Freaking out!

[jez]

My DD is 10 months old and the most treasured thing in the world to me. When i got pregnant i never knew you could love one little person so much. I had to go back to work full time when she was 4 months as i had not been at my job a year and was not intitled to mat leave, they just gave me a maximum of 6 months leave without pay.
It's not too horrible because my husband works in childcare and she goes to work with him.
My best friend is getting married on the weekend and she lives 300km away. DH didn't want to take DD to the wedding with us because it will be a long boring night ( and day) for a little bubba and he thinks it will be really good for us to have a night for us and to have fun.
DD is staying with my MIL while we are away. MIL is really good with her. We have to take her to MIL's tomorrow night as she lives 45 mins away ( in the opposite direction to which we will be travelling) and we will have to leave early sat morning to make it to the wedding ( and get ready etc).
Now that it is getting close I'm totalling freaking out about leaving DD. I can't sleep and i feel very teary. The thought of not seeing my little girl for two nights is tearing me apart. I feel like i miss out on so much being at work fulltime that i usually spend lots of time with her on the weekends. I'm so stressed and sad that i feel physically ill. My DH does not understand at all.
Am i being ridiculous?
How do other mums cope if they have to leave their bubba's overnight?

[Jaspat24]

i could not imagine a night away from my DS and i only work 2 days a week.
i hope you cope ok :hugs:

[BabelFish]

Aww you poor love. This must be very hard for you.

I started leaving my DD with my Mum one night a week from when she was six months old. She took a bottle beautifully, so I would express enough for Mum to have plenty. Also, she was sleeping through the night from five months so that was easy, too.

At Mum's she has her own cot, clothes, toys, room - you name it, it's like a home away from home. Mum and Dad hardly get to see their first grandchild (nothing bad, just logistics) and so I was determined that my DD would get as much time with them as possible.

She is now 19 months old, sleeps over there once a week still, and has stayed two nights in a row on a couple of occasions. Once at 9 months when we went to a wedding down south, and the other time when I had DS two months ago.

It is fantastic. It really is. My DD cannot WAIT for her sleepover at Granny and Dida's. She talks about them all the time. They are SO close, all three of them, it's so sweet. It gives DP and I a break and it encourages my DD to bond with her extended family, and of course my parents LOVE it.

And it made life soooooooooo much easier when I had DS. DD was hardly displaced at all, she just tottled off to Granny's and was as happy as anything.

So yes, it's hard. I miss her when she goes and I can't wait to see her the next day when she comes back. But she LOVES it and it's so good for her. She has a ball, everyone wins really!

I'm really only telling you that to let you know that little ones spending a night away from Mum and Dad here and there can not only be fine, but also lots and lots of fun for them. She might have the time of her life and of course I bet your MIL would be absolutely rapt. I know mine would.

So of course you feel bad - you've never left her overnight and I can understand, but I'm sure she will be fine and try to enjoy this opportunity to have some time with your DH and not worry the whole time you're gone. Your daughter will be just dandy!

And then you get to have all the fun of reconnecting when you get back :hugs:

[babycart]

I think Chesby has given some great advice!

If, however, you can't bear to be away from her for 2 nights, can you all have a couple of nights away (at the wedding destination)? That way, you and your DH can attend the wedding child free, and you can still be close to your MIL and DD??

AC

[jez]

Thanks Chesby

DD has a a bedroom, cot, change table,toys and pretty much everything she needs at MIL's as she has a 'grandma day' once a week while i am at work. MIL has worked with children for over 20 years and loves spending time with her. DD is the first grandchild. I know DD will be ok but i don't know if I will be.
I also feel guilty taking not being there for her.

[BabelFish]

Yep, it's always more fun for them than it is for us, isn't it? :hugs: