Nourishing My Whole Self: First Vacay Without Kids and Why I Feel Okay About It

Today I’m leaving for my first trip with my husband since before we had Aspen, so it’s been well over two years.  When I think about it, it doesn’t seem like it’s been that long – we’ll always have more time to do what we want.  But life is short and we are seizing the moment!

We planned this trip to Mexico when the babies were about 6 weeks old and it seemed so far away.  To be honest I can’t believe we went through with it and we never would’ve done it if we weren’t given a good reason (our good friends are having a vow renewal) and we almost cancelled several times.  But today is the day and we need it BADLY.

Our marriage needs it.  We’ve had three babies in under two years.  We’re building a house, we’ve sold and moved homes numerous times, we’ve quit jobs and started new ones.  We’ve become complacent in our lives and have taken each other for granted.  We are constant fixtures in our marriage that are often ignored and we need shining and buffing.  We need US back… and the sad part is that we never even realized “we” were missing.

I can’t wait to go!  I bought a few new “mom” swim suits that are a little bit sexier than my first round of postpartum swimwear, I spent too much money on obnoxiously colorful outfits that one can only get away with wearing in Mexico, and most of all I’m looking forward to hanging out with my husband and not worrying about when the babies need to eat next or who has gas or why hasn’t one pooped.

But I’m also anxious.  For my birthday Jimmy surprised me with a fun party weekend in Las Vegas but I cancelled it!  I hadn’t wrapped my head around leaving so last minute so when we cancelled it I didn’t regret it one bit.

Today I feel good… different, ready…  but I already miss my babies.  I think the lesson here is that we can’t have our cake and eat it too: it’s important to nourish all parts of yourself, including your “kid-free self.”

Nourish yourself in whatever way you need.  Some ideas: a staycation at a local hotel or even a staycation at home (but send the kids to grandma and grandpa’s!).  A very special date (like a picnic in the park) without cell phones.  An adventure such as stargazing out in the country one evening.  A vacation around an event (like we are doing with our friends’ vow renewal) to force you to leave home.  Whatever you can do, just do it, your marriage and former self will thank you a thousand times over.  Adios amigos!

 

Game night tunic – $44                                                Flatter Your Happy Hour – $24

 

Sugar and Spice 3/4 sleeve top – $64                        Have Your Cake and Eat It top – $23

 

The top in wearing in this post – $28 (I wear it with pasties & it’s not a dress like this says)

 

Here’s the swimwear I’m wearing in Mexico!

Ruffle One Piece – $25

Only $25! Flattering for the bikini line and fits my huge breastfeeding boobs somehow!

 

Sexy yet supportive one piece – $9!

 

I Feel Cute Leopard one piece – $21

 

21 Comments
  1. The best gift you can give your kids is a strong marriage! Go without an ounce of guilt and enjoy every minute!

    1. How do you wear pasties when you are nursing?? I hate wearing bras but I feel like pasties will fall off when I start to leak!

  2. i recognized you & I’m glad I didn’t approach you. Enjoy your time. Reconnect. Recharge! You look like a lovely couple!

  3. We went away to Tahiti without our first child when he was 8 months old (gasp!) and it was life changing. He was fine with the grandparents and we got some much needed r and r as well as time to just be with each other. If ANYONE ever shamed you for that they have no idea how to live life properly 😘

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Verified by MonsterInsights