As much as I swore I would not become one of “those” pregnant women, I have to fess up—I am in full-on nesting mode. I’ve already washed and put away about 10 loads of baby clothes, blankets, bibs, etc. I’ve gone to Babies ‘R Us on numerous whims because I just had to buy those nursery valances or pacifiers right that minute. I’ve spent days researching pediatricians.

So naturally, during Keith’s leave last week, he could not wait to get me out of the house and into a new environment for some much-needed relaxation time. I believe these little pre-baby trips are commonly referred to as “babymoons.” Seeing as I am banned from flying for the rest of the pregnancy, we decided to drive to the ski resort towns of Breckenridge and Vail. Nevermind the fact that the forecast called for cold and snow in the mountains and 70s and sunny here in Colorado Springs.

We spent the first night in Breckenridge at a wonderful bed and breakfast called the Allaire Timbers Inn. Since April is the low season, we had the entire place to ourselves! The owner, Sue, upgraded our room for free. We walked around town and had a yummy dinner. The next morning, we ate a delicious breakfast while enjoying a gorgeous mountain view.

Me in the Allaire Timbers Inn

Then, we moved on to Vail for the next two nights.We arrived at the Vail Marriott Mountain Resort around noon, where we got another free room upgrade after the guy at check-in got an eyeful of my belly. The view from our balcony was postcard-perfect.

Keith on our balcony

Unfortunately, it was snowing quite hard outside. So Keith, bless his heart, signed me up for a prenatal massage at the resort’s spa that afternoon. I wasn’t quite sure what to expect, given my rather large frame and the fact that I cannot lay on my belly.

That’s when I found out about the pregnancy massage pillow available at some spas. It’s a large, thick pillow with a cut-out for pregnant bellies that lies on top of the table.

A pregnancy massage pillow

All I can say is, it was divine. I thoroughly enjoyed lying on my stomach for the first time in months. And—though I am unsure whether it was due to the intense back pain I’ve been prone to getting since month six, or to the advanced skills of the masseuse—it was by far the best massage I’ve ever had. Afterward, I felt invigorated, content, and pain-free.

The rest of the trip was unlike any other we’ve had. My Type-A self typically wants to do, do, do when I am in a new place. But even though the next day was gorgeous, what could I really do? Skiing, snow tubing, and ice skating are not exactly the best activities when you’re expecting. With all the snow on the ground, the hiking trails were closed. You can’t soak in a hot tub when you’re pregnant.

So, we just chilled—something I hadn’t allowed myself to do for a long time. We walked around the village, window shopped, ate at delicious restaurants, checked out the Ski Museum. We ordered room service and watched American Idol. We sat on our balcony and watched the skiers coming down the mountain. And, we talked—not about babies or to-do lists or deployments. We talked about movies and books, we reminisced, we discussed places we wanted to visit in the future.

And, I have to say—our babymoon was one of our best trips ever! There’s a lot to be said for spending money just to relax—especially when your lives are about to get a whole lot busier. I’d always thought babymoons were overrated, but not anymore. Now I think they are a splurge that’s totally worth it—as are prenatal massages! I’d highly recommend both!

Did anyone else take a babymoon and/or have a prenatal massage? If so, tell me about it!