Julie & Corey...We're in the Same Boat! First Weekend Trip Without the Kids for F&WC

[mjaclyn]

Hi Julie & Corey! I feel your pain.

DH really wanted to do the ABD trip in February for our 10th anniversary but I just couldn't bring myself to leave our two young children for that long. We've only left them once overnight and we were about 20 minutes from our house. We live in New York so the thought of traveling all the way across the country without them just scares me to death. We were thinking of having my DMIL and DFIL watch them since they live in San Diego, but my children have never visited California yet and I think they would be afraid staying in a place they've never been without us. I feel really bad for DH, he booked the trip and everything and for almost two weeks I tried to talk myself into it and tried to immerse myself in the whole idea of the ABD trip with the podcast crew which would have been AWESOME. I just realized that the type of person I am... I would have been a wreck the entire time and not have been able to enjoy any part of it because I would be too worried about my kids. I was trying to plan ways to see them around the ABD schedule and I came to the conclusion that if I'm going to be spending over 5k on a trip for the two of us I'd want it to be about US and the experience and that definitely would not have happened this time around. Maybe in a few years when they're older... and at the 4 DLR ABD trip per year rate Pete is going I'm sure we'll be able to go in the future. ;-)

That being said, we ARE taking our first weekend trip away from the kids to WDW. The reason I feel better about this even though we'll still be a plane ride away, is that the kids will be in their own house with my parents and sister who they see every day. They will still be in their own routine in familiar surroundings so it will be easier on them. Plus, it's only for two nights and I feel much better about that as well.

We had decided to go for the Food & Wine Classic and stay at the Swan & Dolphin!! Small world isn't it? LOL So, I just wanted to let you know that you guys will not be the only couple staying there that weekend for your first trip without the kids. I'll be sure and say hello if I see you there. I'm very excited! I absolutely love going to the Food & Wine Festival in Epcot and after hearing the podcast last week about the food they'll be serving at the F&WC I can't wait to go!

 

[AuroraJae]

I am certainly very concerned about leaving Ferris and Finley for 7 days! We have not ironed out any permanent plans for them just yet, but I would prefer to have our regular babysitter stay with them or have Corey's parents fly in to keep them at our house. The other option would be to fly with them to N.O. on our way to CA and leave them with his parents, but I'm with you on wanting the kids to be in their home on their routine.

I tear up everytime we talk about the CA trip, so we are starting small and doing the Food and Wine Classic in Oct. It would be so great to see you two there! This will be for just over 24 hours and then we will plan a 2 to 3 day trip without them in the early part of the year. I know it will still be extremely difficult to leave them and not know what they are doing every minute of the day. Hopefully, these little mini vacays will help get me ready for the actual separation

I have a girlfriend that is on a 2 week vacation in Italy without her two girls, age 5 and 2. I asked her how she would make it that long and she said, "Beer!"

I really do hope that we run into you at the Food and Wine Classic...we could talk more about this in person! I would enjoy that!

 

[two-foxes]

This struck a cord with me in the podcast when Julie was talking about it, mainly because I just can't do it yet. I have had one night away from DS Reagan, 15 months, 10 minutes away in a hotel with DH. Keep in mind, I apparently think we are such amazing parents that I wouldn't do it unless my parents AND my sister came up to watch the boys. And before that, the first night I spent away from Merrick, 3, was when I was in the hospital giving birth to Reagan....Merrick was just about to turn 2 at that time.

So, I do wish you both the best of luck and hope to following in both your footsteps, too, one day, when I let go and maybe venture out more than 10 minutes away from the house for more than one night!

Have fun, all parents deserve good time alone to reconnect with each other, and it is sounding like you guys chose a pretty darn cool event to do it at!

 

[YellowMickeyPonchos]

I totally understand what you guys are all going through. When I came by myself to Disapalooza, it was extremely hard. I had the problem that if I called home, I would get sick to my stomach, so the only way I could manage those couple days was the occasional text message and radio silence. I know it sounds harsh, but it helped not to think about them.

Jules - I completely agree with your friend's approach on beer. Mine was a little stronger! It'll be fun to see you when you are out here. You can borrow the girls if you need to!

 

[SamSam]

I was the same way when my children were small, but looking back I think it's perfectly okay, even for the best to take some couple time away from the children. (mine have been grown and gone for 10+ years)
As long as you have caregivers that you are comfortable with, it gives you the 'couple time' that is so important in a strong marraige, which is very good for your children. It's also good for the kids to see that they can be okay without Mom and Dad for a few days.

Each of you, enjoy your tripsand try not to worry to much.

 

[mjaclyn]

Hi Julie! I'd definitely like to talk with you in person during the Food & Wine Classic. It seems like we have very similar feelings about leaving our kids. I haven't seen any photos of you so I'll be listening to recognize your voice. I'm pretty noticeable with my red hair, so if you see a redheaded girl taking advantage of the Shula's Filet case, it's me.

 

[mjaclyn]

Hi Julie! Did you guys enjoy the first night of the Food & Wine Classic? DH and I went to the Wine Blending Seminar which was a lot of fun and very interesting. Tomorrow we'll be going to the Riesling Seminar and I'm looking forward to it because I'm definitely a sweet wine person! I thought there was a nice variety of food and drinks on the causeway and I have to say that the Dragon Roll from Kimonos was my favorite, even though I don't really like sushi I thought I saw you and Corey at one point but I wasn't sure if it was you...I tried to get a little closer to try and hear you guys talking to see if I recognized your voices but the music was so loud I couldn't hear! LOL Anyway, if you noticed a girl in a black dress inching her way to try and listen to your conversation it was me. I wanted to say hello but thought it may not be you so I erred on the side of caution. LOL Maybe we'll see you tomorrow. Have a great night!!