Sam's Sleep Away Camp

Michael was away on a business trip. For eleven nights. Initially he thought to turn down the opportunity to go to Chile and Argentina since he is Sam's caregiver during the work week. We ran through all the various scenarios of who could watch Sam in his absence and, without firming the details, I told him to go on the trip. We'd figure it out.

Ultimately we decided to enlist the help of Sam's aunties to watch him. I had a lot of Mom Guilt about the decision initially. If you're a Mom, you've been a victim of Mom Guilt.

I felt guilty that I didn't want to take off work to be home with him. (It would use most of my vacation time for the year, and I'd much rather spend my vacation days with our complete family. Did I mention Michael's trip was for eleven nights away?)

I felt guilty that I was imposing on their families with a 9-month old who requires a nap schedule, special foods and a baby-proofed house.

But most of all I felt guilty about sending Sam away and not seeing him for days at a stretch. Our family all lives in Kentucky, and unless I wanted to drive the notoriously bad commute from NKY to north of Cincinnati (plus going farther north to drop Adam off at his school) twice a day, I would have to kiss him goodbye and wait days to see his sweet face in person again.

You know how sometimes worrying about something is worse than the actual event you worried about?  Once I saw how delighted his aunts, uncles and cousins were to have him, and how happy he looked in their care, my worries were dashed.

Michael dropped him with Aunt Amy on Wednesday with strict instructions not to start walking while he's away. Sam had a fabulous time with cousin Carter (plus Uncle Scott, Hailey, Channing and Sophie in the evenings). They played outside:

They treated him to playtime at Toddler Otterville:

He tagged along to football practice and became one of their family.

He was there two nights and I picked him up on Friday. We then road-tripped down to Aunt Kim's house for the next hand-off on Sunday evening. Adam was not happy about leaving Sam in Lexington. ("But I want my baby brother.") 

From Sunday to Wednesday Sam became the baby in the Mauney household. Lilly was a little helper {when she wasn't jealous of this fact} and Jake loved making Sam laugh.

"Rock a baby, rock a baby"

"I hold it like this."

He played and walked and contributed to business meetings...

..before Aunt Kim packed him up and brought him to Aunt Jenny's house where he tagged along on shopping trip, spent time with cousin Alyssa and was confused by Uncle Kevin (if you've seen Michael and his brother together, you'd understand).

I finally finally picked him up on Friday evening!! 

It made me feel better knowing I have such a laid back child to "impose" on others, too. I mean, really, as long as he has some food in his belly,

A bottle in his hand,

familiar toys like he has at home,

 

And people to give him "lovins"

He is a happy camper.

Many, many, MANY thanks to these amazing moms/aunts and families who helped us out! And for the phone calls and text updates and photos of your adventures to help tie me over. I forwarded many of those to Michael, too, so he could "see" Sam every day.  You're the best!

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And in case you were wondering, nope Sam did not start walking last week, but it wasn't for a lack of encouragement! He's been walking behind a push walker lately.... I'll keep you updated!