For Ramona Pullicino, 29, and husband Shawn, 32, travelling was always a big part of their life together. Indeed, since getting married almost four years ago, they have visited multiple countries together including India, Bali and Alaska. The adventure lovers had talked about having children for a while, but at the time moving into their new home was the major priority. The couple were in for a very pleasant surprise: “Five days after we moved in, we got to know that we would be having a little bundle of joy,” she revealed.
With all the major life changes clashing together, Ramona felt overwhelmed but the couple’s excitement at welcoming a child together, as well as a fortunate coincidence, helped them overcome it: “I was also lucky enough to have shared this wonderful journey with a close friend of mine,” Ramona reveals. “We delivered our babies just two days apart and we have found each other in times that were extremely hard,” she continues.
Welcoming baby Zoe last September was a moment of great joy for Ramona and Shawn, but the young family had to work through another pressing dilemma: Shawn’s work commitments meant he had to be abroad. Ramona explains that the first time her husband left after the birth was a worrisome experience for her, and even more so for him: “It wasn’t easy for my husband as he felt that he was missing out on his daughter so he came up with the idea to travel with him for his next trip. That way he can be there for Zoe and be able to bond with her,” the young mother says, adding that she also wanted to be by his side in life.
Both their families were supportive of their decision, and the young family moved to Kuwait for two months. The first fortnight was a difficult adjustment period for Ramona and Zoe due to the four-month old passing through sleep regression: “I could not establish a routine for her and I was getting very tired and exhausted as it is really hard not having any family and friends around. However, we have managed to pull through and she settled,” says Ramona.
While Kuwait is limited in family attractions, the family spent their leisure time visiting big malls, the liberation tower, green island and several local markets. During this time, they also took the opportunity to hop over to Dubai for five days, where they toured the top tourist attractions such as the Burg Khalifa, the City of Gold and Atlantis.
The couple share their approach to travelling with a baby: “We kept Zoe close to us at all times and did not allow strangers to hold her due to what’s going on at the moment,” Ramona reveals. Hand sanitizers were always at hand and with good knowledge of the area, including knowing exactly where clinics were in case of emergency, their anxieties were kept at bay. The young mother also advocated keeping in contact with one’s paediatrician at home: “Make sure to let them know that you are travelling so you can keep in contact in case of any pressing questions or dilemmas,” Ramona says.
The young mother offers some advice drawn from her recent experience in Kuwait: “When traveling, be it short or long-term, always take with you the sling as it’s a very good solution for when a child gets fed up in their stroller,” she says, adding that carrying some toys at all times is a lifesaver.
Ramona highlights another important factor: “We have to learn to improvise and be more flexible when it comes to our kids,” she says. She explains the couple’s parenting style: “My opinion is that as mum or as a dad, just DO YOU and everything else will fall in place,” the young mother says. Ultimately, it all boils down to attitude: “Whatever you are willing to do in life, kids will not stop. Only your mind will. So create a positive mindset and the rest will follow!” she concludes.
What a cool young fam!
Rowena Pullicino