Danang Danang Me

To get over our jetlag, we joined Kevin on his annual summer company trip to a resort in Danang, Central Vietnam. The Furama resort, where we stayed sits on the longest stretch of beach in Vietnam, more commonly known as China Beach.

We did not do too much other than sleep, rest and swim in the pool. Caleb struggled with the time change for a couple days. I could not even wake him in the afternoon (which made sense since that was the middle of the night in Canada) and he was all ready to get up at 3 am on Saturday morning but the nights only improved from there. In fact, back at home now in Ho Chi Minh City, Caleb slept through the night from 6 pm to 5 am last night so I think he has figured out his nights and days now!

The Furama Resort at sunrise which Caleb and I enjoyed after our 3 am wakeup.

Our little swimmer - Caleb loves floating in this little boat and kicking his feet. All that kicking and the jetlag made for one tired baby.

Caleb modeling his new Baby Banz protective swimwear which we picked up at Krista's terrific baby store in Fort Saskatchewan, Adorable Baby. Thanks for the new beach towel, Krista (not to be confused with Krista who owns Adorable Baby)!

We spent Sunday afternoon before catching our flight home in nearby, Hoi An (my favourite Vietnamese destination) but it was so hot that even shopping did not appeal to me so we hung out at our favourite restaurants and this little bar on the waterfront.

Sad News

We were shocked and saddened to hear about the tragic passing of my Gramma Mary's partner and our friend, Jim Barr. Jim passed away suddenly on July 22nd. Caleb and I had just departed Canada earlier that morning.

Jim was probably one of the best family members at keeping us up to date on everything back home. Jim would send me emails about the family, the farm, sports updates, the weather or just a note to say hi. I loved hearing from him. Jim and Gramma avidly followed this blog and regularly updated his facebook status too. Emails, facebook and following the blog - pretty impressive considering Jim was just shy of turning 80 years old!

Jim, we will miss your beautiful smile and huge personality. We are so happy you were a part of our life.

Jim and Gramma Mary (photo taken Sept 2008 - it is framed on our family wall).

Caleb with his Great Gramma - we know how difficult a time this is for you. We are so sorry we cannot be with you during this difficult time but know we love you and are sending you lots of positive energy.

The Angel in my Pocket

As we were leaving Calgary this morning, my cousin Tracie gave us a pocket angel. It is beautiful - rose quartz carved in the shape of a little angel that fits in your pocket and 'guides you wherever you are'. Well, that little angel was all we needed today. Thank you so much, Tracie! 

Although the start of our trip was a bit rocky - our flight out of Calgary was delayed due to fog in San Francisco and we had to sit on the plane for over an hour before take off - all is good. I was a bit nervous that we would be sightseeing in San Francisco for the day after that delay (which would not have been the worst idea) but we made our connecting flight to Hong Kong, arriving at the gate just after boarding had begun. We got super lucky since the flight was not full and we had all three seats to ourselves. This was magic (and better than the bassinet) - Caleb could stretch out to sleep (since he no longer is the length of only one seat) and I still had room to get some rest too. Caleb was terrific. He slept most of the flight even though I tried to keep him awake a bit so that he would get used to the time change. At one point, I was pretty sure he was going to fall asleep sitting up. And to top it off, he is even snoozing in the lounge now in Hong Kong giving me time to catch up on my email, download our holiday photos and post on the blog. 

Thank you everyone for letting us stay with you, making us dinner, taking us out, making time in your busy schedules to catch up with us... it was such a wonderful month in Canada and we are so happy you all were able to meet Caleb. There are lots of photos from the past month so check out our Summer in Canada album.

P.S. For my friends traveling on their own with baby this summer, take your baby bjorn/carrier if you have it. I meant to just use it to get through customs and then throw it in my checked luggage but forgot. It turned out to be a good thing I did not check it. It has been terrific getting on and off the plane before you have access to a stroller.

Severe Thunderstorm Warnings - Edmonton

With severe thunderstorm warnings this evening came a power outage, winds up to 100 km/hour, a downpour, lightening show and hail. All is good now and hopefully, the storm slows as it heads north. Guess it is a good time to head south to Calgary tomorrow!

Hail on the deck.

And hail in my hand (for scale) which we acquired after getting pelted with hail and rain on the deck.

Waiting out the storm in the basement.

Charms

Thanks for the beautiful charm for our Pandora charm bracelets, Mom, and a fun day of shopping!

Caleb and Matthew out shopping with the girls (lunch was definitely the highlight for them).

The charm (exceptionally modeled by Kelli's wrist) is made up of three flowers - one for each daughter/sister.

In Style

Modeling this summer's fashions are Matthew and Caleb...

The Belly Shirt - yep, I would cry too if my Mom made me wear this outdated look.

The Mohawk - it's thin but it's there and it totally goes with the rock star outfit.

Oh Canada

Since Kevin's return to Vietnam, Caleb and I have been spending all our time visiting with family. It has been terrific to just relax and hang out with the grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins! We spent a few more days out at the farm where Caleb loved to look out the weather and watch the birds at the feeder and when the weather cleared up, I introduced him to all the farm equipment. We enjoyed a sunny Sunday at the cabin with Mike, Kim, Matthew, Vanessa and Shawn. Then it was back to Edmonton to relax in the city visiting playgrounds, shopping, walking, running and just hanging out on the Becher family's brand new deck.

At the cabin where we enjoyed lunch just prior to Mike and Shawn's ant elimination exercise.

In Edmonton, at Gramma Shirley's condo with Great Gramma Meyer.

The cousins all ready for the playground (although some of those faces suggest that a nap would have been a better idea) - Caleb, Anushka and Matthew.

Laughing with Gramma Alvina.

Chatting with Gramma Jean on the new deck.

Seven Months

Caleb is already seven months old! Over the last month, Caleb has become much more 'talkative'. He is also moving around more - not crawling but rotating and rolling with purpose. If he is sees a toy he needs, he will get there. Since we have been in Canada, Caleb has also conquered sitting up which he is really enjoying. Caleb also had is first experience in a jolly jumper and as expected, he thought it was pretty cool! It also seems to have given him some protection from his older, 'kissing bandit' cousin.

Inspiration

Caleb and I stopped by to visit Alyson and Jared on Monday night. We met Alyson and Jared years ago through our friends, Carolyn and Dru, who lived just a few doors down from us in Calgary. Alyson and Jared were regulars at the Cameron Ave open house events at either our place or the Heagles.

 

Alyson, you are such an inspiration. When life throws a curveball, you don’t even miss a beat. Your enthusiasm, positive energy and smile had me buzzing for days! I miss you guys! 

Alyson and Caleb.

 

Alyson and Jared with Caleb (who judging by the face, is definitely ready for bed).

Thanks to the Franks

Carly, Jason, Matthias, and Rufus: thanks so much for letting us stay with you guys when we were in Calgary. Thanks for all your hospitality. Carly, it really felt like I had never left Calgary! You are such a wonderful friend and we look forward to lots of skype calls in the coming months.

Matthias with Mom.

 Caleb and Rufus were the best of friends.

 

Back in Cowtown

We were so excited to get to introduce Caleb to our friends and meet all the new babies in Calgary. We had the opportunity to do so at Carly and Jason's BBQ baby shower yesterday when all the little blog babies and friends were able to get together and welcome the newest addition, Matthias James Frank.

Caleb with the main attraction, Matthias (2 months).

There were babies and toddlers everywhere! Wow, have our parties changed.

Blog babies - Stewart, Jacob and Caleb.

Carly, Jason and Matthias - thanks so much for letting us stay with you guys. We had a terrific time!

For more photos, check out Natalie's blog.

Happy Canada Day!

It has been a busy week of visiting family and friends. My cousin's wedding was on Saturday and Caleb was baptized on Sunday. Lots going on and lots of pictures to organize!

But for now, here are some Canada Day shots from this morning...

Caleb and Anushka in their Canada Day outfits.

Baby wrestling - Anna trying to bite her way out of Caleb's leg hold.