From Honeymoon Bliss to Baby Bump: Navigating Pregnancy, Morning Sickness, and Food Cravings in Koh Samui

It feels like an eternity since I last shared an update here on the blog. Life, as it often does, took a few unexpected and wonderful turns. During this hiatus, Tristan and I embarked on our long-anticipated honeymoon, savored every moment, returned home refreshed, dove back into the rhythm of work, and celebrated my 28th birthday. However, amidst all these milestones, there was one particular development that truly explains my absence from active blogging – a joyous, life-changing secret that we’re now thrilled to reveal.

Yes, you read that right! Tristan and I are expecting! We’re absolutely over the moon to announce that our little foodie baby is due to arrive in 2018. This journey into parenthood has already been filled with surprises, and our honeymoon provided the perfect, albeit challenging, backdrop for the very beginning of this incredible adventure.

A Honeymoon with a Twist: The Big Reveal Before Koh Samui

The timing of our discovery couldn’t have been more dramatic. We found out I was pregnant a mere three days before we were scheduled to leave for our three-week honeymoon in the stunning tropical paradise of Koh Samui, Thailand. The news brought a whirlwind of emotions – excitement, disbelief, and a touch of apprehension about navigating the first trimester while exploring a new country. Despite the immediate onset of nausea, I was determined not to let it derail our romantic getaway. We packed our bags, our hearts full of anticipation, but little did I know just how profoundly morning sickness would impact our dream vacation.

Battling Morning Sickness in Paradise

Koh Samui is renowned for its breathtaking beaches, vibrant culture, and, of course, its incredible food. As a self-proclaimed foodie, I had envisioned indulging in every spicy, aromatic, and exotic dish Thailand had to offer. However, my body had other plans. Morning sickness didn’t just kick in; it seriously kicked my behind, and it wasn’t just in the mornings. It was a constant, debilitating presence, making it incredibly difficult to fully immerse myself in the beauty and culinary delights surrounding us. The irony of being surrounded by amazing food that I couldn’t enjoy was a constant source of frustration.

Beyond the persistent nausea, my palate underwent a dramatic shift. Foods I once adored became unbearable. Garlic, onions, and meat, staples in many of my favorite Thai dishes, suddenly triggered instant aversion. This was a significant challenge, especially since we had stocked up on a substantial amount of meat from Costco before leaving Japan, only to realize upon our return that it was now a colossal mistake. Our freezer was full of food I couldn’t stomach, adding a layer of dietary complexity to our already eventful trip.

The bustling streets of Koh Samui, usually a haven for snack lovers, became a gauntlet of tempting aromas I could rarely indulge in. The vibrant street food scene, an integral part of the Thai experience, often left me wistful rather than excited. Seeing Tristan enjoy these treats was a mix of joy for him and a pang of longing for my pre-pregnancy appetite.

Take, for instance, this delectable cheese and honey grilled pancake Tristan bought as a post-dinner dessert. In my past life, I would have devoured it. This time, I managed one glorious, tasty bite before my stomach decided enough was enough. It was a stark reminder of how much my body was changing and how much my culinary world had temporarily shrunk.

Cravings and Comfort: Finding Solace in Unexpected Places

It’s a widely known anecdote that many pregnant women find cold foods easier to keep down during periods of morning sickness. This certainly proved true for me. I found myself intensely craving cold somen noodles, a light and refreshing dish. To satisfy this very specific and urgent craving, we made a pilgrimage to the supermarket at the Big C mall, a lifesaver for its wide array of imported food products, hoping to find some familiar comforts.

My taste buds also underwent another significant transformation: I began craving salty foods over sweet ones, a completely novel concept for someone who usually has a sweet tooth. The plain crackers I had brought from Japan quickly lost their appeal, so we gladly picked up some cheddar cheese at the supermarket. Another powerful craving was for ice-cold orange juice. The mineral taste of Thai bottled water often exacerbated my nausea, making pure orange juice a truly refreshing and comforting alternative. After sampling several brands, Florida’s Natural emerged as the clear winner, becoming a daily essential for hydration and relief.

Our Go-To Dining Havens in Koh Samui

During our stay in Koh Samui, one restaurant became our sanctuary: Ninja Crepes. We stumbled upon this gem right by our Airbnb, and it quickly proved to be a lifesaver. Its extensive menu and versatile options made it the perfect place for my unpredictable appetite.

Ninja Crepes offered such a diverse selection, and crucially, the portions were manageable. This was ideal, as my appetite fluctuated wildly, making it hard to commit to large meals. The ability to choose my protein for each dish was another huge benefit. It was around this time I developed a strong aversion to chicken, so I initially stuck to beef. However, I soon discovered that all meat, regardless of type, was off-limits, which further narrowed my culinary choices but Ninja Crepes still had options for me.

We found ourselves drawn back to Ninja Crepes at least once a day, not just for the consistently delicious and appropriately portioned food, but also for the wonderful couple who owned and operated the restaurant. Their warmth and hospitality were truly exceptional; they treated us like family, offering comfort and familiarity during a challenging time. Their kindness made every meal a little brighter.

While we absolutely adore eating authentic Thai food on the beach, feeling the gentle sea breeze and watching the spectacular sunsets, my pregnant palate eventually started craving something different. My body yearned for familiar comfort foods like sandwiches and pasta, a stark contrast to the spicy and aromatic flavors of Thailand.

Discovering Comfort Food: Burgers and Pasta

A quick Google search led us to Homemade Burgers and Sandwiches, and it was exactly what my pregnant self needed. It offered a taste of home in the heart of Thailand.

Tristan happily devoured a hearty breakfast plate for just 130 baht (less than 4 US dollars), a fantastic deal. Meanwhile, I indulged in a classic cheeseburger with a side of crispy fries for 170 baht (approximately $5). The food was incredibly satisfying, providing that much-needed comfort. We were so impressed that we made sure to return on our last full day on the island, a testament to its comforting appeal.

Another unexpected highlight was Green Leaf Restaurant. We initially planned to have dinner at an Italian restaurant nearby, but finding it closed, and with my limited mobility and energy levels (walking or driving around in search of another place felt impossible), we decided to try Green Leaf. It was a decision we certainly didn’t regret.

The pasta here was nothing short of amazing. Even though I could only manage to finish half before feeling completely full, the fettuccine amatriciana was undoubtedly one of my favorite meals of the entire trip. The photo truly doesn’t do it justice. Tristan enjoyed an equally delicious fettuccine with pesto, confirming Green Leaf’s culinary prowess. This little restaurant stole our hearts, so much so that we even stopped by a couple of times for breakfast.

During our breakfast visits, I couldn’t help but notice the prevalence of honey over maple syrup with dishes like French toast and pancakes in Koh Samui. Perhaps maple syrup is a rare and expensive commodity here, or local preferences simply lean towards honey.

Exploring Fisherman’s Village: Day vs. Night

Fisherman’s Village was another memorable part of our trip, largely due to its unique atmosphere. During the day, it’s remarkably serene and relatively empty, which offered a tranquil escape. However, the intense tropical heat was a significant challenge for me; I could barely tolerate it for more than five minutes at a time. My pregnant body simply wasn’t built for prolonged exposure to such high temperatures.

We attempted to find relief in a shaded café, hoping a ceiling fan would make a difference, but unfortunately, it provided little comfort against the sweltering heat. Of course, Tristan and other tourists, unburdened by the unique challenges of pregnancy, seemed to navigate the temperatures with ease, highlighting my altered reality.

The true magic of Fisherman’s Village comes alive every Friday night. As dusk settles, shopkeepers set up their vibrant stalls, transforming the quiet street into a bustling, lively night market. The air fills with tantalizing aromas, music, and the excited chatter of locals and tourists alike, creating an electrifying atmosphere that is truly captivating.

The market offered an endless array of goods, from delicious street food (which I cautiously navigated) to colorful t-shirts and charming trinkets. It was a feast for the senses, despite my limited ability to indulge in all the food offerings. The energy was infectious, and it was a joy to simply wander and soak it all in. It wasn’t until we returned to our Airbnb that I realized, amidst all the excitement, I hadn’t managed to snap any photos of the actual food we consumed there – a minor oversight in a truly memorable experience.

Five Months In: A New Chapter Begins

Fast forward to today, and I’m now in my fifth month of pregnancy, entering the glorious second trimester, which often brings a welcome reprieve from the relentless morning sickness. While I haven’t completely overcome nausea, the improvement has been significant. I can now get out of bed each morning feeling functional and capable of handling my work responsibilities, a stark contrast to those challenging first few months. While the journey isn’t always easy and there are still days that test my limits, I am genuinely enjoying the experience of being pregnant. Each flutter and kick is a precious reminder of the miracle unfolding within me.

As I slowly but surely get back into the swing of things, I’m hopeful that regular blogging will once again become a part of my routine. This new chapter has opened up a world of experiences, and I’m eager to share more about balancing life, work, and impending motherhood. To all the experienced mom bloggers out there, I would be so grateful for any advice, tips, or insights you might have about navigating pregnancy, new parenthood, and maintaining a creative outlet. Your wisdom would be invaluable as we prepare to welcome our little one in 2018!