It's my turn...

pb_bride

to fly solo.

DH will be OOT starting tomorrow, for just 3 days (2 nights), coming home Friday afternoon. If it were any other week, it would have been totally fine.  However, it's M's birthday on Friday and my parents are flying in, arriving at noon. 

Originally, I was going to ask H to take the day off on Friday, so he can stay home w/M while I go get my parents.  Now I'll have to take M with me to the airport, pick my parents up, drive into the city, park the car, help them check into the hotel, all go back to the car, drive us all home, and serve everyone lunch. FX their flight is on time and things go smoothly.  M hopefully will do okay, but he hates being strapped into the car seat and the stroller for long periods of time.  I'm expecting major tantrum somewhere along the way.

On a regular day, MH helps out a little in the morning (changes M's diaper while I get M's b'fast ready).  In the evening after dinner, he reads to M and plays with him while I clean up.  So it's NBD for me to do it all alone, as long as M is his usual self.

For those of you BTDT, any words of wisdom?  I know the 3 days will be over before I realize it.

luvboston

I would drive straight from the airport home and check them in later. I am alone all the time as DH goes out for two weeks or more and I make food for myself ahead of time and freeze it and I also buy protein bars or something so that I can grab them quick and hold LO and eat. I also plan to go to moms groups because somehow going out a lot helps pass the time and if another mom is there I can run to the bathroom without having to take LO. Also if I ever get LO to sleep I sleep and at night before bed I make it a point to do dishes and clean up a little so it doesn't get out of control.

JBDamonM

Good luck!

No real words of wisdom - I"m alone this week as well. Just one night thank god. DH has been traveling once a month for work since September - and the past two trips have been 3 nights, which is LONG.

Hope it goes smoothly for you!

Mrs.AmyDylan

Oh hugs, PB, it is so hard. However, you can do it! I reward myself with a glass of wine each night for making it to the end.

For long car and stroller rides I have special toys. Last week I had a ton of errands and a long doc appointment and I just brought an entire bucket of toys. I set the bucket on the passengers seat and just kept handing them back (we are taking everything...xylophone, music cube, stacking rings, bath toys). The backseat was an utter disaster, but it was totally worth the trouble. 

J is big on "not-toy-toys" right now. Old keys. Bottles filled with rattly stuff. Too small clothes with long, yummy tags, kitchen whisks and spatulas, big sippy water bottle lids, Tupperware, and you get the picture. If you hunt around for new not-toy treasures and save them up for Friday, it could be an exciting adventure!

TJ1979

What @mrslee04 said! Usually I always say to let the little things go, laundry and dishes can wait. But your house does need to be clean for the party. Will your mom help at all with that kind of stuff?

Just power through, and remember that you can do this! M only turns 1 once, and after the party you can relax. GL, you are a rock star!

imoverit

GL. You can do it. PP advice was great. Anything that causes you more stress just eliminate.

mcgeeva

My husnand has been traveling evey other week for the week and is gone this week. I feel your pain it's exhausting. I work full time so no advice during the day but get yourself out with lo for a little of you can and plan a play date. I cook every night but been making easier meals this week like eggs and potatoes one night, left over chili last nght. Just keep it easy on yourself. Good luck hang in there!

pb_bride

Thanks everyone for your advice and support!  Too bad I don't drink, but perhaps I'll make myself an extra cup of hot cocoa!  I'm sure M and I will do fine, except that both of us will miss DH!