Travels with Jeff and Brandi

Click here to view these pictures larger

The "I Need a Vacation" Blues

Jeff and I are still a bit giddy over our recent accomplishment of seeing all 50 states. I guess "seeing" all 50 states isn't enough to describe it, really. We didn't just "see" every state; we went out of our way to venture to every state. Most of the travels came easily, but let's face it: Kansas is not in the most direct path between Texas and Massachusetts. And those bridges in Madison County, Iowa: not exactly on I35.

Okay, and there was that time we crossed the border into Alabama to eat lunch at a Captain D's, partly because Jeff had never been to Alabama, but also partly because Jeff was really nostalgic for the trips he used to take to Captain D's with his family in San Angelo and partly because it was lunch and we were hungry (And we did make an effort to see more of Alabama on our next trip east, so I really should be able to let go of the guilt. Ha!). Short little ventures aside, we really did make a planned excursion into each of the states.

I'm not sure we actually have bragging rights to seeing all 50 states, though. Lots of people do it. But for me it started with a long-shot dream in college, and it's taken some actual effort. I'm so fortunate that Jeff has been willing to play along, and we're both excited that we've been able to accomplish this goal together.

But there was something very bitter-sweet for me about crossing the "finish line" after our recent trip to Alaska. My first thought was, "Now what??" Well, duh. The end date for the 50-states goal for me has always been before I have children. And it's exciting that we succeeded in the nick of time, but now I must question whether our traveling days are numbered. THAT is very sad for me. I know people (mainly my cousin Gina) who have been to more countries than states.

Sure, it's very patriotic that we've been to all the states. But last year's trip to Europe (We had planned to see all 50 states and then go abroad, but opportunity presented itself. When in Rome, right? Well, we didn't make it to Rome, but we got pretty close!) meant we were just getting our feet wet. After faithfully seeing all 50 states we should be getting ready for that safari in Africa, right? Yes!

Until it dawned on me that we can't take an infant--or a toddler, or really even a preschooler for that matter--on a plane ride (or a safari) to Africa. Granbury, TX, maybe, but not Africa. Bummer! Jeff keeps saying we're not done traveling, and my mom has all but offered to pay for our first trip if she can have an entire week to babysit (Okay, not really, but I know she's very excited about the thought of being left in charge!). And Jeff's mom is so in love with her grandkids that I know we are in excellent hands either way we look at it. I'm not sure I'll be one of those moms who can leave her baby. Maybe I'll try it.

Then there's that other issue: money. The one part I won't miss about slowing our vacation schedule is the month after the trip when Jeff grumbles about all the unplanned incidentals that somehow made their way to the credit card and yells with such wrath that I'm convinced there will never be another trip (The best one so far: "Your trip to Europe was so expensive you could have paid for another degree." Ouch!).

But there always is another trip. Or at least there always has been. And don't get me wrong: I am very, very, very excited about our upcoming little arrival. He will be reason enough to consider slowing down. But even if we have the gumption to travel (time? money???), our life together will never be the same. Sure, it will be better, I know. And that makes me very happy.

I'm guessing it's normal at the start of the third trimester of pregnancy to start mourning the loss of things that may not ever be the same again. And as much as I rejoice each and every moment that Jeff and I have the opportunity to become parents, I can't help but say, in advance, that I need a vacation.

At least there's the chance to dream about the places we can go. And, thankfully, I know my mom has probably already started searching for trips to DisneyWorld. Hey! That's one place we haven't been. :)

Maternityland

I read somewhere that the pregnancy experience is, in some ways, meant to make the mother-to-be aware of some of the new feelings her newborn is likely to experience. I thought that was a little extreme. That is, until I started to experience my own pregnancy "side effects." Now that I think about it, it's probably true. Here's what I mean.

• Sleeping 8 full hours is going to have to wait a while. I got pregnant, and suddenly I'm sleeping for 2 hour stretches at a time.
• Eating a little bit every two hours really is the way to go. No matter how excited I get about a big, delicious meal, I take a few bites and I'm out of room.
• An attention span also takes time to develop. Reading past chapter 3? Forget it!
• Crying is easy. I do it everyday, it seems. When things don't go my way, usually. Sometimes when I'm hungry. (But also when I watch Tori and Dean: Home Sweet Hollywood, so I'm not completely sure about that theory.)
• Clothes should come in three-month sizes, since that's as long as it takes to grow out of them.
• Other people have to do the big jobs. I'm not sure if this one is really necessary, but I find myself trying to get poor Jeff to do all kinds of things for me. Fortunately, he's both an amazing husband and a good sport.
• Drinking milk is usually a forerunner for spitting up. I'm not even going to talk about it.
• All babies want their mommies. And this must be true for pregnant girls, too. I get so excited when my mom calls, and I miss her more than I usually do. Mo-mmyyyyy!!!

I wonder which ones I'm forgetting. I also wonder if anyone can add to the list. Let me know!!