By Sarah E. Visbeek, author of In the Trenches of Mommyhood
When you have three children, going away without them becomes a near impossibility. Hence the reason that my husband and I, together, have not spent more than at least one night away from our children since oh, probably 2008. Yes, we try to have “date nights”. Yes, we celebrate our anniversary every year with a night away. But just one measly (and likely cocktail-laden) night? Trust me–is barely enough. I juuuuuust start to relax and them BAM! it’s back to my chaotic Trenches.
But as of the writing of this post, please allow me to shout it from the rooftops that we are Going Away. For 4 consecutive nights!
Now, when my children were little, 4 nights away from them would have caused me much stress and angst. Who else knows them better than me? Who can console them better than me? How will they ever survive without me?! What To Do manuals were written for the babysitters (Usually my parents! Who, hello? Managed to raise 4 children.) Post-it notes were carefully labeled and placed throughout the Trenches. Piles of clothes were laid out. Much thought and consideration was given to every possible disastrous scenario that could happen in my absence. Needless to say, leaving for a trip was STRESSFUL.
And even while away, it was hard to relax. Who missed me? How much? What kind of mother was I to abandon mah poor baybeees?
Today, my boys are 10, 7 and 6. Notsomuch babies anymore. More like rambunctious and smelly creatures. And I? Couldn’t be any more excited about going away.
Gone are the days of post-it notes and written instructions. (Mostly) gone is the worrying.
The instructions for my father this time?
Just keep them fed and watered.
Heh.
You can find Sarah on both Facebook & Twitter. Chat her up there too!
______________________________________
Like what you see? Check out other posts by Sarah:
___________________________________________