Candles, Toddlers and Diaper Rash Creams

They really shouldn't go together. Last All Saints' Day, we visited our dearly departed ones at the cemetery, and Allie went with us. Sadly, a little accident happened. She was playing with flowers and tripped towards this candle holder with the metal cover. She burnt a part of her forearm. Yes, ouch. Yes, there were a couple of blisters. Yes, she cried. Yes, I felt so bad I wanted to cry too.

Photo credit to my father-in-law

I read somewhere that diaper rash cream can be used for minor burns, and being in a cemetery with no first aid in sight, I used my handy dandy diaper rash cream on her burn after we washed her arm with water. I know that it really helped soothe her because she stopped crying almost immediately.

I was so glad that I had the diaper rash cream in my bag then. I am forever grateful to Mustela because when I attended this Mustela launch event a few weeks ago, among the stuff they gave out was this tube of their Vitamin Barrier Cream. I started using it on Allie's behind everytime we change nappies, and I always carry it with me.

I am a convert now, just so you know. Not only does the Vitamin Barrier Cream work effectively on diaper rashes, but on burns too! It doesn't have that nasty fish smell. I love that it is very affordable and very available at local department stores.

So what happened to Allie's burn? When we left the cemetery, we went to the drugstore and bought silver sulfadiazine. It's an antibiotic, and because she had blisters, my doctor friend suggested to apply it thickly twice a day, after washing, and cover her burn with sterilized gauze. After about a week, her skin is completely healed. Now, I just apply some moisturizer and prevent sunburn on her arm to lessen the discoloration. A dermatologist told me it will take about six months for it to become less noticeable. But really, I barely notice it on her arm now.

It Was a Sige Sabado Kind of Saturday

Allie and I love doing arts and crafts, so when I got a package, imagine my excitement when I saw what was inside. It was a Sige Sabado playbox from Breeze Philippines. There were all sorts of materials for various craft activities:

1. Tie dye kit 

2. Harlequin mask 

3. Raise a monggo plant 

4. Dinosaur egg bath soaps 

5. Popsicle names and pen holder 

6. Slime 

7. Animal balloon papier mache 

8. Chocolate drawing

I asked Allie what she wanted to do and she said she wanted to make the pen holder. I guess she was attracted to the colorful popsicle sticks and the stickers that came with it.

I started showing her how to do it by making a square base first, then stacking the sticks two at a time. She helped out by handling me the sticks I needed. Halfway through the project, she was the one putting the sticks together while I applied the glue.

When we finished the basic container, I gave her the stickers so she can decorate the pen holder. Well, if you can’t tell yet, stickers are her favorite so I let her go decorate the pen holder like crazy.

Don’t you think she did an awesome job? We can’t wait to do the next project. Maybe we’ll plant some monggo seeds next or maybe do the tie dye project. It will surely keep us busy before school starts. We love the Sige Sabado playbox. It really gave us more ways to spend some time together. Thanks Breeze Philippines!

Travel: Airplane Rides with a Toddler

We first travelled with Allie on a plane when she was just three months old. Look at those chubby cheeks and those folds!

It was easy breezy. Let me tell you why.

[1] We got to board the plane first. 

[2] We scored the seats with extra legroom up front with the bassinet access. Downside was we had nowhere else but on the luggage compartment above to put our carry-ons.

[3] She was such a darling on the plane. She slept the whole way across the ocean.


Her second airplane trip was when she was a year old. We went on an Alaskan cruise.

It was a bit tougher because the night before our flight to San Francisco, Allie had a high fever. It was a good thing that we packed all kinds of meds for emergencies, including paracetamol, so we were prepared. She still slept a lot on the plane but she threw up during the ride. At the hotel, she slept some more. I think she rested for a good 24 hours, and she was fine after that. Whew.

Her third airplane ride was a short one. It was a domestic flight to Boracay. She was two then, and you know how two-year olds are. They test your patience to infinity. She didn't want to buckle up so we had to force her. She cried and cried and cried. Terrible. But she slept halfway there, and didn't throw up (on the plane, that is). We had to ride this trike to get us to the hotel, and she threw up there. I guess uneventful travels don't exist in our trips.

Our most recent trip lived up to that expectation. The ride had two stopovers, one in Japan and another in Detroit. She threw up, yes. Twice pa. Poor baby. The first time I had to wash her pants in the plane lavatory so that her pants won't smell. We almost made it to Detroit when she threw up (on me pa!) while waiting for the door to open. Poor baby and poor mommy. I had to wash and wipe my clothes in the plane lavatory before leaving the plane, and change my daughter's clothes too.

I really need tips (besides giving anti-histamine) on how to help prevent kids from throwing up in the plane. Seriously.

SM Kids' Fashion Summer Clothes

Manila's cold spell started last November. Well, when I say cold spell, it just means high 70s. I think this weather is perfect. Dry, cool and a bit windy. I know though that summer is just around the corner, peeking through once in a while. Every parent who has a toddler knows how often we have to get bigger sized clothes for our tots. They grow up so quickly. Like Allie for example -- I just bought her this shirt a couple of months ago; she used it a couple of times and now, it won't even fit her head.

What's a mom gotta do? Buy more clothes.

I've always been a fan of SM Kids' Fashion. Their stuff is unbelievably affordable, comfy and stylish. I chanced upon getting a sneak preview of their latest brands and styles at Shine Bakery in SM Aura , and I am so excited to start shopping for Allie (one of the perks of having a daughter is I get to dress her up!).

Their lineup of kids' brands now include Nautica, Elle and Maui & Sons.

If I get to pick my favorite set from the bunch, it has to be the gingham summer dresses. I think I'm buying a ton for Allie. I hope they have sizes for her. So cute no?

Toddler: Playtime

When I was a kid, the things that occupied my time was studying and playing outside. I remember my yaya putting lampin with baby powder on my back to keep me cool while playing (yes, it was Johnson's baby powder). My mom used it on us, and I use it on Allie now, especially after bathtime.

Kids now are so attached with digital technology that simple things like playgrounds are being taken for granted. When I was a kid, playing on the street in front my mom's house was still considered safe. Now, I guess I'm too paranoid to let my daughter play there. I find it unthinkable. So whenever we get the chance to go to the playground, we go. There are a few that we go, and it is such a joy to find Allie enjoy it.

Indoor playgrounds are great too. You don't have to worry too much about heat, sunburn or even rain. It was Allie's first time in Active Fun, during the Johnson's Baby Play Factory event last weekend. She was so excited to go and play, she didn't want to eat inside the event place first. Haha. The event itself was like a children's party. Balloons were everywhere, and the food is totally stamped with kids' party label on it -- spaghetti and chicken lollipops! Yum. Kulang nalang hotdogs and marshmallows on sticks.

I went inside the playground with Allie. I got tired but I had so much fun too.

After playing for like an hour or so, I had to change Allie's clothes because I didn't want her catching a cold because of her sweaty clothes. It was good that the folks at Johnson's gave us tons of baby powder during the event, so I was able to use that for her body to make her feel refreshed.

They also gave us this cool Play Factory toolbox.

Inside was this tiny flyer saying, "Introducing, the newest tool for unlimited fun! PLAY FACTORY from Johnson's Baby Powder. It can be anything! Turn it into fairy dust! Use it in a dance step! Use it for drawing patterns on the skin! The possibilities are endless! Turn powder time into a fun, engaging, imagination-filled activity with Johnson's Baby Powder!"

It reminded me so much of my childhood. Well, I'm sure most of you in my generation used baby powder in your play kitchen. I remember mixing it with water and lotion and pretended I was cooking a delicious meal for my dolls. 

Allie's no different when it comes to baby powder. This was taken a few months ago by my mother-in-law. It's good they had this huge bottle of Johnson's Baby Powder right? At least there was still some left for actual body use. Haha.

The Baby Project That's Project Mom

Motherhood, motherhood, motherhood. It is by far the most fun and scariest thing in the world. It changes your life. Completely.

The moment I first realized my husband and I were pregnant, we entered the world of paranoia. It was full of what-ifs. I knew that there is so much information out there especially online and reading them all will just boost my paranoia so I didn't. I resorted to a book that I think is very helpful during pregnancy. It was a book by an American author and it's probably the most popular one out there.

When I saw that a couple of celebrity moms here in the Philippines were launching a mommy book, I got so excited. I know it's going to be a great book for mommies and mommies-to-be out there because it is written from the perspective of two awesome Filipino ladies, Bianca Araneta-Elizalde and Amanda Griffin-Jacob, and the book is based on their experiences and some topics were medically-backed too.

Well, I've been a mom to a beautiful little girl for 32 months already, and it has been a roller coaster ride of sorts. I know I'm kinda lucky that my daughter's healthy when I gave birth to her. The only scare I got was right after, when I (yes, me and not the baby) had tons of blood clots that seemed to never stop. But I had the most amazing OB in the world - that's you, Dr. Williams of Piedmont Hospital, and I knew I would be okay. Home life was never the same after that. If you've watched the Coke Life commercial, you'll know what I'm talking about. It's all about the normal mess, the constant running, everything.

Don't get me wrong, I love everything about motherhood -- especially the normal mess. It reminds me of my daughter and how much fun she's having. Okay, fine, I'm probably just lazy to clean up after her only to find the house in the same condition five minutes after. Hahaha. Having this book by my side will definitely make my life a lot easier.

I went to the book launch of Project Mom last December. I saw a few mommy blogger friends there. It was a celebrity-filled event too, as you can imagine. I saw Tweetie De Leon-Gonzales and Christine Jacob among others. It was hosted by Marc Nelson (really drool-worthy by the way) and Lexi Schulze.

The book is all about how to make motherhood fun, easy and awesome. It covers everything you would like to know about being a mom - from pregnancy until after, even shedding the baby weight! The best part is, it is centered on the Filipino mom, so expect resources that can be found in the Philippines. So if you have a friend or relative who's about to give birth, this is the perfect gift for them.

Project Mom is available at all Fully Booked branches nationwide.

---
Psst. Short stint on Fully Booked blog. Check it out: http://www.fullybookedonline.com/blog/view/4405

Everyday Hello Kitty

When I was a kid, I was super obsessed with Sanrio, especially Hello Kitty. You name it, I got it. I actually remember playing make believe Hello Kitty museum inside my bedroom. Haha. I even get my dad to buy me loads of Sanrio stuff from Japan whenever he went. Oh well, those were the days.

My fascination with Hello Kitty lessened now that I'm all grown up. I know, though, that one of these days, Allie would come to love "cat"or "Chichi" -- yes, that's what she calls Hello Kitty now. Her first Hello Kitty was this cute purse that she received as a gift and she fills it with snacks.

So when I got this news that SM Kids' Fashion has this Hello Kitty planner giveaway, I got so excited. The year is about to end, and it's so timely. I get to buy Allie some Hello Kitty apparel, and when I fill the stamp cards, I get the planner. Yes, it's going to be mine! (insert evil laugh here)

If you want your own too, read on how to get it. Hello Kitty lovers, unite!

SM Kids’ Fashion and Hello Kitty Welcome the New Year 
Retail megastore launches contest for 2014 limited edition toon-themed planners 

MANILA, PHILIPPINES – Imagine spending 365 days with the world’s favorite cat. Now, little girls can enjoy precious moments with Hello Kitty thanks to SM Kids’ Fashion. This 2014, young fans of the famous feline can grab an exclusive planner featuring three bold-colored covers, red, pink, and white, with a gold stamped Hello Kitty logo. 

By completing exclusive stamp cards available at all SM Kids’ Fashion outlets, kids can get their very own limited edition notebook organizer. A Php. 300 single-receipt purchase of regular-priced Hello Kitty apparel from the SM Kids’ Fashion department entitles bearers to a stamp card and free first stamp. BDO Sapphire and Diamond Rewards cardholders, as well as, SM Prestige members can get their stamp cards and first stamp with no need for a minimum purchase.

Young fashionistas can complete their cards by collecting stamps through Php 300 single-receipt purchases of regular-priced Hello Kitty and SM Kids’ Fashion apparel. A total of five Hello Kitty stamps and five SM Kids’ Fashion stamps is equivalent to one complete stamp card. Included apparel is available in the Children’s Wear, Girl’s Teens Wear, and Character Shop section of The SM Store.

Get the purr-fect item to plan your fantastic year with The Limited Edition Hello Kitty Planner Giveaway only with SM Kids’ Fashion. Promo runs from November 15, 2013 to January 15, 2014.

Fashion Shopping for the Tot This Holiday Season

Having a baby girl is so much fun. Not only do I get to play pretend afternoon tea but I also get to shop adorable clothes for her! I love getting her cute outfits, and this Christmas is definitely no exception. Most of the time, I buy toddler clothes at the department store because everything is there na and as for the price, they're cheaper. It makes more sense to get clothes at the department store because after a few months, those clothes won't fit anymore.

Well, SM Kids' Fashion just launched their Holiday Collection, and it's something exciting. I will most probably go and get something for Allie this weekend because I really can't help it. They're so cute! See for yourself.

Black and White 

Perfect for any occasion, this mix of eye-catching prints emphasizes sophisticated black and white tones for young boys and girls. From houndstooth minis to tribal-print dresses and striped trousers and jackets, the set works well for morning play dates or a grown-up dinner with Mom and Dad.

Tromp ‘O Leil 

Everyone loves a good illusion and the boy’s are taking it home this year. Printed bowties, jackets, and checkered vests stand out against soft cotton tees, along with comfy raglans featuring fun athletic prints for afternoons of rough and tumble activity. 

Party Princess 

Whether its afternoon tea or a mini-disco party, there’s always something in the closet with this collection. Multi-colored lace dresses come with hints of tulle, huge polka dots, as well as built in belts and maxi lengths for the girl who loves dressing to impress. 

Baby’s Big Day

Tiny tots aren’t about to get left out of the high fashion loop. This season, it’s all about mini decorative get-ups ala Great Gatsby, roomy, sporty rompers, decked out pantaloons, and a generous helping of frilly tutus, for the most stylish babies out there.


The SM Kids’ Fashion Holiday Collection is currently available at all SM Stores, nationwide.

Toddler: Playgrounds

I wish there were more playgrounds in Metro Manila.

This concrete jungle is in dire need of child-friendly playgrounds. Okay, I say child-friendly because I see playgrounds here that don't have rubber mats. They're on concrete. I even saw one at Global City that wasn't well-maintained. Tapos, there was a grown man in tsinelas hanging out on one of the slides! Ano ba yun? What the f***? 

It is during these times when I wish we were still living in our old neighborhood where there's a great and safe playground a few minutes away. 

The nice playgrounds are in exclusive country clubs. Those in public malls are so filled with kids every single time. It was serendipitous when I brought Allie with me to an event near our place, and we passed by an empty playground. It was still early so I decided to let her play for a good 30 minutes. Oh wow, if I could bring her there everyday, I will. The joy on her face was such a sight to see. 

Maybe it's a good idea to put a nice playground at the farm! Now if only I know where to source it.

October is SIDS Awareness Month

Safe sleep habits are just as important as healthy sleep habits. In most first-world countries, safe sleep education is being pushed by the government. In fact, there are even laws that mandate US hospitals to educate new parents about safe sleep prior to discharge. Sadly, there is still no government support and a huge lack of public education about safe sleep in the Philippines.

This October is SIDS Awareness Month. Halo Philippines (http://www.halophilippines.com), the local distributor of the Halo SleepSack wearable blanket, amplifies its campaign to spread the word about safe sleep. Along with fellow safe sleep advocates, Forty Weeks and Then Some hopes to start a yearly tradition of promoting safe sleep for the continuous education of parents.

What is SIDS? 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention defines the dangers that may steal the lives of our precious little ones.

Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUID): The death of an infant that occurs suddenly and unexpectedly. After a case investigation, these deaths may be diagnosed as suffocation, asphyxia, entrapment, infection, ingestions, metabolic diseases, cardiac arrhythmias, trauma (accidental or non-accidental), or SIDS.

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS): The sudden death of an infant that cannot be explained after a thorough investigation is conducted, including a complete autopsy, examination of the death scene, and a review of the clinical history. SIDS is a type of SUID.

Accidental Suffocation and Strangulation in Bed (ASSB) also is a type of sleep-related SUID. This includes infant deaths related to airway obstruction (asphyxia) in a sleeping environment caused by—

1. Suffocation by soft bedding—such as a pillow or waterbed mattress.
2. Overlay—another person overlaying or rolling on top of or against the infant.
3. Wedging or entrapment—wedging between two objects such as a mattress and wall, bed frame, or furniture.
4. Strangulation—such as when an infant’s head and neck become caught between crib railings.

How to Reduce the Risk 

In support of SIDS Awareness Month, Halo Philippines has put together this public service reminder on safe sleep.

Created by a parent who lost a child to SIDS, the award-winning Halo SleepSack is a wearable blanket that eliminates the risk of a baby getting entangled with clothing and loose bedding during sleep. It is worn over pajamas or a t-shirt in place of loose blankets that can easily be kicked off, thus ensuring a better night’s sleep. It is the safer way to sleep.TM

Halo is the No. 1 wearable blanket in the market today. Its name has become synonymous to quality and safety that translates to value for money. In fact, Halo is the only brand trusted and used by over 1,200 US hospitals and NICUs, and is consistently voted by parenting authorities as the No.1 baby must-have.

With sizes for newborns up to 5 years old, babies can grow with Halo and experience safer, healthier sleep, which in turn promotes physical and mental development.

As a special treat for my blog readers, Halo Philippines is giving 15% discount on all Halo SleepSacks for the entire month of October! Just key in my blog name, Forty Weeks, under “customer instructions” when you check out your order at www.halophilippines.com.

How You Can Help 

Together with Halo Philippines, we ask our readers and community to help us raise awareness for SIDS and safe sleep. We ask that you share this post with your family, friends and your community.

Here are some ways you can help:

• Click the “Facebook” Share button at the bottom of this post. 
• Share this post on Twitter and tag with #safesleepph 
• Like Halo Philippines’ facebook page (www.facebook.com/halophilippines).

Together, we can do our part to help promote safe sleep for all babies!

Toddler: Cough, Colds and Fever -- Could It Be Pneumonia?

A simple answer to this is yes.

I am not a doctor and I am only speaking through my own experience with my baby. This is the season of pneumonia in children.

My daughter had a fever accompanied with cough and colds that started two Sundays ago. We were just trying to control her fever, colds and cough by giving her medicine prescribed by her pediatrician. We have a nebulizer at home, and it was helpful to give fast relief for her respiratory symptoms. Her fever went up and down throughout the week. She lost her appetite for solid foods. She just drank formula. It was good timing that we were scheduled to go to her pediatrician Friday morning. So we went.

It turned out that my daughter had pneumonia. Some symptoms to watch out for aside from cough, colds and fever are phlegm sounds from cough, rapid breathing and dryness of lips. Her lungs had fluid also, which was another sign of pneumonia, the doctor said. Right then and there, our pediatrician recommended to have Allie admitted at the hospital so she can get started with the medicine. The doctor's clinic was already at the hospital so it was convenient. We went down to the ER first to get her started with the IV (fluids and antibiotic) because there was no room ready yet.

I tell you mommies, it was one of the most painful things to watch -- getting the IV in your child's veins. The nurses had to wrap her with the blanket so she will not move. Sigh. If I could trade places with her I would. I only had an IV once, when I gave birth to Allie, and it was more painful than giving birth. Well, at least for me.

But Allie's a trooper. She cried not because of the IV, but there were just so many nurses trying to hold her still to get the IV in. She was cool with the IV. I'm so proud of her.

We stayed at the hospital overnight. Allie was given non-stop paracetamol (until her fever was way down), salbutamol (nebulizer), and antibiotic. She was discharged when her fever didn't come back. Her nurses were all awesome. I felt Allie became more at ease with them during our hospital stay. She didn't shy away when they checked her. She was just chill. She slept a lot too. She looks kawawa here but during our hospital stay, she was playing, riding her IV cart (haha) or watching Phineas and Ferb/ Hi-5. She was bummed when the room TV didn't have Disney Jr. on cable. Good thing Daddy E brought her tablet.

What can you do to prevent your child from having pneumonia? BabyCenter has these three in mind.

Number 1. Keep you child updated on her vaccines. Allie was supposed to have her pneumonia vaccine that Friday we went to the doctor. A little too late. Pneumonia got to her a week early. Boo.
Number 2. Practice good hygiene. Start with always wash your child's hands. Kids play a lot. On the bed, on the floor, everywhere. So wash their hands as often as possible to prevent germs from getting to them.
Number 3. Keep your house a smoke-free home. Very obvious.

I have another to add.

Number 4. Do not let your child play with other kids who are coughing or have colds (and this goes the other way around too). Your kid (or other kids) might catch it from them.

We're home now. But we still need to use the nebulizer about 3-4 times a day until her cough's gone. She's taking antibiotics for a week too. Her pediatrician says it will take weeks until her cough is totally gone. I just hope she recovers quickly.

Travel: A Mommy's Guide to Boracay (Part 2)

[Read Part 1 here]

Choosing the Hotel

Boracay's long beach footpath is about two kilometers. It's lined with hotels, restaurants and other establishments for tourists. There are also other beaches in the island of Boracay. But the long beach is where the action is.

During off-peak seasons, most of the hotels have promotions and packages. If you're looking for a really good deal, try and go to Deal Grocer. They have awesome rates. The downside is that they dictate when you're going. You have to buy it ahead of time, and make sure the travel dates indicated correspond to your plans.

In my opinion, Station 1 has the best beachfront in the whole long beach. If you like convenience, opt for those hotels near Station 2, where there are more restaurants and bars. The best restaurants are there, even chains. Yep, they have Starbucks too. D'Mall is there too if you fancy a bit of shopping.

As for us, we stayed at Two Seasons, which is located at Station 1. We loved our stay there. My only beef with them is that they didn't tell us that the pool was being renovated. Good thing Allie loved the beach and the waves, because if she didn't, I would have complained like crazy. Their saving grace was that their beds are AAAAHHHMAZING. They must have used a really thick memory foam topper because we slept like babies. Allie never woke up in the middle of the night. Okay, it might be because we were all super tired from walking under the sun, but still, if you're staying in a hotel, choose the ones with the best beds right?

Tip for mommies: Most hotels don't charge for kids -- beds and food. But make sure to check first because some do.

Places to Eat

Breakfast was included in our hotel stay. It was buffet style. There was not a lot of choices like other hotels we've been to, but it was enough for us. They had fruit juices, different kinds of bread and fruits, marmalade and jams, an assortment of cheese (I think I took all their brie), cereal and oatmeal, pancakes and waffles at the continental breakfast area. They also had hot food dishes like traditional Filipino breakfast (yum!) -- tocino, tapa, danggit, pancit, steamed and garlic rice, two kinds of soup, and an omelette station.

The good thing about getting breakfast at your hotel is that you can eat at 6:30 am and just enjoy the day at the beach after. Walk to Station 2 and take your pick at the restaurants for lunch. We had lunch at Hawaiian BBQ near Astoria. They have big portions and very tasty. Don't think that this was all our food. We were with our friends for lunches and dinners.

It was raining that evening, and Allie wanted orange juice so bad. Guess where we had dinner. At Yellow Cab. Haha!

The next day, we had merienda at Ti Braz, which is known for its crepes. the servings reminded me of Cafe Breton. I had some nutella crepes. The photos of the other crepes didn't turn out good. Sorry. They had a promotion that day -- 50% off all crepes. It was so worth it.

For our last dinner at Boracay, we went to Epic down at D'Mall. It's a bit pricey but the food was good. My recommendations -- Epic Nachos, Epic Burger, Epic Paella. Yummy.

Tip for mommies: If your hotel package does not include breakfast, you can purchase breakfast or choose from restaurants and cafes at Station 2. If you want familiar things, Starbucks and Cinnabon are available too. There is a McDonald's in Boracay but not on the long beach; you need to take a tricycle. Also, try to get dinner early, because more and more people go out to bars at night, and most restaurants allow smoking.

to be continued...

Travel: A Mommy's Guide to Boracay (Part 1)

Boracay has been known for its pristine waters and white sand beaches. The best time to travel there is usually December to May, when the waters are much clearer. But that usually means more tourists. We opted to go when we did (September) because we were badly in need of a vacation. We haven't gone to the beach at all this year, can you believe that?

I was praying for good weather since rain and floods have been hitting Metro Manila like crazy during this monsoon (habagat) season. We were blessed with good weather when we left Metro Manila. No rain during our flight to Caticlan.

Flight To Boracay

We booked our flight a month before traveling. I searched for flights using Skyscanner. Interestingly, PAL Express offered the cheapest rates to Caticlan. My husband and I hate airports. The process is such a hassle. But I am so glad we got PAL Express because the terminal we went to was Terminal 3, the one right in front of Resorts World. For me, it is the most convenient airport here in the metro.

If you haven't been to Boracay, you should know that there are two airports serving Boracay -- Caticlan and Kalibo. Caticlan is nearer but much smaller than Kalibo. That means smaller aircrafts are used going to Caticlan. The airplane we rode only fits two seats on each side of the aisle.

I love the Caticlan airport. It's so simple, modern and clean. I like that it's mostly white and they used the Century Gothic font (or something similar).

Tip for mommies: When choosing your schedule, go with a flight with departure at around 10:30 am. This means you don't have to wake up too early. Your toddler (and your husband) gets enough sleep. You get to Caticlan at around 11:30 am, go to the port and ride a boat to Boracay island, just in time for your resort check-in.

Land and Water Transfers

Resorts usually have land and water transfers included in their packages. They also offer them separately, albeit more expensive. The hotel we stayed at offered roundtrip transfer fees at P1800 per person. I figured we'll just be adventurous and find a way to get to the hotel once we arrive.

I'll share with you things you need to know if you're feeling adventurous too.

a.  When you land at Caticlan airport, go to the counter at the arrival section. There's just one. Register as a tourist. You fill up something like an immigration card, with information on where you're staying at Boracay and who your companions are, things like that.
b.  Buy your land and water transfer vouchers on the other end of the counter. It's pretty cheap. Our land transfer via tricycle was just P50, and the boat ride was P25 per person. We also paid an environmental fee of P75. Kids travel free. At least a two-year old does.
c.  Outside the airport, go to the queue of tricycles. It will take you to the jetty port. It's just a 5-minute ride. Give the driver his copy of the voucher.
d. At the jetty port, go to the hall marked "Boracay" (pay the terminal fee first outside); it will take you outside where the boats are. You are going to take the "catwalk" going into the boat. Don't worry, people are going to assist you. The ride to Boracay island probably took around 10 minutes. I'm not sure though. It seemed short to me.
   The boat will drop you off at the end of the long beach, although you can't see it from there. You know, a long time ago, the boats dock at the shores of the long beach depending on your resort station. I'm so glad they made a universal jetty port already. At least there were no jetties on the shore.
e. Okay, now at this jetty port, there are no vouchers. Trikes are P125 each. If you want, you can get individual fares at P25. We were really feeling adventurous so we got the individual fares. Haha. The ride was about 15 minutes from the jetty port to Station 1, where our resort was.

Tip for mommies: If you're traveling with kids, try and get an air conditioned vehicle or at the least, get a tricycle all to yourself. It will limit the number of times the tricycle will stop and lessen the possibility of your child throwing up like Allie did.

to be continued...

Traveling with a Two-Year Old on a Plane

My little family of three took a quick getaway to Boracay, hailed as the Top 2 on the list of Travel & Leisure's World's Best Islands. It was our first time flying with Allie on a plane with her OWN seat. Before, we can get infant on lap airline tickets, but now that she's two, that was not an option anymore.

The ride to Boracay only took about an hour, but I had to come prepared for anything. Aside from the essentials like bottles and extra diapers, here are the things I found very useful to bring.

1. Books

My biggest concern was how she'll react to sitting on a big chair (at least for her) alone with the seatbelt on. We gave her entertainment and food to distract her from taking off her seatbelt. I forgot to bring some of her books, so I had to improvise. Luckily, there was an in-flight magazine available. Allie has a thing for reading letters, so I showed her the headlines and let her read them.

2. Snacks

I got some of her favorite snacks in case she got hungry -- m&m's, wafers and pan de sal. Domestic flights usually don't have free snacks but you can always bring stuff in. In our case, snacks doubled as backup for making Allie forget her seatbelt.

3. Lightweight, Absorbent Towel

Every time we travel, even just by car, we always make sure we bring towels. She usually vomits when the ride gets bumpy or when we're stuck in bad traffic, so I knew there was a huge possibility that she'll throw up in the plane. I brought a handy bath towel that's lightweight but absorbent. You know the microfiber kind? Yep, that's the one. I was so glad I brought it because motion sickness bags and toddlers kind of don't get along. And yes, she did throw up -- twice! In the plane and in the tricycle on the way to the hotel. I was so glad that I brought the towel with me. By the way, don't forget to bring a plastic bag to put the soiled towel in, and wash it immediately (or soak it in water and soap) once you get to the hotel.

4. Medicine

I got a list of important medicine to bring when traveling from Allie's pediatrician. During our last airplane trip, I brought everything. This time, since we were just traveling locally, I figured there's bound to be a drugstore there that will have toddler medicine. So I only took with me medication that Allie would probably need immediately: paracetamol. I really don't know why I picked paracetamol. I left the rest at home.

5. Favorite Toy

In Allie's case, it's one of her favorite dolls. She loves pretending to take care of the doll. Allie feeds her with a toy bottle, swaddles her with a hand towel, and says good night to the doll when she's sleepy. Pair it with the milk bottle, and they become the magical recipe for transforming grumpy Allie to calm Allie.

What about you moms? Do you have a list of things you bring when you travel?

Baby: Oxo Tot On-The-Go

Even before Allie was born, I've been a fan of Oxo products for the kitchen. I am so happy when I learned they had products for babies too.

I've tried countless bottle brushes already, and I always come back to my Oxo Tot bottle brush. See, I use glass bottles by Life Factory and the wide-mouth ones by Avent for Allie, and I find some bottle brushes that do not fit in my glass bottles. Some bottle brushes have really tough bristles (these will ruin your non-glass bottles), while some others are too flimsy and has those wire hanger thingies for a handle. Sure, they come cheap, but they only last for a week. Not kidding. The bristles of Oxo Tot bottle brush are gentle enough for me, and they last long. I think one bottle brush by Oxo Tot lasts us for a year.

At home, I have the Oxo Tot bottle brush with the stand. The brush comes with a detachable nipple cleaner. It is the only bottle brush I trust completely. Oh em gee, I sound like an endorser. Haha. But seriously, I love this product. When I heard about the on-the-go drying rack, I just had to get it. The problem with bottle brushes is that most of them don't come handy when you travel.

I know for a fact that Avent has their own bottle brush and comes with a cover, which is good because the cover prevents the brush bristles from deforming. I have the Avent brush too, but they don't fit my Life Factory ones, and I'm too lazy to bring two different bottle brushes when traveling.

This Oxo Tot On-the-Go drying rack is so awesome that it fits the bottle brush when you store it (split and horizontal) or when you use it (vertical for drying). It has the "fingers" too so you can dry your bottles and nipples. It's so perfect.

I'm telling you mommies (and soon-to-be mommies), this is the way to go. If you ever come across this product, get it quick. It's going to be your best friend when traveling with your baby.

Check out:
Oxo Tot On-the-Go
Facebook page: Oxo Tot

Toddler: Allie and Lambie

Allie always watches Doc McStuffins on Disney Junior every day. Her favorite character? Lambie. We couldn't find any Lambie stuffed toy where we are so we got one from the US. Oh dear, now she and Lambie are attached to the hip. Lambie now sleeps beside us on the bed. Lambie goes with her on her car seat when we go out. Little princess doll even got the boot from the pink polka dot doll stroller so Lambie would get a place. Haha. It's kinda cute.

I posted this photo on Instagram and Twitter. It was a pretty sweet moment between Allie and Lambie don't you think?

Then, I got a message from Lara Jill Miller, the voice behind Lambie. Wow, it was awesome. Haha, major starstruck.