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.
What do Osteriches really like to eat??
What an exciting day!
We finished up driving the Garden Route along the coastline through George & Mossel Bay.
We visited an Ostrich Farm (Kai sat on an ostrich). We were given packets of corn for the ostrich to eat it from the palm of our hands. The secret though, is to put it on your palm, not the fleshy part where your fingers are joined to your hand. Anyway, after everyone in our group had no problems feeding the ostriches, Louisa was coaxed into feeding but she forgot the proper placement of the corn and the ostrich grabbed her skin along with the corn. (THIS IS NOT TRUE I PUT THE CORN IN THE RIGHT SPOT) I have a series of pictures of her reaction so be sure to ask to see them when she returns. As we were leaving the farm, our GPS decided to stop working I had to rely on the old fashion way of blaming your wife when getting lost.
As we were going down a county road, we noticed a few vehicles pulled over ahead and they seemed to be watching a herd of maybe 140 osteriches that we being moving to another farm. Louisa jumps out of the car camera in hand and starts shooting these osteriches. I stayed in the car with Kai and noticed Louisa 70 yards up shooting the herd. Then after probably getting tired of these tourists slowing them down, the herdsman snapped their stick and picture this, Louisa running towards me with 140 osteriches running towards her. The image of this would've have surely have won me money in America's funniest home video. Louisa opened the door of the car ahead of us and sat inside as the herd came running by.
The scenery around our location was gorgeous and every five minutes I was getting comments to pull the car over so Louisa could take another picture. I always pretended never to notice the scenic pit stops and zoomed past them hoping Louisa never noticed them.
Our supposedly planned route was to take this highway to Ladismith but after travelling twenty minutes, the highway changed to gravel and continued for atleast two hours (the scenery was BREATHTAKING). We arrived in Ladismith and booked the first b&b we found.
We finished up driving the Garden Route along the coastline through George & Mossel Bay.
We visited an Ostrich Farm (Kai sat on an ostrich). We were given packets of corn for the ostrich to eat it from the palm of our hands. The secret though, is to put it on your palm, not the fleshy part where your fingers are joined to your hand. Anyway, after everyone in our group had no problems feeding the ostriches, Louisa was coaxed into feeding but she forgot the proper placement of the corn and the ostrich grabbed her skin along with the corn. (THIS IS NOT TRUE I PUT THE CORN IN THE RIGHT SPOT) I have a series of pictures of her reaction so be sure to ask to see them when she returns. As we were leaving the farm, our GPS decided to stop working I had to rely on the old fashion way of blaming your wife when getting lost.
As we were going down a county road, we noticed a few vehicles pulled over ahead and they seemed to be watching a herd of maybe 140 osteriches that we being moving to another farm. Louisa jumps out of the car camera in hand and starts shooting these osteriches. I stayed in the car with Kai and noticed Louisa 70 yards up shooting the herd. Then after probably getting tired of these tourists slowing them down, the herdsman snapped their stick and picture this, Louisa running towards me with 140 osteriches running towards her. The image of this would've have surely have won me money in America's funniest home video. Louisa opened the door of the car ahead of us and sat inside as the herd came running by.
The scenery around our location was gorgeous and every five minutes I was getting comments to pull the car over so Louisa could take another picture. I always pretended never to notice the scenic pit stops and zoomed past them hoping Louisa never noticed them.
Our supposedly planned route was to take this highway to Ladismith but after travelling twenty minutes, the highway changed to gravel and continued for atleast two hours (the scenery was BREATHTAKING). We arrived in Ladismith and booked the first b&b we found.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Waiting at the Airport
It is 5 to 8 in the morning and we’ve been up since 5:45. Kai fast asleep. Yes, he slept thru the night. Mama did not. No mama could not sleep, it was either too hot or too cold. Sa la ve!
We said goodbye to Shayne (the owner of the 7 star Heaton Cottage) and we were off to the airport. Kai sat on my lap (no carseat) seriously this would not happen in North America. Even though we had to wake him (instead of the other way around) he was in a good mood until Daddy didn’t hide the bottle.
So now we are past security, bags are checked in and we are waiting for the plane. It feels very real that he is coming with us. Three weeks together and that surreal feeling hasn’t been lost. He is ours! We got all his official documents (minus the passport) and some more pictures of Kai (B.U. –before us). Kai is happily playing on daddy’s lap listening to daddy tell outlandish stories. Oh now he is singing (honestly if it makes Kai happy we will sing ANYWHERE).
Can’t wait to get to Cape Town and all the new adventures that await.
We said goodbye to Shayne (the owner of the 7 star Heaton Cottage) and we were off to the airport. Kai sat on my lap (no carseat) seriously this would not happen in North America. Even though we had to wake him (instead of the other way around) he was in a good mood until Daddy didn’t hide the bottle.
So now we are past security, bags are checked in and we are waiting for the plane. It feels very real that he is coming with us. Three weeks together and that surreal feeling hasn’t been lost. He is ours! We got all his official documents (minus the passport) and some more pictures of Kai (B.U. –before us). Kai is happily playing on daddy’s lap listening to daddy tell outlandish stories. Oh now he is singing (honestly if it makes Kai happy we will sing ANYWHERE).
Can’t wait to get to Cape Town and all the new adventures that await.
Boys are sleeping and I found the internet code
Where were we?
We've left the stunning Cape Town and are travelling up the Garden Route (think beaches and mountains). Today we drove up the coast and went to an almost deserted beach. Kai spent the time rolling around in the sand. So cute! The sand that stuck on him not so much! Our goal was to not drive so much because it really isn't fun for a 9 month old.
We are going thru the mountains tomorrow. We are going to visit an Ostrich Farm. They have tons of ostrich in this area, as well as sheep.
We forgot to tell everyone Kai said DADDA...lots! Now I refuse to believe he is actually saying this to Bob. He is also moving ALOT! Bob can't wait for him to walk. He rolls over, and crawls (almost). It means you can't leave him for a second. He grunts alot! You can tell immediately what he is doing. I'm trying to teaching him to say excuse me, when he is done. I'm just saying he STINKS!
A few more days. I wish we could stay a few more days there is so much to see. We might if the passport doesn't come!
We've left the stunning Cape Town and are travelling up the Garden Route (think beaches and mountains). Today we drove up the coast and went to an almost deserted beach. Kai spent the time rolling around in the sand. So cute! The sand that stuck on him not so much! Our goal was to not drive so much because it really isn't fun for a 9 month old.
We are going thru the mountains tomorrow. We are going to visit an Ostrich Farm. They have tons of ostrich in this area, as well as sheep.
We forgot to tell everyone Kai said DADDA...lots! Now I refuse to believe he is actually saying this to Bob. He is also moving ALOT! Bob can't wait for him to walk. He rolls over, and crawls (almost). It means you can't leave him for a second. He grunts alot! You can tell immediately what he is doing. I'm trying to teaching him to say excuse me, when he is done. I'm just saying he STINKS!
A few more days. I wish we could stay a few more days there is so much to see. We might if the passport doesn't come!
Monday, April 19, 2010
Setting the tablecloth on Table Mountain
Kai has been doing amazing! He loves the new hotel (well he is sleeping thru so that means he likes it). The only issue was the first night when after 3 calls they still hadn't delivered his bed and he was CRANKY!
When the cot was finally delivered, it was broken.
However, when we checked in at reception, they noticed we had a baby (they should've known) and upgraded our room away from the main hotel so our bedroom shared no walls with other rooms. delivered a cot. It was broken. The hotel is actually very nice and right by the beach. It has a fantastic breakfast. It is expensive, internet service for an hour was 60rand (that's nearly 10 dollars). We are at an internet cafe down the street (13 rand an hour).
When we first arrived we walked around our hotel and walked the boardwalk. It was lovely and it was nice that we could all walk together and we didn't have a car. Sunday we decided to go to Table Mountain. It was a clear morning, hardly no clouds. This is important because sometimes a cloud will cover Table Mountain and visibility is ZERO. So excited! We went on the stop and go bus (a tourist bus you go on and then get off at any stop you want). We bought our tickets, up the cable car we go (very cool ~ it turns as you go so you get a view of all sides). We at the top, one side is obstructured by a cloud but the other side is good. I start taking a few shots ~ beautiful blue sky and ZOOM! The TABLECLOTH comes down! Yes we are enveloped in a cloud a mere 5 minutes after we arrive.
Kai is upset so can't finish update. We are hopefully moving again to a B&B outside of Cape Town tomorrow as we have to book it tonight so again don't know about internet access. It was always alot easier to do it from our room as Kai slept so we'll see. We had started a update from a few days ago from our laptop but there no time to download it and update our blog.
Everything is going well. Louisa left and i'm not proof reading what we wrote so hopefully everything makes sence. Airlines cancellations have affected alot of Europeans here but don't anticipate a problem with our return next week.
When the cot was finally delivered, it was broken.
However, when we checked in at reception, they noticed we had a baby (they should've known) and upgraded our room away from the main hotel so our bedroom shared no walls with other rooms. delivered a cot. It was broken. The hotel is actually very nice and right by the beach. It has a fantastic breakfast. It is expensive, internet service for an hour was 60rand (that's nearly 10 dollars). We are at an internet cafe down the street (13 rand an hour).
When we first arrived we walked around our hotel and walked the boardwalk. It was lovely and it was nice that we could all walk together and we didn't have a car. Sunday we decided to go to Table Mountain. It was a clear morning, hardly no clouds. This is important because sometimes a cloud will cover Table Mountain and visibility is ZERO. So excited! We went on the stop and go bus (a tourist bus you go on and then get off at any stop you want). We bought our tickets, up the cable car we go (very cool ~ it turns as you go so you get a view of all sides). We at the top, one side is obstructured by a cloud but the other side is good. I start taking a few shots ~ beautiful blue sky and ZOOM! The TABLECLOTH comes down! Yes we are enveloped in a cloud a mere 5 minutes after we arrive.
Kai is upset so can't finish update. We are hopefully moving again to a B&B outside of Cape Town tomorrow as we have to book it tonight so again don't know about internet access. It was always alot easier to do it from our room as Kai slept so we'll see. We had started a update from a few days ago from our laptop but there no time to download it and update our blog.
Everything is going well. Louisa left and i'm not proof reading what we wrote so hopefully everything makes sence. Airlines cancellations have affected alot of Europeans here but don't anticipate a problem with our return next week.
Friday, April 16, 2010
Kai turns 9 months and we survive the Safari
It has been a crazy couple of days. Friday night and we leave in the moning for a week in Cape Town. Bob is searching for the budget car rental agreement. Kai is peacefully sleeping (for how long who knows) and I'm almost packed and ready for bed.
Tuesday
Kai becomes a CANADIAN! We have to get paperwork certified and apply for his temporary passport. More complicated than it should be. Oh did I mention we are homeless?? We expected to do this Monday and didn't book accomadation for Tuesday night. Normally we wouldn't be fazed, Bob and I can sleep anywhere (even an airport bench) HOWEVER Kai is still a little young to introduce to "lets sleep in the car". So we spent Tuesday afternoon with Sam (a wonderfully helpful travel consultant). Sam booked our flight to CT and helped find us a place that takes babies. It cost twice what we normally pay and was on the beach (GREAT VIEW).
We were all happy to have a place to sleep. We took a nice walk on the boardwalk and ate ice cream. (My version of heaven)
Wednesday
We drove to a little town called St. Lucia and stayed at a B&B without a television or internet. (Bob is typing now) When Kai went to sleep Bob went to sleep . When we arrived in town, we went to the local watering hole overlooking the river where we saw crocodiles and hippos. Later we took a walk along the boardwalk where Louisa got some picutres of some hippos. (Someone didn't like that I spent 30 min utes watching them)
Kai had a bad night as he kept on waking up every 10 minutes it seemed and it was probably our worst night yet. (Kai slept with us and he is a squirmer)
Thursday (HAPPY 9 Months Kai)
Woke up really tired but Kai seemed full of energy. Kai is nine months! We had breakfast and went to Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Game Reserve. The park was good for Kai as we were given a map and could drive throught the reserve on our own. We saw giraffes, rhinos, wart hogs, hippos, impalas, wilderbeasts, zebras. We never saw any elephants or lions which the park had but we only drove through half the park and its alot of luck of what you see. We finished our game drive late and had to drive back home in the dark which wasn't fun asI had a splittin headache. We got back at 7 pm and had Kai to bed by 730 pm with mom and dad following shortly after. (Okay where are the !!! we saw ZEBRAS! Report writing next year! We drove into the park and I expected to see animals immediately but it isn't a zoo so you have to wait and search, and drive 20 km an hour ~ we compromised and drove 30km/h. The funniest moment is when Kai was peacefully sleeping and we saw giraffes ~ ON HIS SIDE! Sorry but I have to get a picture...I lean over Kai and start snapping OBVIOUSLY waking my child)
Friday (Day 2 of Kai not sleeping thru the night AT ALL!)
On our final day in st. Lucia, we took a leisurely boat trip to get a closer look at some crocs and hippos.
After the tour, We set off to our original home in Durban, heaton cottage. When we arrived the social worker was there with another Canadian couple and we received Kai's birthh certificate so us to fly to Cape Town tomorrow. Our flight leaves at 9 am so with have to wake up early to take the rental car back etc. After upacking, the owner of the B^B took us uptown to get a bunny chow for supper. A bunny chow is famous in Durban as its a loaf of bread with the insides removed and it's feeled with curry beef and or chicken. We were excited to try it but we disappointed as it was too spicy. I finshed 20 percent and Louisa finshed abit more.
The only thing we still need to bring Kai back into Canada is a passport which we've been told will be mailed/couriered to us in Cape Town on Wednesday/Thursday. We don't know if the hotel we are staying at in Cape town has internet so we might be a few days before we make another entry.
So much to say but really we need to go to bed! Excited for CT and Table Mountain. Blog later!
Tuesday
Kai becomes a CANADIAN! We have to get paperwork certified and apply for his temporary passport. More complicated than it should be. Oh did I mention we are homeless?? We expected to do this Monday and didn't book accomadation for Tuesday night. Normally we wouldn't be fazed, Bob and I can sleep anywhere (even an airport bench) HOWEVER Kai is still a little young to introduce to "lets sleep in the car". So we spent Tuesday afternoon with Sam (a wonderfully helpful travel consultant). Sam booked our flight to CT and helped find us a place that takes babies. It cost twice what we normally pay and was on the beach (GREAT VIEW).
We were all happy to have a place to sleep. We took a nice walk on the boardwalk and ate ice cream. (My version of heaven)
Wednesday
We drove to a little town called St. Lucia and stayed at a B&B without a television or internet. (Bob is typing now) When Kai went to sleep Bob went to sleep . When we arrived in town, we went to the local watering hole overlooking the river where we saw crocodiles and hippos. Later we took a walk along the boardwalk where Louisa got some picutres of some hippos. (Someone didn't like that I spent 30 min utes watching them)
Kai had a bad night as he kept on waking up every 10 minutes it seemed and it was probably our worst night yet. (Kai slept with us and he is a squirmer)
Thursday (HAPPY 9 Months Kai)
Woke up really tired but Kai seemed full of energy. Kai is nine months! We had breakfast and went to Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Game Reserve. The park was good for Kai as we were given a map and could drive throught the reserve on our own. We saw giraffes, rhinos, wart hogs, hippos, impalas, wilderbeasts, zebras. We never saw any elephants or lions which the park had but we only drove through half the park and its alot of luck of what you see. We finished our game drive late and had to drive back home in the dark which wasn't fun asI had a splittin headache. We got back at 7 pm and had Kai to bed by 730 pm with mom and dad following shortly after. (Okay where are the !!! we saw ZEBRAS! Report writing next year! We drove into the park and I expected to see animals immediately but it isn't a zoo so you have to wait and search, and drive 20 km an hour ~ we compromised and drove 30km/h. The funniest moment is when Kai was peacefully sleeping and we saw giraffes ~ ON HIS SIDE! Sorry but I have to get a picture...I lean over Kai and start snapping OBVIOUSLY waking my child)
Friday (Day 2 of Kai not sleeping thru the night AT ALL!)
On our final day in st. Lucia, we took a leisurely boat trip to get a closer look at some crocs and hippos.
After the tour, We set off to our original home in Durban, heaton cottage. When we arrived the social worker was there with another Canadian couple and we received Kai's birthh certificate so us to fly to Cape Town tomorrow. Our flight leaves at 9 am so with have to wake up early to take the rental car back etc. After upacking, the owner of the B^B took us uptown to get a bunny chow for supper. A bunny chow is famous in Durban as its a loaf of bread with the insides removed and it's feeled with curry beef and or chicken. We were excited to try it but we disappointed as it was too spicy. I finshed 20 percent and Louisa finshed abit more.
The only thing we still need to bring Kai back into Canada is a passport which we've been told will be mailed/couriered to us in Cape Town on Wednesday/Thursday. We don't know if the hotel we are staying at in Cape town has internet so we might be a few days before we make another entry.
Monday, April 12, 2010
Playing the waiting game
We are waiting for the Canadian High Commissions to grant Kai citizenship. We need to do this before applying for his temporary passport. We are left in limbo because we can't do anything until this happens. Hoping for tomorrow! Cross your fingers and toes! We are hoping to get to a park later this week and then leave for Cape Town on Saturday.
Neither of us are trying to eat Kai :)
Yesterday we moved to a new B&B (very nice) The Westville and then took a drive down the Southern Coast and stopped at some beaches. Lovely but someone was cranky....I'm arfaid long drives are not his favourite thing! Here are a few pictures (the internet is free at this B&B).
Neither of us are trying to eat Kai :) 
Friday, April 9, 2010
Settling In
We haven't entered anything into our blog for awhile as life has become somewhat normalized as we are all spending our day together and just learning to be a family. We had hoped Kai would receive his Canadian Citizenship today but now we have to wait until at least Monday. As a result, we will have to extend our stay in Durban until next friday where we will be flying to Cape Town to finish our trip. With our schedule uncertain, we haven't booked anything after Sunday including airfare to Cape Town as we don't want to make reservations and have to cancel. Luckily South Africa high season has just ended so we shouldn't have a problem booking anything when we do make a decision on our plans.
Wednesday we visited the new soccer stadium they built in Durban for the world cup scheduled for June. We took a cable car to the top of the stadium and took pictures overlooking the city. Afterwards we went out for drinks at a local bar for the first time and closed the bar at 6pm. It gets dark here shortly before 6, so I'm just starting to feel comfortable driving at night. We were back in our room by 6:15 with 45 minutes to Bath, Feed and read the same story to Kai since we've been here. From 7pm to 7am is our time and our nights are usually spent watching tv, internet and relaxing with a glass of wine.
Thursday, we visited the B.A.T. Centre where local artistans sell there wares. We liked a few pictures but haven't decided if we'll purchase anything. We had a nice picnic at out B&B (we went back to the place we were before) with another family who adopted. It felt so normal.
Today, we visited Usharka in Durban which is like Marine Land but not as good. They have an aquarium there with plenty of native fish and mammal species. Thank goodness for the stroller we are using. Kai has gained weight!
Everyone is doing well and we appreciate everyone's email. Sorry we can't reply to everyone's email but we do read them!
p.s. Louisa's night also includes washing the bottles, packing the diaper bag, organizing clothes, cleaning up and then she gets to relax! Just saying!
Wednesday we visited the new soccer stadium they built in Durban for the world cup scheduled for June. We took a cable car to the top of the stadium and took pictures overlooking the city. Afterwards we went out for drinks at a local bar for the first time and closed the bar at 6pm. It gets dark here shortly before 6, so I'm just starting to feel comfortable driving at night. We were back in our room by 6:15 with 45 minutes to Bath, Feed and read the same story to Kai since we've been here. From 7pm to 7am is our time and our nights are usually spent watching tv, internet and relaxing with a glass of wine.
Thursday, we visited the B.A.T. Centre where local artistans sell there wares. We liked a few pictures but haven't decided if we'll purchase anything. We had a nice picnic at out B&B (we went back to the place we were before) with another family who adopted. It felt so normal.
Today, we visited Usharka in Durban which is like Marine Land but not as good. They have an aquarium there with plenty of native fish and mammal species. Thank goodness for the stroller we are using. Kai has gained weight!
Everyone is doing well and we appreciate everyone's email. Sorry we can't reply to everyone's email but we do read them!
p.s. Louisa's night also includes washing the bottles, packing the diaper bag, organizing clothes, cleaning up and then she gets to relax! Just saying!
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
My name is Kai and I'm a cranky pants
This is the first line of a new song I have written.
Kai had a tough time sleeping last night and ended up between mama and daddy. Yes I know, BIG mistake but it is hard I say to hear him cry. Bob here, yes it is hard to hear him cry at 1am in the morning, but when other guests from the B&B are staying above and beside you along with the owners and everyone meets for breakfast in the morning, I find it hard to say "Good Morning" when i know our little Kai has probably kept them up, so that is why we decided to let him sleep with us.
Louisa continues, He is so little and I want him to feel loved and secure. I think it is going to take him a while to get into our schedule (the lack of schedule might be the issue).
Our day consisted of eating (Kai), changing diapers and a doctor check-up. The doctor just wanted to check his ears. All good. We got more cream for his excema. Spent about an hour in line at the pharmacy. Ran into Brendan and Mary and their kids (canadian couple whole also adopted). This was of course when it is Kai's afternoon nap.
So the song goes "my name is Kai and I'm a cranky pants", I sing it as a rap you repeat over and over and wave his arms in the air. He loves it!
His absolute favourite song is "Hands up baby hands up give me your love gimme gimme your love..." I will try to expand his musical tastes to some Wham! "Wake me up before you go..."
I did get the best present today....first Kai likes me more than daddy and I got Easter notes from my Blue team! Shout out to the BLUE team. I miss all my kids (blue and yellow). I hope they had a great Easter and not too much chocolate (a sometimes food). How was indoor nutrition break? Yes I know EVERYTHING so be good! Love you!
Kai had a tough time sleeping last night and ended up between mama and daddy. Yes I know, BIG mistake but it is hard I say to hear him cry. Bob here, yes it is hard to hear him cry at 1am in the morning, but when other guests from the B&B are staying above and beside you along with the owners and everyone meets for breakfast in the morning, I find it hard to say "Good Morning" when i know our little Kai has probably kept them up, so that is why we decided to let him sleep with us.
Louisa continues, He is so little and I want him to feel loved and secure. I think it is going to take him a while to get into our schedule (the lack of schedule might be the issue).
Our day consisted of eating (Kai), changing diapers and a doctor check-up. The doctor just wanted to check his ears. All good. We got more cream for his excema. Spent about an hour in line at the pharmacy. Ran into Brendan and Mary and their kids (canadian couple whole also adopted). This was of course when it is Kai's afternoon nap.
So the song goes "my name is Kai and I'm a cranky pants", I sing it as a rap you repeat over and over and wave his arms in the air. He loves it!
His absolute favourite song is "Hands up baby hands up give me your love gimme gimme your love..." I will try to expand his musical tastes to some Wham! "Wake me up before you go..."
I did get the best present today....first Kai likes me more than daddy and I got Easter notes from my Blue team! Shout out to the BLUE team. I miss all my kids (blue and yellow). I hope they had a great Easter and not too much chocolate (a sometimes food). How was indoor nutrition break? Yes I know EVERYTHING so be good! Love you!
Monday, April 5, 2010
Roundabouts and Shopping
You can’t seem to travel more than a couple kilometres anywhere without running into a roundabout. After driving probably five dozen of them over here, i find the size of the roundabout and the amount of traffic flows are similar as what we have in Waterloo Region; however, the lack of signage does pose a bit of a problem, even with a GPS. (okay Louisa here..I love my husband but it is his inability to listen to my directions from the backseat, the directions and illustrations from the gps and his lack of understanding about how a roundabout works is what has us going around in circles)
We decided to spend our day at the local mall which is billed to be the biggest in the area with over 50 restaurants, 18 movie theatres, largest indoor climbing wall in the world, skate park which was designed by Tony Hawk and a wave pool. We have found no real great deals here on clothing, souvenirs etc. here as I find most prices are competitive to Canadian prices. (That what I get telling Louisa anyway as she still had problem converting prices to our currency) (Louisa again, I thought the mall was good but would have preferred shopping with the girlz and Kai!)
We decided to spend our day at the local mall which is billed to be the biggest in the area with over 50 restaurants, 18 movie theatres, largest indoor climbing wall in the world, skate park which was designed by Tony Hawk and a wave pool. We have found no real great deals here on clothing, souvenirs etc. here as I find most prices are competitive to Canadian prices. (That what I get telling Louisa anyway as she still had problem converting prices to our currency) (Louisa again, I thought the mall was good but would have preferred shopping with the girlz and Kai!)
Sunday, April 4, 2010
Easter Sunday
This is our actual Sunday blog as the other two were done by louisa and myself over the last two days. I'm feeling great today and now Louisa is starting to get some of my symptoms so we've purchased a family pack of imodium.
Our day started with kai waking up at 2:30am in the morning with him falling in and out of sleep over the next 4.5 hours. At 7am, we fed Kai his bottle and by the time he was ready, we were ready for our breakfast by 8am. Today was the first time I’ve had a real breakfast probably in the last three or four days. After asking the owner of the B&B we decided to go on a tour of the coast up to a small town called Ballito. We walked the boardwalk and enjoyed a festival where they had go-kart racing and burger eating contests. After wanting to take a picture of Kai in the sand , beside the phrase “SOUTH AFRICA 2010”, that Louisa had wrote, I let go of Kai and he did a nose plant with sand managing to find itself in almost every crevice on his body. Sand we have learned, is not a parents friend. We continued our journey to the crocodile creek farm where we saw 5 species of crocodile, a black mamba snake, vipers and a python. We took a picture of Louisa holding a croc and Kai and me holding a python.
Back to the B&B by 4:30 and the nightly routine starts all over again. Hopefully Louisa starts feeling better tomorrow.
Our day started with kai waking up at 2:30am in the morning with him falling in and out of sleep over the next 4.5 hours. At 7am, we fed Kai his bottle and by the time he was ready, we were ready for our breakfast by 8am. Today was the first time I’ve had a real breakfast probably in the last three or four days. After asking the owner of the B&B we decided to go on a tour of the coast up to a small town called Ballito. We walked the boardwalk and enjoyed a festival where they had go-kart racing and burger eating contests. After wanting to take a picture of Kai in the sand , beside the phrase “SOUTH AFRICA 2010”, that Louisa had wrote, I let go of Kai and he did a nose plant with sand managing to find itself in almost every crevice on his body. Sand we have learned, is not a parents friend. We continued our journey to the crocodile creek farm where we saw 5 species of crocodile, a black mamba snake, vipers and a python. We took a picture of Louisa holding a croc and Kai and me holding a python.
Back to the B&B by 4:30 and the nightly routine starts all over again. Hopefully Louisa starts feeling better tomorrow.
Happy Easter
Friday night and the boys are in bed! Kai is sleeping like an angel and Bob is under the weather. It has been a stressful 2 days of what feels like single parenthood (with some brief visits from dad). Please let Bob feel better tomorrow!!!
We moved to a new b&b near the indian ocean!! It is just a suburb of Durban called Umhlanga. Lots of hotels and houses with gates. We went to the beach and I walked in the ocean. They have flags to indicate where you can swim. It wasn't a wide space. Lots of people! I'll just say I really appreciate North Carolina. It was hot and someone didn't sleep well last night. We've figured out that the first night in new places are upsetting. Which makes sense since we have only been a family for 11 days. The new b&b is nice but we miss Heaton Cottage, Shayne was a great hostess and she made it feel like home.
If you didn't have a car, Shayne would drive you, doctor appointment, car rental, Shayne was always available if asked.
We moved to a new b&b near the indian ocean!! It is just a suburb of Durban called Umhlanga. Lots of hotels and houses with gates. We went to the beach and I walked in the ocean. They have flags to indicate where you can swim. It wasn't a wide space. Lots of people! I'll just say I really appreciate North Carolina. It was hot and someone didn't sleep well last night. We've figured out that the first night in new places are upsetting. Which makes sense since we have only been a family for 11 days. The new b&b is nice but we miss Heaton Cottage, Shayne was a great hostess and she made it feel like home.
If you didn't have a car, Shayne would drive you, doctor appointment, car rental, Shayne was always available if asked.
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Umhlanga - New Digs
We moved to a new B&B two days ago. Umhlanga is located around 30 minutes from Durban and is situated along the Indian Ocean.
I've been feeling abit under the weather the last two days as i think i've been sick with food poisoning as Louisa has had to handle motherhood all by herself. She found the last two days very hard with me being sick as she not only had to look after Kai by herself but her other big baby, me. I've started to feel better today and we actually swam in the ocean.
The pace of our lives has been very slow motion the last few days and nothing much to report. Louisa went to sleep at 8 pm as I'm fullly rested after spending the last couple days sleeping. Everyone is doing good and we thank everyone for there happy wishes.
Love Bob and Louisa.
I've been feeling abit under the weather the last two days as i think i've been sick with food poisoning as Louisa has had to handle motherhood all by herself. She found the last two days very hard with me being sick as she not only had to look after Kai by herself but her other big baby, me. I've started to feel better today and we actually swam in the ocean.
The pace of our lives has been very slow motion the last few days and nothing much to report. Louisa went to sleep at 8 pm as I'm fullly rested after spending the last couple days sleeping. Everyone is doing good and we thank everyone for there happy wishes.
Love Bob and Louisa.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Two boys snug in bed
Tonight I'm solo as the boys are sleeping. We fed, bathed and then slathered Kai with cream. Then it was bed time. It took about 2 seconds. Four minutes later it was the big boy (no slathering for him).
Some observations of Motherhood and South Africa
I can dress Kai better than daddy (Daddy put the sleeper on backwards).
Kai can hmm pass gas like Daddy.
Nothing is better than when your baby smiles at you and then daddy does the same thing and only you get the smile. Since this also happens the other way I feel no guilt about saying I like it!
Motherhood is amazing but wow do you worry.
Travelling with a child is very different. TRAVEL NOW single peeps!
South Africa is beautiful (REALLY).
It is better to be white here than black. Aparthied may be over but the descrepency between how whites and blacks are treated is visable. You go to stores all the people shopping are white all the people working there are white. We were told if a black person has a car it is because they are driving a taxis, or very. very rich. There is a third reason but I'm not repeating it. It is shocking. This is the situation I've seen in Durban atleast.
All the white people have pools and locked gates and "maids".
When you adopt a black child people stare.
People can also be very nice and friendly.
South Africans say shame instead of that's to bad.
They call zebras (zeebras) ZEHbras (really say the alphabet and say our Z phonietically correct and you've got it.
It is hard to take an 8 month on a safari but I'm gonna try (hopefully).
Words are not enough to say thank you to the caregivers who loved your child before you.
There are alot of children who need love. I wish all the children throughout the world who don't have a mama or daddy could find one person to love them.
Motherhood is exhausting and I'll be happy to be home with all of you!
p.s.Paige he loves the lion rattle!
p.p.s. Granny M I'll try to post more pictures
Some observations of Motherhood and South Africa
I can dress Kai better than daddy (Daddy put the sleeper on backwards).
Kai can hmm pass gas like Daddy.
Nothing is better than when your baby smiles at you and then daddy does the same thing and only you get the smile. Since this also happens the other way I feel no guilt about saying I like it!
Motherhood is amazing but wow do you worry.
Travelling with a child is very different. TRAVEL NOW single peeps!
South Africa is beautiful (REALLY).
It is better to be white here than black. Aparthied may be over but the descrepency between how whites and blacks are treated is visable. You go to stores all the people shopping are white all the people working there are white. We were told if a black person has a car it is because they are driving a taxis, or very. very rich. There is a third reason but I'm not repeating it. It is shocking. This is the situation I've seen in Durban atleast.
All the white people have pools and locked gates and "maids".
When you adopt a black child people stare.
People can also be very nice and friendly.
South Africans say shame instead of that's to bad.
They call zebras (zeebras) ZEHbras (really say the alphabet and say our Z phonietically correct and you've got it.
It is hard to take an 8 month on a safari but I'm gonna try (hopefully).
Words are not enough to say thank you to the caregivers who loved your child before you.
There are alot of children who need love. I wish all the children throughout the world who don't have a mama or daddy could find one person to love them.
Motherhood is exhausting and I'll be happy to be home with all of you!
p.s.Paige he loves the lion rattle!
p.p.s. Granny M I'll try to post more pictures
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Visiting Esimphiwe House
Today we travelled back to where Kai spent the first 8 months of his life at the Esimphiwe House (esimphiwe.co.za) This time during our trip, we received a tour of the facilities by Daphane who operates the orphanage. The stories she told of some of the babies were real tear jerkers and we saw the love the workers put into their jobs caring after the babies. Three of the workers are German teenagers/youth who volunteer to work at the orphanage for a year on a program run by the government.
After meeting everyone and taking video and pictures, we went to a small town closeby called Richmond where we had lunch and to buy formula.
One thing that I don't feel comfortable here are the design of the baby seats and how they fit into the cars. Compared to the difficulty of the one i installed in canada and the sturdyness of it, i'm always real cautious driving as i don't have much confidence in the seats down here!!!!!
After meeting everyone and taking video and pictures, we went to a small town closeby called Richmond where we had lunch and to buy formula.
One thing that I don't feel comfortable here are the design of the baby seats and how they fit into the cars. Compared to the difficulty of the one i installed in canada and the sturdyness of it, i'm always real cautious driving as i don't have much confidence in the seats down here!!!!!
Monday, March 29, 2010
What day of the week is it?
I don't know what it is but we keep forgetting what day of the week it is.
Yesterday we set out on a tour of the countryside. Our goal was go to the area of "1000 hills" outside of Durban. After setting our GPS to this town where we thought the scenic drive started, our journey started going down a less and less travelled road into the rural black settlements. The drive was interesting but you always need to be aware of your surroundings as we hear of car jackings etc.. We have never felt any danger but always keep doors locked as i'm carrying precious cargo now. We finally ended up at our destination 2 hours late after getting the right coords. The '1000 hills' is a what the name implies, it a countryside where literally there is a hill , after hill after hill. It is quite gorgeous but soon after getting there Little Kai started crying and nothing could sooth him. Thinking the car ride might make him fall asleep we kept on driving but for the next two hours we didn't get any peace and quite. (not until we were almost home) After getting an ice cream, i had one small lapse of judgements and found myself going down the wrong side of the road eating ice cream. Luckily it wasn't a busy road and Louisa said "you should've seen the reaction of the guy coming towards us"
The other Canadian staying here also rented a car and after only driving for one minute, punctured his tires hitting a curb.
People here always mention how Kai is so lucky to be adopted by a us, but we always reply that we are so lucky that god has blessed us with a terrific baby boy. We are both so lucky.
Tomorrow we are applying for Kai's passport to bring him to Canada. The process should take two weeks from tomorrow but not sure if easter will delay the process. After that we hope to go to the baby house again and meet with the care givers that looked after Kai for the first 8 months of his life. Hopefully we can take more pictures of where he stayed so we can give him some history of the first few months of his life when he gets older. Louisa hopes we get there without getting lost, but doubts it.
Louisa wants to share that we bought Kai a rattle at the market. He loves to shake it and make sounds on daddy's head.
One good thing about staying in a one bedroom room with our baby, we know that he is a sound sleeper as we watch tv and he never wakes up with the sound normal.
Yesterday we set out on a tour of the countryside. Our goal was go to the area of "1000 hills" outside of Durban. After setting our GPS to this town where we thought the scenic drive started, our journey started going down a less and less travelled road into the rural black settlements. The drive was interesting but you always need to be aware of your surroundings as we hear of car jackings etc.. We have never felt any danger but always keep doors locked as i'm carrying precious cargo now. We finally ended up at our destination 2 hours late after getting the right coords. The '1000 hills' is a what the name implies, it a countryside where literally there is a hill , after hill after hill. It is quite gorgeous but soon after getting there Little Kai started crying and nothing could sooth him. Thinking the car ride might make him fall asleep we kept on driving but for the next two hours we didn't get any peace and quite. (not until we were almost home) After getting an ice cream, i had one small lapse of judgements and found myself going down the wrong side of the road eating ice cream. Luckily it wasn't a busy road and Louisa said "you should've seen the reaction of the guy coming towards us"
The other Canadian staying here also rented a car and after only driving for one minute, punctured his tires hitting a curb.
People here always mention how Kai is so lucky to be adopted by a us, but we always reply that we are so lucky that god has blessed us with a terrific baby boy. We are both so lucky.
Tomorrow we are applying for Kai's passport to bring him to Canada. The process should take two weeks from tomorrow but not sure if easter will delay the process. After that we hope to go to the baby house again and meet with the care givers that looked after Kai for the first 8 months of his life. Hopefully we can take more pictures of where he stayed so we can give him some history of the first few months of his life when he gets older. Louisa hopes we get there without getting lost, but doubts it.
Louisa wants to share that we bought Kai a rattle at the market. He loves to shake it and make sounds on daddy's head.
One good thing about staying in a one bedroom room with our baby, we know that he is a sound sleeper as we watch tv and he never wakes up with the sound normal.
Sunday, March 28, 2010
FALLING IN LOVE
it's been long day so didn't finish blog,
Falling in Love
It is hard to imagine falling in love with your husband again (I mean you already love them how could you possibly love them more), but watching Bob become a father is pure magic. Kai adores him and lights up when Bob feeds him, or plays with him. He was born to be Kai’s daddy.
Today we hmm travelled thru the 1000 hills (our attempt to be parents and see South Africa). Kai was not enjoying the curving, bumpy roads. Lets just say he was slightly grumpy! It could be the crying in the middle of the night or because we were off his regular schedule but it wasn’t our happy boy (the one that only cries when he is hungry, getting his diaper changed or he is over tired). To say it was less than the perfect day we envisioned is true. Then we went back to the B&B, what a switch there he was hppy and laughing cuddlinfg and cooing Mama and Kai discoved that throwing a receiving blanket on Kai’s head was very funny. Nothing better than a mama and daddy kissing sandwich.
Falling in Love
It is hard to imagine falling in love with your husband again (I mean you already love them how could you possibly love them more), but watching Bob become a father is pure magic. Kai adores him and lights up when Bob feeds him, or plays with him. He was born to be Kai’s daddy.
Today we hmm travelled thru the 1000 hills (our attempt to be parents and see South Africa). Kai was not enjoying the curving, bumpy roads. Lets just say he was slightly grumpy! It could be the crying in the middle of the night or because we were off his regular schedule but it wasn’t our happy boy (the one that only cries when he is hungry, getting his diaper changed or he is over tired). To say it was less than the perfect day we envisioned is true. Then we went back to the B&B, what a switch there he was hppy and laughing cuddlinfg and cooing Mama and Kai discoved that throwing a receiving blanket on Kai’s head was very funny. Nothing better than a mama and daddy kissing sandwich.
Saturday, March 27, 2010
A Day in the Life...
This was our day, what a difference a week makes!
6:30 Kai wakes up (mama slept better than daddy...Kai woke we changed him :) )
Time for first bottle...daddy fed Kai while mama got ready!
Mama finishes bottle daddy gets ready.
7:15 time to rub Kai's body with lots and lots of cream! All slippery!
7:30 New diaper!
7:45 Breakfast, Dad holds Kai while eating cereal and then it is mama's turn ~ first day we had breakfast together!
8:15 Lets make Kai's breakfast (yummy rice cereal)
8:30 Kai eats, eats and eats!
9:00 clean up, clean up eveyrbody clean up!
New Diaper!
Daddy put Kai down while we get ready for the Essenwood Market
9:20 All packed and ready off we go ~ Kai's job sleep in car! Good job Kai!
Okay we're lost, Daddy don't be grumpy! Hmmm wrong way mama! Not that left!
We're here! Let's find a parking spot ~around the park we go.
Daddy carries Kai in the ergo. We wander in the hot humid weather looking at the stalls. We meet nice south africans. A very nice lady Jackie who adopted a little boy Sebastian. Lots of cool stuff. We got Kai a new shirt (he can wear it when he is 4). Too hot, we sit down at a table (you share tables with other people). Kai immediately attracts attention, he can't help being CUTE! They recommend an avacardo sandwich (so good) Kai doesn't want to drink his milk. Too hot out ~ lets go home. New Diaper!
12:30 Drive home...yes we got lost again!
We eat pears! Okay Kai eats pears!
Play time!
New Diaper! Yikes lots of crying!
Time to smear Kai wioth cream ~ slippery!
1:45 nap time ~ hmmm cries for 15 minutes before sleeping (yes I counted the minutes)
2:00 Daddy and mam go for a nap too!
3:30 Kai wakes up
New Diaper!
Bottle!
Lets play~lots and lots of smiles! I think he likes us (well me).
New Diaper
4:30 Grocery shopping..Kai snuggles with mama in the ergo (yes we went the wrong way again!)
5:30 Lets eat butternut squash (okay I actually tasted this ~yummy!)
Guess what?? New Diaper!
Play time and cuddling!
6:10
BATH TIME! All clean!
All wet...no wait till you are wearing a diaper! Yikes!
New Diaper!
Bottle (yes I eat alot!)
Cuddle time!
Spread the cream ALL over!
NEW DIAPER!
7:35
BED TIME FOR KAI!
That was our day :)
6:30 Kai wakes up (mama slept better than daddy...Kai woke we changed him :) )
Time for first bottle...daddy fed Kai while mama got ready!
Mama finishes bottle daddy gets ready.
7:15 time to rub Kai's body with lots and lots of cream! All slippery!
7:30 New diaper!
7:45 Breakfast, Dad holds Kai while eating cereal and then it is mama's turn ~ first day we had breakfast together!
8:15 Lets make Kai's breakfast (yummy rice cereal)
8:30 Kai eats, eats and eats!
9:00 clean up, clean up eveyrbody clean up!
New Diaper!
Daddy put Kai down while we get ready for the Essenwood Market
9:20 All packed and ready off we go ~ Kai's job sleep in car! Good job Kai!
Okay we're lost, Daddy don't be grumpy! Hmmm wrong way mama! Not that left!
We're here! Let's find a parking spot ~around the park we go.
Daddy carries Kai in the ergo. We wander in the hot humid weather looking at the stalls. We meet nice south africans. A very nice lady Jackie who adopted a little boy Sebastian. Lots of cool stuff. We got Kai a new shirt (he can wear it when he is 4). Too hot, we sit down at a table (you share tables with other people). Kai immediately attracts attention, he can't help being CUTE! They recommend an avacardo sandwich (so good) Kai doesn't want to drink his milk. Too hot out ~ lets go home. New Diaper!
12:30 Drive home...yes we got lost again!
We eat pears! Okay Kai eats pears!
Play time!
New Diaper! Yikes lots of crying!
Time to smear Kai wioth cream ~ slippery!
1:45 nap time ~ hmmm cries for 15 minutes before sleeping (yes I counted the minutes)
2:00 Daddy and mam go for a nap too!
3:30 Kai wakes up
New Diaper!
Bottle!
Lets play~lots and lots of smiles! I think he likes us (well me).
New Diaper
4:30 Grocery shopping..Kai snuggles with mama in the ergo (yes we went the wrong way again!)
5:30 Lets eat butternut squash (okay I actually tasted this ~yummy!)
Guess what?? New Diaper!
Play time and cuddling!
6:10
BATH TIME! All clean!
All wet...no wait till you are wearing a diaper! Yikes!
New Diaper!
Bottle (yes I eat alot!)
Cuddle time!
Spread the cream ALL over!
NEW DIAPER!
7:35
BED TIME FOR KAI!
That was our day :)
Friday, March 26, 2010
The Canadian House
Our bed and breakfast (B&B) has two other couples from Canada who have also adopted. A couple from Surrey B.C. are adopting a 7.5 year old girl and a couple from Saskatchewan have been here a week and have adopted a baby girl and a boy. All we need now is a Tim Hortons and it'll feel like home except for the 30 C temperature, the smell of the ocean in the air and the palm trees blowing in the wind. (I'm exaggerating a bit but it is very humid reminding me of mid summer back home) We forgot to mention yesterday our luggage arrived and Louisa finally got to wear her first new pair of underwear.(just kidding)
Kai slept through the night for the first time. We didn't know if we should wake him up at 7am but decided to let him wake up by himself (something everyone tells me now that you never wake a sleeping baby) We do have to become better organized as we find getting the baby ready, sterilizing bottles etc., 12 noon rolls around quicker than we thought it would. We took Kai to a nurse today to look at his eczema, she prescribed a anti-bacterial cream and corn starch to put over his bottom every night as it helps the rash, skin heal. He still has a bit of a cough and we scheduled to take him to a pediatrician on monday at the local hospital to give him a look over just to make sure he's fine.
Tomorrow we plan on getting out of here by 9am and visiting the local market for the morning. That about it. Louisa is sleeping so she'll probably post tomorrow.
(we saw Kai crawl today, probably for his first time)
I need to make a few additions to this post. I was "resting" my eyes! Kai did sleep thru the night as did daddy but mummy was up all night because Kai has a bad cough that gets worse when he is laying down. So he coughs mummy gets up to check he is okay. Thus daddy slept mummy did not. I have heard this is pretty normal.
We did go to a nurse and I think I was more upset than Kai. He is wonderful and perfect but he is still recovering from the measles. I just hate that he is any pain or discomfort and I would switch places in a second.
We went for a walk in sweltering heat today ~ Daddy carried Kai in the ergo. We saw a few people who were amazed a dad was carrying a baby. Kai's daddy is very hands on (he now feeds Kai shirtless).
Last thing, while my son is very talented and scooched today on his belly and knees for the empty ointment cream box. He is not yet crawling. He is the strongest kid around though SERIOUSLY!
Kai slept through the night for the first time. We didn't know if we should wake him up at 7am but decided to let him wake up by himself (something everyone tells me now that you never wake a sleeping baby) We do have to become better organized as we find getting the baby ready, sterilizing bottles etc., 12 noon rolls around quicker than we thought it would. We took Kai to a nurse today to look at his eczema, she prescribed a anti-bacterial cream and corn starch to put over his bottom every night as it helps the rash, skin heal. He still has a bit of a cough and we scheduled to take him to a pediatrician on monday at the local hospital to give him a look over just to make sure he's fine.
Tomorrow we plan on getting out of here by 9am and visiting the local market for the morning. That about it. Louisa is sleeping so she'll probably post tomorrow.
(we saw Kai crawl today, probably for his first time)
I need to make a few additions to this post. I was "resting" my eyes! Kai did sleep thru the night as did daddy but mummy was up all night because Kai has a bad cough that gets worse when he is laying down. So he coughs mummy gets up to check he is okay. Thus daddy slept mummy did not. I have heard this is pretty normal.
We did go to a nurse and I think I was more upset than Kai. He is wonderful and perfect but he is still recovering from the measles. I just hate that he is any pain or discomfort and I would switch places in a second.
We went for a walk in sweltering heat today ~ Daddy carried Kai in the ergo. We saw a few people who were amazed a dad was carrying a baby. Kai's daddy is very hands on (he now feeds Kai shirtless).
Last thing, while my son is very talented and scooched today on his belly and knees for the empty ointment cream box. He is not yet crawling. He is the strongest kid around though SERIOUSLY!
Thursday, March 25, 2010
A day of MANY firsts
First off my son likes to stay up ALL night so his mummy and daddy don't get any sleep! Daddy wouldn't let mummy give him a bottle (lets not start bad habits!)
In my defence, when we picked up Kai from the baby house, the caregiver told us his last bottle is at 7pm and his next is at 7am. So at 2am in the morning and after changing his diaper and still crying at 5:30am , I thought well he has to want his bottle. By the time he got his bottle he took to it with such a firm grip!!!! We don't know if he missed one his feedings during the day or what but we'll monitor how he does tonight.
Where we are staying in Durban, South Africa (Heeton Cottage), the woman (Shayne) is amazing who runs it. She is so helpful and has gone out of her way with us and the other family staying here. She's taken louisa to get clothers, food for the baby and for us to pick up our car today. We picked up a Toyoto corolla, but the kicker is they are all crazy drivers and drive on the wrong side of the road. I kept turning on the windshield whipers changing lanes, and going through a roundabout, that was exciting. I've had three cars beep at me today so we'll see if that record holds.
We went to the mall today and took Kai for his first shopping experience. He enjoyed the crowds and was thilled at looking at himself in the mirrows throughout. (we had a few stares but I think that was the crazy lady kissing her baby - he likes kisses)
Louisa here ~ Bob fed Kai carrots ~ he wore more than he ate I think! We had our first family photo taken, best part Kai wouldn't look anywhere but me! Kai loves his mummy!
Tonight Louisa bathed him and smoothered him in cream to help his eczema. Kai rewarded Louisa by peeing on her. (I was worried about pee and poo ~ we're old hands at this point!)
He spite up half his bottle which I (mummy) think means he 'll be hungry in the middle of the night! We will see!
In my defence, when we picked up Kai from the baby house, the caregiver told us his last bottle is at 7pm and his next is at 7am. So at 2am in the morning and after changing his diaper and still crying at 5:30am , I thought well he has to want his bottle. By the time he got his bottle he took to it with such a firm grip!!!! We don't know if he missed one his feedings during the day or what but we'll monitor how he does tonight.
Where we are staying in Durban, South Africa (Heeton Cottage), the woman (Shayne) is amazing who runs it. She is so helpful and has gone out of her way with us and the other family staying here. She's taken louisa to get clothers, food for the baby and for us to pick up our car today. We picked up a Toyoto corolla, but the kicker is they are all crazy drivers and drive on the wrong side of the road. I kept turning on the windshield whipers changing lanes, and going through a roundabout, that was exciting. I've had three cars beep at me today so we'll see if that record holds.
We went to the mall today and took Kai for his first shopping experience. He enjoyed the crowds and was thilled at looking at himself in the mirrows throughout. (we had a few stares but I think that was the crazy lady kissing her baby - he likes kisses)
Louisa here ~ Bob fed Kai carrots ~ he wore more than he ate I think! We had our first family photo taken, best part Kai wouldn't look anywhere but me! Kai loves his mummy!
Tonight Louisa bathed him and smoothered him in cream to help his eczema. Kai rewarded Louisa by peeing on her. (I was worried about pee and poo ~ we're old hands at this point!)
He spite up half his bottle which I (mummy) think means he 'll be hungry in the middle of the night! We will see!
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Kai, Ma & Pa United
We arrived at the Esimpwhe Baby House early this afternoon and were immediately handed our baby boy. Kai is a beautiful littly boy, we couldn't be happier. He is feeling better but his breathing is still a bit raspy and has a slight fever. Daphne and Robyn commented that he recovered well after he was nebulized. The baby house is where Kai has spent the last eight months of his life growing up with 32 other babies. His eczema has cleared up a bit but we will now focus on rubbing lotion on him 24/7 to clear it up. After getting acquainted with him for one hour and Daphne telling us his schedule and such we were off to the court where we officially became his parents. The proceedings lasted 30 minutes and finished with our photo taken with the magistrate. Kai is a very happy baby and when he cries it's not loud (the care giver says that's only because he is still sick and he does have a good set of lungs on him, just like his mom) Shayne the owner of the B&B is great and gives us alot of support. After finding our bags were lost she phoned South African Airlines and were given authority to spend $75 / day per person to buy clothes essentials. Louisa and her are going shopping shortly to buy us all new supplies and we are becoming ripe.
Kai's first toy has been playing with mom and dads eye glasses. Louisa just left and I was left to feed Kai solid food for the first time. I could just imagine louisa being jealous of me the whole time.
We are staying here another eight days and then moving to the coast as we've rented a beach house on the coast for a few days. Tired tonight at 8 pm so i think it'll be an early night. Hopefully we will rent a car tomorrow so we will have access easier to get around town.
Kai's first toy has been playing with mom and dads eye glasses. Louisa just left and I was left to feed Kai solid food for the first time. I could just imagine louisa being jealous of me the whole time.
We are staying here another eight days and then moving to the coast as we've rented a beach house on the coast for a few days. Tired tonight at 8 pm so i think it'll be an early night. Hopefully we will rent a car tomorrow so we will have access easier to get around town.
Waiting...
Wednesday Morning....
Waiting patiently! So the bags have been lost. I\m wearing the same clothes as I did Monday and it is WARM here! We are staying in a WONDERFUL B&B Heaton Cottage (tennis court and pool) and it really is lovely. Had a full english breakfast. Then went to the local supermarket to buy a few basics mainly for Kai (since the luggage has been lost). Diapers and a few bottles and a hundred dollars later we are waiting for Robyn (our social worker) to show up. I think we are managing well. I woke up at 2:30 and didn't fall asleep until 5:30. The flight was long but when you have somewhere you want to be you just sit and wait. So that is what we are doing...waiting patiently! Still waiting....
Waiting patiently! So the bags have been lost. I\m wearing the same clothes as I did Monday and it is WARM here! We are staying in a WONDERFUL B&B Heaton Cottage (tennis court and pool) and it really is lovely. Had a full english breakfast. Then went to the local supermarket to buy a few basics mainly for Kai (since the luggage has been lost). Diapers and a few bottles and a hundred dollars later we are waiting for Robyn (our social worker) to show up. I think we are managing well. I woke up at 2:30 and didn't fall asleep until 5:30. The flight was long but when you have somewhere you want to be you just sit and wait. So that is what we are doing...waiting patiently! Still waiting....
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
ETMK 12 HOURS
We arrived and probably have been up 30 something hours without any sleep.
Estimated time meet \kai -12 hours
To keep things short, we arrived on time but without our luggage. Tired and will update once we meet Kai.
Bob and Louisa
Estimated time meet \kai -12 hours
To keep things short, we arrived on time but without our luggage. Tired and will update once we meet Kai.
Bob and Louisa
Friday, March 19, 2010
What Louisa has to say!
This is Bob AND Louisa's blog so I thought I should write something! Oh my goodness, we have a lot to do! Bob is "napping" . I rewrote my to do list for tomorrow. I'm so glad Walmart is open early (yes, I Louisa am planning on waking up early on a Saturday).
I can hardly wait to have Kai in my arms. It still feels surreal that something we have hoped for, and prayed for and wished for is coming true in only a few more days. I hope Kai is sleeping peacefully, I know he is being carried for by people who love him (but I wish it was me!)
mommy schaefer
(yes that's me!!!!)
I can hardly wait to have Kai in my arms. It still feels surreal that something we have hoped for, and prayed for and wished for is coming true in only a few more days. I hope Kai is sleeping peacefully, I know he is being carried for by people who love him (but I wish it was me!)
mommy schaefer
(yes that's me!!!!)
3 more sleeps and narrowly dodging two bullets!!!
We just received our paperwork today (Friday, we leave Monday) from the Immigration office in Nova Scotia. We had talked about having Louisa's mom send the forms to us if they weren't here by today but count our lucky stars, we don't have to worry. I also learned tonight that the cabin crew staff at British Airlines are going on strike Saturday and BA are cancelling over 1000 flights. I have to thank my mother-in-law for noticing that off the news wire three weeks ago and we changed to SA airlines. Originally we were going to fly through London, England as we had a 8 hour stopover and thought Louisa would want to show me where she grew up. (You would think the travel agent would say warn against flying with them when we booked our flight as she knew the purpose of our trip) . Our flight leaves Monday afternoon at 2:20 pm and we get to Durban, SA Tuesday night at 8:20pm. That's alot of reading we can look forward to as we both aren't very good sleepers on the plane.
Louisa went shopping today in Toronto with some friends from school. She bought a car seat and picked up blinds for Kai's room. She was stopping woman with babies in the mall asking them how they like their stroller. Glad I wasn't along for that trip, sorry girls for that experience. (I'm use to it by now)
The Child care worker from South Africa emailed yesterday to tell us our son has measles. He's doing better today after staff nebulized him, but still has diarrhea, high fever, coughing etc. Don't know if this will delay the court date this Wednesday until we get there. Six other babies at the baby house have also come down with measles. Typically babies receive the vaccine in South Africa at age 9 months as it rare for babies to develop them at his age.
Saturday we still need to install blinds, car seat, shop for camcorder
Sunday pack, and one final good night sleep.
Louisa went shopping today in Toronto with some friends from school. She bought a car seat and picked up blinds for Kai's room. She was stopping woman with babies in the mall asking them how they like their stroller. Glad I wasn't along for that trip, sorry girls for that experience. (I'm use to it by now)
The Child care worker from South Africa emailed yesterday to tell us our son has measles. He's doing better today after staff nebulized him, but still has diarrhea, high fever, coughing etc. Don't know if this will delay the court date this Wednesday until we get there. Six other babies at the baby house have also come down with measles. Typically babies receive the vaccine in South Africa at age 9 months as it rare for babies to develop them at his age.
Saturday we still need to install blinds, car seat, shop for camcorder
Sunday pack, and one final good night sleep.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Citizen and Immigration
Thanks with help from our local MP office, we finally received word today that they will fast track our application for Part 1, Citizenship. She couldn't tell us when the application will be ready but I'm hoping early next week or it's going to be a few sleepless nights sooner then we thought :)
Louisa is finishing up report cards tonight and will be able to spend more time on planning our trip and making reservations.
Louisa is finishing up report cards tonight and will be able to spend more time on planning our trip and making reservations.
Monday, March 8, 2010
Our Referral
Feb 18th will be the day we first learned that we will be parents!!!!
I was playing poker at a co-workers house and Louisa was trying to reach me to tell me the great news. After trying repeatedly to contact me, she showed up at the poker game to tell me the good news. I don't remember much of the last hand I played after hearing the news, I just stared at the cards thinking I'm going to be a dad not registering what cards i had in my hand.
After racing home and talking with our adoption practitioner Marcy, we saw the first pictures of our son. That night was surreal, followed by the next couple days. Speaking with alot of families that have adopted previously, they tell me it really doesn't sink in until your handed the baby and your flying back home. After the news settled in over the next couple days, we realized we had lots of work yet to do.
I was playing poker at a co-workers house and Louisa was trying to reach me to tell me the great news. After trying repeatedly to contact me, she showed up at the poker game to tell me the good news. I don't remember much of the last hand I played after hearing the news, I just stared at the cards thinking I'm going to be a dad not registering what cards i had in my hand.
After racing home and talking with our adoption practitioner Marcy, we saw the first pictures of our son. That night was surreal, followed by the next couple days. Speaking with alot of families that have adopted previously, they tell me it really doesn't sink in until your handed the baby and your flying back home. After the news settled in over the next couple days, we realized we had lots of work yet to do.
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