Flights booked

How exciting for you! I hope the birth goes well and you get to spend lots of precious time with the baby. A direct flight is hard but it will be worth it.

Our second GS in NZ was just 6 weeks old when we went out there to meet him and his 2 year old brother - it was a special time although very hectic. They are all coming here for Christmas for the second time in 2 years and the boys will be 6 & 4 by then so we are looking forward to seeing them (and our son) again

No our third, middle son has a boy and a girl, 5 and 2, but this if our only daughters first. Both sons live locally so that's good. It will be strange having one in oz but don't blame them, they have a great life and are very happy, but so many are in the same situation so you make it work and we get on really well so I'll see a lot of the baby in some form.

How lovely for you Meno. I'm happily awaiting a visit from my NZ daughter and granddaughter this summer and really looking forward to NOT having to travel to see them.

How wonderful ! Our friends did the 17 hour direct flight for their 3rd trip to Oz and said it was great ?.
Is this your first GC Menopaws ?

Oh I also know how you're feeling..and each time we go out there...when we're on approach to Brisbane...my eyes start to prick...am impatient collecting luggage as I just want to run through and hold my granddaughter'sand my son..
So happy for you...

Should say I'm going on my own which I love doing, we decided my husband wouldn't enjoy it and by that I mean he would love to see his girl and baby but we have been to oz a lot, my son in law will be back at work and he will get bored with all the baby stuff and I will feel we should be doing stuff. This way I can indulge my daughter and we can chat for hours as all he will do is watch the cricket on tv. He may well be on cancer treatment too and it is a lot of money. Also the family are coming over next July so the baby will be more fun then for a man.

I know how you feel Menopaws - and will be interested to know how the straight through flight to Perth goes!

We are going east, so will have one stop on the way!

Not stopping this time as don't want to waste a minute so doing the new non stop London to Perth route, 17 hrs. It is interesting as they are getting a police job transfer during the summer so they have no idea where they will be except somewhere in western oz. The destination was always Perth as all smaller flights start there so will have to wait and see but possibly another two hours after that. They own a house in Perth so then again they could be back there, they are so laid back about it all so I'm not particularly worried where I have to go, she's a nurse and used to babies so is taken it in the typical Australian 'it'll be right' attitude!

That sounds so nice. A trip to look forward to, and excitement of seeing a new baby. Good for you, and your daughter will be so happy to see you.

The looking forward to the trip is part of the pleasure.
Are you stopping anywhere on the way over or saving all your time to be with YourDD and her family?

Great news! How lovely for you.
We did a similar trip about 6 years ago. Hopefully it won't be too hot either although Melbourne was having a heat wave and there were forest fires when we were there.
You'll get 2 Christmases too. One with ice cream,

How wonderful for you such a happy time,the months will soon past quickly for you with all your baby buying.

So excited for you Menopaws - I have done what you’re doing and it’s beyond wonderful. The next few months will pass in a warm glow of anticipation/buying bits to take out there, and packing. I always start packing ridiculously early simply because I enjoy all the preparations. I enjoyed reading your post and feel your happiness.

Lovely! I'm sure you will have a wonderful time

Wonderful Menopaws what a treat to look forward to. Your daughter and the new baby.
Hope you all have a great time.

How lovely for you Menopaws. I can't imagine your excitement. ..and you'll be having an early Xmas barbie....
Have fun and keep us posted. Has your girlie sent you a shopping list yet ? ??

So happy for you.

Arrrhh thanks for sharing your lovely exciting news. It’s lovely to have something to look forward too, and this trip sounds doubly exciting for you

That's wonderful Menopaws. We visited youngest DS in NZ in March and their first DS was born, with perfect timing, 8 hours after our arrival! Enjoy x