Asher meets King

King is an old dog, but sometimes he forgets! He has always been gentle and mellow- he chases squirrels because he wants to play with them, he loves our cat Muffin, and would probably play with skunks if we let him. His attitude to Asher so far has varied between indifference and avoidance (I think he's just too old for a little human "puppy"). I had Asher in the side yard on a lovely cool afternoon and King decided to join us. He rolled over for a belly rub and Asher went in for a ...poke!

King wasn't sure about getting his nose picked by a 13 month old.

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Asher thought King's feet were interesting.

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And King had a bit of a taste and they were best buddies! Now whenever I walk Asher in the stroller up and down the street he keeps an eye on us and whines and waits for us to return. Lovely dog!

Video: Asher reads a book, 5 March

Asher sings

Flying Solo With Asher: Ten Things

Flying Solo With Asher: Ten Things
(in no particular order)

1. Asher ate none no snacks, pureed food from a spoon, or even finger food from a bowl during the flights. Not even chocolate pudding.Heather & David

2. The Indian moms on the plane were worried that Asher didn't have a beanie on and warm pyjamas and a blanket over him- though he was quite warm already. All the American moms were worried that he didn't have shoes on (why does he need shoes, anyway?)

3. Baby Jake was the only baby-appropriate distraction in their hundreds of movies and hundreds of TV shows (they had whole series of some TV shows!). We watched it without the sound and I explained what I thought was happening in the show. But I love their house in the big windmill!

4. Emirates stewardesses took a photo of Asher and put it in a special Emirates paper photo frame folder thanking him for flying with them.

5. Everyone seemed determined to judge or comment on my parenting skills. One man commented that because my thirteen month old was not walking, I must be too busy to teach him properly. A lady near me on the plane tried to convince me that Asher was hungry and I should feed him, and kept offering me food for him (despite the fact that I had tried, numerous times, with a variety of foods, in a variety of ways. But anyone who knows us well knows that Asher really isn't that interested in solids, yet.). Quite a few noticed that I had a lot of toys with me (probably a small shoebox full)... but it was their kids that were bored and screaming and annoying everyone. The stewardesses noticed that Asher was quite happy and seemed pleased that I brought things to keep him amused.

6. I went to the after-hours GP the night I flew out and told them that I had mastitis and needed antibiotics. From the time I left the house, saw the doctor, and got the prescription filled and got back to the house was less than an hour. I was so thankful. But flying with a toddler and mastitis... not fun. This is the second bout of mastitis in two months. Breastfeeding a toddler isn't always easy!

7. Emirates is so much more baby friendly than Qantas. And the people in Dubai were so helpful as well.

8. I would have loved to stay longer in Dubai.

9. The trick to flying solo internationally with a baby is to put aside everything you think you need or want and just plan on keeping the baby sane. Expect not to sleep, don't pack magazines or books for yourself, practice going to the bathroom with a baby on your lap (it is possible!), bring snacks for yourself because you probably won't be eating airlines meals if your baby is awake and in your lap, etc.

10. Philippians 4:6-7 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.