Ann - we flew with Jetstar, so much walking to the furthest parts of both airports, was involved. at 2 and 2 months, bilby walked most of it, pushing the luggage trolley with us. Even for the walk from where your tickets get checked to the actual plane, no prams are offered by the airline.

Taking off was fine, coming down again, i tried
- jubes (she spat them out)
- rice crackers (that didn't last long enough)
- breastfeeding (while she was in her seatbelt in her seat, and me in my seat, belted up, so i got a sore back out of that, had to lean my body at a weird angle to accomplish this, but it was better than her screaming in pain (air pressure in ears).

when children are two, you pay full price and they get their own seat, own baggage allowance.

the jetstar seating is so close together, i coulnd't imagine doing that flight with her on my lap (like when she was one year, ten months for example).

i packed a scrapbook and crayons, our slimmest, smallest books and one small comfort cuddly toy, nothing on plane to entertain her with, so i'm glad i went prepared.

this was my first experience of travelling with a child - went better than i expected. the phiffing and pfaffing before and after the flights, took the most time.

i had her in a night nappy for the flight, cos i had been told that the plane baby change area is miniscule and a real PITA. so i was out to avoid using that (unless she did a poo).

NICOLA - your inlaws are very kind to come so far to help you, that's fantatstic. SOUnds likr the sooner you are out of there, the better. how spooky (home invasion). i'm glad you're ok.

NELLY - that's fantastic that Jakey enjoyed Kindergym so much, that must be sooo reassuring to you, to see him "come back" to his normal self, well at least on the road to that.

i was just in Melb for three days - to see my MIL in ICU - but don't live there.

How is Laura, VICKY?

TARALEE waves at you!

AJP - keep cool, sugarplum

signing off
Gigi in 43 degree heat today, 41 tomorrow, alfoil on the windows!