Where, oh WHERE!!!

In Melbourne, that's where we are! The whole family, together again at last. The flight was tiring although it wasn't as difficult as what I have prepared myself mentally. Both kids were sleeping 90% of the flight. If it was tiring for me, imagine how it must have been for them! It wasn't the kids that made the journey tiring, it's the journey itself.

Oh I would like to take this opportunity to point my finger to SINGAPORE AIRLINES to make the journey even more frustrating and tiring.

Singapore Airlines is known to be good at their service, that's why I chose to fly with them, and that's why I'm a member of their Krisflyer. However, since I had kids, I've changed opinion about them. At first I thought it was just a coincidence and that I must have been the unlucky one, but when it happened more than once, I really get pissed off. Singapore airlines is a good airline only when you're travelling WITHOUT KIDS. Travelling with kids is frustrating with them.

I don't book my flights online (simply because we don't like to charge things to credit cards), so we book our tickets via travel agent. It was done in Singapore and I re-iterated many times to the travel agent about how important it was to LINK all tickets together so that ALL OF US CAN SIT TOGETHER. The idea of travelling with my parents is that so they would be next to me as I have two kids to look after, not so that they would sit far away from me. What's the point, right? It happened once before (me and Nagi had to sit separately, APPARENTLY we did not book our tickets together, and if we were to sit together, I had to forego the infant seat (front most seat) that I especially requested! What on earth, I was pissed off but since there was nothing we could do at that time, we did booked our tickets separately (me from Indonesia and Nagi from Melbourne), so I just thought okay, we must have been unlucky, that's all. We don't usually hear bad things said about Singapore Airlines, so based on that judgement I trusted Singapore Airlines to fly us again this time.

Since we had experienced that problem, I MADE SURE this time that we BOOKED THE TICKETS TOGETHER if that's the only way all of us can SIT TOGETHER in Singapore Airlines. I made sure more than once (that all the tickets are linked), and we DID BOOK the tickets together. Guess what happened when we arrived at the check-in counter in Singapore? Yep, all guesses right. They claimed my parent's ticket weren't booked together with mine and the kids. Mine and the kids had the request for bassinet hence we're on the front, and they had put my parents further back near the emergency exit! I was crossed. Apparently this was because a lot of people who booked their tickets online had already checked in (although we were 5 hours early before the check-in time, people had been checking in via internet in the past 48 hours prior to departure time) and filled the front rows so they can't do anything about it. I was pissed off at the check-in lady, which I probably shouldn't have done, because it's not her mistake, but I had no one else to blame and I was very upset. Tried calling the travel agent but I knew very well that they couldn't help, and it was out of hours anyway, so no one picked up the phone.The only thing she could do was putting a "gate request" so that if the people who had the seat next to me were extra ordinarily kind-hearted, they're willing to change seat with my parents. I was grumpy but I told her everything else had to be right. I must get a bassinet for Lila per request, and Aga will have a toddler's food. Yes mam she said. To my luck, they were a couple of extra ordinarily kind-hearted people - they changed seats and we were able to sit next to each other.

Phew! By now you all must have thought my problem was all over. Guess again. Didn't I tell you that Singapore airlines are crap with kids? At dinner time, I was asked if I had wanted my dinner to be served now or later. Lila had gone to sleep at that time, so I said now would be good, and now would be good too to bring Aga's food. Then I was told that I did not have a child food requested for him. To this I said HUH, OF COURSE I DID! They checked and rechecked again and sent the 'manager' to see me only to say that there was no child meal requested for Agastya. So, despite the fact that I had told the check-in lady (I remember her name was Noor something, and I definitely won't forget her face for a long long time. Watch out where you're walking, Noor something lady!) TWICE about the toddler's food, she still managed to screw it up. And I was feeling bad for yelling at her at the counter! First of all, there must be something AWFULLY WRONG WITH THEIR SYSTEM. Aga's ticket is a CHILD TICKET, and shouldn't he by default have a CHILD MEAL booked? Second of all, I HAVE ALREADY REQUESTED MANY TIMES (YES - MANY TIMES - AT LEAST TWICE, with that Noor something lady)AT THE CHECK IN COUNTER. What more do they want so that Aga could get his food?

I know travelling with two kids would be hectic, so I took time preparing in advance, ticking points of what should be done to ease my travelling and to avoid ugly surprises like these. I had done everything I'm supposed to do, yet Singapore Airlines had managed to give me unpleasant surprises. I had paid for the flight tickets and they're not cheap, but still my child was left without food, and was offered adult food since they had no child food left in the aeroplane. How nice of them! I told them NO. My child cannot and will not have this food. There were two choices of adult (ordinary flight) meal: beef or chicken. The beef was too spicy (it has black pepper sauce), and the chicken was too chewy. I was so upset i so want to punch that air-stewardess for giving me a look when I said Agastya cannot have this food. She had a long glance on Agastya, she might be thinking "What on earth is this crazy over-protective mom on about? This strong little fella sure can munch on these beef with black pepper sauce!" I mean come on, these beef and chicken were both way too chewy for him, and besides he has a CHILD TICKET for a reason. I know it's not her problem but suggesting that while giving me that look was unforgivable. I gave him some of my potatoes and some of the emergency biscuits I brought myself, but he was too sleepy so he only ate a bit and dozed off. Thank God for that. From that 'manager', the only thing he could do was to say sorry for my inconvinience and to report this incident to the company. What a load of rubbish. I really should get my money back, at least for Agastya's ticket, huh? If only I have time for that business.

BYE BYE SINGAPORE AIRLINES. I will fly with you once again because I have to (my ticket was a return ticket, damn!), I'm not giving my tickets away for your convenience to get more money from other customers! But after that's done, I'm not flying with you again. You had made travelling with kids extra extra hard and frustrating. It was tiring enough without your added complications. If this is the quality of service I receive, I might as well spend less money by buying cheaper airline tickets.

I didn't expect my ranting went on that long. I was going to tell you about Agastya's latest thing. It's a WHERE CYCLE.

Agastya: Where is Opa (grandpa), mommy?
Me: Outside.
Agastya: Outside where, mommy?
Me: Outside there (pointing at my dad, outside).
Agastya: Outside there where, mommy?
Me: <>

Agastya: Where's daddy, mommy?
Me: Gone out.
Agastya: Gone out where, mommy?
Me: Gone out to work.
Agastya: Gone out to work where, mommy?
Me: Gone out to work at his office.
Agastya: Gone out to work at his office where, mommy?
Me: <>

People, please tell me if you have a good answer to end these "where cycles"!!!

One afternoon, Aga woke up from his nap, sobbing. I rushed to his side to comfort him, asking what's wrong. He didn't answer. I asked if him if he was hurt anywhere. He said no. I asked him if he wants pee pee. He said no. I asked him if he wants to meet someone, anyone. He said yes. I asked him who he wants to meet. He said Vio. My eyes suddenly were brimmed with tears. He must have had a dream about Vio or something. I feel sorry that he had to leave his friends and his familiar environment in which he had lived in for 10 months. I know he misses people at home [My grandma, Mbak Anty, Mbak Puput, Pak Yanto, even Pak Pon! (Pak Pon is our gardener who only comes once in 3 weeks)], his school, his friends, his teachers, his bike, his neighbours, his toys which I had to leave behind due to limited weight. [Oh. Another bad point about Singapore Airlines. Their free luggage limit is 20 kgs! I know other airlines give more. - I better stop here before I start another row of rants about Singapore Airlines!]

Edit: 28 Sept 2007
My parents had just left - and of course they flew with Singapore Airlines because they had a return tickets too with them. Funny enough, their tickets show that they have BABIES!!! To think that we had the problem in Singapore that we had to sit away from each other, now they also separated my mom and dad because one of them "appear" to have an infant seat! Wrong, again. Stupid system. Infant and child tickets are linked with MY ticket not them. That's why I wasn't seated with them. I seriously fail to understand Singapore Airlines' system. It's very bad I must not fly with them again, and neither should everyone who intend to fly with kids. Very very frustrating I tell ya!

Tears yesterday for my parents' departure. Not from Agastya. Just from me and my parents. He's a strong boy. Proud of him. He clearly understood that he's not going to see my parents for a while, and Semarang is a long way away, but he didn't cry. He made a scene after they left saying he wants to go to Semarang, 'where opa's going', but I told him we'll see them during holidays and he's fine. Phew. This morning it's Aunty Bella's turn to get his attention. Then Uncle Aaron, Opa Hendro and Oma Susi. I showed him their photos and he was all smiles again, satisfied.

I still haven't got internet connection, thanks to Optus who screw up 3 times. Expect to get connection on Tuesday, with Telstra instead. Might tell you what happen when I find the time.

I'd like to acknowledge however that I've received Fazal, Miss Felice and Ibunda Azwa's email, so sorry but will reply once I get internet connection at home.

Yes. They are home..

Monica and the kids arrived Thursday, 13th sep, at Tullamarine. Obviously they got stuck at Australian Customs having to declare food items among other things.

It was a particularly warm day. Sun was up in the sky very early, the sky was indeed blue. With no wind, the temperature was 24 degrees C. But that does not matter to my inlaws as I believe they prefer "oven" like temperature all around. My mother-in-law seems most afflicted. She is freezing cold and wears this "pink" track suit which hopefully is keeping her warm. At home, the thermostat is at 23 degrees C.

For me, this is way too hot. Monica and the kids are comfortable at this temperature, I presume. My father-in-law shivers even in a thick jacket when we go out for dinner etc. but surprisingly wears only his T-shirt for his late night ciggie breaks when he ventures out of the house.

Aga finally understand he is in a different country. At the least he understands he is far away from Semarang or Yogyakarta.

My next aim is to get him to speak with me in English and to continue with Monica in Indonesian. He is fluent in Indonesian although he has the baby lisp.

Lila is amazing. Monica has explained to me many times that she puts herself to sleep but I had to see it to believe it. It is true. Besides, most importantly, she sleeps from ~9pm to ~6am non stop. No milk feeds in between.

I am again finding myself being annoyed at night.

Monica: Nuggie. Wake up Nuggie.
Nagi: ummmm, yeah ? {I look around to see if anything is amiss}
Monica: The babies are waking up.
Nagi: Oh. Why ?
Monica: Because of your snoring Nuggie.
Nagi: WHAT THE U^%(% !!
Monica: ... and your coughing Nuggie. Sleep *outside* from tomorrow.
Nagi: Ok. ZZZzzzz

I have has mild fever, nose blockage and itchy throat. I don't know where it came from.

Farewell, Kiddieland

Today was Aga's last day at Kiddieland. I quickly organised cakes to be distributed amongst his teachers and friends during snack time. When I picked him up, all his friends were there trying to hug and kiss him, but he was somewhat detached although I can clearly see he's not in his usual happy chappy mood. Even with Vio.

I couldn't prevent my tears from flowing like a bursting water balloon (water fountain, maybe?) when Vio started crying hysterically, blabbering "Aga don't go.. Aga stay..." I saw his teachers was crying too, so it's a good thing I wasn't the only one crying! I knew this was coming so I had tried to prevent it by writing a letter to the teachers so that I don't have to say a lot of things in person. Besides there were a lot to say, and I might not get to say it if I didn't write it! The tears would unfailingly get in the way! Damn it, the embarrassing howling scene was still unavoidable!

The teachers said their good-byes, and they gave a farewell present for him. A personalised mug with Kiddieland teachers and classmates printed on it!! Not just that, they returned his scrap books, filled with each and every thing he had drawn, coloured, painted, etc, and filled the rest with photos. At the last page, it's printed, "Sayonara, Aga. We'll miss you". I had to close it quickly before my tears start bucketing again. Damn those tears, they start flowing any time without my permission.

Shortly after we arrived home, Vio came by with Nadia, and Nadia gave me Agastya's picture from field trip. She also gave a personalised photo CD. Miss Felice (Yani), one of Agastya's teachers, came by later in the afternoon with a collection of wonderful photos and videos. Aga is surely feeling extra extra special today.

What they gave were such a treasure. Even if I have to put it in my pocket I have to carry them with me to Melbourne!

I'm leaving tomorrow morning, and will meet Zita and Yovita in Singapore for a few hours before departing again to Melbourne. Both Mom and Dad are accompanying me, with Aga and Lila.

I don't think Aga has fully grasped the implications of going to Melbourne. He knows he's going to see his dad and excited about it, but I know he's feeling sad today although he's not crying. Maybe he thinks he's going on a short trip to this place called "Melbourne" and he'll be able to come back soon. The testing time would be on 28th Sept, when my parents are leaving Melbourne back to Indonesia.

I will be off line from tomorrow until 24th Sept at the earliest - that's when the phone and broadband will be connected. I'll sms my new number in OZ in the mean time, so the regulars can still contact me via sms.

Till we meet again.

Me: What's your name?
Aga: Agas-tee-a.
Me: How old are you?
Aga: Too yis ol.
Me: Which school do you go to?
Aga: Kiddieland!

Kiddieland, thank you, and farewell.

My milk vs Mrs. cow's milk

For ages, every time Aga saw me feeding Lila using expressed breast milk in a bottle, he ALWAYS, ALWAYS said "Mommy Aga wants it... Aga wants sister's milk...". I kept telling him "No no. This is not your milk... Trust mommy, your milk is much nicer than this. This is bleh.. yucky. Not nice. Really." His milk is normal full-fat mother cow's milk.

On the n'th time finally he insisted he MUST have it. I don't want him to cheekily drink Lila's milk using her bottle when I'm not looking, or exchange his milk with hers trying to feed her. Both are not allowed, so I decided to give him a taste of the medicine. I poured around 5ml of the expressed breast milk into his milk bottle and let him try it. Not a lot because I was expecting him to agree with me immediately that his milk tastes better. You should have seen him, his eyes were glittering with excitement when he saw me doing that. I bet he's thinking, "Finally! This woman finally let me have that delicious milk!!!"

When he had one sip to taste, I could see from the expression on his face that he DID NOT like it, at least he DID NOT expect it to taste like that. He thought it's sister's milk so it must be NICER!

Me: Not nice, right, Aga?
Aga: (pretending to smile) Nice. Very nice. (still had that strange facial expression, though)
I laughed my heart out. Poor kid. He didn't want to admit that he was wrong! :p

I saw him finished that 5ml (he was struggling to finish it albeit very little), and asked him if he wants more because it's so very nice. He hesitated for a while and then said YES. I had to confirm twice if that was really what he wanted. He still nodded saying yes. What a stubborn kid. Just like his father.

With the young master's order, I poured a little bit more this time, around 20 ml. He wasn't as excited as before, and struggled more to finish it.

Aga: (searching for his bottle cap) That's it Mommy, I had enough.
Me: Oh, you said it was nice. How come you did not finish it?
Aga: Noooooooo.. it's NOT NICE!!!!
Me: But you said it was nice.
Aga: No. Not nice. Poor sister. Her milk not nice.

I was laughing, but as he said the last sentence, it tickled me. Should I take it as an insult - that Mrs. Cow's milk tastes MUCH better than MY milk? MY MILK??? Think about it. Why does human like cow's milk better than human's milk? Strange but true. Dare to think the opposite? Would baby calf think human's milk tastes better than mother cow's milk??? Mother cow must be so blessed. Her milk is much preferred than human's milk, and on top of that, she could feed all her kids with her milk and STILL has enough milk to feed us all. I dare not to think the opposite. God bless mother cow!

Big achievements

Some big achievements by me this week, well, of course, by the help of the kids. :p

1. Agastya is off nappy.

COMPLETELY. Day AND night. He has been off nappy during the day for almost a year now, but I have been hesitating to take the nappy off when he sleeps at night. A blog post from Mrs. Kittenhead whose son Digi shares the same birthday (same day, same month, same year, same hospital, in fact) reported that she successfully potty trained him at night. Only then it hit me, maybe it's time for Agastya to do the same. I started to lurk around his morning nappies, and noticed that _sometimes_ it's dry.

I chose the most hectic time too, 2 nights ago, when the maid that helps me plays with Agastya had gone away for a family wedding for 3 days. It was very brave of me. I told Aga to wee before sleeping, and tell him a few times (to make sure he knows I mean business!) to wake me up when he wants to wee, not to hold the wee when he wants to, and please do not ever ever EVER wee on the bed. In all accounts he nodded saying "Yes, mommy."

I was nervous all night I couldn't sleep, keep checking the bed if it's wet. At about 3, I woke him up and he got agitated.

Me: Aga, wake up. Don't you want to wee?
Aga shook his head. Eyes still closed.
Me: Are you sure?
Aga nodded. Eyes still closed.
Me: Don't wet the bed, okay?
Aga nodded. Back to sleepy land.

I have sleepless night that night, but the bed remained dry. Hurray!!! Well done, Aga.

I repeated the same procedure again last night, and the bed is still dry today. Yay! Let's hope he doesn't surprise me later on when I least expect it.


2. I put BOTH kids to sleep at night AT THE SAME TIME.

And I did it TWO nights in a row. It started at the same time when I decided that Aga should not wear nappy. I must have been insane, huh? But it worked. I breastfed Lila while Aga is dozing off, by the time Aga had fallen asleep, it was almost the same time that Lila was dozing off. I just had to put her on her cot, and, in an instant, off she went to sleepy land. I was surprised it was damn too easy. I was expecting her to cry and wake him up when he's still half asleep, but she didn't. I was expecting him to make noise and agitate her, but he didn't.

Bless them kids! Love you!
Oh by the way, you know Barney's "I love you" song? Aga insists he must hug and kiss me if he sings that song! So cute.