New Year Celebration at Somerset Alabang

It's the dawn of a new decade and for the first time ever, we chose to celebrate its coming away from home. New year's eve is usually spent at my Mama's house but since she's no longer here and there is no house to go to anymore, we decided to book a staycation at Somerset Alabang instead.

Somerset is located in Filinvest City Alabang. The location of the hotel is perfect because it's very quiet yet near establishments such as WestGate and Filinvest Festival Mall. Upon arrival at the hotel, we were given preferred parking space right in front of the elevator because the guard noticed that we have an infant with us. Check in was a breeze too and I loved Somerset's chic lobby area.

We booked a 1 bedroom suite for 2 nights and Zoe was especially ecstatic with our unit. The suite is completely furnished and comes with a bath tub which is what Zoe always looks forward to in our hotel rooms. 

The unit was very clean and came complete with cooking utensils down to a water dispenser (instead of individual water bottles), laundry detergent, and dish washing liquid soap with sponge. I cooked pasta for NYE and we even did our laundry there -- talk about maximizing ROI. 

The 4th floor of the building houses the dining hall and pool area. Zoe and Dan spent a few hours at the pool while Iñigo and I hung out with them when it wasn't too hot anymore. Overall, we had a reallt good stay at Somerset, although their breakfast could use a little more variety and perhaps a few more staff especially during holidays. I highly recommend this hotel as it has the wiggling space to move around comfortably, clean and tasteful units, and quiet but accessible area. 

Cheers to 2020 and to working on fulfilling new goals and new adventures!

Baby Boy Dy ❤

On December 15, 2019 at 7:07AM, we welcomed Iñigo Alesso Manila-Dy. 

Our big baby boy weighed 7.6 lbs and measured 53 cm at birth. Here's my baby love at home.

Lazada 11.11 Hauls

So I've never been a huge fan of online stores for clothes and big gears. I prefer seeing them and testing them out in person. However, Lazada had a massive 11.11 sale obviously this November and we found some great deals that were too tempting to pass up. We added quite a few things in our cart without too much expectations just because there may be others who could beat us to check out that day. However, with some luck, we were able to score the following.

• Chicco Liteway 3 stroller - 5k (from 9k)
• Akeeva Igloo car seat - 4.2k (from 6.5k)
• Apruva co-sleeper playpen - 3.9k (from 4.2k)
• Mamy Poko 52pcs NB diapers - 320 (from 540)
• Mamy Poko 2 pack baby wipes - 160
• Mustela hydra bebe lotion - 750
• Mustela diaper cream - 320
• Stroller pad - 550

Wasn't able to take photos of the smaller stuff but the stroller, playpen, and car seat are in great condition and are authentic (we only bought from the official stores, that's why).

While some of these items may not have had really big discounts, they all had free shipping plus further discounts from out credit cards. Also, with the vulnerable state of my pregnancy now, I can barely walk around without panting after just a few minutes so this online sale had been really convenient for me. I guess one thing that made it easier is that we only bought from the official stores instead of resellers. I usually get suspicious when there's a huge markdown but so far, so good. We're actually waiting for the 12.12 sale to score more diapers and baby wipes :D

Hospital Bag Checklist

I'm on my 35th week and unfortunately has been struck by the flu this weekend. I went to see my OB on Monday because I have read so many disturbing posts about how dangerous getting coughs could be on the latter part of your pregnancy. My doctor hasnt prescribed any medicines yet but I need to see her and a pulmonologist tomorrow.

So anyway, stuck at home and I'm trying to manage micro movements to at least get my blood flowing. Body pains are REAL. I decided to pack baby boy's hospital bag since it's getting to be around that time already. So here it is plus a checklist for myself and for hubby.

• 3 muslin washcloths (lampins)
• 1 receiving blanket
• 1 swaddle
• 1 hooded overalls
• 3 tie side shirts and pajamas
• 3 sets of mittens
• 2 bonnets
• 2 pairs of socks
• 2 burping cloths
• Mustela diaper cream
• Mamy Poko baby wipes
• 10pcs Mamy Poko nb diapers
• Cotton balls and alcohol

For hubby and myself:

• Underpads
• Maternity pads
• Towels
• Underwear and binder
• Going home dress
• Slippers
• Toiletries
• Philhealth and SSS documents
• Blankets and pillows
• 2 sets of clothes for hubby
• Water
• Snacks

We havent prepared our bags yet but it's good to have a list -- I always do especially when we travel. We have yet to decide if Zoe is coming with us since we're not sure if I'll give birth before or during her Christmas school break. It's only a matter of time, though. Hope to have a safe (and normal) delivery and a healthy baby boy.

Nesting Update

I am super happy to say that I have finished washing the rest of baby boy's stuff --- blankets, swaddles, towels, and muslin diaper cloths. I'll prolly pack our hospital bag next weekend.

Among the remaining items on my list is his bath and grooming kit which I have managed to complete.

I'm also booking the services of Ate Girl cleaners to tidy up the entire condo as well as deep clean the sofa and our mattress in preparation for the newest occupant.

With that said, what's left are the stroller, car seat, and playpen which are already in our Lazada shopping cart ready for check out on the 11.11 sale. Had it not been for the really tempting deals, I would rather buy these at the mall because I prefer seeing them and testing them in person.

Van and the bun part 2

Nesting and preparing ♥️

It's the last day of November and I can't believe this year is going by like the speed of light. It's been 8 months since Mama passed away and my pregnancy is also at its 8th month. When I put things that way, it's kind of hard to process how I have managed to come to this day. I miss Mama everyday and I can't stop thinking of all the reasons that I need her here.

Speaking of my 8th month, we've been holding off on buying stuff for Iñigo until November, supposedly, just because we don't have the space for it just yet. However, this pregnancy has been quite challenging for me, even though I was in tip top shape and quite strong pre-pregnancy. I've had to stop my long walks and daily work outs (just doing yoga/pilates about 3x a week now) because of contractions and groin pains (TMI, I know) everytime I get tired. I can't even overbook on weekend plans without getting strained and having to stay in bed for an entire day or two. Because of that, we've had to start shopping early so we wouldn't have to buy everything in one or two trips. So far, I've completed buying his layette, towels and blankets. Oooohh, I've missed going through the babies section and having to really buy something. I may or may not have overshopped again.

On the photo above, you'll see:

• 1 dozen Enfant muslin cloth diapers 
• 6 burp cloths
• 6 wash cloths
• 3 hooded towels
• 3 receiving blankets
• Comforter set
• Nursing pillow (gift from Di Ann)
• Dr Brown's Options+ blue wide neck feeding bottle set
• Dr Brown's Options+ clear wide neck feeding bottle set
• 3 NB button down shirts
• 3 NB tie side shirts
• 3 NB pajamas
• 3 NB footsies
• 6 3M pajamas
• 2 footsie overalls
• Swaddle Me
• 3 NB onesies
• 6 3M onesies
• 3 caps
• 6 sets of mittens
• 3 sets of socks/booties
• 6 bibdanas

Here's what the Dr Brown's Options+ bottles look like. I think 8 bottles should be enough since I plan to breastfeed anyway.

Last weekend, we went to Megamall to look for a dress to wear to Dan's uncle's 70th birthday and obviously, I can't get inside a store and just buy 1 item. So anyway, right outside the store was a Mustela store and I absolutely looooved Mustela on Zoe. I bought a bath oil and 3 bottles of 2 in 1 gel cleanser (what used to be the dermo cleanser). 

Our most recent unplanned purchase was a gym bag to be used as a diaper bag. I was not planning to buy one since we still have Zoe's old diaper bag in great condition, though it needs washing. But hubby wanted to get a Nike backpack he'd be happy to carry around for his son. We went to the mall to get something at Watson's and passed by Toby's to just 'look' at bags and found this really great Under Armour gym bag. Needless to say, we left the store with it.

I really like this bag because it's very roomy but so easy to find things inside. And I can use it when I can already go back to the gym 😁 

So far, I have washed most of Iñigo's clothes, except for the pajamas. I've arranged his closet (shared space with Achie Zoe) and as soon as I'm done with washing the rest of his stuff, I'll start preparing his hospital bag. I still have about 6-7 weeks to go but it's better to be prepared. The only things left on our list are the big items: stroller, playpen/co sleeper, car seat, baby bath tub. Super excited for Iñigo!