We are in Banff! Actually, we are staying in Lake Louise, one of the most beautiful places in the world. Josh has a conference, and Cora and I tagged along. We've had many firsts. Of course it was her first plane ride and international trip. She did great on the plane. When we ascended, she put her hand on her ear (she was sleeping) just as my ears popped. I nursed her, and she went back to sleep. She only cried a few times--just when she was hungry and sleepy, nothing out of the ordinary. It's also her first time above 5,000 feet elevation and her first time changing time zones. We saw our first elk on the side of the road while driving from Calgary to Lake Louise, though I think she might have been asleep. Yesterday, she saw her first snow ever. She opened her eyes wide and gasped every time a flake hit her. Then, today when I put some in her hand, she just stared intently, curiously. She seemed interested in the way it worked--perhaps this inquisitiveness comes from her dad, the materials scientist. Finally, tonight she went in a swimming pool for the first time. Thanks to her baby fat, she floats really well, and she was kicking, too. She was a bit unsure about the cool water, but she seemed to like being pulled around. With cheeks like hers, I don't think I need to worry about drowning--she carries flotation devices with her everywhere. She's pretty worn out now, especially because we also went for a hike around the lake today. She had to get all bundled up (she screams every time we have to put on winter clothes), but she seemed to like the walk in the woods. She checked out the scenery before falling asleep in the Baby Bjorn. It's amazing how easy it's been to travel with her. She seems to fall asleep at the right times and want food at the right times. Let's hope this kind of behavior continues into her toddlerhood.
