I’m back home after spending 12 days in France and Spain. Aaaahhh! No Alfie and no husband. Just me, my parents and brothers and friends. We had a blast.
I was freeeee! Free to do what I wanted, when I wanted, how I wanted. No flinging of chicken nuggets, no poop smell, and no nap time logistics. Ah! That’s the life I remember. Yep! It was awesome and I had ZERO guilt. None. Nada. Zip.
Alfie stayed with my mother-in-law back in Puerto Rico while my hubby worked. Of course I missed them both everyday and I probably bored the hell out of everyone on my trip by talking about Alfie’s shenanigans all day, but I didn’t care.
Not bringing Alfie with me was a no brainer, really. Could I have taken him along? Yes I could have and I would have handled it like a pro. But all I wanted to do was take a break and be my pre-baby self again for a while and #EatDrinkSleepRepeat and explore. I wanted to wake up at whatever time I wanted. Drink coffee at a café and watch people pass by. Relax at the beach. Walk through itty bitty streets rich in history. See fields of lavender. Have great conversations in whatever language necessary. Get lost. Eat delicious food (and some not so delicious, gulp!) and share priceless moments with my family and friends.
How much of this was Alfie going to remember? Zero (like my guilt level). I know some people like to take their babies on long trips or perhaps they have no other choice but to. I will be the first to say that traveling with kids is very enriching and educational. I admire and encourage travel with the babes. However, it doesn’t have to be ALL the time. Parents need a break too and given the circumstance, not taking Alfie along this time was the best choice for this particular trip.
Having spent some time in Europe is revitalizing and it makes me appreciate my life and the people in it even more. Plus, my relationship with myself is as important, if not more, than my mother-son/husband relationship. In order for them to receive the best of me, I must be on top of my game and the way for me to do that is to be at peace. In order for me to get peace, I need time to myself… Whether in Europe or not, any alone time is peaceful enough.
Have you left your family/kids behind with Zero guilt? If yes/no, let me know. I would love to hear your story! How did it feel?
Thanks for reading!
:: Tips for traveling with an infant :: See more European vacation images on my Instagram ::
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Awesome!!! i am so jealous! i wish i could do that… it’s been 5 years since i’ve been pre-baby. Between working, buying the house and a million other things that have happened in the last 5 years, it just hasn’t been possible. When i’ve had the opportunity to travel for work (obviously without Sam or Carlos), i do feel a big sigh of relief, in a good way. the being able to sleep in, not having to cook or clean or fight to get someone into the bath is great. everyone should take some time to themselves to rebuild, re-energize, think etc. i’m so happy you had this chance to do it!