Falling, floating or flying?

Okay, hold on to your hats people- I went skydiving! Let's be honest from the beginning and admit it was peer pressure. Darci and Katy are here visiting. Anyone who knows Darci will astest to the fact that she is up for anything. She is always keen to add to her list of things she has done globally. She casually mentioned her interest in Skydiving while in NZ and for some bizzare reason Katy and I jumped on it and were like "hey we should all do it!" What were we thinking- WE WEREN'T THINKING. Katy and I are too proud (some might say foolish) to back out once committed so off we went to Taupo to jump out of a plane.

Confession: I was never afraid of dieing or my parachuting malfunctioning or any normal concern. Since being here we have met so many skydiving survivors I felt it was completely safe. I was however, terrified of the actual experience- I HATE jumping off anything, I HATE my stomach dropping... this was the culmination of all my worst fears. Seriously- I should be on Oprah for conquering a major fear with this.

So on the day I woke up feeling as if I would puke and the sensation lasted until I was soaring outside the plane. Truth be told, the worst part was the flight up. I was completely miserable anticipating the drop. I couldn't speak, I couldn't smile, I was near tears and if Darci and Katy hadn't have been there I would have just ridden the plane back down to the ground. Darci was out of the plane first- and watching her plunge out into the vast sky I was horrified. Then I was sliding to the edge, putting my feet over and ARGH! out we tumbled.

It was exhilerating. I didn't close my eyes, I didn't wet my pants, I did think "this is awesome." The view over lake taupo, soaring through the clouds, feeling the wind rush past me- all incredible. Once he pulled out our parachute and we swept around the sky I did relax and immediately breathed out "I'm so grateful I did this." My instructor even gave me a go at steering the chute- pulling on the side harnesses to swoop us through the sky.

I was peaceful in the sky and happy when my feet hit the ground. My legs were jelly and my fingers numb from the cold. Darci, Katy and I jumped for joy for awhile and let out a few girlish screams. Yey for conquoring a huge fear- who knew it would be such a joy?

Pick was faithfully supportive on the ground (having skydived previously) snapping pictures and holding Chelsea. Here are some photos for proof. (I know some of you are still thinking that I'm joking- seriously I did this!)

Fighting Foo

Pick went to the Foo Fighters concert last week. Similar to our U2 experience he bought standing room tickets and went early to line up. He scored a spot right in front of the stage. Check this out:

Chelsea is now 13 weeks old. She hangs out on her tummy during the day and chats away. Her favourite/only phrase is "oooohhhhh" and it is precious! Pick and I have whole conversations with her that consists entirely of this "ooohhhh" word.

Calling on all Good Samaritans!

Earlier this week I stopped at a Cafe to grab Pick and I some lunch. As I walked around the car to get Chelsea out I was startled to realize her door was locked, and so were all the others. In my haste I had left my keys in the car too. Big oops!

I managed to stay calm, although I was on the verge of panicking. I ran inside and called Pick then stood by the car waiting. (We share a car so he had to figure out a way to get to me). I stood at the rear window staringing in at her, watching her face crumble, the tears begin, and then the onset of howling.

A lovely Maori woman walked by and immediately began recruiting others. Fortunately my window was cracked. An elderly man and his wife had a bungee cord in their boot/ trunk. Some punk boys opened up the hook and were able to pull up my lock. Whoa- the relief. I reached for Chelsea who was red face, tear streaked and breathless. She calmed down and gave her liberators a big ole smile!

I am grateful to the Good Samaritans who passed by and stopped to help.

This is going to sting a little...

Well, the deed is done. Chelsea has received her first vaccination. I've had questions about the Vaccination process so I armed myself with curiousity, lots of questions and a selection of books. I then dug into the topic. (My discovery: majority of vaccine books are unbelievably subjective trying to use scare or fear to sway the reader towards their belief- very disturbing).

Number 1 recommended read: The Vaccine Book by American pediatrician Dr. Robert Sears, M.D It was an easy read based on complicated medical info. I found it very straight forward and informative. He does not state whether or not to vaccinate your child but details each vaccine, the ingredients, the side effects, the medical benifits etc. He then explains why parents choose to go ahead with this vaccine, or why they might opt out. He also has a section towards the end where he details the safest vaccines to the greatest risks, also the most medically neccesary to the least. I appreciated all the info so Pick and I could feel confident in our personal decision. If you are curious you can also check out his website: http://www.thevaccinebook.com/ however the book has the thorough info.


After my reading, at 10 weeks while smiling happily away at her nurse Chelsea was startled by the needle and let out a shrill, prolonged cry. She received the DTaP-IFV for diptheria (throat disease), pertussis (whooping cough), tetanus, and polio. Ahhh, the joys of modern medicine!


Here is Chelsea hanging out:

The best snack:

(I know what you're thinking; she looks just like her dad.)