The Plane Ride

Our flight experience is a story all its own.  

Morning of Friday, January 4th, 2013. Mahalo to Laie's own 'Island Transportation' for picking us up at 5am and dropping us off at the Airport. That night/morning happened so fast with HUGE last minute packing, cleaning and important document finding! It was EXACTLY what I had been avoiding the weeks prior, but as usual, nothing like stress and rushing before traveling. Like I said, hugging my parents and siblings goodbye and leaving Laie was a blur. Mahie was barely awake and didn't understand why her Grandparents were hugging her long and tight, and eventually crying. We flew Air Pacific (first and LAST) lol, no it was fine. Actually it was a blessing we did, although at first it didn't seem like. 

When we checked in, the counter man wondered why James and I were assigned different seats. After trying many times to sit us together, policy explained that passengers with lap infants can't sit next to each other. (Annoying!) James took Mahie and I had Evan…and we both were window seats, rows far apart. As soon as we boarded, we explained (begged) to the flight attendant our situation and he immediately said he'd work on it after everyone was seated. Sooooo here comes my soon-to-be MELT DOWN! 

James' row was completely filled (although he sat by a wonderful couple). However, the two seats next me never filled UNTIL LITERALLY the last second with the most IRRITS SAMOAN LADY EVER! The very understanding Fijian flight attendant guy explained our situation and asked her kindly if we could have the whole row since we had two babies. He even offered her an upgraded seat at the front. And before you knew it, she threw a loud  and dramatic fit. She could've been the same age as Mahie, saying, "What's that you say?" (Flicking her wrist here and there) "The airlines sat me HERE!" "Why do I HAVE to move?" *He wasn't forcing her, just asking kindly but HINTiNG the obvious. Even the passengers around us couldn't believe she wouldn't move and I felt totally awkward two seats away cradling Evan. So the witch parked her broomstick and ALL her carry-ons, huge jacket, dead lei's, books, you name it…all NOT under the seat in front of her, but on the empty seat in between us, which the flight attendant already said I could use for the baby if needed!! And her damn pile started to crowd us. She seriously had no care for being considerate. I kept it all in because I had no sleep and I was still on a positive "Yay we're moving to Samoa" high. 

Two hours in. I had to pee badly. My arm was dead from carrying Evan, too scared to move incase I woke him plus my neck/back hurt. I resented the snoring ogre next to me blocking my way out and her pile of crap that kept leaning on me. James was too far away to call (and he was sleeping) to come grab baby so I could relieve myself. Plus Evan's diaper was so full I feared he'd get a rash. And then I started to get upset at James for putting the diaper bag in the compartment above instead of giving it to me. And THEN I heard Mahie starting to fuss followed by Evan right after…….in comes The Emotions: resentment toward EVERYONE on the plane, lol. Silent daggers at the woman next to me. Tearful eyes burning holes into the back of my husband's head. Hating on the airlines. Questioning if this move to Samoa was the right choice, upset at pulling an all-nighter... 

Melt-down: I bawled all my emotions out, everything I kept in since I first started to make preparations to move. 

…and then, literally, I heard a still small voice telling me to pray. And as soon as I started, it felt like everything was put on pause and every sound on mute. By the time I finished, I was calm and told myself, "You can do this." (But I think I took it a little too far, lol) I leaned over and pushed the woman hard to wake her, but I didn't wait. I was climbing over her lap before she could even open her eyes. Yes, she had that, "Oh no she didn't!" face on….And I gave it back to her, "Oh yes I DID!!".  Walked over to James sleeping and flung my hair tie at his forehead to wake him, handed him Evan. Grabbed the diaper bag on my way to the bathroom, shoved it across the woman to my seat…..and the whole time everyone watching me! Lol, after that I was a NEW me. For reals!  

When I went back for Evan, Mahie wanted me too. So I first took Mahie back to my seat and put a movie on for her. The woman was gone, so I removed her obnoxious pile from the middle seat and put it all on her seat. Even draping her dead leis all over her head rest. I returned with Evan and all three of us made house in our two seats. The woman returned and said, "Oh, you have two babies?" She sat for a little bit and tried to make small talk, but I gave her the cold shoulder and tended to my babies. After getting up one more time to grab something from James, the woman had decided to leave. The lady finally took that upgraded seat, without even telling the flight attendant. The two fijian flight attendant guys, the woman across the aisle and I all laughed shaking our heads. It took her 3 of the 5 1/2 hour flight to move. (Not that she HAD too, but hello!!) We finally had our row. James just stayed at his seat though, not wanting to bother the kind elderly woman next to him.

Thank you Heavenly Father for listening to me. For the flight attendants having compassion for me, bringing whatever I needed, eating all the snacks Mahie force fed them and even offering to hold Evan. For the Samoan woman across the aisle for reading my mind and offering to play with Evan & a bored/fussy Mahie the last hour and a half so I could finally knock out. (She even carried him all the way to Customs, lol)

What an experience traveling internationally with a toddler and newborn! No matter how many creative things I packed according to my Pinterest research, once a child wants OFF THE PLANE, there is NOTHING that can change their mind but landing!!

Now that all the illegal fireworks have blown in Laie & the babies are finally fast asleep....I have been blessed with some alone time before hitting the sack. I'm dead tired, a little smokey, and the all of a sudden heavy rain is making me shiver. But I thought it would be nice to welcome in our FIRST OFFICIAL BLOG POST for 2013!!!

Many MANY things are in store for this year, with the biggest change happening this Friday at 5a.m. Honolulu to Apia bound! We are calling it our new adventure. And to keep our smiles up incase we hit those hard times (especially me), I've stumbled upon a beautiful quote that fits perfectly for 2013.

Here's to our little family!

Printed, framed....keep ya head up!

Goodnight Midnight!

Laie, soon-to-be-Samoa, Aspinall's

2013

Last Sunday of 2012

Our last Sunday of 2012....and our last Sunday here on O'ahu! Both countdowns are ticking away!! I've been on an emotional roller coaster the past few days, and hours!

I'm excited, nervous, anxious. Hawaii is my home and so far Mahie's home. She doesn't know what's going to hit her. I'm having constant flashbacks of this past Christmas in Apia. Hmmm....Heavenly Father really can be humorous in his planning, was I being prepared (in a way) ???? At least we have a little sense of what we need to pack. Thank you for end of the year sales, because we were able to buy a whole bunch of big clothes for the babies to grow into while there.

Bye Target, see you in a few!

 James is just excited and ready! We were laughing at how long he's been in Hawaii. He came back in 2006?? for just a visit and ended up not returning to New Zealand...going to school, working forever at PCC, finding ME, marriage & now kids! HE....IS.....READY AS CAN BE!! James has definitely been my reassurance and strength! I'm glad I have him. It will be our new 2013 adventure, yes AN ADVENTURE! While all the world will probably fall back into their same old ways, we have something fresh to experience. Yes, different & maybe challenging, but I have no doubt we will be strengthened as a family!

2011 Christmas in Samoa flashback!

I've heard it all. EVERYONE'S opinion's and reactions....so save it! I'm happy to hear that a lot of my friends may make plans to come visit....PLEASE COME (not if i don't know you!), its just us in a big ol' house & yard.

See....we ain't gonna be in no hut! Probably better than some of the houses here in Laie :)

We're even near the temple!!

Oh, & I'm taking my closet with me.....so don't ask or hint! I can rock my Steve Madden's or Jeffrey's anywhere, K?!

And no, we're not just kicking back on a hammock drinking from coconuts! We'll be busy running my in-law's successful family business & hoping to help expand it. Who knew my four semesters of Samoan at BYUH would came in handy (yeah like I remember!). It's not all that sad, since we're already planning for me and the babies to visit in April! (You know, to keep my sanity!) At least in Samoa I don't have an Alamoana or online shopping to tempt me, therefore I'll be returning on my visits with SAVINGS!!! Yeeyah, that's something to look forward to!

Anyways, gots some cleaning & packing to do.

p.s. HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY SISTAH-FROM-ANOTHER-MISTAH "LANURRR"-nea Snow! 

We "the Aspinall's & Kaahanui's" LOVE YOU TO PIECES!!

Christmas Eve & Morning '12

This month has probably been the quickest to come and go. And it is definitely sad to see the end slipping by. If you didn't know, our little family of four have been making preparations to MOVE!

On January 4th we will be heading to none other than HOT, SWEATY.....SAMOA!! No, not "American Samoa".....Samoa, SAMOA! Next Friday we will be flying to Apia! 2013 will be a big change :)

Knowing that we were moving made this month even more special and family oriented. Although we had a million things hoping to do when the holidays rolled in, I can honestly say that we didn't get around to half....isn't that usually the case though? haha. I blame Pinterest!

Christmas Eve was very special, relaxing for us and exciting for Mahie. I had the babies bathed and bundled when James got home from work. We packed up the car and off we drove "looking for lights". Mahie pointed and screamed, "Liiiiiiiiiiiights!" at every house along the way. And then we arrived! My Mom has always loved going to "Christmas lane", street where every neighbor is known to go ALL OUT. Sadly the original block we go to wasn't that good.....well good, but not breathtaking-i-need-to-grab-my-camera awesome. We didn't even get out, but Santa came to the window with candy! So off we went to our NEW "Christmas Lane", and it was definitely breathtaking. Even James and I were blown away. Mahie loved Elmo!

Our family again did a Secret Santa gift exchange, which is better now that we're all adults. But no one really cared about who they got, because all the attention went to the babies. My parents were extremely happy to be able to shop for CHILDREN again! And since it's just Mahie who's old enough to play with toys, she got spoiled big time with her own christmas tree (which had ornaments safe to mess up so she wouldn't touch Grandma's "Pier 1" tree) loaded with gifts.

Helping Grandpa read the scriptures before opening presents!

"Her" tree

Santa got her EXACTLY what she's obsessed with at the moment: A baby doll set with a stroller, crib and carseat, the "Backpack" from Dora that doesn't stop talking, Lilo & Stitch dolls, clothes for Samoa, slippers, panties....and more things galore. (Thank you Grandma & Grandpa, Aunty Ida/Tiana, Aunty Kiana/Uncle Isaac, Aunty Annie, Aunty Lanea for the goodies)

Evan's 1st Christmas!

I even got EXACTLY what I wanted....so I kinda have an idea of who had my name :)
It's pretty hard shopping for James. When you ask him what he wants, he says nothing. The few materialistic things he own, are the only things he's interested in. He's easy to please, but that has never made it easy on my part. However, I usually pull through for birthdays and Christmas, and happy I was to get him a Ninja! He's been seriously planning to take on a healthier lifestyle (which we all should be), and so I thought a blender would be ideal! Not just a crappy one from Walmart, so after some research I saw that the basic Ninja model was on sale. I showed up at the store, and saw that the very upgraded model went on sale too, that did even more things! Plus I had a 20% coupon, AND it was the last one in store....I freeeeekin scored! I literally had the hugest smile at checkout. Not only can we blend and juice, but I'll be able to make Evan baby food in Samoa :)

Later that day, we left early to Les Miserables (with only Evan, lol). It was jam packed and very long, but we enjoyed it.

We enjoyed every moment of this holiday season, even if some days were spent cuddling on the couch or taking long drives, being with family and loved ones should always be the priority. And Grandma & Grandpa are soaking in every second of their Mahie and Evan! (No tears!!!.......yet)

Hope you all had a good one!
Love, Ashlyn, James, Mahie & Evan!

Booted from the Bed

The title is exactly what it is right now: one snoring husband and two chubby babies have taken over the bed. Lately I've felt it a waste of SPACE having a toddler bed & crib crammed into our room, when  NO ONE sleeps in it!! Speaking of said 'space wasters', it's been a battle putting those two little ones to sleep & KEEPING them THERE.

Mahie is pretty good taking naps and then later, sitting in her bed to watch a late movie or cartoon. But as soon as she senses her sleep coming on, she climbs down and sprints to our bed. Before you know it, she's climbing over one of us to sleep in the middle. James is usually too tired (or can't be bothered) to put her back on her own bed....BUT NOT ME.....I NEED MY SPACE! And that comes with a price, meaning I tuck her in, sit next to her on the ground and sing "I am a child of God" over and over again. I've since placed a little glow star on her bed rail, that lights up and projects little cartoons on the ceiling above, playing music. She loves it. It actually is very soothing to watch.

        Even I fall asleep watching this projection go round and around

Evan is slowly sleeping longer. I still have to wake up at least twice to nurse, but I guess my body has accustomed to the limited sleep. I can be soo tired and as soon as I shower, I'm wide awake in bed instagram-ing. (You know you do too!) I think Evan hates his crib. We have added so many things to make it more comfy, but we've concluded that he loves to be held or be next to someone. That is the only way we can get him into a deep sleep. If I put him in his crib, his eyeballs are wide open 2 seconds later. He is getting chunkier by the minute. After his bath tonight, I struggled getting his 0-3 months onesie on, is it really time to upgrade to 3 months and up??? Little buddha!

And James and I are doing what we (hopefully!!) do best: BEING PARENTS! We need a nap just like the kids to survive. We're looking forward to watching the following movies: The Guilt Trip, This is 40 and LES MISERABLES!!!!! (The Hobbit was good, but loooong)

Anyways we have a few things planned. I need to de-clutter and get rid of stuff, so there should be a sale soon posted online and a garage sale this weekend. Other than that, we're staying indoors to keep dry and praying no one catches a cold :)

RECAP HAPS

A little recap, as blogging hasn't been easy when two little monkeys are hungry, crying and tired at the SAME time :)

Earlier in November, Mahie went to her first Kahuku Football game, which was the OIA State Champs! She loved it and was so excited when I got her ready and even more excited when she saw the crowded stadium. It was also the first time I took Evan out without James (who I feel secure having at my side) and in my baby carrier. He did so well, so Moms get an Ergo! It was also a breeze nursing him, which I dreaded.

Thanksgiving came and went just as quickly. So quick, we didn't even take any pictures. My Dad's brother from Chicago flew in & brought my Grandpa down from Kapolei. And my Aunty Kim also drove down from Waimanalo. Grandpa B is getting old, it's crazy how fragile our bodies will turn with age. Nonetheless, I still love hearing him tell his family stories. Mahie seemed confused when she'd hear me call him Grandpa, haha. She also got a little confused when she saw my Uncle Kevin, since he looks similar to my Dad. She ran to him by accident a few times thinking it was her Grandpa :)

Then December hit! And we've tried to make a few adjustments to our daily schedule....which includes healthier meals & snacks for Mahie....playtime OUTSIDE for Mahie, since we've both been trying to catch up on naps whenever Evan knocks out......family prayer......and in the near future: potty training & toddler bed sleeping :) *As of now, Mahie has slept in her OWN bed for 3 days! Yay!

Some of our December Happs so far:

Me, the kids and my Family drove down for the Honolulu City Lights Christmas Lighting and parade. We've done this since I was little like Mahie & Evan. I still get excited thinking of the parade and the lights around downtown. As children, my Mom would get us ready, pack us up in our station wagon and we'd drive to town early to meet my Dad who worked near Iolani Palace at an architectural firm. Even though our parents didn't buy us any of those expensive glow lights and street food, we did have good seats right on the curb in those days...not so much now :) And I bet it was just as fun for Mahie this year. Double plus because "Grandpa Kent" bought malasadas :) We then made a stop at Likelike drive-thru for a late dinner.

Evan James Kaohi'ai was blessed by his wonderful Dad! I'm so grateful to be married to a worthy priesthood holder. It was a beautiful blessing, as all baby blessings are :) Ida even visited from Kailua and we had lunch in Kaneohe after. *My good friends Kaui & Toa also blessed their daughter Wailani the same day!

I got my 6 weeks postpartum clearance!!! I like how I couldn't wait to exercise, and now that I can, ugh NO MOTIVATION! Good thing I'm breastfeeding, that will at least buy me sometime hopefully :) I think I still have 20lbs to go, but it's more toning than poundage loss for me. Don't want to be lighter but still flabby, hello!

We've done a secret santa selection for the family, took Mahie to see Santa at the Mall, play in "fake bubble snow", taking turns baking yummy cakes, muffins and cookies....and going on long drives. It not only soothes Evan and puts Mahie to sleep, but it gives James and I time to ourselves in a way.

We also have 3 Pandora Christmas Playlists on replay: Mariah Carey (duh!), Rudolph the Rednose Reindeer, and of course The Carpentars........and randomly without James' approval, our secret 4th: Justin Beiber!! *Shout out to Lanea!

1 Month Baby Boy

Our little boy has made it past his 1 MONTH mark! It still feels like I JUST popped him out the other day. Maybe because I still look pregnant and I'm still struggling with 3am & 5am feedings....but also he's still so fragile, I can't wait until he rollie-pollie's up. Speaking of which, he EATS NONSTOP!


His last check up was on November 14th, in which he weighed in at 9lbs, 4oz. I'm pretty sure he has gained something since. This time around, I am almost exclusively breastfeeding..."almost" because sometimes when we're away from home, he'll get EXTRA hungry and we give him a Similac ready-to-feed bottle in addition to nursing him. Yes he's an eater! At home though, he has an endless access to Mom's refrigerator supply :)

I've gotten passed the "soreness" part, and enjoy breastfeeding, even though it is VERY tiring at times. I'm glad that I'm surrounded by friends who are great examples of mothers and who let me ask them a billion questions about breastfeeding tips. And now that I am comfortable with myself, I have no problem when Evan gets hungry out in public. It's funny how everyone will stare at you when your hungry baby is screaming his head off, but as soon as you put your nursing cover/blanket on, the ENTIRE mall avoids you. Haha. I try my best to be as discreet and conscious of those around me, but whatever. I guess only in America do people feel uncomfortable while everywhere else it is naturally accepted as normal. (I felt the same way before becoming a mom)

Slowly James and I are getting our sleep back. We take turns and even Mahie helps out by finding the nearest blanket and covering Evan. We have to keep any eye on that girl, because although she thinks she is helping by kissing, patting or hugging Evan when he cries....she's pretty rough. Cute, but rough! I've caught her a few times sticking her hands in the crib to calm Evan down by patting his arm, but when he doesn't stop crying, she'll get mad and pinch him!

Evan is still pretty fair. Compared to everyone on my side of the family, he is white. Compared to James' family, he could be close to Sharon haha. Maybe it's the German side. Or maybe he's just holding off until his first beach day. His smile is slowly coming through. He doesn't like to be left in his crib, but to be held while walking. He enjoys movement, which will put him to sleep in a second. Maybe it's because I walked a lot while pregnant. He loves car rides too.

And his name?

Evan: We just agreed on it, haha, for reals.

James: I originally was thinking of a Hawaiian middle name after I gave birth, but instead I wanted to name him after James, just incase we only have one boy. Plus, it sounds good too, haha. And no, you CAN'T call him Junior!

Kaohi'ai: "The searcher for food, the provider, will never go without sustenance" A family name given to all the boys, as a tradition passed down through my Grandma Ashlyn's side, her father and my Great-Granfather's Ka'onohi line. All of my brother's carry it, my boy cousins (the Casey's in Punalu'u for example), my Dad and my uncles, my Great-Grandpa and so on. Now my son will be tied to all that history, and like all the patriarchs before him, will provide for his own family.

We love you baby Evan =]

Queen Croup and her Cold Minions

Like my title? It's so true that it's ANNOYING. Finally we have all caught and passed on the cold bug. It began with Mahie, which sadly turned into a mild case of Croup. (That ugly deep seal-like cough) Good thing she caught it right when she had an appointment scheduled for shots, which we held off on.    Having Croup is miserable for both baby and parents, and it sounds scary/heartbreaking. Well, almost a week later she is fully recovered and back to her normal kolohe self. ONLY AFTER giving it to the rest of us...including baby Evan. We took him in late last night to the Kahuku E.R., just to make sure things were ok, especially his breathing. I swear, every time I've gone to that E.R., I've always been seen by an awesome doctor. Why can't they just open their own practice nearby?! Evan was breathing ok, and we needed to just let the cold pass. Very sad seeing him cough and sneeze. Mahie never got a cold this early on. I'm hoping the breastfeeding will help him out somehow, but all faith has been restored when James gave him a priesthood blessing last night.

We celebrated Hillary birthday on Sunday. All my siblings drove down from Kalihi, Hill's friend came over....and we even had visits from Ida & Tiana, and my friends.

Happy 22nd Birthday Hills!

Above is the yummy cake I made her. Bunt pans make things that much fancier, lol. I really need to go back to taking better quality pictures with my Canon. Iphones really are convenient for mommies ;)

It's funny how my little sister went from a shy Momma's girl, to now, where my Mom has to be the one to call her to see how she's doing. Currently she's living the town life scene & taking graphic design classes, pretty much she's living it up and barely comes down to "boring" Laie...but when she does, we love it. I actually love it when any of my siblings drive down to visit, even if it's just a few hours. Awww...we are all so grown! haha. *Side note, Mahie's toddler habits remind me more of Hillary at that age. Always pulls her hair out when I fix it. Would rather run around in a diaper only. Love the outdoors....I named her well after my sis.

I hear Evan crying....time to sign out!