I hope you all enjoyed Audiobook Week. It is one of my favorite blogging events, and I think Jen deserves a big round of applause for hosting it once again.
This morning, I am taking Ben to the airport. So he can go to Vermont. To study. For 6 weeks.
I am feeling a lot of things all at once. Sad because Ben is leaving. Anxious because I have a small person to take care of all by myself. Excited to have some time to myself. Jealous that Ben is going to get to sleep as much as he wants.
This isn’t our first time living apart. In 2007, we spent a year living in three different states, never at the same time. In 2010, Ben went to Asheville for six weeks. In 2011, after our month-long tour of Europe, Ben stayed in England for 5 more weeks while I came home. But now we have Evan, so things are different.
I was never very good at taking care of myself while living on my own. I forget to eat dinner. I never check the mail. The cats are lucky if I remember to feed them. But now I have Evan, who will be completely dependent on me. And it’s freaking me out a little.
Thankfully, I have some family coming to help out. My brother’s girlfriend is coming to stay for 2 weeks (bless her heart). My mom is visiting for a weekend. And Ben’s sister will likely be visiting for a weekend. And hopefully Ben comes back for a visit (I decided against going up to Vermont – I didn’t want to travel with a walking-but-not-yet-understanding-my-directions E by myself). And, of course, I have a full time sitter during the week, so at least he’ll eat at her house.
And there are some things I am actually looking forward to. I usually get a lot of reading done when Ben isn’t around. I can watch all the Dance Academy I want. I can turn the ceiling fans off and the air conditioning up. And I can sleep in the middle of the bed.
So. Deep breath. Smile. Let the mini-adventure in single parenting begin.
my books. my life. 
I know it is terrifying. I can remember even the first time I took my daughter OUT by myself. But if it helps (probably not!) I promise that this is going to make you into a more confident mom to the point where you’ll be able to do anything and go anywhere with him and maybe even with two of them (hee hee).
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Hang in you’ll do Great had my son,&2weeks later my husband was out of town doing an endless trial.what is Ben studying?
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I can text you and remind you to eat! 🙂
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You’ll be fine. Connor was 3 months old when I was left by myself with him thanks to the U. S. Army. By the time he was three, I was a single parent for more than half his life, thanks again to the U. S. Army. You will find yourself getting into a routine and will be surprised at how quickly the time passes. And you’ll get some great quality time with E that is more precious than anything right now. Connor and I still have a special bond thanks to our alone time all those years ago. Good luck!
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Good luck with your solo parenting stint. You’ll be fine. We’ll be checking in with you and reminding you to eat and feed the cats.
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