In the Life of Bob and Amber

Monday, April 2, 2012

Bahama Mama

Can I use this nickname if I was on the island for less than 8 hours? We had a great and very full spring break, which is not normal for our peaceful, routine lives. Last summer, we won a free cruise to the Bahamas. We were planning on waiting until Bob was done with school, but we realized I would be too far along in my pregnancy to go during the summer and after the baby was out of the question. My brother and his wife gave us their air miles for Christmas, so the cruise and airfare were free. This was the only way we would get to go because money is so tight right now. We also got 2 free hotel nights if we went to a time share presentation, we still haven't decided if it was worth it or not.

Last Friday we drove to Utah and spent Friday and Saturday with my parents and sister. The best shopping was in her closet. I now have lots of stretchy skirts for the summer. We also went to the temple, which we try to do every month, but the Boise temple is closed and the nearest if Twin Falls two hours away. It is a big change to have to go that far and plan a whole day around going. It was nice to be back at the Logan Temple. It has been our temple for many years.

Very early Sunday morning, we went to the airport to fly to LA and then across the country to Miami. We were in business class, which means we will never be satisfied with coach again. We were served breakfast, provided Samsung Galaxies to watch movies on, and I was awoken from my nap to the smell of freshly baked cookies. I usually have an extremely strong bladder, but with all the free drinks and baby, I had my first chance plus many more chances to use the airplane toilet.

Neither of us felt comfortable driving in Miami so we took shuttles back and forth and all over the place. It was nice not to have to drive, but not so nice on the wallet. We finally reached our hotel at 6 that night, ate at the buffet (which was good it was included because I wouldn't have paid for it), and went to bed. The next morning we were up early for our 2 hour presentation, which took all day after the shuttle ride and 4 hour "no pressure" chat. The heat, hunger, and the "not taking no for an answer" lady made me quite grumpy. This is us at the condo that we were supposed to buy, but I think a picture is good enough.

Finally we took another 90 minute shuttle ride to the port. After a fairly quick check in we were able to sit and not have to worry about anything for a while. We roamed the ship which was 9 decks high, Bob checking all the locations and quality of food. This is the view from the 7th deck across the port looking at West Palm Beach I think.

There was this nifty couch down the hall from our cabin. It looks a lot comfier than our bed.

We spent the rest of the day lounging in the sun and eating. Here we are trying to take a picture of ourselves, we got giggly after many failed attempts.

In the morning we woke up in the Port of Grand Bahama Island. We went on a glass bottom boat tour. Here is some of the scenery.

They took us to a ship wreck where reef sharks live. The guide hung a fish head from the side to entice them. The shark swam a few time around us looking and then grabbed the fish and the line that the guide was holding and was off for his lunch. Pretty exciting.

After the boat, we spent a few hours basking in the sun and splashing in the water. Imagine a cute pregnant picture of my wavy beach hair blowing in the wind and my swimming suit not bulging at the seams. This never happens so here is the best shot.

Here is Bob's second favorite past time, which usually happens after his first, buffets.

That night we headed back to Florida. After checking out and waiting an hour for the shuttle the next morning we spent the day at the hotel trying to recover from our sunburns and overeating. Thursday morning we waited some more for the shuttle to the airport and then 4 more hours for the plane. Our first flight was cancelled and we had to wait an extra hour. Finally back on the plane, cramped in coach with no cookies or movies, we made it to Dallas and then on back to Salt Lake with a group of returning missionaries. We spent the next three days with family. We don't have tv in our apartment so we were glad to be able to watch all the sessions. I really enjoyed Saturday morning. There were many talks about children. I am so excited to be a mom and raise a family. I also liked the talks on how simple the Gospel is and how we don't need to make it more complicated.

We are glad we were able to go on this trip because we probably won't do it again for awhile. Now we focus on getting Bob graduated, finding a job and having a baby.

Saturday, March 10, 2012

Baby Update

Wow it has been a long time since a post. Since then we have had lots of things going on. We spent Thanksgiving and Christmas with our families in Utah, which was great. We have such wonderful and loving families, some times it is hard to not see them every week like we used to. We had told our parents that I was pregnant, and my sister because she asks me every time she sees me and I can't lie, and we announced to the rest of the family on Christmas. Bob's mom gave us a pair of baby pjs with all the other grandkids. It caught most of the family by surprise.

I have been lucky to have very little morning sickness, just a few days of nausea and no desire to eat. I am now 19 weeks. I can't believe it's almost half way over. My pants have been tight for a couple of weeks, but I have been too lazy to hem up the maternity pants I bought. I think I am finally looking pregnant. For awhile, I just couldn't suck in my fat like I used to. At the first ultrasound, the doctor the baby was very wiggly. I have felt it everyday for the past week. We find out whether it is a girl or boy next Friday.

Bob has been very busy with school. His classes didn't start until the middle of January so he had a long time to sit and it was hard for him to get back in the routine. Most of his assignments are due in the next couple weeks and he is really feeling the pressure. He also needs to get it done before spring break because we are heading to the Bahamas. We need to get in gear and figure out things we can and can't take, which clothes still fit, and what we want to do. Neither of us are travelers and this is a big trip for us.

I have been substituting all year, which was not my first choice, but I have gotten used to it. Then in February I got a call from a principal wanting to hire me for a 3 month aide job. The teachers had recommended me from subbing, so I guess it does pay off. I have been working all day for the past month, working with small groups of students who are below benchmark in reading and fluency. It has been nice to go to the same place everyday and see the same kids. I have 11 groups to get ready each day, but most are following a direct instruction program that is easy to plan for. I will probably go back to subbing for the last month of school, unless I need some time to get ready for baby. Well, hopefully I will do better at updates in the future.