Tuesday, August 3, 2010

On a Whim

I do not like being away from Ben.  Even though he is gone quite a bit, I prefer his current schedule to one in which he would travel.  My preference does not exclude me from feeling overwhelmed.  Especially when Ben's schedule becomes so packed that I am left to bear all familial responsibilities.  That is how last week was. When I recognized that my sanity was quickly slipping through my cupped hands, I made a difficult decision.


When Ben came home on Saturday night, I explained how I was feeling and offered a solution.  A visit to my family's house.  Even though he would miss us greatly,  he realized it was the best possible answer.


On Sunday,  I finished laundry and packed the suitcases.  I was nervous. I would be driving for 6 hours alone and with the kids.  Two very young kids.


The next morning, Andrew and Emily woke up 15 minutes prior to when my alarm clock was set to ring--at 4 am.  I decided it was now or never, so I quickly fed Andrew and loaded the luggage into the car (which included 2 suitcases, 2 Pack n' Plays, 2 booster seats, and 2 grocery bags filled with food).  After a long kiss good-bye and a prayer for safety, Ben helped me load the kids into the car and we were on our way.


Because I left so early, the kids slept most of the way.  The challenge was when I needed to use the restroom.  Thankfully, they are small enough that I could carry them into a bathroom stall with me.  Maybe not the most sanitary option, but that's why I am liberal with hand sanitizer.


I still miss Ben, greatly.  Yet, it is nice to be somewhere with instant entertainment for Emily, yummy meals each night, and help with my little Andrew.


It kind of makes me hope we can stay out west for medical school.

30 comments:

  1. It is nice that you're able to reach your family in a few relatively short hours so you're afforded the help and comfort you need - I wish I could do that...

    Enjoy every moment!

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  2. I'm glad you could find a good option! And I'm laughing about the hand sanitizer!

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  3. I'm impressed that you braved the trip solo-style! We just took a 4-hour trip with one toddler and it was challenging at times! My husband is in his third year of residency, so I can definitely relate to bearing all the familial responsibilities. Hang in there! Glad you're at your folks. :)

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  4. My husband is going to be out of town for the weekend and I'm already thinking of calling my mom for help. If nothing else, just for my sanity. I'm glad you're getting a bit of a break.

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  5. I'm glad you were able to find a solution that works, even if its sucky. :)

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  6. I think it's great that you know you have family, and you can turn to them when you are need!

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  7. I remember a time or two when the kids were little and it was dad's turn to take care of them. Once had to cram them into the stall with me, where they proceeded to try to escape by sliding under the wall.

    Good times.

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  8. Oh, I hope you have so much fun! I love going to visit family :D

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  9. Wow! Good for you, Amber! A six-hour drive by yourself with two kids is a huge feat. Re: the hand sanitizer - you gotta do what ya gotta do! :-)

    My parents used to live about 12 hours away from me and it was hard. Two years ago they moved here and now they live about 5 MINUTES away from me and I couldn't be happier. I love going over there for dinner. We drink wine, the kids are entertained, and I don't have to cook. It's lovely. Glad you're getting some help and doing what's best for you right now. Enjoy!

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  10. I love this! I considered driving home this week...but it's 24 hours.

    I'm happy you are having a good trip.

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  11. Congratulations on 1) Your EXTREME bravery and 2) managing to survive the trip so well. You are amazing. Truly.

    So glad you get some time with your family, and that level of help and support. It's hard being away from your guy, but at least you're not alone. =)

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  12. Good for you coming up with a plan to alleviate the situation. Enjoy your time with your family, a change is as good as a rest and a little pampering never hurt anyone :-)

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  13. Wow.. 6 hours alone with 2 little kids! You're very brave. Hope you have a nice relaxing time at your family's... I'm sure it'll be tough being away from Ben, but if you're able to return less overwhelmed and happier, it'll do you both good.

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  14. I love the babysitting-ness and the free time I have when family is around. It's pretty much the best thing ever (especially when I'm stressed).

    And I hope you can enjoy every minute so you can be refreshed and rejuvenated to come home to Ben!

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  15. Yay for you on so many levels, not the least of which was tackling that drive by yourself. I hope the trip refuels you.
    hugs.

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  16. i so realte to taking everyone in the bathroom stall. you do what you gotta do. hope you have a great trip and recharge a bit.

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  17. That is really nice to be able to get away like that. It's definitely one reason I hope to move closer to my parents as well. Sometimes you just need that extra bit of help to keep you sane. I so get it. Enjoy your visit.

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  18. Enjoy your reprieve in sanity. We were only a couple days off from crossing paths in your home town. (We drove through & hubby was blown away with all the changes. Not as small as when he was growing up).

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  19. This sounds like you're doing exactly what you needed to do. Not without challenges, but a break, and a connection. Good for you!

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  20. Have a wonderful visit!! You are very brave to drive alone with your kiddos. I'm still terrified of that. I hope the time with your family is wonderful!

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  21. I wish I could get to my parents and/or sibs in a day's journey. :(

    Glad you went for it!

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  22. You go girl! It's nice to have family that is driving distance. So impressed that you did this.

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  23. Oh, a break is always so nice!

    That's one thing I hated about being in Utah while I was having all my kids, my parents were lived in Florida and I wasn't about to make THAT drive!

    Have fun chica! And rest up!

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  24. Amber I hope you've had a nice visit with your parents. We also spend almost no real time apart but my husband is gone a bit running our store. And your post helped to remind me of how much I used to juggle just getting in and out of a bathroom with tiny kids! On the other hand - diapers = the perfect mobile toilet, right? :)

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  25. There's no place like home. Mom's home, that is. Hope you had a restful weekend! =>

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  26. I love those "a change will do me good" times - make a last-minute plan on a whim and GO. And a welcoming, family-filled destination? Yes please. I hope those six hours pass faster on your way home.

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  27. Good for you for loading the kids in the car and heading off! I hope you have a wonderful time with your family.

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  28. I'm glad you bit the bullet and did what would make you happy (and keep you sane). Also, I'm really really glad you didn't have to hold it for six long hours!

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  29. I'm glad you're finding some respite. And yep, public restrooms with two little ones is beyond frustrating. Which is why I just never go to the bathroom anymore. Ever. It's my superhero power.

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  30. I'm not sure if you are still visiting, or back yet, but I am so glad you did it! I've been thinking of a road trip of my own, alone with my boys, but I have no where to go. At least, no where I'm brave enough to do on my own. I'm hoping you had all the rest and love you deserve!

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