Dominican Republic -- Punta Cana

Dan and I were able to take a little get away early January to the Dominican Republic.  Dan works with a wholesaler in Sioux Center and every year they take their customers (Plumbing/Heating) on a  trip...typically somewhere warm.  This is the second time Dan and I have been able to go on this trip.
 

Picture of the waves...they were beautiful and strong

I was a little nervous going out of the U.S. and being pregnant but my doctor assured me that I would be fine.  I had an appointment with her the Friday before we left, which calmed my nerves.  We had a charter flight from Minneapolis straight to Punta Cana.  It felt like a really long flight -- 5 hours.  I was able to get up a few times and walk to the bathroom.  I also was able to stretch across two seats and sleep most of the way there!  Again, very thankful for Dan.  He let me lay on him for most of the trip.  He also rubbed my back a few times...what a wonderful guy!





The beaches were beautiful and the water felt so good after you laid in the sun for about an hour.  We had a lot of laughs on the beach due to the fact that tan lines are optional, speedos, and all body types in bikinis.  Needless to say...people watching was pretty good!

The baby had a fun night when Apple Vacations put on a dinner specifically for those who were at the resort with Apple.  After we were finished eating, there was a dance floor that opened up for everyone to get the grove on!  Michael Jackson rose from the dead for the occasion..haha!  The music started out as traditional Dominican music and then we figured out that they take requests.  Lady Gaga, Usher, and AC/DC came out!  The baby had quite the workout.  I was secretly hoping the baby would get mad and start moving a lot so I could feel him/her :)

One night we went off the resort and checked out the local HardRock Resort & Casino.  We were able to watch Iowa Hawkeyes basketball in the sports betting area :)

One of the plumbers on the trip sails as a hobby and took a few of us girls out one day.  It is amazing how fast the sail boat can get going without a motor!

The food was ok.  To be honest, I was a little nervous eating the food.  I stayed away from dairy & fish.  The beef was a little interesting.  I think it could have been goat meat instead of beef.  The baby really likes tomatoes and so we took the opportunity to have tomatoes morning, noon, and night.  We also ate a lot of fruit.  Three of the nights we had reservations at different restaurants at the resort.  My favorite was the Hibachi Grill.  The food was wonderful!  Here is a picture of our cook...

We had a lot of fun on the trip and relaxed the whole week.  Dan got in two rounds of golf and I spent an hour at the spa.  The most exciting thing about the trip was Sunday morning, the day we were going to leave...did I really say that?  We were sitting at breakfast and the baby moved!  I almost stood up and screamed.  The feeling was a light flutter but I knew right away that it was the baby.  I am looking forward to the weeks ahead when the baby's movements get stronger.  I try to explain how the feeling is to Dan, but I can't wait for the day that Dan gets to feel the baby himself.  You may think this is weird but now that I can feel the babymove, I start talking to him/her every night.  I can't wait to meet this baby :)

We are looking forward to our 20 week Ultrasound on Friday, June 25.  I am excited to see the strong arms and legs this baby has been moving in me and the sweet face of our baby!