This past weekend, something more elusive than a full night’s sleep with a toddler happened. A group of my closest friends and I left our families behind for a well-deserved getaway. While “away” was merely a 15-minute drive to a downtown hotel, it still felt like a much-needed escape.
Since I entered motherhood 18 months ago, I’ve forged a tight-knit circle of mom friends. These remarkable women have become my support system during the rollercoaster of parenting—from teething troubles to the chaos of sleep regressions. They provide valuable advice and reassurance when I’m navigating the overwhelming moments that come with raising children.
Being a stay-at-home mom can often feel isolating, making a network of fellow moms essential. They don’t judge my nightly glass of wine or my penchant for binge-watching reality TV. Whether I let my child cry it out from exhaustion or feed her nothing but cheese for days, they’re always there to remind me it’s okay. Though we see each other frequently, a night away from our kids is a rare treat.
After months of planning, all of us managed to make it for at least one night. You might expect this to turn into a wild adventure, reminiscent of a scene from a raunchy comedy. You might envision us tearing up the town, drinking elaborate cocktails, and relishing our freedom from diaper duty. But while the weekend didn’t unfold that way, it turned out to be everything we hoped for. During this getaway, I discovered that each mom has her own unique travel style. Here’s a breakdown:
- The Overprepared Mom
This mom is armed with enough supplies for a month-long expedition. “Prepared” doesn’t even begin to cover it. She brings everything from a first-aid kit to snacks that could feed a small army. Traveling with her is a blessing, especially if you’re next on the list. - The Minimalist Mom
She arrives with just a change of clothes tossed into her purse. A small overnight bag suffices for her, and she likely forgot something essential, needing to borrow it from the Overprepared Mom. No worries, though; her friend has everything covered. - The Ever-Mothering Mom
This mom cannot turn off her maternal instincts. She double-checks the hotel for forgotten items, reminds everyone to use the restroom, and might even cut up your food without realizing it. Before bed, she scrolls through photos of her kids, missing them dearly, and checks in at home frequently. - The Fashionable Mom
Showing up in chic jeans while others wear dresses, this mom always looks effortlessly put together. Everyone turns to her for beauty tips and fashion advice. She’s the one rocking a stylish cover-up at the pool, effortlessly blending casual with trendy. - The Organizer Mom
The backbone of the trip, this mom plans every detail—from activities to accommodations. She’s the one who coordinated the getaway and keeps the group entertained with games and crafts. Without her, this outing might not have happened. - The One-Drink-and-She’s-Tipsy Mom
This mom is a blast to have around, especially after just half a cocktail. Having spent the last year either pregnant or with a baby, this trip is her first chance to truly unwind. Watching her let loose is a joy for everyone. - The Busy Mom
This mom juggles multiple responsibilities, making her need for a getaway more pronounced than the rest. She may arrive late and leave early, always pulled in a million directions. Like the Minimalist Mom, she packs quickly because her time is always limited. - The Sleep-Deprived Mom
Every mom is tired, but this one plans to maximize her time away by sleeping. She can fall asleep in an instant and will likely indulge in a solid 10 hours of rest. For her, this trip is all about enjoying a warm meal without interruptions, and she loves the freedom of not having to share her food.
The beauty of a moms’ trip is that despite our differences, we share a common bond: the love for our little ones.
So how did our getaway go? We certainly had fun! We dressed up in outfits suitable for our age, enjoyed a delightful dinner, and then returned to our hotel suite. After tending to our sore feet from wearing heels, we engaged in crafting while sipping wine. We stayed up late sharing stories and laughter, often circling back to tales of our children—the very reason we came together in the first place.
For more about motherhood, consider checking out our post on the At-Home Insemination Kit, which can be a valuable resource for those navigating parenthood. If you are seeking support, Navigating Loss: Finding Comfort and Support is an excellent read. Additionally, What to Expect When You Have Your First IUI provides great insights into pregnancy and home insemination.
In summary, a getaway with fellow moms can reveal a lot about each other’s personalities while reinforcing the important connections we share.