We're back...and we're moving!
It's FINALLY official!
Hi there! And happy September!
We know it’s been a long time since we’ve updated - it was a wild summer.
First of all, thank you to everyone who jumped over to our Give InKind page to support and follow us throughout Noah’s heart surgery and recovery, all the way back in April and May. Even with a few minor hiccups, we are so thankful that everything went well. His scar is healing nicely!
This summer, we’ve been on a bit of a quest.
For thirteen years, we have lived, loved, worked, and played in New York City. We got engaged, married, and built a life and a community here. And, of course, this is where Noah was born. This is the only city we’ve known as adults. It’s home.
But, having a child, and especially a child with special needs, changes a lot. We have known for a long time that the city wasn’t where we wanted to raise Noah, for a number of reasons.
The only problem was, we didn’t know anywhere that might suit us better. So…we did some traveling.
Atlanta, Georgia
At the beginning of June, we took Noah on his first plane ride to Atlanta, GA. We visited their Gigi’s Playhouse, ate a lot of great food, and of course…enjoyed some delicious peaches.
Sweet and juicy! We liked Atlanta a lot, but there were things about it that made us uncertain. In some ways, it still felt as bustling as New York City. We also weren’t sure how all of us would fare in the Southern heat. It was muggy and humid, and more than a few people warned us it was going to get even worse. And Katelyn’s favorite season is fall, so…..
Wilmington, Delaware
….a few weeks later, we checked out Wilmington, Delaware. We’d heard that there were some great special education services there (and a more temperate climate)! Again, we had a great stay - the DE Down Syndrome Association set up a meet and greet for us, and we explored downtown and the surrounding neighborhoods.
We loved the slower pace of Wilmington…but it was almost TOO slow. Matt was concerned he would die a slow death…from boredom.
Loving the Delaware Children’s Museum Meanwhile, life continued:
Also at the end of June, Matt resigned from Manhattan Youth, his place of work for thirteen years, so he could be at home with Noah full-time. Since Katelyn’s job is fully remote, she can keep it no matter where we live, so this made sense as the next step for us.
Almost immediately, we saw some incredible benefits as a family! With Matt home to keep on top of housework, chores, and Noah’s therapies, we suddenly had much more family time on nights and weekends. Three months later, we think Noah is really reaping the benefit from this (and of course, so are we)!
In July, Grandma and Grandpa Grant came to visit for the 4th. We showed them some of our favorite Brooklyn spots, took them to Times Square, and just generally enjoyed one another’s company!
Back to the city hunting: for weeks, we debated between Atlanta and Wilmington. But something just didn’t feel quite right about either place. We joked about needing to find our “Goldilocks city” - somewhere with enough to do to keep Matt entertained, a slower pace of life so Katelyn could breathe, and strong, inclusive schools and a good sense of community for Noah.
We continued to research surrounding states, and that’s how we came to….
New Haven, Connecticut
We visited in August, and almost as soon as we crossed the state line, we fell in love. Katelyn described it as feeling like she was coming home.
New Haven itself was a perfect blend of Atlanta and Wilmington - it’s a sizable city, but it feels like a small town. It has lots of culture and things to do, but it can also be quiet.
The New Haven Green Most of all, we liked what we heard about CT schools, which have more inclusive policies than New York or New Jersey. We also met several families in the Down Syndrome community there, and we’re really excited to continue building relationships.
Two weeks later, we went back to search for apartments and signed for a place the very next day. Our new lease begins October 1st! One family with a little boy with Down Syndrome who is just a few months younger than Noah will be literally down the street from us.
Throughout all of this, we have tried to soak up as much of New York as possible. We revisited favorite restaurants, took Noah to places that were formative to our lives here, and just in general….said goodbye.
More to come on our new apartment and moving day soon!
Prayers and Praises
Praises
WE HAVE A DECISION! Praise the Lord that after so long searching for a new place to live, we finally have our answer.
We found an amazing apartment that we are so excited about!
Prayers
WE NEED A CAR! Pray that we find one that works for us soon.
Pray that we have a smooth transition with Noah’s early intervention from NY to CT.
For new neighbors, friends, and community in our new city.
This is such a huge step!! Excited for you guys and your decision! Will be praying over this next season and chapter of your lives.
So so happy for you both. Brooklyn will definitely miss you guys and Noah’s sweet energy, but this is great news. I hope we meet again soon, at a new bookstore perhaps!