My First Toddler~hood Challenge

It has been quite a struggle lately to rinse off Isabelle's shampooed hair. I have tried all ways and tricks but alas. I end up using thinner and more diluted shampoo on her. She would cry and shriek and cling on to my neck and wanted to flee from her tub.

Second challenge was not finishing her meals. She used to finish off everything on her plate and would accept any food served.

Yes, I admit that I do loose my cool when that happens. I know I should not. It is ridiculous to be mad at her. Most of the time, I would sulk and let the guilt drown me. I'd hug and kiss her as I apologise to her for getting angry at her. Not that she knows what happened. She gave me that sweet heart melting smile of hers and the more guilty I'd feel.

Bathing and feeding her was one of my favourite routine of the day throughout the last 13.5 months. It now causes me anxiety and a little bit of fear. I felt lost and do not know how to make it work for Isabelle and I.

After a few rounds of that ordeal, I accepted the fact that I cannot expect her to be able to finish all her meals, every single day. I need to acknowledge that she is only human to be curious, wanting to try different food occasionally just like we adults do.

Looks like I am going to have to google for more recipes for toddler, get the creative side of me work harder and most of all, to be 101% more patient.

Trip to the Zoo

DH had wanted to bring Isabelle to the zoo since many months ago. The idea did not appeal to me before our holiday to Langkawi. The hot weather, animal's stinky poo, sweaty mummy & baby and so on. But Isabelle's curiousity and ability to focus was amazing and I almost forgot she is not a little innocent baby anymore. She is a curious and want to know all and see all little toddler. And it is about time to let her see tigers and lions comes alive from her books and dvds.

She had such a wonderful time wow-ing at all the fishes and penguins during our excursion to Langkawi Underwater World and I figured out she would have more fun at the zoo.

cute sun bear

deers

I underestimated the duration of hours we would spend in the zoo. Hungry and thirsty as we finished the water supply we brought with us. We stopped at the zoo cafe. Food was so so. But we were too hungry to be picky.

Waited till 3pm for the amphitheatre show to start. It was a long wait. Again, lucky we have the sling with us. Popped Isabelle inside and walk around the indoor aquarium (since that is the only air conditioned section in the entire zoo). Once she fell asleep, we went to the theatre, spotted a nice seat with fairly good view of the stage and waited there.

Show was good. Atleast, it caught 80% of Isabelle's attention.

What a day. Thank God for the cloudy weather. It was not as warm and sweaty as I expected. Overall, we had a fun time.

So Long Holidays...

Last day at this beautiful resort. Slow breakfast. Nothing much to do after all. With a few hours to spare before check out, we walked around the resort and then went for one last dip in the pool. It was quite a chore to get Isabelle out of the pool.

Before heading for the pool, we took more pictures. This one is my favourite. Somehow it warms my heart everytime I look at it. I love the feeling of Isabelle clinging onto me.

After a bit of struggle of getting our little precious out of the pool, shower and change into clean crisp clothes, she fell asleep. We quickly pack up and called for buggy to help with our luggages. Isabelle woke up just at the right time.

We reached the airport right before 2pm and only to realised I had an unread text on my mobile, the dreadful FLIGHT DELAYED message from the airline. Our original 3.40pm flight was retimed to 4.25pm. With almost 2 hours extra in hand, we walked around the airport. We were done in less than 10 minutes.

Another announcement... 4.25pm retimed flight was retimed again, 5pm! Last day of holiday is cruel enough. Flight delays only add on to the cruel-ness. But, well, I need to remind myself that holiday is not for forever, it is the good memories that will linger on for a lifetime.

Isabelle fell asleep again and woke up just 10 minutes before we boarded the plane. Again, our happy little precious enjoyed her flight home. Not a bit of fuss, she kept us entertained through out the short flight.

Weather was fine. Sunny. Bright. Love this picture. We believe it is Ipoh town we were looking at.

Took some pictures of the scenery down below from the cabin. This is the first time I saw a rainbow from such an altitude. Unfortunately, there was a change of weather and so, that explains the greyness in this picture.

Holiday in LGK - Day 4

Very happy although it was pouring heavily, as we are planning to go straight to Red Tomato again because it just won't do if we don't get to check out their most reviewed Eggs Benedict.

After light breakfast (want to spare enough space for early lunch at Red Tomato), we took a walk around the resort's lush garden. Then we head down Pantai Cenang Road and dropped by at some duty free shops to get chocolates and maybe some liquor.

Shopping done but bought no liquor. Just chocolates.

Red Tomato, here we come again. I did not even look at the menu this time. Asked the waiter straight away for Eggs Benedict and cranberry juice. DH ordered some smoked salmon salad and a cup of espresso.

When my lunch was served, WOW! It was exactly what I saw in reviewer's website and what I expected. It tasted so so so superb! A piece of toast as the base, topped with beef bacon, sauted spinach, poached egg and generous hollandaise sauce to keep the toast moist yet not drenched. Perfect first Eggs Benedict experience.

Sad to say DH's salad was quite a disappointment. However, the espresso was powerful!

Visited Awana Porto Malai after lunch. Took some pictures. Beautiful and very quiet area. Not as busy as Pantai Cenang.

Afternoon was free and easy at the resort since we returned our 'part time car' shortly after lunch. Went to the beach at 3pm. It was hot and all the 3 of us were almost drenched in sunblock lotion. But the hot sun made all pictures look very beautifully sharp. It made me wish I have a DSLR camera because the weather was perfect & picturesque. But our simple camera did the job, the simple way. Isabelle took few steps without holding onto us or any furnitures.

Took a dip in the pool after Isabelle's nap. The pool was quieter than previous few days, maybe most guests checked out. We were glad to have the pool almost to ourselves.

Too lazy to take a cab or venture out of the resort. It was our last night and we wanted to spend as much time as we can to enjoy the facilities of the resort. Boat House at the resort was the ideal choice. They were serving theme BBQ buffet, Malay theme. Sounds and tasted familiar to us, and we still enjoyed it. There was even cultural show outside the outlet, where diners dined alfresco.

Well, that quite wrapped up our last night at the resort. And feeling a little bit heavy, from the buffet and also that we will be leaving tomorrow.

Holiday in LGK - Day 2

It was raining outside when we woke up. It was cool and comfortable. We adjourned for breakfast at the Spice Market. The outlet were busy and most of the tables were occupied. But we managed to get a table at the cozy corner.

Isabelle had some pancakes and waffles. We are glad that would keep her contented till lunch time. Hooray.

With no planned agenda and since the weather was wet, it would be unwise to do any outdoor activity. So we headed to the Langkawi Underwater World. And I am glad I am a MyKad holder (for once) because locals get to enjoy discounted entrance fees.

Isabelle automatically exclaimed her cute "WOW"endlessly when she saw all the big fishes and other marine life. Penguins were one of her favourite.

We decided to skip lunch as we had a feast during breakfast and were still feeling very stuffed by noon. Returned to the hotel after we are done at the Underwater World. DH took Isabelle down to the pool for a dip. Temperature of the water at the resort were warmer than the pool in our condominium at home. So Isabelle did not shiver as she would and so, she stayed in the water longer.

After an easy afternoon, we took shower and Isabelle took her nap. Soon, it is dinner time.

I tried to remember which restaurant's review I have read before the trip that deserve a try. We settled for seafood at Orkid Ria Seafood Restaurant.

DH was craving for crabs. But with Isabelle around and only 2 of us to entertain her, we really can't afford the time for crabs. So softshell crab it is, no messy peeling required and our hands are free and clean to attend to her anytime she make a fuss, which she did not. Good girl!

Again, no pictures of our food in Orkid Ria because we were so famished when the food was served, we finished everything within minutes.

Took a stroll down the road after dinner. Went into a small shop and DH bought himself a pair of sandals. I spotted a nice batik strapless long dress. The cotton material feel so heavenly soft and I could not resist the thought of owning it. DH bought that for me too.

Beer was dirt cheap on the island! RM1.70 for a can!!! Woohoo!! Kampai and Hooch RM5.90!!! No second thoughts, we bought some back to the hotel for supper. Alcohol for supper. How happeningly unhealthy. But what the heck, this is what holidays are made of, ain't it?

Good night and we prayed for sunny weather tomorrow as we aim to visit the Langkawi Cable Car.

Holiday in LGK - Day 3

Feeling all excited when we saw the skies were blue & clear and weather was bright & sunny!

Langkawi Cable Car, here we come! We could not go the day before due to rain. This is the day then!

How wrong were we when we confidently believe that due to off peak season, there would no queue. The ticketing operator told us that we need to be prepared to queue for atleast an hour! Isabelle fell asleep before we got down the car earlier. Thank God that we have a ring sling with us. We love the stroller but an outing to such crowded tourist spot, the sling comes in hundred times more handy and less bulky. Surprisingly, Isabelle slept through the long wait at the entrance, despite the hot hot weather.

We met very warm and friendly fellow holidaymakers. Shared cable car with a young couple & a family of 4 from Down Under and also another family with a young child from India. We took turns to take photos for each other.

The view from the cable car and from both Middle and Top Station was awesome and magnificent. The clear weather contributed as well. My previous company did this project. I do feel a little bit proud of it as this project looks 'difficult' and it would have take really skillful people to complete such remarkable job.

We proceeded to Red Tomato Garden Cafe for late lunch. I have read so many reviews from travel related websites and blogs about this place. I know I must check it out myself. I was ready to taste their ever so popular Eggs Benedict only to know that this item is for breakfast and they only serve this till 12pm! ARGH! I settled for Tomato Soup & wholemeal toast beef bacon. DH went for Mexicanna Pasta and Heineken (happy hour half price).

Red Tomato Garden Cafe ~ Not very luxurious but cozy, and food is out of this world!

No regrets eventhough Eggs Benedict was unavailable. The Tomato Soup was the best I have ever tasted in my entire life. Rich, creamy and not overly smooth with the right amount of texture and small chunks of tender onions. The toast was very yummy too.

DH's pasta was ooh lala!!! The jalapeno chili spiced up the dish.

But I will still go back for Eggs Benedict, before the clock strucks 12pm :)

Best tomato soup, Mexicanna pasta & Beef Bacon on Wholemeal toast

Went back to the hotel for a swim and rest. Ventured out to Kuah town for dinner, about 20 minutes drive from Pantai Cenang where the Meritus is located.

Relied on GPS to hunt for dinner as we did not do much research on food in Kuah. Found Teo Seafood Restaurant. The place was not crowded and we had some little doubts of the food. But it turn out not bad. We had their popular Fried You Tiau, Fried Vegie (forgot the name of the vegie), Frog Fried Ginger Onion & Kam Hiong Chok Than.

After filling up our tummies, we went to the Eagle Square near the ferry jetty since it was nearby. Happily we walk towards the majestic eagle statue only to realise that I left my camera in the car when I reached inside my bag searching hi & lo for it. Our car was parked quite a distance from the statue and fortunately we have our mobile camera as alternative.

There goes the 3rd day of our holiday.

Holiday in LGK - Day 1

We woke up as early as 7.30am to get ready to leave for the airport. Feeling sleepy but we are excited to be onboard with Isabelle for the first time. Not sure how is she going to react on her first flight, we pray hard she will enjoy it.

Upon reaching the MAS check-in counter, what we saw was a messy queue. A big group of North Indian tourists infront of us. But a gentleman from the group kindly gesture us to go before them. Now, that was a good start for a holiday :)

Afraid that the pressure would make Isabelle uncomfortable, we let her suck on her pacifier. Once we reached the maximum altitude, we remove it. Throughout the flight, she kept herself busy by looking outside the window, browsing inflight magazines and playing with us. 1 hour passed by easily, fuss-free.

At the arrival hall, Meritus Pelangi representative were already waiting for us to show us the way to our airport-hotel transfer. Isabelle must have been very tired and fell asleep in my ring sling while I was walking from the hall to the car.

The hotel were just about 10 minutes from the airport. Check-in were a breeze and we were in our room within 10 minutes reaching the hotel. Isabelle were still sleeping then. I quietly put her down on the bed and she slept while me and DH unpack our luggage. We had some time to quickly check out the beautiful room. We had a deluxe pool facing room. Beautiful view of the pool and the sea from the verandah.

Our cozy room at the Meritus

View of pool and sea from verandah

Our rented car was sent to us on the same day, at about 3pm. We went out for a ride to see what was available around the hotel area. 10 minutes walk/2 minutes drive from the hotel, is a long stretch road with many shops, stalls and eateries. Very convenient. Right opposite the hotel, there was a taxi station where all the taxis gathers and wait for their passengers. Again, another convenient plus point.

Our car for 4 days on the island

Isabelle fell asleep in the car for her afternoon nap while we drove around hunting for petrol station. Also due to rain and with Isabelle sleeping so soundly, we could not get down of the car for food. Our late lunch for the first day was infact, instant cup noodles back in the room. It somehow tasted better maybe because we were on holiday mood.

After shower and a short rest in the room, we drove down the road and dine in the contemporary looking Sunday Bistro & Restaurant. Food taste good but portion was too big for the 2 of us. Service was as good as 6 star.

Because I did not get to snap any pics of this place during our dinner on our first day, DH drove me back there again on the last day just to let me take this pic.