We finally made it to Paris, France, after our long flight over. The flight wasn't terrible, but we flew at night and I do not sleep on planes, let alone being seven months pregnant, so I was quite exhausted when we arrived there at 10a.m. Regardless, the city was a sight to see and quickly snapped me out of my sleepy haze.  

The Eifel Tower was amazing! As you can see, the baby and I are happy to be there! It was a beautiful sight and even more spectacular viewing from the top...

...what a time we had, and I can think of no better place to be with my hubby and baby.

We also visited the Arc de Triomphe...

...and the bread was absolutely delicious. We sure had our share of pasteries. That's pretty much all the French eat in the morning, but it's so tasty. This one in particular was my favorite...a twist bread with chocolate pieces in it, some delicious cream, and cubed sugar sprinkled over it. SO GOOD! The baby didn't seem to mind, either. :)

Next stop, CASTLES!!! I loved this part!

The beautiful Chateau de Chenonceau! One of my favorites!

The beautiful Chateau de Ambroise!

The Catacombs were neat and creepy to see!!!

The grand Palais de Versailles!

Paris was beautiful. We had a wonderful time seeing all the amazing sights and taking in the rich history. One of my dreams was fulfilled...and the journey wasn't over yet! Next stop, Geneva, Switzerland to visit our good friends, Emil and Todd.

We, of course, had to visit the famous flower clock and the Jet D'eau (below).

I was quite thirsty after all the walking we did!

Then, we went to Bern and saw the famous clock. We have a Berne, Indiana, with a smaller version of the clock, so we had to check it out! Another fun feature of this place is that the language is German, whereas it is French in Geneva! It was quite the time trying to figure out what everyone was saying everywhere I went. Thankfully, Jason and Emil know French pretty well, and Todd knows a bit of French and some German. I was in good hands.

We took a nice boat ride down the lake to a nice litte French town called Yvoire. The ride there and back was beautiful.

 

Our amazing trip came to an end, and it was bitter-sweet. We didn't want to leave, but we were ready to head home aftere such a great time. We had a wonderful time in Paris and in Geneva. Emil and Todd were great hosts and were execellent at accommodating a pregnant lady. We really appreciate them making our last leg of our trip a time to remember!

We're scheduled for take off!

This Thursday, Jason and I leave for Paris, France! I can't believe the trip is finally here. This has been planned for over a year, and we have looked forward to it for so long.
My doctor gave me the o.k. to fly! I just have to wear compression stockings (which were outrageously expensive: $46.00!), drink lots of water, and get up and move around during the flight. I'm so excited to see Paris and then Geneva! I have dreamed of going to Europe all my life!
And, I have been devouring any dairy products lately, especially cheese, and what better place is there to eat cheese than in France!
Baby is taking his/her first trip out of the country, and we will definitely be documenting the baby belly experiences as we go!

Two days until we take to the air!

Baby's on the move!

It was so cool today. I was sitting at my desk at work, and the baby was moving all over the place, so much so that I could see my belly popping up and down randomly. It was so fun! Also, we ate at our favorite Mexican restaurant tonight-it hit the spot. I was craving it today.

I'm getting bigger it seems as each week passes. Sometimes, I feel as though there hasn't been much change, and then one day, it really pops out there. It's getting harder to climb in and out of my husband's jeep! Yes, we have a Jeep Wrangler (we love putting the top down in the summer), and I drive a two-door Honda Civic, which I love. Picture us putting baby in either one, though. Yeah...we will probably have to look into a new family suitable ride here soon.

We're experiencing big changes to our lives right now, but what a fun adventure.

-CM

Paint Baby Room...check

Today, Jason finished painting the baby's room. It looks wonderful! It's a soft but lively green color. We're keeping it neutral, of course, since we aren't finding out the gender of the baby.
Now, I'm on to decorating the room, and grandpa Joe and grandma Becky are bringing up the baby room bedroom set they got us for Christmas! I'm really enjoying this and can't wait until the end result. I will post pictures once we are finished with it.

We start our parenting classes next Wednesday. I'm curious to know what that is like. Shortly after, we will begin birthing classes...oh, I can't wait to experience that with Jason. It will be interesting to see how he responds to the class. We both are intrigued.

On another note, I will be watching a Shakespeare performance tomorrow with my students. I am a high school English teacher, and right now, we are reading Othello. I'm looking forward to it. I enjoy Shakespeare, and my students are looking forward to it.

Until next time,
CM

My pregnant count down to Paris and beyond

Hello, all!

There's been much excitment in my house lately. A new kitchen, new carpet, putting together a baby's room, and getting ready for our trip to Europe (first to Paris and then to Geneva)! I will be almost eight months pregnant! I can't wait. This has been a dream of mine for as long as I can remember.

Also, I have been documenting my pregnancy experiences, and I plan to thoroughly document my Europe trip. I love to write but for lack of inspiration, time, and, above all, focus, it has simply not happened. Aside from one writing of a short story and many abandoned attempts at novels, nothing.  I hope this will jumpstart my writing career, but if nothing else, I will get pleasure simply from writing.

I never thought that I could be more excited about going to Europe, but I am completely head-over-heals estactic about having our baby! I can't wait to meet him/her. What an adventure being a mom will be!

Paris, here I come, and Writing, here I am.