Puerto Vallarta, Me-hee-co

Brian and I got back last night from 5 days in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. We had beautiful weather throughout, 80 degrees and sunny, and stayed at a really nice hotel, Casa Magna, on the beach in a marina community just north of town which we would definitely recommend if you are ever planning a trip to the area. We spent most of our time lounging by the pool and on the beach, reading and relaxing, and taking advantage of the amazing hotel spa. Brian even joined me in a yoga class. We went out to some excellent dinners in and around Puerto Vallarta town including La Palapa - a whole open restaurant with tables on the beach that served excellent scallops, in the older area of town known as the 'romantic zone' that had some cute cobblestone streets and shops with Mexican crafts where we bought a couple things for our new apartment. There are live bands every night in town, and gigantic sand sculptures that attract the crowds along the boardwalk where the waves craves against the stone wall.

Puerto Vallarta certainly revolves around beach life and many of the shops cater to tourists while mega hotels line the beaches and try to out do each other with elaborate pools and gardens and lots of palm trees lining the beach front. We took a trip to Nuevo Vallarta, about a 20 minute drive north to see the area there which is less developed and includes many all-inclusive resorts. Baby was thankfully well behaved throughout - probabaly wondering why she felt so light floating in a pool but the relief for me was great (7 months and counting!!) . We made it back late last night to JFK only to discover that Brian's suitcase never made it. An unfortunate hiccup to an otherwise perfect vacation.

Growing and waiting...

May is ticking right along despite the weather refusing to let go of the cold. Next week we leave for Puerto Vallarta, Mexico for 5 days of rest and relaxation in the sun and on the beach and I'll get to try out my maternity tankini swimsuit. It's been a-while since we've gone on vacation, and we're both feeling a little bit beat and very ready for one. Brian is more settled at his job now and it will likely be our last vacation as a couple without junior in tow, well at least she's still extremely portable. Our next trips will likely require more 'stuff' for baby Maya.

The belly continues to grow and has settled on a very round basketball shape and size. Overall I'm feeling really good at 6 months. We're in week 25 (rutabaga week) and 30 weeks feels right around the corner. This weekend I had my first baby shower with grad school friends from Duke in DC, which was a lot of fun. Maya's wardrobe already looks better outfitted than my maternity one, complete with terry cloth bathrobe for lounging, caps and gowns and matching booties, coordinated towel and wash cloth sets and a onesie that reads "tiny democrat". Having the international do-gooder friends that I do, gifts were also delivered from Bangladesh from Ann who is in the foreign service and Loren from her trip to Tanzania. Won't find that at babies r us. It was a great weekend trip and I made it back in time on Sunday to attend our Bradley childbirth class which we have been doing for the past few weeks and we're both enjoying, perhaps more than we thought. All to get ready for D-day.

Still no word on whether we'll be in our apartment by then. The latest from our developer was that we'll have a July move in date, but we're becoming accustomed to being lied to. Still - the building looks good, lobby is done and apartment units on
the 4th floor are finished so one would assume the 5th floor (our floor) isn't far behind. The hallways are still a mess and I have no desire to move into a partially completed building with infant and dogs in tow. We shall see...

Babies everywhere! Liam is here!

Roshni had a healthy baby boy on Friday, Liam Thomas Guerry weighing in at 6 lbs 14 oz... he didn't want to come out and took his time making his way into the world,but alas he arrived long and lean. I think this is the first time Joel has been documented smiling for a picture. Happy daddy. Mom and baby are home and doing well, albeit a little sleep deprived but happy to have their little guy home. Congratulations you two! Can't wait to meet him.