Week 40: Back Home

Dear Hannah and Nathan,
Well, after a month of being half way across the world, we are finally home once again. The trip home was a tough one, but it seems like you guys are adjusting to the jet lag better than when we went to Taiwan. Nathan is almost back to normal and Hannah's sleep schedule just needs a few more days to get adjusted once again.

Since I've carried Hannah everywhere for a month, you have become quite attached to me.  It could be the sleep debt that you've incurred, but by next week we will be able to see whether or not you have become more attached than normal. You want me to be within eye sight, or  for me to hold you all the time. Bedtime has also been rough, I need to pat you to sleep, otherwise you just cry and cry. You've even learned to pull yourself to standing in the crib.

That is why I had Dad and Nathan adjust your crib to the lowest position.

As far as other cool things that Hannah is doing, you have learned to wave. I guess you had your fair share of people oogling and waving at you that you have picked it up. If someone says "Hi" and waves at you, your face lights up and you will wave back. Sometimes it's with one hand, sometimes both.

Everyone just loves you two. Nathan is super cute and does the funniest things and Hannah is super smiley and just so nice to everyone. We met up with family several times to have dinner. Everyone is pretty impressed at how Nathan can speak both chinese and english.

 One day we decided to go to Danshui again. This time, we took the ferry across the river to Dali. Nathan loved the boat ride. He like the wind blowing in his hair and the waves chopping by the boat.

 When we got to Bali, we just walked around the boardwalk and discovered a few cool places.

 Then we stopped to have lunch. This braised pork dish is pretty much what Nathan eats when there is nothing on the menu that he likes. This is served almost everywhere.

 We have ridden the MRT train lots of times and Nathan's favorite spot to sit is on these rails.

 Your favorite spot to "stand" is on what you call the "monkey bars."

 Another day, we decided to go to the Living Mall. This is a giant ball shaped mall with stores dedicated to children. It even has a skating rink inside and a baby spa where babies float in a huge pool with a floatie around their neck. We originally wanted Hannah to try the experience, but apparently spots fill up quickly, so we bought one of those floaties for her instead.

 Nathan got pretty tired so I just carried you in the Ergo carrier up front. You still fit!

 Later on that night, we went out to eat. Nathan is such a ladies man and you don't even know it. Wherever you go, young women just walk up to you and stare at you like this. #notkidding.

 Our last full day in Taiwan was mostly spent at a place translated as "Little People World." It is an amusement park with miniature models of famous places around Taiwan as well as around the world. This is a huge shipping port in Taichung.

 Hey, we've been to those places...

 Hannah and I went to see the Forbidden City.

 And of course we rode the train.

 They also had an indoor play area with balls and lots of machines that shoot balls into the air. Nathan had a blast there.

 Meanwhile, Hannah and I went to go ride on the carousel.

 Nathan barely made the height restrictions for bumper cars. These are little ones especially for kids 90 cm to 120 cm.

 And then we all rode the carousel.

 After the rain stopped, we ventured out to check out the rides outside. Daddy and Nathan went on this thing. Daddy worked really hard and got a great work out.

 And then Nathan went on his first roller coaster ride...and LOVED it. Daddy and I took turns riding it with you. I usually like to scream on roller coasters and when I did, you gingerly placed your hand on my lap and said, "Don't be scared mommy!"

 We then rode the ferris wheel to the top. It was pretty cool because the park is pretty much surrounded by tea farms.

 Nathan really likes riding on boats. This week was the first time (since our whale watching trip a year ago) that you have ridden boats. Practically a new experience for you.

 It was a long day filled with fun. I had a feeling that it was the funnest day of Nathan's life.

We took a family picture before we left.

The next day, we headed towards the airport. Before we boarded the airplane, we had a chance to let Nathan run around and let out some energy.

This time, we got an actual wall bassinet. Hannah It was pretty nice to have it, especially for meals.

Nathan first sat next to me in the bulkhead row, but then wanted to sit with Daddy. After watching a movie on Daddy's lap, we decided to ask the person next to Daddy if they would be ok with switching seats.

Afterwards Nathan was able to watch shows and Daddy was a bit more comfortable. Nathan did not sleep the entire 11 hour flight.

Hannah took a few short naps, but never napped more than 20 minutes at a time.

Needless to say, after going through customs, both children just crashed.

Our flight to Austin was delayed but we eventually made it home. Our friends Hope and Michael dropped our cat off at the airport and we drive back home.  I think everyone was a little homesick so it felt really good to finally be back home.

Family picture at the airport :)

We are still fighting jetlag. Hopefully in a few days things will get back to normal. So far daytime naps have been normal. The tough part is keeping everyone asleep through the night. Hannah is waking up every 3 hours and needing to be nursed and patted to sleep. Nathan is suddenly afraid of the AC fan so I am currently sleeping in your room with you. 

Well, until next week!

Love, 

1. Mommy