I'm just a little bit torn. I'm heading out to our Annual Meeting next week, so I'm excited. In fact, I have a tendency to hum "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year" around the office around this time of the year. I think some people find it annoying - if for no other reason than that I have no business singing anything. I'm eager to see this event come to fruition. I get a lot out of seeing the results of my work. In this business, though, you have to work on something for year(s). That's a really long time when you have a short attention span.
On the other hand, I hate that I have to leave my daughter behind. We've never been separated for more than one night - and this will be a week. This is going to be tough - probably moreso on me than on her, I'm sure. But I hate, hate, hate it. The logical part of me knows that she won't forget me, but the sentimental side of me is certain she will. Oh, this is hard.
I probably thought of a dozen ways to make it work - by bringing my husband, or my mom, or my MIL. Or by hiring a local babysitter. The thing is, the reality of the hours I keep at the meeting mean it just won't work. I'll be working from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. most days. I wouldn't even see her awake.
So, like many things I've learned, I've got to look at the upside of this. There's going to be plenty of daddy-daughter bonding. Dad may even learn a few new parenting skills. Hopefully, dad will get to see the other side - what life is like when he is out of town for multiple days at a time. A learning experience for him - and for me. What it's like to be away for so long...
exploring the intersection of work in the association world and life as a new mom and the strategies for making it all work every day
About Me
- Kristi Donovan
- Virginia, United States
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2 comments:
I did have my husband come with me to a conference when my firstborn was just 3 months. It didn't work. I felt torn the whole meeting. Felt I wasn't doing a good job as either mom or professional. I haven't brought the kids (or husband) to a conference since. That's what works for me, but I know of others who always bring the family and wouldn't have it any other way. You need to see what works for you.
Yes yes yes, it is great for your husband to be alone with baby. I see too many helpless acting dads that got that way by never ever having to care for baby on their own. My husband admitted two things the first time I left him alone with my first, Megan. 1) that it was harder than he thought 2) that it was actually kind of nice being in charge without me looking over his shoulder and telling him what to do!
I feel for you, Kristi! The first time I left my son to go to a conference, I cried. (Heck, I still cry, and he'll be seven next month.)
But I swear to you you won't be forgotten while you're gone. And the best part is seeing how excited the baby is when you get back!
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