i’m finally feeling perky enough to get a few boxes unpacked. i love rediscovering our pretty things!
Author: Gina @ Oaxacaborn
Gina Munsey is a Mexico-born, Eastern Europe-raised missionary kid who ended up being a Californian by way of Florida outside of Nashville, Tennessee. She lives her days full of coffee and adventures while her 12-year-old learns Mandarin Chinese and Greek, her 3-year-old uses all the markers, and her artist-husband creates worlds from pixels and light. A blogger since the turn of the century (ouch!) she's an editor, co-op teacher, and writer who has only completed four chapters of her languishing manuscript. You can find Gina right here at oaxacaborn.com, or in the middle of [home]school surrounded by stacks and stacks of books.
don’t get scared. there’s so much waiting for you.
“Put on your pretty dress, it’s time for you to go to the dance. Tie your hair in ribbons and lace, and wear pearls around your neck. Put your red coat on, and walk with a light in the woods. If it gets dark, don’t get scared. There’s so much waiting for you.” (Rosie Thomas, Pretty Dress)
images via toast uk’s early spring catalogue
pretty little things: pendants and persimmons from spring ’11 ruche
a peek into unpacking
my new florida views – palm trees and a smiling baby
my gorgeous view this morning–er, afternoon. east coast time, you are still confusing me! little miss aveline just loves her sheepskin rug from IKEA. (the RENS is shown; it’s fabulous quality for just under $25.)
and speaking of views, how amazing is this ridge of palm trees?! we can see it from the master bedroom as well as through the windows on one side of the great room. the palm trees are transformed into stunning silhouettes each evening, as the sun sets directly behind them.
i’d share some photos of the apartment’s interior, but stacks of boxes still abound at every turn. but may i just pause to mention that i now have a dishwasher? and indoor laundry?
i’m way too excited about these appliances luxuries.
hello, florida! tips on traveling with an infant / flying with a baby
well, here we are in orlando, florida. we made it! we made it to the land of frizzy hair and soggy air.
many of you know how nervous i was to fly with a wee one, but it turned out soooo much better than i imagined. (except, we were selected for one of those fabulous TSA patdowns. it was definitely awkward. aveline even got a patdown. i mean seriously?!) but after that ordeal was over, the rest of the trip was fabulous. she was such a perfect baby on the flights (thank you, Lord!) and slept most of the time. the baby bjorn was our best friend for those long walks from one gate to the next. really, the only tough moment was her screaming fit as we were boarding in houston — but it was a short-lived outburst. i am so thankful she didn’t have any problems with the takeoff or landing! she actually snoozed her way through both landings. it was a great experience, and i am so grateful to my jetsetting mama friends who shared the following tips with me:
Tips on Traveling with an Infant
- nurse the baby during the take off and landing, even if it’s not “time” — this helps the baby handle the change in air pressure
- use a carrier or sling — it makes walking so much easier, and it keeps strangers’ from touching baby’s face
- allow plenty of time to get from one gate to another if you’re changing flights
- pack more diapers and baby outfits than you think you’ll need
- pack a change of clothes for yourself
- don’t bring a travel-size package of wipes, pack a full package! ;-)
- stay calm even if your baby is screaming — getting frazzled yourself only makes it that much worse
- have baby’s birth certificate with you, as some airlines require this documentation
so yes, florida. i am so happy to be back with my amazing husband. i missed him so much. i missed us all being together. i missed my own bed. and as you can see from this photo, little aveline missed her bed, too. doesn’t she look adorable? co-sleeping is the best! i love it.
Shown:
- Summer Infant Contoured Changing Pad
- Summer Infant Organic Cotton Naturally Yours Changing Pad Cover in Ginger
- Pillowcases from Crate and Barrel (no longer available)
- Old Navy newborn fleece footie pajamas (no longer available)
Have any other tips for traveling with an infant? Share them in the comments!
leaving on a jet plane
hello, readers? is anyone still hanging around? this little blog has been sadly neglected of late. i’ve been living out of my suitcase and only able to post via my iPod. but, tomorrow i’m leaving on a jet plane, back into the arms of my love. i miss him so.
and florida? i know we didn’t get along so well last time. i’m willing to forget all that if you are. here’s to new beginnings.
(please excuse little miss A’s manners. she wasn’t feeling too excited about having her picture taken.)
some moments feel like this
some moments feel like this:
but i am deliriously happy. unbelievably happy. sleepless nights, shirts covered in spit up, eating meals slowly with one hand while balancing baby in the other…
i love our miraculous baby. she is an answer to so many prayers. she is, as her name means, our longed-for child.
and when her little tiny fingers grab on to my shirt, and i bend down and kiss her head and breathe in that sweet aroma, i am pretty sure nothing on earth could be closer to heaven.
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