Imagine my excitement when my hubby told me that he planned a surprise vacation trip for our 5th wedding anniversary!! Then, picture my anxiety when it clicked and I realized that the girls weren’t coming along! Yes…my very first trip as a mommy of two without them. I’m semi a nervous wreck!
It’s official, we are packed and ready to go and we only have two suitcases. My baby girls really aren’t going with us. I know, you all are thinking that I did this before with Alana. Yes, very true. But this is Ariah’s first time away from me and I’m a nursing mom which makes the attachment stronger with your child. Not to mention, with Alana, she was 17 months when I left her for the first time and she stopped nursing at 16 months. With Ariah, she’s 9 months and still nursing. In my mind, I can’t picture the next three days without her. So to make it less stressful for all of us, and by that I really mean me because I know children are resilient, I did a few special things before I left.
- We arranged for them to stay with close loved ones (my mother and sister-in-love). Of course it has to be the person that either raised me or my hubby for this first trip apart.
- We gave them a list of all of the girls favorite things. Our big sis was happy to get the girls their comfort items and foods. Tons of bags of pumped milk were left for Ariah’s feeding as well.
- We purchased a parting gift for them to enjoy in our absence. The girls were having a blast with these as we left.
- We talked to both girls about where mommy and daddy were going, how long we would be gone (for 3 sleeps) and how they should behave while we are gone.
- We gave extra hugs, kisses and prayers before leaving.
- We contacted friends in the area with kiddos to coordinate play-dates for the girls while we are gone. Ariah, in particular, will be happy to see another little one.
- Scheduled regular tasks (daily reading and learning games) activities and excursions for them to do.
Of course Ariah and I cried, but we both were ok shortly after departing from each other. Kobie and I called twice once we left and after boarding our flight to check in. We also sent text pics for them to show the girls while we are gone. I can’t wait to see my baby girls as a refreshed and relaxed mommy upon our return.
Stay tuned to see where we are off to! Xoxo