Pregnancy + Relaxing Vacation = Perfect Combination

We returned this week from the most wonderful trip I have ever taken! Our goal was not to plan to do too much so that we could focus on relaxing in the sun. We definitely accomplished that, but at the same time never found ourselves bored. We spent time by the pool (where I got sunburned like you would not believe...which was not part of the plan) enjoying some fruity drinks, all virgin for me of course. We took an entire day to hang out on the beach, where I hid under a cabana to tend to my horrible burn. Matt enjoyed the ocean though and did a lot of swimming. Speaking of swimming, that is the most wonderful cure for an aching pregnant body...someone should really spread that around. I felt fantastic in the pool!

We also did a day at the spa and had some very romantic meals. I felt so fortunate that we were able to take the time to spend together as I see that being hard to come by next year :) There was a lot of walking, especially on the shopping days which was not easy in the heat and the sun. As a result, I experienced my first contractions. Not exactly what I would call fun, and everything that I've read about Braxton-Hicks that say they are usually painless or cause mild discomfort, is complete crap in my case! I only had two and they were at opposite ends of the day but man did they hurt! I would imagine that they resulted from a lack of hydration (I know, not the brightest on my part) but once I got some fluids, I felt much better and am happy to report I have not felt a single one since. Our little bun has also remained extremely active which is a huge comfort to me (even though she enjoys keeping me awake at all hours with her break-dancing on my bladder).

All in all it was a fantastic trip and I would go again anytime! Matthew and I had a ton of fun though we are so ready to continue our baby prep. I will be starting prenatal yoga in the coming weeks and we have another doctor appointment next week. We will also be signing up for baby-prep classes soon which is all very exciting! Time is flying by!

Our Babymoon

Matthew and I will be headed out on our "babymoon" which will also serve as a second honeymoon for us. We are going to Maui for a week since it will probably be our last chance for a vacation for a VERY long time. I am so looking forward to spending seven days doing nothing but laying on a beach and catching some rays. Neither of us has ever been to Hawaii and it will be an excellent way to spend our 1st wedding anniversary. I honestly could not ask for a better husband!

On the baby front, I am growing bigger everyday, but have continued to carry very low... my mom and I have joked that the baby won't have far to go to come out because she is already sitting on my pelvis. She is moving all the time, particularly at night when I'm trying to sleep, of course. I love every minute of it though. It's also fun to see what makes her more active, ice cream seems to be a favorite...she is definitely taking after me :) I am incredibly entertained watching my belly move with her. Her movements are really packing a punch now, even Matt was surprised at the strength behind her kicks, he's convinced she will be a star kickball player!

Here's hoping we have nothing but a relaxing trip! ~Aloha~

Survey Says....It's a GIRL! Oh yeah, so do the experts...

Here we are at 20 weeks, the half-way point and we are more excited than ever! Yesterday we went in for our second ultrasound and learned that we are indeed having a girl, however, this information did not come easily.

Upon arrival at the ultrasound office, my bladder extremely full, therefore making me EXTREMELY uncomfortable, we checked in and were told that we did not have an appointment. I knew this had to be a mistake because my doctor's office had made the appointment and I was holding the appointment sheet in my hand at the time. After some digging we learned that my doctor's office never faxed the order for the ultrasound to their office. I was not happy to say the least, not only because I was standing around with my legs crossed trying not to let on that I may not make it through the conversation, but also because I had been looking forward to the appointment for a month and the chance to find out the gender of our baby! Luckily and due to some very helpful people in their office, they were able to squeeze us in, yay!

Thinking it would be smooth sailing from that point, enter our stubborn child...From the very first image that came up I could tell this would be no easy task, she was standing on her head and facing towards me, not exactly an ideal position for finding out gender, let alone looking at much else. However, I was able to do some bouncing around on the table and they brought in an ultrasound tech and a radiologist and with the three of us working very hard, we were able to look at every part of our little one and see that she is growing and functioning normally. They also were able to determine that she is in fact a girl, let's just hope their judgement is accurate as I already ran out to buy some cute girlie stuff :) All in all, it was a wonderful experience and we are sooo thrilled to be having a daughter. I am so very excited!