Leaving baby behind

I recently had to attend a conference on behalf of Mom Central on the other side of the country. While I was excited to spend time schmoozing and event-hopping with my colleagues, I knew I would miss my 15-month-old terribly. There were two things that helped the situation. First, I knew my husband could handle it by himself. Plus, my colleague and conference roommate, Amy, would be experiencing the very same thing as she left two small children at home.

The first few hours on location were hard, but I quickly threw myself into work, and the wit and humor of my colleagues made this time enjoyable. I’ve left the baby overnight before, but I was going to be gone for a full four days. I also had to take the red-eye home ensuring that I would need some significant sleep on the fifth.

Out of sight, out of mind

In the past, I’ve learned that Skyping and phone calls to Kaia are a no-no. Out of sight out of mind is the best bet in these circumstances. A few months back, I traveled to Hilton Head with my older daughter and thought how wonderful it would be to Skype the little one. Well, she couldn’t understand why she could see mama but couldn’t touch her! She screamed as she tried to crawl through the monitor and that cut the call short.

Recharging YOUR batteries

Spending time away from the little one actually isn’t all that bad. For one, you can take time for yourself, get the appropriate amount of sleep and only have to worry about what you are going to wear, eat and do.

You most likely won’t find any schmutz on your shoulder later in the day that must have happened with that last morning hug. You may actually get to enjoy your meal in peace without someone grabbing off of your plate, or screaming for your attention. Also, you can attend adult events, with real adults and maybe even imbibe in an adult beverage. All great things!

Back home

But, by the end of the four days, I was missing my baby and ready to go home. As soon as I walked in the door at 7 am, I heard Kaia wake and call for me. I went into her room anticipating a huge smile and outstretched arms reaching for a hug.

What I got instead was a bite to the shoulder. Miss me much?