Fun Kid Idea: Crate Storage Pool

My son Saffron is not scared of chest high waters. I think it has something to do with him enjoying his bath using his tummy tub. When your using this kind of tub water goes as high up to his chest. Now that its summer and is too hot we found a new way to bond. We now have swimming time. Which he looks forward to everyday.

Bath time ritual: tummy tub and playing

Saffron in his triathlete outfit in subic! He loves the beach and pool more than the shower. 

Early swimming at our condo pool with his floater. He doesn't want us to hold him. Brave! 

The other day while baking a whole bunch of orders for mommies and catering. My nephew Tristan and Sam came down from the room and said they are super bored. I told them to just go out  and just play ball while waiting for me. After awhile I needed to go the grocery to get some ingredients. I saw some inflatable pool for sale. Bought one for the kids. 

The two playmates having a blast. It was also Sam's 1st time to swim wearing just shorts. 

At first he doesn't want to... But then gave in. 

The pool comes with free floater and a ball! Not bad! Cost about 600.00 at sm hypermarket you can ask them to inflate it for you too. Free! 

Now this two looks forward to swimming days. Today... They wanted to swim but the condo pool is one condo away and it's too hot to walk outside. We decided to swim here in our veranda. Next problem is...we don't have a pool to use.... And I don't want to burst Sam's bubble. So we just used storage crates. Hahaha. 

***Please do not leave your child/children unattended. While I was capturing photos our yaya was with us watching over the kids. 

Filing water. 

Look at that smile? Can you burst that by saying they can't swim? 

Next photo will show you how pilyo my son is. Sorry Kuya! 

While Kuya was relaxing and imagining his in subic...

Sam was busy playing with his toys. 

Filled his cup. Stood up...

And pour the water to his Kuya! 

Hahahaha! Kuya was caught of guard. 

Sam laughed seeing his kuya's reaction. 

And then Sam said... Not me! Hahahaha. 

Happy summer everyone! 

Mommy Raquel

Weekend getaway: Segara Suites

If it is a quick escape from your hectic schedule that you are after, take the three-hour leisurely and refreshingly long drive up north to Subic Bay and unwind at Segara Suites.

Heavenly bed, pillows, and linen, yummy Asian fusion dishes, relaxing time by the pool, swim time, and friendly services are just among its features.

Segara Suites, a sister hotel of Segara Villas, also offers a day spa, a huge collection of DVDs and board games, and free Wi-Fi so you can stay connected online.

And while you are in Subic Bay, don’t skip the duty-free shopping! Diapers and Cethaphil cleansers for your little one are way cheaper here.

From Quezon City, take the North Luzon Expressway on Mindanao Avenue and exit at Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway to Subic Bay. The drive is roughly two and a half hours at 100km/hr.

Welcome to Segara Suites.

All rooms are fitted with a pair of hypoallergenic goose down feather pillows, but did you know that you may still choose from a range of carefully selected specialty pillows to enhance your bedtime pleasure?

 Indulge your palate at the Asian Spices Bar and Restaurant.

- Mommy Smiley

Weekend getaway: Estrellas de Mendoza

It was not our first time to spend overnight out-of-town with our Saffron, but this was our first time to go to the beach! Yes, BEACH! Sun, sand and the long trip!!! I am not kidding when I say it was a long trip... It was a very, very looooooooong trip. Notice how many “o” I typed.

We went to Laiya in Batangas (our first time) with the company of our friends (Jon's side), and stayed at Estrellas de Mendoza. I am assuming it is owned by Leandro Mendoza, but please correct me if I am wrong. The resort serves food so we no longer went out to eat. It has a swimming pool and offers free Wi-Fi.

The view from our room at Estrellas de Mendoza. 

We woke up at 6:00 am the next day. Excited much??? Then off to the beach we went for some sunshine vitamin. We were all excited to go out to catch the sun and some fresh air since we live in a condo and we don't get much of those.

Saffron after breakfast on mommy's Maya Wrap sling available at Medela Moms.

Daddy Jon and Saffron enjoying the morning sun.

Since it was our first time to go to the beach, we had to buy Saffron his first swimwear.

Here, the sand almost got into his mouth. Swimwear from Big and Small Co. at Shangri-la Mall P990.

Saffron still getting used to the sun.

Pool time.

Breastfeeding: the new planking.

We only allowed Saffron to play with his feet on the water until we get his pedia's heads up that he may swim in the beach or in the pool. The pedia replied that it is perfectly ok for infants to enjoy the beach and the pool. Unfortunately, we got the reply when we were done swimming.

What's always important is that he is happy.

How about you, how was your trip?

Hugs and kisses,

Mommy Raquel

Packing for a trip

One of the good things with breastfeeding is that you travel light with your baby. There is no need to bring bottles, formula milk, bottle cleaners, and sterilizers, among others. All you'll ever need are a change of clothes, diapers, diaper mat, cottons, alcohol, tissues, and water for drinking and cleaning. And, in my case, my nursing cover and fan.

But you also add on to these needs depending on your trip.

If it’s a trip to the mall, we bring her stroller along. If it’s a trip to the in-laws, we bring her blanket and some toys or teethers.

In our first three-day leisure trip up north as a family, we had to bring her vitamins, her bath essentials, and because we plan to take her for her first swim, her swimwear.

Caitlin was five months old when we first took her for a swim in a pool. She loves bath time and we figured this will translate to a general fondness for bodies of water, swimming pools included, and we were right.

She looked hesitant at first, but warmed up only after a few minutes. She even mimicked our splashing movements.

But what's swimming without proper infant swimwear?

We got Caitlin a reusable diaper swimwear in red from Charlie Banana (P700) available at Babyland in Eastwood Mall. We weren't able to test its poop absorption and we couldn't tell whether she peed on it while in the pool. But having her wear a swimwear diaper assured us that we're covered in case nature called.

Pack light. Everyday baby essentials.

Posing before swimming.

Caitlin in red bikini.

- Mommy Smiley