First off – 22 weeks today! Baby is officially over a pound! And I can SEE him moving like crazy. Things for the nursery are arriving in the two weeks, then it’ll just be finishing touches after that! We’re plowing through our to-do list getting the house organized and making room.
But we’re also getting all geared up for our babymoon in a few weeks!
Shortly after we found out we were pregnant in September, we were asking ourselves “ok so what’s the latest date we can travel before I can’t fly anymore?” We landed on February.
Perfect because we knew we’d want to get away in the winter months. We’ve had SO many single digit temperature days this month – more than usual. So we are aching for some sunshine and warmth. And I don’t mean a breezy 60 degree day. I’m talking 80s, sunshine, get me in a swimming pool warmth.
Of course, pretty much everywhere we want to go our doctor advised against because of the Zika virus which can have negatives effects on a growing baby should a pregnant woman or her partner catch it. I know there’s a lot of debate about Zika, definitely not a debate I want to get into. We just knew it was not worth the risk.
So we looked up places that WOULD work, many of which are too cold in January and February for our achin’ hearts desire for warmth, and settled on…
…sunny Scottsdale, Arizona!
Which coincidentally was our very first trip together during Cubs spring training four years ago! And we loved it! So beautiful, tons of outdoor activities and hikes, amazing resorts and restaurants. We’re excited!
(We would’ve loved to do Hawaii but we only have a long weekend to take off work since a. things are crazy busy w/ work (in an exciting way!), and I’m saving vaca days for when the baby is born.)
We were on a shoe-string budget last time we visited Phoenix and stayed in a budget hotel near the airport. Things get really pricey down there once spring training starts so this time we’re going right before that all starts. And we were able to use our CC points to book a room at a resort I’ve been dying to stay at. The Boulders. Anyone been? I’ve heard amazing things, and if we just sit by the pool for three days straight, I’ll be happy as a clam.
Actually… we’re spending one day driving north to see the Grand Canyon! Something that has been on both of our bucket lists. Very excited! If you have any tips for that, we’d love to hear them! Otherwise our itinerary is wide open and relaxing. Hoping to do an easy hike and walk. Maybe play tennis. Yoga. Swim. Spa. Eat awesome food. And just relax.
Of course I have a items on my wishlist I’d like to pick up for the occasion…
My Sunny Babymoon Packing (Wish) List:
1. black straw circle tote
2. gingham two-piece swimsuit (to show off the bump?)
3. double knotted sandals
4. white and black carry-on suitcase
5. cheek tint
6. striped espadrille flats
7. ruched DD one-piece
8. polka dot one-piece (love how it fits, also got this black and white ruffle one-piece)
9. straw tote
10. round drop earrings
11. striped linen beach dress
12. painted straw hat
13. oversized white sunglasses (I love how they look on the model!)
14. H leather sandals
I’ve heard skin is much more sensitive to sunlight so I’m ordering a giant brimmed sunhat to prevent sun spots.
Also torn between the two straw bags: the black circle tote or the classic straw tote?
But otherwise, I’ve been cozy in oversized sweaters and leggings for the past few months. This will be interesting now that my tum is finally popping out and my boobs are two sizes bigger to find small, summery clothes to wear.
But especially a bathing suit!
Per a lot of your suggestion, I went up two sizes in my summer swimsuit, this ruched DD-cup one piece from J.Crew and that works great!
But I also wanted something a bit more fun for the occasion! So I ordered two ruffle-top suits (both two sizes up to accommodate my tatas) from Shopbop, and I’m torn on which one I like more!
OPTION 1: Black and White Ruffle
OPTION 2: POLKA DOT RUFFLE
Thoughts?! I really like them both!
And hellooo 22-week bump! Baby boy is really making his presence known!
And any suggestions for the trip?!
Any favorite restaurants or things to do in the Scottsdale area? We’ve hiked Camelback and are looking for something a bit easier (less steep cliffs alongside the path) in my 6-month pregnant state. I’ve definitely been clumsier which is apparently a bizarre pregnancy symptom.
What a perfect babymoon destination! My husband and I were just there in October for a long weekend getaway and loved it! We also did a day at the Grand Canyon and spent time in Scottsdale. If you have time, I would try to squeeze in a visit to Sedona on your way from the two places. Here’s the link to my trip recap and Arizona travel guide with lots of restaurant and hiking recommendations:
https://www.arielloves.com/blog/2017/10/13/arizona-recap-travel-guide
How exciting! My husband and I did a day trip to the Grand Canyon recently and it was absolutely amazing! My advice is to go to shoshone point first when you get to the Grand Canyon. It’s a flat dirt road walk (.5 miles) to the point but it starts from an unmarked parking lot and we only saw a handful of people along the trail. There is nothing like looking at the Grand Canyon for the first time almost completely alone… I hope you guys have a wonderful time!
Always enjoy all your pregnancy updates! You picked a great babymoon location, I grew up going to Scottsdale for family vacations for many many years now; my family owns a vacation house in North Scottsdale. I love the area so much, I had my bachelorette weekend there last April 🙂 it was a blast- we hiked Camelback as well. If you’re looking for an easier hike Pinnacle Peak is a great choice (it’s in northern Scottsdale). Old Town Scottsdale is a cute area with some good choices for restaurants, my favorite is definitely The Mission, Latin American cuisine with a very cool vibe and a quaint outdoor patio for al fresco dining. Another favorite just north of Scottsdale is a unique local restaurant in Cave Creek, Tonto Bar and Grill, great southwestern food! Lastly, DC Ranch is another cool area in the north part of the city, Market Street Kitchen is a local favorite. Our place is in the Grayhawk Golf subdivision, Isabellas Kitchen (part of the golf club) has a fantastic open air dining setup and gives you a stunning view of the mountains- beautiful at sunset! Enjoy your time there, I’m planning a family trip there this April! Thanks for sharing about your pregnancy, I love all your content, and especially have enjoyed following your pregnancy journey!
I love the black and white one! I also remember hearing somewhere that you should be careful of the sunscreen you use because it gets absorbed into your skin and could effect the baby. Keep in mind this could totally be false and I can’t remember all the details but maybe something to look into? In any event I hope you have a blast!
Arizona sounds like fun! We’re heading to Palm Springs for our first anniversary in March and I CAN’T WAIT!! I’m so sick of the cold in the North East.
For the bathing suits, I like the colorblocked one!
I love polka dots, so I’m inclined towards that one. But I think you look very movie star in the black and white ruffle one! 🙂
The Grand Canyon is overwhelmingly beautiful — seeing it was a moving experience for me! Definitely make the trip. But due to the altitude and exposure, it will be very cold in Feb; bring a coat so you can walk around and take it all in. Lunch at the El Tovar is a throwback. Have fun!
Scottsdale is awesome! I’ve stayed there a few times and loved each visit! We love the weather in November or April….haven’t been to AZ during the Summer. We went 2 months before our wedding, so I think of it as a weddingmoon:) great way to de-stress!
There’s a botanical garden that sounds lovely! I wanted to go to so many restaurants, Old Town is fun in a tourist-y way.
Enjoy!!!!!
You are coming to my neck of the woods! We’ve been having fairly warm weather here so it will be a nice break from the cold for you!
Here are my places not to miss!
Old Town Scottsdale
Diago Pops (three words, brussels sprout nachos)
Ruze Cake House (the most instagramable spot and the best macarons)
Cartel Coffee
Down Town Phx
Desoto Central Market (Like an upscale food court with a bar)
Pizzeria Bianco (Chris Bianco is pizza Yoda and makes arguably the best pizza in town)
Giant Coffee
Central Phx
Postino Wine Bar (best bruschettas ever!)
Lux Central
I would also recommend checking out the MIM (Musical Instrument Museum) it’s wonderfully curated and fascinating. They every country in the world represented by the instruments they play there!