We got back late last night from our annual Spohr Family Trip to Arizona for Spring Training. I didn’t know if I was going to be able to join Mike and Annie until just a few days before, when Dr. Risky cleared me to go. Her only caveat was that I not fly, which wasn’t our plan anyway. But she also laughed and said, “Driving to Arizona while you have hyperemesis? And a three-year-old? Are you sure it wouldn’t be more relaxing to stay home?”
And yes, of course it would have been relaxing to be home alone. But it would have been lonely, so away we all went on Friday. The drive there was much, MUCH better than I expected. We stopped three times – once to get gas/food, and twice because Annie asked to use the bathroom. Not bad at all for an over 400-mile trip.
The weekend was filled with swimming, dancing, and cousin-love.
I love this one.
Desperately trying to learn how to line dance.
Cousins and best buddies.
Of course, there was lots of baseball, too, but I skipped most of that this year. I went to a few innings of a game on Saturday, but I listened to my body’s cues and left early. Annie went to two games with her dad and thoroughly enjoyed herself (and the food) at both ballparks.
Mike and Annie let me do a lot of resting, and I was very grateful. My hyperemesis has been a little more…active…as I try to adjust to the requirements of gestational diabetes, so I’ve been feeling a bit worn out. Even though I was able to sit by the pool while Mike and Annie swam, or afforded nap time while they were at a baseball game, there’s just something about being away from the comforts of home that makes me tired. But a bit of extra-exhaustion was worth the fun, and seeing Annie have a perma-smile was a great energy boost.
This was my ninth time going to Spring Training with Mike’s family. We’ve slowly been adding more kids, and next year we’ll bring The Acrobat, the final grandchild on the Spohr side. Maddie went with us to Spring Training less than a month before she died, and that was where her bond with her two older cousins was cemented. This trip is always going to have rough spots for me emotionally (I had a tradition of calling Jackie from the warm baseball stands to rub it in her cold San Francisco nose), but it has so many bright spots, too. It’s going to be great to bring our baby next year. That’s not a bright spot – that’s a beacon.
Abigail says:
Oh that picture of Mike and Annie in the pool! Swoon.
I’m glad the drive went well for you. We went on a road trip all over the east coast right at the beginning of this pregnancy. Looking back I’m not sure how I did it, I was so so sick. Somehow it still manages to be a really positive, fun memory for me though.
Maris says:
Glad you got to go!
Joelle says:
question on hyperemesis…does it go away as soon as you have the baby? Or will you feel the effects of it after baby is born? I know you will feel other effects after labor or c-section, but was just curious!
Heather says:
It goes away almost instantly! With my other two pregnancies, it took a few weeks for my normal appetite to come back, but my nausea was gone instantly.
Molly says:
It’s so great to hear you talking about next year when The Acrobat will be with you! Especially with everything you’re going through during this rough pregnancy. Beautiful days await.
Kelly says:
I am so glad that your little beacon will be joining you next year for your annual trip. Should be great fun!
Glenda says:
So glad you were able to join the family.
Sounds like fun!
Sad of all the bittersweet memories. Maddie & Jackie, but something to look forward to next year with Mr. Acrobat.
Lisa Lannen says:
Next time bring Rigby and our crew can petsit!!! As long as Rigby doesn’t mind a cat, birds, two girls and three other little dogs!!! Glad you survived the drive and stay. Hope you had sunscreen galore….I burned my scalp this past weekend and I live here so no excuse!!!!
Adrianne says:
The picture of Annie in her hat watching the game is priceless. I feel like she should be at the Kentucky Derby:)
I have a totally random question and I thought you might have some good ideas. I just got word that a good friend from high school delivered her baby yesterday by emergency c-section. She was only 28 weeks:( Needless to say, the baby is in NICU and could be there for some time. I’m racking my brain trying to think of ways to help her through this time. My biggest hurdle is that we now live several states away and I’m not sure what I can do. I was thinking of a care package and checked out your Support Packs for ideas. Can you think of anything else that would be particularly helpful or just might lift their spirits some?
Thanks so much for any input, and I hope you’re resting up after that drive home!
Auntie_M says:
Oh! Those pictures are priceless!!! Each one has something so special about it!
And I have to say, my heart jumped a bit on that last one: for the first time, I really saw Maddie reflected in Annie’s face–mostly her eyes. As I was scrolling down, I thought it was going to be a picture of Maddie from when she went, even though my brain was (at the same time) also telling me the child had to be Annie due to age & coloring!
I’m glad you were able to join Mike and Annie on this trip and equally glad you made it home safe & sound.
As for that Bright Shining Beacon: can’t wait to see pictures of him there with you guys next year!!!!