They are 3, and 19mths.
My ticker is a bit out - I'm not actually going till Sunday night.
DD#1 is the type to over-think and get stressed about things, so I didn't want to tell her too far in advance. She does know I'm going away, but we haven't spoken about it in detail yet.
I thought I could talk about it properly the day we start to make the calendar.
The map idea is great! Will def use that
Unfortunately I probably wont have computer, but will have my phone on a few of the days. I was also thinking of making a few pre-recorded video messages?
Ooh watch out for the phone bill. Lol my sil and mil just got 2000+ bill for using thier phones overseas! Not saying dont do it, just be careful lol. You could buy a cheap phone from wherever your going, it might be cheaper that way. Not sure though.
The pre-recorded videos sound really great!
it sounds like discussing it with them when you do the calendar is the best option for you or maybe with the map? That way you can show them at the same time.
ETA- I know some airlines have online flight trackers so you can see when the flight has landed/ it's status. Your DP could show them/ tell them what it says, I'm not sure how detailed they are though.
Btw, good on you for being so selfless and going out of your way to help others. You deserve a medal
Last edited by Calluna; June 6th, 2010 at 07:52 PM.
For you - take lots of photos of them with you if you have space, maybe show them that you are packing them that way they know that you will be thinking about them too. What about getting them to choose something of theirs that you can take o/s with you (again space permitting) like a small stuffed toy that you can say goodnight to everynight (I know that probably sounds dumb) and then they can pick one that they can say goodnight to every night so it's like you're saying goodnight to each other...if that makes sense. same with the pre recorded messages, maybe you could do one that they can watch before they go to bed.
Love the map idea, could you do a basic itinerary with them and mark on the map where you will be on certain days so they can kind of travel with you. I think the calendar is great too, gives them a specific timeframe that they can see how long you will be away for, and also gives them things to look forward to before you get back.
I don't have any ideas, but just wanted to say that I want you to have a fantastic time, and not worry about your babies, I'm sure they will be very well looked after.
Just think of the joy on their face when they see you when you return home - heck I'm even tearing up thinking of it, and they're not even my babies!
I don't have any advice either but wanted to give you hugs!! I was away just one day and missed my bubba lots!!
Have a great trip!! What a wonderful thing to do
Big squishy to you hun. I love your calendar idea, that is fantastic! When DH goes away (usually it's only 1 or 2 nights) he tells Oskar the night before. However, the first time we did let him know a few days ahead and then just gave him little reminders about it. Andy usually does bath/bed so it was me who had to "learn" their little rituals. He was actually fine with it all which did surprise me. I find that I have more issues with the mornings (this is all the time, every weekday lol) that he wants to call out to daddy to come and get him out of bed. Andy tries to bring him a new book each time too.
With DD1 being a thinker, maybe she could have the special task of marking off the calendar each day and maybe she could think up some things she might like to do/make etc for you for when you get home? Like little pictures or things about what they've been doing?
As for the airport, I think you need to do what you feel is best there for you all.
Oh my gosh.. I just want to send you a big squishy hug
I can only imagine how hard this will be for you.. My babies are much the same.. never been away from mummy
I totally agree on taking them to the airport - make sure they see you leave, much better then them waking up and mummy is missing!
Try and enjoy your time away though.. charity work, sounds like you're an incredible woman
Reply With Quote
to you hun. I love your calendar idea, that is fantastic! When DH goes away (usually it's only 1 or 2 nights) he tells Oskar the night before. However, the first time we did let him know a few days ahead and then just gave him little reminders about it. Andy usually does bath/bed so it was me who had to "learn" their little rituals. He was actually fine with it all which did surprise me. I find that I have more issues with the mornings (this is all the time, every weekday lol) that he wants to call out to daddy to come and get him out of bed. Andy tries to bring him a new book each time too. 
Bookmarks