Made it overseas

I just wanted to say thanks to all of you who supported me! I am finally moved to my new home in Abu Dhabi, I have been here 2 wks and things are finally settling down!
We got the airport to find out that my dh's company made a mistake during the booking and they didn't book seats for the babies - they booked them only as lap babies. OMG - I nearly cried and broke down right there, doing 2 days of travelling with babies on our laps did not sound appealing. So I tried to buy tickets for the babies only to be told that the flights were already overbooked, so there was no way to buy them seats! Argh
The plane trip over here was a rough 2 days of traveling - something I am glad to never have to do again. Actually the first 3hr flight we took was the worst part of the trip - no one would change seats with us so that my mom and I could sit across from each other. Bunch of business class snobs! So, as a result they got to enjoy the screaming melody from 2 babies during that flight! Serves them right! Altho did cause some stress for my mom and I!
then the overnight in Toronto, my mom took my ds in her room, and he was an angel - only woke up once to eat. I took dd, who can be more difficult, and she got up like 4x to eat that night - so that was a rough night.
But the best part was the 13hr flight, we had the bulkhead seating and got basinets so the babies could lay down and chill out, or sleep, and they did sleep, barely cried at all and were generally quite good.
It took the babies about 7 days to adjust to the 10hr time difference, as they were pretty mixed up regardless of exposing them to sunshine, continuing their nighttime routine etc.
But all in all, I am so glad to be with DH now, we are such a happy family! Oh yeah and I have a housemaid here, so I haven't touched the washer/dryer/dishwasher or cleaned one spot of the house since I have been here - yipee! Not to mention that she helps with the twins too! Ok, so maybe the last 2months of doing it on my own in my parents house was worth it!
Thanks for all your support, not sure I could have done it without TS!

 

I was wondering how you made out ! Looking back give us some hints -- things to bring, etc. Mine will likely be 1.5 years old when I travel from Australia to Canada. I wish I was going to Dubai right now--- I'm so jeolous !!!


Heather

 

Wow. If I could present you with a medal for making it through that, I would.

Good for you and I really hope I never have to go through a time change. That would be very hard on all of us!!

Enjoy your new home!!!

 

Ok, tips.
Get the bulkhead seating if possible, if you can't use the basinets at least you have a little extra space to lay the babies on the floor or sit them on the floor.
We used soother strings (those little clips that you attach soothers to baby's clothes with), we wrapped them around toys and clipped them right to the babies clothes, that way they couldn't drop them on the floor. That was a great idea someone off here gave, so I can't take credit for it.
We also gave the babies a dose of tylenol before each flight - not sure if this helped, but I was really worried about ear pain for them. This won't be a good option for everyone, but it was what we decided to do.
I bf my dd on take off and landing, and my mom had my ds and was ready to bottle feed if needed. That seemed to help a bit
The flight attendants did warm a bottle up on one of the flights, but they warmed it to the point where it was scorching hot - so beware when they warm bottles up for you! So, bring a couple of spare cans of formula or ebm if possible, you never know when one will be ruined.
Bring extra blankets, so you can lay the babies out on the floor at the airport if you have any layovers, our babies loved to roll around the floor between flights.
Oh yeah, we had to check our car seats and they lost one of the sunshades, so I would pack the sunshades in your suitcase if you want to keep both of them!
On our one night layover I was quite glad that we got seperate rooms, my mom took one baby and I took the other, that way when a baby woke up they didn't wake everyone in the room up.
We had a bunch of people offer to help us with the babies on the 13hr flight (other passengers believe it or not), the babies were great so we didn't need the extra help, but don't be afraid to ask the flight attendants to hold a baby if you need to. I also had the flight attendant open and get my meal ready as I was busy bfing.T

 

I am glad you made it safely over there. I dont know if I could of managed that with both babies at 5 months old. I know you are happy to be with DH. Have fun having a maid.

 

:clapping: WTG mama! Enjoy your family being together and the new home!

 

So glad you made it!!!!!! Glad your family is back together

Dianna

 

You know I'm so happy for you! Enjoy the housemaid. I'm jealous!!! :winking0009:

 

Congratulations on making it! I am in awe of you! We're considering flying with the boys this fall...you may have encouraged me!

 

Congrats to YOU, Mama! What a brave mom you are for taking/making it through that trip! The prize was well worth it
I only have a two hour flight to Florida next month and I'm a nervous wreck! LOL

 

Sorry that first flight was difficult, but it sounds like the really long flight was MUCH better. So happy you are there with DH and can enjoy being a family. :hug99:

 

I was really thinking about you! Glad you are there and are settling in. I'll bet DH was beyond
excited to see the babies.

 

I'm glad you made it over there with little incident. I can't believe no one would switch so you guys could sit together, how rude!!! You are lucky to have the assistance of a housemaid. It must be so nice to be back together as a family. Enjoy being together.

Jen

 

So glad you made it safely!! I have to say I am a little jealous of your housemaid, that sounds amazing!!

 

yes, my dh was sooo excited to see the babies (and me), he couldn't wait to get at them, change diapers, bath, clothe and play with them! Although he did have a few "dumb" moments where he would treat them like they were still 2mnths old - like ask why they don't fall asleep right after they feed - ahem...but they haven't done that in months, now they like to stay awake and play with toys (the biggest and best toys being adults)!
And, if me, a paranoid first time mom can make that 2 day flight, ANYONE can do a flight. The secret is to just book it, and then you are committed and have to do it!