loubiblu

This is not me, I'm not a worrier, I don't get stressed about things. I have a very much a laissez-faire attitude to life.

We're heading back out to Chicago in the morning, this time with all 3 kids in tow. School tours and property viewing have been arranged. OH has a series of meetings Thurs pm and Fri, so we're going to do the touristy/retail stuff whilst he's in the office.

My todo list for this trip is 5 items long, but I'm sitting here with not the slightest inclination to do any of them!

Not really sure why I'm posting, you can't really answer when I don't ask any questions! Hopefully just writing this will give me some focus or clarity on where this stress has come from.

Sally Redux

Totally normal, especially with the kids to think about. It is a huge step, not to be undertaken lightly.

loubiblu

Thanks Sally, totally didn't expect the step to throw me, especially not on a 10 day visit! I've been doing a time line of my nomadic lifestyle and one of my friends read it yesterday. She commented that the house I live in now is the longest I've spent anywhere (13 years). Maybe there's an unexpected sentimental person trying to talk to my 'just get on with it' persona!

WEBlue

I agree with SR--even non-worriers can find themselves (VERY) anxious in the runup to a transatlantic move. In fact, it's not unusual to feel sick with worry.

Just take it one step at a time.

Sally Redux

Yep don't expect perfection from yourself - there will be bumps in the road.

Pulaski

With the ages of your eldest two, some of us think you're making a huge mistake, so that you're wobbling is not surprising.

loubiblu

Ah cheers Pulaski

I'm not one to shy away from 'I told you so', so I'll be back to take all the smug comments if it's a disaster

Seriously though, yes it's a massive undertaking. It might be a total failure or we could all love it. I had some great advice here and read lots of experiences that continue to form our decision.

Sally Redux

We've basically ballsed everything up but in the end you get the experiences, no-one can predict what will work. If possible leave a path back.

Uncle_Bob

Can you get to a Walgreens or CVS? Try some L-Tryptophan.

petitefrancaise

You should be more worried if you weren't having collywobbles! Deep breath and move forward.

FWIW Pulaski had a go at me for moving my kids as well!! Wrong age etc. It's worked out fabulously inspite of hiccups. Stanford application sent today and that would never have happened if we'd stayed in France.

Deep breaths - you'll be fine. Good luck and let us all know how it goes.

xxxx

Sally Redux

I think because I had disrupted my kids' lives I tended to be more permissive towards them, fingers crossed they have turned out OK and are doing fine in college. Nowadays they do need that extra something to stand out from the crowd.

The only sadness is if you end up on different continents, but so be it.

moNYC

Just want to say hello and that I have been following your journey and taking lots of your suggestions!

We are meeting our oldest's tutor today to discuss flying him back to take his GCSEs as you suggested and we are also planning to take the kids for a quick visit before the final move.

I go from being excited and relaxed to feeling totally paralysed! I guess moving is not simple and with lots of kids (4 in my case) is even more overwhelming, right?

I hope the trip goes well and that the kids get excited with the move! Shame you are not moving to NY too

All the best!

fozzyb

Hi moNYC

Cambridge is going to be deserted - you are the third family I've seen on here lately... (and ditto on the 4 kids as well - although my oldest is only 12 so no panics about GCSE yet...).

I'm getting the wobble in early - can't decide whether to take the move to the US or not....

Yvonne Harper

Pulaski is right in meaning we all need stability but that doesn't mean staying put! Stability is having the love and support of your family and friends around you. The kids will be stronger and more resilient for the experience. You go girl!

Sally Redux

Oh! I thought you were in the US for some reason.