Taking infant to India-New Thread/Moral Dilemma?

[Anonymous]

My hats off to you OP. Sounds like a difficult but very sound decision. You and your husband seems to have a lot of mutual respect for each other. And I am also a little envious that you husband would and could step up to take care of the baby while you are away. I know it's 2008 and dads are much more hands-on, but my husband and I are just not there yet. We're not quite in the 1950's, but maybe like the 80's.

[Anonymous]

You've been really quite thoughtful about this, OP. It sounds like you and your husband can work this out. Best of luck to you!

[Anonymous]

OP here. I'll let you guys know how it goes. It's not going to be easy, I know. to the 12:34PP, my mom was with us since the birth and until a couple of weeks ago. Until she left, DH had perhaps fed the little guy a couple of bottles and maybe changed a diaper or two. Never mind getting up at night or anything! Since my mom left, he seems to be stepping up to the plate more. The past 6 months haven't been easy but I am hoping we'll get out of the 1980's and become more of a 2000 couple for now. I don't think we are even at 2008 yet! it's a challenge, for sure. He wouldn't even keep the baby for an hour while I went to the store, before. But now he's getting comfortable with it. So, we'll see. The decision to go abroad for 2 weeks hasn't been easy, but I will say, that since he's the one who doesn't want the baby going to India, he knows he's the one who'll have to take care of him! I trust him to do that well, but I still cry at the thought of leaving my baby. Thank you, again, guys. You all really helped me in thinking this through.

[Anonymous]

OP, I think you made the right decision. And, who knows, maybe you will actually want some time to yourself come November. I know I did.

[Anonymous]

07/18/2008 21:31 poster here.

Just following up on this thread and glad to see your decision.

If you are able to, take a practice trip in September or October with a girl friend. Go to the Hyatt in Cambridge, MD and enjoy the spa! Going away for a night or two in advance will give you some idea of how you will feel and perhaps be fun!

Also, by November, your child will be much more resilient and you will feel much more at ease about leaving your DH in charge.

A tough decision, but I think a good one!

[Anonymous]

Dear OP I just came upon this thread thought I'd weigh in even though you have decided. I also had to go to India for two weeks for a new job. DS was 13 months old. While I didn't have childcare option like you, I think it would have been very stressful for me to have taken son along for trip. I dug in and worked like crazy and got everything done and everything was fine at home. Son is 3 now and its so much harder to do trips now. Baby for me was easier to leave as they didn't understand and get upset. Wishing you all the best for your trip.

[Anonymous]

OP here. Thank you, again. I like the idea of the practice trip. Unfortunately for me, I think I'll have a few practice trips by way of overnight business trips before I go on the long haul. Planning to take a day off and hit a spa in DC anyway!