Missing Mommy too much?

Question

My 10 mo. old granddaughter will be coming for a week long visit from Alaska. She will be accompanied by my son, who works away from their home every other 2 weeks. The issue is Brooklyn has never been away from her mommy except when my son is home to take care of her. She even sleeps with them every night...no crib for this baby! My daughter in law has all but weaned her but of course they are so emotionally close. No daycare yet for her, although they were going to try it for a couple of hrs. a couple of times this week before they make the trip next Sat. Does anyone have any suggestions about whether this is going to be ok for her? We don't want her to experience any emotional scarring over the trip and absence of her mommy. We really do want her to come since we miss her terribly and haven't seen her since Christmas and won't see her again until Aug. if she doesn't come now.

specialmom · Accepted Answer

Hi there.  Well, why isn't mommy coming?  She won't suffer emotional scars because of it especially since you sound loving, caring, nurturing and concerned that she feels loved.  It would be nice if mom can come too.  Does she need a mom break or is it cost prohibitive??  

I think your granddaughter will be fine emotionally but a bit fussy here and there but probably not even that much.  i was totally attached to my kids and they were pretty dependent on me and my older son had to stay with my sister and brother in law.  He adapted.  If my sister in law came to MY house, it would probably be a different story as they want things MY way at our house.  

Anyway, I digress.  Again, I think she will be fine but if all would be more comfortable, maybe mom can come too.  peace and luck and YEAH to seeing the baby.  I'd be so excited about that and would not pass up any opportunity to spend time with her.

LindaTX · Answer

I know, I am very excited they are moving in Aug. that's only about 4 mo.  I guess I can stand to wait that long, lol.  We do FaceTime a few times a week and that helps a lot.  Thanks again, ladies!

RockRose · Answer

This will all work out,  Linda.  ;D

specialmom · Answer

Oh by golly, I didn't realize they are moving back.  That is FANTASTIC.  Now I'm very happy you will have frequent time with Brooklyn (and son and daughter in law) in the near future!!

LindaTX · Answer

My son is still coming down...to get their property (73 acres and house) ready for planting wheat and the house ready to move into when they move here the first week of Aug.  He'll be able to direct all his attention to the tasks at hand and yes, his wife is a completely bonded and devoted mom to little Brooklyn, and I am very thankful for that.

RockRose · Answer

I think this is a really good sign,  LindaTX.  I don't understand the details here in why your daughter in law isn't coming on this trip but your son and grand daughter were.

And I think you would have been completely fine,  and your son is completely competent.

I'm just saying that wild horses couldn't have dragged me away from my 10 month old for a whole week.  I think it's a really good sign that your daughter in law is a thoughtful,  completely bonded mom.  Except for in the most dire emergency crises,   I can't imagine loading my baby up on a plane to fly from Alaska to Texas for a week and leave me behind without her. 

Glad they're moving close to you soon.  ;D

specialmom · Answer

Ugh.  that makes me so sad for you as I'm sure you are disappointed.  I think she would have been absolutely fine wtih you. 

Hopefully you will see them in August.  Any chance they'll head back to Texas for good at some point?

LindaTX · Answer

Well, thank you both so much but we got a call from our son last night and he said, "I don't know how to tell you this....but we've decided she will stay home with Mommy."  I told him even though we miss her terribly, we understand and we'll just have to see her on FaceTime and see her in person in Aug. when they move here.  I so much appreciate your suggestions and feedback.  It's good to know this forum and you guys are here.

RockRose · Answer

If she knows Daddy and sleeps with him 1/2 a month every month,  she'll be fine.  

I wouldn't traumatize her with new daycare all of a sudden to prepare her for this trip - she should do fine with a loving Grandma and her dad who she knows very well.

I think you'll do just fine.  ;D