Leaving Friday with mixed feeling!

[disneyobessed]

ok.. im leaving friday for a trip we have had planned since last august.. I cant wait to go but this year will be different b/c i will be leaving my 1 year old daughter home with my m-law instead of taking her. I know it will be hot for her to sit in the stroller all day.. and she wont be able to go on many rides.. i just feel badly about it. My older son is handicapped .. he has cerebral palsy and can walk assisted but in disney he uses his stroller and needs my husband or I with him on all rides.. so with the baby being there my middle son would definatly get shafted half the time.. so please SOMEONE ASSURE ME WE ARE DOING THE RIGHT THING!!!

 

[swald91]

It's tough leaving your child behind. But think of this trip as something special just for your son! When your daughter gets old enough to enjoy it herself-then you can take her. It will be tough doing things & thinking of her the whole time but don't let it ruin your trip. (Easier said-when we went to Hawaii for our 15th Ann. all we thought about was how the kids would like this or that...) She'll have a special treat (along w/ grandma) while you are gone!!Have a good time & enjoy!!

 

[momtwo4]

We did the same thing when my youngest son was 9 months. I was feeling just like you, and was feeling horrible leaving him home. It was the best thing for all. In the end he had a great week with his Grandma & Grandpa, was able to stay on his schedule, play all day and wasn't stuck in the stroller, and my husband I were able to spend a week with our 3 older kids (ages4-8)
Then when he was 15mos we went to Orlando, and went for 1 day of our trip, and let me tell you it was tiring. He was fine in the stroller sometimes, but really didnt enjoy standing in long lines, so we had to split up often.
We will be going back soon and he will be staying with Grandma & Grandpa again. He just turned 2. I think the next trip, maybe at 3yrs old (if we are so lucky to go) then we will bring him with us as he will be able to enjoy the vacation along with his older siblings

Sorry it got so long, but I wanted to let you know you are not alone. This will give you time with your older kids, and your baby will have a great week with his Grandparents!

 

[disneyobessed]

thanks for the replies.. i will be a mess when we leave at 5:30 but as soon as we hit the massachusetts turnpike to logan.. my mind will be on dealing with my boys.. thank god for picture phones... grandma and grandpa will send pictures a few times a day!

 

[ms_missy66]

I've taken both of our girls at 13 months and we went into it with an "we'll see what we'll see and do what we can do without worrying about seeing and doing everything." And let me tell you...we definitely did NOT see and do everything. The pace was a lot slower with a lot of breaks. If your son needs some help that may take up a bit of time, then you'll definitely be doing yourself a favor by leaving your daughter at home this time. When she's a little bigger and needs less help, your family will have a wonderful time together! Don't beat yourself up. She'll be fine, doesn't know the difference and the memories you'll have with just your son will be priceless!

 

[MightyMom]

Listen.... you're doing the right thing!

My DS8 has cp also. He sounds a lot like your son in that he can walk (with a walker or assistance) at home.... but requires a stroller/wheelchair at WDW.

Two years ago we went and took my neice. DS6, DN6 and DS19 months. It was really really tough.

I had to go on all the rides with my older DS... and often DN was left waiting with my DH and the baby.

It was a stressful trip.

Not only will you have to carry all the baby supplies..... but all the extra equipment your DS might need.

I totally understand...... and I wish you the best trip.

This year it will be just my DH, myself and my two boys. We'll be man on man defense..... so I think this trip will be much easier.

 

[imthatgirl]

we've done it many times. when my first child was born, she was left for mommy and daddy to go on a vacation.
when my second was little he was left so mommy and daddy could take child 31 on a special vacation.
my thrird child has been left 3 times so the rest of us can go on vacation(not all disney vacas) this year, hes finally 3 and we can all go as a family.

it feels weird at first, but youll be fine and so will she.

 

[Happyathome]

Just adding my support here, too

When we went 3 years ago, ds was only 15 mos. I took him to stay with my Bil/Sil and their 2 kids. I tossed and turned the entire pre-trip. Did I make the right call? Would I regret not bringing him? Once we were there, I knew I had made the right decision. I could focus on my other 3 dd's (the youngest was 3 at the time) and could really enjoy them, w/o having a baby. He had a better time with his Aunt, because she could keep him on a better schedule of meals and naps, and the girls LOVED the attention of not having mommy distracted with the baby.

I know this is tough. I've been there. Try to have a great time! If your mind stays with your little one, you will miss out on a great vacation with the rest of your family. Enjoy this time with them.

Have fun!!

 

[eeyoregon]

OP: Don't feel sad or guilty. Strapping on flame suit but IMHO 1 years old is far to young to take to WDW...they certainly aren't going to get anything out of it and aren't going to know they aren't going.

Cherish this time with your other children and when the youngest is older then you can take him/her too.

Have a great trip!