The Nettings Do NZ - Week 14

Another short and sweet post from our last week.  It was pretty low key and thoroughly enjoyed.  Kensley and I met Julia, Lucy, Hannah and Isabelle in the Botanic Gardens for an afternoon picnic on Wednesday.  Kayla and her sister Lucy came over on Friday for lunch.  We haven't seen Lucy since Peak to Pub so it was really nice to see her again and it's always nice to see Kayla!  Lucy actually hung out with Kenz and I for the afternoon which was awesome!  Kensley had two hellish days on Thursday and Friday where she was extremely miserable – like I could barely put her down.  Turns out she was getting sick, a little cough and runny nose.  I was dreading the timing of this because Caleb was doing a white-water river kayaking course Thursday-Sunday.  But actually, Kensley was completely happy and back to herself on Saturday and Sunday (minus the damn cough!).  Caleb was doing this certification because it’s mandatory for a race he’s hopeful to do here called “Coast to Coast”.  Stay tuned because unfortunately, it has sold out already which we weren’t expecting to happen this far out.  He’s on the wait list so time will tell.  We realized last week that the river they were being certified on was 1.5 hrs away so this meant a last minute decision for him to camp there!  I wasn’t overly joyed about not having him around (because he’s in Australia this week for a conference) but it really didn’t make sense for him to be driving back and forth each day.  With him away, having his outdoorsy fun, it meant that this momma was getting Sarah back for some fun with Kensley.  Sarah watched Kensley for a few hours both Saturday and Sunday so I could have some time to myself.  I got out for a run both days and on Saturday I met Mary for an afternoon glass of wine on a patio and then Sunday she and I met again for brunch!  Mary also came over Saturday night for homemade pizza and wine.  I realize I need to get some selfies of Mary and I on our adventures!  I so appreciate Mary's company and I am so thankful to have Sarah!  Sarah is excellent with Kensley and each time I’ve left and returned home, Kensley is happy! 

            Caleb enjoyed his course and thought it was well run.  He said he underestimated how difficult kayaking is and that paddling around for fun at cottages is nothing like white-water kayaking.  There were 8 people total that camped out with the group and it seems they all got along.  He may have even made some friends for future adventure.  This will come as no surprise, I’m sure, but now, Caleb is on the hunt to buy a kayak :P.

            I’m feeling a bit discouraged about my running and this half marathon.  I completed a 20k run this weekend but felt (and still feel) really defeated from it.  I feel great on my runs that are 12k or less but really struggle with energy and stamina beyond this.  I think I’ve underestimated the energy that it takes to breastfeed and care for a baby and train for a half marathon while continuing to recover from pregnancy and childbirth.  Nonetheless, the race is here in less than 3 weeks so I’ll do my best! 

            Kensley turned 7 months this week and time continues to fly by!  She continues to think she’s a big girl and now screams whenever we lay her down during the day because she only wants to be sitting up.   After two nights away Caleb felt like she had grown so much! 

This weeks successes:

We have a 7 month-old baby!

Caleb completed the kayaking certification

20 painful kilometers down for me

My little bestie

She loves sitting in the park

She also loves having her diaper off!

<3

Trying out the swing!

Loves her daddy's belt

Sick little bean fell asleep on me which never happens anymore!

Surprise!

Little doll!

Caleb's camp group

Hurunui River

Hurunui River

The Nettings Do NZ - Week 13

I’m a little bit late writing this week because this past weekend was Labour Day weekend in New Zealand = long weekend!  We had a pretty great week!  Kensley and I had Julia and Lucy and Hannah and Isabel over for lunch one day.  The girls are definitely noticing each other more and more each week.  Mary came over for dinner one evening and another evening I went over to Tania’s.   Tania’s husband is an orthopedic surgeon here and we met at a dinner a month or two ago.  They actually went to Calgary for his fellowship and Tania absolutely loves Canada!  She invited a few friends over, but only Helen was able to come.  Helen and her husband moved here from Scotland in the past year so she is still meeting people as well.  It was a really nice visit and I’m sure I’ll see more of them!  We have been hit with some beautiful weather in Christchurch this past week.  Ok, the weather has always been beautiful but now add some heat!  The sun here is HOT!  The sun and heat meant that on Friday afternoon, Caleb wanted to hit up a patio for a beer and fries with his gals – always such a treat!

On Saturday, we did latte bowls and then I went out for my long run.  Afterwards, we packed up and ventured off for our weekend 2.5hr north of Christchurch in Kaikoura.  Apparently they were hit by an earthquake a few years ago and there are still sections of the road that are down to one lane for both directions because of the damage (the road just fell down the cliff in parts).  Kaikoura is known for it’s marine life (whales, seal colony etc) and is really a beautiful little costal town.  We booked this last minute and feel like we completely lucked out with the place we found on AirBNB.  Liz, the owner, has two places on her property that she rents out, the lodge and the cottage.  We rented the 2-bedroom cottage.  Of course, 2 bedrooms; no more forts next to my bed for Kensley.   This cottage was so perfect, with ocean views from the front deck where Caleb and I would enjoy wine and pick-its when Kenz went to bed.  We were out there for the scenery not because I was crazy and wouldn’t let Caleb eat or make noise inside :P.  There is a pet pig and rooster on the property which were entertaining for us all.  On Saturday we strolled around town, Caleb took a dip in the ocean and then we walked to a place for fish and chips.  On Sunday, Caleb woke up early to hike Mount Fyffe.  They estimated it was a 8 hour round trip, but once he made it to the top of the ridge in 1.5 hours he decided to come down along the river which proved to be more challenging with no specific trail at certain points.  He had to cross the river about 20 times and ended up being a much slower decent.  He said the hike offered a beautiful view of the Kaikoura mountains which can be seen even from Christchurch on a clear day.  Kensley and I lounged at the cottage a little bit in the morning and once she woke up from her morning nap we walked into town.  We visited some shops, had lunch and played on the grass and by that time, Caleb was done his hike and joined us.  Again, we went for fish and chips and beer – so predictable!  When we got back to the cottage I went for a little run on the peninsula trail, which was stunning.  Caleb did the longer version the next morning but my legs and body needed some recovery from my long run so hopefully I’ll be able to check it out next time.  This has been my favorite weekend away so far.  Everywhere we’ve visited has been beautiful and perfect.  However, I think this stands out, simply because we stayed for two nights which made things seem a little less rushed and much more enjoyable!  Caleb agrees that two nights may be the way to go in the future!   On Monday, we made a quick stop at the seal colony but there weren’t many seals to be seen so we just made our way home.

Kensley was a happy little trooper all weekend, napping on-the-go and sleeping well at night in her own room.  She is working hard to move and is starting to pull herself forward.  She is able to tuck her knees under her and extend her arms fully.  She requires something done with her hair everyday now because otherwise her bangs are in her eyes.  She loves to play with her shadow!  She has figured out how to drink from a straw and loves it!  She met her first pig and rooster.   She loves to chew on anything and everything, other than her teething toys.   And although this is a glimpse into next week’s blog, she has currently been napping in her travel crib for 1 hour and didn’t even cry when I put her in it (Yes, this is the first attempt since the failed attempts a month or two ago).  

This week we enjoyed two pinot noirs from Central Otago.  The first was Squealing Pig 2017 $21.99 (by recommendation!).  I didn’t really love this wine because I found it a bit harsh.  Caleb says it was a bit subdued, requiring more of an acquired taste and it was “less out there”.  I give it 3/5 and Caleb 3.5/5.  The next was Mud House 2017 $18.99 which I enjoyed more and give 4/5 which Caleb agrees with; he states it was very fruity, almost a bit sweet.  Actually,  a New Zealand store just did their yearly (I think) wine awards and I saw a program on the news saying that 10 of the bottles that were awarded were under $12 so I think I might be on the hunt to try some cheap but good wines!

This weeks successes:

A great weekend away

Caleb enjoyed a hike

Everything Kensley does!

My training starts tapering down

<3

Just playing with her shadow

Loves her daddy's face

Out for a stroll in the Botanic Garden

Another stroll in the gardens

Put your hand up if you're pumped for the weekend!

Typical road trip diaper change with a baby

Little beauty!

View from our beautiful little cottage

Good morning!

My loves!

The trail had us going down a steep sheep pasture

<3

View from Caleb's hike with the Kaikoura Peninsula in the back 

Caleb loves to take selfies for me :P

The river Caleb followed on the hike down

I nearly died when I saw these two running around like this - Caleb was only holding her legs and she was flailing around loving life!

"James" the pet pig!

The Netting's Do NZ - Week 12

This week’s update will be pretty short and sweet!  We all had a low-key week: Caleb working and Kenz and I with very few social activities.  It was quite nice to tell you the truth; minus Caleb working the weekend!  That man is really remarkable, after a busy week and a busy weekend on-call, he doesn’t even complain about having little time to himself. He even tolerates me complaining that I need time to myself and supports me in getting a babysitter (although he thought three times this week was a bit excessive :P).  Don’t worry though; he had enough time to watch the finale of The Bachelor Australia this week and update me on it. 

Kensley was probably the most social this week because she had her babysitter, Sarah, over three times!  Sarah came for a few hours during the day on Wednesday and also came Saturday and Sunday morning to give me a little relief and allow me to get my long run in (18k down!).  Kensley really seems to be taking to Sarah!  Sarah has been able to put Kensley down for her nap and get her up from her nap, both without tears, which is a huge success in my mind!  Kensley and I also visited the new library in Christchurch City Centre, a little over a kilometer from our place.  The library is named Turanga (which I was told means “foundation” in the native language, Maori).   It is the most modern library I’ve ever been to: it has a slide in it, a play station wall, computers everywhere, books everywhere (obviously), and even this simulated race car!  Kensley and I will head back for their “Baby Times” program at some point. 

Kensley has been learning some new skills!  Her ability to pick up things (especially her food – talk about motivation) is improving each day.  She also has started waving “hi” which is super cute!  She waves at herself but it’s still impressive in our books.  The jolly jumper has been a huge hit and she wants to stand (with help) at every opportunity she can get.   She is definitely aware of animals and will sit and watch the ducks and birds in the park for long periods.  Actually, we watched a pretty intense duck fight outside of our place this week.  I really wish I would’ve caught it on video.   Unfortunately, with more awareness, Kensley is also starting to scream longer and harder when she is frustrated (can’t reach something she wants) or is mad about something (me eating in front of her without offering her any), like really scream.

Oh and we had another pinot noir Friday night with homemade pizza: Madame Sass, Central Otago.  It was definitely fruitier and sweeter than others we've had.  Caleb says it was flavourful but not the smoothest.  But like all of these damn wines...so good.  I give it 3.5/5 and Caleb 4/5.  

This weeks successes:

Kensley waving hi

Kensley's success with the babysitter

Caleb had a weekend of operating independently (10 cases)

My half-marathon training is coming along

That’s it for us! 

No daddy, please don't go to work!

Just hanging out on a bench

Post-run selfie - she actually had fun!

Loves the flowers; she thinks they're food.

Sitting at the window doesn't cut it anymore