₦airaland Forum

You all made my second missionary journey a successful and stress free one.

God bless us all and May we all not labor in vain over our kids in Jesus name.[/quote]Congrats! Was beginning to wonder where you were.. God bless your LO

Onlineise:
#Coup d'etat in progress...all flights grounded

Wow!

LadyGuinivere:
Hmmmm. I wonder the fate of flights that are s'posed to pass through Turkey...

Ha. What's happening with turkey? Apologies i havent been keeping tabs with world news sinvr i got here..my trip back to naija is via Turkey

finechickala201:
Pls is anyone delivering in boston Massachusetts or elpaso, if yes pls get in touch with me ? Am considering Elpaso or Boston but doc espara ti is no longer accepting international patients. Pls if you have any information about Boston or elpaso pls contact me. Thank you.
N
@ochanglo@yahoo.com

What has happened with Dresparati Nawa oh!

nefertitiram:
My 10month old did not sleep on a 7 hour flight! Imagine!

see levels!

[code][/code]

larrytoks:
I traveled with a veeeeery energetic 2-year old at almost 35 weeks and I don't think I'll do it again The boy showed me pepper and he's still showing me now cos it's just me and him in the house, his dad is joining us next week.

We left home with a stroller but decided on not using it b4 we got to the airport. Also decided not to use the wheelchair I had booked.
My hubby and sister accompanied us to the airport, so my sister held him while my husband and I went to check in my luggage.

We had 2 carry-on baggage , one with a wheel, the other a shoulder diaper bag that can be placed under the seat in front of us containing in-flight essentials such as; diapers, extra clothes, socks, tissue, face towels, hand sanitizer, water bottle, cereal, small yogurt packs, biscuits etc. His cutleries were seized at MMA because they had stainless tips, plastics ones would pass. The other smaller suitcase had mainly my laptop, ipad, more cereal, juice packs etc, basically stuff we won't need in-flight.

So we attached the diaper bag to the suitcase and just wheeled them along with one hand and held him on the other. Though this didn't work all the time as he ran off sometimes and made me chase him.

He didn't like the food they served him on board on all the legs but he ate mine. I didn't really have to carry him so much but I let him have his way when it was possible.

I regretted not packing his coloring books and a few toys in our carry-on because I thought we would get some in-flight but we didn't get jack! That would have distracted him when he got bored.

He slept for most of the flight from Lagos to Paris that I had to wake him up to walk when we landed cos there was no way I was gonna carry him. However on the Paris- Atlanta leg, he didn't sleep so much and as a result he was very active and wanted to leave his seat every now and then, so we had to be taking frequent walks to the loo which helped my legs anyway.

When we got to Atlanta and picked up our bags, my two hands weren't always free because I had to push the trolley, this was when he enjoyed all the freedom he craved, he kept playing catch with me. The part that terrified me was when we got out to pick a taxi, he ran to the middle of the road, beaming at me to come catch him. I couldn't chase him to prevent him from going further, I just stood there calling his name and waving my phone at him to come speak with daddy till someone grabbed him from behind and I was able to catch up with him!
I was very tired and I just kept wondering why he wasn't too and where he found his energy.

Anyway, the lessons I learnt from the trip if I'll ever do it again are;

1. Maybe the stroller could have been helpful if he agrees to seat in it, that would prevent him from running off. However the downside to this would be how to push the stroller with the luggage after claiming them.
2. I'll carry a lot of activity-based toys in our carry-on bags, to keep him busy in-flight and while waiting for our connecting flight.
3. Try to limit my carry-on bag to just one back-pack.

All in all, it wasn't too bad but not sure if I would do it again. The good side is that I'm "enjoying" his company now and he's keeping me busy.

Hope you'll pick a thing or two from my experience

I feel you! I have a hyperactive madam as well..imagine a 2 year old not sleeping on a 9 hours flight?! Hian
The only difference in our experiences is I traveled with DH..
Pele try to rest well oh

Ok for those interested in Inova hospitals,got to my appointment and realized doctors fee is no longer with 50% discount but 25%. (They said it came into effect last month ) so vaginal delivery is now 3900$! Anyway I slugged it out with the billing office as I registered since April and they conceded to 50% which I quickly paid sharp sharp!
I wasn't told that the hospital fees have changed but that could be because I prepaid the fee.
Asides that, it's a really beautiful hospital. Worth every cent if you can afford it

Nochid:
Congrats Momo13, please I'll like to know if the Doctor's fee you quoted is already discounted @50%? And also how much other bills like paediatrician, Epidural, Lab tests, ultrasound will cost.
Many thanks.

Yeah,the fees are discounted. As for pediatrician fee,I don't have an exact figure. I think it's btw 300 - 350 $. I did as many tests as I could at clina lancet before I traveled. Ultrasound I hear is in 2 parts. I may have better info after my appointment on Monday
The hospital is in Virginia not Maryland though.
Epidural is billed separately,I don't know the cost but I could find out.

feddy27:
Congrats momo13 and wish you safe delivery

Thank you dear

LadyGuinivere:
Congrats Momoo at your safe passage
Please how much is Inova Fairfax? Thanks

4600$ natural birth
6500$ CS
After discount

Doctors fee 2651(50% discount)

Hello house! Here's to share my POE experience:
Left Heathrow London on Tuesday,flew Lufthansa. First leg was Frankfurt. I wasn't asked for fit to fly (apparently because it was a short flight.
At Frankfurt, one lady at check in was forming immigration officer(Lufthansa passed us on to condor airlines for 2nd leg) saying I have b1/b2 on my visa! It's not a medical visa lol. Hubby was fuming that which kain ode be dis. I just told her to make her enquiries and get back to me strolled away to find a seat. Next she called me asked for fit to fly (reading the info to someone on phone),even asked that should there be a medical emergency do I have money to pay them?
The flight was about 8 hours 30 mins,my small madam didn't sleep until plane was about to land! Mschew
Fast forward to Baltimore airport
Waited in line for about 20 mins

CBP: Hello
Me: Hello handed he r our passports
Meanwhile there was another officer with her who for some reason thought I was hiding my belle(wey don dey touch ground btw)cos I was leaning against the counter,she came round to look and then went back into the cubicle and wrote something on paper to show the officer attending to us.
CBP: why are u in the US
Me: childbirth and vacation
Scanned our passports,asked the other gbeborun if she should stamp hubby and daughter in,she said no.
CBP: please walk with me
Started asking how much the flight went,how far along is my pregnancy if I rested on the plane etc
We got to sec inspection and sat down. After about 45 mins we were called
How long are you staying?
Told him
Where are u having the baby?
Inova Fairfax hospital
Any idea how much the cost?
Told him

How much do you have ?
Showed him hospital receipt,told him how much cash and money on the cards. All the while he was using biro to calculate on paper.
To me: what do you do , how much do you earn? Same to hubby
He stamped us in for 6 months( noticed he wrote the exit date in biro )
CBP: I must say you guys did your research quite well,cracked a joke or 2 I wasn't even listening any more!
Went to agriculture,nothing was seized.
Thanks to God and the wonderful people on this thread esp the moniker who hinted about baltimore POE
God bless our plans and make our own joy full.
Chilling at Maryland,my first appointment is on Monday.
PS: sorry for the long post

fehinebony:
Just declare your intentions...it's was my poe last year, I was sent to secondary inspection, had all my burden of proof intact, in the end was told it's not a crime to have your baby in the US but a lot of us lie about it and that's where the problem lies. They have time wella as it's not a busy airport. Some1 has been sent back before, she dint declare her birthing plans, she was turned back at agriculture.

Thank you. All correst #injenifa'svoice

Oga JW and nasadiva hmmn...NL been cracking me up seriously!
Btw has anyone gone through Baltimore POE here? Please share,that's my poe tomorrow oh
tanzzz

herrik066:
Hey People, especially expectant mums, Royal Air Maroc is looking like the cheapest flight amongst all other airlines in the face of this dreadful and supposedly naira devaluation in disguise.

I flew royal air maroc to the UK yesterday..the flights ( Casablanca and then Gatwick) were not as bad as I envisaged. None of my bags went missing too.
They apparently don't accept fit to fly from hospitals cos they sent me to port health to get another..

[0018297383quote author=Iwanawana post=46747959]Dear all,

Maybe goodnews to start the week with. A dollar to naira starting off at N255 on interbank FX marketing.[/quote]Yayyyy! Some good news finally.. does this morning mean to PTA is accessible now though?

Thanks sisters! @ naija mama and newmomma2be
I am traveling in 2 weeks.. I will open an account tomorrow, although the branch I went to inquire said I had to run the account for 3 months. Though what I requested was PTA sha

greatie:
Have u tried unity bank? If u are in Abuja u can try jaiz bank too.

goodluck!!!

Thanks! I am in lagos, I will also try unity.. form A or PTA, which one are they giving?

chloe7:
have you tried stanbicIBTC or standard chartered or one of those banks still processing form A

I was at stanbic oh! They said no show as I don't have an account with them. I will try standard chartered tomorrow..
Hubby will try diamond bank for form A tomorrow although word is there's prerogative for school fees.
Thanks dear

PTA!! Form A!!!! Somebody, anybody epp me oh.
I can't fit buy 10k$ from aboki ooo. Any ideas pls??
Help a fellow preggie!!

@ new mommatobe.. please share the bank you obtained form A through. Thanks

[quote author=AdomMum post=46341444]Oh nice!! I'm sure your due date is near. Please have me in mind as i would like to know how your experience goes!
I'll be in the States in August (leaving naija last day in July)...due in September. Will pm you for details,please...after your delivery.
Wish you safe delivery in the hebrew woman's way!

Please share price quotes for this hospital.. Virginia bound as well though I'm billed to birth at Inova Fairfax hospital. Wanna compare rates. Thanks

[quote author=emjayfay post=46322902]My sis is using Northside and she paid the hospital using Form A. However, the docs fee will be paid in cash as she does not accept wire Transfer.
Hi. Please which bank did your sister apply for form A through? Just curious cos I'm looking for a bank that does. Thanks

@ jingles baby Thanks a lot! Just tried to book the UK to US leg with Iceland airlines, gtb wants to charge almost double the fare!
Did you pay online?
Nawa oh!

@ jingles baby I totally share your sentiments re: summer babies! Ticket fares no be here..
Please let me in on which airlines you booked eventually, I haven't gotten an itinerary as affordable as yours I'm also stopping over in the UK..
I hope you are feeling much better though?

1. Thanks to God,baby is doing great.
2. Thanks to God you got an awesome discount( the % reduction nor be here)
3. Thanks to God, there's allowance for a monthly plan.
I'm jus wondering why you're not drinking pap, milo or whatever is available there!
My sister you nor get problem, discount is not Medicaid except things changed overnight.
Go and takia of baby jor
Congratulations!

quote author=blaize777 post=46220469]Hello house I need an urgent reply on this mata.
Am kind of subjected to use Mediaid but I refused the offer.so far I ve spent 11,800 on my Cs bill becos some test and scan came with it.

I got shock of my life yesterday wen I cld the hospital and ICU pple too for my daughter's bill cos I hrd der bill will come differently guess wat
Hospital _67,000
Icu _11,664.20cent dat the bill is much becos my baby stayed 10days
I couldn't sleep last nite I cld my hubby he was just laughing dey shld come and sell him and get der moni after he don pay almost 12K on my delivery.
DIS Morning I ran to WHMC to act drama for dem.@d end of the day
Hospital gave discount to _8,674
ICU-5,750
Dey gave me becos am self paid
Now to my question my hubby wants dem to put him on monthly plan which dey all agreed but will it affect me coming to usa 4 vacation like nxt yr cos hubby need to utilize his visa .I asked dem dey said no as long as u re paying in something every month pls house I need an answer. But I ve am doctors ,prediatician,asst surgeon radiology etc der zero balance with me[/quote]

@theleakytribe thanks for the loaded info! Really I didn't know that was possible ke!@ booking
How's that done by the way? #covers face as I no sabi make I ask
Meanwhile I hope there's enclosed space for that running around? My pikin fit pick race enter road!

Was your son 2 Years at the time?

[quote author=ebiv post=46104286]My dear traveling witha toddler isn't easy... But I understand we have to cos I can't leave my son for anybody.... Just jejely follow Emirates o.... The plane is very big and comfortable, when we got to Dubai, we showered in d bathroom and went to eat.. I allowed him play in the airport nursery so the layover went fast. When we boarded my son started his "wahala" one of the air hostess offered me anoda sit with 3 empty seats beside me, he refused to sleep on the seats just wanted to lay on my long belle( very annoying) when d crying was too much etc they came and carried him for a walk upstairs... An hour later I asked after my son( make e no b say dem don use my pikin do oil money .....) They took me upstairs,see d boy lounging in first class, sleeping on the bed peacefully with sleeping seatbelt in case of turbulence... Mhen! This children no like suffer o...( but first class sweet sha) 16 hrs journey to Houston is like10 mins! Chai anyway I jejely left him thr and went back to my economy ... When he woke up ddey brought him to me and we managed ourselves to Houston...walked round the planee etc.. he Is 21 months and they gave him kids meal... The flight was long but they were of great help.

Thanks jare.. this one is almost 30 months old! She'll frustrate me ehn!
Emirates is long o, I will think about it sha. Fear dey catch me..

Nnystc:
Hahaha! ROTFL!
Two toddlers in one... Idumota market!! Two arms and a whaattt!?
Baibee! Nor vex, I nor dey laugh you oh!
In fact I emphatise with you.
Just that you're a clown sha!

but 'zeriouzly' sha:
1. what's the difference between a KLM/Airfrance flight and the Emirates or Turkish flight?
2. If that difference is buying me a shorter layover and fewer hours in the air (after all, does toddler have her own seat? Or will be riding on your lap?) Can I manage it?
My advise is to consider smartly for the sake of your strength and peace of mind. Afterall, sometimes that money we're trying to save usually ends up as shopping money. So personally I would give up the dress/shoe/bag/baby items that the 'savings' will get me and opt for travel peace of mind... or how you see am nah?

Oya, gugurus, in case i nor make sense, over to you.

Hahaha! I don't even know what to say.. she's 2 years+ oh, but the girl wahala no be here.
The reviews for airfrance re leg room and food is not encouraging ni but you're right though, what I need direly is less stress..
Thank you!

@ ebiv please how did you manage to travel with your toddler via Emirates?? I will be traveling alone with mine ( she's 2 toddlers in 1!) and I'm having 'nightmares' already! The airlines with shorter layover cost an arm and two legs! I hear Istanbul airport is like idumota , layover is at least 8 hours!
Make una epp me with good advice o. I don't want gbege

So in the spirit of giving back, DH, daughter and I attended our visa interview 2 days ago.. our visas were approved!
Here's the transcript:
Hubby& I: good day
V.O: your passports pls
Why are you going to the US
Me: to have our second baby
V.O: what do you do
Me: I'm a bla bla at bla..
VO to hubby: what do you do ( hubby answers)
To me: how much do you think this trip will cost ?
Me: told him and handed over hospital and doctors correspondence plus budget sheet.
VO: looks over the papers and kept clicking away on the computer for about 2 minutes..
Meanwhile my toddler was yelling the whole time!
V.O.: Your visas have been approved bla bla ( hands me the white paper)
Said thank you and waltzed out mumbling ' thank You Jesus'

Thanks to God and the wonderful people on this thread!
@ biollar1, ladyG, Chloe7, and everyone who responded to my myriad of questions! God bless you all
May all our journeys be fruitful and end in praise, Amen!

[Glory be to God who answers prayers!!
Congrats blaize77

quote author=Porshebabymama post=45912684]Good morning mommies and daddies, aunties, uncles and fwends.. With great joy I gladly Inform y'all that baby blaize777 has been discharged after ten days...
Praise the Lord!!!!.


#okbye #[/quote]