Away from my beeb for the first time
When I first had Liv, as coincidence would have it, I suddenly started to get invited for more and more out-of-town blog events, all expenses covered.
As tempting as it sounded, especially the ability to sleep peacefully on an airplane, I couldnโt do it.
I knew if I went away she would be absolutely fine with Tom (plus weโre so lucky to have my mom and nana to lend a hand when we need it) but the magnet I felt attaching me to her kept me declining anything that would have me spend more than a night without her in the room next to me.
Maybe it had a little bit to do with my postpartum anxiety, but I think it had everything to do with the fact that I just wasnโt ready to leave. I didnโt want to miss a second of her growing, a good snuggle, even a rough night, and was also worried about keeping up my milk supply with the pumping/breastfeeding rendezvous. I wasnโt ready.
When I got the phone call asking me to be a ZOOMA ambassador and run the Cape Cod race in September, I debated it for a while and reminded ZOOMA that Iโm not a hardcore runner and just wanted to get back into casually running. I figured that at one point or another, Iโd have to get back in the swing of occasional blog trips. I donโt consider them โwork tripsโ because theyโre something I enjoy and Iโm never required to go, but I like to attend different events and meet new people. I figured it would be good for me to finally say yes, after almost a year of โnoโs,โ so I accepted.
Sure enough, September was here before I knew it, Iโm no longer breastfeeding (even though I would love to still be, I pumped until I had nothing left), and I feel like I can handle missing Liv for a few nights. Iโve been really excited about seeing Cape Cod, getting some down time -I joked with Tom that when I wasnโt running I was going to hibernate in my hotel and sleep with my eye mask on- and then last week, it hit me like a ton of bricks. I was walking through Bashaโs, grabbing some grocery essentials, when I felt tears coming from nowhere.
Iโm sure many moms can relate, but itโs not worrying about her being ok, because I know she will be. Itโs just that after spending 8+ months (plus the time in utero) with her, Iโll miss having my little buddy close to me.
Iโm fortunate that Iโm able to spend so much time at home and am lucky Iโve been able to wait this long before spending a little time away. I know many moms with full-time jobs have to travel for work soon after having a baby, so Iโm not trying to complain. I figure 4 days is just enough time for me to feel refreshed, and very ready to come home.
Any moms have tips for making it a little easier?
Iโm sure Iโll be distracted all weekend, but
Iโm excited.
Iโm sad.
Iโm planning on sleeping a ton, too.
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Good for you for getting some relaxation and you time! I hope you enjoy it! Iโm not a mom so I donโt feel that separation thing but it sounds completely normal to me. Iโm sure when I have a baby I wont want to leave him/her either!
To be honest, it never gets easy. I have a 6 and 3 year old and I still struggle to spend even a night away. There are days when I feel like exhausted โ physically and mentally โ and I feel like I need some time away, but when I take it, the feeling of missing everyone is so strong! Good luck and HAVE a BLAST knowing that Liv will be well cared for! That is the only thing that keeps me strong on my trips.
TOTALLY normal. I didnโt go away for business either until Maya was 8 months old. And this spring I went to a wedding in Mass. that my husband couldnโt come to so he stayed here with her and I was gone for two nights. I missed her (well, and hubby and pup) but it was really nice to fly alone!!! Something peaceful about it โฆcarrying Starbucks and a book โฆ. no diaper bag, pump bag etc โฆ til I saw a mom w/ a baby in a stroller and got pangs of guilt. The thing is, itโs good for us to get away โฆ healthy, even โ but it isnโt as easy as I would have thought!! Now at 21 months I feel less sad about a night away. I think time changes that. I hope you have an amazing time and enjoy the sleep and peace!! ๐ And youโll come back rejuvenated. The mom hat never comes off โฆ sheโll always know youโre there. We did talk on the phone and that helped-so does Skype. Even just a quick hi. ENJOY. Cape Cod is gorgeous!
yes i do have to say flying has been so relaxing thus far. i slept on the first flight, the entire time. it was GLORIOUS ๐
hope you have a great weekend!
Yes, sleep lots!! ๐
I have to agree with the commentor above..it never really gets easier. I have a 2 1/2 year old and a 10 year old, and if itโs more than one night (which I think weโve done once since the 2 1/2 year old was born) I miss them like crazy.I know itโs different for every mom, but I think itโs just part of my anxiety I have that I donโt enjoy being separated from the kiddos too long. It will be so good for you though, so try to enjoy, relax and feel good knowing Liv gets to spend extra one-on-one time with her dad and other relatives.
Gah! I feel ya girl. My son is 6 1/2 months and he has never been away from me for a real significant amount of time. People give me grief a lot about not letting him spend the night with grandparents and such, but I just canโt. Iโm not ready.
Maybe you and Tom could Skype or something so you and baby girl can see each other (it would be fun to see how she reacts seeing mommy in a screen). Plus, not that you ever take her for granted -I know you donโt- but maybe being away from her a few days will make you appreciate every little thing about her even more. Not to mention how exciting itโll be to come home and see her go crazy when she sees your face again!! ๐
I donโt have any kids, but I do miss my dogs when I travel for work. I think Iโll have to make a career change when I do have kids since I travel now about once a month.
You may have already planned on this, but FaceTime might help.
I always make I have plenty of pictures of my husband and dogs on my phone too. That way when I get sad I can look at them. For me the worst part is the plane there. Once I land Iโm usually busy ( as it sounds like you will be) and on the way back Iโm just happy to be headed back.
yeah FaceTime definitely needs to happen!
and same way with the dogs, we always miss bella so much when we donโt see her
xoxo
I just left my โbabyโ, who just turned 2, for the first time last weekend. I had a work conference and was super anxious about it. I was gone 3 days and was definitely missing him like crazy by the last day and ready to come home, but it was easier than I expected! I slept a ton and it felt great. THe look on their faces when they see you again is amazing! And it definitely helps when you have family taking care of them. My mom helped my husband for the weekend and I felt so much better leaving him. Good luck, supermama!
thank you!! iโm glad to know you had a great time and it went well for you <3
and yes, having the fam around is a huge comfort, even though i know tom will take wonderful care of her
xoxo
Have a great flight, relax and enjoy. Yes- completely normal. Three kids and I miss them like crazy every time I have to travel. If you donโt give back to yourself though you wonโt have anything to give your family.
If I have a free minute- I would love to pop over and say hello. Enjoy the Cape. The weather is crisp and cool. Perfect fall weather.
let me know if you do! iโll be around tonight and tomorrow until 11 or so <3
No tips for you other than to just realize that you deserve to do some โfunโ stuff, some trips and out of town events, that will help nourish your spirit and help you professionally with connections and networking, so just try to enjoy โ but I didnโt leave my โbabyโ til she was 3+ yrs and I was a mess the first time I did it! lol
Itโs never easy to leave, but it IS healthy and I promise you absence makes the heart grow fonder (for both of you). Just enjoy your time away โ you donโt get it often! I find dwelling on how far apart I am from my kids makes the trip seem longer (even if I really want to be there) and it keeps me from having a good time. Instead, get caught up in the moment โ and yes, SLEEP. Have a fun trip and good luck on your race!
My little one is just 9 days old! The thought go being away from him 3 days a week when I got back to work makes my heart hurt! Iโm looking forward to hearing how you do on the trip!
oh my goodness!! little guy! congratulations ๐
My eight year old is attending her first slumber party tonight. Sheโs only had overnighters with grandparents so Iโm a wreck, and Brenna is totally stoked! She canโt wait to be away from home. It doesnโt get easier, but for good reason. They are like natureโs best friends. It will take a few hours, but you will start to enjoy resting and having quiet without having one ear & eye open for Liv. Mommies never fully and totally fall asleep for a year, I think. Always listening and watching for our little ones.
Have fun! I just bought a bike to cruise around with my 8 and 6 year old. Iโm so excited!
thank you! i canโt believe sheโs going on her first sleepover. and itโs crazy to think it will be that time for me before i know it! youโre exactly right about always having an eye and ear open
hope you have a great weekend!
Good for you for just doing it. I know thisโll be hard for me too, but I want to try to make myself do it before the first year is up because I think itโs important. Plus, Olivia will be wanting to spend the night at friendโs houses (or Grandmaโs house, aw) before you know it and at least youโll have had a little practice at spending a night or two without her again!
I feel you!
Luckily, it seems like you will have plenty of distractions around. And also great that you have the peace of mind knowing sheโs in EXCELLENT hands.
We left Eli for the first time in August, and it was actually not as rough as I thought it would be. The wine helped, though ๐
Enjoy yourself! Get some rest! Have fun!
PS โ It was ironic though that I only got one real full nightโs sleep while we were away. I kept waking up around 1-2am thinking I heard him cryingโฆ
First off, you will love Cape Cod! (I live there and its beautiful this time of year) Second, I have been away twice since my daughter (who is now one) was born. Once for a nice when she was around 10 months and again the night before her birthday party so my husband and I could prepare. It was difficult both times. Its a double edged sword ,because its really important to have a little breather and time to yourself . That doesnโt change the fact that you miss them like crazy though! Have fun this weekend and before you know it you will be on the plane home to your beautiful little girl and the pilot!
I echo many when I say, good for you for taking the plunge! Hard as it can be to leave and to be apart a few days, I wholeheartedly believe it is also SO GOOD for both mom and baby/kid to have those short times of separation. And returning home is awesome โ everyone is so excited to see each other, itโs very sweet!
All moms are different, thatโs whatโs great about it. See, I canโt personally relate to the ones posting that itโs still so, so hard to leave for a night or two with kids that are older than baby stage. When Iโve left my daughter, it was with trusted close family like my sister, grandma/grandpa, or my husband. So everyone is very happy with the arrangement, which gives me full freedom to enjoy and revel in my time away! I know for me personally, time away here and there makes me a better, more relaxed, more well-rounded mom. Certainly itโs not that way for everyone, but for me, this is true.
Breastfeeding didnโt work out for me with either of my girls, so we left our older daughter overnight with my sister when daughter was just 5 months old. It was for an anniversary overnight. Yes, I missed her fiercely, but at the same time I absolutely basked in my (brief) relaxing freedom. And we have left her for a night here and there ever since โ grandparents love it (-: Havenโt left younger daughter (almost 5 months now) yet, but we will when we get the chance to.
Again, good for you! Have a wonderful time, and enjoy lots and lots of sleep and relaxation (-; Turn that mom-dar to low for a couple days, ha!
I can imagine the million conficting emotions! When Tripp was born, I thought โ no way, I canโt go back to work. Impossible. I still donโt want to, and Iโm very lucky that I donโt *have* to and have a husband that supports that. His Nana recently asked if we could work out an arrangement to have her watch him 1 day a week โ which I think will be good for both of us, but I definitely needed to wait a few months before even thinking about being away from him for a whole day. Iโm sure Iโll enjoy my long runs sans jogging stroller and naps that are more than 20 minutes. ๐
you will! for a long time, i felt guilty about having my mom or nana watch liv while i worked out or ran an errand, but then i realized that itโs good for me, and they love it so much. good things all around ๐
My mom and grandmom were talking about something like this last time I was home, and my mom said โHaving kids is like having your heart walking around outside your body.โ I guess it never goes away. I canโt wait to have babies and experience all the fun and even the crazy emotions! I hope you are able to enjoy yourself some at least while on this trip! Cape Cod is neat.
It never gets easy my kids are 6 & 7 I canโt be away from them more than a night I get anxiety ! College ought to be a blast!!
iโm already scared about that haha
Olivia is so stinkin lucky to have such deeply loving parents as yourselves. Go and enjoy some You time, Sheโll be waiting for you when you get back. Safe travels!
thank you, lovely <3
You will love it though. Cape cod (or โthe capeโ as it is known to us locals) is GEORGOUS!!! I wish I could be there!
My daughter is 10.5 months, and the longest Iโve been away from her is 2 nights. I have actually grown to be ok with thatโฆI live my daughter to death but itโs healthy for me to have a little time off every once in awhile.
However, soon I will be going to England for work for a whole MONTH. I have no idea what Iโm going to do away from her for so long! ๐
No tips as Iโm not a mama myself, but just a reminder to embrace and enjoy this opportunity. Be present, be joyful and be thankful for this awesome experience! Aaaaand, then return home to your sweet little beeb and hug, kiss and snuggle her as you reflect on it all. Happy weekend, Gina! ๐
When I travel for work I send my boys a post card. They love getting mail of their own!
Just do it and donโt think too much about it. It will be great! By the time you get back, you will miss her terribly and be ready for those snuggles. The time away is so good for you and returning home is so sweet!
I donโt have any tips but I am a mom to a 8.5 month old baby girl and I havenโt left her yet. Iโm a stay at home mom so when I do leave her for a few hours with the grandparentโs, I get anxiety, ๐ her & I are attached at the hip! ๐ Iโve enjoyed reading all the comments above and advice from others moms.
Enjoy your time & have a great weekend! ๐
It sounds bad, but the only way I can have a good time away is to not think about my baby at all. If I think about him, I miss him and feel guilty. If I focus on myself and keep myself busy, I have a much better time, and the time away isnโt wasted by worrying!
I left my 4 month old for the first time this week. We are heading to his grammyโs house to pick him up soon and Iโll probably get a speeding ticket and then run sobbing into his arms (except not because he doesnโt recognize me yet). But maybe you will feel accomplished for โbreaking the sealโ like we did. Good job, mama!
It never gets easier! Im starting to get anxiety thinking about a trip to Vegas for our anniversary in 2 weeks and my son is 3! I havent had a night away from him since we got married in Vegas when he was 13 months old. I even feel guilty when I take a trip to the mall by myself lol ๐
I think it stays difficult but does get easiER but it takes a LONG time. Itโs in our cells. We just physically need to be near them until theyโre pretty much self-sufficient, which is why weโre not extinct, I guess!
Itโs like the first time you leave them to go back to work or leave them at school. Eventually, it gets routine and itโs ok, even though you miss them. Itโs good for them, too, that distance.
I just noticed your logo update with the โ+babyโ super cute! Love it!
I came back to read this and your post-trip write up because Iโm leaving this Friday for 4 days and my heart hurts just thinking about it. I know Iโll have a fantastic time (laying on the beach in the Bahamas with college girlfriends) and Patrick will take such good care of Tripp, but I already miss him!
your heart will definitely hurt, but youโll have such a great time. SLEEP!!! it will be glorious ๐
xoxo