Michigan. (I live about an hour north of GR.) Can’t wait to see more pictures, especially of your new arrival!!!
Thank you, Kathy! I will definitely be sharing more pictures soon! 🙂
Dear Joy, You continue to make good decisions. Thinking of you and best wishes. How exciting it will be to have a baby girl in your arms soon. Pictures please. Linda
Aw, thank you, Linda. I so appreciate the well wishes and thoughts. And yes, I’ll definitely be sharing pictures soon!
Joy, so excited for you! Many congratulations for many things going on in your life ! Looking forward to hearing how you market and build your new studio
I’m happy to hear you’re interested in hearing those topics, Dawn! I’ll see what I can do to continue the blogging through this new phase of life — I’d like to record/journal it in this way! Thanks for the congrats.
Congratulations !!!!! so happy to know new musician will arrive soon….
Please be safe and enjoy new journey. I am so looking forward to seeing you and your new family.
Hello, Sachiko! I can picture your beautiful smile right now. 🙂 Thanks so much for the congrats and well wishes!
Many blessings in becoming a mother and your move, Joy! I recently moved and became a mother as well and had to let go of my position at a studio where I had taught for quite a few years. I’m sure the transitions won’t be without their difficulties, but being a mother is totally worth it!
Thanks, Elsa! I hope you’re doing well with your own transition! Yes, I’m sure this will be an adjustment — fortunately, as you said, being a mother will be worth it!!
Congratulations to you and your husband! So happy for you! Thanks for sharing so many helpful ideas on your blog and website. Your new students will indeed be blessed to have you as their teacher. Hope everything goes wonderfully with your pregnancy!
Thank you for your generous note, Charley!
Wow! lots of new and exciting challenges ahead. Sending you my very best wishes for the next chapter in your life. I hope you will settle quickly into your new home and will love and enjoy every part of being a Mother.
Thank you, Pam! I so appreciate the well wishes!!
All the love to you, my precious friend!!
Thanks so much, Christina! <3
Congratulations Joy! Such a lucky baby! Welcome back to Michigan (my home state – though I now live in CA.)
Oh my… I just realized my first comment posted from my son’s school site! How weird!
Always nice to meet a fellow Michigander! (I’m sure Cali is pretty nice too!) Thanks for the congrats, 🙂
Congratulations, Joy! Lots of big changes and new adventures. Welcome to Michigan.
Thanks so much, Gail!