Transatlantic travels

It's taken a while, but I'm back on the blog! We've had a whirlwind of a time lately, travelling to London to visit Neil's family and then on to New York where Zafra met Jenny's family. Lots of travelling, and Zafra handled it like a pro! There's a lot to tell and a lot of photos (so many more than are on here, and there are a lot on here!), so the best thing is probably to tell it through the photos:

Aedhan, Zafra, Nathan and Maddie

Just after New Year, we travelled up to the London area to stay with Robin and Louise. It was there that the first cousins met Zafra for the first time.

While we were there, Zafra began working on her next development - when Jenny let go of her, she managed to stay sitting upright for a short bit before gently toppling back into her mummy's waiting hands.

After a lovely couple of days with Zafra's Grandpa Robin and Granny Louise, it was time to head off to Heathrow and onto Zafra's first ever plane - Mustang Sally.

Zafra was amazing on the plane, feeding, sleeping a laughing her way from London to New York. We arrived safely in the evening, had Chinese food for supper at Grandma Linda's and settled in for a good night sleep.

Zafra and Grandma

From there it was a whirlwind of a trip. Zafra met and fell in love with her uncles Adam and Evan.

Zafra laughing at Uncle Adam's funny faces

Uncle Evan helps Zafra explore her shiny mat

After an exciting evening, Zafra conks out on Uncle Adam

Grandma helped Zafra get clean and ready to go to Jenny's childhood synagogue for Shabbat. It was a wonderful service, and Rabbi B gave Zafra a blessing in Jenny's home community. There were a few tears shed that morning! Obviously we have no pictures of Shabbat services, but here are the preparations.

Naked baby in a mixing bowl - the best way to bathe a baby!

We had a great time introducing Zafra to more of her family.

Zafra with Great-Aunt Susie

with Great-Aunt Sandy

There was one meeting that everyone was particularly excited for - the two Goldfried cousins.

Goldfried siblings & the children

A great family shot

There were more meetings, in particular Auntie-to-be Katrina

We discovered some hidden talents, like Zafra's muppet dance (think Fozzy Bear).

There was more bathing ...

Bathing takes preparation. Off with the watch.

Uncle Evan and Auntie Katrina demonstrate their mad bathing skills

 

Looking sharp in her new duckie towel (thanks G&C!)

In her duckie robe

... more family play time ...

Another discovery - Zafra thinks upside-down is funny!

Uncle Adam has a yummy finger

Zafra loved when Lucie squeaked Sophie the Giraffe

Chewing on Sophie the Giraffe. Zafra learned how to hold Sophie and pull her into her waiting mouth for a good chew!

Demonstrating the grab and chew

... some impressive New York snow (we certainly don't get this in Bournemouth) ...

Grandma's house in the snow

Evan with the snow thrower. I don't think they sell those in southern England.

The snow thrower in use:

... and more sleepy baby time.

Uncle Evan loving sleepy baby time

Sleepy baby AND a sleepy mummy

We had a fabulous time. And it was a fun chance for Neil to play with his fun new camera.

It started with poses

Then moved onto studio mode

Another favourite toy - butterfly!

Butterfly tastes good

 

We'll leave you with one last development - Zafra loves being a naked baby! Until next time ...