The Bakers Adventures

4 days to go…

It’s day 4, and reality is starting to sink in—not just for me, but for the kids too. The girls woke up this morning full of emotions, which is no surprise given the ticking clock on Dan’s departure. My mum stayed over last night as Dan and I had an early start to catch a flight to Dublin. Yes, we’re leaving for the weekend, and yes, the timing is terrible. Cue the mum guilt (I’d like to say I’ve packed it in my suitcase, but it’s securely lodged in my chest).

This trip was planned months ago, long before Dan’s life-changing work opportunity came into the picture. It’s a family event—a big birthday for my brother-in-law and a chance to reconnect with relatives. Perfectly justified at the time, but now? It feels like I’m abandoning the girls just when they need us most. Everyone’s reassured me that it’s important for Dan and me to have this time together, but knowing my girls feel excluded is a hard pill to swallow.

Thankfully, my mum is incredible with their emotional needs. She’s there to help with the tears and remind them that we’re only gone for a few days. (Plus, she’s armed with snacks, hugs, and likely some kind of crafty distraction that will involve glitter.)

To try and prepare for this upcoming shift in family dynamics, I’ve introduced the Go Henry cards. The plan is for them to earn pocket money while Dan’s away, rewarding helpfulness and kindness in a way that feels age-appropriate. They’re thrilled, but let’s be honest, I’m also hoping this softens the blow of the next few weeks. I’ve spent more nights than I care to admit scrolling Pinterest at 1 a.m., searching for “positive parenting strategies”.

As I sit here on the plane to Dublin, I’m reflecting on how Dan and I have barely been apart since we first met, minus a few stag and hen dos and the occasional work trip. Ironically, the first six months of our relationship were spent long-distance, me in Australia, Dan in England. What started as a brief whirlwind romance before I left turned into an unexpected love story that defied geography and logic. Looking back, I realise that experience built a foundation of trust that’s carried us through everything since.

This time, the stakes feel higher, there are children involved, a decade of life shared, and a million more responsibilities, but the trust and love are the same. That thought gives me a sense of calm, even as the guilt of this weekend lingers.

Speaking of guilt, let’s not forget my bad habit of burning myself out in the name of “deserving” a break. I’ve spent the last week overthinking and over-preparing, leaving my tank almost empty for this trip. But hey, I’m off to Dublin!! A city where Guinness is practically medicinal. A few pints of iron-rich goodness, and I’ll hopefully be restored just in time to tackle what’s waiting for me back home.

So here we are, four days to go, and the countdown continues. Next stop: navigating a weekend of guilt and Guinness while trying to remind myself that this isn’t just about survival—it’s about showing up for the people I love, in all the ways I can.

The luck of the Irish, and all that.