We recently drove to Texas and it was exactly what I needed. I missed my family to the point of many tearful nights. Although, given the option today I would much rather not make the 16 hour drive. I'd rather fly, but that wasn't an option this far along in the pregnancy. The trip was exhausting and left us both sore despite the level of comfort we traveled in. We rolled into town in a dark blue Chrysler 300. It was pimp to say the least. I'm so thankful that my father in law rents cars so often. It was like Christmas again!
Upon getting there my first goal was mediocre tex-mex. You heard me right, Casa Ole was in order. It was so satisfying except that the manager said if I have a suspected wheat allergy I should avoid all my favorite meals there. Needless to say you don't tell a pregnant lady she can't have beans that have been thickened with a little flour. I still ate some. Totally worth it and the entire trip I didn't react negatively to gluten/wheat in any way. I'm beginning to suspect it's not an allergy since reactions to allergens get worse and happen faster. In other health related news I'm allergic to cats. Every time I touched Elmo the giant, yellow Main Coon with any part of me other than my hands hives followed shortly after. I thought I would get used to him like I did last time I was in town, sadly no.
Moving on, I started to have a mini panic attack when we were in my parents' neck of the woods. Literal woods. For a solid five minutes I not only didn't feel comfortable surrounded by giant Oaks and towering Pines, but I felt trapped. I got over that after getting out of the car, but it was a little overwhelming.
I got to see all the family at least once. I'm beyond excited to be an aunt! My brothers' wives are so adorably preggers. One is due at the first of February and the other is due in June (I think). Still, she is always adorable so a little pooch is a victory for me to see. Unfortunately, due to Houston debris the rental got a flat and I missed our lunch date with my grandparents.
Travis of course was excited to blow up stuff in my dad's cast iron cannon. All in all there was a lot of my mom rubbing, listening, and talking to my belly. We also had the worst customer service ever. Only two of the people serving us actually remembered that Travis had Dr. Pepper and I had Coke. I guess they sound similar when it comes to refills.
Maybe I'll get into more detail later, but I'm so thankful and blessed beyond my wildest dreams. I'm so glad that I'm supported in every way throughout this pregnancy. I can't imagine making a family without the wonderful examples I have to follow, and the future best dad ever to support me.
P.s. I think since discovering I can tolerate gluten and slowly reincorporating it back into my diet this baby has gotten BIG! She's learned that ribs are fun to kick....much to my dismay.
-Heather Rand.
