The babymoon, Part I

When we told friends I was expecting, we heard the same question over and over again: "Are you going on a babymoon?" I don't think so, I'd usually say. (I didn't tell them that's because I had no idea what they were talking about.)

After a little bit of Googling, I figured it out. Apparently, a babymoon is the last trip a couple takes before becoming parents - or so say the savvy marketers who are trying to squeeze every last dime out of you before you become a homebody for the next two years.

When we planned our summer vacation, it wasn't meant to be a babymoon but, well, it's turned into one. The first leg was spent with my relatives in California. Lots of great food, a pedicure, massages, and some sight-seeing.

Buster even - kind of - went to his first Cubs game at Chad's second-favorite ballpark. (It was a great game, but the Cubs lost in the 9th. To a team with a catcher named Buster, no less...)

Last night we began the second leg of our journey - to Half Moon Bay, CA, about a half-hour south of San Francisco. This is my first time ever staying in a Ritz-Carlton and I have to say it lives up to the hype, even though I'm working. What's made it even more incredible is that some higher-up found out this is our last trip pre-kid and upgraded us to a suite with a fireplace, two bathrooms, an amazing view and the comfiest bed I may have ever slept in. I'm not sure if I'd ever fork over my own money for this place but I can't help but think that I must have done something pretty darned nice for someone along the way in order for this unexpected karma to stumble upon me.

This afternoon, Chad's out golfing and I just finished a 90-minute hike along the Coastal Trail. The five miles I wandered were filled with one breathtaking sight after another: crashing waves; crooked trees; pink, purple and orange flowers; and lots of tall grasses. At the halfway point, I sat at the top of one of the bluffs to take it all in. It was such an amazing trek I didn't even turn on my iPod - just listed to nature, had a good conversation with myself, and silently savored the fact that no one on this earth knew where I was at that very moment.

Man, life is good.