Home > Health > MOMania > Archives > 2008 > October > 12 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USMomcation was fantastic … except for that food poisoning
Have you taken a momcation? Do you like to go with girlfriends or your husband? Did you miss the kids or were you just happy to be away?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
I had been dreaming of my first momcation for months, and it was everything that I had hoped for … well, except for that slight case of food poisoning that lasted most of the trip.
The food poisoning prevented me from having cocktails and from dancing the night away at the hotel’s nightclub (That was OK though, the club was pretty cheesy!), but it didn’t stop me from achieving my core goals of sleeping and lying in the sun.
My college girlfriend and fellow mom Keith and I had planned to spend a quiet weekend in Hilton Head. We planned to leave on a Friday afternoon and return on a Monday evening.
Our plans were low-key. We just wanted to doze off on the beach without worrying that our children were drowning nearby. We wanted to eat dinner after 5 p.m. — a frequent serving time at both our homes. And we wanted to eat some seafood, imbibe a few cocktails and forget for a little while all the responsibilities we had at home.
We had a slight issue actually getting out of Atlanta. Keith’s husband had a case in court and wasn’t sure when he’d be done. So my husband agreed to watch all six kids — ages ranging from 18 months to 10 years — so we could get on our way.
We left the six kids playing on the swing set out back — kissed them all goodbye and pretty much ran for the car. (I was in such a hurry to get out there I forgot to even kiss my poor husband!)
We woke up Saturday morning at our leisure and without little people jumping on our beds. What a joy it was not to have to drag a giant bag, cooler or sand toys to the beach. We grabbed our Coke Zeros, our towels and a little reading material, and we were set for the day.
Keith showed up to the beach with a book about the history of architecture. I came armed with three gossip rags and about eight catalogs. She named my collection “Mom Porn,” and we passed it back and forth lying by the ocean, discussing the celebrities before I dozed off in the warm sun.
That night, we got what we thought was some amazing seafood. Although on later reflection it would appear my mahi-mahi had a little something extra added — like an illness-inducing bacteria. I was sick for the next two days, but any mother knows she’d rather suffer at the beach than at home caring for three children.
Besides not planning on food poisoning, I also hadn’t anticipated missing my kids as much. I knew I would miss my 18-month old and worry about her care. We had never been apart for more than a few hours and she had only stopped nursing about two months before. I knew it would tough for us to be separated.
I wasn’t worried at all about my 5- and 7-year old. My husband is a very good daddy and is completely capable of feeding, entertaining and caring for their needs.
I called from the restaurant (the one that got me sick) on Saturday night to say good-night to the children. As soon as Rose got on the phone and started telling me about their trip to the Coke museum that day and riding the Marta, I started crying. I missed their little voices much more than I had expected.
I worried before we took the trip that two days wasn’t going to be long enough, but we were definitely ready to come home. The baby fared fine without me — although we had a little re-training to do after I returned. Apparently, Daddy let the baby sleep with him every night, and he showed her where the cookie container is hidden.
When I walked in the door, my son gave me a giant hug and the baby didn’t want to leave my lap. I sat and rocked her for at least an hour. She snuggled against my chest and sucked her thumb completely content. Rose made me multiple welcome home signs and letters telling me how much she missed and loved me.
I have to say the best part of the momcation wasn’t the extra sleep or the walks on the beach, but the homecoming.
Permalink | Comments (29) | Post your comment | Categories: Family Life
Comments
By Jesse's Girl
October 13, 2008 6:22 AM | Link to this
I have yet to take a momcation…so I am ferociously jealous! But I know when I have been away on business…it has nearly killed me. I hate being away from the kids and Mr Jesse. It gives me a tiny taste of what he goes thru when he leaves on an alomost weekly basis. I start out being excited for a slight break…even if it is for work. But its all of 1 hour before I am having mini panic attacks. But back to momcation…..did we have fun? Ya know, inspite of the fishy-flu?
By new mom
October 13, 2008 7:53 AM | Link to this
I haven’t had a momcation yet, but may someday…however I think we’re more likely to try to get away, just my hubby and myself, or take a girls trip (including our girl!) Two years ago my sister and I took my mom on a surprise trip to new york, and ever since our little girl was born I’ve been daydreaming about taking her there on an all-girl trip, where we eat, shop, see broadway shows, have girl-fun and bond. Little one just turned one, so we probably have a few more years before that trip becomes do-able.
I’m glad you had fun Theresa. Is it really tacky to want to know WHERE you ate that gave you food poisoning? We go to HHI every so often (just went a month ago) and I’d like to know places to avoid…
By DYJ
October 13, 2008 8:03 AM | Link to this
I just got back from my momcation last week. I spent 4 days in NYC with my best friend. The first morning, I was awake at 6 am like normal but by day 4, I was sleeping until 8. It was a fun filled 4 days of shopping, cocktails and dinner at 8 pm, talking for hours without interruption, no strollers, car seats or mac-n-cheese. I, too, cried when I talked to my daughter on the phone and was ready to head home on day 4. I loved the time away and the homecoming was the best part.
By motherjanegoose
October 13, 2008 8:04 AM | Link to this
LOVE a momcation. I take one at least once per year, now that my kids are older. I did not do this when they were small ( we did not have the $$$). I am proud of you Theresa. I am just back from Pigeon Forge and the beautiful leaves with my daughter and her best friend. She will be off to college in less than 2 years, so we make as many memories as we can. I took her to Boston this summer. I also took a condo at the beach and my sister came with me for the first part of a week ( in July) and then my husband came for the second part of the week. It was fun. I will meet my other sister in Minneapolis on Thursday before I head to a meeting on Friday. I cannot wait!
By lakerat
October 13, 2008 8:14 AM | Link to this
Pigeon Forge sucks….it’s a dry county…no beer or liquor….sorry but not my idea of a vacation at all. I don’t care how beautiful you think it is.
By motherjanegoose
October 13, 2008 8:27 AM | Link to this
Lakerat ( is this you or your imposter)…to each his own…I do not enjoy Hilton Head but I did not blast it to Theresa. I like Crescent Beach or Marco Island, Fl. But this would be a great time to be in Hilton Head as it is probably not crowded.
It was quite crowded in Pigeon Forge, so obviously I am not the only one enjoys the scenery…no big deal.
By lakerat
October 13, 2008 8:32 AM | Link to this
MJGoose -
Sorry that the troll continues to utilize my name - I do not drink nor use such language so you know it was not I who posted earlier - Actually, I love Pigeon Forge and the whole Gatlinburg area! Glad you had fun.
By lakerat
October 13, 2008 8:33 AM | Link to this
MJGoose -
Sorry that the troll continues to utilize my name - I do not drink nor use such language so you know it was not I who posted earlier - Actually, I love Pigeon Forge and the whole Gatlinburg area! Glad you had fun.
By Kathy
October 13, 2008 8:42 AM | Link to this
I have taken a momcation every year for the last 3. My BFF and I go scrapbooking with about 25 other women. Now I would love to take a beach trip, but this trip is cheap and I get to crop (which I love) and have lots of girl talk with my BFF and eat way too much great food. We are only gone 2 nights, but it is nice break and I come home refreshed, but missing Little E so much!
By ayoungmom
October 13, 2008 9:11 AM | Link to this
I take at least one Momcation every year. Usually one with my girlfriends from college and at least one grown-up trip with The Man. I miss my daughter, but I need and enjoy the time away. I think it is healthy for kids and Moms to be able to be apart from one another periodically.
By DB
October 13, 2008 9:31 AM | Link to this
Theresa, so glad you had a good time, except for icky food poisoning. I spent the entire weekend bailing out a flooded basement, so I am doubly envious!
By SuwaneeMom
October 13, 2008 10:22 AM | Link to this
My BFF from college and I took a 8 day momcation to California about three years ago. We started in Napa Valley, spent a few days in Yosemite Park, then drove through Tioga Pass up to Lake Tahoe. We had a BLAST but both of us really started to miss husbands/kids about 5 days into it. We have talked about doing another trip but probably shorter time. Both our husbands did not have enough vacation time and supported us going off “on our own”. Ironically both of our mothers gave us both a hard time about it. I think my mom was a bit jealous…..
By Sweet Tea
October 13, 2008 10:29 AM | Link to this
I need a step-momication. I am not married (boyfriend’s a widower) but we have one 17 month old child together and he has three girls 10,11 and 18. I’m tired, we have alot of unresolved family issues (alot of disrespect from the kids) we really need counseling but in the interimm can I get away? Family never received counseling when Mom died 8 years ago. I need a private get-away, the step parent over patronizing is a bit much at times and his mother is very rude and obnoxius but she’s always over to the house!! Is it fair for me to go home to Ohio a couple of days alone (with my youngest) to get away to take a break and relax. I need it but the guilt of running away from motherless children has made this a mute topic with my beau.
By Texas Pete
October 13, 2008 11:13 AM | Link to this
I love the idea of moms taking a little vacation. When they get out of the house and have a few drinks they get very unihibited. That when I like to swoop in and entice them into having a little extra marital fun. With any luck, I’ve sent a few moms back from their momcation with a new little baby brother or sister on the way.
By oh the pain
October 13, 2008 11:18 AM | Link to this
Sorry, Sweet Tea -
You are NOT a step-mom, you are a girlfriend who is being used to the hilt! Stop being a wuss and get on with your life.
You are NOT the mother of the other three, you are not even the stepmother - no wonder the grandmother of the 3 girls gives you a hard time! A family counselor will tell you to either get married or get out - a tough choice but no wonder everyone gives you a difficult time.
Get away, run, and don’t look back, and have some fun!
By DB
October 13, 2008 12:18 PM | Link to this
Sweet Tea, are you kidding me? Why are you putting up with this crapola? The kids and the mom don’t respect you because, even with the baby, you’re still just the live-in girlfriend.
Grow a spine, my dear. Your baby does not need to grow up seeing you treated like this, and frankly, she deserves the luxury of a stable family life. I suspect that many of the respect issues will fall by the wayside when/if your bf mans up and marries you. As it stands now — he married THEIR mother and he hasn’t married YOU, in spite of the baby — so if he doesn’t respect you, why should they? And frankly, if you don’t respect yourself enough to insist on being treated with love, respect and honor — that’s pretty telling, too.
And as to Ohio — I’d consider going and staying there until BF gets his head out of his @ss.
By Patiently Waiting
October 13, 2008 1:25 PM | Link to this
Theresa, I’m glad you enjoyed yourself and was able to come back refreshed. Since I am not a mom yet (7 more weeks!) I have not had a momcation but I anticipate having one next year.
By momtoAlex&Max
October 13, 2008 1:46 PM | Link to this
To Patienty Waiting: best of luck to you! That home strech is the hardest.
To Sweet Tea, this goes to show you, marriage is much, much, much more than just a piece of paper. That he hasn’t married you even after having a child with you says it all. As DB said, if he doesn’t respect you enough to do that, why would his children and mother?????? Go to Ohio and stay there till he comes to his senses.
By TJ
October 13, 2008 2:31 PM | Link to this
To all those who take Momcations, congrats on mastering one of the most important rules of marriage/motherhood: Time away from everyone is very healthy, encouraged by mental health experts everyhwere and fosters a deeper bond btw. everyone.
I try to do two a year: one with my BFF’s from high school (its actually a coed group and Im lucky that my husband is not the jealous type). We get together for a 4 day weekend about once a year in diff parts of the country and we laugh, drink (a little too much) and have a blast.
Then hubby and I manage to take a nice weeklong vaca once a year or so to a romantic tropical destination.
We have a toddler at home and I wonder if Im weird but I dont freak out if Im away from her a for a few days. I miss her dearly, I know she is in good hands with grandma, and I do still get mushy when I hear her little voice, however.
I like to think Im teaching her how an independent, well rounded mother should act. And how to take time out for herself as a woman.
Oddly enough, my Mom only gives me a hard time when I leave with my coed crew, she never took time for herself and always seemed slightly miserable to me, go figure!
By TJ
October 13, 2008 2:33 PM | Link to this
To all those who take Momcations, congrats on mastering one of the most important rules of marriage/motherhood: Time away from everyone is very healthy, encouraged by mental health experts everyhwere and fosters a deeper bond btw. everyone.
I try to do two a year: one with my BFF’s from high school (its actually a coed group and Im lucky that my husband is not the jealous type). We get together for a 4 day weekend about once a year in diff parts of the country and we laugh, drink (a little too much) and have a blast.
Then hubby and I manage to take a nice weeklong vaca once a year or so to a romantic tropical destination.
We have a toddler at home and I wonder if Im weird but I dont freak out if Im away from her a for a few days. I miss her dearly, I know she is in good hands with grandma, and I do still get mushy when I hear her little voice, however.
I like to think Im teaching her how an independent, well rounded mother should act. And how to take time out for herself as a woman.
Oddly enough, my Mom only gives me a hard time when I leave with my coed crew, she never took time for herself and always seemed slightly miserable to me, go figure!
By TJ
October 13, 2008 2:36 PM | Link to this
To all those who take Momcations, congrats on mastering one of the most important rules of marriage/motherhood: Time away from everyone is very healthy, encouraged by mental health experts everyhwere and fosters a deeper bond btw. everyone.
I try to do two a year: one with my BFF’s from high school (its actually a coed group and Im lucky that my husband is not the jealous type). We get together for a 4 day weekend about once a year in diff parts of the country and we laugh, drink (a little too much) and have a blast.
Then hubby and I manage to take a nice weeklong vaca once a year or so to a romantic tropical destination.
We have a toddler at home and I wonder if Im weird but I dont freak out if Im away from her a for a few days. I miss her dearly, I know she is in good hands with grandma, and I do still get mushy when I hear her little voice, however.
I like to think Im teaching her how an independent, well rounded mother should act. And how to take time out for herself as a woman.
Oddly enough, my Mom only gives me a hard time when I leave with my coed crew, she never took time for herself and always seemed slightly miserable to me, go figure!
By MomsRule
October 13, 2008 3:22 PM | Link to this
My husband and I take a min of one, sometimes two, week long vacations each year. We have enjoyed these excursions since our boys were very young.
We take several trips with the children per year as well.
A vacation is Mom and Dad. A trip is the family. Big Difference! LOL
I miss the kids terribly while we are gone but believe we are a happier, healthier couple because we take time for each other and ourselves.
I also believe our children are more independent and self sufficient as a result as well.
They see first hand that Mom and Dad are important too and need a break and time alone together to have a healthy marriage. The entire family benefits.
Glad you enjoyed your weekend!
By fk
October 13, 2008 6:50 PM | Link to this
I’ve never been on a momcation. I never felt that need to escape, but that’s not to say the my friends and I have not discussed the topic. It sounds like a lot of fun, but my friends from high school are at all different points in our lives, as are those from college. My friends here have discussed it, and we’d even have access to a really nice condo in the NC mts., we just can’t seem to get our time coordinated.
We just cannot seem to find the time…there is always someone who can’t make it. Since I’ve been back to work fulltime, I would appreciate time alone in my home…without interruptions, loud TVs or a trail of another’s belongings.
Time passes so quickly that when we do plan an extended vacation, our son has always been included. He’ll be 18 in January, and he won’t want to go away with us much more. My husband and I do steal away for a weekend or two every so often…we’ll be heading to HHI next week! The one thing that we’ve always done is date night, so maybe that’s why the child-free vacations were not at the top of the list…and the fact that the closest family is 400+ miles away. And, my friends and I enjoy at Mom’s Night Out at least once a month. I don’t think I would make it if it was a getaway only once or twice a year!
By motherjanegoose
October 13, 2008 7:59 PM | Link to this
FK…those if us who are compulsive planners know that you CANNOT find a time when everyone can get together and if you wait for that time…it will never happen. My advice is…who ever can orchestrate the venue and especially provide the place gets to pick the date…if someone cannot come…maybe next time. When you have had SO much fun, those who missed the boat will want to join you. JUST DO IT! I love my weekends with friends, my sisters and my daughter.
My husband and I have been married over 25 years…I continually asked about a family reunion on his side and there was always an excuse. We had a brief visit this past summer at his Mom’s funeral…too bad they could not get it together before she died. I did my best but being an out law did not help! DO NOT wait…go for it!
By new mom
October 13, 2008 9:50 PM | Link to this
Sooo…..Seriously, what was the restaurant that caused the food poisoning? I would really like to know so we can cross it off our list! :)
By TJ
October 14, 2008 10:19 AM | Link to this
To FK, I agree with Motherjanegoose, JUST DO IT. You can always come up with a million reasons why something wont work out and before you know it, years have passed and you havent done all you wanted to do.
That said, in addition to my yearly trip with my friends, my yearly romantic vaca with hubby, I also enjoy a monthly dinner party with other Moms and girlfriends. In addition, hubby and I enjoy date night at least twice a month. The toddler goes to grandma’s each Friday night so Mommy can sleep in Saturday mornings (and do chores, etc), then we all do something fun as a family later in the day.
I guess when I list it all out like that, I realize I am really blessed to have the social outlets I have, I always complain that I dont get away enough.
But all of this would not be possible without my parents moving here a year ago. My life has changed dramatically, I am more fulfilled personally, my daughter LOVES her grandparents, and hubby and I enjoy quality time together. And we’re only in our 20’s.
I just want to make sure we can keep it up for many years to come!!
By hmlugoejw fxzeyrap
November 20, 2008 7:46 AM | Link to this
vjmrsteph jiwtz baozjdfv gunicpjk ldvsqgkb evzjpalk cnms
By hmlugoejw fxzeyrap
November 20, 2008 7:46 AM | Link to this
vjmrsteph jiwtz baozjdfv gunicpjk ldvsqgkb evzjpalk cnms
By hmlugoejw fxzeyrap
November 20, 2008 7:47 AM | Link to this
vjmrsteph jiwtz baozjdfv gunicpjk ldvsqgkb evzjpalk cnms