The advantages and disadvantages of a weekend away without kids

The first time I went out for a night without Otis, I had been looking forward to a night of uninterrupted sleep for days. Not having to think about homemade and responsible baby food, dirty diapers, and sleep rhythms, but being able to organize 100 percent of my time myself: what a party!

No early alarm clock, but wonderfully sleeping in (read: tonight I can sip unlimited champagne and wine). Another advantage: finally being able to get those beautiful outfits out of the closet again, without having to worry that they will be covered in spit-up and food stains that you can never get out (a Nobel Prize for the scientist who can invent healthy, colorless baby purees). I've already had to say goodbye to that oh so beautiful silk Stella McCartney dress (which I scored on sale) that has a huge pumpkin stain that you can't get out no matter what. This is not going to happen to me in the next 24 hours, at least.

But when I list all the advantages, I immediately think of all the disadvantages of being away from that little one. I can already shed a tear at the thought that I will miss the morning session tomorrow Otis’, when he wakes up with a huge smile as always and immediately starts babbling with joy. That lovely little body that I really have to resist the urge to bite into. That cheerful belly laugh when I start tickling him and the amount of endorphins that rush through my body as a result. Nothing can compare to that, not a shopping session, luxury dinner, or sleeping in. In the morning, I still wake up at half past seven and the first thing I do is scroll through my photos to see that sweet little face. Just a little splash in the pool: wow, Otis would have so much fun with this. Oh, look at that cute child at the table next to us: I have to hold myself back from starting a conversation and showing a picture of my little one. I guess I should quickly plan another weekend away, but this time with Otis.