Taking Time for Me

Friends + Cocktails + Beaches & Sun rays on Bahama's Paradise Island =

a refreshed. rested. rejuvenated. and ready to go again mommy.

This is how I feel after four days in the Bahamas with my two best girlfriends from Texas. It was a much needed vacation from the nonstop life I've been living the past couple of years. When they first started planning the trip, I couldn't shed that guilty mom feeling and it was so hard for me to say, "Yes, I'll join y'all in the Bahamas", but it really couldn't have come at a better time.

I tried to justify to myself (and have others justify to me too) exactly how I could go away. Then I looked at my calendar for the past two plus years. I've been taking care of everyone else but myself. Between my dad and Aiden, I've been running from appointment to appointment, fighting with insurance companies, consulting with doctors and specialists on the best game plan, finding the best doctors and specialists to help devise this gameplan, fighting with insurance companies (this NEVER ends) etc. etc.

Then I remembered a piece from Erma Bombeck's "The Special Mother":

"...But, Lord, I don't think she even believes in you." God smiles, "No matter, I can fix that. This one is perfect - she has just enough selfishness." The angel gasps - "selfishness? is that a virtue?" God nods. "If she can't separate herself from the child occasionally, she'll never survive..."

I knew I needed this for myself and for my family.

I have two of the best girlfriends life could ask for. I've known Andie and Helen for over 11 years, they aren't only my best g's, they are my sisters I've never had. It was so great just hanging, laughing, and catching up as we soaked up the rays and drank cocktails all day long! It was the rejuvenating medicine my soul has been searching for.

Here's the breathtaking view from our room. I couldn't get enough of it. Our all inclusive we booked, overbooked, so they sent us next door to the Atlantis, which allowed us to take full advantage of all the amenities on the grounds! That included their spa (which was oh so wonderful), waterparks, lazy rivers, aquariums, and beautiful pools and beaches! This is definitely a place I want to take my kids one day.

me and my girls loving our time away together

By day four, my heart was missing my babies and I was ready to come home (well, seriously, I could have tried and stayed a couple more days). I can't wait to plan a getaway like this for Aiden's daddy and me.

And a HUGE THANK YOU to my mom, who took off a week of work and drove in from Wisconsin (she won't fly) to take over my motherly duties while I was away. She came in a few days before I left, so I got to spend some wonderful, much needed, time with her too. She hasn't been able to spend a whole lot of time with Aiden since he's been born, so she really had a great time bonding with her youngest grandson. I was so worried about Aiden's CIs and the language he needs right now, but I had to let it go and know that everything was going to be just fine, and it was. She said she had the best week ever and truly enjoyed every moment.

Thanks again mom ... I love you!

My husband, who couldn't take off since he's recently in a new job, did a fantastic job as well playing Mr. Mom. I came home on Mother's Day to a clean house, laundry done, and my family waiting to take me out to eat.

He's so good to me!