Le Babymoon

After Bali, Anthony and I had grandiose plans to go to Italy for a couple of weeks before settling down to start a family.  We happily put those plans aside when we discovered we were expecting, but we both (mostly me) were still itching to go somewhere together before life would forever be changed for us.  We also vowed to each other that, no matter what, every year we would go away together, just the two of us, even if just for a few days.

It all seemed to add up to a perfect time to venture overseas to Paris for what would become our last big trip as a twosome: an excellent flight voucher opportunity, off-season perks, the "calm before the storm" at Anthony's new job, and coincidentally, Valentine's Day week!  I always dreamed of going to Paris with the love of my life, but what an added bonus to get to travel there with my TWO great loves!  And so, Paris became the obvious choice for our "Babymoon".  Oui!!!



Our first sighting of the Eiffel Tower!



Our last V-day dinner as a twosome!

The "bump" seemed to protrude even more during this trip.  Maybe it was the delicious crepes, pastries, and all of the French bread with fresh apricot spread (yummy!) that Mama was consuming this week! Nevertheless, I came to the realization that I finally need to break down and purchase some actual maternity pants (and to Anthony's dismay, some Granny panties too!). 

Getting ready to leave for Paris!  (16 wks)

16 wk profile shot

  

    

Valentine's Day 2012 - @ 16.5 wks

  

Aside from this revelation, I had other ones while on this trip.  For one, being noticeably preggers has its advantages!  On numerous occasions, kind women volunteered their positions in line in public bathrooms to me, insisting that I go ahead of them and pointing to my belly saying, in whatever language they spoke, "baby" (I think).

I also realized that I already am prone to wanting to spoil our little one, clearly opting to shop for baby items over checking out the acclaimed fashions and other Parisian souvenirs.     

While in the famous Shakespeare and Co. bookstore,
we picked up some new additions for Baby M's book collection. 



And we just couldn't resist these cute little things!

We hit all the "must-sees" in the city with Baby M in tow, including the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, Notre Dame, etc. and probably stopped at a dozen or so cafes in between! 

Inside the Louvre

 

Outside the Louvre

  

Outside Notre Dame

While inside Notre Dame, we said some prayers for family and friends plus some special ones for Baby M, including a little dedication to our little one in the guest book...

   

 

I thought for sure with all of the activity on this trip that I was going to feel my first movement or fluttering of the baby, but I can't say for sure that I did yet.  Or perhaps I may have, but wrote it off as just gas or something.  One distinct 2nd trimester characterstic that I did experience was crazy dreams!  I usually have some more memorable dreams when I sleep somewhere different for the first time, but these dreams were more vivid than usual, were an every night occurance, and strongly eluded to the idea that we were having a little boy!  I guess we will find out if those dreams were right on March 12th, which is when our big "gender determination" ultrasound is scheduled for (and coincidentally also my birthday--what a great gift to look forward to!).  We can't wait to find out!

Love,

Ulana & Anthony