Our live-in sitter has moved out. For four years, Jul has shared our home and our lives, and been such a wonderful caregiver to our daughter.

Nothing stays the same forever, and Jul left us in early August due to some big life changes which we understand and support. It was fun having him as a roommate and friend, as well.

We weren't sure what to do with the extra room, and were at first intending to make it an exercise area. However, we ultimately went for the practical solution of 'guest room,' a choice rewarded when my in-laws announced they'd be wintering with us this year. This room is furthest away from the master bedroom.

This also means the second bathroom, previously Jul's bathroom, could now be reassigned to someone else to use. It makes sense for Claus to use it. His entire grooming ritual takes, like, 60 seconds and consists of a toothbrush and razor. That's it. Not a comb, no hair products, nothing. Easy for him to relocate back to the master bedroom when guests are here.

Me, I have several sets of hot curlers, five curling or flat irons, those plastic drawers stacked under the cabinet with makeup and lotion, dozens of nail polishes, several brushes, clips, cotton balls, lotions, removers, and other various potions. I am not portable.

I didn't want to just boss Claus around so I decided to hint nicely and sell him on the idea. "Hey, Sweetie. The guest bathroom is so big. Wouldn't it be nice to have more elbow room at the sink?"

He wasn't listening to me. "Uh-huh."

"Do you think you would like to use it while guests aren't here?" I asked.

Now he understands. Now he laughs. "Oh, sure. I'll just use any spare bits of space you two aren't using," while sweeping his glance over dressers, a counter, and nightstands filled with Olivia's and my stuff. "I'll just be in the garage. Oh, no, wait. You guys have stuff in there, too."

So it boils down to: moving day for Jul also means moving day for Claus.