23

We're still in Southeast Asia and welcoming week 23 in Ubud, Bali. This town is so charming and bursting with spirituality. There's a Hindu temple or statue every 50 meters or so. Every home or establishment leaves a handmade offering in front of their place every day, making it tricky to walk down the sidewalks (you don't want to step on them!) There's a spot to practice yoga on every corner, and even in the middle of rice paddie fields. If you need to stop for a massage or reflexology session, there are no shortage of spas and wellness centers either!  Husband and I took advantage of this by booking a 75 minute traditional Indonesian massage (him) and prenatal massage (me). The Uma Spa at the Como hotel was the only spa that I could find in the area that offered (or at least advertised) a specialized prenatal massage. It was a bit pricier than spas off the streets, but very cheap compared to American standards. The place was an oasis and the experience heavenly. Baby and I enjoyed it very much. 

Baby experienced its first yoga sessions this week. Our hotel happened to be located just next door to The Yoga Barn, a yoga retreat center unlike any other. Husband and I started off our mornings in Ubud with a 1.5 hour morning flow class at 7am. With its sense of movement now developed, the little one kicked, twisted, and turned throughout my Down Dogs and Warriors. It was a lot of fun feeling it respond to my poses!  Of course there were certain poses I had to refrain from doing. But I listened to my body and modified as needed. The instructors were all very supportive and helpful, too.  The Yoga Barn is an amazing facility with several studios and classes & activities running all day long. I wanted so badly to take a specialized class, like acrobatic yoga!  I'll just have to wait until this baby is safely out of my body. The light morning flow classes offered at least the perfect yoga fix for me. 

In general, I'm feeling healthy and great during month 5. Most of all, EXTREMELY fortunate and grateful for this experience. It is wonderful to be on this trip with my husband right now, with our baby, learning more and more about the world and ourselves every day.

The bump: 23 weeks