Drew got me an iPad a couple weeks ago which I brought with me on vacation to Dominican Republic this week. It’s nice and light but I can’t figure out how to post a photo on a Wordpress site, so just imagine that there’s a picture of me here with my wet hair pulled back in a ponytail and my bare face full of freckles, a mojito in hand, and I am looking off into the sunset. (Update: I figured it out!).
Usually on my vacations, I like to soak up as much of the culture as I can, but here, with an almost 8-month-old who continues to be as needy as ever even though “we are on a break,” I am content to just sit on the beach for days on end. I have been reading the same book since Sunday and am only three chapters in. So is the life of a mother on vacation.
When the baby sleeps, I stare off into the horizon and think about how crazy and wonderful and beautiful and heartbreakingly sad this life we live is. I think about how everyone I love will be gone one day. I wish I didn’t think like that on vacation, but so it goes. I also think about how rich in experiences I have been so far and how I would trade any future fortune and success to keep living a fulfilled life of friends and family and stories and travel and good food and sometimes the perfect dress for the perfect occasion and maybe a great hair day now and then.
I just wanted to pop in and say ‘hi.’ I am thinking of you, DWers, and am glad to share some of this ride with you.
XO
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JK June 5, 2012, 6:50 pm
Aww Wendy, you just brought tears to my eyes!
We miss you. 🙂
And I think motherhood brings on a greater consciousness of mortality, I know I never used to think about it as much as I do recently.
Enjoy the vacation, and I hope Jackson lets you relax a little at least!
JK June 6, 2012, 7:20 am
Love the photos!
katie June 6, 2012, 7:54 am
heck yes! frame that sunset one… beautiful.
lemongrass June 6, 2012, 1:14 pm
I’m glad I’m not the only one! I thought it was my pregnancy hormones!
iwannatalktosampson June 5, 2012, 7:15 pm
Vacations can have that effect for sure. I added you on facebook the other day Wendy just so I could see some pictures! 🙂 Have you and Drew are getting at least a little alone time – even if it’s just while Jackson is sleeping.
anonymous June 5, 2012, 7:43 pm
Such beautiful thoughts, and you are so generous to share such quiet, achingly delicious moments. I agree with JK about parenthood and mortality. Thank you for a lovely note in my evening.
katie June 5, 2012, 7:59 pm
yay vacations! and yay deep thoughts on vacation.
have fun wendy! were thinking of you as well.
mandalee June 5, 2012, 9:14 pm
I love this post, Wendy! You always put your thoughts so eloquently. Lazy beach vacations definitely bring out the deep thoughts. Maybe it’s all the relaxation and sun?
Kristen June 5, 2012, 10:37 pm
This post is so sweet. I can totally picture you with a drink in your hand on the beach. I hope you have a wonderful week — even if it is filled with some introspection and deep thoughts.
Thank you for all you do for us!!
LolaBeans June 5, 2012, 10:44 pm
awwwwwww so cute! enjoy your vacation!
Solitaryflame June 6, 2012, 1:16 am
Wendy, to do Wordpress you need to download the app from the app store. It’s pretty easy (mostly). Hope that helps, because I’d really love to see some pics!! 🙂
Wendy June 6, 2012, 6:42 am
Thank you,
jlyfsh June 6, 2012, 8:05 am
beautiful sunset and adorable baby! hope you enjoy the rest of your vacation 🙂 and i love mojitos!
Taylor June 6, 2012, 8:35 am
We were watching the transit of Venus across the sun yesterday evening – the next time that will happen is in well over 100 years. Before that, on the way home, a man on the radio said the next time that the transit happens, the world will be all new people, that not a single person listening to him speak will be there to see it. It made me sad and hopeful at the same time.
Kristen June 6, 2012, 8:59 am
Wow.
Amanda June 6, 2012, 8:55 am
Have a wonderful vacation!
SweetPeaG June 6, 2012, 9:09 am
Beautiful pictures!
I think that way too… often on vacation. When moments are so perfect and I am all too aware they won’t last forever. And it can be rough at times to have a mind so constantly in motion. But, I also think it is great that you aren’t taking it for granted.
Enjoy!
bethany June 6, 2012, 9:10 am
He really might be the cutest baby ever. Seriously.
I hope you guys have a great trip!!!
Fabelle June 6, 2012, 9:39 am
Ahh, it looks so beautiful there! Have fun 🙂
ktfran June 6, 2012, 9:40 am
That photo of Jackson on the chair is freaking adorable. Seriously. ADORABLE!
CatsMeow June 6, 2012, 9:47 am
Great pics! I’m jealous.
Which swimsuits did you end up settling on?
Wendy June 6, 2012, 10:53 am
I got this bikini from lands end:
And I got some bikini bottoms from old navy to go with an old bikini and (miracle suit) tankini I had. And I got two cover ups from old navy and a new straw hat from a boutique in my neighborhood (and some cheapie sunglasses) and a beach bag from target. Didn’t bother buying any new clothes since I have been losing weight ( finally) and want to lose 15 more pouns – or at least 10 – before buying anything else.
kerrycontrary June 6, 2012, 9:57 am
Jackson is so freaking cute! I hope you get to have a little relaxation time this weekend. Congratulations on your first family vacation!
melikeycheesecake June 6, 2012, 10:11 am
Love it! Enjoy your vaca!
gym5ive June 6, 2012, 10:24 am
First time commenter here…but such beautiful pictures! The needy baby comment made me laugh. Have fun on your vacation!!
rachel June 6, 2012, 11:33 am
Yay pictures! Looks beautiful!
lets_be_honest June 6, 2012, 12:32 pm
What a lovely “postcard.” Glad to hear/see you are enjoying your much deserved vacation!
Lianne June 6, 2012, 12:38 pm
Love it. And I am so like you. When I am on vacation and have time for reflection I worry about everyone I love being gone someday and what does it all mean, etc. Enjoy the time you have and breathe!
Addie Pray June 6, 2012, 12:39 pm
Aw, freckles on your feet! Cute. I just have yoga dry spots on the tops of my feet. Freckles are muy cuter. I get lots of freckles on my face because of the sun. My dad used to say “looks like someone’s been in the sun!” then he’d try to count all my new freckles, ha. Aw man, now I miss my papa.
Enjoy the rest of the week, Wendy!
landygirl June 6, 2012, 12:45 pm
Jackson is so darn cute I can barely stand it.
ele4phant June 6, 2012, 2:22 pm
As a Westcoaster the Dominican Republic, or anywhere in the Caribbean seems soooooo exotic and exciting. I guess its not as big of a deal to travel from the East Coast (maybe its akin to me going to Hawaii), but it sure seems like a fantasy vacation.