Mommy Diaries - A mother’s worst nightmare - adventures turn into nightmares, preparing to go home

That's a lovely picture of Colum and Sadie, sleeping. I'm glad he suffered only mild injuries. Boys, especially are known for their rough and tumble nature. The one thing about being little is you're alot closer to the ground, so you have less distance to crash into it. It still hurts, but there's less force involved. I think your children will love growing up in Ireland. I hope it works out well for you.

Excellent plan moving home while the kids are small. It's awfully difficult raising them without family nearby as I know from experience. Glad your son is okay after the fall. Just wanted to say that 16 months is way too young to be allowed to play outdoors out of your sight. These days, even 5 years old is too young to be alone outdoors. Please keep your little ones always in your sight. Nothing needs your attention more than they do.

So glad that your baby son is well and healthy ,my heart sank when I first read your first few lines as I could relate ,mine also fell down a flight of concrete stairs ,not while I was watching him but some one else ,he came away with a few bruises,I still get angry when I think about it ,but he's now grown in to a nice young man no worse for the wear, hopefully you'll settle in back home and things will go well for you,just keep those babies close to you as if you were still in New York as Ireland has changed so much with crime drugs etc.and you'll do fine .Good luck to you and your family

RedBranch, the First Communion payment of 242 Euros has been "slashed" to 110 euros in the new austerity budget. Of course there are no payments to those of other religions for their religious events.

RedBranch, that payment just scratches the surface of expectation. There's the horse drawn carriages, the several hundred dollar communion outfit with designer shoes and bag for the girls, fake tans, manicures for the girls as well, the reception for 300 or so of the closest friends and relatives at a posh hotel or castle, etc. The gifts, preferably monetary, from family members and friends would of course be expected to meet those posh standards.

Its not all doom and gloom, isn't there a 1st Communion payment of $1000?

bantaxed, just realistic!

Bythebay - you're a real bundle of fun aren't you!!!!!!!!!!

Hopefully you've checked the Limerick Health System and Educational System and are aware of what they are and don't expect parallels to Queens in the US. Radio Kerry or RTE Radio aren't Limerick. You hopefully are also aware of the high crime rates in Limerick and pervasive gangs. Ideally your family has already agreed to your expectation of financial and physical support from them. You're also no doubt aware of current expectations in Ireland regarding wedding and birthday gifts. And as you know don't expect US style housing either.

So glad Colum is okay. Don't beat yourself up about it. Something similar happened with me when my son was around the same age. And good luck on your move home. I hope it works out for you and your family and that you'll let us know how things are going.

I hope you continue to write after you go home. I would love to read about your thoughts and how it is working out for you. I too moved my family back to Ireland in 2001 and came back again to the US in 2003. Best of luck.

April....Good Luck to you and your family...and Thank GOD that Colum is OK.