Indonesia

We took a ferry from Singapore to the Indonesian island of Batam where we spent two nights relaxing by the pool and enjoying the sounds of the ocean from our beachfront accomodation. The resort was quiet and the weather was lovely. Caleb had his first swim in a pool but it was pretty chilly so he did not even last long enough for a photo!

Caleb showing off our room.

The view from our balcony.

Caleb and I at the restaurant for lunch.

Dad and Caleb relaxing in one of the beach gazebos.

Kevin enjoying a dip in the pool.

Walking out to the jetty - 220 m out into the ocean.

We missed the photo of Caleb in the pool but here he is in his much too big swimmers which I was determined to leave on him until they were dirty!

I love this photo of Caleb and I talking. He is making a lot more sounds now!

All the Babies

While in Singapore, we hosted a very special gathering with our friends from our prenatal class. All the babies had arrived including, only a couple days previous, Baby Meredith.  Yi Lin and Andrew took home the prize of biggest baby with Meredith's arrival - Caleb came in second but Meredith had him beat by over half a kilogram!

Jana and Michael brought a cake decorated with all the baby names and their birthdates.

The youngest baby at the party, Hedi, with her proud parents.

Proud Papas - Kevin with Caleb and Michael with Hedi.

Caleb was not too thrilled about meeting the other babies and was having a rather tough day but he was all smiles after everyone left and he had Mom and Dad's full attention again.

Knuckle Sandwich

More New Years Festivities

Caleb boarded another flight at just over 6 weeks old destined for his homeland! With Kevin off work for a week, we decided to head back to Singapore.

Caleb is a great traveller - here he is checking out the flight attendant.

We found some bubbly in the fridge and a lucky envelope with chocolate coins to bring in the New Year!

Smiles from Caleb

A smile for everyone back home - check out those dimples!

Chuc Mung Nam Moi

Vietnamese New Years known as Tet begins this week and in honour of the festivities, a few of us went out for margaritas and dinner at the Cantina. It was Caleb's first visit to the bar and he seemed to enjoy it... only in Vietnam is it completely acceptable to bring your children to the bar. After dinner, we checked out the Tet decorations. It was incredible - streets were closed, decorated with banners, lights and flowers and packed with people! 

Caleb and I, Catherine, Kevin, Brenda, Adelina and Kevin H.

Usually this street is packed with motorcycles and cars, but this evening and for the next few days it will be full of people celebrating Tet and bringing in the Year of the Ox.

As per usual, Caleb drew quite a crowd.  Not only is he a baby under 3 months old but being carried by his tall Dad brought around even more curious locals. 

Smiles

I finally am caught up on blog posts and have even added more pictures to Caleb's Picassa Album. Being a mother is much more time consuming than I ever thought - who knew I wouldn't just be able to watch TV all day (lucky for me the TV is not all that good here anyway so I cannot be missing much). But for those soon-to-be-mothers out there and as the rest of the moms know, it also is way more rewarding than I could have ever imagined! 

I still have not started a baby book for Caleb so I really should record some of his firsts on the blog so that when I ever happen to get a baby book together, I can refresh my memory!

Caleb has started to smile! I think the first smiles were around January 11th when he had some huge smiles for Grampa Dean. At first, I was sure it was just gas but he is definitely smiling now. I still have not been able to capture the smiles on camera because I am too excited to see him doing it than to go and get the camera. Caleb smiles most in the mornings and in the evenings after bathtime. He was all smiles when his Dad was reading to him last night. At about the same time as the smiles started, Caleb also started making some more noises (which we refer to as 'talking').  He is cooing and saying ahh and will even respond occasionally when we copy his sounds.

Caleb also is following everything with his eyes. He will follow Kevin and I around the room and has discovered his mobile (January 19th).

I am trying to keep Caleb up a bit more during the day in the hopes that he will sleep longer at night but even without a soother and swaddling, he has still fallen fast asleep! I guess I had better have a nap too in preparation for this evening.

Kevin's version of the book, Someday, is much more entertaining - even though the original is lovely, it makes me cry. Last night, Kevin had me laughing.

Is that the beginning of a smile?

That definitely looks like one or at least the start of one!

Caleb is all eyes as he follows the three little bears.

Three Wonderful Weeks

Today was a difficult day. Caleb and I did not leave the bedroom until after 10 am. I could not bring myself to open the bedroom door any earlier knowing that Mom and Dad were not there. Mom and Dad returned back to Canada early this morning. 

We had such an incredible three weeks with you both. You were so much help with Caleb and we are thrilled you got to spend so much time getting to know your newest grandson. We hope you will never forget your Vietnam adventures. We have so many wonderful memories. We will never forget seeing Caleb smiling at you, morning coffee on the balcony, watching Dad bargain, Mom's great roadtrip lunches, the "Metro Moment" and the following "Cu Chi Attack"... and while Kevin and Dad will never forget their card domination, Mom and I are trying to forget that one.

We miss you so much already.

Mom and Dad on the beach at Mui Ne.

Travelling with Mom and Dad

It has been a busy week of travel with Mom and Dad. On Tuesday morning, Caleb and I joined Mom and Dad for an overnight trip to Hoi An, central Vietnam. After a relaxing Thursday back at home when Mom and Dad enjoyed massages (and Dad immediately booked another one for Monday), we were on the road again come Friday noon. This time, Kevin joined us all for a weekend in Mui Ne at the Romana Resort and Spa.

Another plane trip for Caleb - we flew to Danang and then took a half hour car ride to Hoi An.

We spent time shopping and touring around the town of Hoi An, a UNESCO Heritage Site. A highlight of the trip was definitely the cooking class that Mom and I did. It was lots of fun and the food was delicious!

While Mom and I were in the kitchen, Dad looked after Caleb and prepared to sample our dishes.

Mom with some of the Japanese lanterns sold throughout Hoi An.

And then it was off to Mui Ne... The weekend in Mui Ne was lovely - we relaxed and enjoyed some terrific meals out including a seafood night at Nuoc Song. I love how Caleb's stroller glows with the flash - he is there too!

Mom and Dad enjoying their private pool at the Romana Resort, Mui Ne.

Dad and Caleb enjoying an afternoon snooze.

Kevin and Caleb hanging out in Mui Ne.

Taking a break from the sun and playing another game of bidwhist... for some reason, I cannot remember which team, the men or the women, won this game?

One Month Old

Guess who is already one month old! Mom, Dad, Kevin and I helped Caleb celebrate by indulging in chocolate and lemon tarts from the bakery.

Caleb's one month portrait - I got him all dressed up in Matthew's hand-me-down monkey outfit and the little t-shirt is already snug.

Cuddling with Sophie in the bouncy chair and sporting my new Bum Genius diapers from all the friends and family at our baby shower back in Canada at Aunty Kelli and Uncle Bryce's house.

Naptime in the playpen which we have setup downstairs in the office.

Shopping Extravaganza

We spent the afternoon showing Mom and Dad around Ben Thanh Market - the busiest and most entertaining shopping in Ho Chi Minh City. Dad loved bargaining and his hard work was rewarded with a beautiful jade bracelet for Mom.  

Caleb and Dad ready to get into the car.

Mom and her favourite Vietnamese fruit, the dragonfruit or thanh long (in Vietnamese), at the market.

Caleb got alot of attention at the market - the Vietnamese are not used to seeing a one month old baby out. In Vietnam, mothers do not leave the house for one month and babies do not leave the house for three months and ten days.

After Mom's makeshift mask on the way out to Cu Chi, she had to buy the real things for herself, me and Caleb. It looks like Caleb will have to grow into his mask!

A day of shopping in Ho Chi Minh is only complete with a stop at our favourite ice cream shop, Fanny's.

Cu Chi Coo

After a bit of a sleep-in and Mom's great brunch of french toast, we hopped in the car with Mr. Phong and headed out to Cu Chi to visit the tunnels.  We visited a different part of the tunnels than Kevin and I had previously been to so it was a new adventure for us too.  Caleb, with the exception of lunch, slept all the way there and back.

Mom's sensitive nose was really feeling the pollution so she made her own mask.

 Dad and a local rice farmer.

Mom exiting the tunnels.

Dad squeezing into an original sized tunnel... but will he fit??

It was a tight fit but he made it!

Kevin and Dad demonstrating how the ox wagon works.

In front of the temple built in remembrance of the soldiers.

Around Ho Chi Minh with Mom & Dad

On our first day back in Ho Chi Minh, we showed Mom and Dad around the city.  Even though they had arrived a couple days before Caleb and I, they had spent their time in Vung Tau visiting friends and were excited to see Ho Chi Minh.  We met up with Kevin for lunch and then walked down Dong Khoi Street and Le Loi Street, stopping for coffee at Highlands and visiting Saigon Square for some shopping.  

Caleb with I on Le Loi Street.

Dad and Mom in front of the Opera House - it was the first time I had seen the Opera House without scaffolding all over the front.

Shopping at Saigon Square.

Drinks before dinner.

A great dinner out at Restaurant 13 on the Saigon River.

First Flight

Caleb's passport arrived on Monday, January 5th and by noon the following day we had all the paperwork organized for his Vietnamese visa thanks to Mr. Ngoc.  That meant we could fly home to Vietnam on Wednesday and see Kevin and my parents.  Caleb was great for the 2 hour flight which he spent a good part of sleeping.  While everyone grasped their drinks during a bit of turbulence, it seemed to rock Caleb to sleep.

Caleb ready to board his first flight with his new Canadian passport and business class boarding ticket.

Caleb and I getting ready for take-off.

Having his own business class seat is not something Caleb should get accustomed to!

Dad was so happy to see Caleb when we got home!

And so were Gramma and Grampa!

Leaving Singapore

Although I am very excited to get home to Vietnam, it is sad to leave our new friends in Singapore.  Caleb and I said farewell to everyone today.  It was a busy day.  First, we visited with Kasia & Dylan, Schirin & Nilou, and Jana at the Botanic Gardens.  Then we headed to Delphine's condo to meet Emilie.  It was a great day and we are lucky to have met so many wonderful people in our short time here.  We look forward to keeping in touch with everyone and watching all our children grow!

Kasia & Dylan, Schirin & Nilou and Jana (all ready to have Hedi on Friday).

Schirin & Nilou - Nilou was born in December 9th.

Kasia & Dylan - Dylan was born on December 25th.

Jana hoping that seeing all the babies will convince Hedi to come out. 

Delphine & Emilie - Emilie was born on December 11th.

Caleb tired after a busy day and ready to head home.

Chinatown, Singapore

Before Kevin, Mom and Dad all left for Vietnam this afternoon, we ventured into Singapore's Chinatown.  The streets were decorated in preparation for Chinese New Year, the last week of January.  While Caleb was fed and my Mom did some shopping, Kevin and Dad ventured a bit farther into Chinatown where they visited a market and a Hindu temple.

Dad and Mom as we entered Chinatown

Mom and Dad with the Chinese New Year's decorated streets in the background

Dad walking through one of the Chinatown markets

Spending Time with Caleb

Caleb has been getting to know Gramma and Grampa the past few days.  Kevin and I have been thrilled to have all the extra hands around too.  Caleb and I are already missing Kevin and my parents who all returned to Vietnam this afternoon.  The good news is that Caleb's passport has arrived so we should not be far behind them!

Caleb and Gramma

Caleb and Grampa

Caleb and Dad

Caleb and Mom

Finding Nemo

When Kevin and I awoke the other morning, we discovered that Mom and Dad were missing We were a bit worried until we looked out the window...

Look who we found in the pool!

Orangutans, Tapirs and Much More

We spent a great day at the Singapore Zoo.  The zoo is a model of the 'open zoo' concept so the animal areas were large with limited fencing.  In fact, it seemed that all that separated us from some very large animals (the lions included) were deep ditchs or moats.  

The most impressive displays were: (1) the fragile forest biodome - which included an open area which we were able to walk through with butterflies, bats, lemurs and sloths in the trees around us, (2) the orangutans - the first free range orangutan area of its kind and (3) the orchid garden and tropical crops plantation - where we could show Mom and Dad all our favourite southeast Asian fruits. Caleb's favourite animals were the crocodiles. The stop at the crocodile tank was the only time he was awake since that is where he was fed!

One of the most unique animals we saw, the Malayan tapir.

The white tigers were beautiful! 

Caleb and Dad checking out the lemurs.

Mom and Dad and the orangutans.

Caleb enjoying the zoo.

Welcome to Singapore, Mom & Dad!

We are so excited to have Mom and Dad visiting us in Singapore!  Kevin and I were surprised to see that their flight from Beijing arrived 40 minutes early so Kevin rushed to the airport to meet them.  By 6:30 am, Gramma and Grampa were hanging out with their new grandson who was wide awake to greet them when they arrived at the apartment.

Mom and Dad brought an entire suitcase full of gifts just for Caleb - what a lucky boy!  Thank you for the wonderful presents, Mom, Dad, Alvina, Jo-ann & Jeff & Anna, Kelli & Bryce, Kim & Mike & Matthew, Shawn, Brenda & Ed, Carrie & Dave, Carol & Eugene, Krista & Brent & Gwen, Val & Bob, Sharron & Ben & Tracie.  

We took Mom and Dad out for a walk to see some of the Singapore sights and then relaxed with a card game before retiring early for the evening in preparation for another busy sightseeing day tomorrow.

Caleb meeting Grampa and Gramma

Caleb deep in conversation with Grampa

Mom and Dad on the Ascott's rooftop patio

At the Merlion

Taking a break from our walk at Raffles Hotel

Caleb's new outfit from Aunty Kelli and Uncle Bryce.

 Caleb may have been born in Singapore but he was

definitely 'Made in Canada'

Caleb relaxing on his beautiful new quilt made by Gramma Alvina