To Sleep or Not to Sleep.

Do not, do not, do not wake him up to say goodbye!

At 20 mos - he really is old enough to understand a little bit that you'll be gone. Prep him the day before that daddy will be home tomorrow with him and answer any questions he has very positively (if you sound concerned - he will be more likely to have a problem). Just be matter of fact and positive - Mommy is going out tomorrow - but daddy will get you up and you'll have a great day (or maybe dad can plan something special and you can use that to prep your son with some as well). When he goes to bed (if he'll be ok with it - if it will make nighttime routine a nightmare - don't mention it again after you've already told him that day) mention again that daddy will get him up and spend the day with him and mommy will see him ..... after nap, at dinner, before bed, up the next day - whenever it is - give him the time when you'll be back so he knows and make sure your husband uses the same terminology with him.

He will have his moments with his father during that day - he may even cry (your husband may also... LOL). No matter who cries - they will be fine and have a great time! I used to feel that way about leaving my husband with my dgtr (and I do work!!!) but have gotten used to the fact that he's a great dad. She may watch a little too much TV - she may get chips instead of fruit for snack, her nap may be at a different time - but she'll have fun and he appreciates what I do more!!!!!

Have a great day - they will be fine and will work it out together. To set your mind at ease a little (if your husband doesn't know the routine - this is what I would do with mine b/c he rarely had to do the whole day thing) write out the routine so he has something to reference. It may help him too. Your husband knows you are leaving - if he gets too little sleep - that's his choice - not your worry! Have fun!

hey mom,

I would not wake him up

He will be fine, just keep your cell phone charged and have a back up ready to go. Just in case

I am sure they'll be fine, but yes your hubby will be stressed.

By back up I mean a Young girl in the neighborhood who can go over and entertain your baby for a few hours,
and then leave.

And maybe have a friend stop by and drop off some dinner.
or lunch just to check on things.

THis will give you piece of mind, help your hubby with out implying he is incabable LOL.

HAVE FUN!!!!

M

Because my MIL lives out of state and we don't see her regularly we have videotaped her reading stories (both with our daughter and without our daughter on tape). This has always brought such happiness and amazement to our daughter to see Grandma (and herself) on the tv.

Do you have yourself on videotape (or DVD) that your hubby could pop in so your son can "see" you? If not, perhaps you might want to try recording something.

Help Dad have some fun activities planned to pass the time--a trip to a park, library, or Chuck E. Cheeses or introduce a new toy, game, or book so your son has a nice full day that is interesting but different from what he does with mommy. good luck!

I agree with the other moms. DO NOT WAKE UP A SLEEPING CHILD!

Its great that you have been there for every waking moment. And now Daddy will experience taking care of him for a day. Its good for your son to have that with his dad. It will be bonding time(even if they both cry.)

Enjoy your day away. We all need that regardless of what you will be doing. As women, we forget that its ok to take that time for us. Daddy and his boy will be great!