Baby Makes Three
As I write this post, I’m fighting back the tears. Today, in one of life’s magical moments, I got to see the development of our baby through my wife’s second ultrasound. The fact that I’m going to be a father suddenly became real as the life growing in my wife’s belly resembled more of a person than the tadpole in the first ultrasound.
The tech showed us his arms, legs, heart, head, brain, and his sex. We got to watch him dance around, push away at the tech’s pokes, and suck his thumb. In a special moment, it even appeared that he was waving at us as if to say, “Hi Mom and Dad! Can’t wait to meet you! See you soon!”
I can’t believe I’m actually going to be a Dad in October and I can’t wait to show him the world!
Our Journey Thus Far
From the start of the beautiful journey we call our marriage, we had a desire to land on every continent before planting our seeds on this Earth. Well, make that all continents but Antarctica. Neither of us really likes the cold that much. Australia was also crossed off because, well, it’s just too dang far away. Don’t worry. We didn’t skimp on our travel. Instead, we made two trips to Europe plus one each to Africa, South America, and Asia along with some excursions down to Mexico and the Caribbean and more than a handful of travel outings in the US.
Africa was the icing on our cake though.
On the outset of our culinary and safari tour of South Africa and Namibia, we decided that after the trip it was time to start a family. Our pre-child bucket list was complete and we were excited to open a new chapter in our life, with a new bucket list to accomplish.
Does this mean the travel will stop?
Neither one of us is naïve. We both know that life is about to change in a major way. At the same time, we will hold strong to our desire to travel. It’s in our DNA as a couple. It’s what brought us together in the first place. It’s something that we can’t and won’t let go.
No matter what anybody tells us, and a few have ignorantly opened their mouths, having a baby does not mean our travel will stop. Yes, other hobbies may need to be sacrificed, but we both grew up in families that took us on some extraordinary vacations. This was part of our education and maturation. We want the same for our child.
I expect travel to look different for awhile though. I doubt we will be traipsing a baby halfway across the globe. You might see more domestic travel in the next few years. I’m okay with that. There are some amazing places to visit here in the United States that I’m excited to explore from the Outer Banks right here in my own backyard to a dude ranch in Montana. How cool would it be to see our baby boy’s first trip to the beach and watch him learn how to sling a lasso?
Mom and Dad will still need their time away, too, as all couples should. Some of the healthiest marriages I’ve seen are ones in which the parents intentionally spend a weekend or week away each year with just themselves. It gives them time to reconnect to their vows and properly raise a family as a unified whole.
Of Course There Will be One Last Trip
I think I married the most amazing woman in the world. Not only did she encourage me to quit my job to follow my passion, she’s also carrying Baby Gourmand while working a full-time job. I can tell that she’s starting to get tired. The sleepless nights that we have ahead of us are only going to drain her energy even more. She needs a little rest and relaxation, a little pampering. She’s earned it.
We also need a little retreat together to reconnect before our lives are uprooted. At the end of May, we’re escaping to Fond Doux Plantation and Resort in St Lucia for five nights of rejuvenation in our own private bungalow nestled into the tropical foliage of the island paradise overlooking the Caribbean. It will be the perfect opportunity for Mrs. G. to experience some pampering before we start changing Pampers.
Congratulations! I must say, the journey of parenthood has been the best yet. It can be difficult, but I love giving my kids the opportunity to learn more about our world firsthand. We are taking our 4 kids (16,14,13,10) to Europe for the first time in a month. Can’t wait 🙂
Good luck with that trip! Will you be writing about it?
Well, since my blog is for a winery that I write for, probably not, but I may try to work something in. We will be visiting the Isles of Scilly and there is a vineyard we plan to visit so that might make it in.
Umm.. that baby is sucking his thumb in the womb!! Get ready for it! Congrats! Thrilled for ya”ll!
That’s why I posted it. Thought it was cute.
I think you need to change the blog’s title from Pints, Plates & Passports to pintsize, tippycups and pass me another diaper! Congratulations on your newest adventure! Super happy for you!
Not funny 🙂
Thanks!
I am so happy for you both, and cannot wait to meet Baby Gourmand! You make a great point about still getting away even after you have a child, I think it is critical to a happy relationship to keep working on your relationship with one another and not be consumed by being a parent. The kids will grow up and move on, and when that happens you still have each other. Hopefully you still like one another when that happens, and that means appreciating each other along the way.
I don’t like Mrs. G now. Guess we’re in for some trouble 🙂
Dad & I are so happy for you and Shannan. The baby looks so fantastic. Can’t wait to be a grandmother.
Your child is so blessed to enter life with parents who want to share with him the wonder and beauty of this world with it’s wonderful and complex mix of people, customs, cultures, food and just beautiful places to see and experience. He is sure to be a global ambassador!! Congratulations Bryan and Shannan
Thank you! I’m enjoying the encouraging words since I published the post. No longer are people saying your traveling days are over. Instead, they’re offering words of support.
Bryan and Shannan,
“Uncle” Grayson and “Aunt” Becky are so happy for you and the petite Gourmand. We have so enjoyed your writing and travel blogs. Bless Shannan for sharing your dream – what an amazing woman! You can travel to our home here or in VA anytime. Might I suggest a visit to Colonial Williamsburg to sample colonial fare like “Bubble and Squeak”? Stay with us and bring the young’un.
Kindest regards!
Thank you! I do have to ask, what is Bubble and Squeak?
Congratulations!! You know that I believe the travel only continues after kids. I didn’t realise that you were from the Outer Banks!! (or did I? ) Such a beautiful area. And yes travelling your backyard is a great way to do it. Road trips are such a managable form or travel with kids. Its what we love to do best.
Although, when they are babies (depending on the child of course) it’s actually one of the easiest times to travel. They don’t do much other than sleep and eat. And if Mum is breastfeeding it’s even easier. They love it too because you can just throw them in the baby sling/carrier and they’re snuggled up close to you all the time,which is their favourite way to be!
Enjoy this amazing journey and congrats to you both!
Thank you for the advice and inspiration. I’ve enjoyed watching your family adventures and the epic road trip across Australia. We already have plenty of family trips in mind. Our state of North Carolina has plenty to explore from the Outer Banks to the Mountains. We plan to start him off with plenty of adventure!