Just another mommy milestone
I'm in the midst of packing to go up to Ottawa for a few days for a training workshop, and it will be the first time that lil'ReRe and I will be apart overnight. And it won't be just one night, but 3 nights. I feel just sick about it, but this particular course is only being held in Ottawa this year (it was in Toronto last year, but fell over ReRe's birthday weekend) so if I want to take it, I have to go. Getalife has taken a light work week, so that he'll be available to get up with ReRe, get him fed and clothed, and off to school, then picked up, entertained, fed, bathed, and off to sleep. I have joked with my husband that my biggest fear will be that they will be able to get by just fine without me, but I know that what I'm most dreading is a little boy crying over the phone. That will completely kill me. Just last night we were out for dinner with friends, and their 4-year-old son had the babysitter call them because his ear hurt. After some assuring words from his mom, he went off to bed, still crying, but 5 minutes later the babysitter called back to say he was asleep. Our friends were very calm and firm on the phone, but you could see how hard it was for them. I'll try to channel their strength when the time comes. I know the course will be jam-packed, and I only have 2 free evenings to fill, but it turns out my old employer is having their board meetings, so many of my old colleagues from overseas will be in town, so there shouldn't be any shortage of distraction. I'm just going to miss his little face so much. I've scheduled my flight to leave after his bedtime, so while that means a late night for me tonight, at least I'll get to give him his bath, and try not to bawl my eyes out.
Comments
Of course, he might be steamed at you and get into a grump, but he'll come around. My sister's youngest pouted for a bit when she left him alone for a few nights recently (and he's almost 3) but he came around quickly.
Oh, hugs to you!!!
My first nights away from The Boy came when I had to leave the country to attend to my mother's death, but he was fortunately too young to talk to me on the phone (though my husband described for me in painstaking detail how The Boy would turn his head at every noise and pat my blankets, searching for me, the entire week).
It's only a few nights, and I'm sure they will be okay... though, not okay for you to leave them for any longer than those three nights!
Of course you know he'll be fine, though. It may be really good for him and his daddy to have that boys' only time together. Easy to say from over here, where it's been over a year since I've been able to bring myself to do anything beyond an hour's escape at the bookstore, or a solo grocery shopping trip without the kids, though, I know, so I'll stick a sock in it now.
I'll be thinking about you at bath/bedtime tonight! Hang in there.
So, I'm thinking about you and hoping all goes well. Be strong Mama!