Look what’s back! Yep, it’s the SUN! It is gloriously sunny and fabulous in Seattle today. A strange sight for us, even more so since I know that other parts of the country are bracing for a crazy super storm.
And look what else is back!?! My suitcase. Yep, another trip!
But this is no ordinary trip. Tonight I’m taking the redeye home to Cincinnati. Just me. Without Cullen. For the first time. Ever.
I’ve been planning to go home in February for many months now, but when we had to unexpectedly travel back to Indiana in January, I wasn’t sure the February trip would still happen. I really didn’t want to travel with Cullen again so soon – the time change is too hard, and I worry too much about all of the travel germs. But I really wanted to still figure out a way to go.
Two of my best lifelong friends have had babies recently, and I have been aching to hold and cuddle their little ones. And I haven’t had any good, uninterrupted quality time with my best friend in what feels like years. Casey and I looked at the logistics, and figured out a way for me to go on the trip all by myself! I traded all my skymiles in, so I was able to get a last minute flight for freeeeee – even better.
There was a small hiccup in the plans when we realized that Casey actually has a work conference tomorrow, but my awesome friends have rallied to help, and Cullen will be playing with his buddies tomorrow while mom is in Ohio playing with hers. :)
The longest I’ve spent away from Cullen is a few hours, so this is kind of a big deal. But honestly? I’m ready. Like, really ready. I will miss all the snuggles and bedtime kisses this weekend, but I am so excited for 2.5 days on my own schedule and with no agenda. I’m going to cuddle my friends’ babies, go for a run in my old neighborhood, go out to eat whenever I want to, and try not to miss this face too much.
Today has been spent doing endless loads of laundry, getting the house ready to leave, charging electronics, and trying to narrow down which of my favorite restaurants I want to go to while I’m there.
I’ve also been prepping a bit of food for Casey and Cullen for the weekend. Although Casey is more than capable, and probably doesn’t need it – I just really wanted to steal some sweet potato fries. Casey hasn’t ever had Cullen on his own for a whole day (or several in a row!), so this will be a good time for both of them. Cullen is in a really serious daddy-phase, so I know he’ll be loving it, and I doubt he’ll even notice I am gone.
My carry-on is stocked with a fully charged iPad, several downloaded books, three magazines, and a big cozy scarf I can use as a pillow. I might read a book, I might take the world’s longest nap, I might rent a movie. I’m in a middle seat, I have a two-hour layover plus six hours in the air, and all of that sounds luxuriously fabulous because I don’t have to worry about entertaining a one-year old. I am ready!
To my East coast friends, be safe this weekend! This storm sounds like a doozy. See you from Ohio!
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Sounds like a fabulous girl weekend! A must for any momma. Enjoy your time!
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Have a great time! You deserve it :)
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I’ve been following your blog for a while now and am a Northern Kentucky girl myself! I hope you’ll share what restaurants you go to when you are home in Ohio.
Enjoy your trip!
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Enjoy!! Time away will renew you.
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Aww, Cullen will definitely miss his momma! And you totally deserve this trip! Have fun,and stay safe!
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Cullen looks SO much like you in this picture! Adorable. Have a wonderful trip!
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Enjoy your trip!
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Enjoy your trip! :)
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have so much fun! good on you for doing this for yourself. Cullen is obviously in good hands with his dad and a little bonding will be great for them!
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Have a great trip! SLEEEEEEPPPP!
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That sounds like so much fun! Have a great time :)
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I took my first weekend trip away from my baby girl when she was about six months old (we formula fed), and it was tough, but so, SO good for me too. Honestly, I think it’s good for mamas to get a baby-free break every now and then– and not just for a few hours! I hope you have a wonderful trip– I’m sure you’ll miss him like CRAZY, but hopefully you’ll also have a great time– I know my time away from our baby only made me love her even more!
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Enjoy your trip! My daughter is the same age as Cullen and in November/December I had to take a 3 week long overseas business trip. I have to admit, the first couple days it was refreshing to have no responsibilities but work (my days were a simple routine of an early morning run, a long workday, pub for dinner, back to the hotel to Skype with family and curl up with a book, repeat). The last two weeks were a bit of homesick torture, but I really did enjoy the first little bit of me time!
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You lucky duck – you totally deserve a getaway. Yes, you will sob at some point for a few minutes (either when departing or right before you return). I just had my second baby and will continue to take a yearly Black Friday shopping trip to Minneapolis for two carefree nights with my girlfriend. It keeps me sane. It also makes my husband appreciate how much work is involved 24-7.
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I hope you have a GREAT time, you deserve it!
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Have fun Emily! Us Mamas definitely deserve a day (or 2.5) to ourselves every once in a while! This weekend I actually might take my little one to the Ballard Market…always a fun time :)
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The second to the last paragraph just made me so jealous. I would add…drink a whole cup of coffee and not get distracted by the time it’s cold. Enjoy!
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Have fun. I’m doing the SAME thing in two weeks! I have no clue what I’m going to with my free hands and all that extra room in my suitcase!
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Sounds like fun; have a great trip!
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I hope you have a blast!! I travel in March for work and I have to say, I am ready for it too (my son is 3). Have fun!!
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Enjoy! I love visiting my brother in Cincy (I’m in Columbus), there are so many fantastic restaurants!
What books did you download?
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How exciting! You definitely deserve it :).
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Ahaha, I feel you about being in the lap of luxury even if its a middle seat – I realized I could meet my husband for a biz trip in NYC next month and altho I’m sure I’ll end up on a red eye in the middle seat I DON’T CARE because I will be BY MYSELF without my 1 year old! It shall be amazing!
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That picture of Cullen is just precious! Have a great time here in Ohio with your friends, toddler free!
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HAVE FUN!!! I just got away for a few days and it was GLORIOUS to just take care of me for a bit. (My husband and I also got away recently and that was even better!) Cullen will be more than happy having boys’ time with Casey!
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Have a great time!! It’s normal to miss Cullen but try to enjoy this toddler free time as it doesn’t come along very often! Mama needs to have fun too :) I just flew from Canada to England last weekend with my 2.5 year old and 3 month old, on my own- so everything you described sounds amazing for a baby free flight!!
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Say hello to Ohio for me!!! Have a fab time and try not to miss your C’s too much :-)
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The first time I spent a night and day away from my kids was hard…at first. Then I went wild! No schedule to follow. I could go whenever and wherever without having to lug around snacks and extra everything. It was great! Enjoy!
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Good for you Emily!!! You should get some time for yourself!!!
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Oh and that picture of Cullen is priceless! It should be framed. Of course he will notice his mama is gone, but you have no reason to feel guilty because he has an awesome dad who loves him to spend time with him! Have a blast!!!
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I hope you have a wonderful trip- be safe!! :)
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Good for you ! Made your “soup” yesterday, I wanted more creamy so I haded 1 cup of uncooked rice, put some mushroom too, very good !
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awwww I am soooooo happy for you!!!!! Have a blast!!!!!
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safe travels!
I would love for you to do a run down of your favorite stops in Cincinnati – i live in Louisville, and we usually run up that way for Ikea, other random shopping, and reds games – however i never know where to go out as far as lunch, dinner, and drink places :)
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Safe travels and enjoy your free schedule :)
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Here’s hoping you have a good movie on the flight! I travel all the time for work, and I have to say, I love to fly. It relaxes me. I think the total unplug is what I love the most. I don’t have to feel bombarded by texts, emails, Facebook notifications. I don’t feel guilty that I’m not doing work. Pure bliss. Have a great trip!
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Can I just say that I am JEALOUS!? From a mama to a mama I’m so jealous of you! I feel like the worst mom ever when I say I enjoy the breaks away from my kids. Live it up Emily!
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Have a good time! I have yet to be apart from my 15 month old fore more than a few hours either. My hubby and I are going away for the weekend for our anniversary in a few months and I’m already super anxious about leaving her! I am excited to hear how you do away from Cullen (hopefully you say it is super easy and can ease my worries..hah) :)
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I am excited for you!! Safe travels and have so much fun :)
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So glad you get to take a fun trip! I hope you have a fabulous time with your friends :)
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Have a great trip home! it’s going to be a fairly decent weekend, weather-wise (it has been COLD lately, so 40s? HEAT WAVE!!).
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Have a great time Emily! Cullen & Casey will be just fine. It will be good for all of you.
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I’m excited for you! Have a great trip and make sure to take pictures of all the good food you are sure to eat! :)
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Oh my gosh! How excited but also scary! Ha. I haven’t been away from my almost 18 month old for more than a few hours as well. A weekend trip sounds lovely!! Let us know how it goes!
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Sara Reply:
February 8th, 2013 at 9:14 am
Oops, *exciting. :D
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Have a great time! You deserve it :) Travel safe.
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Have a great time! It will be good for you and Cullen to spend a couple of days apart…I put my mum never leaving my side or going anywhere without me up until I went to school to my belated seperation anxiety when I school time came around!
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You Enjoy it, girl. Have a blast!!
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Oh my goodness you’re so close to where I am!
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I just got my internet back after a week but oh my gosh Cullen’s hair is so thick and dark!! Gosh he’s cute. Hope you have a fabulous and safe trip!
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I think moms are just a bit better when they have their own time – so let go and enjoy the freeeeeeedom! I’m sure your boys will love their boys weekend.
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Hope you’re having a good weekend! My son is also in a huge daddys phase! Sometimes it’s kind of nice, other times it’s a little sad!
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Have a wonderful time! You deserve a rest!
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Good for you! Have a wonderful trip you totally deserve it. Your boys will fine x x
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I love how crystal clear and bright your photos always are!
Have a great trip!
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