Back from Tofino

We had a great vacation in Tofino last week. Kaelyn traveled incredibly well, and she really liked her new "big girl" carseat which gives her a bit more wiggle room during the car ride.

She loved the ferry, and I think her favourite part was watching all the kids play in the kids play area. We also discovered that ferries have a "Parent Room" which is basically a little room, away from all the noise, with a change table, a door that closes, a bathroom, and a chair to nurse in. It even had a window to look out onto the ocean. Needless to say, as soon as we found this we took full advantage of it. Kaelyn had a little nap there, too. Kaelyn is going through this wonderful phase where she smiles at absolutely everyone, and doesn't discriminate at all. It was really apparent on the ferry, and there must have been a dozen people who stopped to talk to her and comment on what a happy baby she was. Kaelyn had big smiles for babies, toddlers, old unsmiling men, teenagers with multiple face pearcings, young moms, women that were Grandma's age, everyone!

Once we got to Tofino, we realized Kaelyn was getting her very first cold. She was a trooper during the day, but the nights were a little rough for all three of us. One night in particular she woke up 6 times! After a visit to the local pharmacist, we discovered the amazing invention that is called Infant Dimetapp. This worked wonders for helping her sleep better!

Jason's family was able to join us for 3 days as well, so that was really nice. We went for lots of walks on the beach and got together for meals. It was nice for Kaelyn to be around all 4 grandparents at once!

Back home, our house in Vernon is pretty much finished. We went there yesterday to have a look around, and we're just thrilled with how it looks. The building crew has been amazing, and they have done a great job finishing it up. The developper is not so amazing, however. We just found out that he has not even registered our strata yet, and that needs to be done before we move in. Apparently this process can take a month or longer. We were hoping to be moved in on October 12th, but it might be closer to the end of the month or even November now. It's been great staying in Kelowna, but we're ready to be in our own place again.

Anyway, were glad to be back in the Okanagan and looking forward to Kaelyn's first Autumn. :)

love,
Katie, Jason and Kaelyn

Some precent pics...

Just a few pictures to capture some of Kaelyn's favourite activities... Inspecting the progress of our new house, sleeping, eating, hanging out with her cousin Janaya and spending some time with her boyfriends, Kai and Carter.

Between here and there

Well, it's the first day of school, 9:30 am. Kaelyn's having a nap and her mommy is still in her pajamas, drinking a cup of tea. I have to say it feels a little funny being at home today, and not at school with my fellow teachers nervously awaiting this year's group of new students. But is also feels wonderful to be home with Kaelyn on such a beautiful day.

Jason and I are officially moved out of our condo in Vernon, and are temporarily staying at my parents house in Kelowna. They have been so wonderful and accomodating to us, and Kaelyn is enjoying her new favourite playmate: Grandma. Jason did a great job moving all of our boxes into storage, with the help from Curt and some friends from Search and Rescue.

Our new house is coming along really well. The siding is up,the garage door is on, and it's painted inside. This week our cabinets are going in, and next week the flooring is going to be started. If all goes according to schudule, we'll be in our place early October. We can't wait! We'll be in the middle of a construction zone for awhile, but having a brand new house with lots of space will more than make up for that inconvenience I think!

Kaelyn is having a great time rolling, rolling and rolling some more. In two days she mastered rolling front to back, and back to front. Now she just loves rolling around the livingroom! My parents neighborhood in Kettle Valley is an amazing place for walking. Lots of sidewalks, hills, and pretty houses to look at (I think I enjoy the houses more than Kaelyn) so Kaelyn and I have been taking advantage of this and going for walks every day. Jason and I took her to the playground yesterday and she went on the childrens swings for the first time. I think she liked it, but was more curious about the other kids in the playground rather than her new swinging experience ;)

All in all, we are busy but happy. We're heading over to Vancouver Island in less than two weeks, and we're looking forward to seeing Jason's family and relaxing in Tofino. Jason hasn't had a vacation since February, and I'm even sure that counts because his "vacation" at that time involved looking after a newborn baby and also helping his wife recover from a c-section! So it's been a long time coming for Jason, and he deserves the break coming up :)

Hope all is well with everyone, and take care out there.

love,
Katie, Jason and Kaelyn