Vegas, Baby, Vegas!!

The time has come. The time when I must cut the cord, so to speak. Tomorrow morning, Ed and I will be boarding a plane. Destination: Vegas, Baby, Vegas! (I can't say Vegas, without saying: "Vegas, Baby, Vegas!!") Without the child, of course. For 5 days. The trip has been in the works for months. You see, Ed is turning 40 in February and he has never been to Las Vegas. Never. (Can you believe that? What a sad, sheltered, life...) And he really wants to go. And I really want him to go too. My original thought was to surprise him by taking him to Vegas, baby Vegas! in February, but that plan just became too difficult to work out because I had to take into consideration 2 jobs, a daughter, and no family in the city. So, when my sister told me months ago that she had some vacation time in December (and it just so happened to coincide with a set of my 5 days off from work), I seized the opportunity and asked her if she'd be willing to come up to Ottawa to watch Ysabella while we jetted off. She said yes! So, today my awesome sister is driving 8 hours up to Ottawa on her own vacation time to babysit Ysabella so that (even though it's a few months early), off we can go to celebrate Ed's 40th!

We will be spending Friday and Saturday night in Vegas, Baby, Vegas! We plan to do lots of sightseeing, catch a show, and eat some amazing food. (When you're a mom, isn't any meal that you didn't have to cook or clean up after amazing??!!) I could care less if we gamble, but Ed would like to try his hand at a few tables... We have also rented a car for the following 3 days and we are planning on taking a roadtrip through the desert to the Grand Canyon, Flagstaff, Sedona, and finally, my former home, Phoenix (and everywhere in between). The current weather is calling for rain and cool temperatures in the Southwest over the next few days. Are you kidding me??? Phoenix has something like 320 days of sun (and I mean not a cloud in the sky!) each year, and we manage to book a trip when the forecast calls for rain? Really?!!?? It figures. Did I mention that we've waited almost 7 years for me to take him to the southwest to show off the sunny, warm, dry desert weather? Geezus. I better start praying to the sun gods right now.

So, needless to say, the panic has ensued. I'm having palpitations at the thought of leaving Ysabella. I really am! You see, I have never left her for more than about 15 consecutive hours. I know she will be fine. At least I think she will be fine. But the real question is, will I??? Ativan, anyone?? I've told my sister that I'm a complete nutjob, and to expect me to tape up on the walls all around the house list after list, Excel spreadsheet after Excel spreadsheet. We bought trip interruption insurance, just in case I chicken out. I know, I know, I should get a grip, but seriously, I can't help but think about all the things that could go wrong. Not with our trip, but with Ysabella here at home. So, to cover all the bases, I've made a meal schedule, day-by-day activity schedule, and a million lists for my sister. (I'm sure these lists will go out the window once I leave) but I feel better having made them. They will keep me sane.

Bleh. I feel like vomiting at the thought of having to say goodbye to Ysabella tonite (our plane leaves super early in the morning, so we have to be at the airport by about 545am...) Did I mention that she woke up sick this morning? Great. Good times. How can I leave my child for the first time when she is sick? Stuffy nose, sneezing and oh! that poor sick, scratchy little voice. (I hope it ends there. Please no ear infections, please no fever...because if those come, I'm not sure I'll be able to walk out that door!)

Now, I must repeat to myself. "I know it will be good for Ed and I. We need some alone time. We need a vacation. We will have a blast!" and repeat again and again...

Groceries. Check. Lists complete. Check. Laundry done. Check. Pack. (Not quite finished yet.) Cuddles with Ysabella. No check!! That's what today is for! CUDDLES AND PLAYTIME GALORE!!

Wish me luck! Vegas, Baby, Vegas!!!
(sorry, no photos today...)