First Trip Away!

I had to make a one night business trip when my daughter was 4 months old. Oh, it was awful. I am a single M. and she stayed with a very good friend. I won't lie...I cried when I left her, I cried when I was pumping my milk, I cried when I had to argue with the TSA about bringing my pumped milk back through (I did win that one), I cried myself to sleep that night.

BUT...they are staying with their Dad, you can be a better M. when you have your sanity, and I believe it does kids good to have some serious one on one time with another caregiver.

I've had to travel a lot in the three years of my daughter's life and there were trips when I just didn't think I could handle it anymore. But, then she got a little older and was experiencing things that I never would have exposed her to...she's been to memorial services, museum openings, and interacts with all ages of children.

Don't make yourself feel guilty for taking a break. Not everyone is "supermom" and it is okay to say you want a little time with your peers.

The first night I left my girl overnight was for my anniversary. Hubby and I went on a wonderful overnight trip to a spa resort (3 hours away) and left my then 11-month-old home with grandma & grandpa. I wouldn't have had a problem going overnight sooner (younger), but there weren't any events or places that I wanted to go bad enough.

I can't believe that after all this time (and 3 kids) you haven't given yourself a break! We're mamas not martyrs! Enjoy your trip, don't feel guilty, and just think, your kids will be that much more excited to see you when you get back (especially if you bring back gifts)!!

This will be my 7th annual girls trip this coming June. I was 29 when we started that. We usually leave on Friday morning or Thursday night depending on how far away we go and return on Sunday. Don't feel guilty, just go, have fun and enjoy the peace. Its nice to sleep in, do what you want when you want. You can even go to the bathroom or have a nice hot shower without a knock at the door. Life is short so I say enjoy yourself while you can. You don't know whats in store for you the next day. Don't worry about the kids, your husband will do a fine job. We have been to Sandusky, St Louis, Chicago, Philadelphia, Gatlinburg, Indianapolis and this year will beChattanooga. Every M. deserves a break. You will feel refreshed. If you worry you won't enjoy yourself.

My son is almost three and I've left him a number of times with his dad so I could go to a conference and on a trip with my M.. I always had a great time and my husband always really likes getting to have his "guy" time. I don't know what they do, but my husband encourages me to take these get-aways because he says it's special for him to get to spend that kind of time with our son. So, the kids are not that young and they are in great hands--go have a wonderful, relaxing time!

My husband surprised me with a trip to Florida when my son was 14 months old. I was actually dreading the vacation because I didn't want to leave my son for that long, even though he was staying with my M.. I didn't have the heart to tell my husband I didn't want to go, so we went. Neither of us had a good time honestly, we could barely eat or sleep because we missed him so much. I couldn't wait to get home!! We agreed that from now on our kids will go on vacations with us!!