Babymooning

According to the NYTimes, apparently taking a babymoon is the new thing to do before having a babe. So after much arm-twisting, I relented, and Drew and I headed off to St. John for a five-day, pre-baby, last-hurrah, romantic vacation. Our normal vacations consist of traveling with one of our families, so it was really nice for it to be just the two us, with no one else to be concerned about. We also planned this trip rather hastily, a mere two weeks before we left, which for me was really great because I usually anticipate trips way too far in advance and by the time they arrive I'm already anticipating what will be happening when we get back into town. So this quickly planned trip allowed me to really live in the moment on the trip and take it all in.

Here are a few pictures. I would definitely recommend both St. John and babymooning.

The first day we just laid on the beach and read. And had fun drinks brought to us. Mine, while missing the alcohol, were still delicious.

The second day we rented a jeep and toured the island. Despite being a U.S. territory, everyone drives on the left (a hangover from the Danes). I only freaked out the one time we were going up a crazy steep hill and in trying to turn we instead slipped backwards and into the shoulder that consisted of forest. Turns out road maintenance may not be a priority on St. John. We continued on, in 4WD, and ended up having a lovely day.

Most of St. John is actually national park, thanks to a very rich Rockefeller who bought up all the land and donated it. On our third day we decided to do some hiking. This picture was taken about two minutes before I realized that hiking while five months pregnant is actually much more difficult than anticipated.

Our dinner the last night was at a delicious Italian restaurant that had a scenic view looking towards St. Thomas. We had an amazing sunset dinner and topped it off with molten chocolate cake for dessert. Mmmm.

Difficulties

I know I have no right to complain but it really is a shock to the system to go from laying on the beach one day in beautiful paradise to shoveling four inches of snow the next.

More on our trip soon.

How To Gain Weight

Last week we had our 20 week check-up at the doctor. All is good with the baby. Cute as ever and three days ahead of schedule in terms of growth. All the vital organs were checked out and spine and appendages too, and everything seems to be proceeding very nicely.

However, my doctor claims I have only gained one pound during the pregnancy. I contend otherwise but figure a fight with the lady who will be delivering our child may not be the wisest decision. So, the average at this point is 11 pounds. She is not really concerned yet since the baby is right on track with growth and the fundus is where it should be (don't know what a fundus is, no worries, you probably don't have one). 

But I left the office with the distinct impression that I have got to do some serious work and gain some weight by the end of the month for my next appointment. So, of course I went home and had a huge bowl of ice cream followed up by a s'more. However, I'm not sure that will be the healthiest way to put on weight. Anyone have ideas of how to put on the pounds smartly? 

******

Completely aside, it is 65 degrees outside and thundering. And it's January 7th. That's just not normal.

A Quote to Close off 2007

And then my dear husband said to me:

"Can you let him [the dog] in? I gotta go check on the time machine."

MAJOR kudos if anyone actually knows what he was talking about.

Road Trip

We're off to Minneapolis for the holidays. Essentials for the car trip include:

1.  Snacks, first and foremost.

Top of the list would be the over-sized Reese's peanut butter cup in the shape of Santa that I gave to Drew. Surely that will give us energy late in the evening.

On the more healthy side, I plan on making and packing "ants on a log". Please tell me you know what these are. Drew did not, so I worry a bit about you Nebraskans.

Perhaps some pretzels or the pears I got in the mail from Harry and David. I don't know what those boys do to their pear groves (?) but damn they make some sweet sweet pears.

Lastly, I plan on giving in to my one real craving thus far in the pregnancy: French fries. From McDonald's. Fast food is rare occurrence in my life, usually the only time I allow it is on road trips (I won't mention that one time on the way home from an ultrasound...), so luckily the stars are aligned and tonight there will be deliciousness.

2.  iPod

Music is a must. There are few things that will make the 6-7 hour drive home tolerable, but having some kick-ass, sing-along-able music is a must. Music choices that have worked well in the past included the soundtracks to Moulin Rouge and Spring Awakening, Queen, Indigo Girls and Cake.

Drew also asked me to investigate audiobooks on iTunes. I'm not convinced that will keep the blood flowing as well as music, but if any of you have suggestions for a good, captivating book (preferably novel) in the next few hours, let me know.

3.  IPass

Drew gave me one for my birthday and I have yet to try it out. But I can't express how excited I am to not have to stop at the tollbooths and feel like a complete loser when my dog barks and scares the heck out of the poor, unsuspecting tollbooth worker.

Plus, no need to scrounge up quarters.

4.  Cooler

You may think this will be packed full of the delicious snacks mentioned above. But you'd be mistaken. On the way to the Land of Lakes, it will be filled with presents. But more importantly, on the way back, it will be packed with delicious consumables that are only found in the North Star State (or so I claim). I know this is completely ridiculous, but my need for meatloaf from Ingebretsen's, white kernel popcorn, and Simek's lasagna and meatballs overrides any embarrassment I might feel.

Did I miss anything?