Chic mom and baby: May 2014

Tuesday, May 27, 2014

Wear Your Baby in Style

I lost my beloved Baby K'Tan carrier the night before we left for Manila! I almost cried at Plaza Singapura Mall as I frantically searched for it, went to the places I walked. It couldn't be so fast that someone would pick it up and throw it away? Went to the info desk, no lost and found, I even approached the cleaners but sadly, they couldn't understand english (they're from China, I think) My heart crushed as we headed home. Well, at least I can buy one in Manila.

It's been with me since Simone was about 2 months old. Before that, I had a wrap around sling which I found difficult, as I needed to wrap it perfectly on my body, not loose and not tight, before putting Simone in. As a newborn, they needed to be carried most of the time, and I want an easier way.

Normal carriers don't appeal to me because it's not stylish enough, seriously. I also want something that can be carried in various positions, not just front and back.

Baby wearing has a lot of benefits, aside from being hands-free! Best benefit is that they cry less, because they are already being held and that's what every baby wants. Here's an article on why you should wear your baby and its benefits from Dr, William Sears , renowned Pediatrician.

I have lots of memories with my sling.

Here's us trying it out.

Feb20 (almost 2 months)

Out and about in Bedok.

March 12 (2 1/2 months)

Having a quick sushi:

March 19 (3 months 3 weeks)

Simone practically grew up in her sling. I can wash her bottles, and other chores while "wearing" her. There was a period when she would only sleep if I wear her in a particular position. Wait, it's ANY position as long as she is being carried! Yup, she ain't fussy:)

Eating Organic beef burgers at The Farm Organics.

May 8, 2013

Zzzzzz....

and more zzzzzz...

Shopping! She was just so comfy here.

Getting heavier; walking around Bugis Junction.

July 29, 2013

Fell asleep while strolling at BGC.

Aug 26, 2013

Just woke up at Orchard Road.

Can you see the transition? :)

This time I chose the "Breeze" style because it has mesh material, thus lighter and more breathable.

Grunge look :) Sleeping as usual.

May 23, 2014

*Take note, I don't use the sash AKA supporter because I'm not used to it. :)

I got my first carrier at My Baby Dragon , and my second one at Rustan's Department Store in Manila at PHP2,850. Unfortunately, I cannot find one here in Singapore. Their website has a retailer but the website is not found.

You may visit their official website Baby K'Tan .

Happy Baby Wearing!

xx,

shiela

Sunday, May 25, 2014

Tame The Toddler During a Flight

A trip from Singapore to Manila vice-versa is approximately 3-4 hours, it may be a short one, but keeping a toddler behaved in a plane is completely challenging. Years back I remember when a toddler was seated behind me, had tantrums the whole flight, and that included kicking my seat. I couldn't complain, the parents can't do anything to pacify her. I'm saying is that will be very inconvenient to other passengers if I can't control her emotions at that period. I will also feel frustrated. But even the most well-mannered child will act irrational on occasion. A 16- month toddler is restless.

First I plan is the outfit. wahahaha! Yes! She has to be comfortable but at the same time covered in something not too bulky. I dressed her in a light material long sleeved polka top (in the photos, her sleeves were pulled up) soft denim pants, socks and velcro strap sneakers.

Still hyperactive.

Hi mom, kinda busy now.

Things I brought for Simone to keep her busy are her favorites:
1. Books
2. Food
3. Stinky pillow
4. Elmo plush toy
5. Sunglasses (she likes to put it on and take it out)

(I don't let her use electronic devices like Ipad much. An iphone can be my last resort if there's a tantrum. But if your kid is into it, then let it be)

Bring trinkets, or surprises, so they will get busy.

Already in her comfort zone

Best advice to make them "behave" in the plane happens during your pre-departure time. Let them walk, run, get busy, because they can't do that inside the plane anymore. Encourage them to maximize their energy so they will relax and hopefully doze off in the plane. After we got through the immigration, I let Simone walk, walk, and walk all throughout the beautiful Changi airport. She loves the travelator. We had lunch so we had a little break, sit-down time, then she pooped (Thank God, not in the plane),then walked again, waited at the security thing, then finally at the boarding area I let her play and run around. Just don't let them out of your sight. Seated in the plane, she felt restless, checked out the view from the window, flipped the magazine, menu, offered her stuff... and finally crashed. the momma crashed a little later too. haha!

Exploring the passengers infront!

Just be prepared. A lot. Toddlers can be demanding at times and you must know how to trick them, or rather handle them! Simone got a bit whiny because of the air pressure in her ears. I let her eat or drink so she can swallow. Done. Most important is discipline. You can't control their emotions, however, make compromise when you allow something,

Oh, and make their plane rides a happy one!

xx,

shiela

Saturday, May 24, 2014

Quickest Vacation Ever

Four days. I love family trips as it's a way to bond outside of your comfort zone. I had a lot of plans in mind, if you read my previous post, but no, We literally stayed at home most of the time, in full blast air con! It was just so hot! Come take a shower to cool myself? the water is hot too!!! not warm, HOT! It was just too hot to do anything. Am I complaining a lot? LOL I only got to cool off with Razon's Halo-Halo one time.

Simone had her own seat since there's a vacant seat in our aisle. Yay! I get to rest a TINY BIT.

That was unintentional. :)

I browsed the magazine for sec, and when I checked on Simone, she was already holding a cookie! Uhh where did she get that?! I looked at the back and I saw a couple eating Chips Ahoy. Simone gave the cookie to me, and stood up again, waved at the couple and smiled. You guessed it, they let her get some. She took 2 and gave it to me. Good girl! :)

We arrived at 8:30 pm in Manila, Hubby told me, "I want to eat Jollibee."Umm, okay, maybe we can have a delivery..?" when we came home, Jollibee chickenjoy was our welcome dinner LOL! They know.

We just met our dear friends the next day and had lunch. Finally met their "baby" haha! He's just the cutest and behaved pomeranian ever!

Our usual dinner at home. Missed these!! Tell me, do we still need to go out and eat in a restaurant? Noooooo. Look at those prawns! The head itself is as big as my palm.

My mom's birthday was May 17th so we went to her house and celebrated.

She looks so big here!

Bonded with her cuzzos.

Happy Birthday mom!

Went to BGC afterwards for some R&R.

The Gang.

Late dinner at Elias.

My sister got these for Simone! waaah!

Last night was spent at home. Our garage was turned into a KTV party! Spaghetti, pancit from Amber, Jollibee again, crispy pata and the rest were inhaled!

Night cap.

Spent our last day bonding with this cutie! I only went out for while to replenish some necessities.

Before

After. :)

Hi I missed you!

I was so nervous about our flight, I felt i was going to faint! We weighed our luggage, hubs said it's 25kg, and my max was only 25kg. We had other stuff so I thought we would exceed! and I always get interrogated at the immigration because of Simone (grr) plus other miscellaneous things at NAIA airport that might get us delayed to our flight. Nervousness eased out a lot when my sister sent us a lot of Japanese takeaway from Kessaku restaurant, consist of Salmon sashimi, Tiger rolls, Tamago and Tempura with rice! We ate half in the car and half inside the airport.

Kessaku Alabang at Commerce center.

When we got there, NAIA terminal 1 had NO aircon because of the renovation.Can't they put temporary fans or something?

We were shocked to find that our luggage only weighed 15kg! what! I think hubby must've looked at the pounds instead. So we stuffed most our hand carry inside my luggage. LOL.

My travel buddies for life!

She crashed.

She was stopped by a bunch of Changi Airport officers for cuteness!

Well, a quick vacation is never a waste! Felt rejuvenated and relaxed. I needed that quick getaway. Always, always make time for family trips. It doesn't have to be expensive, but worthwhile and memorable.

xx,

shiela

Tuesday, May 13, 2014

So Little Time

Counting the days to Manila! I didn't really want this trip because our tickets alone cost us S$900 ughhhh I told hubs NOT to go and just book for a later period of the year. He still booked for just 4 days ...WHATTTTTT. He wasted money to save money. LOGIC? I don't know either.

ANYWAY, let's just make lemonade! Here's my list to eat/do hopefully I can make it!

1. Dine at Todd English.. and Paul

2. Eat at Sarsa

3. Brunch at Hatch22

4. Have Razon's Halo-Halo

5. Eat Silvanas

6. Order a 36-inch Big Guys Pizza

7. Buy coffee at Luna Cafe.

8. Order a Creme Brulee cake

9. Go to Simone's Pedia

10. Check some bikes for Simone

11. Go to SM dept. store (haha a must)

12. Buy Simone clothes at Gingersnaps.

13. Watch Spidey :)

14. Eat at Cibo my fave.

15. Buy Simone's milk (waaay cheaper in Manila)

16. Buy stuff at Healthy Options .

That's all. Simple things I miss.

I miss home..

xx,
shiela

Monday, May 12, 2014

Adventure Cove on Momma's Day!!

This is my most awesome momma's day ever! Woke up for the first time at 7:30 am on a Sunday just for this! haha! It was all worth it. Tiny bit sad because hubby is working and wasn't able to come along. Already planned to have a round 2 soon :) Next time I shall come prepared with a monopod (right, Gio? haha), and a GoPro! or just a waterproof cover for cameras. Brought sunblock but only managed to reapply twice (?) whatever, we're sunkissed! Not pasty-white anymore!

My friend treated us to Adventure Cove Waterpark Yay!!!! As we were walking to the ticket booth, a guy (tourist) approached us and asked if we had already bought tickets because he had 2 excess, "Who's a mother here?" and my friend Marla, quickly pointed at me (even if we all are! I'm the one with a baby along). "I'm giving these to you..Happy Mother's Day!" Wow what a kind heart! Looking at the slides, I already wanted to puke and told myself I will NEVER EVER ride in those, BUT...

I can't believe I did!!! I was forced LOL. It was actually very fun and SAFE! There were lifeguards EVERYWHERE. Literally.

Look at the crazy slides! *vomits*

1. Bluewater Bay

The Gang-- Marla, Gio, SImone and I. Ate Gemma took the photo.

Simone was cranky because she didn't get enough sleep but after a long nap, she woke up and immediately wanted to go to the wave pool!

Our spot was here. We parked our stuff and hanged out. Lots of beach chairs. We love this giant wave pool that goes on for a long time! Fun music was blasting too, Simone also danced. LOL

Having a snack while chillin'

The life! Marla baby sitting while we invaded the slides.

2. Rip Tide Rocket

My first and scariest ride.... and we fell off the raft!

*photo from lydia-izzati.blogspot.sg

3. Dueling Racer

I love this!!!! I thought I was going to end up in the trees! haha! The tunnel was so dark and suddenly open air then tunnel again waaaah!

So refreshing!

*both photos from lydia-izzati.blogspot.sg

*photo from TheWackyDuo.com

4. Spiral Washout
5. Whirlpool Washout
6. Pipeline Plunge
7. Tidal Twister
All similar for me. Still fun! These are huge too! I was tiny bit relaxed here but still screaming!

My friend Gio, did the Rainbow Reef (snorkeling). We thought it was pretty shallow, but we viewed the glass and OMG, It was hollow deep in the center.. just like in a normal sea/ocean. I suddenly chickened out! Anyway, I have already snorkeled in open seas in Boracay and Puerto Galera islands (yabang wahaha) so it was fine.Soo cool! We just watched and took photos of him.