Audrey’s first year
October, 2009
After Czech grandmother visited us in Atlanta in the summer time, it was our turn to go
to Czech and introduce Audrey to our family and friends in person.
We have decided to go in the fall as the weather is perfect (not too cold and not too hot)
for lots and lots of walks with the stroller and we wanted to make sure that Audrey
underwent at least one round of her vaccinations.
She was also young enough where traveling should be easy as she slept a lot.
On the way from Atlanta to Prague we got a direct flight. I was flying alone with Audrey
and Jeremy was to join us later. I made sure to pack all of her favorite toys, plenty of
water (as high altitude flights are really dehydrating) and formula. We were seated in a
row of three seats with a wall in front of us and once we got up in the cruising altitude, a
hanging bassinet was installed there for Audrey to have her own “crib”. Next to me was a
young couple flying to Prague to just tour Czech. They were very nice and offered to help
if I needed. Also flight attendants were kind and offered their assistance.
Misa, being the youngest kid passenger, got her own bed
I was lucky to sit next to a young couple who lovingly cuddled with Misa when I needed
a little break.
Other passengers were not so happy to see a baby onboard. Audrey did great, she slept or
I held her in my arms and there was NO crying at all. We got happy looks and kind words
from people leaving the plane ;o) Audrey did great but mommy was exhausted!
Luckily, my parents waited for me in Prague to help me with Audrey and our luggage.
Once we got on the fast train for Brno, I immediately fell asleep as my parents were
enjoying their first moments with Audrey.
First few days were very easy as Audrey slept almost all the time. Even when we went to
Reprofit to show off our little miracle, she slept through being picked up and played with
by so many people. But eventually, she did wake up and we could take a few pictures
with her being awake.
With Dr. Machac who did Misa’s transfer almost a year ago
With Eva and Jana at Reprofit
During our one month stay, we have done a lot of bonding with grand parents as they
insisted on baby-sitting day and night. Words cannot express how nice it was to sleep all
night long again. Audrey was sleeping with my parents in their bedroom and my mom
was eager to get up every three hours to give her a bottle. Even my brother Martin, the
night owl, helped with baby-sitting.
Grandpa was happy to spend every moment with his granddaughter
Uncle Martin has the special touch!
Exercising with grandma
Audrey got to meet all of her relatives and more and also got to experience Czech in its
most beautiful fall colors. We went on many, many walks, picked apples from my
parents’ orchard, Audrey made friends with some of my friends’ children as we are
planning on raising her to be a “Czmerican” ;o)
Her Czech equivalent of Audrey Michelle is so popular that our friends and family in the
US and Czech don’t call her by any other name but Misa (Meesha).
Mommy’s friends have babies too and Misa will have buddies
Picking apples wore Misa out!
Flight back was a little nicer as Czech airlines did give us an extra seat and Misa could
keep her car seat and get some sleep. It was a long flight as we were flying from Prague
to New York to Atlanta. We arrived in Prague the night before, stayed at a hotel near the
airport. As the flight is during the day, Misa didn’t do much sleeping but all the
passengers were very understanding. She liked having her own seat the best.
On the plane like at home
The hardest part was flying from NYC to ATL. By that time, she was really tired and off
her daily routine. We barely made our flight, we were hot, and we got stuck in a line for
take off for AN HOUR without any updates. By that time, Misa was sweating,
uncomfortable and screaming bloody murder throughout the entire plane (we were sitting
two rows behind first class). She fell asleep immediately after take off but that one hour
was the worst and the longest in my life! From what I’ve heard, Whitney Houston’s as
well as she was sitting just two rows in front of us.
We have eventually made it to Atlanta but getting Misa over her jet leg was another
challenge!
First Surgery
We have noticed that Misa’s frenulum (membrane under her tongue) was tight, restricting
her tongue movement (Jeremy had this problem as a baby, so did my brother). Our
pediatrician confirmed this and we had an appointment with an ear, nose and throat
specialist. This procedure was going to take just a few seconds when the doctor cuts back
her frenulum but what was the scariest for me was the fact that they wanted to do this
procedure under anesthesia, meaning: no food or drink since midnight, arrival at the
hospital at 6AM and procedure at 7.30AM. I was more afraid of the scream of waking her
up at 5AM, to make it to the hospital in time and not giving her anything to eat or drink –
you just cannot reason with a new born to wait to eat! So I have fed Misa an extra feeding
right before midnight. She was a happy camper all the way until her surgery.
Misa kept laughing and making faces as she got her tiny surgery gown
I got a sterile outfit too to carry her to the operating room. She was such a trooper, her
little body was almost lost on that huge operating table. She got a mini gas mask and she
was quickly put to sleep. Few minutes later she was brought back to us, got her breakfast
and we were on our way home.
She has been sticking her tongue out at us ever since!
Lounging at home
Bonding with our kitties
Halloween
We were hoping to make Misa’s first Halloween special but the weather didn’t cooperate
much. Since Misa is our little lady bug, we couldn’t think of a better costume for her than
a lady bug. She wasn’t too fond of being captured in a body suit and a head piece. With
the cold misting rain, we just ran to trick or treat to the closest neighbors and then quickly
back. Oh well, hopefully, next year when she is older, weather will be better and she will
enjoy this holiday better.
Our little Lady Bug’s first Halloween!
First Christmas
Getting ready for Christmas
Christmas package
Having a good time with nanny Veronica
Xmas Eve with cousins in Florida
I am the ultimate Xmas present!
Full of energy in the morning
Our family
Girl power
Feeding myself
Happy bath times
Everything goes in the mouth!
May 2010
Testing the Cat House
Flying to Czech again “Baby Class”
Skiing trip with my Czech friends
I love Czech food
And Czech beer too!!
I love my Czech grandpa
Uncle Martin always makes me smile
Taking my first steps in Czech
Yeah, shopping!
Grandma’s kitchen has the best toys
Airplane’s isles turn to kids playground
Trying out the potty – yeah
i love riding my Alex the lion
Driving my car is fun too
On the road again…
Lounging by the pool on a cruise ship
Being a perfect lady at the Captain’s dinner
I love to swing
My first birthday cake – yum
Eaten to the very last bite
Sponge Bob and Czech Grandma have made my 1st birthday party special!
Misa June 2010
Misa has just turned one and despite her being two months preemie, she has been making her developmental milestones just in one time.
First steps recorded in the photo studio
Picture perfect
Misa loves the water
At the Cintinnati ZOO
Misa is a Pro when it comes to flying now
Misa Summer 2010
Hanging out with neighbors
Water fun of deck
We love to ride the bike
At the baby gym
Stairs, the most popular baby gym equipment
Visiting an Alpine village – Helen, GA
On the beach of Pensacola, FL visiting couins
On the plaing again… going to see grandma in Czech
Luggage cart is the perfect size for our bags and Misa
Riding a suitcase is fun
We have made it safely to Brno
Party at a friend’s wine cellar – babies invited!
First Czech boyfriend was all hugs and kisses
Soaking up wisdom in ancient Greese
Peacock and cat’s paradise
