First Vacation Away from Our Baby?!?!

Hi M.,

I am so happy to hear that you and your hubby have an opportunity to take some alone time together - - ENJOY IT! We just returned from a 5 day cruse (without our 14 month old) and it was wonderful. I was SO worried about leaving him - - I thought he would miss me, or perhaps he wouldn't eat or be able to fall asleep because I wasn't around - - WRONG!!! He had a great time. He was busy exploring his new surroundings and learning to play in DIFFERENT ways then what he was used to with me or my husband.

Our little guy stayed with my mother-in-law. Here are some tips that I used that made leaving him a little easier for me, so I hope this will help you... before you think I'm a freak just keep in mind that we are first time parents too AND we were going out of the U.S. :)

1. I wrote out a daily schedule/routine for my mother-in-law so she knew what our day was like. I really wanted to keep things as normal as possible for him. I felt REALLY strange giving it to her, but I just told her that it might make HER life easier.

2. I went food shopping and made sure all his favorite foods were on hand. I pre-cooked his favorite foods a day before and froze what I could (like meatballs & chicken).

3. Tell your mom where you keep Tylenol or Baby Motrin, teething tablets, a thermometer and your Pediatrician’s information (and insurance card)- - You never know when an accident or sickness can sneak up on you - better safe then sorry. We also hand wrote a quick letter giving permission to my in-laws to authorize medical care in our absence (you have to get this notarized).

4. Most of all, make sure your mom knows what your baby's security object is (my little guy uses a blanket).

Finally, try not to worry too much while you were away. While you are gone your little one will be too busy having fun to realize you are not around. As long as you trust the person that is caring for your baby, everything will be just fine. YOU BOTH WILL MISS YOUR BABY - - but take the time to enjoy your husband - - have some fun and SLEEP IN - yahoo!

M. M

Remember to enjoy yourselves!!! If he has a good relationship with your mom he'll be fine.. I'm sure you will able to talk to him on the phone if he doesn't already play with your phone you could practice playing a game with the phone before you go and he can reconize your voice. If you are truly concerned about him remembering you, give him a picture of the two of you so he can play with it and have it with him...I dought he'll forget. You didn't specify where mom was going to watch him... it may be easier on everyone for him to remain home (his toys, his surroundings... etc.) but if that's not an issue just make sure you pack plenty of favorites... It seems harder than it really is, you all will be fine and he'll do fine. Best of Luck and I hope some of my rambling helped.
Best regards,
Cassandra

Unfortunately sweetie, there is nothing to help you here, you will take that vacation and you will spend 90% of the time thinking about your baby, wishing the baby was with you etc., being a masochist is part of the parent description, they drives us nuts when we have them with us and it drives us nuts when they are not, my suggestion to you guys is know that you are leaving your baby with the next best thing which is grandparents, they took care of you so the source is a reliable one, the baby will definitely remember you both when you come back, do not fear that, that is silly! reconnect with each other and enjoy yourselves thinking that this is a once a year or so opportunity to relax so you can go back to your beautiful baby refreshed and recharged, have fun!

M.-Go have a great time. Your son is in good hands and you and your hubby NEED some time alone. My husband and I took a three night getaway when my oldest was 8 months old. I remember how terrible and guilty I felt at first, but, we had a great time. We checked in with my Mom and Dad in the morning and night and all was fine (of course). My son is now 12 and guess what? I tell him about that first time we went away. He thinks it is kinda funny that we were so worried because he says of course he does not remember us going away since he was so young and he is sure that he was just so happy to see us get back. My hubby and I now go on as many dates as possible and even still try to get a night or two away when possible. We have been married over 20 years and we think a lot of it has to do with having time to keep our relationship alive. By being better partners you will continue to be better parents for your children....now, go have a good time!!!! Have fun!!!!

We've been away from our 18 month old several times, once at 4 months for our honeymoon for 4 days! (I even took the breast pump with me to JAMAICA!) More recently we went on a 5 day anniversary cruise. Both the cruise and the trip to Sandals Jamaica were great because you could do nothing or as much as you wanted without much effort. Sleeping in was a luxury and naps, too! It was wonderful and DD was well cared for by family both times. Don't worry your son will be fine with family and will remember you the minute you reappear. My DD didn't want to let me go (even for DH) when we returned!
ENJOY.
PS Short trips to the Keys, Orlando or the other coast would also do the trick. I imagine cruises are fairly affordable right now -- we went high season -- Spring Break.

My suggestion is to have a few slumber parties at grandmas before you go. You can have the whole family sleep over at frist then just baby. Just make it one night. That way your little one is used to you two being gone.

You probably will always think of your child, but remember he's with his gramma. So he's probably having a ball! You don't have to feel guilty or bad about it, it's your time! I let my sister have mine for the first time a few weeks ago. It was over night, and my husband and I were not quite sure what to do with ourselves. It's funny, you both will probably laugh alot and remenise about the two of you before and after. I called in to check with my sister twice and twice the next day. I felt very relaxed when I got her and it made a difference in the week afterwards. Good luck! Jen

Congrats on making some "Me" time outside of parenting. My hubby and I were married only for 8 months when we got our pleasant surprise.

This past weekend I had a day of fun with some Momma friends. My son is two and this was the first time I have ever been away from him overnight. We went to Orlando Univeral Studios. I had so much fun, but I couldn't help noticing the children there and wishing mine was there too!

Just enjoy your hubby and relax. It IS going to be hard (mine was just ONE day, I cannot imagine FOUR! LOL) But just focus on relaxing and enjoying yourself hasslefree.

Congrats on your get a way. i can't give much advise here but just wanted to say put each other first during your vacation. its ok to think and call about the baby once a day or twice. but don't over do it. make this a time for you two as a couple. and enjoy!!!!!

Dear M.,
I've been married for almost 16 years and I have 3 children. My sister has offered numerous times to watch my children but I cannot bring myself to leave them. I don't think your "fears" have anything to do with being first time parents. Some parents simply don't feel comfortable leaving their children for any amount of time and that is Ok. Most likely you will miss your baby more than you think. You will probably call home more times than you can count on both hands and that is OK too. The fact that you trust your mom with your baby speaks volumes so know that your baby will be in good hands. She took good care of you, didn't she? : )
What I would do is sleep with one of your baby's blankets and make sure your mom puts the blanket around him at nap time or when your little one is fussy. Your little boy will be able to smell your scent. Make sure you have a picture of you and your hubby and remind your mom to show your baby the picture and when you call home (come on,you know you will call home), have your mom put the phone up to your son's ear. He will hear your voice and that will be comforting for him. Try to enjoy yourself with your husband and try not to worry too much.