In hindsight, we are very glad that we did it, so I wanted to share some recommendations for taking a babymoon and a few things I learned while we planned and celebrated baby-to-be Quebecois style.
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery interval=”3″ images=”5080,5081,5082″ img_size=”full” onclick=””][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”Planning Your Babymoon” font_container=”tag:h3|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]When and Where
We chose to travel to Montreal for a few particularly practical reasons. The city is about 3 hours from our home in Kingston, Ontario, so that ensured that I wouldn’t be car-bound for too long. Traveling during your second trimester I think is ideal (I was at 29 weeks and felt great). Hopefully, you can still get around relatively easily but may be done with the dreadful morning sickness so many women experience at the beginning of their pregnancy. Limited time in the car also meant I was able to keep the bathroom breaks to a reasonable few.
The Cost
You should also consider affordability. Babies are expensive before they’ve even left the womb. Over the past 8 months, we’ve painted the nursery, bought new baby furniture, supplies, decor, and we’re still not done! Choose to travel somewhere that won’t hurt your budget. Babymoon travel should be enjoyable, not stressful, so making sure you’re not spending too much is key. This is also why we opted to drive. Montreal is easy to get to by car, we didn’t need to fly from where we live. Although we could have taken the train it was more economical to take our family car. This also left me with plenty of trunk space should I cave while shopping and buy one too many pairs of adorable baby shoes (the tiny footwear really gets me).
Accessibility & Accommodations
Montreal was one of the best places we could have traveled on our babymoon in the winter as there is still plenty to do and everything is easily accessible. I didn’t want to go anywhere rural where it could be difficult to purchase any supplies I may have forgotten (pregnancy brain is a real thing) or in the unfortunate circumstance that I needed unexpected medical attention (which thankfully wasn’t necessary). This put my mind at ease and allowed us to fully enjoy our babymoon weekend as a pregnant couple. We stayed at a downtown hotel that allowed us to easily walk or Uber where we wanted, park underground, and use the elevator. There was also a fridge in our room which was great because when you’re making a human sometimes the urge to snack sneaks up on you.
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”5083″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”Enjoying Your Babymoon” font_container=”tag:h3|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]I don’t yet have any kids, but from what I hear everything changes once they arrive. It’s just not about you anymore. It may be difficult to do a lot of the activities you liked to do pre-baby once you’re taking care of a little one – not impossible of course, but definitely more challenging.So this is your chance to take a trip and focus on what the two of you want to do together, be a little selfish and just think about what activities you want to indulge in just because. Maybe that’s sleeping in, spending the morning in a lavish hotel king sized bed ordering room service. Perhaps you want to do a little shopping for yourself (actually for you, not baby-related items) or attend a rowdy event like a Montreal Canadiens hockey game. Travel somewhere that’s conducive to how you want to spend your time. We wanted to walk around city streets checking out the shops and eat at restaurants before we’re doing so while pushing a stroller and assembling a high-chair, and that’s exactly what we did. This also gave us a chance to spend some quality time together and chat some more about our expectations for parenthood and our own childhoods, conversations that don’t always happen between the hustle and bustle of everyday work life.
Similarly, if it’s more your speed to stay put, I don’t see why our babymoon couldn’t be a staycation. Although we love to travel whenever possible, you can experience much of the same quality time and romance from the comfort of your home should you prefer. Book a spa day, snuggle up and read together, make some restaurant reservations. If you’re more comfortable staying home with your pregnancy pillow just make a date of it and book some quality time for just the two of you.
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”5084″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]So, although it’s wonderful to get to celebrate baby-to-be with your family and friends, a babymoon is one celebration you shouldn’t overlook. From what I hear, life is about to get a lot busier so this is your chance to relish in the peace and quiet and enjoy each other’s company to the fullest. Even if you’re having your second, third, fourth or beyond, babymooning is a time for reconnection and reflection before you have to make a lot of adjustments and get used to an entirely new lifestyle. So plan a little pregnancy getaway while keeping practicality in mind and partake in some activities as a couple (this is what babysitters are for, right?). Think about what you liked to do when you were first dating to get the ideas rolling. And no, painting and setting up baby furniture doesn’t count!Enjoy your romantic babymoon holiday, lovebirds.
Anna
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”5085″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”Shop the Look” font_container=”tag:h3|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Just a few notes about this outfit as I wanted to tell you a little more about these pieces and how I styled this look.Dress:
This black cotton long-sleeve maternity dress has withstood the test of time throughout my pregnancy and expanded with me as I’ve grown. So practical, I’ve worn it with kimonos, long-line sweaters, and cropped versions (as seen above) alike. I’ve worn it to work, to dinner, and to one of my baby showers. I would highly recommend this purchase as it will help you to stretch that maternity wardrobe that much farther.
Tights:
I love a grey tight to break up a black silhouette, and this pack from H&M comes with a black and grey pair made specifically for the baby bump. Wearing regular tights is a no-go when you’ve got a growing bump, but if you’re still hoping to wear dresses like I have (through colder months and the holiday season for instance) 2-3 pairs will suffice.
Boots:
These khaki-green boots have been key during my pregnancy when I want to step it up but can’t handle a pair of sky-high stilettos. The heel is just enough without causing me to topple over and the colour is fun yet versatile (see them styled a different way on my shopping page). The best part is shoes are of course something you can wear post-bump as well.
Sweater:
Lastly, the mustard sweater was a lucky find at Winners long before I was pregnant and isn’t maternity wear, but with the bump it’s more of a crop top that adds a pop of colour to the overall look.
Accessories:
As usual, my purse and jewelry is thirfted (actually, the earrings used to be my mother’s).
I’ve linked all the actual pieces below or similar items when an exact match isn’t available. If you’re interested in more tips for dressing that baby bump check out Styling from Maternity to Motherhood.
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/6″][vc_single_image image=”4808″ onclick=”custom_link” img_link_target=”_blank” link=”https://fave.co/2E0kW5s”][vc_custom_heading text=”Aldo Khaki Boot” font_container=”tag:h4|text_align:center” use_theme_fonts=”yes” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Ffave.co%2F2E0kW5s||target:%20_blank|”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/6″][vc_single_image image=”4834″ onclick=”custom_link” img_link_target=”_blank” link=”https://fave.co/2DYOiBj”][vc_custom_heading text=”Grey Tights” font_container=”tag:h4|text_align:center” use_theme_fonts=”yes” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Ffave.co%2F2DYOiBj||target:%20_blank|”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/6″][vc_single_image image=”5064″ onclick=”custom_link” img_link_target=”_blank” link=”https://fave.co/2B9Q1l8″][vc_custom_heading text=”Mustard Sweater” font_container=”tag:h4|text_align:center” use_theme_fonts=”yes” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Ffave.co%2F2B9Q1l8||target:%20_blank|”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/6″][vc_single_image image=”5065″ onclick=”custom_link” img_link_target=”_blank” link=”https://fave.co/2Wq6N8C”][vc_custom_heading text=”Envelope Bag” font_container=”tag:h4|text_align:center” use_theme_fonts=”yes” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Ffave.co%2F2Wq6N8C||target:%20_blank|”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/6″][vc_single_image image=”5066″ onclick=”custom_link” img_link_target=”_blank” link=”https://fave.co/2RmSHRz”][vc_custom_heading text=”Gap Jersey Dress” font_container=”tag:h4|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Ffave.co%2F2RmSHRz||target:%20_blank|”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/6″][vc_single_image image=”5067″ onclick=”custom_link” img_link_target=”_blank” link=”https://fave.co/2Tl70bn”][vc_custom_heading text=”OPI Midnight in Moscow” font_container=”tag:h4|text_align:center” use_theme_fonts=”yes” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Ffave.co%2F2Tl70bn||target:%20_blank|”][/vc_column][/vc_row]
