Friday, June 29, 2007
Hot, Hot, Hot - Baja 2007
Hot. That's how I'd describe our trip to Baja if I had to do it with just one word, or even three words. Lucky for us my Dad and Lorraine had installed air conditioning in the room we were staying in. Otherwise I think we would have melted.
Unfortunately the trip didn't get off to a very good start. We were pass-riding on my sister Lissa's United companion passes, which means we were flying standby and weren't guaranteed seats on the flight. I had checked the number of unbooked seats the night before and there were still 20 or so showing. That meant we shouldn't have a problem getting on...unless the airline switched to a smaller plane. Which is exactly what happened. And of course we found out about the switch after we were already at the gate (which is after we had checked our bags and gone through security with an infant). One of the gate agents tried to get us on, but once we were seated and they were about to close the doors an agent came on and told us someone with higher seniority (which is how the seats are assigned) was there and so we needed to get off.
That's when my family went into action mode. My step-mom searched for other flights (there weren't any others on United) and found one on Alaska leaving a couple hours later then our original flight. We hurried over and bought tickets. Then United agents directed us to the domestic terminal to pick-up our checked luggage. An hour and a half later (and several nervous minutes where we thought we might miss our new Alaska flight) we had our lugge and were ready to check-in and go through security a second time. At least this time we knew we had seats.
When we got to the gate we learned that the flight was delayed several hours. I was starting to worry that I would run out of formula for Kyle. Luckily we finally boarded the plane and I fed Kyle a bottle while we took off. Flights to Baja - especially those that are delayed - can be a big party. And this one was no exception. Kinda makes it hard to get a baby to sleep, but somehow we managed. And Kyle only cried for a few minutes out of the entire flight.
When we arrived in Cabo we got the "green light" at customs so we were able to sail right through and meet-up with my Dad and Lorraine and Chica. Then we hopped in the car for the hour ride to their house and air conditioning.
We spent the majority of the trip in our room next to the air conditioning, but managed to get out for breakfasts, dinners and a couple of short walks on the beach. We also took Kyle for "swims" in the unheated spa/pool to cool off. And we took him down to the beach to play in the sand for the first time.
Ian also managed to do as my dad asked and paint a compass on the roof of the room we were staying in. I think he lost a couple of pounds in sweat doing so though.
We had a nice time, and my Dad and Lorraine we generous and thoughtful hosts, but next time we'll go in January or May!
~ Christina
Unfortunately the trip didn't get off to a very good start. We were pass-riding on my sister Lissa's United companion passes, which means we were flying standby and weren't guaranteed seats on the flight. I had checked the number of unbooked seats the night before and there were still 20 or so showing. That meant we shouldn't have a problem getting on...unless the airline switched to a smaller plane. Which is exactly what happened. And of course we found out about the switch after we were already at the gate (which is after we had checked our bags and gone through security with an infant). One of the gate agents tried to get us on, but once we were seated and they were about to close the doors an agent came on and told us someone with higher seniority (which is how the seats are assigned) was there and so we needed to get off.
That's when my family went into action mode. My step-mom searched for other flights (there weren't any others on United) and found one on Alaska leaving a couple hours later then our original flight. We hurried over and bought tickets. Then United agents directed us to the domestic terminal to pick-up our checked luggage. An hour and a half later (and several nervous minutes where we thought we might miss our new Alaska flight) we had our lugge and were ready to check-in and go through security a second time. At least this time we knew we had seats.
When we got to the gate we learned that the flight was delayed several hours. I was starting to worry that I would run out of formula for Kyle. Luckily we finally boarded the plane and I fed Kyle a bottle while we took off. Flights to Baja - especially those that are delayed - can be a big party. And this one was no exception. Kinda makes it hard to get a baby to sleep, but somehow we managed. And Kyle only cried for a few minutes out of the entire flight.
When we arrived in Cabo we got the "green light" at customs so we were able to sail right through and meet-up with my Dad and Lorraine and Chica. Then we hopped in the car for the hour ride to their house and air conditioning.
We spent the majority of the trip in our room next to the air conditioning, but managed to get out for breakfasts, dinners and a couple of short walks on the beach. We also took Kyle for "swims" in the unheated spa/pool to cool off. And we took him down to the beach to play in the sand for the first time.
Ian also managed to do as my dad asked and paint a compass on the roof of the room we were staying in. I think he lost a couple of pounds in sweat doing so though.
We had a nice time, and my Dad and Lorraine we generous and thoughtful hosts, but next time we'll go in January or May!
~ Christina
Monday, June 18, 2007
Busy, Busy, Bees
That's exactly what we've been the last few months. It's funny, before we had Kyle and people would talk about how much work it was having a kid, I didn't really get it. I mean how hard could it be to feed a baby and change a few diapers? Now I get it. And I wouldn't say it was hard as in difficult, but more as in exhausting and challenging. Luckily at the same time it's rewarding and amazing and wonderful and great fun.
Once Kyle turned 6 weeks and we had the official go-ahead to take him out (as if I waited for that anyways) and so we really got out of the house a lot. Also, my Mom started coming over two days a week to help with Kyle. That really freed me up to do billing work for Nyquist Design and to actually clean-up the house every once in a while!
While pregnant I had joined Las Madres, a (according to their website) "non-profit public benefit organization for the support and education of young children and their caregivers.". The groups are organized by the birth year of the child and by neighborhoods throughout the South Bay. I joined both the Los Gatos and South Valley (SoVa) 2007 playgroups. Going to the Playgroups play dates, park days, creek walks and other events was another great way we kept busy.
March 2007
At the end of March Ian's brother Shea came out to California for a visit and got to meet Kyle. The first time Shea held him, Kyle let out an explosive poop and Shea decided he could play with Kyle while someone else held him!
Kyle also had his two month doctor's appointment at the end of March. At that appointment he got his first set of vaccines (2 shots in each thigh plus an oral vaccine). Yikes! He actually did really well with the shots themselves. He cried while he got them but stopped crying about a minute later. Then he got pretty sleepy and slept for about 4 hours. When he woke up he had his bottle...and then he got really grumpy. He cried and cried, so I called the doctor's office and they said to give him some infant Tylenol. About 30 minutes after he had that he calmed down and went back to sleep. I gave him a second dose 4 hours later and he was OK the next morning.
April 2007
April was when Kyle started shoving his hand, well fist really, into his mouth. And drooling...a lot. The day before Easter we had a family portrait taken for the Los Gatos United Methodist Church Directory. It was fun to dress Kyle up in "fancy" clothes. And luckily he didn't poop or spit-up on them!
In the middle of April, my Dad and Lorraine surprised us with a visit. It was so great to see them and watch them play with Kyle. We're lucky they're able to fly here as much as they do.
At the end of April, we participated in Pat's Run. I wore Kyle in the Bjorn and we walked the course. Ian pushed the stroller in case I needed to put Kyle down. And our friend Khurshed walked with us. It was fun and I saw several people I went to Leland with. It was like a mini reunion.
On April 28, 2007 Kyle turned over from his stomach to his back for the first time. It was so cool to see him growing and learning. It won't be too long now before he's crawling! Crazy!
May 2007
In the beginning of May, Kyle and I had lunch with Dina, Heidi, Gloria and Gloria's 1 year old Kailani. They were so excited to meet Kyle and took turns holding him so I could eat. We were celebrating Dina's Birthday and it was so nice to get out again with friends for lunch.
For Mother's Day Ian gave me a beautiful necklace with diamonds in hearts that were placed next to each other in a circle so that they formed a flower. He also gave me a day to do whatever I wanted. It was so great!
Kyle and I went in mid-May to get 3 month portraits taken of him at The Picture People. Our new friend Katt and her 3 month old Oakley joined us. Katt and her husband were in our birthing class and I met her on a walk I did with the LG Las Madres playgroup.
At the end of May, Ian's other brother Ryan, and Ryan's fiancé Ali, came out to CA for a visit. They spent the day at our house playing with Kyle and then Ian went and bought a Wii and we all (well except Kyle) played until we were sore. That weekend we also tried to take Kyle into a pool for the first time, but I think it was too cold, and he was too tired. He cried as soon as his foot touched the water.
The end of May was also time for Kyle's vaccinations again. He did even better at this appointment and didn't even cry until he got his last shot. But as with before, a few hours later he became inconsolable and needed some Tylenol.
June 2007
In the beginning of June, Ian, Kyle and I went for a lunch playdate at Pat, Lisa and Clarity's house. Paul, Agota and Peti were there too. We had a great time out on the deck and watching the other kids get pushed in the tree swing. My sister Janene also had a Baby Shower that weekend. She's due in mid-July! Ian watched Kyle for the day and the two of them got to have some father-son bonding time. We also got Kyle and Activity Center and he LOVES it. He really likes be able to sit/stand/bounce rather then be on his back all of the time.
The following week Kyle and I went up to Marin to meet my friend Maile's new baby girl Ella. We had a wonderful visit. Ella is a joy to be around...and she was so light compared to Kyle! This trip also marked Kyle's first drive over the Golden Gate Bridge (not that he'll remember). The following weekend I had a Las Madres SoVa playdate at our house on Friday and then on Saturday we had some of the SLO Eaters (Geoff, Amanda, Jenny & Justine) over for dinner and to meet/visit with Kyle. As usual, after Kyle went to bed we played Wii until we were sore. And thankfully no one broke our TV.
This week Kyle and I had lunch with Dina & Gloria. As usual they were so sweet and took turns holding Kyle so I could eat too! Kyle and I also met Katt and Oakley during the week and went to Petroglyph to make Father's Day gifts for the boy's Dads. We painted what would become BBQ platters and put the baby's hand and foot prints on them. They turned out so great. Then on Saturday we went up to the Mena's house at Pajaro Dunes. I took Kyle for a walk on the beach, but he was all covered up in the Bjorn and sleeping, so I'm not sure if it really counts as his first time at the beach. Then yesterday for Father's Day we did whatever Ian wanted, including trying to take Kyle into a pool again. This time it was a success - Kyle loved it! I hope Ian had a good day.
We leave tomorrow for Baja to visit my parent's. I'll post about that once we get back...and I have time!
~ Christina
Once Kyle turned 6 weeks and we had the official go-ahead to take him out (as if I waited for that anyways) and so we really got out of the house a lot. Also, my Mom started coming over two days a week to help with Kyle. That really freed me up to do billing work for Nyquist Design and to actually clean-up the house every once in a while!
While pregnant I had joined Las Madres, a (according to their website) "non-profit public benefit organization for the support and education of young children and their caregivers.". The groups are organized by the birth year of the child and by neighborhoods throughout the South Bay. I joined both the Los Gatos and South Valley (SoVa) 2007 playgroups. Going to the Playgroups play dates, park days, creek walks and other events was another great way we kept busy.
March 2007
At the end of March Ian's brother Shea came out to California for a visit and got to meet Kyle. The first time Shea held him, Kyle let out an explosive poop and Shea decided he could play with Kyle while someone else held him!
Kyle also had his two month doctor's appointment at the end of March. At that appointment he got his first set of vaccines (2 shots in each thigh plus an oral vaccine). Yikes! He actually did really well with the shots themselves. He cried while he got them but stopped crying about a minute later. Then he got pretty sleepy and slept for about 4 hours. When he woke up he had his bottle...and then he got really grumpy. He cried and cried, so I called the doctor's office and they said to give him some infant Tylenol. About 30 minutes after he had that he calmed down and went back to sleep. I gave him a second dose 4 hours later and he was OK the next morning.
April 2007
April was when Kyle started shoving his hand, well fist really, into his mouth. And drooling...a lot. The day before Easter we had a family portrait taken for the Los Gatos United Methodist Church Directory. It was fun to dress Kyle up in "fancy" clothes. And luckily he didn't poop or spit-up on them!
In the middle of April, my Dad and Lorraine surprised us with a visit. It was so great to see them and watch them play with Kyle. We're lucky they're able to fly here as much as they do.
At the end of April, we participated in Pat's Run. I wore Kyle in the Bjorn and we walked the course. Ian pushed the stroller in case I needed to put Kyle down. And our friend Khurshed walked with us. It was fun and I saw several people I went to Leland with. It was like a mini reunion.
On April 28, 2007 Kyle turned over from his stomach to his back for the first time. It was so cool to see him growing and learning. It won't be too long now before he's crawling! Crazy!
May 2007
In the beginning of May, Kyle and I had lunch with Dina, Heidi, Gloria and Gloria's 1 year old Kailani. They were so excited to meet Kyle and took turns holding him so I could eat. We were celebrating Dina's Birthday and it was so nice to get out again with friends for lunch.
For Mother's Day Ian gave me a beautiful necklace with diamonds in hearts that were placed next to each other in a circle so that they formed a flower. He also gave me a day to do whatever I wanted. It was so great!
Kyle and I went in mid-May to get 3 month portraits taken of him at The Picture People. Our new friend Katt and her 3 month old Oakley joined us. Katt and her husband were in our birthing class and I met her on a walk I did with the LG Las Madres playgroup.
At the end of May, Ian's other brother Ryan, and Ryan's fiancé Ali, came out to CA for a visit. They spent the day at our house playing with Kyle and then Ian went and bought a Wii and we all (well except Kyle) played until we were sore. That weekend we also tried to take Kyle into a pool for the first time, but I think it was too cold, and he was too tired. He cried as soon as his foot touched the water.
The end of May was also time for Kyle's vaccinations again. He did even better at this appointment and didn't even cry until he got his last shot. But as with before, a few hours later he became inconsolable and needed some Tylenol.
June 2007
In the beginning of June, Ian, Kyle and I went for a lunch playdate at Pat, Lisa and Clarity's house. Paul, Agota and Peti were there too. We had a great time out on the deck and watching the other kids get pushed in the tree swing. My sister Janene also had a Baby Shower that weekend. She's due in mid-July! Ian watched Kyle for the day and the two of them got to have some father-son bonding time. We also got Kyle and Activity Center and he LOVES it. He really likes be able to sit/stand/bounce rather then be on his back all of the time.
The following week Kyle and I went up to Marin to meet my friend Maile's new baby girl Ella. We had a wonderful visit. Ella is a joy to be around...and she was so light compared to Kyle! This trip also marked Kyle's first drive over the Golden Gate Bridge (not that he'll remember). The following weekend I had a Las Madres SoVa playdate at our house on Friday and then on Saturday we had some of the SLO Eaters (Geoff, Amanda, Jenny & Justine) over for dinner and to meet/visit with Kyle. As usual, after Kyle went to bed we played Wii until we were sore. And thankfully no one broke our TV.
This week Kyle and I had lunch with Dina & Gloria. As usual they were so sweet and took turns holding Kyle so I could eat too! Kyle and I also met Katt and Oakley during the week and went to Petroglyph to make Father's Day gifts for the boy's Dads. We painted what would become BBQ platters and put the baby's hand and foot prints on them. They turned out so great. Then on Saturday we went up to the Mena's house at Pajaro Dunes. I took Kyle for a walk on the beach, but he was all covered up in the Bjorn and sleeping, so I'm not sure if it really counts as his first time at the beach. Then yesterday for Father's Day we did whatever Ian wanted, including trying to take Kyle into a pool again. This time it was a success - Kyle loved it! I hope Ian had a good day.
We leave tomorrow for Baja to visit my parent's. I'll post about that once we get back...and I have time!
~ Christina
