Surprise!
Yes, I too, am surprised that I get to write a blog on our supposedly holidays here in Manila.
Blame it on the rain...and the fact that we live sooooo far from everything LOL :)
Well, kidding aside, I think reality has set in. I still can't leave my two kids and do the things/errands I have planned to do. And yes, the weather really didn't cooperate as it has been pouring the past 3 days already!
But first, some stories first on our flight back here in Manila.
If you have been following my blog you already know by now that I took the challenge of flying to Manila with 2 kids. Well, to date, that is my biggest achievement! Yes, I did, all by myself! hehehe well, not really :)
When we got to the airport hubby saw the parents of an acquaintance (a common friend is one his Beta Ep brods in UP) passing by us so he told me that we might be on the same flight. And luckily we did. While waiting for our turn to check in, he introduced himself and us and informally entrusted us to them. But the thing was, they were seated so far from us. Anyways, from check-in up until boarding, everything was manageable. We got good seats as well. Well, that is aside from the fact that our flight was delayed by more than an hour.
I was expecting for the worst, but surprisingly I managed. I was able to prove that I can still keep my cool when things were not going my way -- like Liam pooing while on flight. Yes, I managed that and to go to the toilet with Sam with me. I guess expecting for the worst did a lot of help, not to mention a lot of prayers and mind conditioning.
But I guess the credit really goes out to my two adorable and well-behaved kids. Many people have already told me that my kids are "mabait" especially Liam. Well, this experience was the one that really convinced me that yes, they are truly good children.
I will not write it but there were people who really went out of their way to commend them (and me **blush**) for their behavior all throughout the trip. As one passenger said: "I just want to tell you that your son is amazing! I mean how can you manage with two kids and not have a hard time?" She commended Liam twice. First during the first half of the trip and the next when we were about to land: "I mean how can he endure an 8-hour flight without giving you a hard time. Amazing. Simply amazing." I was a proud mum. Yes, Liam just sat on his seat, buckled up and only standing up twice. One when he needed to wee and the other one when he needed to poo. That's it. Thank goodness they didn't go after their Papa who feels sea sick when traveling hehehe :)
Sam was behaved as well. But she did give me a little hard time during the last hour and a half of our trip. I tried everything to soothe her but she was just restless (not crying). I knew she was sleepy already because at that time it was already 9:30 PM Sydney time.
By this time my battery levels were going low but thankfully I managed. It was challenging when I was filling out the Disembarkation cards while carrying Sam attending to my hand-carry luggage (which was about 7 kg!) and keeping an eye on Liam. That was the hardest part of trip for me. But help came at the right time and the right place. When it was time to get my checked-in luggage and the pram from the luggage conveyor, Tito and Tita (couple we met at the airport) were with me so they were able to help me out :)
No problems whatsoever with Immigration and Customs. Thank God.
I felt tired and my paranoia was at its peak when we went out the airport with my Papa and brother picking us up. But after one week, I guess my paranoia has lessened already :)
I am proud of myself. I am more proud of my children.
P.S. After experiencing a night flight and a day flight, I was able to compare and realize that when you have kids with you when you travel, very young kids like my kids, it's better to take a night flight than a day flight.
More kwentos next time!
