So, I’m writing this the day before I get on a plane to spend 6 luxurious, fun, margarita-filled days with my sister in Mexico. I’m proud of us – my sister and me – for creating this. We both had babies last fall. She gave birth to twins in August and my Jake was born in September. We’re giving ourselves a treat. I am so looking forward to heart-to-heart talks, getting to know my sister – and who she is now – better, listening to a foreign language, relaxing by the pool without worrying about anyone’s schedule – other than, when does the buffet open?, dancing and drinking and laughing a lot! Oh, and feeling that warm, warm sun!
In order to experience this, I’ve got to get out of the car, which will have my husband and 2 kids in it, in the morning. I’m thinking about it now and I don’t think it’ll be easy. Now, trust me, I will push through. And, I won’t be surprised if my eyes are all glassy while I do it. It has me remembering fondly how you get to take your babies everywhere when you’re pregnant.
I loved taking my baby with me everywhere. I found it easy to travel while pregnant. I loved the idea that we were experiencing new things together. I felt proud that when I was taking care of myself, I was taking care of my baby. We were connected – as connected as 2 people could be. I miss that at times. And, for the next 6 days I look forward to being connected with my sister!
Join the conversation: How was it for you – having your unborn child with you all the time?
I loved having my babies with me all the time. While they were in my belly I talked to them, sang to them, snuggled them and found myself extremely protective of their space in a crowd. I didn’t have to choose between being with them and doing any other activity. I could really rock the multitasking mommy role! And you can feed them vegetables without any fussy faces! I can relate to the anxiety of being away from them. When I had my second child I found myself mentally dividing myself in 2 to give them each what I want to give them and to be present for everything they want to give me! For me it’s been a complete life shift. And while there isn’t much left for anything else after that, it’s where I want to be and what makes me happy! I’ve said no to a lot of business trips and opportunities because my heart just wants to be home. I, too, get the glassy eyed anxiety and I’ve found that I’ve still got a few treasured excursions a year with the most important people in my life that I feel good about leaving my kids for (my husband and my best girlfriends), and willing to endure missing them for, but mostly I like keeping my babies close! I’ve had well meaning colleagues that knew me in the growth years of my career suggest that I might be sacrificing my job and smothering my kids (in so many words) , but it feels healthy and right to me. So I let them have their opinions!
And lets face it, when the baby is in the belly, eating for two is just fun!
What a great comment you posted on the blog! I love what you said – you make a number of important points. And I love that you have always followed your intuition and created the balance that works right for you. I admire you for that. I thought of you often back in those “should we do this” days. You were an example of people working out what’s best for them in a variety of ways. Your kids are lucky to be smothered by you! Amy