Louisa and Kai touched down at Toronto International Airport tonight at 6:45 pm, almost 34 hours after taking off from Cape Town. The flight Louisa tells me was Hell with lack of sleep, unsupportitive stewardesses but Kai came through great. As Louisa says " He gets a gold star". With the change of schedule last week, they had an extra stopover in New York that added an extra 8 hours onto her flight that luckily I didn't have to endour.
The jury is still out if Kai recognized me, but I didn't get to spend too much time with him before we put him in his car seat and were on our way home. We put Kai down at 9 pm so hopefully he gets a good night sleep and I'll be ready for him in the morning as I've taken the morning off to let Louisa sleep in.
I managed to weigh Kai when we brought him home and he weighs almost 25 lbs if I subtracted right. That's almost a 6 lbs weight gain in the last 6 weeks. Now I look at the picture of him at the home page of the blog and I don't think he looks anything like that now as his face look pudgy then but not now.
Monday, May 3, 2010
Saturday, May 1, 2010
The last full day!!
today my beautiful son and I shopped until we dropped. Now we only bought a few things. but it felt like we shopped all day. We started our day by going to a white, yuppie market with gourmet food. Really yummy food. Then we caught a local taxi (the how many people can we fit in a small space) to the Cape Hope Castle. We used the bathroom and I got a sneak peek. Seriously I've seen enough forts....I know bad teacher. Then we visited the local pep (hmmm cheap clothing store) and went to a few stores on the way back to the hotel. Kai had lunch and we both had a nap!!!!! Then we went back to the waterfront to peruse the stores and buy baby food for the PLANE!!!! Kai is bathed, fed, and NOT sleeping (of course not) and I am getting ready to pack!
One more night! How can I be excited for a 22 hour flight with a 9 month old?
One more night! How can I be excited for a 22 hour flight with a 9 month old?
Friday, April 30, 2010
The Days of Our Lives...day 3, 4 and 5
Each day is becoming a blur. We are ready to come home. Kai needs a normal schedule. Louisa needs a normal schedule.
We went on a township tour.
Starting in the early 1940's the SF govt made black Africans leave their homes and move to the Cape Flats. We went to visit three. The smallest has 30000 people living there, the largest has a million. The homes fluctuate between being brick houses to shacks. People live in half built homes and homes made from junk they find. There were alot of small businesses selling food, hairdressing services etc. It is hard to describe. Pictures speak but I hardly took any and I can't upload/download any pictures in my present location. We went to a preschool where 3 ladies were looking after at least 60 children. It wouldn't pass any regulations in Canada.
Was it a good tour? It was okay but I wish we had the opportunity to talk to more of the people that live there. However, I realize that I talk to them everyday. The majority of the people working in the hotel, restaurants live in the Cape Flats.
Thursday was a lets find a store that sells the right formula, diapers and breakfast cereal. We tried going to the planetarium however after five minutes Kai LOUDLY and clearly expressed that he wasn't watching the stars. Kai was mesmerized by the pigeons at the park. He actually fell asleep and I got to enjoy a salad. SERIOUSLY this is a big deal.
Kai wore three different outfits.
Today, we went to the botanical gardens. We drove around on the tourist bus, Kai loves looking around and hates when I try to make him have his afternoon nap. We stick around the hotel in a.m. so I know he gets a good nap then. He usually falls asleep in the afternoon after his bottle.
Our last full day is tomorrow so I plan on shopping. I have bought a t-shirt and CD of African lullabies. Shopping is on the agenda tomorrow little man, so get ready! (he is sleeping peacefully now)
We went on a township tour.
Starting in the early 1940's the SF govt made black Africans leave their homes and move to the Cape Flats. We went to visit three. The smallest has 30000 people living there, the largest has a million. The homes fluctuate between being brick houses to shacks. People live in half built homes and homes made from junk they find. There were alot of small businesses selling food, hairdressing services etc. It is hard to describe. Pictures speak but I hardly took any and I can't upload/download any pictures in my present location. We went to a preschool where 3 ladies were looking after at least 60 children. It wouldn't pass any regulations in Canada.
Was it a good tour? It was okay but I wish we had the opportunity to talk to more of the people that live there. However, I realize that I talk to them everyday. The majority of the people working in the hotel, restaurants live in the Cape Flats.
Thursday was a lets find a store that sells the right formula, diapers and breakfast cereal. We tried going to the planetarium however after five minutes Kai LOUDLY and clearly expressed that he wasn't watching the stars. Kai was mesmerized by the pigeons at the park. He actually fell asleep and I got to enjoy a salad. SERIOUSLY this is a big deal.
Kai wore three different outfits.
Today, we went to the botanical gardens. We drove around on the tourist bus, Kai loves looking around and hates when I try to make him have his afternoon nap. We stick around the hotel in a.m. so I know he gets a good nap then. He usually falls asleep in the afternoon after his bottle.
Our last full day is tomorrow so I plan on shopping. I have bought a t-shirt and CD of African lullabies. Shopping is on the agenda tomorrow little man, so get ready! (he is sleeping peacefully now)
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
PASSPORT ARRIVES
I just received Kai's passport this morning, we are coming home. (not until Sunday though as that was the earliest we could get a flight)
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Day 2 FREEDOM DAY
Visited Robben Island
At night when we give Kai a bath, we sing the song, Splish Splash we're taking a bath and Kai gets into the action by kicking his arms and lets to the music.
Day 2 was a success!
Cross your fingers passport arrives tomorrow.
Freedom Day celebrates the first free election in South Africa in 1994.
- Kai peed on me twice
- Kai didn't want his afternoon nap.
- Kai cried when the tour guide was talking and when he finally fell asleep, the tour guiide actually made a crack about not liking his crying.
- We watched these funny performers and Kai enjoyed the performance by jumping around (very cute)
- I took a total of three pictures all day. Baby + pictures = hard
At night when we give Kai a bath, we sing the song, Splish Splash we're taking a bath and Kai gets into the action by kicking his arms and lets to the music.
Day 2 was a success!
Cross your fingers passport arrives tomorrow.
Freedom Day celebrates the first free election in South Africa in 1994.
Monday, April 26, 2010
Day 1 of SMITC
Can Kai and Louisa make it without Bob?
I’m going all Carrie Bradshaw on you (title character in sex in the City). Obviously this is “Single Mama in the City”.
Day 1 is almost done! Five more to go!
The family had a great weekend after the initial shock that we weren’t going home together. We enjoyed a winery and agreed we would return one day to sample more of South Africa’s wine. We drove back to Cape Town and visited World Cup Stadium (it looks like a pringle chip), we all agreed (yes even Kai) that Durban’s was definitely prettier. We then returned to Table Mountain. It was a clear day without a cloud. What a view!
We drove to Fish Hoek and got lost trying to find our B&B. There are four different Mountain roads. We finally got the right one, it was a relief. Kai took an instant dislike and woke up at 3:30 am and REFUSED to go back to sleep. We brought him to bed, we sang, we changed him, we let him “cry it out”. At 5:30 we gave up and just pretended it was morning.
Sunday was another beautiful day in Africa. We drove down the coast to Boulder Beach where African Penguins live. Very cool. We then drove to Cape point (it’s the small point near Cape Town). Considering my son had no sleep he was in a FANTASTIC mood, chatting up a storm. We took a hike up to the lighthouse (I mean UP). Bob carried Kai in the ergo, a lady said now he knew what it was like to be pregnant. It is a beautiful area and we had a great day. A perfect last day in Africa. FOR BOB!
Not us though! Bob dropped us at our hotel this morning. Yes I was a crying mess. It was hard for him to leave. I can’t explain how much our son already adores Bob. I could watch them for hours together.
Today, Kai and I went for a walk around our hotel area (it’s in the heart of the city), we looked in stores and had lunch at a cafe. We went to the bathroom, that was a chore. We booked our ticket to Robben island and a township tour. We went to the park and Kai tried to eat sticks and leaves. We walked some more and Kai fell asleep in the ergo. (Bob, after 5 hours of walking my back hurts) When we got back we played, had dinner and then it was bathtime and bedtime. Whew! EXCITING!
I have one wish.
1 ~ please let Kai sleep
Can Kai and Louisa survive without Bob? Yes, but it isn’t as easy or as much fun! (well I can look at any stores I want)
I’m going all Carrie Bradshaw on you (title character in sex in the City). Obviously this is “Single Mama in the City”.
Day 1 is almost done! Five more to go!
The family had a great weekend after the initial shock that we weren’t going home together. We enjoyed a winery and agreed we would return one day to sample more of South Africa’s wine. We drove back to Cape Town and visited World Cup Stadium (it looks like a pringle chip), we all agreed (yes even Kai) that Durban’s was definitely prettier. We then returned to Table Mountain. It was a clear day without a cloud. What a view!
We drove to Fish Hoek and got lost trying to find our B&B. There are four different Mountain roads. We finally got the right one, it was a relief. Kai took an instant dislike and woke up at 3:30 am and REFUSED to go back to sleep. We brought him to bed, we sang, we changed him, we let him “cry it out”. At 5:30 we gave up and just pretended it was morning.
Sunday was another beautiful day in Africa. We drove down the coast to Boulder Beach where African Penguins live. Very cool. We then drove to Cape point (it’s the small point near Cape Town). Considering my son had no sleep he was in a FANTASTIC mood, chatting up a storm. We took a hike up to the lighthouse (I mean UP). Bob carried Kai in the ergo, a lady said now he knew what it was like to be pregnant. It is a beautiful area and we had a great day. A perfect last day in Africa. FOR BOB!
Not us though! Bob dropped us at our hotel this morning. Yes I was a crying mess. It was hard for him to leave. I can’t explain how much our son already adores Bob. I could watch them for hours together.
Today, Kai and I went for a walk around our hotel area (it’s in the heart of the city), we looked in stores and had lunch at a cafe. We went to the bathroom, that was a chore. We booked our ticket to Robben island and a township tour. We went to the park and Kai tried to eat sticks and leaves. We walked some more and Kai fell asleep in the ergo. (Bob, after 5 hours of walking my back hurts) When we got back we played, had dinner and then it was bathtime and bedtime. Whew! EXCITING!
I have one wish.
1 ~ please let Kai sleep
Can Kai and Louisa survive without Bob? Yes, but it isn’t as easy or as much fun! (well I can look at any stores I want)
Friday, April 23, 2010
Say it ain't so JOE!!!!!!
Bad News. Just found out Kai passport wasn't delivered today and won't be couriered out until Monday. Tuesday is a holiday here so won't get it until Wed, but factor in Africa scheduling we are changing are flight plans to Friday. Our new flight path now takes us through Frankfurt to Toronto as we should arrive next Saturday afternoon. It's been a very stressful day making changes and phoning everyone to double check details before we rebook. We had talked about me flying home alone but decided it was only a few days and it would be easier on Mom & Kai. (really mom)
We plan on staying in the city center and walk everwhere we want to go so hopefully everything works out in that perspective.
That was so five minutes ago...
How quick life changes. Well the fee to change fights isn't $80 dollars it is 380 per person to change airlines. So for all the changes it would be around 1600. YIKES! Where is my fairy godperson? Now Bob will go home Monday and yes it will be hard on mom and Kai (who adores him) and we will come back a week later on the 3rd!
The week in Cape Town won't be bad but OMG the FLIGHT!!!!! Please let there be an empty chair beside me! I doubt it with the volcano eruption/cloud. Pity the poor person cause my son has a voice like his mama! Next week you'll be reading the "Single mama in the City" blog.
We plan on staying in the city center and walk everwhere we want to go so hopefully everything works out in that perspective.
That was so five minutes ago...
How quick life changes. Well the fee to change fights isn't $80 dollars it is 380 per person to change airlines. So for all the changes it would be around 1600. YIKES! Where is my fairy godperson? Now Bob will go home Monday and yes it will be hard on mom and Kai (who adores him) and we will come back a week later on the 3rd!
The week in Cape Town won't be bad but OMG the FLIGHT!!!!! Please let there be an empty chair beside me! I doubt it with the volcano eruption/cloud. Pity the poor person cause my son has a voice like his mama! Next week you'll be reading the "Single mama in the City" blog.
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