Going on a solo babymoon to Hawaii was certainly not my first choice. I initially planned a Hawaiian babymoon with my then boyfriend. We had been broken up for a week and half when I found out that I was pregnant. But we got back together upon learning the news. And we were trying to make our relationship work. I felt a babymoon wasn’t just an opportunity to celebrate the miracle that was happening inside my body. But it was also chance to reconnect as a couple.
Two days before we were set to leave he told me he wasn’t going. I cried for 24 hours straight. But I had a decision to make: should I cry for another who knows how many more days at home? Or should I take my baby to my happy place (the beach) and use the time to heal and relax, like my doctor recommend? I decided on the latter.
I packed at 9pm the night before my trip. I woke up crying. I got myself to the airport. I cried on the plane. And then I arrived at the beautiful Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina.
I can honestly say it was the best decision I could have made. I used the trip to reset, recharge and fall in love with the new me: a soon to be mom raising a beautiful baby boy as a solo parent.
To be honest, the first day was really tough. I’ve always prided myself on being a strong, independent woman. But hey, I’m not superwoman. I cried non stop on the beach that afternoon and then cried myself to sleep that night (pregnancy hormones certainly don’t help with emotions!). I wasn’t crying because I was on my babymoon alone. I was crying because in my gut, I knew that the relationship was probably over.
When I woke up in tears at 4am the first morning in Hawaii I decided to text a letter to my then boyfriend. It was a last Hail Mary. I forced myself to be vulnerable and I poured out my soul, which has always been very difficult for me to do. Even though he didn’t say it directly, his short response, coupled with his actions over the course of my pregnancy, made everything crystal clear: it was my final realization that we were over as a couple (there’s obviously tons more to the story but I appreciate that you respect my privacy on the details).
I was thankful that I got the closure that I needed. There was no questioning what I had to do anymore. I can now say with 100% certainty that I did everything in my power to try to make the relationship work. I had to face the harsh reality that people don’t change unless they want to… and it takes two to make a relationship work. There was nothing more I could do. After processing, I immediately felt like a weight was lifted from my shoulders.
I spent the remainder of my trip in Hawaii focusing on myself and my son. After just a couple of days, my energy levels returned. And the scary cramps I had been continually experiencing for the past month completely went away. I was so relieved. It’s mind blowing how stress directly harms the body. Now that I was free from a taxing relationship I started to actually feel like me again.
I swam in the ocean every morning. I took long walks in the sand listening to children giggle as they splashed in the lagoon. I read four books. I got prenatal massages in a hale while birds sang sweet lullabies in the breeze. I shared my sweet potatoes fries with the mongooses living in the bushes lining the beach. I floated in the waves. I watched schools of fish swim around my growing belly and smiled knowing that I was sharing my happy place with my little Pisces baby.
Of course there were still occasions when the sadness crept in and tears started to fill my eyes. But I would touch my Breathe bracelet, practice deep breathing, look out into the vast ocean, close my eyes, feel the warm breeze on my face and then put my hands on my sun kissed belly. When I visualized holding my baby boy my sadness dissipated into a smile.
I did cry actual tears a few more times during the trip. But this time they were tears of joy during these special moments that I’ll never forget.
I know that being a single mom is going to be tough. But I also know that I’m tough. And sure, it will be lonely at first. But I would choose being alone any day over being in a relationship that causes constant distress. It’s not healthy for me. And it certainly wouldn’t be healthy for my baby. Plus, if you stay with the wrong person, you prohibit yourself from meeting the right one. And I look forward to that happening when the timing is right. In the meantime, I have the most amazing mom, incredible stepdad, loving family and the best friends a girl could ask for. Knowing that I’m fortunate enough to have this strong support system eases my fears. And I can’t wait to meet the new love of my life: my baby boy.
Shop What I wore on my Babymoon in Hawaii
HEAD OVER TO MY INSTAGRAM HIGHLIGHTS TO SEE MY FAVORITE MOMENTS FROM MY SOLO BABYMOON TO HAWAII.
Sydne, I have admired you since I first started reading your blog. You’re an influencer who is real, who actually responds to comments and emails, and who I never felt like put herself above the “regular people” who follow you. I am so sorry for your heartbreak, but also impressed by your ability to pull yourself through it, with your support system by your side. I know it’s an ongoing process, and will be for a while, but you are in my thoughts and I wish you and baby boy all the best.
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10.7.22
Beautifully written, Sydne. Thank you for sharing these very personal details with us. I know it took courage and that raising a child alone takes strength. Many of us have been there, including me. You have my support and admiration! I’m looking forward to following along on this amazing journey of yours, in whatever way you want to share it.
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10.7.22
Spelled my name wrong in original post…lol. Last name is Carney, not Carnwy.
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10.7.22
My sweet girl, thank you for opening your heart and soul in this deeply personal post… I had felt your sadness before but you mention on IG that you weren’t ready to share so I didn’t wanna pry by asking. As a daughter of a seriously screwed up marriage, of two wonderful people that should’ve never been a couple, I know that not having your parents together is far better than having them fight or simply not being right for one another. Having his home feel like the safest, most loving place on hearth is the greatest gift you could give your baby boy. I’m so proud of you, and your strength. And I’m glad you have a big support system to help you navigate this new chapter but just know that, if you need (or want) an extra auntie, you have my number. And now, enjoy your pregnancy fully, at last ✨
Xo, Raquel
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10.7.22
You can do this! Everything happens for a reason. Wishing you and your baby boy all the best things in life.
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10.8.22
You radiate kindness and grace always. I believe being in the light will only shed more light and grace on you. Sending you and your baby all positivity! xoxo
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10.8.22
I admire you so much! You are strong, independent, and brave as you always have been. Your baby boy is going to be the luckiest person because he has a mommy who loves him so much to do this alone. But have no fear, you have a tribe of women that will support you along the way and love him just as much! Sending you big hugs my friend! Xoxo!
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10.10.22
Impressed with the strength you are displaying during this time of joy and sadness. Best wishes to you and your baby boy.
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10.11.22
Don’t even consider it; you deserve so much better. He and others like him frequently cheat. I’ve stood in your position. We weren’t married, me and my lover. We only shared a home. I discovered I was expecting. And we were delighted. However, I soon began to doubt him https://signscheating.com/aquarius-woman-cheating-signs/ . I made the decision to find out if my boyfriend was lying. Sadly, my assumptions turned out to be correct.
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10.12.22
You are so courageous and strong and are going to be such an incredible mother. Thank you for being open to sharing this story I know it will help so many mamas (and human beings that think all the smiling pictures = perfect life).
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10.12.22
I appreciate you sharing your talent with everyone. You provide motivation. I just discovered your blog and wanted to say that I’ve really enjoyed the backrooms reading your blog posts.
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10.18.22
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10.21.22
Great article with good images. After marriage that moment is very special, You should also look for marriage therapy too. Because marriage therapy sessions provide a safe and supportive environment where you and your partner can openly communicate, address conflicts, and work towards resolving issues.
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5.22.23
I believe in you! There’s a meaning behind every single event. I hope that life as a new mum and dad is wonderful for you and your little guy.
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5.24.23
A very touching article, showing the journey of writing “Beach Life: Home, Heart & the Sea” with genuine emotions and valuable lessons from the ocean.
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9.24.24