Take Off

The day finally arrived. It feels like we've been waiting forever forever for this adventure. Our first international flight with children, our first as a family of five.
My two favourite things in life, travel, and children set to be combined for the first time.
A new challenge, a new chapter.
Noones expecting it to be easy. Thats part of the reason for doing it.
The last time Nat and I travelled together, internationally by plane was to Japan in 2017, soon after we lost Hendrik. When we returned from that trip, we discovered Ryland was on the way. It seemed fitting to return there for our first trip as our complete family group, 8 years later.
Alarm set for 420am. Shuttle transfer set for 5am for a 9.30am flight, Melbourne direct to Narita Airport, Tokyo.
Bags mostly packed, a toastie and cereal and we're off, under the light of a lunar eclipse. The first half hour, this is what I hoped for from the boys. Pure excitement. Thrown out of routine and their comfort zone.
An hour later, we're at Terminal 2, Tullamarine. One thing that family travel has increased a little, is the luggage haul. Well, a lot more than a little. Nat and I have opted to pull our giant backpacks out of retirement for more hands free, with one jumbo wheelie bag. All of us have a daybag/hand luggage, including a baby bag for Zander. Oh, and a pram.
We just about dragged that all through bag drop, the pram at oversized luggage, customs and to our gate. We managed to score a loan-pram that looked designed more for dolls than humans, but no complaints from little Zander who loved holding on for dear life as he was ushered around.
After spending almost a small fortune ($48) on a couple coffees a crossaint and fruit cup, the long wait for that first family expedition by air overseas was finally over.
We've booked bassinet aisle seats in the bulkhead in row 23 (A+B at the window and D and E across the aisle, in front of the basinet). Now the test, will Zander the Hutt (a baby that was >1%ile weight a month after birth, and as of his check this week is now 99%ile weight at 11.4kg) fit in the bassinet..? The limit is listed as 11.3kg and 71cm (he's 74).
After a little squirm and some early resistance, an hour in.. and he's out, asleep and has been down 3 hours so far. Long may it continue.
Ryland has been good as gold, watching movies and drawing. He's carries the most excitement and positivity of us all. Axel, since last night has been struggling with a tongue surface infection/irritation, and what seems an interrelated case of anxiety. We've been applying some meds and nurofen for it, but its making him a little edgy and difficult thus far already.
Zander has just woke from about 3.25 hours sleep in the bassinet looking VERY refreshed. We're about 4.25 out of Tokyo, let's hope the rest of the journey goes smoothly.
On arrival, 7pm, we have a 50min private transfer direct to Hilton Tokyo for our first night in Japan. I've a load of issues to sort with our hotel booking so hopefully that goes well..
Tomorrow, we're gonna start off with a big experience at Disney Sea!Leer más