May 22, 2009
The Babymoon, The Maternity Bathing Suit and Other Conundrums
A number of friends have insisted that Mr. Candy and I indulge in a “babymoon.” For those of you who, like me, never heard of a “babymoon,” it is a romantic getaway expectant parents take before the baby arrives and (literally) poops all over their freedom. Initially, I wasn’t overly enthusiastic about the idea, mostly because: 1) We live in Los Angeles, which still feels like a nonstop vacation to this East Coast transplant; 2) My idea of a fun vay-cay typically involves fruity rum-based drinks, light on the fruit; and 3) I was embarrassed to say “babymoon,” a cheesy term surely invented by the travel industry eager to get its share of our already wide-open wallets. (A thousand bucks for a crib? Sure! Another thousand for the All-Inclusive Babymoon Spa Package? You got it! The Brooklyn Bridge? Where can I invest?!)
Also, it requires buying a maternity bathing suit. This is most disturbing of all.
With less than 10 weeks to go before Baby Girl’s arrival, however, I must admit the idea of a babymoon has grown infinitely more appealing. My independence is slipping away faster than Lindsay Lohan’s career. Which is why I decided to book a night in an ocean-view room in La Jolla, a town outside of San Diego, for us this weekend. And why I just returned from Target where I — *GULP* — bought a maternity tankini.
Pretty sure you understand why I had to whisper that particular piece of information. Just TYPING it aged me at least ten years.
I surveyed the rack of maternity swimwear, a task that took me all of two seconds given there were four whole styles from which to choose. The styles were quite lovely… if I happened to be my 80-year-old grandmother. No, I’m just teasing. Grandma has cooler taste than that. Ruffles, loud prints and skirts — oh my! Whatever happened to simple, solid-color swimsuits that flattered the figure? These bathing suits would make me the most popular gal at the Palm Harbor Retirement Home pool. Because I’d make the residents look young and unduly slim in comparison.
So I grabbed the least offensive one and tried it on. To my surprise, it wasn’t totally awful. I don’t think I put as much pressure on myself, body-wise, as I did P.B.B. (pre-baby bump). Hey, I’m pregnant. I’ve got a round belly. So be it. And if my suit happens to get me a spot on the Palm Harbor Water Shuffleboard Team, all the better.
jael
says:
i first heard the term babymoon used in a congratulatory tone from one friend to another (“enjoy your babymoon”) to refer to the time just after bringing the baby home from the hospital, and everyone is focusing on baby, cuddling and happy, and eating lots of takeout, there are no visitors for a while, and lots of time for being blissed out. i like your definition as well.
May 22nd, 2009 at 1:26 pm -Cowgirl in the Sand
says:
I’ve heard babymoon used in both ways (last vacation before the baby, and that blissful time after the baby is born and you’re too in shock to realize how exhausted you are).
I just want to make sure that you are aware of another commercially-invented term: Push Present. That is a very pricey fancy gift that Mr. Candy buys you to thank you for growing a human. Lots of women get expensive jewelry. I got a digital SLR camera with two really nice lens. And yes, I picked it out and even purchased it myself…I wasn’t going to take any chances.
So a small note to Mr. Candy: PUSH PRESENT.
May 22nd, 2009 at 2:04 pm -Candy
says:
Great/greedy minds think alike, Cowgirl. I already have a watch in mind and would have no problem whatsoever buying it myself.
It’s the least they can do for us, really.
May 22nd, 2009 at 2:45 pm -helloandie
says:
hahahahaha you’re so cute.
May 22nd, 2009 at 6:13 pm -raincoaster
says:
Babymoon did start as an individual travel company, as far as I can see. I blogged about it a couple of years ago; think it’s British. But I can’t see this becoming the big trend now that the recession’s hit.
May 23rd, 2009 at 10:16 pm -ellee
says:
I wore a bikini when I was pregnant. I would NEVER wear a bikini otherwise. I felt – hey – my tummy is SUPPOSED to be over my bottoms, and hey where did these boobs come from? Woo Hoo. The heck with the frumpy maternity tankinis – strut your stuff.
May 25th, 2009 at 7:50 pm -Missy
says:
I too am not happy about having to go out and buy a maternity swimsuit. I think I’ll just try to live in my fantasy land a little longer and see if I can find a suitable regular tankini that I can get away with!
But heck, if you can do it, I guess I can too!
June 2nd, 2009 at 1:24 pm -