Nora's Almost Six Months

In two weeks Nora will be six months. It's crazy to think that she is already that old. And that we've been parents for that long. Anyway, here she is smiling and being cute. She is learning to sit up, and she loves to put things in her mouth--her big toe, paper, and anything else she can reach. 

All is well here in Kenya. :)

New Apartment

  

Mandy and I moved out of Shamba La Salama.  We're renting out the beach house to generate some revenue.  It didn't make any sense for the two of us to be living there by ourselves.  It was quite the experience moving out the first time.  We signed a deal with one home and paid three months deposit.  Come to find out, the person who rented us the home wasn't really the owner as they had claimed.  The real owner was furious that we were there, called the security company and had us locked out and evicted.  It was so absurd.  Anyway, we've found a new place (pictured above) and have been there a week now.  It's quite small, but quiet and comfortable.  Nora is adjusting to the new space. 

I was also promoted to chief operating officer of the foundation.  It came with a pay raise and more responsibility.   I'm now responsible for all of the operations we have out here.  It sounds more glamorous that it really is, but I'm excited and grateful for the opportunity. Aside from the occasional ridiculousness of things in Kenya, life is really good.  

We're excited for Kara to come visit in June, and for my parents who will likely come in May.  Also, Brad and Eliesa are coming out in September for a few months.  Visitors are always exciting.   Anybody who wants to come visit is welcome.  Kenya is a beautiful exciting place.

I think I'll be traveling to India again and Nepal at the end of May to do some consulting for HELP International (my previous employer).   I'm always up for a fun adventure.  Mandy, Nora and I are coming back to the States in June for two months vacation.  We are really looking forward to spending a summer in the states.  It's been quite awhile.  

Nora Goes Bananas

I've been debating about when to start Nora on some real food, as most doctors recommend sometime between 4-6 months. I keep reading about it online, asking others' opinions, and mentioning it to Taylor. 

Basically just putting it off for no reason other than I want to do everything perfectly right with my baby. (Yes, I know this is impossible.)

I shouldn't have been surprised when one night Taylor came into our bedroom with a bowl of smashed up bananas to have Nora taste. I protested a bit ("I'm not sure I'm ready for this yet!"), but in the end I just ran for the camera to preserve the evidence. She mostly just swished it around in her mouth, but she seemed to enjoy it. Since then, she has also tried and enjoyed butternut squash. Delicious!

Nora's iPad

Nora is loving the iPad these days.  We figure now is a good age for her to start learning how to use consumer electronics.  We wouldn't want her to be behind when she enters preschool.  

Hello 2012

Here's our cute little Nora at a whopping three months. Time flies when you're in America hanging out with your family! Now that we're back in Kenya, time has slowed to a standstill--for me at least. Taylor has jumped right back into his work and is loving it.

My goal for 2012: make some good Kenyan friends.

Nora at Five Weeks

Almost a Month!

It's hard to believe that we've already had Nora for almost a month. The time has flown by so quickly, and we've loved every minute of it...except when she's screaming of course. Here she is being a happy baby, which is most of the time. :)

Two Weeks Old!

Nora is two weeks old and the perfect baby. She hardly cries and sleeps a lot at night. It's excellent. As you can see, she is growing very fast--probably due to how much she eats. We hope she's not walking by the time we are back in the US for Christmas!

Our Baby!

Nora Kenya MacKay
 was born on October 6, 2011 at 4:40 am in Mombasa, Kenya. I started feeling contractions at 2:15 am. At first I wasn't sure they were real, but after a few minutes Taylor convinced me to drive to the hospital anyway. We rushed to the car, got to the Mombasa ferry just as it was about to leave, and arrived at the hospital at 3:30 am. Natural childbirth hurt like heck, but it was worth it. She was two days early, weighing in at 7 pounds, 11 ounces and measuring 20 inches. Can you believe the whole labor (including meals, a night in a private hospital room, painkillers for the next week etc.) cost us just $380?

Eight Days Left!

You may be wondering what we've been doing all this time with no blog posts. Well, I've been growing a baby. As you can see from my lovely countdown chain and big belly, only eight more days until I'm due to burst! Since my mom had me two weeks early, I was hoping it would have happened already, but alas, the baby's taking her sweet time. When she arrives, we'll be sure to post ASAP.

Until then, more waiting...