A weekend to Malacca

The only reason why we decided to go to Malacca for a weekend trip is to make up for the times that Adam wasn't around on the long weekends a few weeks before because he was away with Isaac to US. This trip also marks Eleanor's first road trip with us and she just turned 4 months as well. We decided to make this a laid-back trip and wanted to depart close to noon, with Malacca only about 2 hours away from where we were. However packing for 2 kids is quite a challenge. I felt like bringing the whole house but the most important things were pampers and milk. Others, we could buy or live without. 

However, when we were on our way, I realised that we have forgotten the baby carrier! I can't imagine carrying Eleanor around without one. Yes, she can be in the stroller but it is also much easier to control Isaac by strapping him into the stroller as well. Out of desperation, I blast out a plea for help in a baby wearing group and to make it short, a sweet momma from Malacca agreed to loan us her carrier without any fee. 

We made our way to our bed and breakfast place after picking up the carrier. We've always picked to stay in Wayfarer whenever we were in Malacca. I adore the location and love the balcony where I could just watch the sunset with the boats going to and fro the river. 

Our room in Wayfarer

My boys at my fav balcony. Love the view

Sleeping soundly in her baby seat

After checking in, we had lunch at Malaccafe. The cakes were to die for as they are from Gula Cakery but the beef lasagne was too oily for my liking. We strolled along the river with Isaac requesting to go on a boat ride every 5 minutes. 

Chocolate Pavlova and Double Chocolate Nutella. Both were so good!

Beef Lasagne

Because the lighting was so ONZ 

I love my two kids 

Cool watermelon. Look how drenched Isaac is

We eventually went on a boat ride and Isaac was grinning ear to ear. We even bought those cliche souvenirs for keeps of our boat ride. We ended the day with dinner at Jonker Walk with Eleanor in her carrier and Isaac in the stroller. Im glad a fellow momma helped me out in times of desperation. I couldn't possibly enjoy Jonker Walk without a baby carrier. Eleanor slept throughout our dinner thanks to the baby carrier.

Happy boy 

Happily sipping my coconut shake 

The next morning we started our day early hunting for breakfast. Yes, another walking session with the kids along Jonker. Came across Kaya-Kaya Cafe. I had the salted egg mushroom with toasted bread with their speciality coffee. It was so yum I decided to bring home some and made pasta to go with it the next day!

The lovely courtyard at Wayfarer

Adam holding a banana 

Very yum. But I'm a sucker for anything that is related to salted egg 

Came across a Chetti Temple which I included in my lecture this semester 

On our way back to Wayfarer we dropped by an antique bazaar and Adam bought a couple of toys for Isaac. We packed our stuffs and head home after 12 pm. The traffic was so good to and from Malacca we reached home in no time. All in all it was a short but fulfilling trip. Eleanor was so well behaved throughout the trip. Our next trip? Cherating here we come! 

Our Babymoon in Tanjung Jara Resort_Part 1

We are finally back again after 3 years. We were here when I was about 30 plus weeks with isaac and now we are here with another at 34 weeks. Why tanjong jara again? Because we enjoyed ourselves so much the last time that we made a promise to come again when we have Isaac with us ( this little one in my tummy wasn't in the picture at that time but we love you, baby adik!).

When we arrived we were greeted by the sound of the Gong to signify there's incoming guests. We were then seated at their lobby for our check-in process.Yes no lining up at the reception to check-in. Cold towels and beverages were provided as well. While waiting Isaac was really anxious about going to the ocean. The check-in process duration wasn't too long but u need to bear in mind that a deposit of RM1000 is needed during check in. We were shocked ( it is quite an amount, yes? It's usually much lesser than that) when they asked for it the first time we were here but we were well aware of it this time. This deposit can also be deducted throughout our stay. So, the activities/food (mainly food in our case) can be charged to the room or you can opt to pay on a separate account upon checking out. 

With a grinning Isaac 

We were placed much nearer to the reception area this time which was a relief to me but with that, we are much further from the kids' pool. Granted that we are near to the adult pool but in TJR, the adult pool is only meant for adults, which was fine by us.

So here is the Serambi room and it is spacious for sure. I just love the bathroom area. Wished we had space to make this at our own home.

Main bed area 

Bath tub that Isaac claims as his 

A day bed which I use it as my sleeping bed because this momma needs space 

Went to the beach on the very same day because we promised Isaac to bring him to see the ocean and as a treat because he was amazingly well behaved throughout our journey. I've come to realise that Isaac loves road trips and can entertain himself with his toys (Thank God). He had a joyful time at the beach, playing with a set of beach toys that we bought from Happikiddo. 

I would like to thank Adam for driving us here, having the energy to play with isaac after that long drive and sponsoring this trip. We love you, daddy! So very much.

Hello America ( October 2017_part 2)

I've decided I can't possibly document everything we did on our US trip because we went for 3 weeks.Therefore I would probably focus on the highlights of our trip. 

I remember Isaac being cranky the very next day when we arrived. We went to the Tyson Corner Mall with Adam's aunt and he insisted that we carried him all day long which is unusual for isaac because he is usually comfortable being pushed in his stroller.

I was honestly dreading the whole idea of oh my god, are we going to have to endure with this the whole 3 weeks? I can't do it too often because I was merely into my 1st trimester and I felt sorry for Isaac when I see him wanting me to carry him.

First day out

With daddy

Isaac wants a Tesla 

Shadow play with Tok Moi 

I can't blame Isaac because I felt really sick the few days we were there too and thank God for my mom's Assam jawa recipe. It cured my sore throat and I was all better for our road trip to NYC and Niagara Falls. Isaac became more like himself a few days after as well. He was probably adjusting with the weather and time zone. So next entry is on our trip to NYC and Niagara Falls!

Note: Isaac had a meltdown in the next entry. So much to learn from a child, yes?

Womb service - penang trip

Now Adam is not an impromptu person. I almost choked when he asked me, "So when do you want to go to penang to get your Mi Sotong Hameed?" I jokingly said,"Why don't we go this weekend since i do not have any classes this weekend." ( I'm currently undertaking a diploma for teaching and learning). He replied calmly and said "Challenge accepted"

Truth is I thought he would change his mind nearing weekend but to my surprise he didn't. Adam's plan was just a day trip and well, I, on the other hand would prefer to spend at least one night. With this we decided to play by ear and decide once we arrive. We took our time to depart from Shah Alam and we only started driving out to Penang about 2 pm

We told Isaac it was going to be a long car ride so brace yourself, Isaac. He was surprisingly well behaved and was mainly singing and watching the trucks/cars along the way. He slept for an hour and that's it!

We arrived in penang about 7 pm and headed straight to the Mi Sotong Hameed. Isaac soaked his pants because us parents were too lazy to change to his diaper ( yes we only have ourselves to blame).Unfortunately I was too full from the Starbucks I had earlier along the way and couldn't finish my meal. I had two glasses of coconut shake though. So yum!

Isaac and his monster truck. The food was too spicy for him though

We decided to find a place in town after dinner and came across this place. I was interested in staying a night in The Artist Studio Lodge because it as an artistic appeal into it and I would want to have a attached toilet as well because it is scary to be going to the toilet at 3 am (and I go to the toilet often now with my current condition). However, upon checking in our room that I found out that the toilet is on a sharing basis. My bladder seems to get the idea because I did not wake up to pee at odd hours throughout the night. Phew. We left the place early in the morning without having the chance to notify the owner because she was nowhere to be found. It was unfortunate however that the owner is a bit cold towards us which I don't understand why. Maybe we weren't the type of guests that she preferred.

We had a nice and calm breakfast along Transfer Road. It was really good because we avoided the other stall which had a bigger crowd. With a travelling toddler, one has to make wise decisions such as this.

Isaac and his love for fruits 

This was so good. Eggs and cheese in between 

Our little family. Isaac wanted to have a sip of Adam's Teh Ais 

Overall we enjoyed our short trip to Penang and was pretty pleased at how Isaac behaved throughout our journey. Can't wait to bring Isaac to Tanjung Jara this weekend. 

Hello America (October 2017_Part 1)

I would be lying if I were to tell you guys I wasn't nervous about bringing a toddler on a long haul flight. Fortunately for us, my in laws will be accompanying us on the trip going to US but it would be just the 3 of us when we take our flight back to Malaysia. 

So what should you prepare when you travel with a toddler? 

Definitely a lot of patience.. and new toys! We even wrapped them like gifts so Isaac will have the joy of unwrapping them. This trick worked on Isaac because he wasn't really attracted to watching the flight entertainment. I did make sure that I packed enough formula milk and diapers. I sure don't want to run out of them along the way. That would have been disastrous. So yes, pack enough or always go for more if you are unsure. 

In general Isaac behaved well on flight. He slept most of the time on flight and only waking up for diaper changes. However, when he is awake he will wonder why is it taking so long to reach our destination and tried to position himself in many different positions to make himself comfortable in between us. 

Sleepy before our flight because it was a night flight 

Another tip when traveling is the lesser hand luggage the better it is 

Our little traveller 

Apparently I don't have any photos on flight so these are the only ones I have of our journey going to US. I was 3 weeks pregnant when I went for this trip and we went for an appointment with our gynae to ensure that I am fit to travel. I was prescribed with hormone pills and of course folic acid. I remember being unsure that my pregnancy would survive but hey, this little lady in me is a strong lady. 

Penang - First road trip for Isaac and us as parents (Part 1)

It is obvious that I haven't been blogging for quite some time. Aside from busy being a mom, I have been really busy at work too. So the trip to Penang was something that I was really looking forward to. I told Adam that I only wanted to have one thing in Penang and that would be the Hameed Special Mi Sotong. I saw this on an instagram account when I was pregnant and it has been on my mind ever since. 

We planned our journey according to Isaac's routine. Aimed to leave the house by 9:30 am (managed to do this, phew!) because we know Isaac would want to sleep by 10 am. There's a big difference bringing Isaac around this time because he has started eating! So I had to prepare his food that would be sufficient for the whole trip. We had a total of 3 bags which is not that bad, really. I expected to bring the whole house with us! 

We decided to stop by Ipoh to feed this little man and change his diaper. This proves to be a good move because he was starting to get anxious in his car seat. 

Frozen pear, banana and pumpkin

He is really happy to be OUT of the car seat

Pear and banana. YUM

Helping mommy with her OOTD shots

We continued our journey to the island after making sure that Isaac is full and has a clean diaper. The journey wasn't as smooth as it was before because Isaac was having a hard time to sleep. He was knocked out after a bottle of milk (I had to go to and fro between the front and back of the car for this - so please get a 4 door car if you have a family trip). We arrived Lone Pine at about 5 plus and thank God the check in process went smoothly. I honestly cannot wait to just laze around in the pool after being in the car for so long!

The whole room was as pretty as how we remembered it. We were here in 2014 for our 2nd year anniversary, so this is our second time in Lone Pine. A baby cot was placed in the room but we find that it is a bit sunken so Isaac had to sleep in the big bed with us, hence the smile on his face here. As he doesn't move around when he sleeps, we didn't mind having him on our bed. Plus, a holiday is also a time to relax and not follow the usual rule, right Isaac? On Monday, you sleep in your bed again, okay 

Yeay I can sleep with my parents for 2 nights!

We obviously didn't waste any time changing to spend whats left of the day time to go for a swim. Isaac had a firm and curious look throughout his swimming session. He was probably trying to digest how come there's a lot of people sharing his tub that day. Oh well, at least he didn't cry like the last time we put him in the pool in Phuket. 

Water baby

Oh my, who farted in the water

The long day ended with a good walk by the beach. He slept right after HIS dinner time and was really cranky when we woke him up for OUR dinner time. No food hunting activity achieved that day, but we were really happy that we arrived safely, and survived our trip going to Penang. Now, the journey back, is another story... 

Vitamin-Sea

Sunset watching

The boy who refused to wake up for dinner 

Phuket 2016

I'm supposed to write about our Hong Kong trip, but decided to do Phuket first. Granted it was Isaac's first trip out of Malaysia, it was also Adam's first trip to Thailand. It was my first trip to Phuket, but I had a feeling it would be similar to Krabi. I was partially correct. Phuket is a busier island compared to Krabi, in my opinion. 

As you are aware, Isaac's first flight experience went better than what we imagined. When we arrived at the Phuket Airport, we were not given any immigration form by the air stewardess which was kind of odd. Perhaps they ran out of it? God knows. 

Now, the hotel that my in-laws booked was 40 minutes away from the airport, so it was another long journey to finally rest and relax. Similar to Krabi, the driver stopped at a place whereby they promote many activities to be done in Phuket. 

We stayed in the Holiday-Inn Express and it was perfectly placed as it is very near to the beach and surrounded by 7-11. Rooms were clean and they even accommodated our request for a baby cot for Isaac. Since Isaac is trained to sleep in a baby cot, he enjoyed sleeping in it. I know because he slept for 8 hours straight throughout our stay. The only downside is that the room does not come with a bath tub. So Isaac had to take his bath in the sink. 

Happy baby in the morning 

One of the activities that is worth mentioning is Isaac's first time in the swimming pool. Which did not turn out well, by the way. I took pity on him and did not continue to soak him in the pool. My guess is that the water was too cold for him. Poor baby. 

We also went snorkelling with my FIL and SIL. Without Isaac of course. My MIL and aunt was kind enough to take care of him while we went on a full day trip to Phi Phi Island. Honestly, the corals and fishes are way better in Malaysia. My FIL even commented that it looks like a black and white TV down there. So please, go for Redang or Perhentian if you really want to see the beautiful land under the sea. I enjoyed myself nonetheless. It was Adam's first time snorkelling and he commented that it was beautiful. This guy really needs to go to Redang. 

At the pier

Apparently people actually live here! 

More people than sand at Maya Bay

The Johnstons chilling 

Bobbing heads

Completed the night with watching Simon Cabaret (watched it in Bangkok many years ago). Still, very entertaining. Of course, Isaac was fast asleep throughout.

100 Baht minimum to be paid for photo sessions but the ladyboys were kind enough to give it to us for free

The next day was spent with Isaac. We brought him to the beach and I can see that he was trying to absorb as much as he could. He probably wouldn't remember his first time seeing the beach, but I would forever remember it. That should count too. 

Pathway is available for strollers

Street food. Please take note its hard to find halal food in Phuket. However there are many Indian/Arab restaurants. If you don't mind having that most of the time ..

Wide awake at the beach

One with daddy

He fell asleep (again) on our way back to the hotel. I notice he likes to be cuddled when he sleeps now. Hence why I would really want to purchase an Ergobaby. We visited Bangla road on our last night and boy it was full of lady boys, ping pong shows, pole dancings.. very festive indeed! We also had to purchase extra formula milk for the little guy as we were running really low on our supply. Need to remember to ALWAYS bring an extra tin of milk for future trips.  

Bangla road

Cabaret show 

Probably the most amusing thing that night

All in all it was a very good trip and I had my foot massage and full body massage as per planned. Didn't purchase anything much in Phuket, but here's my loot from the airport and Boots Pharmacy. Haven't tried the serum yet but the lip balm saved my super dry lips in Phuket. 

The dried durian is NOT okay to me. Cashew nuts were so good and the milk durian candy was okay as well 

Buy 1 free 1 promotion. Hooray!

Note: A huge thank you to my in-laws for including us in this trip and for all the Baht spent in this trip. We are looking forward to the day that we would be able to do the same too for them instead.