Back in the Swing of Things

We've been back in Hong Kong for over a month now, and although we definitely miss the States and all our family and friends, it's nice to be back in a routine again. Ryan and I certainly consider ourselves creatures of habit, and we breathe a sigh of relief when we are on a predictable schedule again. It's actually a wonder we've moved across the world multiple times. We're always a bit discombobulated that first week in a new place, and it's a sight to see us negotiating our new morning routine before work: Who showers first? Who makes the coffee? How do we manoeuvre around each other when getting dressed?

Despite getting over jet lag and a cold (double the fun for Mom and Dad!), Madeline quickly took to her old routines and surroundings as well.

Back in her high chair. Happy girl!

At Victoria Park.
25 + 9...carry the one...wait, let me get my abacus.

Chillin' with the locals at the park.

She's had a busy 6 weeks on the social scene. We've had birthday parties, outings with old baby friends, and new classes!

Reuniting with some of the ladies in my birthing class. Hafdis, the lady
on the right, was the Icelandic midwife teacher of the class!

At a birthday brunch with other CDNIS babies.

Mads is excited about her
new baby gymnastics class!

Madeline is now talking up a storm! Here are a few of the new words added to her babyspeak dictionary.

• cat, apple, pear, and shoes are intelligible to others besides Mom, Dad, and Auntie Janeth
• yoga: yogurt
• baba: blueberry 
• bana: banana
• bobby: baby
• Mami: Madeline
• HAAAAAAAAAAAP!!!!!!: help

She knows what sounds many animals make such as lion (raaaaaa), cat (meow), cow (moo), elephant (a very cute trumpet sound), and frog (op-op, as told to her by a Thai story). She's still working on the volume of her voice, and her words often come out as a shout. The only exception is, "Hi," which she continues to whisper to any and all strangers. Mads is the self-appointed, sole member of the Hoi Deen Court (our apartment complex) welcoming committee. Fellow residents are always greeted by her soft and friendly, "Hi" accompanied by a smile and a wave. They love it! 

Madeline also loves books, and she can spend a good chunk of time sitting and reading by herself. Sometimes after a nap she refuses to let me get her out of her crib until she's had some time to read.

Madeline is also walking! Many thanks to Aunt Nikki for sending an awesome walker for Mads to practice. 

Strolling through town. 

On my own! 

What have Ryan and I been up to? Well, it's Hong Kong so of course we're soooooooo busy. Ryan is plugging away at his Master's degree, is back to teaching Diploma level Biology, and spent a weekend in Mumbai at an IB workshop. He also spent a weekend in Vietnam reuniting with old friends at an international softball tournament. 

I'm not teaching any new classes, but I have a new position as the Grade 7 Team Leader. It comes with a bit of extra pay and its fair share of headaches, but I have an awesome Grade 8 Team Leader partner so we have fun! I also celebrated my 38th birthday with some friends at the house in late August! 

When life gets too hectic in Hong Kong, Mads reminds us to stay grounded through yoga.

Down dog!