need advice re: leaving LO for the first time

Sophia is 18 months (will be 19 months when we go)


i have a conference to go to in Miami in May, at Fontaine Bleu (sp) Hotel. It's amazing and I want DH to come so we can basically make a vacation out of it.


i havent been on vaca in 4 years. never taken a vaca with my DH. we didnt have a honeymoon. we NEED this time alone.


but i cant help but want to cry when I think of leaving my 18 month old for 5 days. shes's very attached to me. she'd have to split the time with DH's father/step-mom and his step-sister. theyre going to have to do things out of the norm as far as her sched (wake her early, cart her back and forth between houses, etc). it would be GREAT if they'd come to our house but they wont so she'll be out of her element. she wont sleep anywhere but her crib so im going as far as buying a mini crib to leave at my FILs house.

I know she'll be SAFE and cared for, but still. part of me knows i will be worried sick the whole time we're away.

the other option is I go alone. don't get me wrong, some alone time would be awesome BUT i'd feel so guilty that DH didnt get away for a bit too. He's out of work and home full-time with DD. He NEEDS the break just as much if not more than I do.


how do I get past this anxiety? how do I make this easier on ALL of us? any suggestions? we *could* bring her but honestly, it would defeat the purpose.



i feel like im going to feel like this until she goes to college

Re: need advice re: leaving LO for the first time

I don't really know bc i have no experience as i am a SUPER new mom but. .

I think it's really normal to feel that way but probably healthy in the long run if you do take time away. .

if DH was okay with it, he could also probably not go for the whole time. .like join you for the weekend part of it so she was not alone the whole time, and maybe if he wanted alone time, could have 1 day alone too? I think you and DH probably deserve a little get away!

Re: need advice re: leaving LO for the first time

When DS was 10 months we had a wedding in the carribean. I was so upset to have to go. I couldnt imagine leaving DS for 5 days.

But we went. ANd he was fine! First I think its good for them to have some flexibility...and we as parents often make excuses, oh they wont sleep or eat or whatever, because we are afraid.

If you trust your DD is in good hands....GO and ENJOY! You need it, DH needs it! I learned from that trip how important Adult time was alone with my DH.

It was hard, I was so upset on the plane...but once we were there and in the groove of vacation it was so enjoyable and I truly believe I came back a better, more refreshed mom!

now with #2 on the way, I am already planning a get away for DH and I when the baby (who isnt born yet) is a little older!

Re: need advice re: leaving LO for the first time

it'll be good for the both of you - just go - it won't be easy, but everyone can use a break now and then and our kids are more resilient than we give them credit for. your LO will be fine for a few days and will be thrilled to have you back