Last fall my husband and I spent a few picture-perfect days in Kyoto, Japan. I didn't even mind that I had traveled 30 hours there and back for what was essentially a two day/three night trip. The tight timeline was designed as a way to "try out" traveling without our son combined with our desire not to over burden willing grandparents on both sides who agreed to care for him in our absence.

We met the peak of Japan's fall foliage tired yet overjoyed to have time with each other as a couple outside our normal routine. I've got to tell you, it was f-a-n-t-a-s-t-i-c! We missed our son, sure, but time away did wonders for us.

So, when I was sitting at my desk today and heard my cell beep with the familiar sound of a text message alert, I had no idea that I'd be reading this from my husband:

"Can you talk? Want to go to Paris for a few days?"

I seriously dropped the phone. After fumbling to pick it back up, I successfully dialed my husband. He has a trip coming up to Malaysia for business and would be flying through Paris. The plan would be for the two of us to fly out mid-week and spend the weekend together. "Can you do it?", he asked. Seriously, who could possibly say no to that? To be perfectly honest, I did hesitate (OK, only slightly). In addition to needing to check my work schedule for availability, I had to admit that my desire to travel and spend time with my husband was mixed up in that moment with the "mom guilt" of leaving our son behind. Our last trip was a success - both for us and our son - but would we be that lucky the second time around?

We purchased our tickets and arranged for our parents to help out, so we'll find out soon enough. A lazy afternoon spent floating down the Seine. Riding together to the top of the Eiffel Tower. Sounds romantic, right? And what kid wouldn't have a blast with two sets of doting grandparents and cousins in the summertime? Au revoir mom guilt, and hello Paris!