We're Back In California!

Wow- what a GREAT trip we had! I didn't have time to update while we were gone because we were so busy every single day. Paprika was fantastic the whole trip. I am going to write a log of what we did every day so that I don't forget.

Saturday- October 28, 2006

Mr. Mustard drove us to the airport early in the morning. So early, in fact, that I had to wake Paprika up from her peaceful slumber. We made it to LAX in record time, although the car did stall half-way there and I got really nervous we wouldn't make it! Mr. Mustard helped Paprika and I into the airport and helped us check our bags. The ticket agent offered to let Mr. Mustard walk with us up to the gate (past security), which I thought was really really nice of her! So, Mr. Mustard went with us through security and waited with us until we boarded the plane.

Our plane ride was pretty great, considering it was Paprika's first time flying. We were on Southwest, so we got to choose our seats. I chose the second row since that way no one would want to sit with us (no extra leg room like in the first row), but it was still very close to the front. Our first leg of the trip was from LA to Kansas City. She was a little freaked out at the take-off, but quickly adjusted. The plane was pretty empty, so we had a row all to ourselves. I kept Paprika entertained by playing with her and showing her the view out the window.

We stopped in Kansas City and all of a sudden A LOT of people got on the plane. Every seat was taken. Ugh. So, Paprika sat on my lap next to the window and a very nice osteopath student from Ohio sat next to us. It was great talking to her, and the flight passed really quickly. Paprika seemed used to the take-offs and landings by this point and didn't make a peep.

The next stop was in Chicago. Everyone from Kansas City got off the plane and the new passengers boarded. It was a pretty full flight, but luckily while the new passengers were boarding, Paprika decided to get fussy. She was kicking and crying, and so no one wanted to sit next to us and we got a whole row to ourselves again! Paprika quickly quieted down once everyone was seated and she barely made a peep until we arrived in Indianapolis.

Once we arrived in Indy, I called Ann who was scheduled to pick us up. Ann arrived with a car seat for Paprika and a beautiful snuggly pink blanket to keep her warm. That was great since it was about 40 degrees outside. Paprika was really tired by this point, and was ready to go to sleep. We arrived at my mom's house around 9pm (after being gone since 5am Los Angeles time), and everyone was really exicted to meet her. My mom, Eric, Robbie, and Ann were so happy to see Paprika. She was exhausted and just wanted to go to sleep, though! So, Ann set up her bassinette and brought in a bunch of supplies she had bought for Paprika. After a little rocking, Paprika fell asleep in her nice, new, comfy bed.

The set-up at my mom's house was very ideal. My mom had converted Robbie's toy room into a nursery, and it was so comfortable for us. I especially liked the fact that it had a rocker, which was actually the same rocker my mom used for Robbie! Ann really outfitted us with so much that it felt just like being at home. She thought of everything- diapers, wipes, blankets, burp cloths, a bassinette, a baby bathtub--even toys and warm clothes! We really wanted for nothing, which made Paprika's stay so much more comfortable. She transitioned really well from being at home to being at my mom's house. Yea!

Sunday, October 29, 2006

Paprika slept in until almost noon! After she woke up, she visited with her uncle Robbie and got used to seeing my mom's house during the daytime. My grandparents (Paprika's great grandparents) came over for a visit, which was wonderful. My grandma brought over my first Christmas dress, which I wore for my very first Christmas! It was adorable, and I was so glad that she had kept it all these years. Now I know what Paprika will be wearing on her first Christmas!

Then Paprika and I headed over to see the Kohls- Laura, Kevin, Caroline and Stephanie (and Buddy, Sparky, and Lulu, too!) We had an amazing gourmet dinner- so wondeful, healthy and super-tasty. It was great. Everyone enjoyed meeting Paprika and hanging out with her. It was great catching up with everyone and just spending time together.


Monday, October 30, 2006

After a good night's rest, Paprika, Robbie and I headed up to Pendleton so Paprika could meet her grandpa Dave (my dad)! It was a gorgeous day- in the 70s and sunny. We met up at the cafe at my dad's church, and then headed for a great lunch at The Bank, a cool restaurant in Pendleton that used to be- you guessed it- a bank!

Paprika slept soundly in the booth while we had lunch, and then we went back to my dad's apartment to change Paprika's diaper and to get ready for our trip to Falls Park. Then we headed over to Falls Park to go for a long walk and take advantage of the beautiful weather. Paprika loved looking at the leaves as they fell off the trees and glided through the air. My dad was doing great- broken collarbone and all- and even offered Paprika his sling to use as a sunshade for her head! Then we went over to my dad's girlfriend's house, so Paprika could meet Nancy! It was great seeing Nancy again and we had a short visit before Paprika decided it was time to go home and get to bed!

That night we went back to my mom's house to get a good night's sleep before our very eventful Hallow's Eve on Tuesday!

Tuesday, October 31, 2006

Happy Halloween! And what a Happy Halloween it was! Paprika and I slept in and headed up to see my dad in Pendleton around noon. My dad and his friend Ron played guitar and sang for Paprika at the church. She had her own private concert and it was just beautiful. We hung out at the church for awhile- it is very nice and comfy there. After that, my dad, Paprika and I went back to The Bank for lunch and we had the whole restaurant to ourselves. The town of Pendleton was gearing up for Halloween- there was even a tractor with hay getting ready to give people hay rides.

Paprika and I then packed up to go to Lebanon, Indiana to visit her great uncle Rob and great aunt Jackie. We had a great visit with them and caught up on life, the universe, and everything. Paprika's second cousin, Lilli (super-genius girl), knitted Paprika beautiful pink scarf! It was really sweet of her!

Then, Paprika and I headed over to see Ann at Tracy and Glen's house to go trick-or-treating. Paprika was pretty tired by this point, but was tolerating meeting everyone. There were millions of trick-or-treaters (well- it seemed like millions, anyway) and they were all very cute! Paprika and I stayed at the house with Ann and Cameron (who were dressed as chickens!) to pass out candy.

After that, we drove up to Lafayette, Indiana to spend the night up at Ann and Len's house. Whew! It was an exhausting, packed day- and a very fun one at that!

Wednesday, November 1, 2006

Paprika and I spent the day with Ann, Len, Benjamin and Cameron in Lafayette! Len was in a car accident a week ago and his back was hurting, so he stayed home from work. We had a great day hanging out around the house and catching up on old times. In the afternoon, Ann and I snuck off to the mall with Paprika to do some much needed shopping and to get Paprika an outfit for her first portrait session on Thursday! We had Applebee's for lunch at the Tippecanoe Mall and then went back to Ann's house to watch Lost and eat pizza.

Thursday, November 2, 2006

Ann took the day off work to spend time with Paprika and me. Cameron and Benjamin went off to Miss Kimmy's for pre-school/daycare while Ann and I got Paprika ready for her first professional pictures! We were scheduled at 10:45, which meant we had to wake Paprika up early to get her ready, since Paprika was on California time and wanted to sleep in late! Paprika was great at her photo shoot, and we should get the pictures in a few weeks. They are adorable! Ann and I had a great time picking out the shots, and I ordered lots of photos so that I can share them!

After the photos, I changed Paprika back into regular (non-dressy) clothes and the three of us went back to Applebee's for lunch and then shopped around the mall before going to pick up Cameron and Benjamin. That night we spent the night at Ann's and had a great time just being together. We laid Cameron and Paprika out so they could meet eachother and baby-socialize!

After the babies were asleep, Ann and I had a great time sorting through Ann's closet- it seems I've inspired her to clean out her closets and donate her old clothes to charity! All I have to say is that the recipient of Ann's clothes is going to be very lucky because she has great taste and lots of really cute clothes she decided to pass on!

Friday, November 3, 2006

My mom turned 50, the big 5-0, today!!! Paprika and I left Ann's house mid-day and drove to Indianapolis to meet my mom at her massage therapist's office in Broadripple. My mom had just finished her massage, and then watched Paprika while I had an awesome and relaxing massage! It was really nice- I am very picky about massages, and this woman was just great at releasing all of my tension. I exhaled a big sigh of relief and then Paprika and I headed up to Fishers for my mom's 50th Birthday Party at Laura and Kevin's house!

Laura and Kevin put on a great party for my mom's birthday- I know she really appreciated it! The whole family was there, and we had a great meal of tacos, burritos, salad, and- of course, birthday cake! I was so glad that Paprika and I got to be in Indy for my mom's special birthday! It was such a good evening!!!

Saturday, November 4, 2006

My mom took me to a Crystal Workshop at the Peace Learning Center in Indianapolis at Eagle Creek State Park. We took Paprika with us, which ended up working out perfectly. At first we were going to go to the workshop by ourselves and leave her with family, but with nursing and everything that goes along with that, we decided it would be better to take her with us. She was great through the whole workshop. I laid a blanket down for her, and she either slept or babbled quietly to herself for most of the workshop. She got a little fussy during one of the meditations, but she quieted down quickly as soon as I took her into another room (and got some food in her tummy).

That night we went back to my mom's house, had dinner, watched Simone with uncle Robbie, and got packed for our big trip back to California!

Sunday, November 5, 2006

Everyone woke up early (about 4 a.m.) to see Paprika and I off to the airport. My mom woke up to say goodbye, and then Eric and Robbie drove us to the airport around 5 a.m. Robbie and Eric helped me with the luggage and we said our goodbyes at the security check-point. The flight to Los Angeles could not have been any easier. Paprika was great, despite being woken up at 4 a.m.- far earlier than her usual wake-up time of 11 a.m. in Indiana! She slept in the Baby Bjorn at the airport while we waited for the flight, and then once we were on the plane, she was so excited to look out the window and look at the other passengers that she stayed awake and alert for almost the whole flight. The plane was only about half full, so we had our own row for the whole flight home! Paprika did great on the take-offs and landings, and she even slept through one of the landings. The other passengers commented on how adorable she looked as she slept on her stomach in the crook of my arm. I even had time to take some pictures of Paprika on the plane!

When we arrived in Los Angeles, we went down to baggage and our bags were among the first off the flight! Mr. Mustard picked us up and we all went out to brunch, as it was still only 10 a.m. in Los Angeles! We went to Jack and Jill's in Beverly Hills for a great meal of yummy Cinnamon and Vanilla French toast. Paprika snoozed on the booth seat while Mr. Mustard and I caught up and enjoyed our breakfast! We then came home and took a quick nap, as Paprika and I were both exhausted, since we both had been awake since 1 a.m. California time!

Overall, it was an excellent trip! Paprika slept great last night and is getting used to the time change. She fell asleep last night at 7 p.m. California time and woke up at 4:30am, then went back to sleep until 8:30am. She was such a trooper and I was so glad she got to meet everyone on my side of the family and have such a relaxing, enjoyable trip out to Indiana!