We just made a big change of plans...

[OJulie67]

So, after months of agonizing over this decision. We have decided to leave our 10 month old DD at home with her favorite auntie.
I am so torn, because I cannot fathom not seeing my pretty baby for 7 days, but after careful thought, my husband and I decided to leave her at home. She is very strict to her schedule and becomes very crabby without her naps on time. She hates strollers right now, won't sit in a high chair for longer than 5 minutes, and we know what the trip would be like. We really want our 5 year old to enjoy this, as it is her first "real" vacation...as it is ours as well. My husband and I never had a real honeymoon. I know all of that may sound selfish to some, but as much as we paid for this trip, we want to enjoy it...dinners in a restaurant and all.
I guess I am just looking for alittle reassurance that we made the best decision. I know this has been talked about over and over, again, but I would certainly enjoy alittle assurance that I'm not the worst mom on earth...because at times, I'm feeling guilty.

 

[KelNottAt]

It will be fine. To me, it doesn't sound like you're a bad mommy. It sounds like you have a good, balanced perspective.

I know 3 families who faced the same dilemma that you did. The couples who left their babies with grandmas were able to really relax. Plus, their older child/ren enjoyed some time alone with mom and dad. My dear BIL and SIL brought Dniece with them and got home more tired and stressed out than before vacation.

You'll definitely miss DD, and she'll probably miss you. But, if you face separation with a positive outlook instead of negative anxiety, the rest will be (almost) easy.

Time will fly by and before you know it, she'll be back in your arms. Have a great trip.



Kelley

 

[Otimon]

Go and enjoy yourselves without feeling guilty. Take your 10 month old on the Disney when she's really old enough to enjoy it.

Have a wonderful time

 

[glindamood]

You are not a bad parent and don't let anyone tell you otherwise. Your family needs to decide what is right for you and that is not a decision that anyone can or should make for you nor make you feel guilty over.

I left a 6 month old (had to wean him too) with my Mom and Dad to go to WDW back in '89. My parents had a blast with Drew and we had a great time in Florida. We all missed him as did my parents when we took him home on our return but it was the right decision for us.

 

[hopelea]

I totally understand. When my oldest dd was 20 months we took her on a CCL vacation. Let me tell you first that my dd was strict to her schedule and was a wonderful baby. Always happy, just a wonderful child. She did her best to adapt to the busy schedule of the cruise, but she was just worn out. I wish that I had left her home with her favorite auntie too!!!

You are a wonderful mother. Take your dd when she is a little older.

Time will fly and your 5 year old will enjoy the trip a little more too.

Have a great time!!!

 

[jerry112]

We had the same issue when DD was 6 months old. I felt very confident that all would be fine at WDW with her and DS4. Then, she decided to wake throughout the night and cut teeth etc...
So DD stayed with grandmom, and hubby and I took DS4. I must tell you, it was the best time we had with my son. The perfect age for him and lots of alone time with his mom and dad. Of course I felt guilty, but we still talk about Katie's special vacation with grandmom and she thinks that was just great.

Now, she is 6 and has been to WDW at least 4 times of her own and even a cruise, too. I love those memories with my DS when he was 4, and I bet you will have special memories too! Don't worry, it will be fine. Your 5 yr. old will have the most wonderful memories of her special time with you and your 10 month old will be well taken care of and pampered by her favorite auntie and won't remember that she missed something! Have a great time!

Karen from NJ

 

[aprilgail2]

When my godson was 2 1/2 I took him and his mom to Disney and we left his 10 month old sister home with grandma and that was fine. His mom was fine with that. I now have my own child and no way could I leave her to go on a vacation...and that is fine too.....to each their own, no one way is bad, its a choice that each person makes and its whats best for that person. The baby certainly won't know the difference and will be just fine where ever she is!

 

[SeaSpray]

When DS16 was 3, and DS13 was 6 months old, DH and I left the baby with his parents while we took older DS to the beach for a long weekend. It was wonderful to spend some time with older DS after being pregnant and not able to do a lot with him for so many months, and baby DS got to spend some alone time with his paternal grandparents who, unexpectedly, passed away a couple of years later. It meant a lot to them to have baby DS with them for those few days, and DH, older DS, and I had a nice, relaxing time at the beach

 

[OJulie67]

You guys are so sweet! I really appreciate the responses and your stories. It is really a hard decision! You guys are wonderful! Thank you...once again!