Baby in Hong Kong

The family just got back from a trip to Hong Kong.  For the hubby and the baby, it was a vacation, but for the mommy, it was work.

Hong Kong weather during this time was quite unpredictable.  It was hot but came with daily thunderstorms, so we made sure to bring an umbrella everytime we went out.

Sadly, Hong Kong has not changed much since my last visit (in 2008) in terms of amenities for babies and young children.  Most establishments still do not have ramps for strollers and wheelchairs.  If you do see one, you should consider it a "perk" and not the norm.  When taking the underpass, hubby had to fold the stroller and carry it down the steps while I carried baby J.  On other occasions, we just walked around using our baby carrier so it would be easier for us to go about.

Another thing I noticed in Hong Kong was the lack of a nursing room in all the places we visited.  Luckily, I always bring my nursing cover with me anywhere I go.

Being a mom has changed my priorities and the way I see things.  I no longer rate places I visit by the good buys I see and the attractions I visit, but rather, by the amenities they have for the little ones.

In this aspect, I was very happy with our hotel.  Despite the lack of ramps and baby care rooms/ nursing rooms, our hotel more than made up for it.  Upon check-in at the Langham Place Hotel Mongkok, we were already given a "Menu for the Little One".  This menu consisted of the basic amenities they have for the little ones as well as the entertainment activities available, all free of charge.  The  kids also get their own toiletry kit!  

I am also commending Cathay Pacific Airlines for their very good service.  I never had to request for a bulkhead seat, baby food, or a bassinet.  They made sure we had everything we needed during the flight.  They also gave us a diapering kit along with Mustela vitamin barrier cream!  Even if the charges for baby J were significantly more expensive than the other airlines we have taken, it was worth it.

 
Despite the lack of baby care facilities in Hong Kong, the trip was still a refreshing one for all of us.  After all, home is where the heart is.  As long as I am with them, I am happy.

Travelling with baby

We are going to Hong Kong tomorrow.  The hubby, baby, and myself, for yet another work-related event.  It has been awhile since my last visit to Hong Kong.  Let us see how difficult/ easy it is to go around with baby J.  I will chronicle it after I get back.

But before we even get there, I have to pack for the trip first, rehearsing in my mind all the previous trips we've been on and thinking what things to bring along.  

While packing our stuff, I am once again reminded of the many things I need to bring for baby J, even if we are just going to be away for four days. 

I would like to share with you what I normally pack for every trip.  This may help you on your trips too.

1. Clothes - pajamas, sleep bag, jacket, playtime clothes, "going-out" clothes (depending on the country's weather), matching shoes, matching hair accessories, swimsuit, warmer, hat
2. Diapers
3. Bath kit - towel, diaper rash cream, shampoo, soap, travelling tub
4. medical kit
5. home-made baby food 
6. bottles, spoons, sterilizer, bottle brush, dish washing soap, sponge
7. teethers
8. bibs
9. breast pump
10. personal care kit - nail cutter, nail file, tooth brush

Now that I am writing it down, it does not seem to be a very long list.  But, trust me, it's harder than it looks on paper. Those ten items are also quite heavy. We normally need one luggage purely for baby's stuff while hubby and I share one. No wonder I hear many parents complaining about the difficulties of travelling with a baby in tow.  I do understand where they are coming from. But, despite all these very tedious, detailed preparation, I would still choose to travel with my baby anytime than leave her behind.  Especially now that separation anxiety is part of her developmental milestone.

Baby-friendly Singapore

I've been living in Singapore for almost 5 years now.  Many of my life's milestones happened in these 5 years: I got engaged, I got married, I changed career, I became pregnant, and I had a baby.

Living in Singapore while working full-time and having a baby is a very tricky thing.  Infant care is very expensive, especially for foreigners who do not get government subsidy.  Daytime nannies are also hard to come by.  Stay-in nannies you can trust your babies with are even harder to come by.  Because of all these, my husband and I are still very hands-on with our baby, juggling both our full-time work schedule with the care of our baby.

But once you have overcome this obstacle, having a baby in Singapore is actually quite good.  Even if the country's fertility rate is very low, I would like to think this country is "baby-friendly".  Why do I say this, you ask?

Well, I am still breastfeeding my baby full-time (yes, I am full-time everything) so the first thing I do when I go to any establishment is check to see whether there is a baby care area/mum's room/nursing room.  I am glad that most malls I have been to, have very nice, cozy baby care rooms.  I am comparing this to the countries I have brought my baby along with me on my business trips (we have been to 5 countries already, with the sixth one this coming weekend).

In most of these other countries, they do not have a dedicated breastfeeding room for nursing Moms.  In those few establishments who do have such rooms, there is usually just one or two available in the entire establishment.  

In those places where there are no nursing rooms, I had to resort to sitting on the toilet seat just so I can feed my baby while maintaining my privacy.  In other places where there are no toilet seat cover provided, I had to nurse my baby standing!

Ramps are also another thing that some establishments and buildings have forgotten to add in.  But these are the important things for anyone travelling with very young kids.

Nursing rooms and ramps may not be a big deal for some people, but once you have experienced having to nurse your baby standing in a very warm toilet cubicle, or having to carry the stroller on a flight of stairs because they do not have an elevator or even a ramp, only then will you appreciate those little things.

My favorite nursing room

Who says Baby care areas should not be fancy?

Chandelier over the changing table

 


 I have never appreciated this country as much as I do now.  Thank you for being so considerate to all the parents with kids.




 

Being a Mom

I am a goal-driven person.  I have always known what I wanted and went after it.  Which is why I have always been a leader in school, in organizations, and even at work, to a certain extent.

When I was younger, I actually did not want to get married.  I thought about the many changes pregnancy will do to my body, the limitations I will have with activities, and the burden of raising a child.

But as I got older, and finally met the man I wanted to spend my life with, things changed.  We got married.  And had a baby.  Yes, I am now a Mom to an adorable 8-month old baby girl.  I am still working full-time, but ambitions of becoming the top honcho at work is no longer my priority.  I still give 100% at work.  But weekends and after-office hours are sacred.  It is spent purely with my hubby and daughter. 

Being a Mom is a wonderful, difficult journey.  Especially during the first three months.  But, trust me, it will get better and better.  

It is quite a thrill to see my baby with her developmental milestones.  I never thought seeing her first tooth appear will be so exciting.  But it was!  I called everyone about it and couldn't stop myself from squealing.

I am still adjusting to being a full-time Mom and a full-time career woman.  But I will never trade the feeling of being a Mom for anything in the world.