Cien

Well, this is my 100th post. I remember when I started this blog and I saw others talking about their 100th post and I was wondering where I would be when I got that far along. Well…here I am, almost 19th weeks pregnant and sitting in Zihuatanejo, where it all began.

And, by “it all began,” what I mean is, this is the place that we went for our honeymoon. This is the place we’ve gone for important events in our life. And, this is the place that we spent our LAST two week wait before finding out I was pregnant. So, technically, this is where our little guy implanted. Crazy.

Our trip has been great so far. We’re staying at a tiny hotel with a staff of about 8 people and they all know that I am pregnant, which is really cute. Our room is luxurious (a splurge for our last trip just the two of us for some time – not to mention great off-season rates!) and it is about pure relaxation. All I have done so far is swim, sunbathe, lay in the hammock, read, sleep, and eat.

We have met another couple staying at our hotel and have been spending a lot of time with them. It’s a bit eerie. They are about 15 years older than us and we keep joking that they are our “future selves.” They have two teenage boys, are here on their anniversary and have way too much in common with us. For example, she works in Special Education (to my child psychology), he owns his own business (like my husband), they were married 8 years before having kids (like us), and they met because she was dating his best friend (like us). Weird.

My husband keeps commenting that I’m different on this trip. I am trying to put my finger on what that means. I feel….quieter. More inwardly focused. I share less. I just…AM. He says he misses my energy and conversation and excitement. It’s weird to see how much pregnancy does to change you. Mind you, I’m not unhappy or sad. Just…quiet. Although, we joked that part of the problem is that everyone is drinking but me. And it’s really only half of a joke. Ha.

We’ve talked about trying to spend one month of my maternity leave here in this town. Renting a home, bringing the baby, and just enjoying our time with him (him!). I don’t know if it’s really feasible or not for my husband’s work or for the baby, but it is a nice dream. I picture family visiting us while we’re here, soaking in the tranquility, and just bonding with our son. I feel like part of me belongs here in Mexico. I just relax and feel comfortable here. I’ve been to other countries (and want to go to more!), but in other countries I feel like an outsider, like a traveler. Here I feel like I could live.

Amanda, from Poppies and Ice Cream, suggested that our baby may feel somehow connected to being here too, just from having been here in the womb. I love that idea. I want to raise children that are comfortable in other countries. But especially, that feel a connection to Mexico and are able to get by in Spanish. I love that idea.

Well, that’s all for now, I think. I am going to go back to the difficult world of relaxation when the hardest decision is when to order room service for lunch or whether to be in the pool or the hammock. We usually venture out at night (when it’s cooler) to go downtown and seek out dinner. Tomorrow we are going to go exploring local beaches and little towns. Wish me luck in this 90 degree heat plus humidity!!

I will leave you with some photos….

Yep, I did it, I posted a picture of pregnant-me-in-a-bikini on the Internet. Wow. Good thing my head is chopped off. Fun fact: A women in line at the airport asked me when I was due. First total stranger to ask :)

p.s. I am sorry I'm not posting on anyone's blogs. I will try to catch up when I get back! The internet is...well, we're in Mexico, so you can imagine. Thank you all for your comments on my last post about the gender-surprise-switch. Your comments all REALLY helped me. I am still processing it, but am feeling better am more connected now to the idea of my little boy.