[momm2be]

After being totally Disney-ed out. We are looking at our next vacation - possibly Vegas -- which by the nature of the city would be without DD.

Anyone take a vacation without their kiddos?

How did it go?

So far DD seems okay with this - she will get one-on-one time with her Grandma, Grandpa and Aunt - so I am sure she will have a blast.

Just starting to feel some guilt for wanting to go away without her.

[drazil65]

We have been home a year and a half and have not (and probably will not anytime soon) taken a vacation alone. I am not ready to put him in a situation where he might feel abandoned or uncomfortable in the least. After a year and a half we have a pretty comfortable routine but anytime that routine is broken he is uncomfortable and it triggers uneasy feelings (sometimes he seems like he is doing fine and then a couple days later it hits and takes us a few days to get back to our place again). We have worked really hard to make him understand the family structure and that we do most things as a family including vacations. We do go out on date nights a couple times a months and the inlaws come to our house and put him to bed. Personally I could not stand to be away from him anyway and would not have a good time because I would be thinking about him too much . Only you understand the nature of your relationship with your child and where your attachment is at this moment and if you can be away from her.

[angelkisses0102]

We never did with Arianna...but she was/is so easy...we took her everywhere with us. The first time we left her was when we went to Russia for Alex.

With Alex and his struggles...9 months after coming home WE NEEDED to get away. We just went to the Keys...a couple of hours away for a couple of nights...left kids at our house with Grandma & Grandpa...it was fine.

[pwnort64]

I haven't vacationed without Henry yet (planning to in April). But I have travelled for business several times and left him home. Most of the time, he stays with my dear friend. He gets to stay at home and she keeps his schedule as close to normal as possible. Also, he's just at the age where I can call home and actually chat with him on the phone so he knows I haven't totally disappeared.

Last summer, I actually flew to Chicago for some vacation days first and then left him with my folks while I went to California for a conference. He did great and had fun playing with his cousins. He was glad to see me when I got back and even gladder to get home.

The first time is always the hardest. But now, I can explain ahead of time that Mama is leaving on a 'big plane' but that I'll be back in XX number of days. He gets it and has fun counting down the days with his caretaker.

[LilyMoon]

We have not vacationed without Anastasia since coming home 2 years and 4 months ago. We have traveled quite often as a family though.

I love going away as a family. I find the time together is invaluable and we all reconnect in a wonderful way. Not only is it great bonding time for us but the memories are talked about quite often in our household.

Honestly, since we have had some attachment issues, I would not vacation without her at this point. I find the vacations we have taken have only served to strengthen our bond.

I'm sure you will make the right decision for you and your daughter, whatever that might be.

LilyMoon

[kretzklan]

I think it is a child-by-child decision. Sounds like Natalie sees it as a vacation for herself too. I say go and have a GREAT time...no worries. You have done so much and worked so hard! Tell us all about it (I'm dying to go to Vegas...never been)

[heikewould]

My DD and I are going to Australia this February for 14 days. Samantha is a dream and I'm sure will do fine. She is still between 1 and 2 naps per day and going on this kind of vacation wouldn't work for her. The flight alone is 18 hours. (layover) My mom and dad are staying at our house and watching over her. They are on the same page with us regarding parenting.

The way we figure it, After this last adult vacation it will be anywhere having to do with a kids friendly atmosphere!! Samantha is 18 months now and I figure by the time the terrible twos hit we won't be able to go without her!

[lovestruck]

We left our kids for a week this summer to go on a cruise. It was great. I was having a hard time with it all the way until the time we were on the ship. At that point I relaxed and enjoyed the time alone with DH. My boys had slept over for a night or two before with the grandparents, but leaving for a week seemed long. THey had a great time and were thrilled to see us when we got back and we were more than ready to see them. Don't feel guilty, you and your husband need time to do couple things too. You'll come back feeling rejuvinated as a mom and reconnected as a couple!

Now the possible three weeks to Russia on trip 2, the idea of that has me totally stressed.