A break after a break

Waaa-ay too many things to blog about, waaa-ay too little time! I always need time to readjust my schedule back after getting my routines thrown off after a holiday especially with a toddler now. Holidays are great! But surviving the aftermath is tough.

Anyway, thankful that this time round the flight was only a little over an hour. Since we went on AirAsia, it was thoroughly up to us to provide ALL the entertainment on board. This time round:

1. we couldn't choose to fly around nap or sleep times as flights were limited. So gearing up with activities was extremely crucial! Reading a new book and colouring with crayons helped most of the journey this time. As did watching the plane take off and looking at the clouds. Yes, window seats are a good options for active toddlers!!!

2. I gave Baby O raisins during take-off and landing as before. We also let her munch on a bagel on the way back. She actually slept on the flight back. Managed to knock off not long after take off all the way till we landed! (Miracles DO happen!) We could see though that she was fiddling with her ears even in her sleep probably from the discomfort of the cabin pressure. Thankfully she continued to sleep through! Oh, thank You, Lord!!

3. Baby O somehow limited her time in the stroller. However it was still good to have a lightweight stroller around anyway for putting a sleeping baby in (if and when she falls asleep) or putting your shopping in!

4. I have to take note to pack a few more extra sets of clothes for Baby O next time or be prepared to do laundry. Remember there's a lot more to experiment and lots more opportunities to get dirty when you are in a new place!


That's that for during the trip. Now don't forget that there's also preparation before the trip:
1. Remember to notify a trusted neighbour/ friend that you will be away (and for how long). Get their help to keep a lookout for you and collect mails/ newspapers while you are away.
2. Install a timer or get someone to switch on the lights at home.

3. Have a check list of things to bring - passport, chargers, extra batteries, formula milk, snacks, etc. When you have a toddler, it's a different ballgame altogether compared to when you were packing just for yourself. 
4. Basic things to check but often overlooked: weather/temperature, currency, plug-points, passport expiry.
5. Have enough rest before the trip (and take things easy when travelling with a toddler!)

Ok, time to catch up a little on the other stuffs! Hmm... maybe not. Someone's awake... ;-)

This Mama is back!

Been missing in action as we were away. Subsequently had to have a vacation after the vacation to recover from it all! Lots to update as well but I left my camera cable behind in Ipoh so there won't be pictures until later. Anyway, it's good to be back!

Travelling with a one and a half year old toddler is quite challenging versus when Baby O was just a baby! Although it was only a 4-hour long flight (thank God!), it felt as though it was three times that!

On the way there, we were on a 777 Boeing. The flight attendant was extremely kind to get another passenger to exchange seats with us so we could have a row of 4 seats all to ourselves. The weather was probably not great as the seat belt sign was kept on the whole time and we were advised to keep ourselves strapped most of the time to our dismay. I really wanted to tell the nice flight attendant, who managed to keep her smile on for us each time she passes to remind us to keep Baby O's seat belt on, that it is impossible to keep a one and a half year old strapped! We thought an option to stop Baby O from fussing was to carry her and walk her up and down the aisles but our hands were tied. I have never paid so much attention to the seat belt sign before in all my previous flights!

Baby O was given a little book which helped to keep her occupied for a little while. The on-flight entertainment also managed to distract her a while more before she finally retire for a short nap. Unfortunately, we were on a full 737 on the way back with only one short aisle to traverse made even shorter by the long queue of passengers waiting for one of the two toilets.

Anyhow, we somehow survived and this is a little reminder for future travels:
1. If given a choice, fly around nap or sleep times to minimise upset to child's routine.
2. Bring lots of healthy snacks and activities (eg. crayons, activity books) to keep child occupied before the fuss begins. I will rather over- than under-pack for this one.
3. During take off and landing, allow child to drink (eg. water/ juice/ milk) from a bottle or with a straw, or snack on something chewy (eg. raisins) to reduce discomfort of increased cabin pressure.
4. Don't expect to be able to rest on the flight so have enough rests before!
5. Choose a window seat which allows some form of distraction.
6. Check-in online if option is available.
7. Bring a lightweight and compact stroller that is also easy to carry around at the airport, through customs, on and off public transportation....
8. If flight is not full, try asking for a free row of seat for a more comfortable flight.