Exciting Times Ahead

We're still over the moon knowing that our permanent residency visa was granted. We have been praying for it for months and now its finally here, Paolo and I are just very relieved with the fact that we are now eligible for the government benefits - something we did not get whilst we were on temporary resident  / working visa.

One of the benefits we were really excited is the childcare rebates. The government has a scheme where they give subsidy for the (unbelievable) daycare fees to help the parents financially. Daycare fees cost roughly $120-$160 (more expensive if you are in Sydney CBD) and some day cares on farther suburbs may range from $80-$110. Being temporary residents, we had to pay in full (no rebates or subsidy) for Leon's daycare. Luckily, Little Angel's Kindergarten are charging only $85/day. It is still big, but since we're paying in full, it was a better deal than paying more than $100 day. Literal nagtatrabaho ako pambayad lang ng daycare ni Leon.

Daycare fees are crazy, eh?

But at least now, (once our papers are processed and approved) we can have subsidy from the government. Depending on how much you are earning, the government would give 40-80% rebate or susbsidy. Of course, the lower your income, the higher the subsidy (and vice versa), favouring parents who are both working. Of course, you can get more susbsidy depending on your financial condition. Apart from childcare subsidy, there are heaps of assistance that the government gives to the residents, especially if they are in dire need (how helpful, eh). Also now that we're residents, Leon can go to any public school for free (or pay for a private or Catholic schools) and be given $100 sports vouchers when he turns 5. 

Slowly, our dreams for this child, and for our family is coming true.

Another thing we're looking forward to is moving houses. I have been wanting to move for quite sometime now as I commute at least an hour and a half one way to work. I am usually in charge of daycare pickup and there would be times that I'd be late for pickup that I needed to either ride an uber, a taxi or pay the late fees at school. Since I had to take 3 different rides (bus-bus-train or train-bus-bus) going home, one delayed bus or train would mean me not being able to pick-up Leon on time. Travelling from where I live in Rosehill to where I work in North Ryde for a year has now reached it toll. I have now decided to make my life, our lives easier.

The first step I took was to get my driver's license so I can drive to and from work. This is still on its way as I still need to pass my driving test on Tuesday. If I drive, it will just take me 30-45 minutes to work, which means I can go home earlier and be able to do heaps of stuff in the afternoon with and for my family.

Dress: Random Korean Brand | Cardigan: SES | Hat: Kmart | Shoes: Spendless Shoes

Second step - move closer to work, or at least to place near convenient bus / train station to take me and my husband to work. I have been wanting to move since I got my job in North Ryde but we have delayed this step whilst waiting for our visa grant. Since we have submitted our documents with our current residence on file, changing addresses means we need to pull out our records that may delay the process. Now that its approved, we can definitely move. Agad agad.

Also, Leon has been on / off sick each month and we really believe it is due to his unmanaged allergic rhinitis. He has this terrible allergy to dust and to pollen and living in carpeted floors may not be helping on his condition. Hence, we are very much eager to move to a place that has wooden or tiled floors. Most especially, we now want to upgrade to a 2 bedroom apartment, as our bed is getting smaller and smaller. Our cheeky monkey is occupying half of the bed already.

So this weekend we shall be starting our hunt for 2 bedroom, non carpeted apartments. I have already set my eyes on some but the application process may take a while so I hope by the time our tenancy contract expires in 4 weeks, we get to have our new home already.

Whew. So much thing are just happening. Did I also say that we're coming home to the Philippines in 2 weeks?

Lets drink to that.

PS: All photos are taken by the Iphone XS Max and the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge photos are taken at roughly 6:00PM. Seriously love the camera, especially in low light! It can actually replace my SLR!

Anyways, hope you liked my post

xx,

The Mommy Roves