Recently the hubby and I decided to celebrate US, and it was the best thing we’ve done in years.
It was our 3 year wedding anniversary and we really needed to do something to reconnect. In between him working, house renovations, family events, and life with 2 kids there’s not much time or energy left for ourselves. Our usual conversations occur between toddler tantrums, toddler demands or crying toddlers at 3am. Sure we have the occasional “date night” but that usually involves us catching up on weekly events or enjoying a delicious meal and rejoicing in the fact that there won’t be a conversation about whose turn it is to clean up or hose down the kids.
So as soon as the idea was mentioned I booked flights and accommodation immediately so that I wouldn’t change my mind. But the stress, anxiety and mum guilt still hit me hard until I landed in Melbourne a month later.
2 nights, 2.5 days.
Our kids are 2.5 and 1 years old and have never had a sleep over or left my side for more than 6 hours. There was a train load of thoughts and scenarios shooting through my head on all the ‘what ifs.’ Deep down I knew they would be in good hands ( they had my 3 page list of instructions to follow 😂😂) and probably wouldn’t even bat an eyelid at our disappearance but it didn’t help ease the stress. My husband (bless him) was the most supportive and patient he’s probably ever been. “We’re only an hour away, we can always be back in a few hours” “Do you want to cancel? Do you want to take them both or just the baby with us?” “Do you want to all drive there together instead?”
No.
We need to do this. I need to do this. We need time. I need a break.
So off we went.
The kids didn’t care. They were spoilt rotten and so were we. We splurged and enjoyed every minute of our time together . Â We literally ate our way through Melbourne and felt like a couple in the first few months of dating.
We talked, we laughed, we got dressed up, we cuddled, we slept in, we raced around like tourists without a care in the world. We even got those nervous/excited butterflies in our stomach again. But most importantly we were reminded of our love. Of all the reasons we got together to begin with . That deep down under all the toys , vomit, tantrums and arguments of everyday life we’re still the same people we used to be.
It’s so easy to get angry at eachother at home . To envy the ‘life’ or things your partner does while you’re stuck in mum mode. Don’t get me wrong, I love my children and my husband but sometimes things get shitty (thanks hormones) This trip made me feel like me again. We were equal. We had the same amount of responsibility and so there were no arguments, no disagreements, no silent hints. Just pure joy and fun.
And you know what we ALL need and deserve that every once in a while. So if you’re thinking about a trip or even a night away DO IT. Stop procrastinating, don’t feel guilty, get organised and BOOK IT.
It will be the best thing you’ve done, and you will be a better mother coming back home.
Sending you love,
MBS
xx
