Back in the PI

Camilla's first loooong and International trip was this January 2018. So from January 6 until 20th, we had a vacation and went to the Philippines. A lot of preparation was done, so many things to prepare and (actually) buy for this trip. We had to ask and research on what to bring like if we needed a stroller and car seat for Camilla, the amount of milk to bring and diapers, which toys, the clothes, shoes, and snacks to prepare. A lot was going on, and also considering her first airplane ride, I was really paranoid that she would just poop a lot this second time around. To add to that, since we are switching planes like 2 or 3 times, I worried about the landings and take offs and how we can make it so that she doesn't feel the air pressure changing or her ear popping.

Turned out, this little one was a trooper. She of course had her moments when she was bored and wanted to play around but was restricted (by me), but during landings and take offs, she was asleep! Literally we didn't have to worry about it. She was sucking her pacifier for some of the take offs and landings and was half asleep, but she never gave us a hard time, nor did she have a hard time during these moments. Plus, she pooped just once when we were about to take off, which I was able to change her in the plane before we took off. She also pooped while at the airport in Japan, which, Martin was able to help out in changing since there was a family restroom.

This trip was definitely about Camilla. It's Camilla and meeting the family basically. I had a lot of things planned at the back of my head (Taytay, Lare Bare, Tiangge, Putong ube etc), almost none of it was accomplished. It was a bummer, but we have to carry on. I never thought how having a little one would change the way we travel, although that should be expected. Maybe one other reason why it was harder, was because mama was here in the US and I had no immediate help and support when it comes to the baby. Having to live in QC and not my actual house was something that I didn't know how to handle. I was pretty sure at first that I'd be able to take Camilla with me, I was even pretty sure I can go where ever if it's just the two of us since I'm so used to commuting and travelling by myself or on my own, but, it was totally different once I am there, in that situation and environment. I did feel helpless to be honest, even though I was surrounded by family.

Seeing Camilla and Joy together made me happy and sad at the same time. I was happy to see my two babies, but sad because time with these two was really short.

I hope they grow to be close no matter what.

Family pic at Tagaytay, where I have to tickle her to make her laugh that much.

A lot of firsts for this baby right here. First International flight, first PH experience, first time she sweat so much in a matter of minutes, first in a car without seatbelts or carseats, first beach and sand experience, first time meeting family and mommy's friends, first senorita or banana (which she loved!), first crocs tsinelas, first time in megamall and other malls in PH, first kid's playroom at the airport, first uber in PH, the list goes on.

I hope to be able to prepare a trip back to PH but this time really spending time with my family. Someday, sometime, but for now, let's carry on.