Kaiya’s First Year: Week 10

The drive from Victoria to Eugene and then on to Davis was about as easy as any 18 hour drive can be. Kaiya did great and we honestly had to stop more times for Vibhu to pee than for her. I’ve become an old pro at whipping out the food source at gas stations, rest stops and McDonald’s (who, by the way, have the cleanest bathrooms along I-5) and changing poopy diapers on the edge of a slanted backseat under the florescent glow of gas station lights. We made a quick, overnight pit stop at my dad’s house outside of Eugene for the night and were welcomed with wood stove roasted chicken, homemade Christmas treats, and hours of childhood photographs and stories. We were at my dad’s place just barely long enough to eat and sleep, so on the way back up to Victoria, we’ll make sure to hang out long enough to bomb around on the motorcycles and three-wheelers, splash in the creek, and enjoy the crackling warmth of the wood stove.

It’s been a whirlwind week of cooking, entertaining, and gift wrapping. I’ve hardly turned on a computer or checked my email, logged in to Facebook, or checked my bank account. I feel oddly detached from my online life and kind of miss checking in on friends and the happenings in the world. But I wouldn’t give up this time for anything, as this is the first time in my adult life that I’ve spent such significant waking hours with my sister or chatted with my mom without to-do lists or errands nagging at the edges of conversation. I’ve seen old friends and caught up with neighbors that I haven’t seen in years and now finally, the most important people in my life have met Vibhu and Kaiya, so I no longer feel like I am living a secret, illegitimate life in Canada.

We’ve been so busy endulging in the Christmas spirit, that I’ve hardly taken the time to notice the changes Kaiya has been working on this week….so I’ll save those details for next week. For now, here are a few photos from the first few days of our trip down south….

Our little traveling girl has found a comfy spot on the ferry for a nap

Chatting away with Freddie the Firefly somewhere along I-5

Showing Kaiya my alma mater, go Aggies!

Wrapped up after bath time in a handmade, personalized towel from Amy. Bath time love!

(Email Amy at: Amyliza@me.com for super cute baby and kid handmade gifts!)

Hanging with Auntie Chelle

CCuddling Kaiya, feeding Malena, entertaining Mia, and taking care of Michael (who has the stomach flu).

Michelle=super mom!

Sweet toes.