The Nettings Do NZ - Week 5

This week involved some changes to Kensley’s sleep routine.  She has successfully dropped to two naps a day – as long as we are home.  If we are out and about she just naps away in her stroller or car seat whenever she wants.  Tonight is also her first night out of her bassinet!  We both feel quite sad for her because her bassinet has literally travelled all over Ontario and now New Zealand with us and has really become her little safe space.  As soon as I put her down in her new [travel] crib, she looked up at me with the saddest little eyes and started screaming.  There were some extra tears, cuddles and feeds for bedtime tonight but she has been asleep for a few hours at this point…so fingers crossed she doesn’t struggle too much throughout the night (or nights to come).  The next change to come for her will be solids, which I think she will enjoy a bit more.  She has begun watching our food closely and practices chewing away now; it’s so darn cute.  She is getting stronger each day in many ways but specifically with sitting up and her grip strength; she is grabbing ahold of things and swinging them around now. 

Our week was filled with our typical things – work and workouts for Caleb; walks, runs, lattes, and cooking for Kenz and I.  We also had Julia and Lucy (mom and baby from blind date a few weeks ago) over for lunch on Wednesday, which was super fun!  Wednesday night, I got out (woohoo) for dinner with Mary (Caleb’s colleague from Ireland).  We went to an amazing restaurant, Inati, which is known for sharing plates.  We decided to indulge and do the tasting menu: chef’s choice of sharing plates with wine pairings.  It was truly amazing (minus the pig tongue – totally not my thing but I did try it).  I loved the food but I really can’t say enough about the amazing New Zealand wines we tried.  I even tracked down a bottle of one of the wines today for Caleb and I to try next week because I haven’t stopped thinking about it!   Mary and I are going to try to do this a few times a month.

This weekend, we are invited to Kayla’s boyfriend’s (James) parents (Lyn and Kerry) farm, which is on its way to Akaroa.  Kayla is good friend of Lara, one of my good friends from home.  She is truly a gem!  She picked us up from the airport when we arrived in NZ and waited for us for at least an hour while we tried to get our place sorted out with our letting agent.  On our way there, we stopped at Birdlings Flats; a beautiful opened, flat stoned beach.  I really wish I would have taken more pictures of their magical farm and the views.  They have a large piece of land that spanned a small peninsula with stunning views on all sides.  Truly a dream piece of property that they intend on building their dream home on (to go with their his and hers Ferraris).   Caleb, Kensley and I stayed in this spectacular little cabin behind their house.   Kayla served up some tasty cheeses, salmon and spreads on Friday night as Kerry cooked dinner; roast with delicious variety of roasted root vegetables.  These we perfect for the pinot noir we had chosen this week, Jules Taylor 2016 ($31.99).  This wine was 5/5 for me, Caleb says 4.5/5.  It was smooth, easy drinking and just down right delicious.  Caleb says it had “a rich, dark berry flavor”.   On Saturday, Caleb and I cooked breakfast, and then we strolled around the farm.  Kensley met her first horse (Auntie Autumn will be happy) and Caleb experienced some bee keeping with James (he owns the company Natural New Zealand Honey).  We made our way home on Saturday and stopped at New Brighton Beach for a quick family beach run.  I should note that we made this stop because Caleb had to pick up some more sporting gear.  This weeks purchase…golf clubs!  Stay tuned for next week :P  Actually, I should also acknowledge and give praise to him for also getting me a bike trainer this week.  It is set up with his road bike so now I can, not only run with Kensley but I can bike while she naps as well.  Unfortunately Jaime, no Zwift rides with you yet but someday!  

Today (Sunday), Caleb took off for some New Zealand skiing at Craigieburn Valley Ski Field, which is about an hour and half north west of Christchurch.  He texted me to tell me it was “knarly”.  He says it was a very different ski experience than in Canada; much smaller scale.  Less intermediate terrain, maybe what skiing was like 50 years ago in North America.  Fewer people, more rugged terrain, smaller total area.  Kensley and I met up with Mary for brunch at Hello Sunday Café where I had the best coconut milk latte I’ve ever tasted.  Then we walked around for a few hours because it was so beautiful out!  We've developed a bit of a Sunday night routine that involves: Buddha bowls for supper, then we sit on the couch and I write this blog and Caleb works while we watch Glam Masters (makeup artist competition on Bravo).  Caleb is beginning to think he is one of the judges, remarking and critiquing all of the looks.  

Thats all from this week! Oh, and tomorrow we will wake up with a 5 month old baby :)

This weeks successes:

Momma’s night out

Caleb got out skiing

Kensley is transitioning to a crib

Caleb got golf clubs and I got a bike trainer

Getting to hang out with Kayla

Spending the night with a New Zealand family on a New Zealand farm

The bite of cookie dough mixed with vanilla ice cream that Caleb literally just fed me :P

Just hanging out on a park bench

Loves when daddy gets home from work!

Park hangout selfie

Starting to sit up...and may need her bangs trimmed.

Outside of our little cabin on the farm

Great dinner and wine! (Photo cred: Kayla)

Meet Kayla; she has Kensley on a mini horse saddle

I'm standing far away telling Caleb not to get too close with Kensley

Old school rope tow

The "nutcracker" which lets you grab the rope tow

View of the southern alps from Craigieburn Mountain

Looking back towards Christchurch from Craigieburns

The Nettings Do NZ - Week 4

This week was the week of Kensley’s first fever and cold.  Boy, was it sad.  She had a few rough days and one REALLY rough night but I’m glad to say that she is completely on the mend.  Caleb and I were both hit hard with a New Zealand cold during our first week here so we had nothing but empathy for her and her little cough and runny nose.  This meant our week was pretty low-key.  We still went for our walks, lattes, and for groceries; she and I even got three runs in together and she proved to be her father’s daughter as all three were only intended to be 5ks but she pushed me to 7k x 2 and a 10k (she fell asleep and there is no better motivation than a sleeping baby!).  Needless to say, I LOVE the running stroller and although an adjustment to run with, I definitely feel like I am getting into the groove with it.   Unfortunately, we didn’t make it to our mom and baby fitness class this week because I thought it was unfair to drag Kensley out for a two-hour affair when she was clearly not feeling well.  Despite her cold, it also seemed to be Kensley’s week of admiring her daddy.  Forget it, if Caleb is in the room, all eyes are on Caleb, watching intently whatever he is doing.   She has also been working on sitting up independently!   

On Thursday evening, we had one of Caleb’s colleagues, Mary, over for dinner.  Mary is the lower limb fellow who is here from Ireland.  We had a really great visit with her and Mary and I have planned some baby-free activities – stay tuned!   We enjoyed a bottle of Wither Hills Sauvignon Blanc (Marlborough) 2017 ($15.69) with honey dijon chicken and coconut curried quinoa with roasted cauliflower served on spinach; and New Zealand vanilla bean ice cream and with homemade raspberry sauce on top for dessert.  Funny enough, Mary brought the same bottle of wine (except 2015) and some delicious Barry’s Bay (NZ company) cheeses.  I really enjoyed the wine, and Caleb says it was pleasant and enjoyable (although he admits to not really remembering at this point).  Here it comes: 4/5 from me, and Caleb just said he agrees J.

Friday night was another night of homemade pizza (onion, spinach, pineapple and ham) and another PINOT NOIR! Woohoo.  I was so ready for this after a week with a sick baby.  I will admit now, that I was hurting last Saturday after Caleb and I finished a bottle so I practiced some self-control this week.  We had Esk Valley 2017, again from Marlborough ($26.89 on sale for $19.99).  I didn’t think this was anything special and Caleb stated it was “smooth, inoffensive but also unremarkable”.   We are both giving it a 3/5.  Interestingly, so far, we like the cheapest bottle we’ve tried the best; maybe this means we have unrefined palates but it’s good for our bank account!

On Saturday, we packed up and headed north west of Christchurch to Hamner Springs; after our latte bowls at The Boat Shed, of course.  Following a beautiful drive, we embarked on our first hike with Kensley; who slept for most of the 1.5-hour ride on Caleb up the Waterfall Track.  We have had her in the carrier very few times so this was a big success to us.  We finally feel like we experienced some of the New Zealand winter as we encountered some snow on this climb.  Caleb typically shows no mercy on our hikes and if you can’t keep up then he’ll see you at the top (not actually, he’ll slow down a few times), but I must admit, he was pretty cautious with his precious cargo (Kensley) on him.  Unfortunately, we returned to our car to find a flat tire.  Never fear, super daddy can change that thing in a jiffy.  We made our way back to our motel room to warm up; Kensley had quite the chill.  The plan was that Caleb and I would alternate going to the hot springs for a soak and I sent him along to go first but truthfully, my desire to go solo was low so I didn’t bother going.  Perhaps, we will head again and be able to go together when we have some visitors who are willing to watch Kensley (Poppa :P).  Caleb reports that these hot springs were no Le Nordik, a bit underwhelming and a family tourist trap.   On Sunday, Caleb was craving some more mountains so he took off and did a more challenging hike/run up Mt Isobel; he states it was fairly easy hiking with great views; it was clear and crisp with quite a bit of snow.  Kensley and I entertained ourselves with some walks and a nice breakfast out.

To me, the biggest adventure of the week/weekend/our whole time in NZ was sharing a motel room with Kensley, who goes to bed between 5-6pm.  We’ve been fortunate enough up until this point to always have a space to tuck Kensley away when we travel (whether it be another room, a washroom or a closet – sorry Kenz).  Unfortunately, this room didn’t offer any separate space and this caused me quite a bit of stress.  How are we supposed to enjoy ourselves and stay quiet enough for a baby to sleep NEXT TO US (under a make shift blanket fort I made).  Ugh – the answer is, we didn’t REALLY enjoy ourselves because I was a stress case.  Kensley’s sleep is precious to me – it makes her happy, so easy to manage, and it allows me time to myself and with Caleb.  I don’t want to mess with her sleep at all, and that means my husband has to unzip zippers, eat carrots, a bag of chips, and apple quietly,  – as if that’s even possible (so I made him do them all outside haha).  Nonetheless, we all survived and it wasn’t all that bad.  We did have to listen to Kensley have quite the party in her bassinet for about 50 mins at 2am (she was hooting and hollering and really having a grand time then finally fell back asleep).  I wonder if she does this every night!?  I’m not really sure what our future overnighters will have in store for us.  If anyone reads this and travels with a baby can you tell me how you do it and enjoy it…a trick? or is it as simple as always having a separate space for them?     

This weeks successes:

Kensley overcame her first cold

First family hike

Getting into a groove with the running stroller

Caleb bought skis and ski boots

I ran a 10k at 5:22 pace – this is only my third postpartum 10k so I’m pretty happy with that

We all survived our first overnighter with a baby in the same space with us the entire night

She loves to sit up

Practicing her tripod

She is determined

All ready for our first run together

Running and having a cold exhausting - she continued to sleep like this for 1.5 hrs following the run

Friday night is pizza and wine night

Always fish and chips 

Matchy match!

Kensley's fort is under that beige blanket.  I realize this is ridiculous.

Caleb's solo hike.  I request pics for the blog :)

Mt Isobel

Super husband

Couldn't wait to try his skis

The Nettings Do NZ: Week 3

Week 3 has us feeling like we are into more of a groove.  Caleb has gotten a grasp of his schedule, which is looking to be much, much more kind than the schedule of a resident J.  He is working with three staff whom he finds quite different but he likes them, so all is good.  As we are into week three, Caleb has already bought two bikes…any guesses at how many he accumulates by the end of our year :P.  He did sell 5 out of 7 of his bikes in Ottawa before we left so I guess he deserves a few.   

We are feeling pretty settled and set up in our new place.  With this, comes less errands and a bit more free time for this momma….and that has had me missing my Ottawa life.  I feel it’s inevitable that I’ll grieve the loss of maternity leave in Ottawa but I’m committed to making the absolute best of my mat leave in New Zealand.  While I wish we were seeing Poppa daily, having Kensley play with her big cousins Jack and Cooper, sipping coffee and working out with April, living across the street from Jaime (& David, Everett and Kate), running with the BOB along the canal next to Jen (& Sebastian), biking the hills of Gatineau, having lunch dates with Linds (& Alice) and Sara (& Dante) and seeing all of my other awesome friends, I’m optimistic that Christchurch won’t disappoint!  I was actually set up on a blind date of sorts (thanks Kayla!) with another mom and baby (Julia and Lucy).  Lucy is 5 days younger than Kensley so we had a lot in common just in that!  Anyways, I think it went fairly well and hope to see more of them.  I’ve also signed up for a mom and baby fitness class at Hagley Park, the main park in the city that is just under 1km from our place, that I attended for the first time on Friday and enjoyed.  My running stroller arrived on Friday!  While I awaited its arrival, my awesome husband ensured that I was able to get out for a run before he went to work each morning.  Truthfully, the morning run worked so well that it has made me wonder if I really do need a running stroller…don’t tell Caleb that though :P.   

Kenlsey and I are filling our days with walks, learning her animals and animal sounds (which she loves), reading books, people watching out the window, laying on the grass outside and playing (her favorite), always an afternoon latte (decaf for her :P), and cooking yummy dinners.   She is babbling and rolling and worming away and she is trying REALLY hard to mimic sounds that we make with our mouths and doing a damn good job in my opinion (and Caleb’s and Poppa’s).

This weekend was a weekend of wine.  Friday night we opened another bottle of pinot noir from the Marlborough region “Black Thistle” ($21.00 on sale for $16.99) that we enjoyed with homemade pizza (chorizo, sundried tomatoes, feta and mushrooms).  Caleb rates it as initially being a 3.5/5 but growing to a 4.5/5 with the dinner.   I definitely agree that it improved but I fear my ratings are always going to be 4-5 so perhaps I’ll leave the ratings to Caleb (but I’ll give this one a 4/5).  We found that it was harsh on its own but became much more smooth and enjoyable with food.  We may have finished the whole bottle….so no second day tasting notes to follow. 

We’ve been spending Saturday mornings with latte bowls and breakfast at The Boat Shed, which is about 300m from our place and along the river.  Following this, we packed Kenlsey up for another day of “naps-on-the-go” (insert momma cringe here) and headed 1 hour north to the Wairpara Wine Region.  We stopped at two wineries:  Waipara Hills Winery and Black Estate.  We preferred the Pinot Noirs at Waipara Hills but it definitely felt much more commercialized than Black Estate.  Caleb got pretty annoyed by the guy serving our tasting at Waipara Hills, feeling he was pretty pompous.  Although Black Estate’s pinot noirs weren’t as good, they didn’t disappoint and they definitely surprised us with the most unique and tasty rosé we’ve both ever had.  Black Estates was an excellent experience; from the amazing vineyard and views, to the simple, rustic but elegant restaurant, to the yummy (but expensive) food and the unbelievably friendly, down to earth servers.  There was also a scenic walk behind the vineyards that Caleb checked out while Kenlsey and I played on the grass because we didn’t bring the carrier for her (lesson learned!).  Potential visitors, this is another place we will definitely take you! 

Sunday had us visiting New Brighton Beach, which is 10km east of Christchurch.  It has 20km of sandy beach and a cool pier.  I had been asking Caleb for a family run all week (him pushing the stroller, of course) so we tackled a 10k along the beach.  I had asked for a 6k, but Caleb being Caleb, pushed me to 10k.  Kenlsey, our little trooper, stayed content (slept mostly) until 9.8k.   We finished the run by warming up (much needed) with fish and chips and a latte.  We also saw some pretty cool kite surfers and were totally impressed by them.   Note that I spent a good hour on the couch in the afternoon complaining that I was dying from the run; coming back from having a baby is no joke!     

This weeks successes include:

Getting a nutribullet for green smoothies 

Caleb is getting more hands on in the OR

Caleb has now worked at all 5 of the hospitals he will be at this year

Meeting up with another mom and baby

Getting a running stroller and a family 10k

We got our NZ bank sorted

Caleb bought his second bike

See some pics below :)

We'll be in touch next week!

Love,

The Nettings 

Happy about smoothies!

Loving the grass

Loves our park walks

Just too cute not to include

Kensley is always watching... 

We are obsessed with this chocolate

Black Estates

Black Estates

Kelsey having a little lunch :)

 

Family 10k at New Brighton Beach

Cool Kite Surfer

Check out the hot dad in the background (yes he swam!)

Endless Beach