Tis’ summertime, Palm Beach mamas…bring on the sandy kids, the popsicles, and the fun family memories, right? Before you book your Disney vacation, cruise or Bahamas getaway with the whole crew, think about how nice it would be to just go away for a week with your spouse. Not possible, right? Or is it?
As a stay at home mom, I have not been away from my little for more than one night of his life. He is almost two years old. When we talked about extending my husband’s business trip to Europe over the summer, we originally thought maybe to take our son. It would be such an adventure and one that I could look back on an cherish as well. Then, we thought a little more, and wondered if the flight might be too much on him…all the way to the Netherlands. Plan B came into works.
Here is a little guide for you moms to allow yourself to take that time as a couple…if you can get it!
When in doubt, ask Grandma.
Ok, we all know that Grandma will usually say YES when it comes to pretty much anything pertaining their precious grandchildren. So, reach out to good ol’ Grandma and see if she might be interested in spending some quality time. In my case, my amazing siblings also helped out a great deal. It definitely takes a village to handle a rambunctious toddler for a week.
Couples therapy
We all have seen and heard about how important it is once you have children to have time as a family, time as a couple, and your alone time as well. The so-called “experts” and self-help books preach this to us and while it’s definitely nice to think about..it is DEFINITELY not always realistic. However, if you can manage to get away like I just did last week with your spouse..don’t be scared or worried. Let go and reconnect with your partner…it is so healthy to have that pre-baby bond every so often. A little romance and conversation without baby talk really could do wonders for your marriage. In our case, just relaxing and focusing on each other and spending quality time and making memories was truly so good for us..and hence when we go our son back, we BOTH felt that we recharged the batteries for him. It’s a win win. Also, let’s face it, there are some activities that are just non-kid friendly that sometimes you just have to pass up…not this TIME!
Can I do it? Can I really leave the country without my baby?
The answer is Yes. I am not going to lie, I cried leaving him. I mean I cried that full body bawl cry on the Florida Turnpike. Texting my mommy friends for some moral support, I found most of them had never left their kids for more than a few nights. Oh great..what have I done? No, but seriously ladies.. once I got over the initial realization that I was on my way to a foreign country WITHOUT my baby, I calmed down. Yes, at first I almost didn’t know what to do with myself. I wasn’t sure that I even wanted this alone time. As I said to my little sister, it is amazing how “completely incomplete” I felt at times without him. My husband and I found ourselves talking about him and going down memory lane while having dinners or walking through the city with our coffees. It was so rejuvenating for me, and my marriage as well.
Now that we are back on US soil and I had my reunion with my favorite little mini-me, I knew this would be my next blog! I survived my first trip without my baby…and you will too! Remember, life is short and don’t forget about YOU! If you have any vacations coming up without the little ones, please comment and let me know!
p.s. Baby boy had the best time getting spoiled and made HIS own memories with his Grandma and Papa for that week as well.
Happy Travels!
