Happy Weekend

Jared and I drove up to Miami last weekend for what was supposed to be dinner and a show. Somehow, neither worked out. The restaurant that we we went to was moving at a snail's pace so we had to cancel our order to make it to the show on time.  The show we went to see was very, very loud. So loud that I could feel our little dove jump each time the base would boom. So, we left. I'm sure she would have been just fine, but sitting in the nose-bleed section of an arena, passing worrisome glances at one-another, we decided it would be best to just leave. I was pretty bummed out at first, but in the end, a series of unfortunate events didn't stop us from enjoying our time together. Plus, we got to see my brother for a little while, which was great.

We woke up at 4:30 on Sunday morning and I drove Jared to the airport for his annual ski trip. It's not so easy saying goodbye these days. Not for either of us. It seems our little bird has made our time together more precious and sweet. 

Later, I drove up to Ft. Lauderdale for my very dear friend, Rachael's baby shower. We've known each other for almost 10 years now, have been in each other's weddings and now, I couldn't be more excited that we are pregnant at the same time. 

After the shower, a very tired little mamma made the long drive home. Driving for any stretch of time is a little more challenging these days, thanks to my poor, squished bladder. But it's a very pretty drive, with the Gulf on one side and the Atlantic Ocean on the other. I listened to the playlist I made for our little bean. I think she likes it! I also made some phone calls to  family and friends along the way. 


Knowing that I would be tired from the weekend and the drive, I took Monday off, which was perfect! I slept in a little and put the bedding on our sweet pea's crib! How adorable does it look!

Jared asked me to take a picture of the bump each day that he was gone. I have to mention that these pictures were taken at or before 6:30  in the morning (except the first one), and it shows in my tired eyes! But anyway, here they are. This is me at 29 weeks! 

By Friday, I was feeling stretched thin. Work is busy and demanding. Lately I have been feeling less and less invested in what I do. My head isn't in the game at all anymore. Truth be told, I've lost my passion for teaching. I imagine that for many pregnant women, this is pretty normal, but still, I don't like feeling this way.  I've always worked hard and given my best to my job. At the same time, I have neither the energy or intention to give any more than I'm giving or to take any amount of time away from these last precious weeks with Jared before our sweet girl is in my arms. 
When I got home on Friday, I spent some much needed time off my feet on the patio. Reading my pregnancy book, drinking juice, eating dried apricots and admiring the way the sun sent beams of light through the palm tree my mom bought us when we moved in to our home. 

 

And as for today, I slept in then started my day with a long bike ride. I love my bike rides here. The roads are lined with red and black mangrove trees, Australian Pines, Buttonwoods, saw grass, and weather-worn branches that always make me smile. 

These signs are posted all over the Key. This one has been adorned with a lovely butterfly and cross. I smile every time I pass it. I'm not all smiles when I pass under this Osprey nest though. That mamma Osprey stares me down every time. 

Of course, I stopped at my park and took some pictures. 

I love those little butterflies. They're the palest shade of yellow and so delicate looking. 

After my ride, I drove to Salvation Army and the Habitat for Humanity store, looking for some furniture my mom and I can restore when she comes down for spring break. No luck though. The rest of the day was spent being lazy, laying in bed, taking pictures and feeding the fish. 

I hope you're having a good weekend. Jared gets home tomorrow and I can't wait to see him. He'll kiss me, kiss my belly and then we'll begin a new week together. Week 30! 

American Shoal

Yesterday, Jared and I went to a place called American Shoal. It's a part of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. Jared has been a couple of times before and has told me all about how beautiful it is. I've been wanting to go so badly, but the open water can be pretty rough here in the winter, so I've reluctantly had to stay back. Finally, we had a calm day yesterday. There was barely any wind and we jumped on the opportunity to go out there. It's about 6 miles south of where we live and it's just amazing. The water is crystal clear and you can see straight down to the bottom, which is about 15 -20 feet down. Just before anchoring, we saw two Nurse sharks swimming along. That may deter some, but we were ready to get in. I haven't been able to do much snorkeling and know that it may be a while before I can go again, so it was going to take more than a nurse shark to keep me out! 

I have to preface by saying that these pictures truly do not do the reef justice.  To be in the water was just incredible. There are so many types of fish down there and they're all so colorful and lovely. 

In between dives, we got out for some water and a snack. A family of dolphins swam by which absolutely made my day. There were about ten of them and they got so close to our boat. I didn't have my camera handy, so this is the only shot I could get :(

During our second dive, I spotted a nice sized hogfish. For any of you who haven't tasted hogfish, you're in for a treat if you ever visit the Keys, because it's the best fish you'll ever eat! Anyhow, seeing this fish brought about the hunter in Jared, so we swam back to the boat. I stayed (no need to be in the water at this point) and he got his spear gun ready and went back in. 

While my Key West Man was out catching dinner, I took the opportunity to take some pictures of the bump. This is me (us) at 27 weeks, and the very last day of my second trimester.

About a half hour later, Jared came back with this hogfish. I wasn't too keen on seeing it on the spear, but I snapped a quick pic anyway. Then we headed home.

Later that night, we put together our little dove's crib. When I say we, I really mean Jared put it together. I like to think I was there for moral support though. 

Right now, her room is mainly empty. There is a small pile of clothes that my best friend, Angela sent me and some more clothes and blankets from the baby shower. I ordered curtains and a rug and they're in there as well as the beautiful bedding. I can't wait to fill her room with beautiful things- books, blankets, and other treasures that will make it just perfect. 

Today marks 28 weeks. It is the first day of the third trimester. I can't believe it. I've got lots of new thoughts running through my mind now. More on that later though. For now, I'm going to go snuggle on the couch and enjoy these last few hours before falling asleep and waking up to a new week.