[jkkclinton]

I just need to vent right now. I'm terrified of going to Russia tomorrow without my 4 year old daughter. I am having severe separation anxiety and regret ever making the decision to go without her but it's too late now. I wish I would have told my husband to do the first trip alone or gotten her to come on both trips. This is killing me. I don't even know how to deal with it. I'm ready to throw up and I can't even be in the room with her right now because all I'm doing is crying and I don't want her to see that. I know I sound like a three year old and the truth is that Kaylee is a bigger girl than I am. I just want to run and hide with her. I'm sorry y'all for being such a baby. Thank you for listening.

Krista

[suburbanmomgw]

It's hard to leave behind a little one. We left 2. For both trips. All survived. I was very anxious about it too, so I think I really planned a lot for them to be taken care of. Give her a picture of you and take one of her. Have her draw you pictures every day. Get a calling card when you first arrive, so you can call often. We got a Zebra card it was 10cents a min. Awesome!!! We got a $25 card and used it for both trips. Ask whoever picks you up at the airport to help you get one before you check into the hotel if possible. It was such a comfort. Let us know how it goes.

[mommytobug]

I am so sorry you are feeling this way!! We do not plan to travel until Sept and I am already sick about leaving our daughter.she is 5....physically sick!! I have all these frights but then I think she will be happy and taken care of!! i know I am not much help but wanted you to know you are not a baby nor are you alone in your feelings! I try to remind myself how hard the flight would be for her although she is an excellent traveler and loves to fly!! I will say a prayer for you and for her.....(((((HUGS))))))))))

[ahnasmom]

We left our 2 1/2 year old and it was definately tougher on me than her.

We made a little calendar with some pictures of us and stickers stating how many more days until Mommy and Daddy come home. They crossed off each day and would tell her...only 3 more days, etc. She seemed OK knowing when we would return. We also called and spoke to her daily.

Another thing we did was leave a gift bag for each day we were gone, she LOVED that. This time I bought her a new 'baby' of her own and will give her something each day we are gone for her new baby. Plus some books on becoming a big sisiter.

Try not to worry...she'll be better than you most likely...but that is a good thing. Good Luck!