After two-and-a-half fun-filled years in Beijing, my family and I decided to return to Australia at the end of 2010. Despite my best intentions, things have not gone smoothly. Plans for the perfect repatriation were shelved within days of our arrival as a natural disaster unfolded around us. We are from Brisbane, Australia’s third largest city and the capital of Queensland – a picturesque subtropical metropolis built along the snaking Brisbane River.

When we left Brisbane in 2008, the city was enduring its sixth consecutive year of drought. The city’s combined dam levels were less than 20 percent. Four-minute showers, dirty cars and dusty backyards filled with dead grass were the norm. And then … the worst drought in living memory was broken by the worst flood Australia has ever seen. Three-quarters of Queensland has been declared a disaster zone. To give you an idea of the scale of the devastation, the state of Queensland is two-and-a-half times the size of Texas and nearly seven times larger than the United Kingdom.

It started with intense rainfall in the center of the state causing entire regional towns to evacuate. The crisis then shifted southwards to areas already sodden after months of steady rainfall.

The real horror for Brisbane began on January 11 with heavy rain in Toowoomba, a city high on the Great Dividing Range about 130km west of the capital. The downpour caused horrific flash-flooding that swept people off their feet, cars down city streets and houses off their foundations. Usually rainfall from Toowoomba flows to the west, yet on this fateful day, the sheer volume of water spilled over the range to the east and thundered down the valley towards Brisbane.

The tiny town of Grantham, 114km west of Brisbane, bore the brunt when it was devastated by a seven-meter-high wall of water that tore through the community, killing 20 people. In the midst of the destruction, there were miraculous tales of survival, as people who sought refuge high on the roofs of cars and houses were rescued in dramatic fashion by helicopter.

Within the next few days, Brisbane was inundated with floodwaters. Yet still more rain was forecast. The city’s largest dam was already dangerously close to capacity.

At this time, we had been back in Brisbane just one week, staying in transit accommodation close to the Brisbane River that dissected the capital. As the flood risk loomed, we deliberated over whether to stay in our fifth-floor apartment that contained the few possessions we had brought with us from Beijing, or make for higher ground. The decision was taken out of our hands early next morning with a fire alarm and mandatory evacuation. A storm surge had flooded the basement where the electrical substation was located. Without power, the building was deemed uninhabitable. So with little more than a change of clothes, we moved to a friend’s house, all the while transfixed by graphic round-the-clock TV coverage of rising water levels. Entire suburbs were awash and some of the city’s most iconic sites enveloped in chocolate-brown sludge.

Preparing our home as soon as possible became our priority. With our main shipment of household items from China still a month away, we retrieved old furniture from storage, bought a new fridge and washing machine, and stocked up on plastic cutlery.
 

As the waters receded, low-lying suburbs ravaged by floodwaters began the heartbreaking clean-up. The worst-affected areas faced trampolines stuck in trees, two-story houses caked with mud to their roof lines and caravans tossed on top of each other like discarded cartons. Residents were left with little choice but to gut their houses, stripping them back to the hardwood timber frames and hosing away layer by toxic layer of sticky, stinking mud. The Army was called in to control the streets as more than 55,000 volunteers registered to help the clean-up and thousands more wandered the muddy streets with gumboots and mops.

Former Beijing expat and fellow Brisbane resident Libby Rose was one of the walking wounded. The Roses had rented a storage shed several kilometers away as a short-term solution to housing some of their most precious possessions. The shed that was supposed to safeguard a life’s worth of treasures was completely submerged by the floodwaters. When the Roses finally began the painstaking task of recovering a few salvageable belongings, their most vivid memory was the smell, a cloying stench that lingered in the neighbourhood for weeks afterwards.  

Across the state, 35 people died in the floods and a further nine people are listed as missing. In Brisbane, an estimated 36,000 properties were inundated and 2,100 streets affected across 35 suburbs.

I’d like to say it ended there but in the weeks that followed, Australia endured more flooding in other eastern states, as well as cyclones in the north and raging bushfires on the west coast. More homes lost, more grief and even more communities called to action.

Despite our repatriation coinciding with these natural disasters, I was glad to be home during this period, to gain a real appreciation for the hardship suffered by others and to help the flood recovery effort where I could. Tragedy brings out the best in communities and the voluntary efforts of so many individuals makes me proud to be Australian. While we miss our friends in Beijing dearly, it’s good to be home.

When it comes to feeding newborns, the World Health Organization’s message is loud and clear: breast is best. Yet as every new mother will testify, breastfeeding isn’t exactly a walk in the park. It’s stressful, demanding, even painful. Throw in problems with supply, especially during growth spurts, add a good dose of sleep deprivation and it becomes a rather emotive issue for many mothers.

Breastfeeding is not always easy, nor is it always possible. The decision to use infant formula, either exclusively or as a supplement, is never a light-hearted one. Yet an Australian breastfeeding expert recently inflamed the debate by calling for infant formula to be available by prescription only, in an effort to boost breastfeeding rates.

Dr Jennifer James, a doctor of midwifery, wants formula removed from the supermarket shelves in a move she says is not designed to make mothers feel guilty, but rather to help them by ensuring that they see health professionals when problems arise. She says the majority of women want to breastfeed but many give up too early because they encounter problems like pain, lack of milk or when their baby fails to properly attach.

Dr James’ statements were met by a barrage of comments, from the medical fraternity concerned about the psychological damage and sense of failure such a policy may cause new mothers, to parents who want freedom of choice.

The debate over breast versus bottle is further complicated in China after the deaths of babies in 2008 from kidney failure, which was linked to melamine in infant milk powder. For those who missed it, melamine is an industrial chemical that was added to milk products to make their protein content appear richer.While statistics of those affected vary, it seems at least six babies died as a result of drinking contaminated formula, while 300,000 became ill. China has cracked down on illegal dairy production in the wake of this scandal, with a number of those responsible dealt with harshly, but tainted milk powder resurfaced as recently as 10 months ago.

For breastfeeding support in Beijing, contact La Leche League. For a host of great information about breastfeeding and caring for babies, visit Australian Breastfeeding Association.

Several months ago, I received a phone call from a distressed friend in Australia about the sudden and unexpected death of a toddler – the 2-year-old daughter of a mutual friend from a mother’s group. The news was shocking. I was devastated; children aren’t supposed to die.

I had met the little girl’s mother seven years earlier, during a course at the local child health clinic. Our firstborns were a matter of months old. Over the years, five of the first-time mums have remained in regular contact and celebrated many milestones together: new jobs, new houses, new schools, new babies, even a set of twins.

Tragically, the 2-year-old girl was one of those twins; she passed away in her sleep. The toddler had gone to bed as usual one evening, awoke at midnight when her sister was unsettled, then fell asleep again after speaking briefly with her mum. But something went terribly wrong during the next few hours of darkness. When it came time to wake the twins the following morning, her parents found a lifeless little body. They called an ambulance and administered CPR, all to no avail. They endured hours of police interrogation, all the while nursing their baby girl as forensic teams combed the house for clues. Finally, she was taken from their arms and laid to rest at a beautiful ceremony a week later.

It was a sorrowful time. I was heavily pregnant, incapable of travel and unable to say goodbye. Of my two-and-a-half years abroad, this was when I had felt the most isolated and helpless, stranded on another continent. I’ve never felt so far away from friends and family. Yet, I know my distress pales into insignificance compared with the profound grief felt by her parents, her brother and her twin sister.

Despite the media storm that surrounded her death, a full autopsy and lengthy investigation failed to determine the toddler’s cause of death. The coroner’s reports were returned inconclusive. There was no known pre-existing condition, no rhyme or reason.

In the words of this angel’s brave mother, it doesn’t matter what caused it. The outcome is still the same. I admire my friend’s strength of character and resilience in the face of grief. I remember her angelic daughter as a bright and happy child with wide brown eyes, chubby cheeks and a soft mop of curls. She was an energetic talkative tot, mischievous by nature as only a toddler can be. I remember the twins dressed in complementary outfits – never identical but always matching. I am blessed for having known this little angel, to have heard her laughter and to have seen her smile.

May we celebrate this little girl’s short life and the joy that she brought to those around her. May she know that she touched the hearts of many and remains a cherished part of the lives of everyone who knew her.

Treasure every moment you spend with your children: the good, the bad and the times in between. A child is a precious gift; be sure to hold them tight when you cuddle them tonight, just because you can.

Grab a cake of soap, turn on the tap and celebrate

1. Cover wet hands with soap.
2. Scrub all surfaces, including palms, back, between the fingers, and especially under fingernails for about 20 seconds
3. Rinse well with running water rather than still water
4. Dry on a clean cloth or by waving in the air.

Tummy time is important for babies to develop their fine and gross motor skills. It helps strengthen their neck, shoulder, arm and back muscles, which are needed to move around. From their tummies, babies learn to push up, roll over, sit up and eventually stand.

Babies can see the world from different angles while they are on their tummies, which is good for brain development. As babies’ skulls are still soft, tummy time also helps prevent flat spots developing on their head.

When to introduce tummy time

Start tummy time soon after birth by lying your newborn skin-to-skin on your chest. From their first day home from hospital, play with your baby on her tummy for a couple of minutes two to three times each day. A great time to do this is after changing her diaper or when she wakes from a nap.

Many babies are unsettled at first and only able to stay on their tummies for a minute or two.  Always choose a time when your baby is content and alert – tummy time will be more successful when she has a clean diaper and isn’t tired or hungry. 

Babies get better if they can practise a few times a day so don’t give up trying. By the time they are 2- 3-months-old, babies can usually lift their heads to look around and enjoy 10-15 minutes of tummy time a couple of times a day.

Try a variety of tummy positions

Use every occasion with your baby as tummy time and choose a variety of positions throughout the day. For example,

• Carry baby over your forearm rather than the traditional cradle hold.
• Put baby on her tummy on your lap.
• Place her on a firm, safe surface like on a blanket on the floor. Lie on the floor in front of her so she can watch your face. Use the opportunity to talk and sing to her.  Hold a mirror in front of her to capture her attention.
• Encourage dad to lie on his back and place the baby on his chest. Baby will lift her head and use her arms to try and see his face.
• Make a habit of placing your baby on her tummy for a couple of minutes during diaper changes. Use a toy to attract her attention. Never leave a baby unattended on a change table though, even for a second.

Remember – back to sleep, tummy to play. Never leave babies alone during tummy time. If baby falls asleep, place him on his back to continue sleeping.

Australian Sonia Cahill is a busy mum of three. When she’s not looking after her girls, she works as an editor and pen-for-hire.   

October is the perfect time of year to squeeze in some local sightseeing. With mild temperatures and the occasional blue sky, the national holidays are an ideal time to get out and see different parts of Beijing. Just be sure to save the major tourist haunts like Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City for another time. Here are ten suggestions to keep the kids busy during their holiday:

1. Take a pilgrimage to each of Beijing’s four ‘holy’ parks – Tiantan (Temple of Heaven) in the south, Ditan Park (Temple of Earth) in the north, Ritan Park (Temple of Sun) in the east and Yuetan Park (Temple of Moon) in the west.

2. Spend a night in a traditional courtyard house and explore the surrounding hutongs. There are accommodation options to suit all budgets, from siheyuan hostels to boutique courtyard hotels.

3. Climb to the top of Coal Hill and enjoy the magnificent view of the Forbidden City at Jingshan Park.

4. Learn more about those funny shaped black things on the Second Ring Road at the Ancient Observatory.

5. Step back in time and walk across the Marco Polo Bridge. There are 501 stone lions adorning the 800-year-old bridge for the kids to count.

6. Explore the vicinity of the caves that were once home to Homo erectus pekinensis at the Peking Man Museum in Zhoukoudian. Marvel at the Houfeng Seismograph, which was invented by a Chinese scientist in AD 132, more than 1000 years earlier than other cultures used instruments to monitor earthquakes. Editor’s note: The main cave is closed for construction.

6. Skip the toboggans and the crowds and explore lesser-known sections of the Great Wall. Pack a picnic lunch to share at Huanghuacheng or venture further afield and stay overnight at Shanhaiguan to see the Dragon’s Head, where the wall meets the sea.

7. Visit the 36 stone animals and statues along the Sacred Way, the official approach to the Ming Tombs.

8. Enjoy the shades of crimson leaves at Fragrant Hills Park.

9. Take a ride inside a 258-meter long bright yellow dragon at Longqing Gorge before enjoying a tranquil boat ride on the largest dam in Northern China. The dragon structure houses the world’s longest chain of escalators.

For further inspiration for day trips and weekend excursions, pick up a copy of the Insider’s Guide to Beijing Excursion Guide.

Photo: Andy Penafuerte III

Yesterday marked the start of the 2010 festive bazaar season with a two-day event at Embassy House. Featuring 25-odd vendors showcasing a variety of wares, the event raises money for a number of local charities.

It was the day before my eldest daughter’s seventh birthday and, in a moment of weakness I had promised homemade cupcakes for her to share at school. Under normal circumstances, I would have ordered from the experts. Yet, there I was, completely sleep deprived and committed to creating rounds of Magnolia Bakery-inspired cupcakes.

The baking debacle started after a long night spent with an unsettled infant intent on nursing every few hours and refusing to sleep in between. Come morning, all I wanted to do was crawl back under the covers as soon as the older kids left for school. At 7.30am, I shuffled them out the door, tucked the baby in for a morning nap and was just about to do the same when I remembered the 24 chocolate cupcakes I needed to bake, decorate and deliver to school by 2pm for Miss Seven’s class party. No worries, I thought. It will take ten minutes to measure and mix, then 20 minutes to bake. I’ll be under the covers snoozing just after 8am while the cupcakes cool on the rack.

I dug out a tattered copy of Edmonds Cookbook, the cooking bible in every New Zealander’s kitchen, and opened the cupboard. Hmmm, no flour. Well, there was dumpling flour but I’d already suffered through one disastrous baking experience after trying it in a batch of honey snaps that morphed into a sticky sludge on the baking tray.

Never mind. I had Plan B up my sleeve – packet mix. Much to my relief, there was a box of chocolate cake mix in the pantry. The dry mix promised to make 24 cupcakes with just a couple of eggs, a stick of butter and a dash of milk. After combining the ingredients, I arranged 24 patty cake papers on a baking tray, spooned the batter and admired my handiwork. I was right on schedule to be napping in 20 minutes. My moment of baking brilliance evaporated when the oven timer buzzed and I discovered the patty cake papers had collapsed and my perfect cupcakes had merged into a flat loaf peppered with patty wrappers. Feeling rather devastated and close to tears, I graciously tossed the lot in the bin.

Time for Plan C. I was desperate at this point as the cupcake deadline loomed and the baby threatened to wake. After trawling the pantry for anything that resembled a cake mix, I was delighted to find an old brownie mix in the back of the cupboard. Cupcake brownies suddenly sounded like the perfect solution. Sure they’d be a little flatter than a regular cake but I was past the point of worry. Twenty minutes later, the first dozen were baked to perfection. Another 20 minutes and I suddenly had 24 brownie cupcakes and enough batter for a few spares. Hooray! As time ticked by, grand decorating plans were radically downsized and the brownies were instead dressed-up with a little chocolate icing and a few sprinkles.

I arrived at school in time to light the number seven candle and sing "Happy Birthday" with the class. After all the drama, I’m happy to report the improvised cupcakes were well-received even if I was forced to save my nap for another day.

Australian Sonia Cahill is a freelance writer and consulting editor feeling her way through daily life in Beijing, with husband Dan Baird and their daughters Zali, Asha and Elise.