Traveling Diary 2 - missing daughter on board

Missing 22 months old at 35,000 feet?!

My daughters have always been good sleeper. I have heard some of my friends' kids never sleeping on the plane, but that was never been the case for my girls.

When my youngest was 22 months old and the oldest was 4, we went to Japan.

The oldest was already potty trained, and the youngest was still in diaper. So, whenever the oldest has to go to bathroom on the plane, we all went. When I had to change the youngest daughter's diaper or I had to go to the bathroom, I either left the oldest at her seat occupied with something or took with us to bathroom.

There was a time both of them were asleep and I had to go to the bathroom. I held it for a while which I am used to now a days after having kids, but could not wait any more. Noticed the both of the girls were asleep and the lavatory was vacant, I decided to leave them where they were and and just to to the lavatory 10 feet away without asking flight attendants for assistance. I thought, "It will be only a minute. They are good sleeper, so it should be fine."

One minute later when I came back refreshed, the youngest daughter who was asleep flat on two seat were GONE. The oldest was still asleep leaning against the back and arm rest, and had not move a bit. I began to panic a little, and moved a little forward on aisle to get closer to our seat in the dark.

Then, I found the youngest still asleep on the floor right in front of our seats. She must have fallen from the seats and still remained asleep. I knew there was no way she would be able to go missing in the plane.

Since then, even if they are both asleep, I decide to ask flight attendant to watch them while I go to lavatory. Even when I know I will be back in a minute.

Giving up the Best Strawberries

I have huge passion for food. That sounds wonderful, but in other words, I love to eat. And, I eat like a vacuum. My oldest daughter had told me that in the past.

She knows my favorite food: Strawberries.

This time of the year, we have wonderful strawberries here in Oregon.

Almost every week, we buy them at farmer's market.

This one is from a Tuesday farmer's market at OHSU. I bought 3 pints at Saturday farmer's market and by Sunday morning, the three containers were empty!! So, it was unplanned, but I replenished with the ones from Tuesday farmer's market.

Knowing how much I love strawberries, I was sort of surprised to say that I hardly ate any of the strawberries from farmer's markets. The girls did! This is another sign of being a mom; give up your favorite food so your kids can have them.
Seeing the kids happy faces with red mustache is all worth of giving up the best strawberries around here :)

Eating What I Grew

My balcony has been full of spring with flowers blooming and vegetable and herb growing.

The gold medal goes to Mizuna. It has been growing like crazy!

This is from mid April about a few weeks after we planted the seeds.

Two weeks after that, it looked like this.



Now it looks even more bushy than the last photo.

Tonight, I cooked pasta with bacon and some vegetables like green pepper, tomato, onion from grocery store AND mizuna, herbs (basil, rosemary, and sage) from my garden!



Yum.....

Travel Diary - Story from my success (so far)

I have traveled with my two kids to Japan and across the US several times now.

Now I have many experiences under my belt, I am not so worried about the long trip with the kids alone.

We have scheduled the next trip in late June, and are looking forward to spending early (humid) summer in Japan... Seriously!

Here are some tips from me and why my trips have been successful so far!

1. Thanks goodness for the oldest who is a morning person.

She does not mind being woken up at the end of the long flights usually middle of the night Oregon time. With her sleepy eyes half open, she pulls her own carry-on suitcase full of toys, books, change of clothes (for accident) and blanket for herself and her little sister without much of complaining.

She is a trooper and awesome traveler.

2. Bathroom trips can be tough but can be done.

At airports, three of us all get in the wheelchair stall and take turns. "Taking turns" mean just the oldest and me. Then, we change the youngest diaper (until she is potty trained whenever that would be....)

We used to use stroller for traveling but now it is actually easier without.

On the plane, bathroom trip can be case by case. If I have to go and the kids are asleep, ask a flight attendant to watch them for a few minutes. If they are awake, we all usually end up going together or the oldest might stay at her seat entertain herself. But, the youngest has to come with me as long as she is awake. If the oldest have to go, we all go. NO QUESTION ABOUT THIS ONE.

3. Food (planning ahead for the 10+ hour trip)

I always bring some snack/fruit etc. Fruit always have to be disposed before entering another country, but still sounds healthier than junk food that comes in plastic bag. Rice balls have been very filling and good traveling food.

4. Last resort - Portable DVD player

The NW flight used to be equipped with on demand system. However, since they are aquired by Delta, the aircraft they use for the Portland-Narita does not have on demand system. We are stuck to watch the same movie at the same time with the rest of the passengers in the coach cabin. So, when the kids are just restless and bored, the portable DVD player has been a hero. It is better to have quiet kids on the plane without surrounding passengers giving you dirty looks and you are going crazy than worried about how much they are watching TV. My own sanity to last the whole trip is more important.

These are MY own secrets for success.

Soon, I think I will write funny stories from our experiences...