out of state moms?

How hard was it to adjust to life outside of LI? We are 3 hours away from the big move to CT. and while i'm excited, I am also terrified! We will only be 2 hours away from family and friends, but I know it won't be the same. My parents and in laws see the kids at least 3 times a week each, now it will be more like 3 times a month. Was it hard getting used to your family members seeing your kids less? How did you make mommy friends? I am going back to work in two weeks so that will help, but did you join classes also? Sorry for so many questions, I have never lived outside of NY before!!! Wish us luck, we leave today!!

Re: out of state moms?

I'm EIGHT hours away (NC).......it's very difficult not seeing family, very difficult. Going back to work definitely helped....and my mom flies down every 3 months and we are going up for thanksgiving. I have trouble with it, but I wouldn't move back up there, no way.

Best of luck to you, Kathleen....at least 3 hours is totally do-able!!

Re: out of state moms?

I'm in OH and its hard, but I don't know any different since every since I had my kids, we lived away from family. I miss that my kids don't grow up with their cousins like I did, but I'm in no way regretting that I left LI. Its hard meeting new mom friends, but it is possible. I'm finding it a heck of a lot easier now that my son is almost five and in preschool where the kids actually are friends and ask to have playdates, so I am meeting other parents that way. My advice would be to make sure you do something weekly that you enjoy, like taking a class, so you personally feel fulfilled.

Two hours is reallly not that far of a distance...its like a day trip to the Hamptons from Nassua . So I'm sure your family will be traveling every so often to see and help you.

Re: out of state moms?

I am in NC, my family is in SI.

I am a realist and know this is where we belong, so that helps...but my parents are distraught.

They will be moving down eventually.

Re: out of state moms?

We moved down when i was pregnant with DD so I don't really know what it would have been like to live close and have kids.

We live in NC now-and we see grandparents about 1x per month to 1x every other month-for about a week at a time.

Dh and I both work and we have made a few friends, though would love to do more couples stuff. Hopefully that will come.

We lived in RI for a while right after we got married-that was great because we could get home every weekend if we wanted to-now it's tougher.

Like Janice said, I know this is where we belong. But, it can be tough-especially because I have a niece the same age as DD and I would love for them to be close growing up. But, we moved here to improve the quality of life and family time for us and our kids and I know that is paramount.

Re: out of state moms?

I'm in CT too. I've been living here since I graduated college. I've lived in a couple parts of the state. When we lived less than an hour away, it was much easier to see family and friends. Now, we live about 2.5 hours away. It's definitely tough not having family nearby. My parents make an effort to see DS at least every other weekend. One of the hardest things is that there's no one else to rely on to pick DS up or take care of him when he's sick. I also grew up with my grandparents all in my town. I'm sad DS doesn't have that, but at least he gets to see our families pretty often.

ETA: I met a group of really nice moms while I was out on maternity leave. Some are SAHMs and others went back to work. We still make an effort to see each other every few weeks.

Best of luck with the move!

Message edited 9/25/2009 10:14:13 AM.

Re: out of state moms?

Where is CT are you moving to? I'm in CT if you ever need company! I love it here... the pace is slower and people are super friendly and nice!

Re: out of state moms?

Im in Kansas. A nice 22 hour drive from my family on LI. Honestly, the first few months were HORRIBLE. However, once you get used to where you are, it just becomes your new home and you get used to it. Being away from family is not as easy to handle. You learn to find alternate ways to 'see' them.. i.e SKYPE! I use it to talk to my husband overseas, and occasionally I can get my Mom and Dad on to see the baby as well. Good luck and enjoy the change!

Message edited 9/25/2009 7:56:22 PM.

Re: out of state moms?

I am in CT too- I love living here and it is a great place to raise DD

It stinks not having my family in town but they see her very often which is nice. We are about 2 hrs from my mom and dad and they come to CT or we go to LI just about every other weekend.

Re: out of state moms?

I lived in CA since I was single so I have no idea what it would be like if I had family close by. I have my brother and SIL so that helps but not having my parents and my sister(my main baby sitters!) has been really tough.

We try to keep everyone updated on facebook and stuff but it is really hard.
Meeting Mommy friends is hard anywhere- even if you lived there before. I would join a group through your new church or local MOMS club.

Good luck with your move!