Leaving 13 month old for the day???

Don't feel guilty. As the mom of four kids (13,8,6,and 3) I know how you feel but your older kids are missing out on things and being held back by their baby sister. They love her I'm sure but they need your time and attention, a glimpse of the old days so to speak to remind them that they come first in your life sometimes too. I'm not saying this as a "know it all" either but as someone who's learned through trial and error. Since our families both live across the country, I didn't feel comfortable leaving our youngest until just the past several months. Since I now have really good relationships with the few teenage sitters we use regularly and my daughter is almost 3-1/2, potty trained and VERY verbal (the advantage, or is that disadvantage, of having 3 older siblings), it's gone quite smoothly. Don't wait too long for that overnight with your husband. Your in-laws would be honored, I'm sure, to know you trust them to guard you sleeping kiddos. Besides, you'll be more refreshed than you thought possible. At least that's what I hear. I haven't slept away from my kids in 10 years and don't know when the opportunity will present itself with family so far away. Not sure I feel comfortable leaving overnights to a teenager. But I can definitely say I Need A Vacation!