We're in Hong Kong

 

 We're finally in Hong Kong on our first family vacation.  I say first because this time the three of us are travelling to and from our international destination together.  I was dreading the flight to Hong Kong, wondering how we were going manage all the hand luggage, going through security, the huge car seat, installing and uninstalling, not being able to wheel the car seat down the aisles of the plane, and taking the wheeling attachement off and on the car seat.  But it all ended up going very smoothly, as though we were seasoned travellers :p.  Phew!

Then the flying was another dread - how would Emma handle 20 odd hours of airplane travel.  Turned out that Emma napped the entire leg from Raleigh to Newark, this coincided with her midmorning nap.  The 16 hour flight from Newark to Hong Kong wasn't easy, but Emma did really well considering, napping about 8 hours of the 16 hours, being entertained by the handset and tv screen in front of her.  All the books and toys we brought along (even though new) were declined.  Sleep was hard for her with all the noises, lights and people around her, when we finally got her to sleep, we made a little tent for her to keep it nice and dark for her.

I must say I was so happy we took the huge car seat with us, made travelling sooooo much easier and comfortable. 

Now we're spending loads of time with Rod's family and trying to get Emma over the jetlag.  It's been a rough few nights/mornings, but I think we're on track now.  Poor baby.  So many changes, she must wonder why we walk everyone and has not once had to sit in her car seat.  

We've been eating delicious family meals at Debbie Koo-Che's house, everyone taking time out of their busy schedules to all be together.  It's been wonderful family time.  Really special seeing Emma with her Tai Ma Ma (Great Grandmother) - the happiness on her face is priceless.  She did comment that she loves holding Emma, but she does wish she weren't as heavy.

Emma is loving the attention from everyone.  She has her moments of not wanting to go to certain people, still warming up.  The first night we arrived, she was already giving everyone hugs.  When Ma Ma and Yeh Yeh arrived, she just sat and stared at them.  Must have been weird for her to see them in real life, and not on skype.  For us, of course we're enjoying seeing Emma being loved by everyone, making up for the missed out family time.  It's great having free hands too.

Still more to look forward to, will update about the rest of our trip later.  We're off to Disney tomorrow, not too sure that Emma will get as excited about the real Pooh Bear....it's going to be interesting.

Until then.....