Weekend Photos

We have spent the last couple of weekends around home. It has been rather relaxing. We get into the city Saturday morning and check out somewhere new and get home in time to put Caleb down for a nap and get some relaxing time in. Today, I thought it was about time I updated the blog while watching Inglourious Basterds with Kevin. Long movie - hopefully, that means some new pictures!

Over the past couple weeks we have seen so many new developments from Caleb. He is a walking machine now - he can get around very quickly and thinks it is hilarious when we come chasing after him. The 'Caleb, please come back' phrase is completely ignored. Caleb can also say more words - 'up please', 'go play outside' (in Vietnamese), car (with an Australian accent since his friend, Louis, taught him how to say it), bird, ball, and bus are his favourites. He knows what a dog, cow and cat say and can point to his eyes, nose, ears, mouth, knee and foot when asked.

One of Caleb's favourite toys right now - his first words in the morning are 'up please', followed by 'car'.

Smiles for the camera.

A break from the heat at Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf.

I have updated Caleb's One Year Old album so check out the recent photos of our growing boy.

Gymboree

While Caleb has a busy social schedule around the compound, we thought it would still be good for him (and Trang) to get out a bit more. So today, I signed Caleb up for Gymboree. The setup is pretty impressive for Ho Chi Minh City. Caleb is attending Play & Learn classes and can use the Play Gym. My friend, Bel, was at Gymboree class with her son and snapped these photos of Caleb this afternoon at his Gymboree class with Trang.

Dancing with Trang

Caleb checking out some of the play equipment.

Going Local

Paradise in VN

We have visited a number of beach resorts in Vietnam and while many have been lovely, none have matched the quiet escape of Quy Nhon’s Life Resort. After a very busy work week (I was in Australia and Kevin was managing work and Caleb’s lack of sleeping through the night), we have found relaxation in Quy Nhon. Located north of Nha Trang and southe of Hoi An/Danang, the more popular beach resort destinations, Quy Nhon appears to have less travelers come through. The beach is incredible and to even sweeten the experience, our room was upgraded. The rooms are spacious with neat showers that face the ocean and large balconies with comfy lounge chairs (which means we can still enjoy the beach while Caleb naps). The fresh ocean air is just what we need to inspire us as we face another busy work week. The best part though is that Erin and Cam, traveling from northern Vietnam, have met up with us here. It is terrific to catch up with them again and enjoy (a few more) cocktails together and hear more about their travels.

"Heh - I remember you guys!"

Lots of beach and a shady spot to build a sand castle.

A room with a view.

Caleb is definitely excited about a weekend at the beach!

Ginny Visits

Our wonderful doula and friend from Singapore, Ginny, spent a few days with us. It was Ginny’s first visit to Vietnam where she was investigating the options of birth support with the local clinics and hospitals. After her visit, she was even more understanding about why we decided to have Caleb in Singapore. While lots of foreigners do stay in Vietnam to have their babies, options are very limited. It was great to hang out with Ginny and we look forward to another visit in the future.

Ginny and her contagious smile!

Mango Madness

Let me tell you how excited I was to find out that we have not one, but two mango trees in our yard. I love mangos. Of course, since this discovery, we have also found out that the fruit bats and birds love mangos too. Oh well – considering they are just as easy to pick up at the local market, I have not decided to wage war against our neighbourhood pets.

Find the mangos

Bats/Birds - 1, Meyers - 0

Our street - more than just mango trees

Enjoying a walk in the neighbourhood - looking down the other direction on our street

Oh Canada

How appropriate that on the same day as Canada's 3-2 win over the USA in the men's hockey gold medal game, Caleb's citizenship arrived (finally!). I am pleased to introduce you to our newest Canadian. We are feeling rather patriotic today! Way to go Canada... men's hockey gold, the most gold medals by one nation in an Olympic Games and getting that citizenship card out to our son.

Yippee! I'm a Canadian citizen!

Meghan Jean

We are thrilled about the arrival of our new niece - Meghan Jean was born on February 24th. Way to go, Kim and Mike! What a cutie. Congrats to proud big bro Matthew too! We miss you guys and cannot wait until we get to meet Meghan in person.

Matthew with his new baby sister, Meghan.

Check out Matthew and Meghan's World for more adorable pictures of Baby Meghan.