Week 24: Last getaway as a party of five

By Published On: March 3rd, 2017

Aloha from Oahu! We decided this was the perfect time […]

beachfaceAloha from Oahu! We decided this was the perfect time to take a long-anticipated Hawaiian vacation, for a few reasons:

  1. My wonderful sister and her family live here, at least for another 18 months while they’re in school at BYU-Hawaii. We’re staying right down the road from them, and they’re showing us all the best places to eat, snorkel, paddleboard, etc.
  2. I’m at a healthy place in my pregnancy. The second trimester rocks!
  3. It will be much easier to travel now rather than after baby comes. I get tired just thinking about hauling around baby gear and flying seven hours with a crier. Plus, a newborn is not fun on the beach.
  4. We need a break from cold and snow! We literally left a snowstorm behind in SLC.

I mentioned to my husband that I’ve felt “less pregnant” since we arrived here in Hawaii. I think it’s the combination of ditching the bulky winter clothing and being distracted with fun things to do every day. Since I’ve stayed pretty active all along, it’s not a stretch to do some moderate hiking, walking and swimming. I tried paddleboarding for the first time but could not get the hang of it! I’d like to blame my poor balance on the belly, but I really think it’s just me. Although, in my own defense, I was battling wind and waves! I want to try again on calmer water.
Baby (the unborn one) seems to be enjoying the trip. I’ve relaxed my eating habits (like, a lot), and he gets super jumpy after I’ve had something sweet. Dole pineapple whip, for example, or mochi ice cream or chocolate-covered macadamias. It’s kind of funny to see how sugar makes my kids hyper and feel how it has the same effect on this new one in utero.
FullSizeRenderIt’s been fun spending time with my one-and-only sis, her husband, and my niece and nephew. My 3-year-old niece asked me about the baby in my tummy. She was a little disappointed to hear it was a boy (I hear ya), but she demanded to see him right away. I showed her my tummy and said, “See, he’s inside! He’s not ready to come out yet until he grows bigger.” She said in a matter-of-fact way, “Well, spit him out!” Hmm …
I’ve also appreciated having a great trip with just the three kids we have now. Every baby is a blessing, but to be honest, every baby is also a big adjustment! With kids ages 3, 6 and 9, we’re in a pretty good place. No stroller, everyone potty-trained … almost. We can rent a super fun Jeep with seats for five. Family life is easy currently, in a way that won’t last, so I’m trying to enjoy the now!