If you know me personally you know that it has been a really busy, exciting and stressful time for me. If you have been reading this blog, you probably figured that out on your own! I have mentioned that we were doing construction on the house to update it and it was NOT FUN, trying to sell our house (which we did!), find a house (which we did!) and move … I WILL talk more about this soon, but I almost want to wait until it is all over. I am afraid I am going to jinx it :) We are preggers with baby #2 throughout all of this which is some added stress, BUT a BLESSING!!! I am in school and my finals fall right during the week we move, of course! Needless to say, things are a little overwhelming!!
SO in honor of all of that and my 30th birthday, the hubs and I decided to take a mini vaca, away from the kiddo, to Gatlinburg!! We booked a three night, four day excursion and although it was totally wonderful and romantic we missed Cody TERRIBLY!! We have been away on overnights and went away for a two night getaway, but this trip really effected us. Not sure if it was just too long or that fact I am preggers or that Cody is a little older now and can enjoy more so we were wanting to experience Gatlinburg with him…. who knows?! It was really hard being away from him. It got me thinking about how much we crave (or at least I do) as parents to get that much needed break, time away from the kids and the daily grind. Then we do and we spend the entire time talking about him and home!!! HELLO?! I mean, don’t get me wrong we really enjoyed those quiet moments in the cabin with just us, but the trip just seemed to be missing something. We talked about how things were before Cody was here and yes, we were able to do everything and anything we wanted, BUT now that he is here life just seems to have so much more meaning. We have so much fun with him and you really see life differently when you are looking at them through the eyes of a child.
The love of my life!
I have been a little scared with the coming of baby boy #2 because I know life will once again change. I can say though, that this trip really made me think about my life and family and I couldn’t be more excited to expand our family. Kids are hard, but the reward outweighs any of the hard parts. They really bring such joy and love into your heart!
Yeah, I know, ask me the same thing tomorrow when I am pulling my hair out, but then again that is why we HAVE to take those little moments away so that we can appreciate the bigger picture!!!
My other two loves!! Cody and baby boy to be!
Overall, the trip was wonderful, the cabin was secluded and gorgeous!! Gatlinburg is a great place for a romantic getaway or for a family fun trip! How do you make time for yourself? Does it help you regroup and appreciate what you are going back to??
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
You are SO cute with that pregnant belly!!!! Love it! I think you're definitely on to something here. When Julian and I went away for the weekend for his birthday in Feb this year we were amazed that it was the first "weekend" away from Luke because we usually plan vacations as a family each year. We have SO much fun with Luke and he travels so well that it's hard to think of going away for an extended period of time without him. BUT on the other hand, because my parents are so close to us we often get overnight "breaks" on a weekly or monthly basis so we feel like it's a pretty good balance.
I would do a weekend away again but I don't know that I could do any longer! The 4 days away I did this past week to see Ambor was hard towards the end of my time with her BUT I did get to see them on "face time" multiple times throughout the day and Julian sent me plenty of pictures which helped tremendously! It is important to find a balance and have some time to re-charge your batteries! We can't wait for our Gatlinburg trip in June! I was taking notes of all the good places to eat! :)
My mom took Cole last weekend while I went out with friends in Indy. By Saturday afternoon, I really wanted to go get him and take him to the Children's Museum (Indy has an awesome one!). But I didn't because my mom hadn't seen Cole since January, so it was her weekend.
Having said that, I am so looking forward to my girl's trip next month. A week relaxing on the beach = heaven. But I'm sure I'll be ready to kiss both my boys by the time I get back.
Time Away?? Just kidding. My friend recommended this place.. .http://www.tylerplace.com. Sounds like Heaven! She said that it really gives you a real vacation… you can have family time and ADULT time as well. Check it out! I agree with you… and cute pics BTW!
Yes Kim! You know how much I believe in taking a time out from the kids to recharge, but it def. was hard this time. An overnight and sleeping in would be good enough for me :) Tiff- sounds like so much fun laying on the beach! A week is a long time I know you are going to be homesick!! But try and enjoy yourself! You deserve it! A- that place looks AMAZING!! I want to go! Looks perfect!