Friday, April 26, 2013

Two by Land And Two by Sea


I haven't posted since we left El Salvador, not because there's been nothing to write about but because things aboard Bettie have changed and we weren't quite ready to broadcast that change on the internet. But I'm tired of letting the blog fall into disrepair just because I don't know how to write around the big goings on aboard. So here goes.

We are having a baby! It's a bit unexpected but incredibly exciting and wonderful, except for one slight problem. I'm kicked off the boat. Most of you will recall my proclivity for vomiting while underway unless under the influence of anti-nausea medication. Well, mix in some morning sickness and the inability to take drugs and you have a savage combination. Basically, I have been throwing up since we left El Salvador. I threw up crossing the Gulf of Tehauntepec. I threw up from Puerto Angel to 20 miles outside of Acapulco and back again (will explain in a subsequent post).

Basically, I have spent the entire time we were on passage curled up in bed or vomiting into the galley sink. And to make matters worse, the anchorages at Puerto Angel and Huatulco, which should have provided some relief, were so rolly even with a stern anchor that I was in a perpetual state of queasiness. In the end, I craved a world that was totally and completely still. A world, you know, like land.

During my vomit-a-thon, Vlad did everything. I kept up a night watch (until the passage to Acapulco) so he got a few hours sleep, but other than that he pretty much single handed on top of doing all the dishes, cooking for me when I could eat, making sure I kept drinking liquids and fixing anything that broke. He is amazing. Completely amazing. But after our last passage that ended safely but back in the same place we started after a week at sea, we decided that maybe the baby didn't need to be mildly to moderately dehydrated for days on end and that maybe it wasn't such a good idea to take a pregnant woman who is projectile vomiting animal crackers out in the ocean at least for the time being.

Now, the baby and I are staying in a hotel in Puerto Angel, and Vlad and the hedgehog left Wednesday for Acapulco. He should get there today or tomorrow. I feel kind of guilty for chickening out, mainly because I don't want Vlad to have to do be out there by himself. But I feel sooooo much better and have been able to eat healthily and exercise and drink plenty of fluids, pretty essential stuff that I haven't been able to do for weeks. So while the situation is not ideal, it's the best one we've got.    

14 comments:

  1. A baby?! How exciting! Don't feel guilty .. you've got a baby to consider. Congratulations!

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  2. Delighted and deliriously happy for you and Vlad! I think it is a smart move to get off the boat if its not agreeing with you. Little Genghis needs to grow so its better if the food actually stays in ya.
    SO EXCITED FOR YOU!!!

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  3. Congratulations. I know s/he'll conquer half the world.

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  4. Thanks, everyone! I'll just be happy when we make it to Puerto Vallarta with everyone and everything intact and get to take a break for a while. And we definitely appreciate all the world conqueror jokes!

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  5. Your plans changed?! What??? Welcome to the world of kids. Many things will ever go as planned and learning to roll with it is the true test of being a good parent. Putting baby first is what you are supposed to do so it sounds like you are off to a good start. And, morning sickness is a great sign that your bodies hormones are working and the baby is healthy. So hooray for the barf. It'll slow up 2nd tri. Hang in there and congrats. Now just keep Vlad away from the $.25 coronita's in the lobby of the Hotel Marsol (if it's still there) when in Port V. Used to be a great restaurant called Senor Pancho's in the old part of the city. Love, Sheila

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  6. So happy for you! A new adventure usually does involve a little barfing. Safe sailing to Vlad and may you be reunited soon soon soon.

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  7. WOW!! Congratulations, it's such exciting news, truly. I can't wait to see what this little curly haired mechanic/writer/hedgehog lover will look like.

    Hope Vlad will have a fine time and you are soon to be together again.

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  8. Just getting back on the mainline here in Roatan and catching up on things in the world. That is fantastic news - so happy for you two (soon to be three)!! Hope there is fun & relaxation awaiting you at your next destination. xoxo

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  9. Holy toledo! How did i manage to miss this news? That is wonderful! I'm sorry you have morning sickness, or all time sickness as some women get, but hopefully the next trimester will be better and you will hit your stride. How exciting for you!

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  10. Just wanted to chime in with a congratulations! Wonderful news and wonderful that you are on steady "shores" and feeling better. I follow your blog and enjoy your sailing adventures tremendously. Hope you'll blog about your baby adventures with us! Peace, Linda

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