When I first moved to Fairfield County (3+ years ago) I was in search of other moms (and dads too). Moms I could relate to, have coffee with while the kids bashed each other over the heads with soft toys, and chat about life over cocktails on patios and new exciting restaurants. I hope that doesn’t make me sound desperate, but I am a person who needs people. And aren’t they just the luckiest people in the world?
Before, in my little apartment in Queens, my new life as a married mommy got great reviews in theory (oh, we can go to the museum and take walks in the park) but in practice, it was lacking (there are no strollers allowed in this restaurant and the bathroom doesn’t have a changing table). My husband and I collected our bruised egos after one disastrous afternoon out with our 4 month old. At a local restaurant, we lingered too long over artisianal grilled cheese and free trade coffee and ran into hipster happy hour. We realized we were no longer cool enough for our neighborhood, and set out to “get a patch of green space” somewhere.
Before and after the move was night and day. Before, our single friends would stop by and hang out for a couple hours, causally talking, playing with the baby, or meeting up with us at the park/ museum/ restaurant. After the move, we would take turns on who got to leave the house to run errands during nap time, made phone dates to talk to our friends, and spent every weekend in the car going to visit people. So, for that mom that is new to Fairfield County… I am here for you. I understand your pain. And together, we can go through this…..
But first, about me…..
1) I’m over 40, plus-sized, married and have 2 toddlers. So, that woman who looks not quite put together in the morning dropping kids off at daycare? Like, is she wearing yoga pants and flip flops in December? Yup, that’s me. (Or to be even more honest, that’s my husband dropping them off. Not in yoga pants or flip flops… but, well, you get it.)
2) I lived in Astoria, NY for 15 years and prior to that was born and raised in Sunny Southern California. If you ask me where I am from, you may get one of three answers, the place I love, the place I live, or the place I am from.
3) I have friends all over the world. No, like really. If you need a restaurant recommendation in Montreal, Mexico City or Moscow, come talk to me. I can hook you up.
4) I have 2 active daughters, Red and The Baby. They are adored by their father, who is one of 9 boys (not a typo). He has no idea what he’s in for.
5) I am currently in the midst of a job search. This encompasses my every waking thought and breathing moment as I am the primary earner in my partnership. You may see more posts on this in the future, as well, it is my life and Fairfield County has a lot of good resources for those seeking a change or in a search.
That’s me. I’m happy to be here in Fairfield County and connecting with those moms that may have moved out of the City to raise families and have space to dream in. And, connecting with moms who can tell me when to register for dance classes, sports, and swim lessons. Because, I really have no idea where to start. Help a sister out!
Has anyone else moved from the city to suburbia? What has your experience been like?
We should be friends 🙂
Ditto to Lindsay! I just moved here (like, yesterday) from the city as well. We are expecting our first addition, little boy. Definitely looking for other moms and advice!
I just moved here to Norwalk from Astoria, too! (A little less then a year ago). And then promptly gave birth to a little boy. (Almost two months ago). Everything you wrote, I can relate to. I nearly burst into tears last night when I begged my husband to let me take the dog for her nightly walk. Even in my pajamas. Even though I hadn’t showered in days. Definitely looking for advice and possible friendship. It’s tough raising a child in a new city.
Ladies, we should all be friends. It does get easier as time goes on. In the meantime, please check out our playdate series and fru lala yogurt party coming up! I promise you, you will meet other moms just like you. And if you see me with Red and the Baby, come say hi!