Somewhere in the last nine years, taking a babymoon has become THE thing to do. I believe the tradition has come into vogue in that time span because back when I was pregnant with my first child then I'd never heard of one. Perhaps I was just out of the what-you-must-do-while-pregnant loop, but these days everyone who's anyone is taking one, and so is everyone else.
Kim Kardashian went to Paris; Kate Middleton went to the island of Mustique; and thousands of women you've never heard of are traipsing off to resorts and tropical beaches for one last fling of freedom before having a baby. They sound lovely, but also a bit ridiculous. They're kind of like what goody bags are to birthday parties. For years no one had ever heard of them, then all of a sudden no party is complete without your own plastic bag of junk. Now it seems no pregnancy checklist can be considered final until the babymoon box gets its mark.
And no, I'm not just jealous because I never got one. Here are five reasons babymoons are a ridiculous tradition.
1. Your whole life has been one big babymoon.
You have yet to change diapers. You can go see a movie anytime you want. On weekends you can sleep all day. You don't desperately need relaxation and time alone together … yet.
2. You will appreciate that vacation so much more in a couple of years.
You have never appreciated a nice, quiet night of sleep as much as you do when you're away from your kids who haven't given you a decent night's sleep … ever. Even the hotel bathroom –with no one else in it or trying to barge in it — will feel like a magical oasis after you've spent some time being a parent.
3. Traveling isn't that fun when you're pregnant.
What's a beach without a fruity umbrella drink? There's no horseback riding, no sushi, and no hot tubs. Sure you can still sight see (if you're feet aren't killing you) or lounge around (if you're not too nauseated), but wouldn't you rather wait until you can fully enjoy the vacation?
4. Things can happen.
If you're going to take one then go early on in your pregnancy, because I've seen far too many stories of women giving birth in airplanes lately. It's not to say that you should never travel while pregnant, but if you don't have to then the closer to home the better I say.
5. Save your money.
If money is no object then by all means, take all of the vacations you want. But if you're like most of us who have to pick and choose where to spend our pennies, I'd choose to save that cash for all of the things your kid will need … and a real vacation (where you can drink and eat and do whatever you want) down the line when they're driving you crazy.
Did you/will you take a babymoon?
Image via pixydust8605/Flickr
