Valentines Day 2015

Jay and I were eager to plan one last romantic getaway before becoming parents. We finally booked a weekend getaway to Detroit, realizing that at 35 weeks pregnant we were running out of time as well as options for a "babymoon".

We planned to leave this morning, arrive at the Detroit temple for the 1:30 sealing session, eat at Sy Thai, explore the city of Birmingham, enjoy a free night at a Marriott hotel, then drive home tomorrow afternoon. 

After waking up to fresh snow we checked the weather to find that there was a 90% chance of snow all day, winds ranging from 20-40 miles per hour and occasionally gusting over 50 miles per hour, a high temperature of 27 degrees, and a low of -9 degrees. We held off on making a final decision about our trip, hoping the weather forecast was inaccurate. About thirty minutes later we learned that the forecast was indeed accurate. The snow was coming down fast and blowing every direction possible. We could hardly see the houses in our neighborhood! Jay and I agreed that a two hour drive in such severe conditions was just too risky. This trip was kind of a "now or never" deal because, like I said, we're running out of time. I'd be lying if I said we weren't REALLY bummed about cancelling. But some things are just more important... such as our lives.

Since Kella was already at Kevin's house having the time of her life with his three dogs, Jay and I took advantage of our total freedom by lounging around the house, watching Parks and Rec, and doing a cheesy little photoshoot.

Once the blizzard stopped we took a short drive downtown and enjoyed a meal at Clara's.

We don't do a lot of eating out because Battle Creek doesn't have much to offer, but we like to treat ourselves to Clara's about once a month.

Thinking we would be out of town, Jay and I exchanged Valentine's gifts early. 

I wrote down a few reasons why I love him.

He completely blew it out of the park with an extremely valuable coupon book, and a list of 35 "Sweet Moments of Pregnancy" that he has secretly been keeping track of since the day I told him I was pregnant.

A few of my favorites:

"Rachel keeping her composure when she secretly found out she was pregnant. It's amazing she didn't immediately tell me!'

"The first time hearing the baby's heart beat."

"The first time I could actually feel the baby kicking. Priceless!"

"Rachel's cute cravings for Wendy's and root beer."

"The moment when Rachel's baby bump became completely obvious."

"The first time I could actually see the baby kicking. Awesome!"

"Snuggling in bed and putting my hand on her ever growing tummy. So precious."

We didn't get the babymoon we originally hoped for, but in the last five years Jay and I have been so fortunate to go on lots of little and big getaways. This Valentines/babymoon weekend spent snowed in with my love reminded me how blessed I am just to be safe and healthy, to have a warm home, and to have the best husband in the universe.