I miss him already. I miss both of them already.
Tomorrow afternoon I am embarking upon a solo journey to visit one of my oldest, dearest friends for a couple of days. She will soon be moving to Switzerland to join her husband who has already moved for a new job. It is our last chance to spend time together before Niksdad starts school soon.
I’m not going far —just north of NYC —yet I feel like I might as well be traveling to Mars. I have only been away from Nik once since he came home from the hospital and that was a cross-country house hunting trip over Easter weekend in 2005. But this trip feels different in so many ways.
Nik is older and so much more aware of what goes on around him. He’s also going through a significant period of clinging to me and of needing me in the middle of the night. I know the time away will be good for all of us. Niksdad and Nik need the time to develop new ways of being with one another beyond just being pals at play; I need the time away to just be with my friend —and maybe even get some much-needed sleep!
Still, I worry because Nik doesn’t yet understand visual calendars and schedules and he definitely doesn’t understand the concept of time. I am always here for him, with him —ungrudging and without fail. How will he handle my not being there when he cries out in the middle of the night? Will he miss my singing along with Signing Time or Mary Poppins? Niksdad, God bless him, can’t carry a tune in a bucket.
Even worse, how will I handle not seeing his impish little face for two days? Will I survive not hearing his laughter or feeling his gentle kisses as he tries to bribe me into doing or giving him something he wants? Will my hands know what to do without his delicate face to cradle in the middle of the night?
It’s going to be a looooong stretch between tomorrow afternoon and Wednesday night when I get home.
And did I mention no internet access either? Might as well cut my heart out, eh?
*sigh*
Here’s the thing: It will be hard, but you will all be fine. Enjoy your time with your friend, get some sleep (!!!) and tell us all about it when you get home.
I know you’re right but —OMG —it feels awful. Although, the sleeping thing could be pretty sweet…
I remember feeling the exact same way the first time I spent an overnight away from Oliver. But I looked at it this way: it gave my boys the opportunity to depend on one another in a way that they wouldn’t with me there. Your guys will do great and you will, too! I can’t wait to hear about it when you get back!
(Also, I’m envious of your friend!! Maybe you’ll get the chance to visit her there?)
Sounds like just what the doctor ordered.
Nik will have a chance to bond with Niksdad- including needs, not just wants.
Miksdad will have a chance to bond with Nik- including needs, not just wants.
And you get to be yourself, and not just Mom, for two whole days- uninterrupted by us.
Yep. Go for it.
I agree that it’s good for both of you to be apart for a little while.
I’ve only left the boys two times. Each time I agonized beforehand, but felt fine once I got out the door.
Have a great time with your friend!
You’ll miss your guys, but enjoy your time away. They’ll be okay. And get that sleep!
I hope you have a wonderful time with your friend. This is a huge gift you are giving her, but I’ll bet she knows that. Nik and Niksdad will get a great opportunity to bond and forge a new relationship, which is excellent now that Nik is older.
And, yes, get some SLEEP!!
please please please enjoy yourself!
Enjoy your time away. My time away is alway a mixture of regeneration and one of emptiness. I have never had more than two nigts away from the boys; it seems like just the right amount.
Um, don’t expect your to look too nice when you get back. 😉
A well-deserved break! Have a great time!
Have a great time! I will pray that you get some much needed sleep and that you come home refreshed and ready to tackle new challenges!
Uh…I hate to tell you…but you get over it REAL quick. (See my posts re London and Paris)
Have a great time and remember that Nik is in GREAT hands.
It is never easy to go.
But breaks are great.
Have a good time.
This sounds like it will be good for all of you.
I have been away from T. since last Thursday (E. and I are helping to take care of my mom post-surgery) and while the first few days were a nice reprieve I’m really starting to miss him.
Oh honey he will be FINE! (And so will Nik). Just enjoy…you all need this, for different reasons.
OXOXXO
Have a great time, and I am sure Nik will be fine. Remember when I left Rhett for two days back at the end of June? He made it, and was soo happy to see me. It made it all worth it.
NOW, as far as Niksdad goes….well I dunno, your house will probably be a mess, but just think at how much he will appreciate all you do!!
((HUGS!!!))
**Hugs**
It is so hard leaving even if it’s just for a short trip. Our kids are our life and we always do whatever it takes to be sure they are happy.
Just a thought but maybe you could record yourself singing his favorite songs? He’ll be able to see his Mama and her her sing. I am not sure if it would upset him or he’d be happy?
Everything will be o.k. Nik is in the hands of his daddy who is very well versed in Medical stuff, he’s in the best of hands 🙂