Hi Margot, like you our families are spread out everywhere but close to us and since we don't even have friends with kids, we've had to make new friendships and establish ourselves from ground zero in forming this community or village. It's hard work isn't it? But, as you may also know, very, very rewarding.

I like that you chose the word "stumbled" because you're right, how else would be describe the experience? Neighbor profiles are not part of the home-buying process so while the house may be perfect, we really don't know who our neighbors are until we live there. And it's wonderful when they turn out to be neighborly types. I wish there's a way to filter our search so we know what neighborhoods are not just "great for kids" but have parents who truly are involved in their lives too, which I think is extremely important. Good for you that you have that!

We belonged to a co-op when my first daughter was born and it had 30 families. It was a great set-up for people like us who didn't have friends with kids or family nearby.

Absolutely. Just because there is a village doesn't mean we want to be a part of it too, because I remember our last neighborhood where there was a network of parents but they were gossipy and nosy and I didn't like that at all. Sure they may have kids and we may have things in common but I still didn't want to have anything to do with them.

I'm fortunate to have found a group at my current location where the kids are the same age as mine and the parents are also super cool. But even then, it's work. We can't just expect everyone to flock to us - there's a current of reciprocity that each of us needs to contribute to in order to make it work.

Good luck on your newer village :)

Thank you Amber. And I hear you. I think that's why I'm reluctant to move because of all the work it takes to establish a village. Maybe I'm just lazy :) But you at least have your online community which is portable...but yes, for your kids, you have your work cut out for you. I love the idea of being in a new place and exploring new neighborhoods or even culture, but yes, it comes with a price.

Yes, I like that you mentioned how we recreate our villages over time. You probably meant the changing faces of our physical village, but the recreation could also include our virtual life. While I was mostly referring to this physical village for the sake of my kids, as an adult, I feel like my community is more expansive with the Internet. Yes, it's important to have face time but in this digital age, we've learned to adapt to include e-mails and texts as a primary form of connection. Having those as an alternative versus not having any time to meet someone for coffee? I'll take second best over none.

Hi Heather, the reciprocity is the most challenging part. How do we get people to respond as we would? How do we reach out and not feel like we're being snubbed when people don't partake? Do we keep inviting neighbors or do we just "take the hint" the first time and move on? I feel like I often make the first move and invite others to initiate the next but that's pretty rare, so I keep making plans until people are truly comfortable in reaching back out. The village, as wonderful as it may be, is definitely not a given and sometimes it can be hard work. But it's work that extremely rewarding in the end, as you know.

Hi Denise!

I saw your comment about working at the AON center, so you definitely know that area well. I know Millennium Park is a tourist destination but I absolutely love it - the sculptures, the garden, and the gorgeous pavilion. So much character and texture to one little area! I used to walk there (and up and down State Street) at my lunch hour all the time.

On a related note, I especially love this particular spot on Lake Shore Drive - the bridge across the Chicago River - right by the Trump Tower (where the old Sun Times building used to be) where every time we drive on that specific stretch in the evening and the lights on the building reflect on the river...it just takes my breath away. Without fail, every time I see that, I think, how will I ever leave this city? There is so much to love here.

Even then, I'd like to someday...just haven't figured out the where and when. And boy is this a tangent or what?! :)

Calm, easy-going, fewer meltdowns - seems pretty perfect to me.

Happy belated Mother's Day to you my friend.

I love breakfast/brunch too! I had to laugh at the breakfast and then brunch though...that's pretty awesome. And contentment is absolutely wonderful. Cheers!