Cancun Crapper - Pekema Projects on the Road

Before

On our Cancun babymoon, one of the two (?) toilet paper holders had some annoying, and sharp, little plastic bits on them.  I'm guessing they used to hold a metal plate that would hinge down over the TP.  After annoying me for the 300th time (remember we were in Mexico) I decided to fix it.

After

Babymoon in Cancun

Guess what I did this month? Turned 30! Yup, I'm officially an adult. I've looked forward to this day for a long time; hey maybe other adults will take me seriously?! (they shouldn't). Anyway, 30 feels amazing and I'm happy to be here. I am 23 weeks now (shout out to Jordan fans!) and Hope has somehow learned karate. Perhaps I watch too many Buffy the Vampire Slayer reruns. Hmm. So, Mexico?

Off to Mexico we go!

Since my milestone birthday and the midway point of this pregnancy coincided, we decided a vacation (Babymoon) was in order. We hopped on the next plane out to Riviera Cancun and got nice and fat. We spent a week at an adults only (enjoy it while you can right?) all-inclusive resort (Secrets Capri) and it was sensational. It far exceeded our expectations in just about every way. I know with Mexico you have to be careful about both the food and water (especially with pregnancy being a factor) however, this resort knocked those fears out of the park. All of the water on the resort is purified and filtered which means you can have ice and fresh fruit and vegetables and brush your teeth with tap! That was a lifesaver for me, I was comfortable and bacteria free sipping cold beverages by the ocean. Andy took full advantage of the all-inclusive top shelf booze and drank for 3! But you know, responsibly. 

Heading to the pool

Trying to walk outside (was soon devoured by mosquitos)

Forget the bridge to nowhere, Mexico has paths to nowhere!

They also had tons of restaurant options (including a Japanese Hibachi) that all had absurdly good food. Speaking of the Hibatchi, it was a great show with even better food followed by the best dessert I have ever had in my life. They make a coconut deep fried ice cream, lay it on a raspberry fruit puree and drizzle chocolate lightly over the top. I've had deep fried ice cream before and this killed it, so so so so so good. Even Andy, who doesn't care for sweets devoured that thing in seconds. I want to go there now, and I'm sad I can't. Also, my Dr was none to pleased with my extra vacation/birthday pounds. Whoops! Oh well, she'll get over it...or send me to a dietitian. 

Proof that we did in fact wear clothes in Mexico. Also, Bathroom selfie!

This is what happened when we ordered room service. Yup, 5 dishes and a basket of sweet rolls.

Breakfast on our balcony.

I ended up taking a "room selfie" because we were horrible about actually taking photos.

In addition to the stellar food and accommodations, they also had one helluva entertainment staff! To stay active we did water aerobics daily with Yoshi; it was silly, fun, active, and because I was in water I was able to participate without fear of upsetting my belly with jostling. I was still very cautious and only did what felt comfortable. In fact, Yoshi modified parts of the routines so that I could still participate! What a guy. We also made a point to walk for 40 minutes each day, most days that was in the gym. I know, in paradise you should be outside, but I needed to have the option to stop easily, not get overheated, stay hydrated and most importantly avoid mosquitoes, so the gym was the best environment. 

We took 0 photos of dinner/shows (sorry!) but we did archery and shot rifles!

Andy was unspeakably good at all activities. 

We woke up one morning to enjoy the Ocean Sunrise!

Ocean sunrise

End of ocean sunrise

Since my actual birthday fell in the middle of our trip Andy made a point to have the hotel staff decorate our room with Birthday fun. He had them put a banner on our door, and decorate the interior with a balloon with fun ribbon coming out of it. I was very excited by my special decorations but the icing on the cake was that evening. The hotel just so happened to be hosting a "special performance" by the pool. They had a huge party set up with more incredible food and a spectacular show called "Euphoria." Think of Cirque du Solei but in and above a pool! It was incredible, they had amazing performances on a stage in the water, rings and fabric hung above the pool and if that wasn't enough, they had fire dancers and closed with a guy wearing a water jet pack shooting way up above the pool and back down. And everything had lasers, lights, and music. We managed to score front row seats and we were blown away. After that performance they closed the evening with a live band on the beach. The ocean breeze and the awesome classic rock band was the perfect way to wind down after the acrobatics. What a coincidentally awesome way to celebrate my birthday.

This was one of their "restaurants" we had a waiter so we spent the ENTIRE DAY here.

 While we were relaxing in this "restaurant" some local wild life decided to join us in hopes of us sharing food. We didn't because PEKEMAS DON'T SHARE FOOD. Oh, and it's really really bad for the wildlife and I love critters too much to risk their health. The resourceful little coati however, sniffed out a biscuit in our neighbor's shorts. So, he stole the shorts, of course, and ran into the bushes. Our neighbors were PTFO at the time so despite our warnings heard nothing. Andy being the stellar citizen of the world he is, chased down the little guy to retrieve the shorts. One little problem...these little cuties seem very sweet so Andy waited until he set the shorts down and reached for them. The little guy had other plans and like lightning jumped over and swatted Andy with his super sharp claws. Andy was not deterred and enlisted the help of resort staff to retrieve the shorts. And while the little critter wasn't interested in being our friend the people who's shorts were stolen were our new resort friends. Win. Plus, I laughed so hard at Andy chasing this thing down I could barely breathe.

Andy enjoying our outdoor, ocean restaurant. (note our little coati friend under the next cabana)

Here is a close up of our not so friendly coati. Our neighbors ended up feeding him. Grr.

Me pretending to be patient while waiting on my next order of tacos.

Andy mocking me.

It's a great restaurant when you can walk into the ocean between courses!

Are my tacos here yet?

Andy practically floating on the ocean 

Mandatory vacation swimsuit ocean picture. You're welcome.

They had turtles IN the resort! More critters I couldn't feed. :(

Even more hilarious and awesome is Andy in full blown protective Daddy mode. I was a little tired after our first leg of travels and even though he had kindly taken on my luggage I managed to stumble and fall going up some stairs (Yes, UP). I caught myself on the hand rail and my other hand on the stair with no hitting of the bump but it scared the crap out of Andy. He insisted I don't take anymore stairs until I am "no longer pregnant and Hope is like 9" his words. I understood his concern but I was deeply amused by his over reaction. 

He has also taken it upon himself to bring me water and chairs when he thinks I need a break. And he is unbelievably sweet about buckling my sandals and picking things up for me. I gladly accept his thoughtful gestures and I can't wait to see him helping Hope put her shoes on and tying her hair back. I think Andy was meant to have a baby girl, I really do. 

Even though Mexico was so spectacular, we are very happy to be home. Nothing compares to the life we have built together and most importantly nothing can ever beat sleeping in your own bed. Am I right? Let's finish this post with pictures of this unbelievable lagoon where the river meets the ocean just a short walk from our resort beach.

Andy swam across, not a huge distance but a very strong current and quite cold water.

Swimming through the mangrove tunnel

Despite incredibly clear water, I still look pant-less and a little leg-less.

Still no pants, sorry guys!

 If you haven't been to Cancun for whatever reason you should go. That is all.

Hot Pad Hanger

After storing our hot pads across the kitchen from the oven in a bottom drawer for years, I had an epiphany one day after seeing a towel hanging at my parents' house--we should hang our hot pads next to the oven, just like Chrissy's grandmother does.
Chrissy took the initiative and bought then installed an adhesive backed hook on the cabinet next to the oven.  It's an ideal location since they are out of sight in the corner.  Now we just need to remember they are there and stop looking in that drawer.

Beautiful Bed

Old Bed

For quite a while, Chrissy has been asking for a new bed frame with an upholstered headboard.  I resisted for a long time because the (shockingly sturdy) Ikea frame we had works fine.
I eventually gave in and gave Chrissy the bed she wanted as an anniversary gift.

The new bed is quite nice, and has the added benefit of not having a footboard, so I can actually stretch out.

New Bed

Halfway there!

If it seems like I have been MIA, it's because I have. We flew past the halfway point in this pregnancy, somehow, and ended up in Mexico for a week. Since our gender announcement so much has happened, so I've broken a very lengthy blog into two. One will be just the pregnancy update and the second will be the Babymoon/Birthday extravaganza that was Riviera Cancun. This is just the pregnancy update but since I hit 21 weeks in Mexico, below is a picture of my bare bump!! Viewer discretion is advised.

Naked Bump in Mexico!!

Lets start off with this--my secret is out! The world is well aware that I'm pregnant and I'm not talking about you readers. I'm talking strangers. All of them. They are on to me. No more curious stares by the occasional person trying to discern if that was indeed a bump they saw. Now it is full on, how far along are you? I'm happy to share of course and only one person has pointed out that it looks like I'm much further along. Everyone else seems to just want to bask in the pregnancy glow (and are so polite). I can relate; I liked doing that before I got pregnant too, so bask away strangers.

Ok, now lets get the ugly out of the way. I had a follow-up appointment to the anatomy scan (the one that tells you gender). That little scan also tells you a whole lot more about your baby and you. We had a little hiccup with me. Hope is a champ, thriving and growing, however, I was diagnosed with Complete Placenta Previa. What is that awful scariness you ask? I had no idea until my doctor explained it to me, with pictures. It just means the placenta didn't connect in the right place in early pregnancy (where baby implants) and it is blocking the exit. The problems? Well there are a whole myriad of them, but they aren't a huge issue until the 3rd trimester. Unfortunately, I have a severe case and if it doesn't self correct I will need a C-Section as it is not possible to deliver the placenta first. Want to know if there are remedies? There aren't any; we just wait to see if the placenta moves up as the uterus grows (since it is attached). Holistics, midwives, and doulas all say this is the one situation where a C-section is "a miracle blessing." I'm not kidding, those homeopathic healers won't touch this with a million foot pole. Fun. Even acupuncturists say they can only assist with marginal placenta previa and those with complete (like me) must stay with western medicine.

On the bright side, they found it early, so my doctor put me on very limited activity (I can basically only walk a little bit a day) and complete pelvic rest (no sex! AHHH!!!). This will limit the risk of any complications or emergency C-sections. This gives Hope the best opportunity to stay put so we are following doctor's orders. Secondly, we have a follow up ultrasound to see if the placenta has moved enough with the growing uterus. This will be at 28 weeks when I'm nice and big. If it doesn't move by then, my doctor will plan on a C-section, likely put me on bed rest and monitor me very closely. For now, we just take it easy and there shouldn't be any problems. I know this is all a bit much and scary, but trust me, don't be worried. A clinical trial showed that 84% of women with my same issue had corrected itself by 32 weeks gestation.

I took a week to be scared out of my mind about this but I honestly believe everything will be fine (84% people!). Even if the placenta doesn't move and we have her a little earlier than expected by C-section it will be ok. I have every confidence she will be perfectly healthy and I will be fine as well. my doctor and my NP mother-in-law agree. So, no need for stress.

Lets move on to brighter things. How about the fact that I'm 22 weeks already!!! 20 weeks is the official halfway mark and boy howdy did it sneak up on me.

Bump at 20 weeks

I'm so grateful to be chugging along in this pregnancy and getting nice and round. Also, I am in full second trimester glow (or, I at least feel that way). I feel fantastic, sexy, and ready to take on the world. I love my new curves. I thought gaining this weight would make me uncomfortable and at first I was worried what other people would think, but now? I'm feeling like my body is incredible. I can't believe it is doing all of these amazing things to grow another human. And that little human? She is a firecracker already. Lord help us.

She has so much personality already and it cracks us up. She is very strong with nice big kicks and punches for a few weeks now (baby flutters before that). It is hands down the coolest most amazing feeling ever. And luckily for me, she is extremely active. I feel her all day bouncing around in there. Even before I could feel her, my doctor would always comment on how active she was. Sometimes it honestly feels like she is squishing up to one side just to push off to the other. Like she is swimming laps or something! Hope has quite the legs on her, and she loves to remind me of her presence. That sassy little girl kicked me right in my bladder and it was instantaneous that I had to pee. I swear she is laughing in there. She is also super responsive, I can jiggle my tummy, drink something cold, or sneeze and she just starts bouncing around like it's a party. Sometimes I mess with her just to get her to move; it isn't mean spirited though. Its because I am marveling at her individuality. How does she have so much spirit already? Hey, the kid has spunk. Can't imagine where she gets that from...

At the end of 18 weeks Andy was able to feel her move for the first time and since then has enjoyed plenty of belly kicks. I love being able to share a part of the pregnancy with him. We feel so connected to her and can't wait to meet her.

Up Next on Pekema Projects: Babymoon and lots of photos!

Panel Position - Pekema Projects on the Road

Bad Placement

I inherited my love of hot tubs from my parents.  They have had a tub for several years, but it has one unfortunate design issue.  The electronic control panel is pretty much inside the hot tub, so it is exposed to lots of steam and moisture, causing it to fail multiple times.  That is what inspired me to find a hot tub with the controls on the outside, away from the water.

Good Placement

As usual, Dad wanted to be like me, so he bought a replacement panel and a freaky drill bit, then brought in his expendable son.

In no time at all we had bored out a recess for the panel, making a great mess along the way.

After the rough work with the drill, a chisel cleaned everything up.

Dad provided me with the world's dorkiest safety goggles.

After installing the control panel in the front cover of the tub with some precision caulking and a little cleanup with the trusty Shop-Vac, we were ready to button everything up.

Everything went together smoothly and it looks great.  Hopefully this will be a more robust setup.

My mom will be adding some material to the cover that will protect the control panel from direct exposure to the elements.

What's in a name?

Hell must have frozen over people! Why? Because Andy and I have named our daughter!!!

It wasn't even as hard as we thought it would be; my only real struggle was deciding if we were going to share it prior to her arrival. What? Keep a secret???? How could I? Well, unfortunately before we even found out the gender people would demand name options and even though at that time we didn't agree on a single one, people would still throw in their two cents. Many were very kind and had cute options of their own and some people were far less than polite. It all left me not feeling like the fun sharing person I can sometimes be.

In the end I decided two things: the first is I can't keep a secret. I call her by name all the time and someone is going to catch me! Second, I decided that no matter what her name is and when we announce it there will be some asshole that thinks they have a say. We can't please everyone but luckily, we don't have to! Yay!

What's that? On with it you say? What is our daughters name???
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Ok. You've earned it.

Hope Olivia Pekema

Her first name was chosen by her Daddy. He liked it quite a bit for a girl before we started trying and as we struggled to conceive and struggled with the pregnancy he kept his chin up and just kept saying "you just have to have hope." And now, here we are, having Hope. Mommy chose her middle name; it was one of her choices for first name and she liked the way they sounded together. Once Daddy heard the initials HOP he couldn't resist the cuteness and her name was decided.

More blogs coming very soon, we have a pregnancy update and a Babymoon summary, so stay tuned.