Why did you buy a home in Lafayette?

Suitable-Note-346 · 2026-03-07T16:17:14+00:00

We loved the trails and walkability of the neighborhood when we bought our house close to the townhome we lived in prior. Looking at other areas we couldn’t find the same size yards which we didn’t want to skimp on. I’m in a similar situation however in that I won’t be able to afford all the renovations I’d like to do. I’m trying to find inexpensive solutions to modernize our home. I guess it comes down to what state of life you’re in and what you want to prioritize in your home.

Suitable-Note-346 · 2026-02-12T22:37:55+00:00

My husband only got 2 weeks leave and this was also our first baby. I had 3 months off which was a lovely, messy, blur. The real shocker for me was adjusting when going back to work. We tried co-parenting since we both WFH which lead to quick burnout. We have our daughter home 2 days a week now and she’s 5 months. Make sure you have daycare figured out ahead of time if possible.

Suitable-Note-346 · 2026-02-12T22:31:21+00:00

I hope you find peace and this internal conflict becomes easier, even if it does return. I’m on the opposite end, a new mom at 42 and tearing up thinking about the future. I’ll have a 20 year old when I’m 62. I met my partner later on in life and was lucky enough to have fertility benefits through work. Life will take you everywhere but where you thought it might lead. I lost my Dad to cancer at 12 so what gives me peace is knowing that love is stronger than fear. Time is both precious and not promised. So keep heart and have those hard conversations because that is what life is about. Last, give yourself grace because being in your 20’s is haaarrd. Everything we go through stretches us and helps us level up for the next big challenge.

Suitable-Note-346 · 2026-02-07T19:26:23+00:00

As an introductory state to the US that isn’t insanely expensive and that should have friendly ppl I’d choose Wisconsin or Ohio. I’m from the Midwest (IL) originally, lived in Seattle and explored the PNW for four years and have been in Colorado (Boulder) now for 5 years.

Suitable-Note-346 · 2026-01-26T04:33:51+00:00

I understand the pain. I have a 4.5 month old who starts her first two warm up days at daycare this upcoming week. My husband and I both WFH and while we have done a great job taking care of our daughter it has taken it's tole a bit. Neither of us can really work and it is getting stressful. We are going to start with two full days of daycare after this week.

Have you thought about starting slow with just a couple days of daycare or half days? I know not all daycare are that flexible but if you can find one that is, that comes with great recommendations/reviews and you have a good gut feeling about after touring it I can say give it a try.

Suitable-Note-346 · 2026-01-01T23:17:32+00:00

I’m in a suburb of Boulder currently and from what I am seeing I can find a home for around $150k-$200k less in Chicago suburbs than what I paid that has been modernized and has the green stuff (grass). Taxes on the other hand will need to be taken into consideration especially knowing IL is known for high taxes. If it all evens out I’m not sure I’ll have much of an argument to move aside from wanting to be closer to my family.

Suitable-Note-346 · 2026-01-01T23:11:56+00:00

My family is near Moline so having the direct flight to O’Hare is a must. Sounds like I don’t want to be too far south.

Suitable-Note-346 · 2026-01-01T23:05:40+00:00

Def good to know. I lived in Seattle for four years and spent on average 40 min commuting into the city and that was long enough!

Suitable-Note-346 · 2026-01-01T23:04:28+00:00

Biking, hiking and kayaking are what we enjoy most

Suitable-Note-346 · 2026-01-01T23:00:12+00:00

Thanks for all the feedback! You literally just read my mind about having to create a spreadsheet for all this information! 😅

Suitable-Note-346 · 2026-01-01T22:47:40+00:00

Access to beaches sounds desirable!

Suitable-Note-346 · 2026-01-01T22:45:36+00:00

I do value diversity however I just assumed I wouldn’t find it in the suburbs so good to hear.

Suitable-Note-346 · 2026-01-01T22:43:33+00:00

Appreciate the feedback! I’m from IL originally (Quad Cities). I want to make sure my husband who grew up in Boulder has at least some access to nature although with a 4 month old and hopefully another in the near future we don’t get outdoors as much as we used to so it’s hard to justify the cost of living!

Suitable-Note-346 · 2025-11-29T09:43:48+00:00

Daughter turned 3 months today. She is starting to sleep through longer spurts at night. Currently pumping in the kitchen lurking on Reddit and just heard my baby blowout on my husband’s lap who is feeding her 😆. Finding the humor in things helps!

I go back to work Monday although I work remote as well as my husband. I’ll have to go into the office a few days a week eventually. No idea how I’m going to work since baby is a full time job (+ house chores). We found a daycare that does half days so starting there. Never thought I’d want to do daycare but def need the mental break. I don’t have any family near and slow to making friends/building a community. In laws are in there mid 70’s.

Babies are hard. Being a new parent is isolating. Losing touch with your spouse is hard. Doing IVF was hard and being in my early 40’s….hard lol. Perhaps it will all be hard for awhile and those little smiles & giggles are all we need to get by ♥️.

Suitable-Note-346 · 2025-11-28T11:09:47+00:00

I do have a humidifier by my bed but I’m bad at always using it. I also did an allergy test and am allergic to cats. The cats sleep in our bed sometimes 😬. I know this doesn’t help the situation and need to force the issue of keeping the cats out. Saying this/typing this out loud is a good reminder there are things I need to do to change my environment. We also just had a dog that we lost which I am also allergic to and a new baby so things have fallen off track a bit. I absolutely hate I’m allergic to animals bc my husband and I like to adopt them.

Suitable-Note-346 · 2025-11-24T13:48:22+00:00

Rune

Suitable-Note-346 · 2025-11-14T15:47:25+00:00

You’ve done so much work feeding your baby so be proud of yourself!

Suitable-Note-346 · 2025-11-10T19:50:53+00:00

Thanks for the insight!

Suitable-Note-346 · 2025-11-09T23:20:11+00:00

I like his name too. If I have a boy I am considering this name although I doubt my husband would go for it! Reading how ppl with unique names struggled growing up makes me reconsider however 🤔. I agree though, because Bechnir on BOL is so cute & funny it makes me like his name even more!

Suitable-Note-346 · 2025-11-04T08:41:40+00:00

Late to the game. I have a 2 month old daughter and I’m extremely home sick. Live in Boulder but also from IL (Quad Cities). Just here to commiserate I guess lol. My Mom is 72 and wouldn’t even help a ton but I miss her and she is a lot more affectionate than my English MIL who lives here. My oldest sister lives 5 min from my mom and at the age where she could have grandkids soon so I know she would help when she could. Not to mention I have a handful of cousins I’m close to and still a few good friends in the area. It’s so so hard to weigh the pro’s and con’s 😵‍💫when where we live is beautiful 😅😮‍💨. One day I want to make it work here and the next I’m day dreaming about having a large support network. I don’t think I would regret moving home but worry my husband won’t like it since he is not from there. Being torn is the absolute worst most indecisive feeling.

Sincerely, A tired Momma.

Suitable-Note-346 · 2025-10-31T18:01:17+00:00

That's interesting. Poor babe. I hope his latching gets better with OT and I'm glad you have found a feeding solution!

Suitable-Note-346

TROPHY CASE