what is enough?

I’ve been wondering lately if I’m getting enough out of my experience in England.  Am I appreciating it, living it to the fullest?  It is inevitable that we will move back to the States at some point in the not too distant future.  When it happens, will I feel I missed chances and opportunities living in Europe?

In April we took the entire family to Cornwall and rented the most perfect vacation house ever.  Its been a long time dream of ours to return to this beautiful part of England with dogs in tow.  Walking them along the coastal path and exploring pre-season beaches was finally realized.  Portscatho, St. Mawes, St. Agnes, Truro…all Cornwall towns I’ve fallen in love with. We basked in the amazing April sunshine and grilled every night in our beautiful rented garden.  We hiked down to a stunning surfing beach that reminded me of  Hawaii with it’s rocky ciffs down to the waves.  Even the vibe felt Hawaii-esq as I ate a local crab salad sandwich in a dog friendly cafe by the  beach.

And what else?

We explored Suffolk while staying in Nanny and Grandad’s holiday home by the beach.  Southwald’s colorful row of beach houses and sweet main street…fish and chips, bigger than I’ve ever witnessed…

We’ve celebrated 7 (local) family birthdays just this spring.  Watched a royal wedding.  A serious affair to remember.  Traveled back to Boston (again)…I do not recommend the 7 hour plane ride at 8 months pregnant.  Took the train up to London a few times–walked the South Bank, Spittlefield Market and the East End (super fab clothing shops), of course Borough Market (my favorite food spot in the city).

Meanwhile the baby in my belly is getting bigger and bigger and bigger.  She has slowed me down so significantly that lately I feel I’m at a standstill.  This second pregnancy has kicked my ass.  Not sure if its my age, living abroad, or having a three year old–the focus isn’t on me this time and my priorities are totally different.  Perhaps this baby in my belly is why I’m questioning whether I’m experiencing enough at this point…because obviously we have been busy.  There’s so much going on inside me, with just a few weeks to go, that whats going on outside has taken a back seat.  Something to be said for nesting.  Even in a foreign country.  No matter where one is in life, having a child is an event and an experience to be reckoned with.  I guess that’s my lesson…I thought second time round it wouldn’t be quite as intense seeing as I’d done it already.  Ha.