Getting myself ready

I am currently trying to mentally prepare myself for leaving Owen for 9 whole days. Last night John said that once we get on that plane there is no turning back; there will be no coming home 1/2 way through the trip. I of course in no way would back out of this- not even at this point! We have spent way too much money on the trip. But I do doubt if I am ready or not for this.

Last night Owen was being kind of fussy at dinner time. So we let him down from his high chair and John went to play with him while I cleaned up the kitchen. Owen had other ideas and proceeded to throw himself down on the ground crying that pathetic cry that I think is meant to make mothers fall apart. He did not want John, he wanted his Mama and he was just falling apart since I was not right there with him.

This is really the first true separation anxiety I have seen from him. He is always fine with going to who ever is around. But I think the anxiety is starting to really kick in. We also had a neighbor come to watch him Friday night so we could attend a squadron event. Owen did well, but the next morning he woke up at 5:30 and has been on a weird sleep schedule ever since. I am wondering if it is due to us not being home the night before.. could that have really messed him up?

Why does this have to be happening now? Right before we leave him for over a week? Eh!

I know that this trip will be so much fun. John and I have had a pretty stressful 4 years with moving so many times (6 real times since we got married), pilot training, a rough pregnancy, a new baby in a new town, and our first deployment. We definitely need time together to reconnect, read a book, eat as much as we want without having to worry about cleaning up the dishes, explore, and SLEEP! I just will be a nervous wreck while doing all of those things!

Does anyone have any tips on how to make the separation easier???? For both me and Owen...