Moms out there any advice you can offer is much appreciated. Here's my situation my husband and I are going on vacation so I should be really excited well I have mixed feelings. We will be gone for 8 days and will not be taking the baby who is 14 months. My mother will be watching him. On one side I am really excited to have this alone time with my husband. On the other I will miss my son terribly. Has anyone gone through this same situation and if so how did you cope. I really want to have a great time and not constantly be thinking of the baby. On a side note the reason in case you are wondering why we decided not to take the baby is we will be in a different country and felt it would be better to leave him here with his Grandma.
Replies
42
SoWal Insider
I let my 1 year old go back to Georgia with Grandma for a week this past Summer. I thought it would be easy. I was in tears before they backed out of the driveway. However, I completely trust my Mother and Sisters and nieces and I knew it would be good for my baby girl to spend time with other family since she doesn't have any here. Just as important, it was good for them too. They had a ball with her and she was spoiled rotten for a week. I must've called 4 or 5 times a day, but I'm glad I did it...for her and for her grand-parents. Go, and have a good time.
percy
Yes, I have done this, and the best thing you can do to put your mind at ease is to remind yourself that he's in the best hands possible. Also, you are doing her a favor by giving her one-on-one time with her grandson. Most importantly, though, you are investing in your relationship with your husband. A marriage needs care and feeding that doesn't involve kids. Going away without your child(ren) will get easier, trust me. ;-)
Beach LoverAuthor
Its funny I have been thinking about this since we booked the trip months ago. I just know I will cry and be calling everyday. Now my husband he can't understand why I'm having such a hard time with this.
Beach Fanatic
Yes, I have done this, and the best thing you can do to put your mind at ease is to remind yourself that he's in the best hands possible. Also, you are doing her a favor by giving her one-on-one time with her grandson. Most importantly, though, you are investing in your relationship with your husband. A marriage needs care and feeding that doesn't involve kids. Going away without your child(ren) will get easier, trust me. ;-)Words of wisdom and experience!
SoWal Insider
My husband and I used to take Mommy and Daddy trips every couple of years or so. My in-laws were always delighted to come and stay with our children. The children were over the moon and spending the one on one time with their grandparents. The kids always told us we "looked younger" when we came home. We were rested, relaxed, and recharged and had missed the children and glad to see them when we came home. I always teared up when leaving, but glad I went. I think it's a win-win situation. Good luck and enjoy your well deserved get-away! 
By the way. Now I'm the grandparent and happy to reciprocate for our daughter and son-in-law to have Mommy-Daddy time. ;-)
By the way. Now I'm the grandparent and happy to reciprocate for our daughter and son-in-law to have Mommy-Daddy time. ;-)
Darlene is my middle name, not my nickname
My husband and I used to take Mommy and Daddy trips every couple of years or so. My in-laws were always delighted to come and stay with our children. The children were over the moon and spending the one on one time with their grandparents. The kids always told us we "looked younger" when we came home. We were rested, relaxed, and recharged and had missed the children and glad to see them when we came home. I always teared up when leaving, but glad I went. I think it's a win-win situation. Good luck and enjoy your well deserved get-away!
By the way. Now I'm the grandparent and happy to reciprocate for our daughter and son-in-law to have Mommy-Daddy time. ;-)
What she said
.....except for the grandparent part...I hope I have a few more years before that.Darlene is my middle name, not my nickname
Yes, I have done this, and the best thing you can do to put your mind at ease is to remind yourself that he's in the best hands possible. Also, you are doing her a favor by giving her one-on-one time with her grandson. Most importantly, though, you are investing in your relationship with your husband. A marriage needs care and feeding that doesn't involve kids. Going away without your child(ren) will get easier, trust me. ;-)
What she said too.
Beach LoverAuthor
Thank you so much everyone for the great advice.
Beach Fanatic
It's OK to cry, and it's OK to call and check. Your mother will totally understand. I am sure she felt the same way about you, once upon a time. ;-)
One word of advice - please write something out giving your mother permission to approve medical care for your child, as well as the SSN and health insurance cards. SkunkApe 30A would be a good one to give pointers, such as exactly what this form is called. You might have to seek him out, though, as he's not likely to open a thread asking for moms. ;-)
You might want to check with the hospital that is closest to your mom's house to see if they have a standard form. I once had these directives filled out at every hospital around here, so that if my son was sick or injured and someone else brought him in, the hospital would not have to wait for me or my husband to show up to treat him.
THEN, go and enjoy your trip!!!
One word of advice - please write something out giving your mother permission to approve medical care for your child, as well as the SSN and health insurance cards. SkunkApe 30A would be a good one to give pointers, such as exactly what this form is called. You might have to seek him out, though, as he's not likely to open a thread asking for moms. ;-)
You might want to check with the hospital that is closest to your mom's house to see if they have a standard form. I once had these directives filled out at every hospital around here, so that if my son was sick or injured and someone else brought him in, the hospital would not have to wait for me or my husband to show up to treat him.
THEN, go and enjoy your trip!!!
Beach Fanatic
Go and have a wonderful time. When you come back you will be refreshed and revitalized, which will make everybody feel grayt cuz of all the extra 
you'll have to give from taking time to yourself and hubby. 
Who knows maybe you'll bring him a little souvenir back. ;-)
you'll have to give from taking time to yourself and hubby. Who knows maybe you'll bring him a little souvenir back. ;-)
Beach Fanatic
I agree, its a win win deal.mom and dad get time alone, grandmother and baby get one on one for a week. When you get back everybodys happy.
Beach Fanatic
As a mom, mother-in-law and now a grandma, I can give you my take from several perspectives. Spending this time alone with your husband is a win-win for all concerned! You and your husband will be strenghthening your relationship by spending time away, just the two of you, which will give you a chance to remember and renew the spark that brought the two of you together in the first place. This will go a long way in insuring your family stays in tact for the long haul..what a great gift for your son and future children to provide a loving home where mommy and daddy love and have fun with each other!
Second, this will give your son a great opportunity to bond with his grandma! My sons and daughters-in-law have been taking the time to go on "dates" and leaving their sweet babies in the loving care of doting grandparents ever since the sweeties were very young. They think we're doing them a favor, but WE'RE the ones who are having a blast! We get to spoil them and do all the things we didn't have time or money to do when our kids were small....and we're learning so much from these little people! They're 5, 3 and 18 months, and we've all developed such a close bond. My grandkids can't wait to call me with their latest adventures or just to say "I love you - good night!". We even brought our 5 year old grandson with us to Seagrove a couple of months ago....gave us an excuse to do all those fun things kids love like building sandcastles, taking a pirate ship tour, water gun fights in the pool, etc. Funny - I was so afraid he'd be homesick, but he begged to stay even when it was time to head for home. Then when he got back home he couldn't wait to run to mom and dad and tell them about all the adventures he had on "his" vacation! Mom and dad missed him of course -they called every day and couldn't wait for him to get back, but they cracked up each evening as he relayed to them his day's adventures. His mom and dad came down with the kids last week and he amazed them by showing them all the places he'd visited in SoWal!
Of course you'll miss your son, but you shouldn't feel guilty.....you'll all be making memories that will last a lifetime. Have fun on your trip!
Second, this will give your son a great opportunity to bond with his grandma! My sons and daughters-in-law have been taking the time to go on "dates" and leaving their sweet babies in the loving care of doting grandparents ever since the sweeties were very young. They think we're doing them a favor, but WE'RE the ones who are having a blast! We get to spoil them and do all the things we didn't have time or money to do when our kids were small....and we're learning so much from these little people!
They're 5, 3 and 18 months, and we've all developed such a close bond. My grandkids can't wait to call me with their latest adventures or just to say "I love you - good night!". We even brought our 5 year old grandson with us to Seagrove a couple of months ago....gave us an excuse to do all those fun things kids love like building sandcastles, taking a pirate ship tour, water gun fights in the pool, etc. Funny - I was so afraid he'd be homesick, but he begged to stay even when it was time to head for home. Then when he got back home he couldn't wait to run to mom and dad and tell them about all the adventures he had on "his" vacation! Mom and dad missed him of course -they called every day and couldn't wait for him to get back, but they cracked up each evening as he relayed to them his day's adventures. His mom and dad came down with the kids last week and he amazed them by showing them all the places he'd visited in SoWal!Of course you'll miss your son, but you shouldn't feel guilty.....you'll all be making memories that will last a lifetime. Have fun on your trip!
Beach LoverAuthor
:funn: I didn't even think about giving written permission to my mother for medical attention. See this is exactly why I need you ladies to give me advice. Thank you so much Shallows Nole! Hopefully the souvenir I bring back for him won't be another brother or sister not yet.
Beach Fanatic
I say stay home and let your husband go on a surf trip..... J/K Go for it. The little dude/dudette will never know!
Beach LoverAuthor
Nice try Bobby J he's already been on a few of those infamous boys trip. Besides this trip will be a surf trip/couple time rolled into one since were going to Costa Rica. I don't think he minds to much!
FunnChef - AlisonCooks.com
Yes, I have done this, and the best thing you can do to put your mind at ease is to remind yourself that he's in the best hands possible. Also, you are doing her a favor by giving her one-on-one time with her grandson. Most importantly, though, you are investing in your relationship with your husband. A marriage needs care and feeding that doesn't involve kids. Going away without your child(ren) will get easier, trust me. ;-)
Awesome Percy!!!Go and have a wonderful time. When you come back you will be refreshed and revitalized, which will make everybody feel grayt cuz of all the extraExcellent!
I hate to say it...but I always loved getting away on my own with Hubby's trips. We went at least once a year with his company. I love my children, but I also knew that I needed time away every once in a while to have a little me time after taking care of them 24/7. It made ME a better mom...plus as Bobby says...your son won't even know...and he will be in GREAT hands...your mom will love it! He will be SPOILED rotten when you get home (you might want to give him back....LOL J/K!!!
)
Beach Fanatic
Every time my husband and I go away and leave our little ones with Gigi -- we spend a bulk of the time talking about them and all of the cute things they do and say. But we do that while at nice restaurants without any thought about getting home early or having to wake up early. I really try not to call too much -- because I think that can get distruptive to their day. And I really want them to have fun. But when we arrive at Gigi's house to pick them up, my husband and I race in to get the first hugs and kisses.
I really try not to call too much -- because I think that can get distruptive to their day. And I really want them to have fun. But when we arrive at Gigi's house to pick them up, my husband and I race in to get the first hugs and kisses.
little sugar
Go and enjoy ! it's ok to be a little sad too...Grandmas and Grandpas LOVE having the little ones for a week or so (most of them) I think you are very fortunate to have that time alone with the hubby
Beach Fanatic
I agree with Peapod, do it, you will worry but it will be good for both of you. I remember the first time we left ours for an adult away trip.
She did better than I did.
Good advice about the medical form. Here is one we used.
http://www.rogerknapp.com/medical/releaseform.htm
She did better than I did.
Good advice about the medical form. Here is one we used.
http://www.rogerknapp.com/medical/releaseform.htm
Edited
SoWal Insider
Yes, I have done this, and the best thing you can do to put your mind at ease is to remind yourself that he's in the best hands possible. Also, you are doing her a favor by giving her one-on-one time with her grandson. Most importantly, though, you are investing in your relationship with your husband. A marriage needs care and feeding that doesn't involve kids. Going away without your child(ren) will get easier, trust me. ;-)I couldn't have said it any better. No sense in reading any further.
Beach Fanatic
You can bring your wife to Costa Rica? He is really breaking allot of guy rules with this one.... Please do not tell my wife he is taking you to Costa. This could make me look really bad!
FunnChef - AlisonCooks.com
You can bring your wife to Costa Rica? He is really breaking allot of guy rules with this one.... Please do not tell my wife he is taking you to Costa. This could make me look really bad!
picky
Moms out there any advice you can offer is much appreciated. Here's my situation my husband and I are going on vacation so I should be really excited well I have mixed feelings. We will be gone for 8 days and will not be taking the baby who is 14 months. My mother will be watching him. On one side I am really excited to have this alone time with my husband. On the other I will miss my son terribly. Has anyone gone through this same situation and if so how did you cope. I really want to have a great time and not constantly be thinking of the baby. On a side note the reason in case you are wondering why we decided not to take the baby is we will be in a different country and felt it would be better to leave him here with his Grandma.
I've just read this so here's my little comment. Our two are now 18 and 20 and we've left them with their grandparents several times, all during European trips where communication hasn't been easy (read: days without calling home to talk to the kids). They've survived and they love us and they love their grandparents, too. So go ahead and take your trip and don't feel like you're being a neglectful parent. You're not.
One thing though. The first time we went on a trip, ten days away from home, our daughter (who was 18 months at the time) shied away from me when I came in the door. I'll never forget how that pierced my heart, not having her recognize me! The fortunate thing was that she was back to her sweet loving self within the hour and it was like I was never gone. But that first glance was a killer. It may not happen to you--I hope it doesn't--but don't worry if it does. No permanent damage was ever suffered, except maybe the fact that our now 18 year old daughter loves, loves, loves to travel far and wide...wonder who she learned that from. ;-)
SoWal Insider
My sister left her son with me to vacation when he was little, and again when he was about 3. The hospital authorization is an excellent suggestion. We have one authorizing me on any occasion since I spend so much time with them. I think it is for any occasion which reminds me I need to check on that.
He was very happy to stay here. It was lots of fun.
You didn't say if your child was being watched at your home or your mothers. Since my nephew was staying here, we ran through all potential danger zones, putting electrical socket protectors, etc. (I already had child proof locks on my cabinets and such for when he was here)
When your child gets older and if you decide to vacation again, (the second time my nephew was 3) , we made a vacation scrap book that was his. We put a picture of Mom and Dad in the front waving hello with notes where they were going, a calendar with the dates marked they were coming home, and then the rest was for him to put pictures and drawings in of his vacation with his Aunty! He takes it out occassionally now (he's 6 and likes to reminisce about it.)
Have a wonderful time.
He was very happy to stay here. It was lots of fun.
You didn't say if your child was being watched at your home or your mothers. Since my nephew was staying here, we ran through all potential danger zones, putting electrical socket protectors, etc. (I already had child proof locks on my cabinets and such for when he was here)
When your child gets older and if you decide to vacation again, (the second time my nephew was 3) , we made a vacation scrap book that was his. We put a picture of Mom and Dad in the front waving hello with notes where they were going, a calendar with the dates marked they were coming home, and then the rest was for him to put pictures and drawings in of his vacation with his Aunty! He takes it out occassionally now (he's 6 and likes to reminisce about it.)
Have a wonderful time.
Beach LoverAuthor
Mango my son will be staying with my mom. It is actually an awesome situation she watches him 3 days a week so he is very comfortable sleeping there. Also her house is baby proof already so no worries there. Bobby shame on you, you must take your wife I really enjoy Manuel Antonio very European beautiful beaches. Any suggestions from you besides Jaco where else to go and please don't say Tamarindo didn't care for it.
Checking your forum account
Please wait while we verify your forum account.