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Help from moms with DHs that travel - I'm anxious
DH is leaving on Sunday for 12 days. He has travelled before but only for a few days at a time and it's totally doable. He's never been gone this long. My girls are 12 months and 37 months. I work so the kids go to daycare. I'm planning on cooking up a storm this weekend and freezing lots of dinners. I typically cook on the weekend for dinner during the week so this isn't new, just more of it. I pack up every ones stuff the night before so in the morning I just nurse the baby and feed DD1 oatmeal and get them dressed (and myself dressed). Laundry we only do once a week, so that should be pretty easy to take care of. Other than that I can't think of things I should get ready. I'm wondering if I should start showering at night to have one less thing to do in the morning. In the past when DH has travelled it's been pretty easy because DD2 was a totaly mellow baby. In the last month she has had a total personality change and is going through some separtion anxiety issues. Two nights ago I had to cook dinner holding her because she screamed if I put her down.
I'm pretty anxious, though I have a feeling after a day or two we'll get in to a groove. I do have the flexibility to take some time off, so I think I'm going to take one day off each week he's gone to regroup. Any other thoughts/tips on surviving? TIA!
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Re: Help from moms with DHs that travel - I'm anxious
It sounds like you really have a good game plan. The only thing I'd add to your list is to get a box of wine and put it in the fridge. LOL.
Seriously though, sounds like you are in good shape. Your idea of freezing food is good. I do that too. Also, if your work has a cafeteria or a restaurant nearby, sometimes you could grab dinner for yourself so you just have to heat it up and then you can give the kids the frozen meals.
As far as mornings, showering the night before or getting up before the kids may make you feel a bit less frazzled. I also like your idea of taking a day off each week. Alternatively, maybe you could do two halfdays if that would work better (depending on where your daycare is).
The other thing I do when DH is out of town is to give myself permission to let DD#1 watch a bit more TV than normal just so I can regroup, get the dishes done, etc.
It sounds like you are in good shape. Let us know how it goes.
Planning in advance is key, and it sounds like you have a good handle on that. In addition to cooking on the weekend, I would plan some very easy meals (pizza, mac and cheese, take-out). Your kids will probably love it, and it will make things easier for you. Go grocery shopping and stock up before DH leaves.
The hardest thing for me is getting ready in the morning. When I'm home alone with the kid, my strategy is to throw on some clothes (any clothes), brush my teeth, grab his stuff, and drop him off at daycare. Then I go into work and shower at the gym there. If the gym wasn't an option, I'd probably go back home and get myself ready in peace after dropping him off. It would take more time, but it would be soooo much easier.
1st, let me know if you need anything!!
2nd, do you get everything ready the night before? I lay out all the clothes for the kids and for me the night before. I take a shower the night before too. In the morning, can you put everything in the car before you get the kids up? Now that it's colder, food should be OK. Plus, your purse, pump, etc. I will go as far as to get the toothbrushes ready before they are up.
Definitely go shopping before he leaves (or send him) so you won't need to run to the store for anything big.
When DH has had to work on a weekend before, I let DD feed DS his oatmeal while I made her egg. Let DD1 help out and "watch" DD2.
Good luck, I have not done this yet!