Thursday, February 21, 2013

Come Away With Me



 
"Come Away With Me" - Norah Jones
 
 
 
 Last weekend, we took a break.  From all the cleaning.  Nesting.  Fixin' things up. 
Putting things together.
 
And we relaxed.
And we ate.  Oh, did we eat.
 
For once, it didn't take a lot of coaxing for Steve to get me to step away from the Lysol and disinfectant wipes (I've become obsessed with them over the past month).
All he had to do was ask me out for a Mexican dinner date and I put down the sponges, spray bottles (and those amazing wipes) and hopped in the shower right away.
 
Saturday night, Steve earned himself the name of "pregnant man." 
He ordered two meals at dinner.  The burritos weren't enough.  He needed a second plate of chimichangas (I honestly don't know if that's what the second plate was...I forget).
 
 
 
I bet him he wouldn't be able to finish it all.  And I won.  He couldn't even finish his chimichangas (whatever they were).
And ahh, my mole enchiladas.  I had been majorly craving them.  But I couldn't finish
my plate either.
 
 
 
 
So Sunday morning, we continued the relaxing and ate our leftovers in bed.  Steve brought up two trays with our feasts from the night before.  And we watched "Despicable Me."  I always cry when Gru reads the girls that kitten book.  Not just because I'm a sucker for kittens.  Because I'm a sucker for the sweet relationship that begins to truly develop between the girls and Gru during that scene.
I sat, blubbering into my last enchilada 
about how if that was a real book, I'd read it to baby girl every single day.
 
 
I love when they drink the milk.  We may have rewinded this scene a few times.
  Yes, I know, I'm crazy.
 
 
We stayed in bed until mid-afternoon watching t.v.
I was happy I didn't feel the urge to break out those lovely wipes or furiously scrub anything.
  I just wanted to savor those moments with Steve. 
 
And the next few days too.
 
 
Monday, we woke up and headed for a little getaway - a pre-baby vacation.
 
We stopped at Wawa, grabbed a couple of bagels and coffee (and gummi bears - a roadtrip essential) and were off to Maryland. We tossed around a few different ideas as to where our destination should be.  I really didn't have a preference whatsoever.  I just wanted to relax.  And that's so not like me.  I usually get extremely bored with "just relaxing" on vacation. 
I think being 35+ weeks pregnant had something to do with my change of opinion.
But not just because I'm getting bigger by the day, because I wanted to spend quality time with Steve...not feeling like we have to see this and do that and go here and go there every minute of the day.  I just wanted to wing it.  I told the Mr. to choose.
 
 
 
 
He went with Annapolis, MD.  And we quickly discovered that it was the perfect choice.
 
 Our first day there was just the right mix of seeing
and doing absolutely nothing.
The weather was pleasantly warm and perfect for taking in the the city.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The streets were filled with tons of unique shops and restaurants.
 
 
 
 
 
I totally meant to go back and get one (or 13) of these.  Now I'm really wishing I did.
 
 
 
 
 I told Steve to pick our first food destination.  We were starving.  We were starving during the whole trip, pretty much.  But I think it was more that the food was just so stinkin' good.  It always left you wanting more.
 
 
 
 
The best damn crab dip we've ever had.  And they gave us each a loaf of bread - awesome!
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Afterwards, we took a drive.  The sunset was gorgeous; a mix of fire orange and hot pink.
 
 
 
 
 
We went back to our hotel room.
I always love scoping out the room service menu.
Food excites me, people.
 
 
 
 
Steve placed the order and I laid in the tub for a good 45 minutes. 
 
 
 
 
A classy dinner of chicken fingers and fries.  That would be a big bowl of honey mustard sitting next to my plate.  Steve has learned that condiments (or should I say, forgetting to ask for condiments) can make Maria a little nuts.  He won extra points with that bowl, right there. 
 
A few chicken fingers (and hours of channel surfing) later and we were snoozin'.
 
 
Ahh, what do you know, more food!!
 
Friends recommended this restaurant to us earlier Tuesday morning.  There was no doubt we had to go once we found out it was one we saw featured on "Man vs. Food."
 
 
 
 
 
 
 We didn't even try to give their famous "Colossal Challege" a whirl.  I don't think a 6 pound milkshake paired with a
1 pound burger would have made mama (or baby) feel too hot.
 
 
 
 
But we did have room for a chocolate chip cookie dough milkshake.
It was so good.  And ya know, it helped balance out my veggie omelet.
 
 
 
 
 
 
Afterwards, we stopped at the casino nearby.  I was so happy it was non-smoking.
 
 
 
 
And so happy when I saw they had one of Mr's favorite games - "Deal or No Deal."
 
He shoulda chose DEAL!
 
 
I found this penny slot and pressed my luck for a good half an hour.  Those puppies were lucky little pups.  If it were called "Kitten Stampede," I bet I would have been even luckier.
 
I think Steve said "Come on, puppy stampede.  Gimme a puppy stampede!" about 378 times.
 
 
35 week bump shots...
 
 
 
 
 
This picture cracks me up.  After my fifth bubble bath of the trip, I begged Steve to massage my feet.  I've mentioned before that Steve is horrible in the massage department.  He knows he is and I've told him since day one.  Well actually, the first time, many years ago, he caught me whispering to Jessica about his wimpy and pathetic massages. 
 
But Tuesday night, Steve earned some more points  He made my big, fat, achin' dogs feel like
big, fat, happy dogs.   And I even gave myself a pedicure - for the first time since late summer - Ewww)!  That was a Kodak moment.  I could barely reach them...sitting on the floor, huffing and puffing with my bath towel half falling off of me.  Grunting with each reach to every piggie.
  I had to call Steve to help me up.  We were cracking up.
 
 
 
 
More bumps...
 
I found this dress during one of my nesting frenzies.  It
 was in a bag with the tags still on it.  And from a good two years ago from a shopping trip with Kelly.  It's not maternity.  But I decided I'd have some fun and squeeze baby and I into it.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Our last night was a good one.  We found a window seat at a restaurant close by.  I ordered a giant "crab pretzel" and cranberry and club soda.  Requested music, and smiled when the guy playing that night knew "our" songs.  We talked about old times and funny memories.  We talked about the good stuff.  The happy stuff.  The amazing stuff that has come from the sometimes what was sad and scary stuff.  We talked about us. 
We talked about our soon-to-be new family. 
It was one of those nights we'll always remember.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
On our last day, we woke up early and enjoyed the late checkout time...relaxing in bed with coffee, the news and game shows we've never heard of.
 
 
 
 
 
Our last food destination...
It was a sweet one.
 
 
 
 Mocha cream stuffed french toast
 
 
 
 And coconut cream cheese stuffed french toast
 
 
 
 Impossible to finish even half. 
I had it for breakfast again today (I mean, yesterday...it's late...you know the deal with me and my "night" posts).
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Home sweet home...
 
 
 
There was a package waiting at our door when we returned home.
It was addressed to Steve.  But with a silly expression on his face, he asked me to open it.
 
The note attached said to "read before opening"...
 
I was a bit confused.  Okay, completely confused at what his letter meant.
 
 
 
But then I opened the package.
And I cried so very hard.
 
 
 
 
I had no idea there was a real "Sleepy Kittens" book.
  I had no idea that Steve was not looking at ESPN on his phone whenever he ordered the book on that relaxing Sunday.
 
It was the perfect ending to our trip.
 
I can't wait to read it to baby girl. 
 
And I can't wait to watch our daughter with the amazing man
 I spent the past 5 uninterrupted days with.
 
<3<3<3
 
 
 Have a wonderful day, everyone.
 
I will be back at the end of the weekend or beginning of week with the rocking chair post.
 
 
 
 
So Much Lovin',


35 comments:

Irfan said...

so much fun out there...
http://fashionwithfitness.blogspot.com/

Faith said...

Omg! I got goosebumps that he got you the book! That is the sweetest thing ever!

I love how you just picked a place to travel the day of! I need to be like that. It's amazing what can happen when you put down cleaning supplies ;).

Your pictures are gorgeous! The food looks delicious! I feel like I was there!

Glad you both had such an amazing time!

Jen said...

As soon as I read the first bit of the post I KNEW that book had to exist... and if it did that Steve would find it : )

Rachel said...

That's awesome! I'm so happy you guys got a chance to get away and enjoy each other. In a few weeks life is going to change and you will be in full baby mood. Steve is so awesome getting you that book! Big hugs!

Janet Off Kilter said...

Looks like you guys had an amazing weekend. The pictures are fantastic, you look amazing...thank you for sharing and bringing a smile to my face on what's been a really, really tough week!

Tracy said...

Hi! I found your blog through my SIL, "JP". You have a very sweet husband to find you that cute kitty book. Congratulations on your exciting new adventure with baby girl!

JP said...

Hey that's my SIL posting up there!
Oh my, what a sweetie Steve is. The rest of the post was great, and the food looked amazing, but I don't really remember much after seeing the book. What. A. Thoughtful. Guy!
Have a great weekend!
JP

Jamie said...

That casino is literally 5 minutes from my house! I swear.

Katharine (LauraKat81) said...

Love that he bought you the book!

And HOLY MOLY!!! Your posts always make soooo hungry! ;)

Unknown said...

Ohhhhhh.....i just cried when I saw the picture of the book!!!! What a great man Steve is!!!! Y'all are going to be phenomenal parents! Much love, Maria!! Xoxo

Unknown said...

Hi Maria,
My spirit was quite low this morning but your wonderful post has lifted it so much! Beautiful pictures. I am happy that you and Steve got a chance to have a vacation for some days and had a great time. The food looks oh so yummy! That sleepy kittens book is so cute! It is lovely that Steve gave you such a special surprise! Take good care and I wish you, Steve and Beano an enjoyable weekend. Lots of Love, Friendship and Best Wishes always.
Judy

Moosey Mommy said...

I love how excited you get about food. I am the exact same way!! I'll even look up restaurants and menus before we leave for a trip! lol That is so precious that Steve got you the kitten book. It made me tear up. Everything seems to be making me cry lately. Something about being a mommy just makes me so much more emotional. Anyway, have a good weekend!

Brittany said...

Oh.my.GOSH. That food all looks to die for!! Those first enchiladas...the milkshakes...it all looks amazing! I love how much you enjoy grubbin' :) how do you manage to eat such yummy things and still stay so thin?! I'm glad you're feeding baby girl lots of yummy treats! She's gonna come out so happy and healthy and ready to meet the momma that's been treating her to such delicious things :).

What a fun get-a-way! I've always heard "babymoons" are a great thing to take right before baby...and it's definitely good to take a little break from nesting. All the pictures look so beautiful!

Hope all 3 of you have a wonderful weekend, Maria! Rest up, pretty momma!! The next few weeks I'm going to be stalking you like crazy.....pretty sure I'll be a crying WRECK the day I see you welcomed your sweet baby girl! Ahhhhh it's SO close! I know y'all are beyond excited!

mail4rosey said...

You always write up the best posts! I love this, and your husband sounds amazing, and you do too, and as always you look TERRIFIC! :)

Happy weekend to you. Not that I have to say that... it sounds like you're a-ok over there. ;) :)

Angela said...

How fun! Great pics and holy smokes you are the most beautiful preggo ever <3 I love the one of you laying on your side...all belly, girl! I can't belive how close you are to having your baby girl in your arms!!

Kara and Mary said...

Best husband EVER!! You have a keeper with that one. I also love that you must get gummi bears on a road trip. Us too ... It is a staple. I'm glad you guys got to get away. I'm sure it will hold many memories once baby girl arrives. It's getting so, so close. Enjoy your weekend.

Anonymous said...

I hope someday I get to see a movie of you and steve. The two of you just make my heart melt with how you shower each other with love. The two of you should be spokespersons for a diamond jewelry store on valentines day. = )

Hugs my friend.

Irish

Hi, I'm Aleisha! said...

This post was so beautiful. To have it begin and end with the kitty book was perfection! That Mr. is a dreamboat. His gift gave me chills! It made me cry. It seems that is all I'm doing lately when I read your blog...crying! HA HA! I guess it's because I miss you so much, and love you so much, and am so happy you are having a baby. 35 weeks! You are nearing the end!! You look amazing, as always. I love you, Tacohead!

Tami said...

Perfect trip! Looks like the whether cooperated, even if it was a bit nippy. You my dear friend are looking gorgeous as ever! I loved how you posted more food pictures than anything! LOL
Have a great upcoming week!
xoxo

Jenny said...

Awe, that looks like a wonderful trip. I can't believe you don't have much longer to go now. You look great! Take care~

Savard Studios said...

What an awesome trip! Soooo much food! But you are eating for 2 right? Your baby will be here before you know it.
I'm your newest follower from the Sunday Social.
Sandy
www.savardstudios.blogspot.com

Unknown said...

Looks like you have a great time, love the story and the pictures.
New follower from My turn for Us.
Would love for you to follow me back at http://www.memoriesbythemile.com/

Wanda Ann @ Memories by the Mile

Unknown said...

It looks like you had an awesome break! Loved the pics and your blog. Your newest GFC follower from Let's Get Social Sunday! :)

Kathy
www.lifeonlakeshoredrive.com

Anonymous said...

You guys are adorable! Hi! I found you on Sunday Social and love your blog. I am your newest follower and was hoping that you'd pop on by my neck o' the woods, stay a while, and follow back!

Have a great day,
Sarah
www.enjoyingtheepiphany.com

Heidi's Wanderings said...

It sounds like an awesome weekend. And I love that movie Dispicble Me. When that little girl see that stuffed unicorn and yells it's so fluffy. I laugh every time.

http://heidiswanderings.blogspot.com/

waitingforarainbow said...

I have watched that movie so many times, and also wished that was a real book! MARIA! YOU HAVE THE MOST ADORABLE HUSBAND IN THE ENTIRE WORLD! He's pretty sweet for making you step away from the cleaner, and taking you out for some Mexican food too. Such a thoughtful guy.
Glad you guys got away, and had never ending feasts, and baths. I love your randomness... it seems to take you on all kinds of fun adventures.
Baby girl has some wonderful parents. You "both" look fantastic in that non maternity dress by the way :)

Anonymous said...

There is a beautiful calm that has come over you over the months. As well as, an iron stomach. HOW ON EARTH do you eat the foods you eat so far along. If I looked at toast, heartburn. Banana, heartburn.. oh gosh I had it bad. You both look very good & very happy!!

Pics.. nursery??? Rocking chair?? I'm dying to see how you doll up your baby's room!
Huggers to you both and continued stress free pregnancy!! I pray this for you.
Tammy

Miki said...

Awe, what a nice getaway, Maria! I'm glad you had a wonderful time and so much yummy food, haha! I'm craving everything I've just seen :p.

And how sweet of Steve to get the Sleepy Kittens book! :D

Have a great week, sweet Maria!

Heather said...

1) I, too, LOVE Lysol wipes. Best thing ever.

2) What a nice get away! Lots of eating and relaxing... sounds perfect to me!

3) So incredibly sweet that he found and ordered that book. Way to go Steve!

Hugs and prayers!

~Heather

Alex[andra] said...

I love that you start your posts with a link to a Youtube video! I start all mine with lyrics (or a nice quote). Definitely following you!

Congrats on the pregnancy, btw. :)

xoxo Alex[andra]
letlifebelikemusic.blogspot.ca

Heather Nelsen said...

I. Adore. Y'all. And I need to stop reading your blog before dinner- it's makes deciding what to make SO much harder! ;) i love your spontaneity for your last little baby-moon! What a great getaway for you guys. The perfect amount bubble baths, food, and sight seeing. ;) So glad you guys had a great weekend!!

~Heather

Jessica White said...

So glad you guys had such a wonderful time away together! That's a good man you've got there.

Ashley said...

So, right now I am eating a spinach salad and wishing I had those plates of french toast. I am not generally a french toast fan but those look and sound amazing! Yeah for a babymoon and getting some quality time in; that is so important!!

I totally know what you mean about condiments. I can not eat things without something to dip in and it better be a lot, not those whimpy little ketchup packets! :)

How sweet is Steve that he ordered that book?! What a thoughtful guy.

Can't believe you are sooo close!! Yeah!!

Rachel Marie said...

Such a fantastic trip you too had :) And was that a forest made of jelly beans I saw up there?! Ugh seriously, give me some of that!!!! And for real ... the book he got you to read baby girl?! Sweetest gift ever. You have a real good man girl, and baby girl is gonna have the best daddy ever. I'm so happy things are all falling into place for the both of you. Hope you and Steve have a great Wednesday. Hugs.

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