Going on Vacation-feeling Guilty

Personally, I know I wouldn't have been able to relax without my baby with me -- no matter who was taking care of her. Is there any reason why you couldn't take her with you? You wouldn't have to buy a seat and Mexico is very child friendly. I guess I would say that is you are having doubts, there's no reason not to take her with you. Flying with an infant is easy compared to an older child.

Go and have fun, this is the perfect time to go!

I have friends who went on a 10 day trip to a couple of very exotic places and they have a 13 month old. They did it just in time because she was still just young enough not to miss mommy and daddy.

I had to be in the hospital for a week when my son was 18 months old and after 3 days, my son really missed me. This is a great time to go! She won't forget you and she won't miss you either (which is good, not bad).

Have a great time!

Take the trip! Remeber this: Biblicaly we are to teach and train our children and then they leave but the husband stays. These yearly get aways are so needed for you and your husband to stay close. So many moms have kids and stop going on these trips and the husband feels left out. A good marriage will be the best gift you and your husband can give to your kiddo. Take the trip and have fun - yes miss your baby, but don't feel quilty - your husband was there first and he will be there when your kiddo moves out!

I say go and have fun. However, if you have not been away from your dd much you might want to give her some practice at it, before such a trip. Also, you might want to let your mom help you give her a bath and care for her, before you go. Not that your mom doesn't know how to take care of a baby, but if she knows the special details you do with your daughter, then it will be helpful in making your dd ok with the time away from you. The others are right though, it will be harder on you than it is on her. It is important for you to still have an adult life too, though so go and have fun.

I had to travel for work when my oldest was 6 months and no, she did not forget me :-). She was happy to see me after the 3 day absence and stuck to me like glue for a couple days once we were back together.

Your mother will have a GREAT time. It's every good grandma's dream to get those meddling parents out of the way so they can have the grandbaby all to themselves.

I typed up the typical day's routine and left it posted on the fridge, plus included notes on any "comfort" items or routines (hold blankie while reading a story in the rocking chair before bed...). Of course one grandma follows my list to a T and the other blows it off completely. The kids are actually fine either way (though much more tired after visiting the grandma that doesn't follow the routine....)
Some grandma's need practice operating a car seat, so it would be good to have her over a day or two before you leave to make sure she can operate all the baby stuff.

Also, make sure she's listed with the pediatrician's office as someone who is allowed to seek treatment for her (we had to provide a list for ours when we filled out initial paperwork at the very first well visit, so you may have already done this). That should be all you need in case she needs to see a doctor while you're away. If anything major happens, the emergency room is required by law to treat her -- they won't stand around waiting for a signed form :-). Besides, they would contact your pedi, who would see that grandma is on the approved list.

Go! Enjoy yourself! I also felt soo guilty when we went to Miami on vacation, that I didn't even call to check on my 5 month old twins, myself. I had my husband do it so I wouldn't even have to think about it or it would ruin my mood. Babies adjust, and since she is staying with your mom she will be with someone that she knows. You deserve it! When she is old enough you can start including her in family trips.

I am going on a 3 day trip to NYC with my husband this weekend. We are leaving our 8 month old. I feel the same way as you, however my husband and I NEED this trip. It will be hard and I will miss her, but this was my CHOICE to take the trip, and so we are! My mother in law is coming to spend the night with us the night before we leave, so I can go over everything with her, including routines, feedings, etc.

The only thing that I can add is to get a prepaid AT&T phonecard. Just ask the hotel to connect you to AT&T then push button for AT&T operator and tell them that you have a prepaid card. They will ask you for the 800 number on the card then follow prompts. It saves me a fortune when I'm in Mexico calling to check on my little one. Have fun.

I've left my kids several times--the first being when my oldest was six weeks. Sometimes it's been just a night or a weekend; last year (when my youngest was five months), we left for seven days to visit Canada. Either my mom or my stepmom always take care of the kids, so I know they're safe. In fact, my "moms" actually seem to be more attentive than I am to my kids!

I never had any issues with thinking my kids were going to forget me cuz I knew they wouldn't (and neither will your daughter). However, I definitely made a lot of preparations to be sure their time with Grandma would be pleasant, and I wouldn't have to worry while I was away. I agree with the other mom who suggested having your mom come over so you can show her the basics. Maybe have her over for dinner one night if you can, and then she can participate in putting your daugther to bed. It would also be a good time to show her how to dispense any medication, apply diaper rash cream, feed her, etc.--basically, anything that she'll need to do for your daughter while you're away.

Also, be sure and leave a signed (preferably notarized) medical authorization giving your mom permission to seek any necessary medical attention in your absense. I had a friend of mine who is an attory write mine up. Shoot me an message w/your email address if you want a sample.

I've also always left a detailed note for the Grandmas, even though they've taken care of the kids before. It includes everything about the kids' day from what to expect when they wake up, to when they take naps, to bedtime routines and any important "tricks" I use to help calm the kids. I also include information about taking care of the house, how to work the TV, when the yard guys might come, etc. I also include directions to the nearest minor emergency clinic, their pediatrician's office, the nearest ER, and the nearest "fun" places my mom might want to take the kids (even if it's just Sonic so she can get out of the house a little and not go so stir crazy).

There's a lot to be said for being prepared, and it'll definitely help you be able to relax and have fun. As everyone's said, that's extremely important for you and your husband. Good for you for taking some time to yourself. You'll be a better mom for it!

I say, "Go have Fun!!". If you have a wonderful mom to take care of your baby that is awesome!

I too had a hard time leaving my girls & had to leave my 2nd daughter two days after she was born to go back into the hospital for a 3 day stay. Babies get over things quit fast compared to a 4 year old! My in-laws are retired & it was hard at first but very rewarding toward my marriage for them to take our girls so my husband & I could get away for awhile & reconnect.

I definitely understand your feelings, but you should totally go on the trip! It will be fun, and it's only 4 days. We put way too much pressure on ourselves to constantly be THE one taking care of our kids. You deserve the break, and I bet you'll come back feeling really refreshed!

Have a great time! You should not feel guilty. Taking care of yourself and allowing time for adult fun keeps you a happy mommy and that's what's best for your daughter.
When we left our son with grandparents I left notes for the major things...bedtime routine was the main one. My thought is, when he's with grandparents they can do things differently than he does with me. They can come up with their own traditions and things. But bedtime routines really helped my son with getting to sleep, so that one was important to me.

Also, a note on the phonecards...they're a great idea...just make sure they work with international calls...we ran into that issue with ours!

Have a great time and enjoy being with your friends and knowing your daughter is safe!

When my daughter was 5 months old, I had to go away for only one night, and I felt guilty, too (plus it was for work - not nearly as fun as Mexico!). I say - have fun! For the past year and a half, I'm sure you haven't had much of a break - first with the pregnancy, then the delivery, and 6 months of adjusting to being a mommy. I say you've earned a trip to Mexico! Your mom will have fun spoiling her granddaughter.

You're not being ridiculous at all! I will never forget taking my 1st vacation with my husband when my 1st was 6mo. It's tough! But remember that it is VERY important for you and your husband to focus on your relationship. One of the best things you can do for your children is teach them about healthy, nurturing relationships. Amazingly, research has shown that parents that put priority on their relationship actually end up raising more healthy, happier children who will expect more out of the relationships in their lives! Your little one will NOT forget you! A great big smile will greet you on your return! Just call every day, and leave a picture of you and your husband with whoever is watching your munchkin! HAVE FUN!

She is a baby, the best time for ya to go away on vacation is now. It will be harder when she is older and understands what is going on. I think it will be harder on you than on her. You will be the one missing her.

I know its hard, but really its better at this age. My husband and I just went to Vegas for 3 nights and while the girls were completely fine - they are old enough to make us feel REALLY guilty! (they are almost 4 and 2 1/2) She will not forget you and thankfully her reference of time is not developed and what feels like an eternity to you will probably feel nothing to her. (i mean that in a good way) And, it will be wonderful for you and your husband to spend some time together. And although you will miss her, it will be nice for you to have a break from being mommy - hope you have a great trip!