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Parenting after 35
Making a Change (Kind of Long)
Around Thanksgiving my DH was offered a new position at work. The position was to start in January and they gave DH overnight to make the decision. The position involved a relocation of our family. After much discussion we decided he could not pass this up and agreed to relocate our family to Australia for 3 to 5 years. We started freaking out because it was all happening so fast. After some discussions at work it was decided that January was too fast of a turnaround for the paperwork so it looks like DH will be starting his new position in April.
Throughout this whole thing I?ve had mixed feelings about the move. We?ll be leaving our families here in California and they won?t be able to see Leah growing up. DH?s parents live in Hawaii and have not yet met Leah. They are moving here sometime in 2011 after they sell their house in Hawaii. But they probably will not be here until after we move which means they won?t meet their granddaughter until she?s 2. (We?ll be coming home once a year to visit.)
Overall, though, this is a great opportunity. DH is guaranteed employment for the next 3 years. I can continue being a SAHM until Leah starts school. We?ll get to experience a new country and culture. Leah?s first words will probably be G?Day Mate!
Sorry for this long story. Not too many people IRL know about this. We?re hesitant to put it out there in case it falls through at work. (We still have a few hoops to jump through.) If you made it this far thank you! It?s looking very good that I?ll be bumping from down under soon.
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Re: Making a Change (Kind of Long)
DD -- 5YO
DS -- 3YO
I am one of those people that doesn't do well with change, so I would be stressed as well - but this really does sound very exciting! I'm sure you'll get settled in very quickly, as your family will be the interesting "foreigners"!
And what a great opportunity to experience a different culture! Yes - there are down sides, but those can be overcome. You can Skype (or other video chat means) with your family often so they can see Leah and she can see them.
I won't lie - I'm sure the time leading up to and immediately after you arrive is going to be stressful. Moving always is - but it's all temporary and will soon pass. I'm excited for you and your family!
I think it's a great opportunity. I lived overseas for much of my growing up years - another Air Force child - and the cultural experience was definitely worth it. I only wish Fiona had the same opportunities as I did to live in foreign countries.
Good luck!
Thanks everyone! When I married DH I knew that we would be traveling. He never knew internationally was an option though. We're excited and stressed right now. It will be a great time and once we are there and settled we'll be fine. We will have some great experiences and Leah will have opportunities to share about when we get back. It's just getting everything done before we leave. And the thought of a 20 hour trip with a 10 month old...oh my!
Right now DH works in Nor Cal while we live in So Cal so we are very comfortable with Skype. My parents have even figured out how to use it so they can see Leah when we visit DH. (Actually only my mom can use it...dad just appears once she's connected since he can't even set the clock in his car.) DH's BIL is setting up a Skype account so they can see us and they will help his parents when they get here. At least they'll all be able to see Leah that way.
I know my parents will make annual trips to see us and DH's sister and family will try to visit. DH's parents won't come though. Travel is hard for them and the move to the mainland will be it for them.
We will all survive and have a great time. Thanks for the support!
Oh my gosh, what a fun opportunity! Good luck, I can hardly wait to hear how it goes!
P.S. - I highly recommend splurging and getting Leah her own seat. Margaux is much happier and more comfortable in her car seat for long trips, and OMG so am I!
Thanks! I'll definitly be letting you guys know how it goes.
Leah has to have her own seat and we figured she'd be safer and more comfy in a car seat. Besides, we'll need it when we land and rent a car too. Quantas is kind of picky when it comes to car seat size so we had to do a bit of searching. We just found the one we are going to get her this past weekend.
My Blog
Living in Australia for 3 years sounds exciting. (I have relatives there.) GL!
I wish you the best as you embark on this new adventure. I went to Australia nearly 11 years ago for my 30th birthday (well a month later) and loved the country. Just make sure you wear a LOT of sunscreen! Australians have the highest rate of skin cancer. (Not sure why I remember that.) And if you like fish, try Barramundi... it was YUM. Uh. What else? LOL
I know it's a BIG change, but I think it's a positive one and I hope it all goes well.
Bronx Zoo: Summer 2013
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Thanks!
Robyn~Thanks for the sunscreen and Barramundi tips! We'll make sure to protect ourselves. And one thing we know we want to do besides see the country is try the different foods. Barramundi sounds yummy!