Return trip to the USA-Part 2

So after spending 2 weeks in St. Joe catching up with family & friends who are nearby I took the Southshore train (an old and familiar friend) to Chicago (with a short detour in Valparaiso to spend the night with the Prindles) and after 2 weeks apart (which felt like an eternity) I was reunited with my husband! We spent most of the day hanging out with our long-time friend Beth (meeting her newest addition Davis).

Beth, Davis & I

Then...6am flight to Boston! We spent 6 glorious days hanging out with the Mountcastles' with their newest addition, Ian.

Megan & Ian

 Honestly, with our own bundle of joy on the way I was a little nervous about seeing life with a newborn "up-close & personal"...however in reality I was reassured that we could do it too. Seeing Megan & Paul in their new roles as parents this early in the game was a blessing for both Fuad & I, Every step of the way I felt like "If they can do it, we can do it" and being in household where all of this is so new felt really comforting. With Ian being only a month old, Megan & Paul were both sympathetic to my pregnancy sign & symptoms, they had all kinds of interesting books to peruse AND we got to try our hand and holding & comforting & playing with Ian.
We enjoyed talking some walks, sharing some divine meals, the maiden voyage of Ian's first meal out at a restaurant, and simply hanging out together. It's the simple things in life, you know. Good friends, family, a good meal & a shared smile along the way.

Return trip to the USA Part 1

This part of the trip didn't send me reeling as I expected it would. Maybe it's because the pace of St. Joe in the summer is what you would expect from a small beach town...or maybe it's because I'm basking in the glow of telling my family and friends that Fuad & I are expecting our first child. So rather than feeling those "life back in America" feelings, I'm focused on how I feel physically & emotionally day by day as the end of my first trimester comes to a close.
I'm preparing for the 2nd part of this trip...a transition though Valparaiso & Chicago as I meet Fuad (after spending a very long 2 weeks apart) and together we'll make our way to Boston.
So I reflect on the past 2 weeks which have been glorious! I did everything on my list for St. Joe. I spent time with family & friends, I walked on the lakefront & took in some sunsets. I overindulged on my favorite foods & ate at some of my favorite St. Joe restaurants. I shopped, I ate, I laid on the singing sands of Silver Beach. I'm so grateful to have had this time here during this phase of my life!
But at the same time, I just had this realization that it will never be the same...I guess it never is, right? You occupy space for a given time and you move forward...Next summer when Fuad & I come to this place we'll have our 5 month old baby in tow!