Untitled from Minh-An Pence on Vimeo.
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Kora working on her crawling skills
This was taken the morning of April 11th at Tim and Stephen's home.
Kora working on crawling from Minh-An Pence on Vimeo.
Friday, April 23, 2010
Australia Holiday
Wow, so jet lag this time around really kicked my ass. We've been home for a week and last night is the first night I had a good night's sleep. Well, as good of a night's sleep you can have with a six-month old, i guess. Speaking of which, Kora turned six months old on Tuesday! I can't believe that just six months ago she was a tiny infant. Now she's a little girl with a definite mind of her own.
Our wonderful holiday in Oz was just over 3 weeks. Our hosts, Tim and Stephen (Tim is Darren's brother for those of you who don't know and Stephen is his partner), made sure we had an incredible time.
I have to admit, Darren and I had no idea what to expect. We'd heard that this is the best time to travel with a baby, before they get mobile, but we really pushed the limit by opting for such a faraway destination. The total trip time was right around 32 hours (this includes 3 flights and the layovers). Well, I have to say that Kora did really well. It was exhausting keeping her happy and entertained, but we succeeded. Mostly. The last leg (Sydney to Melbourne, about an hour flight) was the one that pushed her over the edge. It was extremely bright and she was tired. She cried and screamed for about 10 minutes at the beginning of the flight, then again for about 10 minutes at the end of the flight. During the flight I kept her quiet by holding her and bouncing her in the aisle. I was ready to cry myself. Oh well we got through it. I'll also add that she was not happy to then spend another 20 minutes in a carseat after all that!
The first few days were spent relaxing and recovering from the traveling. We took walks into one of the local villages. Such a cute town. There's a butcher, an organic produce shop and a few bakeries. Love it! Walkable communities rock.
Stephen cooked for us every night which was a big treat. He's an exceptional cook. Of course we had Australian wine every night.
We took day trips to Healesville animal sanctuary and the town of Daylesford (known as a spa town). We were lucky enough to have beautiful weather for our many hikes and walks. We took the train into downtown Melbourne many times. I love that city. Darren told me before we went that I would love it. I didn't realize how right he was. It is such a vibrant city, but it also retains so much European charm as well. It is the opposite of Atlanta. Atlanta likes to bill itself as a vibrant city with a lot to offer, but whenever someone visits I try to think of the places to take them in Atlanta, I can barely think of anything (aquarium anyone? Coke museum? how about a big granite rock?). Melbourne is just so alive. We barely scratched the surface of the city...I can't wait to go back.
The second week we started our road trip along the Great Ocean Road. We were nervous about how Kora would do in the car since she is usually not happy being strapped in the carseat. Tim and Stephen routed our trip so that we wouldn't have to spend more than 3 hours a day in the van, and those 3 hours were further broken up by stops. It turned out fine. Yes, she cried a bit. When that happened we would usually pull over and I would nurse her to sleep and put her back in the carseat.
So, we went first to Torquay to stretch our legs and go to the visitor center to route the rest of trip. This is also where Kora went to the beach for the first time. I think she really loved the squishiness of the sand. She wouldn't stop bouncing! Then the tide came in and scared her! Baby steps...
Our next stop was Apollo Bay. Again, we walked along the beach and around the town. We stayed overnight here. I have to add that this was the only night we did not have wine. :-)
The next day we did a beautiful hike through a rainforest in Otway National Park.
Halfway through the hike Kora decided she was hungry and wouldn't stop fussing. So, I nursed her while hiking! That was a first.
That ended our roadtrip. It was nice to come home (well, Tim and Stephen's home) and relax.
We went into the city several more times before we had to leave. We even went to Tim's work where all the ladies ooohed and aaahed over Kora. I think Darren and I could have slipped out the door and come back several hours later and nobody would've noticed.
Some of Kora's firsts while here:
She rolled over from tummy to back and back to tummy consecutively. She's very quick!
Her grabbing skills are really spot on. She wants it; she gets it.
Her, ah, output has changed.
First time on a plane, a train, a beach, a swing, and down a slide
First hike and first roadtrip
First time eating a veggie (I gave her a cooked carrot stick to gum...and she ate some of it, as we saw later on in her, ah, output)
First sporting event (we went to an Australian Football game)
Our wonderful holiday in Oz was just over 3 weeks. Our hosts, Tim and Stephen (Tim is Darren's brother for those of you who don't know and Stephen is his partner), made sure we had an incredible time.
I have to admit, Darren and I had no idea what to expect. We'd heard that this is the best time to travel with a baby, before they get mobile, but we really pushed the limit by opting for such a faraway destination. The total trip time was right around 32 hours (this includes 3 flights and the layovers). Well, I have to say that Kora did really well. It was exhausting keeping her happy and entertained, but we succeeded. Mostly. The last leg (Sydney to Melbourne, about an hour flight) was the one that pushed her over the edge. It was extremely bright and she was tired. She cried and screamed for about 10 minutes at the beginning of the flight, then again for about 10 minutes at the end of the flight. During the flight I kept her quiet by holding her and bouncing her in the aisle. I was ready to cry myself. Oh well we got through it. I'll also add that she was not happy to then spend another 20 minutes in a carseat after all that!
The first few days were spent relaxing and recovering from the traveling. We took walks into one of the local villages. Such a cute town. There's a butcher, an organic produce shop and a few bakeries. Love it! Walkable communities rock.
Stephen cooked for us every night which was a big treat. He's an exceptional cook. Of course we had Australian wine every night.
We took day trips to Healesville animal sanctuary and the town of Daylesford (known as a spa town). We were lucky enough to have beautiful weather for our many hikes and walks. We took the train into downtown Melbourne many times. I love that city. Darren told me before we went that I would love it. I didn't realize how right he was. It is such a vibrant city, but it also retains so much European charm as well. It is the opposite of Atlanta. Atlanta likes to bill itself as a vibrant city with a lot to offer, but whenever someone visits I try to think of the places to take them in Atlanta, I can barely think of anything (aquarium anyone? Coke museum? how about a big granite rock?). Melbourne is just so alive. We barely scratched the surface of the city...I can't wait to go back.
Darren, Kora and I on the waterfront
The second week we started our road trip along the Great Ocean Road. We were nervous about how Kora would do in the car since she is usually not happy being strapped in the carseat. Tim and Stephen routed our trip so that we wouldn't have to spend more than 3 hours a day in the van, and those 3 hours were further broken up by stops. It turned out fine. Yes, she cried a bit. When that happened we would usually pull over and I would nurse her to sleep and put her back in the carseat.
So, we went first to Torquay to stretch our legs and go to the visitor center to route the rest of trip. This is also where Kora went to the beach for the first time. I think she really loved the squishiness of the sand. She wouldn't stop bouncing! Then the tide came in and scared her! Baby steps...
Our next stop was Apollo Bay. Again, we walked along the beach and around the town. We stayed overnight here. I have to add that this was the only night we did not have wine. :-)
The next day we did a beautiful hike through a rainforest in Otway National Park.
Halfway through the hike Kora decided she was hungry and wouldn't stop fussing. So, I nursed her while hiking! That was a first.
Later that day we stopped at the Twelve Apostles. Beautiful! Darren counted and I think there are only 8 apostles left, due to erosion.
Around this time Kora's GI system decided it would change things up a bit and go from pooping once a day to 5-7 times a day. This was oh so pleasant while on the road. I think it had to do with a change in my diet. She still has yet to change back.
We then left the Great Ocean Road and headed north to Penola (leaving the state of Victoria and entering South Australia). This town is smack dab in the Coonawarra wine region. Since South Australia's wines are far superior to Victoria's (thank you to Stephen's indoctrination), we were not allowed to taste wine until we were here. It did not disappoint!
Finally we headed towards the Grampians National Park. Here we did some beautiful hikes, and we stayed in a creaky cabin on the outskirts of the park. Right outside the cabin at least 30 kangaroos congregated. I was so in awe of this cool animal. Kora was too. But then again she is in awe of any animal, as long as it is moving.
Twelve Apostles
We then left the Great Ocean Road and headed north to Penola (leaving the state of Victoria and entering South Australia). This town is smack dab in the Coonawarra wine region. Since South Australia's wines are far superior to Victoria's (thank you to Stephen's indoctrination), we were not allowed to taste wine until we were here. It did not disappoint!
Daddy sneaking a sip of wine while Kora's not looking
Finally we headed towards the Grampians National Park. Here we did some beautiful hikes, and we stayed in a creaky cabin on the outskirts of the park. Right outside the cabin at least 30 kangaroos congregated. I was so in awe of this cool animal. Kora was too. But then again she is in awe of any animal, as long as it is moving.
Mommy kanga with her joey. We watched her nurse him. Being a huge fan of nursing, especially in public (shameless!), I loved it.
Kora and mommy in the Grampians N.P.
Kora, mommy, uncles Tim and Stephen in the Grampians N.P.
That ended our roadtrip. It was nice to come home (well, Tim and Stephen's home) and relax.
Kora playing with Bruce the wombat
Kora and uncle Tim at the nursery in Treasury Park
Kora, mommy and uncle Tim waiting for the train at Southern Cross station
Lunch at St. Kilda
We had such a great time. Tim and Stephen were wonderful. I know Kora fell in love with her uncles.
Some of Kora's firsts while here:
She rolled over from tummy to back and back to tummy consecutively. She's very quick!
Her grabbing skills are really spot on. She wants it; she gets it.
Her, ah, output has changed.
First time on a plane, a train, a beach, a swing, and down a slide
First hike and first roadtrip
First time eating a veggie (I gave her a cooked carrot stick to gum...and she ate some of it, as we saw later on in her, ah, output)
First sporting event (we went to an Australian Football game)
For more pictures please go to Darren's MobileMe Gallery.
Saturday, April 17, 2010
Home...finally
I will post pictures soon from our trip to Australia, but I wanted to share our trip home while it it fresh in my mind. We were so nervous about how it was going to go. We know Kora can only take so much stimulation before she melts down so our goal was to keep her as calm as possible.
First of all, we had to wake up at 3:30AM for our 6AM flight from Melbourne to Sydney. I was worried about how Kora would be since we had to wake her up (she can be cranky if she doesn't get her beauty sleep). She was awake during the car ride to the airport, and still awake during check-in and while waiting to board. She said her goodbye to Uncle Tim and pretty much fell asleep as soon as we got on the plane. Stayed asleep!
Sydney airport - had a long delay on this flight. I put Kora in the K'Tan wrap and walked around the terminal. Luckily she fell asleep without too much of a fight. Then...and this is really exciting...we were the first ones on the plane!! It pays to have an infant and 'need assistance'. Anyway, I thought it was pretty cool since that has never happened to me before. I wanted to go ahead and get on to get our things stowed and get her ready to be nursed to sleep again. I pulled her up and out of the wrap only to hit her head directly above me on the overhead bin. Whoops. Luckily, it is made of plastic (the bin, not her head) and it pretty much just surprised her. Sorry baby!
Sydney to LAX was a 14 1/2 hour flight. She slept here and there the first half of the flight, but she pretty much stayed asleep for the last 7 hours. Even though she was sleeping on me so I was a bit uncomfortable, it was nice to be able to relax and watch a movie.
Oh, we were in the bulkhead seats in the middle. There was a guy sitting next to us. Before we took off Darren said something like, "We'll do the best we can to keep her quiet." You know, just letting the guy know that we were not going to just let her get all wild during the flight. The guys says, no joke, "Oh, you got a muzzle?". Uh, what? Anyway, that guy went to sit in an empty row so at least we didn't have to sit next to Creepy Guy for that flight (he did end up joining us back for the last leg).
BTW, Kora is a huge flirt. She smiles at EVERYONE. Even if they are not looking at her. She just stares and smiles until they have no choice but to smile back. It's hilarious.
LAX - what a nightmare. We had to clear customs here so there was a lot of waiting. Waiting for checked baggage, waiting in the customs line, waiting to recheck luggage, and...and this was the worst...waiting in security. I'm not going to write out the agonizing details because to do so would get me riled up again. But just know that at one point we were standing - not moving - for over 20 minutes. Just standing there. While we waited for one family to go over and over again through the checkpoint. Kora was getting really restless. I finally made it through the checkpoint with her but Darren was stuck with our stuff on the scanner (including my shoes). I walked ahead (shoeless) to see if I could nurse her quickly to settle her. That's when I heard the announcement that our gate was doing final boarding. Ugh. I flagged Darren down so that he could gather our stuff quickly and we ran (me still shoeless) to the gate. We made it, and it turned out that several other passengers actually came even later and they held the plane.
LAX to ATL - this flight was just over 3 hours. At first Kora wouldn't stop smiling at people and of course they smiled and talked back to her which got her a bit riled up. Then she started getting fussy because she was tired. I put her in the wrap and rocked her for about 15 minutes. She finally calmed down so we sat down and nursed. She went to sleep (again!) and slept until about 30 minutes before landing. Bonus: I slept also! A passenger said the nicest thing as we were getting off the plane. He was smiling at her and then asked, "Do you even know how to cry?" Darren and I were thinking the same thing...oh buddy you have no idea.
Everything else went without a hitch. All of our luggage was on the carousel, Kora did great in the 8 minute car ride home. She and I took a long bubble bath (boy did she need a bath) until she pooped in the bath and we had to rinse us both off. Then we went to sleep (again!). All in all a decent trip home. We're glad it's over, and that we're home.
First of all, we had to wake up at 3:30AM for our 6AM flight from Melbourne to Sydney. I was worried about how Kora would be since we had to wake her up (she can be cranky if she doesn't get her beauty sleep). She was awake during the car ride to the airport, and still awake during check-in and while waiting to board. She said her goodbye to Uncle Tim and pretty much fell asleep as soon as we got on the plane. Stayed asleep!
Sydney airport - had a long delay on this flight. I put Kora in the K'Tan wrap and walked around the terminal. Luckily she fell asleep without too much of a fight. Then...and this is really exciting...we were the first ones on the plane!! It pays to have an infant and 'need assistance'. Anyway, I thought it was pretty cool since that has never happened to me before. I wanted to go ahead and get on to get our things stowed and get her ready to be nursed to sleep again. I pulled her up and out of the wrap only to hit her head directly above me on the overhead bin. Whoops. Luckily, it is made of plastic (the bin, not her head) and it pretty much just surprised her. Sorry baby!
Sydney to LAX was a 14 1/2 hour flight. She slept here and there the first half of the flight, but she pretty much stayed asleep for the last 7 hours. Even though she was sleeping on me so I was a bit uncomfortable, it was nice to be able to relax and watch a movie.
Oh, we were in the bulkhead seats in the middle. There was a guy sitting next to us. Before we took off Darren said something like, "We'll do the best we can to keep her quiet." You know, just letting the guy know that we were not going to just let her get all wild during the flight. The guys says, no joke, "Oh, you got a muzzle?". Uh, what? Anyway, that guy went to sit in an empty row so at least we didn't have to sit next to Creepy Guy for that flight (he did end up joining us back for the last leg).
BTW, Kora is a huge flirt. She smiles at EVERYONE. Even if they are not looking at her. She just stares and smiles until they have no choice but to smile back. It's hilarious.
LAX - what a nightmare. We had to clear customs here so there was a lot of waiting. Waiting for checked baggage, waiting in the customs line, waiting to recheck luggage, and...and this was the worst...waiting in security. I'm not going to write out the agonizing details because to do so would get me riled up again. But just know that at one point we were standing - not moving - for over 20 minutes. Just standing there. While we waited for one family to go over and over again through the checkpoint. Kora was getting really restless. I finally made it through the checkpoint with her but Darren was stuck with our stuff on the scanner (including my shoes). I walked ahead (shoeless) to see if I could nurse her quickly to settle her. That's when I heard the announcement that our gate was doing final boarding. Ugh. I flagged Darren down so that he could gather our stuff quickly and we ran (me still shoeless) to the gate. We made it, and it turned out that several other passengers actually came even later and they held the plane.
LAX to ATL - this flight was just over 3 hours. At first Kora wouldn't stop smiling at people and of course they smiled and talked back to her which got her a bit riled up. Then she started getting fussy because she was tired. I put her in the wrap and rocked her for about 15 minutes. She finally calmed down so we sat down and nursed. She went to sleep (again!) and slept until about 30 minutes before landing. Bonus: I slept also! A passenger said the nicest thing as we were getting off the plane. He was smiling at her and then asked, "Do you even know how to cry?" Darren and I were thinking the same thing...oh buddy you have no idea.
Everything else went without a hitch. All of our luggage was on the carousel, Kora did great in the 8 minute car ride home. She and I took a long bubble bath (boy did she need a bath) until she pooped in the bath and we had to rinse us both off. Then we went to sleep (again!). All in all a decent trip home. We're glad it's over, and that we're home.
About time
Kora is almost six months, and I am overdue on creating this blog for family and friends. Since we have so much family out of town, I figured it would be nice for everyone to have a site to which they can refer to see what's going on with our little family.
We just returned from seeing Uncle Tim and Uncle Stephen in Melbourne, Australia, so obviously I'll write about that adventure, but I'll also be writing about mundane day-to-day stuff, as well as Kora's milestones (complete with video! hopefully).
I'll try to update the site at least twice a week, so bookmark it and refer back often!
Minh-An
We just returned from seeing Uncle Tim and Uncle Stephen in Melbourne, Australia, so obviously I'll write about that adventure, but I'll also be writing about mundane day-to-day stuff, as well as Kora's milestones (complete with video! hopefully).
I'll try to update the site at least twice a week, so bookmark it and refer back often!
Minh-An
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